It was a neat atmosphere throughout the San Antonio airport yesterday as I awaited my flight. The airport was inundated with Cornhusker and Wolverine fans on their way back home, fresh off Wednesday evening's dramatic, exciting finish in the Alamo Bowl.
For those who did not see the last play, Michigan, trailing by four points with 70 yards to go, threw a series of seven lateral passes -- forward some 25 yards and then backward some 20 yards, before moving forward again (this time with both benches spilling onto the field, reminiscent of the historic Cal-Stanford game). Thanks to two heady Cornhusker defenders, Michigan's tight end, who caught the final lateral pass of a play that lasted 40 seconds, was hauled down about the 15 yard line.
It was the most dramatic finish since that epic game in Berkeley and the airport was abuzz about the play this morning. In the checkout line at Starbucks and in the seats around me as we waited in line to board, all voices seemed to sound a common refrain, "What a way to end a ballgame!"
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Maybe it was all the football talk in the air that forced me into the gift shop bookstore to purchase Michael Holley's book Patriot Reign. It is an insightful chronicle of the New England Patriots in general and Bill Belichick's coaching strategy in particular during the 2001-2003 seasons.
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Finally, for all the Marble Falls family, a very exciting month awaits you in February, 2006. Our focus will be on "Home Improvement" through February. The month will culminate on the final weekend (February 26-March 1) with the coming of Jerry and Linda Jones for their excellent Marriage Matters Workshop. Mark your calendars now for this special opportunity for marriage enrichment.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Later this morning, I'll catch a flight out of the San Antonio airport for Little Rock to participate in Saturday morning's memorial service for my predecessor and mentor, Jim Mabery.
Reflecting on Jim's life brought to memory a great paragraph from Lynn Anderson's excellent book on spiritual leadership: They Smell Like Sheep.
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Throughout my life of ministry, I have been blessed to have a number of outstanding men who have cared enough to mentor me to deeper faith and more skilled ministry. Dale Mannon, who currently preaches for the Greenlawn church in Lubbock, Texas was my first mentor and continues to this day to be a voice of influence in my life. At Sheridan, Rick Treadway taught me how to be a good daddy and to balance work and family. In West Virginia, Jeff Garrett taught me the value of visonary leadership and modeled for me the value of being an avid reader. In Florida, I learned more at the knee of Perryman Denison each week than I ever did in my studies at Harding. Mark Owen, currently a Vice-President with Boeing, taught me how to experience God through perceiving the work of God in the world today. At Hot Springs Village, I was cemented in ministry through the encouraging ministry of Cecil Fitzgerald, Sam Laird, Jim Mabery, Rick Northen and Gary Thorson. And now at Marble Falls, I've already been blessed richly by the wisdom of Jim Dobbs.
I list all those men as mentors in my life because, like Paul with Timothy and Barnabas with John Mark, they invested in me and my family to make me a better man and minister.
Three years ago, Jimmy Mitchell came to Hot Springs Village to work alongside me in ministry. During the course of our three years together in the Village, we laughed, cried, prayed and grew together. It's hard for me to see myself as a mentor to others -- I think of that role being reserved for wiser, more experienced men than myself. Yet, through my weaknesses and imperfections, God used me to mentor to Jimmy in his development as a minister for Jesus.
Evidently, God isn't ready for that relationship to end yet. As Jimmy announced to the church in Hot Springs Village on Wednesday night, he and Elizabeth will be moving soon to join our ministry staff at Marble Falls. For Jimmy, it is an opportunity to continue the solid relationship we have, working side-by-side in the advancement of the kingdom. For me, it is an opportunity to be blessed again by Jimmy's enthusiasm and passion, his creativity and joy.
As I've come to discover, the really neat thing about mentoring relationships is the blessing goes both ways. The value doesn't solely exist in the relationship of the mentor to the understudy; the mentor can learn and grow through the wisdom and experiences of the understudy.
That being said, I'm excited and grateful that God has chosen to bring Jimmy and Liz to Marble Falls to join Allan Stanglin, Jim Dobbs and myself on the ministry staff.
Reflecting on Jim's life brought to memory a great paragraph from Lynn Anderson's excellent book on spiritual leadership: They Smell Like Sheep.
I think we all feel (disillusioned) at times. But then something distracts us from our sad, little, self-absorbed soliloquy! We look up from our pity party, and there, way out ahead of the congregation, we see a gray head bobbing as a mentor strides calmly on ahead of the pack. Then we realize, with full force, that this dear person has seen everything we have and more -- in fact a lot we haven't heard of yet -- but he is still moving on. Not only is he still going on, but even though he has been through it all, he has allowed his experiences to make him better instead of worse. He may have been through it personally, or he may have been through it vicariously while ministering to someone else's hurt; but he's been through it. And he didn't give up -- he is still pointing you to Jesus (72-3).
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Throughout my life of ministry, I have been blessed to have a number of outstanding men who have cared enough to mentor me to deeper faith and more skilled ministry. Dale Mannon, who currently preaches for the Greenlawn church in Lubbock, Texas was my first mentor and continues to this day to be a voice of influence in my life. At Sheridan, Rick Treadway taught me how to be a good daddy and to balance work and family. In West Virginia, Jeff Garrett taught me the value of visonary leadership and modeled for me the value of being an avid reader. In Florida, I learned more at the knee of Perryman Denison each week than I ever did in my studies at Harding. Mark Owen, currently a Vice-President with Boeing, taught me how to experience God through perceiving the work of God in the world today. At Hot Springs Village, I was cemented in ministry through the encouraging ministry of Cecil Fitzgerald, Sam Laird, Jim Mabery, Rick Northen and Gary Thorson. And now at Marble Falls, I've already been blessed richly by the wisdom of Jim Dobbs.
I list all those men as mentors in my life because, like Paul with Timothy and Barnabas with John Mark, they invested in me and my family to make me a better man and minister.
Three years ago, Jimmy Mitchell came to Hot Springs Village to work alongside me in ministry. During the course of our three years together in the Village, we laughed, cried, prayed and grew together. It's hard for me to see myself as a mentor to others -- I think of that role being reserved for wiser, more experienced men than myself. Yet, through my weaknesses and imperfections, God used me to mentor to Jimmy in his development as a minister for Jesus.
Evidently, God isn't ready for that relationship to end yet. As Jimmy announced to the church in Hot Springs Village on Wednesday night, he and Elizabeth will be moving soon to join our ministry staff at Marble Falls. For Jimmy, it is an opportunity to continue the solid relationship we have, working side-by-side in the advancement of the kingdom. For me, it is an opportunity to be blessed again by Jimmy's enthusiasm and passion, his creativity and joy.
As I've come to discover, the really neat thing about mentoring relationships is the blessing goes both ways. The value doesn't solely exist in the relationship of the mentor to the understudy; the mentor can learn and grow through the wisdom and experiences of the understudy.
That being said, I'm excited and grateful that God has chosen to bring Jimmy and Liz to Marble Falls to join Allan Stanglin, Jim Dobbs and myself on the ministry staff.
Back in 1997 when Mandy and I were living and ministering in Florida, I attended a Promise Keepers conference in Tampa. Nine other guys from the Central church and myself enjoyed the weekend and were uplifted in our quest to be men of faith.
During the Saturday afternoon session, as we sat on the West side of the Big Sombrero -- the old stadium in Tampa where the Buccaneers used to play -- it occurred to me that seated in the row directly in front of us was Tony Dungy, the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League.
During a break, we introduced ourselves to Coach Dungy who, it turns out, was joined by most of his coaching staff. What struck me about that meeting was this: while we wanted to talk football with the Coach, he wanted to talk about faith and the impact the Promise Keepers conference was having on his faith.
Since that time, I've always been a Tony Dungy fan. It was apparent, in those fleeting moments I was able to visit with a man who has become a legendary coach in the NFL, that his faith was real, sincere and much more important for him than football.
Yesterday, Tony Dungy and his family laid to rest their second oldest child, James, who died last week of an apparent suicide. What so impressed me last night, as I watched video of Tony Dungy speaking to the press following the funeral, was his unashamed faith in Jesus. He spoke of the belief in Jesus of his son, James. He spoke of how faith in Jesus sustains people in times of grief and sadness. He spoke without hesitation or pause of the difference Jesus can make in times of sorrow and loss.
I am thankful for men like Tony Dungy. I am thankful that, given the platform to speak publicly and reach a wide circle of people, Tony Dungy was unashamed to point the focus of his thoughts and words to his faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul, in his own unashamed way said it this way: "It's news I'm most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God's powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts Him" (Romans 1.16 from The Message).
"If the name of the Savior is precious to you, if His care has been constant and tender and true, if the light of His presence has brightened your way, O will you not tell of your gladness today?"
During the Saturday afternoon session, as we sat on the West side of the Big Sombrero -- the old stadium in Tampa where the Buccaneers used to play -- it occurred to me that seated in the row directly in front of us was Tony Dungy, the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League.
During a break, we introduced ourselves to Coach Dungy who, it turns out, was joined by most of his coaching staff. What struck me about that meeting was this: while we wanted to talk football with the Coach, he wanted to talk about faith and the impact the Promise Keepers conference was having on his faith.
Since that time, I've always been a Tony Dungy fan. It was apparent, in those fleeting moments I was able to visit with a man who has become a legendary coach in the NFL, that his faith was real, sincere and much more important for him than football.
Yesterday, Tony Dungy and his family laid to rest their second oldest child, James, who died last week of an apparent suicide. What so impressed me last night, as I watched video of Tony Dungy speaking to the press following the funeral, was his unashamed faith in Jesus. He spoke of the belief in Jesus of his son, James. He spoke of how faith in Jesus sustains people in times of grief and sadness. He spoke without hesitation or pause of the difference Jesus can make in times of sorrow and loss.
I am thankful for men like Tony Dungy. I am thankful that, given the platform to speak publicly and reach a wide circle of people, Tony Dungy was unashamed to point the focus of his thoughts and words to his faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul, in his own unashamed way said it this way: "It's news I'm most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God's powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts Him" (Romans 1.16 from The Message).
"If the name of the Savior is precious to you, if His care has been constant and tender and true, if the light of His presence has brightened your way, O will you not tell of your gladness today?"
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Was Santa Claus good to you this year? He was sure good to me! Thanks to the kindness of my family, several items on my Amazon.com wishlist are now in my possession. With the girls back in Arkansas, and a few days of peace, quiet, and college bowl games on my agenda, I am going to start plowing through the new books I received on Christmas.
The books I received for Christmas are: The Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible (NRSV) edited by Richard Foster, Paul in Fresh Perspective by N.T. Wright, The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding how God Changes Lives by Dallas Willard, The Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado, and The Disciple Making Church by Bill Hull.
On the baseball reading side, License to Deal by Jerry Crasnick and The State of Baseball Management: Decision-Making in the Best and Worst Teams from 1993-2003 by Scott Barzilla.
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Last night, with the final game of Monday Night Football on ABC in the background, I began wading through N.T. Wright's fresh perspective on Paul. Here's a morsel for you to nibble on from Wright's excellent book.
When Paul speaks in Galatians and Romans of pistis Christou, he normally intends to denote the faithfulness of the Messiah to the purposes of God rather than the faith by which Jew and Gentile alike believe the gospel and so are marked out as God's renewed people...In Romans 3.2-3 Paul declares that Israel had been entrusted with God's oracles; in other words, that Israel had been God's chosen messenger to the nations. But Israel, Paul says, had been unfaithful, had not discharged the commission. This is cognate with what he says in Romans 10.2-3: Israel had failed to understand God's covenant purposes, and had sought to promote a covenant status for itself alone. What then is God to do? Is he to abandon the covenant and to decide...on a drastically different 'plan B'? By no means: let God be true (3.4), though all human beings be false. God must stick to the plan. But that means sooner or later he will require a representative Israelite who will be faithful, who will be obedient to God's purpose not only for Israel but through Israel for the world. The world then waits, and Israel then waits for God to unveil his purpose, to reveal how it is that he will after all be true to his covenant. But when the moment of unveiling arrives (3.21-22), what we see is God's covenant faithfulness operating...through the faithfulness of Jesus the Messiah (47).
The books I received for Christmas are: The Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible (NRSV) edited by Richard Foster, Paul in Fresh Perspective by N.T. Wright, The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding how God Changes Lives by Dallas Willard, The Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado, and The Disciple Making Church by Bill Hull.
On the baseball reading side, License to Deal by Jerry Crasnick and The State of Baseball Management: Decision-Making in the Best and Worst Teams from 1993-2003 by Scott Barzilla.
---------------
Last night, with the final game of Monday Night Football on ABC in the background, I began wading through N.T. Wright's fresh perspective on Paul. Here's a morsel for you to nibble on from Wright's excellent book.
When Paul speaks in Galatians and Romans of pistis Christou, he normally intends to denote the faithfulness of the Messiah to the purposes of God rather than the faith by which Jew and Gentile alike believe the gospel and so are marked out as God's renewed people...In Romans 3.2-3 Paul declares that Israel had been entrusted with God's oracles; in other words, that Israel had been God's chosen messenger to the nations. But Israel, Paul says, had been unfaithful, had not discharged the commission. This is cognate with what he says in Romans 10.2-3: Israel had failed to understand God's covenant purposes, and had sought to promote a covenant status for itself alone. What then is God to do? Is he to abandon the covenant and to decide...on a drastically different 'plan B'? By no means: let God be true (3.4), though all human beings be false. God must stick to the plan. But that means sooner or later he will require a representative Israelite who will be faithful, who will be obedient to God's purpose not only for Israel but through Israel for the world. The world then waits, and Israel then waits for God to unveil his purpose, to reveal how it is that he will after all be true to his covenant. But when the moment of unveiling arrives (3.21-22), what we see is God's covenant faithfulness operating...through the faithfulness of Jesus the Messiah (47).
Monday, December 26, 2005
This afternoon, the last Christmas gift of the season arrived in my email inbox courtesy of Jamey Newberg. My beloved Texas Rangers have outbid the Boston Red Sox and acquired the services of Kevin Millwood, signing the new ace of the staff through 2009 with an option for 2010.
As the link to the T.R. Sullivan article indicates, Millwood led the American League last year with a 2.86 ERA. His record was only 9-11, thanks in part to anemic run support (Millwood ranked 8th in poorest run support in the AL last year among starters with his team's offense averaging only 3.6 runs per start).
Way to go, Tom Hicks and Jon Daniels. It is clear to me now that the vision of rebuilding the entire rotation was there all along and now that the vision has become reality, I like it.
The Rangers rotation going forward now looks like this: Kevin Millwood, Adam Eaton, Vincente Padilla, Kameron Loe and Juan Dominguez.
As the link to the T.R. Sullivan article indicates, Millwood led the American League last year with a 2.86 ERA. His record was only 9-11, thanks in part to anemic run support (Millwood ranked 8th in poorest run support in the AL last year among starters with his team's offense averaging only 3.6 runs per start).
Way to go, Tom Hicks and Jon Daniels. It is clear to me now that the vision of rebuilding the entire rotation was there all along and now that the vision has become reality, I like it.
The Rangers rotation going forward now looks like this: Kevin Millwood, Adam Eaton, Vincente Padilla, Kameron Loe and Juan Dominguez.
Friday, December 23, 2005
There is an old woodsman proverb that says, "A tree is best measured when it is down." Today, the tree -- a redwood of a man at that -- named Jim Mabery was ushered into heaven by that Angel Band he so loved to sing about.
Details at this time are sketchy, but an accident along Interstate 40 near Lexington, Tennessee claimed Jim's physical life. Jim and his wife, Charlotte, were on their way to Nashville to celebrate the Christmas holiday with Charlotte's son and daughter-in-law, David and Teresa Worley.
In the days ahead, people more eloquent and intimately acquainted with Jim than I will remember and pay tribute to his life of ministry. Those memories and tributes will serve as a means of measuring his life; a life lived wholly unto the service of Jesus.
In September, 1998, I was privileged to succeed Jim as the Preaching Minister for the Village Church of Christ in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Jim had served since 1989 as the Preaching Minister in the Village, the first full-time Preaching Minister in the history of the church. He, along with his first wife Lee, served as catalysts for growth and maturity among God's people within the Village. When I arrived to begin my ministry in the Village, the foundation for which to build a solid, strong church was stable and sure.
In January, 1999, Jim, along with four other sterling Christian men, were recognized as Shepherd-Elders for the Village church. I so appreciated what Jim brought to the leadership of the Village church. Never one to enjoy long, administrative-type meetings, Jim was a consistent witness for the need to visit and pray. His prayers, both publicly and in the privacy of the leadership meetings, reflected a depth of sincerity that evidenced a man who'd walked a lifetime hand-in-hand with Jesus. His commitment to visitation, undoubtedly, raised the hopes of the hurting, lifted the sights of the spiritually drained, and brought joy and happiness to all.
One of my favorite stories of Jim involves a day in which he was exercising (walking) along Highway 7. Myron Lessman noticed a man walking along the side of the highway and as he drew closer to the figure, recognized the person as Jim Mabery. "Hey Jim, are you lost?" Myron asked. "No, Myron," Jim replied, "I'm saved!" That, in a nutshell, is Jim Mabery.
His life's work was devoted to the advancement of the kingdom, not only in the Midwest, in Illinois and Missouri where he did much of his ministry, but also in far-flung places like Ghana, West Africa. Every winter, Jim and Lee made an annual pilgrimage to Ghana to minister to and assist the churches in Ghana. Children in Ghana today attend primary school at the Lee Mabery school, named in honor of Jim's first and late wife. And, I'll always remember the delight of seeing correspondence come into the church office from Ghana because of the numerous letters from Ghanians who were named after Jim.
What a legacy!
His daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Rick Northen, have continued his legacy by devoting themselves to missions. Currently, Rick and Gail serve in Cambodia, assisting churches and the needy with their physical needs (through Rick's skilled dentistry), educational needs (through Gail's skilled teaching) and most of all, spiritual needs (through their mutual ministry of the gospel).
Perhaps the most amazing thing about Jim, to me personally, was that he never let retirement slow down his service to Jesus. I understand that the last few months, and the beginning of the Spanish ministry in the Village, was some of Jim's best work. That missionary's heart and minister's zeal never retired from Jim, evidenced by two baptisms last weekend at the Village directly related to the excellent ministry Jim and Marlon Bonilla provided for the up-start Spanish ministry at the Village church.
It's ironic, to me, that both Jim and Lee left this earth while away from home, on journeys. That typifies their entire life of ministry together. As pilgrims, they realized their home was not of this world; they were longing for a heavenly country whose builder and maker is God.
On his pilgrimage, Jim met with and shared Jesus with scores of people on continents all over this earth.
Today, our world, our ministry and the church of Jesus Christ has lost a splendid man. But our loss is heaven's gain. Today, there is a new angel singing in the Angel band!
Personally, I will forever remain indebted to Jim for his mentorship, his passion and his zeal. He has eternally rubbed off on me. Thank you, Jim Mabery, for exemplifying throughout your entire life the way of Jesus Christ. I, along with a host of others, are eternally grateful.
To Charlotte, Diane, Gail, Lance and Chris and all the grandchildren, know that Mandy, the girls and I are continually prayerful for you. God's comforting Spirit be with you as you grieve. May the memories of Jim's life of service and sacrifice for the spiritual well-being of others sustain you.
Details at this time are sketchy, but an accident along Interstate 40 near Lexington, Tennessee claimed Jim's physical life. Jim and his wife, Charlotte, were on their way to Nashville to celebrate the Christmas holiday with Charlotte's son and daughter-in-law, David and Teresa Worley.
In the days ahead, people more eloquent and intimately acquainted with Jim than I will remember and pay tribute to his life of ministry. Those memories and tributes will serve as a means of measuring his life; a life lived wholly unto the service of Jesus.
In September, 1998, I was privileged to succeed Jim as the Preaching Minister for the Village Church of Christ in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Jim had served since 1989 as the Preaching Minister in the Village, the first full-time Preaching Minister in the history of the church. He, along with his first wife Lee, served as catalysts for growth and maturity among God's people within the Village. When I arrived to begin my ministry in the Village, the foundation for which to build a solid, strong church was stable and sure.
In January, 1999, Jim, along with four other sterling Christian men, were recognized as Shepherd-Elders for the Village church. I so appreciated what Jim brought to the leadership of the Village church. Never one to enjoy long, administrative-type meetings, Jim was a consistent witness for the need to visit and pray. His prayers, both publicly and in the privacy of the leadership meetings, reflected a depth of sincerity that evidenced a man who'd walked a lifetime hand-in-hand with Jesus. His commitment to visitation, undoubtedly, raised the hopes of the hurting, lifted the sights of the spiritually drained, and brought joy and happiness to all.
One of my favorite stories of Jim involves a day in which he was exercising (walking) along Highway 7. Myron Lessman noticed a man walking along the side of the highway and as he drew closer to the figure, recognized the person as Jim Mabery. "Hey Jim, are you lost?" Myron asked. "No, Myron," Jim replied, "I'm saved!" That, in a nutshell, is Jim Mabery.
His life's work was devoted to the advancement of the kingdom, not only in the Midwest, in Illinois and Missouri where he did much of his ministry, but also in far-flung places like Ghana, West Africa. Every winter, Jim and Lee made an annual pilgrimage to Ghana to minister to and assist the churches in Ghana. Children in Ghana today attend primary school at the Lee Mabery school, named in honor of Jim's first and late wife. And, I'll always remember the delight of seeing correspondence come into the church office from Ghana because of the numerous letters from Ghanians who were named after Jim.
What a legacy!
His daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Rick Northen, have continued his legacy by devoting themselves to missions. Currently, Rick and Gail serve in Cambodia, assisting churches and the needy with their physical needs (through Rick's skilled dentistry), educational needs (through Gail's skilled teaching) and most of all, spiritual needs (through their mutual ministry of the gospel).
Perhaps the most amazing thing about Jim, to me personally, was that he never let retirement slow down his service to Jesus. I understand that the last few months, and the beginning of the Spanish ministry in the Village, was some of Jim's best work. That missionary's heart and minister's zeal never retired from Jim, evidenced by two baptisms last weekend at the Village directly related to the excellent ministry Jim and Marlon Bonilla provided for the up-start Spanish ministry at the Village church.
It's ironic, to me, that both Jim and Lee left this earth while away from home, on journeys. That typifies their entire life of ministry together. As pilgrims, they realized their home was not of this world; they were longing for a heavenly country whose builder and maker is God.
On his pilgrimage, Jim met with and shared Jesus with scores of people on continents all over this earth.
Today, our world, our ministry and the church of Jesus Christ has lost a splendid man. But our loss is heaven's gain. Today, there is a new angel singing in the Angel band!
Personally, I will forever remain indebted to Jim for his mentorship, his passion and his zeal. He has eternally rubbed off on me. Thank you, Jim Mabery, for exemplifying throughout your entire life the way of Jesus Christ. I, along with a host of others, are eternally grateful.
To Charlotte, Diane, Gail, Lance and Chris and all the grandchildren, know that Mandy, the girls and I are continually prayerful for you. God's comforting Spirit be with you as you grieve. May the memories of Jim's life of service and sacrifice for the spiritual well-being of others sustain you.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
As a follow-up to yesterday's exclusively Rangers post, Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com has this little nugget: "[The Orioles] also are talking to free-agent outfielder Jeromy Burnitz, 36, and are one of several clubs pursuing free-agent right-hander Kevin Millwood, 31, who seems most likely to sign with the Rangers."
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I've thought for some time that one of the weaknesses of my heritage, in its contemporary state, is the "politics" of church.
What I mean by that is it seems as though some are wedded to particular philosophical position to the exclusion of truth. To adhere, for example, to something that seems "liberal" would be, some reason, a blanket endorsement of all things liberal. Or, on the other hand, to adhere and support something that seems "conservative" would be a blanket endorsement of all things conservative.
Yesterday, I finished off an excellent read by N.T. Wright titled The Last Word: Beyond the Bible Wars to a New Understanding of the Authority of Scripture. Wright's thesis is wonderful as he argues for integrity in seeing that authority ultimately has been given to Jesus (Matthew 28.18-20) and scripture is the conduit through which the authority of Jesus is communicated to mankind.
In the prologue to the book, Wright points out this incessant political polarization as it relates to Biblical interpretation. “The left/right spectrum…compels parties, commentators and voters into an inappropriate ‘package deal’ mentality where it is assumed that once you decide on one issue you are committed to a particular positon on lots of others as well” (10-11).
I hope that we mature to a place where issues can be settled, not on the basis of "conservative versus liberal" but on the basis of truth and the advancement of the kingdom of God in the world.
----------------------
I've thought for some time that one of the weaknesses of my heritage, in its contemporary state, is the "politics" of church.
What I mean by that is it seems as though some are wedded to particular philosophical position to the exclusion of truth. To adhere, for example, to something that seems "liberal" would be, some reason, a blanket endorsement of all things liberal. Or, on the other hand, to adhere and support something that seems "conservative" would be a blanket endorsement of all things conservative.
Yesterday, I finished off an excellent read by N.T. Wright titled The Last Word: Beyond the Bible Wars to a New Understanding of the Authority of Scripture. Wright's thesis is wonderful as he argues for integrity in seeing that authority ultimately has been given to Jesus (Matthew 28.18-20) and scripture is the conduit through which the authority of Jesus is communicated to mankind.
In the prologue to the book, Wright points out this incessant political polarization as it relates to Biblical interpretation. “The left/right spectrum…compels parties, commentators and voters into an inappropriate ‘package deal’ mentality where it is assumed that once you decide on one issue you are committed to a particular positon on lots of others as well” (10-11).
I hope that we mature to a place where issues can be settled, not on the basis of "conservative versus liberal" but on the basis of truth and the advancement of the kingdom of God in the world.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
What a day (and night) yesterday for baseball fanatics like myself.
December 20th (yesterday) was the tender deadline for arbitration-eligible players and it brought with it a whirwind of activity.
Johnny Damon is now a Yankee. Wow. I'm assuming he's already got his appointment scheduled at Floyd's Barbershop to cut the locks per the Yankees policy. Damon to the Yankees allows Joe Torre to move Derek Jeter to the 2 hole; ARod to hit 3rd and Sheffield and Giambi behind to drive in the runs. What a lineup.
The Rangers were active yesterday as well. Jon Daniels pulled a stunner, trading hometown hero Chris Young, Adrian Gonzalez and recently aquired Terrmel Sledge to San Diego for Adam Eaton, Akinori Otsuka and a minor league catcher.
If you are a big Rangers fan and want some in-depth analysis on the deal, I suggest you check out Jamey Newberg's insights.
My gut feeling is the deal was a bad one for the Rangers. Newberg suggests the Rangers sold Young high and bought Eaton low, but Eaton is slated to become a free agent after 2006, meaning the Rangers likely get only one year out of Eaton. Eaton has already stated to a San Diego Tribune writer that, "It's (pitching for the Rangers) notconducive to my style of pitching; I'm a fly-ball pitcher. If I was to staythere, it'd have to be for crazy money.
The problem for the Rangers is their inability to attract top-flight, quality starting free agent pitchers. There is a theory that the Rangers are going to have to trade for pitchers like Eaton -- pitchers who are on the verge of free agency -- and allow them to pitch at Ameriquest Field for a year to overcome the "Coors Field" factor that equates Ameriquest to a hitter's haven.
I hope it works...but I am very skeptical.
On the downside, I hate to see Chris Young leave. I know he hit the wall after the All-Star break but he was the Rangers second best starting pitcher in 2005. He is not eligible for free agency until 2010. Essentially, the Rangers let loose a guy they had locked up for four more years to, in essence, rent Adam Eaton for one year.
If the season opened today, the Rangers would go to war with a rotation of: Vicente Padilla, Adam Eaton, Kameron Loe, Juan Dominguez and R.A. Dickey, he of the newfound knuckleball. Is that rotation better than last year's rotation? It is arguable, but I say no.
That being said, all bets are off if the Rangers can land Kevin Millwood. Last year's American League ERA leader was in Arlington yesterday and the Rangers made a pitch for his services. If they can somehow land Millwood, the rotation shapes up much better: Millwood, Eaton, Padilla, Loe and Dickey or Dominguez. I could live with that much better than I could the current rotation projection.
December 20th (yesterday) was the tender deadline for arbitration-eligible players and it brought with it a whirwind of activity.
Johnny Damon is now a Yankee. Wow. I'm assuming he's already got his appointment scheduled at Floyd's Barbershop to cut the locks per the Yankees policy. Damon to the Yankees allows Joe Torre to move Derek Jeter to the 2 hole; ARod to hit 3rd and Sheffield and Giambi behind to drive in the runs. What a lineup.
The Rangers were active yesterday as well. Jon Daniels pulled a stunner, trading hometown hero Chris Young, Adrian Gonzalez and recently aquired Terrmel Sledge to San Diego for Adam Eaton, Akinori Otsuka and a minor league catcher.
If you are a big Rangers fan and want some in-depth analysis on the deal, I suggest you check out Jamey Newberg's insights.
My gut feeling is the deal was a bad one for the Rangers. Newberg suggests the Rangers sold Young high and bought Eaton low, but Eaton is slated to become a free agent after 2006, meaning the Rangers likely get only one year out of Eaton. Eaton has already stated to a San Diego Tribune writer that, "It's (pitching for the Rangers) notconducive to my style of pitching; I'm a fly-ball pitcher. If I was to staythere, it'd have to be for crazy money.
The problem for the Rangers is their inability to attract top-flight, quality starting free agent pitchers. There is a theory that the Rangers are going to have to trade for pitchers like Eaton -- pitchers who are on the verge of free agency -- and allow them to pitch at Ameriquest Field for a year to overcome the "Coors Field" factor that equates Ameriquest to a hitter's haven.
I hope it works...but I am very skeptical.
On the downside, I hate to see Chris Young leave. I know he hit the wall after the All-Star break but he was the Rangers second best starting pitcher in 2005. He is not eligible for free agency until 2010. Essentially, the Rangers let loose a guy they had locked up for four more years to, in essence, rent Adam Eaton for one year.
If the season opened today, the Rangers would go to war with a rotation of: Vicente Padilla, Adam Eaton, Kameron Loe, Juan Dominguez and R.A. Dickey, he of the newfound knuckleball. Is that rotation better than last year's rotation? It is arguable, but I say no.
That being said, all bets are off if the Rangers can land Kevin Millwood. Last year's American League ERA leader was in Arlington yesterday and the Rangers made a pitch for his services. If they can somehow land Millwood, the rotation shapes up much better: Millwood, Eaton, Padilla, Loe and Dickey or Dominguez. I could live with that much better than I could the current rotation projection.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Last night we reached the 5,000 hit plateau when my Mom logged onto this blog at 8:21 p.m. I know that probably sounds rigged, but it was totally above board!
Let's see, I've already got Mom a couple of gifts for Christmas. Guess I'll be getting one more!
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George Barna is the preeminent researcher in the area of faith, spirituality and church growth within the United States. The author of several books, Barna is in constant contact with people of faith, studying trends and issues that impact churches and the formation of faith.
In his latest e-mail newsletter, Barna points out a significant trend he discovered during 2005. I share this enlightening trend with you this morning in the hope it will impact your outlook as it has mine.
Let's see, I've already got Mom a couple of gifts for Christmas. Guess I'll be getting one more!
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George Barna is the preeminent researcher in the area of faith, spirituality and church growth within the United States. The author of several books, Barna is in constant contact with people of faith, studying trends and issues that impact churches and the formation of faith.
In his latest e-mail newsletter, Barna points out a significant trend he discovered during 2005. I share this enlightening trend with you this morning in the hope it will impact your outlook as it has mine.
The first of those patterns had to do with the priorities embraced by church leaders. Citing a study conducted mid-year, Barna noted that most local churches essentially ignore three critical spiritual dimensions: ministry to children, ministry to families and prayer. His statistics showed that less than one out of every five Protestant churches deem ministry to families or to children to be among the top priorities of the church. Prayer, he pointed out, is labeled one of the top priorities by less than one out of every 25 churches! He also stated that even though churches build their primary weekly event around the concept of worship, and call the event a “worship service,” less than one out of every five churches rated worship to be a top ministry priority, and that most of those in attendance say they did not experience the presence of God during the service. “The limited significance we assign to the act of worship, as opposed to putting on and being present at a worship event, is found in our data showing that less than one out of every ten church attenders spends any time during a typical week worshiping God, other than when they are at a church service.”
Pressed for insight as to why it is that establishing these factors as a low priority is problematic, Barna replied, “because families are meant to be the faith-center of each individual’s life, children are the most important and impressionable individuals we could possibly reach with the good news of salvation and the substance of a Spirit-led, Scripture based spiritual life, and you cannot have a meaningful and dynamic relationship with the living God unless worship and prayer are at the center of that relationship. For churches to get so wrapped up in other matters suggests that we have lost sight of the end goal, which is not filling new buildings with happy people but filling sin-stained hearts with the forgiveness and power of Jesus Christ, and how that power then transforms the individual’s entire understanding of the meaning of life.”
Monday, December 19, 2005
Today will be a special day in the life of my blog. According to my Sitemeter this morning, the 31st hit today will mark the 5,000th hit since I began counting hits to my site about 5 months ago. I know some guys have blogs that get 1,000 hits a day. But this blog, the small fish in the big pond that it is, is grateful for 1,000 hits each month.
I do hope as I work through some of my thoughts on God, life, applying the Word to everyday life, church, growth and the Texas Rangers that you are blessed.
Here's what I'll do. For the 5,000th hit -- and since this is the season for giving gifts -- I will give a special gift! Tomorrow morning, I will make note in my blog of the 5,000th hit and if you are the lucky person and you will email me, I will send you a gift to open on Christmas Day (if it arrives by then).
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Today is the first day of the Christmas break for Trae so we are off to San Antonio today. We are going to take the girls by Fiesta Texas (Six Flags in San Antonio) and Sea World and then head down to the Riverwalk to take in the sights and enjoy lunch.
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What a fantastic weekend we have had in Marble Falls! Saturday night, the Lewis family hosted the Youth Group and their parents for a fellowship and devotional. It was awesome! Yesterday was a true blessing with the privilege of worship God as a family of believers. Last night, we enjoyed the 3rd annual Family Hayride and Christmas caroling in Meadowlakes, courtesy of the hospitality of Dent & Kelly Offutt.
Tonight, the fun continues with the Youth Group Christmas caroling. The kids will be singing for some of our older church members and at one of the nursing homes in town. Following the caroling, all of the kids are coming to our house to eat and enjoy a Christmas movie. Allan and I lobbied hard for the greatest Christmas movie ever, "It's a Wonderful Life." But the kids vetoed us! Instead, we will have to suffer through "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."
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Good luck today on being the 5,000th hit!
I do hope as I work through some of my thoughts on God, life, applying the Word to everyday life, church, growth and the Texas Rangers that you are blessed.
Here's what I'll do. For the 5,000th hit -- and since this is the season for giving gifts -- I will give a special gift! Tomorrow morning, I will make note in my blog of the 5,000th hit and if you are the lucky person and you will email me, I will send you a gift to open on Christmas Day (if it arrives by then).
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Today is the first day of the Christmas break for Trae so we are off to San Antonio today. We are going to take the girls by Fiesta Texas (Six Flags in San Antonio) and Sea World and then head down to the Riverwalk to take in the sights and enjoy lunch.
---------------------
What a fantastic weekend we have had in Marble Falls! Saturday night, the Lewis family hosted the Youth Group and their parents for a fellowship and devotional. It was awesome! Yesterday was a true blessing with the privilege of worship God as a family of believers. Last night, we enjoyed the 3rd annual Family Hayride and Christmas caroling in Meadowlakes, courtesy of the hospitality of Dent & Kelly Offutt.
Tonight, the fun continues with the Youth Group Christmas caroling. The kids will be singing for some of our older church members and at one of the nursing homes in town. Following the caroling, all of the kids are coming to our house to eat and enjoy a Christmas movie. Allan and I lobbied hard for the greatest Christmas movie ever, "It's a Wonderful Life." But the kids vetoed us! Instead, we will have to suffer through "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."
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Good luck today on being the 5,000th hit!
Friday, December 16, 2005
Good a quickie for you today as Mandy and I are off to the captitol city of the Republic of Texas for a day of Christmas Shopping. I can't wait to eat lunch and spend time with my wife; watching other mothers fight for that last Barbie doll on the shelf, I could do without!
Do you ever wake up in the morning with a song on your heart? One where the words resonate with you as you get ready for your day? I had one of those songs on my heart this morning. Still do, in fact! As soon as I awoke, the very first thoughts I had today were of an Acapella song on their "Beyond a Doubt" CD. Here are those words with hopes they bring a blessing to you today.
If there were no God there would be no music
There would be no dream to be dreaming of
What a dreadful thought of an empty future
If there were no God there would be no love
If there were no God there would be no children
There would be no joy to relieve our tears
Not a tender hand to provide us comfort
No consoling heart to subdue our fears
But we know that God is with us
And we know His majesty
Reigning now, the King Eternal
Yes we know the victory
If there were no God there would be no sunshine
There would be no rain to reflect the earth
There would be no jewels to display their value
There would be no thought of enduring words
If there were no God there'd be no creation
There would be no light, there could be no breath
No surpassing joy, nothing in existence
If there were no God all would be death
But we know that God is with us
And we know His majesty
Reigning now, the King Eternal
Yes we know the victory!
Do you ever wake up in the morning with a song on your heart? One where the words resonate with you as you get ready for your day? I had one of those songs on my heart this morning. Still do, in fact! As soon as I awoke, the very first thoughts I had today were of an Acapella song on their "Beyond a Doubt" CD. Here are those words with hopes they bring a blessing to you today.
If there were no God there would be no music
There would be no dream to be dreaming of
What a dreadful thought of an empty future
If there were no God there would be no love
If there were no God there would be no children
There would be no joy to relieve our tears
Not a tender hand to provide us comfort
No consoling heart to subdue our fears
But we know that God is with us
And we know His majesty
Reigning now, the King Eternal
Yes we know the victory
If there were no God there would be no sunshine
There would be no rain to reflect the earth
There would be no jewels to display their value
There would be no thought of enduring words
If there were no God there'd be no creation
There would be no light, there could be no breath
No surpassing joy, nothing in existence
If there were no God all would be death
But we know that God is with us
And we know His majesty
Reigning now, the King Eternal
Yes we know the victory!
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Thanks for those of you who emailed me your insights on the blog discussion yesterday regarding our contemporary approach to the Lord's Supper. There seems to be a number among us who long for more community in communion.
For further study, let me point you in the direction of John Mark Hicks's book Come To The Table: Revisioning the Lord's Supper.
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Speaking of the table, I need to do a better job pushing myself away from it!
For the first time in my life, I've tipped the scale at over 180 pounds.
Granted, I'm gonna lay some of the blame for that at the feet of the wonderful cooks in the Marble Falls church. Since our arrival in mid-August, we've been overwhelmed with genuine, warm hospitality and a more than adequate number of dinner invitations.
Consequently, my waist line and love handles are evidence! In fact, if things don't change quick, I'm going to have to ask for some new jeans and slacks for Christmas -- out of necessity!
So, last Saturday, I determined to do something about it! Cut back on the caffeine, sugar, midday snacks. Drink more water. And run at least four times a week.
Tuesday night, the girls and I walked about two miles and enjoyed the sunset from our vantage point on Mormon Mill Road. When we got back to the house, Trae begged me to go running with her. "Daddy, Daddy, I want to run with you!"
She was determined. She was excited. She was pumped and motivated.
One-tenth of a mile later, all that motivation and determination and excitement was gone. "Dad, I'm tired. Can we go back to the house?"
Funny, but several times this week, I've wanted to do the same thing as Trae -- throw in the towel before finishing and head back for home. If you are an exercise guru, how do you maintain your motivation and discipline to stay at it when all your muscles and energy are crying uncle?
For further study, let me point you in the direction of John Mark Hicks's book Come To The Table: Revisioning the Lord's Supper.
-----------------------
Speaking of the table, I need to do a better job pushing myself away from it!
For the first time in my life, I've tipped the scale at over 180 pounds.
Granted, I'm gonna lay some of the blame for that at the feet of the wonderful cooks in the Marble Falls church. Since our arrival in mid-August, we've been overwhelmed with genuine, warm hospitality and a more than adequate number of dinner invitations.
Consequently, my waist line and love handles are evidence! In fact, if things don't change quick, I'm going to have to ask for some new jeans and slacks for Christmas -- out of necessity!
So, last Saturday, I determined to do something about it! Cut back on the caffeine, sugar, midday snacks. Drink more water. And run at least four times a week.
Tuesday night, the girls and I walked about two miles and enjoyed the sunset from our vantage point on Mormon Mill Road. When we got back to the house, Trae begged me to go running with her. "Daddy, Daddy, I want to run with you!"
She was determined. She was excited. She was pumped and motivated.
One-tenth of a mile later, all that motivation and determination and excitement was gone. "Dad, I'm tired. Can we go back to the house?"
Funny, but several times this week, I've wanted to do the same thing as Trae -- throw in the towel before finishing and head back for home. If you are an exercise guru, how do you maintain your motivation and discipline to stay at it when all your muscles and energy are crying uncle?
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
This morning, I'm still turning over some of the implications shared yesterday in the Greek/Hebrew paradigms especially in regard to the individual versus community distinction. Western (Greek) thinkers interpret Scripture in terms of the individual; Eastern (Hebrew) thinkers interpret Scripture in terms of the community living in relationship with God.
Think about that contrast in one area of our worship assemblies: the Lord's Supper. The Lord's Supper, also called "communion," holds in its contemporary setting little opportunity for communion with one another. In our contemporary manner of serving the Lord's Supper, communion with one another is forfeited for the sake of an individual moment of quiet communion with the Lord.
Was this always the case? When you look at the very institution of the Lord's Supper itself, it occured within the context of a meal (see Mark 14.12-26, specifically verse 22a). It seems from the passages in 1 Corinthians 11 that, in the correction of abuses at Corinth, the love feast as a part of the Lord's Supper was not one of the abuses Paul sought to correct.
My friend and co-worker, Allan Stanglin, wrote a riveting thesis for his graduate work at Austin Graduate School of Theology on this very issue. His thesis was the Lord's Supper, as a celebratory banquet taken in community (Hebrew) has been replaced by a somber memorial of individual (Greek) introspection.
Is it possible today in our contemporary setting to return the community aspect of the Lord's Supper that was clearly delineated in the origin of the Supper and in the practice of the first churches?
Think about that contrast in one area of our worship assemblies: the Lord's Supper. The Lord's Supper, also called "communion," holds in its contemporary setting little opportunity for communion with one another. In our contemporary manner of serving the Lord's Supper, communion with one another is forfeited for the sake of an individual moment of quiet communion with the Lord.
Was this always the case? When you look at the very institution of the Lord's Supper itself, it occured within the context of a meal (see Mark 14.12-26, specifically verse 22a). It seems from the passages in 1 Corinthians 11 that, in the correction of abuses at Corinth, the love feast as a part of the Lord's Supper was not one of the abuses Paul sought to correct.
My friend and co-worker, Allan Stanglin, wrote a riveting thesis for his graduate work at Austin Graduate School of Theology on this very issue. His thesis was the Lord's Supper, as a celebratory banquet taken in community (Hebrew) has been replaced by a somber memorial of individual (Greek) introspection.
Is it possible today in our contemporary setting to return the community aspect of the Lord's Supper that was clearly delineated in the origin of the Supper and in the practice of the first churches?
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
I came across a website recommendation last week that has unearthed a treasure trove of insight. The website is dedicated to helping western thinkers understand the mindset of ancient eastern thinkers. It draws a stark contrast from Westerners who were influenced by Greek paradigms to Easterners and their Hebrew paradigm.
Under the heading "Thinking Hebrew" it states: "Most Christians in our culture are Western (Greek) thinkers, who think about the world in different ways than Easterners. As a result, many of the (Biblical) texts rich images puzzle or escape us. If we learn to 'think Hebrew,' the pages of God's Word wil come alive in a whole new way."
The site goes on to unpack the contrasts between Greek and Hebrew thought about words and numbers, eternal life, sin and community versus the individual, about the existence of God and faith, and about ultimate truth.
One area I found fascinating, especially in light of the increasing emphasis in theological circles regarding postmodernism is the distinction regarding ultimate truth.
"For Greeks, the ultimate in truth tends to be scientific and rational (sound familiar to our historical interpretation of Scripture?). When looking at Scripture, they tend to focus on how things are done. They come to believe truth as they think it through.
Hebrews in truth see the ultimate as religious and experiential. When looking at Scripture, they focus on what was done and who did it. They come to believe truth as they experience it."
Today, if you get an opportunity, check out Follow the Rabbi. The site will help you, as it has me, better understand the mind and thought of the writers and recipients of the original text of Scripture.
Under the heading "Thinking Hebrew" it states: "Most Christians in our culture are Western (Greek) thinkers, who think about the world in different ways than Easterners. As a result, many of the (Biblical) texts rich images puzzle or escape us. If we learn to 'think Hebrew,' the pages of God's Word wil come alive in a whole new way."
The site goes on to unpack the contrasts between Greek and Hebrew thought about words and numbers, eternal life, sin and community versus the individual, about the existence of God and faith, and about ultimate truth.
One area I found fascinating, especially in light of the increasing emphasis in theological circles regarding postmodernism is the distinction regarding ultimate truth.
"For Greeks, the ultimate in truth tends to be scientific and rational (sound familiar to our historical interpretation of Scripture?). When looking at Scripture, they tend to focus on how things are done. They come to believe truth as they think it through.
Hebrews in truth see the ultimate as religious and experiential. When looking at Scripture, they focus on what was done and who did it. They come to believe truth as they experience it."
Today, if you get an opportunity, check out Follow the Rabbi. The site will help you, as it has me, better understand the mind and thought of the writers and recipients of the original text of Scripture.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Apparently, Jon Daniels made an interesting impression on his fellow General Managers within Major League baseball during his first Winter Meeting as the Rangers GM.
"In every trade proposal, he's asking for the other general manager's first born, plus two pitchers."
"There might have been more grumbling about new Texas general manager Jon Daniels from his fellow GMs than about any other GM on the premises. Because he was looking to make a big deal in his debut, Daniels overpriced his most attractive commodity, Kevin Mench. And then, when he dealt his other big chip, Alfonso Soriano, he got a package back that, surprisingly, included no big-league ready starting pitchers" (Jayson Stark, espn.go.com).
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Saturday the girls and I went to Austin to see Santa Claus. We thought we zoom into Barton Creek Mall, make our way through the mall and get the girls picture with jolly ole Saint Nick.
We thought wrong!
Apparently, every other parent in central Texas had the same idea and chose the same mall to take their kids to see Santa.
It took us about 15 minutes to find a parking spot. Once we made our way through the mall to Santa's place, the line was over an hour long.
Needless to say, we decided to pass and are making plans to make another trip up later this week -- on an evening after school -- to let the girls sit on Santa's lap and convey their wishes to him.
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I love Christmas time but I think we have traditionally taken a wrong-headed approach toward Christmas.
Traditionally, we have talked about how, though the world celebrates Christmas as the birthday of Jesus, we in the churches of Christ do not because we do not know the day Jesus was born. In fact, we often argue, Jesus was likely born in the spring, when the weather was warmer, evidenced by the shepherds being out in the fields who saw the brilliant star in the sky.
Why have we traditionally insisted on arguing a tangential point when all of our friends and neighbors, who might otherwise not consider the influence of Jesus in their lives, have the thought of Jesus in the forefront of their minds.
The holiday season is not a time for arguing, it is a time for witnessing. I encourage you this holiday season to witness to the difference Jesus has made in your life. When a friend or neighbor raises the possibility of Christmas as the birthday of Jesus, use that open door to convey how Jesus has made a difference in your life.
It might just make this holiday season one to remember!
"In every trade proposal, he's asking for the other general manager's first born, plus two pitchers."
"There might have been more grumbling about new Texas general manager Jon Daniels from his fellow GMs than about any other GM on the premises. Because he was looking to make a big deal in his debut, Daniels overpriced his most attractive commodity, Kevin Mench. And then, when he dealt his other big chip, Alfonso Soriano, he got a package back that, surprisingly, included no big-league ready starting pitchers" (Jayson Stark, espn.go.com).
------------------------
Saturday the girls and I went to Austin to see Santa Claus. We thought we zoom into Barton Creek Mall, make our way through the mall and get the girls picture with jolly ole Saint Nick.
We thought wrong!
Apparently, every other parent in central Texas had the same idea and chose the same mall to take their kids to see Santa.
It took us about 15 minutes to find a parking spot. Once we made our way through the mall to Santa's place, the line was over an hour long.
Needless to say, we decided to pass and are making plans to make another trip up later this week -- on an evening after school -- to let the girls sit on Santa's lap and convey their wishes to him.
---------------------
I love Christmas time but I think we have traditionally taken a wrong-headed approach toward Christmas.
Traditionally, we have talked about how, though the world celebrates Christmas as the birthday of Jesus, we in the churches of Christ do not because we do not know the day Jesus was born. In fact, we often argue, Jesus was likely born in the spring, when the weather was warmer, evidenced by the shepherds being out in the fields who saw the brilliant star in the sky.
Why have we traditionally insisted on arguing a tangential point when all of our friends and neighbors, who might otherwise not consider the influence of Jesus in their lives, have the thought of Jesus in the forefront of their minds.
The holiday season is not a time for arguing, it is a time for witnessing. I encourage you this holiday season to witness to the difference Jesus has made in your life. When a friend or neighbor raises the possibility of Christmas as the birthday of Jesus, use that open door to convey how Jesus has made a difference in your life.
It might just make this holiday season one to remember!
Friday, December 09, 2005
According to my calendar this morning, there are only 16 more shopping days left. Have you gotten all your Christmas shopping done? I'm right on schedule for another Christmas eve late-nighter!
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There is so much significance attached to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that I shutter to think of my life without the presence of the Spirit.
When the text of Acts 2 says that the first converts to the message of grace received the "gift of the Holy Spirit," it doesn't mean they received as a gift the Biblical text! It means they received within themselves the very Spirit of God Himself!
For example, Ephesians 1.13-14 speaks of the Spirit as our "seal" and "deposit guaranteeing our inheritance." That isn't speaking of pages contained within a leather-bound cover; it speaks of the presence of the Spirit within you.
In Revelation, the faithful of God are marked by a seal (Revelation 7.3) to protect them from the onslaught of Rome's purging of Christians. The theological significance of being sealed in Revelation, when coupled with the Ephesians passage which marks Christians as sealed by the presence of the Holy Spirit, is powerful. My eternal protection and assurance is tied to the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit as my seal before God and my down-payment toward a mansion in heaven.
Ephesians 4.30 encourages us not to "grieve the Holy Spirit, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Again, the imagery of being sealed by the indwelling Spirit is prominent.
But what do we make of this charge not to "grieve" the Holy Spirit? How could we possibly grieve the Holy Spirit of God?
Seen in context, Ephesians 4.29-32 speaks of character traits of disciples of Jesus Christ: to speak encouraging words to build up others (29); to put away bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, and malice (31); to exhibit kindness, compassion and forgiveness (32).
As we noted yesterday, the purpose of the indwelling Spirit is to recreate within every disciple of Christ the character of Jesus. We grieve the Holy Spirit of God when, through our stubbornness, we hold onto the reins of our lives disallowing the Spirit to work.
The Spirit's most effective inside work in our lives demands submission. When I fail to submit to the Spirit's work, I grieve the Spirit of God by disallowing the Spirit to recreate in me the character of Jesus that leads to harmony and peace.
Today, may God find us living in the "grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit..." (2 Corinthians 13.14).
-------------------------
There is so much significance attached to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that I shutter to think of my life without the presence of the Spirit.
When the text of Acts 2 says that the first converts to the message of grace received the "gift of the Holy Spirit," it doesn't mean they received as a gift the Biblical text! It means they received within themselves the very Spirit of God Himself!
For example, Ephesians 1.13-14 speaks of the Spirit as our "seal" and "deposit guaranteeing our inheritance." That isn't speaking of pages contained within a leather-bound cover; it speaks of the presence of the Spirit within you.
In Revelation, the faithful of God are marked by a seal (Revelation 7.3) to protect them from the onslaught of Rome's purging of Christians. The theological significance of being sealed in Revelation, when coupled with the Ephesians passage which marks Christians as sealed by the presence of the Holy Spirit, is powerful. My eternal protection and assurance is tied to the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit as my seal before God and my down-payment toward a mansion in heaven.
Ephesians 4.30 encourages us not to "grieve the Holy Spirit, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Again, the imagery of being sealed by the indwelling Spirit is prominent.
But what do we make of this charge not to "grieve" the Holy Spirit? How could we possibly grieve the Holy Spirit of God?
Seen in context, Ephesians 4.29-32 speaks of character traits of disciples of Jesus Christ: to speak encouraging words to build up others (29); to put away bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, and malice (31); to exhibit kindness, compassion and forgiveness (32).
As we noted yesterday, the purpose of the indwelling Spirit is to recreate within every disciple of Christ the character of Jesus. We grieve the Holy Spirit of God when, through our stubbornness, we hold onto the reins of our lives disallowing the Spirit to work.
The Spirit's most effective inside work in our lives demands submission. When I fail to submit to the Spirit's work, I grieve the Spirit of God by disallowing the Spirit to recreate in me the character of Jesus that leads to harmony and peace.
Today, may God find us living in the "grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit..." (2 Corinthians 13.14).
Thursday, December 08, 2005
The radio said this morning during my two-minute commute to the office that the temperature is 22 degrees. I never realized it got this cold in central Texas.
We loaded up on firewood yesterday afternoon and christened the fireplace in our new home last night. We a blessing to play with the girls, watch Christmas shows and read, once they were in bed, next to the fireplace (that once is for you, Rick).
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The Rangers pulled off the first blockbuster deal of the Jon Daniels era last night, trading Alfonso Soriano to the Washington Nationals for Brad Wilkerson, Terrmel Sledge and a minor league pitcher. While the return didn't reap the pitching dividends I'd hoped for, the return of Wilkerson alone is worth it. Wilkerson will likely be slotted for centerfield (or left if the Rangers go ahead and trade Kevin Mench).
Ian Kinsler now becomes the Rangers everday 2nd baseman.
I'm pumped! The loss of Soriano will be more than made up for with the additions of Wilkerson and Kinsler to the lineup.
Look now for the Rangers to go ahead and deal Mench in the upcoming days for pitching.
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What is the purpose of the indwelling Holy Spirit? If God places a part of Himself within us that is "greater than the one who is in the world," then what is His Spirit inside of me to accomplish for His will?
For the answer, I submit to you three passages from the inspired pen of Paul:
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things and in him, all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him..." (Colossians 1.15-19).
"For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form..." (Colossians 2.9).
The undeniable truth is that all of the fullness of God and Deity resides in Jesus Christ. Now watch how it unfolds with the work on the Spirit in our lives today.
"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom His whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3.14-19).
See the Spirit's purpose? The purpose of the indwelling Holy Spirit of God in the heart of the believer is to recreate the character of Jesus Christ. We are powerless within ourselves to live Christlike. Our deepest spiritual problems, as Jesus noted in the Sermon on the Mount, are not so much our behavior but our heart. Our behavior is simply the revelation of what we harbor in our heart.
So God gives us His Spirit to live within us -- where our real problems reside -- to do the inside work that we are powerless to do! He gives to us, upon our conversion in baptism, His Holy Spirit to make us like Jesus.
Today, I am thankful for the Holy Spirit of God who lives within me to make me more like Jesus.
We loaded up on firewood yesterday afternoon and christened the fireplace in our new home last night. We a blessing to play with the girls, watch Christmas shows and read, once they were in bed, next to the fireplace (that once is for you, Rick).
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The Rangers pulled off the first blockbuster deal of the Jon Daniels era last night, trading Alfonso Soriano to the Washington Nationals for Brad Wilkerson, Terrmel Sledge and a minor league pitcher. While the return didn't reap the pitching dividends I'd hoped for, the return of Wilkerson alone is worth it. Wilkerson will likely be slotted for centerfield (or left if the Rangers go ahead and trade Kevin Mench).
Ian Kinsler now becomes the Rangers everday 2nd baseman.
I'm pumped! The loss of Soriano will be more than made up for with the additions of Wilkerson and Kinsler to the lineup.
Look now for the Rangers to go ahead and deal Mench in the upcoming days for pitching.
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What is the purpose of the indwelling Holy Spirit? If God places a part of Himself within us that is "greater than the one who is in the world," then what is His Spirit inside of me to accomplish for His will?
For the answer, I submit to you three passages from the inspired pen of Paul:
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things and in him, all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him..." (Colossians 1.15-19).
"For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form..." (Colossians 2.9).
The undeniable truth is that all of the fullness of God and Deity resides in Jesus Christ. Now watch how it unfolds with the work on the Spirit in our lives today.
"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom His whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3.14-19).
See the Spirit's purpose? The purpose of the indwelling Holy Spirit of God in the heart of the believer is to recreate the character of Jesus Christ. We are powerless within ourselves to live Christlike. Our deepest spiritual problems, as Jesus noted in the Sermon on the Mount, are not so much our behavior but our heart. Our behavior is simply the revelation of what we harbor in our heart.
So God gives us His Spirit to live within us -- where our real problems reside -- to do the inside work that we are powerless to do! He gives to us, upon our conversion in baptism, His Holy Spirit to make us like Jesus.
Today, I am thankful for the Holy Spirit of God who lives within me to make me more like Jesus.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Amazing after those 110 degree days in September, but the forecast in the Hill Country today calls for sleet and freezing rain. With steadily dropping temperatures throughout the day coming in contact with the currently falling rain, it could get a little icy.
I shouldn't have sold all my sweatshirts and winter clothes in the garage sale back in Arkansas before we moved!
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Has it ever seemed to you that the God taught focus within the churches of Christ tends toward a biune God rather than a triune God? What I mean is this: have we, historically, focused so much on God the Father and God the Son to the omission of emphasizing God the Holy Spirit?
If you agree with me that we have historically de-emphasized the Holy Spirit, why has that been the case?
One of the strange phenomenas regarding the Holy Spirit within churches of Christ is how my heritage tends to be reactionary; i.e. our theological positions are at times developed in reaction to what we perceive to be theological abuse in other religious groups.
For example, charismatic churches do everything in the name of the Holy Spirit. From worship to miraculous manifestation to spiritual giftedness, the Holy Spirit is credited with everything in charismatic churches.
Consequently, churches of Christ reacted to abuses in the name of the Holy Spirit and limited the Spirit's role to "the Word only."
Does the Word itself lend any credence to the view that the Spirit works through the Word only? Does the Word itself allow for the fact that the indwelling Spirit -- clearly spoken of in the birth of the first church -- ceases to exist in the contemporary church?
Ironically, even back at the outset of our heritage, there was disagreement regarding the role of the Holy Spirit. The Campbells (Thomas and Alexander) were left-brain men who leaned on Lockean philosophy to arrive at Scriptural conclusions.
Barton W. Stone, on the other hand, as a leader of the movement that reached its zenith at the Cane Ridge Revival Meeting in Kentucky, was very much right-brained in his faith. Stone tended toward a more experiential view of religion. Stone's experiential faith allowed much room for the Spirit, as historians of the Cane Ridge Revival have shared chronicles of tongue speaking, faith healing, etc. done in the name and power of the Holy Spirit.
These historical facets of our heritage and our theology of the Holy Spirit help us better know how to speak truth in a gracious way into contemporary settings of misunderstanding.
The Holy Spirit, contrary to some, plays a significant role in the maturation of disciples into Christ-likeness. For the rest of this week, We'll break down some passages to better understand exactly what the Spirit does and why.
I shouldn't have sold all my sweatshirts and winter clothes in the garage sale back in Arkansas before we moved!
-------------------------
Has it ever seemed to you that the God taught focus within the churches of Christ tends toward a biune God rather than a triune God? What I mean is this: have we, historically, focused so much on God the Father and God the Son to the omission of emphasizing God the Holy Spirit?
If you agree with me that we have historically de-emphasized the Holy Spirit, why has that been the case?
One of the strange phenomenas regarding the Holy Spirit within churches of Christ is how my heritage tends to be reactionary; i.e. our theological positions are at times developed in reaction to what we perceive to be theological abuse in other religious groups.
For example, charismatic churches do everything in the name of the Holy Spirit. From worship to miraculous manifestation to spiritual giftedness, the Holy Spirit is credited with everything in charismatic churches.
Consequently, churches of Christ reacted to abuses in the name of the Holy Spirit and limited the Spirit's role to "the Word only."
Does the Word itself lend any credence to the view that the Spirit works through the Word only? Does the Word itself allow for the fact that the indwelling Spirit -- clearly spoken of in the birth of the first church -- ceases to exist in the contemporary church?
Ironically, even back at the outset of our heritage, there was disagreement regarding the role of the Holy Spirit. The Campbells (Thomas and Alexander) were left-brain men who leaned on Lockean philosophy to arrive at Scriptural conclusions.
Barton W. Stone, on the other hand, as a leader of the movement that reached its zenith at the Cane Ridge Revival Meeting in Kentucky, was very much right-brained in his faith. Stone tended toward a more experiential view of religion. Stone's experiential faith allowed much room for the Spirit, as historians of the Cane Ridge Revival have shared chronicles of tongue speaking, faith healing, etc. done in the name and power of the Holy Spirit.
These historical facets of our heritage and our theology of the Holy Spirit help us better know how to speak truth in a gracious way into contemporary settings of misunderstanding.
The Holy Spirit, contrary to some, plays a significant role in the maturation of disciples into Christ-likeness. For the rest of this week, We'll break down some passages to better understand exactly what the Spirit does and why.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
I know most of you come here to read my spiritual commentary but my third love, next to my God and my family is sports. Today, I'm devoting my blog to a couple of sports takes and will be back tomorrow with some insights on the Holy Spirit and our heritage.
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The Dallas Morning News is reporting this morning that the Rangers are in on-going discussions with the Florida Marlins regarding Juan Pierre. Pierre is the prototypical leadoff man. He is a rangy centerfielder with tremendous speed.
The problem is the Marlins are asking for one of the two golden arms in the Rangers system in return: Thomas Diamond or John Danks.
As much as Pierre would fill a void in the Rangers lineup, I don't like the thought of landing Pierre at that price. The Rangers short-coming, traditionally, has been pitching and the fix to that chronic problem is developing in the farm system.
Here's hoping Jon Daniels, in attempt to make a splash as the Rangers new GM, doesn't do anything overly drastic, like trading away a future #1 starter for a guy whose ultimate impact in the Rangers lineup won't result in an increase in runs scored.
------------------------
This morning, as I got to my office, I did what I typically do. Check out numerous blog sites (someday, I will post for you a list of all the blogs I visit on a daily basis). I followed that up with a visit to all the baseball sites that provide solid information on the Winter Meetings. And finally, I checked all the Razorback message boards.
It was that final stop that halted my attention.
Apparently, Mitch Mustain, who has landed the most valuable award given to a high school football player, the Gatorade National High School Player of the Year, has reopened his recruitment. A once solid lock to attend Arkansas, Mustain is now saying he will reconsider, adding Tennessee, Notre Dame and South Carolina to his list of options. Earlier in his recruitment, Texas was a major player for his services but I did not see the Horns mentioned.
What's amazing is this: if Houston Nutt is unable to land arguably the best high school football player ever to come out of Arkansas, then his days as the Head Football Coach at the University of Arkansas are numbered. With Butch Davis sitting in the wings with the full-backing of Johnny Tyson and his vast amount of money, Houston Nutt is now on the shakiest of ground. The next couple of days are going to be some kind of interesting to watch.
----------------------
The Dallas Morning News is reporting this morning that the Rangers are in on-going discussions with the Florida Marlins regarding Juan Pierre. Pierre is the prototypical leadoff man. He is a rangy centerfielder with tremendous speed.
The problem is the Marlins are asking for one of the two golden arms in the Rangers system in return: Thomas Diamond or John Danks.
As much as Pierre would fill a void in the Rangers lineup, I don't like the thought of landing Pierre at that price. The Rangers short-coming, traditionally, has been pitching and the fix to that chronic problem is developing in the farm system.
Here's hoping Jon Daniels, in attempt to make a splash as the Rangers new GM, doesn't do anything overly drastic, like trading away a future #1 starter for a guy whose ultimate impact in the Rangers lineup won't result in an increase in runs scored.
------------------------
This morning, as I got to my office, I did what I typically do. Check out numerous blog sites (someday, I will post for you a list of all the blogs I visit on a daily basis). I followed that up with a visit to all the baseball sites that provide solid information on the Winter Meetings. And finally, I checked all the Razorback message boards.
It was that final stop that halted my attention.
Apparently, Mitch Mustain, who has landed the most valuable award given to a high school football player, the Gatorade National High School Player of the Year, has reopened his recruitment. A once solid lock to attend Arkansas, Mustain is now saying he will reconsider, adding Tennessee, Notre Dame and South Carolina to his list of options. Earlier in his recruitment, Texas was a major player for his services but I did not see the Horns mentioned.
What's amazing is this: if Houston Nutt is unable to land arguably the best high school football player ever to come out of Arkansas, then his days as the Head Football Coach at the University of Arkansas are numbered. With Butch Davis sitting in the wings with the full-backing of Johnny Tyson and his vast amount of money, Houston Nutt is now on the shakiest of ground. The next couple of days are going to be some kind of interesting to watch.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Today is December 5th and the beginning of the Baseball Winter Meetings in Dallas. For those of you who've been with me on this blog since summer, you know my unabashed passion for Texas Rangers baseball. The Rangers figure to be, according to most baseball scribes, one of the five most active teams at the Winter Meetings.
The Winter Meetings are to baseball executives what "Black Friday" is to bargain shoppers. And while the bargains might not be as easy on the wallet, the wheeling and dealing of baseball players should be fun to watch. And with the current crop of free agents being what it is, there figures to be a significant hike in the number of deals at this year's Winter Meetings.
I'm thinking new Rangers GM Jon Daniels is looking for a signature move that places his stamp on the team. It should be fun to watch unfold.
----------------------------
Quick funny from the Gardner house last night: Following church one Sunday night each month, Allan invites the youth group to stay over at the youth house for dinner and a movie. Last night, Sloppy Joe's was served as the meal alongside the classic movie, "Hoosiers."
Trae and I stayed for about 30 minutes and enjoyed the meal and the first part of the movie. When we got home, Mandy asked Trae, "What movie were you all watching?" And without batting an eye, Trae innocently replied, "Who's Yours." Classic.
----------------------------
Well, I missed. Missed a good one. At least a 10-pointer, perhaps 11. After a bow hunting crash course on Friday afternoon, my nieghbor and friend Jamie Schumacher decided I was ready and qualified for an actual bow hunt.
Only one problem: I wasn't near as confident as Jamie!
Saturday morning brought a beautiful sunrise to the Texas Hill Country. Just after daybreak, several does began feeding by us. We must have seen 15-16 different does pass through. Two four points presented themselves when finally, the big hoss showed up. I feared with all those eyes around that drawing the bow would spook the does and they'd all scatter but, amazingly, they did not. Consequently, in my haste to get a shot off, I rushed (fearing the flight of the does and the big buck) and shot just over the back of the deer.
----------------------------
I've often wondered throughout the course of my ministry if every church should have a "Deacon of Relaxation." Not talking therapy sessions here, but simply a leader who, in the midst of those times when we make mountains of molehills, could be a trusted and respected person to calm the nerves of the over-reactive.
Maybe Barnabas was that kind-of leader. He's called "The Son of Encouragement." Perhaps a portion of his encouragement was directed at quieting the spirits of those who were unsettled.
In a heritage such as ours in the churches of Christ -- where we have historically granted "liberty in matters of opinion" -- things are sometimes said in the course of a Bible class or a discussion group that might be unsettling. Uncomfortable.
And in those moments, wouldn't it be nice to have a "Deacon of Relaxation" who could encouragingly say: "Hey folks, Chill out. Everything's gonna be just fine if you just relax."
The Winter Meetings are to baseball executives what "Black Friday" is to bargain shoppers. And while the bargains might not be as easy on the wallet, the wheeling and dealing of baseball players should be fun to watch. And with the current crop of free agents being what it is, there figures to be a significant hike in the number of deals at this year's Winter Meetings.
I'm thinking new Rangers GM Jon Daniels is looking for a signature move that places his stamp on the team. It should be fun to watch unfold.
----------------------------
Quick funny from the Gardner house last night: Following church one Sunday night each month, Allan invites the youth group to stay over at the youth house for dinner and a movie. Last night, Sloppy Joe's was served as the meal alongside the classic movie, "Hoosiers."
Trae and I stayed for about 30 minutes and enjoyed the meal and the first part of the movie. When we got home, Mandy asked Trae, "What movie were you all watching?" And without batting an eye, Trae innocently replied, "Who's Yours." Classic.
----------------------------
Well, I missed. Missed a good one. At least a 10-pointer, perhaps 11. After a bow hunting crash course on Friday afternoon, my nieghbor and friend Jamie Schumacher decided I was ready and qualified for an actual bow hunt.
Only one problem: I wasn't near as confident as Jamie!
Saturday morning brought a beautiful sunrise to the Texas Hill Country. Just after daybreak, several does began feeding by us. We must have seen 15-16 different does pass through. Two four points presented themselves when finally, the big hoss showed up. I feared with all those eyes around that drawing the bow would spook the does and they'd all scatter but, amazingly, they did not. Consequently, in my haste to get a shot off, I rushed (fearing the flight of the does and the big buck) and shot just over the back of the deer.
----------------------------
I've often wondered throughout the course of my ministry if every church should have a "Deacon of Relaxation." Not talking therapy sessions here, but simply a leader who, in the midst of those times when we make mountains of molehills, could be a trusted and respected person to calm the nerves of the over-reactive.
Maybe Barnabas was that kind-of leader. He's called "The Son of Encouragement." Perhaps a portion of his encouragement was directed at quieting the spirits of those who were unsettled.
In a heritage such as ours in the churches of Christ -- where we have historically granted "liberty in matters of opinion" -- things are sometimes said in the course of a Bible class or a discussion group that might be unsettling. Uncomfortable.
And in those moments, wouldn't it be nice to have a "Deacon of Relaxation" who could encouragingly say: "Hey folks, Chill out. Everything's gonna be just fine if you just relax."
Friday, December 02, 2005
Thankfully, Trae made a dramatic recovery from what we feared was the flu and was able to make it to school by lunch time yesterday. I think the moral of the story of her illness Wednesday night was this: never feed your child spicy food, i.e. lasagna, right before they go to bed! She performed well during the Christmas play last night at the high school auditorium and for that, I am grateful.
Trae was just one of several kids from our church who performed in the program last night. It was a really fun, neat evening. Afterward, four of us families, with all our kidos, munched down on the best pizza ever made...Mr. Gatti's.
-----------------------
I'm out of the office today at noon to meet up with Jamie Schumacher who is going to give me a crash course in shooting a bow. This morning, as Trae and I ate breakfast together, we watched three bucks (two 8 points and a 4 point) scuffle with one another while about 15 does stood around watching. I'm thinking one of those 8 points would look really nice above our fireplace.
------------------------
The Austin American-Statesman newspaper this morning noted in the sports section that the University of Texas has scheduled a four-game series in basketball, beginning in the 2006-2007 season with, none other than, the University of Arkansas.
I'm already making plans to be in the Super Drum next year when the Hogs come calling on the Horns...but who will I cheer for?
-----------------------
I appreciate so much the growth and maturity of Jimmy Mitchell. His blog entry yesterday impacted me and I share it with you today. He entitled this entry "Injustice."
Trae was just one of several kids from our church who performed in the program last night. It was a really fun, neat evening. Afterward, four of us families, with all our kidos, munched down on the best pizza ever made...Mr. Gatti's.
-----------------------
I'm out of the office today at noon to meet up with Jamie Schumacher who is going to give me a crash course in shooting a bow. This morning, as Trae and I ate breakfast together, we watched three bucks (two 8 points and a 4 point) scuffle with one another while about 15 does stood around watching. I'm thinking one of those 8 points would look really nice above our fireplace.
------------------------
The Austin American-Statesman newspaper this morning noted in the sports section that the University of Texas has scheduled a four-game series in basketball, beginning in the 2006-2007 season with, none other than, the University of Arkansas.
I'm already making plans to be in the Super Drum next year when the Hogs come calling on the Horns...but who will I cheer for?
-----------------------
I appreciate so much the growth and maturity of Jimmy Mitchell. His blog entry yesterday impacted me and I share it with you today. He entitled this entry "Injustice."
Last night in the youth group, we talked about baggage. Not the kind we carry with us on vacation, but the emotional baggage that burdens us down every day - the burden of being scorned, wronged, abused, hurt or mistreated by our friends, family or fellow man. Some of us have the chemical makeup to strike back immediately, but if you are like me, when someone has wronged you, it is easy not to say anything at all and let the pain stay with you until it builds into a festering wound that threatens to destroy. Either way, no good comes of the situation. Something needs to be done by someone to make everything right again.
Last night was a breakthrough for many in class. In a world so full of “just wait, they’ll see”, I’ll get them”, and “I am going to make them wish they had never messed with me!’ we came to the Biblical conclusion that we are not to avenge the injustices committed against us in the world. That is God’s business.
He is the one in control.
He knows the hearts and minds of everyone.
He sees the good and the bad.
We don’t and we can’t.
Isn’t it great to know that Someone more powerful, insightful, loving and forgiving is in control of you and me. Let’s give all of it over to Him. He can handle it so much better.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Alright, this seasonal sickness stuff is getting a little ridiculous!
For the last three weeks, one of our girls has been sick. Just as Tori was bouncing back and things were returning to normal, Trae came down ill last night during the middle of the night with the flu. The sad part is tonight is her school Christmas play and, as of now, it looks like she'll be a no-show. That is disappointing to us, but not as disappointing as it is to Trae.
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I found this quote yesterday: "It is easier to maintain mediocrity than to strive for excellence."
How true that is. Be it in your personal life, professional life, even in the life of a church, it is so much easier to settle for the routine of mediocrity than to strive for excellence.
I've never understood why churches sometime seem content with mediocrity -- a mediocrity that is visible in children's programming, in evangelistic zeal, in inspiring worship assemblies. We are supposed to be people who have committed ourselves to live by "the most excellent way" so it stands to reason that in our witness, we would strive for excellence in the way we communicate and exemplify the way of Jesus to the world.
-------------------
Finally, yesterday marked the end of a 12-year run for one of my favorite heroes of all time. Ken Hatfield resigned yesterday as the Head Coach at Rice. During his time at Arkansas, Hatfield led the Hogs to a 55-17 record and four finishes in the Top 15 over the course of his six years.
For the last three weeks, one of our girls has been sick. Just as Tori was bouncing back and things were returning to normal, Trae came down ill last night during the middle of the night with the flu. The sad part is tonight is her school Christmas play and, as of now, it looks like she'll be a no-show. That is disappointing to us, but not as disappointing as it is to Trae.
-----------------
I found this quote yesterday: "It is easier to maintain mediocrity than to strive for excellence."
How true that is. Be it in your personal life, professional life, even in the life of a church, it is so much easier to settle for the routine of mediocrity than to strive for excellence.
I've never understood why churches sometime seem content with mediocrity -- a mediocrity that is visible in children's programming, in evangelistic zeal, in inspiring worship assemblies. We are supposed to be people who have committed ourselves to live by "the most excellent way" so it stands to reason that in our witness, we would strive for excellence in the way we communicate and exemplify the way of Jesus to the world.
-------------------
Finally, yesterday marked the end of a 12-year run for one of my favorite heroes of all time. Ken Hatfield resigned yesterday as the Head Coach at Rice. During his time at Arkansas, Hatfield led the Hogs to a 55-17 record and four finishes in the Top 15 over the course of his six years.
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