Last December at the Arkansas School Boards Association state conference, I had the privilege to hear Jim Kern speak. Kern lives in Spring Branch, Texas and is a highly demanded speaker in the area of esteem-building in children and those entrusted with caring for children (parents, teachers, etc.).
Today, I share with you a story from Jim Kern's book Build the Fort Today that challenges the often-used expressions (excuses) of adults to children: "Not tonight!" "Later!" "I'm too tired!" "I'm too busy!" "Some other time!" or "Wait just a minute!"
The seven year old boy asked his father, "Daddy, could you build me a fort?" and Daddy said that he could. The child's every waking moment was filled with the excitement and anticipation of working on his own fort.
The child was nearly bursting with enthusiasm as his father came home from work the next day. "Tonight, Daddy, can we build the fort?"
"Not tonight, son, I'm just too tired."
On the second night daddy postponed once more saying, "Tonight I have a report to do. I must be finished by tomorrow."
On the third night, Daddy's explanation ws a bit longer: "Son, your mother and I have made a promise to go to a party. Do you understand about promises?" Indeed, the child did understand about promises.
These were followed with other statements to postpone the building, still the child persisted.
On a Friday morning, the child heard his daddy say, "Tonight you hurry right home from school and we'll build your fort." The excitement of a child is indescribable. Not one thing will be gained from today's experience in school as a child thinks only of that moment when he will work with his dad on that special fort.
The bell rang signalling the end of the day. The boy leaped from his desk, bolted out the front door, and maybe he reasoned like this: "I can run all the way home; it's only seven blocks."
With a head full of dreams and happiness, the boy ran as fast as he could, not at all aware of the too familiar world passing by. As he entered the busy road, he looked neither left or right. The truck appeared out of nowhere and the small body was hit. The ambulance took the lad to the hospital emergency room where the first evaluation contained only one word..."Coma."
Dad received the call and he drove recklessly to the hospital, pushed past people to enter his son's room and stood for what must have seemed an eternity at the foot of his child's bed. Father watched as two little eyes opened, a little smile appeared, and a voice just a bit too weak uttered the boy's last words: "Daddy, we won't have to build that fort tonight after all."
The child died.
I believe that the child is okay, but Dad is not okay. Dad is thinner now and he's quieter now. Dad loses his hair in circular patches and when it grows back, it grows back without color. He very likely wonders where to turn for relief from the guilt and the pain. To whom can he say, "I wish I had never postponed those requests?" We may lose daddy, too.
We can learn from the experience of others. I (Jim Kern) have decided that I will never again say to a child one of those delaying responses. Instead I'll be saying, "How long do you think it will take?" When the child says, "Three minutes" or "Five minutes," or "Seven minutes," I'll realize I have as many minutes as the child has requested. What could be more important than spending time with our most valuable resource, our children? (p. 42-43)
"Children are a reward from the LORD" (Psalm 127.3). Parents and grandparents, are there any fort-building projects in your future? Have you been putting off today the requests of your children; requests ultimately born of their heart's desire to spend time with you? What are you waiting for? No investment is so great as the investment of your time and energy in the life of one of those precious gifts God has entrusted to our care.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Rangers deal for Matt Riley
This afternoon, my beloved Texas Rangers struck a deal with the Baltimore Orioles, sending Ramon Nivar to the Orioles in exchange for LHP Matt Riley and C Keith McDonald. This deal has great potential for the Rangers. Riley is a quality left-handed pitcher and a welcomed addition to the big league staff and McDonald is a serviceable AAA-level catcher. In losing Nivar, the Rangers lose a player who was once the brightest bulb in the system. For the last two years, though, he seems to have hit his ceiling. Overall, a great deal for the Rangers.
Missional Theology
Evaluation without investigation cripples. Evaluation without investigation stunts growth. Evaluation without investigation is dishonest and lacks integrity.
That is why in light of the heavy push at Tulsa toward a more subjective expression of faith due to the impact of postmodernism, I have immersed myself in reading on the issues. The easiest thing in the world is to sit at a safe distance and cast support or dissent solely on the basis of who the mouthpiece is. Lord knows there have been too many who have taken that route. Rather than accept or discard something on the basis of who said it, I would rather investigate the claim before making my evaluation.
The recent push toward a "missional theology" prompted by the rising cultural tide of postmodernism is, in my estimation, overwhelmingly positive. Missional theology seeks to form within each disciple of Christ a thirst and passion for missions. Traditionally, missions has been viewed as ministry relegated to third world countries. Missionaries have been pigeon-holed as people always seeking financial support with their reports and video presentations ready at the drop of a hat.
But missional theology emphasizes a dramatic shift in missions. Must a person go to foreign soil to be a missionary? Can a person be a missionary at home, living out the mission purpose of Jesus with the people in his or her own backyard?
Mike Cope, during his presentations at Tulsa, did a wonderful job in articulating multiple avenues for people in real-life situations (such as public school teachers) to serve as missionaries to people within their circle of influence.
Listen to this description of missional theology. It cuts to the chase in defining the validity of missional theology.
That is why in light of the heavy push at Tulsa toward a more subjective expression of faith due to the impact of postmodernism, I have immersed myself in reading on the issues. The easiest thing in the world is to sit at a safe distance and cast support or dissent solely on the basis of who the mouthpiece is. Lord knows there have been too many who have taken that route. Rather than accept or discard something on the basis of who said it, I would rather investigate the claim before making my evaluation.
The recent push toward a "missional theology" prompted by the rising cultural tide of postmodernism is, in my estimation, overwhelmingly positive. Missional theology seeks to form within each disciple of Christ a thirst and passion for missions. Traditionally, missions has been viewed as ministry relegated to third world countries. Missionaries have been pigeon-holed as people always seeking financial support with their reports and video presentations ready at the drop of a hat.
But missional theology emphasizes a dramatic shift in missions. Must a person go to foreign soil to be a missionary? Can a person be a missionary at home, living out the mission purpose of Jesus with the people in his or her own backyard?
Mike Cope, during his presentations at Tulsa, did a wonderful job in articulating multiple avenues for people in real-life situations (such as public school teachers) to serve as missionaries to people within their circle of influence.
Listen to this description of missional theology. It cuts to the chase in defining the validity of missional theology.
It is time for the church to take discipleship seriously. Another way of saying this is to say that we must get over ourselves; the church isn't a cruise ship that functions for the comfort and pleasure of its members - otherwise we'll book passage on another line. We must get over the worldly selfishness we have brought as baggage into the Body of Christ. We must get over the church-as-building syndrome and learn to be church-as-people-in-transformation. Only then will we be evangelistic. Richard Halverson was correct in pointing out that the apostles never had to do the exhorting and scolding and programming that churches do today in the name of evangelism. Among those people who remembered the presence of the Incarnate Christ in their midst, outreach with the gospel issued as effortlessly as light from the sun; evangelism really was automatic, spontaneous, continuous, and contagious for them - and must become so for us (Shelly and York, The Jesus Community, p. 181-2).
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Psalm 113.3 in Living Color
This morning I awoke at 4:45 A.M. It wasn't insomnia. It wasn't the cry of a teething one-year old daughter. It was intentional - my alarm clock awoke me.
It is spring in Arkansas and for me, the advent of spring means turkey hunting! It is only 11 days till the opening of spring gobbler season (4 days until the special youth hunt for children ages 15 and under). I have committed to taking one of the young guys in our youth group this coming Saturday morning. Last year, his big brother and I had great success (we harvested an 18lbs. two-year old gobbler by 6:30 A.M.). This year, it is little brothers' turn.
For the men on my dad's side of the family, spring turkey hunting is a passion. It started with my grandfather, was passed down to my father and now to me. And I love it! It isn't simply the challenge of outwitting those wary tom turkeys, it is the spiritual opportunity being in nature provides that so engages me.
This morning, from an elevated vantage point, I witnessed the handiwork of God. The dew on the ground formed a light ground fog. The birds awoke (especially five tom turkeys that sounded off). The sun crept over the eastern edge of the Ouachita Mountains.
The magnificence of the sunrise this morning provided more empirical, undeniable evidence of the omnipotence of God! I witnessed with my own eyes the majesty spoken of in Psalm 113.3: "From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised."
My time in nature each spring provides a unique sanctuary. A time for prayer, reflection and praise. God's creative genius, on display this morning, made for a special opportunity to worship Him.
When was the last time you enjoyed a beautiful sunrise and seized the opportunity to worship? It might cost you a few hours of sleep, but the benefits far outweigh the cost!
It is spring in Arkansas and for me, the advent of spring means turkey hunting! It is only 11 days till the opening of spring gobbler season (4 days until the special youth hunt for children ages 15 and under). I have committed to taking one of the young guys in our youth group this coming Saturday morning. Last year, his big brother and I had great success (we harvested an 18lbs. two-year old gobbler by 6:30 A.M.). This year, it is little brothers' turn.
For the men on my dad's side of the family, spring turkey hunting is a passion. It started with my grandfather, was passed down to my father and now to me. And I love it! It isn't simply the challenge of outwitting those wary tom turkeys, it is the spiritual opportunity being in nature provides that so engages me.
This morning, from an elevated vantage point, I witnessed the handiwork of God. The dew on the ground formed a light ground fog. The birds awoke (especially five tom turkeys that sounded off). The sun crept over the eastern edge of the Ouachita Mountains.
The magnificence of the sunrise this morning provided more empirical, undeniable evidence of the omnipotence of God! I witnessed with my own eyes the majesty spoken of in Psalm 113.3: "From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised."
My time in nature each spring provides a unique sanctuary. A time for prayer, reflection and praise. God's creative genius, on display this morning, made for a special opportunity to worship Him.
When was the last time you enjoyed a beautiful sunrise and seized the opportunity to worship? It might cost you a few hours of sleep, but the benefits far outweigh the cost!
Monday, March 28, 2005
A Postmodern Primer
Wow! Was it ever wonderful to hear the goofy voice of Josh Lewin and the baseball wisdom of Tom Grieve last night as the Rangers/Brewers game did make it on to Fox Sports Southwest. 8 days and counting to opening day at Anaheim!
By in large, the above blog title is how I would describe the Tulsa Workshop 2005 version. Leonard Sweet and Rubel Shelly spoke extensively about the impact of cultural change and how it demands the church to acquiesce.
Again, I wrestle through the question: In the never-ending conflict that is church and culture, who should transform whom? Should church acquiesce to every ripple in the stream of culture? Or should church be the salt and light that prompts transformation within culture?
To help understand the tension and the dominant view among Postmodern theologians, here is a paragraph from John York who, along with Rubel Shelly, authored The Jesus Proposal. This paragraph highlights for me the basis for change advocated by the Postmodern movement.
The evolving postmodern passion among prominent voices will force many honest disciples to think, re-think and pray through this tension. It isn't enough to accept or deny the counsel of the voices solely because of "who they are."
By in large, the above blog title is how I would describe the Tulsa Workshop 2005 version. Leonard Sweet and Rubel Shelly spoke extensively about the impact of cultural change and how it demands the church to acquiesce.
Again, I wrestle through the question: In the never-ending conflict that is church and culture, who should transform whom? Should church acquiesce to every ripple in the stream of culture? Or should church be the salt and light that prompts transformation within culture?
To help understand the tension and the dominant view among Postmodern theologians, here is a paragraph from John York who, along with Rubel Shelly, authored The Jesus Proposal. This paragraph highlights for me the basis for change advocated by the Postmodern movement.
Though we sometimes protest conforming Christian faith to our culture, how do we escape the realization that God and Christ and our interpretations of Scripture and our pursuit of faith are inevitably conditioned by our circumstances? The answer is that we don't and can't escape them. Neither can we any longer pretend that our faith and our practices in a particular church are immune or that there was a time called "Bible times" that was immune. There never has been a time when some pristine form of Christian faith lived outside of such cultural reading.
The evolving postmodern passion among prominent voices will force many honest disciples to think, re-think and pray through this tension. It isn't enough to accept or deny the counsel of the voices solely because of "who they are."
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Hope Floats
First an aside, I am really hoping strongly that Fox Sports Southwest decides to show the Rangers/Brewers game tomorrow evening as opposed to another tease!
It's called "Good Friday" through Christendom but for those two disciples journeying from Jerusalem to Emmaus, there was nothing good about it. The death of Jesus was the death of every dream they'd had. The death of Jesus was the death of their hope for a liberating Messiah.
"We had hoped it was he..." How often does life's circumstances serve as a needle prick in the inflatable lifeboat called hope? How does hope float through circumstances which seem so hopeless?
Tomorrow morning, we are going "On the Road Again" - the Emmaus Road - to see how Jesus infuses hope in the midst of our most hopeless cirucmstances.
It's called "Good Friday" through Christendom but for those two disciples journeying from Jerusalem to Emmaus, there was nothing good about it. The death of Jesus was the death of every dream they'd had. The death of Jesus was the death of their hope for a liberating Messiah.
"We had hoped it was he..." How often does life's circumstances serve as a needle prick in the inflatable lifeboat called hope? How does hope float through circumstances which seem so hopeless?
Tomorrow morning, we are going "On the Road Again" - the Emmaus Road - to see how Jesus infuses hope in the midst of our most hopeless cirucmstances.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Off to Tulsa
Tomorrow morning, my family and I will travel to Tulsa for the annual Tulsa Workshop. This will be my first workshop in five years, as baseball coaching commitments have preempted my journeying to Tulsa each of the last four Easter weekends.
Mandy, Trae and Tori will be joining me. I must admit that at times in my past, I've looked upon speaking engagments, workshops and conferences as a "get-away" opportunity. No longer!
Recently, our Dads class at church went through Steve Farrar's book Finishing Strong. In the book, Farrar points out that when Jesus traveled, he took his disciples with him. As a father, our disciples live under our own roof with us. Typically, dads look for "getaway" opportunities while the example of Jesus demonstrates the value of taking our disciples with us on our travels.
So we're off to Tulsa, with our two precious gifts from God in tow. Who know how much they will retain from Tulsa Workshop 2005? But the ride, the hotel stay, the heated swimming pool - something tells me some of those memories will stick!
Mandy, Trae and Tori will be joining me. I must admit that at times in my past, I've looked upon speaking engagments, workshops and conferences as a "get-away" opportunity. No longer!
Recently, our Dads class at church went through Steve Farrar's book Finishing Strong. In the book, Farrar points out that when Jesus traveled, he took his disciples with him. As a father, our disciples live under our own roof with us. Typically, dads look for "getaway" opportunities while the example of Jesus demonstrates the value of taking our disciples with us on our travels.
So we're off to Tulsa, with our two precious gifts from God in tow. Who know how much they will retain from Tulsa Workshop 2005? But the ride, the hotel stay, the heated swimming pool - something tells me some of those memories will stick!
Spring Training Reflections
Ever since being introduced to Larry James's blog, I have been tremendously impressed, moved and convicted by his thoughts. Today, he offers some reflections based on his recent spring training trip to Arizona. Today, I share his thoughts with you and encourage you to visit his blog often.
I really enjoy baseball. The level of play doesn't really matter to me. From tee-ball to the majors, if there is a game underway, I'm interested.
So, for the past six days I have been on pilgrimage.
About a third of major league baseball shows up in the Phoenix-Tucson area this time every year for Cactus League games in preparation for the real season that begins in April.
I watched 5 games in as many days. I kept score throughout four of those games--something about recording results as they unfold is therapeutic!
Baseball is like a spiritual exercise for me. Just getting away and losing myself in a game, watching young players take their best shot at getting into the big leagues--if you like baseball, you will immediately understand my point. If you don't get it, take my word for it: It is very special.
This was my second year to make Spring Training in Arizona.
This year seemed different than last. Maybe I was familiar with the different parks and the routine and the process, I don't know. But, I do know that I observed everything this year with keener eyes.
Maybe it was the incredible steroid Congressional hearings. Surprise, surprise! Bloated, pumped up home run sluggers cheat and use illegal drugs to enhance performance. Now there is news for all of us who follow the game.
The fact is most of us have known for awhile that our heroes as kids made records without the help. They also chased down fly balls and made mind boggling throws that today's players sometimes don't even attempt. But then, they had their problems with alcohol, gambling and domestic violence. Baseball is played by people no matter which era!
Back to my point. Whatever it was, I saw new things this trip out west.
For one thing, I was extremely aware of my wealth. Just to be able to make a trip like this in a world like mine. . .well, I have more than I need.
And, so do a lot of other people.
I overheard an older gent behind me in the stands one day talking on his cell phone. He described how his stocks were really paying off. He was 62-years-old, retired and rolling in the dough.
Lots of rich guys like me watch spring ball.
Then, there was the complexion of the crowds at all of the parks. A conservative estimate would have to cut the demographics at 90+% white and less than 10% persons of color. I know by looking at the lineups in every game that lots of people who are not white like baseball. It was a crowd of privilege and advantage by birth that I was a part of.
A somewhat surreal dimension was provided every day by U. S. Air Force and Marine fly-overs by several different varieties of jet fighter planes. Weapons in the air that cost millions and millions of dollars. Weapons designed to protect the way of life that I have become accustomed to, including my spring ball.
Don't get me wrong. I loved the games and the hustle and the details. I will likely go back again.
But, somehow the stark contrasts and the memory of so many friends left behind in inner city Dallas gave me a different perspective on everything.
I really enjoy baseball. The level of play doesn't really matter to me. From tee-ball to the majors, if there is a game underway, I'm interested.
So, for the past six days I have been on pilgrimage.
About a third of major league baseball shows up in the Phoenix-Tucson area this time every year for Cactus League games in preparation for the real season that begins in April.
I watched 5 games in as many days. I kept score throughout four of those games--something about recording results as they unfold is therapeutic!
Baseball is like a spiritual exercise for me. Just getting away and losing myself in a game, watching young players take their best shot at getting into the big leagues--if you like baseball, you will immediately understand my point. If you don't get it, take my word for it: It is very special.
This was my second year to make Spring Training in Arizona.
This year seemed different than last. Maybe I was familiar with the different parks and the routine and the process, I don't know. But, I do know that I observed everything this year with keener eyes.
Maybe it was the incredible steroid Congressional hearings. Surprise, surprise! Bloated, pumped up home run sluggers cheat and use illegal drugs to enhance performance. Now there is news for all of us who follow the game.
The fact is most of us have known for awhile that our heroes as kids made records without the help. They also chased down fly balls and made mind boggling throws that today's players sometimes don't even attempt. But then, they had their problems with alcohol, gambling and domestic violence. Baseball is played by people no matter which era!
Back to my point. Whatever it was, I saw new things this trip out west.
For one thing, I was extremely aware of my wealth. Just to be able to make a trip like this in a world like mine. . .well, I have more than I need.
And, so do a lot of other people.
I overheard an older gent behind me in the stands one day talking on his cell phone. He described how his stocks were really paying off. He was 62-years-old, retired and rolling in the dough.
Lots of rich guys like me watch spring ball.
Then, there was the complexion of the crowds at all of the parks. A conservative estimate would have to cut the demographics at 90+% white and less than 10% persons of color. I know by looking at the lineups in every game that lots of people who are not white like baseball. It was a crowd of privilege and advantage by birth that I was a part of.
A somewhat surreal dimension was provided every day by U. S. Air Force and Marine fly-overs by several different varieties of jet fighter planes. Weapons in the air that cost millions and millions of dollars. Weapons designed to protect the way of life that I have become accustomed to, including my spring ball.
Don't get me wrong. I loved the games and the hustle and the details. I will likely go back again.
But, somehow the stark contrasts and the memory of so many friends left behind in inner city Dallas gave me a different perspective on everything.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Church and Culture
Last Tuesday afternoon, a gentleman walked in to my office because of a radio commercial he had heard on our local radio station, KVRE 92.9 FM.
In advance of our Friends Day, I did several radio spots designed to peak interest within our community. On Tuesday afternoon, a man named Wayne, traveling home from a rained out tee time, heard one of the spots and detoured by our church office. Wayne announced his membership at a Methodist church in the Village but began to share some discontent. He was perplexed at what he termed "a commitment to compromise" for the sake of the Post-modern culture.
It was a fascinating, wonderful discussion. Wayne's comments underscored the tension that exists within life-long members of a particular religious heritage when the teachings of that heritage seem more concerned with making concessions to culture rather than impacting the culture.
In the battle of church and culture, in the face of much post-modern philosophy, who is winning? Is church impacting culture or is culture impacting church?
In advance of our Friends Day, I did several radio spots designed to peak interest within our community. On Tuesday afternoon, a man named Wayne, traveling home from a rained out tee time, heard one of the spots and detoured by our church office. Wayne announced his membership at a Methodist church in the Village but began to share some discontent. He was perplexed at what he termed "a commitment to compromise" for the sake of the Post-modern culture.
It was a fascinating, wonderful discussion. Wayne's comments underscored the tension that exists within life-long members of a particular religious heritage when the teachings of that heritage seem more concerned with making concessions to culture rather than impacting the culture.
In the battle of church and culture, in the face of much post-modern philosophy, who is winning? Is church impacting culture or is culture impacting church?
Monday, March 21, 2005
Friends Day Rewind
Yesterday was Friends Day at the Village church. For the past couple of years, we have intentionally developed an outreach strategy, using Friends Day in conjunction with Easter Sunday. Last year, we hosted Friends Day on the Sunday before Easter (which also happened to be the Sunday of the time change). Our attendance was less than anticipated.
This year, I was excited when the calendar revealed the time change would occur on the Sunday following Easter. But yet another hurdle...make that two. Not only did we run into the beginning of Spring Break, we also discovered how precious "Palm Sunday" is to our friends and neighbors.
Our hope was to break 300 for the first time in the history of our church. We had 285.
I'm learning, ever so slowly, the weird psychology involved in setting statistical goals in a church. Sometimes, wonderful advances (such as yesterday's Friends Day) yield disappointing emotions because a human imposed "goal" was not achieved. We had set a goal for 350 which was lofty by design. I had actually hoped we would have at least 300.
How in the world could anyone ever be discouraged with 285, a full 78 person increase over our average Sunday morning worship attendance? Only someone who has chosen to focus more on the "goal" than on God and His ability to convict and convince hearts through outreach efforts like Friends Day.
Why do we base so much of ministry success on our ability to achieve our goals? Why do we struggle to learn that ministry success is not measured on what we do for God but on what God does among us? Why do we fail to see that true ministry is not found in doing His work for Him but in sensing and seeing where He is working and joining ourselves to Him in His work?
This year, I was excited when the calendar revealed the time change would occur on the Sunday following Easter. But yet another hurdle...make that two. Not only did we run into the beginning of Spring Break, we also discovered how precious "Palm Sunday" is to our friends and neighbors.
Our hope was to break 300 for the first time in the history of our church. We had 285.
I'm learning, ever so slowly, the weird psychology involved in setting statistical goals in a church. Sometimes, wonderful advances (such as yesterday's Friends Day) yield disappointing emotions because a human imposed "goal" was not achieved. We had set a goal for 350 which was lofty by design. I had actually hoped we would have at least 300.
How in the world could anyone ever be discouraged with 285, a full 78 person increase over our average Sunday morning worship attendance? Only someone who has chosen to focus more on the "goal" than on God and His ability to convict and convince hearts through outreach efforts like Friends Day.
Why do we base so much of ministry success on our ability to achieve our goals? Why do we struggle to learn that ministry success is not measured on what we do for God but on what God does among us? Why do we fail to see that true ministry is not found in doing His work for Him but in sensing and seeing where He is working and joining ourselves to Him in His work?
Friday, March 18, 2005
Raising Arizona
I wasn't intending to post for my stay in Arizona but the Tempe Travelodge just happens to have free internet access. So, voila, another blog entry.
Spring Training Arizona style just blows Florida out of the water. During our four years in Florida, my wife and I made an annual tradition of celebrating my birthday at a spring training game. This year, I'm blessed with the joy of renewing that great tradition with good friend and mentor, Rick Northen.
The ballparks in Arizona are superior to Florida's in terms of quality and proximity. All of the teams but three train in the greater Phoenix area and traffic congestion is a non-factor when moving through the Phoenix.
Wednesday, we did travel down to Tucson to catch the Rangers and the D-backs at Tucson Electric Park. The ballpark is home to the D-backs AAA team, the Sidewinders. The Rangers took the game, 9-2, and advancing up-and-comer, Ian Kinsler, raked two doubles. Kinsler is impressive, with a compact, quick swing that generates tremendous bat speed.
Yesterday, we made our way out to Surprise for our introduction to the Rangers three-year-old spring training home. Wow! The ballpark is phenomenal and the training facility, which the Rangers share with the Royals, is the best I've ever seen! We watched some of the 40-man pitchers work in simulated games. Saw Thomas Diamond, Wilfredo Rodriguez, Kameron Loe pitch. The A teams were playing an intrasquad game. That is pure baseball joy, being able to stroll back-and-forth between ballparks watching the major leaguers of tomorrow hone their skills.
Today, it is off to Peoria to catch the AA and AAA teams against the Padres, followed by the big club against the same Padres.
Thus far, I have been highly impressed with Ian Kinsler's style and skill-set. Nick Regilio pitched well yesterday following the Giants bombing of Kenny Rogers. Gerald Laird homered in his one at bat we've seen. Ryan Drese owned the D-backs during his outing on Wednesday.
Disappointments have to be Greg Colbrunn. He was brutal at the plate yesterday. Richard Hidalgo looks thicker than I remembered. Alfonso Soriano has been MIA for the duration of our stay.
These three days have reminded me of what I loved most about spring in Florida. With the superiority of Arizona spring training, it might just be time to develop a new family tradition. But being the only male in my family, do you think my girls would agree?
Spring Training Arizona style just blows Florida out of the water. During our four years in Florida, my wife and I made an annual tradition of celebrating my birthday at a spring training game. This year, I'm blessed with the joy of renewing that great tradition with good friend and mentor, Rick Northen.
The ballparks in Arizona are superior to Florida's in terms of quality and proximity. All of the teams but three train in the greater Phoenix area and traffic congestion is a non-factor when moving through the Phoenix.
Wednesday, we did travel down to Tucson to catch the Rangers and the D-backs at Tucson Electric Park. The ballpark is home to the D-backs AAA team, the Sidewinders. The Rangers took the game, 9-2, and advancing up-and-comer, Ian Kinsler, raked two doubles. Kinsler is impressive, with a compact, quick swing that generates tremendous bat speed.
Yesterday, we made our way out to Surprise for our introduction to the Rangers three-year-old spring training home. Wow! The ballpark is phenomenal and the training facility, which the Rangers share with the Royals, is the best I've ever seen! We watched some of the 40-man pitchers work in simulated games. Saw Thomas Diamond, Wilfredo Rodriguez, Kameron Loe pitch. The A teams were playing an intrasquad game. That is pure baseball joy, being able to stroll back-and-forth between ballparks watching the major leaguers of tomorrow hone their skills.
Today, it is off to Peoria to catch the AA and AAA teams against the Padres, followed by the big club against the same Padres.
Thus far, I have been highly impressed with Ian Kinsler's style and skill-set. Nick Regilio pitched well yesterday following the Giants bombing of Kenny Rogers. Gerald Laird homered in his one at bat we've seen. Ryan Drese owned the D-backs during his outing on Wednesday.
Disappointments have to be Greg Colbrunn. He was brutal at the plate yesterday. Richard Hidalgo looks thicker than I remembered. Alfonso Soriano has been MIA for the duration of our stay.
These three days have reminded me of what I loved most about spring in Florida. With the superiority of Arizona spring training, it might just be time to develop a new family tradition. But being the only male in my family, do you think my girls would agree?
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
The Gospel According to Mr. Rogers
Today will be my last blog entry for a couple of days. I will be taking a quick trip out to Arizona for three days of Rangers spring training baseball.
On Sunday, our church will be hosting our annual Friends Day. We have intentionally scheduled our Friends Day the Sunday before Easter Sunday in the hopes of attracting our friends and neighbors to visit with us on two consecutive Sundays.
Fred Rogers, aka "Mr. Rogers" made a wonderful name for himself through his educational programming on PBS. Mr. Rogers made famous the idea of being a good neigbor - of being respectful and helpful to neighbors. His show, filled with singing and quality moral teaching, left an impression on several generations of children.
This Sunday on Friends Day, we are going to use Mr. Rogers neighborhood as the backdrop for a message to the friends and neighbors who will be visiting us. Jesus was once questioned about who he thought made a good neighbor. He answered the question by telling the story of the Good Samaritan (see Luke 10.25-37). Jesus, as a Master Teacher, understood the power of a story to communicate moral, spiritual truth.
My prayer is that this Sunday, the Gospel According to Mr. Rogers will penetrate and convict the hearts of our friends and neighbors to accept Jesus Christ.
On Sunday, our church will be hosting our annual Friends Day. We have intentionally scheduled our Friends Day the Sunday before Easter Sunday in the hopes of attracting our friends and neighbors to visit with us on two consecutive Sundays.
Fred Rogers, aka "Mr. Rogers" made a wonderful name for himself through his educational programming on PBS. Mr. Rogers made famous the idea of being a good neigbor - of being respectful and helpful to neighbors. His show, filled with singing and quality moral teaching, left an impression on several generations of children.
This Sunday on Friends Day, we are going to use Mr. Rogers neighborhood as the backdrop for a message to the friends and neighbors who will be visiting us. Jesus was once questioned about who he thought made a good neighbor. He answered the question by telling the story of the Good Samaritan (see Luke 10.25-37). Jesus, as a Master Teacher, understood the power of a story to communicate moral, spiritual truth.
My prayer is that this Sunday, the Gospel According to Mr. Rogers will penetrate and convict the hearts of our friends and neighbors to accept Jesus Christ.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Don't Shoot the Messenger
How do you react when you are on the receiving end of a sermon that steps on your toes? Have you ever considered literally shooting the messenger?
Apparently Terry Ratzmann did. During a Saturday evening meeting of the Living Church of God, Ratzmann, apparently still stinging from a recent sermon that stepped on his toes, opened fire. The aftermath? Seven members of the church dead, including the pastor who delivered the sermon two weeks ago that offended Ratzmann.
Hard to believe that in the safe haven of a worship assembly, where sources say 50-60 people had gathered, the safety was shattered.
As a minister, I am always amazed at responses to the preached Word of God. Some hearts are touched and responsive to the conviction of the Spirit. Other hearts are hardened, like Pharoah in Moses's day. Other hearts are seemingly unmoved.
Jesus once taught about the response of the heart to the Word of God (see Mark 4 and the Parable of the Sower). Varied responses to the spoken Word are as old as Jesus's parabolic teaching.
How do you respond when the Word of God is convicting your heart?
Apparently Terry Ratzmann did. During a Saturday evening meeting of the Living Church of God, Ratzmann, apparently still stinging from a recent sermon that stepped on his toes, opened fire. The aftermath? Seven members of the church dead, including the pastor who delivered the sermon two weeks ago that offended Ratzmann.
Hard to believe that in the safe haven of a worship assembly, where sources say 50-60 people had gathered, the safety was shattered.
As a minister, I am always amazed at responses to the preached Word of God. Some hearts are touched and responsive to the conviction of the Spirit. Other hearts are hardened, like Pharoah in Moses's day. Other hearts are seemingly unmoved.
Jesus once taught about the response of the heart to the Word of God (see Mark 4 and the Parable of the Sower). Varied responses to the spoken Word are as old as Jesus's parabolic teaching.
How do you respond when the Word of God is convicting your heart?
Friday, March 11, 2005
What is the best I have to give God?
Is it simply my clothing choice for worship or something more? This year, I have preached in a tie on one Sunday morning all year. It is intentional. For many years, I caved to the pressure to "dress the part" when delivering God's Word. To look my best in my "Sunday go to meetin'" suit and shoes.
But is God's ability to speak his message through me affected by my clothing? Is God's message through his messengers somehow weakened because of the clothing choice of his spokesmen?
Frankly, when you consider it honestly, dressing up in expensive clothing as an expression of "giving our best to God" is purely the influence of our American culture and tradition. Christians in third-world countries worship God reverently without the trappings of high-dollar clothing. Christians in agricultural settings often forsake the suit and tie for overalls.
In fact, if all the Christians in America would eliminate all high-dollar clothing reserved for worship and donate the money spent on such clothing for third-world missions, what difference would it make? Could additional water wells be dug in Ghana? Could support for the flood ravaged in Guyana be readily available? Could orphaned children in third-world countries be cared for?
I don't want to submit to the trappings of tradition that are an expression of less than ideal stewardship. The best I have to give God is something far superior and far more eternally impacting than clothes.
But is God's ability to speak his message through me affected by my clothing? Is God's message through his messengers somehow weakened because of the clothing choice of his spokesmen?
Frankly, when you consider it honestly, dressing up in expensive clothing as an expression of "giving our best to God" is purely the influence of our American culture and tradition. Christians in third-world countries worship God reverently without the trappings of high-dollar clothing. Christians in agricultural settings often forsake the suit and tie for overalls.
In fact, if all the Christians in America would eliminate all high-dollar clothing reserved for worship and donate the money spent on such clothing for third-world missions, what difference would it make? Could additional water wells be dug in Ghana? Could support for the flood ravaged in Guyana be readily available? Could orphaned children in third-world countries be cared for?
I don't want to submit to the trappings of tradition that are an expression of less than ideal stewardship. The best I have to give God is something far superior and far more eternally impacting than clothes.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Why April 9 instead of April 2?
This afternoon, I snuck out of the office for an hour-and-a-half to my favorite place for solitude - The Howard Mountain Hunting Lease. This afternoon was mild, with a brilliant blue sky - a perfect afternoon to vacate the confines of the office for some fresh air.
Scripture speaks of nature displaying the creativity of God. I certainly sense the majesty of God in the wooded areas of the hunting lease. Alone, with nature, while free of the noise of telephones and the pressure of schedules and deadlines. For an hour-and-a-half, it was a spiritual reprieve.
And, oh by the way, I did see 33 turkeys. One group of ten was all adult gobblers, two of which lingered in the road when I rounded a bend. Both had ground-dragging beards.
This year, the AGFC (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission) decided to move back the open of spring gobbler season to the second Monday in April as opposed to the traditional opening date of the first Monday in April. Why did the AGFC make this change? Because of the declining kill totals the last two spring's. These figures, coupled with field data, has led the AGFC to believe the turkey population is down and a spring season with one less week will go along way to rectifying the problem.
But is it a problem? Is the turkey population down?
I certainly am not privy to their data, but I do know this...Never in my seven springs of turkey hunting have I ever seen so many turkeys and so much evidence of turkeys as I have seen on our lease in the last two weeks.
I think the AGFC missed it, at least as far as the Howard Mountain Hunting Lease goes. That's not so bad! The bad thing is having to wait an extra week to get started in that wonderful rite of spring.
Thank you God, for a blessed afternoon in your creation. Thank you for ministering to my heart. Thank you for spring, for the promise of new life and for the hope that "springs" eternal!
Scripture speaks of nature displaying the creativity of God. I certainly sense the majesty of God in the wooded areas of the hunting lease. Alone, with nature, while free of the noise of telephones and the pressure of schedules and deadlines. For an hour-and-a-half, it was a spiritual reprieve.
And, oh by the way, I did see 33 turkeys. One group of ten was all adult gobblers, two of which lingered in the road when I rounded a bend. Both had ground-dragging beards.
This year, the AGFC (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission) decided to move back the open of spring gobbler season to the second Monday in April as opposed to the traditional opening date of the first Monday in April. Why did the AGFC make this change? Because of the declining kill totals the last two spring's. These figures, coupled with field data, has led the AGFC to believe the turkey population is down and a spring season with one less week will go along way to rectifying the problem.
But is it a problem? Is the turkey population down?
I certainly am not privy to their data, but I do know this...Never in my seven springs of turkey hunting have I ever seen so many turkeys and so much evidence of turkeys as I have seen on our lease in the last two weeks.
I think the AGFC missed it, at least as far as the Howard Mountain Hunting Lease goes. That's not so bad! The bad thing is having to wait an extra week to get started in that wonderful rite of spring.
Thank you God, for a blessed afternoon in your creation. Thank you for ministering to my heart. Thank you for spring, for the promise of new life and for the hope that "springs" eternal!
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
T Minus 30 Days and Counting
Today marks one month until the opening of Spring Turkey Season in Arkansas! I can't wait till that first crisp, spring morning. The sounds of nature. The budding of the dogwood trees. The first morning gobble. The opportunity to see the fingerprints of God in his creation!
Assuming the Best
One of the chief irritants of interpersonal conflict is unexpressed expectations. Be it in a marriage, a family relationship, or a church, when expectations are not voiced, human nature assumes the worst. Assuming the worst often leads to conflict that could have been handled by taking a different route.
Alexander Campbell, one of the leading movers of the American Restoration Movement, once made the following comment with regard to people who disagreed with him.
Campbell's wisdom shines through as it relates to handling church conflict. When someone differs with me in regard to an opinion matter, I should always assume they do so with the best of motives. Perhaps all of our relationships (not just in church, but in my family and in the community) would be improved by simply assuming the best rather than the worst.
Alexander Campbell, one of the leading movers of the American Restoration Movement, once made the following comment with regard to people who disagreed with him.
"When someone disagrees with me," Campbell said, "I always assume they do so with the best of motives."
Campbell's wisdom shines through as it relates to handling church conflict. When someone differs with me in regard to an opinion matter, I should always assume they do so with the best of motives. Perhaps all of our relationships (not just in church, but in my family and in the community) would be improved by simply assuming the best rather than the worst.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Aargh!
Since my last blog post, I have been out of commission with the flu. I've finally made it 24 hours without any fever and past ready to get back at it!
Tonight was our Prayer Vigil. It was a wonderful time of personal TAG (Time Alone with God) Time and small group sharing in prayer. Certainly, the hearts of many, many people are now prepared to receive an invitation to Friends Day which we will host on Sunday, March 20th.
Tonight was our Prayer Vigil. It was a wonderful time of personal TAG (Time Alone with God) Time and small group sharing in prayer. Certainly, the hearts of many, many people are now prepared to receive an invitation to Friends Day which we will host on Sunday, March 20th.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
The End of the Innocence
Tomorrow morning, my message will again originate out of Genesis 3 as we look at the consequences of sin. Last Sunday, our theme was the "Why?" of sin. This week, the focus will be on the "What?" specifically, what results or consequences exist because of mankind's sin in general and my sin in particular.
Tomorrow evening in our Connection Group study, we will look the Flood Fallout from Genesis 6 and see the devastating consequences upon the world.
Tomorrow evening in our Connection Group study, we will look the Flood Fallout from Genesis 6 and see the devastating consequences upon the world.
Friday, March 04, 2005
A moving motto
Two summers ago at the Tahoe Family Encampment, Chris Goldman, minister of the Cordova church in Rancho Cordova, California shared in his class a statement from Mike Armour. Mike is currently serving as interim Senior Minister for the Southlake church in Grapevine, Texas. During an earlier ministry, Mike said his church had adopted the motto:
The modern worship wars over hymns are not a generational matter but a preferential matter. Everyone knows a senior member within the church who loves the songs the youth sing. The converse is also true.
What is sad is when we place our preferences of hymns above two more important matters. First, what about the Lord's preference? Isn't He the audience in worship in the first place? Isn't worship to be for the glory and honor of Him? Shouldn't we seek to offer as a sacrifice of praise what His Word reveals as His preference?
Second, shouldn't we defer to one another, in view of the New Testament's repeated "one another" admonitions? In fact, Romans 12.10 explicity states we should "prefer one another."
"We are the church that sings each other's songs." What a moving motto for churches who seek a blended worship that praises God and gives preference to one another.
"We are the church that sings each other's songs."
The modern worship wars over hymns are not a generational matter but a preferential matter. Everyone knows a senior member within the church who loves the songs the youth sing. The converse is also true.
What is sad is when we place our preferences of hymns above two more important matters. First, what about the Lord's preference? Isn't He the audience in worship in the first place? Isn't worship to be for the glory and honor of Him? Shouldn't we seek to offer as a sacrifice of praise what His Word reveals as His preference?
Second, shouldn't we defer to one another, in view of the New Testament's repeated "one another" admonitions? In fact, Romans 12.10 explicity states we should "prefer one another."
"We are the church that sings each other's songs." What a moving motto for churches who seek a blended worship that praises God and gives preference to one another.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Why ask Why?
Why is it that some within our fellowship claim a "good" Christian (especially ministers) would only have books on their shelves written by church of Christ authors when the vast majority of our hymns (probably at least 95%) were written by folks outside of our fellowship?
Is there a place in the modern church for hymn writers?
If God did raise up a number of hymn writers in the modern-day church, would we sing their hymns or dismiss their hymns because they are "new?"
I have been highly impressed, enouraged and convicted by the writing of Larry James. James is the CEO and President of Central Dallas Ministries, an outreach with the poor of inner-city Dallas in mind. His words are penetrating. His entry yesterday touched on the prayer of Agur found in Proverbs 30.
Agur's prayer, in stark contrast to the prayer of Jabez, doesn't plead for the expansion of any boundaries in life. Agur prays for simplicity - "Lord, give me neither riches nor poverty my daily bread.".
Would the face of Christianity look different today had the prayer of Agur been a best-seller rather than the prayer of Jabez?
Is there a place in the modern church for hymn writers?
If God did raise up a number of hymn writers in the modern-day church, would we sing their hymns or dismiss their hymns because they are "new?"
I have been highly impressed, enouraged and convicted by the writing of Larry James. James is the CEO and President of Central Dallas Ministries, an outreach with the poor of inner-city Dallas in mind. His words are penetrating. His entry yesterday touched on the prayer of Agur found in Proverbs 30.
Agur's prayer, in stark contrast to the prayer of Jabez, doesn't plead for the expansion of any boundaries in life. Agur prays for simplicity - "Lord, give me neither riches nor poverty my daily bread.".
Would the face of Christianity look different today had the prayer of Agur been a best-seller rather than the prayer of Jabez?
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
American Idol, Cut Dates and Heaven
Somewhere deep in Beverly Hills, ten young men and ten young women wait on the cusp of an announcement. Will they stay? Will they go?
Tonight, four more competitors are removed from the American Idol competition. I have my personal beliefs about who should go, but it is the voice of America that will decide who stays and who goes. The bottom two vote-receivers among each gender are removed from the competition.
Thinking about the anxiety the American Idol contestants are feeling today reminds me of several moments from my youth. Any basketball players out there? Remember the anxiety the night before the coach posted the "cut" for the team?
Seventh grade brings back wonderful memories because I made the team. Eighth grade was different. I vividly remember that morning, hustling off the bus to the coach's office door, only to discover my name missing from the roster. I remember the sinking feeling in my heart and the bitterness of falling short.
Will judgment day be like the American Idol announcement or like the cut published on a coach's office door? Will anxiety fill our spirits as we await the announcement of our eternal destiny? Is uncertainty of whether or not we will make the cut inevitable?
Thank you God, for placing into your inspired Word the first epistle of John. Within that tiny letter, chock-full of counsel regarding love, truth and walking in the light, John declares: "I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5.13).
Disciples of Christ need not look upon our eternal judgment with fear and trepidation, anxiety and worry. Jesus died to free us from, among many others, the fear of judgment (the eternal cut day).
Our assurance of heaven is not presumptuous, it is the acceptance of an inspired promise!
Tonight, four more competitors are removed from the American Idol competition. I have my personal beliefs about who should go, but it is the voice of America that will decide who stays and who goes. The bottom two vote-receivers among each gender are removed from the competition.
Thinking about the anxiety the American Idol contestants are feeling today reminds me of several moments from my youth. Any basketball players out there? Remember the anxiety the night before the coach posted the "cut" for the team?
Seventh grade brings back wonderful memories because I made the team. Eighth grade was different. I vividly remember that morning, hustling off the bus to the coach's office door, only to discover my name missing from the roster. I remember the sinking feeling in my heart and the bitterness of falling short.
Will judgment day be like the American Idol announcement or like the cut published on a coach's office door? Will anxiety fill our spirits as we await the announcement of our eternal destiny? Is uncertainty of whether or not we will make the cut inevitable?
Thank you God, for placing into your inspired Word the first epistle of John. Within that tiny letter, chock-full of counsel regarding love, truth and walking in the light, John declares: "I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5.13).
Disciples of Christ need not look upon our eternal judgment with fear and trepidation, anxiety and worry. Jesus died to free us from, among many others, the fear of judgment (the eternal cut day).
Our assurance of heaven is not presumptuous, it is the acceptance of an inspired promise!
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
She Calls Me Daddy
Last night, I spent some time reading again some of my favorite sections in Robert Wolgemuth's book She Calls Me Daddy. Wolgemuth, father of two daughters, writes from Scripture and personal experience to convey insight to dads who are raising little girls. His experience leads to three prominent areas where fathers of daughters must excel: Honor. Boundaries. Balance.
Wolgemuth's book was first given to me by a friend when he learned that our first child would be a little girl. Since Trae was born, God decided to bless us with another little girl, Tori. Now outnumbered 3-to-1 in my home, I thought last night might just be an ideal time to harvest some more Wolgemuth wisdom.
The difficulty of raising a daughter lies in the fact that us dads never have been one. Insightful wisdom there, huh? But having never been a little girl, it is near impossible for us to know how best to react and respond in a way that truly nurtures our daughters. Wolgemuth's wisdom is practical in providing applications for fathers of girls. His book is filled with stories and illustrations from his personal experience with his daughters that communicate truth you can use.
If you are a father of a daughter, I highly recommend Wolgemuth's work to you.
Wolgemuth's book was first given to me by a friend when he learned that our first child would be a little girl. Since Trae was born, God decided to bless us with another little girl, Tori. Now outnumbered 3-to-1 in my home, I thought last night might just be an ideal time to harvest some more Wolgemuth wisdom.
The difficulty of raising a daughter lies in the fact that us dads never have been one. Insightful wisdom there, huh? But having never been a little girl, it is near impossible for us to know how best to react and respond in a way that truly nurtures our daughters. Wolgemuth's wisdom is practical in providing applications for fathers of girls. His book is filled with stories and illustrations from his personal experience with his daughters that communicate truth you can use.
If you are a father of a daughter, I highly recommend Wolgemuth's work to you.
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