Dick Soule writes an excellent occasional e-newsletter called "Ekklesia Then and Now." Today in my inbox was an insightful look at Halloween and a Christian prescription for redeeming the opportunity that Halloween presents.

Soule, like myself, is aghast at the way some churches have seized the opportunity to put a spiritual spin on the traditional haunted house, with everything from "Tribulation" houses to "Trip to Hell" houses. Here's Soule's take:

Most reprehensible of all are the "Hell Houses" that have arisen in the past decade or so. These pseudo-haunted houses, with their grotesque images and presumptuous judgments are the invention of misanthropes who are the antithesis of Christ Jesus. Hell Houses are designed to "scare the hell out of children," and promoters claim substantial spot-conversions of attendees. Show me one example in Scripture of anyone converted to Christ through such fear and intimidation tactics. Those who are, sadly, are likely to either fall away quickly or become carbon copies of their creators. As I've stated before, the Bible does not call on Christians to judge non-believers - only to love them in such a way as they will see Christ in us and be drawn to God's call.

Soule goes on to offer a prescription for how to deal with Halloween despite the pagan roots of the "holiday."

So here are my suggestions, some of which I cannot implement with my own children, but perhaps I can with my new grandson if my daughter and her husband agree. I offer these while fully cognizant of Paul's command to "abstain from very form of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22). We can readily participate in many aspects of Halloween while still following that command.

1. Let children dress up in homemade costumes and go treat-or-treating with parents in their own neighborhood. Perhaps we might actually learn our neighbors' names and develop the seeds of a relationship that would allow us to share Christ when the time is right. They won't be interested in interacting with us if we're busy vilifying their behavior. We might even form a neighborhood group before Halloween to discuss ways to ensure safety and fun.

2. Hold Halloween parties where we uphold the ancient human tradition of gratitude for the harvest. Celts may have attributed that to pagan gods and goddesses, but we know who's really responsible and can give the appropriate attribution.

3. Hold a prayer vigil to thank God for the courageous men and women who paid the ultimate price for their faith. While not wanting to dwell upon death, we can tell the stories of people like Stephen, Perpetua, Polycarp, and Blandina to our children without being morbid. By learning that others died so that we would have the opportunity to know Christ, they can develop genuine gratitude for the freedoms we experience today.

4. Completely avoid participating in any pagan practices, such as divination games. When my daughter was little, a friend brought out a Ouija Board. Knowing nothing about it, my daughter participated and was terrified by the results. Delving into such superstitious practices is dangerous, but we need to tell our children why.

5. Glorify God in everything we do on Halloween rather than retreating to the closet or offending everyone around us. Jesus was so effective with people because He was among them.

6. Oppose misguided efforts like Hell Houses and tracts in trick-or-treat bags. Such tactics only serve to reinforce the world's negative attitudes toward Christians.

My family had a blast Saturday evening at the annual Harvest Party hosted by Grady and Shelley Lane and their boys. They opened their home to what must have been 100 moms, dads and decorated bunchkins. It was a great night of fellowship for the adults and fun for the kidos, including various games, face painting, story telling, and genuine, good fun. Thanks, Grady, Shelley and the G-Men for being so hospitable.

-----------------------



Maybe an unpainted face look of the girls is in order today. The Woodward Park paparazzi captured this one of Trae and Tori yesterday morning before worship. I promised several of the folks at Marble Falls regular updates and pictures of the girls on my blog after our move.

Trae has adjusted well to our move. She's made a host of new friends and, despite the fact that the Clovis School District is eons ahead of her previous schools in math, she's working hard to catch up.

Tori is the family comedian. The little sly look-away in this picture captures a sense of her personality. She's a funny kid who often becomes the center of attention at the dinner table, beginning with her prayer and continuing through her entertaining stories throughout the meal.

-------------

On the heels of my message last night on the origin of Halloween, see this article in today's Fresno Bee by Ron Orozco on the way various Fresno churches approach Halloween.

Because the pagan roots of Halloween are so ancient,and oftentimes so forgotten within the mainstream, that people of light participate in the illusions of darkness with no thought as to their witness.

Do I allow my girls to wear costumes? Yes, but only costumes that could be deemed innocent and worthy of the light. Do we decorate our home with features that are related to the occult roots? No. Do we go fetching candy? Yes, but only from family and friends who wish to see my girls in their costumes. We avoid going door-to-door to homes that might feature the occult illusions of Halloween.

I appreciate the sentiments of Bruce Howell in a sermon entitled "The Unmasking of Halloween." He closes his sermon by offering three celebrations that Christians can participate in that are worth noting:

Instead of celebrating Halloween, let me suggest some ALTERNATIVES.

Celebrate the Season. The end of October is a perfect time to celebrate the beauty of Autumn. Give glory to God for His genius and love in providing such a beautiful landscape for us to enjoy. Its also a wonderful time to think about harvest time and all that God so bountifully provides for His children. Psalm 65 and 104 are excellent passages to read together as a family.

Celebrate the Saints. Take some time to reflect on those who have influenced you greatly, such as Bible characters, reformers, missionaries, pastors, pillars in the church. Thank God for them. Honor their memories. As the writer to Hebrews said, "they being dead yet speaketh."

Celebrate the Savior. Especially as it relates to His victory over Satan. Make no mistake about it, Satan’s power is great, but he is no match for King Jesus! The devil has been allowed to afflict the righteous, according to Job 1:12. He also has authority over the world, according to Luke 4:6.

What goes around, comes around, huh? The symmetry of history in this Detroit/St. Louis World Series is amazing, capped by the Curtis Granderson slip in the outfield last night.

When it comes to baseball watching on television, there is a lot to loathe about having to watch a FOX telecast. Their amateur-ish production stunts (like Scooter) are a perfect match for the amateur-ish analysis of Tim McCarver.

But I have to give kudos to the FOX production team for dredging up a play in the 1968 World Series when Curt Flood slipped in centerfield, allowing Detroit to steal a game against St. Louis in the World Series thirty-eight years ago. Last night, the tables turned and Granderson's slip on the wet turf allowed St. Louis to steal game four and take a commanding 3-1 lead in the Series.

---------------------

What an awesome day yesterday at Woodward Park! Mandy, Tori and I spent some time yesterday morning in the birthing center at Kaiser, welcoming Michael and Julie's little girl, Mackenna, into the world.

That was followed by not one but two baptisms yesterday afternoon at our church building. I couldn't help but think of the beauty of being in two different delivery rooms. In addition to the baptism of Diane, we witnessed the new birth of Jerry, an 85-year old man. Jerry has studied the Bible all his life, is extremely knowledgeable, and said just before his baptism, "It's time to finish the job!" What a beautiful, submissive heart to the will of God.

Congratulations this morning to Michael and Julie Burgess, proud parents of their fourth baby girl. Mackenna arrived at 4:47 a.m. and weighed 7 lbs. 12 oz. Julie and the baby are doing great.

--------------

"In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; God has made the one as well as the other..." (Ecclesiastes 7.14a).

I've been in a different hospital everyday this week. On Monday, it was Valley Childrens to visit with a family on the heels of their six-week-old daughter's surgery. On Tuesday, it was UCSF to visit with a 34-year old on the eve of brain surgery. Yesterday, it was Michael and Julie filled with the excitement of a special, new gift from God. Today, I'll be at the nursing home to fulfill a promise to visit a lady in the sunset time of her life.

The visits, the emotions, the situations have covered the life cycle. Some visits are filled with joy, much as my sister and brother-in-law with the birth of their twins. Others are filled with trepidation.

In the end, the faith of every person, whether filled with joy or in the midst of adversity must rest, as Solomon said, with God.

-----------------

There is a great article on Hot Springs Village resident and former St. Louis Cardinals scout, Dave Karaff on ESPN.com. Dave and I became friends while we were still in the Village. He would come out to Jessieville and speak to our baseball team each January during our preseason training.

Dave lost his job several years ago when the Cardinals purged their scouting department to go the way of the Moneyball fad. Yet, Dave's legacy lives on since Dave is the scout who discovered, scouted and signed Albert Pujols.

Today is a great day -- a gift from the Lord. Today, Melissa and Ryan will take their new babies home from the hospital. Today is Prime Time Tuesday at Woodward Park. Today is Game 3 of the World Series. And today, I will go over to San Francisco to spend some time in prayer with John Hollett on the eve of his surgery tomorrow.

I like John. He coaches high schoool baseball and that thread draws the two of us together. As John prepares for his brain surgery tomorrow, I hope you will spend some time today in prayer before the Lord for John.

-------------------

Because I'm in a rush to leave this morning, I share with you some insight from John Alan Turner. Here's hoping you enjoy what he shares, but even more, here's hoping you act on what he shares.

Most of the folks who read this blog on a consistent basis are Christians. As Christians we’re called to trust Jesus not only with our eternity but with our here and now as well. For lots of us, myself included, that last bit is the hardest part. I’m fine trusting Jesus to take care of me after I die, but all too often I want to handle things from now until then.

Jesus comes into our world and announces the availability of a whole new way of living. The life we’ve always dreamed of but never thought possible before is now available for absolutely every one of us. A life of freedom and security, a life of no regret, no shame, no anxiety, a life of rest and productivity in the things that matter most — that life is freely available to each and every one of us.

The question is: how badly do you want it?

Jesus says this invitation to a new kind of life is kind of like a guy who was walking through a field and found a treasure chest buried in it. The treasure chest has more gold, silver and jewels than he had ever seen before. So, he does the shrewd thing. He goes and sells everything he has, takes all that money and buys the field. He knows that whatever he has to give up in order to attain this treasure, it will be well worth it. He’ll get back anything he sacrifices and then some.

In other words, Jesus says that if you really understood what life in God’s kingdom looks like, you’d be willing to make any sacrifice necessary to get it. Whatever is standing in your way will be jettisoned without a second thought because this gift is that valuable.

And I think I’m coming to understand what he means. I think about all the things God has secured for me and given me access to. He has given me a fantastic family. I didn’t earn that. It’s a gift. Three beautiful and healthy daughters. An intelligent and beautiful wife. A nice home. Meaningful work. Gifts. He has given me a mind that works and a body that works most of the time (or is it the other way around?). He’s given me spiritual gifts, and he allows me to use them and partner with him in his work in this world. More gifts. He put me in a group of people who love and accept me. And, by giving me his Spirit, his Word and his Church, he enables me to grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, humility and generosity. If all of that’s still not enough, he says that after my life here on this earth is over, I get to be with him forever in a place of unending joy and purpose and fulfillment and contentment.

Gift upon gift upon gift.

That’s what I have access to. But there are often things that stand between me and experiencing the joy that comes with living life in God’s kingdom. Sometimes it’s anger. My anger is a force, and I use it to my advantage. I use it to bully others into getting my way, but my anger doesn’t achieve the righteousness of God. It gets in the way of me experiencing the life I really want.

Sometimes it’s my pride. By thinking that I must be the most important person in the room — regardless of what room I’m in — I shut myself off from the availability of living this radically liberated and secure life that God has for me.

Sometimes it’s greed. Because my perspective doesn’t always match up with God’s perspective, I sometimes think that the way up is up. Jesus says that’s backwards. The way up is down. The way to really receive is to give. The way we really find security is not through accumulation but through generosity. My greed makes me cling to the things this world finds valuable, but with my fists tightly clutching the wealth of this world, I cannot take hold of the things that matter most.

But there is an enemy that makes all the others pale in comparison. There is something that hinders me more than all others combined. It sounds so simple, so innocuous, so harmless, and yet it keeps me from really following Jesus the way I know I should.

As far as I’m concerned (and I do not believe I am alone in this), the one thing that keeps me from living the life I’ve always wanted, the life God has prepared for me, is this: I’m too busy.

One day we will all enter eternity and have a conversation with God. He’s likely to ask, “Why didn’t you do more to grow and become more like Jesus? Why didn’t you devote yourself to serving others and spreading the message? Why didn’t you spend more of your life growing in intimacy with me?”

I cannot imagine telling God, “Yeah, I was going to get around to doing all that stuff, but, you see, I was just so busy.”

Sorry for my tardiness this morning. I didn't realize becoming a new uncle warranted so much attention. I have spent the first half of my morning returning emails to folks who wanted to celebrate the birth of my sister's twins.

Thanks to all for your prayers.

--------------

I imagine my brother-in-law will never forget October 19, 2006. Not only did the day begin with the birth of his baby boy and girl, but his beloved Cardinals won game 7 of the NLCS in dramatic fashion, with Yadier of the "Catching Molinas" hitting a two-run homer.

Now the Cardinals head off to Detroit for the beginning of the World Series tomorrow night.

Before we put the NLCS to bed, have you ever seen a finer catch than the one Endy Chavez made, robbing Scott Rolen of a home run in the sixth inning?

--------------

What a shock (sarcasm intended) to hear Tony LaRussa has alienated one of his key players, Scott Rolen, heading into the World Series. Tony LaRussa is the Marv Levy of Major League Baseball -- a decent enough manager for 162 games who can always find a way to create a crisis that will lead to his team's demise in the postseason.

The Tigers' pitching is too stout for the Cardinals and LaRussa wadles across the finish in second again. Tigers in 6.

--------------

My uncle George, upon hearing that Melissa's little girl, Elliot was born five minutes ahead of her brother, Keaton, raised the most interesting question of yesterday.

Was Keaton being a little gentleman by allowing Elliot to be born first or was that the first hint of some pending sibling rivalry, with Keaton pushing and shoving and kicking Elliot out?

Something tells me the next 17 years will help us all answer that question.

--------------

Birth is a spiritual experience. Having witnessed the births of my two girls, I cannot tell you how spiritually impacting that moment of birth truly is. To watch as life enters the world and the precious, immediate bond that exists between parent and child is a wonderful experience.

Creation records it this way: "the LORD God formed the man (Adam) from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being" (Genesis 2.7). I've often wished Scripture recorded a little more there: what was God's immediate reaction to the creation of Adam? What emotions did Adam and God experience in that moment? What was Adam's expression when he looked upon his creator, and his father, for the first time?

It is apparent from Scripture that God relishes moments of new birth. Jeremiah says that before his birth, God had plans for his life (Jeremiah 1.5). The Psalmist says that children are a reward from the Lord (Psalm 127). Jesus entered the world, not as royalty, but as a helpless child (Matthew 1.5).

Seeing as how God has used moments of birth so prolifically throughout Scripture in key moments, it should come as no surprise that the culminating event in the new creation should be baptism. Jesus describes it to Nicodemus as a "new birth" (John 3.3,5). The baptistry is the delivery room for spiritual life, where new creation enters the world accompanied by the unabashed joy of the eternal parent, God.

I'm thinking it was aged comedian, George Burns who said, "Every morning I get out of bed and look in the obituaries. If I don't see my name there, I go and have breakfast."

But what do you do when you do find your name there?

In Tuesday's edition of the Fresno Bee, there was an obituary for one Jim Gardner.

Don't know if that has ever happened to you before, but when you see your own name emblazoned on the page with the obituary listings, it is just really, really weird.

------------------

Sure enough, my little sis went into labor yesterday during the pregame festivities of the Cardinals/Mets, Game Six.

We got a call yesterday afternoon that Ryan and Melissa were hospital-bound for the pending arrival of their daughter and son.

As we talked with Ryan and Mel last night following church, we learned that Melissa's doctor authorized her epidural during the seventh inning. The anesthesiologist, himself a huge Cardinals fan, arrived during the eighth inning. To hear Ryan tell it, it's a lucky break that Melissa's epidural even took, given the distracted conversation and television watching of the father-to-be and the anesthesiologist during the insertion of the epidural.

You can imagine the tinge of dismay that swept through the room when the Cardinals dropped Game Six, 4-2. I asked Ryan late last night, "Are you more excited (about the arrival of your kids) or disappointed (about the Cardinals loss)?" Given the pause before his answer, it probably wasn't the right question to ask. I'm just glad my little sis wasn't eves-dropping on our conversation!

Now, here's the really funny part, Ryan then said, "Our babies should come during the night so we can get some sleep before Game Seven."

As I daddy of two kiddos myself, I couldn't help but chuckle and think, "He doesn't realize yet how dramatic his life is about to change."

Mandy and I drifted off to sleep with the phone at our bedside awaiting a call in the night that our new niece and nephew had arrived.

But they still haven't.

As of this moment, Mel is dilated to nine centimeters and should deliver really soon.

I'm asking you this morning as you read this to steal a moment of your time and lift up my little sis and her babies before the Lord.

I'll come back later today once the little bundles of joy arrive and update my blog with all the vital statistics. In the meantime, thanks for your prayers.

-----------------

UPDATE (7:19 a.m. PST)

The babies are here! As you might expect, the little girl was born first. Her name is Elliot and she weighed 4 lbs. 11 oz. and is 17" long. She was born at 8:49 a.m. CST. The little fella, Keaton, was born five minutes later, weighing 4 lbs. 12 oz. and 18 1/4" long.

Yesterday afternoon, Tori and I were in the backyard. Tori was playing while I was flipping through the latest edition of Discipleship Journal. I noticed Tori was singing and as I listened closer, I recognized the tune: "Deep and Wide." Only Tori wasn't saying, "Deep and Wide," she was saying, "Cheese and Why."

Out of the mouths of babes....

---------------

Speaking of babes, my little sis Melissa called last night to tell us that she is now dialated three centimeters. Melissa and Ryan are awaiting the imminent arrival of their first children; they are having twins, a boy and a girl.

I am so proud of my sister and brother-in-law. Having suffered through the pain of two miscarriages, the excitement and joy of the arrival of Trae and Tori's cousins is pure joy for the entire Gardner and Halford families. God has blessed Ryan and Melissa tremendously and now they will soon know the unspeakable joy of holding in their hands the most precious of God's gifts.

Keep my little sis in your prayers, that the deliveries will be easy and without complication and that the little fella and gal will be healthy and strong.

And hey, Mel, do your husband a favor. Don't go into labor tonight around 7:15 CST. You wouldn't want to force your husband to have to choose between the births of his children and his lifelong passion for the Cardinals, would you?

----------------

Bobby Ross has written an interesting recap of the forum held at Freed-Hardeman last weekend discussing the ongoing conversation between Churches of Christ and Christian churches.

"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?

Will you not tell it today?"

During the ministry of Jesus, there were times when he looked out over groups of people and, filled with compassion, made an accurate diagnosis of their spiritual need. The people he saw were like "sheep without a shepherd." On a perch overlooking Jerusalem, he said, "O Jerusalem, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wing." And on another occasion, Jesus remarked that the "fields were white unto harvest."

With the news today that the population of the United States has reached 300 Million, I can't help but hear the echo of Jesus's words. The United States grows in population annually equivalent to the size of Arkansas and Kansas.

Many pundits today will bemoan the excessive growth. Rest assured,the immigration arguments will resurface today en masse.

Yet, as Christians, I hope we see today's news through the echo of Jesus's words. The opportunity for mission right here at home is as never before.

Will you not tell it today?

bum-fuz-zled  /buhm-fuhz-uhld/

–adjective Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S. meaning baffled; befuddled; confused.

[Origin: 1900–05; bum- (expressive prefix, perh. to be identified with the initial syll. of bamboozle) + fuzzle to confuse (perh. expressive alter. of fuddle) + -ed2]

From Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.0.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2006.

-------------------

A few sports takes this morning...

*The Mets and Cardinals have played four games and nothing's decided. It's down to a best 2-out-of-3 series. My hunch? Both teams are playing for the right to be runner-up. The ex-Rangers, err, Tigers are just playing out of sight this postseason.

*The Miami/Florida International bench-clearing brawl that resulted in the suspension of 31 players was as sad a display of sportsmanship as I can ever remember.

*Near the end of his latest blog entry, my uncle throws me under the bus, accusing me of not giving just due to the Razorbacks on their amazing season. The Hogs have had an incredible run, but I've seen one-too-many Houston Nutt implosions to get too excited. Beat Tennessee in Fayetteville and I might be hunting for a seat back on the bandwagon.

*Kudos to Colt McCoy on setting an all-time Texas passing record by throwing for six touchdowns Saturday night against Baylor. Colt's a terrific quarterback and, from the time I spent with him in Marble Falls, an even better person.

*During my journey to Arkansas and Texas last week, I read Lute!: The Seasons of My Life, a chronicle of the life and career of Hall of Fame basketball coach, Lute Olson. Olson's leadership principles sparkle throughout the book and the story of dealing with the passing of his late wife, Bobbi, is especially gripping.

--------------------

Last night, I preached on depression. Never would I have envisioned preaching on depression in the first three months of my ministry at Woodward Park, but I did so in response to a request from a member.

Depression as a term is never found in Scripture but illusions to the concept of depression are found throughout the Bible. Using terms like "groaning, troubled, filled with sorrow, sighing, despair, and cast down," Scripture alludes to the reality of moments of depression, even in the lives of some of God's greatest servants. Men like Moses (Numbers 11.10-15), Elijah (1 Kings 19.1-5), Job (Job 3.20-21), even Jesus (Matthew 26.37-38) exhibit very real feelings of depression on the pages of Scripture.

Since depression attacked some of our greatest heroes of faith, including the Son of God, we must realize that being a Christian doesn't give us immunity to natural, normal human responses to life's circumstances. Just as pain serves as a warning to our bodies that something physically is wrong, depression serves as a warning that something mentally or emotionally is wrong. Depression forces us to retreat and to deal with, or at least cope with, whatever is ailing us mentally and emotionally.

As a community of faith, we must come to see depression for what it is so that we aren't guilty of "shooting our wounded." One too many spiritual lives has littered the battlefield of life because the people of God mistook depression for personal weakness. My hope is that when one among us is depressed (mentally and emotionally ailing), we as a family of believers will rally to their aid with the same intensity we do when someone is physically ailing.

When it comes to depression, may there be an end to the stigmas so that grace, love, mercy and prayer might abound.

Warning: What you are about to read in today's blog entry is loaded with the sentiment of a father who deeply loves his daughters. The tragic passing of New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle on Wednesday, a father himself just 34 years old, touched me deeply on the eve of my own flight home to California. Lidle's sudden passing, and the extensive coverage of his tragic death, have given me pause, reminding me that life is fragile and our only guarantees are eternal.

------------------

I'm going home. Home to my new family at Woodward Park. Home to fall in Fresno. Home to the most beautiful woman I've ever seen who has blessed my life for the past 12 years. And home to two, precious gifts from God Himself.

In the last year-and-a-half, my life and ministry have been unbelievably blessed. Some of the ministry opportunities God has brought into my life have humbled me, thrilled me, shaped me and transformed me.

But with those opportunities have come immense sacrifices, most especially by the three girls I love most. Trae is in her third school in three years. Mandy is in the midst of decorating her third home in three years. And Tori, well, Tori is Tori -- a resilient bundle of energy whose motor is always running!

So I'm going home. Home to stay. I have committed to my girls -- at Trae's request -- that I will accept no outside speaking engagements that require overnight travel for one year, unless the entire family can make the trip. The time has come for me to be a full-time dad again and sacrifice the opportunity to speak abroad for awhile so I can reinvest my full energy and focus as a father and a minister to the Woodward Park church.

Trae and Tori, I cannot wait to see you. I can't wait to play together. I can't wait to laugh together. I can't wait to wrestle and swim and read stories and play tricks on mommy. I can't wait for the next bunkin' party, the next homework assignment, the next trip to the park. I've missed you and can't wait to see you. And rest assured, when Daddy gets home, he's staying home.
I Love You Both, Your Daddy
---------------

Is there someone dear to you whom you need to share your heart's feelings? Someone dear to you that you've been withholding a compliment or a special sentiment for just the right time?

What are you waiting for?

Game One in the ALCS is in the books: Detroit over Oakland 5-1. Oakland cannot afford any more defensive efforts such as the one turned in on Tuesday night. The deficit they're facing with their offense against the Tigers' vaunted pitching is enough.

The A's have to win game two. Have to. Otherwise, this series could go shorter than I expected.

---------------------

Keep John Ed Clark, one of the Shepherds of the Woodward Park church, in your prayers. On Tuesday, John Ed flew out of San Francisco for Ethiopia for three weeks of ministry in a place where he, Reta and their young children (at the time) invested several years of their lives planting kingdom seed.

Greetings from Camp Bee, home of the Sojourners National Conference and Workshop. I'm honored to be here, even though I am about 30 years the junior of everyone else attending the conference.

The Sojourners have invited me in to speak to them about the mindset of the 35 and under generation(s). It is a daunting assignment, but the reception to my first presentation was unbelievably encouraging.

It is so good to be reunited with Gary and June Thorson, Buddy and Jo Childers, and Johnny and Sandy Milligan. Tomorrow, Clyde and Linda Berry arrive, along with Mama D and Papa Ken.

------------------

I'll never forget this past Sunday for the rest of my life! What an absolute blessing to return to my roots, to my brothers and sisters at the Johnson Street Church of Christ in the Southside community of my hometown, Benton, Arkansas.

Johnson Street is an African-American church. Someone has said "the most segregated hour of any given week in the south is the hour of worship on Sunday morning." Sadly, that charge is by-in-large accurate.

In the 60's, my home church decided to do "mission work." The mission was to plant another Church of Christ on the southside of town, across the railroad tracks, where the "coloreds" lived. I'm sure the intentions were grand and the motives were pure, but I so wish we could go back to the 60's and undo church plants such as these all over the south.

I shutter to think of the impact the church could have in my hometown if the racial and cultural barriers that continue to segregate Caucasian and African-American Christians could be eternally torn down.

Unfortunately, old prejudices seem to die hard.

Fortunately, the Johnson Street church remains a beacon of hope and an outpost of the kingdom. Brothers Hannah, Cunningham and Richardson continue to provide sterling leadership as elders. Brother Norman continues to feed the flock with dynamic preaching. And the congregation continues to sing old spirituals like "Mansion, Robe and Crown" with fervor unlike any church assembly I've ever experienced!

Thank you, Johnson Street family, for giving a young guy like myself so many opportunities to hone my skills as a preacher in your pulpit. Thank you for loving me and encouraging me and welcoming me back to your pulpit last Sunday. You will never know the eternal difference you've made in my life and in the lives of all those whom my ministry for Jesus has touched.

-----------------

My division series predictions weren't so hot. Who woulda thunk the A's, Tigers and Cardinals would all play as well as they did? I was especially excited to see the Tigers dispatch the $200 million, "best lineup of all time", Yankees.

Now it is on to the League Championship Series'. I'm thinking the Tigers will dispatch of the A's in 6 games. The Tigers bullpen is just pitching stellar. The A's will have to win in the first six innings of the games to have a chance because the Tigers bullpen is simply slamming the door shut in the final three innings.

As for the NL, I'm siding with the Mets, though I think the Cardinals will take them to seven games. Chris Carpenter is pitching well for the Cardinals but, in the end, the Mets lineup is just too potent to pick against.

A potpourri of questions and thoughts culled from Thursday's travels from Fresno to Arkansas...

*What was that liquid substance falling from the sky this morning as I left Fresno? It's been so long since we've seen rain I'd forgotten what it was like!

*Why is it that the Fresno, Modesto and Sacramento newspapers are all "Bees"?

*Long-term parking at the Sacramento airport is Expensive, with a capital E.

*Have you ever seen any illusion to the North American Free Trade Agreement in the story of Jesus raising Lazarus in John 11? I listened to a keynote address from a recent college lectureship on the drive from Fresno to Sacramento and was shocked that the speaker used John 11 as a platform to bash NAFTA. I understand social justice, but goodness, how do you find that in John 11?

*In keeping with the above conundrum, does the whole push for "revisioning" and "reimaginging" Scripture in preaching need an immediate moratorium if texts like John 11 are being used for the purpose of advancing political agendas?

*Joel Zumaya, relief pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, is filthy with his 103 MPH fastball.

*How come landings in Phoenix are always rougher than anywhere else?

*Now that the Dodgers are down 2 games to none, I wonder how bad third base coach Rich Donnelly must feel after making the terrible mistake of waving two men to the plate on Wednesday, both of whom were tagged out simultaneously by former Dodger, Paul LoDuca?

*Dallas Willard's insights into the Sermon on the Mount in his book The Divine Conspiracy are unparalleled.

*And finally, how about a little comfort from David: "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears attentive to their cry...The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34.15, 17-18).

Have a great Friday!

Frank Olivas will always be special to me. Yesterday afternoon, I had the privilege of baptizing Frank into Jesus.

Frank walked into our building on Sunday night four weeks ago, searching and seeking the missing piece to his life's puzzle. As we studied and shared over the last four weeks, it became apparent to Frank that the missing piece was a trusting, obedient faith in Jesus Christ.

Yesterday, Frank made the bold confession of his absolute faith in Jesus as God's Son and was immersed in baptism for the forgiveness of all his sins.

This morning, I am filled with gratitude to God for using the simplicity of the good news of Jesus to save Frank Olivas. The joy in Frank's expression reminded me of the blessing of God's grace in granting to us what we could never earn or deserve on our own merit.

What I love about Frank's infant passion in Jesus is his enthusiasm to continue studying and searching even now that he is a disciple. Next Friday, after I arrive back in Fresno from a speaking tour, Frank and I are going to reopen the Word to see what God says about growing in Christ.

"God, thank you that in only two months time, you've already opened doors of opportunity to spread kingdom seed. I ask that you would put more and more Frank's in our path so that we can share the good news of Jesus. Give us the sensitivity to see in whose lives You are working and be prepared to join You in the quest of advancing Your kingdom reign in this world."

------------------

In a couple of hours, I'll fly out of Sacramento for Little Rock. I can't wait to land in Little Rock and see my parents. It'll be great to be back in Arkansas; to spend time with my parents and my grandparents. To renew old acquaintances with friends who've helped mold and shape my life and ministry. To sit in the stands at Lion Stadium on Friday night and cheer on the #2 ranked Jessieville Lions as they battle the Bigelow Panthers.

And it'll be great to be back in the pulpit at the Johnson Street Church of Christ on Sunday morning. It'll be great to sing, "Mansion, Robe and Crown." And it'll be great to preach to an enthusiastic, responsive army of God's finest soldiers.

On Sunday afternoon, it's off to Marshall, Texas to speak for three days (Monday through Wednesday) at the annual Sojourners National Conference. I'm not sure what the internet capability will be at Camp Bee, but rest assured, if it is possible, I will be sharing with you each morning in this space.

In the meantime, I ask for your prayers for traveling mercies and for transforming ministry.

Yesterday, I shared rumors out of the Metroplex that Buck Showalter would be released by the Texas Rangers. That became official this morning.

After dinner last night with Rangers' owner Tom Hicks, General Manager Jon Daniels and Showalter, the Star-Telegram is reporting that Showalter is out.

Look out baseball world, here come the Rangers! After Showalter's firing in New York, the Yankees won the World Series the following year. After his firing in Phoenix, the Diamondbacks won the World Series the following year.

------------------

The release of Showalter underscores a couple of realities that need to be noted. One, Rangers owner Tom Hicks is crazy with money. He still owes Showalter over $2 Million over three years thanks to the ridiculous contract extension Hicks gave to Showalter last summer. That chunk of change is in addition to the fortune already owed to A-Rod who no longer takes the field in a Rangers' uniform. Second, make no mistake about it, this move was predicated by the growing influence of Jon Daniels within the organization.

Here's hoping Hicks stays out of the way, except for signing the paychecks, and allows Daniels the freedom to continue rebuilding the on-field roster and staff without any interference.

Early indications point to Don Wakamatsu as the leader out of the gate in the race to become the next Rangers' manager.

-----------------

Two shocking results came from yesterday's first playoff games. The A's went into the Homer Dome and took away a game from Johan Santana and the Twins. That was a huge win for the A's! And yes, to all you A's fans who've tried to convert me since moving to California, I'm on the A's bandwagon -- but only for the playoff run.

I was also shocked by the way the Cardinals throttled the Padres in San Diego. Perhaps the Cardinals are going to rise from the mat now that the playoffs have begun.

Later today, Michelle Knutsen's favorite team, the Dodgers tackle John Wiegand's favorite team, the New York Metropolitans in the kickoff to their series.

----------------

Thanks to all of you who shared your feedback with me regarding our Workshop. Most of you chose to email me your reflections on the Workshop and I greatly appreciate it. Your insight will be enormously helpful as we move forward to plan the Workshop for 2007.

My cyber-friend and Christian Chronicle publisher (and equally devoted Rangers fan) Bobby Ross, contacted me yesterday for information about the Workshop. Thanks to Suzi Planas, the charter member of the Woodward Park paparazzi, we were able to send pictures and a summary of the Workshop to Bobby for future publication in the Christian Chronicle.

Got a guess from this picture where Mandy, the girls and I were yesterday? In the aftermath of the Spiritual Growth Workshop, we escaped Sunday night to the Monterey Peninsula. On Monday morning, we enjoyed the magnificence of God's creation along the 17-mile drive (along the coast of Monterey and Pebble Beach) and followed that up with several hours of fun at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

I'd like to thank the Clovis School District for scheduling a Monday off for the students on the heels of our Spiritual Growth Workshop (I'm sure the administration surely considered our Workshop when devising their school calendar). It made for a great memory-making opportunity for my family in back of the workshop.

---------------

I'll say more about the workshop tomorrow. For now, I'd like your feedback. If you participated in the workshop, use the comments section at the bottom of today's blog entry to give me your feedback. What did you like? What could we improve upon? How can we make next year's workshop even better?

Your feedback is vital as we begin to put in motion plans for 2007. I'll look forward to reading your comments.

If you don't feel comfortable putting your comments out there for all the world to see, you can email me at jim@wpcoc.com.

-----------------

Back in April, I made my predictions for the 2006 Major League Baseball Season. In both leagues, I hit 2 of 4 post-season teams: The Yankees, Athletics, Mets and Cardinals. I missed on the White Sox, Red Sox, Giants and Braves.

My pre-season prediction had the Mets/Yankees in a Subway World Series with the Yankees taking it.

I don't see any reason to deviate from my original prediction.

In the AL division Series, the Yankees will take the Tigers and the Twins will upend the A's. In the NL Division Series, the Mets will dispose of the Dodgers and the Padres will knock off the scuffling Cardinals.

-----------------

All the rumors springing from the Metroplex say that Buck Showalter will no longer be the manager of my beloved Rangers come later today. You know what that means, don't you? The Rangers in the World Series in 2007.

It's Showalter's legacy: the teams he leaves go to the World Series the year after his departure. It worked in New York and in Arizona and here's hoping the third time will be the charm for the Rangers.

-----------------

Finally, I am extremely excited about this coming Sunday. I absolutely cannot wait to preach at the Johnson Street church in my hometown of Benton, Arkansas.

As a teenager with a burgeoning desire to preach, my friends at the Johnson Street church in Benton always allowed me the opportunity to test the waters of preaching. Willie Hill and Cedric Finley, the two men who preached at Johnson Street during my teen years, were always willing to share their pulpit with a young kid whose preaching skills were rough around the edges, to say the least.

What makes this relationship extra special is that the Johnson Street church is located "across the tracks," in the Southside community -- the African-American community in my hometown. Unfortunately, in the segregated South, churches still struggle to overcome the division of racial segregation.

But my family at Johnson Street, my brothers and sisters, always welcomed me to their pulpit and encouraged me in spite of my unpolished delivery and elemental understanding of God's Word.

This Sunday, in advance of speaking for the Sojourners National Conference at Marshall, Texas, I'll be blessed to be back home with W.K. Hannah, Charles Cunningham, Ontaria Richardson, and all the other folks at the Johnson Street church for whom I am eternally indebted.