Spoke with Birty today and we have entered into a conspiracy of recreation. We have devised a plot to lure several of our closest confidants to the city of Cleveland later on this summer. We'll take in an Indian's game, attend a musical performance, and rock out at the Rock Hall. I'm sure the weekend will involve the consumption of mass amounts of foodstuffs high in cholesterol and caloric content as well. We could even drop by old Lake Erie to catch a few fish... or diseases... or fish with diseases. Whichever the case may be.
I hope all of our buddies don't punk out on us.
30.5.05
The Emerging Church & Christopher Columbus
From time to time I've made mention of the "emerging church movement". As you may be able to tell I am somewhat ambivalent about the whole phenomenon. A few of you have expressed interest regarding my hesitation. My general perception is that just about every good observation or "inovation" by the emerging church is not new. Nor is it even paticularly ancient (nods to Webber). But rather everything good and helpful about the emergent can already be found in a Reformed world and life view. Just read the works of John Frame, Francis Schaeffer, Cornelius Van Til, Herman Bavinck, Abraham Kuyper, Louis Berkhoff, and follow the chain back sdown to John Calvin himself. Read all the folks in line with this tradition and you'll find the same things the emergent movement thinks they are discovering. (Even down to the counter-cultural facial hair). The one exception is a new emphasis away from merely propositional preaching to a narrative, more artful form of preaching which addresses the whole person rather than just the intellect. Granted the Reformed folks have traditionally been a bit imbalanced, leaning heavily towards the propositional appeal to the intellect in their preaching. But the Black preaching tradition has always had the characteristics that the emergent movement now extols.
Now this is not to say that I am against the emerging movement in totality. I am not. There are some good and helpful things going there. They just aren't as new or as innovative as the emergent set seems to think. As a reformed Presbyterian, I sort of feel like the indigeneous people groups must have felt on this continent when Columbus showed up and announced that he had "discovered" their land and renames them all indians. It's like, "well...um... We're glad you'll be joining us for dinner, but we've kinda lived here for a long time already".
I'd like to eventually give specific examples of emergent thought and its corollary in Reformed Theology, and I suppose I will eventually. I just find that when I do get some free time to blog, I seldom am in the mood to do more theological study. But I will. I'd like to hear KDNY weigh in on this topic as well.
Now this is not to say that I am against the emerging movement in totality. I am not. There are some good and helpful things going there. They just aren't as new or as innovative as the emergent set seems to think. As a reformed Presbyterian, I sort of feel like the indigeneous people groups must have felt on this continent when Columbus showed up and announced that he had "discovered" their land and renames them all indians. It's like, "well...um... We're glad you'll be joining us for dinner, but we've kinda lived here for a long time already".
I'd like to eventually give specific examples of emergent thought and its corollary in Reformed Theology, and I suppose I will eventually. I just find that when I do get some free time to blog, I seldom am in the mood to do more theological study. But I will. I'd like to hear KDNY weigh in on this topic as well.
29.5.05
Letter From a Concerned Follower
Listen to this song by clicking the title link. Note the following lyric:
I hear that you don't change
How do you expect to keep up with the trends?
You won't survive the information age
Unless you plan to change the truth
To accomodate the brilliance of men
Ouch! Point taken, Pedro.
I hear that you don't change
How do you expect to keep up with the trends?
You won't survive the information age
Unless you plan to change the truth
To accomodate the brilliance of men
Ouch! Point taken, Pedro.
Hey Fred!
Tonight I found out that my friend Fred (a Funky Presbyterian in his own right) has been reading my blog from Iraq. Hey, Fred. We're still praying for you. Looking forward to seeing you when you get back.
28.5.05
T-Ball Season Draws to Close: Robot Monkeys Undefeated!
Of course, in this league, we don't keep score or count outs. But in Jack's very last game he got two hits and fielded two balls, tracking down grounders and making a throw in the general direction of first base.
After the game Jack was awarded "Best Team Player" for his kindness, patience and generosity to his team mates. Good Job Jack. Also the players were all given trophies. As you can see Jack is proud of his trophy. And we're proud of Jack.
After the game Jack was awarded "Best Team Player" for his kindness, patience and generosity to his team mates. Good Job Jack. Also the players were all given trophies. As you can see Jack is proud of his trophy. And we're proud of Jack.
27.5.05
Blogger is being fickle today!
My friend Dan and I are trying to get our church website up and running. He has done excellent work for us but blogger is being uncooperative. This is a test to see what I can post. Hope it works. Sorry you all had to read this boring and useless post. Bye.
The Slacker Leadership Model
And just when I've all but written off the emergent movement, they go and produce this little gem of an article!
THE SLACKER LEADERSHIP MODEL
by Casey Tygrett
I admit it, I’m a slacker. I do nonsense things like have two-hour conversations with friends or church members when I should be up and about doing “administrative” things for the church. In the eyes of some Christian leaders, I’m not quite the type that should be leading a healthy community of believers. From the previously celebrated leadership paradigm, I would have to agree with them.
Can a case be made that the best perspective on leadership and ministry for the emerging church will come from “slackers?” By “slackers,” let’s from now on understand that I mean those who do not fit the CEO/Type-A mentality that was the hallmark of American Christian leadership a decade ago. Leaders who are driven to see productivity and efficiency increase within the Body of Christ, ultimately culminating in a new facility or national recognition. I realize this stereotype is laughably general, but the core of it is still taught as normative for Christian leaders. Me, I’m not that guy—I’d rather spend my time talking to our people about what kind of music they like or who they most admired as a child than working on flow charts and organizational development models. What does this say about leadership for the emerging church?
We are in an age of transition, especially in the area of rethinking faith and ekklesia, where we are hard pressed to find models by which to do ministry and leadership. Christ’s model of ministry seems to have less to do with motivating people and “coaching” (as one egregious leadership book recently suggested) and more to do with wasting time involving himself in the life of the people who surrounded Him. In the last few months, I have discovered that the things my seminary leadership profs taught as normative actually take me out of the culture and society that exists in my community. Now, I am not advocating “laziness” or “passivity” in ministry because there is still a drive and passion for those of us involved in leadership ministry to see the Kingdom grow. The key question is: Have we set up a personality model that is incongruous with the model of leadership and ministry set by Christ?
The “slacker” mentality for leadership, I believe, has some distinctive characteristics:
Life is holistically present in “slacker” leadership. We lead with our whole life and existence, fresh and on the surface of who we are. The illusion of “having it together” for the sake of vision and mission momentum is a false notion because it is not a normal human life. Figure heads have starved the Kingdom of leadership that is real and tangible in every sense, even in the daily failures and struggles of life. Instead of actively putting on a front of professionalism, let the energy of protection slip in lieu of authentic personhood.
People are the “process.” It is difficult to come to the realization that as a leader you have used people simply to effect the change or execution of an organizational plan. The parables of lost things should show us that each life is invaluable to God. The “slacker” leadership takes seriously each person’s life and circumstances above their own plans for organizational advancement. In this case, working to have everyone “on board” takes on a whole new meaning: it now means a level of respect and relationship that comes with time wasted in conversation and shared experience.
Personality has little to do with leadership. In our effort to line up spiritual gifts, we have lost the focus that if leadership is “influence,” then we are all leaders in our lives. Everything that we do and don’t do influences someone, somewhere, somehow. It appears from the ministry of Christ that He was attempting to slow down the pace of life and center people’s attention on the Kingdom. “You don’t need the corporate-driven mindset to lead people. Slow down, hang out with me. Let the afternoon slip by while you and I get down to business about who you are and what you’re doing with my kids.” Slackers have an insight into life because their personality enables them to stop and look at it without feeling like they’ve wasted their time.
There is a sense that I might be wrong, or that this may not make sense to anyone else. Yet as we look toward the future of the Kingdom in the “already” stage, what do we need more of: organizational structure and professionalism in ministry, or leaders who are humble enough to let down their guard and value wasting time with people for the sake of Christ? I think there is insight in the slacker mentality toward leadership, and if nothing else it helps us slip the driven and professional paradigm that seems to inexplicably lead to burnout and frustration. As a leader, take today and waste it with someone. Be a slacker for the sake of the Kingdom.
THE SLACKER LEADERSHIP MODEL
by Casey Tygrett
I admit it, I’m a slacker. I do nonsense things like have two-hour conversations with friends or church members when I should be up and about doing “administrative” things for the church. In the eyes of some Christian leaders, I’m not quite the type that should be leading a healthy community of believers. From the previously celebrated leadership paradigm, I would have to agree with them.
Can a case be made that the best perspective on leadership and ministry for the emerging church will come from “slackers?” By “slackers,” let’s from now on understand that I mean those who do not fit the CEO/Type-A mentality that was the hallmark of American Christian leadership a decade ago. Leaders who are driven to see productivity and efficiency increase within the Body of Christ, ultimately culminating in a new facility or national recognition. I realize this stereotype is laughably general, but the core of it is still taught as normative for Christian leaders. Me, I’m not that guy—I’d rather spend my time talking to our people about what kind of music they like or who they most admired as a child than working on flow charts and organizational development models. What does this say about leadership for the emerging church?
We are in an age of transition, especially in the area of rethinking faith and ekklesia, where we are hard pressed to find models by which to do ministry and leadership. Christ’s model of ministry seems to have less to do with motivating people and “coaching” (as one egregious leadership book recently suggested) and more to do with wasting time involving himself in the life of the people who surrounded Him. In the last few months, I have discovered that the things my seminary leadership profs taught as normative actually take me out of the culture and society that exists in my community. Now, I am not advocating “laziness” or “passivity” in ministry because there is still a drive and passion for those of us involved in leadership ministry to see the Kingdom grow. The key question is: Have we set up a personality model that is incongruous with the model of leadership and ministry set by Christ?
The “slacker” mentality for leadership, I believe, has some distinctive characteristics:
Life is holistically present in “slacker” leadership. We lead with our whole life and existence, fresh and on the surface of who we are. The illusion of “having it together” for the sake of vision and mission momentum is a false notion because it is not a normal human life. Figure heads have starved the Kingdom of leadership that is real and tangible in every sense, even in the daily failures and struggles of life. Instead of actively putting on a front of professionalism, let the energy of protection slip in lieu of authentic personhood.
People are the “process.” It is difficult to come to the realization that as a leader you have used people simply to effect the change or execution of an organizational plan. The parables of lost things should show us that each life is invaluable to God. The “slacker” leadership takes seriously each person’s life and circumstances above their own plans for organizational advancement. In this case, working to have everyone “on board” takes on a whole new meaning: it now means a level of respect and relationship that comes with time wasted in conversation and shared experience.
Personality has little to do with leadership. In our effort to line up spiritual gifts, we have lost the focus that if leadership is “influence,” then we are all leaders in our lives. Everything that we do and don’t do influences someone, somewhere, somehow. It appears from the ministry of Christ that He was attempting to slow down the pace of life and center people’s attention on the Kingdom. “You don’t need the corporate-driven mindset to lead people. Slow down, hang out with me. Let the afternoon slip by while you and I get down to business about who you are and what you’re doing with my kids.” Slackers have an insight into life because their personality enables them to stop and look at it without feeling like they’ve wasted their time.
There is a sense that I might be wrong, or that this may not make sense to anyone else. Yet as we look toward the future of the Kingdom in the “already” stage, what do we need more of: organizational structure and professionalism in ministry, or leaders who are humble enough to let down their guard and value wasting time with people for the sake of Christ? I think there is insight in the slacker mentality toward leadership, and if nothing else it helps us slip the driven and professional paradigm that seems to inexplicably lead to burnout and frustration. As a leader, take today and waste it with someone. Be a slacker for the sake of the Kingdom.
Calvin & The President
I recently read this article and was encouraged by it. This one sentence resonated with me greatly: "We are not right wing; we're not left wing. We think our faith trumps political ideology." Read the rest below.
Bush's Calvin College surprise
by Jim Wallis
As I've traveled the country this spring - 82 events, 48 cities, and hundreds of media interviews since January - I've witnessed a new movement of moderate and progressive religious voices challenging the monologue of the Religious Right.
An extremely narrow and aggressively partisan expression of right-wing Republican religion has controlled the debate on faith and politics in the public square for years. But that is no longer true.
At packed book events around the country these days, I often make an announcement that elicits a tumultuous response: "The monologue of the Religious Right is finally over, and a new dialogue has begun!" Smiles light up the faces of thousands of people as they break out in thunderous applause.
That new dialogue was visible recently at Calvin College. Karl Rove, seeking a friendly venue for a commencement speech in Michigan, approached Calvin and offered President Bush as the speaker. The college, which had already invited Nicholas Wolterstorff of Yale to deliver the speech, hastily disinvited him and welcomed the president. But the White House apparently was not counting on the reaction of students and faculty. Rove expected the evangelical Christian college in the dependable "red" area of western Michigan to be a safe place. He was wrong.
The day the president was to speak, an ad featuring a letter signed by one-third of Calvin's faculty and staff ran in The Grand Rapids Press. Noting that "we seek open and honest dialogue about the Christian faith and how it is best expressed in the political sphere," the letter said that "we see conflicts between our understanding of what Christians are called to do and many of the policies of your administration."
The letter asserted that administration policies have "launched an unjust and unjustified war in Iraq," "taken actions that favor the wealthy of our society and burden the poor, " "harmed creation and have not promoted long-term stewardship of our natural environment," and "fostered intolerance and divisiveness and has often failed to listen to those with whom it disagrees." It concluded: "Our passion for these matters arises out of the Christian faith that we share with you. We ask you, Mr. President, to re-examine your policies in light of our God-given duty to pursue justice with mercy...." One faculty member told a reporter, "We are not Lynchburg. We are not right wing; we're not left wing. We think our faith trumps political ideology."
On commencement day, according to news reports, about a quarter of the 900 graduates wore "God is not a Republican or a Democrat" buttons pinned to their gowns.
The events at Calvin, along with the growing crowds at our events around the country, are visible signs that the Religious Right does not speak for all Christians, even all evangelical Christians. What I hear, from one end of this country to the other, is how tired we are of ideological religion and how hungry we are for prophetic faith. The students and faculty at Calvin College are the most recent sign of that hunger.
Bush's Calvin College surprise
by Jim Wallis
As I've traveled the country this spring - 82 events, 48 cities, and hundreds of media interviews since January - I've witnessed a new movement of moderate and progressive religious voices challenging the monologue of the Religious Right.
An extremely narrow and aggressively partisan expression of right-wing Republican religion has controlled the debate on faith and politics in the public square for years. But that is no longer true.
At packed book events around the country these days, I often make an announcement that elicits a tumultuous response: "The monologue of the Religious Right is finally over, and a new dialogue has begun!" Smiles light up the faces of thousands of people as they break out in thunderous applause.
That new dialogue was visible recently at Calvin College. Karl Rove, seeking a friendly venue for a commencement speech in Michigan, approached Calvin and offered President Bush as the speaker. The college, which had already invited Nicholas Wolterstorff of Yale to deliver the speech, hastily disinvited him and welcomed the president. But the White House apparently was not counting on the reaction of students and faculty. Rove expected the evangelical Christian college in the dependable "red" area of western Michigan to be a safe place. He was wrong.
The day the president was to speak, an ad featuring a letter signed by one-third of Calvin's faculty and staff ran in The Grand Rapids Press. Noting that "we seek open and honest dialogue about the Christian faith and how it is best expressed in the political sphere," the letter said that "we see conflicts between our understanding of what Christians are called to do and many of the policies of your administration."
The letter asserted that administration policies have "launched an unjust and unjustified war in Iraq," "taken actions that favor the wealthy of our society and burden the poor, " "harmed creation and have not promoted long-term stewardship of our natural environment," and "fostered intolerance and divisiveness and has often failed to listen to those with whom it disagrees." It concluded: "Our passion for these matters arises out of the Christian faith that we share with you. We ask you, Mr. President, to re-examine your policies in light of our God-given duty to pursue justice with mercy...." One faculty member told a reporter, "We are not Lynchburg. We are not right wing; we're not left wing. We think our faith trumps political ideology."
On commencement day, according to news reports, about a quarter of the 900 graduates wore "God is not a Republican or a Democrat" buttons pinned to their gowns.
The events at Calvin, along with the growing crowds at our events around the country, are visible signs that the Religious Right does not speak for all Christians, even all evangelical Christians. What I hear, from one end of this country to the other, is how tired we are of ideological religion and how hungry we are for prophetic faith. The students and faculty at Calvin College are the most recent sign of that hunger.
26.5.05
The High Fidelity Challenge
Birty has challenged me to take the High Fidelity Challenge. This is hard & subject to change daily !!!
Top Five Lyrics That Move Your Heart
(I don't listen to a lot of Christian music and I son't ever listen to hymns when I'm not singing them in church. I was therefore surprised to find lots of that kind of thing on this list. I guess it tells you what moves me).
5. Take to the World- Derek Webb
go in peace to love and to serve
let your ears ring long with what you’ve heard
and may the bread on your tongue
leave a trail of crumbs
to lead the hungry back to the place that you are from
and take to the world this love, hope and faith
take to the world this rare, relentless grace
and like the three in one
know you must become what you want to save
‘cause that’s still the way
He takes to the world
go, and go far
take light deep in the dark
believe what’s true
He uses all, even you
4. Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder - (John Newton 1774)
verse 1:
Let us love and sing and wonder
Let us praise the Savior’s name
He has hushed the law’s loud thunder
He has quenched Mount Sinai’s flame
He has washed us with His blood
He has brought us nigh to God
3.All I Need Is Everything - Over the Rhine
Slow down. Hold still.
It's not as if it's a matter of will.
Someone's circling. Someone's moving
a little lower than the angels.
And it's got nothing to do with me.
The wind blows through the trees,
but if I look for it, it won't come.
I tense up. My mind goes numb.
There's nothing harder than learning how to receive.
Calm down. Be still.
We've got plenty of time to kill.
No hand writing on the wall:
just the voice that's in us all.
And you're whispering to me,
time to get up off my hands and knees,
'cause if I beg for it, it won't come.
I find nothing but table crumbs.
My hands are empty. God I've been naive.
All I need is everything.
Inside, outside, feel new skin.
All I need is everything.
Feel the slip and the grip of grace again.
Slow down. Hold still.
It's not as if it's a matter of will.
Someone's circling. Someone's moving
a little lower than the angels.
This voice calling me to you:
it's just barely coming through.
Still, I clearly hear my name.
I've been fingering the flame
like tomorrow's martyr.
It gets harder to believe.
All I need is everything.
Inside, outside, feel new skin.
All I need is everything.
Feel the slip and the grip of grace again.
So from now till kingdom come,
taste the words on the tip of my tongue.
'Cause we can't run truth out of town,
only force it underground.
The roots grow deeper
in ways we can't conceive.
All I need is everything.
Inside, outside feel new skin.
All I need is everything.
Feel the slip and the grip of grace again.
All I need is all I need.
2. Double Cure - The Vigilantes of Love
yeah today i'm sick of all i am
today is my setback
first i swear i love you
then i stab you in the back
i wanna drink out of that fountain
on a hill called double cure
i wanna show you my allegiance Lord
yes i wanna be a son of Yours
so tired of all my toys
they never last for long
they keep beaming dreams and wishes
to a big dish on my front lawn
bet you all have got a story
you're just aching to tell
haven't we thrown our coinage
down the wishing well
so go and call your neighbor
proceed with all due haste
go grab your wife and sweet family
see there is no time to waste
we're gonna drink out of that fountain
on a hill called double cure
i wanna show you my allegiance Lord
yes i wanna be a son of Yours
ask me why i love Him
He gave riches to this poor
yes and i will one day see that face
over yonder shore
1. Be Thou My Vision- (ancient Irish poem, ca. 8th century)
verse 4:
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise
Thou mine inheritence, now and always
Thou and thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my treasure thou Art
Top Five Instrumentals
(This one was hard. I don't listen to many instrumentals, I guess).
1. Freddy Freeloader - Miles Davis
2. Blue Train - John Coltrane
3. Run Dark Olive - Linford Detweiler
4. Willoughby - Over the Rhine
5. Linus & Lucy - Vince Guaraldi Trio
Top Five Live Musical Experiences
(There are so, so many! I guess these 5 just stand out in my mind).
1. The Actual Hoots of Joy live at Taylor University, 1995ish
2. U2 - Busch Stadium, St Louis 1993
3. Over the Rhine - Canal Street Tavern in Dayton, Ohio anytime in the early to mid 90's
4. James- Bogarts, Cincinnati 1995ish
5. Adam Again - Bushnell, Illinois, 1997
Top Five Artists You Think More People Should Listen To
1. Over the Rhine
2. Derek Webb
3. Joseph Arthur
4. Ryan Adams
5. The Shrubs
Top Five Albums You Must Hear from Start to Finish
(Why don't you just ask me whaich of my kids I love most?!?)
1. The Joshua Tree - u2
2. Good Dog Bad Dog - Over the Rhine
3. Scenic Routes - The Lost Dogs
4. Bee Thousand - Guided By Voices
5. Real Folk Blues - John Lee Hooker
Top Five Musical Heroes
1. Johnny Cash
2. Bill Mallonee
3. Bob Dylan
4. Robert Rottet
5. Bob Pollard
Top Five Lyrics That Move Your Heart
(I don't listen to a lot of Christian music and I son't ever listen to hymns when I'm not singing them in church. I was therefore surprised to find lots of that kind of thing on this list. I guess it tells you what moves me).
5. Take to the World- Derek Webb
go in peace to love and to serve
let your ears ring long with what you’ve heard
and may the bread on your tongue
leave a trail of crumbs
to lead the hungry back to the place that you are from
and take to the world this love, hope and faith
take to the world this rare, relentless grace
and like the three in one
know you must become what you want to save
‘cause that’s still the way
He takes to the world
go, and go far
take light deep in the dark
believe what’s true
He uses all, even you
4. Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder - (John Newton 1774)
verse 1:
Let us love and sing and wonder
Let us praise the Savior’s name
He has hushed the law’s loud thunder
He has quenched Mount Sinai’s flame
He has washed us with His blood
He has brought us nigh to God
3.All I Need Is Everything - Over the Rhine
Slow down. Hold still.
It's not as if it's a matter of will.
Someone's circling. Someone's moving
a little lower than the angels.
And it's got nothing to do with me.
The wind blows through the trees,
but if I look for it, it won't come.
I tense up. My mind goes numb.
There's nothing harder than learning how to receive.
Calm down. Be still.
We've got plenty of time to kill.
No hand writing on the wall:
just the voice that's in us all.
And you're whispering to me,
time to get up off my hands and knees,
'cause if I beg for it, it won't come.
I find nothing but table crumbs.
My hands are empty. God I've been naive.
All I need is everything.
Inside, outside, feel new skin.
All I need is everything.
Feel the slip and the grip of grace again.
Slow down. Hold still.
It's not as if it's a matter of will.
Someone's circling. Someone's moving
a little lower than the angels.
This voice calling me to you:
it's just barely coming through.
Still, I clearly hear my name.
I've been fingering the flame
like tomorrow's martyr.
It gets harder to believe.
All I need is everything.
Inside, outside, feel new skin.
All I need is everything.
Feel the slip and the grip of grace again.
So from now till kingdom come,
taste the words on the tip of my tongue.
'Cause we can't run truth out of town,
only force it underground.
The roots grow deeper
in ways we can't conceive.
All I need is everything.
Inside, outside feel new skin.
All I need is everything.
Feel the slip and the grip of grace again.
All I need is all I need.
2. Double Cure - The Vigilantes of Love
yeah today i'm sick of all i am
today is my setback
first i swear i love you
then i stab you in the back
i wanna drink out of that fountain
on a hill called double cure
i wanna show you my allegiance Lord
yes i wanna be a son of Yours
so tired of all my toys
they never last for long
they keep beaming dreams and wishes
to a big dish on my front lawn
bet you all have got a story
you're just aching to tell
haven't we thrown our coinage
down the wishing well
so go and call your neighbor
proceed with all due haste
go grab your wife and sweet family
see there is no time to waste
we're gonna drink out of that fountain
on a hill called double cure
i wanna show you my allegiance Lord
yes i wanna be a son of Yours
ask me why i love Him
He gave riches to this poor
yes and i will one day see that face
over yonder shore
1. Be Thou My Vision- (ancient Irish poem, ca. 8th century)
verse 4:
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise
Thou mine inheritence, now and always
Thou and thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my treasure thou Art
Top Five Instrumentals
(This one was hard. I don't listen to many instrumentals, I guess).
1. Freddy Freeloader - Miles Davis
2. Blue Train - John Coltrane
3. Run Dark Olive - Linford Detweiler
4. Willoughby - Over the Rhine
5. Linus & Lucy - Vince Guaraldi Trio
Top Five Live Musical Experiences
(There are so, so many! I guess these 5 just stand out in my mind).
1. The Actual Hoots of Joy live at Taylor University, 1995ish
2. U2 - Busch Stadium, St Louis 1993
3. Over the Rhine - Canal Street Tavern in Dayton, Ohio anytime in the early to mid 90's
4. James- Bogarts, Cincinnati 1995ish
5. Adam Again - Bushnell, Illinois, 1997
Top Five Artists You Think More People Should Listen To
1. Over the Rhine
2. Derek Webb
3. Joseph Arthur
4. Ryan Adams
5. The Shrubs
Top Five Albums You Must Hear from Start to Finish
(Why don't you just ask me whaich of my kids I love most?!?)
1. The Joshua Tree - u2
2. Good Dog Bad Dog - Over the Rhine
3. Scenic Routes - The Lost Dogs
4. Bee Thousand - Guided By Voices
5. Real Folk Blues - John Lee Hooker
Top Five Musical Heroes
1. Johnny Cash
2. Bill Mallonee
3. Bob Dylan
4. Robert Rottet
5. Bob Pollard
25.5.05
Johnny Cash T-Shirt
I've always wanted a Johnny Cash t-shirt. Once I made my own with a white hanes and a black sharpie marker. But now I have a real one. My wife bought it for me. Pretty cool, huh?
24.5.05
Who needs the Easter Bunny?
In children's church Sunday night, Jack's class made family albums. They drew pictures of all their family members and things that happen at their house. Afterwords he was showing us his album. "This is mommy, and this is a picture of daddy, and this is me and Sam... And this page is Bob Dylan coming over to our house. Elvis was going to come too, but he couldn't because he was dead".
In the picture, the purple guy with crazy legs walking through the door is Bob Dylan. That's Jack opening the door for him. Most five year olds get excited to draw pictures of the Easter bunny coming to the house. Jack draws Bob Dylan.
I know I'm his dad and so I kinda have to like him, but if Jack weren't my kid, I'd still want to hang out with him. Coolest five year old ever.
In the picture, the purple guy with crazy legs walking through the door is Bob Dylan. That's Jack opening the door for him. Most five year olds get excited to draw pictures of the Easter bunny coming to the house. Jack draws Bob Dylan.
I know I'm his dad and so I kinda have to like him, but if Jack weren't my kid, I'd still want to hang out with him. Coolest five year old ever.
Recovering the treasure.
I saw myself rooting around in a large pile of stones and gravel. I was looking for something. I'm not sure what it was. Something valuable. A diamond perhaps. Or a painting of great value or maybe some other work of art. I don't know how I knew, but I knew there was some great treasure hidden in this place. Burried. And it had to be uncovered. I'd been asked to recover it. But the field of rocks and debris was large and expansive. And there was dust everywhere and I couldn't find the treasure. Only rocks. I started to get angry with the rocks. Surely if I could just clear these rocks away, if I could eliminate these stones, haul them off, then surely I would see clearly where the treasure was hidden.
Then I saw it. It was in my hand. A stone. Like all the other thousands of stones that lay scattered and stacked around me. As I prepared to discard the stone, to toss it aside, I saw that it was not a stone of no consequence. It had a form. An edge. A corner. It had been hand worked. It was broken, yes. And dusty. But it was not random. This stone had been labored over long ago by some great artisan. Some master mason had formed this stone. Then as I looked around me I began to see it. These stones, all of them, were like the one in my hand. This was not a field of random stones. I was standing amidst the rubble of some ancient edifice.
Each of these stones had it's place in the architecture. They could be cleaned. Polished. Reparied. Maybe the stones could be re-assembled, this temple rebuilt. The broken and jagged rocks were not concealing the treasure. They were the treasure. To uncover the beauty was not a matter of discarding what was of no value, or digging beneath what was there, but rather of seeing the value in what lay all around, in plain sight and doing the hard work of repairing what was shattered.
Now I could see order. That stack of stones to my left must have been the south wall. This pile near my feet seems to have been a column, perhaps a portion of some marvelous collonade. And the gravel... the small pieces, blue and green, red and white, not gravel at all. This was a tiled floor. A mosaic. There was once a picture beneath me. It told a story. This too is a part of the treasure I was told to recover.
I knealt down and took a small colorful shard of broken stone and placed it against another. The pieces fit. The work begins.
Then I saw it. It was in my hand. A stone. Like all the other thousands of stones that lay scattered and stacked around me. As I prepared to discard the stone, to toss it aside, I saw that it was not a stone of no consequence. It had a form. An edge. A corner. It had been hand worked. It was broken, yes. And dusty. But it was not random. This stone had been labored over long ago by some great artisan. Some master mason had formed this stone. Then as I looked around me I began to see it. These stones, all of them, were like the one in my hand. This was not a field of random stones. I was standing amidst the rubble of some ancient edifice.
Each of these stones had it's place in the architecture. They could be cleaned. Polished. Reparied. Maybe the stones could be re-assembled, this temple rebuilt. The broken and jagged rocks were not concealing the treasure. They were the treasure. To uncover the beauty was not a matter of discarding what was of no value, or digging beneath what was there, but rather of seeing the value in what lay all around, in plain sight and doing the hard work of repairing what was shattered.
Now I could see order. That stack of stones to my left must have been the south wall. This pile near my feet seems to have been a column, perhaps a portion of some marvelous collonade. And the gravel... the small pieces, blue and green, red and white, not gravel at all. This was a tiled floor. A mosaic. There was once a picture beneath me. It told a story. This too is a part of the treasure I was told to recover.
I knealt down and took a small colorful shard of broken stone and placed it against another. The pieces fit. The work begins.
Jesus must be so proud of us!
Wow. This is evangelism and apologetics at it's finest. Good work, brothers.
23.5.05
My Friend Jason Loftis Always Reads My Blog But Never Leaves Comments
Even when some entries are custom desgined for him to leave comments. Like the Adam Again record review. And like this one.
Book Cover Reviews
"Of the making many books, there is no end, and much study wearies the body" (Ecclesiastes 12:12)
Amen. There is an endless stream of books I would like to read and I never seem to get caught up. In fact, as more and more books are relased I am falling farther and farther behind. Originally my desire was to write a few book reviews for my good readers, so that you can become accquainted with the sorts writings I find helpful. Unfortunately it takes a very long time to read a book. It's hard work. The Bible says so.
Instead, I've decided to write reviews of book covers. That's right! Why put in several hours of labor to decipher all those tiny little letters when you can pretty much just look at a book's cover and judge wether or not its any good? So my friends, the funky presbyterian now will provide you with the great community service of reviewing book covers of the books I would like to read if I had the time and energy.
This week we will be reviewing "Simplicity" by a guy named Mark Salomon or something. At first glance, I find the cover intriguing. Who is this person on the cover? Is it the author himself? Perhaps as a child? One can not be certain. The face is obscured. A mystery! Next we notice that the title of the book is printed askew and in style that looks hand etched. This gives the viewer the impression that the ideas contained therein are slightly unconventional and perhaps the relfections of an independant minded author. And then we have the endorsement. Yes! An endorsement on the front of the book! This is unconventional indeed! An informed viewer will notice that the endorsement is penned by the lead singer of Christian heavy metal group POD. This would lead one to believe that the author is perhaps himself either a Christian or a heavy metal dude. Or even both.
Over all, I feel the visual impression made by this cover is a positive one. The composition is engaging and friendly. The colors are well balanced and coherent with the title of the book. However, Salomon does loose a few points for putting the POD guy's endorsement on the cover. I mean first of all, what do heavy metal dudes know about books? And secondly it seems a little like name dropping. A bold and unconventional move, but ultimately it comes off as little desperate. Over all though, a decent cover. I'd say that if I had the time, and actually read this book, I'd probably like it.
Rating: B+
Amen. There is an endless stream of books I would like to read and I never seem to get caught up. In fact, as more and more books are relased I am falling farther and farther behind. Originally my desire was to write a few book reviews for my good readers, so that you can become accquainted with the sorts writings I find helpful. Unfortunately it takes a very long time to read a book. It's hard work. The Bible says so.
Instead, I've decided to write reviews of book covers. That's right! Why put in several hours of labor to decipher all those tiny little letters when you can pretty much just look at a book's cover and judge wether or not its any good? So my friends, the funky presbyterian now will provide you with the great community service of reviewing book covers of the books I would like to read if I had the time and energy.
This week we will be reviewing "Simplicity" by a guy named Mark Salomon or something. At first glance, I find the cover intriguing. Who is this person on the cover? Is it the author himself? Perhaps as a child? One can not be certain. The face is obscured. A mystery! Next we notice that the title of the book is printed askew and in style that looks hand etched. This gives the viewer the impression that the ideas contained therein are slightly unconventional and perhaps the relfections of an independant minded author. And then we have the endorsement. Yes! An endorsement on the front of the book! This is unconventional indeed! An informed viewer will notice that the endorsement is penned by the lead singer of Christian heavy metal group POD. This would lead one to believe that the author is perhaps himself either a Christian or a heavy metal dude. Or even both.
Over all, I feel the visual impression made by this cover is a positive one. The composition is engaging and friendly. The colors are well balanced and coherent with the title of the book. However, Salomon does loose a few points for putting the POD guy's endorsement on the cover. I mean first of all, what do heavy metal dudes know about books? And secondly it seems a little like name dropping. A bold and unconventional move, but ultimately it comes off as little desperate. Over all though, a decent cover. I'd say that if I had the time, and actually read this book, I'd probably like it.
Rating: B+
Mystery Solved!
My friend Keith has saved us all alot of time and effort by providing this quick and simple syllogism to prove that there is baseball in heaven.
There are no tears in heaven (Rev. 21).
There is no crying in baseball.
Therefore, there is baseball in heaven.
Thanks for wrapping this up for us, Keith. You are a true scholar.
There are no tears in heaven (Rev. 21).
There is no crying in baseball.
Therefore, there is baseball in heaven.
Thanks for wrapping this up for us, Keith. You are a true scholar.
Creation, Redemption, Baseball & the City of God: Part One
If you are just joining us on this topic, be sure to scroll down and read the introduction.
1. Creation is good.
This is our starting point to argue that there may in fact be baseball in Heaven. Unfortunately there has evolved in Christian thought throughout the centuries, a presupposition that the physical world is somehow less important, less "religious" than the spiritual world, or even that the physical world is somehow more corrupt or sinful than the spiritual world. Perhaps you are aware of the line of thinking in Christendom that says "I'm just a'passin' through. This body is just my shell, etc etc". This physical/spiritual dichotomy is not true and probably stems more from the influence of greek thought (Platonism) upon Christianity than from scripture itself. All of creation is created good. And all of creation is broken, suffering the effects of the fall into sin.
Consider: Genesis chapter one records for us scriptures account of the creation of the universe. Now at this point many more questions may be raised about this account. Is it historical? Is it allegorical? Are the "days" literal 24 hour days? What about evolution? It is not our intention to answer any of these questions in this discussion. So set those questions aside for now. The point we must take note of here is that after each stage of creation, God declares that what he has made is "good".
1:4 - And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.
1:10- God called the dry land Earth,* and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.
1:12 - The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
1:18 - the sun to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.
1:21- So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
1:25- And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
1:31- And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.
So again and again throughout the creative period, God stops to observe what he has made and to enjoy it, calling it good. Six times he says it. And then after making mankind on the sixth day, God declares it "Very Good!" If God has called something good, we ought not call it bad! We ought not call it unimportant, trivial or even "neutral". Nothing is neutral. What God has created is good. He says so.
2. The development of culture, though mediated by man, is an important part of God's Creation.
Ok, but what about baseball? I mean it's not like God made baseball in the same way he made the sea and the animals. This is true, but there is more to be said. God creates man & woman "in his own image". This little phrase has many many ramifications, but for our discussion we will note that being in the image of God means that we are little creators the way God is the Big Creator. We are little rulers of creation the way God is the Big Ruler of creation. God shares with men and women something of himself that is not shared with other aspects of the created world. And after making man & woman, God gives them the command to rule over what he has made. Theologians have called this the "cultural mandate" whereby mankind is given the job of developing culture in a responsible way. Here's the text:
Genesis 1:28
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Then later in the book of Genesis we read of the beginnings of cultural development:
Gen. 4:19-22
And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron.
In this passage filled with strange names we see the first seeds of argicultural development & animal breeding, of music and the arts, and even of technology as tools are forged from bronze and iron. This is the development of culture and it records for us the obedience of mankind in fulfilling the God given cultural mandate. If you enjoy music, you own something to Jubal. If you've ever eaten a hamburger, you have some debt to Jabal. If you are reading this on a computer then thank Tubal-cain. And if you enjoy the sport of baseball, then thank Abner Doubleday for his obedience to the cultural mandate in Genesis 1:28.
In addition to the cultural mandate, and the recording of culture's first baby steps in Genesis 4, we have also to consider the entire trajectory of the Christian view of history's unfolding. Civilization starts with two naked people in a garden and culminates in a city with streets and gates and nations and music and architecture (Revelation 21). In between these two is implied a necessary development of civilization and culture that is a part of God's plan. And it is God honoring for any person to participate in the unfolding of God's plan of cultural development, regardless of wether that person is a Christian or even believes in God at all. I don't know who first bred German Shepherds. I don't know what his religious beliefs were. But I'm glad he did it, because I love my dog. I don't know if Elvis was a believer or not, but I sure am glad he made a giant leap forwards for the development of rock and roll, because I love rock and roll. And sure am glad that Al Gore invented the internet, because I enjoy blogging.
Now granted, this develpoment of culture is for a time, distorted and broken by sin, but it is not obliterated. In otherwords, yes, sin has scarred the process of cultural development so just as we forge implements from bronze for good purposes, we forge implements for killing that were never intended to be a part of God's creation. Just as our artists develop their skills in painting and photography and film in ways that are beautiful, dignifying and honoring of God, we also have invented pornography, Nazi propoganda, and Thomas Kincaid paintings. But this distortion of cultural development is a cancer, a parasite. If your dog gets a tick, you don't shoot the dog. The dog is good and so you seek to remove the tick. The dog is worth saving, because he is good. God says so.
If baseball is good then it too is worth saving. more to come...
1. Creation is good.
This is our starting point to argue that there may in fact be baseball in Heaven. Unfortunately there has evolved in Christian thought throughout the centuries, a presupposition that the physical world is somehow less important, less "religious" than the spiritual world, or even that the physical world is somehow more corrupt or sinful than the spiritual world. Perhaps you are aware of the line of thinking in Christendom that says "I'm just a'passin' through. This body is just my shell, etc etc". This physical/spiritual dichotomy is not true and probably stems more from the influence of greek thought (Platonism) upon Christianity than from scripture itself. All of creation is created good. And all of creation is broken, suffering the effects of the fall into sin.
Consider: Genesis chapter one records for us scriptures account of the creation of the universe. Now at this point many more questions may be raised about this account. Is it historical? Is it allegorical? Are the "days" literal 24 hour days? What about evolution? It is not our intention to answer any of these questions in this discussion. So set those questions aside for now. The point we must take note of here is that after each stage of creation, God declares that what he has made is "good".
1:4 - And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.
1:10- God called the dry land Earth,* and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.
1:12 - The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
1:18 - the sun to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.
1:21- So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
1:25- And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
1:31- And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.
So again and again throughout the creative period, God stops to observe what he has made and to enjoy it, calling it good. Six times he says it. And then after making mankind on the sixth day, God declares it "Very Good!" If God has called something good, we ought not call it bad! We ought not call it unimportant, trivial or even "neutral". Nothing is neutral. What God has created is good. He says so.
2. The development of culture, though mediated by man, is an important part of God's Creation.
Ok, but what about baseball? I mean it's not like God made baseball in the same way he made the sea and the animals. This is true, but there is more to be said. God creates man & woman "in his own image". This little phrase has many many ramifications, but for our discussion we will note that being in the image of God means that we are little creators the way God is the Big Creator. We are little rulers of creation the way God is the Big Ruler of creation. God shares with men and women something of himself that is not shared with other aspects of the created world. And after making man & woman, God gives them the command to rule over what he has made. Theologians have called this the "cultural mandate" whereby mankind is given the job of developing culture in a responsible way. Here's the text:
Genesis 1:28
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Then later in the book of Genesis we read of the beginnings of cultural development:
Gen. 4:19-22
And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron.
In this passage filled with strange names we see the first seeds of argicultural development & animal breeding, of music and the arts, and even of technology as tools are forged from bronze and iron. This is the development of culture and it records for us the obedience of mankind in fulfilling the God given cultural mandate. If you enjoy music, you own something to Jubal. If you've ever eaten a hamburger, you have some debt to Jabal. If you are reading this on a computer then thank Tubal-cain. And if you enjoy the sport of baseball, then thank Abner Doubleday for his obedience to the cultural mandate in Genesis 1:28.
In addition to the cultural mandate, and the recording of culture's first baby steps in Genesis 4, we have also to consider the entire trajectory of the Christian view of history's unfolding. Civilization starts with two naked people in a garden and culminates in a city with streets and gates and nations and music and architecture (Revelation 21). In between these two is implied a necessary development of civilization and culture that is a part of God's plan. And it is God honoring for any person to participate in the unfolding of God's plan of cultural development, regardless of wether that person is a Christian or even believes in God at all. I don't know who first bred German Shepherds. I don't know what his religious beliefs were. But I'm glad he did it, because I love my dog. I don't know if Elvis was a believer or not, but I sure am glad he made a giant leap forwards for the development of rock and roll, because I love rock and roll. And sure am glad that Al Gore invented the internet, because I enjoy blogging.
Now granted, this develpoment of culture is for a time, distorted and broken by sin, but it is not obliterated. In otherwords, yes, sin has scarred the process of cultural development so just as we forge implements from bronze for good purposes, we forge implements for killing that were never intended to be a part of God's creation. Just as our artists develop their skills in painting and photography and film in ways that are beautiful, dignifying and honoring of God, we also have invented pornography, Nazi propoganda, and Thomas Kincaid paintings. But this distortion of cultural development is a cancer, a parasite. If your dog gets a tick, you don't shoot the dog. The dog is good and so you seek to remove the tick. The dog is worth saving, because he is good. God says so.
If baseball is good then it too is worth saving. more to come...
22.5.05
Down and dirty.
If you've ever played, coached or watched a game of T-Ball, you understand why I love this photo.
Thanks to my friend Eric who snapped the picture. I stole it from his website.
Thanks to my friend Eric who snapped the picture. I stole it from his website.
20.5.05
Creation, Redemption, Baseball & The City of God: An Introduction
Will we play baseball in Heaven?
This question was recently posed, I believe at least partially in jest. This is understandable, as it seems absurd to us. We have difficulty reconciling such an earthly, and seemingly insignificant pleasure like baseball with the concept of Heavenly, eternal, spiritual life spent in communion with the Triune and Almighty Creator God of the universe. Won't such physical and earthly preoccupations as baseball be transcended at that point?
If such a question seems absurd, it is only because our understanding of God and the world is warped, unbiblical, and ultimately sub-Christian. There is good reason to believe that we may perhaps play baseball in Heaven. This is good news. This is Good News- capital G capital N.
Here's what I intend to demonstrate: Creation is good and though fallen, stands to be redeemed by the victory of Christ. The develpment of culture, though mediated by mankind, is a legitimate and important part of God's creation. Thus cultural forms also stand to be redeemed by the victory of Christ. This redemption ultimately culminates in the coming of the City of God in it's fullness. This City, and this Redemptive Climax is not merely spiritual and heavenly, but is physical and earthly as well. This new city, this coming age of glory, represents not only a discontinuity with the world as it exists now (for instance in it's falleness and rebellion against God) but also (and this is the whole point!) continuity with the world as it currently exists as well (for instance in it's beauty, and it all of it's God pleasing cultural structures, and many of it's people, which will at that point be entirely freed from sin). As the nations bring their treasures into the new city we may in fact see the sport of baseball ushered into this new age and offered up for the glory of God as a demonstration of the faithfulness of God and the obedience of man to "image God" in being a sub-creator of good things. In which case, yes there would be baseball in Heaven. And God would like it. Even more than he does now. Which is a lot. I'm not joking.
Obviously, demonstrating this will be a somewhat lengthy endeavor. I will therefore write in installments.
Some of you may be asking yourselves at this point if I am serious. I am. Others will be asking if I am making this stuff up. I am not. I am deeply passionate about this aspect of the Christian faith. This is the Gospel. It is my only comfort in life and in death.
Why do I say this? Becasue ultimately, for the Christian, the question "will there be baseball in Heaven" is not a question about baseball, or even heaven. It is a question about the nature and scope of the victory of Christ.
This may be difficult reading. Please please please post comments, ask questions etc etc. as you need clarification. I am a pastor and teacher at heart and nothing brings me more joy than questions. And beer. So if you don't bring me joy, then bring me beer and we'll call it even.
This question was recently posed, I believe at least partially in jest. This is understandable, as it seems absurd to us. We have difficulty reconciling such an earthly, and seemingly insignificant pleasure like baseball with the concept of Heavenly, eternal, spiritual life spent in communion with the Triune and Almighty Creator God of the universe. Won't such physical and earthly preoccupations as baseball be transcended at that point?
If such a question seems absurd, it is only because our understanding of God and the world is warped, unbiblical, and ultimately sub-Christian. There is good reason to believe that we may perhaps play baseball in Heaven. This is good news. This is Good News- capital G capital N.
Here's what I intend to demonstrate: Creation is good and though fallen, stands to be redeemed by the victory of Christ. The develpment of culture, though mediated by mankind, is a legitimate and important part of God's creation. Thus cultural forms also stand to be redeemed by the victory of Christ. This redemption ultimately culminates in the coming of the City of God in it's fullness. This City, and this Redemptive Climax is not merely spiritual and heavenly, but is physical and earthly as well. This new city, this coming age of glory, represents not only a discontinuity with the world as it exists now (for instance in it's falleness and rebellion against God) but also (and this is the whole point!) continuity with the world as it currently exists as well (for instance in it's beauty, and it all of it's God pleasing cultural structures, and many of it's people, which will at that point be entirely freed from sin). As the nations bring their treasures into the new city we may in fact see the sport of baseball ushered into this new age and offered up for the glory of God as a demonstration of the faithfulness of God and the obedience of man to "image God" in being a sub-creator of good things. In which case, yes there would be baseball in Heaven. And God would like it. Even more than he does now. Which is a lot. I'm not joking.
Obviously, demonstrating this will be a somewhat lengthy endeavor. I will therefore write in installments.
Some of you may be asking yourselves at this point if I am serious. I am. Others will be asking if I am making this stuff up. I am not. I am deeply passionate about this aspect of the Christian faith. This is the Gospel. It is my only comfort in life and in death.
Why do I say this? Becasue ultimately, for the Christian, the question "will there be baseball in Heaven" is not a question about baseball, or even heaven. It is a question about the nature and scope of the victory of Christ.
This may be difficult reading. Please please please post comments, ask questions etc etc. as you need clarification. I am a pastor and teacher at heart and nothing brings me more joy than questions. And beer. So if you don't bring me joy, then bring me beer and we'll call it even.
Baseball in Heaven: Part 1?
Will there be baseball in Heaven? Well, before we launch into a theological exposition of this question, let me submit this photo as evidence that there will certainly be basketball in Heaven.
This kind of evidence is conclusive. There will be basketball in Heaven. Now, I will soon address the question of baseball in heaven.
The answer may surprise you. Seriously.
This kind of evidence is conclusive. There will be basketball in Heaven. Now, I will soon address the question of baseball in heaven.
The answer may surprise you. Seriously.
19.5.05
I'm back.
Hey, all. Sorry it's been so long since I've offered up new and exciting content for your consumption. I've been out of town and without computer access. But today your despair will come to an end. I have returned home. As a peace offering, I submit to you this photo, which I have titled "drunken greek with exploding afro". I hope it means as much to you as it does to me. >sniff, sniff<
16.5.05
If you comment, he will blog.
Reposting this at the top so some of you can give your two cents. Please let me know what you think. Thanks to those of you who have already commented here.
Much like the whispery voiced ghost of baseball's boys of summers past in their spooky quest for a place to play, I the not-so- whispery funky presbyterian put forth a similar request to you, my beloved family, treasured friends and valued readers. Post here and tell me to what topic you think I should devote some blogging time:
1. Why I believe in God (and still consider myself to be at least somewhat reasonable).
2. Is there a sensible way to be a Christian in a post-modern culture?
3. What should we think about evil, suffering and injustice?
4. Or give me another topic of interest... whatever.
You tell me which topics you'd find most helpful or interesting. So post here and let me know. When I have a number of votes (10-15) I'll call for a tally and we'll see what develops. I'm especially interested in hearing from people who are not already on the Jesus bandwagon. I value your perspectives whatever they be and would like to facilitate further discussion, thought and dialogue about spiritual issues. Thanks people.
Much like the whispery voiced ghost of baseball's boys of summers past in their spooky quest for a place to play, I the not-so- whispery funky presbyterian put forth a similar request to you, my beloved family, treasured friends and valued readers. Post here and tell me to what topic you think I should devote some blogging time:
1. Why I believe in God (and still consider myself to be at least somewhat reasonable).
2. Is there a sensible way to be a Christian in a post-modern culture?
3. What should we think about evil, suffering and injustice?
4. Or give me another topic of interest... whatever.
You tell me which topics you'd find most helpful or interesting. So post here and let me know. When I have a number of votes (10-15) I'll call for a tally and we'll see what develops. I'm especially interested in hearing from people who are not already on the Jesus bandwagon. I value your perspectives whatever they be and would like to facilitate further discussion, thought and dialogue about spiritual issues. Thanks people.
birthday cd's
Ryan Adams & the Cardinals- Cold Roses
Weezer- Make Believe
I am a kid in a candy store.
Weezer- Make Believe
I am a kid in a candy store.
31
Here's a rundown if you're just joining us:
6 months I remember getting a family picture taken.
1-3 don't remember a lot. I remember blue and green carpet. And a clown face that hung in the Dr.'s office. And a kid named David who ate raw potatoes and carried around a naked baby doll.
4 decided to follow Jesus. Think I saw a ghost.
5 a big year. Kindergarten.
6-7 same as 5 but a little taller and better reasoning skills
8 sucked. Moved and had to change schools. Got beat up at recess by Todd Sloan and Kent Keller.
9 a little better. But my toe nail fell off.
10-12 Good years. Started hanging out with Edsall, Maynard, Forney.
13-14 Junior high. Started wrestling. Locker next to Matt Birt's. Would remain that way for a long long time.
15 Freshman. Sat next to Edsall in nearly every class. GPA takes a hit.
16 Driver's license. Purchased a 1978 mustang 2 for $600. Begin to excell at wrestling. No correlation to mustang 2. This is the year of the legendary party at Debbie Daloney's house.
17 Good wrestling record, begin to get scholarship offers.
18 massive shoulder injury, miss senior season. Scholarships rescinded. But a great and eventful senior year
18-19 Off to Taylor U.
19-21 Got the heck out of Taylor U. Transferr to Miami U. Begin dating Charity Harder.
22 A good year. Marry Charity harder. Graduate from Miami.
23 Off to seminary in St Louis
25 A good year. Jack is born. I'm a daddy.
27 Take a call to plant a church in Columbus Ohio & graduate from Seminary.
27-29 Prepare to plant church.
29-30 Plant church. Sam is born. Foster parent two little girls while planting church. Hardest year of my life since the third grade. Also a very rich and rewarding year.
31 Drive to Tim Horton's for coffee. Come home and type entry on blog.
Now you are all caught up.
6 months I remember getting a family picture taken.
1-3 don't remember a lot. I remember blue and green carpet. And a clown face that hung in the Dr.'s office. And a kid named David who ate raw potatoes and carried around a naked baby doll.
4 decided to follow Jesus. Think I saw a ghost.
5 a big year. Kindergarten.
6-7 same as 5 but a little taller and better reasoning skills
8 sucked. Moved and had to change schools. Got beat up at recess by Todd Sloan and Kent Keller.
9 a little better. But my toe nail fell off.
10-12 Good years. Started hanging out with Edsall, Maynard, Forney.
13-14 Junior high. Started wrestling. Locker next to Matt Birt's. Would remain that way for a long long time.
15 Freshman. Sat next to Edsall in nearly every class. GPA takes a hit.
16 Driver's license. Purchased a 1978 mustang 2 for $600. Begin to excell at wrestling. No correlation to mustang 2. This is the year of the legendary party at Debbie Daloney's house.
17 Good wrestling record, begin to get scholarship offers.
18 massive shoulder injury, miss senior season. Scholarships rescinded. But a great and eventful senior year
18-19 Off to Taylor U.
19-21 Got the heck out of Taylor U. Transferr to Miami U. Begin dating Charity Harder.
22 A good year. Marry Charity harder. Graduate from Miami.
23 Off to seminary in St Louis
25 A good year. Jack is born. I'm a daddy.
27 Take a call to plant a church in Columbus Ohio & graduate from Seminary.
27-29 Prepare to plant church.
29-30 Plant church. Sam is born. Foster parent two little girls while planting church. Hardest year of my life since the third grade. Also a very rich and rewarding year.
31 Drive to Tim Horton's for coffee. Come home and type entry on blog.
Now you are all caught up.
15.5.05
The Wrath of God
Preaching tonight on the wrath of God (Romans 1:18-32). Not cause I wanna, but cause the text dictates. That's the value in preaching through a text. It makes you confront topics you'd rather not. Lot's has been written about the difficultY in reconciling "God is Love" with a God who is also wrathful. Interestingly, the very passage of scripture which teaches "God is love" (1John 4:8-10) also teaches that Christ was a propitiation for us. Propitiation is the appeasement of God's wrath against sin. So at the cross the love of God and the wrath of God meet. A fearful thing.
12.5.05
Take that, Hume!
Next to the Bible, this may be the most important book I've ever read. I really do think that a hundred years from now, church historians will be writing about this man and this book.
This book solved all my epistemological crises. It also does much to resolve the tension Christians feel as the culture around them becomes increasingly post modern. Every emergent so and so should read this immediately. So should anyone who wrestles with certainty or asks if truth is knowable at all.
I better stop typing now. You all have got some reading to do.
This book solved all my epistemological crises. It also does much to resolve the tension Christians feel as the culture around them becomes increasingly post modern. Every emergent so and so should read this immediately. So should anyone who wrestles with certainty or asks if truth is knowable at all.
I better stop typing now. You all have got some reading to do.
The earth is hard, the treasure fine.
My wife recently alphabatized our cd collection (which is no small feat) and so I've had the renewed pleasure of browsing through my own forgotten treasures. I thought perhaps I'd feature a forgotten classic or two from time to time.
This album is so good, and has such a special place in my heart I can't even find the words to describe it. It is simply a masterpiece. Many of you who hear it for the first time may disagree. I fully admit that I cannot divorce the memories formed around this of this album from the music itself. So I will not try. The two are fused forever in my psyche. If you don't own it, don't bother looking for it. It's been out of print for years and anyone who has it is not likely to give it up.
If anyone remembers this album, please leave your comments. I'm interested to know how your opinion of it has changed over the years. I'll be surprised if even two of you out there have ever listened to it.
Gene Eugene, Adam Again's lead singer and songwriter helped engineer Over the Rhine's third album "Eve" and is listed in teh liner notes under his real name, Gene Andrusco. Here's part of an essay about Gene.
"Gene's music was intensely personal, and this combined with genius is what turned many of his listeners into fanatics. I am convinced that Adam Again fans were Adam Again fans at least in part because to some degree they identified with his struggles, disappointments, and rare glimpses of peace and joy. His embrace of fragile humanity, with its many faults, led to extremely sensitive and insightful work. He may not have been a friend, but to many of us, he was a comrade, a fellow traveler who understood our tough journey more than many of our personal friends ever could. He saw what we saw; he knew the earth is largely an open sore. Like Mark Heard, he faced much rejection for painting pictures of the world as he knew it, not as he wanted it to be.
Some find this depressing. Fine. Some see a nicer place outside their window, and Gene's music is a grim intrusion upon that view. For most of us, however, Gene inspired in ways 'inspirational' music is impotent to inspire. Gene sang of our stupid, useless world, its loveless limits, and its wounded citizens that wound in return for past pains (ourselves included), yet Gene also had the courage to declare that he wasn't going to simply sit back and watch it all crumble around him. He was going to dig for something of value under the dung around him. This die-hard determination, and yes, this faith that something of value MUST lie underneath the ruins, this is what I believe inspired so many of us fans and lifted us like so little could.
As I mentioned, his death was about a year ago Tuesday. Adam Again is still much too obscure to even be considered a cult band, and most of their recordings are now out of print. It is probable that history will march on over Gene's grave without even noticing his headstone.
It's our loss."
And here are some lyrics from Dig...
I had a big idea, I had a lazy eye
I broke the sacred seal, I told a crazy lie
I've had my conscience bent, I've had my patience tried
I've been down in the desert and up by the riverside
Will the eagle fly if the sky's untrue?
Do the faithful sigh because they are so few?
Remeber when I cried? Remember when you knew?
Remember the look in your eyes? I know I do
And count the stars to measure time, the earth is hard, the treasure fine
To the sea I'll crawl on my knees
Feel it coming in, Feel it going out
Water covers sand, blood covers doubt
So I begin again, Again the healing bow
There was a time I might have surrendered, but not now
To the sea I'll crawl on my knees
To the sea I'll crawl on my knees
At the sea, I'll wait on my knees.
This album is so good, and has such a special place in my heart I can't even find the words to describe it. It is simply a masterpiece. Many of you who hear it for the first time may disagree. I fully admit that I cannot divorce the memories formed around this of this album from the music itself. So I will not try. The two are fused forever in my psyche. If you don't own it, don't bother looking for it. It's been out of print for years and anyone who has it is not likely to give it up.
If anyone remembers this album, please leave your comments. I'm interested to know how your opinion of it has changed over the years. I'll be surprised if even two of you out there have ever listened to it.
Gene Eugene, Adam Again's lead singer and songwriter helped engineer Over the Rhine's third album "Eve" and is listed in teh liner notes under his real name, Gene Andrusco. Here's part of an essay about Gene.
"Gene's music was intensely personal, and this combined with genius is what turned many of his listeners into fanatics. I am convinced that Adam Again fans were Adam Again fans at least in part because to some degree they identified with his struggles, disappointments, and rare glimpses of peace and joy. His embrace of fragile humanity, with its many faults, led to extremely sensitive and insightful work. He may not have been a friend, but to many of us, he was a comrade, a fellow traveler who understood our tough journey more than many of our personal friends ever could. He saw what we saw; he knew the earth is largely an open sore. Like Mark Heard, he faced much rejection for painting pictures of the world as he knew it, not as he wanted it to be.
Some find this depressing. Fine. Some see a nicer place outside their window, and Gene's music is a grim intrusion upon that view. For most of us, however, Gene inspired in ways 'inspirational' music is impotent to inspire. Gene sang of our stupid, useless world, its loveless limits, and its wounded citizens that wound in return for past pains (ourselves included), yet Gene also had the courage to declare that he wasn't going to simply sit back and watch it all crumble around him. He was going to dig for something of value under the dung around him. This die-hard determination, and yes, this faith that something of value MUST lie underneath the ruins, this is what I believe inspired so many of us fans and lifted us like so little could.
As I mentioned, his death was about a year ago Tuesday. Adam Again is still much too obscure to even be considered a cult band, and most of their recordings are now out of print. It is probable that history will march on over Gene's grave without even noticing his headstone.
It's our loss."
And here are some lyrics from Dig...
I had a big idea, I had a lazy eye
I broke the sacred seal, I told a crazy lie
I've had my conscience bent, I've had my patience tried
I've been down in the desert and up by the riverside
Will the eagle fly if the sky's untrue?
Do the faithful sigh because they are so few?
Remeber when I cried? Remember when you knew?
Remember the look in your eyes? I know I do
And count the stars to measure time, the earth is hard, the treasure fine
To the sea I'll crawl on my knees
Feel it coming in, Feel it going out
Water covers sand, blood covers doubt
So I begin again, Again the healing bow
There was a time I might have surrendered, but not now
To the sea I'll crawl on my knees
To the sea I'll crawl on my knees
At the sea, I'll wait on my knees.
Hound Dogs's
This past week a good friend of ours packed up and moved off to New York City to pursue her dream of designing with the big wigs. She's quited talented and landed a job right away. Her significant other threw one heck of a send-off at Hound Dogs (which just happens to be my favorite eating-drinking-music listening establishment in the whole wide world). Here's a picture of Molly and Charity under the big Hound Dogs mural. The rest of the photos below are from the same evening. You shoulda been there. Maybe you were.
11.5.05
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BIRTY!!!!!
Hey everybody. Click the title of this post to dart on over to birty's blog and wish Mr. Birt a happy birthday. He's 28 years old today (as far as you know). He's been my friend for about 20 years. First guy I told when I bought Charity's engagement ring. First friend I called when we found out we were with child for the first time. Sat next to him in nearly every class from seventh grade 'til graduation and then even went to the same undergraduate institution. Happy birthday, Birt. You da man.
BB vs LXX
Today I killed a bumble bee with the septuagint.
I bet I'm the only person who ever said that sentence.
I bet I'm the only person who ever said that sentence.
8.5.05
7.5.05
6.5.05
Charity's Grandpa
Charity's grandpa passed away earlier this month. He was a very hardworking Christian man. He lived well into his eighties and worked hard up until the very end. He passed away while mowing the lawn. Death is never good, but he did have a long, full and healthy life until the last.
Earlier this year he had suffered a heartattack and doctors suggested that he undergo surgery. He declined, as the risks involved being bed ridden for the rest of his life. He wanted no part of that. He was able to make such a decision, because there is something he valued more than life itself and he knew his hope lay beyond this life. Well, he has seen his Hope face to face, now.
My friend Molly took this photo when Charity's family was at Grace Central for Sam's baptism. Grandpa is the one rockin' the plaid jacket and bolo tie.
Earlier this year he had suffered a heartattack and doctors suggested that he undergo surgery. He declined, as the risks involved being bed ridden for the rest of his life. He wanted no part of that. He was able to make such a decision, because there is something he valued more than life itself and he knew his hope lay beyond this life. Well, he has seen his Hope face to face, now.
My friend Molly took this photo when Charity's family was at Grace Central for Sam's baptism. Grandpa is the one rockin' the plaid jacket and bolo tie.
5.5.05
What's Rockin' the Reverend?
About a month ago I bought an album by a guy from Seattle named Aaron Sprinkle. His name sounded familiar and it was in the cut out bin for three bucks and the album cover reminded me vaguely of some old Japanese prints I use to admire way back in my undergrad art history courses and so I rolled the dice. Much to my good fortune they came up snake eyes! Actually I don't even know what that means other than I think snake eyes is a good thing when rolling dice, isn't it? Well if its not, then forget that metaphor and replace it with your own that means something good happened when you took a risk. Because something good happened. Aaron Sprinkle made a good record and I bought it for three dollars. This guy has a real knack for writing bouncy, memorable melodies that aren't cheesy. In all his happy songs there is a hint of melancholy and in every sad song there is a glimpse of hope. I think that can be said of most skilled songwriters. That's the way it should be anyway, I mean that's the way life is most of the time.
After listening for a while I rememered where I knew him from. I already have one of his albums from five or six years ago and I forgot about it. This is a sure indication that I have far too many cd's. But my friend birty has even more so that will be my justification. Birty and I often speak about life and the world and we've often discussed the desire to simplfy our lives. To reduce. But when we say that we never mean music.
I'm rambling because I've not eaten lunch and my blood sugar is low and my brain is getting all skittish and goofy. So if this post annoys you I'm sorry. Bring me a sandwhich or something.
Soooo- Check out this album by Aaron Sprinkle called Lackluster and see what you think. It's just good ol' poppy rock and roll right up the middle. It's not gonna change your life (like say, Radiohead's The Bends, or u2's Joshua Tree, or Paul Simon's Graceland, or Over the Rhine's Good Dog Bad Dog: the Home Recordings, or Bob Dylan's eight minute spoken word poem Last thoughts On Woody Guthrie, or John Lee Hooker's Real Folk Blues, or Neutral Milk Hotel's in an Aeroplane Over the Sea, or Guided By Voices Bee Thousand, or My Bloody Valentine's Loveless, or Arcade Fire's Funeral, or the Bealtes' Sgt. Pepper, or the Actual Hoots Of Joy's legendary live performance in Upland, Indiana circa 1995, or the first time you heard Led Zepplin, or everything Neil Diamond ever recorded, that last part was sarcasm) but it is a good record of good songs. No frills. Melody, harmony, guitars and hooks. That stuff never goes out of style. Neither do sandwhiches. Which by they way, where's that sandwhich I ordered like ten minutes ago? Geez.
This is coming out of your tip.
After listening for a while I rememered where I knew him from. I already have one of his albums from five or six years ago and I forgot about it. This is a sure indication that I have far too many cd's. But my friend birty has even more so that will be my justification. Birty and I often speak about life and the world and we've often discussed the desire to simplfy our lives. To reduce. But when we say that we never mean music.
I'm rambling because I've not eaten lunch and my blood sugar is low and my brain is getting all skittish and goofy. So if this post annoys you I'm sorry. Bring me a sandwhich or something.
Soooo- Check out this album by Aaron Sprinkle called Lackluster and see what you think. It's just good ol' poppy rock and roll right up the middle. It's not gonna change your life (like say, Radiohead's The Bends, or u2's Joshua Tree, or Paul Simon's Graceland, or Over the Rhine's Good Dog Bad Dog: the Home Recordings, or Bob Dylan's eight minute spoken word poem Last thoughts On Woody Guthrie, or John Lee Hooker's Real Folk Blues, or Neutral Milk Hotel's in an Aeroplane Over the Sea, or Guided By Voices Bee Thousand, or My Bloody Valentine's Loveless, or Arcade Fire's Funeral, or the Bealtes' Sgt. Pepper, or the Actual Hoots Of Joy's legendary live performance in Upland, Indiana circa 1995, or the first time you heard Led Zepplin, or everything Neil Diamond ever recorded, that last part was sarcasm) but it is a good record of good songs. No frills. Melody, harmony, guitars and hooks. That stuff never goes out of style. Neither do sandwhiches. Which by they way, where's that sandwhich I ordered like ten minutes ago? Geez.
This is coming out of your tip.
4.5.05
Nic Armstrong & The Thieves is the greatest rock and roll band in the world ever, at least this afternoon anyway.
Of course my assessment of things like "greatest rock and roll band in the world ever" changes on a regular basis. But for right now... just this moment, they are the greatest ever. Check them out!
3.5.05
Deep Thoughts - by Jack Handy
If they ever come up with a swashbuckling School, I think one of the courses should be Laughing, Then Jumping Off Something.
God and Mowing
Mowing the lawn has to be my all time least favorite religious activity to engage in. And I imagine it will remain so unless and until I am ever martyred for my faith. Even then it would be a close call. So I wrote the post below to make it fun and exciting.
(And yes, mowing the lawin IS a religious activity. It is inherently theological. Discuss...)
(And yes, mowing the lawin IS a religious activity. It is inherently theological. Discuss...)
Lawn Care League Season 9 Underway!
Yesterday afternoon was opening day. It was the spring classic. The great competition for which sports fans the world over wait in anticipation: the first match of the 2005 BLCL (The Blosser Lawn Care League) season. Now in it's ninth season, the BLCL still only has two teams in active competition: Mower and Grass. But the limited number of competitors only testifies to the elite nature of the league.
The predictors, and prognosticators had been pontificating for weeks, their endless speculation and calculation reaching a furious high on Monday, just before the filler-up-ing of the ceremonial gasoline tank, the honor of which fell once again to yours truly, the founder of the league as well as co-owner of both clubs.
Most of the pundits had been saying the smart money was on team Mower. They quoted their statistics, "After eight seasons, team Mower is undefeated", ""team Grass has not yet made a post season appearance", "Grass has nothing to withstand the multiple horsepower of Mower's spinning blades of death". However, there were also a few experts that were holding out for an upset. "Team Grass has grown a lot in the off season", "reports from the preseason workouts say Mower is looking a little rusty", "Mower has dominated for years, but the effects of age are sure to kick in" "Everyone knows the mower offense is not as sharp as it once was, and how far can its performace slip in a league of this caliber before its dynasty ends?"
On and on the specualtion continued but no one could have forseen the events that were about to transpire. Grass looked on with it's cool motionless game face as Mower went through its pregame warm ups. There was the dusting off of the cob webs (literally). The priming of the fuel injector. And then the pull start.
Nothing.
Again the pull of the cord. Nothing. Again and again the rip start pull cord technique was proving futile to regain the spark necessary to even get team Mower onto the playing surface. It was shocking. And embarassing. Not in eight prior years of competition had team Mower displayed this level of failure. Sure, there had been mishaps. In 99 there was that rock that bent the blades. But mower pushed through the pain and finished strong. And of course we all recall the injury near the end of the 01 season that resulted in a total spark plug replacement procedure. But mower was able to rehab in the off season and come back strong for 02. But this was different. There were whispers of a "Mike Tyson-esque meltdown" and a "Bo Jackson-like career ending injury". Tragically these murmurs were exactly correct. Team Mower was unable to take the field and the ol' faithful champ was retired immediately. Mower did recieve a standing ovation and said something about considering himself "the luckiest gardening implement in the world" or something like that.
After the shocking upset, Grass commented, "We just wanted to go out there and give it a hundred and ten percent. We want to thank all the fans who've stuck by us through the last eight seasons and we wanna say we believe this victory is an indication of a new direction for the club. All we can do is go out there bring our best game and God-willing we'll be there in September when the championships roll around".
As team Grass celebrated in the front yard... (well um.. I guess team Grass IS the front yard) representatives of team Mower were already hard at work recruiting new talent. Late Monday afternoon team Mower signed a hot young prospect from the Lowes organization after negotiations reached an agreed price of approximately $84. This new athlete (ironically also named "Mower") is smaller, and lighter than his revered predecessor. Critics say he has no power and he is far too quiet to attract fans, while supporters of New Mower say his low cost and eco-friendly "push" style of play harkens back to the golden age of the sport and sets a good example of responsible behavior for the kids.
Later that same evening team Mower got a chance to see their new man perform. New Mower soundly defeated Grass once again. While the victory was not as quick nor as thorough as those of Old Mower, it was a good showing by a rookie in a tough league. And everyone expects New Mower to grow even stronger as he becomes more familiar with the Team Mower system and the peculiarities of the playing surface. New Mower was quoted as saying "I must admire the tenacity of Grass and its determination to come back time and again".
After the defeat Grass was devestated and declined comment.
The predictors, and prognosticators had been pontificating for weeks, their endless speculation and calculation reaching a furious high on Monday, just before the filler-up-ing of the ceremonial gasoline tank, the honor of which fell once again to yours truly, the founder of the league as well as co-owner of both clubs.
Most of the pundits had been saying the smart money was on team Mower. They quoted their statistics, "After eight seasons, team Mower is undefeated", ""team Grass has not yet made a post season appearance", "Grass has nothing to withstand the multiple horsepower of Mower's spinning blades of death". However, there were also a few experts that were holding out for an upset. "Team Grass has grown a lot in the off season", "reports from the preseason workouts say Mower is looking a little rusty", "Mower has dominated for years, but the effects of age are sure to kick in" "Everyone knows the mower offense is not as sharp as it once was, and how far can its performace slip in a league of this caliber before its dynasty ends?"
On and on the specualtion continued but no one could have forseen the events that were about to transpire. Grass looked on with it's cool motionless game face as Mower went through its pregame warm ups. There was the dusting off of the cob webs (literally). The priming of the fuel injector. And then the pull start.
Nothing.
Again the pull of the cord. Nothing. Again and again the rip start pull cord technique was proving futile to regain the spark necessary to even get team Mower onto the playing surface. It was shocking. And embarassing. Not in eight prior years of competition had team Mower displayed this level of failure. Sure, there had been mishaps. In 99 there was that rock that bent the blades. But mower pushed through the pain and finished strong. And of course we all recall the injury near the end of the 01 season that resulted in a total spark plug replacement procedure. But mower was able to rehab in the off season and come back strong for 02. But this was different. There were whispers of a "Mike Tyson-esque meltdown" and a "Bo Jackson-like career ending injury". Tragically these murmurs were exactly correct. Team Mower was unable to take the field and the ol' faithful champ was retired immediately. Mower did recieve a standing ovation and said something about considering himself "the luckiest gardening implement in the world" or something like that.
After the shocking upset, Grass commented, "We just wanted to go out there and give it a hundred and ten percent. We want to thank all the fans who've stuck by us through the last eight seasons and we wanna say we believe this victory is an indication of a new direction for the club. All we can do is go out there bring our best game and God-willing we'll be there in September when the championships roll around".
As team Grass celebrated in the front yard... (well um.. I guess team Grass IS the front yard) representatives of team Mower were already hard at work recruiting new talent. Late Monday afternoon team Mower signed a hot young prospect from the Lowes organization after negotiations reached an agreed price of approximately $84. This new athlete (ironically also named "Mower") is smaller, and lighter than his revered predecessor. Critics say he has no power and he is far too quiet to attract fans, while supporters of New Mower say his low cost and eco-friendly "push" style of play harkens back to the golden age of the sport and sets a good example of responsible behavior for the kids.
Later that same evening team Mower got a chance to see their new man perform. New Mower soundly defeated Grass once again. While the victory was not as quick nor as thorough as those of Old Mower, it was a good showing by a rookie in a tough league. And everyone expects New Mower to grow even stronger as he becomes more familiar with the Team Mower system and the peculiarities of the playing surface. New Mower was quoted as saying "I must admire the tenacity of Grass and its determination to come back time and again".
After the defeat Grass was devestated and declined comment.
2.5.05
Assigned Reading
Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller.
an excerpt:
The very scary thing about religion to me is that people actually believe God is who they think he is. By that I mean they have him all figured out, mapped out, and as my pastor, Rick says, "dissected and put into jars on the shelf". You've got a bunch of Catholics in Rome who think one way about God, and a bunch of Baptists in Texas who think another, and that isn't even the beginning. It goes on and on and on like this, and it makes me wonder if God created us in his image or if we created him in ours. And it isn't just religion, either. I met a guy not long ago who was very conservative and had opinions all over him, and he was saying why God agreed with his political ideas and why that made his political ideas right, the whole time he was talking to me I was thinking about those guys in Africa, and I was feeling like this guy with the opinions was presenting a kind of Jesus who didn't even exist. His Jesus was just an invention of his imagination, someone who more or less justified his position concerning a lot of different political opinions. Sitting there listening to him made me feel tired. People like that should have an island.
an excerpt:
The very scary thing about religion to me is that people actually believe God is who they think he is. By that I mean they have him all figured out, mapped out, and as my pastor, Rick says, "dissected and put into jars on the shelf". You've got a bunch of Catholics in Rome who think one way about God, and a bunch of Baptists in Texas who think another, and that isn't even the beginning. It goes on and on and on like this, and it makes me wonder if God created us in his image or if we created him in ours. And it isn't just religion, either. I met a guy not long ago who was very conservative and had opinions all over him, and he was saying why God agreed with his political ideas and why that made his political ideas right, the whole time he was talking to me I was thinking about those guys in Africa, and I was feeling like this guy with the opinions was presenting a kind of Jesus who didn't even exist. His Jesus was just an invention of his imagination, someone who more or less justified his position concerning a lot of different political opinions. Sitting there listening to him made me feel tired. People like that should have an island.
Secret Recipe
For your viewing enjoyment, here is one of my favorite Strong Bad emails. If you've seen this one, consider it a reprise. If you've not, then enjoy!
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