Sammy turns one on Monday and last week we took him to get his first pair of walking shoes. Here he is getting his little feet measured.
14.7.05
Six Good Lines
The following are lines from songs which I've found particulary moving or artful.
1. all the other girls here are stars—you are the Northern Lights
2. every heart is a package tangled up in knots someone else tied
3. They're looking at Nothing and Nothing turns away and yawns.
4. It is the heart that kills us in the end
Just one more old broken bone that cannot mend
As it was now and ever shall be amen
5. I know you have a heavy heart; I can feel it when we kiss
So many men much stronger than me have thrown their backs out trying to lift it
6. We know good enough is a thousand miles from grace
1. all the other girls here are stars—you are the Northern Lights
2. every heart is a package tangled up in knots someone else tied
3. They're looking at Nothing and Nothing turns away and yawns.
4. It is the heart that kills us in the end
Just one more old broken bone that cannot mend
As it was now and ever shall be amen
5. I know you have a heavy heart; I can feel it when we kiss
So many men much stronger than me have thrown their backs out trying to lift it
6. We know good enough is a thousand miles from grace
Top 3 Worst Rock Acts Ever?
So who is it? If you had to choose the top three worst rock acts ever, who would it be? They must not be so obscure that none of us have ever heard of them. That still leaves the field wide open, as most of popular music should certainly qualify for somebody's list. Some of you will also ask "What about rap? Country? R & B?" OK. Whatever. This isn't really rocket science people. If they suck, they qualify. It's your list.
13.7.05
Church Marketing Sucks
The following paragraph is a comment posted on a blog called "Church Marketing Sucks". I read it and liked it a lot. It reminds me of the covert mottos Grace Central adopted early on in her development: " It must be grace because we don't know what heck we're doing", and "Grace Central: Screwing up church in a whole new way!" For the most part they both still hold true.
My favorite example of not acting like your marketing is the now-ubiquitious "purpose statements" and "vision statements." Thanks to some well-marketed books, many churches now have yet another committee meeting to come up with some drivel like, "First Church exists to lovingly win sinners to Christ by living his example in a Spirit-filled way." Nothing wrong with such a statement, but it rarely describes the congregation in any way shape or form: an example of marketing what we wish we were. A more honest statement would be: "At Christ's Church of the Beautiful Bay Valley Community Fellowship, we want to build the biggest building in the county, manage a multi-million dollar budget, have a parking lot bigger than the mall, and get our preacher to publish a book that will make him a household name in evangelical circles." To be honest, I would rather see some truth that would reflect most churches in America: "At First Church of the Denomination, we are a church that is trying to overcome our differences and inadequacies to somehow reach the lost in our community because we are honestly concerned about their eternal destiny, but we're not really sure how to do it and we often fail to show Christ's love... but we really do love Christ and the lost." That would be refreshing.
My favorite example of not acting like your marketing is the now-ubiquitious "purpose statements" and "vision statements." Thanks to some well-marketed books, many churches now have yet another committee meeting to come up with some drivel like, "First Church exists to lovingly win sinners to Christ by living his example in a Spirit-filled way." Nothing wrong with such a statement, but it rarely describes the congregation in any way shape or form: an example of marketing what we wish we were. A more honest statement would be: "At Christ's Church of the Beautiful Bay Valley Community Fellowship, we want to build the biggest building in the county, manage a multi-million dollar budget, have a parking lot bigger than the mall, and get our preacher to publish a book that will make him a household name in evangelical circles." To be honest, I would rather see some truth that would reflect most churches in America: "At First Church of the Denomination, we are a church that is trying to overcome our differences and inadequacies to somehow reach the lost in our community because we are honestly concerned about their eternal destiny, but we're not really sure how to do it and we often fail to show Christ's love... but we really do love Christ and the lost." That would be refreshing.
12.7.05
11.7.05
My Seven Favorite Guitar Solos
As guitar solos seem to be a dying art form as of late, I thought I'd do my part to reinvigorate interest in the craft by enumerating for my readers my six all time favorite guitar solos captured on recording. Now remember, these are my favorites. They are not necessarily the most important or creative or skillfully executed. They are merely my favorties. You'll find no Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai or Eddie Van Halen on this list. Here goes:
7. Song: Just/ Band: Radiohead/ Guitarist: Johnny Greenwood
This is a guitar solo which begins with feedback rather than ends with feedback. A creative little twist. While this solo is not too long, it is perfectly executed and compliments the song. It just rocks, that's all.
6. Song: Umass/ Band: Pixies/ Guitarist: Joey Santiago
This solo sounds like a freightrain full of scrap metal crashing through a garbage truck factory.
5. Song: Voodoo Chile/ Artist: Jimi Hendrix
The Picasso of electric guitar's finest moment?
4. Song: When I Go/ Band: Over The Rhine/ Guitarist: Paul Moak
The solo comes in about 5:20 into this live recording of OTR's "When I Go". Moak is not even really in teh band. he's merely a hired hand, but this solo is one of the greatest I've ever heard. It is visceral and muscular and I love that you can hear the buzz of the amp and the screech of the strings. It ends in a sputtering of feedback. Nearly Perfect in every way.
3. Song: Groaning the Blues/ Artist: Eric Clapton
This solo is on the last track of Clapton's from the cradle. Clapton has always been a minimalist with respect to guitar work and this solo is no exception. He mostly just plays one string. One sustained bending note that can bring you to tears. You must check it out. It makes me want to give him a hug.
2. Song: Sympathy for the Devil/ Band: The Rolling Stones/ Guitarist: Keith Richards
This is what rock and roll is suppose to sound like. Wow.
1. Song: Love is Blindness/ Band: U2/ Guitarist: The Edge
Some guitars gently weep. On this track, the Edge's guitar swallows a bottle full of perscription pills and slides down into the bath tub in despair. This is what a breaking heart sounds like. I challenge you to find another sound as expressive as this one in the entire vocabulary of modern electric guitar work.
If you've got a comment or a favorite or two of your own, be sure to comment here. I'd love to hear what you think.
7. Song: Just/ Band: Radiohead/ Guitarist: Johnny Greenwood
This is a guitar solo which begins with feedback rather than ends with feedback. A creative little twist. While this solo is not too long, it is perfectly executed and compliments the song. It just rocks, that's all.
6. Song: Umass/ Band: Pixies/ Guitarist: Joey Santiago
This solo sounds like a freightrain full of scrap metal crashing through a garbage truck factory.
5. Song: Voodoo Chile/ Artist: Jimi Hendrix
The Picasso of electric guitar's finest moment?
4. Song: When I Go/ Band: Over The Rhine/ Guitarist: Paul Moak
The solo comes in about 5:20 into this live recording of OTR's "When I Go". Moak is not even really in teh band. he's merely a hired hand, but this solo is one of the greatest I've ever heard. It is visceral and muscular and I love that you can hear the buzz of the amp and the screech of the strings. It ends in a sputtering of feedback. Nearly Perfect in every way.
3. Song: Groaning the Blues/ Artist: Eric Clapton
This solo is on the last track of Clapton's from the cradle. Clapton has always been a minimalist with respect to guitar work and this solo is no exception. He mostly just plays one string. One sustained bending note that can bring you to tears. You must check it out. It makes me want to give him a hug.
2. Song: Sympathy for the Devil/ Band: The Rolling Stones/ Guitarist: Keith Richards
This is what rock and roll is suppose to sound like. Wow.
1. Song: Love is Blindness/ Band: U2/ Guitarist: The Edge
Some guitars gently weep. On this track, the Edge's guitar swallows a bottle full of perscription pills and slides down into the bath tub in despair. This is what a breaking heart sounds like. I challenge you to find another sound as expressive as this one in the entire vocabulary of modern electric guitar work.
If you've got a comment or a favorite or two of your own, be sure to comment here. I'd love to hear what you think.
Something I read today...
The initiative of the saint is not towards self-realization, but towards knowing Jesus Christ. The spiritual saint never believes circumstances to be haphazard, or thinks of his life as secular and sacred; he sees everything he is dumped down in as the means of securing the knowledge of Jesus Christ. There is a reckless abandonment about him. The Holy Spirit is determined that we shall realize Jesus Christ in every domain of life, and He will bring us back to the same point again and again until we do. Self-realization leads to the enthronement of work; whereas the saint enthrones Jesus Christ in his work. Whether it be eating or drinking or washing disciples feet, whatever it is, we have to take the initiative of realizing Jesus Christ in it. Every phase of our actual life has its counterpart in the life of Jesus. Our Lord realized His relationship to the Father even in the most menial work. "Jesus knowing . . . that He was come from God, and went to God . . . took a towel . . . and began to wash the disciples' feet."
The aim of the spiritual saint is "that I may know Him." Do I know Him where I am to-day? If not, I am failing Him. I am here not to realize myself, but to know Jesus. In Christian work the initiative is too often the realization that something has to be done and I must do it. That is never the attitude of the spiritual saint, his aim is to secure the realization of Jesus Christ in every set of circumstances he is in.
- Oswald Chambers
The aim of the spiritual saint is "that I may know Him." Do I know Him where I am to-day? If not, I am failing Him. I am here not to realize myself, but to know Jesus. In Christian work the initiative is too often the realization that something has to be done and I must do it. That is never the attitude of the spiritual saint, his aim is to secure the realization of Jesus Christ in every set of circumstances he is in.
- Oswald Chambers
9.7.05
7.7.05
5.7.05
Dancing like hippies.
Zack and Jill, my good friinds and fellow presbyterians with a funkiness all thier own, were recently engaged. Hurrah.
In this photo Jill is spraying Zack with bug repellant. But I think it looks like they are dancing hippies. Jill's really groovin to the beat, while Zack is spinning in circles with that far away look in his eyes.
Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together try to love one another right now!
In this photo Jill is spraying Zack with bug repellant. But I think it looks like they are dancing hippies. Jill's really groovin to the beat, while Zack is spinning in circles with that far away look in his eyes.
Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together try to love one another right now!
3.7.05
Click Here For A New Blog
I thought you may be interested in checking out a new blog I am co-authoring with a very good friend of mine. It should be fun, educational and slightly provacative. He's an agnostic and I'm a Christian. We'll be discussing our beliefs and welcoming your participation. I first met Matt in the summer of 1986 on our little league basball team. I forget the name of the team. He'll remember though. He always remembers that sort of thing. That fall, the first semester of our seventh grade year, our lockers were next to each other right out side of Mr. Trump's classroom. That was nineteen years ago. In between then and now lot's of other stuff happened which you're probably better off not knowing about. Anyway... check out the blog.
2.7.05
Read this Interview with Linford
If you've never listened to Over the Rhine or have listened but know little of the philosophy underlying their art, you'll want to read this brief interview. It is very good stuff. Beauty is important.
1.7.05
The Crazy Ones
I love this commercial. Maybe the greatest commercial ever. I need to watch it a few times a day just to recalibrate. I hope you enjoy it. I hope it makes you want to be crazy.
29.6.05
Grandpa kills attacking leopard with bare hands!
This is the best story I've read in a long time. Check it out.
A Shout Out to Karl's Jr.
Welcome to the big wide world, little buddy. We're all so glad you're here and we can't wait to meet you. Tell your Mommy we said "Good job!" and your Daddy we said "Congratulations!"
KC and Jesse, we're happy to hear that all went well. All three of you were in my prayers. God is good.
KC and Jesse, we're happy to hear that all went well. All three of you were in my prayers. God is good.
28.6.05
Dog Shoppping
Our old faithful friend Wyatt appears to have a tumor. I'll not say where as to spare his dignity. Wyatt is an eight year old German Shepherd Dog and the vet says the end may be near for the old boy. He's been an extremely loyal and family friendly companion to all of us for about a decade. Wyatt has never so much as growled at me or any member of the family. he has patiently tolerated all types of abuse and mishandlement form the host of young ones that have scurried through our house. Now he may be on his way out. It's all very sad. I have for Wyatt only the highest words of praise. The highest praise he ever wants to hear: Good dog.
In the interest of security we've begun a new dog search and have decided to purchase a bull mastiff pup at some point in the future. Bullmastiffs are huge and scary (130-160 pounds!). They don't shed much at all and are extremely calm and lazy. Great with kids. They can eat bad guys in one big gulp. Yep. That's the animal for us. Here's a picture.
Now if you were a bad guy, would you stop at this fellas house or move on to the next?
In the interest of security we've begun a new dog search and have decided to purchase a bull mastiff pup at some point in the future. Bullmastiffs are huge and scary (130-160 pounds!). They don't shed much at all and are extremely calm and lazy. Great with kids. They can eat bad guys in one big gulp. Yep. That's the animal for us. Here's a picture.
Now if you were a bad guy, would you stop at this fellas house or move on to the next?
24.6.05
Survey
 | You scored as Reformed Evangelical. You are a Reformed Evangelical. You take the Bible very seriously because it is God's Word. You most likely hold to TULIP and are sceptical about the possibilities of universal atonement or resistible grace. The most important thing the Church can do is make sure people hear how they can go to heaven when they die.
What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com |
23.6.05
Jack's Critique of Coldplay
My five year old son offered this astute and unsolicited critical evaluation of Colplay today:
"The instruments are just rock and roll, but the singing is a little bit rock and roll and a little bit beautiful".
Spot on if I do say so myself.
"The instruments are just rock and roll, but the singing is a little bit rock and roll and a little bit beautiful".
Spot on if I do say so myself.
Ok. Officially no longer a free country.
Read this link on today's supreme court ruling. Your property does not belong to you anymore.
22.6.05
The yellow & black attack is back: click to listen
That's right boys and... well mostly just boys. The long haired glam rockers who brought us "Honestly" and "To Hell With the Devil" are poised to release their comeback album in August. I can't wait I tell ya. Can Not Wait.
I gotta run. I'm phoning my broker to tell him to buy up as many spandex shares as possible. I'm sure to make a killing.
I gotta run. I'm phoning my broker to tell him to buy up as many spandex shares as possible. I'm sure to make a killing.
20.6.05
Vacation!
Well, the powers that be have been very generous in extending to me vacation. Last year I took approximately none of that time. So far this year I have also taken exactly none. But soon I shall! We have reserved a little bungalow on the white sandy shores of tropical Anna Maria Island in the Gulf of Mexico. We are very excited.
This is a photo of the beach where we will be staying. Soon it will be the wife and I holding hands and strolling along the water's edge.
If we see these two yahoos, I promise to clothesline the dude while Charity chop blocks the chic at the knees.
"WHOSE BEACH IS IT? WHOSE BEACH IS IT? THAT'S RIGHT HONKIES, AND DON'T YOU FORGET IT!"
Then we'll slap high fives and retire to the bungalow for two coronas and a round of shuffle board.
This is a photo of the beach where we will be staying. Soon it will be the wife and I holding hands and strolling along the water's edge.
If we see these two yahoos, I promise to clothesline the dude while Charity chop blocks the chic at the knees.
"WHOSE BEACH IS IT? WHOSE BEACH IS IT? THAT'S RIGHT HONKIES, AND DON'T YOU FORGET IT!"
Then we'll slap high fives and retire to the bungalow for two coronas and a round of shuffle board.
Raed Tihs Itnretsnig Arctile
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by itslef but the wrod as a wlohe.
19.6.05
Three Funky Presbyterians eating Bar-B-Que ribs.
This is from last week in Chattanooga. Thought I'd post it in honor of Father's day. Which is over in like an hour and a half.
Call your dad.
Call your dad.
18.6.05
14.6.05
On Family Traveling
Well, we made it to Chattanooga. Finally.
I've always been fond of road trips. Even the lengthy sort. Of course, once one is married, all activities involving navigation and the operation of a motor vehicle suddenly become spontaneous exercises in conflict resolution. And this is not to mention the added dimensions marriage brings to the packing of the bags (which use to consist mainly of sniffing one's own t-shirt, grabbing a mountain dew from the fridge and tossing a handful of CD's into the passenger seat. On a good day your toothbrush MIGHT end up in your back pocket).
Now of course, it is different. There is actual luggage involved now. And math. Math is required for the packing of the luggage. And one entire piece of luggage is designated for the sole purpose of transporting the soaps and the conditioners and the loofas and all sorts of mysterious tiny bottles containing lotions and creams and astringents that (if price is any indication) all perform very important functions, though one can never be sure exactly what those functions are. This time there was even room left over for my toothbrush (phew!).
CD's are still a necessity of course, but no longer may the traveling collection be compiled on a whim. No, no, no. Now there is delegation, and negotiations. Concessions must be made. Deals must be struck. What once was a completed without a second thought, now becomes a highly political endeavor calling for the subtle arts of compromise and consensus building.
"Ok, I'll leave behind Tool, if you promise not to make me listen to Norah Jones again".
"Alright... And let's pick out something we both can enjoy"
Of course this last statement actually means something more like "Let's pick out something that neither one of us will hate to hear, but which lacks any trace of aesthetic conviction which might make it objectionable to the tastes of listeners on either end of the musical spectrum". (Which by the way, explains how Coldplay sold all those records).
And so it goes. And we've not even mentioned the children. Ah yes! The children. Now throw children into the mix and the once simple road trip becomes infinitely more complex. What, with the pooping of the pants and the changing of the diapers and the dropping of the toys and the crying of the babies and the stopping to pee pee and the stopping to pee pee again and the asking of the questions and the kicking of the back of the seat and the stopping to pee pee and the turning down of the radio as not to wake the baby and the eating of the candy and the spilling of the juice box...
As you can see, it can all become a very involved ordeal.
So, now I'm writing from my hotel room. As it turns out they were out of actual rooms with two beds, which is exactly the kind of room we reserved. As Jerry Seinfeld was quick to point out, it's not so much the taking of the reservation that is the challenge. It is the keeping of the reservation. But the kind folks behind the desk made good and put us up in a suite. Sweet. And swanky!
So all is well. Early day tomorrow. I'm going to get in bed. Which as I understand, is custom-designed for a great night's sleep. Or that's what the brochure said, anyway.
I've always been fond of road trips. Even the lengthy sort. Of course, once one is married, all activities involving navigation and the operation of a motor vehicle suddenly become spontaneous exercises in conflict resolution. And this is not to mention the added dimensions marriage brings to the packing of the bags (which use to consist mainly of sniffing one's own t-shirt, grabbing a mountain dew from the fridge and tossing a handful of CD's into the passenger seat. On a good day your toothbrush MIGHT end up in your back pocket).
Now of course, it is different. There is actual luggage involved now. And math. Math is required for the packing of the luggage. And one entire piece of luggage is designated for the sole purpose of transporting the soaps and the conditioners and the loofas and all sorts of mysterious tiny bottles containing lotions and creams and astringents that (if price is any indication) all perform very important functions, though one can never be sure exactly what those functions are. This time there was even room left over for my toothbrush (phew!).
CD's are still a necessity of course, but no longer may the traveling collection be compiled on a whim. No, no, no. Now there is delegation, and negotiations. Concessions must be made. Deals must be struck. What once was a completed without a second thought, now becomes a highly political endeavor calling for the subtle arts of compromise and consensus building.
"Ok, I'll leave behind Tool, if you promise not to make me listen to Norah Jones again".
"Alright... And let's pick out something we both can enjoy"
Of course this last statement actually means something more like "Let's pick out something that neither one of us will hate to hear, but which lacks any trace of aesthetic conviction which might make it objectionable to the tastes of listeners on either end of the musical spectrum". (Which by the way, explains how Coldplay sold all those records).
And so it goes. And we've not even mentioned the children. Ah yes! The children. Now throw children into the mix and the once simple road trip becomes infinitely more complex. What, with the pooping of the pants and the changing of the diapers and the dropping of the toys and the crying of the babies and the stopping to pee pee and the stopping to pee pee again and the asking of the questions and the kicking of the back of the seat and the stopping to pee pee and the turning down of the radio as not to wake the baby and the eating of the candy and the spilling of the juice box...
As you can see, it can all become a very involved ordeal.
So, now I'm writing from my hotel room. As it turns out they were out of actual rooms with two beds, which is exactly the kind of room we reserved. As Jerry Seinfeld was quick to point out, it's not so much the taking of the reservation that is the challenge. It is the keeping of the reservation. But the kind folks behind the desk made good and put us up in a suite. Sweet. And swanky!
So all is well. Early day tomorrow. I'm going to get in bed. Which as I understand, is custom-designed for a great night's sleep. Or that's what the brochure said, anyway.
Live! From Chattanooga! It's a big Presbyterian church businesss meeting thingy or whatever!
Wow. Even the SNL intro doesn't help make it sound exciting.
10.6.05
Just in case...
Dear Reader,
You probably will not have the occasion to use the information contained here. But you'd better watch it anyway. You know... just in case.
Always looking out for you,
FP
You probably will not have the occasion to use the information contained here. But you'd better watch it anyway. You know... just in case.
Always looking out for you,
FP
9.6.05
South Park Funky Presbyterian
My friend Scott created this amazing likeness of me in South Park style. At least the mullet is gone now.
8.6.05
7.6.05
Coldplay's new album released today.
No, I haven't purchased it yet. However, I do have a family roadtrip planned next week to attend a meeting in Chattanooga. Perhaps I'll purchase it for the trip.
I found this quote is from a recent review particularly insightful...
The band also lacks one more essential ingredient that will prevent it from ever achieving legendary status—intensity. After three quality releases, we have seen Chris Martin and Co. open their hearts, but we have yet to see them burn. And that is why the calls for Coldplay to take the mantle from U2 are premature and without merit. From “I Will Follow” to “Yahweh,” U2 has burned like no other. Coldplay, on the other hand, has given us a nice glow to warm ourselves by in the cold night.
Click the link above to read the review in it's entirety. Also check out the rest of the website.
I found this quote is from a recent review particularly insightful...
The band also lacks one more essential ingredient that will prevent it from ever achieving legendary status—intensity. After three quality releases, we have seen Chris Martin and Co. open their hearts, but we have yet to see them burn. And that is why the calls for Coldplay to take the mantle from U2 are premature and without merit. From “I Will Follow” to “Yahweh,” U2 has burned like no other. Coldplay, on the other hand, has given us a nice glow to warm ourselves by in the cold night.
Click the link above to read the review in it's entirety. Also check out the rest of the website.
And these two were the best we could come up with as a nation?
A poor student, but at least he was handsome. Check out this link concerning the release of Kerry's academic records.
Originally uploaded by Greg Blosser.
6.6.05
Grace Central Logo Found Mysteriously Burned Into Hardwood Floor!
This is better than the potato chip shaped like Mother Theresea. It must be a sign... or an omen... or a clever photo-shopped desktop wallpaper now available for downloading at gracecentral.org
That's right, people... get your very own grace central desk top wallpaper at gracecentral.org Choose from three different designs. You can be the envy of all your coworkers.
Then, having created in them a sense of envy and in yourself a sense of superiority, you can all come to church Sunday night to repent of your sins. See how that works?
Thanks to Dan Fox for these funky designs. He's the man... but not the variety that keeps us down.
That's right, people... get your very own grace central desk top wallpaper at gracecentral.org Choose from three different designs. You can be the envy of all your coworkers.
Then, having created in them a sense of envy and in yourself a sense of superiority, you can all come to church Sunday night to repent of your sins. See how that works?
Thanks to Dan Fox for these funky designs. He's the man... but not the variety that keeps us down.
Funky P, why so many Sunday night posts?
I have trouble sleeping after I preach. Sermons leave me completely depleted. Physically, emotionally, spiritually... I got nothin' left. You'd think sleep would come easy. Nope.
Also, I regret to say that I think the recording got messed up so there may not be a new sermon to post on the grace central website this week. Maybe I'll find an older one to post in it's place.
Next week I've got GA in Chattanooga. Then a funeral in Michigan. Lot's of driving.
Driving makes me sleepy. Maybe I should think about driving.
The house is finally cooling down. It was hot in here today.
Charity and Zack sang a Gillian Welch cover during the collection of the offering tonight. I'm sorry, but Grace Central is the coolest stinkin' church ever. And I'm not just saying that 'cause I pastor there. I mean, come on. Gillian Welch? For the offeratory?! And Joe even played the banjo. They sounded great.
What should I listen to on the ipod to help induce sleep? Hmmm. I'm thinking either Mazzy Star (So that tonight I might see) or My Bloddy Valentine (Loveless) or Damien Rice (O)? Tough Call. Ooh, Ooh, Ooh! Sigur Ros! Dilemma solved.
good night.
Also, I regret to say that I think the recording got messed up so there may not be a new sermon to post on the grace central website this week. Maybe I'll find an older one to post in it's place.
Next week I've got GA in Chattanooga. Then a funeral in Michigan. Lot's of driving.
Driving makes me sleepy. Maybe I should think about driving.
The house is finally cooling down. It was hot in here today.
Charity and Zack sang a Gillian Welch cover during the collection of the offering tonight. I'm sorry, but Grace Central is the coolest stinkin' church ever. And I'm not just saying that 'cause I pastor there. I mean, come on. Gillian Welch? For the offeratory?! And Joe even played the banjo. They sounded great.
What should I listen to on the ipod to help induce sleep? Hmmm. I'm thinking either Mazzy Star (So that tonight I might see) or My Bloddy Valentine (Loveless) or Damien Rice (O)? Tough Call. Ooh, Ooh, Ooh! Sigur Ros! Dilemma solved.
good night.
5.6.05
Hilarity from Credenda Agenda
If I were a late night DJ and this were a radio station instead of a blog, I'd say "I'm sending this one out to KD in the NYC. I hope you're keepin' it real, my man." And then I'd drop the needle. Instead, I'll click "publish".
We would be postmodern, if we could only get the Leotard to fit. We would embrace the Permanent Possibility of Misconception, except it took us too long to find him, and when we did, he was picking his nose.
The truth is, the big sign outside the community center said, "Postmodern Emerging Church: All Welcome." But they didn't mean it. We couldn't even make it up the sidewalk. The guys out front remembered us from T-ball. And they saw the squirt guns.
Nobody wants to keep score in T-ball. And the guidance official behind the plate let some of the kids round the bases backward, or stay on base when they insisted that out was a narrow concept of being. So we did things. Things our mother made us say sorry for. But we didn't mean it. We still don't. Now they're accusing us of not taking the Leotard seriously, and we're not sure how they guessed.
We would be postmodern, if we could only get the Leotard to fit. We would embrace the Permanent Possibility of Misconception, except it took us too long to find him, and when we did, he was picking his nose.
The truth is, the big sign outside the community center said, "Postmodern Emerging Church: All Welcome." But they didn't mean it. We couldn't even make it up the sidewalk. The guys out front remembered us from T-ball. And they saw the squirt guns.
Nobody wants to keep score in T-ball. And the guidance official behind the plate let some of the kids round the bases backward, or stay on base when they insisted that out was a narrow concept of being. So we did things. Things our mother made us say sorry for. But we didn't mean it. We still don't. Now they're accusing us of not taking the Leotard seriously, and we're not sure how they guessed.
FP's June EMusic Downloads
Spoon
Gimme Fiction
M. Ward
Transistor Radio
Pedro the Lion
It's Hard to Find a Friend
Leave a comment for Fred.
Fred is serving as a chaplin in Iraq. Post a comment here to encourage him. He reads Funky Presbyterian. (Look, I know we're at war, but the man still has his priorities!)
A Provacative Article
Just thought I'd stir the pot and post this provacative article I read recently. I'd love to hear your perspective.
3.6.05
When Christians Judge
This Sunday at grace central I'll be speaking on the topic of judgmental Christians. Thought you might be interested in attending if you're in the area. See the grace central website for details (www.gracecentral.org). Also be sure to click the title link above for a short film.
Free sermon downloads at gracecentral.org
Check gracecentral.org for free sermons. They should be up very soon. A new one will be posted each week. Feel free to download, burn, copy and distribute as widely as you wish.
The Moment and the Mission
There comes a special moment in everyone's life, a moment for which that person was born. That special opportunity, when he seizes it, will fulfill his mission- a mission for which he is uniquely qualified. In that moment, he finds his greatness. It is his finest hour.
- Winston Churchill
And filled with jealousy, they arrested the apostles and put them in prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said "Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life." And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.
- The Acts of the Apostles 4: 17-21
- Winston Churchill
And filled with jealousy, they arrested the apostles and put them in prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said "Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life." And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.
- The Acts of the Apostles 4: 17-21
1.6.05
Venkman needs a blog
I once knew a boy who was a comedic genius. Maybe the greatest the world has ever known... or rather never known. Venkman needs a blog if for no other reason than to document the decline into adulthood. Venkman, you know who you are. Write, man! Write!
Online Dating for Calvinists and No I'm Not Joking
I just don't even know what to say about an online dating website with a portrait of John Calvin on the homepage. Other than SCM & KDNY, your prayers have been answered.
Fake U2 Stops Traffic
Check out this link my friend Ben sent me. Hilarious! I want to hang out with these guys.
30.5.05
Cleveland! Where the rivers are aflame with fun... and toxins.
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.
I hope all of our buddies don't punk out on us.
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.
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