My denomination is mostly southern, mostly conservative, and often out of touch with the general culture of my generation. Most of the time I feel like I don't belong. But then from time to time (and more frequently now I've noticed) they throw me a bone like this little gem from the PCA's official webzine. Reminds me that I'm in the right place and that God is a Johnny Cash fan, too.
17.8.05
Back from Vacation.
Island Reading: A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving), 2 Corinthians (Saint Paul)
Island Listening: Baja Sessions (Chris Isaak), The World of Nat King Cole (Nat King Cole), Wildflowers (Tom Petty), In the Wee Hours (Frank Sinatra), At Last (Etta James), In Case We Die (Architecture in Helsinki)
Island Drinking: Corona
Island Activities: laying by pool, laying on beach, laying in bed, reading afore mentioned books, sleeping, drinking corona, various combinations of the above simultaneously
Island Films Viewed: Born Identity, Born Supremacy, The Notebook
Island Suprise: scores of lizards, thirteen blue and green parrots, two Germans in speedos, (sorry ladies, no photos)
Island Listening: Baja Sessions (Chris Isaak), The World of Nat King Cole (Nat King Cole), Wildflowers (Tom Petty), In the Wee Hours (Frank Sinatra), At Last (Etta James), In Case We Die (Architecture in Helsinki)
Island Drinking: Corona
Island Activities: laying by pool, laying on beach, laying in bed, reading afore mentioned books, sleeping, drinking corona, various combinations of the above simultaneously
Island Films Viewed: Born Identity, Born Supremacy, The Notebook
Island Suprise: scores of lizards, thirteen blue and green parrots, two Germans in speedos, (sorry ladies, no photos)
7.8.05
5.8.05
Get Free Stuff From Me! It's a contest.
Alrighty peepholes. Here's the deal: I'm am going to be away from my email account for 10 days. Whoever can guess the amount of spam I recieve in my hotmail account during those ten days wins. Just to make it exciting, whoever comes closest to guessing the number of pieces of junk mail I get will win something cool. If you guess exactly you will win something VERY cool. If two contestants guess the same we will go by whoever guessed first. Only one entry per reader. I'll make sure my junk mail filters are turned off!
And as always, no wagering please.
And as always, no wagering please.
3.8.05
Bono & the Gospel.
Salty dogma
Bono gives an explicit confession of being saved by Grace, not Karma | by Gene Edward Veith
Is Bono, the lead singer and songwriter for the rock group U2, a Christian? He says he is and writes about Christianity in his lyrics. Yet many people question whether Bono is "really" a Christian, due to his notoriously bad language, liberal politics, and rock star antics (though he has been faithfully married for 23 years). But in a new book of interviews, Bono in Conversation by Michka Assayas, Bono, though using some salty language, makes an explicit confession of faith.
The interviewer, Mr. Assayas, begins by asking Bono, Doesn't he think "appalling things" happen when people become religious? Bono counters, "It's a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma."
The interviewer asks, What's that? "At the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics—in physical laws—every action is met by an equal or an opposite one," explains Bono. "And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that. . . . Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I've done a lot of stupid stuff."
The interviewer asks, Like what? "That's between me and God. But I'd be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge," says Bono. "It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for Grace. I'm holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don't have to depend on my own religiosity."
Then the interviewer marvels, "The Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. I wish I could believe in that."
"The point of the death of Christ is that Christ took on the sins of the world, so that what we put out did not come back to us, and that our sinful nature does not reap the obvious death," replies Bono. "It's not our own good works that get us through the gates of Heaven."
The interviewer marvels some more: "That's a great idea, no denying it. Such great hope is wonderful, even though it's close to lunacy, in my view. Christ has His rank among the world's great thinkers. But Son of God, isn't that farfetched?"
Bono comes back, "Look, the secular response to the Christ story always goes like this: He was a great prophet, obviously a very interesting guy, had a lot to say along the lines of other great prophets, be they Elijah, Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. But actually Christ doesn't allow you that. He doesn't let you off that hook. Christ says, No. I'm not saying I'm a teacher, don't call me teacher. I'm not saying I'm a prophet. I'm saying: 'I'm the Messiah.' I'm saying: 'I am God incarnate.' . . . So what you're left with is either Christ was who He said He was—the Messiah—or a complete nutcase. . . . The idea that the entire course of civilization for over half of the globe could have its fate changed and turned upside-down by a nutcase, for me that's farfetched."
What is most interesting in this exchange is the reaction of the interviewer, to whom Bono is, in effect, witnessing. This hip rock journalist starts by scorning what he thinks is Christianity. But it is as if he had never heard of grace, the atonement, the deity of Christ, the gospel. And he probably hadn't. But when he hears what Christianity is actually all about, he is amazed.
Bono gives an explicit confession of being saved by Grace, not Karma | by Gene Edward Veith
Is Bono, the lead singer and songwriter for the rock group U2, a Christian? He says he is and writes about Christianity in his lyrics. Yet many people question whether Bono is "really" a Christian, due to his notoriously bad language, liberal politics, and rock star antics (though he has been faithfully married for 23 years). But in a new book of interviews, Bono in Conversation by Michka Assayas, Bono, though using some salty language, makes an explicit confession of faith.
The interviewer, Mr. Assayas, begins by asking Bono, Doesn't he think "appalling things" happen when people become religious? Bono counters, "It's a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma."
The interviewer asks, What's that? "At the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics—in physical laws—every action is met by an equal or an opposite one," explains Bono. "And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that. . . . Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I've done a lot of stupid stuff."
The interviewer asks, Like what? "That's between me and God. But I'd be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge," says Bono. "It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for Grace. I'm holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don't have to depend on my own religiosity."
Then the interviewer marvels, "The Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. I wish I could believe in that."
"The point of the death of Christ is that Christ took on the sins of the world, so that what we put out did not come back to us, and that our sinful nature does not reap the obvious death," replies Bono. "It's not our own good works that get us through the gates of Heaven."
The interviewer marvels some more: "That's a great idea, no denying it. Such great hope is wonderful, even though it's close to lunacy, in my view. Christ has His rank among the world's great thinkers. But Son of God, isn't that farfetched?"
Bono comes back, "Look, the secular response to the Christ story always goes like this: He was a great prophet, obviously a very interesting guy, had a lot to say along the lines of other great prophets, be they Elijah, Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. But actually Christ doesn't allow you that. He doesn't let you off that hook. Christ says, No. I'm not saying I'm a teacher, don't call me teacher. I'm not saying I'm a prophet. I'm saying: 'I'm the Messiah.' I'm saying: 'I am God incarnate.' . . . So what you're left with is either Christ was who He said He was—the Messiah—or a complete nutcase. . . . The idea that the entire course of civilization for over half of the globe could have its fate changed and turned upside-down by a nutcase, for me that's farfetched."
What is most interesting in this exchange is the reaction of the interviewer, to whom Bono is, in effect, witnessing. This hip rock journalist starts by scorning what he thinks is Christianity. But it is as if he had never heard of grace, the atonement, the deity of Christ, the gospel. And he probably hadn't. But when he hears what Christianity is actually all about, he is amazed.
Technology at work!
Did you hear about this?
SPACE CENTER, Houston - A spacewalking astronaut gently pulled two potentially dangerous strips of protruding filler from Discovery’s tile belly with his gloved hand Wednesday, successfully completing an unprecedented emergency repair.
Apparantly something was sticking out of the bottom of the space shuttle that shouldn't have been there, so they send a guy out to "repair" it. Of course by "repair" they mean he grabbed the little pieces and yanked on them until they came off. It is comforting to know that NASA repairs the multi-billion dollar space shuttle with the same highly specialized techniques I use to repair my 2000 ford focus.
After the repair was made, I wonder if the astronaut threw the removed obstructions into the back seat of the space shuttle with all the empty starbucks cups and taco bell wrappers.
SPACE CENTER, Houston - A spacewalking astronaut gently pulled two potentially dangerous strips of protruding filler from Discovery’s tile belly with his gloved hand Wednesday, successfully completing an unprecedented emergency repair.
Apparantly something was sticking out of the bottom of the space shuttle that shouldn't have been there, so they send a guy out to "repair" it. Of course by "repair" they mean he grabbed the little pieces and yanked on them until they came off. It is comforting to know that NASA repairs the multi-billion dollar space shuttle with the same highly specialized techniques I use to repair my 2000 ford focus.
After the repair was made, I wonder if the astronaut threw the removed obstructions into the back seat of the space shuttle with all the empty starbucks cups and taco bell wrappers.
2.8.05
Three things that disturb me:
3. When you're talking to someone and they proceed through the conversation by asking themselves a series of qestions and supplying their own answers. For instance: "Does it annoy me when people ask themselves questions? Yes. Do I think it makes them bad people? No. Do I wish they wouldn't do it? Yes. After reading this post will you now have a heightened sensitivity to this phenomena? Probably."
2. When you're listening to NPR or some expert of something or other on tv and they keep using synonyms and saying "if you will" at the end. For instance, "When people speak that way I find it disturbing... or annoying, if you will". See what I mean?
1. Gilmore Girls. The dialogue on this show makes me want to puke. I literally cannot watch it. I actually have to leave the room. I'm not even sure what it is. I will give you no examples.
2. When you're listening to NPR or some expert of something or other on tv and they keep using synonyms and saying "if you will" at the end. For instance, "When people speak that way I find it disturbing... or annoying, if you will". See what I mean?
1. Gilmore Girls. The dialogue on this show makes me want to puke. I literally cannot watch it. I actually have to leave the room. I'm not even sure what it is. I will give you no examples.
29.7.05
27.7.05
Ryan Adams Concert
I started this post months ago and never finished it. Better late than never, I suppose.
It seems like some people are never satisfied. No matter what level of achievement a person attains in his chosen field of operation, he is always setting the stage for a transition into some other field, to try his hand there as well. To see if the fates will bring success in some new arena. Professional atheletes perpetually turn their focus to new mountains. As if winning championships and setting records at the highest levels of competetive sports were not enough, now each Shaq must also rap. Each player, longs to announce. Even the great MJ could not resist stepping into the batter's box for a stint with the White Sox. Of course atheletes are not the only ones. Everyone knows every good waitress in LA longs to act. And every good actor longs to direct. And every good director will eventually produce. Then there's the whole cross over from acting to music, from music to acting, from television to film, to radio. And in each case, all of these people aspire to the highest peak of celebrity our culture affords: public office.
Ryan Adams is no exception. Last evening the North Carolinian rock and roll twangster first took the stage as the drumer for his opening act Rachael Yamagata. With in seconds it was clear that Adams is positioning himself for his next big career move. But unlike the MJ's and the Don Johnson's (remember "Heartbeat"?) Ryan Adams is poised to pull off the transition from Rock Star to his new career: unemployed homeless muppet.
I think he's got a pretty good chance of achieving his dream. The show was great, by the way. And John Stewart of Comedy Central was in the house.
It seems like some people are never satisfied. No matter what level of achievement a person attains in his chosen field of operation, he is always setting the stage for a transition into some other field, to try his hand there as well. To see if the fates will bring success in some new arena. Professional atheletes perpetually turn their focus to new mountains. As if winning championships and setting records at the highest levels of competetive sports were not enough, now each Shaq must also rap. Each player, longs to announce. Even the great MJ could not resist stepping into the batter's box for a stint with the White Sox. Of course atheletes are not the only ones. Everyone knows every good waitress in LA longs to act. And every good actor longs to direct. And every good director will eventually produce. Then there's the whole cross over from acting to music, from music to acting, from television to film, to radio. And in each case, all of these people aspire to the highest peak of celebrity our culture affords: public office.
Ryan Adams is no exception. Last evening the North Carolinian rock and roll twangster first took the stage as the drumer for his opening act Rachael Yamagata. With in seconds it was clear that Adams is positioning himself for his next big career move. But unlike the MJ's and the Don Johnson's (remember "Heartbeat"?) Ryan Adams is poised to pull off the transition from Rock Star to his new career: unemployed homeless muppet.
I think he's got a pretty good chance of achieving his dream. The show was great, by the way. And John Stewart of Comedy Central was in the house.
25.7.05
Church Survey
| You scored as Sacrament model. Your model of the church is Sacrament. The church is the effective sign of the revelation that is the person of Jesus Christ. Christians are transformed by Christ and then become a beacon of Christ wherever they go. This model has a remarkable capacity for integrating other models of the church.
What is your model of the church? [Dulles] created with QuizFarm.com |
22.7.05
Hey Andy Morgan!
I know you read my blog. Are you coming up to the 'bus tonight? Tomorrow? Let me know what's up.
Call me at my home number.
Call me at my home number.
20.7.05
Does al-Qaida have20 suitcase nukes?
This from the article linked above:
"The question isn't whether bin Laden has nuclear weapons, it's when he will try to use them."
Have a nice day.
"The question isn't whether bin Laden has nuclear weapons, it's when he will try to use them."
Have a nice day.
19.7.05
Click here.
Everytime I see a strongbad email I turn into a 12 year old boy. This is freakin' hilarious.
18.7.05
1!
Sam turned one today. He was born at 11:33pm on a Sunday night. Today we had a small party with gifts and cake. It was a good day. And a very good year.
Pronounced 'Soof-yen'
For those of you intrigued by continually awkward relationship between culture and Christianity, I have linked to an article about Sufjan Stevens. I've mentioned him before. It's a good review and worth reading. Use your exegetical skills and see what develops. Plus, the article is titled "Sufjan Stevens: Dutch Mafia Life, or, How Amway Stole the Soul of a Talented Christian Rocker and Tossed His Lifeless Body into Lake Michigan, or, "Jesus Christ! Enough with the Choirs Already!"
How can you not want to read that article?
How can you not want to read that article?
17.7.05
Watch me get down!
This is my favorite photo ever. Jack is totally just going for it on the dance floor. He had been slow dancing with that little cutie until I guess he just decided enough was enough. It was time to show off his moves! And so he did. I love that he is actually pointing with his index fingers like in disco fever or something.
Oh, to be young and carefree.
Oh, to be young and carefree.
14.7.05
New Shoes!
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.
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.
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