5.12.05
Something I Read Today...
This paragraph from Oberman's biography of Martin Luther:
_____________________________
Luther's encounter with Augustinian theology through Staupits and with mystical experience through Tauler encouraged and confirmed him on his way to a new piety and a new way of thinking. Both of these central experiences, tribulation and mystical ascent, diabolical remoteness from God and joyous union with God, are no longer typical of the spiritually ill and the spiritual elite, two mariginal Christian groups. All parts of the true Church suffer spiritual distress and are at the same time united with God. Thus the church of martyrs is no obselete stage in Church history. The Church is the community of the faithful and must remain the community of those afflicted by the devil
_____________________________
Luther's encounter with Augustinian theology through Staupits and with mystical experience through Tauler encouraged and confirmed him on his way to a new piety and a new way of thinking. Both of these central experiences, tribulation and mystical ascent, diabolical remoteness from God and joyous union with God, are no longer typical of the spiritually ill and the spiritual elite, two mariginal Christian groups. All parts of the true Church suffer spiritual distress and are at the same time united with God. Thus the church of martyrs is no obselete stage in Church history. The Church is the community of the faithful and must remain the community of those afflicted by the devil
Jeremy Enigk to record new solo album
I've recently read that Jeremy Enigk, formerly of Sunny Day Real Estate, has been working on material for a new solo album. This will come as great news to those of you who fell in love with Enigk's 1996 master piece "Return of the Frog Queen".
Some of you may know the back story. Enigk and SDRE were an up and coming alternative act back in the mid 90's when alternative actually meant something. They were on a batman soundtrack, videos on MTV, hailed as the next smashinng pumpkins- yadda yadda yadda. Then all of a sudden- BLAMMO. Jesus finds Jeremy.
And Jeremy goes and makes one of the most beautifully understated albums of the second half of the decade. It's been about nine years and finally we have a new work on the way. Hoorah.
Click the title for a link to a song.
And here's an old online post from jeremy to his fans back in 1994 that explains stuff in his own words. Intriguing...
____________________________
Yes sir I have given my life to Christ. For along time I dwelt on a lot of pain in my life. Pain that I had tried to get rid of in many different ways. I watched myself slowly shrivel up into a hopeless, bitter and lonely person. Well one thing led to another and I could not take it anymore so I took a shot on calling upon God. He answered me. My pain was gone. I was full of joy. I had hope again. All the hope that was squeezed out of me was replaced ten times. I had tried this in many different ways. None of them succeeded in saving me from hurt. Well , I was so full of joy that I wanted all of my friends to feel the way I did. So I told all of them, and of course they couldn't understand, since it was something that I had been going through myself. And also it is such a far thing to grasp, that it is easier to just blow it off. To give your life to Christ means to deny yourself, to completely live for him. Doing this will change your comfort zone that you had been trying to get since you can remember. You then are a new person desiring a whole different way then before. Most people definitely don't want their comfort changed, so they stay away from the idea of Jesus. The funny thing is, when you sincerely call upon him, though you let yourself go, He fills you with a joy and peace that far surpasses any joy, peace or comfort that you could possibly feel from earthly pleasures. Now, how this applies to the band breaking up. Well now that this has happened to me, Naturally I want to sing about it. I want it to be what sunny day real estate is about, so that others out there will hear. But there are mixed feelings about what we could do about me wanting to sing about Christ. One of the members doesn't mind me singing about Christ, another is very uncomfortable with the idea of singing about Jesus, and one didn't mind but now all of the sudden does. Well I understand where they are coming from because I was there. Jesus isn't anything that I want to compromise with for he is far more important then this music, financial security or popularity could ever be. So the idea of breaking up has been talked about. I have different intentions now. I want to take the band on a different path then they. It is no longer the financial freedom that once controlled me, but it is to expose people to truth for their sake and especially Jesus' sake. But who knows what is going to happen in the future. Every time I make a plan it gets changed. The future is the future. I hope that we come to a decision about the band that everyone is happy with.
Well my friend, you asked a couple questions and I gave you the whole story. Why give you the quick dumb version when you can get the story where it is. I'm going to say that there is more than what you see. I think most people believe that. Most people believe in some sort of God. Some create their own to their own comfort. Creating a mirror image of themselves, only calling it God. I must say that the true God is the one who is in the Bible, Jesus Christ. He is the only one whoever claimed to be God and on top of it all he rose from the dead. He has showed himself to me so clearly that I couldn't possibly believe otherwise. I would be a fool to say that he hasn't worked miracles in my life. When I didn't believe, there were no miracles. When I believed, the miracles still have not stopped. Call me crazy, for I'd rather be crazy and see what I've seen, then to ever go back to where I was. Now dear Seth, there is another reason that I write this letter. In it I hope you will let others who are interested read this letter to know where sunny day real estate and I stand, to clear up any confusion that is flying around. And especially to let you know of the intense change that Christ has put me through. I'm sure that you by now can see why. Maybe not through these words, but in the sincerity that I write this letter. I also intend for others to read this who are outside of your circle, Seth. These people would be, everyone in the band, and to all the people at Sub Pop. If my word is anything, this is the most sincere I have been in my life. Jesus Christ is Lord. There is a supreme truth to this world, and may your hearts search for it. Believe what you will. There is nothing more that I could do or say to show you. Believe me I have tried with many. Thanks for hearing me out.
With love,
-Jeremy Enigk
Some of you may know the back story. Enigk and SDRE were an up and coming alternative act back in the mid 90's when alternative actually meant something. They were on a batman soundtrack, videos on MTV, hailed as the next smashinng pumpkins- yadda yadda yadda. Then all of a sudden- BLAMMO. Jesus finds Jeremy.
And Jeremy goes and makes one of the most beautifully understated albums of the second half of the decade. It's been about nine years and finally we have a new work on the way. Hoorah.
Click the title for a link to a song.
And here's an old online post from jeremy to his fans back in 1994 that explains stuff in his own words. Intriguing...
____________________________
Yes sir I have given my life to Christ. For along time I dwelt on a lot of pain in my life. Pain that I had tried to get rid of in many different ways. I watched myself slowly shrivel up into a hopeless, bitter and lonely person. Well one thing led to another and I could not take it anymore so I took a shot on calling upon God. He answered me. My pain was gone. I was full of joy. I had hope again. All the hope that was squeezed out of me was replaced ten times. I had tried this in many different ways. None of them succeeded in saving me from hurt. Well , I was so full of joy that I wanted all of my friends to feel the way I did. So I told all of them, and of course they couldn't understand, since it was something that I had been going through myself. And also it is such a far thing to grasp, that it is easier to just blow it off. To give your life to Christ means to deny yourself, to completely live for him. Doing this will change your comfort zone that you had been trying to get since you can remember. You then are a new person desiring a whole different way then before. Most people definitely don't want their comfort changed, so they stay away from the idea of Jesus. The funny thing is, when you sincerely call upon him, though you let yourself go, He fills you with a joy and peace that far surpasses any joy, peace or comfort that you could possibly feel from earthly pleasures. Now, how this applies to the band breaking up. Well now that this has happened to me, Naturally I want to sing about it. I want it to be what sunny day real estate is about, so that others out there will hear. But there are mixed feelings about what we could do about me wanting to sing about Christ. One of the members doesn't mind me singing about Christ, another is very uncomfortable with the idea of singing about Jesus, and one didn't mind but now all of the sudden does. Well I understand where they are coming from because I was there. Jesus isn't anything that I want to compromise with for he is far more important then this music, financial security or popularity could ever be. So the idea of breaking up has been talked about. I have different intentions now. I want to take the band on a different path then they. It is no longer the financial freedom that once controlled me, but it is to expose people to truth for their sake and especially Jesus' sake. But who knows what is going to happen in the future. Every time I make a plan it gets changed. The future is the future. I hope that we come to a decision about the band that everyone is happy with.
Well my friend, you asked a couple questions and I gave you the whole story. Why give you the quick dumb version when you can get the story where it is. I'm going to say that there is more than what you see. I think most people believe that. Most people believe in some sort of God. Some create their own to their own comfort. Creating a mirror image of themselves, only calling it God. I must say that the true God is the one who is in the Bible, Jesus Christ. He is the only one whoever claimed to be God and on top of it all he rose from the dead. He has showed himself to me so clearly that I couldn't possibly believe otherwise. I would be a fool to say that he hasn't worked miracles in my life. When I didn't believe, there were no miracles. When I believed, the miracles still have not stopped. Call me crazy, for I'd rather be crazy and see what I've seen, then to ever go back to where I was. Now dear Seth, there is another reason that I write this letter. In it I hope you will let others who are interested read this letter to know where sunny day real estate and I stand, to clear up any confusion that is flying around. And especially to let you know of the intense change that Christ has put me through. I'm sure that you by now can see why. Maybe not through these words, but in the sincerity that I write this letter. I also intend for others to read this who are outside of your circle, Seth. These people would be, everyone in the band, and to all the people at Sub Pop. If my word is anything, this is the most sincere I have been in my life. Jesus Christ is Lord. There is a supreme truth to this world, and may your hearts search for it. Believe what you will. There is nothing more that I could do or say to show you. Believe me I have tried with many. Thanks for hearing me out.
With love,
-Jeremy Enigk
Police Dogs Fight Crime With New Head mounted Cameras
I bet I know what Wyatt will be asking for at Christmas time this year.
4.12.05
Bengals are for real
The Bengals demonstrate that they are indeed for real this year, by beating the Pittsburgh Squealers (the only pro sports team in West Virgina by the way) by a score of 38-31.
2.12.05
NT Wright on the Most Dangerous Baby in the World
Here is the old king in Rome, turning 60 in the year Jesus was born: he represents perhaps the best that pagan kingdoms can do. At least he knows that peace and stability are good things; unfortunately, he has had to kill a lot of people to bring them about, and to kill a lot more, on a regular basis, to preserve them. Unfortunately, too, his real interest is in his own glory. Already, before his death, many of his subjects have begun to regard him as divine.
Here, by contrast, is the young King in Bethlehem, born with a price on his head. He represents the dangerous alternative, the possibility of a different empire, a different power, a different glory, a different peace. The two stand over against one another.
Augustus’ empire is like a well-lit room at night: the lamps are arranged beautifully, they shed pretty patterns, but they have not conquered the darkness outside. Jesus’ kingdom is like the morning star rising, signaling that it is time to blow out the candles, to throw open the curtains, and to welcome the new day that is dawning. Glory to God in the highest and peace among those with whom he is pleased!
If Jesus is the true King of all the world, whose kingdom redefines power and glory so that they are now seen in the manger, on the cross, and in the garden, then to pray “My kingdom come” from the Lord’s Prayer is to ask that this kingdom, this power, and this glory may be seen in all the world. It is not enough, though it is the essential starting point, that we submit in our own lives to God’s alternative kingdom-vision; we must pray and work for the vision to come in reality, with the rulers of this world being confronted with the claims of their rightful King.
Here, by contrast, is the young King in Bethlehem, born with a price on his head. He represents the dangerous alternative, the possibility of a different empire, a different power, a different glory, a different peace. The two stand over against one another.
Augustus’ empire is like a well-lit room at night: the lamps are arranged beautifully, they shed pretty patterns, but they have not conquered the darkness outside. Jesus’ kingdom is like the morning star rising, signaling that it is time to blow out the candles, to throw open the curtains, and to welcome the new day that is dawning. Glory to God in the highest and peace among those with whom he is pleased!
If Jesus is the true King of all the world, whose kingdom redefines power and glory so that they are now seen in the manger, on the cross, and in the garden, then to pray “My kingdom come” from the Lord’s Prayer is to ask that this kingdom, this power, and this glory may be seen in all the world. It is not enough, though it is the essential starting point, that we submit in our own lives to God’s alternative kingdom-vision; we must pray and work for the vision to come in reality, with the rulers of this world being confronted with the claims of their rightful King.
Shaving Before Coffee
is not a good idea. Sliced my left nostril. Which isn't even that close to the part I was aiming at.
1.12.05
Funky Pastor's Wife circa 2005
i'm sorry i'm sorry i'm sorry i'm sorry i'm sorry i'm sorry i'm sorry i'm sorry i'm sorry i'm sorry
Funky Pastor's Wife circa 1990?
You can obviously see why I fell in love. See, I can post this because when one sees this picture they say "Wow, she has really become quite beautiful after this awkward teenage phase". When people see old pictures of me they say, "Well, at least you're wiser now".
Recent Quotes From the Kids
Jack (age 6)
"When your scared, it's hard to get unscared"
"I mostly only eat things that are made out of cheese"
And when I asked "Did you eat all your lunch?" He replied "Yes... but PLEASE don't look".
Sam (age 1 1/2)
"No"
"When your scared, it's hard to get unscared"
"I mostly only eat things that are made out of cheese"
And when I asked "Did you eat all your lunch?" He replied "Yes... but PLEASE don't look".
Sam (age 1 1/2)
"No"
30.11.05
NT Wright on the Virgin Conception of Jesus
Of course, legends surround the birth and childhood of many figures who afterwards become important. As historians we have no reason to say that this did not happen in the case of Jesus, and some reasons to say that it did. But by comparison with other legends about other figures, Matthew and Luke look, after all, quite restrained.
Except, of course, in the matter where the real interest centers. Matthew and Luke declare unambiguously that Mary was a virgin when Jesus was conceived. What are we to make of this? It will not do to say that we know the laws of nature and that Joseph, Mary, the early church and the evangelists did not. Mary and Joseph hadn't seen diagrams of Fallopian tubes, but that doesn't mean they didn't know where babies came from. Hence Mary's question to Gabriel (in Luke), and Joseph's determination to break the engagement (in Matthew).
-If this much has grabbed your attention, please take the time to read the rest of the article. It's quite good and thought provoking.
Except, of course, in the matter where the real interest centers. Matthew and Luke declare unambiguously that Mary was a virgin when Jesus was conceived. What are we to make of this? It will not do to say that we know the laws of nature and that Joseph, Mary, the early church and the evangelists did not. Mary and Joseph hadn't seen diagrams of Fallopian tubes, but that doesn't mean they didn't know where babies came from. Hence Mary's question to Gabriel (in Luke), and Joseph's determination to break the engagement (in Matthew).
-If this much has grabbed your attention, please take the time to read the rest of the article. It's quite good and thought provoking.
Rediscovering: Arvo Part
An Editorial review from Amazon
Composed in 1982 and later recorded by the Hilliard Ensemble on ECM, Arvo Pärt’s Passio (Passion According to St. John) made its composer famous, and rightly so. It is a work of unique beauty. Its meditative, intensely spiritual quality is static; the listener will find no outbursts or overtly dramatic moments to latch on to as one does in Bach's Passions. Here the story is told with a lack of overt emotionalism which quickly becomes hypnotic.
--Robert Levine
Composed in 1982 and later recorded by the Hilliard Ensemble on ECM, Arvo Pärt’s Passio (Passion According to St. John) made its composer famous, and rightly so. It is a work of unique beauty. Its meditative, intensely spiritual quality is static; the listener will find no outbursts or overtly dramatic moments to latch on to as one does in Bach's Passions. Here the story is told with a lack of overt emotionalism which quickly becomes hypnotic.
--Robert Levine
Today
Wife
Kids
Car
Coffee
Desk
Organize
Blog
Pray
Bible
Study
Write
Listen
Meet
Eat
Counsel
Prepare
Delegate
Deliberate
Read
Speak
Plan
Think
Write
Type
Print
Car
Home
Wife
Kids
Kiss
Tickle
Wrestle
Eat
Group
Teach
Lead
Ask
Laugh
Door
Couch
Sportscenter
Snack
Brush
Garggle
Bed
Sleep
Snore
Kids
Car
Coffee
Desk
Organize
Blog
Pray
Bible
Study
Write
Listen
Meet
Eat
Counsel
Prepare
Delegate
Deliberate
Read
Speak
Plan
Think
Write
Type
Car
Home
Wife
Kids
Kiss
Tickle
Wrestle
Eat
Group
Teach
Lead
Ask
Laugh
Door
Couch
Sportscenter
Snack
Brush
Garggle
Bed
Sleep
Snore
29.11.05
I pose a dilemma for your consideration
Suppose you suddenly acquired a very large sum of money (as in a lottery) and were required to spend it ALL on one of the following items. Which would you choose? Each item would be a real, actual working model.
1. A Rocket Pack
2. A Light Saber
3. A Teleportation Device
4. An Invisible Jet
5. A Green Lantern Ring
6. A Little Green Martian Friend Like Fred Flintstone Had In the Later Episodes of the Flintstones.
Please, respond with care. This is a very important question.
1. A Rocket Pack
2. A Light Saber
3. A Teleportation Device
4. An Invisible Jet
5. A Green Lantern Ring
6. A Little Green Martian Friend Like Fred Flintstone Had In the Later Episodes of the Flintstones.
Please, respond with care. This is a very important question.
My Man Purse
George Carlin use to say that all a guy needs is a place to put his stuff. I completely concurr. However, with the ever increasing necessity to be wireless, blue toothed and portable, a man now needs a place to put his stuff which can be thrown over a shoulder and hauled around town. Now I've got bags. I've got gym bags for the sweaty t-shirts and sneakers. I've got a padded bag to protect my powerbook. I've even got a great, old leather bag with buckles that looks like Indiana Jones dragged it all the way to the holy of holies and back. Problem: they are all too large to serve as an everywhere-all the time solution for my stuff storing and porting needs. When you need to bring your ipod, planner, notebook, pens and bible with you just about wherever you go, a large bag seems a bit cumbersome. Yet to leave the bag behind, means you either leave behind the essentials you may need or carry everything in hand. For me that's a instant recipe to have a missing ipod or planner. Or ipod. yikes.
Hence, a few weeks ago I undertook the search for a new bag in which to carry my stuff. An everywhere, all the time bag. A "man-purse" if you will. My search began on the internet and while I found some bags that were small enough to meet my needs, many of them were just plain ugly. Or worse, they were dull. Others had just the right pizazz, and the perfect size, but were outrageously expensive. I thought I had hit on something perfect when I found a scandinavian company that makes man bags from the remnants of semi-truck tarps. Each is an original and extremely durable as you might imagine. What I initially thought was a great price I soon realized was listed in euros, not dollars. It made quite a difference. Like 200 bucks!
That was not going to happen. So on my way home from work a few weeks ago I stopped iin at an army surplus store on High Street and found this great little map bag. It was twleve bucks. It is small and durable and even fits my powerbook. Plus, since it's from an army surplus store, it totally overcomes the feminizing stigma that can come with carrying a man-purse. (It does, doesn't it? I mean, it's pretty manly, right? Right? Wait here while I go smash a beer can on my head to re assure myself of my manhood...)
Alrighty then. My good friend Dan is starting a business that involves embroidery (because he is as secure in his manhood as I am) and so he said he would embroider something cool on my new murse for just being my friend- because that's how he rolls.
So here it is. The offical, public unveiling of my new man purse. I hope you dig it, cause I dig it. And no you can't buy one cause it's one of a kind. One might say it's "only begotten". (What can I say? It's Advent).
Hence, a few weeks ago I undertook the search for a new bag in which to carry my stuff. An everywhere, all the time bag. A "man-purse" if you will. My search began on the internet and while I found some bags that were small enough to meet my needs, many of them were just plain ugly. Or worse, they were dull. Others had just the right pizazz, and the perfect size, but were outrageously expensive. I thought I had hit on something perfect when I found a scandinavian company that makes man bags from the remnants of semi-truck tarps. Each is an original and extremely durable as you might imagine. What I initially thought was a great price I soon realized was listed in euros, not dollars. It made quite a difference. Like 200 bucks!
That was not going to happen. So on my way home from work a few weeks ago I stopped iin at an army surplus store on High Street and found this great little map bag. It was twleve bucks. It is small and durable and even fits my powerbook. Plus, since it's from an army surplus store, it totally overcomes the feminizing stigma that can come with carrying a man-purse. (It does, doesn't it? I mean, it's pretty manly, right? Right? Wait here while I go smash a beer can on my head to re assure myself of my manhood...)
Alrighty then. My good friend Dan is starting a business that involves embroidery (because he is as secure in his manhood as I am) and so he said he would embroider something cool on my new murse for just being my friend- because that's how he rolls.
So here it is. The offical, public unveiling of my new man purse. I hope you dig it, cause I dig it. And no you can't buy one cause it's one of a kind. One might say it's "only begotten". (What can I say? It's Advent).
Detail of Embroidery
Dan did this great embroidered burning bush on my man purse. He came up with the image by combining a bush from the old school Nintendo game, Super Mario Brothers with one of the fireworks explosions you see when Mario jumps off the stairs onto the flag pole. Pretty ingenious, I think.
The burning bush was an image often used by the protestant reformers to picture Divine Revelation, the Word of God. It is all about kerygma.
Super Mario Brothers is just really freakin' awesome.
I totally dig the combination. Thanks Dan, you are the man.
The burning bush was an image often used by the protestant reformers to picture Divine Revelation, the Word of God. It is all about kerygma.
Super Mario Brothers is just really freakin' awesome.
I totally dig the combination. Thanks Dan, you are the man.
Too Funny!
I found out today that my good friend KDNY has just been appointed to serve on his company's "Diversity Team". Those who know KDNY should get quite a kick out of that one.
Go gettum, Keithy.
Go gettum, Keithy.
Well it's about freakin' time!
Our good friends over at the "US Air Force" have finally invented a real, live, laser ray gun. Haven't we all been waiting on this thing to hit the market for the last half century? I know I have.
Now... where's my rocket pack?
Now... where's my rocket pack?
A Theologian Weighs in On File Sharing (sort of)
Thanks to Joe Haack over at joehaack.blogspot.com (and by "over at" I mean about fifteen feet away in the other room) for drawing attention to this fascinating article. Score one point for guy named "Vern".
Current Score/
Guys named Vern: 1
Record Industry: 0
Current Score/
Guys named Vern: 1
Record Industry: 0
28.11.05
Have you heard?
Spoon. Click the link for a free donwload of thier great tune I Turn My Camera On.
By the way, I sing this song to the boys when I get them ready for bed, but we change the words to "I Put My Jammies On". So there you go.
Put Spoon's album Gimme Fiction on your Christmas list.
By the way, I sing this song to the boys when I get them ready for bed, but we change the words to "I Put My Jammies On". So there you go.
Put Spoon's album Gimme Fiction on your Christmas list.
26.11.05
For to Us a Child is Born
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
-Luke 2:7
25.11.05
23.11.05
How NOT to love people of other faiths.
Dear Christians,
The link attached to this post will take you to a video clip which I hope you will watch. While one naturally desires to elevate positive examples of how to relate with respect, tolerance and love to the broader culture and people of other faiths, occasionally there comes along a negative example so perfect, that we must drag it into the light and gawk at it.
This is an example of how NOT to be a Christian. Please familiarize yourselves with it. Laugh if you can, cry if you must, but please try to remain calm.
Thank you,
FP
_______________________________________
Dear Persons of Other Faiths,
As you watch this film clip please accept our apologies on behalf of Christians everywhere. For too long we have allowed wrong headed and un-Christian thinking to exist in our churches, classrooms and homes. This clip displays one very extreme instance of what happens when Christians are less than loving, tolerant and thoughtful in their application of Christ's example to their lives. (Plus this woman seems to have other "issues" as well).
I believe I am speaking for the vast majority of Christians when I say that we truly love our non-Christian friends, families, and neighbors very deeply and yet we often struggle to find appropriate ways to express that love in light of our deeply held religious convictions. In may ways we have been very poorly equipped to treat others with tolerance, while holding to our faith with confidence. Fortunately, the record of Christ's life still stands in the New Testament. For a better picture of what most Christians strive to embody, consider reading the Gospel of John and note Jesus' interaction with non-religious, or non-Judaic people.
While it may seem that the most appropriate action for us to take as Christians with regard to people with these quite un-Christian tendancies would be to disown them and to distance ourselves from them. To be honest, this is our temptation. Ironically this would be exactly the opposite of what ought to be done. We don't condemn her or people like her, though we strongly assert our confident belief that she is way, way off base in her conduct and attitude towards people of other faiths. Those who seek to be truly tolerant and truly loving, must tolerate and love even those who fail miserably at tolerance and love. And so, we Christians must show this woman (and others like her) patience, tolerance and love. We'll pray for her and hold out hope that God will bring people into her life to correct her misconceptions and inexcusable behavior.
We also hope that the next time a Christian in your life attempts to speak with you about religous issues, that you will extend to them the same grace and tolerance that you desire.
Thank you for your patience with us.
Peace,
FP
The link attached to this post will take you to a video clip which I hope you will watch. While one naturally desires to elevate positive examples of how to relate with respect, tolerance and love to the broader culture and people of other faiths, occasionally there comes along a negative example so perfect, that we must drag it into the light and gawk at it.
This is an example of how NOT to be a Christian. Please familiarize yourselves with it. Laugh if you can, cry if you must, but please try to remain calm.
Thank you,
FP
_______________________________________
Dear Persons of Other Faiths,
As you watch this film clip please accept our apologies on behalf of Christians everywhere. For too long we have allowed wrong headed and un-Christian thinking to exist in our churches, classrooms and homes. This clip displays one very extreme instance of what happens when Christians are less than loving, tolerant and thoughtful in their application of Christ's example to their lives. (Plus this woman seems to have other "issues" as well).
I believe I am speaking for the vast majority of Christians when I say that we truly love our non-Christian friends, families, and neighbors very deeply and yet we often struggle to find appropriate ways to express that love in light of our deeply held religious convictions. In may ways we have been very poorly equipped to treat others with tolerance, while holding to our faith with confidence. Fortunately, the record of Christ's life still stands in the New Testament. For a better picture of what most Christians strive to embody, consider reading the Gospel of John and note Jesus' interaction with non-religious, or non-Judaic people.
While it may seem that the most appropriate action for us to take as Christians with regard to people with these quite un-Christian tendancies would be to disown them and to distance ourselves from them. To be honest, this is our temptation. Ironically this would be exactly the opposite of what ought to be done. We don't condemn her or people like her, though we strongly assert our confident belief that she is way, way off base in her conduct and attitude towards people of other faiths. Those who seek to be truly tolerant and truly loving, must tolerate and love even those who fail miserably at tolerance and love. And so, we Christians must show this woman (and others like her) patience, tolerance and love. We'll pray for her and hold out hope that God will bring people into her life to correct her misconceptions and inexcusable behavior.
We also hope that the next time a Christian in your life attempts to speak with you about religous issues, that you will extend to them the same grace and tolerance that you desire.
Thank you for your patience with us.
Peace,
FP
22.11.05
What are you thankful for?
I want to hear from the silent majority who read this blog but never comment. What are you thankful for?
U2 Live in Las Vegas: Concert Review
Click on over to a friend of the Funky Presbyterian's Blog and read his review of the latest U2 show in Las Vegas.
Strawberry Milkshake & A Bag of Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
Tonight's late night pregnancy craving. Both were purchased at the all-night UDF. (Does everyone have UDF?) Anyway, the place gets knocked over about once a month. I could've taken bullets for my wife's craving. Husbandry is not for the weak.
The Rosebuds- Birds Make Good Neighbors
I've been really getting into this album this week. Very good stuff. It's got this retro 80's vibe kinda like the Killers, but with less of ts80 Tube Screamer and more of the jangly jangly chorus pedals.
Click the title link for a free download of a song that is simply beautiful. It's called "Bluebird". It's legal, it's free, it's for you. Like God's mercy. Be sure to save it to your hard drive.
Click the title link for a free download of a song that is simply beautiful. It's called "Bluebird". It's legal, it's free, it's for you. Like God's mercy. Be sure to save it to your hard drive.
21.11.05
Taking the week off
I'm taking this week off. Last week I worked six evenings in a row (that includes after working all day as well). I'll be spending some much needed time with the boys and Charity and reading a Martin Luther Biography I've been meaning to get to for some time. Charity thinks I should read something not "church related". But I actually enjoy reading like this.
Also I will be having dinner Wednesday with an old friend. A good friend. A secret asian man. If history is any indicator, we will talk about music and life and new names for body functions. There may be beer involved as well.
Anyway, click the link for an article related to the Luther bio I'm reading.
Also I will be having dinner Wednesday with an old friend. A good friend. A secret asian man. If history is any indicator, we will talk about music and life and new names for body functions. There may be beer involved as well.
Anyway, click the link for an article related to the Luther bio I'm reading.
If systematic theology were a drug...
John Frame would be my dealer.
And I guess Vern Poythress would be like his partner who watches out for the fuzz while the deals are goin' down. Or something.
And I guess Vern Poythress would be like his partner who watches out for the fuzz while the deals are goin' down. Or something.
If music were a drug...
Emusic would be my dealer.
Check it out. Cheap, legal, and the artists get paid.
Check it out. Cheap, legal, and the artists get paid.
20.11.05
Best Songs for Listening While Under the Influence of Nyquil
Song: Brothers on a Hotel Bed
Album: Plans
Artist: Death Cab for Cutie
Song: I Love You
Album: Shine
Artist: Daniel Lanois
Song: Svefn-g-englar
Album: Agaetis Byrjun
Artist: Sigur Ros
Album: Plans
Artist: Death Cab for Cutie
Song: I Love You
Album: Shine
Artist: Daniel Lanois
Song: Svefn-g-englar
Album: Agaetis Byrjun
Artist: Sigur Ros
Guest Blogger Joshua Rollins on Johnny Cash
I've always loved Johnny Cash.
As a little boy, I remember diggin' through my granddad's tape box, and coming across "Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison Blues" and falling in love. I'd play it over and over again. My love for this man began at a young age.
As I grew older, I remember hearing songs like "Hey Porter" and "Luther Played the Boogie" and realizing they weren't like anything I'd ever heard. The first riff I ever learned on guitar was the beginning to "I Walk the Line".
Needless to say, when Johnny Cash died 2 years ago, I wept.
Not with a tear of sadness, but a tear like that when finishing an epic novel. Going through the tough times and the slow starts, to seeing the high points and even lower depths of the main characters soul, only to see it in the end fade away.
Today, Johnny Cash is beloved by my peers not neccesarly for his groundbreaking work in his prime, but for his last IV American Recordings. While Good, and haunting at time, they're not Johnny in his prime. They're not Johnny how I will remember Johnny.
Tomorrow night, Johnny Cash will be honored once again my music legends like U2, Jerry Lee Lewis and many others. It's a part of my life that's reminding me once again why I loved Johnny, because he transcended genres and went straight to the souls of those who wanted to be touched. A new generation of fans is emerging and they will continue to emerge as long as Johnny is remembered. I just pray someone, 20 years from now, will get the same chill I did 15 years ago, when I first heard the stone cold "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash."
_________________________________________________________
Thanks, Joshua. More of Joshua's writings can be found at rollinsville.net or you can click the title of this post for a link. -FP
As a little boy, I remember diggin' through my granddad's tape box, and coming across "Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison Blues" and falling in love. I'd play it over and over again. My love for this man began at a young age.
As I grew older, I remember hearing songs like "Hey Porter" and "Luther Played the Boogie" and realizing they weren't like anything I'd ever heard. The first riff I ever learned on guitar was the beginning to "I Walk the Line".
Needless to say, when Johnny Cash died 2 years ago, I wept.
Not with a tear of sadness, but a tear like that when finishing an epic novel. Going through the tough times and the slow starts, to seeing the high points and even lower depths of the main characters soul, only to see it in the end fade away.
Today, Johnny Cash is beloved by my peers not neccesarly for his groundbreaking work in his prime, but for his last IV American Recordings. While Good, and haunting at time, they're not Johnny in his prime. They're not Johnny how I will remember Johnny.
Tomorrow night, Johnny Cash will be honored once again my music legends like U2, Jerry Lee Lewis and many others. It's a part of my life that's reminding me once again why I loved Johnny, because he transcended genres and went straight to the souls of those who wanted to be touched. A new generation of fans is emerging and they will continue to emerge as long as Johnny is remembered. I just pray someone, 20 years from now, will get the same chill I did 15 years ago, when I first heard the stone cold "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash."
_________________________________________________________
Thanks, Joshua. More of Joshua's writings can be found at rollinsville.net or you can click the title of this post for a link. -FP
18.11.05
New Pregnancy Cravings
With our first son, Jack, my wife craved peaches. With our second, Sam, she craved banana peppers. Those of you who know them can verify that the respective cravings very accurately predict their personalities. Now I'm a bit concerned. I just returned form a late night run to the grocery (my clock-thingy is messed up on the time signature). What did she want? Lemons and Limes.
This leads me to predict that in several months my wife will deliver a full grown 7-Up distributor. If we're lucky, maybe he'll be a district manager!
Too bad she didn't crave oranges and lemons. Then we'd give birth to an under-rated, new wave British song writer.
(Come on! Whose with me? Get it? Oranges and Lemons! Come on, people!)
>crickets-crickets<
This leads me to predict that in several months my wife will deliver a full grown 7-Up distributor. If we're lucky, maybe he'll be a district manager!
Too bad she didn't crave oranges and lemons. Then we'd give birth to an under-rated, new wave British song writer.
(Come on! Whose with me? Get it? Oranges and Lemons! Come on, people!)
>crickets-crickets<
Why I wear my Father's coat.
Earlier this week, I spent the day at home with the boys. I try to do that every once and a while. Just me and the boys. And sometimes, when the cartoons are off and the weekly video game allotment has been reached, we actually spend time together. (There are usually couch forts involved. And nerf).
This week Jack put on my corduroy jacket and my hat. (I've got a hat like men use to wear, back when men wore hats. Sometimes I wish men still wore hats). Anyway, Jack puts on my coat and my hat and then he wants my glasses. I reluctlantly surrender them. He stomps around the room, feet flopping in size nines, sleeves swaying by knees, hat cocked, head tilted to keep the over-sized glasses in place on a nose barely big enough to balance them. And then he speaks.
With his chin now pressed against his chest and the glasses now slinding down his little bump of a nose, he lowers his voice to a six year old's best approximation of a baritone and belows forth authoritatively. This is how daddy sounds to him. His phrases are punctuated with fits of giggles and slobber.
It's fun to pretend. (Remember when we use to pretend? Mr. Rogers use to call it "make believe". I like that better, I think). But when Jack plays dress up in my coat and hat, he'd doing more than just playing make believe. Someday Jack is going to grow up. Eventually he'll fit that coat. Someday those shoes won't flop. He'll fill them out. So it is make believe, but it's make believe with a purpose. He's learning to become who he's destined to be.
I use to think that when I prayed I had to use my own words. I thought that to pray words someone else had written was somehow insincere or less than authentic. It felt like I was pretending to express something I didn't really feel. It felt like make believe.
I still think it is to some extent, make believe when I pray the words written by someone else in some other place (usually a long time ago). But now I'm okay with it. Especially when I pray the words of scripture, like the Psalms or the Lord's Prayer. The way I see it, I'm just dressingup in my father's coat and hat. I'm walking around in his floppy shoes, chin like voice, lowered.
For now, the sleeves mostly hang down around my knees, and the hat slides to one side, to big for my head to fill. I have to keep pushing the glasses back up the bridge of my nose. But these clothes- the words, the prayers, the poetry- these clothes are his clothes. These words are His words. They will never fully fit me, not in this life anyway. But the longer I wear them and the more I make believe, the more I grow into them. Even now, they fit a little better than they use to. Wearing them actually makes me look a little more like my Father.
I pray the words of God for the same reason I wore my Father's coat as a child. I'm learning to become who I'm destined to be: a child of God, with a striking family resemblance.
This week Jack put on my corduroy jacket and my hat. (I've got a hat like men use to wear, back when men wore hats. Sometimes I wish men still wore hats). Anyway, Jack puts on my coat and my hat and then he wants my glasses. I reluctlantly surrender them. He stomps around the room, feet flopping in size nines, sleeves swaying by knees, hat cocked, head tilted to keep the over-sized glasses in place on a nose barely big enough to balance them. And then he speaks.
With his chin now pressed against his chest and the glasses now slinding down his little bump of a nose, he lowers his voice to a six year old's best approximation of a baritone and belows forth authoritatively. This is how daddy sounds to him. His phrases are punctuated with fits of giggles and slobber.
It's fun to pretend. (Remember when we use to pretend? Mr. Rogers use to call it "make believe". I like that better, I think). But when Jack plays dress up in my coat and hat, he'd doing more than just playing make believe. Someday Jack is going to grow up. Eventually he'll fit that coat. Someday those shoes won't flop. He'll fill them out. So it is make believe, but it's make believe with a purpose. He's learning to become who he's destined to be.
I use to think that when I prayed I had to use my own words. I thought that to pray words someone else had written was somehow insincere or less than authentic. It felt like I was pretending to express something I didn't really feel. It felt like make believe.
I still think it is to some extent, make believe when I pray the words written by someone else in some other place (usually a long time ago). But now I'm okay with it. Especially when I pray the words of scripture, like the Psalms or the Lord's Prayer. The way I see it, I'm just dressingup in my father's coat and hat. I'm walking around in his floppy shoes, chin like voice, lowered.
For now, the sleeves mostly hang down around my knees, and the hat slides to one side, to big for my head to fill. I have to keep pushing the glasses back up the bridge of my nose. But these clothes- the words, the prayers, the poetry- these clothes are his clothes. These words are His words. They will never fully fit me, not in this life anyway. But the longer I wear them and the more I make believe, the more I grow into them. Even now, they fit a little better than they use to. Wearing them actually makes me look a little more like my Father.
I pray the words of God for the same reason I wore my Father's coat as a child. I'm learning to become who I'm destined to be: a child of God, with a striking family resemblance.
Linford Detweiler performs at the 2006 Grace Central Arts Forum
Best known for his work in the Ohio based folk act Over the Rhine, Linford performed a rare solo show last weekend at the Grace Central Arts Forum in Columbus, Ohio. The evening included poetry, prose and piano pieces, all of which were originally composed.
It really was a fantastic evening for all in attendance, as Linford recounted childhood experiences, many of which cast a light upon the unique and often strained relationship between faith and the creative impulse.
It was perfect. You really oughta been there.
It really was a fantastic evening for all in attendance, as Linford recounted childhood experiences, many of which cast a light upon the unique and often strained relationship between faith and the creative impulse.
It was perfect. You really oughta been there.
Zack Prout Opens the Evening
Zack Prout opened the night's performances with a thirty minute set of familiar covers and original compositions.
If you weren't there, I'd try to tell you how good Zack sings, but you wouldn't believe me anyway. Seriously. He's that good.
If you weren't there, I'd try to tell you how good Zack sings, but you wouldn't believe me anyway. Seriously. He's that good.
Urbanic Spins Records in the Gallery
After Linford's performance, the real party got started after hours in the gallery space. Grace Central's own Urbanic got his groove on.
Drinking
Organic Milk. It really does taste much better than regular old hormone injected milk. Never thought I'd be able to tell the difference, but let me tell ya...
I can. It's great. Plus it's got a little cartoon cow on the carton.
I can. It's great. Plus it's got a little cartoon cow on the carton.
The Four Resurrections of Johnny Cash: In Four Parts
This weekend marks the release of the highly anticipated bigraphical Johnny Cash film "Walk the Line", starring Jauquin Phoenix as the man in black.
In commemoration of the film's release, Funky Presbyterian will be posting a four part essay on "the four resurrections of Johnny Cash".
In addition, if you would like to submit a short essay concerning Johnny Cash and his influence, please email it to me at gracecentral@hotmail.com and I'll post it on the Funky P. Maybe you can be my first ever "guest poster".
In commemoration of the film's release, Funky Presbyterian will be posting a four part essay on "the four resurrections of Johnny Cash".
In addition, if you would like to submit a short essay concerning Johnny Cash and his influence, please email it to me at gracecentral@hotmail.com and I'll post it on the Funky P. Maybe you can be my first ever "guest poster".
Rockin' the Reverend
Band: The Damnwells
Album: The Bastards of the Beat
Genre: Rock and Roll (no pre-fix required)
Track: New Born History
I forgot how much I enjoy this album. Now let me be sure to say right up front: This record will not change your life, like for instance the Joshua Tree or OK Computer or HWY 61 Revisited, or Revolver, or even Graceland for that matter. But it is one heckuva good listen. Fat hooks, rich harmonies, hummable melodies and all without pretense or agenda. These guys don't break new ground, but then again they aren't trying to.
Just a solid B+ listen on a cold day in November.
Album: The Bastards of the Beat
Genre: Rock and Roll (no pre-fix required)
Track: New Born History
I forgot how much I enjoy this album. Now let me be sure to say right up front: This record will not change your life, like for instance the Joshua Tree or OK Computer or HWY 61 Revisited, or Revolver, or even Graceland for that matter. But it is one heckuva good listen. Fat hooks, rich harmonies, hummable melodies and all without pretense or agenda. These guys don't break new ground, but then again they aren't trying to.
Just a solid B+ listen on a cold day in November.
John Lennon still speaks.
And apparantly he's still ticked at Paul. Hey, dude. Get over it, already.
Stand Back- Stand Back!
I found this awesome website where a woman sells her art work- which just happens to be mostly pictures of Stevie Nicks painted on tambourines. How great is that? Talk about a niche market.
p.s. Guess what all of you are getting from me for Christmas this year?
p.s. Guess what all of you are getting from me for Christmas this year?
Got vinyl?
Ok, my funky readers... Who of you out there has vinyl? Do you listen to it? Where & when? Is the listenting experience that much superior to digital? The aspect of vinyl I most admire is the whole event of listening to it. There's the unfolding of the BIG cardboard sleeve, the gently removing the disc, the gingergly gripping of the disc's edge between flattened hands, fingers straightened and placing on that little post. The dropping of the needle and the thup thup thup thup of the speakers when the record reaches the end of side A. Oh yeah... I almost forgot. Remember when there WAS a side A? Now I scroll and click my way through my entire collection in seconds. (Ok, maybe not my ENTIRE collection- but you get the point).
Who's got it? Is it worth it? Do you like it?
So here's my question: If I decide to begin collecting vinyl and actually purchase a record player, will you guys come over and lay on my living room floor so we can look at the album art together?
Who's got it? Is it worth it? Do you like it?
So here's my question: If I decide to begin collecting vinyl and actually purchase a record player, will you guys come over and lay on my living room floor so we can look at the album art together?
16.11.05
Tired, Uninspired, or Just Too Busy?
Formerly prolific blogger, Funky Presbyterian sees posts wane. Substitutes lame links, with no images. Hopes readers won't notice. Renews resolve to "get crap together".
15.11.05
14.11.05
11.11.05
9.11.05
Future Men
Click the link to read an EXCELLENT article about raising boys. I think you'll enjoy it even if you're not a parent. What a refreshing and healthy perspective.
Low Down on the Download.
Click for a link to a free Sufjan Stevens live concert download.
Your welcome.
Your welcome.
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