REALife

Things Dads Do

2012-01-26T06:25:00.002-05:00

I have a three year old son. The past three years of my life has been challenging, and has brought many good memories to my mind and heart, memories about the things dads do, about the things my Dad did. Most people begin to realize sometime around their late teens that there are things they want to emulate from their father, and things they don’t. I have been realizing the past three years just how much of the things my Dad did that I want to make sure I do. It’s a lot. So, here we go … here are things Dads do … things I want to do … and mainly, for today, on his birthday, in honor of “Bobby” (as Trey calls him) … things my Dad did …

Play with us – whether it was in the yard, on our gravel basketball court, making forts, or watching me do some ridiculous stunt that really wasn’t as cool as I thought it was … Dad played with us. And it was great. At the time I probably thought, “of course he plays with us, look how cool and fun we are” … only now do I realize that it takes more energy than I thought, but it’s so worth it. Thanks for playing with us Dad.

Put us first – I don’t think I ever really noticed it, but he was always making sure we had what we needed. One piece of chicken left, one of the kids is still hungry, not even a question – “you take it.” That may sound simple, but it was consistent. In so many different ways, he was always looking out for us, putting us first, providing for us. Thanks for the chicken Dad.

Discipline us – sometimes this one hurt, but man was it necessary. How else was I going to learn how life works – right behavior brings good consequences; wrong behavior brings pain. This is a general rule in life… one that I got to start learning at a very young age, ouch … uh, thanks Dad? I’m learning consistency is the key on this one, and that requires a lot of energy, and commitment. Yes. Thanks Dad.

Take us on vacation – I can’t imagine having any greater memories than I have of the vacations Dad would take us on. He’d drive through the night as we sprawled out in the back of the van and slept. He'd play with us on the beach, teach us to swim, take us to water parks. Unforgettable stuff. Thanks Dad.

Read to us – oh the memories … I can still hear his voice. I remember the big blue book of Bible stories. I remember Maxy and Mini (whoa! Where did that come from?!). I remember Dr. Seuss. Kids still need this, it wasn’t just a fad. Got a good book? Go ask your Dad. You had to be tired at the end of a long day, but thanks for reading to us Dad.

Teach us to work – yes I am thankful for this. It’s part of life. From the time I was strong enough to carry a piece of firewood I carried firewood into our basement to help keep the family warm. This wasn’t an option. Sometimes I didn’t want to; sometimes it was crazy cold outside. Didn’t matter. Hm, that sounds mean. No, it sounds like a dad who was teaching his son some realities about life at very young age. Thanks for teaching me to work Dad, even when I didn’t want to learn.

Make us pancakes – and other fun stuff. My Dad knows how to whip up some good stuff in the kitchen, but man do I remember those pancakes. And we’re not just talking special occasion on a Saturday … this was in the morning before school, from scratch. What?! Oh yea. Thanks Dad.

Verbally affirm us – those of you who know me know how crucial this one is. Dad was always loving and affectionate and consistently told us he loved us. One of the things a son longs to hear from his dad is “I’m proud of you son.” And I had the privilege of hearing that on a regular basis. Thanks Dad. I'm proud of you too.

Pray for us – there’s something big about this one. It communicates dependency on God. He could have done all these other things right, but the real influence on our lives was not just the way our Dad loved us, but the way that He prayed to his Father to lead, guide, and protect us. I am very convicted of my need to pray for my kids, and I am so very glad my Dad prayed for us. Thank you Father. Thanks Dad.

Lay down in my bed with me before I go to sleep – it’s the end of the day, we’ve played, made forts, read books, done baths, brushed teeth … I’m tired. Trey’s tired but doesn’t know it yet. What does he want? “Daddy, can you lay down with me one minute?” Sure son. That’s exactly what I would ask my Dad. And that’s exactly what he would say. So comforting. What a way to fall asleep. Thanks Dad.

Dad - you have set a great example to me of things Dads do - I am doing my best to follow it. I always hoped I would be a great dad. I never knew how much it would require of me. I always thought my dad was a great dad … I never knew how much it required from him. Thank you Dad. Happy Birthday.

The Wreality of Our Wrathful God (warning - this is not a warm fuzzy Christmas post)

2011-12-09T08:05:00.002-05:00

I was reading Psalm 51 yesterday and when I got to the end I just kept reading and hit Psalm 52, which, to my knowledge is not a very well known psalm. Here's what I found: "Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He will snatch you up and tear you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living... here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold." I can hardly figure why this psalm isn't as popular as Psalm 51. Then I figured it out - this is the proactive psalm ... Psalm 51 is the reactive psalm. In Psalm 51 David is reacting to a sin already committed. Now, it is the appropriate reaction - confession and repentance. But I would prefer to meditate on Psalm 52 and heed the warning that can keep me from the sin that would need to be repented of.

I think this is God hit me with when I read Psalm 52 ... don't be that guy Robby. Yes, I am saved by God's grace and can never do anything to lose His love. But that doesn't mean I can never do anything to get lovingly punished. God has given me Himself as a stronghold (by His grace), but if I do not make God my stronghold (which takes faith), then I make myself susceptible to His righteous wrath against sin ... but not as a wicked outsider, as a son that He loves. But the mistake I have been making is thinking that only the wicked outsiders get the kind of severe treatment described here. The sons that He loves get ... a slap on the wrist? I don't think so. I think if we continue in patterns of sin we open ourselves up to some severe consequences. And God is justified in exercising His righteous wrath, even against His children which He loves. In fact it is because He loves us. It would be unloving for Him to deceive us into thinking that sin has no consequences by not disciplining us for sin.

But Psalm 52 doesn't end with the bleak picture painted so far. Verse 8 and 9 provide an excellent alternative to ignoring God's wrath and living in sin: "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints."

Today ... proactive psalm for me. I will not be like the man who did not make God his stronghold. I will trust in God's unfailing love.

Then What?

2011-11-10T08:07:00.003-05:00

Sometimes a wise question to ask when faced with temptation is "then what?" Whatever it is you are being tempted to do ... whatever way you are being tempted to believe there is something better for you than what God has planned ... whatever way you are struggling with doubting whether God's goodness and grace is sufficient for your fulfillment and satisfaction ... ask yourself this - then what?

Ok, so I give in (be it a shopping binge, a six pack, a website) ... then what? Well, I enjoy it, for a minute. Then I'm faced with consequences and still left with no real satisfaction. Pretty simple exercise, doesn't take long, appeals to our rational minds. So, if this is so simple, why aren't more people doing this and avoiding falling for temptation and the emptiness that follows? Maybe this battle is not only fought in our minds.

If Adam and Eve had done this ... "ok, we eat the fruit, then what?" Ah yes, but they were lied to. They probably would have answered "then we have more knowledge, then we get to experience the best fruit in the whole garden, then we know what God knows" ... and all of this sounded appealing to them. But it was a lie. If they had recognized the lie, and believed what Gods said, the "then what?" question could have been valuable, with answer being: "we'll die."

So, two things must be considered in order for this to work:

1. You must be aware of the lie embedded in the temptation. No one is ever tempted to feel empty and deceived. We are tempted by things we think are good, things we think will satisfy. What we have to recognize is that we're being lied to! Then, when we ask "then what?" the correct answers will follow: we'll feel deceived, empty, still unfulfilled, and even more susceptible to the same temptation.

2. This exercise is helpful to get our minds thinking right, but we must also recognize that the battle is not only in the mind. I can understand in principle that giving into the temptation won't really work and still fall for it b/c the desire of the human heart for satisfaction is strong, and not always rational. That's why we must also be in the habit of regularly seeking the Lord, loving him with "all our hearts," and experiencing a deep soul satisfaction (Psalm 63:5).

So, the discipline of nurturing our hearts with God's grace, and setting our minds with God's truth can lead to victory in times of temptation, and a deeper satisfaction than anything offered in this dry and weary land (Psalm 63:1).

Idols that lie and Psalm 63:5

2011-11-03T08:37:00.002-04:00

This will be great, just what you're looking for - you've never experienced satisfaction like this will bring ... this is what the idol will tell you. Problem - it's not a totem pole, it's not a little bronze statue or a trinket or any other form of primitive idol worship. It's modern. It's actually enticing. And it probably plays on an area of your heart that has a legitimate desire for some aspect of what is being offered. Food is good and is to be received as a gift from God with thanksgiving. Gluttony is idolatry. A home is a good thing, something God provides for protection and a place to love and serve others. Materialism is idolatry. Married sex is good, something God has given to bring intimacy and pleasure, a stronger connection to the one who is flesh of your flesh. It's good. Pornography is idolatry.

There's another problem - these idols are backed by a multi-billion dollar marketing industry that professionally convinces you that you are not ok ... but you could be. The prophets of modern idolatry are experts in cultivating discontent within us. And too often we buy it. Sometimes literally.

Then there's Psalm 63:5. David says "My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods." How do you feel after eating really rich foods? ... satisfied. You don't want anything else, the rich food is enough. The loving relationship that God offers is enough, you don't want anything else when you understand how fully He loves and accepts you. He satisfies. Idols lie.

Swaying to the Music

2011-09-06T20:34:00.002-04:00

My kids love to dance. Is that weird? I love to dance ... that might be weird. I saw Justin Beiber dance on the Ellen Degeneres Show today, that was weird. Anyway, there's something about music, a good beat, a feel good song, and just moving. It's so easy (for some of us) to just move to the music. And that's great, in the right context ... surrounded by friends at a wedding, with your kids in their pajamas in the living room.

But when the music isn't really music and the movements are habits of life, it can be bad, depending on what song is playing. I'm talking about moving to the rhythms of our culture, the patterns and perspectives we are surrounded by. It's far too easy to move to those rhythms without thinking about the song, listening to the words, recognizing the meaning.

Here's where my head is ... we are a church which has grown so apathetic to the one thing Jesus so clearly commissioned us to do when He left - make disciples. Why? Is it because we've overtly said we don't care? Is it because we weren't clear on the instructions? I don't think so. No, I think we heard the song He was singing but the song of our culture is a lot louder ... and easier to move to.

Here are some of the ways I think we have begun to dance to the wrong tune, and why that prohibits us from making disciples...

Individualism/Isolationism - in the past several decades people have become more individualistic. Institutions and authority are instantly suspect, I'm the authority in my own life, I make my own decisions based on my own agenda. Clearly those goes against making Jesus Lord of your life, and therefore doing the things He modeled and commanded. Isolationism sort of comes out of this one - since I'm the Lord of my life I don't need anyone else, community is devalued, IPod is kept in ear at all times, relationships are developed over Facebook ... in the isolation of one's own home. Both of these make it extremely hard to live on mission.

Comfort/Convenience - Your Way. Right Away. Burger King knew what buttons to push. We have microwaves, drive-thrus, pay at pump, smart phones, online shopping ... why? To make life easier. To be inconvenienced in our culture is an outrage. Yet, when Jesus was on his way to rest after hearing about the death of his cousin ... he saw a crowd, his heart went out to them, and he changed his plans. (Matt. 14) He allowed himself to be inconvenienced - for the mission. Mission requires inconvenience.

Consumerism - what can I get? What cool stuff am I missing? And where do I go to find it? This is a culture that buys stuff for the sake of having more ... stuff. This is a culture that buys new stuff not because the old wore out, but because the new came out. This consumerism is ingrained in our Christianity - we want the right songs, the right preaching, and the right coffee at the coffee bar. And what's sadder than the fact that people in the pew want it, is the fact that the people in the staff meeting on Tuesday are doing all they can to make sure they provide it, often instead of praying and seeking God's wisdom and direction for how to make disciples.

Fear of Exclusive Truth Claims - the world has shrunk. You can be half way around the world with the click of a mouse. Or you can just drive down the street to the local asian mart. The nations are all around us. And they believe different stuff than us. And our culture has convinced us that we are intolerant and cruel to even think that what they think is incorrect. It's hard to be on mission if you're not convinced of the urgency of the mission.

I love to dance, but I don't want to dance around the issue ... self-centered worldly living is disobedience. Not making disciples is disobedience.

Therefore I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices ... do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Rom 12:2)

The Attractional Force of Community

2011-08-31T09:51:00.003-04:00

If you're involved in any gospel-community-mission type conversations then this is probably not a new thought for you. Lots of discussions have surfaced in the past decade or so as the church's strategy to reach the lost has seen a shift in focus - from the attractional/seeker-sensitive model to a more missional and sometimes more organic model. We've seen the rise of leaders like Mark Driscoll, Matt Chandler, cool trendy quirky Australian guys (Alan Hirsch), and others who have challenged us to think differently and move the conversations about Jesus outside the walls of a church building and into the workplaces/neighborhoods/hobbies of those who claim to love and follow Him.

What I want to discuss and see happen is this ... followers of Jesus finding ways to infuse Gospel conversations wisely (no Jesus Jukes) into everyday life and conversation ... backed by a supporting equipping community! So, how do we do that? Steve Timis and Tim Chester (Total Church dudes) really emphasize the importance of community in any evangelistic efforts. I want to see how that works ... in the life of a 9-5er, in the life of a full time mom, in the life of a CEO.

I know that because of the books I read and the conversations I'm in that I'm supposed to believe that genuine Christian community is attractive. And I know it is attractive to me. And I believe that it was attractive to the culture in Jerusalem centuries ago (Acts 2:44-47 "all the believers were together ... Lord added to their number"). How can it be displayed as attractive to our culture, here, today?

When I sit in my living room surrounded by people in my community group, ranging in age from 20s-50s, ranging in level of education, race, stage of life ... I feel the bond that we have and know that it comes from our common need for and acceptance of God's grace shown through Jesus. And I love it. But is it just my faith that gives me a category to appreciate the value of the community I experience? If so, then is it still attractive to someone without faith?

Something that has brought this discussion back to my mind is an article called Third Place. Basically, the idea that the worship gathering (Sunday) and the home group (mid weekish) both contain some amount of barriers for unchurched, and therefore, a third place is needed to interact with non-believers and allow them to interact with the Gospel Community. Something in me says there should be no need to program this ... our lifestyles should be infused (favorite word of the week possibly) with "third places" where we hang out with sinners. But ... this doesn't seem to be the case. So, if we have to program it to make it happen, so be it.

But how do you program it and keep it genuine?

As I discussed this idea with a group leader this morning I realized quickly that their plan would likely result in a fair amount of awkwardness and likely fall short of the kind of attractive community that we want to display to the world.

As I pitched the idea to the group that meets in our home I got some honest push-back. "If my friends want to hangout with people, they're going to hang out with their own friends, they don't have to join us to do that... if they are going to hang out with our community group it is going to be because they want to hear what we are saying about God and life." Hmm, interesting perspective. But guess what, they aren't coming to hear it.

Though we don't form community around affinity, I recognize that a third place is likely to be most effective if the setting makes sense to the people invited. The 20 somethings guy is gonna invite his buddies to a sports bar to eat wings, drink a be- soda, and watch a game. The mom with two kids is gonna invite her mom friends to the park or God's fast food restaurant (Chik-Fil-A).

My thoughts at this point: People should be hanging out with sinners on sinner territory regularly to be salt and light in the culture, but since they are not ... let's give ideas/tools/programs to be a catalyst for this lifestyle change to happen. The question that remains - what does it look like for inter-generational, non-affinity based Community Groups to do that together?

In a Stable?

2010-12-13T15:05:00.003-05:00

Well, I've been celebrating Christmas for over 30 years now, most of which I remember. But it wasn't until this year that I realized that there is nothing in any biblical story that says Jesus was born in a stable. In fact the words in the original language may actually lead us to believe he was not. Whoa! What about all those nativity scenes? They can't all be wrong can they? I can see some of you know grabbing your Bible to check it out. Go for it, what you'll find in Luke 2 is two clues: "no room for them in the inn" and "manger." It is from these two descriptions that we have arrived at the standard nativity scene. But a closer look is needed.

Katalooma - The word that is translated "inn" in most Bibles is the word katalooma in Greek. And it doesn't necessarily mean inn. A more appropriate translation might be "guest room," or simply "a place for travelers to rest." (It's the same word used in Luke 22:11, translated "guest room.") In fact, Bethlehem was so small that it is unlikely there was even a public inn in town. So, let's go with guest room. If Joseph was traveling back to his hometown it is likely he still had family there. And it is likely he would not have been the only one traveling back home to register for the census. So perhaps they were staying with relatives, in a full house, where the guest room was already crowded, and not a suitable place to give birth (most prefer an element of privacy for this sort of occasion). So these cruel relatives kicked the so-called "virgin" out to the stable? Hmm, no, probably not, though it didn't occur to me til just now that the whole virgin thing may still have been a little sketchy to family members just hearing about it. It's funny, since I've had 30 years to process the story, I think Joseph's relatives have had that long too (wait, I didn't know what a virgin was 30 years ago ... ok, I've had 12 years to process that part of the story). Anyway, point is, we have to understand the structure of a home in that time/setting to get this. In that culture, for a poor simple family, the animals would have been kept inside at night in the lower floor of the house, whereas the bedrooms would have been upstairs. So Mary and Joseph probably went down to the first level of the home to have the baby (b/c there was no room for such an event in the guest room). Another clue is from Matthew's account: "when the wise men came to the house." (see

Manger - Suddenly the manger makes sense with the "guest room" translation. If there were animals inside, there was probably a feeding trough inside as well. And it would have been a convenient, safe place to put a newborn. Um, I guess that's all there is to say about the manger. A little less eventful than the katalooma discussion.

But what difference does any of that make? Stable? Inn? Guest room? What's really being said? That's the question we need to get at. Even if we could perfectly recreate the scene of Christ's birth, that wouldn't be as valuable to us as what we do have - the words that the Holy Spirit inspired the Biblical authors to write: "no room" ... "manger." What is being communicated by what Luke writes? That's the question. What is significant about the way Jesus comes into the world?

I think it is significant that they were out of place. They were away from home, and there was no room for them in the guest room. Jesus was out of place in this world; He was away from home. And he came to teach us that we are out of place in this world too. There was no special treatment for Jesus, no "hey everybody out of here, make room, this is the king of all creation being born here." No royal announcement, no gathering of big wigs. Oh, wait, there was an announcement ... to shepherds, nobodies in that culture ... humble faithful shepherds who took care of their sheep - just like Jesus would do.

God came into the world quietly, not forcefully, with social nobodies and pagans as his first worshippers. Jesus still invites nobodies and pagans, and he still does not force worshippers. But all who worship Him from the heart find the same joy the shepherds and wise men found.

Punch Line: it's the Pagans (continued from last post)

2010-12-09T22:11:00.005-05:00

Yea, so you've got the pseudo-king who just ends up showing the depth of his insecurity, becomes super jealous, and murders even more people - he doesn't show up to honor baby Jesus. To him this "king of the Jews" was a threat, a threat to his power and control. Sadly, Jesus is still seen that way by many. Then you have the posers (religious leaders). And why do I call them posers? Because they thought they had it all together; they thought they had the corner on the religious tidiness market. They thought they knew the Scriptures, but they failed to see that what they thought they knew, really pointed to Jesus (John 5:39). They missed it. And even though they knew the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, and even though they heard that he had possibly been born, and even though others were going to check it out... they did not go.

But the magi did; they went. In fact it says they were overjoyed to go. They found the child, and worshipped Him. These pagans, these star-gazers, these ... gentiles, they worshipped Jesus, the Savior of the world. But, wait, these guys didn't deserve to be there; they didn't have the credentials, the Bible knowledge, the right background! And yet they are welcomed, more than that - drawn, to this place, to worship this King. Reminds me of a verse from Isaiah - "I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth" (49:6). The light of the world began shining on gentiles early in His life. And I'm so thankful He did, because I realize that I am one.

Ya know, I'm glad the magi are in most Nativity scenes. I know, I realize it's not historically accurate, but I like seeing them there ... reminds me that I am also welcomed into the presence of Jesus, even though I don't deserve it.

Pagans, Posers, and a Pseudo-king (please pronounce the p in pseudo to make the aliteration work)

2010-12-08T10:32:00.004-05:00

Picture this ... the most important religious leader of all time is being born. His birth has been foretold for hundreds of years. His influence will surpass that of any other human on earth til that time or since. His teachings will be recorded and taught for thousands of years after he's gone. What kind of people would be there to celebrate the birth of this special child? Of course the leader I'm talking about is Jesus. The predictions of his birth are the OT prophecies, and his influence is still seen around the world today. So, who showed up for the birth of Jesus? There are three sets of people presented in Matthew 2:1-12 ... pagans, posers, and a pseudo king.

The king, king Herod, is certifiably crazy. He has killed anyone who was even remotely a threat to his reign, including family members. Clearly this guy has some security issues. He wants nothing more than to be king, king of everything, in control, with no threat to his own sovereignty. The posers are the religious leaders. They knew the prophecies, knew where the Messiah was supposed be born. In fact they are the ones who told Herod that he was to be born in Bethlehem. They had the facts memorized, had their religious structures in place. But what about these pagans? The "magi" they're called. Where did they come from? And why of all people did they feel the need to come honor this child-king who had been born. We're given little detail, only that they came from the east, had an interest in stars, and had somehow heard about "one who was born king of the Jews." These were not Hebrews, not religious guys, not well respected in Jesus' culture. They were pagans, star-gazers, foreigners, gentiles. (by the way, all we know is that they followed a star, found their way to Jerusalem, and asked about a child-king ... let's not pretend that there aren't some pieces missing here - if all they saw was a star, how did they know to expect a king? did an angel visit them as well and we're not told about it? did word travel to their land about Jesus? did they somehow have copies of ancient Hebrew Scriptures that gave them clues? for all we know, they knew very little about what they were getting into)

So, the stage is set ... who's going to show up to honor this king? tbc...

A Royal Mess

2010-12-04T21:26:00.003-05:00

So why does Matthew include these women? In a genealogy, which typically only has men, and which sometimes excluded men of questionable character? And in a genealogy of the Son of God ... seems like it would be easy to get left out of that one. And yet, there they are, scandalous women... but wait, we only mentioned four. Who is the fifth woman mentioned in the genealogy? Matthew 1:16 "...and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah." Woman number 5: Mary, the mother of Jesus, and no less scandalous if you think about it. Her story must have sounded crazy. I'm pregnant, but don't worry ... Yahweh is the father. What? Perhaps Matthew was showing that for those who were put off or taken back by her story, Jesus has descended from a long line of crazy stories. The royal line that brought Messiah into the world was a royal mess. Don't let Mary's scandal scare you ... it's nothing new, except this time, it was only apparent scandal. Perhaps Matthew was also reminding us that Jesus has descended from humans, very human humans, scandalous humans ... the very humans He came to save.

Scandalous

2010-12-02T20:01:00.004-05:00

This morning I was a guest at gathering of men who meet once a week to fellowship, read a chapter from the Bible, and pray together. While deciding which chapter to read this morning one of the men joked that they were going to make the oldest member (who's 90 btw) read Matthew 1. Of course, the joke was that it would be funny to hear him (or anyone) try to pronounce all the ancient Hebrew names in the genealogy of Jesus found in that chapter. But that's not to say there's nothing of value in this long list of names.

Matthew's record of the lineage of Jesus is very strategic, though not exhaustive. He intentionally leaves some kings out and structures his account so that there are 3 sets of 14 generations. 14 from Abraham to David; 14 from David to the exile; 14 from the exile to Jesus. Much can be said about this, but what should be made clear is that this was not a mistake or lack of diligent research, but rather a literary device making a case for the royal ancestry of Jesus.

There are interesting technical features to be studied up on, but what has really stood out to me as I've been reading the Christmas story this season is the scandalous women found in the genealogy in Matthew 1! Women were not typically cited in genealogies anyway, let alone the brand of woman that are mentioned here. So, why on does Matthew draw attention to these four women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheeba (who, btw, doesn't even get named). What do these women have in common, if anything, and what do they have to do with the Christmas story? Let us consider ...

Tamar - posed as a prostitute and slept with her father in law, Judah, the tribe from which the Messiah would come.

Rahab - a lying gentile prostitute, she lied to the soldiers in Jericho, hid the Hebrew spies and helped them get away. And for this, she and her family were spared. She ended up marrying a Hebrew, Salmon, and having a son named Boaz, which brings us to ...

Ruth - a gentile who stayed in Israel after the death of her husband, and used less than chaste means (though this is debated) to attract and secure a husband, Boaz. In spite of the scandalous origin of this relationship, they bring the grandfather of King David into the world.

"Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah's wife" - I mean really?! There had to be a better way to say that, a less scandalous way to say that! Poor girl doesn't even get named. In fact, the very thing that made her relationship with David scandalous is what is used to describe her: she "had been Uriah's wife." Bathsheeba was taken to be the wife of King David as a result of his lust, adultery, and murder. Hardly the sort of proud family line you want to trace your heritage back to.

So, four scandalous women (though it should be noted, Judah and David were way more scandalous than the women mentioned in association with them) ... but wait, those aren't the only women mentioned in this genealogy ...

Disheartened

2010-11-30T08:40:00.004-05:00

I just received an email from the River City Sports and Social Club to come to their Christmas party. Admission: a wrapped toy, $10 value to help "Sergeant Santa." Ok, hanging out with friends, providing presents for underprivileged kids, these seem like legitimate reasons to have a party. But the poem that came with the invitation really got me, consider the following lines:

Twas the end of the year, when all through the bar
not a player was sober, not even the "star."

No thought about sleeping, there's kegs to be tapped,
And Sudsy is looking for more than just a night cap.

The players were nestled face first in the keg
while seasons of football replayed in their head...

He whistled, and shouted, and called them by name,
"On football, now dodgeball! Now wiffleball & volleyball!" "On kickball"

And somewhere I heard on this eventful night,
"Just do it for the kids and give it all your might!!"

Picture a typical Nativity scene ... get that scene in your head, all that is represented there... what part of this party has anything to do with Christmas? Nothing. "But wait, the magi brought presents to Jesus ... and Jesus was God's gift to the world! So giving gifts lines up, right?" Yes, but the magi brought gifts to honor and worship the King of Kings ... and Jesus was a gift given to sacrifice himself for the sins of humanity. No parallels there. But, wait there is one big parallel: worship. Worship is the common denominator in this party and the first Christmas. But the worship offered by shepherds and magi (even though I realize the magi weren't there the night Jesus was born) and declared by angels was appropriate worship; it was directed to the One who is worthy of being declared worthy. The worship that will take place at this party will be given to idols, to the false gods of alcohol and recreation, and ultimately, to the false god of self. And this saddens me.

We live in a world of idolatry, where people seek to fill their emptiness with false promises of fulfillment, and the quicker the results the better (i.e. - a couple beers equals decent buzz in a matter of minutes). Now, this particular event also includes buying a gift for a poor kid, which will inevitably serve to ease whatever conscious may be left in those that are worshiping alcohol. The faulty system of moral balances ("I did something good by bringing a present, so I earned a night of drunkenness") will ensure that all the beer is consumed. But this Christmas party is particularly interesting (read sad) because it is all done in the name of the One who deserves worship, and yet, He will get no recognition, no worship... in fact, He will be blasphemed by practices of false worship.

I know I can't be mad at the world for being the world, but I think it is highly appropriate to be disheartened, and broken, at the thought of a club like this with a substantial following, whose gods are sports and beer. This should drive all true worshipers to brokenness and prayer, and give us open hearts to share truth with those living far from God. In this season especially, may we have our eyes and hearts open to share with those whose hearts are empty. I think I'll be attending this party ... and bring a Gift.

The Reason He Came

2010-11-28T21:48:00.003-05:00

Matthew 1:21 says "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Our sins were always in view when Jesus left glory to reveal God's love. So not only did He leave the glories of Heaven and enter into the existence of a human being subjected to the same pain, sickness, temptation, hunger, and trials of humanity ... He did it for an undeserving helpless people. The valor of doing something heroic and self-sacrificing seems to be accentuated when it is done for a sweet little child, or someone who deserves the efforts made to save them. But what valor is there for He who gives His life for His enemies? None, for he seems foolish to the world. But in this foolishness we are saved, saved from the foolishness of our sins and foolish attempts to get to Him on our own. He came to us, to save us from our sins, and bring us to Himself.

Isaiah's Perspective ... Shepherds' Perspective

2010-11-27T20:27:00.002-05:00

Continuing this theme of understanding just how far it is from Heaven to earth ... consider what Isaiah saw and what the shepherds saw.

John said Isaiah saw Jesus' glory. When did that happen? Well, in the context of the passage we see John quoting a portion of Isaiah 6 ... so what happened in Isaiah 6? If you read 6:1-5 you see a pretty intense description Isaiah has of a King, a King on a throne ... in the temple. And this King is wearing a robe so majestic if fills up the entire temple. And there are angels, weird looking angels, declaring the glory of this King ... "holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty ... the whole earth is full of His glory." And as if that wasn't intense enough, the place starts to shake and fills up with smoke. That guy, that King, that's King Jesus ... in all His glory.

Now ... how does this same Jesus look in Luke 2? He's tiny. Helpless. Wrapped in strips of cloth, not robes of majesty. He's surrounded by animals and their food ... both pre-digested and post-digested I'm sure ... not smoke and shaking doorposts and six-winged flying worshippers. It's a different scene folks. Same Jesus. Emptied. Stepped out of glory into humility. Hebrews 2 says that he shared in our humanity, that "He had to be made like his brothers in every way." (v. 17) Jesus gave up more in the incarnation than we realize. And the reason He had to stoop so low? Our sin, our guilt, our need. He was born a little baby, helpless. He became helpless because we are helpless.

Now, there were some similarities in what happened in Isaiah 6 and in Luke 2. Consider the difference in the message of the angels. Isaiah 6 - declaring his holiness and glory, no mention of peace or good news. Luke 2 - these angels also declare his glory, but then ... “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (v. 14) A declaration of peace. The journey from Heaven to earth brought the hope for peace on earth.

Another similarity is in the effect the encounter had on Isaiah and on the shepherds. Re-read these accounts and see for yourself. Good stuff.

More Distance Than We Think

2010-11-26T21:27:00.003-05:00

I'm sitting here in our family room, tree lit, kids asleep, Joanna reading her Bible, and a pretty clean house. The house wasn't so clean earlier; it took a little work throughout the day to get it this way. But the distance between a dirty house and a clean house wasn't so great today, b/c the house wasn't in terrible shape. Exactly UNlike the world Jesus was born into. It was a wreck ... and the distance He came to get here was enormous ... we were literally worlds apart. The distance from dirty to clean wasn't much for us today because we were kinda close to clean already, but the distance from dirty to clean for humanity is enormous. And it's because this distance is so great that Jesus came to earth. But the fact that we don't realize just how far from clean we are is the reason we don't realize just how far from earth Heaven is. It's the reason we aren't as amazed as we should be at the incarnation. The distance covered in the incarnation was more than we think.

I fear that we underestimate just how great a distance it was. Often because we don't think we're really that bad; we don't live with an honest assessment of how desperate we are without Christ. Or we tend to think we deserved a Messiah; God's ultimate plan was my salvation and so of course Jesus came (and if it's such a given that He would come ... then it probably wasn't too big of a deal for him to get here). These presumptuous thoughts lead us to misunderstand that the life of Christ was defined by sacrifice, even in the incarnation. Jesus stepped out of glory, as Paul said in Philippians 2 ... "he emptied himself." He didn't slightly alter himself; He didn't forgo some of his glory; He didn't pretend to hurt while all the while maintaining a god-like resistance to human pain. We think we sacrifice when we go on a one week mission trip to a lesser developed nation ... for one week. How bout out of the glory of Heaven into a feeding trough ... to begin a 33 year journey. He went the distance, a whole lot of distance ... to get to us ... so we could get to Him.

John 12:41 offers some insight for understanding the great distance from Heaven to earth: "Isaiah said this because he saw His glory and spoke about him." What is John talking about? When did Isaiah see Jesus? More tomorrow.

The Christmas Bug

2010-11-25T21:46:00.002-05:00

I got it early this year. So did Joanna. In fact, we bucked tradition and put our tree up today (instead of the day after Thanksgiving, which would be tomorrow). I know it's only one day, but we feel like we got in a whole extra week of Christmas celebration by our early start. This early Christmas excitement also comes with a fresh hunger for deeper insight into the all too familiar Christmas story, which coincides nicely with my desire to post more regularly. So, here we go ... it's November 25, a month til Christmas ... and this is the first of a month's worth of posts that will ultimately center around the miracle that sets the scene for my salvation ... the incarnation. God ... in the flesh. Here. On this earth ... from Heaven. I think my complacency with the story stems from a lack understanding about just how far it is, the trip from Heaven ... to earth. More tomorrow.

It Is Not Good for the Man to Be Alone ...

2010-10-18T23:08:00.002-04:00

Last night was a great demonstration of the truth of this foundational biblical principle found in Genesis 2. This is, in fact, the first thing in all of creation that was declared by God to be "not good" ... it wasn't good then, and it isn't good now.

Joanna left Sunday afternoon to go to a church planters wives' conference in Arkansas. I was thrilled that she got to go, but slightly intimidated by the daunting task ahead of me ... being a single dad for a couple days. Of course she left me with detailed instructions, all supplies needed, meals in the fridge, and the promise of a sweet reunion in a few days.

So, last night was my first go round ... only mildly disastrous. Invited TC over to help out ... and cause I wanted to go throw football and Trey's not quite old enough, and Mary Grace said her arm was a little sore from all the clapping lately (she's just learned to clap, very cute). But here's the thing - I knew Trey needed to poop, and we're trying to get all that into the toilet for good. So I put him on, he had his normal stage fright, didn't perform (you gotta relax that thing son), and I put his underwear back on and headed out to the park to play football.

Really Robby? He had not "moved" in over 24 hours, what made me think he was gonna hold it til we got back home? And I left him in underwear?! Anyway, we played, he ran with us and had a blast, so cute, and then he kinda walked away and went toward the playground, next thing I know he's waddling ... and I'm kickin myself for being so stupid. There we are, no diaper, no wipes, no change of clothes ... and a load of crap in his underpants. I removed said underpants ... buried them along with their fresh contents, put his pants back on (giving him his first free*&#$%* experience ... hm, so it wasn't all bad) ... and headed home.

Well, that was just the first issue. Got home, put him in the tub, put his pants in the wash, disaster over ... so, what's for dinner? Mexican lasagna, excellent. It takes 45 minutes to cook. It's 7:00. Their bed time is 8:00. Long night ahead. So, we ate, fed them, cleaned their cute messy faces off, got jammies on, gave Trey his tea, gave MG her lotion, brushed Trey's teeth, made him his little covers fort, and put those boogers in bed. Nice, aside from a late dinner and getting them in bed late, not bad.

I went to grab my phone and see if Joanna called ... hmm, where's my phone? "TC have you seen my phone? Call my phone dude I gotta find it" Nope, nowhere. Uh, where did you have it last? Oh... yea, Trey had it. He was holding it in the stroller on the way to the park. Cue tape of Robby with headlamp on driving slowly toward the park looking for his phone on the road, expecting to find it in pieces. Got all the way to the park, nothin. Until I walked by the slide and saw it sitting on the ground ... with nine missed calls from TC. Disaster averted.

Well, needless to say, we all slept well. That is, until 11:53 when Mary Grace decided to wake up crying. But the miracle is that I heard her ... and was coherent enough to know to go check on her and make her a bottle.

Well, it's 11:30, and Trey just woke up crying, gotta go.

Hurry back mommy, we miss you.

Psalms and Mtn Biking

2010-06-25T09:35:00.002-04:00

I've really slacked on my psalms readings ... but my energy has been thrown pretty seriously into preaching the psalms ... Psalm 73 last week "but as for me it is good to ..." (you'll have to look it up ... or go to Movement Church podcast to suffer through the sermon =). Psalm 67 this week - joy to the nations ... will consider - why does God bless someone ... how does God bring joy to the nations ... and ultimately, how can we be part of that?

In other news - I connected with a cool group of mtn bikers in Richmond Wednesday to begin a series of time trial races throughout the rest of the summer. By buddy Matt Dorinsky joined me ... and a big thanks to master mtn biker Mike for putting it all together.

Ch. 10, 12, 13

2010-05-26T15:44:00.002-04:00

Ch. 10

1-5
The arrogant wicked man who abuses the poor is introduced here – he renounces the Lord, says “there is no god,” and yet, he seems to prosper. The psalmist laments at this apparent injustice, wondering why the Lord seems “far away” and “hidden.” Most significant phrase in this first section: “your judgments are on high, out of his sight.” He may think he’s got it made, but the Lord’s judgment is not always obvious nor immediate. His walking on thin ice, and feeling confident about it.

6-11
His ignorant arrogance is flaming in this section: “I shall not meet adversity … murders the innocent … seizes the poor … says in his heart ‘God has forgotten… he will never see it’ ”

12-18
A plea to God to arise and remember the afflicted, to “break the arm of the evildoer.” The psalmist reminds himself that though the wicked doubt God’s justice (“you will not call to account”), God does see and will “take it into your hands.” His heart for the afflicted really shines through here as well: “to you the helpless commits himself, you have been the helper of the fatherless … you hear the desire of the afflicted … do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed.”

In summary – this psalm recognizes the injustice of living in a fallen world, where wicked arrogant men doubt God’s authority, and also diverts one’s response to this injustice from despair to hope, by affirming God’s authority and compassion for the afflicted. May we take part in joining God’s action against injustice and pointing the afflicted to His grace, while praying for the wicked that they may be broken and repent.

Ch. 12

David emphasizes what people are saying, what’s coming out of their mouths: “lies, flattering lips, tongue that makes great boasts.” In contrast to that: “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined… purified seven times”

“because the needy groan, I will now arise … I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” God’s heart to meet those who are needy and act in their behalf.

Ch. 13

“sorrow in my heart all day” … David is constantly being honest about the struggles in his life and the sorrow in his heart, and he wonders how long it will last. He feels as if God is hiding his face from him. Is he? Maybe, maybe God wants him to trust in what is real, not in what he can feel. David’s request: “consider and answer me.” Conclusion, ends in faith: “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.”

Themes: the themes of wicked men, the afflicted, (often afflicted by wicked men), specifically-the author's enemies, and the author's trust in God, b/c He is righteous and good, a refuge to be trusted in.

Psalm 4

2010-05-18T22:46:00.001-04:00

Some of the same themes here: calling to God, requesting an answer (emphasizing communication w/ God, a God who is near, not distant, a God who hears, and yet even though David believes this, he still asks God to answer), reminder of times when God has been there, frustration with wicked men, trust in the Lord, joy in the Lord, delighting in Him more than the treasures of this world (grain and new wine), and then he ends with peace, trusting that God makes him “dwell in safety.”

So, David recognizes his circumstances, but calls on the God who is in control of circumstances, for a joy that goes beyond his circumstances. He finds his joy in God – “you have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.” David’s joy, based on God’s goodness in spite of his circumstances (“you have given relief when I was in distress”), is deeper, better, more real, than their joy that is based on their circumstances (grain and new wine abound).

chapter 2, 3

2010-05-16T21:17:00.002-04:00

(this discipline thing is kinda tough for me, but I soldier on; here's ch. 2,3 ... I also realize there's not always going to be a ground-breaking insight, but through the discipline I hope to find some ground-breaking insights)

Ch. 2

This is a psalm about the Messiah (the “anointed one”) … the rulers of the world will conspire against Him (which happened), but Yahweh defends Him in anger, affirming the Kingship of the Messiah. His anger is against the wicked, but the blessed man can take refuge in Him. (and yet, even though His anger is directed against the wicked, the Anointed One takes that anger upon Himself for all who call on Him to do so, even the very wicked that have conspired against Him)

Ch. 3

A lot of the psalms deal with David just crying out to God, being real about how he feels, particularly about his trials/enemies. This is one of those. I find it interesting that one of the comments that his enemies were making about him was that “God will not deliver him.” But then David reminds himself who God is: “You are a shield around me.” He puts his fears aside in light of God’s protection and sustaining power in his life; he calls on the Lord to deliver him, and he again reminds himself: “from the Lord comes deliverance.” And finishes with a plea for blessing on “your people” … so even in his distress, his prayer is not only for himself, but for the people, and, it’s a prayer for God’s blessing – a theme that runs throughout Scripture, starting with God “blessing them” and telling them to be fruitful and multiply.

chapter 1

2010-05-13T13:26:00.001-04:00

What does this man delight in? Unsavory friends? (those that can sometimes be fun(ny) and keep things “exciting” … whose habits often involve worldly pleasures) No. His delight is in something else … those who pursue ungodly friendships seeking the “freedom” of the hedonistic lifestyle are against what the Blessed Man seeks – He seeks the opposite of unrestraint – He delights in restraint: God’s law. The restraining principles, which are really based on the righteous character of our God! This man delights in restraining principles which actually bring freedom – freedom to live the life he was called to. And his delight is demonstrated … “on his law he meditates day and night.” These are not just warm and fuzzy feelings about religious thoughts; this is a practice of savoring God’s truth and His character which is revealed in His Word. He meditates, spends time reading, spends time thinking about, spends time being quiet with … the law of the Lord … in which he delights.

The result? “a tree planted by streams of water … fruit in season … leaf does not wither … whatever he does prospers.” This man experiences a fruitful life, full of purpose and prosperity (prosperity defined in God’s terms). The wicked does not experience this. Whereas he is planted firmly with nourishment nearby, the wicked is not planted, but rather blown away. They will not stand in the day of judgment … when it is determined whether they kept the very law that the blessed man is delighting in. When they are found to have despised God’s law, they will then curse their “freedom” and long for the “restraint” of God’s loving law.

Psavoring the Psalms

2010-05-13T13:18:00.003-04:00

The last comment I received on this blog was "time for a new post pastor" ... thank you my beloved sister Teecy. Speaking of Teecy, my beloved friend T.C. (different person of course ... coached T.C. in high school) and I are about to go through the Psalms, two a day. So, my goal is to blog a little something about each Psalm for the next 3 months or so ... those of you who know me, know this is virtually impossible, but here goes. I would really love for YOU to help deepen my understanding of the Psalms by checking in from time to time and adding your insights/thoughts/questions. Best to read/study Scripture in community ... so join me as we Psavor the Psalms (I know, cheesy ... but it should be a pretty psweet time)

2009-11-23T14:52:00.000-05:00

I just had a very meaningful conversation with a young man who was in my youth group in Georgia. In fact, this young man was in the first Sunday School class I ever taught when I was fresh out of college. The first day I walked in dressed in all scuba gear (we were talking about Jonah that day … um, yea) … halfway through the class I was very warm and decided to go in the closet to change into my regular clothes; this young man wasted no time in leading a cohort of his buddies to blockade the closet door … leaving me locked in, and feeling ridiculous. Well, throughout high school this guy had pretty even split of shining moments and shameful moments. But all along I saw God working in his life, tugging on his heart to draw near to Him, to love Him, serve Him, and enjoy His goodness.

So, when we talked today and he shared what was on his heart I was thrilled, but not really surprised. He never liked school much, nor responsibility in general for that matter … but now he is excelling in school, will be a paramedic in May and is considering continuing in school to work on his bachelor’s and then go on to medical school. No shock here. This kid was born with a razor sharp mind.

But what was more exciting than that was what he shared about his walk with the Lord. Mark is going through a crisis of satisfaction. He is being challenged with this simple question: who or what will be the person or thing that provides satisfaction for your searching heart (any of us who are completely honest have wrestled with this same question at some point). Having recognized how his girlfriend was serving as that satisfaction piece, he has since broken things off with her, as he should. It’s not fair to her to ask her to provide something for him that she is not designed to be able to provide – ultimate satisfaction for the longings of the human soul. He also challenged himself to give up alcohol and tobacco … he realized that too often he turned to these for relief when things got stressful … instead of the one who says “come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” He has grown closer to his roommates as they have been keeping him accountable for his commitments, and he has grown immeasurably closer to God, having cleared out the junk that was getting in the way of finding satisfaction in Him alone.

“Whom have I in Heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:25,26) Can we say with the Psalmist, “earth has nothing I desire besides you”?

Today, Mark Mellette can. Proud of you Mark. Keep crucifying the flesh; keep finding your joy in Christ. He alone satisfies. Love you.

I'm Really Intrigued

2009-11-02T21:29:00.004-05:00

It was the kind of reaction I like to hear when people are first introduced to thoughts about Movement Church. This was a lady in the park with two kids. We had a lovely little talk about cute and sweet kids are, and then she asked me, "what brings you to Richmond?" So, I told her, and then explained what our Community Groups are all about. And she was intrigued. She said it sounded really neat, and unique ... which we both agreed was unfortunate, that it was unique. When she asked me what kind of denomination we are and I explained that we try to focus on the Bible and what Jesus said ... she said, but how do you know what Jesus said. A fair question. So I shared that there was pretty good evidence for the reliability of the Gospels, the accounts of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus. I told her about two different ways ancient texts are tested for reliability: # of years in between the date written and the date of the earliest copy we have (this time span represents the number of times it would have been recopied, more time, more margin for error); and the number of total copies (the more copies, the more texts you have to compare and validate one another). So, in light of that, I compared for her Plato and the New Testament ... consider the data below (it's a little jumbled but I can't fix it, so do your best):

Text Date Written First Copy Difference # of Copies
Aristotle 384-322 BC 1100 AD 1400 years 49
Ceasar 100-44 BC 900 AD 950 years 10
Plato 427-347 BC 900 AD 1200 years 7
NT 40-100 AD 125 AD 25 years over 24,000

It turned out to be a really great conversation, and I'm praying that God will use that seed to draw her to Him. I'm so grateful for these opportunities and for the confidence we can have in God's Word!

Mighty Mouse, Part III

2009-11-02T21:28:00.001-05:00

I think we got him ... with poison. Not so mighty now are you? I win.

Mighty Mouse, Part II

2009-10-09T21:43:00.002-04:00

Ok, so last night at about 3:45 a.m. Joanna wakes me up, tells me the mouse has been struggling in the sticky trap for about 45 minutes, and says I have to do something because she has to pee extremely bad and she's not going out there by herself. Amazingly, I was coherent enough to understand what she said ... so I got up, trudged in there, and tried to figure out which of the twelve traps it was stuck in (ok, not really twelve) ... of course, under the stove, so I try to move the stove and I'll make a dramatic story shorter ... I saw a tale, I heard a struggle, I reached for the trap and ... silence. Houdini got away again (third escape for this guy) ... but the trap was thoroughly chewed and our friend had left another gift of droppings ... the whole thing must have scared the crap out of him. Anyway, stake out tonight ... coffee, headlamp, sling shot ... and victory cigar. I'll let you know what happens.

Mighty Mouse

2009-10-06T22:26:00.002-04:00

I'm not exactly sure what the deal is ... a couple nights ago we heard a rustle behind the fridge (so we said, "Russell, what are you doing back there" ... sorry). We concluded it was a mouse (also b/c of the mouse poo everywhere). So, I bought some sticky trap thingies. We put them out and headed to bed, but after about ten minutes we heard insanity in the kitchen. Certain we had our little furry friend, I went into the kitchen to check it out. Nope. But the trap was turned upside down ... spry little mouse. So, the next night, we try again, but this time w/ a little cheese right in the middle of each trap, ya know, to make him get up there in the middle and get good and stuck. The next morning ... no mouse, but it did look like a little of the cheese was gone ... and he left some droppings for us ... ON THE TRAP. Come on, seriously. Am I being mocked by a rodent? I think so. This isn't over ...

Service Connection

2009-09-22T20:53:00.002-04:00

Sunday we gathered at Cheswick Park to discuss and demonstrate these two values: City, Generosity. We are generous with what we have because that what we have has been given to us. We want to be be generous with our time, talent, treasure, and the truth. We value our city because there's something very special in the city ... people. We love people. And if we truly love people we will want to positively impact the city in which they live. Credibility will be gained as we demonstrate that our faith breeches the walls of a building where a church gathers.

The work went great. We had three new people, and we washed about 20 tables, plus washed and painted seven grills. Then enjoyed a quick discussion of the values, plus pizza and hang out time. Worship Connection this Sunday. Pray for us.

I Don't Go As Often As I Should ...

2009-09-18T22:23:00.004-04:00

"... ya ever heard that before," he said with a snicker. I have, plenty. And I always wonder what sort of things are going on in peoples' hearts to cause this pseudo conviction. There are people who say they belong to a church, don't really attend, and yet, feel as though they probably should. Now, before you roll your eyes thinking this is a blog about church attendance, let me assure you, it's not. The issues in the church today go much deeper than people not showing up on Sundays. In fact I would encourage the church to attend functions where people are, instead of just expecting them to come to us.

So, anyway, where was I ... oh yea ... why the pseudo conviction? Not sure. I guess like most people in the world they feel like they should be doing something to appease the gods. I wonder if they realize that the one true God has been appeased, His wrath has been satisfied, by His Son dying a criminal's death ... and so we go to church not to appease, but to celebrate. Not to earn anything, but to express our gratitude for what has been earned. We don't go to church to appease God.

So, what's with the title? ... I was walking down the street today and started talking to a man in his yard. The comment came after I shared what I am doing here in Richmond and asked him if he goes to church anywhere. I smiled, we kept talking, and then I explained our vision for community and relational depth. He seemed intrigued. I then gave him a card, asked him to say a prayer for me and went to walk off. He responded by asking me to say a prayer for him, with an added, "I just might go to church this Sunday." So, I went ahead and offered to pray for him right then. He seemed touched, and held his hand out for me to hold. Not what I expected. I grabbed his hand and talked to God, simply and sincerely , thanking Him for listening to us, and loving us, and dying for us. I finished and looked up to see a moist-eyed older man who had been touched by a simple prayer to an awesome God.

I walked away feeling like a missionary, and affirming to myself that this is all I ever want to do ... bring God to people. So where does this leave us with the church conversation? There are people outside the church walls, with some sense of religious convictions ... they just need to encounter Jesus ... will they encounter Him in you?

First Vision Cast

2009-09-05T21:02:00.003-04:00

It's one thing to have a vision, a vision of what could be ... what should be. It's another thing to transfer that vision to others. When you have a clear vision of what should be, it is never alone. It brings with it inspiration, clarity and endurance to keep going when the vision begins to cost more time and energy than you anticipated spending. But like I said, transferring a vision is different than having one. However, if you can transfer it clearly, then perhaps you transfer the a fore mentioned treasures as well.

So how do you transfer a vision? A vision birthed in the heart of a passionate disciple of Christ will have been formed over years of following Him, struggling with the truths He has revealed to us, and being broken over the way we fall short of what those truths demand. This is not a journey that can be duplicated in a night, or a month. So, what does it take? To be honest, I'm not completely sure. But I think if you can present it with the same passion that you felt when it was forming in your soul ... if you can pray in faith for the Spirit of God to reveal it to others as He has revealed it to you ... then perhaps God can do in another's heart what He has done in yours.

That is my prayer for tomorrow night as we begin to cast a vision for what could be in the city of Richmond ... the vision of Movement Church.

Input ... Output

2009-09-03T22:54:00.002-04:00

So, here's something to think about ... you can you have input without output, but you can't have output with out input. Right? I think so. Consider this: you fill a glass full of water (input), you may or may not have output - it depends on if the glass is turned upside down and poured out. But if there is not water poured into the glass (no input), then it is certain, there can be no output. Seems like a pretty simple concept. But I believe it is a concept that is central to a life that is set on following Jesus.

I was reminded of this concept tonight as I went to fill up an air mattress for my father-in-law (welcome to Richmond Jim). I took out the pump, disregarded a simple diagram offering instructions and set out to plug the thing up and fill up the mattress. After I struggled for a minute to get it connected properly (who needs directions?), I turned it on and waited for it to fill up. It was making kind of a funny noise; I thought nothing of it. Trey kept coming in and messing with it, and the noise would change, but still funny. Also, it wasn't really filling up like I had anticipated, hmm. So, finally I told Trey firmly that he was not to mess with it, and I lovingly escorted him out of the room. Then I thought back to the diagram that I had barely glanced at ... it was showing something about where the air comes in and the air goes out. Then I realized why the mattress wasn't filling up and the pump was making a funny noise. The intake was on the ground, with no chance for air to come in ... no input ... no output. That's a problem.

It was a problem for the mission of filling up an air mattress, but it's even more of a problem for the mission of following Jesus and inviting others to do the same. This mission is a mission of giving. If we are not receiving, we cannot give. If you ever notice that there seems to be little output in your life, consider whether you have made one of the blunders I made ... ignoring instructions, ignoring warning signs, blaming others (poor little Trey). These are all a hindrance to having an open input valve. And without input, there can be no output.

Sweaty Kisses

2009-08-05T22:19:00.009-04:00

Some may have decided not to read this one after one glance at the title ... but for those brave enough to check it out ... thank you, and I hope you won't be disappointed. It was a comment I heard that I just can't get out of my head. The details are a little foggy (that's code for "I'm making this whole thing up" ... just kidding), but there's a nugget of truth in this story for us to ponder.

I was at Cliff's house (for anyone just tuning in ... Cliff Jordan is the guy I'm partnering up with to plant a church in Richmond, Va), and April (wife) kissed Cliff, who happened to be sweaty, and she commented that he was salty ... to which Cliff responded, "yea, I need to drink some more water." Hmm, that's not the solution to the problem that I first would have thought of. The idea is, that if your sweat is really salty, you're not getting enough water, and so your sweat has a higher concentration of salt than it should. So ... salty sweat, drink water. Ok, but why not just go take a shower?

That's when it hit me ... there were two very distinct approaches to this issue. One approach only dealt with the surface, but one went below the surface. See, I was thinking, if you got salt on your skin, you just go wash it off. But, the real issue is - you're not getting enough water ... it's your condition on the inside that really determines the saltiness of the sweat on the outside. Then I thought, hmm, this whole concept seems familiar.

How many of us take this same approach to sin? When we detect sin in our life, we just think on the surface ... just try to wash it off. But sin can't be dealt with on the surface, because that's not where the problem is ... it's on the inside. Jesus pointed this out to the pharisees in Matthew 23:25-26: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but on the inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean."

We cannot address our sin issue with behavior modification; simply trying harder not sin will not produce any lasting results. We must look below the surface ... the heart of the matter. If God has saved you, He has also changed you. We must recognize that God HAS cleansed our hearts and made us new ... and then we can live that new life knowing that we have a new identity, not simply trying to stop doing bad stuff.

Spiritual showers like church attendance, giving money, and attempts to stop doing bad stuff are not enough to cleanse your heart ... only the blood of Jesus is enough to cleanse your heart. And if He has, recognize it, thank Him, and live in light of that truth.

Area Pastors Unite in Prayer

2009-07-03T08:44:00.002-04:00

I didn't know quite what to expect as Cliff and I walked up to St. Giles Presbyterian Church in Richmond. We knew we were coming for a prayer meeting, but "prayer meeting" means different things to different people in different places ... would the emphasis be on "prayer" or "meeting"? So, my stereotypes were in place ... this was an ecumenical meeting (which sometimes equals liberal), at an old traditional looking church. I love it when God blows my stereotypes. As we entered and got our name tags on I began to observe ... people of different colors, different ages, different genders ... but one purpose ... calling out to God in prayer.

People were sharing prayer requests about obtaining more resources to expand ministries, about racial reconciliation, for God to use them to glorify His name. And I knew I was in the right place when the prayer began and there was a chorus of "yes Lords" and "hallelujahs." It turned out to be one of the most powerful prayer meetings I've been to in a long time.

One of the most powerful moments was when we split into small groups to continue prayer, and three strong, authoritative black men invited little ole me to join them in prayer. Mr Don was first to pray ... he poured out his heart to God asking Him to bless me and my family and Movement Church. Mr Otis followed suit, and before it was over three men who didn't know me from anyone had passionately prayed ... for me. I was so honored and humbled.

Other highlights included: Mrs Rosa's powerful prayer (which included clapping and shouting), spontaneous singing during prayer, and a great breakfast and fellowship that followed. This is one monthly event that we won't miss. Praise God for leading us to this incredible meeting.

You've Just Made An Outrageous Claim

2009-05-25T20:33:00.005-04:00

That's what he told me. We were sitting there in the Applebee's in Wake Forest... 2 for 20 was the deal, I think I had the chicken. Anyway, Eddie told me ... oh, Eddie McCabe, he's a guy who works at BBandT; I met him there and asked him if he'd like to have lunch and talk about religion ... so, Eddie told me I had made an outrageous claim. And I had. I just didn't realize how outrageous it was until I saw Eddie's reaction as we discussed the Gospel. Here's how it started: I had asked Eddie whether it was accurate to assert that all religion really dealt with these two questions: what is the problem with the world? ... and how can it be fixed? This led inevitably to a discussion about the problem of sin and God's answer for this problem.

I told him that God had come to earth to redeem humanity and provide a way back into a relationship with Him. (I Peter 3:18 says "For Christ died for sins, once for all, the just for the unjust, to bring you to God." It was at this point, as I referenced the pre-Fall world and the intimacy that Adam and Eve had with God, that the outrageous claim was made. I told Eddie that God had made a way through Christ for us to experience intimacy with Him once again. That's when he asked me if I meant the same kind of relationship Adam and Eve had before sin. And I said, "yes, spiritually that is." "That's a pretty outrageous claim" was his response. And I realized ... it was.

Then he asked me what my source was. Oh how I wanted to give a simple answer, "the Bible." For a minute I was on my heels ... had I gotten so used to the "outrageous claims" of the Gospel that I wasn't able to point to the specific places in God's Word that articulated its truths? So I went to Colossians 1:19-22, "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him (Christ), and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation."

I paid for our lunch, we parted, and planned to do it again sometime. Later I sent him an email with more Scripture. But I'll never forget how I felt when I realized just how outrageous the claim of the Gospel is ... that we can be reconciled to God and enjoy pre-Fall fellowship with Him because of what Christ has done on our behalf.

A Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T18:07:00.007-04:00

... is usually had by more than just the mother ... it's the kids who are often very happy on this day as they count their blessings and recognize God's goodness to them in the gift of a mother who has loved them and raised them well ... at least that's my experience today. So ... a Happy Mother's Day to me, because of the mother I've been given! And a Happy Mother's Day to her ... because she deserves it as much as anyone I know (of course, "deserve" can take on different connotations depending on how much you know about us, the children ... ha, ha).

The thing I think my mom would probably appreciate the most is a few pictures of Trey. A couple of these were from today a really cute place called Hill Ridge Farms where Trey got to feed goats and catfish and play in a huge pile of dried corn! Enjoy Mom ... we love you so much!

So, About Missional ...

2009-04-15T22:39:00.003-04:00

We desire Movement Church to be a missional community. In the last blog I put down some brief thoughts about community, so what about missional? What does that mean? Did I make that up? Am I in a cult? No ... and no. The word missional is used in some church leadership circles today to describe a certain type of church. A church that is more outward focused than inward focused, a church that is more about people than programs, a church that would sooner attend an event in the community than ask the community to attend one of their events, a church that would rather bring the church to the people than expect the people to come to church.

The term is sometimes put up against the term "attractional." In an attractional model, your church seeks to attract the lost in the community to come to you; in a missional model, your church goes to the lost in the community and brings the message to them. Let me say that I don't think it is wrong to be attractive to your community, in fact, a loving body of believers practicing the one anothers should be attractive. I just think the attraction should be genuine relationships, not cutting edge programs.

So, as a missional church we desire to be involved in the events and culture of our city and to have a presence in our community on the common man's turf. To be there, and to be intentional about connecting with people, loving people, and, in loving them, sharing the truth of the Gospel with them. This is the mission we are on. This is a snapshot of what it means to be missional.

On the Edge ... Movement Church

2009-04-04T22:04:00.007-04:00

Joanna and Trey and I will be moving to Richmond VA this summer to do something crazy ... start a church. We will be joining Cliff Jordan and his family in this faith-stretching strategic venture for God's glory. I want to do some quick blogs over the next several weeks and work through some of our vision for what will be Movement Church. (For a more thorough discussion see www.moverichmond.org)

That's me ... and Cliff, Cliff Jordan. We were on a huge rock on the edge of a cliff (different cliff) that dropped down to the Arkansas River. And as we sat there and looked out ... and down, I realized my situation was similar to what it will be when we move to Richmond this summer to plant a church ... on the edge. The edge of what? Lots of things I think ... but mostly I'm praying we're on the edge of a glorious move of God to make His name and character known in the City of Richmond. And that's a church, that's the church we hope to start.

Here's a brief thought about our heart for Movement Church:

* A missional community - when I say community I mean a group of people that value Relational Depth. Valuing Relational Depth will be demonstrated by genuinely caring about people, and cultivating mutual accountability and encouragement. That means ... when someone in our church is sick, celebrating, hurting, happy, or living in patterns of addiction or sin ... we're there, we're there to bear their burdens (Gal. 6:1,2), to celebrate their sanctification, to cry their tears, and to join their joy.

There's some thoughts on community ... check back in, more on missional later.

Resonation With Reconciliation

2009-03-28T22:19:00.008-04:00

That may sound weird, but I'm pretty sure there's a huge part of our heart that resonates with the concept, the value, the principle, the picture ... of reconciliation, that beautiful thing that takes place when two hearts return to one another.

So, here's what happened ... we had our friends, Spencer and Jana, over to hang out, eat spaghetti, watch a movie, and eat brownies and ice cream - classic Saturday night. We were discussing which movie to watch ... the potentials were: Elizabethtown, First Knight, Hitch, Knight's Tale ... all good options, but then a movie was starting on TV ... Just Like Heaven. (Reese Witherspoon and that guy from 13 Going on Thirty ... not that I've seen 13 Going on Thirty, but I heard he was in it ... anyway) We decided to just watch that.

Well, like any good movie it had us wrapped up pretty good about halfway through as we were starting to really wonder whether the two main characters were gonna get together. And it really had us wrapped up right at the end when one of them decides to do something crazy in the name of love. But sure enough, at the least opportune time a basic commercial break turns into a 10 minute break due to tornado warning updates from the weather guy ...

We were considerably less than happy about this (I know, very insensitive) and the four of us sat there, waiting, wondering ... what was happening in the movie (which at this point had gone from fiction to reality in our story driven minds), how much longer is this guy gonna be, will they pause the movie or will it continue and we miss the most crucial part of the whole thing? I could just picture the weather guy saying "we now return you to your originally scheduled program" ... only to have the screen change to a picture of our lovers kissing in the sunset and us having no idea how the conflict was resolved! And it was killing us!

Just when we thought we couldn't take it anymore, the movie comes back on ... and our worst fears were realized ... no, the tornado wasn't headed our way ... the story had gone on without us, we got dumped back in having missed the most crucial aspect of any narrative - the conflict resolution! We quickly turned the channel while expressing our true brokenness over not knowing how things got worked out ... not to fear, we live in the age of the internet ... within minutes we've pulled the movie up on Youtube and are finding where we left off ... sweet relief ... as you may suspect, the story ended with the kiss of two lovers ... together again ... ahh, sweet reconciliation ... the heartbeat of human longing.

What in the name of narrative was going on in our hearts that made us so set on finishing the story, knowing what happened, and HOW?! What were our hearts communicating to us about how we're wired? Why were we so irritated with the poor meteorologist who was keeping us from the narrative our hearts had connected to and needed to return to? Ok, I get it, tornado warnings are important, lives are at stake ... but in our hearts something else big was at stake ... reconciliation ... and not just reconciliation, the means of reconciliation. We're hard wired for story, relationship, and purpose ... and in a broken world, reconciliation is a key part of any of those. Our hearts demand several things ... to be part of a story, to know that it works out in the end, AND to know HOW and WHY it works out in the end! Why wasn't it enough to just see them kissing at the end and be happy knowing they got together? We had to know how, and this isn't just some culturally conditioned movie madness ... the desires we experienced open a little window to our hearts ... and to our design.

I believe every human heart understands that we live in a broken world, and they long to know that it's going to work out, but as much as they want reconciliation, they also want to know how it can be. As Christians, we value Genesis 3 because it lets us know why the world is broken, we value the Revelation because it lets us know that it's going to work out for good in the end, God wins. BUT ... Revelation wouldn't be near as satisfying without ... the Gospels ... the MEANS of reconciliation. We long to know it's going to be ok, but we also long to know how it is possible that it's going to be ok ... and for Christians, there's only one answer ... the cross ... our means of reconciliation.

May my heart beat as passionately for a deeper understanding of the beauty of the cross as is did to finish the movie tonight.

This Could Be My End

2009-03-06T19:42:00.006-05:00

That's what I was thinking as I sprinted through the woods ... angry barking dog at my heels. I had been walking in the woods for some fellowship with the Creator. A beautiful day, a babbling brook, cool breeze, and some great time to breathe deep, focus on the goodness of God, and remember why I exist. And as much as I enjoyed the time it was time to head home. I was walking through someone's backyard for just a sec, headed back into the woods to take a shortcut home ... still in a meditative peaceful mode ... when I heard the sound of a ferocious man eating dog barking and charging me. I went immediately into a dead sprint, dodging trees and hoping for the best. But at one point I was quite certain this dog would indeed catch up with me, tackle me from behind, and proceed to eat my flesh. At that point I decided I wasn't goin' out like that, so I stopped, turned around and proceeded to yell at the dog. Amazingly it stopped (which I thought at the time was due to an invisible fence but ... people don't bury invisible dog fences in the woods ... he was intimidated by me), but he continued to snarl and bark and desire me for his next meal. So I took off again and he didn't follow, but I heard its owner calling him. I thought that it was a call to come back home and leave the poor innocent pedestrian alone, but when I got out of the loud rustle of leaves and was on the road I heard quite the opposite: "good boy, get him ..." What kinda nut? Anyway ... It's funny how quickly I went from peaceful communion with God to running for my life. Sounds a lot like walking out the front door of a church after a service. I think my ferocious dog anecdote paints a good picture of the reality of the world at war that we live in. Whether we stay aware of it or not, the world is not a friendly place to those who are in Christ. And as important as it is to have those times of peaceful communion with God, it is just as important to stay alert as we re-enter the world at war. I Peter 5:8 puts it like this, "Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Lion, dog, whatever, the point is - the enemy is real, and just like the owner displayed no pity on the poor shmuck running for his life through the woods ... our adversary shows no pity. So it is extremely important to seek and enjoy those intimate times with God, but always be alert and re-enter this world ready to fight (or run in my case ... maybe that's where the analogy breaks down?) ... remembering Jesus' words: "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world." John 16:33.

Some of you are wondering how I managed to get a picture of the killer dog ... let's just say sacrifices were made to enhance the effect of this post. Dedicated bloggers press on.

Forgive Me, But ...

2009-02-22T22:23:00.002-05:00

I don't think I care. Not that I don't care about Penelope Cruz, I do. She's a beautiful person made in God's image for His purpose. But I don't care much for a big deal headline about how she almost fainted for winning an Oscar. The caption: "Penelope Cruz says she almost fainted after winning the night's first Oscar." … Is "so what" an appropriate response? … I could tell you about many people around the globe tonight who didn’t “almost” faint … they did … from hunger, thirst, drunkenness, loss of a loved one … from real issues, in the real world, that’s really broken and in need of a real Savior. Not a functional Savior (thanks to Driscoll for the insight), someone or some experience to distract us from our emptiness and give us "heaven on earth." The more the news dishes out shallow trivial anecdotes about superhuman movie stars the more we are potentially lulled into thinking that we live in a shallow world that has no need for the depth of the Gospel. Am I overreacting? Comments welcome.

Let's Be That Generation ...

2009-02-04T20:25:00.003-05:00

... that throws off ambitions of vanity and lives for a bigger cause than self gratification ... that turns away from societal norms and cuts a new path ... and most importantly, let's be that generation that doesn't react so sharply to the disappointing flaws of those before us that we lose the value in their convictions and belief systems. Think about it - there have been generations before who have thrown off the norms and blazed new trails, of course they weren't always leading in the right direction (the 60's come to mind), but even those that sought to lead in the right direction often went so far into that direction that they introduced a whole new set of injustices and heresies to be corrected. By whom? The generation after them of course ... who would react so strongly that they ended up back in the same pile of mess the other guys were reacting to. Confused yet? Reacting to something that does not line up with God's heart and plan for redemption is completely appropriate. Reacting so much that we are disgusted by anything associated with the crowd and/or convictions that we're reacting to, regardless of its validity in the Christian worldview, is not appropriate ... but often practiced. Perhaps you have noticed some of this in the past half century. Strong orthodoxy absent of compassion for the broken leads to a social gospel devoid of the truth about sin and the need for a Savior ... which leads back to fundamentalism combined with skepticism about anyone who tackles issues of social injustice (hello Dr. J) ... which leads to ... you get it. Overbearing dominant leadership in the church combined with (the one man answer-all show) combined with stiff sermons laced with lengthy theological rhetoric leads to a an unhealthy skepticism about leadership in general and an anti-authoritarian bent that even slips into questioning that authority God's Word claims for itself (hello McClaren). Overemphasis on the church building and its structures and hierarchies leads to a distrust of institutions and organizations (hello ... me). So, where do you stand? What are you reacting to? If you are passionate about the mission of the church you have likely noticed the oregano in its teeth and are prepared to remove it with a pressure washer ... but may I suggest that a simple water pick might do the trick. What am I saying? That we don't have to react so strongly that we do more damage. The orthodox ogres are right about the importance of sound doctrine ... and the meek mercy-givers are right about the need for that doctrine to translate into a mission to loose the chains of injustice. So it is my prayer that as we are reacting ... we slow down, pray more, seek God's heart, not our own agenda ... and somewhere in the middle of the swing back in the other direction stop and realize that balance is needed in these issues. Let's be that generation ... the generation that doesn't react so strongly that we need to be reacted to.

What's In Your Ear?

2009-01-28T18:48:00.008-05:00

I know a lot of people like to wear their IPod when they work out, and that's cool, I guess. I'm not really into it myself. I like to hear the sounds, and be aware of the people around me, ready to converse if the opportunity arises. But what I saw tonight was really over the edge. A husband and wife working out together ... both with IPods in. It was actually quite entertaining at times. The wife would say "whew my arms are Jello." To which the husband would reply "huh" ... and she'd repeat it louder. Then the husband would say "maybe you should use less weight for this one." To which the wife would reply "huh" ... and he'd repeat it louder. Please try to picture the funny faces made with each "huh" and the removing of the earpiece ever so slightly to get the message. It seems like this would have been awfully frustrating, but apparently it wasn't. Because it just continued as I sat and pondered the situation.

I feel like that scenario painted a good picture of the way our lives become in our modern era of business and activity. It seems like we always have something in our ear, whether it's an actual IPod or not. So many things rival for our attention, and too often we offer little resistance to the noise of the world ... there's always something in our ear. And just as the bride and groom in the above story were having a hard time hearing each other ... we, as the bride of Christ, often have a hard time hearing Him due to a noisy lifestyle. And even if we think we hear from God sometimes, maybe we only take the earpiece out long enough to say "huh," but not long enough to sit, and be still and fix our gaze on His beauty ... and truly listen. So, what's in your ear that may be keeping you from hearing the One who loves you? Maybe it's time to clear some space ... to be still, to be quiet, to listen.

And let us not forget the wisdom of the Three Amigos ... "in a way we each have our own El Guapo in life ... in this case it also happens to be the actual El Guapo." We each have our own IPod distraction in our spiritual life ... and if yours happens to be an actual IPod ... take it out. You're missing a lot of life. (don't take this part too terribly seriously (unless you have a serious IPod addiction) ... I just wanted to get the Three Amigos in there).

But seriously, I know in my life I need to make space to listen and be still. As your brother in Christ I lovingly challenge you to do the same. He is truly beautiful, as are the gentle words He longs to speak to us ... if we'll listen.

None of the Other Birthday Blogs Would Be Possible Without This Guy ...

2009-01-26T00:01:00.001-05:00

That's right ... this man is partially responsible for the six wacky kids that carry the name Christmas. And we are truly grateful for his part both in bringing us into the world, and teaching us how to live in this world. And in this crazy world where little is certain anymore, I am certain that our Dad has been there, as the pictures show, for ... birthdays ... swimming days ... lake days ... play days ... fun days ... Christmas days ... wedding days. He has been there and has been ready to give, love, live, correct, teach, provide, and lead our family. Thank you Dad. Happy Bir- oh, yea, Trey wanted to say something too ...

It's pretty wild to think that I now have the same privilege and responsibility that I am thanking my dad for today. Happy Birthday Dad ... thanks for being there, for caring, and for loving. Pray that I will do the same for Trey. I love you.

Why You Smilin' a' Me?!

2008-12-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

... Fair question Christy ... well, here's why ...

Because, as these pictures represent, you are a beautifully alive woman with a big heart. Your true colors may be veiled to some by your introverted tendencies, but those of us that know you, we have reason to be smilin' a you.

Because you used to think there was a Miami and a Yourami ... we're smilin'. Because you used to dress up like an Indian and shoot a bow and arrow ... we're smilin'(it was very convincing by the way). Because you used to smoke a pipe ... we're smilin'. Because you raised Kevin ... we're smilin'. And even though you often demanded "gimme a sandwhich now!" ... we're still smilin' (and snickering a little). You give us reason to smile. Happy Birthday Christy. We love you.

What Do You Say To Something Like That?

2008-12-04T08:22:00.001-05:00

… I was in a hurry … didn’t see him … I’d been waiting in line since yesterday … but are any of these justification for taking a man’s life? Hardly. There are a lot of things worth dying over; bargain shopping isn’t one of them. But it was in the name of more stuff for less money that Wal-Mart employee Jdimytai Damour was killed by a stampede of lustful bargain hunters on what has been termed Black Friday, an ironically appropriate name in this case. As much as my heart warms at the thought of celebrating another Christmas, it is saddened by the death of this man, and by the slow death of the true spirit of Christmas in America. This is more than a "Keep Christ in Christmas!" cry from the local religious wing nut. It is a cry to consider what we have become and how we can change the face of Christmas celebrations in our country. Even in an economic slump one consumer stated “It’s our life. We cannot die because the economy is down.” I wonder if she realizes that she just equated buying gifts with life. If that is our life then we have sold out to something far below the vision that God has for us. The degradation of our Christmas traditions is encapsulated by the marketing madness of Black Friday and the gross consumerism it evokes, and it must change. But how? It is too late to be proactive, but reactive measures are very much in order. The church must begin to be the trend setters for the way Christ's birth in celebrated. Will we be brave enough to be counter-cultural, to buy less, and love more, to generate new traditions based on relationships, not stuff? There are so many ways to go against the consumerist flow and contribute to needs that represent the heart of God in the process. Did you know you can buy a goat for an impoverished family in another country? You can contribute to the building of a well for a village where people die frequently for lack of clean water. And you can spend the time that you would have shopped for stuff your loved ones don’t actually need and spend it with them instead. React against this sad death; bring joyful life back to the Christmas celebration. See www.adventconspiracy.org, www.musthavegifts.org, and www.rethinkingchristmas.org for more creative gift alternatives, and be brave enough to be counter-cultural. Also, perhaps you see fit to contact Wal-Mart and let them know how disgusted you are that they had inadequate security, and re-opened the store only hours after Mr. Damour’s death. (http://walmartstores.com/contactus/feedback.aspx)

702 SW 8th Street
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Bentonville, Arkansas 72716-8611

“All it takes for evil to prevail is the good (wo)men do nothing” … do something.

Proud Moment

2008-11-21T19:21:00.007-05:00

Joanna, after taking a stressful trip to downtown Raleigh, and in the face of sub-freezing windchill temperatures ... decided to go out and run today as she had planned ...

Trey was very supportive as Joanna finished the run with some intervals up the hill in front of our house ...

Joanna and I (and Trey) will be running a 5k on Thanksgiving Day! The goal is to finish without stopping ... but either way it'll be a blast! Can't wait! I'm so proud of my cute little runner girl!

Is This Guy For Real?

2008-11-10T16:45:00.003-05:00

I think that's a fair question (on so many levels) when someone encounters Michael David Christmas. Answer - yea, he's for real ... he is every bit as fun, funny, insane, kind, nuts, loving, bright, hysterical, insightful, connected, relational, sketchy, and saved-by-grace as you perceive him to be. And he's my brother. I say that proudly, and I always have. I've seen this kid grow up and grow through challenges and accountability, and I've seen him desire to help others grow as well. November 10 ... 23 years ago (man I hope that's right) ... special day ... special guy. Happy Birthday Mike. Love ya. Your big brother.

Good Things Come In Small Packages ... The Gift of Mary Christmas

2008-11-05T08:33:00.003-05:00

... some of you may be puzzled by that title ... I submit that you are no less puzzled than you would be were you to try to figure out how the one we celebrate today came to be so incredibly special as a servant-leader-warrior-princess-poet ... see what I mean ... puzzling. All I can say to this older, wiser, sweeter, better-looking sister of mine is ... I love ya Teec. You've meant so much to me ... from the huge amounts of encouragement I get from you, to the times you've challenged and taught me. God has had tons of fun with you, and He's so not through ...

The Mighty Warrior Turns 18

2008-11-01T08:00:00.003-04:00

For eighteen years God has been shaping, molding, holding, refining, and ultimately, loving Matt Christmas. I've had the joy of watching the whole process, and a joy it has been. This is a special young man ... a leader with his friends, a stud on the football field, a loving uncle and a compassionate person. An old Scottish proverb says: Never give a man a sword who can't dance. Well, I'm pretty certain Matt can't dance (unless you've got some moves you've been hiding), but the point is, a warrior must fight from a passion that goes deeper than rage against an enemy ... the passionate fighter must have a compassionate heart that provides the motivation to fight for the truths and people he loves. Matt is a great example of a man (and I emphasize man today) who shows courage and compassion. With all that God has done in your life Matt ... He's not anywhere near done ... embrace it, love it, hunger for His truth. The Lord is with you mighty warrior ... now go in the strength that you have, and may unconditional love be your battle tactic ... just as Christ loved you.

Love you bro ... Robby

14 Years of Kevin Christmas

2008-10-20T18:43:00.001-04:00

... and what a joy it has been ... mostly =). A few words about Kevin are in order at this point. Without going into much detail about how great the youngest of the Christmas clan is ... I think this quote works well: "Never tell a young person that something cannot be done. God may have been waiting for centuries for somebody ignorant enough of the impossibility to do that thing." Attempt the impossible Gus ... God will provide peace and courage when you are tempted to believe it cannot be done. Live with passion. Love ya, Robby

Stop Babbling and Spread Out

2008-10-16T17:26:00.003-04:00

It's winter, you're under the covers curled up in a ball to keep all your body heat in, the last thing you want to do is spread out over the whole mattress, and at this point you strangely resemble ... the tower of Babel?! What?! Yes, the people that descended from Noah after the flood assembled at a plain in Shinar and are responsible for the fact that you can't understand some of the more festive stations on your radio dial. Genesis 11:1-9 tells the typical tale of rebellious creation more concerned about its desires than the Creator’s. Because of the fall man is prone to think of himself rather than God and live for his purposes rather than God’s.

God had clearly said to increase in number and fill the earth (Gen. 1:28) and had even restated this mandate twice after Noah and his family came out of the ark (Gen. 9:1, 7). God's not into isolationism. The original idea was to spread out on the earth and display God's image (that He had given them) throughout the world, but the sinful heart of man desired to build a great tower to the heavens and “make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth” (Gen. 11:4). So, everyone spoke the same language and they decided to build a huge tower, but God took some corrective measures to thwart their plans and keep His plans and His name ultimate. So He confused their language and “scattered them from there over all the earth” (11:8). That is why people speak different languages today, and that is why if someone can't understand you they say you are babbling.

The diversity is great, but remember this came about as a result of sin, and the consequences pose problems today as missionaries struggle to overcome cultural barriers while sharing the gospel. This passage not only gives us the origins of languages and people groups, it also provides an indicting picture of what can happen to those in a similar situation today. Think about the American church, all curled up in its own comfort, not wanting to spread out. Strikingly we even have similar building projects as those in Genesis 11, and God has made it clear that we are not to build anything for our name, but to spread out and fill the earth. The barriers begun at Babel are not to be strengthened through the same selfishness, but rather torn down through an intentional global mission.

In His grace God follows up Genesis 11 with Genesis 12 (not just cause it works so well numerically). Genesis 12 tells us of Abraham's calling. It is immediately after the Tower of Babel that God chooses one man to father a nation that would bless all nations, the very nations that were just created through rebellion. In the same spirit of Genesis 3:15, right on the heels of rebellion, a light of hope is shone through a man named Abram who would be blessed to bless the nations. The Messiah and the Mission continue to pervade the OT. In the spirit of Abraham, let us be willling to leave our country and our father's house and go to a land He will show us.

Purpose of Pain, Part II

2008-09-21T14:19:00.004-04:00

From a previous post in reference to running a triathlon: "All who choose to enter such misery must understand the meaning ... the sweet purpose of pain. That day was a physical picture of a spiritual reality ..." What's that all about? Misery with meaning? Purpose in pain? What?! Is there ever purpose in pain? I would have to argue yes. Consider a few examples. A woman goes into labor and experiences great pain, but she is overjoyed by the new life that results from this painful, and purposeful, experience. Consider a doctor who has to reset someone's bone so that it will heal correctly. I've never experienced that, though I think it's safe to assume it's painful; but it serves a purpose: realigning a bone that was separated so that it can heal. And the most purposeful pain ever experienced on this earth was for a similar reason, only it wasn't a bone that needed realigning, it was the human race; it wasn't the human body that was broken, it was the human soul. The painful event took place a couple thousand years ago, but the purpose is just as relevant today as it was then.

So, let's consider why it had to happen. Things were out of alignment with the human race. There was brokenness and pain at every turn. And no one seemed to have the solution. Why so many questions, why so much sorrow? The answer to those questions could only be found by going back several thousand years even before that ... to a garden. The book of Genesis in the Bible gives an account of the earliest days of human history. The first man and woman were in a garden. The garden was planted by the Creator to be enjoyed by the creation. They were given the freedom to experience the world God had created and make their own choices, and they chose to disobey a simple command God had given them. (See Genesis 3 for more details). This one decision brought severe consequences, not only for Adam and Eve, but for every human that would come after them. This act of treason against the King of the world threw things out of order in a cosmic sense, so that all the earth was effected, especially humans. They had commited what amounts to treason against the King of the world. And what is the penalty for treason? Death. So the human race is living on death row, separated from God, with no hope to be proven innocent. This is not the way God wanted things to be, hence the need for cosmic realignment and relational restoration with the Creator-King. How could all this be accomplished?

It could only be accomplished if the penalty for sin was paid by someone who never committed treason, a perfect human to take the penalty for all humans. Problem - no human was qualified to do this ... Until Jesus of Nazareth was born. This human being, who entered the pages of history two thousand years ago, offered to take the death penalty for humanity. But how? How could he do it? He'd have to be perfect and everyone knows that all humans mess up at some point. This is true, but Jesus was more than human, he was also divine. He was God on earth as a man to save men from their pain and to realign humanity. He is the only one who never committed treason against the King, and so He was qualified to take the penalty for the whole human race ... your penalty, my penalty ... our pain. In fact, that was his purpose in being born. (see Luke 19:10 and John 12:27)

Purposeful pain? Yes ... it is seen best in the picture of Jesus on the cross, taking the pain that we deserved, for the purpose of realigning our relationship with God and reuniting our souls with Him. As I ran the triathlon and felt the pain, I couldn't help but remember what the Bible says in Hebrews 12:1,2 " ... let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross ... " The joy set before him? You ... me ... humanity ... restored ... that was the joy, that's why he endured the pain.

Because Jesus experienced meaningful misery and purposeful pain, all humanity has the opportunity to be freed from spiritual death row and realign their lives with God's original purpose in creation ... a relationship with Him, the Creator, the King.

Well Mom, I guess we're the champions ...

2008-09-03T22:09:00.005-04:00

Said Kevin leaving as he walked out of the gym with his sweet mother. Now, you might be thinking, wow they must have had a great season. No, not even a great game. In fact this comment came on the heels of yet another defeat for Kevin's first basketball team ... hardly a championship season. But you couldn't tell Kevin that. They were champions, and most importantly, he was a champion. And today, years later ... he still is.

Kevin was young, but he understood a very important life principle - attitude is more important than circumstances. And this is a principle that I believe he will continue to follow in all areas of life. Whether on the game field, the practice field, or possibly one day ... the mission field. Because as much as Kevin loves football, I believe he understands that football is temporary, but God's love is eternal.

So Kevin will continue to be optimistic ... about football, about friends, about life. And Kevin will continue to be a champion ... as he loves God, loves people, and loves life.

I'm proud of you little brother.

Me holding my youngest brother ...

My youngest brother holding my son

The brothers Christmas

September 3, 2005 ... The Day My Life Changed Forever

2008-09-02T22:03:00.007-04:00

I started to write a poem, but when two of the lines went like this:

Two people, two lives, two stories being written
Merge into one, like fingers in a mitten.

... I decided I should scrap it and just speak from the heart. But I'm having some trouble ... I don't have the proper tools. You see all I have to communicate what's in my heart concerning that special day is ... the English language, which seems to come up so short right now. No offense to all my anglo-saxon ancestors, I mean, nice work fellas ... we've come a long way in the past several centuries. And usually it's sufficient to communicate ... but not this time, not in an attempt to express the steady-rising, slow-burning, heart-consuming love that I cultivate for my wife.

That's my wedding day by the way, September 3, 2005. And tomorrow is Septemeber 3, 2008 ... three years of marriage ... to Joanna ... Joanna Marie Christmas ... the mother of my child, the thief of my heart. Now, I know stealing is typically frowned upon, but in her defense, I don't think she did it on purpose. Something about her was captivating and there came a point where I had to admit my captivation ... also it would've been hard to keep living without my heart ... and she had it. Besides ... let's be honest people ... who could resist this ...

But maybe a better question is ... how did this guy get that girl?!

(that's me in the middle, with brothers and sister in the background on go-cart ... but that's another blog for another day)

Well, by God's grace two became one and I got the better end of the deal. And by His grace we are living and loving and learning ... together ... as one ... reflecting the oneness of our God. It's a tall order to paint a picture for the world to get a glimpse of the kind of relationship Christ desires to have with the church ... but it is our desire to be accurate artists ... for His glory.

So, happy anniversary sugar-love-pumpkin-drops ... the best is yet to come. I love you.

Meaningful Misery ... Purposeful Pain

2008-08-30T22:35:00.007-04:00

There I was ... wading out into a murky lake, on a chilly morning in the foothills of Virginia ... with 174 of my favorite friends, and I thought to myself ... this is it people, this is what we trained for. Soon I and my friends would begin to swim in the murky lake, some faster than others, all in the same direction, all with the same purpose - to finish the race. After the 3/4 mile swim we would head up a hill to where our mountain bikes awaited us, ready for the 11 mile ride through tight twisty trails. All this fun would be followed up by a 4 mile trail run, and then ... the finish. All who choose to enter such misery must understand the meaning ... the sweet purpose of pain. That day was a physical picture of a spiritual reality ... we are in a race, there is pain involved, but there is purpose in the pain (more on this, in part 2, coming soon). This is a strange paradigm to embrace in our convenience driven culture, but it was embraced that day ... by 175 crazy people who ran the Charlottesville Xterra Triathlon. Many of whom probably didn't realize the depth of the spiritual picture they were painting with their looks of exhaustion, stumbling steps, broken breaths ... as they pressed through the pain ... with one purpose - to finish the race.

Two of those 174 people were men I have history with ... fellow race buddies, Spencer and Andruis (respectively below). We've done an adventure race together, and now a triathlon, and we've really developed a cool bond in the context of purposeful pain. (note: in picture below, Andruis is taller than both me and Spencer ... but we're standing on my running boards ... I always seem to find my way onto some sort of step when I'm around tall people)

Andruis lives in Washington D.C. and is working on his PhD in biocellulochemicalogiconucleic theory (or something like that). Spencer lives next to us in Wake Forest with his wife Jana, who is friends with my sweet Joanna. They are great. For Andruis and Spencer this was their first triathlon; the second for me (so I shared my wealth of knowledge given my vast prior experience). It was a day we won't soon forget ... and we're already looking forward to the next one.

Here are some of the interesting highlights from the experience:

* Picked up two hitchhikers, one out of gas, one just walking b/c he got his license temporarily taken away ... he told us all about it ... he talked a mile a minute.
* Stayed at a tent camping site at the KOA; this was a first for each of us. Question - how can they charge us 34 dollars for that?! We brought the tent! No wake up call, no continental breakfast, no way that's worth 34 bucks. Anyway ... oh, yea, there was a picnic table at the site, it makes sense now. But, really, I'm not complaining ... it was fun to camp out ... besides, that led to my next highlight, though I feel strange calling it a highlight ...
* We met this nice couple at the site next to us. They were unmarried, but on vacation together, which broke my heart because I know that's not God's plan for a relationship between a man and a woman. But we enjoyed talking with them, shared our beliefs and visions for serving God and hopefully demonstrated that Christians don't have to be boring, stiff weirdos. But after we had left their site and were winding down getting ready for bed I noticed that they too were getting in their tent. I noticed this b/c they had a lantern on ... inside the tent ... casting a silhouette on the side of the tent ... the side near us. So, I'm thinking ... these are educated people, both with college degrees ... they'll turn the light off. Time passed, I got more nervous, light still on. Looked like fairly normal get-ready-for-bed type stuff at first, ya know, fluff the pillow, set the alarm clock ... then the movements became more rhythmic ... I'll stop now. But I did make a mental note to self if I ever find myself in their situation ... turn the lantern off.
* Spencer's financial issues ... background: The first time we hung out w/ Spencer and Jana we went to Golden Corral to eat ... and Spencer "forgot his wallet" ... convenient. So we get to the race registration table Saturday afternoon (race was Sunday morning) and they inform him that he can't pay w/ a debit card til the morning ... back in the morning ... misunderstanding - can't pay w/ a debit card at all, and the race starts in like 45 minutes. None of us has a check or enough cash ... I end up explaining to the race director and promising to go to an ATM and bring the money back right after the race. Spencer raced. Thank you race director Ed.
* Ya have to have fun at these things ... so as I neared the Gatorade station w/ the volunteers I thought a cartwheel was in order ... it must get so boring just to watch everyone run by ... the camera man happened to catch the beginning of it ... it was a big hit. (I kept the picture pretty small b/c I have spandex on and ... yea, anyway)

It was a great experience, one that I look forward to having again before too long. Because there's nothing like the feeling of finishing the race.

The Lord Is With You Mighty Warrior …

2008-08-15T00:34:00.002-04:00

Right, that’s how I feel when I wake up in the morning … like a mighty warrior, ready for anything, with the strength to overcome … no, not really. Most days I wake up just feeling like me … and I know me … not a mighty warrior … more like a wimpy wiener. (can I say that?) But, regardless of how I feel, there’s more to me than me … there’s He … Him … the Lord who is with me. Let’s not forget the first part of that charge: “the Lord is with you.” The “mighty warrior” part only makes sense when combined with the “the Lord is with you” part.

So where does this fancy phrase come from? This was spoken to a young man named Gideon several thousand years ago. Gideon was an Israelite living in a time when his nation was under the oppression of another nation, the Midianites. The Midianites would come in to Israelite territory, ruin crops, steal camels, and ravage the land. And even though the Lord allowed this because the Israelites turned from Him, when they called out for deliverance, their God answered. He answered by calling a young man to wage war against the Midianites … enter Gideon. Now, you’re probably thinking, “wow, this Gideon must have been some B.A.” (and I’m not talking about his academic credentials) That’s not how we find him … the record of this encounter (found in the Old Testament of the Bible, Judges 6) tells us that Gideon was hiding out in a winepress trying to keep his wheat from being stolen by the enemy … doesn’t exactly sound brave. But it was in that context that the Lord himself came to Gideon and declared him to be a mighty warrior. I call it truth before proof. God tells Gideon what is true about him, before there is any proof that it is so. And Gideon responds in total faith, accepts his new identity and is ready to wage war … no, not really. Gideon says “but …” Why does it always seem easier to question God than believe Him? Then God throws in some more truth: “go in the strength you have.” “What strength?” says Gideon, “my family is weak and I’m weak.” Then God reemphasizes the very first thing He said to Gideon … “I will be with you.” And that makes all the difference.

Gideon spent too much time focusing on his puniness rather than on God’s presence. I spend too much time there as well. I have to understand that what God has declared to be true about me is true, regardless of how I feel. Gideon went on to lead an army of 300 against thousands and was victorious without losing a man. A mighty warrior … who was found hiding food from the enemy and was used by God to bring victory for His people. How ya feelin today? Doesn’t matter … go in the strength that you have, for the Lord is with you … Mighty Warrior.

Dedicated to my brother Matthew … a Mighty Warrior.

The Last Time I Wept Like That ...

2008-07-30T21:23:00.004-04:00

I was at Catalyst Conference 05 in Atlanta GA. I was listening to Bill Hybels talk very plainly and humbly about where God has led him ... he ended very passionately with this concise statement ... "If you're dreaming about doing great things for God, do them." What was it about that simple challenge that got me? Not sure, but whatever it was ... it got me again. Saturday night ... as I watched the movie Amazing Grace.

If you've not yet seen it, I highly suggest you find the means and do so. In this movie you'll find a young William Wilberforce fighting fearlessly, and paying the price of his physical and emotional health, to end the slave trade in England. But Wilberforce stands on the shoulders of a man who had participated in the slave trade before repenting and experiencing grace, John Newton. Newton had been taught by his mother as a young boy to know the Bible and love God, and after a life of doing just the opposite, he finally surrendered the truth that lingered in his head from childhood and turned to Christ. This man was Wilberforce's preacher. His story and his preaching inspired Wilberforce to follow God's plan for his life ... to fight to end slavery ... and ultimately, to win that fight.

Something about the combination of a man on a mission (William Wilberforce) and a broken sinner who turns to the Savior (John Newton) sent an arrow toward that spot in my heart that gets stirred to passionately pursue God's glory no matter the cost ... and the tears flowed. As they do right now, as I think about something Newton said near the end of his life ... "My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior." (see John Newton)

How depressing it was for this man to recall the painful events of his life, but how sweet to remember the pain the Savior endured to redeem him. It was his run in with this great Savior that led him to write these words:

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see

That last line became particularly significant toward the end of Newton's life, as he lost his eyesight, but had the confidence that his physical blindness didn't alter his spiritual sight.

Now, think with me for a minute ... William Wilberforce was a dynamic, charismatic, passionate young man who changed the course of a nation by taking a stand against injustice, but he was inspired by a man who had lived a filthy life of blasphemy ... and this man was saved from such because his mother took the time to teach her young son the Bible. So when you think about the abolition of the slave trade in England, or you sing the words of Amazing Grace ... don't just think about the great orator William Wilberforce making speeches in parliament, or the great hymn writer John Newton whose hymns were heard by the masses ... think about a mother, who was faithful. And in the quiet moments, in the privacy of their own home, taught her son the truth of God's Word, and the truth about God's Amazing Grace.

Hi, I'm Robby Christmas ...

2008-07-24T14:22:00.006-04:00

Yep, that's exactly what I said to her ... to Linda Christmas that is. The first Christmas I've ever met in my life that I'm not related to. Linda Christmas lives in Durham, NC and she wants a crepe myrtle planted in her front yard. Enter Wendell's Lawn Maintenance. Wendell is my employer ... but that's a whole nother blog (do you ever stick a word in the middle of a word? ... like "a whole nother" ... it's fun, you should try). Back to Linda, Linda Christmas that is. My last name is Christmas, so is Linda's. The thing is I've never met another Christmas face to face that I wasn't related to. So there I was, ready for an inspiring encounter with someone else who bears my name ... I was excited ... and curious. I don't know what it was exactly, I guess just the idea that there are other people who carry the name Christmas. What are they like? Do they carry it well? Do they have the same sense of privilege and responsibility that I feel when I think about my name, part of who I am.

So I introduce myself with a smile and anticipate ... (um, ok, I'm watching Trey right now ... and there's been some intestinal movement ... everybody sit tight, back in a minute ... ok, that was delightful). Needless to say, Linda was shocked. She was even more shocked when, at Wendell's request, I shared what my sister's name is (Mary for any readers unfamiliar with the fam). I was curious about our connections or similarities so I asked ... She was from Arizona, but married a Christmas who was from the Durham area, a Hell's Angel no less, with a cousin named Boogie Christmas. Ahhh, it was all coming together ... Christmas, angels, uh ... Boogie ?? (hell didn't seem to fit in anywhere though). Wendell, former Hell's Angel (again, need another blog), chimed in and they had a rousing conversation about the Hell's Angels, including history and cultural influence (laughing track). She went on to explain to us where she wanted her crepe myrtle to be planted, doubted that we could do it right, and then offered to show us some old gas tanks that can be converted into large grills great for pig pickins' (let's see ... pig pickin' ... Christmas ham? no, no connection).

As we walked back up the hill toward the truck something shifted weird in Wendell's stomach and there was an ill-sounding release of methane, loud enough to not play off. After about six seconds of him not admitting it, Linda Christmas called him on it and I thought to myself ... "where am I? is this real?" The experience was different than I anticipated, though I must say, in no way disappointing ... because I got it, I understood the connection. Even though she and her Hell's Angels husband probably didn't see the historical and eternal significance in the name Christmas, nor desire to live up to that significance (unless he really does personify the name and is doing incarnational missions work with the Hell's Angels ... it could happen) ... there was still a connection. We're both human, and in need of a Savior ... the One that came at Christmas. That event (that changed the course of human history), that Savior (who offers His grace to all) is what connects us. Christ came for Linda Christmas, and for Robby Christmas, and for the Hell's Angels ... that we may have life, and life abundant. God showed His grace at Christmas. I am no less in need of that grace than anyone else, no matter their background or way of life.

Begin at the Beginning

2008-07-20T21:14:00.005-04:00

The words escape me ... as I sit here, next to my wife and son, on a relaxing Sunday evening ... and I enter ... the blogosphere. These words will be the first of many, words that will express what's in my heart and head, my fears and failures, memorable moments and serious sentiments. So, where does one even begin such a journey ... only one logical place, the beginning. I'm not talking about my beginning. The beginning of my story is only a small blip on the pages of an epic that's been in motion for millenia ... I'm talking about the beginning of THE story. For only in His story do I find purpose in my story.

The Bible begins at the beginning ... "In the beginning God ..." (Genesis 1:1). He is the beginning ... and the end. Also the middle, He's the author ... and the main character. In Him I find purpose; from Him flow my passions. So, will this be one of those uber-religious, psycho-serious boring blogs? No. I look forward to blogging about my family (Joanna and Trey ... whom I am nuts about), adventures (from racing to sharing my faith), insights learned (from biblical to parenting), love experienced (from my wife to my Creator) ... a holistic approach to blogging. But it must begin at the beginning. And must flow from my connection with my Creator ... that's what I was designed for ... and that's what I'm about.

I intend to do much thinking and expressing but not much editing and smoothing out. I want to paint pictures of beauty, not pictures of perfection. I am setting out to sift through human experience, not human euphoria. I desire to promote restoration and redemption, not comfort and convenience.

Also it's my desire to use as many trendy Christian buzz words as possible. Just kidding ... but seriously. Here's a shot at it: I want to be a catalyst to open dialog for fleshing out concepts about authentic community and genuine worship while facilitating a movement toward a relevant revolution. It'll take every post for the rest of my bloglife to unpack that. Join me.