Miscellaneous

...now browsing by category

Inconveniences

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013

Scenario #1: I woke up Tuesday morning earlier than normal so I just decided to get up, do my normal morning routine, then head to the office. It had ~~rained~~ stormed part of the night, but that was okay. Well, not quite, because when I got to the office I noticed it was pitch black, except for the Emergency lights inside. A tree had taken down a power line. Anyway, I found my way around, grabbed my computer and a couple of books and headed back home. Minor inconvenience.

Scenario #2: I was able to go for a bike ride Tuesday since the sun came out and with the help of the breeze, dried the pavement. Did I say breeze? I should have said, “Strong winds” (15-18 mph with gusts to 23). The kind that make a cyclist feel like he is working extra hard and going nowhere. But at least I was able to ride. Minor inconvenience.

Scenario #3: A couple months ago I received a call on a Sunday morning at 1:00 from the alarm company. The church building’s alarm was going off. They had already dispatched the police. Really? 1:00 on a Sunday morning? Do you know what I have to do in about 3 hours? Get up! As far as we can tell the strong winds rattled an inadequately locked door which set off the alarm. Minor inconvenience.

Scenario #4: (Go back to scenario #1 for a moment). I turned on my computer and always check my email first. There was one waiting for me from Floyd, asking me to pray for a fellow blogger (TC). I had no clue why since I had gone TVless on Monday night. It wasn’t until I checked the news that I heard about the twister that devastated Oklahoma. TC and her family live near OKC. I shot off an email to Craig Groeschel, pastor of Lifechurch, who also lives near OKC. Floyd heard from TC; I heard from Craig.

Now you see why I called the first three scenarios “Minor inconveniences?“ What seemed such a big deal when it happened (except I will take a bike ride in windy weather and not complain), suddenly loses it sting-its oomph-when put on the scales of real life experiences. As I write this the death toll stands at 24. That is, of course, 24 too many. But it also puts things into perspective. What is a minor inconvenience of getting up for an alarm? Least I was able to get up out of my own bed. What is a minor inconvenience of no power for about 4-5 hours when hundreds will be without power, even a house, for days and possibly months? What is a minor inconvenience of riding in tiring winds? Least I was able to get on my bike and ride without having to look at total devastation.

So much of what we I go through are minor inconveniences compared to the bigger picture. I don’t know about you, but I need to ~~pause~~ stop and take a look at the bigger picture. What does your picture look like? Oh, and pray for the folks in OKC.

Posted in Christian living, Family, Friendship, Just Wondering, Miscellaneous | 2 Responses »

Opinion

Wednesday, May 15th, 2013

Unless I miss my guess…

EVERYONE HAS AN OPINION.

Some are quick to let you know what theirs is.

Some are more tactful and will hold off on giving theirs.

Some will go ahead and give their opinion, but it is so well done that no one gets annoyed or offended.

BUT. WE. ALL. HAVE. OPINIONS.

Some of them are right on the money.

Some are way off base.

Some have no clue what they are talking about, but love to hear themselves talk.

I. NEED. YOUR. OPINION!!

This is not a right or wrong test. This is not a choke-it-down or let-it-slide test. I seriously ~~need~~ want your opinion. Here’s the scenario: this past Sunday I showed this video. If you want to see how I applied it…and have the time…you can check out the introduction to my sermon here. (start around 7:50)

So…first do those two things. Or at least watch the video.

Okay, now…were you offended or did you find the video offensive? Please be honest. In particular, were you offended by the 5 second spot at 0:44? I honestly want to know. Why? I was asked about it Monday in a leadership meeting. When I explained it (anorexic looking into the mirror with a false picture), the leader who was approached by someone concerned about the “amount of skin/girl in her underwear” understood. But, in all honesty, if it takes an apology/explanation from me for showing it, I will do it. A leader should never be above saying, “I’m sorry.” I certainly don’t want someone allowing their feelings to fester and grow into something ugly. I had no problems with it or I would not have showed it, but if it was insensitive, then I need to know.

SEE WHY I NEED YOUR OPINION?

So…have at it. Your opinion matters. I am seeking outside help (you guys) for a better picture of my role in it. And please…spare me the “you shouldn’t show videos in worship as part of the sermon” spiel. I will continue using them. I have wanted to show some which I myself have rejected due to content or language (scenes from a movie). But I will continue using appropriate videos.

What do you think? Your opinion matters. Thanks.

Posted in Christian living, Leadership, Miscellaneous, Opinion | 46 Responses »

Sight

Tuesday, May 14th, 2013

This is a continuation of my last post that was getting too long. I had so much more to say, but word limit was working against me. Sort of like preaching on Sunday, you know? Anyway…

I was thrilled Jane came Sunday and found a welcome reception. She also said some things to her friend that leads me to believe she will want to talk to me some day. That will totally cool! I look forward to that day, even though I know she has some tough questions. Yes, prayers would be appreciated.

BACK. TO. TOPIC.

In all honesty, I don’t know why people want to have piercings and tats. The piercings look like they hurt and like most people I am not into that kind of pain. I can’t say I desire a tat, especially at my age. My one comment is what happens when the guppy becomes a whale? BUT WHO AM I TO JUDGE WHAT THEY CHOOSE TO DO, WHICH IN MY MIND, INVOLVES A GRAY AREA. Now granted “cutting” is something totally different, and I do care about that. What I do want people to know is this:

WITH. OR. WITHOUT. ‘BODY. DESIGNS.” THEY. ARE. WORTH. A. LOT. IN. GOD’S. EYES.

I read a story recently in Mud and the Masterpiece by John Burke about pro baseball player Matt White. He had an aunt who struggled to make ends meet for years, living on 50 acres of property in Massachusetts. Due to failing health, she was forced to sell. As an act of kindness he bought her property for the appraised value of $50,000. While exploring the land to see about building a house, he discovered some outcroppings of stone ledges.

Matt contacted a geologist, who surveyed the land and informed Matt this stone had commercial value for patios and landscapes and could actually be sold for $100 a ton…and he had about 24 million tons on the land. Appraised surface value=$50,000; beneath the surface = over $2 billion! (pp.64-65)

I think that is called “Unless I really like baseball I think I’ll retire.” Sort of reminds me of Jesus’ story about the man who found a hidden treasure and sold all he had to buy the land. Or the parable of the pearl of great price.

The point of this story and the point of this post and the last one is this: Jesus looked out at the masses of people and looked beneath the surface. He saw something of great value. If we are going to be like Jesus to others, we must see what Jesus sees beneath the surface that’s of infinite worth to God. We need to see the hidden treasure and pearl of great price, whether “doctored” in piercings and tats; multi-layered makeup and multi-colored hair; physically fit or overweight; or any other outward appearance.

SEE PEOPLE AS JESUS SEES THEM!!

How are you at this? Do you have trouble getting past the obvious outward signs to see inside?

Posted in Christian living, Church, Jesus, Just Wondering, Miscellaneous, Scripture look | 18 Responses »

Membership

Monday, May 6th, 2013

I WANT YOUR OPINION!!

That is my first thought. As such there is no right and wrong. There has been talk for quite awhile about the pluses and minuses of church membership. In fact, there are some pretty passionate people on both sides of the argument.

Some who fight tooth and nail for membership in church.

Some who fight tooth and nail for no membership in a church.

Frankly, I’m not sure where I stand on the issue any more. Nor am I convinced it really matters. I see value in both sides. I see the importance of “belonging” to something, of being able to call it your own. I also see the value of not being tied down to a certain denomination or circle of thought.

I would think any thinking person would not choose to become a part of something-either seriously or as an observer-if he/she was not on board with what makes that organization (in this case a church) tick. Or what drew that person initially.

What got me thinking about this was this devotion by Greg Laurie. I totally understand what Greg is talking about. I still struggle some with the feelings he mentions when I know someone who could be there isn’t, but those who have every reason to stay home show up. It never ceases to amaze me how those who live the farthest away will often be the ones who show up on a snowy day. I also have to admit being one who for years preached against those who skipped out and didn’t make church-going a priority. Those legalistic days are gone (thanks be to God!).

But the case before you is not whether church attendance is/should be “mandatory,” but still how important is church membership? I really do want to know your opinion/thoughts. As I see it there is no biblical directive, unless I am missing something. Please feel free to express your opinion and back it up with Scripture if you can. If not, state it anyway. How does your church feel about membership? Does it require it for participation in say, a worship team? Leadership role? Volunteer ministry?

Please let me know your thoughts. I am running stuff through my mind at this time and have no answer. Thanks. For more on this, check out this post.

Posted in Church, Just Wondering, Miscellaneous, Opinion | 46 Responses »

Slurs

Wednesday, May 1st, 2013

Have you noticed how many ways a person can slur someone else?

When I was growing up, the town and school had a large population of ~~black~~ African American people. Back then, the ugliest racial slur used was the one that can never be uttered in public anymore (except when they call each other that name).

The recent “outing” of the basketball player led one ESPN analyst to state his mind when he was asked. He stated it honesty and openly and because it was not “kosher” according to our media and society, he was considered out of bounds and had to offer an apology. It is considered a slur to call the player’s actions what they are.

But I am not talking about that kind of slur. Let me give you a hint:

I went to the dentist today (Wednesday). Now you know where I am going with this? About 3-4 years ago, at the ripe young age of 56 I was told I needed to have braces. January of 2012, after 2 1/2 years of wearing them, I finally had them removed. But work is still ongoing, and ongoing slowly depending on the money situation. I am still having crown work done and today was no exception. He starts out by numbing my gums and (I think by proxy) my lip. Then he takes this foot long needle and slowly works the medicine into my gum, which subsequently numbs both the gum, the lips, and my chin.

Do you know what it is like trying to eat or drink with half your mouth in an uncontrollable droop? UGH!

Do you know what it is like trying to talk with said droop? Double UGH!

You slur (there’s that word) your words. I was so glad nobody was around to take pictures or a video of me trying to eat or drink. Rumors would fly for sure. And that (as they say) is all I would need. I have tried to drink from a water bottle while riding after a shot and water/Gatorade goes every where. It was even harder for me today since I had gone for a ride, had time to come home and take a shower, brush my teeth and head to the dentist. I was dying of thirst! (Slight exaggeration). But I wanted a Diet Dr Pepper so I made sure my straw was on the side of my mouth not affected by the droop and I actually did okay not drooling it. I was careful with my words also, but the medicine wore off pretty quickly. Good thing since I have to teach tonight. Wouldn’t that be a hoot?

People slur their words in real life also. We say thing we shouldn’t. We criticize. We talk out of both sides of our mouths. As James writes, “My brothers, these things ought not be so.” (3:10) Let’ s be more careful with our words.

Do you have trouble with your words? Do you find yourself talking out of both sides of your mouth?

Posted in Christian living, Friendship, Just Wondering, Miscellaneous | 17 Responses »

Images

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013

What does the word image bring to your mind?

A physical representation of something or someone- sort of like an idol?

A person or thing that represents a double of something- sort of like a doppelganger?

The personality presented to the public-sort of like an organization or a church would do?

As I write this (Tuesday afternoon at 2:45), the church I pastor is going to be doing just that in about 2:45. For the past couple of years I have been attending a gathering called Owen After Hours (OAH). It is for those in the community who are members of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as those who are curious. We have been members for 5-6 years, I believe, and after finally receiving some literature, I decided to attend. Anyway, after a “Request Process,” we were approved to host the first OAH for 2013. So we began planning and today is the day. Lest anyone misunderstand, I am not a super saint devoid of motives, as in “why are we hosting this?” It is NOT a preaching service. It is NOT an evangelistic meeting. Pure and simple: it is a glad-handing event. Ryan and I (and some of the ladies who have prepared food) will be welcoming and talking with business people & leaders in the community. Okay, so I’ll say it…

IT IS AN IMAGE THING.

We want to get the name of the church, our location, and the renovation which has transformed our building and has helped “remake” us, in front of the community. We have no clue how many or who will come. I do know there will be plenty of food to ruin the healthy diet and/or supper. I don’t know if you think badly of us or not. I don’t feel a bit bad. I will if people don’t show up (attendance can be sketchy and it is now raining again). But we will run with it and do what we can to put our best foot forward. Along with food, we will also be showing the video of our renovation; showing a PP of those who took part in the renovation; we will be drawing for several donated door prizes (some donated by guys who will be displaying their business as part of OVCF and the Chamber); and we will be giving away copies of Love Works. It is an hour and a half of “Image Giving.”

But, in order to redeem this post , I thought this devotion by Greg Laurie about “Images” was right on the money (notice the date). Enjoy it.

In the meantime, do you think churches should take part in events like this or is it giving the wrong impression? Just want to know what you think. Any thoughts on Greg’s devotion?

Posted in Christian living, Church, Just Wondering, Leadership, Miscellaneous | 31 Responses »

Anonymous

Wednesday, April 17th, 2013

Have you ever been the victim of an anonymous letter or comment? You know the famous “I have been hearing” or “People are saying.” I have come to several conclusions about those type of comments.

First, I don’t trust them. I have been in the church far too long to know how some people operate. Want to get rid of someone, especially a pastor or staff person? Use the famous “We have been hearing” line. Yeah, they have been hearing alright. It is usually one person going around to all of them asking for them not to mention his/her name. So each leader comes to the meeting with “I have been told” not knowing they have been told alright…by the same person.

Second, it is incomplete knowledge, especially under the guise of “confidentiality.” It is from the pit of hell and the master of that place is the master of division.

But something else really bothers me. Have you ever received the famous “Anonymous letter?” You know…the person who thinks they can tell you what to do, where to get off, where you can go…but doesn’t have the guts to sign their name? It took me awhile to realize there is only one place for that anonymous letter to go.

THE. TRASH. CAN!!

Yessiree Bob. It takes a real man or woman to speak their mind…as empty as it is. Their comment is worthless. There is a word for those type of people. Hear it and hear it well:

C.O.W.A.R.D.

I have absolutely none…translated ZERO respect for anyone who hides behind an anonymous comment…

Or letter…

Or bomb.

I used to be really bothered by anonymous letters. I kept them and tried to figure out who it was. Talk about driving oneself crazy!! That was also an effort in futility. I mean, if they had meant to be known they would have had the courage to sign it. Now if I get a letter (and I haven’t for a long time), I might read it and then see if it is signed. If not, I pitch. Cowards need to go back into their hole.

Okay, that is my rant! Sadly, it happens all too often in the church. People who “speak from the Lord” say (or write) the stupidest things and sometimes destroy people in the process. I think there is a special place of judgment for them. Sort of like cowardly bombers.

Have you ever received an anonymous letter? How did you feel? What did you do?

Posted in Christian living, Just Wondering, Leadership, Miscellaneous, Opinion | 28 Responses »

Bullies

Thursday, April 11th, 2013

First, watch this video and then this video.

We hear a lot about bullies these days. For various reason. For various causes. Physically abusive. Emotionally abusive. Relationally abusive. Verbally abusive.

Both videos told multiple stories. I think one of the most poignant is the danger we all face from bullies.

Abusive parents.

Abusive fellow students.

Abusive siblings.

Abusive teachers.

Abusive “pastors.”

I read today (Thursday) that many are taking shots at Rick Warren for the suicide death of his life-long mentally ill son. It has come from the religious community. (Shame on you!) It has come from the LGBT community. (Yeah, I read the comments).

Come on people! This is a man, yes he is a pastor, but a father (and mother) whose son took his own life after battling depression all his life. Doctors. Medicine. Clinics. Treatment. All were temporary fixes for what was “wrong” from the beginning. But for the religious world to castigate him and for others to use this as a bully pulpit to condemn him because of his stand against gay marriage is unconscionable.

I am speaking more from the religious viewpoint here (for obvious reasons). I have always heard it said, “The church is the only army that shoots its own wounded.” When I read that Rick and Kay have taken shots lobbed from those who call themselves Christians, I was appalled. I applaud those, like Louie Giglio and Beth Moore, who took a stand against that. So many others. It is sad though that a few “jerks” will be used to represent the Christian community in this story. Instead of this being the time for the followers of Christ to shine in their actions of grace and compassion, we are seen as heartless idiots who don’t care about our own people. Frankly, I don’t always agree with Rick Warren. And I am pretty doggone sure not everyone agrees with me. (I could make a catty comment here, but this is not the time). But holy mackerel! Talk about shooting when a man is down! Those who do-religious or irreligious-ought to be ashamed of themselves. Religious people using it as one more example of God’s wrath on an unfaithful servant. Religious and irreligious people who use it to satisfy their agenda. Take a hike! Go back to your pit!

I would like to apologize for my “heatedness” in this post…but I won’t. There are some times I find myself getting a little “hot” and this is one of them. To all the “Christians” who are shooting…shame on you!!! To all those who are using this as a bully pulpit because Rick did not agree with your choice…shame on you too!!

Maybe if we had some character (like the dude in the video). And maybe if we reached out (like the young lady in the video), we might actually find it feels good. And for some, it is actually being Christ-like. Any thoughts?

Posted in Christian living, Church, Friendship, Leadership, Miscellaneous, Story | 23 Responses »

Advice

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013

While working on a sermon on Paul for my sermon series Reclaimed, it really hit me how Paul was not anything like his former self. My mind went to this scene from Lord of the Rings with Aragorn. For those who can’t take the time or are unable to view the video, it is where Aragorn is told by Elrond, “Put aside the Ranger. Become who you were meant to be.”

That’s good advice for all of us.

Charles Spurgeon, the late British preacher, is quoted as saying, “Don’t rely too much on labels, for too often they are fables.”

Again…good advice.

Pastor Craig Groeschel, in his new book Altar Ego wrote this:

To learn who I am, I’ve had to learn who I am not.

You are not what others think about you.

You are not your past.

Your are not what you did.

You are who God says you are. (p.11)

In another place he writes, “Rather than defining our worth by who we are in the opinions of others, we’ll live from the truth of who we are in Christ.” (p.9)

Again…good advice.

One of the principles of Wild at Heart is that God gives us a new name. No longer should we hang on to the old baggage that someone has passed down to us. When God gives us a new name, He also gives a new purpose. All you gotta do to see that truth is look at what Jesus did for His followers. Peter. John. Matthew. Zacchaeus. Mary Magdalene. The woman caught in adultery. Saul/Paul. To name just a few. Oh…one more…

BILL

I am learning, and Pastor Craig is teaching, that my past may be a part of who I am, but it certainly doesn’t have to define my future.

Again…good advice. Good advice for a lifetime. For me. For you.

And the sooner we all realize that, the better off we will all be.

And the better off those closest to us will be.

And the better off those we come in contact will be.

And the better off our relationship to Jesus will be. He can use anyone, but He can really use someone who is willing and ready to be used. Someone not tied down by the past. Lose the chains. Run free! Don’t allow the enemy of your soul to define who you are.

Live free. So…how do you plan to live today?

Posted in Christian living, God, Jesus, Just Wondering, Miscellaneous, Pick me Up | 23 Responses »

Tornado

Tuesday, March 26th, 2013

No our area has not experienced one of these recently, even with the crazy “Spring” weather we are “enjoying.” I am referring to tornadoes of the human variety. Specifically, the 6-year old male species-type. Saturday our oldest daughter brought our grandson to the house after swinging through Columbus, OH to pick him up. Two words:

HOLY. MACKEREL!

After eating out for lunch (a drive of 30 minutes that had him thinking we were out in Egypt), we came home to watch a movie (his pick was Tranformers 3 and I didn’t argue ). That didn’t last too long before he was an Autobot fighting the Decepticons. Sunday after church we ate lunch, and afterwards they went home while I went to the office. When I got home he wanted to watch CARS and The Avengers. Monday we took him to see The Croods (thoughts following) and then Jo & Tami took him home while I did some work at the office. When I got home I found him playing basketball (he is an Ohio State fan) and practicing his slam dunks. I think the score was 900-something in OSU’s favor. He slowed down a tad to eat and watch some of Captain America. Emphasis on some since he was soon fighting bad guys. Today (Tuesday) Jo and I took him back to Ohio so Tami could head straight home.

CAN. ANYONE. BRING. ME. OXYGEN. AND. SOME. ENERGY. PILLS?

The youthful exuberance. The energy. The seemingly indefatigable “go.” I now know why kids are given to younger parents. Why Jo & I would not think of adopting or becoming foster parents of anyone but babies. Now…lest you think I am complaining…not in the slightest. His visits are too seldom and too far in between. But then again, if they were any closer I don’t think I would have time to recuperate. A-A-N-N-N-N-D I wouldn’t trade these moments for anything in the world. They sure do remind me I am getting old though.

Three words about the movie (The Croods): GO. SEE. IT!! It is a good family-friendly animated film from the Dreamworks studio. Nothing crude about it. Braden loved it. He laughed. Sat quietly through some emotional scenes involving the father/daughter (I felt some water leaking from somewhere). There were moments of spiritual application; of following your dreams; of not being confined by fear; of how rules can control our lives; and just some good action. I read one review that said something about Eep’s (the daughter) short dress and “low” top (think of a modern Wilma & Betty); and Guy (the orphan boy) being shirtless, but come on people! It is an animated flick. You will see more revealing garbage in magazines and commercials. More can be said with more space, but suffice it to say I think it would be worth seeing.

There you have a capsule of my last few days. I am going to close now to take a nap. Meanwhile, how do you react when your routine is upset?

Posted in Family, Just Wondering, Miscellaneous | 21 Responses »