It was an epiphany, sheer brilliance, a total revolution of thought that struck me. I had that thought, "I just have to blog this, it will be cool." And now, some 24 hours later, I have no idea what I was thinking about. Gone. Blank. I remember having the thought, I just cannot fathom what the thought was. What happened to my brain?
Forgetfulness is a sure sign of old age. As is male pattern baldness, diminished eyesight, and an obsession with checking the mail. How can this be happening to me? I am a relatively young man of 43. I am not a kid anymore, but I am certainly not over the hill. I just forget stuff.
No one gets younger. Kids grow up and become teenagers then young adults. Young adults creep into the middle years. When we hit the middle years (as I refuse to say middle aged) we begin to notice things, like how those teenagers play their music so loud and what is wrong with this next generation. And it all comes sliding back because that is EXACTLY what my mom said to me.
And then I think about Mom, and how she always seemed to be forever young, but is now pushing seventy, and even that seems not so bad these days. I guess.
A wise man once wrote about time and how precious it is. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil. Eph 5:15-16. And I might add the days are both evil and short.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Its too complicated
to get into the details, but suffice to say that I am being stretched, tried and tested. I have claimed in the past that I have forgiven, I have told everybody I know that I am over it, and we have moved on, and all is at peace.
But these days, those gracious statements of largesse are being challenged. Now that life and death are in the balance, the doctors have spoken, and time is very short, can I really face the truth? Can my actions live up to my words? Or will I find that faux forgiveness that permeates superficial religion?
Well, I called him on the phone. I talked to him. And I told him that all is forgiven, he has peace in my heart, and that I love him and wanted him to know those things while there is still time to know them. And he said that he loves me, and that he was sorry for all the time lost. And then we talked about kids and the Red Sox.
Almost like a regular father and son. Almost.
But these days, those gracious statements of largesse are being challenged. Now that life and death are in the balance, the doctors have spoken, and time is very short, can I really face the truth? Can my actions live up to my words? Or will I find that faux forgiveness that permeates superficial religion?
Well, I called him on the phone. I talked to him. And I told him that all is forgiven, he has peace in my heart, and that I love him and wanted him to know those things while there is still time to know them. And he said that he loves me, and that he was sorry for all the time lost. And then we talked about kids and the Red Sox.
Almost like a regular father and son. Almost.
headline from CNN.com
Dog Belonging to CEO of Richmond SPCA Dies After Being Left in Hot Car
Can anything be said?
Can anything be said?
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Weddings, what fun.
I went to a wedding today. A friend of mine married the love of his life, and I am extremely happy for them. A beautiful bride, handsome groom, everyone looking their best, and a room full of love. What could be better?
I am excited for Cody and Lydia, but there is more too it. When we see a couple like this, we are reminded that marriage is still good, that it is still pure and proper and right. As happy as I am for them, I am also reminded that my marriage is just as lovely and vital, but in a different and unique way. I am reminded that we are made to be together, boys and girls, we are made for one another, and we ought to give and take joy from our companion.
We all know the threats that face marriage today. Easy divorce, a straying spouse, boys and boys or girls and girls pledging to one another and calling it marriage. We know the pressure that comes with a coupled life, responsibility, commitment, financial woes, finding time for one another, etc.
And we know the statistics. Too scary to mention on a day like this. Even with all of those threats and burdens, marriage is still good. And right, and true. We are better together than by ourselves. We are made for community, and that begins with the community of two.
And the community of two, the institution of couple-hood, the titles of husband and wife, we do our best for our own marriages when we place ourselves, united together in the hands of a God who loves, a God who blesses, a God who teaches us to forgive, to surrender, to give ourselves completely to Him and to our better half. It still works, it is still the best place for us to be.
Congratulations Cody and Lydia. Many Blessings to you both. And thank you, God for loving us to the point where we can love one another.
I am excited for Cody and Lydia, but there is more too it. When we see a couple like this, we are reminded that marriage is still good, that it is still pure and proper and right. As happy as I am for them, I am also reminded that my marriage is just as lovely and vital, but in a different and unique way. I am reminded that we are made to be together, boys and girls, we are made for one another, and we ought to give and take joy from our companion.
We all know the threats that face marriage today. Easy divorce, a straying spouse, boys and boys or girls and girls pledging to one another and calling it marriage. We know the pressure that comes with a coupled life, responsibility, commitment, financial woes, finding time for one another, etc.
And we know the statistics. Too scary to mention on a day like this. Even with all of those threats and burdens, marriage is still good. And right, and true. We are better together than by ourselves. We are made for community, and that begins with the community of two.
And the community of two, the institution of couple-hood, the titles of husband and wife, we do our best for our own marriages when we place ourselves, united together in the hands of a God who loves, a God who blesses, a God who teaches us to forgive, to surrender, to give ourselves completely to Him and to our better half. It still works, it is still the best place for us to be.
Congratulations Cody and Lydia. Many Blessings to you both. And thank you, God for loving us to the point where we can love one another.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
My Letter to Brett Favre
You sir, are a three time league MVP. You are a Super Bowl Champion. You hold most of the important records, most consecutive starts, most yardage all time, most touchdown passes all time, and we love you. You will be in the Hall of Fame in your first year of eligibility, and you deserve to be. I have loved watching you play. I am in awe.
But please, PLEASE, Mr. Favre, stop. Stop making a fool of yourself. Stop trying to play a game that is designed for men fifteen years younger than you. Stop teasing us with your retirement, your changes of heart, your desire to play the game.
We know you love football, there is no question of your talent, you are larger than life. Why do you insist on tainting your amazing career with a circus parade through mediocre teams?
If you so love this game, if you just cannot get football out of your system, then go hang out at Kiln High School, at Southern Miss, and give those boys your support, share your wisdom, volunteer to be the Quarterback's personal coach. You will give those kids the thrill of a lifetime, and you will save the rest of us from having to watch them carry you off the field.
Because they will. Likely at Lambeau. And those Packer fans that once so loved and welcomed you, that treated you as the Prince of Green Bay, will delight in seeing your downfall. You will be booed in what was once your home. You will be the broken old guy that did not know that it was time to give it up. You will end up the laughingstock of the NFL. And all the accolades and records and trophies will mean nothing when the league and your fans and the nation no longer respect you.
But please, PLEASE, Mr. Favre, stop. Stop making a fool of yourself. Stop trying to play a game that is designed for men fifteen years younger than you. Stop teasing us with your retirement, your changes of heart, your desire to play the game.
We know you love football, there is no question of your talent, you are larger than life. Why do you insist on tainting your amazing career with a circus parade through mediocre teams?
If you so love this game, if you just cannot get football out of your system, then go hang out at Kiln High School, at Southern Miss, and give those boys your support, share your wisdom, volunteer to be the Quarterback's personal coach. You will give those kids the thrill of a lifetime, and you will save the rest of us from having to watch them carry you off the field.
Because they will. Likely at Lambeau. And those Packer fans that once so loved and welcomed you, that treated you as the Prince of Green Bay, will delight in seeing your downfall. You will be booed in what was once your home. You will be the broken old guy that did not know that it was time to give it up. You will end up the laughingstock of the NFL. And all the accolades and records and trophies will mean nothing when the league and your fans and the nation no longer respect you.
A reason to believe
Here's the question- Why am I a Christian?
The standard answers are as follows-
Because I believe the Bible is true.
Because that is the way my Momma raised me.
Because I accepted Jesus as my Savior.
Because the Holy Spirit has led me to the Truth.
Because that is what I believe and that is all I need to know.
And all of these are valid answers to satisfy our own thoughts and ideas and settle the issue in our own minds. Yet, in our post-modern, multi-cultural world of embracing diversity and giving everybody equal time, not a single one of these arguments will stand up. If the faith that we claim to cling so firmly to is going to go forth and overcome the world of hate and violence and self centeredness, if Christianity is going to stand against the critics and the haters of God, then we need something a little more certain than Momma's good advice to hang our spiritual hats on.
There is a reason for our belief, and our reasons must be based on reliable evidence, must be logical, cohesive and coherent, and our faith is more than a collection of good ideas.
The Bible is a reliable book. You should read it instead of this blog. I am astounded by those who refuse to believe the accuracy and historicity of the Bible, and yet have never read it.
I am amazed at those who can believe the theory of evolution in total, that non-life can become life, that organisms will grow towards increasing complexity, and that there is nothing behind this accident of a universe.
The principle of Occam's Razor says that when two competing theories come to the same conclusion, the simpler theory is usually better. Is it reasonable to believe that this complex and intricate design of life, the wonder of the world that we can see, let alone that which we do not understand, that it is all by chance, an accident of impersonal nature that just kind of happened? Or that there is a Being that made it for a reason.
Perhaps it is because I see the world through eyes of faith, that I have such a hard time understanding the skeptic.
The standard answers are as follows-
Because I believe the Bible is true.
Because that is the way my Momma raised me.
Because I accepted Jesus as my Savior.
Because the Holy Spirit has led me to the Truth.
Because that is what I believe and that is all I need to know.
And all of these are valid answers to satisfy our own thoughts and ideas and settle the issue in our own minds. Yet, in our post-modern, multi-cultural world of embracing diversity and giving everybody equal time, not a single one of these arguments will stand up. If the faith that we claim to cling so firmly to is going to go forth and overcome the world of hate and violence and self centeredness, if Christianity is going to stand against the critics and the haters of God, then we need something a little more certain than Momma's good advice to hang our spiritual hats on.
There is a reason for our belief, and our reasons must be based on reliable evidence, must be logical, cohesive and coherent, and our faith is more than a collection of good ideas.
The Bible is a reliable book. You should read it instead of this blog. I am astounded by those who refuse to believe the accuracy and historicity of the Bible, and yet have never read it.
I am amazed at those who can believe the theory of evolution in total, that non-life can become life, that organisms will grow towards increasing complexity, and that there is nothing behind this accident of a universe.
The principle of Occam's Razor says that when two competing theories come to the same conclusion, the simpler theory is usually better. Is it reasonable to believe that this complex and intricate design of life, the wonder of the world that we can see, let alone that which we do not understand, that it is all by chance, an accident of impersonal nature that just kind of happened? Or that there is a Being that made it for a reason.
Perhaps it is because I see the world through eyes of faith, that I have such a hard time understanding the skeptic.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Golf, what a game
It's really quite simple, Hit the little white ball down the fairway, then hit it onto the putting green, put one up close to the hole, then tap it in the hole for par. And those guys on TV make it look so easy.
Well, that is why they are on TV. Today it was a bad round with a few good holes. I made a couple of putts, I had a few good drives, I lost a couple of balls in the water.
It is funny what you can learn about someone watching them play golf. Like in the rest of life, when things go bad, sometimes we deal well with that and sometimes we don't. On occasion someone will go so aggravated and uptight and bent out of shape that they simple loose their cool and go ballistic. It is not funny to see that happen on the golf course. It is much less funny to see that happen in careers and marriages.
Whether we are on the course or off, skill and our luck combine in unique ways. The combined outcome of each makes for our total result. For a Saturday game with friends, it is well and good. We have lunch afterwards and make jokes.
In the boardroom or the bedroom, the stakes are higher, but the principles are the same. Stay focused, relax, do the best you can, and don't forget to have fun.
Well, that is why they are on TV. Today it was a bad round with a few good holes. I made a couple of putts, I had a few good drives, I lost a couple of balls in the water.
It is funny what you can learn about someone watching them play golf. Like in the rest of life, when things go bad, sometimes we deal well with that and sometimes we don't. On occasion someone will go so aggravated and uptight and bent out of shape that they simple loose their cool and go ballistic. It is not funny to see that happen on the golf course. It is much less funny to see that happen in careers and marriages.
Whether we are on the course or off, skill and our luck combine in unique ways. The combined outcome of each makes for our total result. For a Saturday game with friends, it is well and good. We have lunch afterwards and make jokes.
In the boardroom or the bedroom, the stakes are higher, but the principles are the same. Stay focused, relax, do the best you can, and don't forget to have fun.
Friday, August 14, 2009
An Epic Week
In spite of my dramatic announcement of Sunday last, the world is continuing on, quite unaffected. The media has paid no attention, far more concerned with the socialist takeover of health care. The humanitarians are rushing off to Taiwan to find the survivors. The rice farmers are focused on getting the harvest in before the next wave off the African coast develops. And the beat goes on.
Yet, the news of my immanent departure has made a dent. I have spoken to a lot of folks in our community, the word is getting around that the preacher is leaving for the greener pastures of home, and apparently, my life in Branch has made a difference. I have heard many fond wishes for success, many heartfelt thank yous and words of encouragement, and a whole lot of compassionate understanding. But mostly, I have heard about how much I matter to my friends, how much they appreciate me, how much they love me. And that is very special to hear.
Every man needs to feel like his life matters, that his days on earth count for something, that his effort and labor and love are of value, of substance. It is ingrained into our DNA to know that we stand for something and that we have made at least a dent in the order of things. And I have had that fundamental desire reinforced and affirmed.
As we live through our days, it is hard to measure the impact. We all go about doing what we think is the right thing, doing the best we can, what seems right in our circumstances. As we live through our times, it is hard to measure, to determine if what we are doing is valid, is significant in the important ways.
But on occasion, when the dramatic occurs, and folks are allowed to be sentimental and speak from the heart and reveal their gut feelings without shame, they can speak about such things and not feel corny about it. And I have been overwhelmed with kind words and gratitude for the work done and the Word spoken. I feel like it has mattered, and I feel like it made a difference.
Now, I have not solved the riddles of time and space or evangelized the whole world from the headquarters in Branch. I have not brought peace to the Middle East. The governor will take no notice of my departure, CNN will not camp out in the yard as they would with Brittney or Micheal.
But even better, I have loved and been loved. Sweet sorrow is what the Bard called this emotion. Now I get it.
Yet, the news of my immanent departure has made a dent. I have spoken to a lot of folks in our community, the word is getting around that the preacher is leaving for the greener pastures of home, and apparently, my life in Branch has made a difference. I have heard many fond wishes for success, many heartfelt thank yous and words of encouragement, and a whole lot of compassionate understanding. But mostly, I have heard about how much I matter to my friends, how much they appreciate me, how much they love me. And that is very special to hear.
Every man needs to feel like his life matters, that his days on earth count for something, that his effort and labor and love are of value, of substance. It is ingrained into our DNA to know that we stand for something and that we have made at least a dent in the order of things. And I have had that fundamental desire reinforced and affirmed.
As we live through our days, it is hard to measure the impact. We all go about doing what we think is the right thing, doing the best we can, what seems right in our circumstances. As we live through our times, it is hard to measure, to determine if what we are doing is valid, is significant in the important ways.
But on occasion, when the dramatic occurs, and folks are allowed to be sentimental and speak from the heart and reveal their gut feelings without shame, they can speak about such things and not feel corny about it. And I have been overwhelmed with kind words and gratitude for the work done and the Word spoken. I feel like it has mattered, and I feel like it made a difference.
Now, I have not solved the riddles of time and space or evangelized the whole world from the headquarters in Branch. I have not brought peace to the Middle East. The governor will take no notice of my departure, CNN will not camp out in the yard as they would with Brittney or Micheal.
But even better, I have loved and been loved. Sweet sorrow is what the Bard called this emotion. Now I get it.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
This is for real
All the corny expressions apply. A new chapter in life. A time of transition. A chance to make a fresh start. You say good bye, I say hello.
In two months, Louisiana will be in our rear view mirror, and we will make a new home in West Virginia. I am sad to leave, and happy to go. My time in this place is coming to fulfillment, and I anticipate a great opportunity in a new church.
My little church in a little town in Cajun Country is very near and dear to my heart. I have some genuine friends that I love very much. And though it hurts both them and me to leave, it is time. I have done all that I can do for this community, I am ready for a new place, and it is time. And as I get ready to depart from these wonderful people, a part of me will remain here froever, and a part of them will come with me wherever I go. It is time.
New adventures and opportunities call. And a great and vibrant church in another place invited me to come and lend a hand and speak the Word of Truth and be a part of something that the Lord Almighty is doing there. And so I am excited beyond measure. I anticipate the very best.
I have been praying about this in general for several years, and in specific for several months. God is at work in this move, and in this call. I am convinced and convicted. Only the omnipotent could orchestrate something so unique, so perfect, so unexpected.
When in the uniform of a soldier, I convinced myself that "Home is where you make it." Alternatively, "Home is where you drop your rucksack." For 26 years, I made myself believe that. And for 26 years, we have moved around, always temporary, always transitory, always knowing that one day we would pick it all up and roll out. But then I took a trip to Charles Town WV. While I was there, the conviction came, the burden of truth through which God speaks to me came, the awe and wonder of a beautiful community came. And it said, come home. Settle in. Stay awhile. Make a home.
We are very excited about what God is doing.
In two months, Louisiana will be in our rear view mirror, and we will make a new home in West Virginia. I am sad to leave, and happy to go. My time in this place is coming to fulfillment, and I anticipate a great opportunity in a new church.
My little church in a little town in Cajun Country is very near and dear to my heart. I have some genuine friends that I love very much. And though it hurts both them and me to leave, it is time. I have done all that I can do for this community, I am ready for a new place, and it is time. And as I get ready to depart from these wonderful people, a part of me will remain here froever, and a part of them will come with me wherever I go. It is time.
New adventures and opportunities call. And a great and vibrant church in another place invited me to come and lend a hand and speak the Word of Truth and be a part of something that the Lord Almighty is doing there. And so I am excited beyond measure. I anticipate the very best.
I have been praying about this in general for several years, and in specific for several months. God is at work in this move, and in this call. I am convinced and convicted. Only the omnipotent could orchestrate something so unique, so perfect, so unexpected.
When in the uniform of a soldier, I convinced myself that "Home is where you make it." Alternatively, "Home is where you drop your rucksack." For 26 years, I made myself believe that. And for 26 years, we have moved around, always temporary, always transitory, always knowing that one day we would pick it all up and roll out. But then I took a trip to Charles Town WV. While I was there, the conviction came, the burden of truth through which God speaks to me came, the awe and wonder of a beautiful community came. And it said, come home. Settle in. Stay awhile. Make a home.
We are very excited about what God is doing.
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