I am shattered. Crushed. Disappointed.
One of my heroes has apparently been exposed as a fraud and a cheat. I was inspired by Lance Armstrong. His story of surviving serious cancer, and not only surviving, but recovering to compete in the most demanding sporting event ever imagined. And not only to compete, but to win, and win seven times over. He was amazing.
But maybe not. I do not know him personally, and I confess to having no knowledge of the facts of his case. I am just saddened by it all, mostly by the man-crush that I carried for so long.
Integrity matters more than victories.
Character counts more than money.
Honesty in one's own soul is better than all fame in the world.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Rainy Monday
I have Mark Knopfler on Pandora. I have Al Mohler in print. I have a headache, and it is raining. Mondays are great.
On Monday, I can reflect on the previous Sunday, consider the ups and downs of the day, the church activities, the staff and the people, but mostly I reflect on my own soul. I can look ahead to the upcoming days, plan a few things, ponder a sermon or idea or six, and get the week moving. Sometimes Monday is extremely productive. Today, it is only in the way of getting to Tuesday.
In my life, and likely in yours, some days and weeks are better than other days and weeks. The last week has been as difficult as I have had in several years. Multiple issues, multiple conflicts, some of them my own, some that I am simply a spectator for, all of them emotionally challenging. Some minor illness, a tinge of continual physical pain. Some semi-significant financial decisions. Mother's Day and my wife's birthday coming up.
In the face of a rainy Monday, and all the piles of life that are surrounding me, and my own failures and victories, I am content. I have found a peace and joy that supercedes hardship. I am loved by the God of the Universe in spite of myself. I have a few constant and reliable friends that will stick with me, encourage me, forgive me when I am less than my best. I have a wife who is incredible in so many ways. I have two dollars in my pocket, I can eat today, I will sleep in my own bed, in my own house.
I am not discouraged on a rainy Monday. In fact I am reminded that God is Good, even when I am not. Rain is necessary and vital, it causes the grass and flowers and crops to thrive, and reminds us to enjoy the sunny days. Just as stress and challenge is necessary and vital, it refines us in the heart, causes us to consider our own motives and actions, and reminds us that there will be days and weeks that are less troublesome.
Let it rain all day.
On Monday, I can reflect on the previous Sunday, consider the ups and downs of the day, the church activities, the staff and the people, but mostly I reflect on my own soul. I can look ahead to the upcoming days, plan a few things, ponder a sermon or idea or six, and get the week moving. Sometimes Monday is extremely productive. Today, it is only in the way of getting to Tuesday.
In my life, and likely in yours, some days and weeks are better than other days and weeks. The last week has been as difficult as I have had in several years. Multiple issues, multiple conflicts, some of them my own, some that I am simply a spectator for, all of them emotionally challenging. Some minor illness, a tinge of continual physical pain. Some semi-significant financial decisions. Mother's Day and my wife's birthday coming up.
In the face of a rainy Monday, and all the piles of life that are surrounding me, and my own failures and victories, I am content. I have found a peace and joy that supercedes hardship. I am loved by the God of the Universe in spite of myself. I have a few constant and reliable friends that will stick with me, encourage me, forgive me when I am less than my best. I have a wife who is incredible in so many ways. I have two dollars in my pocket, I can eat today, I will sleep in my own bed, in my own house.
I am not discouraged on a rainy Monday. In fact I am reminded that God is Good, even when I am not. Rain is necessary and vital, it causes the grass and flowers and crops to thrive, and reminds us to enjoy the sunny days. Just as stress and challenge is necessary and vital, it refines us in the heart, causes us to consider our own motives and actions, and reminds us that there will be days and weeks that are less troublesome.
Let it rain all day.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Gravity at Work
As one whose calling and vocation involve the use of words on a regular basis, you would think that snapping out a regular bog post would be among the least of my challenges. In fact, it is among the most stressful for me. Perhaps that is why I avoid and neglect it. There is so much that needs to be said,and I feel a pressing need to get it right. There is so much at stake, there is an urgency in the Gospel, and we cannot waste our efforts with trivia.
I was reminded this week, by some wonderful and gracious friends, that as a man of God, my words are loaded with meaning and intent. Because of my unique role in the community and in society, people tend to believe what I have to say and take me seriously. I have had some moments in the recent past in which I was careless about these matters, and I occasionally speak first and think about it later. I was reminded that I do not have the luxury of foolishness in my words, deeds, or actions. And for those occasions in which I neglect the seriousness and gravity of my calling, I humbly ask your forgiveness and understanding that I am merely human as well.
As a church, we ought to be developing a ministry mindset that derives around purpose and intention, with an understanding of the magnitude of what we are about. The God of all creation has spoken, the Redeemer has called to His people. He has work for us to accomplish, a mission and a obligation to go forth and live in grace and love and reveal His majesty and magnitude to a world that needs Him so desperately. We cannot afford to lose a minute, and we cannot waste our chances.
There is a scientific term called specific gravity, that has something to do with the density of matter in relation to volume. Air has a specific gravity of .0012, and lead has a specific gravity of 11.35, and that is why we understand lead to be heavier than air. In a sense, churches have a specific gravity. The matters that we deal with here are weighty and significant. As we relate the truths of God to a world that is twisted with sin and degradation, we deal with matters of eternity and life. There is gravity in God's Word and the ways we live it out and relate it those around us.
I can't speak for you, but I remember every church that I have ever set foot in, even from a child. Some of the impressions left in me by those churches have been good, some not so much. But all of them linger in my life and heart. We represent the Living Lord of the Universe in a dying world, and every action we take reflects on Him. That is heavy. We should never have just a regular Sunday, or just another worship service. Each and every time the church gathers, the presence of God is to be acknowledged and experienced. Every opportunity we have to speak to those around us is an opportunity to speak words of grace and kindness and life. We must be deliberate in our actions and words as we seek to fulfill our mission and purpose on earth. There is much at stake.
I was reminded this week of all these truths because I sometimes fall short, sometimes I am casual and careless as I interact with people I care about. And sometimes my words in conversation do not match my heart or intent. I am blessed to among gracious and forgiving people, and I thank you for the gentle corrections and accountability that you provide for me. I ask that you continue to help me to be at my best every day, so that I can be refined and purified for service in this community and Kingdom. And if we will all be aware of the gravity and emotional significance of who we are and what we do, I firmly believe that God will be honored and revealed in the life of His people.
Many Blessings to you all.
I was reminded this week, by some wonderful and gracious friends, that as a man of God, my words are loaded with meaning and intent. Because of my unique role in the community and in society, people tend to believe what I have to say and take me seriously. I have had some moments in the recent past in which I was careless about these matters, and I occasionally speak first and think about it later. I was reminded that I do not have the luxury of foolishness in my words, deeds, or actions. And for those occasions in which I neglect the seriousness and gravity of my calling, I humbly ask your forgiveness and understanding that I am merely human as well.
As a church, we ought to be developing a ministry mindset that derives around purpose and intention, with an understanding of the magnitude of what we are about. The God of all creation has spoken, the Redeemer has called to His people. He has work for us to accomplish, a mission and a obligation to go forth and live in grace and love and reveal His majesty and magnitude to a world that needs Him so desperately. We cannot afford to lose a minute, and we cannot waste our chances.
There is a scientific term called specific gravity, that has something to do with the density of matter in relation to volume. Air has a specific gravity of .0012, and lead has a specific gravity of 11.35, and that is why we understand lead to be heavier than air. In a sense, churches have a specific gravity. The matters that we deal with here are weighty and significant. As we relate the truths of God to a world that is twisted with sin and degradation, we deal with matters of eternity and life. There is gravity in God's Word and the ways we live it out and relate it those around us.
I can't speak for you, but I remember every church that I have ever set foot in, even from a child. Some of the impressions left in me by those churches have been good, some not so much. But all of them linger in my life and heart. We represent the Living Lord of the Universe in a dying world, and every action we take reflects on Him. That is heavy. We should never have just a regular Sunday, or just another worship service. Each and every time the church gathers, the presence of God is to be acknowledged and experienced. Every opportunity we have to speak to those around us is an opportunity to speak words of grace and kindness and life. We must be deliberate in our actions and words as we seek to fulfill our mission and purpose on earth. There is much at stake.
I was reminded this week of all these truths because I sometimes fall short, sometimes I am casual and careless as I interact with people I care about. And sometimes my words in conversation do not match my heart or intent. I am blessed to among gracious and forgiving people, and I thank you for the gentle corrections and accountability that you provide for me. I ask that you continue to help me to be at my best every day, so that I can be refined and purified for service in this community and Kingdom. And if we will all be aware of the gravity and emotional significance of who we are and what we do, I firmly believe that God will be honored and revealed in the life of His people.
Many Blessings to you all.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
Perplexed
There are more people, everywhere, than ever before. Like 7 billion.
Developing nations have fallen in love with internal combustion.
Rain forests are diminishing and the cost of living is rising.
I am not one of those grumpy old guys that say, "What the heck is the world coming to anyway..." and I am not going to blame rock and roll, or the Illuminati, or the computers taking over. But I am a bit concerned about the future that my grandchildren may face.
There is more demand, and less supply, of food, fuel, finances, and all the other things that we think we need to survive and thrive. We have more possessions, more gizmos, more communications, more medicines, more of everything that we can count and touch and look at.
And we have less community, less freedom, less love. But those are harder to count. And I cannot sell or buy them. And no one has found a way to make money off of them. yet.
The world is a complicated place, no doubt. I don't think the politicians have the answers, even if they tell you they do. I don't think American Idol is going to save us. But we will watch anyway.
I wonder if there are still places in the world where people like you and I can experience truth, love, and hope. Where we can deal in total honesty with one another and love each other in spite of all the garbage that we wade through day in and day out. I wonder.
Developing nations have fallen in love with internal combustion.
Rain forests are diminishing and the cost of living is rising.
I am not one of those grumpy old guys that say, "What the heck is the world coming to anyway..." and I am not going to blame rock and roll, or the Illuminati, or the computers taking over. But I am a bit concerned about the future that my grandchildren may face.
There is more demand, and less supply, of food, fuel, finances, and all the other things that we think we need to survive and thrive. We have more possessions, more gizmos, more communications, more medicines, more of everything that we can count and touch and look at.
And we have less community, less freedom, less love. But those are harder to count. And I cannot sell or buy them. And no one has found a way to make money off of them. yet.
The world is a complicated place, no doubt. I don't think the politicians have the answers, even if they tell you they do. I don't think American Idol is going to save us. But we will watch anyway.
I wonder if there are still places in the world where people like you and I can experience truth, love, and hope. Where we can deal in total honesty with one another and love each other in spite of all the garbage that we wade through day in and day out. I wonder.
Monday, February 13, 2012
News from the Dungeon
So yesterday, I was doing my Sunday thing, trying to tell the world some Good News. I love doing that, I love my church, my friends, and I love to find the nuggets of truth in the Bible and relate them to the wacky world in which we live. God knows we need some good news, and I love to tell it.
So I was talking about how easy it is to blame the world, the ex, the boss, the whomever for all my problems, and what a cop-out it is, and we really need to learn how to take responsibility for our own hurts and scars and start dealing with them, and quit blaming everyone else for my mess. It is called growing up.
But then, and I planned it this way, I told some of my own horror stories, because if anyone wanted to play the blame game and bail out on taking responsibility for life, I could nominate myself. I am the poster child for dysfunctional. And except by the grace of God, I would be in jail. or rehab. or dead. So I told some of those stories to remind people that they have no excuses. If I can let go of pain, and overcome, and find peace in the soul, they can, too.
What I did not expect was this alarming feeling of being totally exposed by showing off my own scars. I would have rather been naked.
I am grateful for my church, who loves me, and lets me be who I am. You guys are awesome.
So I was talking about how easy it is to blame the world, the ex, the boss, the whomever for all my problems, and what a cop-out it is, and we really need to learn how to take responsibility for our own hurts and scars and start dealing with them, and quit blaming everyone else for my mess. It is called growing up.
But then, and I planned it this way, I told some of my own horror stories, because if anyone wanted to play the blame game and bail out on taking responsibility for life, I could nominate myself. I am the poster child for dysfunctional. And except by the grace of God, I would be in jail. or rehab. or dead. So I told some of those stories to remind people that they have no excuses. If I can let go of pain, and overcome, and find peace in the soul, they can, too.
What I did not expect was this alarming feeling of being totally exposed by showing off my own scars. I would have rather been naked.
I am grateful for my church, who loves me, and lets me be who I am. You guys are awesome.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Rave reviews
I spent most of the weekend reading. The golden haired beauty was spending a couple days with her sister and some friends, so I had the place to myself. Hours of uninterrupted solitude to indulge my pleasures of reading, football, and cooking for myself. Pretty boring that.
I read two books and started a third. Jeremy Clarkson, James May, Richard Hammond. Interesting, witty, painful, pompous, and quite brilliantly written. For those not in the know, these three are the presenters (hosts in America) of a BBC television programme called Top Gear. It is the best thing on TV for anyone that enjoys cars and a masculine sense of humor.
Turns out that these three motor heads, whose job is to create havoc and have fun at the expense of Ferrari, Porsche, and Kia, also write regular columns for well known British newspapers and car magazines. Hammond wrote a book about crashing a jet powered dragster at 240 mph, and his subsequent recovery. May wrote about cars he had loved and hated over the years, and why cars matter. Clarkson wrote a book about how much smarter he is than you.
I drove down our own interstate highway last week. And I must admit that there are bad drivers everywhere. And a few good drivers as well. Likewise there are bad and good cars. And there are the multiple configurations of good, bad and average cars and drivers teamed up at random. With my newly found driver's insight from the UK, and the Prius driving 63 in the left lane, and the scalding hot coffee I spilled, it was a miserable trip.
It is a wonder that anyone gets anywhere without a crash.
I read two books and started a third. Jeremy Clarkson, James May, Richard Hammond. Interesting, witty, painful, pompous, and quite brilliantly written. For those not in the know, these three are the presenters (hosts in America) of a BBC television programme called Top Gear. It is the best thing on TV for anyone that enjoys cars and a masculine sense of humor.
Turns out that these three motor heads, whose job is to create havoc and have fun at the expense of Ferrari, Porsche, and Kia, also write regular columns for well known British newspapers and car magazines. Hammond wrote a book about crashing a jet powered dragster at 240 mph, and his subsequent recovery. May wrote about cars he had loved and hated over the years, and why cars matter. Clarkson wrote a book about how much smarter he is than you.
I drove down our own interstate highway last week. And I must admit that there are bad drivers everywhere. And a few good drivers as well. Likewise there are bad and good cars. And there are the multiple configurations of good, bad and average cars and drivers teamed up at random. With my newly found driver's insight from the UK, and the Prius driving 63 in the left lane, and the scalding hot coffee I spilled, it was a miserable trip.
It is a wonder that anyone gets anywhere without a crash.
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