disciples::refuge

death of blogging...

2008-10-27T11:42:00.002-04:00

The title says it all. I know something will replace this blog and have some ideas but I don't know what the final product will look like. Until then, yo's...

clinton + election stress = crazy...

2008-04-02T13:14:00.003-04:00

The news story can be found here.

fragile...

2008-03-28T14:10:00.000-04:00

3.21.2008: Good Friday.

11:46:15 AM:
Amy and I are stopped at a light in Jeffersonville, IN with 7-8 cars in front of us.

11:46:32 AM:
A lady driving behind us looks down and slams into the back of our 8 month old Kia Spectra.

11:46:32:03 AM:
Being propelled at a rate of speed of approximately 40 mph, our car slams into a van in front of us.

11:46:35 AM:
We realize it was not a terrorist attack, but that we were hit by a driver behind us. Thankfully, no one involved was seriously hurt. Aside from chiropractic visits, everyone should be fine.

2:15 PM:
As the reality of what happened sets in, we think about how fragile and fleeting life truly is. One second I'm talking to my wife. The next: the only thing keeping me from being thrown around the car like a Rag Doll is a seat belt. Within one second, our lives could have been cut short or at least seriously impeded.

Our lives truly are fragile. We run around all the time thinking how invincible we are (admit it: you do it, too!) and that tomorrow will be here. Even if we don't believe that, we live that way. We put things off until tomorrow. We do not enjoy the present as much as we should. Many times we are wishing for the past or gazing towards the future. The present slips past in our utter temporal confusion.

Things like death, car wrecks, etc. have a way of putting things into a different perspective. They [help] us see what is truly important in life: God, family, friends, love.... The big screen plasma HDTV is nice, but it is not important. The biggest, nicest house is good, but it's about to be repossessed due to those stupid sub-prime mortgages. The jag is sweet, but is it worth the bleeding from my ears everytime someone scratches it?

Life is full of experiences that majorly stink. They are an inconvenience at best and make us feel like our heart and soul is being ripped apart at worst. They remind us how fragile our lives truly are. Being reminded of frailty makes us question our lives...which isn't such a bad thing.

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." -James 4:13-15

pastoral tribute video...

2008-03-24T11:30:00.002-04:00

It's so sweet and heartfelt. It brings tears to one's eyes.

clash of cultures...

2008-03-11T08:18:00.002-04:00

Driving home from work yesterday, I heard a piece on NPR that I thought was awesome. The "article" talked about the concept of cultural superiority and brought to mind several different conversations I have had about culture; particularly the American culture. I have talked to many folk who are under the sincere and firm impression that American culture is best. Our (America's) perception of cultural superiority is embodied in our foreign policy (we can do whatever we want), our economic policy (protectionism), and even our domestic policy (can we say immigration?).

I think that part of the conservative push toward a neo-isolationism is a fear that America won't be on top of the world anymore. We will no longer be THE Superpower or even (perish the thought) A Superpower. As Americans, we are the only culture superior enough to unilaterally rule the world. Although this fear does not translate into Americans wanting to pay higher prices on goods instead of financially supporting India and China, two of the nation's biggest competitors for natural resources today. Ironic, eh? We want continued cheap labor, but we don't want the money to be used to better those who work for pennies a day. History does repeat.

Don't think this cultural nepotism is only a conservative problem, though. Liberal Americans also suffer from their own issues in this area. Some of the most closed-minded people I know profess to have the most open. Amidst the double speak of tolerance and internationalism, they still retain a paternalistic attitude toward the developing world and those of a different socio-economic class (i.e. welfare, nationalized healthcare, etc.). Giving people money may make us feel good, but it doesn't really solve the problem of poverty.

This "cultural superiority" unfortunately spills over into Christian missions, also. I think there are two ways this happens: cultural transplantation and cultural separation. The first is where the church brings the American Gospel overseas. The planted church seeks to have a building, wear suit and ties, and could look perfectly at rest dying with the majority of U.S. churches. The second is where we think missiological principles, such as house churches, are okay for internationals, but are not "biblical" enough for America (this is almost a direct quote from a couple of people I know at seminary). That's another word that gets thrown around a lot to support one's own views, but that's a post for another time.

That being said let me introduce the piece I heard on NPR. It is the freakin' incredible cellist, Yo-Yo Ma, speaking of the blend of cultures he himself has created for himself. It is an awesome piece that you can read or listen to here.

DISCLAIMER: The previous post does contain some generalizations about differing points of view. Please understand I am not trying to formulate an argument against these views at this time and thereby create straw-men with this post. It is an attempt to talk about the issue and the fuller implications of the views held.

the new seven deadly sins...

2008-03-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

The Vatican has updated the seven deadly sins for our time:

genetic modification

carrying out experiments on humans

polluting the environment

causing social injustice

causing poverty

becoming obscenely wealthy

taking drugs.

I'm in trouble. Those who superglue quarters to sidewalks to see what people do are now guilty of two deadly sins, possibly three depending on how many quarters one has to put on sidewalks.

Does this mean the previous seven no longer apply?

quotable...

2008-03-07T14:06:00.004-05:00

Setting: Being seated at a new Cuban restaurant in Georgetown, IN, I notice Gloria Estefan's concert is playing on several plasma televisions around the dining area:

Michael (to Amy): Sweet. I love Gloria Estefan's music. You know, she used to be Cuban. Her dad was a body guard to Cuba's last democratic President. They left Cuba after the revolution. (Don't ask why I know this. I have no idea.)

The Cuban Hostess: She's actually still Cuban, you know.

Michael (properly humbled and embarrassed): True. Very true.

I'm amazed at how adept I am at placing my size 13 foot in my mouth.

10 signs you may have missed the rapture...

2008-03-07T10:37:00.003-05:00

I read this list on Wittenburg Door this morning and nearly spit out my iced coffee because of the hilarity! To make it totally worthwhile, though, there were at least two uppercuts to TBN in the list. That always makes me smile. Big. :-)

headline in local paper...

2008-03-05T15:30:00.005-05:00

Jeffersonville story update: Dog to give birth to puppies

Yep. You read it correctly. One of the headline's in Jeffersonville, IN's paper "News and Tribune" is Dog to give birth to puppies. I have a couple of thoughts about this headline:

1) What does the reporter expect the dog to give birth to? Firetrucks? While something similar may have happened in an episode of The Cosby Show, I don't think it actually happens in real life. Dogs give birth to puppies, a.k.a. small, young dogs.

2) Was it just a really slow news day in Jeff.?

3) Has it been such a slow news cycle that they have do do an UPDATE? That stands to reason this is at least the second story about this prego houndo (The official Latin term for a pregnant dog).

NOTE: In defence of the quoted newspaper, the story is about a dog who survived a house fire who is pregnant and will be giving birth. While I still do not think this is newsworthy beyond the standard neighborhood rumour mill (did you see how that trashy dachshund stares at every stud that walks past the window???), I wanted to give full information about the story on this blog. (Otherwise, I'd be a political spin-doctor. ) At best this headline was just poorly worded. At worst...well...see the three thoughts above.

the new crib...

2008-03-05T12:44:00.003-05:00

No, Amy's not pregnant. (Gosh, stop pressuring us!) We are moving to Jeffersonville, IN and getting a new "crib" (or in non-MTV/street language "a place to live"). We've been in our current rental house for a year and a half and are sooo looking forward to moving. The house and cheap rent have been a blessing, but the floor plan is horrible and high ceilings coupled with little or no insulation means high heating bills, yet still cold winters. Plus, both of us love entertaining and the current abode does not lend itself well to that endeavor.

The new place, though, is perfect for exercising our gift of hospitality! With an open floor plan, we can have more people over in a more comfortable environment. We considered renting another house or even purchasing, but the luxury we will have at Orchard Hills apartments would cost an arm, leg and a right pinkie toe in a house. We are planning on moving on March 15th at 9AM if anyone is bored and wants to help us move. Almost all of our stuff is packed, so we hope to have everything into the new place by 11AM so we can all enjoy a great (and free) lunch of pizza and soda!

Here are some pictures of the model apartment we looked at. According to Amy, the best part of the apartment isn't even in the photographs: a dishwasher.

Once again, if anyone wants to help us move, we're starting at 9AM on March 15th.

top 10 peeves dogs have with humans...

2008-03-04T21:10:00.002-05:00

Top 10 Peeves Dogs Have With Humans

1. Blaming your farts on me..... not funny... not funny at all!
2. Yelling at me for barking. I'M A FRIGGIN' DOG! Hello, throw me a friggin' bone!
3. Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is this anyway?
4. Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose. Stop it!
5. Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you're not home.
6. The sleight of hand, fake fetch throw. You fooled a dog! Whoooo oooooooo what a proud moment for the top of the food chain.
7. Taking me to the vet for "the big snip", then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back!
8. Getting upset when I sniff the crotches of your guests. Sorry, but I haven't quite mastered that handshake thing yet.
9. Dog sweaters. Hello ??? Haven't you noticed the fur?
10. How you act disgusted when I lick myself. Look, we both know the truth. You're just jealous.

an ENRON moment...

2008-03-04T15:42:00.003-05:00

Looking out the window in my office, I see a truck with CINTAS: Document Management on the side and men loading large (what could only be described as) trash cans onto the truck.

Wouldn't it be easier to just shred the incriminating documents yourself instead of hiring someone to do it?

I'm telling you, nothing on television is as funny as real life.
***Please do not read the above line as an endorsement of reality television of any sort.

KJV definition of manhood...

2008-03-03T14:47:00.002-05:00

I know this video has been posted all across the world wide web, but at least two friends hadn't seen it, so I thought I'd post it. I think I was disturbed more than I was entertained, though.

In the words of that wonderful 80's song: I wish it were Sundee, 'cause that's my Fundee.

if you're reading this, you too have missed the rapture...

2008-02-20T14:17:00.002-05:00

While, I know this story is false, I could almost see it happening in the Southeast United States somewhere...probably Alabama.

ARKANSAS CITY (EAP) -- A Little Rock woman was killed yesterday after leaping through her moving car's sun roof during an incident best described as "a mistaken rapture" by dozens of eye witnesses.Thirteen other people were injured after a twenty-car pile up resulted from people trying to avoid hitting the woman who was apparently convinced that the rapture was occurring when she saw twelve people floating up into the air, and then passed a man on the side of the road who she claimed was Jesus.
"She started screaming "He's back, He's back" and climbed right out of the sunroof and jumped off the roof of the car," said Everet Williams, husband of 28-year-old Georgann Williams who was pronounced dead at the scene.
"I was slowing down but she wouldn't wait till I stopped," Williams said. "She thought the rapture was happening and was convinced that Jesus was gonna lift her up into the sky," he went on to say.
"This is the strangest thing I've seen since I've been on the force," saidPaul Madison, first officer on the scene. Madison questioned the man who looked like Jesus and discovered that he was dressed up as Jesus and was on his way to a toga costume party when the tarp covering the bed of his pickup truck came loose and released twelve blow up dolls filled with helium which floated up into the air.
Ernie Jenkins, 32, of Fort Smith, who's been told by several of his friends that he looks like Jesus, pulled over and lifted his arms into the air in frustration, and said "Come back here," just as the Williams' car passed him, and Mrs. Williams was sure that it was Jesus lifting people up into the sky as they passed by him, according to her husband, who says his wife loved Jesus more than anything else.
When asked for comments about the twelve blow up dolls, Jenkins replied "This is all just too weird for me. I never expected anything like this to happen."

the (sad) demise of Freddie T...

2008-02-15T13:03:00.002-05:00

It's been long enough. I think I can finally talk about the demise of Fred Thompson's campaign. The emotions have settled...the tears have dried...I am at peace. Okay, perhaps it has not been as dramatic as all that, BUT I am saddened that (in my opinion) the best person running for President bowed out of the race. Sen. Thompson was the clearest, best conservative candidate. While I did not agree with him on everything, he had great economic ideas (like stop spending what we don't have, you morons!) and was a social conservative (although I would differ with him on a few issues here, too). He even looked Presidential. Granted, people said the same thing about Gov. Romney, but I think that was due more to the fact they confused him with Franklin Graham (don't believe me, look at pictures of the two side by side).

Sadly, though, my dreams of another Tennessee President have died. I do not think this was due to failed policy ideas or a general lack of charisma. I think the big reason was a mismanaged campaign. His wife seemed to be very unlikable by many of his campaign staff and ran away a plethora of them. They entered the race late, they did not campaign as heavily as they should, they were not able to raise the necessary funds, etc. All that being said, hindsight is 20/20. The fact is the campaign is dead. Gone. Cremated.

Sad.

Now I have to choose another candidate to support in the primaries (Like it'll matter; Indiana's primary is in May) and the general election. I've thought about throwing my hat in the ring, but still have 5.5 years to age before I am constitutionally viable for the Presidency.

So, at this moment, the Fred '08 Banner will come down off the blog. Nothing will replace it at this time, although the new Dilbert widget is catching my eye. Now, I will have to choose a new candidate. I will listen to the debates. I will listen to the stump speeches. I will watch the relentless and monotonous negative television adds (or more than likely changes the channel to something else as I hate comercials). Come November, I will cast my vote for the next President; all the while wishing my choice could have been different. That a Republic for you, though. I'm afraid, though, that in November, we will once again be stuck with choosing the lesser of two evils.

We could always vote our conscience and vote third party, but, as we have all been told, that's a wasted vote. Stupid conscience.

pointless (songs) 1.0...

2008-02-14T12:23:00.002-05:00

"pointless" is going to be a recurring segment here on disciples' refuge. It will range from (songs) to (movies) to whatever else I come across and think: Why in the world was this written, produced, distributed, made etc. The vast majority will be songs (many from the 80's and 90's!) that I hear on my internet radio player while working. Although, Christian T-Shirts and gift items are not out of bounds! I hope it will be entertaining if not thought-provoking.

The first installment is a song by KLF and Tammy Wynette from the 90's, popularly known as Mu Mu Land. In my humble opinion, it is one of the stupidest songs that has ever been written (granted the Barney song is a close second).

JUSTIFIED AND ANCIENT

[CHORUS]
All bound for Mu Mu Land
All bound for Mu Mu Land (hey) (hey hey)
All bound for Mu Mu Land (justified!)

They're Justified, and they're Ancient,
And they like to roam the land.
They're Justified, and they're Ancient,
I hope you understand. (to the bridge, to the bridge, to the bridge now)

They called me up in Tennessee
They said "Tammy, stand by the JAMs"
But if you don't like what they're going to do,
You better not stop them 'cause they're coming through

[CHORUS]

They're Justified, and they're Ancient,
And they drive an ice cream van.
They're Justified and they're Ancient,
With still no master plan. (to the bridge, to the bridge, to the bridge now)

The last train left an hour ago,
They were singing "All aboard"
All bound for Mu Mu Land,
Then someone starting screaming
"Turn up the Strobe"

quotable...

2008-02-05T10:32:00.000-05:00

Reading the book The Irresistible Revolution: Living as An Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne has been a very good experience. For some time, some friends and I have been talking about social ministry and what it should/could look like in today's local church. Claiborne's book is helping to further shape what it could be, and what the world would be like if the church was serious about God's call to not only preach the gospel to all people of all races in all lands AND to care for the alien, the widow, the outcast and the fatherless. It's a far different world from the one in which we find ourselves.

Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing. --Indian activist and author Arundhati Roy. Quoted from The Irresistible Revolution.

Wow...it's...wow...just......wow...

2008-01-31T14:19:00.000-05:00

I've been reading this guy's blog (Brant) for about a week now and have been blown away a couple of times. I found it through a blogroll and actually clicked on it because of the title of the Blog (Letters from Kamp Krusty:). Once you get past the fact that with glasses, the author looks like Gaius Baltar from the new Battlestar Galactica (no Dwight jokes, please), the blog is quite intriguing.

This post is about a house church they are a part of and how it works.

Sorry to be cliche', but this post really "spoke to my heart". Seriously.

Click here to read Brant's blog.

2008-01-09T21:50:00.000-05:00

I know I promised a serious, thoughtful post, but I read that Richardson's gonna throw in the towel tomorrow, so I had to get my comedy jab in tonight.

Does New Mexico pay Gov. Richardson in Cocoa Beans?

public service announcement....

2008-01-09T12:48:00.000-05:00

This is a public service announcement of disciples' refuge blog:

Please be warned, these cute, cuddly dogs that we have living among us have one goal in mind: the complete annihilation of the human race, even if they can only do it one person at a time. Never before have we faced such an enemy. The threats of international terrorism are nothing compared to this. They do not seek our conversion at the point of a sword, they desire our deaths!

This, in my humble opinion, should probably be the main issue of the Presidential primaries and subsequent election. What will Obama or Romney do to keep the American people safe from this formidable, deeply entrenched threat? (At least it wouldn't be as much bull as all the candidates are spouting right now!)

disciples' refuge investigators have recently discovered and taken photographs of the Lord High Canis, the rule of the Dog nation.

Although it may look like Lord High Canis is chewing on his foot, he is in fact pulling out a dagger that he was planning to use to kill our investigators. Thankfully, our man (or woman) was able to make a quick strategic withdrawal.

Clearly, folks, we need to up our preparedness regarding this imminent threat. Otherwise, the entire human race will be destroyed. There is no if's, and's or but's about it. If you think this is a joke, let me ask you one question: Where do you think the Pound Puppies got their name? It wasn't because they lived at "the pound". They were a super-elite canine fighting force that could kill a human with one hit or one "pound" of their paw. They were not cute...they were vicious...they are vicious!

- mike

I promise some serious, thoughtful posts after this one. Seriously.

just in case...

2008-01-07T10:25:00.000-05:00

Just in case there are Sen Clinton fans out there who were offended by a previous post, I wanted to offer an olive branch to you:

Smeagol/Ron Paul at a Press Conference...

Just in case the Ron Paul fans are offended, don't worry. After watching the New Hampshire debates (which was a brilliant idea - both parties on one night), I have o' so much comedy to publish on this site! In addition to the comedy, the debate also made me think about a lot of the issues that were raised by each of the candidates which I hope to begin publishing on-line within the near future (nothing uber-long, no worries, and still hopefully humorous and easy to read) such as immigration reform, tax reform, Iraq, etc. I think some of the candidates have good ideas, but I think most are just blowing some out of their "you know what's".

Anyways...anyone else think Governor Richardson looks somewhat like an Oompa Loompa?

-mike

lessons gleaned from answering phones...

2008-01-04T14:06:00.000-05:00

With nearly three months under the belt at WJK books, I think that I should begin sharing some of the lessons I've learned while working Customer Service. I'm going to share a few today, but I hope to share these valuable tidbits with you for a long time (at least a month or so!).

So, here are the inaugural lessons gleaned from answering phones:

1) If you use a hearing aid, you really need to put it in before dialing and not five minutes into the phone call!

2) Just because someone is talking very loudly over the phone doesn't mean they are yelling at the person on the other end (see #1).

3) Apparently, sometime "way back yonder", product could be shipped by Greyhound Bus. Those who remember those days are horrified to find out that Greyhound no longer does that.

4) What part of "You have the wrong number, ma'am." is so hard to comprehend?

5) After I tell you I do not speak Spanish, it is pretty much useless to begin spouting off the "ole espaniol"!

I hope you had as much fun reading these as I did learning them (at least in hindsight!). More to come next week.

good idea, bad idea....

2008-01-04T12:49:00.000-05:00

Good idea: Roasting a pig for the holidays.
Bad idea: Roasting a pig for the holidays...with a space heater.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- A man's effort to keep his pig warm during Wednesday night's freeze ended up starting a fire that caused about $50,000 in damages to his St. Johns County home. Firefighters were called about 10:20 p.m. when a home on Frances Avenue caught on fire. They later learned the homeowner brought his pig onto the porch and put out a space heater to keep it warm. The pig apparently knocked over the heater, which started the fire, according to St. Johns County Fire-Rescue investigators.

Firefighters said the fire destroyed the back porch and gazebo were destroyed and the fire had spread to the eave and attic before they were able to get it under control.

While everyone who lives in the home got out safely, the pig died in the fire.

preccioussssss....

2008-01-03T14:07:00.000-05:00

Regardless of your political leanings, you have to smile!

Benazir Bhutto assassinated...

2007-12-27T09:30:00.000-05:00

Benazir Bhutto is dead. The former Prime Minister of Pakistan was killed by a suicide bomber at a democratic political rally. She was the first female Prime Minister of a Muslim nation.

Her fame and popularity, though, may be greater now than ever. Hopefully, those against democracy in Pakistan will find their actions have caused an even greater adversary than she could ever be in life.

The full story.

A biography.

comedy...

2007-12-26T12:52:00.000-05:00

I am a huge fan of comedy. I love comedy writings, stand-up, movies, etc. I have been and still am a firm believer in the fact that people, though, provide the best comedy. Look at America's Funniest Home Video's. Or, check this article out for proof. Enjoy.

Nollaig chridheil!

2007-12-25T23:51:00.000-05:00

Nollaig chridheil! It doesn't have as much impact as John's Hawaiian Christmas greeting but we can't all have a song about our heritage's Christmas greeting, can we? Any way, Happy Christmas! I pray you may, at the very least, catch a glimpse of Christ this season and at the very most would fall more in love with our Saviour than you ever thought possible!

christmas parties...

2007-12-19T14:05:00.000-05:00

I love entertaining. I don't necessarily mean in the Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire kind of way. I mean, I love having friends and folk over to our home and spending time with them.

After Amy and I wed last year, we attempted to have friends over for a get-together or "party", as some call them, around once a month. We started off well. The Halloween party last October was fun...Freddy Krueger even came by. The Thanksgiving party rolled around and the Christmas party was a blast. For New Years, we had more people than the Fire Marshall would allow in our small 750 sq. foot home. We continued with smaller groups until this summer when Amy began working 50 hours a week. We both became extremely busy and really coveted our time together. Parties and events were put on hiatus (much like most television programming with the Writer's Strike).

When Amy began her new job, one of the definite benefits was that she would not be working more than 40 hours, normally, with no weekends. Our fun gatherings were back on. Wooh!

I wanted to host a Christmas party, but as we began looking at the Christmas holiday and really thinking about it, I did not want to have a ton of people over to eat and just play stupid games (which I'm not opposed to on a very regular basis). I wanted friends to come, relax and fellowship over a meal. I wanted this Christmas "gathering" to be a gift to them. I guess I didn't want it to even be a party.

We decided to have a Simple Christmas Dinner for a small amount of friends (no more than 9) on a week night so people could have one relaxing evening in the midst of the crazy season. We also wanted it to be smaller so we would not go crazy in this uber-busy season. We wanted it to be an enjoyable meal where we could have fun with each other and encourage each other in life. Basically, we wanted it to be a blessing to those who came.

Last night, seven friends joined us for dinner at our house. We ate, talked about our favorite Christmas memories and movies, church, God, politics, Family Guy, and even who is more of a man: Hillary Clinton or Joyce Meyer. There were no cheesy party games; there was just conversation between people; between friends and spiritual family. There was no singing of Christmas carols, although the Imperial March from Star Wars constantly played as Terry is a very popular guy and kept receiving phone calls. I think conversation and quality time with people is lost in our culture. Friends come over and the television is on the entire time either with programming or video games.

All in all, it was a very intimate and enjoyable Christmas gathering. There was much food, much laughter and much fun-enjoyment-encouragement. I pray that our friends who blessed us with their presence enjoyed themselves and were blessed by each other. I hope that the evening and the fellowship will help them catch a glimpse of Christ this Christmas.

I really didn't mean for this post to sound so...mushy.

--mike

spelling bee word insertion...

2007-12-18T12:54:00.000-05:00

I've decided to request that a word be added to the National Spelling Bee Competition. It is a word that became near and dear to me last night. The word:

Irk.

Where is the word's etymology?
Middle English

What is the definition?
Transitive Verb: to make weary, to irritate.

Are there any alternate pronunciations?
No.

Can you use it in a sentence?
At the grocery store last night, the woman in front of me, using the U-Scan and talking on her phone while horribly attempting to scan and bag her groceries like the one-armed man from The Fugitive, really irked me.

Irk. I - R - K. Irk

*long pause*

That is correct.

It may not eliminate any contestant, but I think we all see why it'd be a good word to have televised.

-mike

a christmas song...

2007-12-17T10:21:00.000-05:00

A good friend at church wrote this. Dave is a great guy who is also the worship pastor at Crossroad Church where Amy and I are members. Dave is incredibly talented and loves God and the "Big Picture" of the Bible and all of human history. I think it is an incredible song in its lyrical simplicity and beauty...kind of like Christmas should be. I'm kind of jealous I didn't write this. So, here is the Internet Dave Wilkinson Song Writing Debut:

Dwelling in a land of darkness
The people longed for a great light
God was soon to invade history
With his morning-star so bright
This child, the firstborn of creation
This child, the Word of God made flesh
His kingdom dawns within a manger
On straw he lay his royal head

They were hoping for a warrior
They were praying for a king
To sit upon the throne of David
And righteousness forever bring

Shepherds worshipped at the coming
Of their lowly Shepherd King
Whose staff and rod would rule the nations
Whose mighty love would guard his sheep
The Temple of the Lord’s Indwelling
The place where earth and heaven meet
Now finds fulfillment in this poor man
Eternal God a Nazarene

God is dwelling with his people
Though with no form or majesty
The light of men veiled as a pauper
A stone of stumbling he would be

Like a lamb led to the slaughter
By the hands of enemies
He did not offer up resistance
When oppressed he did not speak
He was pierced for our transgressions
Crushed for our iniquities
This child whom wise men gladly worship
Whose humble birth the angels sing

The Prince who gave us Peace through violence
Was Crowned with thorns and hailed as king
Our debt of sin piercing his body
He broke our curse through cries of grief

The Lord of Glory for the sinner
The Son of God for enemies
This child would be our bleeding Savior
This child who is the King of kings

He is the firstborn of creation
He is the Word of God made flesh
His kingdom dawned within a manger
On straw he laid his royal head

the church office...

2007-12-12T12:52:00.000-05:00

For the past six months or so, many of my friends and co-workers (now former co-workers), have been enraptured in a show called The Office. They kept telling me I would love it and needed to watch it. I'm not a bandwagon fan, so I solidly held my ground and refused to be assimilated. Desiring to be an informed malcontent (unlike many Christians when they decide something is bad or evil), I decided to watch a few episodes. I do admit it was somewhat funny (I did not see the hilarity that everyone else saw). The tension between Jim and Pam is cute. Michael is incredibly annoying. Dwight...well Dwight is just sad (Although he likes Battlestar Galactica, which is a plus).

As I was watching it last night (I'm still trying to see the hilarity, see), I had a vision from the LORD. Okay, not really, but I remembered many a conversations I had with one Brian Sirles, the former Worship Pastor from our old church. His idea was a show about a church office that included all aspects of church life. I mentioned that it was already done in the 80's when it was called "Amen". Brian dismissed the David Spade imitation and said that it could be an extremely funny show. Brian's idea, I must say, was not based on anything from The Office. Watching The Office, though, I think Brian's idea could really fly and do well.

For research purposes, I youtube'd "Church Office". Oh my goodness, the pile of cheese that I saw on that website should never be spoken of in public! Apparently many had the idea before Brian did. Unfortunately, the quality of writing and acting was horrible in the clips that I watched. They so closely followed The Office that any true originality was lost. Every character in every was just a copy of characters from the show. Can you imagine a Pastor like Michael on The Office? Well, actually we probably could. That's kind of sad, eh?

Instead of these cheesy 4-minute clips, we should work toward creating an actual network version of The (Church) Office. It is still the mock-umentary style, but is its own original show. We could have Kirk Cameron play the Preaching Pastor (or Senior Pastor depending on your ecclesiology) of a medium size mega-church. I could make some calls and see if Roma Downey is available since Touched By An Angel got the cut. If desperate, we could cast Dog the Bounty Hunter...he's a Christian, right? He has some time on his hands. Wow! This could be a hit! Each character will have their own nuances, with little borrowed from the original US edition aside from the general concept, the set, costuming, props, etc. After all, the church should look like the business world, right?

The question will be what network. Major networks would require the show to allow beer commercials and we couldn't have that! Although, if the Hollywood Writer's Strike continues...that could work in our favor. If all else fails, we could put it on TBN. Of course, Kirk Cameron will have to use Joel Osteen's Motivational Speaking, not Preaching, for the Church Office and Paula White's Conflict Resolution for Me and for Me in order to appease the higher ups at the network.

Here are some story ideas:
1) Field Trip Day - The staff goes on a field trip to do some evangelism. Apparently there is a new Mexican Restaurant that has opened up and the Pastor wants to try it out, I mean evangelize there.
2) Shot Down - An entire episode where the Youth Pastor throws out ideas to get kids saved including a Skate Park, an Amusement Park, etc. Each idea is shot down one after another. The show ends with the Youth Pastor leaving, depressed. He heads to McDonald's to pick up dinner where a ton of his youth are. He says "Hi!" and then leaves to eat at home with his dog.
3) Boycott - The church office decides to boycott some event. The episode really writes itself!

If there is anyone who can help with the funding, we can get this project off the ground! What started off as an idea in one Worship Pastor's mind has spiraled out of control to a Network Program with all kinds of merchandising: bracelets, magazines, bibles, t-shirts, books and coffee mugs (World's Greatest Preacher Mug).

On second thought, perhaps we should leave this entire idea in the can...

-mike

difficult compassion...

2007-12-11T12:58:00.000-05:00

There was a woman who had just had a child. A month previous, her husband decided he loved another woman and left the one whom he promised to die loving and the child they had created together. He took everything. She was left with nothing aside from a bulging belly and bulging credit card debt which he had been transferring to her name over the past year "in order to get a better interest rate" he said. In the twinkling of an eye, she became a homeless, destitute mother-to-be in the cold.

There was another woman who had a children several years ago. She decided she no longer loved her husband and left him, taking with her their son and daughter. That was three years ago. Since then, she has lived with a revolving-door cast of boyfriends, girlfriends and a combination of both at various times. She discovered drugs and alcohol brought a euphoric high she had seldom experienced with her old life. The job she had for nearly a year she quit last month because she no longer wanted to work. Her current boyfriend was bringing in more than enough money for the both of them. Two weeks ago, he was arrested on charges of possession with the intent to sell crack. Almost all of their possessions were confiscated as evidence. She could no longer afford rent. In the twinkling of an eye, she became a homeless, destitute, drugged-out mother of two.

The above stories, both based on actual people, are quite different, but end up the same. The question I ask: when you finish each story...is your compassion the same? I know, for me, when Amy told me the different stories that my compassion was not the same. The first situation, in my eyes, is much more heartbreaking. My heart aches for this young mother who has been abandoned and must suffer alone. The second...I think she made a load of bad decisions and is now paying for her bad judgement. The first, the compassion easily flows from my spirit. With the second, the compassion is caught behind a wall of karma-like justice, reason and rhetoric. Compassion for the second is difficult to muster, at best. After all, God helps those who help themselves, right? (EVERYONE, please answer that with a resounding NO!)

I would venture a guess that the same may be true of you, though. Life is full of people whom compassion for is a difficult chore. It may be because of what they did to get in that situation. It could be some vain, innate sense of entitlement they have that rubs us the wrong way. It may even be how they treat us and others that makes compassion difficult.

The question I arrive at is what kind of compassion does Christ has for these two woman? The answer is obvious: the cross. Christ endured the suffering and death of the cross for both those who are oppressed and hit by crap circumstances beyond their control along with those who make poor choices and suffer the consequences. If you question that, let me ask this: how much of your sin is accidental and caused by something/someone else? Every day we have lived and will continue to live on this earth is full of deliberate, fool-hardy, and sinful choices. Every day is full of us turning our backs on the right choice for a convenient and easy one. Yet...there is the cross. This instrument of death that when combined with an unblemished, beautiful Lamb brings life to those who are wilfully at war with their Creator.

Praise God that His compassion is not difficult! If it was not so, we would continue to be a homeless and destitute people. The cross...the incredible compassion of God, thankfully, has been lavished upon us and made us vagabonds into children of the Almighty.

May our compassion be less difficult, flowing from the heart of God (instead of our own), and our wisdom abound as we meet and do life with those around us who have physical, emotional and spiritual need.

So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. --Luke 15:20

-mike

forecast...

2007-12-10T13:55:00.000-05:00

Today, in Louisville, there's rain.
Tuesday, in Louisville, there should be rain.
Wednesday, in Louisville, there should be rain.
Thursday, in Louisville, there should be rain.
Friday, in Louisville, it should be partly cloudy! Woo Hoo!

This weekend, we are heading to Nashville to have Christmas with my fam. The weather? You guessed it.

Friday, in Nashville, there should be rain.
Saturday, in Nashville, there should be rain.

*sigh*

I feel like we live in Seattle.

daisy and bumperstickers...

2007-12-10T08:19:00.000-05:00

Daisy is part Boston Terrier and part Boxer. She has the color and markings of a Boston and the larger size of a Boxer. She has an IQ that could probably rival most frat members. She also has a combined jaw strength of both breeds put together. Rawhides last about an hour. Stuffed animals last about half that long. Quinton Bridges gave us some steak bones that he said should last close to forever...he was a little off. They lasted approximately two and half hours each. Thankfully, she never exercises her jaw muscles on our shoes. Saturday, we got her a new rope (the previous four are in shreds). To hopefully keep this rope longer than a week, I got one for 40-100 pound dogs (she's 28 lbs). Within a day, she had definitely begun chewing through it. *sigh* I wonder if we could get her a steel cable to chew on?

With her stamina and jaw strength, I thought about getting a bumper sticker that says "My dog can beat up your dog!". Then I realized how Michael Vick'ish that sounded and decided to just get one that says, "In case of Rapture, I owe Tim LaHaye a BIG apology!".

-mike

a christmas memory

2007-12-07T11:48:00.000-05:00

For our company Christmas party, everyone has been asked to submit a Christmas memory that our coworkers would enjoy. Here is my attempt:

Memories…like the corner of my mind…

Enough of the Barbara Streisand! One of the “best” Christmas’s as a child was the year 1987. Picture it: Nashville, 1987, Christmas-time. The Presidential election was still a year away, Prozac was set to release in four days, and a 9 year old boy received a gift that close to 2.37 billion (possibly a slight exaggeration) other children would receive: an NES game console complete with the Light Gun and the Dual Game: Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt. Christmas morning was spent trying to find the Warp Zones in World Four then going to my Uncle’s Hizzous. In addition to the NES, this was a very special Christmas because, for the first Christmas Day in (literally) four years, I did not come down with the Flu! Even with so many good things happening on Christmas Day that year, that stupid dog still had the nerve
to laugh at me after missing a single duck. Stupid dog…he almost ruined my Christmas!

P.S. I'm also taking Christmas donations so I can get counseling for the recurring issues I have from being laughed at by Duck Hunt!

Hopefully they won't think I'm TOO big of a dork. We'll see.

-mike

the gypsy mafia...

2007-12-06T12:45:00.000-05:00

I must admit my experience with gypsies is limited, for the most part, to movies (particularly one character in Private Eyes - one of the funniest movies ever) and television. Aside from those media influences, some of the ladies in a group I traveled with in Scotland several years ago on a mission trip had the opportunity to spend a limited amount of time with a group of gypsies that was "living" near the church we worked with. Let me clarify, though. The gypsies we got to know were all women as the men would not step foot within a church or having anything to do with Christians. While the ladies spent a plethora of hours with the women, very little was shared about the gypsies. They were extremely unwilling to let anyone into their world.

Today, though, my experience with gypsies was broadened. I read a story that could be out of a spoof of the Sopranos: The Gypsy Mafia. Apparently in S. California, two clans are fighting it out, making the likes of even Tony Soprano proud. Also, the report goes on to say, nearly one million gypsies live in the United States. Here is the news story.

Also, the phrase "to gyp someone" is actually a racial statement stemming from prejudice against gypsies. I just realized that last year. Yes, it is a little more random trivia from my head.

boycotting and the golden compass...

2007-12-05T12:59:00.000-05:00

Often times, I think, Christians are known for what we are against more than what we are for. We're against: Disney, Homosexuality, Alcohol, Birth Control, Abortion, etc. The world knows what we are against. We don't have to tell them anything else. I remember a conversation with a woman in Scotland about Christianity. The first thing she said: "You Christians hate alcohol, right." She was amazed when I told her the Bible did not forbid alcohol. She had never heard that. She also had never heard about the grace and love of Christ for mankind, even those who imbibe! The world needs to be confronted with their sin, don't get me wrong, but I think all too often they hear condemnation coming from Christ's bride and do not hear about God's love and grace. The Gospel of Christ begins with God's holiness, love, mercy and grace and continues with the satisfaction of God's wrath toward our sin through Christ's sacrifice.

I think one of the reasons why so many know what we are against is because of concerted efforts to boycott things we do not agree with: Disney, Harry Potter and now The Golden Compass. The Golden Compass is a controversial movie releasing is based on a book series about man overthrowing a dementia-suffering god and his intellectually and sexually repressive regime (i.e. the church). Christians have been called upon to boycott this movie lest our nation attempt to overthrow god! There is even a group on Facebook calling Christians to boycott. Granted, there is a group on Facebook for just about everything.

Personally, in boycotting so many things, I think we miss an opportunity to dialogue about these movies and issues and even miss an opportunity to share the Gospel of Hope that we have in Christ. Do I plan on seeing the movie? No, but not because of any moral outrage. I do not think the movie looks that good and even looks a bit like a knock-off of The Chronicles of Narnia - which the series was written to "combat".

Paul (Pablo) Butterworth and Dr. R. Albert Mohler have both written about this topic, though, so I see no need to rehash. Check out what they have to say on the issue.

Like Dr. Mohler said, this movie is a great challenge to the Church. Perhaps, though, it is also an even greater opportunity. The same could also be said of many of the things we boycott and are so vocal against. Homosexuality provides an opportunity to proclaim God's grace, love and also His redemptive purpose in our lives. Abortion provides an opportunity for us, as the body of Christ, to walk alongside these women (and couples) helping them financially, emotionally, etc. in whatever ways we can.

why christmas gifts?

2007-12-03T14:08:00.000-05:00

Why do we give gifts at Christmas?

Over the past week or so I have asked a plethora of folk why we give gifts at Christmas. I have heard almost as many answers.

Because it's what we've always done.
Because Jesus received gifts from the wise men (Never mind the fact that that story is not part of the Christmas story as Jesus was anywhere from two to four years old when the Magi came).
Because it's fun.
Because Christmas is a time to show Christian charity upon others.
I don't know.
Because we are celebrating God giving us the greatest gift in Jesus.
Because God is the Great Giver, and being created in His image, we are to be generous also. Christmas is a time to acknowledge that and give gifts to others.

There were other answers as well along with many variations of the above. Personally, I am leaning towards the last answer right now. God is the Great Giver which is especially evident in the Christmas story. He gives perfectly and liberally (don't read into that work, you political pundits!). We, as humans, being created in the imago Dei should be generous givers as well. Through our giving, God's generosity to the world and to His church can be echoed and heard. It will be a shift in my thinking when buying gifts (for any occasion), though. I think I need to remember a few things:

1) God gave us a great gift in Jesus the Christ. His loving generosity is shown throughout the Christmas story. How generous are we at Christmas or any other time of the year. Are we more willing to shell out 1000 bones for a new HDTV rather than helping those in need? While it is not bad to have nice stuff, we need to be equally willing (if not more so) to give to others. I think this is a prime way to battle American/Western materialism.

2) God's gift in Jesus had enormous meaning. The entire life of Christ echoes back through the Old Testament and transformed all of human history. Our gifts, especially at Christmas, should have meaning. I am not saying all gifts should be homemade, but they should at least (pardon the expression) "be from the heart".

Why exchange gift cards? All we are doing is exchanging cash. I am not opposed to gift cards, though. Some friends gave Amy and I a gift card last year for Christmas with one stipulation: we had to spend it on something we wanted...not just something we needed. Their gift, a simple Target Gift Card, did have much thought and consideration attached to it.

We have to always try to give a gift that is equal in value to a gift we are being given. Why? So we don't feel indebted? What gift could we ever give God that would equal in value the one He gave us? How many times have we not planned on giving a gift until we receive one from someone? Christmas should not be a battle of human one-upmanship, but we cannot handle the concept of feeling "indebted" to someone we know (although Visa and MasterCard are okay!).

Have we ever given a gift in order that we might receive one in kind? I think this goes back to not wanting to feel "indebted" to another that we know.

While choosing a gift may be difficult and take time, isn't the person the gift is for worth it? We should put thought and meaning in our gifts to each other. Exactly how much thought goes into buying a gift card? The biggest decisions involved in that are how much and which card. One of my favorite Christmas gifts is one Amy and I received last year from one Pablo Butterworth. They were Christmas decorations from SE Asia which he picked up while on mission with God the previous summer. They had meaning: our mutual love of missions and Pablo's willingness to go serve others and God in an international setting.

3) God giving Jesus for man's redemption brought Him much pleasure. The Apostle Paul wrote, "For in Him [Christ], the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (Col 1.19). Giving gifts (at Christmas especially) should bring us great joy! There should be joy at seeing the expression on another's face when they open a gift that has meaning! There should be joy at blessing another when they did not expect it nor cannot repay!

4) Gifts really are not about the amount spent on them (see point 2). Amy was talking to a former co-worker a few weeks ago. The co-worker wished she had the money to buy her family everything they wanted so they could have a happy Christmas. How sad a situation that a happy Christmas depends on getting lots of stuff! Last year, Amy and I spent very little on each other due to budget constraints. We each got a stocking...that's it. BUT, it was one of the best Christmases I have ever had.

Christmas is more than presents...I think each of us can admit that. I think, though, after much thought and reflection, that Christmas without gifts loses some of its meaning. Giving gifts, I am convinced, helps us to honor Christ by reflecting and echoing the generosity God has displayed throughout human history, but especially 2000 (or so) years ago in Bethlehem. The gifts do not have to be an XBox 360 or anything that costs more than some macaroni noodles, glue and construction paper. They should have meaning and joy. They should draw each closer to Christ.

Why Christmas gifts? I think they help us see Christ in Christmas by reflecting God at that first Christmas. I think they help others see Christ as the beautiful, priceless that He is by receiving gifts that have meaning and thought behind them.

finding Christ in christmas...

2007-12-01T11:18:00.000-05:00

Why Christmas?

That is a question that has been turning in my head for over a week now. It all began Thanksgiving night when Amy and I were driving back from Nash-Vegas and began talking about Christmas. I know we should focus on Thanksgiving and not rush things talking about Christmas that early, but if retailers can have Christmas decorations up in August, we can discuss Christmas on Thanksgiving!

Let me first share some important background: Both of us are striving (or possibly meandering) toward a simpler lifestyle that is not hampered down by materialism, the American Dream, etc. She’s been a patient listener to my frustrations (read: utter disgust) with American politics, materialism, and the greed that makes capitalism work. We have discussed at length with others how to cultivate and keep a simple lifestyle and how to overcome the greed and materialism which we find so pervasive in our own lives. Simply put (no pun intended), we honestly desire to live a life that is more focused and that derives its meaning and purpose from Jesus the Christ than from stuff and other people.

That being said let us return to our discussion of Christmas. We have already discussed the “Santa Issue” and have previously decided not to teach our future offspring about Jolly Ole’ Saint Nick. We did not want to perpetuate the underlying thought of Santa: the Gift of Christmas (gifts of Christmas) will only come to good boys and girls. We did not want our children to feel like they have to earn our love or God’s love.

So…once again, back to our discussion of Christmas. The discussion was basically this: how can we avoid being caught in the materialism/commercialism of Christmas? In these postmodern times, Christmas is little more than a secular holiday in which we give bigger and better gifts than last year. I know this is a generalization, but I find myself, even if only a small part of me, caught in this frame of mind. The season begins earlier each year with more and more specials created to generate more revenue. Americans run up hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars of debt so that their families can have a happy Christmas. Christmas for so many is just a day for getting more stuff. It is not Christmas…it is X-Mas.

How can we avoid being caught in the materialism/commercialism of Christmas? I suggested forgoing gift giving and focusing on Christ. Amy disagreed and raised a valid point being raised about not offending family and friends by not giving or receiving gifts. It was then that I began asking questions aimed at our motivations:

Why do we give gifts at Christmas?
Why do we decorate at Christmas?
Why do we use these kinds of decorations at Christmas?
Why do we spend time with our families at Christmas?
and ultimately
Why do we celebrate Christmas?

The obvious answers are because it's what we do...it's what we always have done. The POMO (with a P - postmodern) in me hates that answer. Tradition for tradition's sake is useless at best and dangerous at worst. I do not want to answer my children's questions with a simple because. A meaningless answer is the result of meaningless reasons, traditions and, eventually, holidays. When they ask why we give gifts I want to say, "Oh, sweet child of mine, because we...."

These questions are important because the answers show us what Christmas is all about. If we gift gifts because we always have...do we celebrate our Saviour's birth because we always have? If we put up decorations because they look pretty and we like them...do we honor Christ because He's pretty and we like Him? If we spend time with families because it’s expected and makes us feel good…do we celebrate Christ because it’s expected and makes us feel like we’re doing the right thing?

Trust me, I am not saying we should abolish Christmas. I honestly love this time of year. I love Christmas movies, Christmas songs, Christmas smells…I do love the sounds, smells and sights Christmas dearly, but I have to address my motives behind those loves. Do I love them because of nostalgia (which is not bad), or do I love them because they lead me to reflect on God's Great Gift in Jesus the Christ? I think gifts, decorations, etc. can lead us to reflect upon Christ as long as our motivations for those things reflect Christ.

Amy and I are journeying toward Christ this Christmas. We’re not sure how we’ll get there or even when. We’ll probably start new traditions and continue others. We’re asking these questions to ourselves and other people. On Facebook, I am posing each of these questions, once a week, to get people’s answers. On this blog, I hope to do the same each week and give my thoughts and hopefully hear and post yours as well. My goal is that together, as friends and family, we can truly see Christ this Christmas.

-mike

my two favorite girls...

2007-11-30T22:08:00.000-05:00

This is Amy talking about bad drivers on the interstate. She's much happier and calm than I ever am when talking about them!

After much coaxing, Amy finally lets me take a posed picture!

Daisy's thinking: "You're really not gonna give me a cookie, are you?"

Daisy's ready to bite my face off!

Daisy...alway's ready for some lovin' and belly rubbin'!

Amy & Daisy...my two favorite girls!

further updates...

2007-11-28T12:59:00.000-05:00

Man, life is so stinkin' busy right now. My job at Westminster is going wonderful...I am lovin' it! With work, church/friends/family, traveling, etc...wowsers is all I can say. In addition to my new job, Amy started a new job this past Monday at New Hope Services in Jeffersonville, IN. So far, she is thoroughly enjoying it.

We just bought a digital camera this week, so I am hoping to post some pictures sometime this week. They'll probably be of Amy, Daisy the Dog (affectionally known as Boo Boo sometimes), and other stuff. I hope you enjoy.

Until then...

mike

a halloween joke

2007-10-26T14:28:00.000-04:00

Why did the zombie baby cross the road?

To wreak an unholy vengeance upon the driver of the car who's standing there, scratching his head, trying to figure out how a zombie baby's head can be beneath his car tires but the rest of the body is nowhere to be seen-- unless he were to turn around and notice the zombie baby body bearing down on him, coming ever closer, ready with grasping, pudgy zombie baby fingers to tear and rend at the flesh of this self-same driver who ran his head over, on the dark and rain-swept road that snakes down from the castle of the madman who's creating an army of zombie babies to do his dark, libidinal bidding.

Taken from:
http://jokes.comedycentral.com/random_joke.aspx?joke_id=10497

partisan Justice Department?

2007-10-24T08:26:00.000-04:00

Democrats have lashed out at the Justice Department for what they see as partisan targeting of Democratic candidates and officials for corruption investigations. Whether or not these allegations are true, though, we need to remember that many of those who have been "targeted" have been found "GUILTY" by a jury of their peers. The former Governor of Alabama took a $500,000 bribe. He's now serving a seven year jail sentence.

One thing Democrats need to think about: under the previous administration, was the Justice Department not told to look into churches who had supported Republican candidates and investigate whether or not they could remain not-for-profit? (Not that I think churches should in any way support a political candidate.) While the Justice department may be targeting Democrats, many of those are CORRUPT! Although that's never talked about. The United States government is more corrupt than any in Africa or South America, two continents whose nations are constantly accused of corruption. Perhaps we should point our finger at ourselves and solve our own corruption issues before leveling it at other countries.

What Republicans need to think about: could they stand up to the scrutinizing of their campaign finances? I doubt it. Actually, I am sure they couldn't. Both parties are equally corrupt and power-hungry, willing to sacrifice the entire nation to stay in power. They are both like toddler-bullies at a neighborhood playground. I'd say fire them all and start over, but we'd end up with a similar crowd within a couple of years. Stupid sin-corruption! Maybe the answer is term limits? Maybe the answer is Americans to stop being stupid and demand integrity from our elected officials!? Unfortunately, we would need to demand integrity from ourselves first, and that is unacceptable.

updates...

2007-10-11T11:31:00.000-04:00

Exciting Announcement: On Tuesday October 16, 2007 I will be working at Westminster/John Knox Press/Presbyterian Publishing Corporation as a Phone Rep. It's an extremely exciting move for me as I decided to leave the LifeWay Campus Store at Southern Seminary and move to the other end of the phone. I think the change will be good for me.

So for those on campus, you better say your goodbye's by Monday, otherwise you'll have to Email me, call me or Facebook me. Don't fret, though, I'll still be in the Louisville area.

is the first lady actually Judge Judy?

2007-05-08T21:04:00.000-04:00

Seriously. Watching American Idol tonight, I first thought Judge Judy (who was in the audience) was the first lady? Scary, eh?

worship slide from this past Sunday

2007-05-06T16:33:00.000-04:00

Chris, the teaching pastor at Crossroad Church, finished up a sermon series on Christian liberty. The final sermon was from 1 Cor. 10 and dealt with hot to discern what to do. When doing the worship slides, I created a title slide that he turned down. Great sorrow. I think it would have allowed for an interesting introduction.

satire

2007-05-01T13:37:00.000-04:00

While my dorktitude is extremely high because I put a Dilbert cartoon on my blog, I think it conveys a...true message about America and helping end poverty, etc. Do we really want to do these things if it means a true sacrifice on our part?

Are we willing to give up inexpensive products in order to help others have a living wage? Are Hollywood and Recording Stars willing to carpool in a Biodiesel bus to Award shows in order to save the environment? Are Believers in Christ willing to sacrifice everything in order to be obedient to Christ and share the gospel with people around the world? I'm not sure we can answer yes as quickly as we do...

stetzer goes to Lifeway...

2007-04-20T17:32:00.000-04:00

Ed Stetzer, the Missional Guru at the North American Mission Board, has accepted a position at LifeWay Research in Nashville, TN. Read the story here. I'm going to post some thoughts later about it.

a new member of the hilliard household?

2007-04-16T18:00:00.000-04:00

It looks like it is a good possibility that there will be a new addition to the hilliard family. No, we're not pregnant. We're getting a dog. She's a Boston Terrier and her name is Diamond. I have to figure out a way to change her name...Diamond sounds like a stripper or something. Perhaps someone from American Gladiator. She's cute...very cute. Amy says adorable:

So, barring any unforeseen complications, we should be able to pick her up tomorrow night or Thursday night at the latest. We're trying not to get our hopes up since every opportunity we've had to adopt a dog has fallen through because of some strange happenings. We'll see, though. We're crossing our fingers!

What do you think of the name "Beyonce" for a Boston Terrier? Hmmm...

spring?

2007-04-06T17:04:00.000-04:00

Snow. Yep, snow. Snow in April.

Okay, well, it was actually just flurries. But it was still mighty cold!

Here is a pic of a guy I work with, Matt (or Machu). He's from Florida and was scared his flight home would be canceled. Like I said...he's from Florida. To him this is probably a blizzard. Bless his heart. If you look closely at the picture and magnify it 10x you can even see the snowflake. Mind you, it is just ONE snowflake!

Snow...thank you, Global Warming!

at the foot of the cross...

2007-03-31T12:27:00.000-04:00

As we enter the Passion this coming week, there is a CD that has been playing a lot in our car. One of the best songs (in my humble opinion) is this one from Don Moen. I hope these words express your heart as they do mine.

At the foot of the cross
Where grace and suffering meet
You have shown me Your love
Through the judgment You received

And You've won my heart
And You've won my heart
Now I can

Trade these ashes in for beauty
And wear forgiveness like a crown
Coming to kiss the feet of mercy
I lay every burden down
At the foot of the cross

At the foot of the cross
Where I am made complete
You have given me life
Through the death you bore for me

And You've won my heart
And You've won my heart
Now I can

Trade these ashes in for beauty
And wear forgiveness like a crown
Coming to kiss the feet of mercy
I lay every burden down
At the foot of the cross

one of the coolest persons ever...

2007-03-29T18:08:00.000-04:00

An event happened at the bookstore the other day that has put someone at the top of my Coolest People Ever list. The person is C.J. Mahaney, and the complete story can be read on one of my coworker's blogs, Gretchen Reads 24/7. Check it out and tell me I am wrong about C.J. being one of the coolest people ever...

lent: an attempt at simple living

2007-03-01T17:23:00.000-05:00

Lent. It is the season before Easter; 40 week days to be exact. Throughout much of Church history believers have fasted during this time. It's not a Roman Catholic thing; it's a Christ-follower thing.

This year, my wife and I have decided to fast together. We are going without something during this time that will make life...quieter. We have fasted from television. I did not realize how difficult it would be. American Idol is just beginning. Battlestar Galactica is getting crazy. House is...well, House is House! Plus, I am amazed how easy it is just to sit down, turn on the tube and surf the cable waves for mind numbing entertainment.

Lent has come, though. Gone is the television remote. Time has returned to the Hilliard household. It's been spent in conversation together...meaningful time with others...meaningful time with God...reading...and blogging. This year, for me, Lent is not just a season of fasting and remembering the Lord Jesus' sacrifice. It is a season to being living simpler. I'm not saying television is all bad. I still plan to watch a few shows after Easter.

Hopefully this season will bring renewed relationships with God and man. Hopefully it will bring a greater sense of simple living. Hopefully we won't veg in front of the television when other, more productive things could be done. Hopefully the time spent watching television will be filled with the reading and meditation on God's Word, prayer and cultivating the love we have for Christ.

Fasting: verb - subtracting one thing from life one will miss and replacing it with something...more valuable.

Wow...this post sounds very Doogie Howserish...or maybe a Lent card.

--mike

recipe share

2007-02-28T00:32:00.000-05:00

Buffalo Chicken Dip

We made this dish this past weekend for our community group and took the leftovers to a friend's house the next evening. Needless to say...none was left. It was kind of sad, too. Mike was looking forward to having some for lunch on Monday. Ce la vie!

4-5 chicken breasts (approximately 40 oz)
16 oz cream cheese (two packages)
8 oz Blue Cheese Dressing or Ranch Dressing
12 oz of Frank's Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce
2 cups (16 oz) of Shredded Sharp Cheddar

Boil the chicken and shred it. (It's easy enough just pulling it with your hands)
Add the Cream Cheese (room temperature), Dressing and Buffalo Wing Sauce.
Mix all together.
Put into a casserole dish.
Top with Cheddar Cheese.

Bake at 350 Degrees for 30 minutes.

Serve with Tortilla Chips and enjoy!

changes

2007-02-28T00:25:00.000-05:00

Finally...the blog is finally done. Well, at least a vast majority of it. The new blogger has not been so cooperative with me in the design process. Hence the move back to classic blogger (sounds like an old atari game where you jumped across logs...). I know it's like a month and a half past the go live point...but seriously, folks, aren't the best things in life worth waiting for? If so, then surely this blog you seldom read is worth it too, right? Right? *cricket sounds*

There are other updates we have planned for the blog and promise to let you know when they arrive on the scene.

Within the next few days I plan to have several posts and updates uploaded to disciples' refuge.
We're planning to post a recipe, a quoteworthy, and some other stuff that we think is pretty cool. Hopefully you will too.

re-visioneering a blog

2007-01-06T18:38:00.000-05:00

It's been so stinkin' long since I've actually posted a post (is that redundant?) on this blog that I've debated on more than one occasion whether or not to just delete the thing that is a disciple's refuge and start anew. When Amy and I were engaged (yes, I'm married now...a shocker to all who read, I'm sure), we set up a blog that I had planned to continue....

Then I began thinking about this one...the original...ahhh, nostalgia. Could I really delete the blog that had so many thoughts about nothing on it? Would the internet just crash and burn if I hit the "Delete This Blog" button on the dashboard? I think it just might...and for that reason (along with others), I've decided to not press the button which would destroy the internet and throw Western Civilization into a new Dark Age. Instead, I've begun a process of re-visioneering a blog (hence the title of this post).

So here goes...

re-visioneering a name: disciples' refuge (see disciple is no longer singular...this is a place for my new wife--as if I had an old one, and I to post.)

re-visioneering a vision: sharing our life and thoughts, our wanderings and wonderings.

re-visioneering a concept: disciples' refuge will not be the home for the rantings of a crazy guy like it's predecessor. It will be a place where my wife and I will share things about our life together, our thoughts, pictures, recipes, hams, etc.

So...yeah...all this to say that Friday, January 12 at some time in the afternoon, a newer, better, re-visioneered blog will emerge from the ashes of a disciple's refuge. It's name will be written on the top task bar of your internet browsing screen for all the world to see (except those in the People's Republic of China where the government is attempting to limit and prevent the flow of information in an attempt to continue an outdated and outmoded quasi-communist/socialist/free-market goverment). See you then.

--mike (and Amy, who is watching over Mike's shoulder making sure he doesn't do anything...stupid.)

communion

2006-03-22T23:33:00.000-05:00

candles lit
the flames throwing dimly dancing lights
across the faces of the family
gathered together
to worship and
to commune
with God, with each other.

together
songs are sung;
instruments are played.
the Word of Yahweh is read;
eyes are closed.
they worship God together.

the Presence of the Holy One
permeates the worship space
filling the minds and hearts
of those gathered.
they are on holy ground.

the family knees
reflecting on the sacrifice of the Son
the love of the Father
under the guidance of the Spirit.

eat the bread of Life
drink of the vine of Christ
symbols of sacrifice.

remembrance of what has been done;
of the love that has redeemed us.

communion

celtic blessing

2006-03-14T23:50:00.000-05:00

May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

--mike

Síochán leat! --Peace Be With You

high holy week

2006-03-13T23:47:00.000-05:00

In honor of the week leading up to the Most High of Holy Days, St. Patrick's Day, I will be posting all kinds of Celtic--Scottish and Irish, thoughts, poems, prayers, art, etc. so that we can better understand the greatest civilization that has ever lived: The Celtic World (that world being spread predominantly over two nations: Ireland and Scotland).

The picture to the right is from the Book of Kells, arguably one of the most beautiful illuminated texts of all of Christendom. There is no piece of artwork that is duplicated and the entire work was done by hand by Celtic Monks on the Isle of Iona.
I hope you have a great High Holy Week and that the wisdom and love and history of the Irish and Scottish peoples would bless you. After all...God did create whiskey to keep the Irish from ruling the world.

You are the peace of all things calm
You are the place to hide from harm
You are the light that shines in dark
You are the heart's eternal spark
You are the door that's open wide
You are the guest who waits inside
You are the stranger at the door
You are the calling of the poor
You are my Lord and with me from ill
You are the light, the truth, the way
You are my Saviour this very day.
--Celtic Prayer of Praise

--mike

Síochán leat! --Peace Be With You

new way of salvation...

2006-03-12T00:11:00.000-05:00

Apparently we were all wrong about that whole committing your life to Christ and trusting Him for our salvation. Boy do we have egg on our face. All one has to do is buy this consultant's casket.

Now that's what I call marketing. I wonder if this will be the replacement of televangelists. Instead of getting prayer cloths or TBN Nightlight, one could just send a check in and get a casket. My question: do you have to be buried in it or do you just have to own it?

Mmmm...that's a good word.

--mike

the call of the wild

2006-03-11T00:36:00.000-05:00

I'm currently reading through some of William Butler Yeats' poetry--one of my favorite poets of all time. Turning the pages, I came across the first poem I had ever read of his, Lake Isle of Innisfree. I read it and a longing to leave the hustle of a city and the busy-ness of my modern life and traverse to Innisfree welled up inside of me.

Imagine awaking to a scene like this, the sun cresting over the mountains, burning through the fog and reflecting off the lake. Your breath is taken away by the beauty of it...and you sit; speechless at the morning beauty God has created and brought to you this morning.

I will arise now and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there of clay and wattles made:
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of linnet's wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart's core.

until Christ is formed in us...

--mike

reuters pic of Vice-President Cheney

2006-03-10T12:01:00.000-05:00

Yeah...I chuckled a bit then thought about the lack of objectivity in journalism today--it possibly COULD have been a mistake....
Honestly, though, could he look any more unfriendly? Regardless of our political ideologies, he looks like a dog ready to attack the reporters. Grrr...

--mike

the McPassion...Prepare for the Second Helping

2006-03-09T00:02:00.000-05:00

I came across this movie. Quite entertaining. It went live on Ash Wednesday and will continue to be up through midnight on Holy Saturday, April 15. There is an interview with the director here if you desire to see his heart. His concern is the marketing that goes on within the church for things, especially when it came to The Passion of the Christ. One couldn't be a fine, upstanding, God-fearing Christian unless they went to see it (I think that's in the Bible...right next to the part where Christians must always vote Republican.) Anyways, I hope you enjoy the flick...I know I sure did. All you have to do is click here and it links to the movie.

I think so Brain...but if they called them sad meals...nobody would buy them. --Pinky

until Christ is formed in us...

--mike

email from a friend...

2006-03-08T00:18:00.000-05:00

Last night I received the following from a friend and brother. He's been diagnosed with MS as of last week and sent out an email updating his friends and family about his condition, direction of treatment and what God is doing through the situation. Each of us on this planet has dealt with crap in life, is dealing with crap in life or soon will be dealing with crap in life (many of us fall into all three categories). Bradford's email was an encouragement to me and I pray it is to you also. Please pray for him and his wife, Elicia.

until Christ is formed in us...

--mike

Dear friends and family:

Many of you probably know by now that on Thursday March 2nd, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). For some information on this disease, you can check out http://www.nationalmssociety.org. Our doctor told us to stay on the ".edu" or ".org" sites when investigating medical issues on the internet. Basically, MS is a disorder that comes about when the immune system attacks a person’s central nervous system. As a result, the coating of nerve tissues is stripped and communication is interrupted between the brain and areas which the CNS affects. MS has no cure and there are several different forms of it. It affects no two people the same, so it is a wait and see approach to learn how the symptoms manifest in my body. I feel really good right now, except for numbness and tingling on the right side of my body. Some inflammation in my brain caused some minor short term memory loss and slurred speech. MS can give me a good excuse for losing stuff now!! The symptoms have been more aggravating than painful. I am taking an aggressive round of steroids daily at my home via an i.v. My neurologist is hoping that the steroids will minimize the inflammation of my brain, so that
my symptoms will subside. After the steroids, I will take an injection every other day for the rest of my life or until they find a cure that will hopefully minimize or stop the effects of MS The medical research in the past 15 years has made multiple sclerosis a much less scary disease. The doctors tell us that it shouldn't affect life expectancy and that 75% of the people with M.S. do not have to use a wheel chair. In fact, some cases can be totally controlled.

In spite of all of this good medical news, our trust is not in statistics or in medical reports. It is in the sovereign God of the universe. We are humbled that our small present difficulties pale in comparison to what many of you are going through and what many of you have been through. However, our hope is that we can encourage others with the hope that we have by telling you what we have learned.

God has been good in giving us a reminder of the reality of the time between the times, when creation is groaning for reconciliation and redemption. Right now the universe is broken and filled with sin. One day it will be perfectly restored. The breaking down of my body has reminded me of my falleness as part of a rebellious creation and Adam's seed, and of the only One that did not suffer sin, death, or decay. It is a refresher that I am part of this falleness, and that I am in desperate need of a savior. It urges me toward hope in a final resurrection of the body in which sin, disease, and sickness shall be no more. It points me to a Christ that has
and will crush sin, death, and Satan under the weight of His foot. It directs me to the gospels, where the witnesses of Jesus' miracles ask, "Who is it that the elements of nature obey, that casts out demons, and who heals sickness?” The resounding sound of the scripture answers "The Lord Mighty in battle!" I have been reminded that this is not our home and that the sovereign God of the universe is working His plan out according to his good pleasure and will. I have been encouraged by Job that we should accept good and adversity from the hand of the Lord. Paul has exhorted me that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. His own perspective is that God does this so that we might not rely on ourselves, but on Him who raises the dead. Paul understands
that God's power is made perfect in his weakness. How sweet it is to meditate on the goodness, wisdom, and sovereignty of our Abba Father!

It brings no hope to Elicia or myself to hear of a God that could not have prevented me from acquiring multiple sclerosis. Can the Ruler of the universe not prevent evil, suffering, and sickness? The answer according to the scripture is emphatically, "yes." While we know that sin, death, and evil came about because of man's rebellion, we must remember that God's sovereign hand oversees even those things. Look to the book of Job and see how much power Satan has apart from God's allowance. Job attributes his suffering to the plan and design of God. Throughout scripture, we see this. When Joseph was sold into slavery, nearly murdered, and thrown in prison as a result of his brothers’ sin, he declares "what you meant for evil, God meant for good." In other words, God uses evil, suffering, sickness, and death to accomplish His purposes. He is not author of these things, but is in control of them. Paul sees his trials in 2 Corinthians 1 as instruments
from the hand of the Lord to teach him to rely on God. The greatest example of God using evil and suffering is in the crucifixion of Jesus. In their own rebellion and sin, the hard-hearted Pharisees horrifically crucified Jesus. However, We read: "this Man [Jesus], delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. "But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. Acts 2:23-24 (NASB)"

Do you see it? Man is still responsible for his sin, but God is in control of all things. Where would we be without God's plan to use evil to accomplish His purpose on the cross?

Another problematic question we often have in relating to suffering concerns personal sin. Personal sin at the root of suffering is always a possibility because we know that God disciplines His children when they rebel, and He does this in various ways. However, we must see in scripture (i.e. Job, Paul, apostles, etc.) that God uses trials and sufferings to bring himself glory and to make us more like Christ (Romans 8). It is clear that sickness and suffering is a part of the fallen world, not personal sin necessarily. Sin and sickness are ultimately a result of man's sin in the fall and now sin reigns. People who say that it is always God's will to heal his
children are exactly right. The only problem with this type of teaching is that it promises healing in this world. When we consider the Christians of the past who have died, we can conclude that God didn't heal them in this life. So did God forsake them? No, this world is fallen, and, yes, sometimes God heals, but sometimes he doesn't (see Paul's thorn in the flesh). Our prayer should be that God would be glorified in our healing. We should pray for healing! However, we must remember that ultimately healing comes in the new heaven and new earth. When God promises physical healing, sometimes it is in this life and sometime it will be fulfilled in heaven. We are waiting for the moment that Jesus will return and stomp out Satan, sin, and death forever. Until then, we live in a broken world
and it is not always God's will to heal a believer in this world.

In light of all this truth, I want to encourage you to believe with us that God is in control of all things, and He knows what is best for His children. Ultimate comfort comes when we rest in knowing that not a sparrow falls from the sky apart from His will and that he cares more for us than the sparrow. Please pray for my healing. Please pray for Elicia, who is the most wonderful wife and encourager that I know. But more than that, pray that God's name would be glorified through our battle with MS and that people would come to know the Lord. His purposes can be mysterious, but we know that He is good. We love you and appreciate your prayers and encouragement so much. Please forward this on to anyone that might be interested. We hope that you will be encouraged in your own personal suffering to trust in God.

In Christ,

Brad and Elicia

the family walking on all fours together...

2006-03-07T17:26:00.000-05:00

So apparently there is a family in Turkey that all bear-walk. They don't do it just to play around...it's how they walk. All the time. Everywhere. The news report from the UK's Daily Mail says they are actually unable to walk upright (although two can walk upright for a short amount of time). Yeah, it's not a hoax like I first thought. "Study of the five has shown the astonishing behaviour is not a hoax and they are largely unable to walk otherwise. "

Scientists see this Kurdish family of five on fours as a bridge, a link to discover the moment we, as humans, began walking upright. This family could be a key to discovering our evolutionary heritage and history. Here's the clincher: they are all mentally handicapped.

Scientists, apparently, now believe humans evolved from mentally retarded quadruped, possibly in the region of Turkey. News story at eleven--actually BBC2 will air a documentary on the family Friday, March 17th. Those of us in the States are out of luck. We'll have to settle for the print versions of our ancestors.

--mike

four things...

2006-03-07T00:52:00.000-05:00

4 jobs i've held (no particular order):

1. Resident Leader (an RA at other schools)
2. Bookstore Assistant Manager
3. Camp Director
4. Data Input Peon for a Economic Research Group...snoozer, I know.

4 movies i can watch over and over :

1. Braveheart
2. To End All Wars
3. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
4. Goonies

4 places i've lived :

1. Nashville, TN
2. Louisville, KY
3. Brentwood, TN
4. various small towns in Tennessee for one to two weeks each for four summers...

4 places i've been on vacation:

1. Scotland
2. Alaska
3. Arizona/New Mexico
4. Myrtle Beach

4 favorite dishes :

1. Haggis
2. Gyros
3. Sushi
4. Fajita Nachos com Pollo (L'ville Mexican!)

4 websites I visit (almost) daily:

1. drudgereport.com
2. blogger.com
3. homestarrunner.com
4. ecampus.sbts.edu

4 places I'd rather be right now:

1. Scotland
2. New York City
3. England
4. the West Coast

--mike

simpsons...live action!

2006-03-06T23:23:00.000-05:00

I saw this online...definitely funny. It was done in the UK and took close to a year and a half to make--way too long...perhaps this is the beginning of a Simpsons Live Action Feature.

Let's hope not. Seriously, though, you think they could have done better casting!

--mike

tears of a clown

2006-03-04T14:20:00.000-05:00

Louisville, Kentucky. (DRP) This weekend Southern Seminary is hosting a Creative Ministries Conference on its campus and, wonder of wonders, I had the opportunity to work in the bookstore. What this means, in reality, is 1400 extra people on campus, many of them in costume--clown costumes. There are officially many more clowns on campus than ever before!

Irony of ironies, though, I've honestly never heard so many screaming children in my life--okay, perhaps I am embellishing some, but not much. Isn't ironic, don't you think, that many people's, including children's, worst fears is a person who, by nature and vocation, desires to make children happy and laugh. The thoughts of a circus would not be blissful ones of acrobats, incarcerated animals doing tricks in tutus or of watching freakish hairy women while eating peanuts. They would be a nightmarish thought of clowns, clowns, clowns everywhere; a nightmare to rival that of Samara or that freaky Asian kid from The Grudge. Great sorrow is the one who is scared of clowns...

Honestly, though, shouldn't there be some kind of class at the Conference to help clowns deal with this kind of rejection. Imagine you are attempting to spread happiness, laughter and joy to an abundance of children only to have several of them screaming at the top of their lungs. You're trying to tell them your name is not Pennywise but to no avail; they scream on. Your attempts to entertain and give children a needed, surreal break from reality has failed. You, my friend, as a clown, a bearer of goodness, have failed. Hi, I'm Blinkey and I'm a failed clown. Hellow Blinkey...we all fail down here, Blinkey!

Surely there is some kind of support group for these clowns who cannot handle the exact opposite reaction they hoped to encounter; grief, fear and sorrow in abundance where gladness, happiness and joy were to be. If they do not offer a coping class at this conference, they truly need to. We should write our representatives to make sure this issue is addressed.

Although, this could be a new, good technique for evangelizing children. Send in the clowns and scare the mess out of some yard-gnomes and then tell them hell is full of clowns. "No one want to go to hell, do they?" After the tear-streaked faces all shake their heads a resounding no, then an evangelist could present the gospel of Jesus--no need for hell, kiddos! We could call it "Get Jesus or Get Clowned!" Excellent.

until Christ is formed in us...

--mike

DISCLAIMER: In all seriousness, though, I have seen some very good ministry to children done by clowns, so I do not mean to offend with my cheek. If you are involved in a clown ministry, continue on. Do not let a few, misguided Stephen King infected children and adults derail you. You do make us laugh and bring us joy.

Send in the clowns!

lent

2006-03-03T15:54:00.000-05:00

Lent is here. I don't mean little bits of fuzz found in one's belly button, by the way. Lent is a time of fasting the forty days before Easter, set aside so one can reflect upon the Passion and Resurrection. I think it is a discipline/practice/tradition lost in most Protestant churches--especially Baptists. Fasting in general is a lost art within most of our churches. We say it is for monks, Christian or Tibetan we cannot remember.

Several years ago I was introduced to the whole concept of fasting and Lent. It seemed foreign, but strangely mystical to me (is that redundant--strangely mystical?). Originally, I must confess, I practiced it because it seemed like something cool to do; somewhat different than what the other Christians I knew were doing. Yes, I got called Catholic by many, including my Pastor at the time. This, I think, though, made me want to observe it all the more and fast in more exotic ways and from other things. I've fasted from television, movies, meat, all beverages except water, etc. I've had a friend fast from processed sugar before--I wasn't sure she was going to make it at times!

This year, beginning this past Ash Wednesday, I began another time of fasting before Easter. My goal is not to brag or become a Super Christian or get in touch with my ancient, vintage Christian roots. My goal is simply to fast; to go without something, replacing it with a greater devotion to God, His Word and my relationship to Him.

It's not to late to begin, you know. Well, actually, it somewhat is. Ash Wednesday is several days past, but feel free to join me in this fast until Easter Sunday. No pressure, of course.

until Christ is formed in us...

--mike

some thoughts on christian music...

2006-02-27T17:22:00.000-05:00

I've been listening to Derek Webb's new CD Mockingbird over the past month. It is an incredible project. While I may not agree with him on some of the songs, the lyrics of the songs are crafted very well. Ranging from love songs to social ministries to Lordship to political commentary, it could pretty much offend most people on a variety of levels. Rich Young Ruler, the fifth track, is probably my favorite. I think musically and lyrically it is the most poignant and thought provoking song no the album.

Working in a Christian bookstore, though, has proven interesting because of Webb's CD. I displayed in prominently on an endcap and one of the managers took it down and refused to even put it on the shelf. His reasoning: it's not Christian. "There's nothing worshipful or Christian in this whole CD" he said in his Eastern Tennessee accent. This led to a discussion on what makes something Christian, especially in regards to music and books. He would lean closer to the view that something must be explicitly and visibly gospel-centered.

My thinking, conversely, is that if the music is not blasphemous in its message or the content of the book is not blasphemous, then it could be considered Christian. A Christian who writes long songs should be carried in a Christian bookstore; after all, does the love relationship between a man and women not reflect the love relationship between Christ and His Bride? Songs about depression, hardship, politics or many other things can be Christian (heck, read the Psalms!). We are so careful to narrow what could be called Christian, it must have an explicit reference to God, Christ, etc. It seems, to a point, that we'll listen to anything Christian, regardless of quality or substance, as long as it has "christian" lyrics. This has led to many badly written songs and books with people who seem to have little or no talent and, at times, are not even attempting to glorify God in any way, shape or form.

Wow...I really didn't mean to rant and rave this long. Pent up frustration, I guess. On a bright side Plumb's new album just released and it is actually pretty good. The vocals are incredible and the songwriting is much deeper than ever. If I were you, and I know I'm not, I'd check it out.

I'll leave you with the lyrics from my favorite track on Webb's new album. Enjoy.

until Christ is formed in us...

Rich Young Ruler
Derek Webb

poverty is so hard to see
when it’s only on your tv and twenty miles across town
where we’re all living so good
that we moved out of Jesus’ neighborhood
where he’s hungry and not feeling so good
from going through our trash
he says, more than just your cash and coin
i want your time, i want your voice
i want the things you just can’t give me

so what must we do
here in the west we want to follow you
we speak the language and we keep all the rules
even a few we made up
come on and follow me
but sell your house, sell your suv
sell your stocks, sell your security
and give it to the poor
what is this, hey what’s the deal
i don’t sleep around and i don’t steal
i want the things you just can’t give me

because what you do to the least of these
my brother’s, you have done it to me
because i want the things you just can’t give me

nothing blue under the sun...

2006-02-25T14:26:00.000-05:00

This past Wednesday, Dr. Mark Coppenger, faculty member at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, gave what was called a "Grandpa's Look at Blue Like Jazz". Although I did not attend the lecture, several friends did. At this point, I've gotten mixed reviews about it. I've now listened to it online and think it was less of a book review and more of a hit at Donald Miller and the "neo-liberalism" his book prescribes.

I am actually very disappointed in this turn of events. I find Dr. Coppenger a very intelligent man and was actually hoping he would give the book fair treatment, which wasn't the case in my opinion. He seemed to just use a lot of rhetoric and throw out some "witty" opinions about the book.

You can read David Brandt's thoughts on it here, or you can read Joe Thorn's thoughts here.

Also, you can listen to the lecture. Be forwarned, download times might be snailish!

until Christ is formed in us...

weekend update...

2005-12-18T22:49:00.000-05:00

I think I'm tired of driving and traveling from this weekend. That's the big announcement; sorry to those who thought the big announcement was that I discovered the fun in fundamentalist dogma.

Friday night we took the youth from church tubing at Perfect North. It was...well...freakin' awesome! I think I went don ten or twelve times during the two hours we were there and I swear we hit 70 going down one of the tracks. Seriously. I also had the experience of my hair looking quite crazy and frozen from the snow that got in it. That was...interesting?

I got back home around five in the morning and got a couple of hours of sleep before work. Then, Sunday, I traveled down to Nash-vegas to have Christmas with some of my mom's family. It was small this year...only thirty-five people (I have like twenty-eight cousins on my mom's side--and no, I'm not Greek!). Finished up there, took Amy around Nashville and took the trek back home to the 'ville.

I think I've driven more this weekend than I've slept...I'm sure that can't be good.

I'll leave you with this link, though. Tony Jones, the National Director for Emergent Village was in my neck of the woods doing a lecture at Boyce College and Southern Seminary. Check out the coverage of his visit here.

until Christ is formed in us...

mike

saving the world and solving it's problems

2005-12-15T22:57:00.000-05:00

My friend Quinton and I meet once a week for accountability and just to talk through stuff in life. Usually it's also a time where we know we'll be able to hang out with each other with our hectic, modern lives. A prime example is in that we haven't been able to meet for two weeks due to work schedules and a musical I was in this past weekend.

Anyways, we met earlier today to talk about what life has dealt since we last met. Each of us had joys, struggles, and strange happenings (me moreso than him...I wonder why that is). We talked about our respective relationships, work, church and stuff.

Eventually, when we were done "venting" to and encouraging each other, the conversation somehow steered towards government, a government's role in everyday life and the United Nations (which led to me poking fun at dispensationalists--all in love, though, I assure you!). We both agree that the government is not the one that is supposed to be doing social work and "ministry", but that the church is to be the one meeting the needs of people in need.

There's a problem, though. Most churches aren't doing it. Many have food pantries for the families who ask...but what about the many who don't? In addition, I'm a selfish Christian and I don't think I'm the only one. I want my money for the "things" I want and need instead of giving it away. How far many of our churches have strayed from the model in Acts where "all things were common" among the believers.

As the church is not doing what it is designed to do, the need is there and not being met. Therefore the government takes the role--at least, that was the point I made. If the church is not offering education, etc, either the government must or it won't be done. This isn't the only area where another organization is picking up the church's slack. Para-church organizations are abundant because local churches are either not doing what is necessary or are not networking together to accomplish these things.

Look at the world before mandatory education or social services. If one was poor, they stayed poor--along with most of their descendants. You would not be educated. If you couldn't work, you begged, depended upon charity or starved to death. There was no hope of advancement...only hope of survival and more hard work if it could be found. A government funding education, mandating education and funding social services has created a bloated bureaucracy, yes, but it also has created SOME upward mobility and hope to many. (I'm not going to talk about how bad the education system is in the U.S. or the lack of upward mobility for minorities...that's for a rant for another day.) The government, because of the need not being met, has become necessary.

We land at that same problem as before, though. Should the government be collecting taxes and dispersing our "wealth" to those without? My Southern mind says "Absolutely not!" but the compassionate person in me wars with that statement. Christ does not desire starvation for people. He desires for needs to be met and has designed the church to do so (as part of reconciling the world to God through Christ) and if the church is failing to do so....should the government?

Our first thought to solve the problem was for the government to stop all the pork barrel projects from Congress...then we decided that wasn't going to happen. Then we thought the government should just stop collecting those taxes, and let people volunteer their money to help others. That would be the ideal situation. Man helping man out of love, compassion and empathy.
The problem with that, though, is that we're fallen. We're selfish. We desire to do nothing good--unless it serves us in some way. Honestly...how many would voluntarily give twenty percent of their income to help another person? Greed is a mighty enemy to fight, especially when selfishness has his back.

Then we decided to offer tax incentives to entice people to give. (I also thought about just guilting people into it, but that sounded too much like legalism and how most churches encourage tithing!) If we could get something out of it...sure...then we'd give generously...well, maybe just give.

That, though, leads to yet another problem. Corruption in the church (yes, I did say the church) and other humanitarian organizations is a disease that plagues the poor and any aid given to help them. How much of the "donations" and "tithes" would be either misspent or embezzled? Just look at the UN's Oil for Food scandal! SG Kofi Annan won't say anything because he's up to his waders in the crap! Or look at debt relief and poverty relief to developing nations. They money rarely gets to people who need it because it's stolen by corrupt governments, officials, agencies, or companies. I wholeheartedly support the ONE campaign, but my question is this: how does it get to the people?

That's where Q and I arrived at in the end. All of our solutions just led to more problems. The solutions to poverty, disease and hunger all are combated and overcome at times by sin--even within the church! What is the answer? Perhaps the person who solves this riddle is the most deserving of a Nobel Prize...or perhaps will be the Anti-Christ in the Left Behind books ( a joke...a joke).... Seriously, though, we need to think about this problem. People are dying of starvation and malnourished every day across the globe. We MUST help, but at the same time...are we helping when giving to organizations that will just squander the money? That's yet another question.

Let me offer some hope, though. There are some organizations which are financially accountable to groups beyond themselves. World Vision and The World Hunger Fund of the International Mission Board are two organizations I trust and would recommend. The ONE campaign also has promise, but, I think, has serious issues with how to disperse the funds. Seriously, though, if the problem of world poverty, hunger and disease are to be tackled, these two groups will not be enough. Financial accountability? Spiritual accountability?

until Christ is formed in us...

mike

a confession of saint/sinner michael

2005-09-14T17:08:00.000-04:00

I just finished reading Augustine’s Confessions for class. It is an incredible piece of literature and a phenomenal story of a corrupt, evil man saved by Christ. Throughout most of the book, I thought I had written it last week. Instead, one of our church fathers penned it so long ago. He was a sinner who struggled with self, who struggled with contentment and fulfillment, who struggled with "easy belief-ism" and who struggled with finding who he was. Can anyone else identify with that?

One of the biggest things I took from the book was finding contentment. So many of us, myself included, desire to do great things. Few actually set their sights on being a garbage man (or a Waste Management Professional) or some other “low” goal (not to insult or downplay any man’s vocation). We desire to be “successful” and make a good income and provide for our family. We desire to have a job that is meaningful, fulfilling and challenging. We ALL desire to do something great.

As Christians, we are not exempt from this. We desire to do something great...only we justify it by saying we want to do something great for God. We want to lead thousands to Christ. We want to lead an incredible small group. We want to help in a dynamic, strong youth group. We want to be the founding pastor of the next Saddleback. Do any of us want to be the church janitor, though?

That’s where I am right now. I desire to do something great for God. I want to reach postmoderns for Christ. I want to be involved in an enormously effective and contextualized postmodern church plant. I desire to see Scotland and the entire United Kingdom won to Christ. That’s my great thing. It’s not selfish, is it? I want to see people come to Christ. I want to see God glorified. I want to see great things done, yes, but done for God. Is that bad?

I want to say not, but there is a question continues to haunt me. Would I be content being a janitor or trashman? When I ask myself the question...the answer is no. I don’t want to be a trashman. I don’t want to do what I consider very insignificant. I want to do great things. I want my life to mean something big. I want people to remember me after I’m gone and to talk highly of me..and there’s the rub. My desire for great things for God is really about myself. I want to do great things so I can be perceived as great and worthwhile. I’m sure I’m the only one this applies to, right?

Let me caveat what I am saying with this: I’m not saying that anyone who does anything great is a bad person. I am not saying anything about anyone but myself in this. I’m not a fan of megachurches, but I am not saying any of the leaders in those churches are selfish or have wrong motives.

So what am I saying? I am finding my fulfillment in doing great things instead of in Christ. I am finding worth and value in my desire for greatness instead of in God. I can honestly say that I probably wouldn’t be content (or even consider, for that matter) being a janitor or trashman—even one living a life in total surrender and honor to God. It’s the influx of Western culture and it's idea of fulfillment in my life. It’s the infestation of a Western view of success into my mind. It’s the infection of sin and selfishness in my heart.

I need my idea of success to be re-evaluated. I need my concepts of contentment and fulfillment to be transformed. I need to constantly be presented with the gospel of Christ and allow it to change me, to defeat self (read: me), and to break my heart. I need Jesus to teach me how to be content in humility and humble surroundings and to find my fulfillment in His love for me. I need my Savior to lead me and teach me to be content as a trashman—as one living my life in total surrender and honor to Christ and finding fulfillment in Him alone. Perhaps that is the great thing I need to strive for....

until Christ is formed in us...

--mike

linkage

2005-09-07T08:23:00.000-04:00

I was reading a friend's blog today and thought you might enjoy reading it. We are in a mission class which we have "affectionately" dubbed Advanced Issues in Missing the Point or Advanced Issues in Emergent Bashing depending on how class goes. His post is on Blue Like Jazz which is being read on my residence hall like wildfire and causing somewhat of a stir among the student body here at Boyce.

Pablo's Article

new monasticism link

2005-09-03T14:10:00.000-04:00

Last week I wrote about the Christianity Today article on "neo-monasticism". The article was not online yet, but I found it this morning. It's definitely an interesting and challenging article.

The New Monasticism

--mike

2005-08-30T00:39:00.000-04:00

Alas and did my savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I?

Was it for sins that I have done
He suffered on the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut His glory in
When Christ, the great Redeemer died
For man the creature's sin.

Was it for sins that I have done
He suffered on the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!

Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt mine eyes to tears.

But drops of grief can ne'er repay
The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give my self away
'Tis all that I can do.

Was it for sins that I have done
He suffered on the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!

bittersweet evening...

2005-08-25T22:28:00.000-04:00

Bittersweet. That is the word I would use to describe my evening tonight. We had the last single, large community group for our college ministry. It's been an incredible summer going through Christ's I AM statements in John, having intense small group time and praying together. God has grown the group, though, to the point that we have to split off and form another group. The house we are meeting in is becoming very tight, and not in the ghetto sense! People are being invited and we are growing more than we expected. That's a definite plus, but the downer is it feels like the relationships we've formed and strengthened....

Tonight was a good ending, though. We had a common meal, then broke into small groups, had the large group study and a short time of worship. It was extremely encouraging for me as a leader, and I think it was for those participating. We had intense discussion over some deep issues regarding God's love, Him pruning us and what it means for us to "abide" in Christ within a community of believers. The discussion was a mixture of deep talk, humor and questioning life and the circumstances we find ourselves in. What I love about it, though, is I'm not the one giving the answers. We answer each other's questions, meet each other's needs, and hug each other's next. Each person was both ministered to and a minister to another.

It's a blessing to have the need to split into small groups. It means a larger community. It means God is growing us and bringing more workers to this harvest field. It's exciting as we plan for this semester and make preparations for the direction God is leading. It is bitter in the fact that we have to split the group. It doesn't mean we cannot continue cultivating the community and relationships God has given us through it, though.

In looking at where God has taken us, we must look to where He is taking us. I guess we must remember the past fondly, live the present boldly and hope for the future passionately. I like that...I might have to put it on a bumper sticker. I'll put it next to the one that says, "In case of rapture, I owe Tim LaHaye a BIG apology!" Even in the bittersweet we can have humor and inspiration.

until Christ is formed in us...

--mike

that's what friends are for...

2005-08-24T17:32:00.000-04:00

I'm currently reading the book of Job and have looked at Job's conversations with his friends. I find them interesting to say the least. For those who don't know, Job literally lost everything in a few "freak" events all within a single day; his family (except for his wife--I'm not gonna comment on that) and all his stuff (and he was a very wealthy guy) were all taken from him in one day. Then, his health went and he was infected with sickness like most of us have never seen. For him...life pretty much sucked at this point.

Then his friends come along. Their actions fascinate me. They lecture him. The first one tells him to talk, yell and scream at God to find out why this is happening. His second friend says his family must have sinned for God to have caused their deaths and then proceeds to say how much God hates sinners and how their lives amount to nothing. Finally, the third friend tells Job that it's his fault. These things happened because of Job's own iniquity and sin.

Seriously, folks, that's what I call friendship. (I'm being sarcastic, in cased you missed it.) When Job is in his greatest time of need, his friends give him lectures and beat him upside the head. Has anyone else ever experienced this? Has anyone else besides me actually been one of those friends?

What Job needed was his friends to come along side him. He needed eyes to cry with him. He needed arms to embrace him. He needed physical reminders of God's love and faithfulness, not mouths that condemned and tongues that lashed out.

The same is true for us and our friends. There come times when we do stupid things and must face the dire consequences of those actions. We do not need to be blasted, but to be held and loved. Will there come a time when we need to be set straight? Yep, but it's not when we are reeling from the shock and pain of the situation.

I have a friend whose brother attempted suicide a little over two years ago. When she told the small group she went to about it and about her concern that he was not a believer, the study leader said that if it was God's will for her brother to live and be a Christian, he would. He then told her to stop worrying about it. She didn't need that. She needed her community of friends and family to come along side her, love on her, and hold her up during this situation. She knew everything was in God's hands, but didn't need to be reminded of it then.

I don't think I have friendship fully figured out and I don't pretend to. I know that to act as Christ does to my friends, though, is the first step in the learning process. May we each do that and think how Christ would act in a situation before we open our mouths.

I love Job's response to his friends. He said, "My bad, guys. I forgot that y'all know everything. When you die, so will your wisdom." I think Job would have rather had friends come along side with him and mourn with him instead of sitting through three different lectures. Let us be more willing and ready to love than to lecture. In the same token, let us not be so unloving that we are not willing to confront our friends when they are being stupid. It's a balance that only can be done in the Father's wisdom, Christ's love and the Holy Spirit's power.

until Christ is formed in us...

--mike

once again...it's been a while...

2005-08-23T23:46:00.000-04:00

Wow...it has definitely been a while since I last posted on my blog. Ugh...I sincerely apologize. God has been doing an extraordinary amount in my life that I hope to write about in the near future. School has started, providing me with yet another community of young men to lead and live with. So far it's been a blessing to me in so many ways.

I just finished an article in Christianity Today on "The New Monasticism". It is a look at several intentional communities formed by many middle/upper class, young, white folk in urban America and the impact Christ is doing in their lives and in the communities God has placed them. The article is extremely thought provoking and challenging, I think. I would love to be a part of one of them...except that most are Vegan/Vegetarians...I like my meat--I think it's because I'm Southern. I'm planning on posting a link to the article as soon as I can find it on-line. If you cannot wait, though, it's in the September Issue of Christianity Today.

I'll post again soon...I promise.

until Christ is formed in us...

--mike

happiness

2005-07-19T17:44:00.000-04:00

Wow...it's been a while, hasn't it. I apoligize for the delay in a new post, but life has been busy and hectic. Amazing, though, as a student, that my life is just as busy during the summer as it is during the school year...just with different filler!

I do have to confess that this summer has been one of the best that I've had in Louisville. I can say I'm extremely happy...happier than I've been since the Fall semester. The stresses and crud of the past seven months has faded, being overshadowed by present hope and happiness! Life is good. New friendships are being formed. I'm leading a new community group for the college and career group at church and God is blessing it in tremendous ways. God's teaching me so much in so many ways right now. I hope to share some stuff over the next couple of weeks so that you can read what God's doing in my life.

Anyways, time is short and so is Danny Divito. I want to leave you with this quote from George MacDonald that I just read today.

"One of my greatest difficulties in considering to think of religion was
that I thought I should have to give up my beautiful thoughts and my love for
the things God has made. But I find that the happiness springing from all
things not in themselves sinful is much increased by religion. God is the
God of the beautiful, Religion the love of the Beautiful, and Heaven the House
of the beautiful--nature is tenfold brighter in the sun of righteousness, and my
love of nature is more intense since I became a Christian.

until Christ is formed in us...
--mike

learning lessons from camping with kids...

2005-06-22T17:06:00.000-04:00

Last night I returned from one of the most fun (and tiring) camping trips. I was blessed to be a chaperone for 17 1st-6th graders from our church on an overnight camping trip and tubing adventure. We arrived at camp and was then informed that none of the kids who went had ever been camping before. Excellent, I thought. None of them have ever pitched a tent, started a campfire, cooked over a fire, or taken a night hike (although, now looking back, I think few had ever been on a hike in the daylight hours, also). They were, for lack of better terms, outdoor-camping challenged.

The first order of business was to get the campsite prepared. With each group of tentmates, I went over the basics of deciding where to pitch a tent, clearing the spot of debris, and then how to pitch a tent. Over and over I heard things like, "I can't do it!" Within an hour, though, all the tents were up and the adults (aside from one stubborn, pesky taj mahalish tent) had to do was help the kiddies when they got in trouble. They realized they could do it.

After dinner, we sat around the campfire singing different songs followed by a round of 'smores. Once the 'smores were totally engulfed, the group went on a night hike. At first the kids were excited, but as the trail became more difficult, they began to complain about it being too hard or they became scared. We patiently helped them along the 1.7 mile hike and when we arrived at the end, nearly every child in the group said, "We did it!"

The following morning, we broke camp. I took a couple of guys with me to begin tearing down tents and showing them how to roll them up and store them. Once again, they exclaimed how they were unable to do it. I finally asked one what Philippians 4:13 said. He didn't know, but another boy answered. "It says, 'I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.'" I asked what it meant and explained that through Christ, we can do anything. We can get this tent packed, we can hike a hard trail and we can go tubin' down a river. There's no need to fear anything or think we can't do something because God is in control. I slowly talked them through the process of packing up a tent and helping them when necessary. When finished, they both exclaimed, "We can do it!"

Looking over the trip in a Doogie-Howserish manner, I can see so much of me in these kids. While I've never been afraid of the outdoors or thought I couldn't do something--possibly a reason why I had so many busted knees and noses as a child, I find myself fearing the unknown as an adult. I want to be in control. I want to have the plan, yet God doesn't give us the plan most times.

We all have fears and many of them are irrational. We fear trying new things. We fear the outdoors. We fear heights. We fear spiders. We fear snakes. We fear failure. We fear people will find out our secret sins. We fear people won't love us. We fear God won't love us.... This fear keeps us from doing so many things and holds us in bondage to people-pleasing and legalism. We don't want to do some things because of what people will think. We don't want to do new things in church because we've always done them the old way. We always have to do these things otherwise God will not love us. The freedom we have been given in Christ is smothered by our fears and worries.

Thankfully, we have been placed (or at least have been designed to be placed) in communities where people can come beside us and help us along. Thankfully we are children of a God who will lovingly guide us through something and coax us--sometimes pushing us if necessary. We can rest in the fact that God is in control and will take us exactly where He wants us. There is no need to fear. We are loved by the Creator and Sustainer of the universe...

until Christ is formed in us...

--mike

thoughts on my addiction...

2005-06-15T17:25:00.000-04:00

Six days ago, I bought a laptop. It's not top of the line, but it does all I want it to do--basically I can write on it and listen to music. With some of the reading I have been doing, I have had thoughts blazing through my head (imagine that!). One of the best ways to organize and process all of these, in my experience, has been writing. So, to think through these things, I began writing, and after reading yet another chapter from Blue Like Jazz, I realized that I have an addiction. I am addicted to stuff. I'm not addicted to cars (just look at mine) or anything big. I'm addicted to all sorts of smaller "fixes".

For instance, rarely can I walk into a bookstore without buying something, regardless of whether or not I am actually going to have time to read it. In Louisville, I have a six foot bookcase, a three foot bookcase, and several four foot stacks of books within my room. In boxes at my 'rent's home in Nashvegas, I have (count them) nine large boxes of books. There's no common theme in my collection, save the fact they all have words. They range from children's books such as The Lorax to William Butler Yeat's poetry to the complete works of Sir Author Conan Doyle to a complete Civil War history. For the most part, I will read anything that's put in front me to get my fix.

All of us have our addictions if we are honest with ourselves. We're not all alcoholics, pot-heads or druggies, but we are all addicted to something in life. For some it's the constant need to be in a dating relationship (commonly called co-dependency). For others, it's an addiction to television. For me (and I'm not alone in this, I'm sure), it's books--among other things. None of these things are bad in an of themselves (of course drugs are not a positive). The problem comes when they become an addiction for us. We crave them more than we crave anything else. We focus on those things, those people more than we focus on Christ. These addictions become idols.

As I was pondering on my addiction, I realize the vast amounts of money I waste. I do receive enjoyment from buying and reading the books I buy (of course, I don't read all of them--they just look good on my bookshelf), but the money spent could be used in so many other ways. They money could be given to missions endeavors. It could be given to help the poor. It could be used to ease the suffering of billions around the globe. I know my tithe goes to these things, but can I do more? Is the money God has given me been used to the best of my ability?

Christ commands us to aid the poor. He commands us to meet the needs of brothers and sisters in need. He commands us to love others as we love ourselves and consider others before ourselves. Am I doing this? I'm not going to get into a huge diatribe on social justice and ministry as I'm still forming what I think and looking at different things, but I have to confess I do very little on my own to further the Kingdom of God and to help those in need (just a side thought--aren't these two items really part of the same whole?). I am honestly so concerned about myself--my pleasure, my comfort, my wants, that I do not even look at other people. I love to get love. I serve to be serve. I give to be given to. Even my "selflessness" is, upon closer inspection, selfish.

Are our addictions keeping us from Christ? Are they keeping us from serving Him to our full ability? Life is not some play about us in which everyone else are mere bit actors. Life is about Christ and about other people. That is where we find meaning and purpose. We are valued by God on the basis of His grace and merit, and are made right and put into a right relationship with Him to not only worship Him, but to serve our fellow man and expanding Christ's Kingdom.

There's a lot here, I know, and I hope to unpack it fully in the near future. Stay tuned.

until Christ is formed in us...

--mike

the past week or so...

2005-06-13T21:49:00.000-04:00

For the past week or so (hence the title of this post!), I've been working Vacation Bible School with my church. Needless to say it has been a tiring experience going from six in the morning till ten at night or so straight. Even with the tiredness, there has been an awesome energy and excitement within me as I've been hanging out with third and fourth grade boys and seeing God do amazing things. We did LifeWay's VBS this year which was incredible. The curriculum and stories were great and the music was second to none.

The highlight of the week was the opportunity I had to lead to of my guys to Christ. The first was after a gospel presentation on Wednesday night and the second was after music. What was great about the second one is that the guy I led to Christ the night before shared his faith with another "hiker" and told him to talk to me.

In addition to seeing God work in children's lives, we saw God work in adults' lives also. There were some adult rededications but more than that a renewed passion for ministry and for God. Folks, our God is awesome and does incredible things when we are faithful. Come to think of it, though, God does incredible things even when we are not faithful.

80th anniversary

2005-06-01T13:25:00.000-04:00

I just read a news article about a couple in the UK (that's the United Kingdom, not the University of Kentucky) who celebrated their 80th anniversary. He is 105 years old and she's 100. The bride is quoted that the secret to their success is that they "don't sleep on an argument, always share and a kiss and hold hands before bed." In a world where over fifty percent of marriages end in divorce, this is welcome news. It can be done!

Congratulations to Percy and Florence Arrowsmith. I pray they would continue to have a wonderful life together until the Lord calls them home. I'm sure it has not been an easy journey for them and has required enormous amounts of work, pain and hurt. They are an example to us, though, that a lasting, fulfilling marriage is possible. I pray each of us would have something like they have.

--mike

books that impact and change life...

2005-05-30T22:36:00.000-04:00

Have you ever read books that radically changed your life? Last year, I read Kimball's Emergent Church which radically redefined what I thought of church, how I think church should be done and even the nature of the Christian life. Now, I'm reading Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz. It is promising to really....revolutionize? my Christian life, I think. It's witty, well written and holds back few punches. Miller is honest with the reader, even when it might shed a poor light on him.

I'll post more on it in the near future. In the meantime, feel free to check out his website at: bluelikejazz.com.

until Christ is formed in us...

--mike

Our "behavior" will not be changed long with self-discipline, but fall in love and a human will accomplish what he never thought possible. The laziest of men will swim the English channel to win his woman...[B]y accepting God's love for us, we fall in love with Him, and only then do we have the fuel we need to obey.
In exchange for our humility and willingness to accept the charity of God, we are given a kingdom. And a beggar's kingdom is better than a proud man's delusion. --Blue Like Jazz

emerging church post

2005-05-08T22:53:00.000-04:00

I just posted a new piece on my emerging church site. It was a paper I wrote for a class on incarnational ministry. I hope you enjoy.

Incarnational Ministry and Postmoderns

the big two-seven

2005-05-07T12:05:00.000-04:00

As of Wednesday, I am now twenty-seven years old. I don't feel any different, I think. My knees, back and elbows don't hurt. My eyesight hasn't suddenly degraded and I think I can still hear quite well. One thing I've learned about having a birthday on May 4th is that final exams in college always fall the week of it. I'm petitioning the leadership of the school to give any student with a birthday the week of finals automatic A's on all his/her finals. I'll keep everyone updated on the progress.

I know posts for the past two months have been quite sporadic. It's been quite a trying semester, personally and academically. It's over, though, praise God! Expect much more frequent posts and some new additions to the blog over the next three months. I thought about what I could post today, though, and came up with some things I've learned in twenty-seven years of life. Since I'm not under Ancient status, my wisdom is deep and wide--or so I've been told. So here is the list of things I've learned in life. Some have been lessons long since learned, but many are recent (which, for people my age, is within the past six years).

Twenty-Seven Things I've Learned

1. God is God and, no matter how I try, I am not nor will ever be Him.
2. Lego's, GI Joe's and Transformers are the coolest and "bestest" toys ever.
3. Sunsets, Sushi and beaches are great by one's self. They are even better with another person.
4. Unlearning things I've been taught about God, Christianity and the church and replacing them with something more biblical is extremely hard work.
5. Kindergarten was the best year of my life (afternoon naps should be par for all of life's course).
6. Ministry is about people, not about tasks, budgets, meetings, sermons, etc.
7. Every believer is a minister of the gospel, not just the "pastors". Each of us has a commitment to Christ and the proclamation of His Kingdom in the world.
8. Dogs rock! Especially big dogs.
9. Don't live life with regret. We can't change the past. If we can rectify the situation, we must do so, but if not...move on.
10. Life is short. We're not guaranteed tomorrow--make ever moment count and enjoy them.
11. Finding humor in life is the best way to keep one sane.
12. God, no matter what we think, is neither an American nor a Republican (or a Democrat for that matter).
13. Being Southern is an awesome thing! Granted, dealing with cold weather will always be a challenge for those of us blessed to be raised in the South.
14. Louisville, KY, while populated by a plethora of rednecks and Southern people, is not a Southern city.
15. People are more important than almost everything else in life. Life will not be happy with more money or a better job, but with stronger and deeper relationships. We all need to be more relationship oriented. This is something the Western world needs to learn.
16. Authenticity is of greater value than looking good or being cool. Without it, real relationships are impossible.
17. Try everything once.
18. The past is just that: past.
19. While we may want to go back and change the past, God has used it to create us who we are today. It doesn't mean we have no issues, but God'll work through those with us in due time.
20. Family is vital to all of us--no matter how squirrelly and redneck they may be.
21. Family (particularly parents) have a huge impact in shaping who we are for good or for bad. It doesn't mean we cannot change, though.
22. Love can be one of the greatest experiences in life and the most heart breaking...all within the span of five minutes.
23. Guys--we are basically little boys trapped inside big bodies. While we need to be the men God has called us to be, we also need to let the kid in us out to play sometimes.
24. The book is always better than the movie.
25. There are good aspects in almost all types of music...we just have to listen.
26. There is life, culture, love passion and happiness outside the United States.
27. My dreams are not necessarily God's dreams.

until Christ is formed in us...

--mike

you know you're from Nashville if...

2005-04-29T16:35:00.000-04:00

You Know You're From Nashville When...

The word "snow" means a week off from school and maybe even work.

To you Paris is near Waverly and Athens and Rome are in Georgia.

You stop your car for ambulances, fire trucks and hearses.

You take down your Christmas tree before January first.

Someone within hearing distance is singing or humming.

There's a musical instrument somewhere in the house.

You don't do things without "fixin" to do them first.

You judge things as "alright", "fine" or "right fine".

Your food has beans or Tobasco in it.

You know what a T-Rac is.

You "luck up" and not "luck out".

Drivers stop before they turn.

Someone you know has written a song.

You own the boots but can't ride a horse.

No one around you is a native Nashvillian either.

You run red lights so you won't be hit from behind.

Fast food is faster inside than at the drive-up window.

To you a well-trained dog stays in the bed of the truck.

Half of the people at work know someone in entertainment.

Strangers ask if you're doin alright, and friends ask what's goin on.

You ignore country stars but dance and holler in front of football players.

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an apology

2005-04-27T02:20:00.000-04:00

"The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately sick;
who can understand it?" Jeremiah 17:9

Have you ever had a bad sunburn? Being the Scotsman that I am (and blessed to be), I have had my share of burns. I remember as a kid being burned so badly I was blistered all over my chest, shoulders, back and even ears. I didn't listen to my mom and left sunscreen off. Never again I vowed. Until the pain of the burn was forgotten and the enticements of the sun returned.

Several years ago I went swimming with my middle school small group I led at church. There were no plans to be out long, so I didn't put on sunscreen. Big stinkin' mistake. I was redder than a lobster and in severe pain. I couldn't wear a shirt because I hurt so much. I went to work the next day and apparently everyone needed to pat me on the back or give me a hug. Normally these things wouldn't have hurt--although one guy's pats were closer to punches, but because I was already hurting...they hurt worse than they normally would.

I had a rough weekend this past week with work. Then my mom informed me of some bad news. My sister called and is still extremely depressed and has been dealing with other emotions that come with depression. During all this a friend wanted to talk about some stuff. I normally should not have been hurt by what was said, but because I was already hurting...it was like hitting a sunburn or an already injured spot on my body. It hurt bad.

I'd like to say that I turned the other cheek in this instance, but I didn't. I lashed out and let my flesh win. I hurt someone I really care about with some stupid words and a careless statement. I feel like crap right now because of it. I apologized and we talked later, but I'm so frustrated with myself. I'm upset with myself for acting the way I did--very childish, I do admit. I'm upset with myself for lashing out and letting my flesh take control. I'm upset that I was hurt so much and took what was said to me the wrong way.

I hurt someone I care about and I'm sorry.

How I long for the day when we don't hurt each other. How I long for a day when my flesh will be utterly defeated. How I long for the day when our injuries and failures of the past no longer haunt us but are testimonies to the grace of Christ. How I long for the day when we shall see Him face to face....

--until Christ is formed in us...

--mike

how i feel...

2005-04-25T00:46:00.000-04:00

Lord I'm tired
So tired from walking
And Lord I'm so alone
And Lord the dark
Is creeping in
Creeping up
To swallow me
I think I'll stop
Rest here a while

And didn't You see me cry'n?
And didn't You hear me call Your name?
Wasn't it You I gave my heart to?
I wish You'd remember
Where you sat it down

And this is all that I can say right now
And this is all that I can give

I didn't notice You were standing here
I didn't know that
That was You holding me
I didn't notice You were cry'n too
I didn't know that
That was You washing my feet

--mike

all i can say...blessed be the name of Christ

2005-04-22T17:36:00.001-04:00

Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Oh, There's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to stay
Blessed be your name

i've learned this semester...

2005-04-22T01:43:00.000-04:00

This has been an extremely rough semester. It began with a good friend having cancer. Midterms hit me along with news of my aunt having cancer. It's ended with one of my best friend's life being rocked by cancer and death and my sister going through an intense and dangerous depression. Littered within these events has been sickness, hurt, excitement, life change, etc. Don't get me wrong, there has been tremendous joy, even among the pain and sadness, but it has been a very tough and trying semester.

As I've reflected on it, though, I can see God working in so many ways. So many good things have come about because of my friend's cancer: new friends, deeper friendships, and changing relationships. With my aunt and my sister, I've had opportunities to share Christ with my sister and my unsaved family members several times in addition to them pursuing me for prayer through my aunt's cancer and my sister's depression.

I've learned that only by God's grace and mercy can any of us endure what life comes our way. We are weak and vulnerable and unable to overcome and endure anything without Christ. Paul declared we, "can do all things through Christ, who strengthens" us. Without Christ, though, we are nothing. He is our Refuge. He is our Rock. He is our Strong Tower.

Thy mercy, my God, is the theme of my song,
The joy of my heart. and the boast of my tongue;
Thy free grace alone, from the first to the last,
Hath won my affections, and bound my soul fast.

Without Thy sweet mercy I could not live here;
Sin would reduce me to utter despair;
But, through Thy free goodness, my spirits revive,
And He that first made me still keeps me alive.

Thy mercy is more than a match for my heart,
Which wonders to feel its own hardness depart;
Dissolved by Thy goodness, I fall to the ground,
And weep to the praise of the mercy I’ve found.

Great Father of mercies, Thy goodness I own,
And the covenant love of Thy crucified Son;
All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine
Seals mercy, and pardon, and righteousness mine.
All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine
Seals mercy, and pardon, and righteousness mine.

until Christ is formed in us...

--mike

li'l brudder

2005-04-18T23:36:00.000-04:00

For those who do not know it, I am a huge homestarrunner.com fan. The website is basically a collection of cheesy cartoons starring (mostly) Homestarruner, Strong Bad and The Cheat. Months ago, Strong Bad was challenged to make Homestarrunner cry. He did it with a drawing of a one-legged dog named li'l brudder. By far it was one of the funniest segments on the website. Well, now the creators have topped it: the intro to a "li'l brudder" cartoon that is stinkin' hilarious. I urge you to watch it if you have the time. It'll definitely cheer you up watching this one legged dog "run" across the screen.

Check it out here!

--mike

p.s. He even has two little nubs in the front...

powerless

2005-04-11T21:11:00.000-04:00

Powerless. I hate to admit it almost as much as I hate being it. Unfortunately, it's what I am right now in so many areas of life. I just got off the phone with my sister. She called crying, telling me how horrible things in her life were right now and how depressed she was. She was afraid of failing classes and didn't even care--thereby making her depression worse. I listened for a long time, asked a couple of questions and prayed with her. I didn't know what to say except that I would be praying with her and that, somehow, everything would be all right. God never promised answers to everything. He only promised He would never forsake us and would carry us through the roughest of storms. When I hung up the phone, I felt powerless.

Powerless. One of my best friends is dealing with heartache right now. Her cousin's husband is passing away as we speak. He's battled cancer for years now and is now losing the battle. You can see it on my friend's face--sorrow, grief and stress. Amidst the situations she's enduring, she must continue with school and work. I wish I could take her pain away and help her, but I'm powerless. All I can do is listen, offer up a corny joke or two and pray for her and her family. When I hung up the phone tonight, I felt powerless.

Powerless. It is really an ugly word. Few of us like it. None of us like being it. Yet we find ourselves powerless in so many of life's situations. Events spin out of our hands quicker than we can blink and we stand there or lay there trying to make sense out of the madness. Some of us openly cry out to God, seeking answers and peace. These know they can do nothing themselves and seek God and their community for healing. Others--such as my sister, take the opposite approach and blame God and yell and scream like Lt. Dan from Forrest Gump. Thankfully, our God is big enough to handle our anger and frustration and graceful enough to pick us up. Still others--including myself, internalize the pain, the sorrow and the grief and deal with it in our own way. We have the hardest way--opening ourselves up (which is totally against our nature) to God and our community and admitting we are in need.

Please don't think I'm posting this to complain to all of you who are reading. Rather, let this be my opening my heart to you, putting some prayer requests out to you and then helping us deal with life together. Right now, I believe each of us are either just finishing a trying (read: crappy) time in life, going through a trying (read: crappy) time in life, or are about to go through a trying (yep, read: crappy) time in life. When we go through these times, we feel powerless. We must remember that God doesn't promise answers--only that we would never be alone and would be carried through the trying, crappy, and painful times in life.

until Christ is formed in us... (and the pain and struggles in life ends)

--mike

holistic believers: my soapbox

2005-03-29T19:48:00.000-05:00

The news the past two days has been a confirmation of the effects of sin in the world. The first is the situation with the Terri Shiavo family. It is heartbreaking to realize a person, one created in the image of God is being sentenced to death because she cannot feed herself. She is not brain dead. She can respond to stimuli and sentences. She can comprehend words and messages. She can feel pain and hopelessness.

It amazes me the callousness I am hearing and seeing from so many people in the news and around my life. Some are totally unconcerned and even ignorant of what is going on. Others have no understanding of it and don't even care because she can't "have a normal life anymore". My question is who determines normal? They list a whole bunch of criteria for a normal life, and then I bring up the fact that normal is a life without sin, the life Adam and Eve enjoyed before the fall. They usually just stare at me blankly.

It's not that I want to win an argument with these people, I want them to see that this woman is created in the image of God and she's being murdered by a adulterous husband who has two children with another woman and is just wanting the million dollar life-insurance policy. I want Christians to stop being apathetic about what is going on in the world. I want believers to realize that fighting for another's life or working for social justice is as valuable as arguing over theology if not more valuable.

Our seminaries and colleges are teaching all kinds of theologies and theories to students, but they have no idea how to do ministry and how to relate to anyone without an Master of Divinity. We are making carbon-copies of Jerry Fallwell and Oral Roberts without realizing what the world needs is not more high-profile preachers but believers who are willing to work in the trenches and get themselves dirty in order to show Christ to a dead world. We need believers who understand what a transformed life means and is able to not only talk about it but live it.

I'm not saying we need to be more involved in the political process, because we cannot bring salvation to the world through legislation. What we need are Christians who think biblically and allow the grace that we have been lavished with to transform every part of our lives. We need to be disciples who understand what Christ has done and live like it. Our lives need to be totally transformed in every way--mind, body, heart and soul. The transformed life is not just a heart issue or just about eternity. We have been saved for not only eternal life, but an abundant life.

We need to be Christ-followers who will love unconditionally but who will also stand up for what is right and be a voice for the oppressed--physically, emotionally and spiritually. We need to not only be concerned with people's souls but also with the people themselves--mind, body, heart and soul. People don't want to hear about Jesus or the "eternal state of their soul" if they know we can care less about who they are. We need to earn the right to speak to them and then back up the love and grace we speak of with our lives.

Well, there's my soapbox. Hope it's not too preachy, but it's what I'm feeling right now. Feel free to comment.

until Christ is formed in us...

mike

resurrection morning

2005-03-27T12:01:00.000-05:00

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.

-- from the gospel according to Matthew, Chapter 28

journey to the cross

2005-03-25T12:34:00.000-05:00

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go." This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: "Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one." Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?"

----

So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but rather, 'This man said, I am King of the Jews.'" Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written."

----

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), "I thirst." A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness--his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth--that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken." And again another Scripture says, "They will look on him whom they have pierced."

After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

--portions of the gospel of john, chapters 18-19

lesson learned...

2005-03-23T23:55:00.000-05:00

I just learned a valuable lesson...don't sneeze at the computer when you have sweet tea in your mouth. It's not a pretty sight.

--mike

the cross-centered hectic life

2005-03-23T23:28:00.000-05:00

I am amazed how hectic life can be sometimes. We are always trying to get things done and simplify our lives, yet this very act adds so much to our schedule that our lives become even more hectic than before. *sigh*

Life, for me, is extremely hectic right now. With classes, work and student leadership responsibilities, it's extremely hard to fit everything in. I know I'm preaching to the choir here...all of our lives are hectic. When life gets so busy for me, I have this innate desire to return to simplicity. To run off with a group of folks I care about and form some kind community like the one found in The Village. Yet, I think, that would not be a solution. Even then, life was hectic with responsibilities. What is the answer?

The answer I've arrived at is to keep the cross at the center of our hectic lives. It is so easy for anything and everything to become central at some point in our day. Yet, by doing this, we lose our focus on what truly matters. This is not to say that work, school or whatever else we must accomplish and do to the best of our ability do not matter. To the contrary, every part of our lives are to be acts of worship to God. From scrubbing the floors to changing a baby's diaper, all of our day is to be done to the glory of God.

That's the realization that needs to happen for each of us. The cross, our hope in salvation and the God who gives it, is the center of all that we do. If we keep that as the center-point of our focus, everything else falls into place. It doesn't mean we won't be stressed, frustrated or even tired. What it does mean is that when we truly realize what life is about...everything else seems to pale in comparison. They don't lose their importance...but they do lose their power over us. The cross has freed us. We are slaves to no one and nothing but God and God alone.

Life will continue to be hectic for us, of that I can assure you. Yet if the cross is our center, if Christ is our driving purpose, the energy and power to accomplish all these things is no longer our own.

until Christ is formed us...

--mike

Sing a song of celebration
Lift up a shout of praise
For the Bridegroom will come
The glorious one
And oh we will look on His face
We'll go to a much better place

And dance with all your might
Lift up your hands and clap for joy
The time's drawing near
When He will appear
And oh we will stand by His side
A strong pure spotless bride

We will dance on the streets that are gold
The glorious pride at the great Son of Man
Let every tongue and tribe and nation
Rejoice in the song of the Lamb