From The Lighthouse

Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream - A Review

2011-02-15T21:01:00.006-06:00

What if the American Dream is antithetical to the Gospel? What if we were to truly live out the commands of Christ in our lives? How would that change our lives? These are the questions asked by David Platt in Radical.

I was very challenged by this book. It forced me to evaluate my priorities, my actions, my spending habits and my loyalties. In many cases, I was convicted of choosing a false Gospel - one built on serving myself rather than Christ, one of pursuing self interest over serving my fellow man. Specifically, I was challenged - and am continuing to evaluate - how I should handle my income and my time.

Did I agree with everything Dr. Platt argues? No, but it has forced me to sincerely pray and critically evaluate my priorities. And that is the point of the book.

Radical would make a great great study for a student group, a workplace Bible study, a church Sunday school class or a home group. If you want to be challenged, this is the book. If you want to continue to live a comfortable, safe Christian faith, I recommend this book (warning: it will challenge you).

Download the first chapter here.

I highly, highly recommend this book.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Book Review - The Shelter of God's Promises

2011-02-05T13:08:00.004-06:00

"Even in the eye of the storm, we our hearts to remember that no matter how hard life gets, we win!" (p. 147).

I requested this book for my wife. She has been immensely blessed by Sheila Walsh, and I thought she'd enjoy this book.

I choose to read it first, mainly so I could complete my review of the book. I was very impressed and very blessed by it. It wasn't what I expected; I'm not sure what I did expect, but this wasn't it.

Walsh takes broad promises and applies them to our lives as believers. Many of the promises are eternal with temporal implications, but the promises are laid out such that they remind of a greater hope than the temporal of this world.

The book seems to be written to women, which would make sense, given Walsh's ministry is aimed at women. That said, I was very blessed and encouraged by this book.

I strongly recommend The Shelter of God's Promises.

"Christ's promise to us is not that He will give us shelter, but that He will be our Shelter" (p.183).

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sin

2011-01-04T16:00:00.001-06:00

If you are new to this discussion, over the past few months, I've revisited some of my beliefs. Here is some background to the discussion. The first topic was my view of the Bible, and that's chronicled here.

This next topic is probably about as basic, on the surface, as the Bible. As I delved into this topic, however, I discovered even more how vile, how insidious, how utterly corrupting my sin was. And I tasted afresh the power of the Cross.

First, I discovered anew what constitutes as sin. Oh sure, there are the "biggies," the 10 Commandments, or "love your neighbor" or something else from the Gospels. But in a very small passage from the book of Romans, buried in a section regarding interpersonal relationships, is the strictest definition of sin: "for whatever is not from faith is sin" (Romans 14:23 NKJV). As I meditated on this phrase, I began to see my own actions in a whole new light. How many times have I done something for my own glory rather than God's? How many times have I not done something I knew I should, or how many times did I do a good deed from the wrong motives? All constituted as sin.

Ah, but then I saw the cross in a whole new light. I began to realize that, on a day almost 2000 years ago, Christ's death atoned for my sin - past, present and future. I began to see my salvation in a whole new light. Instead of a prayer I prayed that got me "my ticket," I now began to truly be thankful for what Jesus' death meant. And as I continue to contemplate, I understand more and more the sacrifice made that Passover weekend so long ago.

I now have a stronger, more restrictive definition of sin. I want to please my Heavenly Father, and I will strive to meet His standards. Knowing I will fall short most times, however, I also know that I have been redeemed by Christ, and that brings deep thankfulness and joy to my soul.

Purpose Driven Life

2011-01-03T22:23:00.003-06:00

If you're anything like me, you have a bookshelf full of volumes you "intend to read some day." Where they came from, why I held on to them through the many Goodwill runs, why they remained on the shelf, remains a mystery. And yet, the books are there.

Such is the case with The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren. It is maybe one of the most debated books in modern Evangelical circles, and maybe one of the most loved/hated books...well, next to Joel Osteen's Your Best Life Now (and this could be it's own topic - maybe some other time).

So why work through the book now? Why read the book at this time in my life? Why start this book at this time? I honestly don't know. For whatever reason, this book grabbed my attention, and it stayed with me.

I started it mid-December as a devotional, and, while it's broken into 40 chapters, and one chapter per day, I'm choosing to work through it at a pace that feels comfortable. So far, I'm on day 12, and I'm actually getting some good information from it, especially some really good insights and reminders as to why man was created.

If I had one critique, it would be that I'm not sure I agree with Warren's choice to use many Bible translations. He explained his logic in the first section, and, while I disagree with his conclusion, I can work beyond this.

I'm not really sure what I'm looking for by reading the book, but, at a minimum, I'll have one less "maybe someday" book on my shelf.

My View of the Bible

2010-12-26T12:30:00.000-06:00

In revisiting my beliefs, I found my journey first starting with the Bible. I'll be honest, I was a bit surprised by this being the first car in the train. As I reflect on this, I see why this makes the most sense.

I would have thought salvation, sin, redemption, the Deity of Christ, etc., would be first on my list of topics to explore. Instead, I pondered the Bible and how I approach the Scriptures. This now makes sense in my mind, as everything we know about God starts and ends with His Word. This is especially important as I explore prophesy and some of the so-called Charismatic gifts.

I've found that, in some ways, I've tried to make the Bible fit me, not allow the Bible conform me to the image of Christ. Much of that came from how I approach the Bible. If I don't read the Bible appropriately - and apply it correctly - it will lead to all sorts of unusual views, such as those that use poisonous snakes in worship services.

What I have learned is how to better read the Bible. I found that I was ignoring the totality of Scripture when I read the Bible. Sometimes I dismissed passages, sometimes subconsciously, because I didn't understand the tapestry woven into the scriptures. Sometimes, I would take a passage I really liked, but I didn't apply it correctly; this was especially true with promises I really liked. Sometimes I chose to ignore cultural or linguistic nuances, and that led to wrong interpretations.

What I now understand is that the Bible was written as a total package - the entire book is God's Word. I cannot discount the parts I don't like, I cannot "cherry pick" the verses I like, and I have to understand the context in which it's written. This has greatly expanded my vision of the Word, has deepened my love for the Bible, and has placed more weight on the Written Word as a trusted authority.

There are lots of good resources, such as "How to Read the Bible for All its Worth", and I would recommend something like this resource for further research, so I won't go into great depth here.

As I close, here is an acronym to help spur Bible study: SPECKA. I heard this a couple of months ago, and, while I've applied it informally for some time, I'm more conscious of it now. After reading a passage carefully, debrief using the following questions:

S - Sin. Is there a sin to avoid?

P - Promise. Is there a promise to claim?

E - Example. Is there an example to follow?

C - Command. Is there a command to follow?

K - Knowledge. Is there knowledge to store up in your heart and mind?

A - Application/Action. Is there an application or action to follow through?

Mary Did You Know - Mark Lowry

2010-12-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

Who would think that commedian Mark Lowry could so elloquently capture the first coming of Christ. I love the line, "This Child that you delivered, will soon deliver you;" typing that out brought tears to my eyes.

Merry Christmas.

One King - Point of Grace

2010-12-24T07:00:00.001-06:00

This song always brings a tear to my eye. I'm not a big fan of many modern Christmas songs; this one is an exception. This one captures the essence of the Christmas story; we bring our meager gifts - even riches - and He brought Salvation.

O Come O Come Emmanuel

2010-12-23T09:51:00.002-06:00

Whenever I hear this song, I find myself singing the same words, only I'm longing for the second coming. "Maranatha! Come, Lord, quickly!"

My Beliefs Revisited

2010-12-22T19:00:00.000-06:00

The past few months I've spent some time unpacking my Christian faith. It's been a slow, but fruitful, experience. Where I am at right now is rest stop, rather than a destination, and I am taking the time to outline some of what I've been learning.

As part of my journey, I've tried to look every aspect of my faith. I've expored everything from what I believe about sin (I found my view was far too lenient), to salvation (I rediscovered just how much I need a Savior), to prayer (which is a journey I'm still on), to the Scriptures/Bible, to Charismatic gifts, to the role the Church should play in society, to the way Christians should act.

In some cases, this reinforced what I believed - which led to worship. In other cases, my study led to repentance....which, again, let to worship. And, in some cases, I've been left pondering...and that has led to worship.

I look forward to sharing some of my thoughts with you.

Book Review - Then Sings My Soul Special Edition

2010-12-21T20:29:00.003-06:00

One word sums up this series of books: Incredible. I cannot describe these books in any other way.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. We have the first two books from the series, and I am very interested in every one.

Growing up in the church, we sang many of these. To read the stories behind them makes these hymns and songs come alive. It breathes new life into them. I find the songs much more meaningful knowing the history behind the song or the writer(s).

This edition was especially timely, as the first hymns are devoted to Christmas songs. I found it very enjoyable to read these songs during the lead up to Christmas.

I would highly recommend all of the Then Sings My Soul books as devotionals. This edition would be a wonderful edition to Christmas and Easter celebrations. I will be re-reading this at a slower pace, most likely during the Lent season.

Get this book today, especially if you grew up with these hymns, like I did, without knowing the history behind the song or writers.

Book Review: “Your Money God’s Way”

2010-10-18T22:40:00.004-05:00

“As Christians, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the money God entrusts to us.”

Amie Streater, author of Your Money God’s Way, outlines seven counterfeit convictions that trap Christians in poor money stewardship, and she outlines the antidotes to those false convictions.

Seeing the book was endorsed by Dave Ramsey, I was excited to read this book. When I got into it, I was a bit disappointed at the tenor and some of the scriptural application. That alone left me a bit hesitant to recommend the book to others.

I appreciate Streater’s stance on giving (give something from the first fruits and work to increase that percentage) and budgeting (aim for ideals, but each family’s budget will be as unique as the family).

Overall, I found the book interesting, but not all that enlightening. If you choose to read, I’d recommend it as a supplemental resource to other Christ-focused financial resources.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: "The Heavens Proclaim His Glory" by Lisa Stilwell

2010-09-01T20:37:00.005-05:00

"I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heavens and say there is no God." - Abraham Lincoln.

The Heavens Proclaim His Glory was, by far, one of the most amazing books I've read. This book is a collection of images captured by the Hubble Telescope. The images are paired with quotes and meditations from authors, scientists, theologians, and laypeople.

It has been said that nature declares the wonders of God, exalting Him, proclaiming His excellencies. Gazing into the amazing beauty captured in this book is a reminder to me of the wonders of the Creator of all.

While reading through this book, I found myself thinking about how the vast expanse of space contains such immense created beauty, and then I found myself thinking about the fact that God created it by merely declaring it. It was by His voice alone that He set the heavens - and all of creation on Earth - in place. And then I was reminded that He has turned His affections, out of all of the heavenly bodies, to humans on a seemingly insignificant planet.

I will be looking through this book again. I found great comfort in knowing that the God who created all controls all and is in all. There is nothing that come before me that is outside of His control.

Get this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: "The Right to Lead: Learning Leadership Through Character and Courage" by John C. Maxwell

2010-08-02T12:10:00.006-05:00

What gives people the right to lead? What traits do great leaders possess? John Maxwell captures these thoughts in his book, “The Right to Lead: Learning Leadership Through Character and Courage.” This book reinforces the idea that leaders must earn the right to lead, and Maxwell outlines several individuals – both famous and less known – to highlight various leadership examples.

I was introduced to John Maxwell’s materials while in college, and I have found him to be extremely helpful over the years. This book was no exception. I like the format: a quick story to illustrate the principle and quotes or quips to emphasize the point. The focus of the book is not religious in nature, although Maxwell interweaves his faith throughout the book.

I think this book is best read through twice. The first time, read the book through to get a feel for the narrative. The second time, read it one section per day, per week, maybe per month, and focus on this one topic.

I would highly recommend this book for a new leader, an inspiring leader, or a recent graduate. Earn the right to lead before assuming the post of leadership. Thank you, Dr. Maxwell.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: "The Hole in Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns

2010-06-05T23:32:00.005-05:00

Richard Stearns challenges his readers with, "What does God expect of us?" The president of World Vision, Stearns shares a candid, personal, challenging view of the world and what we can do to impact those in it.

Stearns shares statistics regarding those caught in poverty, sickness, and other devastating circumstances, by masterfully adding a personality behind the numbers. He weaves stories of individuals to illustrate the statistics.

I was challenged by this book. As a Christian, I was challenged in my views towards those caught in poverty and despair. I was convicted of a coldness I've harbored towards the poor. I was challenged to explore ways to help the poor, oppressed and needy.

I wish Mr. Stearns would have focused more on the whole Gospel message. That said, he communicated that those who confess a faith in Christ must care for the poor, widowed, orphaned and oppressed; it is by works that we demonstrate our faith.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book. It challenged me to look at how I walk out my faith, and I'm sure it will challenge you, too.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

True Greatness

2010-05-07T08:31:00.004-05:00

It seems that, everywhere I turn, I hear people say they "want to be great," or they "want to be big." This is just as prevalent within the church as it is outside of the church. Within the church there is a striving to have a big following, to reach the big crowds, to feed the masses.

I'd like to blame American Idol. In fact I'd love to call it the American Idol Effect. Why do people go on shows like this? To be famous. To be known. To be great.

The more I contemplate my life, I'm finding that I truly want the simple things. First, I want that simple faith that leads me to do what I know I should do. Second, I want to be a good husband. Third, I want to be a good father. And I want to serve others faithfully.

To be honest, I've been caught up in the American Idol Effect, trying to pursue a big ministry, to be the biggest at whatever I try. But I'm beginning to think that I'm called to be faithful. Provide for and love my family. Serve my church faithfully. Devote time to cultivating into others. If that leads to speaking tours, book deals, television appearances, great, but that's not the end game.

I would like to live more simply. Pursue those things which made my forefathers great. Doing the hard things in life: work hard, love selflessly, hug frequently, serve tirelessly. These things may not be glamourous, but they are what remain.

This song, by Sanctus Real, could summarize the prayer on my heart. I may, or may not agree with all of it, and it doesn't all apply, but it still hits close to home and makes parts of the hidden parts in me cry "AMEN!"

What about you? What are your thoughts? Please share your comments with me. And may we lead that simple faith of simple obedience.

Work as Worship

2009-10-18T14:32:00.003-05:00

So often we Christians try to segregate our spiritual life from our home life, extra-curricular life and work life. I assert that separating faith from the rest of life is not possible, and work is a form of worship in itself.

Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men" (NKJV). This verse is in the context of how a Christian home should operate. The specific context is in the context of a bondservant, and I believe it applies to those serving in the marketplace. Work is associated with worship in this passage.

As believers we must be cautious of segregating our faith from our other endeavors. Everything we do is an act of worship. Who we worship will be revealed by our behaviors.

Another aspect of this principle is that our faith should drive the quality of whatever we set our hands to do. If we are working "as to the Lord," the quality of that product should be of excellence as He is worthy of excellence. This applies to sermon-writing, surgery, landscaping, accounting, refuse collection - you get the idea. Christians should be the best employees and contractors, as our labor is to the Lord.

These principles are also applicable to leisure and extra-curricular pursuits. If we apply Jesus' standards to sporting activities, volunteer pursuits, and even board games, we don't discount a strong competition, but we also adhere to the governing standards and rules. By our conduct on the field, across the game board, or serving someone else, we either exalt Christ or demean His name.

Of course, we labor as to the Lord and not men. At times these standards may conflict, and when they do, we must appeal to the standards of Scripture and assume the consequences in the present. This may, or may not happen, as it should not hinder the quality of the work, but standards must be upheld.

Do not discount "non-spiritual " pursuits. These are a form of worship.

My Thoughts on Faith and Life

2009-10-18T14:25:00.002-05:00

I plan to start posting here more often. I'm not going to guarantee it will be very often, but I'll certainly try to post more than the every-nine-month plan I'm currently on.

When posting on faith, let me preface this by saying I'm not a pastor, other than to my family, and then I guess that makes me a work-in-progress, learning pastor. I have no theology degree, other than having been a Christian for 25 years, of which 10 of those years were during my formative years. These are just my thoughts and current ideas, and they may, or may not, agree with some theological thoughts (actually, could probably find a school of thought in theology to agree and disagree with every assertion I will make).

That is my preface to the direction I am taking this blog. Please comment, or at least let me know you stopped by.

Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize?

2009-10-09T06:50:00.003-05:00

I am utterly stunned. I just saw that the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize went to President Obama! I have two glaring issues with this.

First, Obama hasn't even been in office for one year. Prior to that, he wasn't in the US Senate for a full term. Prior to that, he was only in the Illinois House - not a bad gig, but he wasn't on the international scene. Now, with our nation split, his political party in peril, and growing unpopularity, the world community chose to grant him one of the highest honors in existence.

Second, this solidifies my belief the Nobel Peace Prize is a joke. Jimmy Carter won on his intentions towards peace in the Middle East. Al Gore beat out a woman credited for saving hundreds of children during the Holocost. Now, a president who has accomplished nothing, neither domestically nor internationally, is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The US, and the world community, had better wake up soon. This worship of a man that, while attaining the highest office in the land, is eerie at best, dangerous at worst. Until he accomplishes something of substance, I won't be holding him this high esteem.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T00:45:00.005-06:00

After the presents have been opened, the dinners eaten, the family's laughter, the games have been played, and the celebrations, um, celebrated, I'm left with memories. Memories of enjoyment, memories of merriment, memories of impacting my family. Memories of giving of ourselves to one another.

Christmas is about the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Christmas is a reminder of the greatest gift ever given - the Savior's own life in exchange for my sin. This, above all, is the greatest gift ever given.

I'll enjoy the festivities with friends and family. I'll enjoy the food, the discussions, the gifts. And through it all, I'll remember the gift of a newborn who would grow to give His life for the forgiveness of a debt no one could ever repay.

Thank you, my Lord, Savior, and God, Jesus Christ. Thank You for taking on human form,living a sinless life, and offering the greatest gift: the gift of Yourself for the forgiveness of the debt of my sin.

Merry Christmas.

Care for Creation

2008-12-23T23:47:00.002-06:00

I've been thinking much lately about how Christianity and care for the environment tie together. I've been contemplating this idea for some time, long before I learned anything about the ministry Care of Creation.

Oh, sure, I've cared about creation for a long time now. But most of my caring ended at the interesting and tasty flavors created by combining creation in dishes.

Scripture seems to be pretty forceful about our stewardship. This has to include care for the environment. I'm not referring to the hyper-environmentalism I see in some (don't worry, I won't mention Al Gore by name). There is a point that we are called to steward.

Stewardship has a very different connotation, I think, than environmentalism. One is care, but in a responsible way. The latter is a full-force worship of the land and all contained within it. Stewardship is a care for the balances within our earth, including human's needs, sustainability and long-term viability.

The more I study and contemplate, the more I am realizing we are called to care for the earth. Not in the way many with other motives promote it, but in a balanced, God-honoring way.

My two cents.

My New Toy!

2008-11-28T20:56:00.003-06:00

I have a new toy. First, a little background.

My wife, The Blonde Knitter,has a new notebook computer. Dell had a special deal; buy the laptop, get the Inspiron Mini 9 for a greatly reduced price. After my corporate discount, the netbook was almost free.

It will probably take a little while to get used to Ubuntu Linux and the smaller keyboard. But for the 4 hours I've played with it, I'm liking it.

Now that I have my own computer, maybe I'll find more time to blog. But, in the meantime, I get to play and get used to this machine.

Rainy Sunday

2008-04-06T18:04:00.003-05:00

It's a rainy Sunday in Minnesota. While the rain is welcome, it's a bit of a downer.

The rain will lead to green grass, vibrant trees, beautiful flowers. But for today, it gray and wet.

Nothing philosophical about this one; it's just a weather report.

Emoticons in the Business Lexicon

2007-11-21T17:44:00.000-06:00

Today, I realized that emoticons have become part of the accepted business lexicon. Or at least part of the written business communication. For example, I received four emails, just today, with smileys. Gone are the days of misinterpreted messages in the office.

In days past, the boss merely yelled at the employee. The message was clear, maybe a bit blue, but the employee had no mixed messages. After being yelled at for fifteen minutes, sometimes salted with earthy metaphors, the message was definitely understood.

Today, the message is a bit, well, multi-layered. "Johnson, you screwed up the Kraggstaff account! :-)" has a bit different tone to it. Kraggstaff may not be pleased with the work level, but at least it's service with a smile.

All in all, the more conversational, softer communication is for the best. We should treat each other with grace and kindness - at home, in the marketplace and everywhere in between. My only request is that, in our quest to find the balance between brutal honesty and political correctness, we don't lose the ability to simply communicate.

Until next time! ;-)

The Reason for the Season

2007-11-18T16:21:00.001-06:00

I've been seeing, again, the debates over what to wish people this time of year. Shoppers are admonished not to visit stores that use "Happy Holidays." We're urged to call merchants to ensure they use the phrase "Merry Christmas."

For me, the issue is deeper than a phrase. I want to ensure that, through the gift-giving, festivities, singing and well-wishing, the reason for the celebrations isn't lost.

I don't think getting angry over the wrong phrase being used is a good example of what Christ came to earth to accomplish. Nor is demanding that unbelieving people act like Christians. It's our job, as believers, to lead others to Christ in ways that He did: through His kindness, through His generosity.

If we're going to reach a lost and dying world, let's do it through overt love and kindness. (By the way, I'm not saying we excuse sin, but people's sin tend to be exposed in light of purity.)

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas

This Looks Like So Much Fun!

2007-07-11T15:59:00.001-05:00

During my afternoon break, I glanced at my favorite online store, and I found what could be the most fun office toy around.

Here it is in action:

Been a While

2007-06-04T06:08:00.000-05:00

It has been a while since I last posted.

I start a new job today. I am with my same employer, but I am starting a new job in a different area. The new position is in the office building much closer to home, and that means I'll be able to leave for work later, work the same hours, and still be home an hour earlier than before.

I am making this a quick post. I need to go get ready to start the new job. Watch for a later post about how it's going.

Login IDs and Passwords

2007-05-15T08:11:00.000-05:00

I've just realized that my passwords and login IDs, and I have many IDs for various websites, tend to be my alter egos. Not that I have a split personality (although one one of my other personalities may), it's just that I can take on a new "me" through my login IDs. "PeanutButter12345." "Zipperpull." "C0wb311" (translated cowbell). "Indydriver." Some have meaning, some no meaning, and some are merely bewildering.

Time to move on to a productive task, and it will require logging into a website. Now, all I have to do is remember who I wanted to be that day....

Anyone reading my thoughts?

2007-05-11T13:52:00.000-05:00

I am curious if anyone reads my blog - even once. If you read, or have read, my blog, can you drop me a quick post? If you don't want your comments published, just state that in your comments.

Thanks, and have a great weekend.

The Garden

2007-05-08T12:25:00.000-05:00

We built our raised veggie garden in the backyard. Al Gore, eat your heart out - I am a true environmentalist. Not only are we growing veggies (or at least plan to), I recycled the materials. The landscaping timbers came from an old dog kennel on the property (not very well-built dog kennel), and the dirt came from my neighbor's construction project.

Completing a project - any project - brings a sense of satisfaction. It makes me proud of what I did. It doesn't matter the size of the project, sometimes it's as small as sorting the mail, but there is a feeling of completion.

Speaking of completion, I need to complete my next tasks.

Simplicity of Faith

2007-04-23T09:22:00.000-05:00

I am beginning to appreciate mass transit. I still find it somewhat inconvenient, but letting someone else do the driving allows me time to do other things. Sometimes, it's getting my day organized. Other times, it's catching up on my reading. And other times, it's spending time reflecting.

Today was a reflection day. I spent a few minutes reading Acts 2. I was especially struck by verse 46, and especially the statement, "and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart..." Two comments struck my by this verse. First is "simplicity of heart," and second is "breaking bread."

I will address the second comment first. The new church met daily, and it revolved around a meal. They ate a meal, in common, EVERY DAY. This served two functions. First, the young believers came together to learn from each other in a casual, friendly setting. Second, they learned to serve one another, going from home to home, sharing a meal. Instead of meeting once a week, maybe twice, they met every day. Instead of meeting for an hour, they reclined at each other's tables for prayer, praise, teaching and encouragement. This is a much different model from today.

My second observation was around the comment, "simplicity of heart." The young Christians had one main love, and that was a love and respect for their God. It played out in their simple faith. My struggle is keeping my faith pure and simple. It's so easy to complicate it with logic and reason, or with blind mysticism. The young believers knew what they believed, mostly based on what they witnessed, and that was enough. I am not discounting, science, logic and reason, as they are necessary for many aspects of life, but I can't let it cloud my simple faith. Instead, science and reason should enhance and magnify my simplicity of heart.

To live in such a place is an amazing place. To have a simple faith; that at the same time allows for amazing discovery through science, logic and reason; is an amazing place. Also, to have strong fellowship with others, to the point that meals are shared on a regular basis, is an incredible way to live.

Spring in Minnesota!

2007-04-19T08:35:00.000-05:00

Spring has arrived. In Minnesota, spring is not a season, it's an event. I am amazed, year after year, how Minnesota will go from a blizzard to consistent 60 degree days, all in three days.

With the beautiful weather comes the outdoor chores. But in spring, these tasks don't feel laborious. There is a never-ending list of tasks, and every spring the outdoor tasks seem to take precedence over the indoor tasks (or indoor tasks move out-of-doors when possible): cleaning the flower beds, seeding the yard, cleaning out the garage, cleaning the windows, catching up on that novel, playing baseball, riding bikes.

Along with the household cleaning, spring seems to prompt "mind cleaning." Many times, in spring, my mind seems to be cleared of various "cobwebs." My thoughts are clearer, my creativity sharper, my ambition elevated.

Spring. This is why we live here.

Go Twins!

2007-04-05T13:08:00.000-05:00

I love baseball. I grew up watching the Twins, going to games with the neighbors across the street. There is something very American about baseball. I suppose that it has something to do with the way that it brings many people groups together under one umbrella, or stadium light, or dome.

In many ways, baseball reminds me of America. America, when I was growing up, was known as a Melting Pot, much like the professional baseball teams of today (Central and South Americans, Koreans, Japanese, players born in the US, players from Canada, etc.). People gathered in America under one banner, much like the way we rally around our favorite teams. Her citizens tried to stick to the traditions and rules (or at least that's what is portrayed). People tried to get along, and even though there was the occasional bench-clearing brawl, people did their best to come back together as one team.

Today, we would do well to remember the lessons of baseball. The players work hard, are selected for the big leagues by proving themselves (not trying to force their way into the pros). They abide by the rules, and if they take issue with the rules, they work to change the rules through appropriate channels, not disregard them. The players work to function as a cohesive team, and don't demand special treatment because of who they are (the Red Sox and Yankees notwithstanding). The players respect the history and traditions of the game, and yet they are challenged to make it better.

And with that, PLAY BALL.

Rainy Day

2007-03-31T14:47:00.000-05:00

It's raining today. Again, or still, depending on how the person views it. Either way, it's wet outside.

The house has been empty for a almost 24 hours now. My wife is at a ladies' retreat, my stepdaughter is with her father, and that leaves me home with the two finches, the two ferrets and a 15 gallon aquarium of assorted fish. And it's raining.

Since cleaning the garage, fixing the front steps, digging out our spot for a garden, or other assorted "outside" tasks are on hold, the kitchen is cleaned up.

I would like to be outside today, but I just can't risk it. Growing up in the late 80's and graduating in the early 90's, I remember what my social studies teachers told us acid rain does to the gargoyles on the French cathedrals, and I just can't chance my nose dissolving away. (Why was science taught in social studies, but the topic was missing in science class...oh,that's another topic.)

The rain will bring, and already is bringing, growth and life back. My yard has changed from a dull, gray-brown to hints of vibrant greens. The dirt left from the snows is slowly washing away, and the plants are starting to regenerate. The rain is necessary, but I wish it would hold off until the work week.

Off to find something else that beckons my attention. Something to escape the rain.

Socialism

2007-03-26T09:03:00.000-05:00

The more I contemplate it, I am more convinced that socialism is, perhaps, a perfect economic system. All have everything in common. Power no longer falls in the hands of a few, but it is shared among all. No one is lacking, none is wasteful.

There is only one problem I see with socialism. It demands perfection from all. Those with less cannot demand more without giving back. Those with more cannot withhold. Those of inferior intelligence need to yield to those with superior intelligence. Those with superior intelligence cannot use the power contained within their knowledge.

Alas, therein lies the weakness in socialism. History confirms that humans are not perfect, but are far from it. The next best solution is an economic system that rewards good performance and punishes poor performance (or lack of performance).

That said, I like to imagine a church that operates under a purer economic system. I like to picture a church that, out of selflessness, cares for the poor and the widowed. A picture a church that, while not rewarding sloth, cares for the needy. I envision a leadership praised for it's humility and servanthood, not it's craftiness and scheming. Maybe, just maybe, that's the radical idea that's lacking today, and maybe this model of church will turn the Western church upside down.

$10 Bill

2007-03-23T07:38:00.000-05:00

Sometimes living means accepting the small blessings. Walking the 5 blocks between bus transfers, I happened upon a $10 bill. Crumpled like an old napkin, it looked as if it was discarded without regard for the litter it contributed.

Looking around for the rightful owner, and seeing precious few individuals, I picked it up. I thought about the significance of $10. What, really, is $10 in the canvas of life? A lunch? 1/2 the cost of a skim, decaf, mochachino (carob instead of chocolate) with a non-dairy topping? Bus fare for a few rides?

Will the old owner really miss it? It was probably missed yesterday. Next week - possibly. Next week - doubtful. Next year - what $10? I can waste $10 in less creative ways than merely losing it while searching for my car keys.

For me, the $10 bill was two high-fat, low nutrition, breakfast burritos...and $7.50 to spare. It was a small blessing and a small encouragement. I felt that I was being looked after, as if God was saying, "I see you. This is a gift to let you know you are special to Me."

$10. What's it really worth?

Opening salvo

2007-03-21T21:22:00.000-05:00

As I sit here in front of my computer, I am thinking, "Who cares what I have to say?" Maybe no one. Maybe millions. At least one does: you are reading this.

There are so many people randomly spreading meaningless words in cyberspace. I don't want to be just another contributor. I want to leave a mark...even if it's little more than the effects of a firecracker in an open field. Maybe not impacting the masses, but it sure had an effect on the grasshopper who inadvertently wandered in at the wrong moment.

Enjoy the posts that follow. If my thoughts and observations cause you to think for a moment, look around; a firecracker may have just blown up in your Starbucks.