Those of you that know me know that I'm not the world's biggest sports fan.
Growing up I participated in the obligatory little league baseball, Pass Punt & Kick, neighborhood football games, Kick the Can, et al. In Jr. High, I "played" basketball and ran track. By the time I got to High School, I realized that I was not an athlete. I remember vividly the call to my dad from the school the day of basketball tryouts telling him that I didn't want to play. He was disappointed, but gracious.
About the only sport I was any good at was golf. That was only because my family belonged to the Country Club. I even have a trophy. Now it would take too much of my time and money for me to get back into it.
Come to think of it, I was a pretty fair skier, too. We used to go to Colorado every winter until I was 18. I would probably kill myself if I tried it now.
So through High School and College, I tried to act like I was into watching sports on TV, but eventually concluded, "What's the point?"
Okay, I will admit that I do enjoy watching the Olympics and the X-Games. But as far as keeping up with ongoing team sports - not so much.
Now if you're ever hanging around me talking sports and I don't have a lot to contribute to the conversation, you'll understand why.
So this weekend is the Super Bowl. I know that because I happened to be talking on the phone with a friend for the first time in 20 years and he mentioned that he and his wife were hosting a party on Sunday. I should have known it was soon, because I've always known it was just after Kansas Day. I know that because we learned about it in grade school. Some things just stick, you know?
Don't ask me who is playing this weekend. Like I said, I don't follow college basketball. Just kidding. I'm sure come game time, I'll know the teams, as I know guys will be talking about it at church Sunday morning.
Part of me thinks I'm un-American for not taking a greater interest. Part of me thinks, "I'm a guy. I'm supposed to be into watching team sports." Part of me is a little embarrassed about it. But the 99% that is the rest of me thinks, "Eh - who cares?"
I must admit though - I'm a little concerned. If you think Americans are fanatic about their sports and their teams, you haven't been to Ireland. I would classify the Irish as rabid about "sport".
Who knows, maybe I'll get caught up in the fervor when we're living there. We'll just have to wait and see...
Jan 30, 2009
Jan 22, 2009
The heart of controversy
So regarding this whole uproar about President Obama asking pastor Rick Warren to do the invocation, and his "praying in Jesus' name"...
Here's the way I see it. That there was a controversy doesn't surprise me. It doesn't get me uptight or anything, because basically we know where the world is headed. It will only get worse before it gets better. We can't change that by getting all worked up about how the world perceives Christians. It is what it is.
What was interesting to me was the discussion among the members of the TV and radio press regarding the Bible that was used for the swearing in. There was long discourse about the history of that particular Bible and about the use of the Bible throughout the past two centuries. However, there was no kind of feeling expressed through these discussions regarding the significance of using the Bible at all. No complaints that a "Christian document" was the very thing that nearly every president has sworn upon.
So why the uproar about the prayer and not the Bible?
I can see several possibilities...
Perhaps that the use of the Bible is such a deep tradition it is viewed not as iconic Christiana, but perhaps simply an historic, weighty document that provides a foundation for the ceremony -- a touch point to the founding of our nation. It may be viewed as one of many such documents (including the Koran, Confucius, the Torah and others) that define the human experience as a whole. I don't know. I'm taking a stab in the dark here.
But regarding the uproar over Pastor Rick and praying in Jesus' name, it seems obvious to me that the world's perception of evangelicals is none too favorable. We evangelicals may not be quite lumped in with radical militant religious groups, but in many regards we are in the same general category. Those who are in the "fundamentalist" camp are at once expected to be dogmatic, unloving, intolerant, narrow-minded, exclusive, judgmental... I could go on. Because of such labels, there is a distrust and a perception that we have an agendum when we choose to be faithful to our beliefs.
The long and short of it is that in a pluralistic society, you can't please everybody. There will always be some who feel disenfranchised. Heavens, if you prayed in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, there would be a certain contingency of Christians who would object.
Just to stir the waters a little more...
Going back to the swearing in, consider the following statement from Jesus:
"But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." (Matt. 5:34-37 NKJV)
I'm thinking that this includes the Holy Scriptures. What do you think? Now I'm not a legalist. I'm not going to declare that we have had no legitimate presidents these 220 years, save those who chose not to swear on the Bible. I just find this all very interesting.
Alright, enough rambling. I know, I know - I haven't really made any strong arguments or profound statements in my little diatribe here. Just kind of random thoughts of someone trying to get a handle on how the world works.
I'll close by saying this.
I applaud President Obama for sticking so far to his promise of striving toward a more unified nation -- a more inclusive administration. No, I don't agree with many of his viewpoints and values. But I will be praying that he will turn to the One through whom all things were made for guidance and wisdom as president -- and the hope of eternal life as a fellow human being.
Oh, and one more thing...
No matter how you feel about the man, this is truly a remarkable era for our nation and world. Centuries of struggle, violence, oppression and turmoil have led us to this point and we should be proud that we have finally arrived here.
Here's the way I see it. That there was a controversy doesn't surprise me. It doesn't get me uptight or anything, because basically we know where the world is headed. It will only get worse before it gets better. We can't change that by getting all worked up about how the world perceives Christians. It is what it is.
What was interesting to me was the discussion among the members of the TV and radio press regarding the Bible that was used for the swearing in. There was long discourse about the history of that particular Bible and about the use of the Bible throughout the past two centuries. However, there was no kind of feeling expressed through these discussions regarding the significance of using the Bible at all. No complaints that a "Christian document" was the very thing that nearly every president has sworn upon.
So why the uproar about the prayer and not the Bible?
I can see several possibilities...
Perhaps that the use of the Bible is such a deep tradition it is viewed not as iconic Christiana, but perhaps simply an historic, weighty document that provides a foundation for the ceremony -- a touch point to the founding of our nation. It may be viewed as one of many such documents (including the Koran, Confucius, the Torah and others) that define the human experience as a whole. I don't know. I'm taking a stab in the dark here.
But regarding the uproar over Pastor Rick and praying in Jesus' name, it seems obvious to me that the world's perception of evangelicals is none too favorable. We evangelicals may not be quite lumped in with radical militant religious groups, but in many regards we are in the same general category. Those who are in the "fundamentalist" camp are at once expected to be dogmatic, unloving, intolerant, narrow-minded, exclusive, judgmental... I could go on. Because of such labels, there is a distrust and a perception that we have an agendum when we choose to be faithful to our beliefs.
The long and short of it is that in a pluralistic society, you can't please everybody. There will always be some who feel disenfranchised. Heavens, if you prayed in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, there would be a certain contingency of Christians who would object.
Just to stir the waters a little more...
Going back to the swearing in, consider the following statement from Jesus:
"But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." (Matt. 5:34-37 NKJV)
I'm thinking that this includes the Holy Scriptures. What do you think? Now I'm not a legalist. I'm not going to declare that we have had no legitimate presidents these 220 years, save those who chose not to swear on the Bible. I just find this all very interesting.
Alright, enough rambling. I know, I know - I haven't really made any strong arguments or profound statements in my little diatribe here. Just kind of random thoughts of someone trying to get a handle on how the world works.
I'll close by saying this.
I applaud President Obama for sticking so far to his promise of striving toward a more unified nation -- a more inclusive administration. No, I don't agree with many of his viewpoints and values. But I will be praying that he will turn to the One through whom all things were made for guidance and wisdom as president -- and the hope of eternal life as a fellow human being.
Oh, and one more thing...
No matter how you feel about the man, this is truly a remarkable era for our nation and world. Centuries of struggle, violence, oppression and turmoil have led us to this point and we should be proud that we have finally arrived here.
Jan 19, 2009
The weather ain't the reason
Rain. Sleet. Snow. Temperatures hovering around freezing. Winds up to 100 mph. Power outages. Hazardous driving. Stranded motorists. Trees and road signs blown down -- on top of cars. 30 ft. waves in a bay. Flooded roads.
This, my friends is Ireland right now.
My word, they are getting slammed with horrible weather! And the kicker is that it's supposed to continue like this for the next week or so.
Now why is it that we want to move to Ireland? Well, I could have told you from the beginning that it wasn't for the weather. Except maybe when it's 99F with 99% humidity here in Gulf Breeze, while it's in the 70s in Dublin.
This picture is us in Ireland in August...
Okay, this was a little too cool for summer in our minds.
Nonetheless - that's where we want to be. That's where we're supposed to be.
May it be sooner rather than later...
This, my friends is Ireland right now.
My word, they are getting slammed with horrible weather! And the kicker is that it's supposed to continue like this for the next week or so.
Now why is it that we want to move to Ireland? Well, I could have told you from the beginning that it wasn't for the weather. Except maybe when it's 99F with 99% humidity here in Gulf Breeze, while it's in the 70s in Dublin.
This picture is us in Ireland in August...
Okay, this was a little too cool for summer in our minds.
Nonetheless - that's where we want to be. That's where we're supposed to be.
May it be sooner rather than later...
Jan 5, 2009
2009
So here we are - starting another year. What will it hold for each of us?
I know that with the economy the way it is at present, many are looking at 2009 with fear and trepidation. We're definitely feeling the crunch ourselves, as music students are having to cut back on lessons, or having to quit altogether. And the little side jobs in carpentry, etc. are all but non-existent.
But we are encouraged.
While certain aspects of our income are suffering, the one thing that is on the increase is the main thing upon which we are focused - our support level for our work in Ireland. I believe we are truly experiencing something miraculous.
God has been teaching us patience and that His timing is perfect. It seems very likely that we will be able to move to Ireland in 2009.
We have a strong support base building, including a number of individuals who have been faithful partners with us for several years. We have seen the fruits of their commitment in the work that we've already been able to accomplish on our short-term trips. At present, their monthly support is enabling us to spend the time needed to raise the remainder that we need so that we can make our permanent move.
We are so excited about continuing our work and fulfilling the vision that God has given us for the church in Ireland.
Here's our vision statement:
Raising up leadership is what it's all about.
Beth and I would love to share with anyone who wants to know more about the work we've been doing, our vision for the work once we are living there and our financial goals for making that happen.
You can let us know if you'd like to learn more by leaving a comment with your email address or phone number. We will NOT publish your information, out of respect for your privacy, but can then contact you with more information.
Here's to 2009!
I know that with the economy the way it is at present, many are looking at 2009 with fear and trepidation. We're definitely feeling the crunch ourselves, as music students are having to cut back on lessons, or having to quit altogether. And the little side jobs in carpentry, etc. are all but non-existent.
But we are encouraged.
While certain aspects of our income are suffering, the one thing that is on the increase is the main thing upon which we are focused - our support level for our work in Ireland. I believe we are truly experiencing something miraculous.
God has been teaching us patience and that His timing is perfect. It seems very likely that we will be able to move to Ireland in 2009.
We have a strong support base building, including a number of individuals who have been faithful partners with us for several years. We have seen the fruits of their commitment in the work that we've already been able to accomplish on our short-term trips. At present, their monthly support is enabling us to spend the time needed to raise the remainder that we need so that we can make our permanent move.
We are so excited about continuing our work and fulfilling the vision that God has given us for the church in Ireland.
Here's our vision statement:
To equip and train up worship leaders and musicians in the Irish church to better enable them to move the church forward and reach the Irish people with the Gospel.
Raising up leadership is what it's all about.
Beth and I would love to share with anyone who wants to know more about the work we've been doing, our vision for the work once we are living there and our financial goals for making that happen.
You can let us know if you'd like to learn more by leaving a comment with your email address or phone number. We will NOT publish your information, out of respect for your privacy, but can then contact you with more information.
Here's to 2009!
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