This past weekend, the Gate began weekly services. The group was small, but the technical aspects were good. Really no glitches, which was a first. And for that, we are thankful.
I am, however, more thankful for the fact that the bar is now cleaned on Sunday mornings instead of Monday mornings. Seriously, if you've never seen a bar bathroom after Saturday night and before the cleanup...well, just be glad you've been spared this.
Anyway... the theme of this semester is Hard Times and the New Humanity. It comes out of the obvious relevance of the hard times we are in, but it also points to the fact that the Christian faith has always grown and matured and often expanded when times are hard, or near insurmountable.
This week was the Great Commandment, and the key thing I noticed was that when asked for the greatest commandment, Jesus responds with not one, but two positive commandments. I hear commandment, and think, "Thou Shall NOT..." which is probably what the Pharisees thought, and so Jesus responds with (paraphrased), "Love God with all you have, and love others as yourself. Oh, and by the way, all the other commandments are nothing without these two." Essentially, if you get these two right, the others will begin to take shape in your life. Its not that the 'shall nots' are unimportant, its that they have no backbone without being motivated by love for God and others. If I don't kill you because its a rule,thats good. If I hold back from even being angry with you because my heart breaks for you, thats waaaaay better.
And Jesus is all about the better.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
A day of work from home
Due to a nasty computer infection at work, I got to work from home today, and learned of the craziness that goes on while I am away.
*Leslie and Kenna like to wave at the garbage man as he picks up the trash. They also like to wear fancy princess dresses and wedding dresses. Today those two combined, and the garbage man apparently got a very good laugh out of it.
*In our neighborhood, there is a nice man that brings everyone's trash bin back off the street. Everyone apparently races to beat him to it. Its like a neighborhood game, but he is very good.
* When Kenna is in her Snow White dress, she picks it up to run, just like in the movies. Unlike the movies, she lifts it up above the belly button and occasionally blocks her sight. She also loves to wear heeled shoes that make noise as she runs.
*Kristin really does work all day. She's not just saying that.
*Around lunch time, Leslie decided she and Kenna were switching names. So we went along with it. Kenna informed us that, "I not Leslie, I Kenna." with a scowl. Leslie then changed the rules that they were both now Kenna. For the next ten years.
* As I was working on the computer, Leslie was playing behind me. I said 'Boo!' No response. "Did that scare you at all?" "Yes. I'm going to scream like a little girl in a minute, but quietly."
I love my family.
*Leslie and Kenna like to wave at the garbage man as he picks up the trash. They also like to wear fancy princess dresses and wedding dresses. Today those two combined, and the garbage man apparently got a very good laugh out of it.
*In our neighborhood, there is a nice man that brings everyone's trash bin back off the street. Everyone apparently races to beat him to it. Its like a neighborhood game, but he is very good.
* When Kenna is in her Snow White dress, she picks it up to run, just like in the movies. Unlike the movies, she lifts it up above the belly button and occasionally blocks her sight. She also loves to wear heeled shoes that make noise as she runs.
*Kristin really does work all day. She's not just saying that.
*Around lunch time, Leslie decided she and Kenna were switching names. So we went along with it. Kenna informed us that, "I not Leslie, I Kenna." with a scowl. Leslie then changed the rules that they were both now Kenna. For the next ten years.
* As I was working on the computer, Leslie was playing behind me. I said 'Boo!' No response. "Did that scare you at all?" "Yes. I'm going to scream like a little girl in a minute, but quietly."
I love my family.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Coming Together
Like many thousands (millions?) of households, we hosted a Super Bowl Party this past weekend. Ours was, of course, for the Gate.
Since it was for the church, we used the church's sound equipment and projector for the ultimate game experience. After a full day of cleaning, and another full afternoon of rearranging furniture, people started to come in. We ended up with a good crowd, and way too much food.
Since no one was vested in any one team, for the most part, no fights broke out. There were good natured threats of course. And one person was calling the score, but no one else wanted the prize of all the left over food.
The Denny's "Nannerpus" commercial was the big hit, and I have enjoyed watching facebook friends add pictures of this strange breakfast food. The commercial apparently failed its mission, because rather than turn folks off of the ridiculous food, several of us were wanting to consume the nannerpus.
In the midst of all this, something great happened. People talked. College students and young adults interacted with small kids, and everyone spent the evening catching up and getting to know each other better. It was great for building community, and it was great to be a part of.
We also learned a valuable parenting lesson. When your preschool daughter wants to take her shirt off, like the 2 year old boy (he had spilled alot on his shirt) the difusing of this potential bad habit is to inform the girl that the cool factor of a girl in a princess dress is equal to or greater than the cool factor of a shirtless boy.
On many levels.
Since it was for the church, we used the church's sound equipment and projector for the ultimate game experience. After a full day of cleaning, and another full afternoon of rearranging furniture, people started to come in. We ended up with a good crowd, and way too much food.
Since no one was vested in any one team, for the most part, no fights broke out. There were good natured threats of course. And one person was calling the score, but no one else wanted the prize of all the left over food.
The Denny's "Nannerpus" commercial was the big hit, and I have enjoyed watching facebook friends add pictures of this strange breakfast food. The commercial apparently failed its mission, because rather than turn folks off of the ridiculous food, several of us were wanting to consume the nannerpus.
In the midst of all this, something great happened. People talked. College students and young adults interacted with small kids, and everyone spent the evening catching up and getting to know each other better. It was great for building community, and it was great to be a part of.
We also learned a valuable parenting lesson. When your preschool daughter wants to take her shirt off, like the 2 year old boy (he had spilled alot on his shirt) the difusing of this potential bad habit is to inform the girl that the cool factor of a girl in a princess dress is equal to or greater than the cool factor of a shirtless boy.
On many levels.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
How much to care?
For the last few years, I have been on a journey of learning compassion. For a long time mercy was my lowest ranking on any spiritual gift inventory. Now, because of several cases of life teaching me a lesson, I'm doing a bit better.
Which brings me to my job, the one that pays the bills. Part of my job is to drive out to properties with delinquent taxes and leave tax statements and notes to pay the taxes or the property might be sold. More often than not, the people are not there, but the trappings of their lives are. I often see remnants of beer cans and boxes, some sort of grill, cars in various states of 'repair.' Some homes have cutesy little signs, some appear to be vacant, if not for the fact that a large pit bull, or pack of pits, is tugging violently on its chain in an attempt to, I guess, eat me.
But its when I notice something else that is common at these homes that my heart begins to break. Toys. And I think of my own daughters, and how they view me. Most often, I think they really like me, and if preschoolers had a word for it respect, that might be what they used. I think most small children have that concept down, and lose it as they grow taller and 'wiser.' So I think about these homes, with their toys and signs and beer cans, I wonder how much those kids understand about their parents failings. Do they know dad can't keep a job because of those beer cans, or that mom lies, or that neither parents have paid taxes in 5 years? But the light quickly falls on me, and I wonder what my children would think if they knew the wickedness in me. The selfishness, lust, anger, or laziness that is at war with person I want to be, need to be, in Christ.
As I put that note in their door, I am humbled, because when I see these people struggle with the difficulties of life, or their sin, or whatever it is that has led them to the situation that now brings me to their house, I see the falleness of us all. This is not how it was supposed to be. And I know that He is coming to make it alright, but there are times, I really wish He'd hurry.
Which brings me to my job, the one that pays the bills. Part of my job is to drive out to properties with delinquent taxes and leave tax statements and notes to pay the taxes or the property might be sold. More often than not, the people are not there, but the trappings of their lives are. I often see remnants of beer cans and boxes, some sort of grill, cars in various states of 'repair.' Some homes have cutesy little signs, some appear to be vacant, if not for the fact that a large pit bull, or pack of pits, is tugging violently on its chain in an attempt to, I guess, eat me.
But its when I notice something else that is common at these homes that my heart begins to break. Toys. And I think of my own daughters, and how they view me. Most often, I think they really like me, and if preschoolers had a word for it respect, that might be what they used. I think most small children have that concept down, and lose it as they grow taller and 'wiser.' So I think about these homes, with their toys and signs and beer cans, I wonder how much those kids understand about their parents failings. Do they know dad can't keep a job because of those beer cans, or that mom lies, or that neither parents have paid taxes in 5 years? But the light quickly falls on me, and I wonder what my children would think if they knew the wickedness in me. The selfishness, lust, anger, or laziness that is at war with person I want to be, need to be, in Christ.
As I put that note in their door, I am humbled, because when I see these people struggle with the difficulties of life, or their sin, or whatever it is that has led them to the situation that now brings me to their house, I see the falleness of us all. This is not how it was supposed to be. And I know that He is coming to make it alright, but there are times, I really wish He'd hurry.
Monday, January 5, 2009
...Where we're going.
So 2009 has been here a few days, and its been pretty ok. Rather than make any resolutions, I thought we do some Dreams (the crazy stuff), Hopes (things that would be great) and Prayers (the things we're actively pursuing).
Dreams: 1. I'd like a million dollars. Not too much more, cuz taxes would kill us. It lets us pay off the house and car, and we can buy the brand name peanut butter for the kids. And maybe we could finish the fence at one time instead of over the decade.
2. The Gate would reach 500. That number, because if the average tithe is $1000, Wally and I could go full time as pastors. Plus, 500 legitimizes us in the eyes of the world as a success. And if we're kooky enough with 500 people, publishers will want a book, and I'd love to write one. And finish it.
3. One (or both) of the girls develop scholarship worthy abilities at the ages of 4 and 2 respectively. Then we don't have to worry about college. Which we wouldn't worry about at all if we got Dream #1 as well.
Hopes: 1. A healthy year. No major illness in the family due to pets or greasy food.
2. The time and money for a real family vacation. Nothing wrong with visiting family, but they don't live in the mountains, and I think our girls believe we made those rocky things up in an elaborate hoax involving various national publications and the Discovery Channel.
3. More snow in College Station. It was great back in December, but the snowman we made was really sub-par and whipped up rather hastily. We can do better. Maybe that is the girls' scholarship ticket...
Prayers: 1. For the Gate to have at least 25 regular attenders by this summer. We'd love to have some momentum going into the summer. Which if you're reading this, and love A&M and don't currently attend the Gate, you should. Commute or move, but you should soooo be with us. Especially those of you with family already here. Or Friends. Or a favorite restaurant.
2. To find a way to serve others better, both individually and as a part of the Gate. I really feel there is a need for us as followers of Jesus to seek out those in need and love them, serve them, or whatever.
3. To be generally better at everything. Yeah, I know, but I really think we out to be striving to be better at loving each other, being less selfish, doing the best we can in our profession, be better listeners, blah, blah, blah. In all seriousness, I think I'll find 2 or 3 things in my attitude or actions to really work on. Some of you may want to work on a few more than that. Pride. That's definitely one for me.
Have a great New Year!
Dreams: 1. I'd like a million dollars. Not too much more, cuz taxes would kill us. It lets us pay off the house and car, and we can buy the brand name peanut butter for the kids. And maybe we could finish the fence at one time instead of over the decade.
2. The Gate would reach 500. That number, because if the average tithe is $1000, Wally and I could go full time as pastors. Plus, 500 legitimizes us in the eyes of the world as a success. And if we're kooky enough with 500 people, publishers will want a book, and I'd love to write one. And finish it.
3. One (or both) of the girls develop scholarship worthy abilities at the ages of 4 and 2 respectively. Then we don't have to worry about college. Which we wouldn't worry about at all if we got Dream #1 as well.
Hopes: 1. A healthy year. No major illness in the family due to pets or greasy food.
2. The time and money for a real family vacation. Nothing wrong with visiting family, but they don't live in the mountains, and I think our girls believe we made those rocky things up in an elaborate hoax involving various national publications and the Discovery Channel.
3. More snow in College Station. It was great back in December, but the snowman we made was really sub-par and whipped up rather hastily. We can do better. Maybe that is the girls' scholarship ticket...
Prayers: 1. For the Gate to have at least 25 regular attenders by this summer. We'd love to have some momentum going into the summer. Which if you're reading this, and love A&M and don't currently attend the Gate, you should. Commute or move, but you should soooo be with us. Especially those of you with family already here. Or Friends. Or a favorite restaurant.
2. To find a way to serve others better, both individually and as a part of the Gate. I really feel there is a need for us as followers of Jesus to seek out those in need and love them, serve them, or whatever.
3. To be generally better at everything. Yeah, I know, but I really think we out to be striving to be better at loving each other, being less selfish, doing the best we can in our profession, be better listeners, blah, blah, blah. In all seriousness, I think I'll find 2 or 3 things in my attitude or actions to really work on. Some of you may want to work on a few more than that. Pride. That's definitely one for me.
Have a great New Year!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Where we've been...
With the year at an end, I thought I'd review the year we've had in our house and church.
January: The year started off terribly, with the passing of Kristin's dad. He had fought his cancer bravely and won, but the cost of the battle was too much for his body to handle. This loss was tempered with our faith in Wayne's destination and the life he had lived.
February: Kristin had a lump in her leg that was causing all sorts of problems, including making it hard to walk. The family doctor found it too difficult to remove, so we got passed to a genreal surgeon, still not knowing what it was, even after a CT scan. Which, by the way, is waaay expensive. After the surgery, we found out it was Cat Scratch Fever (seriously, it IS a real disease). I laughed, Kristin was not humored.
March: We caught enough of a breather to start launching the Gate, and had some students over for hamburgers.
April: The Gate begins meeting on Mondays for conversations, a small group. We start with 5, plus our two girls. It goes well.
May: Kristin begins to experience flare ups of her recurring stomach issues, the Gate presses on and we prepare for...
June: ...when Wally and Crissy Wellborn, our fellow church planters get moved to BCS. We eat out way too much. Kristin is not feeling better.
July: After having reached as many as 10 in Conversations, most of the students head home for the summer, and the numbers drop to 5, we begin to start looking to what we need to be in the fall. Kristin stomach illness is really bad, and we don't like doctors that can't see sick people.
August: We finally get fed up with the family doctor and get started with a gastro specialist. We make the bold decision with the Gate to have a public service, at a bar. We have about two weeks to find a bar, a worship leader, do publicity, and freak out.
September: Kristin has a colonoscopy/endoscopy and we discover she has a hiatal hernia in her esophagus and reflux as the issue. We become fans of Nexium. Kristin starts work at Mother's Day Out at Hillcrest Baptist Church, and the girls begin their first daycare type experience. They all love it. We get ready to launch the church ... and wait 3 weeks while Hurricanes Gustav and Ike take aim at us. Gustav missed, and Ike was an irritant, but its effects on the coast sent evacuees to BCS, and our plan for publicity was affected. Finally, after three postponements, we have a booth at Breakaway (college Bible Study on Campus) and get buzz as the 'Bar church.' The first service launches with 19 people, including kids and nursery workers. We did find a worship leader and we were meeting at Hurricane Harry's once a month. Despite a multitude of tech issues, the night went pretty well.
October: Second Harry's service and we join up with the Aggie Baptist Student Ministry for their midnight pancake feed on Northgate (bar central here) on Halloween. Drunk people are funny. Costumed drunk people are hi-larious.
November: Final Harry's service of the semester, and we decide right before Thanksgiving to bake and give out 1000 Christmas cookies before finals, which was in a week. Our oven almost died of exhaustion. We had to put the family cat, Lucky, down. It was tough.
December: We got snow in College Station, and the girls got to play in it. It was about 2-3 inches, and it was amazing. Then, a week or so before Christmas everyone got sick. Twice. Except me. I just got sick on Christmas Eve. Not cool.
So that is the Lehrmann year in review. I'll post back soon with our hopes and pursuits for 2009.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Got this song stuck in my head...
So after a day of dealing with a sick kid, the little one, I was frustrated. I tend to get kind of...negative when things are tough. I see the worst, expect more bad, act kinda pouty. You know, like any 4 year old would.
Kristin was on the phone, Les on the Computer, Kenna starting to feel better and watching her shows on TV, so I, out of boreddom, started doing dishes. A note here, I have found that doing dishes while listening to the I-Pod on its speakers makes it a more bearable experience. (Shhhh, don't tell Kristin)
So, Charlie Hall's "You are God" rolls onto the I-Pod. And I soak it in. And hit repeat. Again. Again. And what sticks the most is the line "He's closer than our troubles." I often claim to feel like God is distant when things are tough, yet if He is in us, He is in fact nearer than our troubles, even the ones we make worse by dwelling on them and getting heartsick over. I think He looks at us and shakes his head, not out of frustration, but out of sorrow. Sorrow that we have not looked to Him.
Which is the second revelatory verse in the song: "We are stunned with wide eyed wonder." I have been stunned by a sight before, as recently as this past week when College Station got covered in a couple inches of snow. The beauty was enormous, compounded by the fact that it has not snowed here like that in, according one person on the local station, nearly 2 decades. It was a new thing, a site unexpected, yet longed for. And when it was seen, it was only then that I realized how much I missed it, needed it, and just how much it moved my heart.
You know, like when we realize God is there, as He has been all along, closer than our troubles.
I miss Him, and I need Him, and I believe He is near, and, to paraphrase Elijah, I believe He is "turning my heart back again."
Kristin was on the phone, Les on the Computer, Kenna starting to feel better and watching her shows on TV, so I, out of boreddom, started doing dishes. A note here, I have found that doing dishes while listening to the I-Pod on its speakers makes it a more bearable experience. (Shhhh, don't tell Kristin)
So, Charlie Hall's "You are God" rolls onto the I-Pod. And I soak it in. And hit repeat. Again. Again. And what sticks the most is the line "He's closer than our troubles." I often claim to feel like God is distant when things are tough, yet if He is in us, He is in fact nearer than our troubles, even the ones we make worse by dwelling on them and getting heartsick over. I think He looks at us and shakes his head, not out of frustration, but out of sorrow. Sorrow that we have not looked to Him.
Which is the second revelatory verse in the song: "We are stunned with wide eyed wonder." I have been stunned by a sight before, as recently as this past week when College Station got covered in a couple inches of snow. The beauty was enormous, compounded by the fact that it has not snowed here like that in, according one person on the local station, nearly 2 decades. It was a new thing, a site unexpected, yet longed for. And when it was seen, it was only then that I realized how much I missed it, needed it, and just how much it moved my heart.
You know, like when we realize God is there, as He has been all along, closer than our troubles.
I miss Him, and I need Him, and I believe He is near, and, to paraphrase Elijah, I believe He is "turning my heart back again."
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