The last few days here in College Station have been beautiful. Now, admittedly, my view of beautiful weather is probably a bit skewed, but the gray rainy days are my favorites. Today is the first day since Monday that we have made it to the 80s, Tuesday and Wednesday we never left the 60s.
Its about this time of year that I begin to feel trapped at work. My office is windowless, and stuffy. When I get out, I generally have to spend my time in musty old rooms filled with giant record books. But between my office and the records, I have maybe a hundred yards of cool, fresh Fall air to soak up. Like a gateway drug, it only leaves me wanting more. So, I am trying to find excuses to escape the confines that come with the job.
One way is to go to campus and do a little work from there. It allows me the chance to see reminders of why we're here, as thousands of college students walk by, heads down, ears plugged with I-pods and such, and backs burdened with books. I get the chance to pray for them, and get some work done at the same time, and enjoy the air.
I also find myself going and simply walking around the backyard. The soggy yard squishing water with every step, the smell of the wet cedar fence, the cool breeze that will occasionally shock my lung with it's suddenness. They make me feel alive. They remind of Falls growing up, Friday's after school, in the hours between class's end and the games that night. Though I never played football, there was a sense of expectancy in those hours, a sense of...freedom.
As those memories play through my mind, I think a lot about freedom. We are given life to experience it. I watch my girls, Leslie trying out her new gymnastics moves, bounding about, and Kenna twirling as she and Kristin watch Dancing With The Stars. they are living, not bound to the worries of bills, and responsibilities, and concerns. They are free. In a lesser way, the college students we work with are free, too. They are spreading their wings, learning through trial and error who they really are. They test themselves to see their limits, but they still have more freedom to dream of futures untold, to try new things free of the burdens of full time jobs (for some, anyway).
But lest you think I feel trapped by life, I need you to know that actually, I feel more free than I have in a long time. I would love to be full time with the Gate, setting my own hours so I could go with Leslie to gymnastics every week, and then swing by campus for an hour or two to meet with students, or staying out way too late because I could sleep in the next day. That's still a long way off, but for now, I feel free because God has allowed us to pursue this dream, to be in the lives of some college students and young adults as they navigate these vital years. As we walk with them, we can live their freedom with them a bit. Movie nights, disc golf, coffee shops, talking through relationship issues, seeking answers to tough God stuff- it is freeing.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go walk on my soggy yard.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
8 Years
So on Facebook today, a lot of people were talking about where they were 8 years ago, when the world changed. I was on my way to class, coincidentally it was class in which we were at that time discussing urban legends, and when I first hear from a friend what had happened in New York, I thought it was hoax. Or at least that it was exaggeration. It wasn't, and what I remember of that day was that everyone was in a haze. Much like it had been two years earlier when Bonfire fell, but this time, it was worldwide.
But tonight, I got to thinking about what has happened these last eight years, personally and to the world at large. In the days that followed, there was fear, anger, hopelessness, and also resolve. Since that day, it seems that we as a country have grown more fearful, less trusting. We are as a nation more divided than we have been in my lifetime. Fear of what the next big tragedy is looms in the air-will swine flu get us? Or biological warfare? Or will we all be on a breadline- or forced into socialism or fascism, or some other -ism? And our fear and distrust have not made us better.
I wonder as I look at my children, 2 and 4, and how they don't know a world that was once innocent. They have cartoons and children's shows that are teaching them how to prevent getting and giving the flu, they will never a know a world that didn't have some system for telling how scared we should be like the terror threat level color scheme. Yes, my kids will look at the world in a better way than I did in some respects- they won't see color differences as starkly as my generation- that is if we don't go back that way with the rhetoric we hear daily from politicians and pundits and armchair politicians- of all colors. Yes, my kids will have access to more and better medicines, they will be smarter than me sooner that I'd like with all the technological advances, and they will have opportunities to go and do things I didn't - not because my parents held me back, but because I never knew they existed.
I remember 8 years ago, schools tried to keep people from talking about the tragedy of 9-11- and being angry. Kids do not need to be sheltered from the fact this world is messed up, and sometimes really bad stuff goes down. They need to learn to process this, grow from this, and make every effort to make this a world this never happens again. When Leslie and Kenna see the images from that day, and ask, we tell them, as much as they can understand. I want them to grow up with a desire to spread love and peace and the message of Christ- which is love and peace- so that those motivated by hate and fear are not just silenced, but changed. Changed by a message of true hope.
In the days after 9-11, there was much talk of revival, and hope that God was raising us up. But that faded soon, and we let hate and unforgiveness creep in, and we called it patriotism to desire to see lost Muslims die horrifically. I am not saying I oppose the war- war is a 'necessary evil' of government, just as it was in the Old Testament- but we as followers of Christ must never rejoice in the death of a person going to Hell- no matter how evil they may be. In some ways, the desire that we be broken over the terrorists' eternal fate informed our hearts with our path toward the Gate- to show love, even to the unlovable. That is the message I want my kids to learn about what happened 8 years ago today.
But tonight, I got to thinking about what has happened these last eight years, personally and to the world at large. In the days that followed, there was fear, anger, hopelessness, and also resolve. Since that day, it seems that we as a country have grown more fearful, less trusting. We are as a nation more divided than we have been in my lifetime. Fear of what the next big tragedy is looms in the air-will swine flu get us? Or biological warfare? Or will we all be on a breadline- or forced into socialism or fascism, or some other -ism? And our fear and distrust have not made us better.
I wonder as I look at my children, 2 and 4, and how they don't know a world that was once innocent. They have cartoons and children's shows that are teaching them how to prevent getting and giving the flu, they will never a know a world that didn't have some system for telling how scared we should be like the terror threat level color scheme. Yes, my kids will look at the world in a better way than I did in some respects- they won't see color differences as starkly as my generation- that is if we don't go back that way with the rhetoric we hear daily from politicians and pundits and armchair politicians- of all colors. Yes, my kids will have access to more and better medicines, they will be smarter than me sooner that I'd like with all the technological advances, and they will have opportunities to go and do things I didn't - not because my parents held me back, but because I never knew they existed.
I remember 8 years ago, schools tried to keep people from talking about the tragedy of 9-11- and being angry. Kids do not need to be sheltered from the fact this world is messed up, and sometimes really bad stuff goes down. They need to learn to process this, grow from this, and make every effort to make this a world this never happens again. When Leslie and Kenna see the images from that day, and ask, we tell them, as much as they can understand. I want them to grow up with a desire to spread love and peace and the message of Christ- which is love and peace- so that those motivated by hate and fear are not just silenced, but changed. Changed by a message of true hope.
In the days after 9-11, there was much talk of revival, and hope that God was raising us up. But that faded soon, and we let hate and unforgiveness creep in, and we called it patriotism to desire to see lost Muslims die horrifically. I am not saying I oppose the war- war is a 'necessary evil' of government, just as it was in the Old Testament- but we as followers of Christ must never rejoice in the death of a person going to Hell- no matter how evil they may be. In some ways, the desire that we be broken over the terrorists' eternal fate informed our hearts with our path toward the Gate- to show love, even to the unlovable. That is the message I want my kids to learn about what happened 8 years ago today.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Fog
So this morning, Leslie woke me up at 4:19 and was too scared to sleep. So I went into her room to hopefully lay there with her for a bit so she could sleep. But she didn't. In fact, when I did fall asleep, she woke me up to ask if it was time to get up. So I have spent the day in a slight fog of sleepiness fought off only by lots of Dr. Pepper.
Most of my foggy days are due to Benadryl the night before, and the fact that medicines mess me up when it comes to coherency. I just sort of sleep walk through the day.
When I got to thinking about it today, I realized that we all seem to get to a point where life itself seems a constant fog. We shuffle through our days, mumbling stuff, bumping into things and people, mindlessly performing the scheduled tasks. Our fog may be a fog of apathy, fear, resignation, anger, pain, boredom, disappointment, or sense of failure. But we all seem to be in a fog, headed into one, or escaping one.
In a little over a week, the Gate begins a series basically about beginnings and the identity we develop in young adulthood. It's making me think about that time in my life, when I was full of hope and optimism (older people called me naive). I saw problems as challenges to over come, and went after them, not giving up, but looking to a new line of attack when things fell apart.
Somewhere in my past, that changed.
The older or more experienced people's advice that "You just can't change that," or "Thats too much to take on" began to collect in the air around me. Then, the weariness of fighting sets in, and then the 'responsibilities of adulthood,' then the idea that those people were right- all these collected into a fog.
The fog is finally lifting for me- the result of starting to dream again, to hope, to expect big things. Maybe its being around college students, who still have these in abundance, or maybe its just starting to trust God to be who He says he is, once again. Whatever it is, it makes me want to challenge the Gate, and you reading this, to press on. Keep dreaming big, keep trying to change the unchangeable, reach the unreachable. And those folks who try to talk you down, kick them in the teeth and keep going. (Not literally, though there are times....)
The Gate is about dreams. Its about a dream to reach young adults and college students for Christ. A dream that this generation can and will restore the passion of the Body of Christ. A dream that students can BE the church, not just a part of it. Its also a dream that God will show up in our community, change it, and set free His Spirit upon us all. We're are seeing these things happen, and new dreams are being born as we speak. Not just dreams we have for the church, but dreams the individuals that make up the church are having.
So, put down the Benadryl, grab your DP (or caffeine of choice) and let's wake up. Things are about to get interesting.
Most of my foggy days are due to Benadryl the night before, and the fact that medicines mess me up when it comes to coherency. I just sort of sleep walk through the day.
When I got to thinking about it today, I realized that we all seem to get to a point where life itself seems a constant fog. We shuffle through our days, mumbling stuff, bumping into things and people, mindlessly performing the scheduled tasks. Our fog may be a fog of apathy, fear, resignation, anger, pain, boredom, disappointment, or sense of failure. But we all seem to be in a fog, headed into one, or escaping one.
In a little over a week, the Gate begins a series basically about beginnings and the identity we develop in young adulthood. It's making me think about that time in my life, when I was full of hope and optimism (older people called me naive). I saw problems as challenges to over come, and went after them, not giving up, but looking to a new line of attack when things fell apart.
Somewhere in my past, that changed.
The older or more experienced people's advice that "You just can't change that," or "Thats too much to take on" began to collect in the air around me. Then, the weariness of fighting sets in, and then the 'responsibilities of adulthood,' then the idea that those people were right- all these collected into a fog.
The fog is finally lifting for me- the result of starting to dream again, to hope, to expect big things. Maybe its being around college students, who still have these in abundance, or maybe its just starting to trust God to be who He says he is, once again. Whatever it is, it makes me want to challenge the Gate, and you reading this, to press on. Keep dreaming big, keep trying to change the unchangeable, reach the unreachable. And those folks who try to talk you down, kick them in the teeth and keep going. (Not literally, though there are times....)
The Gate is about dreams. Its about a dream to reach young adults and college students for Christ. A dream that this generation can and will restore the passion of the Body of Christ. A dream that students can BE the church, not just a part of it. Its also a dream that God will show up in our community, change it, and set free His Spirit upon us all. We're are seeing these things happen, and new dreams are being born as we speak. Not just dreams we have for the church, but dreams the individuals that make up the church are having.
So, put down the Benadryl, grab your DP (or caffeine of choice) and let's wake up. Things are about to get interesting.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Kenna- the Dog whisperer, and Leslie the Jealous
So, here is what has been going down for the last few minutes. We hear Leslie fussing, and trying with all her might to get Missy (our dog) to come to her. For a few weeks now, the girls grab her dry dog food bits and feed them to her as treats. Missy loves this, and seems to be the only way she likes her food. The problem arose when Kenna, with less food than Leslie, and much quieter as well, was getting Missy to follow her instead of Leslie.
Once we got that settled, Leslie went to plan B, which was to get more food, via her sandbox shovel, and carry it back to our room and feed her. We stopped that, and sent them back to the kitchen. Kenna lost interest at this point and went to do her own thing, but I could hear the little pieces of dog food rolling all over the kitchen. Presently, Leslie quietly goes down the hall, opens the closet and walks back out with her vacuum (its a copy of our big one and sort of works). Then I hear the sound of the mini-vac in the kitchen, cleaning up the mess they made.
Kenna re-enters the story, and when Leslie is done, she puts the vacuum up.
And I thought it was to be a boring Monday night.
Once we got that settled, Leslie went to plan B, which was to get more food, via her sandbox shovel, and carry it back to our room and feed her. We stopped that, and sent them back to the kitchen. Kenna lost interest at this point and went to do her own thing, but I could hear the little pieces of dog food rolling all over the kitchen. Presently, Leslie quietly goes down the hall, opens the closet and walks back out with her vacuum (its a copy of our big one and sort of works). Then I hear the sound of the mini-vac in the kitchen, cleaning up the mess they made.
Kenna re-enters the story, and when Leslie is done, she puts the vacuum up.
And I thought it was to be a boring Monday night.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Distressed
Sunday we started a new, very brief, series on rethinking what missions are all about, and we looked at 1 Samuel 22:1-2, where David goes to Adullam, and the distressed, in debt and discontent (400 in all) came to follow him. The point was, we are better missionaries if we are imperfect, not all shined up--HUMAN.
God's sense of humor was evident on Monday.
We decided to go grocery shopping. Not really that we had a choice if we wanted to eat that day, but the timing was poor. Sunday we had helped with move in on campus, so we realized that the college students were back. We forgot that them being back meant they needed food. Apparently all of them, at the same time.
Normally Kristin goes around 6:30 a.m., largely because she does the Grocery Game and it gives her plenty of time and space to do it. For whatever reason, this day we went at 4:30 in the afternoon, and all four of us went to HEB.
Now, you need to understand that this HEB is designed in such a way that from the time you enter the parking lot until you leave you are fighting, clawing, and bleeding until you leave the parking lot- on an excellent day of shopping. The lanes are small with little directional designation, the aisles are for the first half of the store maze-like, the second half they are narrow, and the open spaces are filled with sale items and kiosks selling specialty products, and occasionally someone apparently giving cooking lessons.
This day we faced these things and what seemed like thousands of college students. The distress hit me first- I was left to find Sunny Delight with the girls ( who are in their car cart, which is slightly more difficult to steer than a forty foot bus). I never found it, and instead got into such a trance of overwhelmed-ness that when Kristin found me, she talked to me, but I heard nothing. So I then got to go look for things on my own, because I feared losing Leslie and Kenna if I was in charge of their care any longer.
While I wandered looking for the elusive Parmesan cheese (seriously, I think the stockers try to make it impossible to find this product- not with cheese, or salad stuff, or condiments), I noticed that the college students were equally distressed. The girls worked in packs of 4-6, effectively blocking the too-small aisles. The guys wandered around, often mumbling something about nacho cheese, then calling mom to find out where stuff might be in the store. If the guys were in groups of two or more, there was nervous laughter as each one tried to play off that they weren't nervous about not finding the sustenance they sought.
Kristin, meanwhile, hit her distress. The crush of people had gotten to her and all she wanted was to get out. When she found me, she looked like she had seen a ghost, which was possible given the chaos ensuing all around us.
As we finally escaped the store, the girls having survived with little fussing, it dawned on me how relevant the overwhelming event we had just gone through was to our duty as missionaries. All around us are people just as distressed, but we too often are so focused on our own survival that we don't see them, or we do and just don't think to feel compassion and help them. Imagine living a life where everyday is "40,000 College Students Return and Are Hungry" day, and you are overwhelmed and crushed and overlooked and lost. But instead of being able to find the Parmesan and get out, what you seek cannot be found- unless someone who knows where it is tells you. But they are too caught up in their own affairs to care.
We must wake, and realize that our trials are preparing us to help others with theirs. And sometimes, we are still going through that trial when those around us need us.
And the Parmesan is by the snack food aisle--this time.
God's sense of humor was evident on Monday.
We decided to go grocery shopping. Not really that we had a choice if we wanted to eat that day, but the timing was poor. Sunday we had helped with move in on campus, so we realized that the college students were back. We forgot that them being back meant they needed food. Apparently all of them, at the same time.
Normally Kristin goes around 6:30 a.m., largely because she does the Grocery Game and it gives her plenty of time and space to do it. For whatever reason, this day we went at 4:30 in the afternoon, and all four of us went to HEB.
Now, you need to understand that this HEB is designed in such a way that from the time you enter the parking lot until you leave you are fighting, clawing, and bleeding until you leave the parking lot- on an excellent day of shopping. The lanes are small with little directional designation, the aisles are for the first half of the store maze-like, the second half they are narrow, and the open spaces are filled with sale items and kiosks selling specialty products, and occasionally someone apparently giving cooking lessons.
This day we faced these things and what seemed like thousands of college students. The distress hit me first- I was left to find Sunny Delight with the girls ( who are in their car cart, which is slightly more difficult to steer than a forty foot bus). I never found it, and instead got into such a trance of overwhelmed-ness that when Kristin found me, she talked to me, but I heard nothing. So I then got to go look for things on my own, because I feared losing Leslie and Kenna if I was in charge of their care any longer.
While I wandered looking for the elusive Parmesan cheese (seriously, I think the stockers try to make it impossible to find this product- not with cheese, or salad stuff, or condiments), I noticed that the college students were equally distressed. The girls worked in packs of 4-6, effectively blocking the too-small aisles. The guys wandered around, often mumbling something about nacho cheese, then calling mom to find out where stuff might be in the store. If the guys were in groups of two or more, there was nervous laughter as each one tried to play off that they weren't nervous about not finding the sustenance they sought.
Kristin, meanwhile, hit her distress. The crush of people had gotten to her and all she wanted was to get out. When she found me, she looked like she had seen a ghost, which was possible given the chaos ensuing all around us.
As we finally escaped the store, the girls having survived with little fussing, it dawned on me how relevant the overwhelming event we had just gone through was to our duty as missionaries. All around us are people just as distressed, but we too often are so focused on our own survival that we don't see them, or we do and just don't think to feel compassion and help them. Imagine living a life where everyday is "40,000 College Students Return and Are Hungry" day, and you are overwhelmed and crushed and overlooked and lost. But instead of being able to find the Parmesan and get out, what you seek cannot be found- unless someone who knows where it is tells you. But they are too caught up in their own affairs to care.
We must wake, and realize that our trials are preparing us to help others with theirs. And sometimes, we are still going through that trial when those around us need us.
And the Parmesan is by the snack food aisle--this time.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Vacation Blog, Part 2
So Wednesday was the rafting day. We drove to north of Gunnison, CO to run the Taylor River. The we is Kristin, her mother, and her 77 year old Uncle Fred. And our guide was Wild Bill. We were running 3's and the water was about 45 degrees. Wild Bill informed us there were 3 commands, ALL FORWARD, ALL BACK, and TAKE A BREAK. Things went Well for the first 30 minutes, but then we had to do an ALL BACK. We thought he said FALL BACK, and so we all four leaned back, leaned back, leaned back, as he yelled louder and louder, and we drew closer and closer to a big rock. We hit the rock just after we came to our senses, and Wild Bill saved us by swing us around. When we later got an ALL BACK right, we cheered, much to the weird looks from the boat behind us.
All in all, we had a great day, and really loved rafting. Meanwhile, back at the cabin, the girls were watched by cousin Cheryl, and we were very thankful for her sacrifice. I think the girls made two trips with her to the city park.
All in all, we had a great day, and really loved rafting. Meanwhile, back at the cabin, the girls were watched by cousin Cheryl, and we were very thankful for her sacrifice. I think the girls made two trips with her to the city park.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Vacation Blog, Part 1
I figure I'll take a couple days to update on out trip to Lake City this past week.
We left Sunday after the Gate, which meant we started driving around 10 p.m. We made great time until poor Leslie gave in to sinus congestion combined with car-sick outside of Dumas, TX. We got back on track until Alamosa, CO where there was about a 45 minute trip that covered 10 miles, due to construction. Thats also when Kenna decided it was screaming fit time. We finally got to Lake City about 5 p.m. CO time. First night we just walked around town to get used to the air, and check out some stuff Kristin remembered from her childhood visits up there.
Tuesday was the day we went to Deer Lakes, a group of lakes up near the summit of Slumgullion Pass, and it was Leslie and Kenna's first fishing trip. Leslie amazed us with 20-25 foot casts, and Kenna amazed us that no one got hooked. Leslie liked it much more than Kenna, who spent her time helping me snap pictures of an overly fat chipmunk who continued to draw ever closer in hopes of catching a snack. We also saw a beaver briefly in one of the lakes, before we headed out for a drive around the Powderhorn trail. Colorado DOT drivers are not the safest, as one nearly ran us over, head-on on a one lane trail, but we made it anyway. That night, we went to the San Juan Soda Shop for ice cream, which the girls loved. Then it was off to one of the town's playgrounds, which the girls loved even more.
Next time, I'll share about the rafting trip and some other fun-ness.
We left Sunday after the Gate, which meant we started driving around 10 p.m. We made great time until poor Leslie gave in to sinus congestion combined with car-sick outside of Dumas, TX. We got back on track until Alamosa, CO where there was about a 45 minute trip that covered 10 miles, due to construction. Thats also when Kenna decided it was screaming fit time. We finally got to Lake City about 5 p.m. CO time. First night we just walked around town to get used to the air, and check out some stuff Kristin remembered from her childhood visits up there.
Tuesday was the day we went to Deer Lakes, a group of lakes up near the summit of Slumgullion Pass, and it was Leslie and Kenna's first fishing trip. Leslie amazed us with 20-25 foot casts, and Kenna amazed us that no one got hooked. Leslie liked it much more than Kenna, who spent her time helping me snap pictures of an overly fat chipmunk who continued to draw ever closer in hopes of catching a snack. We also saw a beaver briefly in one of the lakes, before we headed out for a drive around the Powderhorn trail. Colorado DOT drivers are not the safest, as one nearly ran us over, head-on on a one lane trail, but we made it anyway. That night, we went to the San Juan Soda Shop for ice cream, which the girls loved. Then it was off to one of the town's playgrounds, which the girls loved even more.
Next time, I'll share about the rafting trip and some other fun-ness.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Car Songs
I admit, I am not a big fan of kids' songs. I know, no adults are, but I don't even like church kids' songs. They are overly cutesy, and never have any hope of being heard outside the kid's class. So I love the fact that VeggieTales do actual worship songs on some of their CDs. My kids are hearing songs we might actually sing in church, like God of Wonders.
But, thats still not good enough for my kids. So I have introduced them to David Crowder and Shane and Shane.
Crowder came first, and they love his Never Let Go (not that one thats done in tons of churches, the other one). They also love the 'We won't be quiet' song. We'll often be asked to put the cd on repeat in the car, and Leslie and Kenna will wail to the songs, as Kristin and I smile with joy. They are easy, fun songs to sing, so they make pretty good kids songs.
Tonight, as we were driving home, Kristin was asked by Leslie to play the Rack, Shack, and Benny Song. I didn't think we had the VeggieTales CD, but Kristin pulled out Shane and Shane's Pages album. They wanted to sing Burn Us Up- the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. There is definitely some loud and fun singing to be done there, but what warms my heart is that both girls would sing the chorus, which is basically a call for us to be willing to die for God's glory. Yeah, they probably don't get it yet, but its never to early for them to start to learn what the call of Christ is all about.
But, thats still not good enough for my kids. So I have introduced them to David Crowder and Shane and Shane.
Crowder came first, and they love his Never Let Go (not that one thats done in tons of churches, the other one). They also love the 'We won't be quiet' song. We'll often be asked to put the cd on repeat in the car, and Leslie and Kenna will wail to the songs, as Kristin and I smile with joy. They are easy, fun songs to sing, so they make pretty good kids songs.
Tonight, as we were driving home, Kristin was asked by Leslie to play the Rack, Shack, and Benny Song. I didn't think we had the VeggieTales CD, but Kristin pulled out Shane and Shane's Pages album. They wanted to sing Burn Us Up- the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. There is definitely some loud and fun singing to be done there, but what warms my heart is that both girls would sing the chorus, which is basically a call for us to be willing to die for God's glory. Yeah, they probably don't get it yet, but its never to early for them to start to learn what the call of Christ is all about.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Poison Gas Clouds and Stuff
I should have known. Weird stuff follows us. For instance:
*Kristin and I lad lived in Seymour for six months. They'd never had a tornado. We go to the church to be safe from a possible tornado, only to miss being in the gym when one actually hit by about 30 seconds.
*Six months before we left Seymour, softball sized hail turned the entire town into a disaster area. Every home in town got a new roof, but we missed the worst. Still, Kristin and I huddled in the hallway with the girls as God dribbled basketballs on our roof for about 15 minutes.
*This past November, College Station got about 3-4 inches of snow, most in twenty years according to some.
So last blog was about the "tornado." That was about a week and half ago. Then around noon yesterday, a chemical plant caught fire in southwest Bryan, about 4 miles from where I work. As the afternoon progressed, an acrid, poisonous smoke started to filter into the downtown area. Itchy eyes and irritated throats soon popped up in my office and evacuation orders started flowing. See the chemical was ammonium nitrate, and they couldn't put the fire out because ammonium nitrate + H20= BOOM. Instead, we had to get out. So, our house was safe and (for the time) out of the path of the prevailing winds, so I headed there and made a call to Wally, because we were supposed to have Conversations ( our small group) at his house, which was now Poison Cloud's destination. Since we didn't want to hang out with him, we moved it to our house. Kristin and I set about cleaning when I get a call from Wally- some of his co-workers needed to find a place to crash while the smoke cleared- literally.
Before the evac orders lifted around 8, we had 16 people (including 5 kids 4 and under)in our house, we'd put off the Bible Study, and devoured 60 tenders from Wings-N-More.
So the moral is: If you don't like weird weather and disaster stuff to happen around you- don't ask the Lehrmann family to live near you.
*Kristin and I lad lived in Seymour for six months. They'd never had a tornado. We go to the church to be safe from a possible tornado, only to miss being in the gym when one actually hit by about 30 seconds.
*Six months before we left Seymour, softball sized hail turned the entire town into a disaster area. Every home in town got a new roof, but we missed the worst. Still, Kristin and I huddled in the hallway with the girls as God dribbled basketballs on our roof for about 15 minutes.
*This past November, College Station got about 3-4 inches of snow, most in twenty years according to some.
So last blog was about the "tornado." That was about a week and half ago. Then around noon yesterday, a chemical plant caught fire in southwest Bryan, about 4 miles from where I work. As the afternoon progressed, an acrid, poisonous smoke started to filter into the downtown area. Itchy eyes and irritated throats soon popped up in my office and evacuation orders started flowing. See the chemical was ammonium nitrate, and they couldn't put the fire out because ammonium nitrate + H20= BOOM. Instead, we had to get out. So, our house was safe and (for the time) out of the path of the prevailing winds, so I headed there and made a call to Wally, because we were supposed to have Conversations ( our small group) at his house, which was now Poison Cloud's destination. Since we didn't want to hang out with him, we moved it to our house. Kristin and I set about cleaning when I get a call from Wally- some of his co-workers needed to find a place to crash while the smoke cleared- literally.
Before the evac orders lifted around 8, we had 16 people (including 5 kids 4 and under)in our house, we'd put off the Bible Study, and devoured 60 tenders from Wings-N-More.
So the moral is: If you don't like weird weather and disaster stuff to happen around you- don't ask the Lehrmann family to live near you.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tornados and Movies
Monday started out just like any other Monday. We had gotten some rain the night before and the Gate stood on the porch of Hurricane Harry's and watched the sheets of rain blow in and the beer bottle boats float by on the rapids of runoff. The hope of more rain hung in the air Monday, but as we watched the 6 o'clock news, we were informed that, no, in fact there would be no rain that night.
Twenty minutes later, we heard thunder. Then, around seven, we saw the red Tornado Warning appear on the TV. So we opened our secret storage room in preparation. Yes, we have a secret room, and no, I won't tell you where it is. Unless you come visit, because we tell everyone who comes to visit, its that cool.
We waited to empty it, as it is where the Gate's sound system lives. But around 7:15, the TV connection went out and my mom called to say that the Waco station was warning south College Station residents to take cover. We emptied the room, and ushered the kids in, and after some coaxing, Missy the dog as well. Missy smells.
We kept an eye on the TV and watched as they warned of funnel cloud sightings, some as close as the Wal-Mart 1/2 a mile away. We got some more rain, but avoided any damage. The Best part of the night, was Leslie telling us a ghost story. A little girl went for a walk and was followed by a ghost. Who was in turn followed by a bear. Then she and Kenna took turns making scary faces with the flashlight.
So much for a refreshing Monday night.
Tuesday, we decided to watch a movie, and in preparation for Sunday's message, we watched Field of Dreams. Its been awhile since I saw it, but its message of doing something crazy on faith and the fact that it is not a baseball movie as much as it is a relationship movie make it a must see for Church Planters. Lots of people think we're crazy, too.
Twenty minutes later, we heard thunder. Then, around seven, we saw the red Tornado Warning appear on the TV. So we opened our secret storage room in preparation. Yes, we have a secret room, and no, I won't tell you where it is. Unless you come visit, because we tell everyone who comes to visit, its that cool.
We waited to empty it, as it is where the Gate's sound system lives. But around 7:15, the TV connection went out and my mom called to say that the Waco station was warning south College Station residents to take cover. We emptied the room, and ushered the kids in, and after some coaxing, Missy the dog as well. Missy smells.
We kept an eye on the TV and watched as they warned of funnel cloud sightings, some as close as the Wal-Mart 1/2 a mile away. We got some more rain, but avoided any damage. The Best part of the night, was Leslie telling us a ghost story. A little girl went for a walk and was followed by a ghost. Who was in turn followed by a bear. Then she and Kenna took turns making scary faces with the flashlight.
So much for a refreshing Monday night.
Tuesday, we decided to watch a movie, and in preparation for Sunday's message, we watched Field of Dreams. Its been awhile since I saw it, but its message of doing something crazy on faith and the fact that it is not a baseball movie as much as it is a relationship movie make it a must see for Church Planters. Lots of people think we're crazy, too.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Anniversary
Yesterday was our 7th Anniversary. It is so hard to believe it has been 7 years, 2 kids, 3 moves, and 3 churches since we stood up in front of everyone and exchanged vows. Here is what we did to celebrate:
Friday, we ditched the kids with Kristin's mom for the weekend. Then we realized we had nothing to do. So we drove around a bit and just talked, kind of like when we first started dating. It was fun, but gas prices are soooo much higher, so we had to cut that short.
Saturday, we had a wedding to go to in the Woodlands, and we joined up with Wally and Crissy Wellborn for the trip. We also got to see a lot of college friends ( I almost typed "old" in front of college, but decided people might get the wrong idea.) The trip home was filled with exhausted Karaoke-ing with the radio. Be glad you weren't there. Sunday we picked the girls up and then went to the Gate to talk about how the church has lost the passion for Christ in the analogy of the Church being the bride of Christ. I didn't think about this series falling at the same time as our anniversary, so I had to clarify that Kristin and I were just fine. Monday, I took a half day and we all went for ice cream.
No, it wasn't the most exciting Anniversary event (that's later when we go to Colorado for a week in August), but it was so great getting to spend time with Kristin kind of like it was before we had kids. And after 7 years we still love each other. A whole bunch.
Friday, we ditched the kids with Kristin's mom for the weekend. Then we realized we had nothing to do. So we drove around a bit and just talked, kind of like when we first started dating. It was fun, but gas prices are soooo much higher, so we had to cut that short.
Saturday, we had a wedding to go to in the Woodlands, and we joined up with Wally and Crissy Wellborn for the trip. We also got to see a lot of college friends ( I almost typed "old" in front of college, but decided people might get the wrong idea.) The trip home was filled with exhausted Karaoke-ing with the radio. Be glad you weren't there. Sunday we picked the girls up and then went to the Gate to talk about how the church has lost the passion for Christ in the analogy of the Church being the bride of Christ. I didn't think about this series falling at the same time as our anniversary, so I had to clarify that Kristin and I were just fine. Monday, I took a half day and we all went for ice cream.
No, it wasn't the most exciting Anniversary event (that's later when we go to Colorado for a week in August), but it was so great getting to spend time with Kristin kind of like it was before we had kids. And after 7 years we still love each other. A whole bunch.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The World has cracked in two, now our top story, Michael Jackson's funeral.
Two weeks ago, Michael Jackson died. An event, to be sure, as he was a huge cultural icon. But since that time, he has been the top story almost everyday. Since he died, here is what else has happened: Iran's unrest continued, US troops pulled out of major Iraqi cities, the stock market started to decline, Sarah Palin resigned as governor of Alaska, North Korea started shooting missiles again, and Honduras exiled their president- among other events as well. Outside of the Palin thing, there was no real coverage of any of these other things, other than a brief anecdote. Honduras in particular bothers me. The President there broke the law by taking an armed militia to break in to a secure location to get ballots for an illegal referendum he wanted that were printed in Venezuela (dictator Hugo Chavez's home). The Supreme Court and Congress of Honduras (led by the President's own party, no less) ordered him arrested for violating the country's Constitution. Now the world, including the US government, condemns the actions not of the exiled President, but of the people of Honduras. Those same Honduran people are now crying out (almost solely through the Wall Street Journal, it seems) wondering why the world seems to be against them at best and completely ignoring them at worst. Our response seems to be, "We're too busy trying to deal with the crisis that is 'What will we do without Michael?'"
Monday, July 6, 2009
Do you have the time, to listen to me...pray?
Prayer time in our house has gotten a lot longer of late. A few months back, Leslie decided she wanted to start praying at meal time. Her prayers always start out, "Lord, thank you for this wonderful food, keep us all healthy and strong....Amen" (At night, she'll substitute 'wonderful day' instead of food). Then, pretty soon, Kenna wanted in on this thing. She'd bow her head, say, "Dear Lord..." the rest becomes a mumble, or sometimes just silence, before we hear, victoriously, "The End!" Then they decided that everyone should pray. Prayer time for a meal is sometimes 5 minutes or more long.
I wish I could say I thought this was awesome that our kids were super spiritual at 2 and 4, but truth be told, I get annoyed. Time is wasting, and food is getting cold and I have these pleasing odors wafting up into my nose begging me to eat, but I can't because we have to pray. Like its some sort of painful obligation.
I don't think I'm terribly different than most Christians these days, prayer is some formality we get out of the way before dinner or bed. And that's whats wrong with us. We don't desire to spend time with God like He was friend, but like a harsh teacher we have to obey. That's not God, and that's certainly not why he came here- for us to grudgingly spend time talking to Him.
So tonight, if the girls want to pray for a long time, I will stop my nose up so I can't smell the wonderful dinner Kristin has prepared, and I will talk with God with excitement, just as my 2 and 4 year old are teaching me.
I wish I could say I thought this was awesome that our kids were super spiritual at 2 and 4, but truth be told, I get annoyed. Time is wasting, and food is getting cold and I have these pleasing odors wafting up into my nose begging me to eat, but I can't because we have to pray. Like its some sort of painful obligation.
I don't think I'm terribly different than most Christians these days, prayer is some formality we get out of the way before dinner or bed. And that's whats wrong with us. We don't desire to spend time with God like He was friend, but like a harsh teacher we have to obey. That's not God, and that's certainly not why he came here- for us to grudgingly spend time talking to Him.
So tonight, if the girls want to pray for a long time, I will stop my nose up so I can't smell the wonderful dinner Kristin has prepared, and I will talk with God with excitement, just as my 2 and 4 year old are teaching me.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Self Control
I recently had coffee with a gentleman to discuss ministry stuff. Now if you know me, you know I'm kind of an animated person, and when I get large amounts of sugar, I tend to have problems toning down said animation.
I accidentally ordered an espresso.
I made it through the really great discussion, but near the end, my leg began to twitch, and I knew my self control was at an end. I got home to Kristin and proceeded to let out the pent up energy with a rapid stream of conversation.
Self Control is something we all struggle with. Some folks have a problem with food, shopping, saying things they shouldn't, etc. But the truth is, everyone one of is fighting a war within ourselves against fear, anger, lust, and greed on one side, and hope, love, and compassion on the other. The only way to win, is gain self control. We have to decide who gets to run our life- our flesh, or the Spirit. Our self control is tied to who we want to be our master. And unfortunately, its a never ending battle. I wish we could total victory over sin, but temptation will always arise, and we will always have to choose. Sometimes we will choose self control, many times we won't.
But praise be to God, that He is gracious, and forgiving, and He loves us in spite of us being ourselves.
I accidentally ordered an espresso.
I made it through the really great discussion, but near the end, my leg began to twitch, and I knew my self control was at an end. I got home to Kristin and proceeded to let out the pent up energy with a rapid stream of conversation.
Self Control is something we all struggle with. Some folks have a problem with food, shopping, saying things they shouldn't, etc. But the truth is, everyone one of is fighting a war within ourselves against fear, anger, lust, and greed on one side, and hope, love, and compassion on the other. The only way to win, is gain self control. We have to decide who gets to run our life- our flesh, or the Spirit. Our self control is tied to who we want to be our master. And unfortunately, its a never ending battle. I wish we could total victory over sin, but temptation will always arise, and we will always have to choose. Sometimes we will choose self control, many times we won't.
But praise be to God, that He is gracious, and forgiving, and He loves us in spite of us being ourselves.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Compassion
There was a time where I was the least compassionate person in the family. Kristin was always trusting people and felt bad for everyone. Leslie and Kenna will tear up any time they think someone is sad. Me, I just didn't have much mercy. I'd be upset over injustice enough to think about it a bit, but never do anything. And if someone had gotten into trouble for doing something wrong, well they deserved it.
A couple years ago, some I knew got caught in a pretty bad mistake. And everyone knew about it. And all of a sudden, I found myself feeling compassion. Sure, they were wrong, but their sin was no worse than any of mine- at least in God's eyes. I began to wonder how I would feel if my sins became so completely public- other than guilt and shame, would I feel judged, feel shunned, feel alone?
So I learned about compassion and mercy. I learned to feel for those who were wronged, hurt, or had gotten themselves into some mess by being stupid. We all have been there, whether or not we admit it. Compassion is taking that experience and using our own memories to motivate ourselves to help others. And compassion can be feeding the hungry, clothing the poor- it can even be confronting the fallen. We often forget compassion for the sinful and instead judge. But when a person- believer or not- is caught in a big mistake, that may be the time they need our compassion the most- if only we will offer it.
A couple years ago, some I knew got caught in a pretty bad mistake. And everyone knew about it. And all of a sudden, I found myself feeling compassion. Sure, they were wrong, but their sin was no worse than any of mine- at least in God's eyes. I began to wonder how I would feel if my sins became so completely public- other than guilt and shame, would I feel judged, feel shunned, feel alone?
So I learned about compassion and mercy. I learned to feel for those who were wronged, hurt, or had gotten themselves into some mess by being stupid. We all have been there, whether or not we admit it. Compassion is taking that experience and using our own memories to motivate ourselves to help others. And compassion can be feeding the hungry, clothing the poor- it can even be confronting the fallen. We often forget compassion for the sinful and instead judge. But when a person- believer or not- is caught in a big mistake, that may be the time they need our compassion the most- if only we will offer it.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Greed
When I was in High School, I had this plan. I would be rich, have a huge home, an SUV and a sports car, and would make so much money a year I could buy what I wanted. It sounded like the American Dream come true back then. Now I see it as greed.
I see greed in many of my actions- always desiring more money and never having 'enough.' I feel the pull to have the newest thing. Maybe that sounds like materialism to you, and I agree, but materialism is just a type of greed. I think its OK to have and want stuff, but when it controls us, and consumes our thoughts, then its greed. I believe greed and lust are very closely related in their 'never satisfied' mentality.
I am very glad our kids are not consumed with the greed of needing everything they see on TV, although they do ask for it occasionally. And Kenna points at everything and says "We have that!" even if we don't. But greed does show up, like right now, behind me I hear Kenna saying, "I had that first!" and Leslie responding "Mommy! Kenna is not sharing." Kids want stuff to be theirs, and so do we.
And I want to also challenge you to think about what it means to be a greedy church. Your church can spend millions on a building, but can't keep open a food pantry. Your church wants more people to come and join you, but you rarely hear the call for them to come to Christ. Greedy churches are churches that want to feed themselves, not serve the Kingdom.
I see greed in many of my actions- always desiring more money and never having 'enough.' I feel the pull to have the newest thing. Maybe that sounds like materialism to you, and I agree, but materialism is just a type of greed. I think its OK to have and want stuff, but when it controls us, and consumes our thoughts, then its greed. I believe greed and lust are very closely related in their 'never satisfied' mentality.
I am very glad our kids are not consumed with the greed of needing everything they see on TV, although they do ask for it occasionally. And Kenna points at everything and says "We have that!" even if we don't. But greed does show up, like right now, behind me I hear Kenna saying, "I had that first!" and Leslie responding "Mommy! Kenna is not sharing." Kids want stuff to be theirs, and so do we.
And I want to also challenge you to think about what it means to be a greedy church. Your church can spend millions on a building, but can't keep open a food pantry. Your church wants more people to come and join you, but you rarely hear the call for them to come to Christ. Greedy churches are churches that want to feed themselves, not serve the Kingdom.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Love/Lust
I believe the biggest difference between love and lust is the degree of difficulty.
Simply put, to lust is easy, to love is one of the most difficult things in the world.
Lust only sees the 'good' or the 'attractive,' and when things get difficult, the object of lust is discarded or moved on from. Love, however, sees and accepts all things (the 'whole love bears all things' from the Bible). It may motivate you to push the person to be better, but love doesn't leave or move on.
Love survives adversity, and sometimes, thrives because of it. I once did a wedding where I wished the bride and groom "sickness, poverty, and sadness" because it is in these testing instances that Love is tempered, and grown. The marital bond is tested, and if it is based on Love- the more enduring of the two- it will strengthen. Lust gets out.
The question the, for each of us, is will we work at love, or be lazy in lust?
Simply put, to lust is easy, to love is one of the most difficult things in the world.
Lust only sees the 'good' or the 'attractive,' and when things get difficult, the object of lust is discarded or moved on from. Love, however, sees and accepts all things (the 'whole love bears all things' from the Bible). It may motivate you to push the person to be better, but love doesn't leave or move on.
Love survives adversity, and sometimes, thrives because of it. I once did a wedding where I wished the bride and groom "sickness, poverty, and sadness" because it is in these testing instances that Love is tempered, and grown. The marital bond is tested, and if it is based on Love- the more enduring of the two- it will strengthen. Lust gets out.
The question the, for each of us, is will we work at love, or be lazy in lust?
Monday, June 1, 2009
Anger
We've noticed our girls have different angry reactions over the years. Leslie tends to default into screaming or crying. Kenna gets a "Hulk face" and sort grunts in an unnaturally high pitch. Different things set them off, too. Kenna gets set off by the slightest thing not going her way and Leslie has begun to be set off primarily by Kenna.
Like the girls, Kristin and I have different anger reactions and different triggers, and you probably do, too. Its really amazing when I think about the trivial things that make the girls scream or grunt, and then place them side by side with the trivial things that set us grown ups off and I realize that we are not really different than our kids. Selfishness begets anger- I, Kristin, Leslie or Kenna doesn't get what they want/gets their space or rights infringed on and we scream, grunt, pound on the steering wheel or yell.
Think about when you get angry, and I bet you get angry- 9 out of 10 times- over something that makes your life more difficult. Things like political parties, automated bank systems, taxes, kids, 'inconsiderate people,' technology, etc. In the moment our anger is justified, even righteous, but as time passes, we look in the mirror of reflection and see not a dignified adult fighting for righteousness, but instead see a preschooler throwing a tantrum.
There are things worth getting angry over- injustice, lies that lead people astray, the sin that hinders us, maybe taxes, etc. But in truth, our anger over these is, more often than not, passive. It doesn't merit a raised voice, let alone movement into action. Maybe we should be angry that people are being lead away from God, or held in bondage. Maybe we ought to be as angry and active about that as we are about bad drivers or bad leaders.
Maybe I'm talking to me.
Like the girls, Kristin and I have different anger reactions and different triggers, and you probably do, too. Its really amazing when I think about the trivial things that make the girls scream or grunt, and then place them side by side with the trivial things that set us grown ups off and I realize that we are not really different than our kids. Selfishness begets anger- I, Kristin, Leslie or Kenna doesn't get what they want/gets their space or rights infringed on and we scream, grunt, pound on the steering wheel or yell.
Think about when you get angry, and I bet you get angry- 9 out of 10 times- over something that makes your life more difficult. Things like political parties, automated bank systems, taxes, kids, 'inconsiderate people,' technology, etc. In the moment our anger is justified, even righteous, but as time passes, we look in the mirror of reflection and see not a dignified adult fighting for righteousness, but instead see a preschooler throwing a tantrum.
There are things worth getting angry over- injustice, lies that lead people astray, the sin that hinders us, maybe taxes, etc. But in truth, our anger over these is, more often than not, passive. It doesn't merit a raised voice, let alone movement into action. Maybe we should be angry that people are being lead away from God, or held in bondage. Maybe we ought to be as angry and active about that as we are about bad drivers or bad leaders.
Maybe I'm talking to me.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Hope
If one needs to be reminded what hope looks like, one needs only to look at a child. Leslie has recently taken to informing people that when she turns five, she gets a scooter. This is because she asked for one at four, and we told her she had to be five before she could get one. Now, she expects it, kind of like she won't be surprised at all if she gets one, and it will just be like, "What took you so long?"
In that way, hope seems a lot like expectancy. And really, I think it is. Its also married very closely to faith, the whole- "Faith is being certain of what you hope for, and sure of what you cannot see." I really think this kind of certain hope that I see in our four year old is very similar to the certain Hope that the Bible talks of. Its not like the common idea of hope that says, "We'd really like this thing to happen even if it probably won't." Like hoping we win the lottery. No, its a hope that is more, "Hey God, I knew you'd come through."
We have the living hope of Christ when we look at life wiht an expectancy that God is revealed all around us. When the miracle comes through, AND when it doesn't. When we have victory AND when we lose it big time. Hope is knowing God is there with us. Hope is knowing He will always be with us.
In that way, hope seems a lot like expectancy. And really, I think it is. Its also married very closely to faith, the whole- "Faith is being certain of what you hope for, and sure of what you cannot see." I really think this kind of certain hope that I see in our four year old is very similar to the certain Hope that the Bible talks of. Its not like the common idea of hope that says, "We'd really like this thing to happen even if it probably won't." Like hoping we win the lottery. No, its a hope that is more, "Hey God, I knew you'd come through."
We have the living hope of Christ when we look at life wiht an expectancy that God is revealed all around us. When the miracle comes through, AND when it doesn't. When we have victory AND when we lose it big time. Hope is knowing God is there with us. Hope is knowing He will always be with us.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Fear
Not too long ago, I was going into the hall closet to get the vacuum out. I opened the door, and as I looked where the vacuum was usually, I instead saw a small shape move very quickly toward me and squeak. No, not a mouse, Kenna. I jumped, and yelled myself, as I was not expecting anything to jump at me and Kenna, Leslie, and Kristin all got a good laugh out of it.
I enjoy spooking people, but I do not like it when fear sets in and takes a longer time to be shrugged off. I have found that fear really causes damage to me, especially in the area of faith. Fear about finances, health, conditions in the world at large all seem to settle in and eat away at my faith that God is big enough to handle it. Fear leads me to distrust God's goodness, or maybe just doubt that God's intentions towards me are less than good. What if I am to tested like Job, or 'left hanging' like John the Baptist? They did the right thing, and they suffered for it. The issue, I think, is that I am fearing circumstances more than the God who holds their reins.
Jesus told a man who was fearful of a terrible outcome, "Do not be afraid, just believe." More than just believe God is in control, but believe God. Believe He is good, just, righteous. Believe He is- period.
Because if God is real, and true, and good, and righteous, and just- He knows better than I what I can and should endure.
I enjoy spooking people, but I do not like it when fear sets in and takes a longer time to be shrugged off. I have found that fear really causes damage to me, especially in the area of faith. Fear about finances, health, conditions in the world at large all seem to settle in and eat away at my faith that God is big enough to handle it. Fear leads me to distrust God's goodness, or maybe just doubt that God's intentions towards me are less than good. What if I am to tested like Job, or 'left hanging' like John the Baptist? They did the right thing, and they suffered for it. The issue, I think, is that I am fearing circumstances more than the God who holds their reins.
Jesus told a man who was fearful of a terrible outcome, "Do not be afraid, just believe." More than just believe God is in control, but believe God. Believe He is good, just, righteous. Believe He is- period.
Because if God is real, and true, and good, and righteous, and just- He knows better than I what I can and should endure.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
War Within
We have hit that stage of development for our kids where they are occasionally at war with each other. The other day, Leslie started putting notes up on her door saying (she tells us) "Leslie's Room, no Kennas allowed." And then helpfully put up a "Kenna's Room, no Leslies allowed" on her sister's door. So all is not lost.
But it does make me think about why we have a natural tendency to go to war with each other. I mean, the first sin (OK, the second after the actual Fall) was a brother killing a brother. Since then, we have warred and fought with each other in deserts and seas and fields and on Fox News.
Maybe we are so warlike because we are at war with ourselves, fighting the urges and feelings of our sinful nature, and it just oozes out of us. We devise rules for ourselves to protect ourselves from ourselves, then impose them on others who do not see the need. It resulted in the Crusades , and the Baptist Doctrine against dancing which just recently got a student suspended from a Christian school for going to another school's prom.
Romans 7 talks about this war within, and the fact that we know what is right, yet feel the need to do what is wrong. It wasn't easy for Paul, and it sure isn't easy for me. It's like blogging- I know I should, cuz I have this, but I don't, because I would rather Facebook, or watch TV or whatever. So in an effort to have something worthwhile to put up here, for the next few weeks, I'll blog a bit about the series we're doing at the Gate. Because what we need to have to do the right thing is more motivation than we have to do the wrong thing.
But it does make me think about why we have a natural tendency to go to war with each other. I mean, the first sin (OK, the second after the actual Fall) was a brother killing a brother. Since then, we have warred and fought with each other in deserts and seas and fields and on Fox News.
Maybe we are so warlike because we are at war with ourselves, fighting the urges and feelings of our sinful nature, and it just oozes out of us. We devise rules for ourselves to protect ourselves from ourselves, then impose them on others who do not see the need. It resulted in the Crusades , and the Baptist Doctrine against dancing which just recently got a student suspended from a Christian school for going to another school's prom.
Romans 7 talks about this war within, and the fact that we know what is right, yet feel the need to do what is wrong. It wasn't easy for Paul, and it sure isn't easy for me. It's like blogging- I know I should, cuz I have this, but I don't, because I would rather Facebook, or watch TV or whatever. So in an effort to have something worthwhile to put up here, for the next few weeks, I'll blog a bit about the series we're doing at the Gate. Because what we need to have to do the right thing is more motivation than we have to do the wrong thing.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Kids say (and do) some strange stuff
OK, so we're trying to figure the best way to deal with Leslie saying "I wanna go to Harry's again," around strangers. Not odd in an of itself, but round here, "Harry's" is the name everyone calls the bar our church meets in. So strangers, who probably don't want to hang around the parents who take 2 and 4 year olds to the bar, think we have a barfly in training.
Some other things the kids have said or done lately:
Kenna-She comes sliding across the carpet on her knees, throws her hands up and says, "What am I doing?"
- We tell her to put up her toys, hand her some and send her on her way. She runs into Leslie, hands her the toys and runs off.
-If we call her anything but Kenna (Cutey, Happy, Silly, etc.) she kind of scowls and says, "I not ____, I Kenna!"
-Fits of crying come from her room at bedtime. "Whats wrong?" "I need my Alley (her monkey)?" Which is sitting beside her. We point this out. "Oh." Instant giggles from Kenna.
Leslie- Driving past a cemetery: "Hey, thats where they hide the bodies!"
-Leslie has an imaginary house, in California by the mountains, that changes colors. She also has two kids, whose name she can't remember and a car that changes colors.
-She names all of her stuffed animals (and the squirrel outside) names like Bowley. All the names end in -ley. Except her Beanie Baby bat--Bowleywing.
-Today, she got gum in her hair- "It just fell there." She now has about three inches less hair.
Some other things the kids have said or done lately:
Kenna-She comes sliding across the carpet on her knees, throws her hands up and says, "What am I doing?"
- We tell her to put up her toys, hand her some and send her on her way. She runs into Leslie, hands her the toys and runs off.
-If we call her anything but Kenna (Cutey, Happy, Silly, etc.) she kind of scowls and says, "I not ____, I Kenna!"
-Fits of crying come from her room at bedtime. "Whats wrong?" "I need my Alley (her monkey)?" Which is sitting beside her. We point this out. "Oh." Instant giggles from Kenna.
Leslie- Driving past a cemetery: "Hey, thats where they hide the bodies!"
-Leslie has an imaginary house, in California by the mountains, that changes colors. She also has two kids, whose name she can't remember and a car that changes colors.
-She names all of her stuffed animals (and the squirrel outside) names like Bowley. All the names end in -ley. Except her Beanie Baby bat--Bowleywing.
-Today, she got gum in her hair- "It just fell there." She now has about three inches less hair.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Much Ado About Stuff
Things have been busy. Since the Sunday Spring Break started, (it was 3 weeks ago) we have had 5 new people come to the Gate. The first of those 5, Daniel, has become our backup worship leader, and he is good. He has also brought 2 of those other 4 visitors, who have become involved. The other two came for the first time just last week, and they seemed very excited about it all. Enough to join the Gate on Facebook, anyway. Plus, some of our regulars have begun inviting people, and this Sunday could possibly be one of our biggest nights since we started weekly stuff. It is momentum, and it feels good. God has been showing up, and it makes all the difference.
Other things: We did Big Event with the church. Ours was not so big, as it took about 45 minutes. We did meet the family we worked for, as well as some relatives of one of our 'members.' (The ' ' are for the fact that we don't technically have members, not that we don't claim this person.)
The fence around our house is done. And I only had to get a tetanus shot, no stitches for this home improvement project. We have also painted our bedroom and bathroom, and are working on the kitchen- photos are going up on Facebook, if you care.
Leslie and Kenna got new swimsuits, and they want to go swimming. They apparently don't understand that water is cold in the spring.
So that's the buzz. Hopefully, I'll have more on the Gate next week.
Other things: We did Big Event with the church. Ours was not so big, as it took about 45 minutes. We did meet the family we worked for, as well as some relatives of one of our 'members.' (The ' ' are for the fact that we don't technically have members, not that we don't claim this person.)
The fence around our house is done. And I only had to get a tetanus shot, no stitches for this home improvement project. We have also painted our bedroom and bathroom, and are working on the kitchen- photos are going up on Facebook, if you care.
Leslie and Kenna got new swimsuits, and they want to go swimming. They apparently don't understand that water is cold in the spring.
So that's the buzz. Hopefully, I'll have more on the Gate next week.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Fences and the Appeal of God
This all started a month or so ago, when, while enjoying lunch with a co-worker, he asked how does God appeal to you? Not in the way you find a steak appealing or that great deal on a new car/camera/giant box of diapers, but in the way in which you are invited into something with Him. Michael, this co-worker (he's actually more of a boss, but a great man of God as well, hence this conversation) said he had spent a lot of time ruminating on John 1 and the way in which Jesus begins to call the disciples, and how each one gets a different appeal. The first two he spends the day with, the second he gives a name, the third he tells him what to do, the fourth he promises to show him amazing things.
So I've spent a lot of time on this: How does God appeal to me?
I have always said, music and mountains are how that appeal comes to me, but that's just a couple ways. I discovered a new one that I've always kind of known about, carpentry. See, I've been building a fence this weekend, by myself for the most part, which is good, because I am the only one who hears it when I say something in anger I shouldn't. Which is often, more often that I am comfortable with.
Anyway, as I put together this fence, I began to feel a kinship with Jesus, a carpenter's son. He built things with his hands, cut them to fit, pieced them together, solved the problems that arose. In fact, after popping the I-pod in my ears, I really discovered I found more peace, and less angry explosions over the ever stripping drill bit. I began to enjoy myself and feel God's presence. I prayed a bit more.
All this to say, maybe God doesn't just appeal to us in one way, but in many, if we're only willing to see it.
So I've spent a lot of time on this: How does God appeal to me?
I have always said, music and mountains are how that appeal comes to me, but that's just a couple ways. I discovered a new one that I've always kind of known about, carpentry. See, I've been building a fence this weekend, by myself for the most part, which is good, because I am the only one who hears it when I say something in anger I shouldn't. Which is often, more often that I am comfortable with.
Anyway, as I put together this fence, I began to feel a kinship with Jesus, a carpenter's son. He built things with his hands, cut them to fit, pieced them together, solved the problems that arose. In fact, after popping the I-pod in my ears, I really discovered I found more peace, and less angry explosions over the ever stripping drill bit. I began to enjoy myself and feel God's presence. I prayed a bit more.
All this to say, maybe God doesn't just appeal to us in one way, but in many, if we're only willing to see it.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Open to Suggestions
We've been meeting weekly with the Gate for almost a month now, and we really are looking for alternative ways of worship. We set out to be 'not your typical church' in style, and yet thats what we look a whole lot like. So, we are thinking of alternative ways to do the corporate worship, besides announcements, sing, pray, and speak.
There is always taking the Eucharist, or Lord's Supper for you Evangelicals, but we want to steer that more toward the more intimate small groups. Dramatic readings can often be...not engaging at best and not worshipful at worst, prayer times are great, but for non-believers or those uncomfortable praying, it can be difficult. Vivid video with background music, asking people to read along silently and contemplate might be an option, but we need good video and music.
So what about you? What are some interesting ways you have experienced corporate worship?
There is always taking the Eucharist, or Lord's Supper for you Evangelicals, but we want to steer that more toward the more intimate small groups. Dramatic readings can often be...not engaging at best and not worshipful at worst, prayer times are great, but for non-believers or those uncomfortable praying, it can be difficult. Vivid video with background music, asking people to read along silently and contemplate might be an option, but we need good video and music.
So what about you? What are some interesting ways you have experienced corporate worship?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Newness
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.
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.
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!
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