If you want to win the spiritual war, it matters that you can sometimes yell "RETREAT!" This is not to suggest turning tail and running away, but the kind of retreat that draws people who are learning the bible away for a weekend of teaching and reflection. Just such a weekend ended yesterday and I was honored to be a part of the "Jesus Retreat" that was the God inspired design of my friend Allen.
18 high school students arrived at our church only an hour after they had been released from school last Friday. Trading their weekend relaxation to learn about Jesus, and how He is present throughout the entire bible, is a miracle in itself. But God did not stop there. There were 8 bible study classes, 3 topical discussions, 6 worship times, with only 1 whole hour of break time - they were usually only 10 minutes. Based on the compressed and intense schedule, it could have been called "Boot camp for Jesus." I was amazed by the questions and energy level of the students who, while admittedly were getting information overload, demonstrated that they knew this was a chance of lifetime.
Seminary graduates and ministry leaders were on hand to help fulfill Al's vision that we explore every book of the bible to see where Jesus is revealed directly or His character is directly explained. The quality of information was matched only by the earnestness of the heart's who presented it. Imagine finding the energy, driven by your passion to really "get it," that allows you to focus on God from 4:pm till midnight on Friday, 8:00am till midnight on Saturday, and have worship for an hour on Sunday before going to your regular church services with your family. The place was many times thick with the spirit of God.
I think every person should have the opportunity to attend such a weekend so that minds can be opened to really see the flow of scripture. The historical accuracy and the many traps that people get into when wrestling with God before becoming a believer were also repeatedly explored.
I hope you seek out the opportunity to yell "retreat" so you have a chance at winning the spiritual battle that goes on inside each of us.
11/24/08
10/31/08
There's a Bear! Where? Over There!
It matters that dog lovers have dogs in their lives. "Bear" (pictured) is here two years after Tasha died. I think it really took us that long for hole in our hearts to be open to the shape of a new canine friend. Tasha memories are still pretty fresh but we are ready to make new ones.Bear is about 60 lbs of focused energy and attention. I've never met a dog that looks so long and hard at you so as to really learn what is going on. This is not to say once he learns what we want it agrees with his desires, but we are working ourselves toward the Alpha role in his life. We know it takes time - especially for dogs who are thinking it all over.
He really does want to please us (most of the time) and is learning how to do exactly that. It is so great to have a wagging tail, wet nose, and perked up ears around the house again. He is a lot to contend with because of his size so we must soon win absolute Alpha status soon so no one gets hurt being dragged behind a leash.
His name will remain "Bear" as a reflection of his size, but not his attitude.
Sadly, we had to give Bear back to his previous owners because my allergies would not relent even after two weeks of and adjustment time. While this disappointment was real, it was lessened by the joy we saw at his reunion with his previous owner - who really did not want to give him up and is now finding a creative way to be able to keep him after all.
A happy ending? For Bear, yes. But we are resolved to find a pet that fits without giving me sneezing fits. We think we can wait till the spring, but we have been bit (in a good way) with the hunger to invite a four legged friend to live with us again. I guess we are on the same hypoallergenic search that our new president is on. A pet I can freely pet is would be nice.
10/11/08
Remember when travel was a great adventure?
What matters most when I travel is that I learn not resent the waiting. I remember how much fun it could be, playing in the back of the station wagon on trips to visit relatives. But over the years traveling has morphed into an intolerable delay that needs to be filled with electronic distractions or productivity.
Waiting as the wheels on the car turn around each and every mile. I can easily dread the 880 revolutions it takes each tire to take me one mile, and click of the airport or hospital room clock. My focus shifts away from living in the moments of life, and resorts to just noticing lifeless moments themselves. So how do I truly live while in the waiting moments of life?
I think life is most truly and deeply lived when we love.
Recently, even from Cincinnati to Indianapolis (and back), I looked past the first glance of boring terrain for something I could love. It became easy after a few minutes. The subtle majesty of the nature, the careful planning that designed and built the highways, the rhythm of the roadway under my car, the unknown stories about hopes and barns being raised in fields of dreams, and certainly my own desire to reach my destination. But how is it possible to love during the waiting?
Loving is only possible for me if I can see the person(s) behind the places and things. I focus on the God who made the trees, the ones who planned the roadway drainage, the ones who in hope are building their lives each day. Soon the appreciation wells up into love for others, and long cold seconds of relentless tire turnings melt unnoticeable into a warmth that gives flight to time. Sure I am left imagining most of the stories, but when I stop for gas and speak with the clerk, the reality of the little encounter births appreciation and fresh joy in the journey.
I will soon be driving more and more miles on a, soon to be familiar, stretch of otherwise boring roadway. I hope to remain intentional about finding and remembering those whom I meet along the way. Life can still be an adventure.
Waiting as the wheels on the car turn around each and every mile. I can easily dread the 880 revolutions it takes each tire to take me one mile, and click of the airport or hospital room clock. My focus shifts away from living in the moments of life, and resorts to just noticing lifeless moments themselves. So how do I truly live while in the waiting moments of life?
I think life is most truly and deeply lived when we love.
Recently, even from Cincinnati to Indianapolis (and back), I looked past the first glance of boring terrain for something I could love. It became easy after a few minutes. The subtle majesty of the nature, the careful planning that designed and built the highways, the rhythm of the roadway under my car, the unknown stories about hopes and barns being raised in fields of dreams, and certainly my own desire to reach my destination. But how is it possible to love during the waiting?
Loving is only possible for me if I can see the person(s) behind the places and things. I focus on the God who made the trees, the ones who planned the roadway drainage, the ones who in hope are building their lives each day. Soon the appreciation wells up into love for others, and long cold seconds of relentless tire turnings melt unnoticeable into a warmth that gives flight to time. Sure I am left imagining most of the stories, but when I stop for gas and speak with the clerk, the reality of the little encounter births appreciation and fresh joy in the journey.
I will soon be driving more and more miles on a, soon to be familiar, stretch of otherwise boring roadway. I hope to remain intentional about finding and remembering those whom I meet along the way. Life can still be an adventure.
10/8/08
Rates that affect other Rates
It matters that the inflation rate, the rate at which companies fail, and the rate at which consumer confidence grows are all restored, because it affects other rates....
Everyone seems to have a "take" on the current financial issues in America and is able to talk about it to some degree - weighing in on what should be done and how soon. But I don't think just talking it out of our systems is going to do it for many of us. When I listen to some of those around me I hear the rate at which they talk increase. Driven by panic and fear, or just passion for a solution, the rate at which we are talking about this has increased. Let's keep an ear to the ground for those who need a place to vent, and maybe offer an eternal perspective on the trials of this life.
Additionally there is another sound I hear as I stand and try to keep up with the many ideas erupting. Our heart rates are increasing. Unlike getting worked up on a treadmill, I see and hear bodies stressing from worry with no "off" switch within their grasp, and the knowledge they are tethered to a machine they cannot escape. Some broke a sweat early when the wheels of this financial crisis began turning public, and others are still catching up to the fact they will need to pick up the pace to keep from being dragged along. Let's keep an eye on one another as this workout continues to test our strength and stamina.
The most alarming rate that could be affected is the suicide rate. I am praying for a weary and scared gentlemen I recently met who is in many ways "on the edge." I have done my part to make a referral to the only person I could that could help him, but I am beginning to allow thoughts of people taking final desperate acts to enter my mind. It is scary to realize many do not have family to move in with, if the bottom of the fragile economy cracks under them. I recently spoke with someone I highly respect about those who have let family relationships melt down. Pride is such a dominate thread in the fabric of the relationships we weave with our families. Some have struggled to push away (originally just far enough to define themselves) but find themselves more alone than they ever wanted to be. Not having anyone that you can go through life with, is a key ingredient in the recipe for personal disaster. Let's keep close to those around us, and break down any walls that keep the light of love from shining in on each other.
When times get tough, we need each other.
Dave
Everyone seems to have a "take" on the current financial issues in America and is able to talk about it to some degree - weighing in on what should be done and how soon. But I don't think just talking it out of our systems is going to do it for many of us. When I listen to some of those around me I hear the rate at which they talk increase. Driven by panic and fear, or just passion for a solution, the rate at which we are talking about this has increased. Let's keep an ear to the ground for those who need a place to vent, and maybe offer an eternal perspective on the trials of this life.
Additionally there is another sound I hear as I stand and try to keep up with the many ideas erupting. Our heart rates are increasing. Unlike getting worked up on a treadmill, I see and hear bodies stressing from worry with no "off" switch within their grasp, and the knowledge they are tethered to a machine they cannot escape. Some broke a sweat early when the wheels of this financial crisis began turning public, and others are still catching up to the fact they will need to pick up the pace to keep from being dragged along. Let's keep an eye on one another as this workout continues to test our strength and stamina.
The most alarming rate that could be affected is the suicide rate. I am praying for a weary and scared gentlemen I recently met who is in many ways "on the edge." I have done my part to make a referral to the only person I could that could help him, but I am beginning to allow thoughts of people taking final desperate acts to enter my mind. It is scary to realize many do not have family to move in with, if the bottom of the fragile economy cracks under them. I recently spoke with someone I highly respect about those who have let family relationships melt down. Pride is such a dominate thread in the fabric of the relationships we weave with our families. Some have struggled to push away (originally just far enough to define themselves) but find themselves more alone than they ever wanted to be. Not having anyone that you can go through life with, is a key ingredient in the recipe for personal disaster. Let's keep close to those around us, and break down any walls that keep the light of love from shining in on each other.
When times get tough, we need each other.
Dave
9/17/08
"Speak," fido," speak!"
It matters that I learn how to speak up at work. There are a variety of situations in which I can find myself suddenly, or over time, trying to cover or excuse by not speaking up about them. I have found that my instincts and first responses are not always the best ones. By not barking when the workload becomes overwhelming, I recently found myself being one sled dog dragging an ever increasing load through the snow. Thinking I should just keep sweating it out up the hills, and running ahead down the slopes, my thoughts flipped between "I'm such a good dog, look what I can do," to "faster, faster, so I don't get plowed over!"
Barking is not just for growling, snarling, angry worker dogs, it can be the sweet sound from well mannered and loyal friends. A sound that healthy owner-employers know keeps them out of graver danger.
Instead of tuning up my voice each morning with "mi, mi, mi, mi, mi...," I think it is time I rehearse a bark that I can live with. One that is loud enough to protect the boss (and me), but not scare myself into believing I am a "junkyard employee."
So, speak up Dave, speak!
Barking is not just for growling, snarling, angry worker dogs, it can be the sweet sound from well mannered and loyal friends. A sound that healthy owner-employers know keeps them out of graver danger.
Instead of tuning up my voice each morning with "mi, mi, mi, mi, mi...," I think it is time I rehearse a bark that I can live with. One that is loud enough to protect the boss (and me), but not scare myself into believing I am a "junkyard employee."
So, speak up Dave, speak!
9/4/08
Refusing Contaminated Community
Education matters, but what you discover is not always what you set out to learn...
In my last trip to the church library I was not at all browsing. In typical manly shopping mode (hunt the prey down and obtain it for your own) I knew what I wanted, and was eager to "get to it." I was on a mission to answer a question about a bible passage and had a few minutes while waiting for someone to meet me.
I saw the computer and the signs of instruction on how to access the library inventory screens and I made myself comfortable in the chair that was so inviting. When I sat down, I looked at another sign over the screen of the computer: "Please use hand sanitizer before using the computer". The sign had a neatly drawn arrow that directed my eyes to the cleanser bottle placed on the shelf next to the screen. Are you kidding? Has the power of media struck again teaching us new phobias that demand retaliation against normal living? Are our collective immune systems so fragile that we risk ourselves when we come to church? I thought risking yourself was exactly what going to church was about!
I lost track of my original reason for coming to the library for several minutes as I pondered the well meaning person who believed they were helping when providing the soap and sign. What is next, surgical gloves before shaking hands, head and arm holes in hefty bags before we can hug? I'm not sure I can exist in such a "clean" environment. I need my messy, risky interaction with the people I know and love - and even those I don't know and try to love. If we all wind up wearing diving suits to church, who is it to protect - us or them? Even though God must not like bacteria that harm His children, I don't think He intended us to wear Darth Vader like helmets when reading from the scriptures. I can just hear us: "Luke.... Luke... chapter 6 vs 5" from pulpits across the land.
While not aware of any ailment I would pass on, or of any harmful chemical already on my hands, I did not succumb to pressure of the note, and enjoyed doing my computer search - risking excommunication - with "unclean" hands.
Dave
In my last trip to the church library I was not at all browsing. In typical manly shopping mode (hunt the prey down and obtain it for your own) I knew what I wanted, and was eager to "get to it." I was on a mission to answer a question about a bible passage and had a few minutes while waiting for someone to meet me.
I saw the computer and the signs of instruction on how to access the library inventory screens and I made myself comfortable in the chair that was so inviting. When I sat down, I looked at another sign over the screen of the computer: "Please use hand sanitizer before using the computer". The sign had a neatly drawn arrow that directed my eyes to the cleanser bottle placed on the shelf next to the screen. Are you kidding? Has the power of media struck again teaching us new phobias that demand retaliation against normal living? Are our collective immune systems so fragile that we risk ourselves when we come to church? I thought risking yourself was exactly what going to church was about!
I lost track of my original reason for coming to the library for several minutes as I pondered the well meaning person who believed they were helping when providing the soap and sign. What is next, surgical gloves before shaking hands, head and arm holes in hefty bags before we can hug? I'm not sure I can exist in such a "clean" environment. I need my messy, risky interaction with the people I know and love - and even those I don't know and try to love. If we all wind up wearing diving suits to church, who is it to protect - us or them? Even though God must not like bacteria that harm His children, I don't think He intended us to wear Darth Vader like helmets when reading from the scriptures. I can just hear us: "Luke.... Luke... chapter 6 vs 5" from pulpits across the land.
While not aware of any ailment I would pass on, or of any harmful chemical already on my hands, I did not succumb to pressure of the note, and enjoyed doing my computer search - risking excommunication - with "unclean" hands.
Dave
9/2/08
My TRUTH is bigger than your truth
It matters that we live lives that make clear our convictions - in fact it is impossible to live a day without making them clear. With little thinking even I can realize that what you care about most will at least leak out and even be shot out from the water cannon of your speaking and doing no matter how hard you try to contain it. People will see who you are and what you've decided life is about without a personal publicity campaign.
The question that matters most to me today is: How often do I pick fights and create battle lines in order that I define and clarify my own convictions. Not the battles that naturally come up because my core beliefs demand responses, but those times when I am the moral bully looking for a theological weakling. I wonder how much blood I have shed over the years being a zealot in order to show ME what I believe.
There are plenty of natural opportunities to share the crumbs of truth that I have gathered over the years and I find myself today grieving the error of mixed signals I've sent. To be loving is to engage the truth of the matter in which you find yourself, in the most gentle way possible -without compromising what God requires of you. Sometimes the sword must be drawn, but only after directed words of encouragement repeatedly fail. My truth is only bigger than your truth when it allows you the ability to accept it directly from the its source.Dave
The question that matters most to me today is: How often do I pick fights and create battle lines in order that I define and clarify my own convictions. Not the battles that naturally come up because my core beliefs demand responses, but those times when I am the moral bully looking for a theological weakling. I wonder how much blood I have shed over the years being a zealot in order to show ME what I believe.
There are plenty of natural opportunities to share the crumbs of truth that I have gathered over the years and I find myself today grieving the error of mixed signals I've sent. To be loving is to engage the truth of the matter in which you find yourself, in the most gentle way possible -without compromising what God requires of you. Sometimes the sword must be drawn, but only after directed words of encouragement repeatedly fail. My truth is only bigger than your truth when it allows you the ability to accept it directly from the its source.Dave
9/1/08
The Launch
It matters that we stay in contact, so welcome to the next great experiment in communication for a couple dabbling in the new language of the day. On our way to being proud grandparents - we are already proud parents - the thought of finding a way to learn to speak to children, not even yet born, seems like an important thing to do. The reality of data text talk may be recycling the letter writing efforts my grandmother was so good at. Instead of waiting for the spoken "How are you?" before we answer "I'm fine," the blog let's us answer in faithful expectation that, one day. the question of interest will indeed be asked -at the key board.
So we will "keyboard speak" what matters in our lives. There will be some occasional thoughts "penned" to which a few will read and respond. The little things, the big things, the noble things, and I'm sure the strange things, will trickle and even pour onto this cyber stationary and time will tell if we have launched something of value, or sent a rocket burning off course into the grass.
Ftzzzzz.... The fuse is lit, let's see what fly's.
Dave
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