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Sunday, October 17, 2010
Like BBQ, pancakes, fire pits, and apple crisp.
Its an amazing thing to know you're loved, appreciated, and needed. All warm fuzzy on the inside... Great is the Lord and worthy of praise! His mercy no one can fathom.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
help?
there is too much to do!!!!!!!!!
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
ok that felt good.
OH- also- I'm growing a mustache. I'm a week into it, and I've committed to give it a month. I expect to look like Tom Sellick by November 10th. People respect the mustache...
OK,
back to work.
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
ok that felt good.
OH- also- I'm growing a mustache. I'm a week into it, and I've committed to give it a month. I expect to look like Tom Sellick by November 10th. People respect the mustache...
OK,
back to work.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
10-13, good buddy
well shoot.
Its a long story, but I kind of suggested I'd start a blog about my little 100 mile challenge thing, thinking that I would be told not to... but they called my bluff, so I need to start another blog. all about my foot and fitness. that'll be a fascinating read, let me tell you.
It's all for my independent study phy ed class, so it's all in the name of education.
Needless to say, I'll not be sharing that link with anyone. :)
So I just added a little more work for me...
oiy.
IN BETTER NEWS, today is officially the HALF WAY POINT of this semester. holy moly, starting tomorrow the ending is beginning! this... this is exceedingly good, people!
i will now go to bed nice and early.
For you listening pleasure, my latest obsession.
"colder weather" by the Zac Brown Band. I know you're all wating with eager anticipation for my top 9 albums of 2010. You can bet your bottom dollar this album is on that list, I can't stop listening to it!
enjoy.
Its a long story, but I kind of suggested I'd start a blog about my little 100 mile challenge thing, thinking that I would be told not to... but they called my bluff, so I need to start another blog. all about my foot and fitness. that'll be a fascinating read, let me tell you.
It's all for my independent study phy ed class, so it's all in the name of education.
Needless to say, I'll not be sharing that link with anyone. :)
So I just added a little more work for me...
oiy.
IN BETTER NEWS, today is officially the HALF WAY POINT of this semester. holy moly, starting tomorrow the ending is beginning! this... this is exceedingly good, people!
i will now go to bed nice and early.
For you listening pleasure, my latest obsession.
"colder weather" by the Zac Brown Band. I know you're all wating with eager anticipation for my top 9 albums of 2010. You can bet your bottom dollar this album is on that list, I can't stop listening to it!
enjoy.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
pay it forward
Today I had to fill out a personality profile thing. You know the type- you answer questions about yourself and then it tells you what kind of a person you are, or what kind of person you're compatible with... that kind of thing.
One of the questions was, "Is it sometimes difficult for you to perform acts of kindness?" I thought that was an odd question, and yet I had to put yes. I mean I like to think of myself as a kind person, and I really really try to go the extra mile, but it is sometimes difficult for me to be kind to people. Whether its because I'm tired or cranky or because the person annoys me or has little to nothing to offer me in return, whatever the reason I sometimes treat kindness as a chore. Ugh that's just gross to articulate.
Its not like a conscious decision to not treat someone with kindness, or with less kindness than I would with other people. but after the fact if you really dissect the situation, I could have been nicer or could have done more, but didn't because of my own selfishness. That's what it comes down to: I'm too selfish to be concerned with your needs. no good.
In response to this disgusting realization, I am re-reading Max Lucado's Its Not About Me. It is a really well-written book that really gets to the heart of the issue that God is central in my life, and I get to reflect Him and His love in my actions, thoughts, and words. It's not about me. It's about the Savior inside of me, and it's about loving others around me... even if it makes me nervous, uncomfortable, or inconvenienced.
These are lofty words, I know. I can talk about going and loving the "unlovable" all I want, but it amounts to little more than trivial lip-service. The fact is, I unlove so many people every day, I don't have to change a single step of my routine and find opportunities to put others in front of me around every corner.
I think my biggest malfunction in this regard is expecting payment for my kindness. Not monetarily, but rather in relational currency. Something like I call you on your birthday, you'd better call me on mine... that kind of idea. I really need to work on that. Why am I giving you my time? Because Jesus gave us His life. It sounds so hokey and so cheesy, but man it's true. 1 John 4 tells us that we love because He first loved us. I don't think that it's a misuse of that verse to say we love others because He first loved us. Indeed, we wouldn't know what selflessness is if it wasn't first shown to us time and time again by our Redeemer.
If you haven't read Lucado's Its Not About Me, I cannot recommend it enough. It will take you 2 hours to finish, and it really brings the focus of our daily lives back where it needs to be: on Jesus.
If I may quote Lucado:
May God grant me the maturity to always keep that in mind when I find kindness to be a chore...
One of the questions was, "Is it sometimes difficult for you to perform acts of kindness?" I thought that was an odd question, and yet I had to put yes. I mean I like to think of myself as a kind person, and I really really try to go the extra mile, but it is sometimes difficult for me to be kind to people. Whether its because I'm tired or cranky or because the person annoys me or has little to nothing to offer me in return, whatever the reason I sometimes treat kindness as a chore. Ugh that's just gross to articulate.
Its not like a conscious decision to not treat someone with kindness, or with less kindness than I would with other people. but after the fact if you really dissect the situation, I could have been nicer or could have done more, but didn't because of my own selfishness. That's what it comes down to: I'm too selfish to be concerned with your needs. no good.
In response to this disgusting realization, I am re-reading Max Lucado's Its Not About Me. It is a really well-written book that really gets to the heart of the issue that God is central in my life, and I get to reflect Him and His love in my actions, thoughts, and words. It's not about me. It's about the Savior inside of me, and it's about loving others around me... even if it makes me nervous, uncomfortable, or inconvenienced.
These are lofty words, I know. I can talk about going and loving the "unlovable" all I want, but it amounts to little more than trivial lip-service. The fact is, I unlove so many people every day, I don't have to change a single step of my routine and find opportunities to put others in front of me around every corner.
I think my biggest malfunction in this regard is expecting payment for my kindness. Not monetarily, but rather in relational currency. Something like I call you on your birthday, you'd better call me on mine... that kind of idea. I really need to work on that. Why am I giving you my time? Because Jesus gave us His life. It sounds so hokey and so cheesy, but man it's true. 1 John 4 tells us that we love because He first loved us. I don't think that it's a misuse of that verse to say we love others because He first loved us. Indeed, we wouldn't know what selflessness is if it wasn't first shown to us time and time again by our Redeemer.
If you haven't read Lucado's Its Not About Me, I cannot recommend it enough. It will take you 2 hours to finish, and it really brings the focus of our daily lives back where it needs to be: on Jesus.
If I may quote Lucado:
The last breath you took as you read that last sentence was given to you for one reason, that you might for another moment "reflect the Lord's glory" (2 Cor. 3:18). God awoke you and me this morning for one purpose: "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples" (1 Chron. 16:24).
"God made all things, and everything continues through him and for him. To him be the glory forever" (Romans 11:36). "There is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we exist for him" (1 Cor. 8:6 NLT).
Why does the earth spin? For him.
Why do you have talents and abilities? For him.
Why do you have money or poverty? For him.
Strength or struggles? For him.
Everything and everyone exists to reveal his glory.
Including you.
May God grant me the maturity to always keep that in mind when I find kindness to be a chore...
Saturday, October 9, 2010
i don't want to talk about it...
*biiiiig sigh* Oh Twins... You've once again broken my heart... It's the age old question: is it really better to get to the playoffs and get swept 3 straight years or never make them at all... The debate may continue forever. I still love you, though. Go out and get an arm or two and we'll see you in February.
In other news: I'm excited for the new Gopher football coach that will be hired in December. That'll be fun.
AND Monday- #84 returns. Its gonna be a great ride!
In other news: I'm excited for the new Gopher football coach that will be hired in December. That'll be fun.
AND Monday- #84 returns. Its gonna be a great ride!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Any dream will do
Well this can just be a bla(h)g about dreams, cuz they're coming fast and furious... Last night I dreamt that I was at a youth event and 2 kids started drinking... So I took the booze away from them and then got in their faces - like nose to nose- yelling at them about how they let their moms and grandmas down and how they were terrible people... They both started bawling and tried to apologize but I turned away and said in a very scary voice, "there is no forgiveness for you." then they ran away and the event continued...
Yep. That's all in my brain...
Oiy.
Yep. That's all in my brain...
Oiy.
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Wednesday, October 6, 2010
shoulda got callahan brakes
I've had this reoccurring dream lately. It's very vivid and I've had it pretty much every time that I've slept the past 2 weeks or so. I am in a car- sometimes a van- and it's full of my youth. We're laughing and joking and having fun on a road trip of some sort. Then the road starts to curve unexpectedly. I try to slow down but I can't. I then either careen out of control into a forest and eventually crash into a large tree or there's a brick wall at the end of the turn that I smash into.
The thing is, the accident part of it is so real. I've never been in a car accident before, but it feels like I'm in one every night. The dream goes to third person and slow motion as I go over ever bump and terror fills the eyes and faces of all the kids until SMASH! and then I wake up.
yeah.
Now I don't have no technicolor dream coat or nothin', but I think I can interpret that there dream.
I think the stress is getting to me... lots of school work and projects and deadlines and work and retreats and events and nights and functions and things and car repairs (I need new brakes, ironically) and trips and promo and kids and relationships and demands and desires and man oh man, my cup runneth over... my subconscious is warning me, but I don't know what I can do to slow down... December can't come quick enough, yo.
I'm not complaining at all, just giving some insight to my subconscious mind.
I sat for a long time today, and the twins game went waaay too long. I'm spent.
The thing is, the accident part of it is so real. I've never been in a car accident before, but it feels like I'm in one every night. The dream goes to third person and slow motion as I go over ever bump and terror fills the eyes and faces of all the kids until SMASH! and then I wake up.
yeah.
Now I don't have no technicolor dream coat or nothin', but I think I can interpret that there dream.
I think the stress is getting to me... lots of school work and projects and deadlines and work and retreats and events and nights and functions and things and car repairs (I need new brakes, ironically) and trips and promo and kids and relationships and demands and desires and man oh man, my cup runneth over... my subconscious is warning me, but I don't know what I can do to slow down... December can't come quick enough, yo.
I'm not complaining at all, just giving some insight to my subconscious mind.
I sat for a long time today, and the twins game went waaay too long. I'm spent.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
jah
i enjoy intelligent conversation. I miss it, really... I remember the days of sitting outside the guys dorm smoking cigars talking doctrine with three men who all are PhD's now. I don't think those kind of things are happening at BLC anymore, and that is sad. I know for sure it's not happening with me, and that is also sad. I can't remember the last conversation in which I was challenged. I don't mean that to sound pampas, its just my plight as a youth minister and is the same as any educator, I suppose; in that I rarely talk to people who want to listen. It's not their fault, they're kids... its what they do- not listen- but at the end of the day my forehead hurts from banging it against the die-cast steel wall that is the teenage psyche and it sometimes wares thin...
regardless, I am encouraged by our college kids and I greatly look forward to times we will spend together as a group. I hope they come to the battle of wits well armed because I'm lookin' for a battle. :)
tomorrow will be a long day, but one that hopefully will be very productive and will lead to easier weeks ahead... AND my highway is at least partially opened now. That is very good news! It's the simple things in life...
regardless, I am encouraged by our college kids and I greatly look forward to times we will spend together as a group. I hope they come to the battle of wits well armed because I'm lookin' for a battle. :)
tomorrow will be a long day, but one that hopefully will be very productive and will lead to easier weeks ahead... AND my highway is at least partially opened now. That is very good news! It's the simple things in life...
Monday, October 4, 2010
yep...
ho hum...
I have little to say today.
I know its odd for me to be that way
but all I'm doing is living amidst the fray
I want to forget about homework and just sing and play
but then I would receive no pay
I suppose I could sell Mary Kay
but that would look kinda gay
so I'll get to work and look forward to May
when I graduate from Beth-a-nay
and everyone will yell and cheer "YAY!"
yep... that just happened.
You're welcome. :)
I have little to say today.
I know its odd for me to be that way
but all I'm doing is living amidst the fray
I want to forget about homework and just sing and play
but then I would receive no pay
I suppose I could sell Mary Kay
but that would look kinda gay
so I'll get to work and look forward to May
when I graduate from Beth-a-nay
and everyone will yell and cheer "YAY!"
yep... that just happened.
You're welcome. :)
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Today:
Thankful, tired, and totally not wanting it to be Monday...
Also, overwhelmingly proud of my runners!
Also, overwhelmingly proud of my runners!
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Saturday, October 2, 2010
high amid the treetops
It is 11:00 pm and I’m in my office at church catching up on work that I was too lazy to take care of throughout the week. I don’t really mind. I suppose this is another thing to put on the list of things that will disappear if (God-forbid) I ever get married. Haha that could be an interesting list…
Anyway. Today I MC’d another night of battle of the bands… it was pretty brutal, to be honest. There are a lot of kids who think they’re pretty stellar, but are actually really, really off key. Oh well, still good times.
I’m trying to come up with something devotional in nature to write, but nothing comes to mind… I ordered 6 books written by the amazing minds of Gene Veith and J.W. Montgomery. I love Half.com, by the way. All told, the six books came to like $40 including shipping. Awesome.
The first one came and is called “Loving God with all Your Mind” by Veith. It looks pretty fantastic. I have really enjoyed apologetics lately, and I think it is something I would like to further pursue… but where? I have come to the realization that in this moment, at 11:02 on October 2, 2010 I don’t want to be a parish pastor. BUT I want the knowledge and education equal to a pastor’s… so… yeah. What that means, I don’t know, but perhaps a pursuit of an advance degree in religion or philosophy would be wise. But then the question of where to obtain said degree looms, and since there is no easy or clear answer to that I throw my hands up in the air… and wave them like I just don’t care.
Once I’m done with that, I get to studying my GRE materials. I think where I go next rests heavily on my GRE score. Wish me luck, I guess…
It is fun to have options, and God-willing, come May I’ll be all graduated and spiffy and I can actually fully explore my options. I really hope more education is in the cards, because after 11 years in college, I’ve kind of grown to appreciate knowledge and I wish to engage in the endless pursuit thereof.
Watch out academia, here I come!
…eventually.
Anyway. Today I MC’d another night of battle of the bands… it was pretty brutal, to be honest. There are a lot of kids who think they’re pretty stellar, but are actually really, really off key. Oh well, still good times.
I’m trying to come up with something devotional in nature to write, but nothing comes to mind… I ordered 6 books written by the amazing minds of Gene Veith and J.W. Montgomery. I love Half.com, by the way. All told, the six books came to like $40 including shipping. Awesome.
The first one came and is called “Loving God with all Your Mind” by Veith. It looks pretty fantastic. I have really enjoyed apologetics lately, and I think it is something I would like to further pursue… but where? I have come to the realization that in this moment, at 11:02 on October 2, 2010 I don’t want to be a parish pastor. BUT I want the knowledge and education equal to a pastor’s… so… yeah. What that means, I don’t know, but perhaps a pursuit of an advance degree in religion or philosophy would be wise. But then the question of where to obtain said degree looms, and since there is no easy or clear answer to that I throw my hands up in the air… and wave them like I just don’t care.
Once I’m done with that, I get to studying my GRE materials. I think where I go next rests heavily on my GRE score. Wish me luck, I guess…
It is fun to have options, and God-willing, come May I’ll be all graduated and spiffy and I can actually fully explore my options. I really hope more education is in the cards, because after 11 years in college, I’ve kind of grown to appreciate knowledge and I wish to engage in the endless pursuit thereof.
Watch out academia, here I come!
…eventually.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
come on!!!
Twins... What are you doing? Get it together men... please?
Tonight was a great night with a good buddy watching the Twins getting trounced in gorgeous autumn weather all the while reminiscing about the greatest sports moments we could remember. Bo Jackson's comeback... classic...
good times.
Tonight was a great night with a good buddy watching the Twins getting trounced in gorgeous autumn weather all the while reminiscing about the greatest sports moments we could remember. Bo Jackson's comeback... classic...
good times.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
great heights!
What's that you say? You want a song today? OK! Here ya go!
For quite some time, I've been rather enamored with Ben Gibbard. He's pretty fantastic, and I may or may not have had a couple of beers with him back in the day. Good times.
SO here's his tune- made famous by Iron and Wine, but mastered by Gibbard and Postal Service. It *tear* has a special *tear* place in my heart... AND it's by far the best song on the Garden State soundtrack... so many things to love...
Enjoy, now, you hear?
I am thinking it's a sign
That the freckles in our eyes are mirror images
And when we kiss, they're perfectly aligned
And I have to speculate
That God himself did make us into corresponding shapes
Like puzzle pieces from the clay
And true, it may seem like a stretch
But its thoughts like this that catch my troubled head
When you're away, when I am missing you to death
When you are out there on the road
For several weeks of shows and when you scan the radio
I hope this song will guide you home
They will see us waving from such great heights
"Come down now" they'll say
But everything looks perfect from far away
Come down now, but we'll stay
I tried my best to leave
This all on your machine
But the persistent beat, it sounded thin upon listening
And that frankly will not fly
You will hear the shrillest highs and lowest lows with the windows down
When this is guiding you home
They will see us waving from such great heights
"Come down now" they'll say
But everything looks perfect from far away
Come down now, but we'll stay
For quite some time, I've been rather enamored with Ben Gibbard. He's pretty fantastic, and I may or may not have had a couple of beers with him back in the day. Good times.
SO here's his tune- made famous by Iron and Wine, but mastered by Gibbard and Postal Service. It *tear* has a special *tear* place in my heart... AND it's by far the best song on the Garden State soundtrack... so many things to love...
Enjoy, now, you hear?
I am thinking it's a sign
That the freckles in our eyes are mirror images
And when we kiss, they're perfectly aligned
And I have to speculate
That God himself did make us into corresponding shapes
Like puzzle pieces from the clay
And true, it may seem like a stretch
But its thoughts like this that catch my troubled head
When you're away, when I am missing you to death
When you are out there on the road
For several weeks of shows and when you scan the radio
I hope this song will guide you home
They will see us waving from such great heights
"Come down now" they'll say
But everything looks perfect from far away
Come down now, but we'll stay
I tried my best to leave
This all on your machine
But the persistent beat, it sounded thin upon listening
And that frankly will not fly
You will hear the shrillest highs and lowest lows with the windows down
When this is guiding you home
They will see us waving from such great heights
"Come down now" they'll say
But everything looks perfect from far away
Come down now, but we'll stay
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Aye carrumba!
I just woke up from a dream in which I had a huge group of.kids and we were going to Mexico for a mission trip... But I forgot to have them sign their paperwork and my drivers license was missing and I had no passport... It was a disaster.
I haven't been at church lately... Methinks my subconscious is telling me to get to work. I think its right.
I haven't been at church lately... Methinks my subconscious is telling me to get to work. I think its right.
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Monday, September 27, 2010
a tad moody...
So I've been wrastlin' with this idea for a while, and it's not quite fully developed yet, but I figured I'd get the rough draft out in hope of re-visiting it someday...
A couple of weeks ago I had a Facebook friend (we'll call her Jane) say something to the effect of "I really need some pizza, that'll hit the spot" and someone (we'll call her Barb) commented, "you go, Jane! I'm praying it hits the spot." Really Barb? Really? You're telling me you stopped what you were doing and said, "Dear God please let Jane's belly be filled with pizza and just let that spot of which she refers be hit. A-men." Really? did you? Methinks you didn't. And if you did... why?
Then I'm at the night club that I work at and they have a prayer before the concert and the pastor (we'll call her Nancy) says something like, "I speak a spirit of good music into tonight and I drive out the devil from all the people entering the doors tonight." What? What does that even mean?
And then I go on Facebook and I see a guy (we'll call him Kirk)- a kid I went to grade school with- Who lives with his girlfriend, has 2 children out of wedlock with her, and is currently suing his parents because they did something to his dog a couple of years ago (?) and he was like, "keep praying for us guys, God hears them and will bless us through this tough time." And I shake my head...
And then I read these books that say that God promises to give me a wife, all I need to do is pray and leave it in His hands and He will provide... and yet I don't see ANYTHING like that in my Bible...
I don't mean to be snotty or judgmental, its just that lately I've been really aware of this cheap grace that seems to be poisoning even conservative Christians. The idea that prayers are like magic spells that if we say them God will make some good mojo go our way. Or that a Christian can't say "good luck" or "I hope..." because God is in control, so we have to say, "I'm praying..." because that shows we're Christians. Or the idea that we're on cruise control and God is the driver and we just kick back and enjoy the good times while God takes us on the Christian fun time ride...
icky, people! ICKY!
I have taken a very academic approach to my faith lately, which is new for me, and yet totally awesome. What it does tho, is it takes that empty or flighty emotionalism and it puts it on the waaay back burner. In a way, I'm just not sure what role prayer has in our everyday lives... Not that I think God is in any way oblivious or apathetic- not at all- but at the same time are we called to pray that our friend is satisfied with her pizza? I don't want to say God has better things to do... but... I mean, come on... And yet, we're told to "pray unceasingly" and "in all things, pray"... and I just don't know what is right and what is cheapening the amazing grace we have through Jesus. I guess what it is is more and more I feel like we're treating prayer as a means of grace- that is, we hold prayer up right along with His Word and Sacraments as a way that grace (God's undeserved love) is imparted upon us.
This is just not true.
Prayer is a heart to heart conversation with God in which we thank Him for his bountiful goodness, ask Him for his continued grace and mercy on us lowly sinners, and confess even our darkest of sins so that when we receive the Sacrament- when we hold in our hands the body of our Savior and taste on our lips His redeeming blood- we would have no doubt that our sins are removed, our faith is all the more bolstered, and we have no question that Heaven is our home. That is what being a Christian, nay, a Lutheran is all about. Not this frivolity fluffy flax that does nothing but muddles Jesus' work on the cross and mixes it with our own good vibrations and burning bosoms.
Please don't misread me. I'm all about the emotional side of the Christian life- My faith is more than a knowledge, it is a conviction that I will go to the grave defending, but I pray it isn't cheap. It was costly; it took the life of Jesus-- God-made-man-- to steal me away from the grip of sin, death, and the Devil. Woe to me (yes, I just said "woe to me") if I make that sacrifice into something that is dependent on my limited reason and oft manipulated emotions.
So Jane, I hope that pizza was good, Barb, you need to spend less time on Facebook... for real. Nancy, you can't speak jack into anything, leave that to God, also know your role and repent.
Kirk... figure it out man. I WILL pray for you... that your conscience convicts you and you turn to the cross.
and relationship books, stop making promises that aren't true. Crimeiny! The only advice you need give a dude looking for a gal is man up and ask her out. Confidence is sexy. Write that down.
I realize I'm coming off waaaaaay harsh tonight. I don't mean to, but dang it, these things really gnaw on my gizzard, ya know? Pray for me- that I would have patience and love and a propensity to show grace, not give guff.
A couple of weeks ago I had a Facebook friend (we'll call her Jane) say something to the effect of "I really need some pizza, that'll hit the spot" and someone (we'll call her Barb) commented, "you go, Jane! I'm praying it hits the spot." Really Barb? Really? You're telling me you stopped what you were doing and said, "Dear God please let Jane's belly be filled with pizza and just let that spot of which she refers be hit. A-men." Really? did you? Methinks you didn't. And if you did... why?
Then I'm at the night club that I work at and they have a prayer before the concert and the pastor (we'll call her Nancy) says something like, "I speak a spirit of good music into tonight and I drive out the devil from all the people entering the doors tonight." What? What does that even mean?
And then I go on Facebook and I see a guy (we'll call him Kirk)- a kid I went to grade school with- Who lives with his girlfriend, has 2 children out of wedlock with her, and is currently suing his parents because they did something to his dog a couple of years ago (?) and he was like, "keep praying for us guys, God hears them and will bless us through this tough time." And I shake my head...
And then I read these books that say that God promises to give me a wife, all I need to do is pray and leave it in His hands and He will provide... and yet I don't see ANYTHING like that in my Bible...
I don't mean to be snotty or judgmental, its just that lately I've been really aware of this cheap grace that seems to be poisoning even conservative Christians. The idea that prayers are like magic spells that if we say them God will make some good mojo go our way. Or that a Christian can't say "good luck" or "I hope..." because God is in control, so we have to say, "I'm praying..." because that shows we're Christians. Or the idea that we're on cruise control and God is the driver and we just kick back and enjoy the good times while God takes us on the Christian fun time ride...
icky, people! ICKY!
I have taken a very academic approach to my faith lately, which is new for me, and yet totally awesome. What it does tho, is it takes that empty or flighty emotionalism and it puts it on the waaay back burner. In a way, I'm just not sure what role prayer has in our everyday lives... Not that I think God is in any way oblivious or apathetic- not at all- but at the same time are we called to pray that our friend is satisfied with her pizza? I don't want to say God has better things to do... but... I mean, come on... And yet, we're told to "pray unceasingly" and "in all things, pray"... and I just don't know what is right and what is cheapening the amazing grace we have through Jesus. I guess what it is is more and more I feel like we're treating prayer as a means of grace- that is, we hold prayer up right along with His Word and Sacraments as a way that grace (God's undeserved love) is imparted upon us.
This is just not true.
Prayer is a heart to heart conversation with God in which we thank Him for his bountiful goodness, ask Him for his continued grace and mercy on us lowly sinners, and confess even our darkest of sins so that when we receive the Sacrament- when we hold in our hands the body of our Savior and taste on our lips His redeeming blood- we would have no doubt that our sins are removed, our faith is all the more bolstered, and we have no question that Heaven is our home. That is what being a Christian, nay, a Lutheran is all about. Not this frivolity fluffy flax that does nothing but muddles Jesus' work on the cross and mixes it with our own good vibrations and burning bosoms.
Please don't misread me. I'm all about the emotional side of the Christian life- My faith is more than a knowledge, it is a conviction that I will go to the grave defending, but I pray it isn't cheap. It was costly; it took the life of Jesus-- God-made-man-- to steal me away from the grip of sin, death, and the Devil. Woe to me (yes, I just said "woe to me") if I make that sacrifice into something that is dependent on my limited reason and oft manipulated emotions.
So Jane, I hope that pizza was good, Barb, you need to spend less time on Facebook... for real. Nancy, you can't speak jack into anything, leave that to God, also know your role and repent.
Kirk... figure it out man. I WILL pray for you... that your conscience convicts you and you turn to the cross.
and relationship books, stop making promises that aren't true. Crimeiny! The only advice you need give a dude looking for a gal is man up and ask her out. Confidence is sexy. Write that down.
I realize I'm coming off waaaaaay harsh tonight. I don't mean to, but dang it, these things really gnaw on my gizzard, ya know? Pray for me- that I would have patience and love and a propensity to show grace, not give guff.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Gotta Love College...
Eww... did I really say "Yeah buddy" in my previous post? Sorry 'bout that.
SO there is MASSIVE flooding along the Minnesota River. The road I drive to school happens to be built right along that fine river. As such, over 40 miles of highway are closed until Wednesday at the earliest... joy. I can take an alternate route, but I have no idea how long it'll take and so I have to leave super early... Which means I have to do homework tonight... at home... icky.
I'm actually a little bummed because the drive along the river IS really pretty as the trees are turning and displaying their autumn glory. I'm bummed I'm going to miss a week's worth of color. It shouldn't peak for another week or two, so I should be good, but I'm annoyed nonetheless.
I gotta admit, if not being able to drive along a road of pretty trees is the worst thing in my life, I'm doing pretty good for myself.
I am looking forward to getting this college ministry thing off of the ground. I've been pushing it lower and lower down my "to-do" list, but that needs to change. I hope to get it going by week's end. We had some good convo whilst "watching" the fights, and the prospect of a continuing dialogue of such topics makes me very excited. The bottom line is I detest post-modernism, and Armenians drive me nuts. indubitably.
OK OK I should do some homework... at home...
12 weeks left!?!?
wowzas!
SO there is MASSIVE flooding along the Minnesota River. The road I drive to school happens to be built right along that fine river. As such, over 40 miles of highway are closed until Wednesday at the earliest... joy. I can take an alternate route, but I have no idea how long it'll take and so I have to leave super early... Which means I have to do homework tonight... at home... icky.
I'm actually a little bummed because the drive along the river IS really pretty as the trees are turning and displaying their autumn glory. I'm bummed I'm going to miss a week's worth of color. It shouldn't peak for another week or two, so I should be good, but I'm annoyed nonetheless.
I gotta admit, if not being able to drive along a road of pretty trees is the worst thing in my life, I'm doing pretty good for myself.
I am looking forward to getting this college ministry thing off of the ground. I've been pushing it lower and lower down my "to-do" list, but that needs to change. I hope to get it going by week's end. We had some good convo whilst "watching" the fights, and the prospect of a continuing dialogue of such topics makes me very excited. The bottom line is I detest post-modernism, and Armenians drive me nuts. indubitably.
OK OK I should do some homework... at home...
12 weeks left!?!?
wowzas!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
ears ringing
Good times downtown tonight MCing. After 2 shows I know most of the production crew and it feels like I'm just one of the regulars... it's pretty cool.
I made new friends with a super sweet band called Sixteen Cities. They're label mates with Jason Gray and Andrew Peterson- and they're definitely cut from the same cloth. Really, really good guys! They gave me their BRAND NEW EP to review. I honestly got the first one out of the box... nice. I'll hopefully get that review published in a national blog or two.
oh, and I also met my future wife... NBD.
nighty night.
I made new friends with a super sweet band called Sixteen Cities. They're label mates with Jason Gray and Andrew Peterson- and they're definitely cut from the same cloth. Really, really good guys! They gave me their BRAND NEW EP to review. I honestly got the first one out of the box... nice. I'll hopefully get that review published in a national blog or two.
oh, and I also met my future wife... NBD.
nighty night.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
I know what I know!
I Hope You See Jesus
by Bebo Norman
Album: "Ocean"
Instead of fear
Instead of blinded eyes
Instead of shame
Instead of all my lies
Instead of an orphan without a name
I, I hope you see Jesus
Instead of anger
Instead of unbelief
Instead of weakness in the heart of me
Instead of a wounded soul that sometimes looses faith
I, I hope you see Jesus
I hope you see Jesus
I hope you see Jesus
Standing in my place
Bearing all my shame
I hope you see Jesus
Instead of voices in a face-less crowd
Instead of prophets crying out from behind a shroud
Instead of fingers pointing out the blame
I hope you see Jesus
I hope you see Jesus
I hope you see Jesus
Standing in my place
Bearing all my shame
I hope you see Jesus
I hope you see love
I hope you see love
I hope you see love
Oh my God
When you look on us
A broken people
Who have turned from Love
Instead of the words we throw
And the wars we wage
I, I hope you forgive us
I hope you see Jesus
I hope you see Jesus
Standing in our place
Bearing all our shame
I hope you see Jesus
Standing in my place
Bearing all my shame
I hope you see Jesus
This is a catchy tune, and I really like the words... until the end. I agree with what Bebo is saying in the first couple of verse, I hope that people see Jesus in me. It beckons back to a old Jason Gray song, "You look a little more like Jesus every day..."
But at the end, when he's talking to God and he hopes that God sees Jesus... it leaves so much to chance- "I hope you forgive us ... I hope you see Jesus"??? NO! God DOES forgive us because he DOES see Jesus! That is the message of the Gospel, how do you completely miss that in a song like this?
It would be such a powerful final verse-
When you look at us, a broken people, etc,
I KNOW you forgive us,
I know you see Jesus
standing in my place,
bearing all my shame
I know you see Jesus.
and then end with:
Thank you for Jesus.
...that's the good stuff! :)
That is the truth of the matter. It gives me chills to think about. I am clothed in Christ's righteousness. I don't need to hope that God sees Him in me, I know He does. There is no doubt, no uncertianty... only Jesus.
Bebo, ya missed the mark on this one, man. Next time give me a call, I'll help you out.
by Bebo Norman
Album: "Ocean"
Instead of fear
Instead of blinded eyes
Instead of shame
Instead of all my lies
Instead of an orphan without a name
I, I hope you see Jesus
Instead of anger
Instead of unbelief
Instead of weakness in the heart of me
Instead of a wounded soul that sometimes looses faith
I, I hope you see Jesus
I hope you see Jesus
I hope you see Jesus
Standing in my place
Bearing all my shame
I hope you see Jesus
Instead of voices in a face-less crowd
Instead of prophets crying out from behind a shroud
Instead of fingers pointing out the blame
I hope you see Jesus
I hope you see Jesus
I hope you see Jesus
Standing in my place
Bearing all my shame
I hope you see Jesus
I hope you see love
I hope you see love
I hope you see love
Oh my God
When you look on us
A broken people
Who have turned from Love
Instead of the words we throw
And the wars we wage
I, I hope you forgive us
I hope you see Jesus
I hope you see Jesus
Standing in our place
Bearing all our shame
I hope you see Jesus
Standing in my place
Bearing all my shame
I hope you see Jesus
This is a catchy tune, and I really like the words... until the end. I agree with what Bebo is saying in the first couple of verse, I hope that people see Jesus in me. It beckons back to a old Jason Gray song, "You look a little more like Jesus every day..."
But at the end, when he's talking to God and he hopes that God sees Jesus... it leaves so much to chance- "I hope you forgive us ... I hope you see Jesus"??? NO! God DOES forgive us because he DOES see Jesus! That is the message of the Gospel, how do you completely miss that in a song like this?
It would be such a powerful final verse-
When you look at us, a broken people, etc,
I KNOW you forgive us,
I know you see Jesus
standing in my place,
bearing all my shame
I know you see Jesus.
and then end with:
Thank you for Jesus.
...that's the good stuff! :)
That is the truth of the matter. It gives me chills to think about. I am clothed in Christ's righteousness. I don't need to hope that God sees Him in me, I know He does. There is no doubt, no uncertianty... only Jesus.
Bebo, ya missed the mark on this one, man. Next time give me a call, I'll help you out.
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