Okay, so I was going through my CD collection (which after working for radio station, is somewhat vast). Of course, I found an old album by one of my favorite artists - Lisa Loeb. The song is called "Truthfully." It's a love song, but when I listened to the lyrics, I found that it really defines how I view my relationship with Jesus. Here's the lyrics:
This isn’t what I like to call flattery,
But I know that I believe that I’ve found what’s true,
That I’ve found what’s you.
Truthfully i
I’m finding finally.
Truthfully you
You helped me find at last.
Truthfully we
Are finding out what’s true.
And truthfully I am finding out what’s you.
Surprise, cause I was flying the plane.
Surprise, cause now I’m smiling again.
Surprise, cause you showed up with your parachute.
Surprise, I’m kind of happy you showed up.
Truthfully i
I’m finding finally.
Truthfully you
You helped me find at last.
Truthfully we
Are finding out what’s true.
And truthfully I am finding out what’s you.
Truthfully, I really can’t explain, I’m floating, I’m smiling again.
Truthfully, I can’t ignore you, cause I’ve been waiting for you.
Truthfully, I’m not desperate, I haven’t changed my mind since we first met,
But the last thing that I want to do is to tell you that I’m right for you.
Truthfully i
I’m finding finally.
Truthfully you
You helped me find at last.
Truthfully we
Are finding out what’s true.
And truthfully I am finding out what’s you.
I’m finding finally.
Truthfully, I’m finding out what’s you.
I’m smiling again.
Truthfully
So, when I think of being lost and aimless, I know that Jesus is always waiting and finding ways to help me find out the truth. And He's right there waiting. How awesome is that?
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
When Jesus and Potter Meet
So last weekend, we had a lock-in at church and we watched the Harry Potter movie quintology (don't ask where the 5th movie came from). Anyways, in the stupor of minimal sleep, the youth and I came up with "Hogwarts High School Musical." Over the next few weeks (as I have time), I will post the new songs (which are just Disney High School Musical lyrics with a Hogwarts twist - please, movie companies - don't sue because this is a parody):
WE'RE ALL AT HOGWARTS TOGETHER
Together, together, together everyone
Together, together, come on lets have some fun
Together, we're there for each other every time
Together together come on lets do this right
Here and now its time for celebration
We took Voldemort out (yeah yeah)
That all the death eaters are in incarceration
That's what its all about(yeah yeah)
All four houses are special in their own way
We make each other strong (we make each other strong)
We're not the same
We're different in a good way
Hogwarts is where we belong
We're all in this together
Once we know
That we are
We're all stars
And we see that
We're all in this together
And it shows
When we stand
Wand in hand
Magic dreams do come true
Together, together, together everyone
Together, together, come on lets have some fun
Together, we're there for each other every time
Together together come on lets do this right
Wizards here
and speaking out with one voice
Elves will rock the house (YEAH YEAH!)
the party's on now, muggles make some noise
come on scream and shout
We've arrived becuase we stuck together
Champions one and all
We're all in this together
Once we know
That we are
We're all stars
And we see that
We're all in this together
And it shows
When we stand
Wand in hand
Magic dreams do come true
We're all in this together
On our brooms
We can fly
Know inside
We can make it
We're all in this toghether
Once we see
Theres a chance
That we have
And we take it
Hufflepuffs sing along
Yeah, you really got it goin' on
Ravenclaws in the house
Everybody say it now
Slytherins everywhere
Wave your hands up in the air
That's the way we do it
Gryffindors
Time to show the world
We're all in this together
Once we know
That we are
We're all stars
And we see that
We're all in this together
And it shows
When we stand
Wand in hand
Magic dreams do come true
We're all in this together
On our brooms
We can fly
Know inside
We can make it
We're all in this together
Once we see
Theres a chance
That we have
And we take it
Potions masters everywhere
Wave your hands up in the air
That's the way we do it
Let's get to it
Come on everyone!
WE'RE ALL AT HOGWARTS TOGETHER
Together, together, together everyone
Together, together, come on lets have some fun
Together, we're there for each other every time
Together together come on lets do this right
Here and now its time for celebration
We took Voldemort out (yeah yeah)
That all the death eaters are in incarceration
That's what its all about(yeah yeah)
All four houses are special in their own way
We make each other strong (we make each other strong)
We're not the same
We're different in a good way
Hogwarts is where we belong
We're all in this together
Once we know
That we are
We're all stars
And we see that
We're all in this together
And it shows
When we stand
Wand in hand
Magic dreams do come true
Together, together, together everyone
Together, together, come on lets have some fun
Together, we're there for each other every time
Together together come on lets do this right
Wizards here
and speaking out with one voice
Elves will rock the house (YEAH YEAH!)
the party's on now, muggles make some noise
come on scream and shout
We've arrived becuase we stuck together
Champions one and all
We're all in this together
Once we know
That we are
We're all stars
And we see that
We're all in this together
And it shows
When we stand
Wand in hand
Magic dreams do come true
We're all in this together
On our brooms
We can fly
Know inside
We can make it
We're all in this toghether
Once we see
Theres a chance
That we have
And we take it
Hufflepuffs sing along
Yeah, you really got it goin' on
Ravenclaws in the house
Everybody say it now
Slytherins everywhere
Wave your hands up in the air
That's the way we do it
Gryffindors
Time to show the world
We're all in this together
Once we know
That we are
We're all stars
And we see that
We're all in this together
And it shows
When we stand
Wand in hand
Magic dreams do come true
We're all in this together
On our brooms
We can fly
Know inside
We can make it
We're all in this together
Once we see
Theres a chance
That we have
And we take it
Potions masters everywhere
Wave your hands up in the air
That's the way we do it
Let's get to it
Come on everyone!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Hippos
I have learned in my many years to never underestimate the value of hippos. They make you laugh, especially when they sing. Don't believe me? Check this out:
www.ebaumsworld.com/flash/hipponoodles.html
www.ebaumsworld.com/flash/hipponoodles.html
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Heifer Ranch
On July 22, 2007, 11 youth and 5 adults departed from church to begin the long journey to Heifer Ranch, part of the Heifer Project International. We drove to St. Louis, our first stopover on the way, to assist Pilgrim Congregational Church with their summer urban outreach program. We set up the service in Visitors Park and listened to some wonderful music at an ecumenical service with the UCC, the Church of Christ, and the Presbyterian Church. We then spent the night at Pilgrim Congregational Church before we began the rest of our journey to Heifer.
Shortly before arriving at Heifer, we were delayed by some serious car accidents on I-40, which delayed traffic. Late Monday evening, we arrived at what is affectionately known as the Heifer Hilton, where we spent the night before heading to customs. Well-rested, we loaded up into our hayride to customs to begin our journey. When we arrived, we faced harsh airport officials, stolen luggage, and long delays. Our youth were sent to different regions; some of us arrived in the Mississippi Delta region of the United States, some landed in Tibet, and the rest of our youth were sent to Mozambique.
One of the difficulties we faced was the segregation of our group. Would we still have a good mission trip if we were all in different villages? What about this other church that was also split up with us? Yes, we shared our experience with Fieldon United Church of Christ, in Fieldon, Illinois (outside of East St. Louis). When we arrived at our villages, the St. Matthew Tibetans were assigned to the upper class (living in a well-constructed, albeit warm, yurt), as were the St. Matthew Mozambiqans (living in a multi-room brick home). The remaining St. Matthew Mississippi Deltans and I were assigned to the lower class (living in an abandoned school bus with a tin covered kitchen attachment).
On the first day, we worked our fields or tended to our animals or simply learned about our own family and our neighboring family. We were allotted a certain amount of supplies, given recipes, and we made dinner from the region. The second day was more intense. We work up early and completed our chores. Then it was time to work, since we would need food for lunch, which had to be purchased at the market. Unfortunately, every family faced some disease or affliction which severely cut into that income. Lunch was sparse and people began to realize what having no food may feel like. The Mozambiqans faced a different challenge. Not ordinarily having meat in their diet, they were blessed by finding a lost rabbit and capturing it. The decision had to be made – save the rabbit or save the family by eating the rabbit. After a long, long debate, the family, by consensus, decided to take the rabbit to the market to be butchered. We learned about power and control after lunch, but during our lesson, the unthinkable happened. A flood ripped through Mozambique, destroying possessions and bringing disease to the lower class Mozambiqans. We returned to our villages to come up with ideas to help them. Many of us wanted to take in refugees, but resources were scarce and money was short. So we began relief fundraising – by making jewelry, by giving tours of our regions, by working in the fields for extra pay. Slowly, the Mozambiqans were saved.
On the third, and final full day, we began the day much like the second day – chores and work and lunch. Before lunch, we were taught how to make cheese, which provided a very nice mid-day snack until lunch. Lunch was a tad different because all villages came to the market and we could trade with them. The Mississippi Deltans, who appeared to have more, traded well for sugar (a huge luxury) and as a result, had a decent sweet cake dessert with their lunch. After lunch, we learned about development projects and began to work on them: the Tibetans learned about building a solar powered electric fence to pen their animals to prevent overgrazing; the Mozambiqans worked with another village to pass on their knowledge of rabbit-raising and passed on one of their rabbits; and the Deltans developed a program to supply their own meat and produce to the local school system, thus improving the health of local children and keeping money invested in the community. The entire Ranch ate a meal prepared by the Deltans and all were treated to a special helping of goat-milk ice cream.
The fourth day was our departure day. We were all tired and hungry (and dirty from the lack of showers). But we captured what we learned and planned ways to spread the word about Heifer Ranch. We said prayers for the actual suffering in Zimbabwe. We prayed for the bond that had developed between St. Matthew and Fieldon UCC churches. And we packed up for the Heifer Hilton and the first shower we would have in days. Our youth had a joyous time and learned an incredible amount about combating hunger and poverty. As we journeyed home, we made a stop in St. Louis and took in the Arch. No one stopped talking about their experience the whole ride home.
Shortly before arriving at Heifer, we were delayed by some serious car accidents on I-40, which delayed traffic. Late Monday evening, we arrived at what is affectionately known as the Heifer Hilton, where we spent the night before heading to customs. Well-rested, we loaded up into our hayride to customs to begin our journey. When we arrived, we faced harsh airport officials, stolen luggage, and long delays. Our youth were sent to different regions; some of us arrived in the Mississippi Delta region of the United States, some landed in Tibet, and the rest of our youth were sent to Mozambique.
One of the difficulties we faced was the segregation of our group. Would we still have a good mission trip if we were all in different villages? What about this other church that was also split up with us? Yes, we shared our experience with Fieldon United Church of Christ, in Fieldon, Illinois (outside of East St. Louis). When we arrived at our villages, the St. Matthew Tibetans were assigned to the upper class (living in a well-constructed, albeit warm, yurt), as were the St. Matthew Mozambiqans (living in a multi-room brick home). The remaining St. Matthew Mississippi Deltans and I were assigned to the lower class (living in an abandoned school bus with a tin covered kitchen attachment).
On the first day, we worked our fields or tended to our animals or simply learned about our own family and our neighboring family. We were allotted a certain amount of supplies, given recipes, and we made dinner from the region. The second day was more intense. We work up early and completed our chores. Then it was time to work, since we would need food for lunch, which had to be purchased at the market. Unfortunately, every family faced some disease or affliction which severely cut into that income. Lunch was sparse and people began to realize what having no food may feel like. The Mozambiqans faced a different challenge. Not ordinarily having meat in their diet, they were blessed by finding a lost rabbit and capturing it. The decision had to be made – save the rabbit or save the family by eating the rabbit. After a long, long debate, the family, by consensus, decided to take the rabbit to the market to be butchered. We learned about power and control after lunch, but during our lesson, the unthinkable happened. A flood ripped through Mozambique, destroying possessions and bringing disease to the lower class Mozambiqans. We returned to our villages to come up with ideas to help them. Many of us wanted to take in refugees, but resources were scarce and money was short. So we began relief fundraising – by making jewelry, by giving tours of our regions, by working in the fields for extra pay. Slowly, the Mozambiqans were saved.
On the third, and final full day, we began the day much like the second day – chores and work and lunch. Before lunch, we were taught how to make cheese, which provided a very nice mid-day snack until lunch. Lunch was a tad different because all villages came to the market and we could trade with them. The Mississippi Deltans, who appeared to have more, traded well for sugar (a huge luxury) and as a result, had a decent sweet cake dessert with their lunch. After lunch, we learned about development projects and began to work on them: the Tibetans learned about building a solar powered electric fence to pen their animals to prevent overgrazing; the Mozambiqans worked with another village to pass on their knowledge of rabbit-raising and passed on one of their rabbits; and the Deltans developed a program to supply their own meat and produce to the local school system, thus improving the health of local children and keeping money invested in the community. The entire Ranch ate a meal prepared by the Deltans and all were treated to a special helping of goat-milk ice cream.
The fourth day was our departure day. We were all tired and hungry (and dirty from the lack of showers). But we captured what we learned and planned ways to spread the word about Heifer Ranch. We said prayers for the actual suffering in Zimbabwe. We prayed for the bond that had developed between St. Matthew and Fieldon UCC churches. And we packed up for the Heifer Hilton and the first shower we would have in days. Our youth had a joyous time and learned an incredible amount about combating hunger and poverty. As we journeyed home, we made a stop in St. Louis and took in the Arch. No one stopped talking about their experience the whole ride home.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Hiya
Hey all . . .
I know it has been about forever since I last dropped you a line. I have been a tad busy. A trial or two here and there at work eats into free time because it requires longer hours, which cuts into chores/required stuff outside of work, which reduces free time. I also just got back from my first mission trip as a leader. St. Matthew took 11 youth (2 of whom from another church) and 5 leaders to Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas. Talk about an adventure (we will in another blog soon). Then there is youth group (we are doing monthly movies on Sundays - today, the youth group saw the Simpsons Movie [yes, the parents knew about it].) I am a tad overwhelmed with all I have taken in over the last month. Youth Sunday is two weeks away so that is a busy planning time period. And next Sunday, I am preaching about clay vessels. I have lots to say, but until then . . . may God shine his face upon you always.
I know it has been about forever since I last dropped you a line. I have been a tad busy. A trial or two here and there at work eats into free time because it requires longer hours, which cuts into chores/required stuff outside of work, which reduces free time. I also just got back from my first mission trip as a leader. St. Matthew took 11 youth (2 of whom from another church) and 5 leaders to Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas. Talk about an adventure (we will in another blog soon). Then there is youth group (we are doing monthly movies on Sundays - today, the youth group saw the Simpsons Movie [yes, the parents knew about it].) I am a tad overwhelmed with all I have taken in over the last month. Youth Sunday is two weeks away so that is a busy planning time period. And next Sunday, I am preaching about clay vessels. I have lots to say, but until then . . . may God shine his face upon you always.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Why Do We Leave Our Hand on the Stove?
Cages or wings? Which do you prefer? Have you shackled your own self to conceptual versions of reality that you clung to once but no longer wish to envision anymore? Not really sure where I am going with these thoughts, but I can certainly tell you that I am enjoying the challenges of this round of self-discovery. In part because it's actual self-re-discovery for me. In part because I have had some really intellectual and sarcastic conversations with people I know. Seminary class (on the parables of Jesus) has also pulled a spiritual growth for me into the mix. All in all, when I clear my head, I won't be some monstrosity to fear. I will likely be a little different, but my personality has not and will not change. Sean remains through it all. What is even better is that I have been writing more. I spent time with my high school choir teacher and we jotted out this cool piano duet (I may play it at church sometime because it blends two cool styles - my teacher writes connectively whereas I write radially). Anyways, I miss my youth group - I haven't led youth group since June 13, and with holidays and family camp, we won't have youth group until July 18. It was suggested that we go see Evan Almighty this weekend - we may do that.
Fear or love, baby - don't say the answer. Actions speak louder than words!
Fear or love, baby - don't say the answer. Actions speak louder than words!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Jump Back to Me Anytime
A lot has been weighing on me lately. Crazy trial schedules and appointments as the lawyer for children. Youth group imploded and I let it happen - cost me some youth - but nothing is perfect (and I expected that I would have a flop youth meeting at least once this year). My family is still family with all the quirks that they have. And with all that, I am still trying to figure out who I am. I hit a point in life where I needed to redefine. I think that is what makes my job with youth ministry a bit easier - the youth are all finding themselves and where they are going in life. I have the benefit of my years of experience to guide me. So, when we all talk, they get a sense that I know what they are going through.
I sat down and gave a more thoughtful prayer than I usually do. I don't do formal prayers, outside of church. I pray as I go, praise as it happens, reach out as the event is occuring. I imagine God saying, "Sean, breathe. Take a moment, write it all down, then call me." It's just me - impatience is something that's part of me. It's not that I don't know how to wait. I just want to move forward on it if I can. I wrote this one down and asked God to shine a little light on things for me - give me a general idea where to take things. He hasn't let me down so far in my life, so it's a safe bet I won't be lead astray.
Anyways, this wasn't meant to be a preachy blog or even a prayerful one. It's a placeholder to remind me to get myself back on track. Trials come and go. Youth meetings should flow, not be carved out. Family is a good thing. It's a reminder that I have something to do still - and when I figure it all out, it will be a pretty cool picture. I just wish that one friend was there to give me the "cheerleading" words that I used to get from him. I miss that.
I sat down and gave a more thoughtful prayer than I usually do. I don't do formal prayers, outside of church. I pray as I go, praise as it happens, reach out as the event is occuring. I imagine God saying, "Sean, breathe. Take a moment, write it all down, then call me." It's just me - impatience is something that's part of me. It's not that I don't know how to wait. I just want to move forward on it if I can. I wrote this one down and asked God to shine a little light on things for me - give me a general idea where to take things. He hasn't let me down so far in my life, so it's a safe bet I won't be lead astray.
Anyways, this wasn't meant to be a preachy blog or even a prayerful one. It's a placeholder to remind me to get myself back on track. Trials come and go. Youth meetings should flow, not be carved out. Family is a good thing. It's a reminder that I have something to do still - and when I figure it all out, it will be a pretty cool picture. I just wish that one friend was there to give me the "cheerleading" words that I used to get from him. I miss that.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Weird Facts Return
Every so often, I post a list of weird/odd/strange facts (and add my personal commentary to those facts). Hey, I admit that I am a huge nerd with an unusual amount of spare time on my hands (given my activity schedule). So, here goes:
Scientists believe that a meat-eating plant lives underground with no direct sunlight. (This just in - scientists believe that the moon is made of green cheese)
Monkeys fling feces at each other when agitated. (Which is where we get the phrase "throwing a shit fit")
Yawns are a way of communication. They don't signal that you are tired, but rather you want to do something different now. (Like reading another blog)
Killer whales capture fish by slapping them. (Funny, that's how I keep people away from me)
A shrimp's heart is in its head. (Republicans' heads are in their butts)
A ducks quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. (LIAR! Mythbusters busted this!!!!)
A cockroach can live for several weeks without its head. (So can Republicans)
Elephants can't jump. (Did anyone ever think they could, c'mon)
The oldest piece of chewing gum is 9000 years old. (Eve had to have something after the apple)
More Monopoly money is printed in a year, than real money printed throughout the world. (And real money is spent just like monopoly money - nothing backing it and we can just print more later or steal it from the bank)
The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket. (Sadly though, he no longer could reproduce after that discovery)
Walt Disney was afraid of mice. (and Jews)
Ted Turner owns 5 percent of New Mexico. (Half of which went to Jane Fonda in the divorce)
Polar bears are left-handed. (The scientist who found this out is dead, and was related to the inventor of the microwave)
Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. (Because we eat pennies)
Mark Twain didn't graduate from elementary school. (Neither did George Bush, what's your point?)
A donkey will sink in quicksand but a mule won't. (Who is experimenting with animals in this way?)
No piece of paper can be folded in half more than seven (7) times. (Go ahead and do it, the blog will be here when you get back)
Donkeys kill more people annually than plane crashes. (Unless you crash near quicksand, then you will be fine)
Scientists believe that a meat-eating plant lives underground with no direct sunlight. (This just in - scientists believe that the moon is made of green cheese)
Monkeys fling feces at each other when agitated. (Which is where we get the phrase "throwing a shit fit")
Yawns are a way of communication. They don't signal that you are tired, but rather you want to do something different now. (Like reading another blog)
Killer whales capture fish by slapping them. (Funny, that's how I keep people away from me)
A shrimp's heart is in its head. (Republicans' heads are in their butts)
A ducks quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. (LIAR! Mythbusters busted this!!!!)
A cockroach can live for several weeks without its head. (So can Republicans)
Elephants can't jump. (Did anyone ever think they could, c'mon)
The oldest piece of chewing gum is 9000 years old. (Eve had to have something after the apple)
More Monopoly money is printed in a year, than real money printed throughout the world. (And real money is spent just like monopoly money - nothing backing it and we can just print more later or steal it from the bank)
The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket. (Sadly though, he no longer could reproduce after that discovery)
Walt Disney was afraid of mice. (and Jews)
Ted Turner owns 5 percent of New Mexico. (Half of which went to Jane Fonda in the divorce)
Polar bears are left-handed. (The scientist who found this out is dead, and was related to the inventor of the microwave)
Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. (Because we eat pennies)
Mark Twain didn't graduate from elementary school. (Neither did George Bush, what's your point?)
A donkey will sink in quicksand but a mule won't. (Who is experimenting with animals in this way?)
No piece of paper can be folded in half more than seven (7) times. (Go ahead and do it, the blog will be here when you get back)
Donkeys kill more people annually than plane crashes. (Unless you crash near quicksand, then you will be fine)
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Sooner or Later
lyrics by Michael Tolcher:
"Pull the hair back from your eyes
Let the people see your pretty face
Try not to say anything weird
Save your questions without answers
'Til your old enough to know that things ain't as they appeared
Before you go out in the sun
Cover your skin and don't get burned
Beware the cancer, it might kill you when you're old
Be first in line, raise your hand
Remember everything you hear
And playing in the rain is worth catching cold
We only want what's best for you
That's why we tell you what to do
And nevermind if nothing makes sense
'Cause it all works out in the end
You're just like us without a friend
But you can build a privacy fence Yeah
Somethings you have to learn them all on your own
You can't rely on anybody else
Or the point of view of a source unknown
If it feels good and sounds nice
Then it's your choice don't doubt yourself
Don't even think twice
Pull the hair back from your eyes
Let the people see your pretty face
You know they like it when you smile Find a reason to smile
Try not to focus on yourself
Share that love with someone else
Don't let the bitters bring you down
Don't let anything bring you down"
This song has been running through my head the past week. I listen to it and think about the advice I have always gotten from adults in my life when I was much younger. And I remember thinking, 'what do they know' or 'why won't they just answer me,' and it bugged me. Sometimes adults would give me platitudes, such as 'you'll know when you are older.' Well, I am older, and guess what, I still don't know. I don't know why bad things still happen. I don't know why people focus on hurting others with words or weapons. I don't know what I am quick to anger the moment I get behind the wheel of a car.
Sometimes adults, especially my mom, would give me blanket advice, like 'never let anyone tell you that you can't.' Yep, hold my head high and stand strong in the face of objections, ridicule, pressure, arrogance, or anger. It's tough when someone calls you out and tells you they think you got it all wrong, or when they flat out disagree, or when they try to convince you of something other than what you believe. Kinda difficult to do, but I keep this quote close to my heart, 'character means standing up for something, even it means you stand alone.'
Then, when I was in college, I joined a fraternity. I was a youngster, and an older member in the house, when I was particularly stressed about soccer, school, and the house, sat me down and showed me a plaque that his dad gave him. It carried this simple message: IN THE RACE TO BE BETTER OR BEST, DO NOT MISS THE JOY OF BEING. Of all the advice I have gotten, most of it became hardwired into who I am (manners, compassion, measure twice cut once, and so on), this nugget is something I have to remind myself of. It is easy to get wrapped up in the pursuits of life, but what really matters is this wonderful gift of just being alive. And we didn't have to do anything to get it. It came free.
So, sooner or later, we will find the answer to everything. Sooner or later, we will think about one another. Sooner or later, we will figure out just who we are. And sooner or later, I will stop yelling when I am driving.
"Pull the hair back from your eyes
Let the people see your pretty face
Try not to say anything weird
Save your questions without answers
'Til your old enough to know that things ain't as they appeared
Before you go out in the sun
Cover your skin and don't get burned
Beware the cancer, it might kill you when you're old
Be first in line, raise your hand
Remember everything you hear
And playing in the rain is worth catching cold
We only want what's best for you
That's why we tell you what to do
And nevermind if nothing makes sense
'Cause it all works out in the end
You're just like us without a friend
But you can build a privacy fence Yeah
Somethings you have to learn them all on your own
You can't rely on anybody else
Or the point of view of a source unknown
If it feels good and sounds nice
Then it's your choice don't doubt yourself
Don't even think twice
Pull the hair back from your eyes
Let the people see your pretty face
You know they like it when you smile Find a reason to smile
Try not to focus on yourself
Share that love with someone else
Don't let the bitters bring you down
Don't let anything bring you down"
This song has been running through my head the past week. I listen to it and think about the advice I have always gotten from adults in my life when I was much younger. And I remember thinking, 'what do they know' or 'why won't they just answer me,' and it bugged me. Sometimes adults would give me platitudes, such as 'you'll know when you are older.' Well, I am older, and guess what, I still don't know. I don't know why bad things still happen. I don't know why people focus on hurting others with words or weapons. I don't know what I am quick to anger the moment I get behind the wheel of a car.
Sometimes adults, especially my mom, would give me blanket advice, like 'never let anyone tell you that you can't.' Yep, hold my head high and stand strong in the face of objections, ridicule, pressure, arrogance, or anger. It's tough when someone calls you out and tells you they think you got it all wrong, or when they flat out disagree, or when they try to convince you of something other than what you believe. Kinda difficult to do, but I keep this quote close to my heart, 'character means standing up for something, even it means you stand alone.'
Then, when I was in college, I joined a fraternity. I was a youngster, and an older member in the house, when I was particularly stressed about soccer, school, and the house, sat me down and showed me a plaque that his dad gave him. It carried this simple message: IN THE RACE TO BE BETTER OR BEST, DO NOT MISS THE JOY OF BEING. Of all the advice I have gotten, most of it became hardwired into who I am (manners, compassion, measure twice cut once, and so on), this nugget is something I have to remind myself of. It is easy to get wrapped up in the pursuits of life, but what really matters is this wonderful gift of just being alive. And we didn't have to do anything to get it. It came free.
So, sooner or later, we will find the answer to everything. Sooner or later, we will think about one another. Sooner or later, we will figure out just who we are. And sooner or later, I will stop yelling when I am driving.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
West Side Story
Last night at youth group, we were talking about social justice, changing the world, and being good to one another. Well, the kids discussed the problem of a rivalry that has been brewing between two high schools in the area - North and South. Jokingly, because the town where we all live is very suburban, I joked about West Side Story and the rivalry in that movie between the Jets and the Sharks. But, it has turned somewhat serious. One side is mad at the other side over what may have been a fight over a girl - you know, typical anger issues for teens. But is has escalated into a mob of one school vs. a mob of the other. Last week, these schools had some sort of altercation that resulted for certain with one child going to the emergency room due to a broken tooth.
We often think that suburbia is immune from "gang" violence. That "it couldn't happen here" mentality rises up. But, it does happen. Two years ago, a young man from the St. Charles area was killed in a fight between two rival schools. We enrobe ourselves with the false comfort that our children do not act like the children we read about in urban areas. We think we are immune to violence and evil.
My questions are simple (and I have the luxury of asking, since I don't have any kids yet and it's my blog):
1) Where are the parents? When the first incident occurred, did the parents just gloss over it?
2) Where are the school administrators? Are they even aware of this problem? Were they too engrossed in the school board elections?
3) Where was I? I have youth from both schools in youth group. I first learned of it last night. Was there something I missed? I don't think any of the youth from our youth group are involved, but jeez, were my blinders on too?
I hope that the youth who read this will think before they engage in violence, and they will choose restraint over reaction, and that they will come to the adults in their lives for guidance. I have visited a youth in the hospital because of illness; I certainly do not want to visit a youth in the hospital because of senseless violence.
We often think that suburbia is immune from "gang" violence. That "it couldn't happen here" mentality rises up. But, it does happen. Two years ago, a young man from the St. Charles area was killed in a fight between two rival schools. We enrobe ourselves with the false comfort that our children do not act like the children we read about in urban areas. We think we are immune to violence and evil.
My questions are simple (and I have the luxury of asking, since I don't have any kids yet and it's my blog):
1) Where are the parents? When the first incident occurred, did the parents just gloss over it?
2) Where are the school administrators? Are they even aware of this problem? Were they too engrossed in the school board elections?
3) Where was I? I have youth from both schools in youth group. I first learned of it last night. Was there something I missed? I don't think any of the youth from our youth group are involved, but jeez, were my blinders on too?
I hope that the youth who read this will think before they engage in violence, and they will choose restraint over reaction, and that they will come to the adults in their lives for guidance. I have visited a youth in the hospital because of illness; I certainly do not want to visit a youth in the hospital because of senseless violence.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Say What?
Once upon a time (when I was in law school), I worked as a DJ at a radio station. The most fun thing on the 3 am shift was to answer requests from people who could only quote (in an inaccurate way) lyrics to the song. My favorites misstated lyrics included: "Once more it's a naked love" (Pride - In the Name of Love by U2); "Another turnip, boy, a Ford stuck in the road" (Time of Your Life by Green Day); and "Bought an old house on the dance floor" (Old Apartment by Barenaked Ladies). There are tons more and if you want to have a good laugh, go check out http://kissthisguy.com. It is a website diarying misheard lyrics. Where did the title come from? Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix. The actual lyric is "Excuse me while I kiss the sky." It is often misheard, and oddly misheard, as "Excuse me, while I kiss this guy."
Language is a very funny thing. Conveys emotions. Memorializes history. Directs us to do or not do certain things. And when language is misheard or misinterpreted, it can lead to the following: war, theft, anger, death, mistrust, and isolation. I wish that only humor resulted from misheard language. I wish that George Bush wouldn't mishear Congress' call for an end date in Iraq. I wish that other nations wouldn't mishear our words to imply that we want to run the world. I wish that my words would not be misheard - when I say Guantanamo is wrong, I do not mean that we should not protect our country. What I mean is that no person should be deprived of life or liberty without due process of law (see our 5th Amendment to the US Constitution). Person means any person, not just a citizen of the US.
I wish that Scripture wasn't misheard to suggest that God condones violence in the name of religion. As my pastor has told me, and I desparately try to follow, the two greatest commandments are: Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and body; and Love your neighbor as yourself. Sadly, even these commandments are misheard.
In the mean time, bum around the misheard lyrics website and have a laugh today.
Language is a very funny thing. Conveys emotions. Memorializes history. Directs us to do or not do certain things. And when language is misheard or misinterpreted, it can lead to the following: war, theft, anger, death, mistrust, and isolation. I wish that only humor resulted from misheard language. I wish that George Bush wouldn't mishear Congress' call for an end date in Iraq. I wish that other nations wouldn't mishear our words to imply that we want to run the world. I wish that my words would not be misheard - when I say Guantanamo is wrong, I do not mean that we should not protect our country. What I mean is that no person should be deprived of life or liberty without due process of law (see our 5th Amendment to the US Constitution). Person means any person, not just a citizen of the US.
I wish that Scripture wasn't misheard to suggest that God condones violence in the name of religion. As my pastor has told me, and I desparately try to follow, the two greatest commandments are: Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and body; and Love your neighbor as yourself. Sadly, even these commandments are misheard.
In the mean time, bum around the misheard lyrics website and have a laugh today.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Holy Spirit, Batman
When I was a tad younger, I loved to watch repeats of the Batman TV series, which, although I am old, was in reruns while I was watching. Aside from the overacting, odd villians, and cartoon "kapows," I remember Robin always saying "Holy [something], Batman." It was usually tied to something they encountered, such as if they were fighting at a fashion show and a crew of thugs came in, Robin would quip, "Holy Runway Models, Batman." Now, as I am rambling on, there is a point.
This week at confirmation, we have been teaching the Book of Acts, also referred to as the Acts of the Apostles. This is the foundation and story of the early church. It is hard to wrap my mind around how it must have been in those early days, how difficult to gather everyone together and teach. But, I am thinking of the Holy Spirit and how it plays the center role in the early church. Pentecost - universal translating the language, baptism by fire, yup that's the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit somehow gets forgotten in the shuffle. The triune God, three parts of one whole - where would God be without God, the Holy Spirit. Called the giver of life.
What does the Holy Spirit mean to us? I wish I could answer that in a truly meaningful way. Sadly, I just don't know about the Holy Spirit. We often overlook the role of the Holy Spirit in the Trinity. To be honest, as I said, I really only think of the Holy Spirit in the story of Pentecost, or when I recite the Apostles' Creed, or when the dove descends upon Jesus. I remember in art history that the Holy Spirit is portrayed as a dove. Hardly a true understanding of the Holy Spirit. What do I do then? I think I will utter the words, "Holy Spirit, Batman" and take this year to study the Holy Spirit and what it means to my faith. Jeepers, I will just have to figure out where to begin.
This week at confirmation, we have been teaching the Book of Acts, also referred to as the Acts of the Apostles. This is the foundation and story of the early church. It is hard to wrap my mind around how it must have been in those early days, how difficult to gather everyone together and teach. But, I am thinking of the Holy Spirit and how it plays the center role in the early church. Pentecost - universal translating the language, baptism by fire, yup that's the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit somehow gets forgotten in the shuffle. The triune God, three parts of one whole - where would God be without God, the Holy Spirit. Called the giver of life.
What does the Holy Spirit mean to us? I wish I could answer that in a truly meaningful way. Sadly, I just don't know about the Holy Spirit. We often overlook the role of the Holy Spirit in the Trinity. To be honest, as I said, I really only think of the Holy Spirit in the story of Pentecost, or when I recite the Apostles' Creed, or when the dove descends upon Jesus. I remember in art history that the Holy Spirit is portrayed as a dove. Hardly a true understanding of the Holy Spirit. What do I do then? I think I will utter the words, "Holy Spirit, Batman" and take this year to study the Holy Spirit and what it means to my faith. Jeepers, I will just have to figure out where to begin.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
The Calling
Okay, it was Pack the Place Night tonight at youth group, and we had a boatload of kids. Why is this important? Well, I had to make sure the kids were well supervised, which means I didn't have my cell phone on me. So, at 5:37 pm (yes, that is what the voicemail said), Open Adoption & Family Services in Seattle called me to let me know that they have a screening call for me. This means that the potential baby could be: a) a girl, b) the child of birthmother who used drugs or alcohol, c) of a different ethnicity, or d) I don't know. Am I excited? Totally, this is the first step in a possible adoption - very cool feeling. However, part of me is still keeping my cards close to the vest - no need to build up my hopes for something that is nebulous right now. Things often happen when you least expect it. Some cliches never go out of style.
No matter how hard I try, I keep imagining the whole dad thing going on. Baseball games, parenting, babyproofing a house, and so on. What about a name? I know I had said "Benjamin Adam" if it's a boy. However, I like the name "Joshua Adam" for a boy, so that is what I am naming him. If it's a girl, I am going with "Bailey Abigail."
But for now, I play the waiting game. And, after the screening call, it could still turn out that this birthmother or birthparents pick another person or couple. Say a prayer for me.
No matter how hard I try, I keep imagining the whole dad thing going on. Baseball games, parenting, babyproofing a house, and so on. What about a name? I know I had said "Benjamin Adam" if it's a boy. However, I like the name "Joshua Adam" for a boy, so that is what I am naming him. If it's a girl, I am going with "Bailey Abigail."
But for now, I play the waiting game. And, after the screening call, it could still turn out that this birthmother or birthparents pick another person or couple. Say a prayer for me.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
What I Learned from Kids Today
So today at youth group, where I am the "fearless" leader, we did "Your Questions Answered" - a lesson borrowed from our former Youth Pastor (and valued mentor). The youth submitted questions for me to answer (as best as I can). Many were silly questions about my past and who I am, which is okay, because who wouldn't want to know that my favorite color is purple and that I am afraid of bats. But there were some deeper questions: why is patriotism good; why does God love us unconditionally; is emotional pain good; how can we know truly what God wants for us. These were some great questions, and we spurred some great discussions.
One question troubled the middle school and high school youth. According to a recent survey (see "The Group"), 85% of youth will cease attending church by the time they are in their junior year of college. I told that stat to the youth and they expressed their disbelief. I asked them whether they thought they would leave the church in college and how they would try to maintain their faith. It was an interesting discussion. Some of the youth even promised that they would still come to youth group while in college. It is a noble aspiration, but I fear that percentage number may have some validity. In thinking about it, my question might be better addressed to the adults - what will you do help the youth maintain their faith . . .
Interesting thought
One question troubled the middle school and high school youth. According to a recent survey (see "The Group"), 85% of youth will cease attending church by the time they are in their junior year of college. I told that stat to the youth and they expressed their disbelief. I asked them whether they thought they would leave the church in college and how they would try to maintain their faith. It was an interesting discussion. Some of the youth even promised that they would still come to youth group while in college. It is a noble aspiration, but I fear that percentage number may have some validity. In thinking about it, my question might be better addressed to the adults - what will you do help the youth maintain their faith . . .
Interesting thought
Sunday, March 04, 2007
And thus ends another year
Yep, once again, Mock Trial is over. We finished in the Elite Eight at State this year, but did not place in the top 3. Is that okay? I think it is. I think mock trial is about teaching students about our system of government and judiciary. It's about understanding what we do. It's about meeting other students. Somehow, that message got lost this year. Somehow, pride and vanity and envy took center stage. It was sad to see my senior students in tears, partly because it was their last year, but partly because they didn't advance further. However, the fact remains that, in my three years as coach with two other fine attorneys, the team has taken themselves to the Elite Eight each of those years. That's a measure of their dedication. To denigrate that by mourning the absence of "First Place" makes me feel that we taught nothing. Then again, I am the teacher coach, not the fun coach or the father coach, so it stands to reason that I did my job and filled my duties. I have sincere doubts that I will coach next year. It's too straining on me.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Trying to Catch the Deluge in a Paper Cup
Water - the chemical composition consisting of two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen.
Water - one of the building blocks of life.
Water - a cool refreshing drink.
Water - a destructive chemical that can corrode and dissolve, and in greater quantities, destroy everything in its path.
Water - a metaphor for faith, spirit, and belief.
Funny how something so simple like water can be so many things to so many people. Funny how the lack of it can be so many things to so many people. Something I have pondered of late to be quite honest, the water as faith metaphor. Can too much faith be dangerous? Does stagnant faith corrode and dissolve the soul? How do we look at our faith? A burden? A duty? A blessing? Not at all? Do we share that faith with others who thirst? Hmm . . . I may have to stick to blogging about swear words and bad drivers - the questions are easier to answer there.
Water - one of the building blocks of life.
Water - a cool refreshing drink.
Water - a destructive chemical that can corrode and dissolve, and in greater quantities, destroy everything in its path.
Water - a metaphor for faith, spirit, and belief.
Funny how something so simple like water can be so many things to so many people. Funny how the lack of it can be so many things to so many people. Something I have pondered of late to be quite honest, the water as faith metaphor. Can too much faith be dangerous? Does stagnant faith corrode and dissolve the soul? How do we look at our faith? A burden? A duty? A blessing? Not at all? Do we share that faith with others who thirst? Hmm . . . I may have to stick to blogging about swear words and bad drivers - the questions are easier to answer there.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Short Stories and other Idiocracies
Over the years, I have written short stories, mostly because of creative writing courses. They started out as random mutterings, but have evolved over the years into personal reflections on my life or on where I want my life or just funny stories (at least I like them). They sit in a computer folder call "Me Fail English? That's unpossible." Yep - a line from a Simpsons episode defines my literary talent (or lack thereof). So, without further ado, I post one of my stories here:
FAITH
“Are you their God? I need help,” I prayed, “I am graduating in four weeks and I am completely clueless. What am I supposed to do?” I really was clueless. What was I going to do with a biology degree? Grad school? It was a possibility.
Isn’t funny how when we are in deepest need or saddest times, we call on God to be there? When things are going well, we hardly say a word to Him. And when we feel cheated or hurt, we blame Him for what is going on around us. Not once does God ever argue back, punish us, or do anything other than love us all the more. I never gave much thought to that, but when I look at it, who else would take the shit with throw at Him and still be there for us.
“What can I do for you Nick,” asked a voice.
“Who’s there,” I responded.
The voice bellowed, “You ask if I am here and say that you need help. Then you ask who is talking back to you.”
“God,” I inquired, not really sure that I wanted an answer.
“Last time I checked, but then again I don’t really need a mirror,” laughed God.
“Holy shit, I’m fucking losing it,” I thought.
“No, you are doing just fine. Your language is a little rough, but I think I can handle it,” God replied.
Ordinarily, I never believed those kooks on the street or even preachers who claim that God has spoken to them. Now, here I am, conversing with someone who says He is God. I have lost my mind. Or, I am way too drunk for my brain to function normally. What’s worse is that I am just hearing a voice all around me and can’t see anyone.
“Is this better,” asked God, as he took form, looking surprisingly a lot like me and the other students at Bryant College.
“Who the hell are you,” I shouted.
“Okay, let’s clear all this up right now. I’m God, pleased to meet you,” He said as He stuck out His hand.
My mind went blank and I froze. A few seconds later, I shook His hand. He was real. I mean, when I shook His hand, there was flesh and bone there. Was I really meeting God? Had I had a mental break? Why was God here?
“Nick, I will answer your questions in due time,” God said, “But first, we have a chemistry class to go to.” He winked at me.
“You’re going to go to my class,” I inquired.
“Why not,” God replied, “I haven’t visited Earth in quite a while, not since the French Revolution.”
“You’ve been here before,” I asked?
“You really need to read that book about me from time to time,” He chuckled.
When are you face to face with God, inevitably, you will look and sound like an idiot. I think I just won first prize in the “Sorry God, I’m An Idiot Contest.” Despite my confusion, I grabbed my bag and God followed me to class. We got to the chem lab and sat down. My friends noticed my new friend in tow and came over to talk to us.
“Nicky, who’s your friend,” asked Shelly, my friend since freshman year who caused my heart to melt whenever she spoke.
I was struggling to think of an explanation, but I was interrupted.
“I’m Adam, Nick’s relative from out of town,” said God.
“Cool man. Where’re ya from,” asked Kyle, my neighbor from down the hall.
“Everywhere really,” God smiled.
“Military brat,” asked Paul, one of my roommates.
“Adam, this is Shelly, Kyle, Rob, and Paul,” I interrupted, introducing everyone to God (as if he didn’t already know).
“Pleased to meet you,” said God.
Okay, God is in my chemistry class and He has just met my friends. He probably already knew their names and everything about them, but He went on as if He was just a regular person. I prayed for guidance about my life after graduation and the Almighty Himself makes a house call. There are billions of people in the world and God just stopped by to say hello and answer my prayers directly? I don’t think so. I saw “Oh God” and “Dogma;” something’s up. After class, all of us, including God, went to the Union for lunch.
“I love grilled cheeseburgers. I don’t usually get to eat them because I am traveling so much,” explained God.
“Where do you travel? I mean, what do you do,” asked Rob.
“I do a lot of missionary work, spreading the word of God, meeting people,” God said.
“You’re not one of the religious nuts like Bible Dan the Preacher Man, are you,” asked Shelly.
“The guy who goes around college campuses and tells the students that they are going to burn in hell? No, I’m just interested in talking about faith and learning about people’s views on God,” He responded.
“You just like hearing what people think,” Shelly asked.
“Sure, how can you learn if you don’t ask,” He said.
“It’s all a load of shit. Religion and God, who needs that stuff,” sneered Paul.
I was afraid. Was God going to smite my friend Paul while he scarfed down a cheeseburger? This couldn’t be good. I imagined how I would explain to Paul’s dad why his son suddenly was stricken with leprosy. But it didn’t happen. God laughed. He let Paul just spout about religion. He listened as Shelly talked about Catholic school. He told jokes. He talked about religion and Christianity and holy wars. We were enraptured with His stories. I realized that Paul was not going to be destroyed, that God was pleased with him, with all of us. We spent hours in the Union talking and laughing and sharing stories and viewpoints. My friends thought “Adam” was cool. I walked with God back to my apartment.
“Shelly’s a very cute girl, isn’t she,” God asked.
“Um, ya, she is,” I replied, totally confused.
“Did you ever take her out,” He inquired. “If you haven’t, you should do that,” He added.
“Why didn’t you strike Paul down for what he said,” I asked, wanting desperately to change the subject.
“Nick, of all the gifts I have given to everyone, I think my best gift was free will. The choice to do something or not. The freedom to do whatever. To believe in me or to not believe in me,” He responded.
“But don’t you love us,” I asked. I was confused but yet I found myself accepting more and more that this was God.
“Of course I do. That’s what I do. I love each and every one of you,” he said.
“But what about evil people? What about other religions? Why, if you love us, do bad things happened in the world,” I spouted.
“Nick, there is no simple answer to that. I certainly can’t reveal my entire plan to you. You are not ready for that. I can say this to you – I love everyone, regardless of whether they return that love, and not every bad thing that happens is a bad thing, just as not every good thing that happens is a good thing,” He replied.
I am more confused than ever. God and I talk more and more. He asks me about Shelly, almost prodding me to do something. He asks me about my biology major and shares with me some things I would never learn in any biology class. I am also awestruck by how much He listens while I talk and talk. He never shuts down a question. I am asking things at a million miles a minute. He is not encrypting His messages, but sometimes, He could not answer my questions in a way I could understand.
“You’re wondering why I am here, aren’t you,” asked God.
“Well, the thought did cross my mind,” I replied.
“I have a mission for you,” He stated simply.
“This isn’t like the movie ‘Oh God’, where I have to go out and tell the world that you exist and that humanity can make it work,” I replied.
“That was an interesting movie. I told John Denver he should take the part,” God said, “But no, I have something different for you.”
“Do I get special powers, like parting the ocean or turning a stick into a snake,” I asked excitedly.
“You already have all the powers you need,” He stated in a paternal manner.
“What do I have to do,” I asked.
“You do not have to do anything. You have a choice, remember,” He said, “but if you choose to, I would like you to consider becoming a pastor.”
“A pastor,” I grimaced. He wants me to become a religious guy.
“You prayed to me for guidance. I am presenting you with an option,” He stated.
“How could I be a pastor? I don’t know anything,” I said.
“You know all that you need to know,” He replied.
Then I asked, “Why me?”
To which God smiled and said, “Why not?”
God and I went back and forth for hours. Kyle and Rob came over and joined in the conversation. Of course, they only knew him as Adam, not God. We all talked for hours.
“I’m hungry. Let’s order pizza,” suggested God.
“Pepperoni, no mushrooms,” Kyle shouted from the bathroom.
I found it weird that God ate. He’s God. Why would He need food? Let me tell you this, God has a big appetite. He ate a whole pizza by Himself. He even drank beer. This was a far cry from the God I read about in the Bible and certainly not what we were taught about in church. It was getting late when we finally wrapped things up.
“Nick, you’re able to take me to the airport tomorrow morning, right,” asked God?
“Yeah sure,” I said, stunned by the request.
“Hey man, when are you coming back,” asked Rob.
“I never know where I may end up, but I will try to come back and visit Nick again soon,” God replied.
Everyone left, and God and I sat at the kitchen table.
“Think about what I asked you to consider,” said God as He faded from view.
“Always the showman,” said a female voice.
“Who are you,” I yelled.
A beautiful, blonde girl appeared before my eyes. “I’m Evelyn, but you can call me Eve,” she said in a sultry voice.
“And who are you,” I asked.
She replied, “I am many things and I go by many names.”
“Satan,” I stated matter-of-factly.
“Not my favorite,” she said coldly.
“Why are you here,” I demanded.
“Don’t you listen to the big guy. Free will,” she said, “I certainly don’t want you to make a decision without all the information.”
She came up behind me and began to massage my shoulders. She whispered in my ear and decided that we needed to go out to a bar.
“So, this is my temptation,” I inquired.
“Such a simple creature,” she replied, “This is your opportunity. Why would you ever want to become a pastor? There is so much more for you out there.”
“Is this where I sell you my soul,” I asked.
“I haven’t worked that way in a long time,” she said, “I am going tell you a few things and answer a few questions.”
“Why me,” I asked
“Humans. You all think that there is some grand purpose as to why you are in any given situation,” she explained, “But simply put, I told God that He could never answer a prayer directly and have things work out in His favor.”
“You made a bet with God,” I said.
She smiled, “Well, not really, but if you want to look at it that way, it suits me just fine.”
“You talk with God,” I asked. I had so many questions about how God and Satan interacted.
Again, she smiled, “The whole balance of good and evil argument might sum it up, but here’s the thing. I was there with God from the beginning. Before the earth, before man. The one angel above all others. He loved me best, until He began creating things and creatures and mankind. I was His special creation, along with all the angels and hosts of Heaven. For some reason, He had a change of heart. Man became His all-consuming passion. You all could do nothing special, but you are His favorites. I was angry and made it known. So, He tossed me out of Heaven. And yes, that did bother me. But, you see, I have a greater chance to interact with God’s special creatures. I am down here with you, showing you all the things that you have questions about.”
I am sitting in a bar with Satan talking about the nature of God and humanity. She is so attractive that my thoughts begin to wander. I want her so bad that I can feel it, almost taste it. She knows this too and touches me. Drinks keep flowing. We go back to my apartment. My heart tells me to hold fast and not succumb to Satan’s tempting beauty. My groin, however, seems to be in charge right now. Back at the apartment, she and I eat cold pizza and drink a few beers. She leans closer to me and kisses me with the deepest passion. A little too late, I notice that she has unbuckled my pants and has brought me to full attention.
“Stop,” I shouted.
“What’s the matter? We’re just having a little fun,” she said.
I am flustered and confused. “I can’t do this.”
“Damn,” she muttered. “Well, I feel so unsatisfied. Tell me Nick, whatever are we going to do now? Drown ourselves with South Park reruns,” she continued.
“You came here for a reason. Tell me what you’re doing here,” I demanded!
“Okay, let’s go,” she commanded.
We go out for a walk and discuss things for quite some time. She tells me that I have a promising career as a biochemist.
“You could discover the cure for cancer, or develop new agricultural chemicals to increase worldwide food production,” she said, “You would be rich beyond your wildest dreams; everyone would praise you.”
“At what cost,” I asked.
“Do you really want to spend your life devoted to God,” she responded, “Shepherding people who could care less about being in church, who whine and complain about every aspect of their miserable lives.”
“Better to reign on earth than to serve in Heaven, huh,” I retorted.
“How quaint. Yet another theology lesson from a small-brained fool,” she said angrily.
“Where’s the temptation? Insulting me certainly doesn’t help your case,” I said.
“You sound like He did in the desert,” she sneered.
With that, she showed me my life ten years from now. I am at a press conference announcing my research results with the cancer cure. Media hounds are everywhere. I am meeting with world leaders, going on book tours, and all sorts of glory and praise follow me everywhere. I have a beautiful wife and three children. My home is huge. All of this is great. I have everything I would ever want and I am helping the world.
“What do you think,” she asked.
“Sounds tempting, but there is always a catch,” I responded.
She nodded, “I do you a favor, you do me a favor.” Her tongue grazed my ear as she spoke
“What favor,” I asked, moving her hands from my lap.
“You need only reject God. And why shouldn’t you? He could stop disease, war, famine with the wave of His hand. Yet He sits there. He wants blind faith and gives you no answers. He leaves things to chance. Nothing is given to you. You have to earn it all. He wants you to love Him out of fear,” she explained, “I do none of those things. You want it? I will give you. You have a problem? I’ll fix it. I already love you and expect nothing in return. ‘Do what you want.’ That’s my motto.”
“Maybe the reward of Heaven isn’t revealed to us because then we might lose free will,” I stated.
“Or maybe Heaven ain’t that great,” she said as she faded from view.
I walked back to the apartment. Kyle is over and he asks me about the hot blonde that I was talking to at the bar. I say that she is just some girl that I met. He is disappointed that I don’t give more details. I go into my room and Adam’s form comes into view.
“Interesting night,” said God.
“Yeah, I guess,” I replied. I didn’t really want to talk to anyone, even God.
“The decision is not going to be easy. You have an interesting offer from Lucifer. You would be doing something wonderful for the world,” he explained.
“You’re okay with that,” I yelled.
“It’s not my choice Nick,” he stated, “You make your own destiny. I have given you all the information you need to make your decision.”
“Why are you and Satan making a bet for my soul,” I asked.
“Nick, it’s not a bet, more of a challenge. I don’t gamble for souls,” he said.
“Sure sounds like a bet to me,” I said.
“Things are not always what they appear to be,” he replied with a grin.
“You still talk with Satan,” I asked.
He sighed and said, “Lucifer was my special angel. An angel above all others. But like you, I gave angels free will. The more Lucifer learned and experienced, the less he chose to follow me. But with all things, good and evil are opposite sides of the same coin. I can’t have that, as you well know. I sent him on his way and he went on to do his thing” “I do enjoy talking to him, though” he continued, “He’s very witty, and often quite comical. Sometimes, I even learn a thing or two from him.”
The theological impact of this rang through my head. I asked for this situation with a simple prayer. I would never know what was in God’s mind, but I did know that my decision carried some importance if it brought the powers that be into the picture. I had so many questions about what to do and when I would see God again. I struggled to speak.
"God," I sputtered.
"Yes," he replied.
"Why are we here," I managed to ask over the lump in my throat.
The look on God's face was stoic. I thought maybe I had stepped over the line and offended him. Then he smiled and said, "Because I love you and you give me joy."
I had no response, but those words filled my heart more than anything ever said to me.
“Good bye Nick. Good luck with your decision.” God smiled and disappeared.
In the days that followed, I thought a lot about my meetings with God and Satan. I asked my friends a million questions. People thought I had gone around the bend.
“You thinking about what,” Rob asked, almost laughing as he said it.
“I was thinking about studying theology at Trinity College in the fall,” I said.
“We’re graduating in two weeks. We’re done,” Paul added.
“Why theology,” asked Kyle, “you’re a biology major. I thought you were going there for your Masters in biochemistry.”
“I don’t know. I was talking with Adam and I really thought about it after all we had been talking about,” I responded.
“Adam was cool and all, but why would you want to spout that religious muck to a bunch of foolish, guilt-ridden people for the rest of your life,” Paul retorted.
This went on for a while. Paul and Rob left to grab some food for dinner. I thought a lot about what they said. What did I know about preaching to people? I was no one special, just a kid from California who thought that biology was a great course of study. I wasn’t super-religious, and I didn’t always go to church. God comes to me and asks me to lead people in faith. I had to be out of my mind.
“Hi sweetie,” said a female voice from behind.
“You need something Eve or are you here to offer me something,” I questioned.
“Would it make your decision easier,” she replied, “I can always sweeten the deal. More money? Three girlfriends instead of a wife?”
“Why me? What makes me so special,” I demanded.
“Why you? Why you? Get over it Nick. He picked you for some reason only He knows and I have to make sure you make the informed choice,” she said.
“Somehow, I doubt your motives,” I countered.
Eve slinked over to me. She was dressed like Marilyn Monroe. She whispered into my ear, “And somehow, I doubt yours.” She left in a puff of smoke.
“Always the showman,” I thought to myself.
I couldn’t begin to grasp everything that I had seen and heard, but I knew I had a serious choice to make. The one thing I thought a lot about was what would happen if I chose my own path, one different from what God and I talked about and different from the one Satan offered. I was still thinking about it all as I got my diploma from Bryant. I had no clue what my own choice would be, until I realized that I always had my own choice. Three months later, I had packed my car up for my trip to Trinity College in Iowa. The road was long and somewhere near Nebraska, it began to rain.
FAITH
“Are you their God? I need help,” I prayed, “I am graduating in four weeks and I am completely clueless. What am I supposed to do?” I really was clueless. What was I going to do with a biology degree? Grad school? It was a possibility.
Isn’t funny how when we are in deepest need or saddest times, we call on God to be there? When things are going well, we hardly say a word to Him. And when we feel cheated or hurt, we blame Him for what is going on around us. Not once does God ever argue back, punish us, or do anything other than love us all the more. I never gave much thought to that, but when I look at it, who else would take the shit with throw at Him and still be there for us.
“What can I do for you Nick,” asked a voice.
“Who’s there,” I responded.
The voice bellowed, “You ask if I am here and say that you need help. Then you ask who is talking back to you.”
“God,” I inquired, not really sure that I wanted an answer.
“Last time I checked, but then again I don’t really need a mirror,” laughed God.
“Holy shit, I’m fucking losing it,” I thought.
“No, you are doing just fine. Your language is a little rough, but I think I can handle it,” God replied.
Ordinarily, I never believed those kooks on the street or even preachers who claim that God has spoken to them. Now, here I am, conversing with someone who says He is God. I have lost my mind. Or, I am way too drunk for my brain to function normally. What’s worse is that I am just hearing a voice all around me and can’t see anyone.
“Is this better,” asked God, as he took form, looking surprisingly a lot like me and the other students at Bryant College.
“Who the hell are you,” I shouted.
“Okay, let’s clear all this up right now. I’m God, pleased to meet you,” He said as He stuck out His hand.
My mind went blank and I froze. A few seconds later, I shook His hand. He was real. I mean, when I shook His hand, there was flesh and bone there. Was I really meeting God? Had I had a mental break? Why was God here?
“Nick, I will answer your questions in due time,” God said, “But first, we have a chemistry class to go to.” He winked at me.
“You’re going to go to my class,” I inquired.
“Why not,” God replied, “I haven’t visited Earth in quite a while, not since the French Revolution.”
“You’ve been here before,” I asked?
“You really need to read that book about me from time to time,” He chuckled.
When are you face to face with God, inevitably, you will look and sound like an idiot. I think I just won first prize in the “Sorry God, I’m An Idiot Contest.” Despite my confusion, I grabbed my bag and God followed me to class. We got to the chem lab and sat down. My friends noticed my new friend in tow and came over to talk to us.
“Nicky, who’s your friend,” asked Shelly, my friend since freshman year who caused my heart to melt whenever she spoke.
I was struggling to think of an explanation, but I was interrupted.
“I’m Adam, Nick’s relative from out of town,” said God.
“Cool man. Where’re ya from,” asked Kyle, my neighbor from down the hall.
“Everywhere really,” God smiled.
“Military brat,” asked Paul, one of my roommates.
“Adam, this is Shelly, Kyle, Rob, and Paul,” I interrupted, introducing everyone to God (as if he didn’t already know).
“Pleased to meet you,” said God.
Okay, God is in my chemistry class and He has just met my friends. He probably already knew their names and everything about them, but He went on as if He was just a regular person. I prayed for guidance about my life after graduation and the Almighty Himself makes a house call. There are billions of people in the world and God just stopped by to say hello and answer my prayers directly? I don’t think so. I saw “Oh God” and “Dogma;” something’s up. After class, all of us, including God, went to the Union for lunch.
“I love grilled cheeseburgers. I don’t usually get to eat them because I am traveling so much,” explained God.
“Where do you travel? I mean, what do you do,” asked Rob.
“I do a lot of missionary work, spreading the word of God, meeting people,” God said.
“You’re not one of the religious nuts like Bible Dan the Preacher Man, are you,” asked Shelly.
“The guy who goes around college campuses and tells the students that they are going to burn in hell? No, I’m just interested in talking about faith and learning about people’s views on God,” He responded.
“You just like hearing what people think,” Shelly asked.
“Sure, how can you learn if you don’t ask,” He said.
“It’s all a load of shit. Religion and God, who needs that stuff,” sneered Paul.
I was afraid. Was God going to smite my friend Paul while he scarfed down a cheeseburger? This couldn’t be good. I imagined how I would explain to Paul’s dad why his son suddenly was stricken with leprosy. But it didn’t happen. God laughed. He let Paul just spout about religion. He listened as Shelly talked about Catholic school. He told jokes. He talked about religion and Christianity and holy wars. We were enraptured with His stories. I realized that Paul was not going to be destroyed, that God was pleased with him, with all of us. We spent hours in the Union talking and laughing and sharing stories and viewpoints. My friends thought “Adam” was cool. I walked with God back to my apartment.
“Shelly’s a very cute girl, isn’t she,” God asked.
“Um, ya, she is,” I replied, totally confused.
“Did you ever take her out,” He inquired. “If you haven’t, you should do that,” He added.
“Why didn’t you strike Paul down for what he said,” I asked, wanting desperately to change the subject.
“Nick, of all the gifts I have given to everyone, I think my best gift was free will. The choice to do something or not. The freedom to do whatever. To believe in me or to not believe in me,” He responded.
“But don’t you love us,” I asked. I was confused but yet I found myself accepting more and more that this was God.
“Of course I do. That’s what I do. I love each and every one of you,” he said.
“But what about evil people? What about other religions? Why, if you love us, do bad things happened in the world,” I spouted.
“Nick, there is no simple answer to that. I certainly can’t reveal my entire plan to you. You are not ready for that. I can say this to you – I love everyone, regardless of whether they return that love, and not every bad thing that happens is a bad thing, just as not every good thing that happens is a good thing,” He replied.
I am more confused than ever. God and I talk more and more. He asks me about Shelly, almost prodding me to do something. He asks me about my biology major and shares with me some things I would never learn in any biology class. I am also awestruck by how much He listens while I talk and talk. He never shuts down a question. I am asking things at a million miles a minute. He is not encrypting His messages, but sometimes, He could not answer my questions in a way I could understand.
“You’re wondering why I am here, aren’t you,” asked God.
“Well, the thought did cross my mind,” I replied.
“I have a mission for you,” He stated simply.
“This isn’t like the movie ‘Oh God’, where I have to go out and tell the world that you exist and that humanity can make it work,” I replied.
“That was an interesting movie. I told John Denver he should take the part,” God said, “But no, I have something different for you.”
“Do I get special powers, like parting the ocean or turning a stick into a snake,” I asked excitedly.
“You already have all the powers you need,” He stated in a paternal manner.
“What do I have to do,” I asked.
“You do not have to do anything. You have a choice, remember,” He said, “but if you choose to, I would like you to consider becoming a pastor.”
“A pastor,” I grimaced. He wants me to become a religious guy.
“You prayed to me for guidance. I am presenting you with an option,” He stated.
“How could I be a pastor? I don’t know anything,” I said.
“You know all that you need to know,” He replied.
Then I asked, “Why me?”
To which God smiled and said, “Why not?”
God and I went back and forth for hours. Kyle and Rob came over and joined in the conversation. Of course, they only knew him as Adam, not God. We all talked for hours.
“I’m hungry. Let’s order pizza,” suggested God.
“Pepperoni, no mushrooms,” Kyle shouted from the bathroom.
I found it weird that God ate. He’s God. Why would He need food? Let me tell you this, God has a big appetite. He ate a whole pizza by Himself. He even drank beer. This was a far cry from the God I read about in the Bible and certainly not what we were taught about in church. It was getting late when we finally wrapped things up.
“Nick, you’re able to take me to the airport tomorrow morning, right,” asked God?
“Yeah sure,” I said, stunned by the request.
“Hey man, when are you coming back,” asked Rob.
“I never know where I may end up, but I will try to come back and visit Nick again soon,” God replied.
Everyone left, and God and I sat at the kitchen table.
“Think about what I asked you to consider,” said God as He faded from view.
“Always the showman,” said a female voice.
“Who are you,” I yelled.
A beautiful, blonde girl appeared before my eyes. “I’m Evelyn, but you can call me Eve,” she said in a sultry voice.
“And who are you,” I asked.
She replied, “I am many things and I go by many names.”
“Satan,” I stated matter-of-factly.
“Not my favorite,” she said coldly.
“Why are you here,” I demanded.
“Don’t you listen to the big guy. Free will,” she said, “I certainly don’t want you to make a decision without all the information.”
She came up behind me and began to massage my shoulders. She whispered in my ear and decided that we needed to go out to a bar.
“So, this is my temptation,” I inquired.
“Such a simple creature,” she replied, “This is your opportunity. Why would you ever want to become a pastor? There is so much more for you out there.”
“Is this where I sell you my soul,” I asked.
“I haven’t worked that way in a long time,” she said, “I am going tell you a few things and answer a few questions.”
“Why me,” I asked
“Humans. You all think that there is some grand purpose as to why you are in any given situation,” she explained, “But simply put, I told God that He could never answer a prayer directly and have things work out in His favor.”
“You made a bet with God,” I said.
She smiled, “Well, not really, but if you want to look at it that way, it suits me just fine.”
“You talk with God,” I asked. I had so many questions about how God and Satan interacted.
Again, she smiled, “The whole balance of good and evil argument might sum it up, but here’s the thing. I was there with God from the beginning. Before the earth, before man. The one angel above all others. He loved me best, until He began creating things and creatures and mankind. I was His special creation, along with all the angels and hosts of Heaven. For some reason, He had a change of heart. Man became His all-consuming passion. You all could do nothing special, but you are His favorites. I was angry and made it known. So, He tossed me out of Heaven. And yes, that did bother me. But, you see, I have a greater chance to interact with God’s special creatures. I am down here with you, showing you all the things that you have questions about.”
I am sitting in a bar with Satan talking about the nature of God and humanity. She is so attractive that my thoughts begin to wander. I want her so bad that I can feel it, almost taste it. She knows this too and touches me. Drinks keep flowing. We go back to my apartment. My heart tells me to hold fast and not succumb to Satan’s tempting beauty. My groin, however, seems to be in charge right now. Back at the apartment, she and I eat cold pizza and drink a few beers. She leans closer to me and kisses me with the deepest passion. A little too late, I notice that she has unbuckled my pants and has brought me to full attention.
“Stop,” I shouted.
“What’s the matter? We’re just having a little fun,” she said.
I am flustered and confused. “I can’t do this.”
“Damn,” she muttered. “Well, I feel so unsatisfied. Tell me Nick, whatever are we going to do now? Drown ourselves with South Park reruns,” she continued.
“You came here for a reason. Tell me what you’re doing here,” I demanded!
“Okay, let’s go,” she commanded.
We go out for a walk and discuss things for quite some time. She tells me that I have a promising career as a biochemist.
“You could discover the cure for cancer, or develop new agricultural chemicals to increase worldwide food production,” she said, “You would be rich beyond your wildest dreams; everyone would praise you.”
“At what cost,” I asked.
“Do you really want to spend your life devoted to God,” she responded, “Shepherding people who could care less about being in church, who whine and complain about every aspect of their miserable lives.”
“Better to reign on earth than to serve in Heaven, huh,” I retorted.
“How quaint. Yet another theology lesson from a small-brained fool,” she said angrily.
“Where’s the temptation? Insulting me certainly doesn’t help your case,” I said.
“You sound like He did in the desert,” she sneered.
With that, she showed me my life ten years from now. I am at a press conference announcing my research results with the cancer cure. Media hounds are everywhere. I am meeting with world leaders, going on book tours, and all sorts of glory and praise follow me everywhere. I have a beautiful wife and three children. My home is huge. All of this is great. I have everything I would ever want and I am helping the world.
“What do you think,” she asked.
“Sounds tempting, but there is always a catch,” I responded.
She nodded, “I do you a favor, you do me a favor.” Her tongue grazed my ear as she spoke
“What favor,” I asked, moving her hands from my lap.
“You need only reject God. And why shouldn’t you? He could stop disease, war, famine with the wave of His hand. Yet He sits there. He wants blind faith and gives you no answers. He leaves things to chance. Nothing is given to you. You have to earn it all. He wants you to love Him out of fear,” she explained, “I do none of those things. You want it? I will give you. You have a problem? I’ll fix it. I already love you and expect nothing in return. ‘Do what you want.’ That’s my motto.”
“Maybe the reward of Heaven isn’t revealed to us because then we might lose free will,” I stated.
“Or maybe Heaven ain’t that great,” she said as she faded from view.
I walked back to the apartment. Kyle is over and he asks me about the hot blonde that I was talking to at the bar. I say that she is just some girl that I met. He is disappointed that I don’t give more details. I go into my room and Adam’s form comes into view.
“Interesting night,” said God.
“Yeah, I guess,” I replied. I didn’t really want to talk to anyone, even God.
“The decision is not going to be easy. You have an interesting offer from Lucifer. You would be doing something wonderful for the world,” he explained.
“You’re okay with that,” I yelled.
“It’s not my choice Nick,” he stated, “You make your own destiny. I have given you all the information you need to make your decision.”
“Why are you and Satan making a bet for my soul,” I asked.
“Nick, it’s not a bet, more of a challenge. I don’t gamble for souls,” he said.
“Sure sounds like a bet to me,” I said.
“Things are not always what they appear to be,” he replied with a grin.
“You still talk with Satan,” I asked.
He sighed and said, “Lucifer was my special angel. An angel above all others. But like you, I gave angels free will. The more Lucifer learned and experienced, the less he chose to follow me. But with all things, good and evil are opposite sides of the same coin. I can’t have that, as you well know. I sent him on his way and he went on to do his thing” “I do enjoy talking to him, though” he continued, “He’s very witty, and often quite comical. Sometimes, I even learn a thing or two from him.”
The theological impact of this rang through my head. I asked for this situation with a simple prayer. I would never know what was in God’s mind, but I did know that my decision carried some importance if it brought the powers that be into the picture. I had so many questions about what to do and when I would see God again. I struggled to speak.
"God," I sputtered.
"Yes," he replied.
"Why are we here," I managed to ask over the lump in my throat.
The look on God's face was stoic. I thought maybe I had stepped over the line and offended him. Then he smiled and said, "Because I love you and you give me joy."
I had no response, but those words filled my heart more than anything ever said to me.
“Good bye Nick. Good luck with your decision.” God smiled and disappeared.
In the days that followed, I thought a lot about my meetings with God and Satan. I asked my friends a million questions. People thought I had gone around the bend.
“You thinking about what,” Rob asked, almost laughing as he said it.
“I was thinking about studying theology at Trinity College in the fall,” I said.
“We’re graduating in two weeks. We’re done,” Paul added.
“Why theology,” asked Kyle, “you’re a biology major. I thought you were going there for your Masters in biochemistry.”
“I don’t know. I was talking with Adam and I really thought about it after all we had been talking about,” I responded.
“Adam was cool and all, but why would you want to spout that religious muck to a bunch of foolish, guilt-ridden people for the rest of your life,” Paul retorted.
This went on for a while. Paul and Rob left to grab some food for dinner. I thought a lot about what they said. What did I know about preaching to people? I was no one special, just a kid from California who thought that biology was a great course of study. I wasn’t super-religious, and I didn’t always go to church. God comes to me and asks me to lead people in faith. I had to be out of my mind.
“Hi sweetie,” said a female voice from behind.
“You need something Eve or are you here to offer me something,” I questioned.
“Would it make your decision easier,” she replied, “I can always sweeten the deal. More money? Three girlfriends instead of a wife?”
“Why me? What makes me so special,” I demanded.
“Why you? Why you? Get over it Nick. He picked you for some reason only He knows and I have to make sure you make the informed choice,” she said.
“Somehow, I doubt your motives,” I countered.
Eve slinked over to me. She was dressed like Marilyn Monroe. She whispered into my ear, “And somehow, I doubt yours.” She left in a puff of smoke.
“Always the showman,” I thought to myself.
I couldn’t begin to grasp everything that I had seen and heard, but I knew I had a serious choice to make. The one thing I thought a lot about was what would happen if I chose my own path, one different from what God and I talked about and different from the one Satan offered. I was still thinking about it all as I got my diploma from Bryant. I had no clue what my own choice would be, until I realized that I always had my own choice. Three months later, I had packed my car up for my trip to Trinity College in Iowa. The road was long and somewhere near Nebraska, it began to rain.
Monday, January 22, 2007
The Cat's in the cradle
So, in the holiday rush, and the busy days following, I have forgotten to share some things. And, it is about time for another update on the KID. I am officially in the adoption pool, which means I sit with other potential parents in a book. Birthfamilies get to read the book and say, "I like this one or I like that one." Then if that happens, they look at your bio book (which I must say for me, looks rather cool - I think I would make a great read). If they still like you, then, you and the birthfamily meet - to close the deal (although, remember, until you have the KID in your hands, it's not yours yet). Then you bond with the birthfamily until you get the call, "She's in labor." Like any other parent, you will rush out of the house forgetting something important, get pulled over on the way to the airport, and sit between a drunk priest and new age minister (don't laugh, this happened on the way to England when I gave up my real seat to make sure that newlyweds could sit together).
So until that time, I think about the KID and what it will be like. But I can't call the kid KID for his or her whole life. I have settled on "Benjamin Adam" as a boy's name. However, I just can't come up with a good girl's name. I love "Grace" and I love "Helena" (no influence from My Chemical Romance, I swear). I also like "Abigail" or "Jude." However, here are the names other people have suggested: Megan (blech), Jennifer (because no one else uses THAT name), Penelope (thereby ensuring that she will be a librarian or an accountant), and Carolyn (NO!). Obviously, I am hoping for a boy. Little Ben or "Girl to be named" will probably hope for a different dad.
Baby Showers!!!! Okay, these sound like a "woman" thing to have. Your girl friends get together, buy you things for the baby (sometimes, expensive things), you have cake, coffee, and an alcoholic beverage or too, and you laugh. Where is the girly part? I want free baby stuff (kids are darned expensive). I can laugh. I like alcoholic beverages. So, my friends are gung ho on this idea (yes, even the guy friends). Baby Illini gear is fine with me (www.folletts.com). Also, some of my colleagues at the courthouse want to have a shower (lawyers have disposable income). The courthouse staff wants in - since the baby's gender is unknown, pick clothes in blue or yellow (blue is a great color for either gender, so stop with the hangups). I think people should throw a shower for people for all kinds of occasions. Who doesn't like free stuff?
This weekend was baby weekend for me. My college roommate TJ (although he is going by "Tim" now) and his husband Brian brought their little tyke (my godson Aaron) into town, not to see me specifically, but I got to see them. We had a great time and I thought, I can do this parent thing, even though the good comes with some bad. Aaron likes to grab at anything at toddler level, which in my house includes the fireplace poker, etc. Father lesson #1. Aaron likes to throw things in the toilet and flush (I needed a new toothbrush anyways). Father lesson #2. Aaron will fall asleep to the Veggie Tales. Father lesson #3. On Sunday, after that great game where the Bears marched to the Super Bowl, my friends Kelly and Chris brought their daughter Izzy (my unofficial goddaughter) to see me. She is two months old and cries like a banshee. Father lesson #4. But get this, they dropped her into my arms - she fell asleep, mom fell asleep, and dad watched mindless tv. I have a gift.
So anyways, I am rambling on about the baby thing, so leave a comment and let me know what you want my next blog to be about . . .
So until that time, I think about the KID and what it will be like. But I can't call the kid KID for his or her whole life. I have settled on "Benjamin Adam" as a boy's name. However, I just can't come up with a good girl's name. I love "Grace" and I love "Helena" (no influence from My Chemical Romance, I swear). I also like "Abigail" or "Jude." However, here are the names other people have suggested: Megan (blech), Jennifer (because no one else uses THAT name), Penelope (thereby ensuring that she will be a librarian or an accountant), and Carolyn (NO!). Obviously, I am hoping for a boy. Little Ben or "Girl to be named" will probably hope for a different dad.
Baby Showers!!!! Okay, these sound like a "woman" thing to have. Your girl friends get together, buy you things for the baby (sometimes, expensive things), you have cake, coffee, and an alcoholic beverage or too, and you laugh. Where is the girly part? I want free baby stuff (kids are darned expensive). I can laugh. I like alcoholic beverages. So, my friends are gung ho on this idea (yes, even the guy friends). Baby Illini gear is fine with me (www.folletts.com). Also, some of my colleagues at the courthouse want to have a shower (lawyers have disposable income). The courthouse staff wants in - since the baby's gender is unknown, pick clothes in blue or yellow (blue is a great color for either gender, so stop with the hangups). I think people should throw a shower for people for all kinds of occasions. Who doesn't like free stuff?
This weekend was baby weekend for me. My college roommate TJ (although he is going by "Tim" now) and his husband Brian brought their little tyke (my godson Aaron) into town, not to see me specifically, but I got to see them. We had a great time and I thought, I can do this parent thing, even though the good comes with some bad. Aaron likes to grab at anything at toddler level, which in my house includes the fireplace poker, etc. Father lesson #1. Aaron likes to throw things in the toilet and flush (I needed a new toothbrush anyways). Father lesson #2. Aaron will fall asleep to the Veggie Tales. Father lesson #3. On Sunday, after that great game where the Bears marched to the Super Bowl, my friends Kelly and Chris brought their daughter Izzy (my unofficial goddaughter) to see me. She is two months old and cries like a banshee. Father lesson #4. But get this, they dropped her into my arms - she fell asleep, mom fell asleep, and dad watched mindless tv. I have a gift.
So anyways, I am rambling on about the baby thing, so leave a comment and let me know what you want my next blog to be about . . .
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Jars of Clay
So, I am teaching a youth group lesson about Clay Pots - the fragile nature of clay, despite it's early importance to God's people. I hope I don't screw up - so read . . . . . .
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WE HAVE THESE TREASURES IN JARS OF CLAY
Clay is plastic when wet, which means it can be easily shaped. When dry, it becomes firm and when subject to high temperature, known as firing, permanent physical and chemical reactions occur which, amongst other changes, causes the clay to be converted into a ceramic material. A fireplace or oven specifically designed for firing clay is called a kiln. These properties make clay an ideal substance for making durable pottery items, both practical and decorative, with different types of clay and firing conditions often used in earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. Early humans discovered the useful properties of clay in prehistoric times, and one of the earliest artifacts ever uncovered is a drinking vessel made of sun-dried clay. Depending on the content of the soil, clay can appear in various colors, from a dull gray to a deep orange-red.
Clays sintered in fire were the first ceramic, and remain one of the cheapest to produce and most widely used materials even in the present day. Bricks, cooking pots, art objects, dishware and even musical instruments such as the ocarinacan all be shaped from clay before being fired. Clay is also used in many industrial processes, such as paper making, cement production, pottery, and chemical filtering.
The development of pottery was a milestone in human history. These durable and watertight containers enabled people to boil and steam food which allowed them to exploit new sources of food such as shellfish, acorns, and leafy vegetables. Soft boiled foods could be eaten by toothless children and the elderly, which permitted caregivers to spend more time producing food. In Japan, for instance, the introduction of pottery was followed by a population explosion. In the archaeology of the Eastern Woodlands of North America the introduction of pottery is referred to as the container revolution.
Since pottery is a durable, man-made artifact which was utilized by various cultures around the world, it has proven to be a boon for archaeologists. Broken pottery in archaeological sites, called sherds or shards, help identify the resident culture and date the stratum by the formation, style and decoration. The relative chronologies based on pottery are essential for dating the remains of non-literate cultures and help in the dating of some historic cultures as well. Trace element analysis, mostly by neutron activation, allows the sources of clay to be accurately identified.
The invention of the potter's wheel in Mesopotamia sometime between 6,000 and 2,400 BCE revolutionized pottery production. Specialized potters were then able to meet the burgeoning needs of the world's first cities.
While artistic value of Classical Greek and Roman pottery largely consisted of the surface decoration, the pottery itself was an important art form in China, where efficient kilns allowed high temperature ware to be fired with wood, long before the use of coal.
The LORD God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living being – Genesis 2:7 (Adamah – Hebrew for “earth”).
And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel; and of the dust that is on the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and put it into the water. Numbers 5:17.
And every earthen vessel, whereinto any of them falleth, whatsoever is in it shall be unclean; and ye shall break it. Leviticus 11:33.
And the vessel of earth, that he toucheth which hath the issue, shall be broken: and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water. Leviticus 15:12.
Behold, I am toward God even as you are. I am also formed out of the clay. Job 33:6.
Whereas you saw the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, because you saw the iron mixed with miry clay. Daniel 2:41.
When the vessel that he made of the clay was marred in the hand of the potter, he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. "Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter [does]?" declares the LORD. "Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel. Jeremiah 18:4-6.
This is what the Lord Almighty, God of Israel, says: Take these documents, both sealed and unsealed copies of the deed of purchase, and put them in a clay jar so they will last a long time. Jeremiah 32:14.
The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter! Lamentations 4:2.
You turn things upside down! Is the potter no better than his clay? Can something that has been made say about its maker, "He didn't make me"? Can a piece of pottery say about the potter, "He doesn't understand"? Isaiah 29:16.
How horrible it will be for the one who quarrels with his maker. He is pottery among other earthenware pots. Does the clay ask the one who shapes it, "What are you making?" Does your work say to you, "There are no handles"? Isaiah 45:9.
But now, LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are our potter. We are the work of your hands. Isaiah 64:8
He answered, "The man who is called Jesus made clay, and anointed my eyes, and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash'; so I went away and washed, and I received sight."Now it was a Sabbath on the day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also were asking him again how he received his sight. And he said to them, "He applied clay to my eyes, and I washed, and I see." John 9:11, 14-15.
Who do you think you are to talk back to God like that? Can an object that was made say to its maker, "Why did you make me like this?" A potter has the right to do whatever he wants with his clay. He can make something for a special occasion or something for everyday use from the same lump of clay. What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? Romans 9:20-22.
In a large house there are not only objects made of gold and silver, but also those made of wood and clay. Some objects are honored when they are used; others aren't. If a man therefore will cleanse himself from these, he will be a vessel to honor, sanctified and meet for the master's use, and prepared to every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:20-22.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined into our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:6-9.
He will rule them with a rod of iron, shattering them like clay pots; as I also have received of my Father Revelation 2:27.
---------------
WE HAVE THESE TREASURES IN JARS OF CLAY
Clay is plastic when wet, which means it can be easily shaped. When dry, it becomes firm and when subject to high temperature, known as firing, permanent physical and chemical reactions occur which, amongst other changes, causes the clay to be converted into a ceramic material. A fireplace or oven specifically designed for firing clay is called a kiln. These properties make clay an ideal substance for making durable pottery items, both practical and decorative, with different types of clay and firing conditions often used in earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. Early humans discovered the useful properties of clay in prehistoric times, and one of the earliest artifacts ever uncovered is a drinking vessel made of sun-dried clay. Depending on the content of the soil, clay can appear in various colors, from a dull gray to a deep orange-red.
Clays sintered in fire were the first ceramic, and remain one of the cheapest to produce and most widely used materials even in the present day. Bricks, cooking pots, art objects, dishware and even musical instruments such as the ocarinacan all be shaped from clay before being fired. Clay is also used in many industrial processes, such as paper making, cement production, pottery, and chemical filtering.
The development of pottery was a milestone in human history. These durable and watertight containers enabled people to boil and steam food which allowed them to exploit new sources of food such as shellfish, acorns, and leafy vegetables. Soft boiled foods could be eaten by toothless children and the elderly, which permitted caregivers to spend more time producing food. In Japan, for instance, the introduction of pottery was followed by a population explosion. In the archaeology of the Eastern Woodlands of North America the introduction of pottery is referred to as the container revolution.
Since pottery is a durable, man-made artifact which was utilized by various cultures around the world, it has proven to be a boon for archaeologists. Broken pottery in archaeological sites, called sherds or shards, help identify the resident culture and date the stratum by the formation, style and decoration. The relative chronologies based on pottery are essential for dating the remains of non-literate cultures and help in the dating of some historic cultures as well. Trace element analysis, mostly by neutron activation, allows the sources of clay to be accurately identified.
The invention of the potter's wheel in Mesopotamia sometime between 6,000 and 2,400 BCE revolutionized pottery production. Specialized potters were then able to meet the burgeoning needs of the world's first cities.
While artistic value of Classical Greek and Roman pottery largely consisted of the surface decoration, the pottery itself was an important art form in China, where efficient kilns allowed high temperature ware to be fired with wood, long before the use of coal.
The LORD God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living being – Genesis 2:7 (Adamah – Hebrew for “earth”).
And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel; and of the dust that is on the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and put it into the water. Numbers 5:17.
And every earthen vessel, whereinto any of them falleth, whatsoever is in it shall be unclean; and ye shall break it. Leviticus 11:33.
And the vessel of earth, that he toucheth which hath the issue, shall be broken: and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water. Leviticus 15:12.
Behold, I am toward God even as you are. I am also formed out of the clay. Job 33:6.
Whereas you saw the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, because you saw the iron mixed with miry clay. Daniel 2:41.
When the vessel that he made of the clay was marred in the hand of the potter, he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. "Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter [does]?" declares the LORD. "Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel. Jeremiah 18:4-6.
This is what the Lord Almighty, God of Israel, says: Take these documents, both sealed and unsealed copies of the deed of purchase, and put them in a clay jar so they will last a long time. Jeremiah 32:14.
The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter! Lamentations 4:2.
You turn things upside down! Is the potter no better than his clay? Can something that has been made say about its maker, "He didn't make me"? Can a piece of pottery say about the potter, "He doesn't understand"? Isaiah 29:16.
How horrible it will be for the one who quarrels with his maker. He is pottery among other earthenware pots. Does the clay ask the one who shapes it, "What are you making?" Does your work say to you, "There are no handles"? Isaiah 45:9.
But now, LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are our potter. We are the work of your hands. Isaiah 64:8
He answered, "The man who is called Jesus made clay, and anointed my eyes, and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash'; so I went away and washed, and I received sight."Now it was a Sabbath on the day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also were asking him again how he received his sight. And he said to them, "He applied clay to my eyes, and I washed, and I see." John 9:11, 14-15.
Who do you think you are to talk back to God like that? Can an object that was made say to its maker, "Why did you make me like this?" A potter has the right to do whatever he wants with his clay. He can make something for a special occasion or something for everyday use from the same lump of clay. What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? Romans 9:20-22.
In a large house there are not only objects made of gold and silver, but also those made of wood and clay. Some objects are honored when they are used; others aren't. If a man therefore will cleanse himself from these, he will be a vessel to honor, sanctified and meet for the master's use, and prepared to every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:20-22.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined into our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:6-9.
He will rule them with a rod of iron, shattering them like clay pots; as I also have received of my Father Revelation 2:27.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Munsters
Yvonne De Carlo died today. She was Lily Munster on "The Munsters." She was also in "The Ten Commandments," but sadly, I will always remember her as the sweet, but creepy mother on one of my favorite TV shows. They don't make shows like that anymore. That's too bad.
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