Your JQ IQ

Okay, it's the Friday before finals across the campuses of universities everywhere so I thought I would be nice and give everyone a little quiz to get your ready for the big week of tests next week. It is only Ten Questions and the subject matter is fairly simple. Simple as in "ME"

So if you are feeling up to it check it out by clicking here:

Good luck!

Have a great weekend!

Do Not Read This Post

Do not read this post unless you meet the following criteria:

1. You count yourself a very dear friend of mine and enjoy reading most anything I write about.
2. You count yourself a good friend of mine and would feel some guilt should you not read it.
3. You count yourself an acquaintance of mine and you are curious by nature.
4. You don't know me but are a defiant person and the title has set you off.
5. You have way too much free time on your hands.

Everyone else...please hit the "back" arrow now.

Still reading? Okay, don't say I didn't warn you!

The following is what a vocabulary-challenged and tact taxed person (that would be me) would call a "Blog Barf" ... a veritable vomiting of ideas and throw up of thought. It will be my longest post to date and contain (like any good upchuck) a mix of content, all at various stages of cerebral digestive states. So grab yourself a 7up and some saltines and watch me toss my e-cookies:

This Past Weekend:
I had a great weekend preaching at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Kemp Texas. Kemp is a fine city roughly between Dallas and the end of the earth with a booming population of 1134. I was blessed to get to speak at their D-now (Disciple Now) on Saturday night and then preach on Sunday morning. Great people. Good church. Amazing youth pastors in Don and Rima Griffin. My mother in law (Cathy) also came in town for Grandparent’s Day at Emily’s school which was fun. But the highlight of the weekend for our family was (I know what you are thinking…”how could spending the weekend in Kemp, TX AND having your mother in law come stay with you not be the highlight?”) … the highlight was Laura making Eaglettes! (Eaglettes are the dance/drill team at Abilene High). Congrats Laura!

Jeff Berry’s Heart Problem:
I returned home Sunday evening and it wasn’t long after dinner that I received a call from Jeff who proceeded to tell me he was in the hospital due to chest pains. Let’s just say the past few days (Sunday – Wednesday) have been chaotic to say the least. Bottom-line is that Jeff did not have a heart attack but did have a viral infection in his heart and did sustain some heart damage. He was released from the hospital yesterday and has been ordered to rest by the doctors for the next few weeks. You can read more about this on Jeff’s site by clicking here.

Monday Night Walker’s Appreciation Dinner:
On Monday night Kim and I got the blessing of helping with a dinner at the home of Jerry and Patsy Strader in honor and appreciation of the college students at Highland who walk the neighborhood every Sunday night with the simple (and completely Christ like) goal of loving people. It was a great evening and we were so encouraged by their faithfulness and love for God and His kids. Steve Hare, Bob Strader and Jordan Swim have done such an amazing work with equipping and empowering these students to serve so strong. They wouldn’t ask for it or even want it but they are worthy of our honor!

Tuesday’s Trip to Dallas:
I flew to Dallas on Tuesday to see my friend Jeff and help him with a few ministry related items. Plane was delayed on the way out. Supposed to have left at 5:45 and left at 6:45 which is not a big deal. The trip was great and it was such a blessing to see Jeff and Anna. I got to see Jeff’s mom and meet his aunt and grandma too which was fun. Okay, now the not fun part. The flight home was frappin horrific! Seriously, it was the worst approach to a runway I have ever experienced. In fact it wasn’t an approach. Our plane fell from the sky like a broken rocket. Totally thought I was going to take the big dirt nap! It was like “bring your kid to work day” in the cockpit or something because that was the worst “decent” into Abilene or anywhere else I have ever been through. My son was working the ramp at the airport that day (you know the guy with the cool orange glow sticks waving the plane in?) and his partner who was waiting to unload the bags both saw the plane dropping out of the sky. Put it this way, John’s partner said to him, “there is no way that pilot is going to land that plane!” That is exactly what all of us who were clinging to our seats with white knuckles thought too.

Laura Gets Her Driving Permit:
I just thought I was scared on Tuesday afternoon’s landing. I immediately got off the plane (kissed the ground and prayed) and then hopped in the car and picked up Laura and drove to the DPS office where Laura proceeded to pass here driving test (the book part) which meant that she was able (well let’s just say legal) to drive home with me in the front seat. The good news is that her first behind the wheel on city streets experience happened at 5:10 pm right at the busiest intersection of Abilene (Starbucks) which I know isn’t saying a lot because after all, it’s still Abilene. The bad news is that … no wait, that was the bad news. In all seriousness, she did great (better than that altitude/speed/quantum physics challenged pilot!) and is a great driver.

Last ONE of the Semester:
The emotional roller coaster that was my Tuesday just kept going as we gathered together for our last ONE that night. It was a powerful time of commissioning and commitment. Steven and his band, Branch, did an amazing job of leading worship and Luke preached one the best sermons I’ve heard in the past five years! To get to be a part of ONE is such a blessing and these college students are so incredible! They want God! They are so hungry. Hopefully I can post more about ONE in the days to come. One (pardon the pun) other amazing bit of ONE news was that we received a donation for $3000 on Tuesday night! Praise God. We are trying to raise about $10,000 more for sound equipment so keep that in your prayers.

My Dad is Back Home in the States:
I don’t want to write too much about this yet but I did find out that he is home and sober again and is doing better. I hope to report some incredible news some time next week about my dad. We talked on the phone for a long time during my drive home from Kemp. It was wonderful! I am so grateful for all of you that prayed for him and our family.

The Mighty Men:
As many of you know I meet with 8-10 of the coolest college guys every Wednesday night in my house and it is often one of the highlights of my week! These guys are really trying to pursue Jesus and are tired of simply being good kids who go to church. They want more and have taken some radical steps to make space in their life for God. With only about a week remaining in the semester we decided that we wanted to stay in touch with one another over the summer. One of the ways that we are going to do this is through a blog. So last night we launched www.mightymen.blogspot.com as a way for all of us to keep connected over the summer. I don’t know what will happen with the blog but I did think it was cool that they cared about staying in community with each other.

My Future:
I haven’t shared this with too many and definitely not on this blog but I am in the middle of a season of change with regards to my employment. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be doing what I do now. I will write more on this topic in the next week or so but I did want to ask for your prayers in this area of my life. I have a couple of options and for those who know me well know which one I hope God allows! Bottom-line is that I miss ministry and while I’m grateful for the part time positions I hold now and for the opportunity to go to grad school, I am really missing ministry. I hope God will open a door for me to get back into full time ministry in the next month or two. Please pray. Kim and I are confident that God has a great plan for us and our family.

and finally…

Firstverb.com:
My non profit ministry, Firstverb Ministries, has a totally redesigned website thanks to Scott Ballard and Twelve Nine Design. If you are still reading this blog then you might as well go check that out too. (btw – why are you still reading this?) The site is not near complete but I will be working hard to finish it over the next couple of weeks. I’d love some feedback on the site. I am hoping that God opens some doors for me to at least do some preaching or consulting in May and June while other opportunities materialize. Prayers toward that end would be appreciated too.

Well, you made it! You’ve just experienced a “Blog Barf” and lived to tell about it. I’ll close with a quote from M.P. Horban:

“The work of God is held back not by bad men and women, but by good ones who have stopped growing.”

In the words of the most amazing woman on the planet who happens to be my wife, “Have a blessed day!”

Fine Junk

Most mornings I pass right on by what has to be the pride of Abilene's chamber of commerce, Hazel's House of Fine Junk. In fact, I've probably driven by this diva's decor dynasty no less than 200 times. But today as my car proceeded past Hazel's a thought parked in my head:

Isn't that exactly what all of us are trying so desperately to acquire so often in life? Fine Junk? I mean we would never couch it in those terms ... but in reality ... yeah, it's all junk. It doesn't matter what we are chasing after really: clothes, cars, careers, homes, status, or fame. Bottom-line is that if it is not Jesus or rightly related to revealing His kingdom, it is junk.

The apostle Paul isn't so tactful. In Philippians 3 Paul lays out a impressive portfolio of position, production, and power but concludes that it is rubbish. Now unless you're British your use of the word "rubbish" is rare. In fact, Paul didn't use that word either. Paul used the literal word for dung. As in excrement! Apparently, some translators found that word a bit offensive and toned it down a bit. Helen might call it fine junk but Paul calls it poo.

Possessions, popularity, power, prestige, pleasure ... to Paul: POO!

I don't know about you but when I see a pile of dog waste ("rubbish") on the sidewalk, I don't stop and admire it saying, "Oh, Kim, look at that! Isn't it lovely." No, you say, "Hey, hey, don't step in that!" You avoid crap, not clamor after it, compliment it, crave it!

Fine Junk. Hilarious ... yet ... sad.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said of this realization: "The call of Jesus teaches us that our relation to the world has been built on an illusion."

Compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, it's all Fine Junk.

Church Chat!

Kim, sent this to me today. You've probably seen it before but still really funny!

Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals

The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water." The sermon tonight: "Searching for Jesus

Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands.

The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say "Hell" to someone who doesn't care much about you.

Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

Miss Charlene Mason sang "I will not pass this way again," giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

Barbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Jack's sermons.

The Rector will preach his farewell message after which the choir will sing: "Break Forth Into Joy."

Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What Is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.

The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.

Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.

The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.

The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.

The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours"

Giving new light to the phrase, "the church is made up of imperfect people."

Laugh. And be blessed.

Almost

I'm teaching the college class this morning at Highland. We are in the middle of a great series called ENGAGE. Today's topic of discussion is Reality TV and Our Vicarious tendencies or something along those lines. Bottomline is: Reality TV is big in our society and it is a good thing for Christ followers to spend some time reflecting on what we are watching and why we are watching it.

I asked Matt Maxwell to help me put together a short introductory video for the class today. You can take a look at what we came up with on Matt's site by clicking here. I say "we" ... Although I came up with the concept, graphics, and movie clips, the real art is putting it all together. Matt is amazing and his talents should be the subject of another post altogether.

I pray the same prayer during the hours and minutes before I speak. I recite, "Father, speak through me so that they might hear you." over and over. It is a mysterious and wonderful mix of blessing and curse (yes, curse) to get to speak for the Lord. If it isn't Spirit lead - it is dead. If it doesn't flow from the overflow of your heart - it is fake. Mike Cope posted a great piece about "The Art of Preaching" yesterday that is well worth your read. Check it out here.

--------------

The men of Gamma Sigma Phi are almost finished with their 60hr softball marathon! I've had so much fun watching my boy, Matt Saller contribute to this wonderful cause (see my post below from Friday, April 15th) here. A couple of quick thoughts on the game:

Early Saturday morning (about 2:30am I'm told) the men of Galaxy showed up to the game. Of course as the person relating this story to me was telling me that Galaxy showed up my mind immediately goes to what I would've done in college - chuck water balloons! ... anyway, that didn't happen. Galaxy shows up and presents GSP with a check for $3,200! Can you believe that? Now that is class in my book. There is a healthy (and often, unhealthy) dose of competition between the clubs on campus and for the Moonies to make that move made me proud.

And finally, yesterday I helped (or hindered?) the cause of Insanity for Humanity by agreeing to work the Dunking Booth for a half an hour. By working I mean sitting on the edge of a plank and heckling small children and periodically take a quick plunge into cold and dirty water! It was great fun (for the kids) and I only got dunked three times.

----------------

Jesus calls us to be doers of the Word. Don't live a life of vicarious participation in the mission of God. Go engage. Don't almost engage. Do it! Do it for the Lord.

Pride's Crossing

Last night Kim and I went to the Spring Dinner Theater at ACU. Nothing newsworthy about that, really. Fridays are our date night. We do have season tickets to the theater.

But last night was different.

Oh sure the meal was delicious ... We met some great people at our table (Ray & Trish - who go to Highland) ... Kim looked fabulous! ... We held hands and looked at each other with "puppy love" eyes ... I almost fell asleep during one of the slower scenes ...

But it was different.

Most plays I find myself either laughing, or crying, or critiquing, or wondering how they made some technical component work, etc. But not Pride's Crossing. I found myself reflecting and associating and truly engaging. Well not me personally. I saw Kim on stage. The main character of Pride's Crossing is Mabel. Mabel swam across the English Channel. The focus of the play is Mabel reflecting on her life. It is set in the late nineties but half of the play is Mabel remembering critical points in her life. The component of time and the concept of memory are powerful in this play. But let me explain how I connected Kim with the character of Mabel. Mabel had a tough life. Not the best childhood and some tough times in other relationships. She had every right to be bitter and yet she remained positive! She smiled and sang and swam against all the cruel current life channeled her way. She loved parties, people and positivity.

There were some elements of her story that Kim does not share and so don't read too much into these thoughts. However, the amazing ability to overcome the challenges that life presented is something that totally reminded me of my wife.

It was a great night last night. I watched a talented college girl powerfully play the part of a courageous and conquering character all while holding the hand of the most remarkable woman, whom for me ... stole the show!

Keep swimming Kim! You are my hero!

Insanity for Humanity

Back in the dark ages when I attended college at ACU I was a member of the the men's social club, Galaxy. For those of you not familiar with social clubs ... think fraternity ... kind of. To put it simply, social clubs are non national and non hazing. We'll at least now they are non hazing. That wasn't necessarily true when I was in club - but that is a story for a later post. Anyway, I had a positive experience in club during my time at school. It wasn't the most important thing in my life but I didn't hate it either. Galaxy was "the club" to be in when I was in school. We'll let me preface that by saying it was the club to be in if you cared about things like winning, leading, and serving ... which I did. During my four years of college (actually 18 but that too is for another post!) we (Galaxy) never lost an intramural championship or Sing Song competition. The student body president was always a Moonie (a Moonie is what you called a member of Galaxy. Unless they were a pledge then they were called a Nova. Actually a STUPID Nova!) and most all other leadership positions on campus were held by Moonies. We were heavily involved with all types of service on campus and in the local church. Bottomline is: we did a lot of great things for which I am still today very grateful.

But let me tell you about one thing we never did and I sure wish we would have!

Last night Kim and I went out to the intramural fields to watch the start of a 60 hour softball game called Insanity for Humanity. Yes, that's right - 60 hours! ACU sophomore, Matt Saller, is in my small group on Wednesday nights and is a member of Gamma Sigma Phi (GSP). GSP is another social club on campus at ACU and was rechartered my sophomore year by some of my closest friends. Matt, along with 39 of his club brothers are playing in a softball game that began last night (Thursday, April 14th) at 10:00pm and will continue on until Sunday morning (April 17th) at 10:am. The purpose of the marathon game is to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. They (GSP) are trying to raise $68,000 and build three houses for those in need of housing. If you are not familiar with Habitat check out their website. It is a great cause.

Not only are they raising money for a great cause - they are breaking a WORLD RECORD! And not only are they raising money for a great cause and breaking a world record, they are having a blast doing it! Kim and I watched for about 1/2 hour last night and they were having so much fun. Kim and I were having fun just watching them. I went by this morning after dropping off the girls (Score: Humanity 132 and Insanity 130 in the bottom of the 60th) and they were still having a blast! And not only are they raising money for a great cause and breaking a world record and having a blast, but they are making a memory that will last a life time. I am so glad that Matt is getting to experience this and truth be told, I wish I could too!

Please take a minute to check out their website and if they Lord leads you - send them a donation. These guys are great guys and are really serious about helping others. In years past they have rode their bikes to Pepperdine (Abilene, TX to Malibu, CA) and jogged to Harding (Abilene, TX to Searcy, AR) in an effort to serve their community. Any money sent to them will be given directly to Habitat for Humanity. If you live in Abilene, come out to the intramural fields (Campus Court) and encourage them. Bring them something to drink or eat (They aren't allowed to leave the field at all) or just tell them thanks! The club members who are not playing are conducting a carnival (I'm in the dunking booth Saturday at 3:00pm!) so if you have kids - bring 'em on!

Our motto in Galaxy was and still is: "God first. Others second. Self Last."

It appears that Galaxy isn't the only club who believes that.

Hats of the men of GSP! I'm proud of you!

Freaky Thursday?

I'm going to do you a favor here. If you want an insightful, honest, and practical post click here.

My wife has just written a great post. Yes, I'm biased. But I'm also honest. Her post is not the most eloquent, catchy, or even theological post you will ever read. It is not necessarily super funny or super serious. It is real.

You might say it is real ... freaky? See for yourself. :)

Take This Cup From Me

Everyone has a cup to drink. A bitter cup. For some it is constant temptation: a battle with greed or lust or revenge. For some it is their health: a naggin pain or cancer that won't go away or a terminal disease. For some it is financial and for others it is faith (or lack of it). Some drink the cup of loneliness and some swallow serious amounts of insecurity. My cup is none of those.

I have an alcoholic father.

My dad has drank 95% of my entire life. He and my mom were married and divorced three times before I was six years old. Each time he would sober up and my mom took him back only to have him drink again. Dad has 4 kids by two different women and has left six wives. By most people's account Dad would be a "bum" or "loser" or "deadbeat." To some he would be the victim of permissive parents or a terrible head injury while in the Korean War. To some he would be a pain or a problem.

But to me he is just Dad.

And for the last five years Dad has been sober! For 1825 days my dad lived without alcohol.

For the past 14 days my Dad has been in Mexico trying to drink himself to death.

That is my cup. It is bitter.

I don't know why I feel lead to share this pain with the readers of my ramblings - but I do.

Here is the email I received from my mom today:

Hi,
Gary's family (children) are trying to find him. Once again he's taken off and all his kids are really worried, when he didn't show up to meet his daughter Terri in Reno. Have you heard from him or do any of you know his whereabouts? If so, please let me or his kids know if he is O.K. and not hurt or out there alone. They want to find him or know where they can locate him before it's too late.
They just want to know he's O.K. You can respond to this email address or call Garron Quile' @916-773-1318.
Thank you,
Pat Fiorentino
(formerly Pat Quile')


Then I received this email from my mom who had heard from my dad later in the day:

From: "Dick"
>To: "Pat Fiorentino"
>Subject: Re: Gary Quile'
>Date: Mon, 04 Apr 2005 22:37:50 +0000
>
>yes, i am still alive. not doing good!! drinking hard and can't wait to die. I'm leaving to go to Yuma to sell my truck, as I need money to buy a place down here. I am sorry I did not tell you are the kids, but I am to ashamed of what I did. It is hard to write as it makes me sad. Give my love to the kids.,,,,... love gary
> please don't send kids down. I'll be O.K.


And finally, here is an email that I sent to my dad tonight:

Dad,
I heard you were in Mexico and drinking. That is ok with me. I love you and forgive and want you to know that I will do ANYTHING to help you. You don't need to be ashamed or regretful. You have taken 1825 steps forward (days sober - 5 yrs) and a week or two backwards. Stop drinking as soon as you read this and call me at 325.864.1879 (cell) or collect. I will drive out to Arizona or California or Mexico and take care of you Dad. We can go to the hospital or if you're not that bad off we can just drive back to Texas. You can live with us until you get back on your feet. Our church has an amazing outreach program and 12 step classes. We could use you Dad. You could come live here and help countless people with their alcohol problems. You can help John and I with our business. You and I can hang out and go fishing. Our whole family agrees that you should come here and we are all praying that you decide to do just that Dad.
Dad, I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't disappointed. But I'd also be lying if I said that I didn't disappoint God and my family all the time. God forgives me and I have already forgiven you.
By the way, I've lost 20 pounds in the past 17 days. I am also making some huge changes in how I handle money. If you came out here then we could make some changes together. I would sure love that Dad.
Please don't let the enemy win this battle Dad. Claim the saving and forgiving blood of Jesus and call me right now. I have faith in you and truly believe that you will make the right decision.
I love you Dad.
Your son,
Joel Gary Quile


This is my cup. I share it not for sympathy but I do ask for prayers for my dad.

What is your cup? How can I pray for you?

Quietly Listening

Today has been great! Before it is over I will have been blessed to spend time with my wife -Kim, my kids - Laura, Emily (John was working), my puppy - Sadie, a college kid in my small group -Zach, my boss - Steve, my elder - Roland, my co-worker - Kerri, my church family - various people, my small group - about 8 of the "Mighty Men", my daughter's youth ministers - Jim & Sarah, and many others whom I'm forgetting at this point in the day. But let me tell you what I'm most excited about - tonight. Do you know whom I'm going to get to spend some time with tonight? God! Now, I've been talking and walking with him throughout the day but tonight I'm going to get a blanket and go out in my backyard and lay down. (Hopefully my puppy won't be attacking me with slobbery kisses) I'm going to put on one of my favorite songs on a little boombox and I'm going to listen to that song over and over again. They say the weather is supposed to be crystal clear tonight and I'm planning on gazing up at the stars while these words just rain over my soul:

you should see the stars tonight
how they shimmer shine so bright
against the black they look so white
comin down from such a height
to reach me now, you reach me now

you should see the moon in the flight
cuttin cross the misty night
softly dancin in sunshine
reflections of this light
reach me now, you reach me now

and how could such a thing
shine its light on me
and make everything beautiful again
and you should feel the sun in the spring
comin out after a rain
suddenly all is green
sunshine on everything
i can feel it now, i feel you now

and how could such a thing
shine its light on me
and make everything beautiful
and you should hear the angels sing
all gathered round their king
more beautiful than you could dream
ive been quietly listening
you can hear em now, i hear em now
and how could such a king
shine His light on me
and make everything beautiful
and i wanna shine
i wanna be light
i wanna tell you itll be alright

and i wanna shine and i wanna fly
just to tell you now
itll be alright, itll be alright
itll be alright.

cus i got nothing of my own to give to you
but this light that shines on me shines on you
and makes everything beautiful, again.
itll be alright, itll be alright.


These are the lyrics to "Stars" by David Crowder. They are on two of his albums: Illuminate ('03) and Sunsets and Sushi ('05). I like the Sunsets & Sushi remix the best.

Anyway, this is a powerful song and I anticipate some great time with the Lord with this song shaping my thoughts.

Treasure Hunting

There are more than 500 verses in the Bible concerning prayer; nearly 500 verses concerning faith; but more than 2,000 verses on the subject of money and possessions. Jesus talked about money in 16 of His 38 parables.

And of course there is that pesky little verse in the Beating on the Mount: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt 6:21)

So ... I guess you could say that I'm on a "treasure hunt" right now in my life. No, I'm not looking for more treasure but rather I'm looking for my treasure.

Let me explain. Over the past two weeks I have lost 16 pounds. It was two weeks ago today that I sent my sights on becoming a better steward of my body and since then I have been a man on a mission. Through the power of prayer, encouragement of family and friends, and the supernatural, discipline giving prescience of the Spirit, I have been blessed with the uncharacteristic ability to not allow any sugar to enter my body. None! Not just sugar as in candy, cakes or cokes but also the kind that is found in rice, bread, potatoes, chips and the like. I am completely confident that I will lose no less than 25 more pounds.

Yesterday I turned my focus on becoming a better steward of my money, or better yet - God's money. They say that faith comes from hearing and hearing comes from the Word. Yesterday those words of Jesus that I quoted above arrested me and threw me in the slammer of introspection. I read. I prayed. I talked it over with Kim. I sought help from a trusted friend. And now, I'm asking for prayers. I am asking God to take my giving to an entirely new level. I don't want to be a good giver - I want to be a great giver! I want it to be unmistakably clear to God and myself "where my treasure is" So will you join me in this prayer battle. As silly as this sounds I am asking you to actually ask God to help me trust Him more and put Him first with how I spend His money.

I'm on a treasure hunt. And I pray that I find out that God is really first in my life. Will you pray for me too?

Saturday Savior

The Saturday before Easter comes but once a year on the calendar. It frequents my life much more often. You see, the Saturday after the Friday of Jesus' death and before the Sunday of Jesus' resurrection was, well, sad. Good Friday was the lowlight of the story. Easter Sunday was the highlight. But Saturday? It wasn't much at all.

I have some questions about that sad Saturday:

What were the apostles doing? Better yet, what were they thinking?

What was on Pilate's mind as he woke up that morning?

What on earth do you think the guards around the tomb were feeling?

Where was Mary at about noon? Did she have a "feeling" about anything?

Was there anyone who was just sitting within eyeshot of the tomb watching and waiting?

What was the guard the guard who made the confession, "Surely this was the Son of God!" doing? Life as usual? A brand new man?

What was it like it heaven?


I don't know the answers to those questions but I am convinced that there are more important ones to be asking. Questions such as:

Why, when I know and believe the "rest of the story" do I function so often like Jesus is so loving (Friday living) but not so powerful (Sunday living)?

Where is my hope?

Why, after following Jesus for so long, do I still not trust Him?

and finally...

Why do I constantly "look for the living among the dead"?


Friday living is so wonderful! It is living completely confident that you serve a Savior that is so loving that He would die for you. That you have given your life to a God that would not withhold His one and only son if it meant purchasing your eternal salvation. Friday living is powerful!

Sunday living is so powerful! It is living completely confident that God raised Jesus from the dead - that Jesus has power over death and holds the keys to death in His hand. That you too will be raised with Him. That God wants to exert His "resurrection" energy in your life and give you power over the sin which leads to death. Sunday living is powerful!

But Saturday living? Scared, lukewarm, and full of doubt. In a word: Sad.

Jesus did die for our sins. He did rise again from the grave. That news is anything but sad. The life of those who truly believe it should, too, be anything but sad!

Happy Easter! He lives!

Discover the Unseen!

Last night my "mighty men" (a group of college students) met at our house as usual. We gathered at about 7 and ended at about 8:30. Again nothing out of the ordinary. We ate, talked, sought the Lord, prayed, and ate some more. The routine. but then it happened. One of those marker moments in life...

Matt Maxwell said, "let me go to my car, I've got a video for you and Kim to see."

He returned from his car with a DVD. Kim made popcorn and poured drinks. We all got comfortable and turned off the lights. I pushed play and ... and ...

and I'll never be the same.

What I saw with my eyes last night - What I felt with my heart last night - What I experienced in my soul last night ... was ... life-changing. I will never forget it.

I watched the video, The Invisible Children.

This video (both documentary and story) is jaw dropping, silence causing, self-examining and heart haunting. It was shot by three film students from USC and yet the story is not about them at all. It only about an hour to watch and was both engaging and disturbing.

Here is what I'm challenging you to do. Go to the site: http://www.invisiblechildren.com/
and watch the trailer. Towards the end of the trailer you will see a scene of the children sleeping in a train station basically piled one on top of the other. If that scene doesn't move you then don't go a step further. Log off and go back to whatever you were doing and pretend you never heard me say this. But, if it hits you like it did me - then go to the website and order the DVD and watch it for yourself.

You will never be the same.

Dental Delight!

Actual Photo from Camera Phone!

I write this blog entry from none other than my dentist chair! I'm not pulling your leg (or your tooth!) - I'm using my phone and typing away while my mouth goes numb. The torturist - I mean dentist has just given me three shots of Novocain and I get the bright idea to record the experience as it happens. So here's the thing about the dentist - dude has some serious tools!

The Little Sharp Crooked Pick Thingy: what is the deal with that? Of course what is the first thing they do with that sucker? "You say you have a painful cavity? Here, let me poke this sharp little 'metal' object in it!" Yeah, that will fix it won't it! No it won't. It will make hurt like heck. It would be like going to the doctor with a bullet wound and the doc reaches for a jar of pepperocini juice!

The Sucker Thingy: It doesn't matter who is assisting - if they are in charge of the sucker thingy - they control the experience for me. Forget the shots, the drilling, the fancy stuff - I want my mouth free of my blood, excess nasty Novocain & chunks of my own teeth - you know what I'm saying? Does anyone else feel a little comfortable when they say, "just goes ahead and spit" and what they mean is - push all that nasty stuff up to the front of your grill so I can wet vac it out for you.

The World's Smallest Water Pick: Don't let it's miniature stature fool you ... this thing will take the paint off your car! Of course it will make you gag too. My favorite is when they bounce some H2O off your chops and it tags the dentist in his specs. One of these days when they leave the room for a minute I'm going to see how far that little hose goes. I'm betting like 30 feet. I bet it will go over those mountains!

The Shot Shooter: I can't really comment much about this because the dentist never really gives you a clear shot. It's like when the shot shooter comes out the dentist turns into David Copperfield. I promise, I never saw the needle! And they never are 100% truthful with you about the shot shooter. The company line of all dentists is something like, "you will feel a little pinch." What they should be telling us is, "okay, in about 3 seconds you will feel a sharp pain rush through your jaw. The pain will increase incrementally as I press this little trigger and will reach it's zenith when I do the little vibrate the hand trick to make sure it goes all the way to the bone."

The Mini Mirror on a Stick: Not too much to reflect on (pun intended) with this tool. If you have a good assistant or a good dentist then you really have no problem with the mini mirror. However, if your dentist is one of those (mine is not) who will keep the mirror in your mouth while they turn behind them to grab another tool of torture and because they're not paying much attention to the matters at hand (or in mouth in the is case) the little mirror becomes something like a plunger that is effective at mashing that little dangly thing in the back of your mouth down your throat ... then you have some problems with the mirror. I wouldn't mind have one of those just to use when I want to know if the remote control is under the couch but not bad enough to actually get up from my nap. I could just stick that bad boy down on the floor and angle it just right ... "hey, here's my wallet!"

And finally...

The Dwarf Drill: What this mini Makita lacks in size it makes up for in sound? I've heard quieter jackhammers! Here's my problem with the drill. It leaves one of the senses out: sight. Think about it - you can hear the drill, feel the drill, taste the drill (or at least the silver that my dentist is currently mining out of my mouth) and yes, even smell the drill (if you count that lovely smell of ground filling and burnt teeth). But you never can see the drill. Again, it is a case where I think they distract you with the sucker and the mirror and sorta light speed like stick that baby in your chili-hole before you can get a good look. But you know when it's in there - don't you? And how? That's right ... that hideous sound! I wish I had one of those just lying around the house. How cool would that be? Kids having a tough time waking up? Just power that sucker up a few inches above their head ... I don't care who you are - you're shooting up out of that bed. Company staying a bit too long? No worries ... just whip out the drill and start turning it on and off while speaking about how that dessert was so good you can still feel it - stuck to your teeth. They will hear their toothbrush calling no doubt!

Well, the dentist is just about done. I've now received 5 more shots for a total of 8 and the entire drilling and filling process has taken just over an hour. The good news is that they were able to get that entire naughty cavity out of my tooth. The bad news is that the nerve probably won't last but a year or two longer and my tooth might start breaking on me when I eat tortilla chips. But wait, the dentist just told me some more good news: If the nerve does indeed die ... I get to come back in for a Root Canal!

I can't wait.

Is Everything Ok? No. It Isn't.

Wow! That is about all I can say right now.

Earlier tonight I went "walking the neighborhood" as our college students at Highland call it. Basically, early every Sunday evening about 50 of the most sold out, courageous, and loving students take to the streets that surround Highland Church with one mission: To share the love of Jesus. They've been doing this for about 5 years now and tonight was my first time joining them. I can't give you all the details and I can't quite put into words how I experienced so much pain and so much pleasure and so much purpose in one short 1/2 mile walk. I will share this one encounter with you for now:

The third house we (myself and a short, spunky, and spirit filled sophomore English major from ACU) came to my partner (who did 90% of the talking for the two of us- if you can believe that!) went and knocked on the door or an extremely dilapidated dwelling. A lady opened the door and came and stood on the porch with us. My partner didn't know her name but simply said the same thing she has said every Sunday for over eight months now, "how is everything this week? Is everything OK?"

I sensed the Spirit sweep down and onto this porch...

"No. It isn't." was her reply.

Her lip began to quiver, her eyes became enveloped in tears and her hand covered her mouth as if to keep herself from expressing any more pain with words. But she couldn't keep it inside.

"My old man left me. He took everything. He left me here with all these babies to raise. He just took off. He even took my car. I have to walk 5 miles each way to work at Taco Bell thanks to him. I have nothing!"

My walking partner took a step forward and opened her arms as if to say, "it's safe in here." That lady lunged forward and let her hold her for what seemed to be an hour but was a matter of mere minutes.

I'm not going to go into detail about what happened after that or how we handled it.

This isn't about us. This isn't about Highland. It is about Jesus restoring his people.

Bottom line for me today was this: There are people living around us all (within walking distance ... Say 5 miles?) who are hurting. They are wholly hurting! And we (present blogger not excluded) who are "holy" should be about the business of healing and helping the hurting.

But to do that we will have to get off of our comfortable cans. We must step out of our safe sanctuaries. We must quit "passing by on the other side of the road" in our cushy cars and pull over every now and then. Or just now! And then we must walk. We must walk up to the porches of the pain-filled people and knock on the doors of the hearts of the hurting and ask if everything is ok. And when they finally admit, "No. It isn't." - We must open our arms wide and declare, "it's safe in here!"

Wow!

Pitching a Fit!

Okay, I'm at church this morning and it hits me: What's with the pitch pipe? How the heck did that little sucker sneak into the church? It is, after all, an (insert your own gasp here) instrument. Yeah, you heard me. I've just declared the pitch pipe an instrument. I mean it is a glorified harmonica don't you think? So for those of us who find ourselves worshiping in a barbershop quartet inspired church service we have to ask ourselves some serious questions like what's next? One of those little egg shakers? Say it isn't so!

So you've heard it first on this very blog - I say it's time to purify the barbershop-like-brotherhood for good: I say BAN THE PITCH PIPE! If I can be instrumental in riding the church of that little instrument then my life will be complete. You want to rid the body of false doctrine, sin, and demonic influence? Purging the pipe is the key.

But is it the right key?

You Have The Right to Laugh

Okay, I'll admit it. I enjoy a laugh every now and then. My serious, detailed, accountant-like nature would lead others to believe the contrary. Not true. Not true.

Check these comical cops out:

Who says cops don't have a sense of humor?
These are comments taken off of actual police car videos:

"Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they're new. They'll stretch out after you wear them awhile."

"Take your hands off the car and I'll make your birth certificate a worthless document."

"If you run, you'll only go to jail tired."

"Can you run faster than 1,200 feet per second? In case you didn't know, that is the average speed of a 9 mm bullet fired from my gun."

"So you don't know how fast you were going. I guess that means I can write anything I want on the ticket, huh?"

"Yes, Sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don't think it will help. Oh! did I mention that I am the shift supervisor?"

"Warning! You want a warning? O.K., I'm warning you not to do that again or I'll give you another ticket."

"The answer to this last question will determine whether you are drunk or not. Was Mickey Mouse a cat or a dog?"

"Fair? You want me to be fair? Listen, fair is a place where you go to ride on rides, eat cotton candy, & step in mud & animal poop."

"Yeah, we have a quota. Two more tickets and my wife gets a toaster oven."

"Just how big were those two beers?"

"No sir we don't have quotas anymore. We used to have quotas but now we're allowed to write as many tickets as we want."

"I'm glad to hear the Chief of Police is a good personal friend of yours. At least you know someone who can post your bail."

"You didn't think we give pretty women tickets? You're right, we don't. Sign here."

Cards That Don't Cut It

I got the following email yesterday and thought some were pretty funny.

Hallmark Cards That Didn't Quite Make It:

Congratulations on your wedding day! Too bad no one likes your husband.

Looking back over the years that we've been together, I can't help but wonder... "What the heck was I thinking?"

How could two people as beautiful as you have such an ugly baby

I've always wanted to have someone to hold, someone to love. After having met you I’ve changed my mind.

I must admit, you brought Religion into my life. I never believed in Hell until I met you.

As the days go by, I think of how lucky I am... That you're not here to ruin it for me.

Congratulations on your promotion. Before you go... Would you like to take this knife out of my back? You'll probably need it again.

Happy Birthday, Uncle Dad! (Available only in Tennessee, Kentucky & West Virginia)

Happy birthday! You look great for your age. Almost Lifelike!

When we were together, you always said you'd die for me. Now that we've broken up, I think it's time you kept your promise.

We have been friends for a very long time … let's say we stop?

I'm so miserable without you it’s almost like you're here.

------------------------

Now I know I'm taking a risk here ... but can anyone think of their own version of "not quite cards" that (yes, there is a caveat) are appropriate. If so, go ahead and share them.

I'll try a few:

I heard you lost weight ... don't worry, I'm sure you'll find it.

Congratulations on your new job. I'm sure the couch will miss your butt.

Friends like you are like flowers. You know those fake ones you buy at the craft store.


You get the idea.

Life in the Fog

I'm typing this blog entry on my cell phone while I'm driving from Abilene to Dallas. If that wasn’t dangerous enough it is currently so foggy out that I can barely see the cars ahead of me.

But I'm not complaining ... I am listening ... to God. And He is teaching me some terrific truth:

1. When in the fog, your confidence comes from not being able to clearly see your destination but from knowing you're on the right road.

2. In the fog it matters more than ever who you are following. The person in front of you can lead you to your destination or of a cliff.

3. It is the low spots on the journey that are the foggiest.

4. When in the fog it is a good to stay as focused as possible on the task at hand. Distractions can be deadly.

5. The fog won't last forever. I know, I just came through it.

You know, the Son never looked so good.

Wanting to Justify Myself

I love the story our Lord springs on the "expert" in the law in Luke 10. Most of us know the story...The expert stands up and asks of Jesus the question for the ages..."what must I do to inherit eternal life?" To which Jesus responds with another question, "what do you think the law says about this?" The expert gives the correct answer (love the Lord with all you got and love your neighbor as you love yourself) and Jesus says you've got it right, "do this and you will live."

Don't we wish the story had ended with that? There is comfort in the ambiguous nature of the word - "neighbor" - isn't there? If the story had ended there we could all decide for ourselves just who we think our neighbor should be. If the story had come to a halt right after that "live" word life would be so much easier. But it is the rest of the story that kills us.

The "expert" gets the bright idea to "justify"himself! Dang it! Why does he have to go and do that justification junk? He asks Jesus, "WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?"

Jesus answers that question with a story: the parable of the good Samaritan.

Three glaring truths jump out of Luke's account of this exchange between the "expert" and the "Eternal One":

1. You know the expert did not like the story one bit. Most likely he is a Jew and we know that Jews hated Samaritans. It would be like James Dobson telling a story to a group of flag waving veterans - "the Catholic priest passed by ... the Christian pastor passed by ... and the Iraqi Muslim stopped and helped." You get the idea. No doubt there were gasps in the crowd. In fact, when Jesus asked him who was a neighbor at the end of the story the expert couldn't even bring himself to saying the word "Samaritan" - he simply calls him "the one who had mercy"

2. We don't get to pick our neighbors. Thanks to this expert fellow the playing field of "neighbors" knows no boundaries. With one story all chalk lines of race, class, sight, smell and behavior are erased on earth. Our job description is changed from loving those we choose to love to the difficult task of loving those that God chooses to put in our path. Thanks a lot Mr. Expert!

3. Loving God without loving others isn't possible. It is not enough for God's followers to commit to refraining from "beating people up." Claiming that you're not a robber is not equal with claiming Christ. And neither is "passing people up." Sometimes we allow ourselves to be deceived that passing up people is not as bad as beating people up when in truth it is. The robbers left him half dead - physically wounded. If enough people had passed by this man who's to say that emotional rejection wouldn't have finished him off? Make no mistake. This story mandates that we be people who "pick people up!"

I said earlier that I wish the story had ended with "do this and you will live." I would have settled for ending it with the expert's response in verse 37. But NO ... Jesus has to get the last word in on this subject. He has to wrap it all up for us - put flesh on it - make the application:
"GO AND DO LIKEWISE."

So much for justifying myself...