For the last semester, one of our Sunday p.m. small groups has been studying the Book of Enoch in conjunction with Genesis & Revelation- we've gotten through Enoch's 1st vision (Chapters 1-36.)
One of the things that has stood out the most to me is the mention of how things smell - specifically of incense & other rich, deep, good smells, esp. associated with the presence & throne-room of God. We had quite the discussion about how smell is very closely tied to memory... & Michael O passed on the tidbit that the sense of smell is the only sense that bypasses the normal 'central processing relay-stuff' & goes straight to the brain. Which, in turn, makes for some very vivid & clear memory making... & at the next 'smell' of that scent, a person can be 'taken back' in memory to when they've smelled it before.
This drove me to the Scriptures & their mention of incense & fragrance in the context of the Tabernacle, the presence of God, & of royalty (more on that later.) What I found really blew me away - in the instructions that the LORD Adonai gave to Moses for worship were included an altar from which incense was to be burned all the time - (Exodus 30). And the incense burned on the holy altar was to be made of a special blend that was not for private use - only for the presence of God.
Another sweet smelling perfume was mixed in with the anointing oil applied to kings...
If you're interested in finding out more, click HERE to be taken to Bible Gateway...
At the same time as I've been studying incense & fragrance in the Scriptures, I've been reading a book called Sitting At the Feet of Rabbi Jesus. Its a book that brings understanding to what living as a disciple (talmid) of Jesus would have been like within the culture of 1st century Judaism - with the nuances of Hebrew culture, language, belief, & practice. Good book.
One of the chapters talks about fragrance as well - referring to the John 12 account of Mary from Bethany anointing Jesus' feet with "an expensive perfume" made of "pure nard" (which I'd recommend you reading about HERE )
The authors mentioned that this anointing event, using this potent & sweet smelling perfume, would have caused the sweet smell to linger around Jesus for a long time - & would have been very apparent even during His betrayal, trial, scourging & crucifixion.
This has made me even more curious - & I am in the process of doing some 'experiments' with smell, fragrance, & incense... theBean is not nearly as excited about this as I am...
In my attempts to experiment with incense & the like, I have found through my searching locally that that the only places that I've been able to find incense (cone or sticks) or oil for burning have been in the 'head' shops, &/or shops that are catering to a pagan, wiccan, or new age clientele... Hmmm. Interesting.
So, resourceful me went to eBay & purchased some incense cones & a little tiny censer to burn the incense in. My package arrived & I wasted no time lighting my first cone of incense... in the kitchen. Ooops.
My experiment was quickly relegated to the garage... turns out that a reason that theBean wasn't as excited as me about the incense is that she had a negative experience with it - where as a youngster, she & her family went to dinner at someone's house - & the house was filled with an 'incense' smell (you know the smell - no matter what flavor or scent of incense you get, its a smell common to burning the cones...) I asked her about it & she described in minute detail what the house looked like inside, the people, & even what they ate for dinner. How's that for a 30 year old memory?
I got excited about that... & told theBean that she just proved what I was trying to discover & describe about smells, incense, & fragrance. I must say, though, that theBean remains not amused.
But I am. :)
Showing posts with label Daily Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daily Life. Show all posts
I really enjoyed our trip to Virginia, especially looking in the rear-view mirror... & in light of the breakneck pace at which the school year has begun (for at least the older two) has been matched by a growing weariness that I know is not unique to me & mine...
At the same time, rather than just put my proverbial nose to the grindstone & push through, I'm trying to examine life & see what can be changed about it - the things that I'm committed to do, be a part of, oversee, carry on, etc. Instead of doing it all, I'm trying to evaluate self & remove that which can be removed, or at the least, shelve what can be shelved. (Removing is permanent; shelving is putting something up until later.) I'm finding that I, too, am a notoriously poor self-evaluator, or that I am incredibly optimistic about all that I can do in a week's time. Or a days. And butting up against the 'doing feelings' that cry & whine whenever I try to balance my life by leaving a task undone, nagging for just "15 more minutes." Especially when it's not a 'want to do' but a 'need to do.'
A couple of things have happened in the last week that have gotten my attention, & have prompted a more introspective house cleaning of the scoey machine...
Last week, in a classic heart to heart, theBean brought to my attention the fact that I seem to have the same issue that Zay has (you can read about it here...) - yes, its that I must think that I have superpowers with what I had committed myself to.
And the problem, it seems, is that I don't see a problem... & this time, rather than try to bluster my way past theBean, or dance around it, or try to use the remote to "mute" her (BTW: I don't recommend this. The sheer act of pointing a remote at one's spouse has proved, multiple times, to be ill-advised...) So, instead of doing those things, l listened. And I asked her advice. And some of what she said made sense to me... while other things seemed so, so wrong. But, going on the premise that I may not see stuff as accurately for my emotional, physical, & mental well-being & health, I asked Jesus about what she'd said. And got a peace about it. Sigh. The times, they are a-changin'. (Thanks to Robert Zimmerman for that.)
Second, I heard from my brother, Moe - seems he's been diagnosed with some version & degree of HCM, which is a fancy way of saying that something in the heart doesn't work & the results of that can be catastrophic... It was his birthday & I had called him to talk about the kind of things that brothers talk about on birthdays as we age... & to hear this was a shock.
More shock, though not alarm - this HCM can be hereditary, so Brother & I are both trying to get appointments for our own EKG... only to find that the next opening with the next available doctor in the Greater Reno/Sparks metropolitan area is 29 September. Sigh again.
No panic, no frustration, just 'meaning of life' type introspection, couched in the fact that priorities & responsibilities are shifting... from without & from within. And that's ok.
At the same time, rather than just put my proverbial nose to the grindstone & push through, I'm trying to examine life & see what can be changed about it - the things that I'm committed to do, be a part of, oversee, carry on, etc. Instead of doing it all, I'm trying to evaluate self & remove that which can be removed, or at the least, shelve what can be shelved. (Removing is permanent; shelving is putting something up until later.) I'm finding that I, too, am a notoriously poor self-evaluator, or that I am incredibly optimistic about all that I can do in a week's time. Or a days. And butting up against the 'doing feelings' that cry & whine whenever I try to balance my life by leaving a task undone, nagging for just "15 more minutes." Especially when it's not a 'want to do' but a 'need to do.'
A couple of things have happened in the last week that have gotten my attention, & have prompted a more introspective house cleaning of the scoey machine...
And the problem, it seems, is that I don't see a problem... & this time, rather than try to bluster my way past theBean, or dance around it, or try to use the remote to "mute" her (BTW: I don't recommend this. The sheer act of pointing a remote at one's spouse has proved, multiple times, to be ill-advised...) So, instead of doing those things, l listened. And I asked her advice. And some of what she said made sense to me... while other things seemed so, so wrong. But, going on the premise that I may not see stuff as accurately for my emotional, physical, & mental well-being & health, I asked Jesus about what she'd said. And got a peace about it. Sigh. The times, they are a-changin'. (Thanks to Robert Zimmerman for that.)
More shock, though not alarm - this HCM can be hereditary, so Brother & I are both trying to get appointments for our own EKG... only to find that the next opening with the next available doctor in the Greater Reno/Sparks metropolitan area is 29 September. Sigh again.
No panic, no frustration, just 'meaning of life' type introspection, couched in the fact that priorities & responsibilities are shifting... from without & from within. And that's ok.
16 September 2008
At long last... the day has arrived. Or will. Tomorrow. The Bean & I, along with our fam & some great friends, are off to Sand Harbor for the day - sand, cold water, sun, lounging. A cooler full of refreshments. A book or 10. Ahhhh.
As if that wasn't enough, about 5:30, we'll meander over to the Pseudo-amphitheatre to take our seats... for the Shakespeare festival... we're going to be seeing "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The play starts around 7:30. It's supposed to be a full-moon. We're bringing the salami, cheese, & vino.
Can't wait.
17 July 2008
Mr H's post sums up my last 24 hours as well. It seems that there is a bug on the loose, & it stopped to chill with me for a bit. In retrospect, I look back to a rough Friday & Saturday night as well, & see that they were just a hint of what was to come. (I'll leave the gory details to Dave to tell. But I will say that I feel his pain.)
I know that Brother was battling on Sunday. Heard about Mr H. Matty. Now Aric. You get the theme... Makes me wonder... were there any adult women that got this bug? So far, all I've seen, heard, & experienced has been the men suffering, with the weemuns bravely soldiering on, caring for self, spouse, & family, with the wind blowing in their angelic, nay, saintly hair. Or something like that.
I'm sure that woman aren't immune to this bug, but my completely unscientific splanation is that I should wash me hands more. With soap even. 30 seconds. Maybe more.
I know that Brother was battling on Sunday. Heard about Mr H. Matty. Now Aric. You get the theme... Makes me wonder... were there any adult women that got this bug? So far, all I've seen, heard, & experienced has been the men suffering, with the weemuns bravely soldiering on, caring for self, spouse, & family, with the wind blowing in their angelic, nay, saintly hair. Or something like that.
I'm sure that woman aren't immune to this bug, but my completely unscientific splanation is that I should wash me hands more. With soap even. 30 seconds. Maybe more.
08 July 2008
Thursday, the Bean went in to the friendly neighborhood Cingular/ATT store in order to get an issue with Pasty's phone taken care of... at least that's the main reason. She happened to come out with a brand spanking new celly from Palm. Since we're on the same plan, I was surprised to hear that she had been able to upgrade her now old phone already, as its usually at least 24 months between 'free' upgrades. (Don't get me started.) BTW: it's a Palm Centro that has just joined the family.
Seems that the local neighborhood ATT guy helped her get around the little "24 month til you can upgrade for free" by using one of the other lines on the account that WAS NEWLY ELIGIBLE for the upgrade to get her a new phone for just $***, (after the 356 month rebate, of course.) Guess who's newly eligible line was appropriated? If you guess anyone other than me, you'd be wrong.
So what's the rub? It's not like I was looking to get a new phone - though I was enjoying my status of being "out of contract." I have found ATT to be very willing to negotiate group rate & feature prices, as well as offering free stuff, good phone upgrades etc in order to "woo" you into signing over your life for Yet Another 24 month period of time.
The catch in this process came when i was on my way home to the little woman, & thought I'd bless her with a warning call - one of those, "Hi Honey, I'll be home in 20 minutes..." calls. My line went directly to ATT Customer Service where I was told that in order to use my phone, & as a part of the upgrade that I had just received, I would need to agree to surrender my long-awaited "out of service" status to be once again, enslaved by the corporate giant that is ATT. And, until I did, my phone privileges were suspended.
I arrived home to find only Cubby (the nickname I've given to the 13 year old after a recent bout of In-School Discipline for something that Wasn't His Fault.) I used Cubby's phone to call ATT & talk to a live person. 2 different people took 30 minutes to describe the WHY behind my line suspension. Why MY line suspension? Because "i" had recently upgraded my phone. I tried to explain that no, I hadn't upgraded my phone, but someone in their retail store had pulled a switcheroo. As you can probably imagine, they don't care.
So now - I have a cell phone that is suspended until I agree to the 24 month contract extension. And, to me, it makes perfect sense that I will not agree to that contract extension. On principle.
If you've tried to reach me by cell, it's not that I am "not taking calls" as the nice lady with the psycho-recording voice stated - its that unbeknownst to me, my right to freedom from a celly contract was violated in the name of getting the Bean an upgraded phone. And my line is suspended until I do agree. Which might be a while...
Seems that the local neighborhood ATT guy helped her get around the little "24 month til you can upgrade for free" by using one of the other lines on the account that WAS NEWLY ELIGIBLE for the upgrade to get her a new phone for just $***, (after the 356 month rebate, of course.) Guess who's newly eligible line was appropriated? If you guess anyone other than me, you'd be wrong.
So what's the rub? It's not like I was looking to get a new phone - though I was enjoying my status of being "out of contract." I have found ATT to be very willing to negotiate group rate & feature prices, as well as offering free stuff, good phone upgrades etc in order to "woo" you into signing over your life for Yet Another 24 month period of time.
The catch in this process came when i was on my way home to the little woman, & thought I'd bless her with a warning call - one of those, "Hi Honey, I'll be home in 20 minutes..." calls. My line went directly to ATT Customer Service where I was told that in order to use my phone, & as a part of the upgrade that I had just received, I would need to agree to surrender my long-awaited "out of service" status to be once again, enslaved by the corporate giant that is ATT. And, until I did, my phone privileges were suspended.
I arrived home to find only Cubby (the nickname I've given to the 13 year old after a recent bout of In-School Discipline for something that Wasn't His Fault.) I used Cubby's phone to call ATT & talk to a live person. 2 different people took 30 minutes to describe the WHY behind my line suspension. Why MY line suspension? Because "i" had recently upgraded my phone. I tried to explain that no, I hadn't upgraded my phone, but someone in their retail store had pulled a switcheroo. As you can probably imagine, they don't care.
So now - I have a cell phone that is suspended until I agree to the 24 month contract extension. And, to me, it makes perfect sense that I will not agree to that contract extension. On principle.
If you've tried to reach me by cell, it's not that I am "not taking calls" as the nice lady with the psycho-recording voice stated - its that unbeknownst to me, my right to freedom from a celly contract was violated in the name of getting the Bean an upgraded phone. And my line is suspended until I do agree. Which might be a while...
08 March 2008
Tonight is the Big Dinner - its a low-key event at our church building where people get together to eat dinner. Not a pot-luck - it's BYOF - everyone brings their own food - what they'd be eating for dinner. We're sitting "hof-brau" style at long tables, & just interacting with our family & with the others that are around us. My wife has been excited about this for, oh, a jillion years. The opportunity to eat, drink, & be merry with friends is exactly the sort of thing that floats her proverbial boat.
But me, well, that's a different story. The idea of sitting down & eating together scares me. Why? you might ask... I'm not quite sure.
I'm not much for crowds - standing in line - getting stuck anywhere; I've been known to get a bit claustrophobic. I like to sit at the end of the table, because then I have at least one right/90degree angle in front of me. Somehow, that is comforting. I was trying to explain what my emotions & thoughts are on this topic to the Bean, theMoses, & Brother. I really like the idea of the Big Dinner & eating my own food. Of seeing friends. Making new ones... but the practical working out of it makes me feel a bit reclusive.
However, in spite of the fear, I will be there. At the Big Dinner. Hopefully sitting on an end.
But me, well, that's a different story. The idea of sitting down & eating together scares me. Why? you might ask... I'm not quite sure.
I'm not much for crowds - standing in line - getting stuck anywhere; I've been known to get a bit claustrophobic. I like to sit at the end of the table, because then I have at least one right/90degree angle in front of me. Somehow, that is comforting. I was trying to explain what my emotions & thoughts are on this topic to the Bean, theMoses, & Brother. I really like the idea of the Big Dinner & eating my own food. Of seeing friends. Making new ones... but the practical working out of it makes me feel a bit reclusive.
However, in spite of the fear, I will be there. At the Big Dinner. Hopefully sitting on an end.
12 February 2008
Sunday, I overdid it.
The week prior, I had been battling with the run-down, blah feeling of one battling a cold; I battled - took the Vitamins like Hulk Hogan always tells us Hulkamaniacs to take, tried to get enough sleep, eat well, & take care of me... all to give the immune system a fighting chance. And then came Sunday.
Led worship, did the teaching for Learning Community, regular teaching, & then the DNA class after church. Tried to rest in the afternoon, but it didn't really work out. College Bible Study ended up going a bit long. And it was on.
Monday & Tuesday, I dragged - my voice, which had taken a beating from the cold weather & cold bug, in addition to massive amounts of use, began to disappear in "Peter Brady" episodes (obscure pop-culture reference to when the Peter character went through his voice changing - alternating sounding like a baritone & Mickey Mouse on helium...) Blah, blah.
Stayed home Wednesday to try to rest the bug away - slept a good chunk of the day... but what went away was my voice.
I have a whisper. Yesterday, went to work & entertained theMoses & theBrother with my inability to raise my voice to be heard. At least they're enjoying it.
Can't hold a decent conversation. Can't talk on the phone. So I'm spending most of my time in silence...
I'm sucking down Earl Grey Tea, hot because it feels nice on my froat... Hmmm.
The week prior, I had been battling with the run-down, blah feeling of one battling a cold; I battled - took the Vitamins like Hulk Hogan always tells us Hulkamaniacs to take, tried to get enough sleep, eat well, & take care of me... all to give the immune system a fighting chance. And then came Sunday.
Led worship, did the teaching for Learning Community, regular teaching, & then the DNA class after church. Tried to rest in the afternoon, but it didn't really work out. College Bible Study ended up going a bit long. And it was on.
Monday & Tuesday, I dragged - my voice, which had taken a beating from the cold weather & cold bug, in addition to massive amounts of use, began to disappear in "Peter Brady" episodes (obscure pop-culture reference to when the Peter character went through his voice changing - alternating sounding like a baritone & Mickey Mouse on helium...) Blah, blah.
Stayed home Wednesday to try to rest the bug away - slept a good chunk of the day... but what went away was my voice.
I have a whisper. Yesterday, went to work & entertained theMoses & theBrother with my inability to raise my voice to be heard. At least they're enjoying it.
Can't hold a decent conversation. Can't talk on the phone. So I'm spending most of my time in silence...
I'm sucking down Earl Grey Tea, hot because it feels nice on my froat... Hmmm.
25 January 2008
What does that mean? To "Ring in" the New Year? Does one need a bell to "Ring it in?" Hmm.
Reminds me of a time, two or ten that I spent "praying in" the New Year - the splanation being that it was a great way to start the year off. Perhaps, but it always felt contrived & forced to make the prayer happen, esp. if/when it required getting others to shut up from their deep 'meaning of life' conversations that they were having, & making them stop their games, loud happy interactions in order to join the somber prayer group (usually a circle) that would take turns trying to out "our Father," each other. I tried so hard to make God happy... & to do what I thought a good Christian should do...
Looking back, I have regrets - I know that everyone does, but mine usually center on:
-things I've done that kept me at a distance from really knowing God, & from being myself
-things I've done, regardless of how well meaning I was, that ended up putting blockades between people being able to see Jesus as He is, replacing Him instead with religious verbiage, activities, & the like... I work hard & try intentionally not to do that...
-my relationship with my family - esp. my brother Moe - my talking too much, listening too little, & trying to make life & relationships fit into nice boxes. That one keeps me awake at night.
-pain caused to the Bean because of my desire (need? control issues?) to work my way into peace...
I pray for the redemption of relationship with Moe - & that those that I violated, tripped up, put an obstacle course in front of would find their way through all the junk to the Real Thing that is the Word.
Reminds me of a time, two or ten that I spent "praying in" the New Year - the splanation being that it was a great way to start the year off. Perhaps, but it always felt contrived & forced to make the prayer happen, esp. if/when it required getting others to shut up from their deep 'meaning of life' conversations that they were having, & making them stop their games, loud happy interactions in order to join the somber prayer group (usually a circle) that would take turns trying to out "our Father," each other. I tried so hard to make God happy... & to do what I thought a good Christian should do...
Looking back, I have regrets - I know that everyone does, but mine usually center on:
I pray for the redemption of relationship with Moe - & that those that I violated, tripped up, put an obstacle course in front of would find their way through all the junk to the Real Thing that is the Word.
31 December 2007
And the latest sign that December is here, that the year is just about to end...
Two weeks ago, I got my notification from my wonderful insurance company - they've been purchased by a company known as HealthNet, which means that the premium gets to be 'adjusted' to meet the new boss' bottom line... welcome to the world where the privilege of having a $5000 deductible has gone to $850/month.
Had the insurance rep do some checking around - looks like I personally am uninsurable for anything less than this price because I've had surgery 2x in the last 10 years - both to fix hinges that had broken. So, now I'm trying to find an insurance plan that will cover the wife & kids for something less that the proverbial arm & leg & go with that... & then bank on the wonderful government of the USA to take care of my issues should I go Scarecrow from Oz...
Come Lord.
08 December 2007
It's not like I think about thinking - it just happens. I ponder. I wonder. I examine situations, scenarios, possiblities, from just about every angle that I can. (BTW: The Bean says its one of the things that she loves about me, watching me examine the situation, put together related scenarios & bits of info to construct the big picture, which she likes to call "connecting the dots," completely unlike PeeWee on PeeWee's Playhouse, where he'd shout out, "Connect the dots! La la la la!" Pure magic. The caveat to the Bean's liking of my thinking - the examination/evaluation shouldn't be aimed anywhere near her general direction. The scrutiny of the "thinking microscope" is fairly intense, or so she tells me. Potentially relentless. But I digress...)
The thinking thing can be a gift. But when it turns into 'overthink' it's more like a curse. I've got a meeting tomorrow outside of Sacramento with a supervisor - it's been in the works since 10/5, & it was asked for by him... that means that I have had about 20 days to think. About. What. He. Wants. To. Talk. About.
The preparer in me wants to create, work through, & then solve every potential scenario, every interaction, every possible word that could be said so that if any of the scenarios' actually does pop up, I'd be ready. However, it is impossible to predict what is on his mind, & the quest to "think through this," in advance actually ends up being very, very destructive. Consuming. Frustrating. Counterproductive. Paralyzing. Esp. on the off chance (15-20% if you're taking odds) that this could be a rough meeting.
So I find myself practicing rest in the middle of stress - breathing out confusion & tension, breathing in the peace of the Holy Spirit. Bringing myself to sit quietly on my purple chair (its comfy!) & reminding myself that a) I am not God b) I am not in charge & c) I know who is. I submit my thoughts, the wild, crazy, stuff that I won't even type here thoughts, & the challenging, potentially life-sucking practical thoughts as well. Submit them. To God. Under His feet. Me, sitting at His feet. Just a boy, trying to figure it out on the fly, but really now trying to just BE, making the presence of God my priority.
(PS - why the photo? I've got a soft spot in me heart for PeeWee Herman, as the Bean & I met when she did my make-up at a camp where I played Mr. PWH for a week-long tour that was actually extended into a couple of extra guest appearances later in the summer...)
24 October 2007
19 October 2007
I have a secret blog that has disappeared, although not because I wanted it to - for some reason, completely unannounced, the weblog hosting service is no longer there. Hmmm.
You might wonder: Just what does one put on a secret blog? Secrets? Not really - I've used it as a semi-private journal (because it is, or was, available for people within that particular blog community to read & comment on it.) I was struck with some inspiration & went to pour out my heart only to find: alas! it was gone. However, I will not be daunted...
In other news: I'm connected...
You might wonder: Just what does one put on a secret blog? Secrets? Not really - I've used it as a semi-private journal (because it is, or was, available for people within that particular blog community to read & comment on it.) I was struck with some inspiration & went to pour out my heart only to find: alas! it was gone. However, I will not be daunted...
In other news: I'm connected...
19 September 2007
My long awaited 20th high school reunion finally arrived, & Friday night & Saturday day/night, the Bean & I got the opportunity to interact & celebrate with a plethora of people, most of whom I had lost touch with upon my move to Carson City in 1987/88. Going into the evening, (Friday) I made a list - (as every good, organized person knows you're SUPPOSED to) - of people that I wanted to make sure to talk with in the attempt to reconnect. I feel pretty blessed in that I was able to have significant & meaningful interactions with every single person that I put on my list.
Over the next couple of days, pre-Deutschland, I hope to post some pictures, organize some thoughts, & pontificate a bit about what I experienced. In a nutshell - it was an 11. My hopes for this weekend were realized. Prayers were answered. Thank you Jesus.
Over the next couple of days, pre-Deutschland, I hope to post some pictures, organize some thoughts, & pontificate a bit about what I experienced. In a nutshell - it was an 11. My hopes for this weekend were realized. Prayers were answered. Thank you Jesus.
05 August 2007
The last week I've had several interactions & meetings that drove me to dig out my copy of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality for a refresher.
The Scazzero book mentioned above, summed up, posits the idea that spiritual maturity & a true Christian experience can't be separated from emotional health & maturity. E.g. emotionally immature people can't/don't grow to real spiritual maturity, even though they may have many, many years logged as Christians. Scazzero states, from his own experience, that only by becoming emotionally healthy can any of us truly grow to maturity.
In my un edgy-cated opinion, based solely upon my interactions with a large cross-section of humanity, (with a varied Christian experience & length of tenure as Christians,) tends to bear out Scazzero's hypothesis. One of the things that I've also noticed is that the "ministry" seems to attract, nurture, & reward emotionally unhealthy people - in that it, the ministry, becomes a valid place for a person to 'get their strokes,' though its often at the expense of others. And in the name of God. Why is this?
I'm re-reading the book. And pondering these thoughts. And doing a lot of introspecting.
The Scazzero book mentioned above, summed up, posits the idea that spiritual maturity & a true Christian experience can't be separated from emotional health & maturity. E.g. emotionally immature people can't/don't grow to real spiritual maturity, even though they may have many, many years logged as Christians. Scazzero states, from his own experience, that only by becoming emotionally healthy can any of us truly grow to maturity.
In my un edgy-cated opinion, based solely upon my interactions with a large cross-section of humanity, (with a varied Christian experience & length of tenure as Christians,) tends to bear out Scazzero's hypothesis. One of the things that I've also noticed is that the "ministry" seems to attract, nurture, & reward emotionally unhealthy people - in that it, the ministry, becomes a valid place for a person to 'get their strokes,' though its often at the expense of others. And in the name of God. Why is this?
I'm re-reading the book. And pondering these thoughts. And doing a lot of introspecting.
07 July 2007
I've been reading a book by Gregory A. Boyd called Myth Of A Christian Nation. It addresses how the (largely evangelical) church has attempted to use political power in order to advance a 'christian' worldview. Boyd, a pastor, challenges the idea that America is (& was) a Christian nation, & points the Church towards Scripture to find out & to reclaim what our real mission is: the message of the cross (not the sword,) & the message of Christ's love for us. AND every other human being on the planet.
Today's reading was from the chapter "When Chief Sinners Become Moral Guardians" - it addresses the problems that result when the church takes on itself the role of being the "moral guardian" of a nation, community, or culture...
A few highlights in the form of quotes from this chapter:
As people called to mimic Jesus in every area of our lives, we should find it significant that Jesus never assumed the position of moral guardian over any individual, let alone over the culture at large.
When we assume the role of moral guardians of the culture, we invariably postion ourselves as judges over others.
When the church sets itself up as the moral police of the culture, we earn the reputation of being self-righteous judgers rather than loving, self-sacrifical servants.
When people assume the position of moral guardians of the culture, they invite - they earn! the charge of hypocrisy, as all judgment, save the judgment of the omniscient & holy God, involves hypocrisy
Throughout history, the church has proven itself to be a very poor moral guardian. Whenver the church exercises the power of Caesar to enforce its doctrine & convictions, the result has usually been at least as bad as any non-Christian version of the kingdom of the world.
An interesting & thought-provoking read, for sure...
Today's reading was from the chapter "When Chief Sinners Become Moral Guardians" - it addresses the problems that result when the church takes on itself the role of being the "moral guardian" of a nation, community, or culture...
A few highlights in the form of quotes from this chapter:
An interesting & thought-provoking read, for sure...
26 June 2007
No, I'm not just quoting Billy Joel lyric... we're moving out of our house. Kind of.
What we're actually doing is taking a few days this week to pack up & move the downstairs, kitchen, & hopefully my room - to a storage unit the Brother has rented. Then, the hope is to take his stuff & put it in the downstairs, kitchen, & my soon-to-be-former room, so that the new home owners can begin the process of making this house their home.
Where do we go from here? What are we doing next? Where shall we be staying in the interim?
Stay tuned... hopefully we'll get to that before the end of the week. Wish me joy.
What we're actually doing is taking a few days this week to pack up & move the downstairs, kitchen, & hopefully my room - to a storage unit the Brother has rented. Then, the hope is to take his stuff & put it in the downstairs, kitchen, & my soon-to-be-former room, so that the new home owners can begin the process of making this house their home.
Where do we go from here? What are we doing next? Where shall we be staying in the interim?
Stay tuned... hopefully we'll get to that before the end of the week. Wish me joy.
21 May 2007
No sooner do I get an AWESOME Star Wars poster/pic, a virtual ode to Brint, than it disappears. I was indignant. Couldn't believe it. I was legitimately borrowing this link, & the owner of the link killed it.
So, I found it again. And reposted it. Who's your daddy?
Other thoughts on an early Tuesday...
The Bean & the Daro (12 year old son) are on an extended, 3 day field trip to SF. Bummer. And, they're freezing. I miss them. I really miss the Bean.
The NBA playoffs are almost interesting watching the Suns/Spurs go at it. Go Suns.
The Master Cleanse is coming... Anyone done this before?
I found out that there is a musical instrument called a Euphonium - how cool.
I will be sitting in meetings all day tomorrow. Ugh.
Brother's dog (Carter) is in heat, meaning Brother's other dog (Higgins) is chasing it around, 24/7. Higgins is tired.
Found a book on my desk after Sunday's speech called, The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman. Anyone know anything about this book? Anyone give it to me?
It is too hot to wear shoes, & my flip flops are uselessly thin. How does one go about purchasing new ones?
I'm off to Wild Oats to buy organic lemons, Grade B Maple Syrup, Cayenne Pepper, & Sea Salt. I think I'm going to make a smoothie.
TTFN.
So, I found it again. And reposted it. Who's your daddy?
Other thoughts on an early Tuesday...
TTFN.
15 May 2007
11-4. 11-5. 12-5. 10-4. My sleep schedule - isn't working yet - a version of a cold/allergy/hay fever/sinus-y, coughing & sneezing fit is contributing. Hooray.
Pasty Gangster has his permit to drive - so we've been spending some time together in the car, albeit in opposite seats that we're usually in. So far, the joy of driving has been limited to the Exp & the auto-tranny. This afternoon, we're off to the Reed High parking lot w/the Jetta for a 5 speed lesson. Love it.
Lost In Translation Story from Deutschland - we were at TPLF for church, & a wonderful lady came up to reconnect & talk to the Bean about stuff. They talked for a while, & our friend ended the conversation, with, "I'm so glad that you're here. Your smile is like a douche of happiness every time we see you."
Pasty Gangster has his permit to drive - so we've been spending some time together in the car, albeit in opposite seats that we're usually in. So far, the joy of driving has been limited to the Exp & the auto-tranny. This afternoon, we're off to the Reed High parking lot w/the Jetta for a 5 speed lesson. Love it.
Lost In Translation Story from Deutschland - we were at TPLF for church, & a wonderful lady came up to reconnect & talk to the Bean about stuff. They talked for a while, & our friend ended the conversation, with, "I'm so glad that you're here. Your smile is like a douche of happiness every time we see you."
03 April 2007
Ho there friends.
As usual, the return from Germany is accompanied by a funky-schedule. Up early today (4-ish) which may mean a nap later. Anyhow, I thought I'd take the opportunity to use my time, & process some of my thoughts & observations from the trip.
In many ways Germany seems very familiar re: church culture... in Deutschland, the church culture is a few hundred years older than ours - & it is more obvious there (to me) that churches often take on the expected (but perhaps unspoken) role of "what churches do" & "don't do") - (e.g. meaning meeting on Sunday, in a "church" building, the calendaring of events, creation-or lack thereof, of specific programs). Much of what becomes normal seems to be based on what is "successful" - not necessarily a bad thing, but only as long as the definition of success matches Jesus'. Otherwise, success is the number of people at church. It is the lack of conflict. It is reputation. It is sticking to what others are doing - esp. when the other church is experiencing "success..." There's a thought of "why re-invent the wheel? We'll just follow what others are doing."
This shows up in the adoption of models - (not Zoolander silly,) rather, meaning the copying (almost exactly) a particular church/organizations structure/plan - the state church, Hillsong, Willow Creek, Saddleback, Emergent, Church on the Way, etc. These models may "work," but is it right?
So, I'm pondering conformity & normalization in the context of church, especially the local church - seeing this organization through the lens of another culture has spurred me to comtemplation mode... esp. from asking clarifying questions about things that I'd observed in the church structure - questions like:
-What is "normal" for the local church? What has made this "the norm?" (Think: traditions, identifying something as especially important/sacred, churchy-ness/religiousness etc...)
-What does it look like for the local church to be developing its own unque identity? esp. in the context of "conformity" - where outside pressures/influences (personal aspirations & agendas, denominational forms & norms, city/community 'standards', &/or expectations, to name a few) intentionally or not, exert force/pressure to shape the church into something it may/may not supposed to be becoming...
-Are there non-negotiables for every church (behaviors, norms, practices, methods, etc.)? If so, what are they? (beyond a statement of faith &/or an intellectual affirmation of values.) If not, why not?
-How do you determine the methods you will use to get from point A to point B with the people of your church?
More to come... your input is welcome. Probably.
As usual, the return from Germany is accompanied by a funky-schedule. Up early today (4-ish) which may mean a nap later. Anyhow, I thought I'd take the opportunity to use my time, & process some of my thoughts & observations from the trip.
In many ways Germany seems very familiar re: church culture... in Deutschland, the church culture is a few hundred years older than ours - & it is more obvious there (to me) that churches often take on the expected (but perhaps unspoken) role of "what churches do" & "don't do") - (e.g. meaning meeting on Sunday, in a "church" building, the calendaring of events, creation-or lack thereof, of specific programs). Much of what becomes normal seems to be based on what is "successful" - not necessarily a bad thing, but only as long as the definition of success matches Jesus'. Otherwise, success is the number of people at church. It is the lack of conflict. It is reputation. It is sticking to what others are doing - esp. when the other church is experiencing "success..." There's a thought of "why re-invent the wheel? We'll just follow what others are doing."
This shows up in the adoption of models - (not Zoolander silly,) rather, meaning the copying (almost exactly) a particular church/organizations structure/plan - the state church, Hillsong, Willow Creek, Saddleback, Emergent, Church on the Way, etc. These models may "work," but is it right?
So, I'm pondering conformity & normalization in the context of church, especially the local church - seeing this organization through the lens of another culture has spurred me to comtemplation mode... esp. from asking clarifying questions about things that I'd observed in the church structure - questions like:
-What is "normal" for the local church? What has made this "the norm?" (Think: traditions, identifying something as especially important/sacred, churchy-ness/religiousness etc...)
-What does it look like for the local church to be developing its own unque identity? esp. in the context of "conformity" - where outside pressures/influences (personal aspirations & agendas, denominational forms & norms, city/community 'standards', &/or expectations, to name a few) intentionally or not, exert force/pressure to shape the church into something it may/may not supposed to be becoming...
-Are there non-negotiables for every church (behaviors, norms, practices, methods, etc.)? If so, what are they? (beyond a statement of faith &/or an intellectual affirmation of values.) If not, why not?
-How do you determine the methods you will use to get from point A to point B with the people of your church?
More to come... your input is welcome. Probably.
30 March 2007
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