When a good title escapes you...

...you should just leave it blank.

Three things then off to bed.

1) Virginia -- have a great time, don't drink the water, I'm jealous, be safe, and remember, I told you your dream guy would be named Chavo.

2) Vanessa -- I hope you enjoyed hanging out with our awkward little crew. Thanks for coming and come back anytime. Benji might need help figuring out where his obscure references came from.

3) Speaking of Benji, what a brief but powerful message tonight. If anyone struggles with behaving the way that they feel instead of showing Christ, it's me. I am an open book when it comes to what my mood is. One look at me and anyone can tell how I'm feeling inside. But that needs to change.

I don't have a problem with cruelty or meanness or anything overtly offensive to people. I'm just not made that way because I'm too laid back. But I have always been the type to walk into a room and isolate myself from dozens of people if things aren't going my way or someone isn't treating me like they normally do. I am way too analytical when it comes to others. But as the Grand High Potentate pointed out tonight, the excuse that, "I can't help it, that's just how I am," is a load of crap. In Christ, the way we are, and should be, is like Christ.

The fruits of the Spirit aren't a list to choose from. They are the manifestation of God's Spirit in us. All of them. Bad days will happen but it is in those times that we must remain focused on how we should be acting instead of how we feel like acting.

And spiritual gifts? Well, I don't know of anywhere in the Bible that we are told to determine our particular gift and ignore the rest. To say, "I am gifted with teaching so I don't have to exhibit mercy," or, "I have administration so that exempts me from service," is about as far from Christlike as I can imagine. We all have a predominant gift, but we should never accept that as a free pass from other gifts. Jesus was a healer, a teacher, merciful, a servant, an admonisher, a prophet, etc., etc. You get the point.

I get overwhelmed very easily. When that happens, I get quiet and withdraw from people. It's not that I set out to be rude, it's just that my mind is working overtime and I fear saying the wrong thing with the wrong tone if I speak. The drawback to thinking before you speak is that sometimes it prevents you from speaking at all.

So I have to change a few things. I have to pay attention to how I act, all the time, and strive to act more like Christ, all the time. For me, I think that means rejoicing in how truly good and blessed my life is especially when my momentary circumstances portray the opposite.

Anyway, feel free to call me out on this. That's what we're all here together for right?

Oh! By the way, Benji's house on Friday night. 7 p.m.

Ch-ch-change.

Congratulations to Shane and Mitzi. They were married on Saturday, June 6.

And Happy Birthday to her as well.

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Our new Sunday night study is titled "Fresh Start." Obviously, my sister's wedding symbolizes a new beginning, too. It's a new phase of life with new visions and expectations. So, naturally, I started thinking about "new" and "fresh" as the topic of the day and tried to let God lead my thoughts about the whole subject.

I thought about the times in my own life when I started out on a new path. Times when I forced the old things to change into a new life, a clean slate. And I thought about people in my life who face those decisions about new directions.

I have always looked at change in the positive. Change is good, new directions, new missions to undertake, blah, blah, blah. But I think I have been wrong about that alot.

Change is good. Change is bad.

There's no all-encompassing, across the board viewpoint when it comes to fresh starts. Just because something is new and exciting doesn't mean it's good. Just because something appears to be a cure-all solution doesn't make it the obvious choice.

Everything must be weighed with God's wisdom. I believe that the litmus test for these crossroad decisions is simple: Will it make me better, will it lead me closer to God?

For instance, my sister's new marriage is great. Shane has been a wonderful influence in her life. He's a super guy with a friendly, peaceful demeanor and he'll bend over backward for you. Mitzi has been much happier since meeting him. They attend church together and their beliefs match up.

Then there's Spenarah (sorry if this embarrasses you but your helping me to make my point). They will be attending a new college this year. I'm thrilled to have them close to home again. It wasn't a smooth transition, they faced some opposition but now that it's a done deal I sense that they are at peace with their decision and their ministries and involvement at church have been, and will be stronger and more effective. But I will miss driving up to see dear, sweet Edna.

So it's easy to see God in these things. He leads us to changes sometimes that we don't see coming but give us new purpose. Scratch that. Not so much a new purpose but a renewed purpose that builds on where we have been and strengthens our sphere of influence.

But what about the other side of the coin? Sometimes we make those decisions that take us the other way. We decide that it's just time for something different because we're bored or in a slump or not really feeling God that much. We find all kinds of reasons to justify making a move by putting it in God's lap and changing everything around us, when we should stop and see that the changes need to be made within us. I've done this many times. I've told myself that it's natural to drift away from the friends I have and my ministries at church. My work here is done, God has led me to new things, I've been "called" to something else. It's easy to be led away and follow self, follow the world, or follow someone else.

All I'm saying is that some new paths are good, but some are not. Some are temptations to lead us away. Some are from God and some are from the Deceiver. Society these days has too many choices. We are programmed to look at all our options and choose the one that's best for us. But we don't always know what's best. We just think we do.

But taking the time to seek God's wisdom and count the cost is foolproof. If we let Him guide us based on what He wants, not what we think He would want if we were God, then the number of choices and the confusion will diminish.

God isn't a chess player. We aren't pawns in a strategy.

I hope this helps someone in the days to come.

I love the ocean... for more than one reason.

He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. --Micah 7:18,19

I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins. --Isaiah 43:25

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. --Isaiah 41:10

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This is one of my favorite songs. Ever.

Talk about a "Hallelujah, Praise God, Thank You, Jesus" lyric. Everytime I hear it I think about what it means. I think about all the "misdeeds" that have characterized my life and then about the mighty wave that wiped them away.

Nothing is unforgivable. No sin is too great that it will not sink beneath the depths of that sea. Nowhere that we have drifted is too far for His hand to reach.

I have made my share of mistakes. Too many. And too often. But every single one of them, from the unnoticed ones to the life-changing ones, have been seen and felt by God. And every single one of them has been blotted out, forgotten.

Think about what a great deal we're getting. We get to be intimate with the Creator of all things, forgiven, renewed, and restored for every offense, and all we have to do is admit those offenses to Him and walk away from them.

Happy Tuesday, folks.

Sigh... just some random stuff

Couldn't decide which person I wanted to embarrass so I chose to go with someone who will probably (hopefully) never see this. If she does, then I will pay with my life.

For Pete's sake, and mine, please, I beseech you, don't rat me out. But she's sure to get high marks in heaven for being married to a youth minister and living with Ben and Benn.

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It's late but I'm blogging anyway because when I miss a few days, I get chewed out 'til 4:30 in the morning. Not kidding. ;) Okay, chewed out is a little strong but guilt-tripped, nonetheless. But, as is the norm in Chucky-land these days, I'm wide awake. Yep. You guessed it... the house.

I survived the inspection last week. And guess what? I get another one! Man, am I blessed or what? Yay, me!

Stupid financial institutions. Now they want to come out and inspect the house for safety and code compliance or some crap. Here's a heads-up: the house is 60 years old. It does not comply with current codes. That ain't rocket science.

Oh well. Just more to tolerate.

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I found some hilarious greeting cards the other day. The guy who started the company says that he grew tired of shopping for Christian cards but never finding any that were humorous. If you get time, go to Inherit the Mirth and browse around. Sometimes, to be humorous, you have to push the line a little bit.

I really like the one where they show some camels with bumper stickers on their rear-ends. "My son is an honor student" and "My son is a medical student". Then Mary and Joseph's camel: "My son is God".

My favorite? Surfin' on the Mount.

That's funny right there, I don't care who you are.

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Dr. Golden said something today that really made me laugh but also parted the clouds a little.

This is one of those "duh" things but sometimes hearing it put a certain way clears the mud. He was talking about making sense in our choices. He mentioned people who always want to pray about things and how some things require zero prayer. His example was of a married man and woman (not to each other) who were having an affair. They told him they had prayed about it and felt it was God's will. Anybody else see a problem there?

You can fill in the blank with any situation you want to but his point was that we don't have to pray about things that God has commanded us to not do. If the Bible says don't do it, then prayer isn't going to gain you a different answer.

Like I said, it's pretty cut-and-dried but the way it was preached today made it speak. Good job, Goldy.

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Finally, I've told Spenser before that I'm the "Don't" guy. Just ask me and I'll tell you a bunch of things that I've done that people should not do. My mistakes for your benefit. You're welcome.

Anyway, I've recently discovered another "don't."

Don't iron naked.

Have a great Monday.

"Memories are made of this... "

It's hard to believe but this little feller turned one year old today.  Check out those walking skills.  Or I should say those high-knee, stomping skills.

Happy Birthday, baby Izamac.  By the time you're old enough to read this, I'll probably be dead or something so your folks will just have to pass that along.

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So I've come to realize that when you sell your house and get prepared to move, excitement quickly gives way to exhaustion.  There aren't enough hours in the day, or days on the calendar.

I am currently trying to get the place in shape for the home inspection on Thursday.  The aggravating part of this is that the inspection is the buyer's prerogative.  It does me no good whatsoever.  Just something to tolerate until closing.  So, essentially I have to stay up late and bust my rumpus to clean around all the stuff that will be gone in a few weeks.  Sheesh!

The house is a wreck, anyway.  Looks like a category 4 hurricane came through.  I just started a new jigsaw puzzle, too.  That means my dining room table has 1,500 little pieces scattered about on it, pieces that I will have to pick up and re-box until I'm quaintly settled in at the new place.  The puzzle does, however, do a fabulous job of camouflaging burned spots that may have "developed" on said table.

Then there are the six new books on my coffee table.  If I simply shelf them until I'm moved, I chance forgetting about them, something that would be truly tragic.  So I will have to either read very fast or dedicate to them their own box at move time.  We'll go with option B.

I don't have alot of stuff.  But right now my stuff seems to be replicating.  Who in the world needs 11 Bibles?  I use them for cross-referencing and such, but today I stopped and looked at them and felt like some collector or something.  That's it, I collect God's Word, because I'm so super spiritual and righteous and stuff.  (that's sarcasm, y'all).  I feel like I have my own little Vatican archives.

As I pondered the impending move, I wondered if I should feel any sentiment or sadness about leaving.  I've heard people talk about that, how they were leaving memories behind and all the good times in their home.  Oddly, though, I don't really feel that way.

I've been here almost 10 years.  It will always be my first owned home.  At times it's been a sanctuary, other times a prison.  The memories run the gamut from treasured to, "Please, God, make me forget."  I've had joyous, unforgettable Christmases and torturously lonely ones, too.  I've laughed my head off and cried my eyes out.  I've fallen on my knees in my room in awe of God and paced the floors screaming out to Him at the top of my lungs.  I've had some special times that I'll never forget with people who have changed my life.

But, even after all that, I don't feel overly attached to the house.  Maybe because it's always been an incomplete home.  It holds my belongings and my personality (Shaker, according to Sarah), but just me, no one else to jazz it up.  It's kinda like being stuck in your own head all the time (if your head contains furniture and carries insurance).

What I mean is it's kinda like a church building.  the building itself is warm and inviting, but all the good things that go on and all the memories and special times there are due to the inhabitants.  God doesn't live there.  He lives in the hearts of the members, all those who serve there, pray there, cry there, get hitched there and are buried there.

So it is with me and my little chunk of dirt here.  It's been a blessing and God has always provided the means for me to keep it paid for and in good repair.  But all the awesome times and memories, all the love and joy, all the heartache and times of brokenness and growth will not stay behind.  They aren't contained in the four walls of a house.  They will move with me.  They are safe and secure in my aging mind and tiny, cold heart.  

So I'm ready!!!  Let's get to movin'.  

Road Trip Re-cap

Don't you just love moments of revelation?  I do.  I had one of those the other night.

On Saturday, I drove to Nashville.  While I was there I had several hours to kill and no real plan for the killing.  So after I made my "delivery" at Belmont, I headed back out to the highway to see what I could get into.  

Not much at all.  And it was wonderful.  This might get boring for you but it's my testimony so try to hang in there.

I lived in Nashville for a few years and while I was there I wasn't exactly living for God.  Nothing of the sort, actually.  My life during those years can best be summed up with two words:  bars and bad decisions (okay, so that's more than two.  Sue me).

I moved to Nashville with the intent of pursuing dreams, following my interests, and making a life for myself doing what I thought made me happy.  All the while I told myself that I was growing up, my life was taking a different direction than the people I was leaving behind, and this was just where my path led.  Funny how we can so easily convince ourselves sometimes.

The reality of it was going to bars and clubs to hear bands, surrounding myself with people who were great for partying and having "fun" but were terrible for my realtionship with God or growing spiritually, and constantly trying to cover my last poor choice by making another wrong one.  I used to poke fun at that old "slippery slope" idea until I found myself sliding all the way to the bottom of it.  Remember the parable of the prodigal son?  The Bible forgot to mention that his name was Chuck.

So I dragged myself out of the pigpen and came home trying to figure out what went wrong.  Of course, I knew all along what was wrong, even during the whole ordeal I continually disregarded the Voice inside of me that was telling me I had taken the wrong path.  It's clear to me now that most of those internal struggles I was having with decision-making weren't struggles over the decisions themselves.  It was me rejecting God's counsel and trying to find a way to justify the choice I wanted to make.  Oh, hindsight.

March 10, 2008.  I went to Nashville for a few days to celebrate my birthday. I called up some old friends and thought it would be fun to re-live the days, hear some live music that is truly on a much higher level than anything you'll hear around here, and just let my hair down.  So I did.  On Sunday night, March 9th, I was teaching middle and high school boys about the Bible and on Monday night I was hanging out in a Nashville bar, meeting the newest wave of Music City power people, and passing draught beer around like it was milk and cookies.  Wow.  Does the word dense come to anyone else's mind? 

So here's the revelation part.  Saturday night I went to Border's, Dairy Queen, a Birkenstock store that had just closed, took a drive through historic Bellemeade and then checked my watch.  I surmised that I still had about 3 hours to kill before I had to pick up my "parcels" and return to K-town.  What to do with all that time?

I went to a gas station parking lot directly across from the Belmont auditorium and read a book.  A Christian book, mind you.

See, I thought about where I could go to hang out.  The only establishments left open were the bars... the same ones I frequented years ago and even last year.  The same bands were probably playing, and some of my old acquaintances might have been there.  But I couldn't imagine even getting near them.  In fact, the thought sickened me.

The difference?  A big ol' God.

Last year, this week last year to be precise, I had an encounter with that big ol' God that I ducked and dodged years ago.  I refused to see it at the time but my birthday week in Nashville was a step backwards to those days of rebellion.  I had taken my eyes off where God had brought me, what he had done for me, and put them on what I thought I needed, again, to be content and happy in this life.  God, however, decided to show me otherwise.  He broke me, squeezed the life out of me and left me in a place to see nothing other than Him.  It's amazing how clear things become when the blinders are removed.  By blinders I mean self.

So this past Saturday was a return to the scene of the crime.  There's nothing evil or wicked about Nashville, of course.  It's a great city and I love going there and knowing my way around.  But it's a symbol of my rebellion and disobedience.  My Sodom and Gomorrah, if you will.  It symbolizes me listening to myself, following my own plans, and turning my back on the people who loved me and tried to get me to see things clearly.  And it was the idol at my altar.

So on the trip home, my "parcels" were sleeping and I was thanking God for wrecking my life.  I thanked Him for the blessings He has placed in my life now that are truly joyful and worthwhile:  my friends, true friends who love me and want me to be safe, happy, and growing in God.  JGen, the youth group, SCBC, one-year-olds and families, those stinky and irreverant middle and high school boys, those stinky and irreverant college kids [ :)], people who trust me to drive them to a concert, "sorority" checkpoints and brrooo-yay, bon-fires, lock-ins, skits, even Audio Adrenaline (of all things)!

But mostly for not letting go.  I thank God for tolerating me, for forgiving me, for loving me so much that, even after years of rebellion and seeking my own ways, He still showers me with grace.  Even when I try to chase after the things I think are good, He chases after me.

All the way my Savior leads me

Who have I to ask beside

How could I doubt His tender mercy

Who through life has been my guide

It's amazing what a little drive can do.

Venha e pegue uma carona 

Didn't know I was fluent in Portuguese, huh?

   

  

I'm such a dad... but I bet I'll be good at it.

If possible, I am an un-married, childless father.

Just got off the phone with smays.  I was just about to post about something else when she called.  The conversation turned my thoughts elsewhere.

Virginia's birthday is today.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, V-BABY, MEAN TRAIN, and my favorite nick-name, STALKER MAGNET.  You're as unique and special as they come, so I hope you have a lovely day.  

Back on track.  Virginia and Sarah are going on a road trip to Nashville.  Apparently, she got Hillsong tickets as a birthday gift.  Pretty cool.  But Nash-vegas isn't a cakewalk if you've never been there.  So, as good and wise parents do, theirs required that the dynamic duo have some sort of companion-ish presence with them to make the trip safer.  I whole-heartedly concur.  Truth is, I don't like the thought of them wandering around Second and Broadway, either.  Not that they aren't responsible and capable, but I lived there for two years.  It's a different world, trust me.

So Mr. Music City stepped in.

In an instant, I went from youth/JGen leader, friend and buddy, to chaperone/alternate parent-who-can-run-off-on-a-joy-ride-to-Nashburg-because-I-really-don't-have-any-plans-to-screw-up-anyway guy.

Dang.  See?  Just like that it creeps up on you and you don't even see it coming.  I fought it for years but it has finally overtaken me.  Responsibility.  Ooohh! The word makes me shudder.

Anyway, it'll be a blast and it's a win-win for everybody.  But I'll have no age jokes, mind you.  Call it shepherding.

Besides, I have several favorite restaurants to choose from and some old friends I can call up to keep me busy.  Heck, I might even get a record deal while I'm there.

It's about dang time...

I got some good news tonight.  I'm usually a very patient person, but even I have a limit.

Remember the house deal?  Well, that was a while back.  As in April 16th.  I had become discouraged at times because it seemed as if the sale was never going to happen.  O, me of little faith.

Due to banks being tight with their money, buyer financing woes, divorces (not mine), and a painfully slow credit-check process, it has taken six long weeks for the proverbial ball to start rolling again.  The buyer was finally approved.  

YIPPEE!!!  HALLELUJAH!!!  And, WOOHOO!!!

So the big obstacle is out of the way, all that's left is a home inspection and negotiating the final price.  My ace-in-the-hole is the ever shrewd and sly Ryan Thomas.  We're looking, tentatively, at the end of June for closing.  JGenners, roll your sleeves up.  It's time for some old-fashioned community service... by community I mean me. 

As soon as the closing date is set, I'm packing up.  Several of you wonderful people have already volunteered so I'm calling your bluff.  I'll let you know the specifics later.  Lucky for all of us, some of the heavy furniture is staying.  Like I said, shrewd and sly.

Juli Thomas, who is my shopping adviser in all things, is excited to spend my money on some new furniture and appliances, not to mention decor.  Ryan gets a little sparkle in his eye when I mention a new television.  My over-crowded "junk" room is reserved for Heather, who swears she volunteered several times to help me clean it out months ago, something I have yet to recall.  Nevertheless, guys can show off your newly acquired brawn while the pretty people have to make sure that all the colors match and the place is cozy and inviting.

Now that I have formed a plan, I'm sure it will fall apart, everyone will be busy or on vacation, and I will move everything by myself just like I did last time.  Ah, yes.  The best laid plans...

It doesn't matter, though.  I'm still really excited about the whole thing.

And the #1 reason to live in South Knoxville.... Ye Olde Steak House.

I went there tonight and my belly is really happy about it.

  

The world needs heroes like this one.

I stepped back into my childhood tonight.  When I was a kid, I had a hero like everyone else did.  Mine was Sgt. Alvin C. York.

The reason for this post is because the 1941 movie "Sergeant York" was on television tonight.  It stars Gary Cooper who is probably the coolest leading man of all time.  Of course it's the tale of York's life and heroism during World War 1, but the appeal of this movie is it's accuracy.

As the story goes, York was a rambunctious and unruly young man with a flare for fighting and drinking.  He had a "miraculous" conversion in his adulthood and joined the local church and, upon being drafted into the army, filed for exemption because of his religious beliefs.  He was denied and went on to become the most decorated soldier of the war for his accomplishments during the Battle of the Argonne where he captured, nearly single-handedly, 132 German soldiers and killed close to thirty.  Not bad for someone who disagreed with war altogether.

The part of the movie that really speaks is near the end.  His commanding officer is congratulating him for saving so many lives and questions him about his beliefs and why he objected in the first place.  York tells him that he was prepared to die for his country but not to kill for it.  However, when the battle raged and he saw his fellow soldiers falling, he realized that fighting fire with fire was the only way to save lives.  Thirty died but hundreds, and maybe thousands, were saved.  His final comment on the matter is that, "I don't understand the Good Lord's ways.  I'm as much again killin' as ever, but He put me in a place, and all I could do was what needed doin'."

I'll let you draw the parallels and life application principles for yourselves.  If the clip above moves a little slow for you, stick with it.  It comes around to point.

Alvin York was from Pall Mall, Tennessee.  It's a small mountain community just north of Crossville.  I visited there as a child.  Cool place.  With the money he made from his movie and book and other endorsements, he started a Bible college.  He died in 1964.

Where have all the real heroes gone? 

Well, I don't really know if anyone is reading this...

Hopefully, all the changes didn't screw it up too badly.  If you found this blog at the new address, comment and let me know so I don't spend the next three or four days trying to figure out what I did wrong.

I would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to Juli.  Most of the time, I spend my energy picking at her ('cause it's fun) but, since it's her day, I'll be nice.  

First, she did a heckuva job picking out a man.  And, knowing Ryan like I do, I must say that Juli is probably one of the most patient women I know.  Second, she has re-defined my idea of a good wife and mother.  And thirdly, she and Hubby have both gone way, way above and beyond the call of duty for me.  Friends like those two only come around about once in a lifetime.  And heaven knows it can't be easy being a friend to me.  Thanks, guys.

On a selfish note, I would like to ask that you pray for me.  I could use some extra help.

Have a great weekend.

 

Just a few things...

First, I like what the Grand High Potentate had to say tonight about misfits. He's totally correct that we should be misfits everywhere. We shouldn't fit in at school or work or anywhere else that we aren't around God's people. We are set apart and that should be visible. Oil and water.

It's funny that I've been sort of facing this recently. It seems that no matter where I am, I'm out of place. And then I go to church or wherever you good people are and it's like the puzzle pieces all fit together. This has been most noticable at my job. I work with some good guys, some are very strong Christians. But they aren't walking the same path I'm on, and they aren't walking at the same pace.

I hate to say that at times I've tried to walk with the "world." It is extremely tiring to try to walk two separate paths, especially when those paths are constantly getting farther away from each other. Walking with God and trying to walk with the world is like that. The paths are never parallel and they never converge or intersect. The gap is always widening. And constantly swimming upstream eventually tires a person out and leaves them adrift in the current.

Second, and this might not be a big deal to most folks, but I got treated to dinner tonight and that's HUGE to me. It's a very seldom occurrence. I am extremely thankful for Virginia, Sarah, and Spenser, not just for dinner but for pretty much everything about them.

Finis.

Do you ever feel like you have sooooo much going on....

that if something doesn't give, each cell in your body is going to split off in its own direction causing you great physical pain?

I do.

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I'm sure you've heard all the controversy surrounding "Angels and Demons." It's the prequel to "The DaVinci Code" and is just as offensive to Christianity, so they say. Being a curious sort, I couldn't resist reading it. I'm about halfway through it now and I absolutely must finish it before I see the movie.

I can understand why some people wouldn't like it, especially if you're of the Catholic persuasion, but I really don't understand why there has to be a "witch trial" of sorts from the national church.

Two words: it's fiction.

Yes, the book pretty much runs down everything we believe in. Yes, it exalts science and astro-physics as the fundamental truths of the universe and creation. And yes, it glorifies any and all opponents to Christianity, not to mention painting the Catholic faith as moronic and narrow-minded.

Two more words: it's fiction.

I am in no way defending the book, author, or movie. But I can read a book for the purpose of reading a book.

I look at fiction as fantasy. It's an escape, something I do to take me away from my everyday cares and concerns. If I'm looking to elevate my theology, I'll pick from a different shelf.

I think my big gripe is how the Christian flag-waving community gets all torqued out over a best-seller, but sometimes ignores the less fashionable issues. That's just kinda following the world, I think. Didn't Someone already win those battles?

I don't think we should try to stand toe-to-toe with the world's issues. I don't think we should use the same platform to voice our side of the argument. We are commanded to be humble, meek, Christ-like, and let our actions and our ways speak for us. God promises to set the world straight about Him in His appointed time. Until then, let's just keep living for God, spreading His message, and leave the politics out of it. It's a distraction, just Satan's way of painting us all in a negative light, anyway.

I'm giving you fair warning...

As of Friday, May 22, the address of this blog will change. The new address will be:

dumbandwisecc.blogspot.com.

Merci.

Pick a card, any card

There's something very wrong about a VBS mascot that looks demon-possessed. This is Karl the Koala. I bet he leaves some of the kids scarred for life.

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I took only a few pictures at the lock-in because there was just too much going on for me to focus (no pun intended) on taking photos. Oh well, maybe next time.

Speaking of the lock-in, I've been thinking about all the prayer time we've had this weekend, Sunday night included, and I wanted to share one or two things on my heart.

First, I have a problem with people. Not everybody, mind you, but I spent alot of time this weekend wanting God to teach me how to handle a certain kind of person. I've asked Him to show me if my issues are real and true or if it's just me being difficult. That's not outside the realm of possibility, ya know. I don't ever want to assume that I'm right about everything so I really need God's wisdom on this. I may be old, but I'm still learning. Help me pray about this if you don't mind.

And second, there is one word that kept coming up this weekend. Choices.

I'm not sure what this means but I've been thinking alot about that word. Benji's been teaching about choices on Wednesdays and I've tried to focus on how I choose things in my life. My past is riddled with making the wrong choice, I mean over and over and over, but what things are choices in our lives?

One of my favorite authors wrote, "How do we start out one way, and by the time life has finished with us, end up different?"

The answer is choices. Salvation is a choice. Sin is a choice. Commitment and devotion are choices. Our spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study are choices. How we treat people is a choice. Humility is a choice. Selfishness, self-righteousness, pride, and self-centeredness are choices. Relationships are choices. Everything is a choice. And those choices are what keep us close to God and in His will or take us away from Him by following the path that suits our desires. Loving God is a choice.

So good grief, Charlie Brown, how do we make the right choice all the time? Well, we don't. We won't. There is no way to make the right decision every single time. But when we make the wrong one, and this is the really cool and awesome Jesus part, we don't have to keep making other wrong ones to cover the first wrong one. We can make it right. All we have to do is recognize it, take it to God in repentance and He'll help us back on to the right road. There is never a situation that is too sticky for God. No matter how bad we screw things up with our choices, God can fix it. But we have to take it to Him and let Him do it His way.

The choices we make can change our lives in an instant. Please allow Captain Experience here to assure you that choices define our lives. That's not something to play around with. We should make all our decisions in prayer and with an attitude that says, "I'm going to make the decision that keeps me close to God and best shows Him through me."

Don't be afraid to choose, but more importantly, don't be afraid to confess it when you choose wrong. I promise you that telling your screw-ups to God and asking Him to lead you through the fix-'er-up process is the most freeing thing you can ever do. Just ask anyone who has nearly ruined their life.

Oh, yay. It's Monday. (Hear the genuine excitement?)

I'm using my time wisely

It's raining.  Check that, it's Noah-style raining.  Working in the rain is not a big deal, I do it all the time.  But lightning?  Negative.  Lightning and telephone cables, which are made of copper, don't mix.  So it's 8:45 a.m. on Friday morning and I'm in the youth room at church posting this.  Not a bad start to a Friday.

With all the focus on prayer lately and with the lock-in/prayer vigil tonight, I have really been taking a close look at my prayer life.  Honestly, I'm not satisfied with it.  Maybe I'm the type who is never satisfied with anything, but when it comes to God, I hope I can never get enough.  The truth is, what's lacking in my prayer life is me.

I pray alot.  Seriously, all day every day I am constantly in communication with God in some form.  That's good, right?  Just pray and everything will be fine.  That's kinda how we're taught to think isn't it?  As long as we check in with God on a regular basis and let Him know we're thinking about Him from time to time, then He's happy with us and blessing us and it's a win - win for everybody.

The act of prayer is important, it's commanded and God longs for that communication with us.  But words are just words.  

As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. --Proverbs 27:19

David prayed, "Search me, O God, and know my heart."  Jesus told the Pharisees, "God knows your hearts."  And in Jeremiah, we are told to seek God with all our heart.

The point is this:  Tonight, when we are all on our knees before God, listening for Him, searching for Him, and seeking Him, let's do it with a true heart.  God isn't looking for the best speaker, the best intercessor, the best meditator, or even the best praiser.  All He wants is a humble, open heart that will listen to what He has to say and then act on it.  

So let's forget about us for a while and get ourselves in line with God and what He wants to do.  He's got us all together for a reason.  I can't wait to see how He touches and changes hearts tonight.

Happy Friday.  See ya tonight!!!

How would you like it if God called you the meekest man on the face of the earth?

That'd be pretty cool, huh?

Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth. --Numbers 12:3

Aaron and Miriam were grumbling against Moses because he had married a Cushite woman. I guess those Cushite chicks were pretty hot or something. But they weren't your good ol' Southern Baptist babes so Aaron and Miriam took issue with it.

The two of them start complaining and, as Grand High Potentate Fowler says, they turn the spotlight on themselves. "God speaks to us, too, doesn't He? It's not just Moses who gets in on the action." They climb right up on their own pedestals.

God hears this and calls 'em out... literally. He calls them right out of the tent and says:

"Hear My words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses. He is faithful in all My house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord." --Numbers 12:6-8

W-w-wow!!! God Himself, the Creator and Master of the entire universe, gets Moses's back. He tells the Complaint Committee that they hear Him through visions and dreams, something that any of us would jump for joy at, but His boy Moses gets Him full on in the face, mouth to mouth and he gets to see Him, too. That shut 'em up good. And Miriam gets stricken with leprosy for seven days, lest they forget.

If I were Moses, I would probably come away from that with a bring-it-on-y'all attitude. But, then again, I'm not the meekest man on the face of the earth.

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Here's some more from Moses that I was reading today that very nearly had me turning a triple salchow and two back handsprings right there in the truck.

And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that He might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. And He humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the Lord your God disciplines you. --Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 5

That kinda makes the tough times a little more livable, eh?

Hear, O Israel: you are to cross over the Jordan today, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourselves, cities great and fortified up to heaven.
Know therefore today that He who goes over before you as a consuming fire is the Lord your God. He will destroy them and subdue them before you. --Deuteronomy 9:1,3

And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and the statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good? Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. --Deuteronomy 10:12-14

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. --Deuteronomy 10:16,17

You shall fear the Lord your God. You shall serve Him and hold fast to Him, and by His name you shall swear. He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen. --Deuteronomy 10:20-21

Consuming fire. God of gods. Lord of lords. Great and mighty. Awesome. Our praise and our God. Moses didn't just write down a bunch of cool words about God. In the verses above, "the Lord your God" is used nine times. And I didn't even scratch the surface of the books of Moses. I wonder, can we truly call Him that with a clear conscience?

Moses saw Him; Moses experienced Him. Thanks to Jesus, we can, too.

When I get to Glawry-land, I hope I get to talk to Moses about all those things he lived through with God. Ya know, maybe standing at the urinal during a worship-time bathroom break or something.

Happy Thursday.

Every single time...

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I don't have much to say tonight. I'm finishing day three of the world's most tenacious headache. Even my miracle powders have failed this time. So what are the symptoms of swine flu, anyway?

The cartoon above makes me think about two things.

First, I sometimes wish the world was a Peanuts world again. Simpler and more honest, but mostly more innocent. Which leads me to point deux.

Picture this: Lucy = Satan, Charlie Brown = us, and the ball = temptation .

Time and time again the ball is put in front of Chuck (probably no coincidence that he and I share a name). Every single time, he falls for it. Since 1953 or something, Lucy has been putting that ball down, coaxing him to try to kick it, each time promising that she won't move it, and each time, AAUUGGH!! He always believes her.

You all are smart people so I don't have to explain the symbolism any further or expound about what this means in each of our lives. You ponder it and think on it.

Disclaimer: I am in no way supposing that sweet little Lucy is evil or satanic. Ya know, just to clarify.

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Important: Thursday, May 7th is the National Day of Prayer. Churches all across America are gathering together to pray for the gub'ment, the economy, and national repentance.

We don't normally join in the local observances but this year we've decided to make Thursday a day of fasting. I'll put this on the JGen blog as well.

The purpose of this is for us to join together in prayer for the issues we face as a church and a student ministry. You can determine for yourself what those issues are. Feel free to pray for the national issues if you want to, but please lift up the specific concerns of Stock Creek and JGen, and especially each other. This is a great way to kick off the lock-in/prayer vigil.

And contact me if you have any experience in lobotomies, or if you just want to try one.

Life is a funny (and very random) place

On sale for $3.00 at a garage sale. Make an offer.

"Oh, Irony, though art emboldened."

I laughed for thirty minutes. Heck, I'm still laughing.

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Some random happenings from Chucky-land:

I had a nice moment with God today. I know that sounds cheesy but it really was kinda cool. I was sitting in the truck at work while it rained (the only unusual thing about that is the rain), and I was bored. I overslept this morning because my power went out last night so I didn't have time to pack a lunch today. That's a bummer because my Bible is in my lunchbox. So it was raining, I was bored with nothing to read or do except think. Thinking can be dangerous.

But out of nowhere, I started getting that God-feeling you get when He's sort of giving you a hug. I don't know where it comes from but it feels like you're surrounded by a Holy Bubble for a few minutes and there is nothing standing between you and God. Know what I mean? I hope so.

So I had a few minutes of reflection, just thinking about how good He is as I sat there in the truck, weepy-eyed and blubbering to God about my blessing-filled life. I don't think I even noticed the rain for a while. There's not really a point to this except that God doesn't really have a schedule. He shows up at the most random times.

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My partner and I were talking about the Romania trip today. I was telling him all about our itinerary and mentioned the two days in Vienna, Austria and how I was really looking forward to that. He said, and I swear this is true, "Shoot, man, you'll have to buy you one of them boomerangs."

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The word is spelled authoritative, not authoratative, just in case you misspell it and someone intentionally calls your attention to it by repeating it in their reply to your text message. Oh yeah, that didn't go unnoticed.

It's been a long time since the third grade Spelling Bee at New Hopewell Elementary, which I won. Go Owls!!!

And I'm a published poet in the library there, too.

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I got my hair cut tonight so if anybody's wondering who isn't graduating or who's prom dress showed too much cleavage, I'm your guy.

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About the lock-in:

We'll probably eat pizza at first.

Bring your Bible. Unless you have it memorized.

We will have some pretty serious prayer time, so you might want to start preparing now.

It starts at 10:00 p.m. and you can leave when you've had enough, but you'll be a loser if you leave before daylight.

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I guess that's it. Have a good day.

Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way.

The astute look.

Everyone be sure and thank this lovely lady for hosting us tonight at her house. If the bonfire gets rained out, she's gonna cook a huge dinner for us all.

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"The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." --Luke 18:11-14

I don't think I've ever prayed without this parable coming to mind. Maybe it's God's way of trying to keep me humble. Not sure that always works.

If you're like me, you picture the Pharisee standing there, arms high, big, pious smile on his face proclaiming his righteousness to everyone who hears. Sort of a poster-child example of extreme pride and self-unawareness. But maybe he's not so outrageous after all.

How many times do we do the same thing? How often do we go to God with our daily checklist all marked up in the "completed" column and expect a big ol' pat on the back? We might not tout our works or our perfect walk, we'll even smugly throw in our "little" transgressions with an arrogant chuckle and an it's-not-that-bad attitude. But we do have the audacity to approach God with our torches held high and banners a-waving proclaiming the marvelous and wondrous heavenly tasks we are accomplishing.

I can imagine God saying, "Sheesh! You're killing me here. Tell you what, why don't you let me decide what's right and wrong and you just follow my direction. I have the only checklist that matters and all it says is, 'depends on my mercy.' Shut your mouth, get on your knees, and listen to ME for once. I'll do the blessing and exalting around here."

Okay, so God's probably not quite the smart aleck that I am but, after a few thousand years, He deserves to get a little put out with us.

The tax collector doesn't even offer an explanation. He doesn't even mention the smallest thing to help his case. He straight up begs for God's mercy.

Why don't we do that? Why don't we put down all our self-righteous projects, our scorecards, our motives and ambitions, and just go to God empty. Just go to Him seeking to be filled with Him and what He wants, instead of what we think He wants to hear, like the Pharisee.

I'm not trying to end the week on a sour note, I just think that if we are going to get prayer right, we need to look at it from the perspective of the tax collector, poor and needy, needing what only God can give. The encouragement is that, as Jesus tells us here, that is what God truly wants to hear. That's what will send us away to our houses justified. And honestly, humility takes alot less effort than exalting ourselves, because you don't have to constantly think of fake stuff to say about yourself.

Happy Friday!!!

And, speaking of prayer, please remember my friend Vanessa and her family. Her aunt passed away today, and it's hitting kinda hard. Thanks.

Hello! Oops! I mean Heaven-o!

"Ohh, hap-py day-ay!" She's going for the high note!

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Nothing heavy tonight because my brain, and body, are fried. From natural causes, of course.

My week has been filled with three activities: work, bonfire preparation, and mom's garage sale/Romania fund-raiser preparation. I have nothing left to give...to anything.

I was hoping to use the sale as a way to get rid of alot of my stuff so I wouldn't have to move it when I sell the house. But that didn't quite work out because I haven't had enough time to sift through all my junk. But I did manage to get some cool guy stuff into the sale so it won't be all blouses and doilies. And lots of people have donated their I-don't-want-its so it should turn out pretty good.

The bonfire will be fun and I have spent three nights gathering firewood in the hopes that the fire won't burn out in an hour. If it rains, then I'm going to throw firewood out along the highway all the way home. By the way, Heather and Virginia, do we have a contingency plan in case of rain? I'm eating s'mores rain or shine, so pre-heat the oven just in case.

Work has been extremely physical this week, and it's a week when I didn't have much physique to give it. Oh well, whadda ya do?

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Here's a Scripture that I've been meditating on for a few days. I've read it for years but something struck me differently this week. I've always understood it to be strictly about money.

"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed Him. And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God." --Luke 16:10-15

The context of this passage, and the previous verses, is about the place of wealth and money in our lives. Being a context-oriented kind of guy, that's how I've always read it. But the "true riches" part started me thinking today. I think Jesus is talking in monetary terms because that's how the Pharisees thought; it was their mindset. And we do need to be taught about the proper perspective we should have regarding money.

But when He talks about the true riches, He speaks of things far beyond the importance of money. He's using the example of earthly riches to make a spiritual point regarding eternal riches.

Like the Pharisees, we justify ourselves before men. Whether it's about money or some other form of idolatry, we are either faithful to God and His commands, or we are faithful to the things of the world. We cannot serve God and money, or self, or people, or drugs, or sex, or glory, or yaddah, yaddah, yaddah.

What things do we exalt? What things do we hold up among men as symbols of our independence and self-acquired glory and self-righteousness that are an abomination to God? What people do we try to please so much and hold as idols in our hearts that are detestable to God?

The encouraging part of this is that Jesus says we cannot serve God and _____.
He doesn't say we should not, or suggest that we try harder to serve only one, He says we can't. That means that we can serve one, faithfully. We can be entrusted with true riches and He longs to bestow such riches on us. He's looking for our faithful hearts.

Have a great Thursday, y'all.

Knock, knock, knock, knock. KNOCKKNOCKKNOCK!!!

This is the coolest guy I know...... the other is a really awesome preacher.

Seriously, we're the two youngest thirty-somethings you'll ever meet. And we always will be.

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First of all, I'm exhausted. No, make that dead. I've worked harder today after work than I did all day. And I had a really hard day. Enough whining.

I've been inspired to say a little something about prayer. I want to tell you about the greatest prayer lesson I've ever learned. The circumstances aren't important, but the point of the story is.

I've often heard it preached that praying in faith means to make your requests known to God and then consider it a done deal. Not that it will be answered to our liking, but once it's prayed, drop it and trust it to God. I'm not saying that's wrong, but I have a different testimony.

If prayer is our way of developing and maintaining our relationship with God, then that means learning about Him, but also learning about ourselves. He reveals things about Himself to us. But He reveals things about our own hearts and conditions, too. He shows us things that need work, things that need changing, things that are strengths, and things that He wants us to focus on a little more. What I'm getting at is this; if everything you hear from God feels good and comes easy, then you might be hearing the echo of your own voice.

Growing up, my parents took care of my needs. And they also fulfilled some of my wants and desires. At times I could ask for something and it was given to me. Other times, I was told no, sometimes I was told maybe. And sometimes, the answer was not yet.

If I had been given everything I wanted, right then, without effort or persistence, what would I be now? Spoiled? Arrogant? Prideful? Pampered and coddled? The answer is yes. I would be an even worse person than I am.

If God answers every prayer instantly, and gives us what we want, would we ever be humble, self-sacrificing, and dependent on Him?

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! --Matthew 7:7-8, 11

Prayer sometimes takes persistence and perseverance. God wants us to remain close and dependent on Him and that means that He might have to delay His response to us occasionally. But that should not dissuade us from asking, seeking and knocking until we have an answer.

There is a song that I remember from my childhood that applies. It's one of those old-timey, foot-stomping, bluegrass/country, 4/4 beat kind of songs.

"If you knock one time and there's no answer,

Don't turn away from the door.

You've got to knock again until you've been let in,

Sometimes it only takes once more."

Just because it's cheesy doesn't mean it isn't true. God desires to give us good things. He also desires for us to be all that He designed us for. So, along with yes and no, listen for the "not yet."