It is crazy how difficult it is to get away for a week and a half. I have never wanted to be important; I have only wanted to be influential. My daily goal is to empower others to make good decisions, and to encourage them when they are stepping out into new territory. I try never to be the only one who knows about something or how to do it, because I have worked with people in the past who hindered progress by hoarding power. I am always expecting to be called elsewhere. (This is not new, this has been going on for years and years) And when you think that any time you could be called somewhere else, I would judge my performance at the current place by how easily I could be replaced. My top goal would be to do my job so well that no one was needed to do that job because I had elevated the people around me.
Judging by the last couple of days, I am failing miserably at that.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Traveling Light
As Carole and I have traveled to many various places we have become better packers. If you travel often, even for overnighters, you will notice things you take that you never use. When I first started traveling I imagined all manner of situations and packed items I imagined I needed for those situations. What happened is that either those situations never arose, or they arose when I was separated from the item I packed for that situation, so I made do with what I had.
My packing list now is quite small and the items I take are well trusted. I can go out for the day with only a few things in my pockets and return to my stuff at the end of the day without missing anything I didn't bring.
It really doesn't take much to live well when you think about it.
My packing list now is quite small and the items I take are well trusted. I can go out for the day with only a few things in my pockets and return to my stuff at the end of the day without missing anything I didn't bring.
It really doesn't take much to live well when you think about it.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Getting Old
It is an old but accurate metaphor about our parents becoming our children. Both of my kids are grown, married, and doing well in life. Although I am still concerned for them and enjoy being involved in their lives, I don't feel as though I have to think ahead for them to keep them out of trouble. They are each capable of making important life decisions on their own.
Dad is 91 now, which means that he was 40 when I was born. I never thought of him as old until a few years ago. When he was in his mid sixties he could still walk me into the ground out quail hunting. He worked in the oilfield, taught me how to fish, shoot, use hand tools and play golf, and generally kept me fearful of getting too far off track. It never occurred to me to smart off at him. I knew that there would be a "disproportionate response" to borrow a term from the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.
But for the past couple of years, now, Dad and my brothers and I have taken on different roles. Dad now depends on us to navigate many things that would have been simple for him not too long ago. He still lives unassisted in the house I grew up in and he still drives more than I am comfortable knowing about. But now, we the boys, are his teachers and protectors. I worry about his well-being, and I worry about his decision making. My brothers and I have become the dad, and dad has become the little boy, grateful for time that we spend with him and for the assistance we give him. I'm glad to do it, and with him in his 90's it won't last forever. I'm not really sad about this changing of roles. What makes me sad is knowing that before I know it my children will become my parents.
Dad is 91 now, which means that he was 40 when I was born. I never thought of him as old until a few years ago. When he was in his mid sixties he could still walk me into the ground out quail hunting. He worked in the oilfield, taught me how to fish, shoot, use hand tools and play golf, and generally kept me fearful of getting too far off track. It never occurred to me to smart off at him. I knew that there would be a "disproportionate response" to borrow a term from the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.
But for the past couple of years, now, Dad and my brothers and I have taken on different roles. Dad now depends on us to navigate many things that would have been simple for him not too long ago. He still lives unassisted in the house I grew up in and he still drives more than I am comfortable knowing about. But now, we the boys, are his teachers and protectors. I worry about his well-being, and I worry about his decision making. My brothers and I have become the dad, and dad has become the little boy, grateful for time that we spend with him and for the assistance we give him. I'm glad to do it, and with him in his 90's it won't last forever. I'm not really sad about this changing of roles. What makes me sad is knowing that before I know it my children will become my parents.
From Frozen to Fried
While I have been shivering and sliding while scraping my windshield I have in the back of my mind that next week Carole and I will be in Sudan which is 100+ degrees this time of year. For several days Carole and I will be in different villages and the one I will be working in is supposed to have less than rustic accomodations. I've stayed in some pretty bad places in my travels, but I have never been promised less than I have been promised at this place. I'll report on the place when I get back. It is a little strange to be taking malaria medicine during an ice storm but I'm sure that I will be glad we took this precaution. Reportedly the discomfort comes from high humidity and high temperature combined with no air conditioning, mosquitos and bugs in your bed. Honestly, I can't wait.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Vida Victorioso
Today I would like to highlight another work that I intend to be involved with: Vida Victorioso. This is a Spanish speaking church being planted by Martin and Clarissa Urbina, who are, of course, part of our Lakeside family. When Inner City Action Group moved into the former Grace A/G facility, they vacated their former place on SW 22nd. Martin and Clarissa now occupy it and have begun to provide services in the past couple of weeks.
Martin works two jobs and is raising a family while beginning a church, so he doesn't have any spare time. He would like to quit one of his jobs, and is seeking monthly support to help him do that. Talk to me if you would like to get involved. He also needs help on Sunday morning. He has no worship team. Spanish language is needed to help here. He could also use some help with the English language classes they offer during the week. Spanish is not required to teach these classes.
Martin and Clarissa are incredible people and I want to help them all I can. Maybe you can help them as well.
Martin works two jobs and is raising a family while beginning a church, so he doesn't have any spare time. He would like to quit one of his jobs, and is seeking monthly support to help him do that. Talk to me if you would like to get involved. He also needs help on Sunday morning. He has no worship team. Spanish language is needed to help here. He could also use some help with the English language classes they offer during the week. Spanish is not required to teach these classes.
Martin and Clarissa are incredible people and I want to help them all I can. Maybe you can help them as well.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Inner City Action Group Update
Saturday morning we had our monthly GUYS breakfast. We had as our guests Toby Sullivan and Trevor Clark, who are on staff at the Inner City Action Group. We have committed our next service project to them. We will be refurbing an area into a food pantry for them. I encourge you to get involved at whatever level you can. It will benefit you more than them. Toby's talk to us was encouraging because of his level of passion to do the work he is doing. But as he talked, I couldn't help but think that they are doing church the right way; they determined the needs of the people they were trying to reach and tailored their ministry to meet those needs. They didn't assemble a team of people who would do church they way they like to do church then wonder why no one came. Since moving into the former Grace A/G facility they have been growing because of their focus on those they wish to help over their wish to have a "nice" church. I will be telling you more about them in the future.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
We're getting comfortable with them
I realized last night as I watched the Thunder win their game with Golden State on a Jeff Green buzzer beater that I am now very comfortable pulling for our NBA team. It wasn't always that way. I was one of the people who was crazy for the Hornets during their two season visit to OKC. They were good for us and it seemed that we were good for them. We loved Chris Paul, Tyson Chandler, David West, Desmond Mason et al, and everything Hornet. The games were exciting during play and during timeouts. Their name was fun, and the Honeybees were hopelessly cute and energetic. I really hoped that it would work out where they could stay here.
Then the Sonics were purchased and there was the drama of when they would come. I still harbored dreams that a last minute deal would bring the Hornets to OKC and send the Supersonics to New Orleans in two years. It didn't happen. The "team to be named later" was coming. I was not impressed by the name Thunder. I didn't like the logo. I didn't know the players, (except Desmond Mason). I pined for the Hornets. But last night I realized that I like the Thunder. I haven't thought about the name, recently. I am okay with the logo. The games are fun. The young team is coming together and playing competitive basketball. I like Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Russell Westbrook and the rest. I would hate to see them leave.
This is a lot like a pastoral change in a church. When a pastor leaves, whether it is by good or bad circumstances, there are a lot of emotions involved. When a new pastor arrives, he is constantly compared to the former guy, whether it is positive or negative. People realize that he is now the person who is here, but they are not sure if they like him or can trust him. They miss old team members because they don't know the new team members. Maybe the new team doesn't "perform" as smoothly as the old team did. But, if given enough time, the team will begin to function. We get to know the new team, and gradually admit that it is possible to like them without being disloyal to the former team.
Statistics tell us that on average 10-12 percent of a congregation will leave when there is a pastoral change. Some have a true difference of vision and it is in the best interest of all involved if they find a place more in line with their expectations. But too many leave too early. They leave because they miss the way church was. They grieve for ministry team members they were close to. They don't like seeing people looking so happy about the new direction, because they liked the old direction. And they feel that they must leave because friends of theirs left so there must be something wrong. I wish that our church congregants could show the patience that our sports fans show when major change comes to their teams.
Then the Sonics were purchased and there was the drama of when they would come. I still harbored dreams that a last minute deal would bring the Hornets to OKC and send the Supersonics to New Orleans in two years. It didn't happen. The "team to be named later" was coming. I was not impressed by the name Thunder. I didn't like the logo. I didn't know the players, (except Desmond Mason). I pined for the Hornets. But last night I realized that I like the Thunder. I haven't thought about the name, recently. I am okay with the logo. The games are fun. The young team is coming together and playing competitive basketball. I like Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Russell Westbrook and the rest. I would hate to see them leave.
This is a lot like a pastoral change in a church. When a pastor leaves, whether it is by good or bad circumstances, there are a lot of emotions involved. When a new pastor arrives, he is constantly compared to the former guy, whether it is positive or negative. People realize that he is now the person who is here, but they are not sure if they like him or can trust him. They miss old team members because they don't know the new team members. Maybe the new team doesn't "perform" as smoothly as the old team did. But, if given enough time, the team will begin to function. We get to know the new team, and gradually admit that it is possible to like them without being disloyal to the former team.
Statistics tell us that on average 10-12 percent of a congregation will leave when there is a pastoral change. Some have a true difference of vision and it is in the best interest of all involved if they find a place more in line with their expectations. But too many leave too early. They leave because they miss the way church was. They grieve for ministry team members they were close to. They don't like seeing people looking so happy about the new direction, because they liked the old direction. And they feel that they must leave because friends of theirs left so there must be something wrong. I wish that our church congregants could show the patience that our sports fans show when major change comes to their teams.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Winter Golf
Playing golf in the middle of January on a sunny day with no wind and mid 60's temperature is as close to stealing as a preacher can get and not lose his credentials. It was great today. Kenny and I got teamed up with another twosome who were nice guys and not quite as good of golfers as we are. We get to play on the cheap at Silverhorn because the senior rates kick in at age 50. (This is the only advantage I have yet found to be in my 50's)
We both played average rounds, which is not all that good. But to have the freedom to take advantage of a nice day in the dead of winter and to go play golf is a blessing I don't take lightly.
We both played average rounds, which is not all that good. But to have the freedom to take advantage of a nice day in the dead of winter and to go play golf is a blessing I don't take lightly.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Congratulations, President Obama!
I watched the inauguration this morning. I don't typically watch this sort of thing live, because I'm not all that interested in politics. I am, however, fascinated with history and today was an historic occasion. Although I chose not to vote for President Obama, and although I hold differing viewpoints on several issues, there is something that swells up inside of me as I realize how much has changed in my brief lifetime.
When I was a boy, it was commonplace to make comments or tell jokes which are now patently offensive. Even in church, it was acceptable to use terms which are now completely out of bounds. I remember changing words to certain songs sung in Sunday School and getting a laugh from my teacher. I wonder now how any of these actions were supposed to square with the gospel.
So to see now that we are ready to bring in President Obama with a greater mandate than we have seen in several elections speaks to progress. It is sad that much of the church world had to be dragged toward this progress. We should be at the forefront of "judging a man not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character". Regardless of your political persuasions, President Obama is our president. You can't say, "He's not my president, I didn't vote for him". He is America's president, and if you are an American, he's your president. I am praying that he will be the best president of my lifetime, and that God will protect him, bless him, and give him uncommon wisdom and understanding as he leads us through the many difficult challenges we face during the next four years.
When I was a boy, it was commonplace to make comments or tell jokes which are now patently offensive. Even in church, it was acceptable to use terms which are now completely out of bounds. I remember changing words to certain songs sung in Sunday School and getting a laugh from my teacher. I wonder now how any of these actions were supposed to square with the gospel.
So to see now that we are ready to bring in President Obama with a greater mandate than we have seen in several elections speaks to progress. It is sad that much of the church world had to be dragged toward this progress. We should be at the forefront of "judging a man not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character". Regardless of your political persuasions, President Obama is our president. You can't say, "He's not my president, I didn't vote for him". He is America's president, and if you are an American, he's your president. I am praying that he will be the best president of my lifetime, and that God will protect him, bless him, and give him uncommon wisdom and understanding as he leads us through the many difficult challenges we face during the next four years.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Something new to think about
In a couple of weeks Carole and I will be going to East Africa to some work with a group that is doing humanitarian work in southern Sudan. A new dynamic for me is that my daughter is concerned for our safety because of our relationship to our grandson. In fact, we are going on this trip at the invitation of Elizabeth's mother-in-law, so three of Tyler's grandparents will be on the other side of the world in a part of the world with well-documented unrest. We accepted the invitation to go just prior to Tyler's birth, and it honestly didn't dawn on me that it might cause concern for Elizabeth. We have been going on mission trips nearly all of Elizabeth's life, but her relationship to us has changed since she became a mother.
Obviously we have returned from every trip we have made, but this is the first time to a country that is currently having the level of unrest that Kenya and Sudan are having. Please pray not only for success in the work we will be doing, and for our safe return, but also for peace for Elizabeth while we are away. I know that for me, personally, I am compelled to go to places that are in chaos, because it is during times of chaos that the message of the Gospel is heard most clearly. Carole and I have a new freedom to go to those places since we are empty nesters, but there is a new tug on our hearts to stay home because of our grandson. I can only imagine that this tug will become greater with additional grandchildren. I am sure that we will continue to go, but it is a factor that will need to be dealt with.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Holiness
In our culture it is the fate of holiness to be banalized. Holiness is reduced to blandness, the specialty of sectarian groups who reduce life to behaviors and cliches that can be certified as safe; goodness in a straightjacket, truth drained of mystery, beauty emasculated into ceramic knickknacks. Whenever I run up against this, I remember Eileen Glasgow's wonderful line in her autobiography. Of her father, a Presbyterian elder full of rectitude and rigid with duty, she wrote, "He was entirely unselfish, and in his long life never committed a pleasure."
But holiness is in wild and furious opposition to all such banality and blandness. The God-life cannot be domesticated or used- it can only be entered into on its own terms. Holiness does not make God smaller so that he can be used in convenient and manageable projects; it makes us larger so that God can give out life through us, extravagantly, spontaneously. The holy is an interior fire, a passion for living in and for God, a capacity for exuberance in the presence of God. There are springs deep within and around us from which we can drink and sing God.
Eugene Peterson- The Jesus Way, page 128
But holiness is in wild and furious opposition to all such banality and blandness. The God-life cannot be domesticated or used- it can only be entered into on its own terms. Holiness does not make God smaller so that he can be used in convenient and manageable projects; it makes us larger so that God can give out life through us, extravagantly, spontaneously. The holy is an interior fire, a passion for living in and for God, a capacity for exuberance in the presence of God. There are springs deep within and around us from which we can drink and sing God.
Eugene Peterson- The Jesus Way, page 128
Friday, January 16, 2009
The Way of Jesus
Excerpt from The Way of Jesus by Eugene Peterson (pge 120)
One of the bad habits that we pick up early in our lives is separating things and people into secular and sacred. We assume that the secular is what we are more or less in charge of: our jobs, our time, our money, our opinions, our entertainment, our government, our house and land, our social relations. The sacred is what God has charge of: worship and the Bible, heaven and hell, church and prayers. We then contrive to set aside a sacred place for God, designed, we say, to honor God but really intended to keep God in this place, leaving us free to have the final say in everything else that goes on outside that space.
Prophets will have none of this. They hold that everything, absolutely everything, takes place on sacred ground. God has something to say about every aspect of our lives, the way we feel and act in the so-called privacy of our hearts and homes, the way we make our money and the way we spend it, the politics we embrace, the wars we fight, the catasrophes we endure, the people we hurt and the people we help. Nothing is hid from the scrutiny of God; nothing is exempt from the rule of God; nothing escapes the purposes of God. The ground is holy; people are holy; words are holy: Holy, holy, holy.
One of the bad habits that we pick up early in our lives is separating things and people into secular and sacred. We assume that the secular is what we are more or less in charge of: our jobs, our time, our money, our opinions, our entertainment, our government, our house and land, our social relations. The sacred is what God has charge of: worship and the Bible, heaven and hell, church and prayers. We then contrive to set aside a sacred place for God, designed, we say, to honor God but really intended to keep God in this place, leaving us free to have the final say in everything else that goes on outside that space.
Prophets will have none of this. They hold that everything, absolutely everything, takes place on sacred ground. God has something to say about every aspect of our lives, the way we feel and act in the so-called privacy of our hearts and homes, the way we make our money and the way we spend it, the politics we embrace, the wars we fight, the catasrophes we endure, the people we hurt and the people we help. Nothing is hid from the scrutiny of God; nothing is exempt from the rule of God; nothing escapes the purposes of God. The ground is holy; people are holy; words are holy: Holy, holy, holy.
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