Play Like This

I'm stealing this blog from Jon Acuff.  He says what I think needs to be said with the start of school and mid point through the year.  Enjoy.

http://www.jonacuff.com/blog/play-like-this/

Motion in the woods

I believe that God is moving and active and that you can see him move if you open your eyes. 

A few weeks ago I helped out at Camp Neotez, in the booming metropolis of De Soto, MO.  It was during this week that I saw God move.  It reminded me of this scene in "The Chronicles of Narnia Prince Caspian" 

If you remember, her brothers and sister thought that Lucy was crazy when she claimed to see Aslan.  Now, I don't think it's crazy, as I stated before, that it is possible to see God.  However, if you ever see a talking giant lion, please seek medical attention. 

So the week at Neotez was around the theme of STORY.  We looked at the idea that the Bible could be seen as more than just a fact book making sure that we check off all the appropriate boxes...but that it could be read as a story, a very complex story where hundreds of intersecting stories intertwine revealing this beautiful narrative of a God redeeming his creation. 

The cool thing about that story is that it doesn't end with the last AMEN in Revelation.  It continues...jumping out of our leather bound Bibles and into OUR world.  We are a part of God's story and God is still a part of ours!  He is still moving, in, around and through us, to make his name known. 

Back to Neotez...church camp anywhere is pretty typical.  Five hot days in the summer (I got to experience the 2nd hottest day in the last 50 years in Missouri during my week which also was the 4th hottest day on record) at some remote location doing Bible study and crazy activities.  The directors had a plan to peek spiritually Friday and then go home on Saturday morning. 

Monday and Tuesday were going according to plan, but Wednesday is when God showed himself.  The Bible teachers had taught 3 lessons and were concerned with whether or not the teens were 'getting' it.  "Do they really see that they have a part to play...a story to tell?"  We didn't know. 

In comes a camp visitor, who after hanging around all afternoon speaks to the directors about a friend of hers in the Czech Repbulic.  That evening this visitor tells her story and how her story connects with this girl on the other side of the world.  This visitor wasn't a Youth Minister, Preacher or someone who had great spiritual authority...so to speak.  This was simply a person being lead by the Spirit in such a way that one could not deny God's involvement.  It was an INCREDIBLE evening!

The problem is it was ONLY WEDNESDAY!!!  You have a powerful Spirit lead evening 2 days sooner than you were expecting.  As a director how do you keep the momentum up?  How do you not let this go away?  Again in steps God. 

Thursday class is very good.  The students are engaged and we think they are making the connection.  Many discussions about the previous evenings events led many to say, "If [that person] can tell their story...I'd like to share mine too."  This was also the day of the record breaking heat.  It was decided by the camp board and directors that camp needed to end early...like Friday afternoon early.  This meant our previously scheduled 'spiritual peak' would have to be bumped up to Thursday night. 

It was at this point that I began to see God hiding in the trees as Lucy did.  We didn't know how hot it was going to be that week.  We didn't know that camp was going to be called off early.  God knew what the weather was going to do.  He knew the events that would lead to the place where he wanted the teens.  He knew what we didn't.  God planned it exactly how it should have been.  He moved and connected just in his time and I still laugh and am shocked when I step back and see it. 

When we allow God to act within our lives we are allowing him to write our story.  I remember praying the Saturday night before campers arrived on Sunday that God would move.  That he would move in such a way it would be undeniable...yet when he did...I was stunned and felt myself pulling back saying, "No, this isn't what I had planned!" 

How planned is your life?  Does God have any wiggle room to write your story?  Do you miss the lion roaming in the forest because it's utterly ridiculous that a lion would be there?  I'll tell you now, God isn't LION around on the job...and that's my STORY and I'm stickin to it.

Father's Day

This weekend we celebrated Father's Day.  A day in which give honor to our fathers for putting up with all the stuff we put them through...or, are putting them through. 

For me Father's Day is a little strange.  As you age and have children of your own, you are to accept presents from your children then call your father and wish him the same.  I witnessed this with my wife and her father this weekend.  But what do you do when you don't have a father to call? 

This next thought may sound a bit conceited and big headed of me, it's not meant to be...but hear me out. 

My mom, growing up said about Father's Day, "You may not have an earthly father, (he passed away when I was young...It wasn't a miraculous conception. I would hate to give you the wrong impression) but you have a heavenly father who loves you."  This fell short of a satisfactory answer.  It was well intended and I now understand to what she was implying. 

To whom does God give thanks?  I mean we as his children pour praise and thanks to him, but what does he do?  IF he is like me, all this praise and adoration builds up and I want to pass it on...but like me, God can't call his dad and say thanks.  He has to just sit there with this stupid goofy grin on his face and look at his children and just be proud...that is if God is like me.  I can only imagine that after we give him our hand made cards with chicken scrawl on them and the trinkets that amount to nothing of monetary value that he will beam with all his brilliance and say, "That's AWESOME!  Thank you sooo much!"  He has to know that in a day or two that we, his children, will forget about the praise we lavished upon him.  We will yell at him, slam doors, scream "you just don't understand me!" and yet he will still love us, if God is like me. 

We named one son "Laughter" because we were told that we wouldn't have children...and yet he came into the world.  At times, I think we named him that because God wanted us to do what Abraham could not.  Then the words of the prophet Bill Cosby creeps into my mind with his wise words of wisdom, "I brought you into this world, I'll take you out...and make another one that looks just like you."  But I have yet to have to do follow through with this.  I don't because they are my kids and I love them. 

In closing...Back to my growing up years

I saw a Father's Day picture that really hit home for me.  It read "Happy Father's Day to all the Mother's doing it alone."  I couldn't agree more.  My mother was the best father I had.  She wasn't a perfect father, but she was as good as she could be.  So happy father's day, mom.

30 years old and grey hair

Now if you've seen the title and are above 30 you might have thought, "this whipper snapper doesn't know what he is even talking about.  He's not old!  Let him talk about old age and greying hair in 20-30 more years."  You are right.  I'm not old nor do I probably know what I'm talking about. 

If you are under 30 you may be thinking, "Boy, I hope he makes it another couple of years.  I wonder if he needs a wheelchair or walker.  Does he have arthritis?  How does he even move in the morning."  To which I respond, "Shut it."

I don't think 30 is old and this isn't a thought about "Woe is me!"  I'm actually happy about my age.  And even MORE happy about the few grey hairs I have.  It is akin to seeing those first couple of chest hairs in your adolescent years or when you realize that you have ONE hair on your chin and think it's time to shave daily. 

It is a stage in my life.  I am not done changing.  I may be twice the man I was in High School, but in High School I didn't have a wife that loved me, two kids whom I adore.  I didn't know that I had friends in California, New York and all points in between.  Life then was...High School. 

I've noticed a few grey hairs in my goatee and a couple on my temples.  I smile and realize that when I reach the 60 year mark I will look back at the last 30 years of my life and laugh because I thought I knew what life was all about at 30. 

I was telling a friend a story in my life and I used the phrase, "20 years ago..." I won't lie.  I stuttered and stopped for a second and thought..."really...20 years ago!"  My kids celebrated birthdays and I realized that in 13 more years they will be graduating and going to college.  13 years! That's 13 Christmases, 13 Thanksgiving meals, 13 March Madness'. 

Life does move fast.  I just hope I enjoy and take it all in before it's too late.

Can You Keep A Secret?

This Summer is a busy time for me.  I haven't felt compelled write about a particular thought.  I am doing quite a bit of reading, blogs, books...the Bible.  During some of that reading I came across this blog which I am going to share with you, Secrets in a Public World.  I find her thoughts very intriguing and insightful, especially in the digital age in which we live. What do you think?

What Mom's want for Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!  Moms you do so much for your children for which we are ignorant and negligent.  You rock.  I hope that on whatever day you celebrate you have a GREAT day. 

Now, having said that, I have a question for you.  Do you trust your husband?  Do you feel comfortable leaving your child(ren) in his care?  I was listening to a radio station on my way to work this morning and heard what mother's REALLY wanted for Mother's Day.  They wanted a nice, relaxing, do nothing day...or a day that they could go and do something just for them.  But of those that said that a very HIGH percentage said they "worried" about leaving their child(ren) in care of the husband.

I understand that you have a heightened sense of protectiveness about your "babies" and dads...well, dads seem to lack that particular gene.  But come on, you don't TRUST your husband to, "feed the kids, make sure they get to bed on time, or FEED THEM!"  Really!?  I don't understand.  You felt him trustworthy enough to get married, provide (or help provide) for you, and have children with him BUT when it comes to being gone for a day or even a few hours you are afraid this same man will somehow break, kill, starve, or "mess up" your child(ren)

My wife once took a job as a Nanny for a family.  The mother interviewing her asked, "Who will be taking care of your children while you are away?"  My wife replied, "My husband."  "REALLY!? You trust him?"  We laughed about it then but it makes me sad there is so much mistrust of dads. 

DADS.  If you are reading this so far, you might be saying AMEN! But I have some words for you too.  Women's distrust of men isn't without merit.  For too many years we have just passed our 'fathering' duties with the bare minimum.  Some dads think that providing a home and food on the table is the extent of what they should "have" to do.  WRONG.  Coming from someone who grew up without a father, you have much more to offer than just money.  Your influence, guidance, love, grace, discipline not to mention the things that you are good at that mom isn't, is needed...wanted. 

Dads, society plays a part in how we parent.  It doesn't excuse us but look at the TV fathers of 'yester year' in comparison with the TV fathers of today: Ben Cartwright (Bonanza), Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith Show), Porter Ricks (Flipper), Cliff Huxtable (The Cosby Show) compared with Archie Bunker (All in the Family), Raymond Barone (Everybody Loves Raymond), Homer Simpson (Simpsons), Tim Taylor (Home Improvement).

You might say those last guys weren't bad...they were FUNNY!  I might agree with you but we aren't looking for funny we are looking for "father figures." Somewhere we have accepted the idea that we, as fathers, are dumb and funny.  They are worth a laugh or two but are NOT role models and definitely not trustworthy or have any sage wisdom to offer.  Is that true? 

Sometimes we, as families, need help.  We don't like that concept...Help.  We like to think that WE are PERFECT but the Smith's/Jone's...THEY are really messed up.  That's where people like Dr. Matt Crain can help us to be the families we want to be.  Find him.  Invite him to your church.  Listen to him.  He knows what he is talking about.

What Are The Odds

I am in a Bible study with a group of friends.  We get together and discuss Biblical things...thus we call it a Bible study.  One of the participants of this group is, shall we say, a deep thinker.  I enjoy listening and thinking about the ideas presented during this study.  Whether or not they are true 100%, the jury is still out.  BUT I haven't found anything with which I scripturally disagree.  I am challenged on what I "think I know" and if "what I think I know about the Bible is really IN the Bible."  For instance, at the church I was previously at we discussed Hell and found that many of the ideas of hell that we understand DON'T come from the Bible but from Dante's Inferno.  Or I'm reminded of a story my mother tells about a disagreement that she and my father had about "wearing your Sunday best" to church.  My father challenged her to find the passage and she, to my knowledge has yet to find that verse some 30 years later.

So the point is this group is very fun and mentally and spiritually challenging.  One of the ideas presented last night was, "What if you could PROVE Jesus is the Christ...and NOT use the Bible?"  My eyebrows furrowed then raised and responded "Prove it." 

What would you say the odds are of someone winning the lottery?  The odds that someone would win the huge March Mega Millions Lottery were 1 in 176,000,000.  What if you won in March and decided to play again, and won.  Since you were on a winning streak, you play again...and win.  Creepy? Fluke?  Cries of "It's RIGGED!"  What if you won it 300 times?  What are THOSE odds? 

Scholars have said there are 300 prophecies in the OT that point to the Messiah.  Others say upwards of 500.  What are the odds that ONE man would fulfill everyone in his lifetime? 

Maybe you are saying, "Yes, but he could set out and plan to achieve each one. Like a checklist."  Ok, Micah prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.  How does one PLAN on location to be born.  I know that mother and child have an intense bond but that seems a bit much for me.  Or, the fact that it was prophesied that the Messiah would be betrayed.  Did Jesus, when choosing the 12, say,
"Let me see, I have a big mouth, and his brother...well I need a tax guy, so there's where Matthew fits in...oh, John.  Man I LOVE him.  Now lets see, all I'm missing is a...crooked, money laundering betrayer who will be in charge of all of our money....Ah HA!! Judas!  Checklist done."  I don't think so.

Mathematician, David Williams, crunched the numbers and said that in fact the odds that Jesus is undeniable.  He calculated the figures on 48 of the prophesies and discovered that the odds that ONE man would fulfill those 48 prophesies was 1 in 10^157 (that's a 1 with 157 "0"s.  Want to see how big that number is? 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. That's big huh!)

That was only 58 of the 300 prophesies.  Jesus fulfilled another 250...can you imagine what the number would be!? 

As cool as this statistic is, it means nothing if his people don't live the life he calls them to lead.  I read that only 11% of Christians live a "christian lifestyle."  That number is more shocking to me than the number above.  Just something to think about.

Pay to Caesar what he Seizes

Hopefully you have payed those wonderful taxes today. But did you get all the deductions?  Here are a few that you may want consider for next year.

WPS!!!

"Arkansas Fires Petrino as Coach." That is what the headlines read this morning in the Natural State.  Now, let the armchair quarterbacking begin!  I have friends on both sides of this issue who vehemently defend their stance.

"His personal life should be separate from his professional life!" "Jeff Long made the correct decision. 'No single individual is bigger than the team.' AMEN!!" "But it's ARKANSAS FOOTBALL, He'll keep his job. They HAVE to keep him! (this before Tuesday's announcement)"

Nothing is more sacred to Arkansans than their beloved Hogs.  The only thing that even comes close to the level of love and devotion is how Texans refer to their homeland.  I do believe there is a line at which you say, "we'll go this far and no further." That is, at least in reference to the Hogs...Texas, I'm not sure about.  I would venture that if Satan himself came and claimed Texas as his own...since he's familiar with hot, dry uninhabitable places, that the Texans would shoo him away with their 10 gallon hats or just shoot him with one of their thousands of firearms. "Granny! Get your gun! that red devil is back in our yard again!"

Personally, my props go to the U of A and the AD Jeff Long, no man IS greater than the team. In the university setting the faculty and staff are a team.  They work together to achieve a goal, educated, well rounded students.  They lean on the talents of each other.  Arkansas has a good football team BUT that ISN'T the whole college.  They also have this thing called...academics.  Although many view these two as a "church and state" or "Lord's supper and the offering" issue, you cannot keep academics and sports "separate and apart."  They are a PART of the WHOLE.

In the church we do the same thing.  The younger generation wants to sing all the new songs and worship radically, while the older generation thinks everything will be fine if we go back to the way church was in the 50's.  Neither are correct in and of themselves.  There is a yin and yang to this thing we call the church.  And until we look at each other as FAMILY the church will continue to be filled with the Hatfields and McCoys. 

No individual is greater than the team should be a call for the church.  We are in this thing together...we are in it to win...there will be some who see the church as a political or personal stage and that isn't the issue.  Sometimes we may have to cut someone NOT because we don't like them but because he/she has become "too big for their britches."

In those raw cases it needs to be remembered that those people are still family.  They any actions done need to be done in love and affection for the person NOT as a vindictive "AHA!"

"By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another. (and if you call the Hogs)" John 13:35 (Hezikiah 3:5)

In One Ear and Out the Udder

I spent Easter with my family in Bollinger Co.  It was fun to dye eggs, play in the sprinkler, try to fly kites...the whole 9 yards.  The day began with going to a church that I hadn't probably been to in 10 years. The building wasn't nearly as large as I remember it, nor were the pews as big and comfortable as I remember but what struck my heart strings were the people. 

Ten years ago the church was...well seasoned.  Ten years later, the once Goliath sized song leader was bent with age, hard hearing and horribly off tune and rhythm.  The man whose baritone voice once was a sliding trombone, effortlessly sliding from one note to the next couldn't tell if he was on tune at all. 

This sad sound from behind me also made me smile because regardless of song or tune the man was singing.  Singing aloud, not embarrassed or ashamed but singing letting all those that heard know that there was a Savior WORTH singing about. 

That afternoon the boys and I went down to say hello to the cows behind my aunts house.  I was reminded of the cruel joke my mother use to play on us.  "OH! the cows LOVE jokes! You need to go down and talk to them.  Go tell them your jokes!"  Even then nobody wanted to hear my horrible jokes...and the cows didn't even laugh!  They just went in one ear and out the udder. 

My oldest mooed for 10-15 minutes straight trying to get the skittish cows to come close.  Not a hyper excited moo but a dull monotonous moo.  over and Over And OVER!!  I again point back to the fact that my mother use to play this cruel joke on me too. 

Everything comes full circle.  You came in this world dependant on someone to take care of you. If you live long enough that is how you will go.  The stress you caused your parents as a child will come back to haunt you as a parent...it is true that you pay for your raising but I think God gave me my BROTHER's child because I couldn't have been THIS difficult.

Enjoy this life because it goes quickly!

Holy Week

From time to time I will pour out my heart to those of you who read this regularly (thanks Mom). This is one of those posts. It struck me today while putting on my shoes...why my shoes? Because they are the only religious clothing I have...They have soles.

What did you do for Palm Sunday last week?  Are you going to do something for Good Friday?  What are you plans for Easter?  Is there anything spiritual you are doing to prepare your minds for this week? 

Working in the church biz, I ALWAYS remembered Holy Week. I prepared lessons and events centered around the crucifixion and more importantly, the Resurrection of Jesus. But for some reason, now that I am NOT in a ministry position this week as simply passed me by.  I completely forgot about last Sunday being Palm Sunday, imagining the shouts of "HOSANNA!" and the triumphal entry. 

One of the things I LOVE about this week is Good Friday.  My first Good Friday Service was 9 years ago this year put on by a wonderful church family in Hollywood, California.  The idea of watching Jesus dying NOT knowing the rest of the story and leaving him dead for the weekend was a VERY powerful experience for me and a few others and it made Resurrection Sunday SO much more exciting to know that NO! He is NOT dead!!

But even for Easter my mind is turning to family time after service, dying eggs and fellowship.  Honestly, I guess I feel a little guilty.  How much does Jesus really mean to me if I pass through barely noticing one of the most important weeks of the year in the Christian tradition?

I don't believe I have lost my faith, nor do I believe it was a show during my paid ministry days. But it has opened my eyes to how easily I can get lost in the trivial things of this world and lose focus on God. Is my Christianity something I only really pay attention to on Sundays? What am I doing to feed my soul during the week? Who am I surrounding myself with that will point me to journey with me to a better understanding of God?

I guess my plea for the three of you who read this is, Where do you stand?  Are you looking forward to this weekend NOT because it means a chocolate rush just before tax time or watching kids finding Easter eggs in the yard wearing their Easter clothes. 

When we become a Christian we marry ourselves to Christ. We say, 'That from this point forward I will follow you anywhere. You are the most important thing in my life."  But honestly there are times in my life where our relationship anything BUT a marriage and resembles something much more dark and sad.  I go to him, spend a few hours with him, sometimes I pay for the time I spend with him but many times I don't, I leave feeling better about myself but thankful that I don't have to spend all my time with him...cause, man...that would be BAD.

Wow, forget my shiny bunnies...I have gone off the deep end!

For the rest of the week, my mind will NOT be the above statement. I will be thinking and longing looking for a renewed relationship with him. Because it is his death that saves me and his resurrection that gives me hope.  He is my Lord, my Savior, my Brother, my Friend. HE IS GOD!

Soundtrack of Life

A couple of years ago, my wife and I were staying with some friends in Colorado. We were playing games at the kitchen table and I was struck as their oldest son was singing almost every song that came on the Christian radio station.  I didn't know very many of the songs yet this 1st grader was singing every word.

During this same time period, my sons and I would listen to the radio. I smiled because my oldest was picking up the words to secular music. It was cute listening to him sing songs with the radio. But I started listening to the words he was singing and a child that young shouldn't be singing words like that. Not profanity, but just the ideas behind them.  So what do I do?

I need to tell you that I didn't grow up on Contemporary Christian Music.  I was raised on different music entirely thanks to my older brother and my mom's secret sister at church.  My soundtrack growing up was Acappella, Donny Osmond, the Carpenters and Air Supply...Don't laugh...Ok...you can snicker.  I remember songs like, "Jesus Freak", "Dive", "Big House" but as far as LISTENING to CCM, no, there was some spiritual line that I felt I couldn't cross...I mean...they use...INSTRUMENTS!!!

So I tentatively turned the channel to the local KLOVE channel...no lightning strike...no thunder...whew!  I knew some of the songs but many were new. The kids didn't seem to mind. So with the little boy from CO in mind, I continued to listen to this station. IF I was going to brainwash my children with music, I wanted them to be singing a message that was about/to God.

Today on our 20 minute drive to school we sing along with KLOVE. My son's musical taste is starting to develop. He likes Mandisa's "Morning Song" but more because he likes the Toby Mac's rapping.  He was singing and dancing having a blast.  I've caught him other times just looking out the window singing along to himself.  But today for some reason it hit me.  I was listening to a 1st grader singing along with the radio but this was my child. My son.

Now I am NOT suggesting anyone reading this turn off secular music or that if you listen to secular music you are less of a believer than me and my family.  This was a decision I made. Does listening to CCM mean that my children will grow up to be faithful strong believers, NO.  It's gonna take more than Chris Tomlin, Toby Mac, and KJ-52 to get my kids to heaven.  But I do believe that we are affected by the music we listen to.  Those songs become our soundtrack. We attach ideas and feelings to those songs and they become a part of who we are.  I can't hear "Puppy Love" or "All Out of Love" without thinking of summer days jumping on the trampoline.  I just want my kids to put God into children's soundtrack while I still have a say in the type of music they listen to.

Waiter...Check Please

How patient are you? How long will you wait in line until you start the "Huff-n-Puff", crossing your arms to show discomfort sighing, coughing hoping the person will notice you.  How long will you wait in a restaurant on a waiter who is doing his/her job poorly before you leave?

My wife and I went to a well known steak house for a meal.  We had dropped our kids of at my mother's and thought that we would have a nice meal alone before I left on a business trip.  We were seated and the waiting game began. 

The waiter, a 20th century Jesus look-a-like...that is if Jesus was a white male in his mid 20's, was struggling with his duties.  He was pleasant when he interacted with us or the 3 other tables in his section but his having difficulties trying to keep all the dishes spinning, so to speak ; drink refills, this isn't what I ordered, can I have more rolls please, I need some A1 when you get a chance and the other long list of requests his patrons had were overwhelming this young man. 

One table a "well to do" couple (labeled by their apparel), ordered their food and hadn't been waiting THAT long had enough and got up and left.  My wife and I thought that maybe they just came for the fountain sodas and rolls but this apparently wasn't why they left.  Not two minutes after their departure the frazzled waiter came with their meals, saw the empty table and embarrassed had to turn and walk past his other tables in the horrible "walk of shame." 

So, what do you do?  What do you do when service is less than you want or expect?  In our society we are lead to believe that only OUR desires matter. In a world where a million things can go wrong sometimes 90% happen in one day.  Are we compassionate and understanding when we see a situation that where someone is having a difficult time?

I'm reminded of a story a friend told me happened to him and a friend of his.  They were at an IHOP and the waitress was having a HORRIBLE day and apparently decided to take it out on he and his friend.  The service was horrendous.  She was rude, mean, hateful. When it came time for the bill they waited and waited, finally asking she made a big "to do" about it.  My friend reached for the bill but the other man stopped him.  He said to my friend, "I have this one. You won't tip correctly." My friend was shocked when he tipped the lady $100 bill.  They turned and left the establishment.  They didn't make it far when the woman came out saying that he forgot his change.  The man turned around and said that there was no change, that was her tip.  The distraught woman didn't know what to say. She was crying and said, "no I don't deserve this. Why are you giving this to me! I don't deserve this"  The man replied, "I know. I want to give it to you. I don't know what has happened to make your day so deplorable but I hope that this will turn it around.

I would like to tell you that I tipped my waiter that much. I didn't. But i did tip him better than I normally would because I don't know the struggles he was having that particular day. 

Been gone awhile

I've been away for a while and looking forward to getting back to this whole blog thing...but until then, I thought I would share another interesting and insightful blog.  Enjoy!

http://tentpegs.patrickmead.net/?p=1682

National Pancake Day

Today is National Pancake Day. Stop reading this and go to your local IHOP and chow down, then come back and finish reading.

...

Welcome back...did you eat all of the food on your plate? Did you leave a good tip? 20%?? Uhhuh...SURE you did, Jesus knows. I love pancakes, or do I?  Think about this, pancakes are pretty simple.  I mean you don't dip your finger in pancake batter and say, "MMM! I love pancake batter." I mean that might be different if pancakes were made from cake batter, but they aren't so pancake batter isn't good.  The logic is simple to understand.

It's not the pancakes that are so delicious, it's the toppings one puts on them.  Butter and maple syrup for the purest, fresh fruit for the health conscience, whipped cream and chocolate chips for the kids in all of us, Peanut butter or Nutella for those who are a little bit squirrely, the choices are endless.  What you choose to put on pancakes MAKES the pancakes so delicious. 

So, what do you put on YOUR pancakes?

Ash Wednesday

I like the idea of Ash Wednesday. Although my particular faith family does not observe this day as holy, there is something very humbling about recognizing "from the earth you made and to the earth you will return".

There is something strange to me about a dead body. It's something akin to looking at a ventriloquist's lifeless puppet. Dead people just don't look like themselves. They look gone, distant...dead. I've never attended a funeral during which I over heard someone say, "they look so alive". This should make us aware that maybe there is something more than just cell regeneration and life giving blood holding our bodies together.

But there is a fear or maybe a longing when I see the deceased...I mean what IF they start to move?! Thank goodness I watched "I Am Legend", and "The Walking Dead" so I'm good on my Zombie Apocalypse survival methods.

Pushing zombies aside, I'm reminded of the Rich man and Lazarus, the rich man would have done ANYTHING to move or come back to life to tell his family that there was something MORE to this world than just stuff. I wonder how many times I have looked for stuff and missed the "big picture".

so Ash Wednesday is a time to remind yourself, "hey self! Don't think too highly of your glorious body or of the fantastic achievements...after all you are just DIRT.



By the way...since this is the day that sort of begins the season of Lent during which many persons of faith will give up eating meat for a period of time, take a moment to notice all the FISH meals that are being marketed.

In Jesus' Name

I am an Admissions Rep for a college.  I was visiting a small, public, rural school today and witnessed something that truly shocked me.  Near the end of the lunch time visit, I noticed kids gathering and beginning to make a circle around the lunch room.  Nearly ALL of the kids circled around the perimeter of the room.  When three girls stepped to the center and called the group to attention.

One of their fellow student's mother was undergoing a new, never before tried treatment for aggressive cancer.  These girls prayed for strength for the mother, that [the community] would wrap around the family, no matter the outcome. They prayed for the doctors and all the physicians coming in contact with the family.  Once the prayer was said people started clapping and pointing upward to the sky.

It was incredible to see the teens circle up and focus their attention to God.  In a society where teens are NOT necessarily looked upon in a positive light (some for their OWN choices and decisions...i.e. Twilight and Justin Bieber), it was incredibly uplifting to see these girls take a stand.  ALSO, impressive was the fact that those that chose not to circle up were still respectful. 

I'll end with this old song which expressed my thoughts and feelings today.

"I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene..."

Valentine's Day

So today is Valentine's Day and I find myself at an interesting point in my life.  I've given my valentine a present for the last 10 years.  Some years were kicking and screaming, it wasn't enough that I told her I loved her the day before OR that I planned on loving her the day AFTER but I MUST...simply MUST "get" her something on Valentine's Day or I was a heartless Neanderthal that didn't realize what he had.  Now this was NOT expressed by my Valentine...at least not in those words said above, but it was impressed upon me by culture.

Last night, the fam, read from our large Dr. Seuss book, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." First of all let me say the MOVIE was better, I kept waiting for Thurl Ravenscroft's immortal words to jump off the page...they didn't...I cried...later, not in front of my children.  But I was struck again by the fact that Dr. S. told us that Christmas wasn't in the stuff we bought, but that it was in the love we showed others.  Yet we seem to forget this simple truth and think that STUFF will make us...and those closest to us, happy. 

So what did I do for Valentine's Day this year???  Why don't you mind your own business!  Actually, my valentine may read this before she receives her gift so I'm NOT telling you. 

On another note, I purposed to my valentine 10 years ago today.  My life has been forever blessed.  Hers, not so much.  By the way if you are thinking of purposing on Valentine's Day...DON'T!  The only thing that can top an engagement ring is a Life Insurance check...just saying

Full Disclosure

This is a trial run.  Blogs are an interesting venue for the discussion of ideas.  One, a blogger must be willing to put pen to paper, so to speak, telling the entire world of their opinions and thoughts. Two, a blogger must believe that his/her thoughts are interesting enough to be read by others...or at least by his/her mother. 

First, I guess I'm doing the first one.  I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by the fact that my random, scattered, "shiny bunny" filled thoughts will be read by TENS of people.  Second, which is a bit of a lie I guess, I don't think I'm going to share anything wild or new, but if that was the case then why would I have a blog.  Point taken.

So, if you are still reading this you must be a glutton for punishment.  I don't plan on having a direction with this particular blog.  You will be at the whim of a easily distracted mind that is filled with pot holes, badger traps, and TONS of shiny bunnies.  Be patient and kind.  And good luck!