YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN

Book Wars

2011-07-13T13:44:00.003-05:00

Books are influential in my life. I've finished hundreds and have started thousands! Some have been great, others I use as door stops. So what if I took some of the books from my shelf and paired them up? Not a book review just a overall theme and comparison. Which would win? Why?

ROUND 1

The Sacred Echo by Margaret Feinberg
vs.
Knowing God by J.I. Packer

Happy Anniversary Shelly (14 years)

2011-05-31T08:24:00.003-05:00

I thought I would post a brief time line to celebrate the past 14 years of marriage (and almost 20 years of being together).

1991 - I broke my ankle and noticed you cheering on the sidelines. I thought, "Wow, that girl is too cute not to go out with me..." and on October 19 we went to Homecoming (almost 20 years ago).
1992 - This was the infamous 'Schlitterbahn' trip were I acted like I didn't like you. Yeah, still sorry about that. I just had to realize what I had in you.
1993 - This was a fun year... we were crazy high school kids! I remember always surprizing you somehow at the locker we shared between classes.
1994 - We had to grow up a lot this year. I graduated, moved to college and snail mail became our best friend. This was before email and texting, remember all those hundreds of letters?
1995 - You graduated, and we lived for Fridays when I would drive home and meet you at your house outside on your steps for 'the hug.'
1996 - This was perhaps the longest year of our lives. The wedding was set and we just simply waited... and waited... and waited. Though we had upgraded from snail mail to 'pager codes' such as 00000 (which meant "I Love You") it still was excruciating to wait for the next year to get here.
1997 - After three years of me driving home every weekend on May 31st, 1997 we stood before God and entered into a lifelong covenant. We had no idea what would be in store for us but it didn't really matter. We had each other and a determination to do whatever it took to always be the other one's #1.
1998 - Oh man... what a fun year this was... Newlyweds! I was working at Circuit City and going to school full-time and you were taking some classes and teaching full-time. I remember our small little apartment and of course how could we forget about our pot-smoking, sailor-cursing, clinically insane, bird-hating, downstairs neighbor, Gary.
1999 - I graduated from A&M and we moved to Lufkin. Little did we know that our lives would be forever changed by meeting 6 of the best friends in the world.
2000 - This year was marked by working, doing lots and lots of fun ministry, late nights at the Burch's and sleeping late on Saturday mornings (wow, remember what that was like?).
2001 - Heartache is the best word I can use to describe this year. We wanted a child so much and nothing seemed to go our way. Yet we held on to the hope that joy was indeed coming...
2002 - Joy did come. Except we called her Ashlin. All of a sudden we found ourselves holding what we had been praying for. We were as clueless as we were eager. We struggled but we learned lots.
2003 - I remember you saying, "It might be fun to live in a different state for a while." And with that we moved to Oklahoma and started an entirely new chapter in our life. We only had 1 kid, we ministered with new friends, and I earned lots and lots of free airline miles!
2004 - This year we searched for what God would have us do. It seemed like it was taking forever. Then Claire came along and it all fell into place. Now we had two kids and felt just as clueless.
2005 - I started full-time ministry and seminary this year. Meanwhile we were loving having two little girls to play with. I just remember there being lots of pink around the house.
2006 - As we continued to serve where God had us, He also began to change our hearts. He drew us closer together and gave us a desire to help other marriages do the same. We also decided to have another child. Then Levi was born, the great equalizer. He brought what was greatly needed to our house. Namely testosterone and camo colors.
2007 - Three kids now? Still in seminary... Are you kidding me? How did we do that?
2008 - Well, well, well. Apparently whatever was broken back in 2001 was fixed for good now because here came baby number 4... Carley. This year is also significant because it launched us into another category of living... The Minivan!
2009 - I finally finished seminary (serving full-time and having 4 kids). What we never thought was possible ended up being not only possible but down right fun. We also began to sense God leading us into other areas of ministry... but where?
2010 - Apparently that place was Tyler. We moved and began a new ministry, bought our first house, had a dog, and started to feel a little more grown up (but not much). Oh and the dog didn't last very long.
2011 - Here we are. What will this year bring? So far it's brought some sadness as well as hope. I could not have gotten through mom's passing without you. Your wisdom and loving hands have brought healing and comfort. I can only pray Levi finds a woman such as you and that our girls become mothers of tenderness and best friends to their husbands like you are to me.

I often think to myself would I change anything if I had it to do over again. I think I would do somethings differently, but I also know there is one thing I would never change. No matter how many opportunities I would have, or how many things I could do over. I would always pick you. I still pick you and you're still my #1.

Thank you Shelly for being who you are, thank you for your love, your beauty, and your compassion. For all you do, and all you are, and for what you mean to me and our family. Happy Anniversary.

I love You.

Looking for Your Ideas...

2011-05-25T14:07:00.003-05:00

Looking for ideas!

Here's what I'm looking for. I need creative ideas for building special moments together as a family and as a couple. I'm looking for TWO main categories. PARENTING IDEAS and MARRIAGE IDEAS. Here are some examples of what I'm looking for.

PARENTING IDEAS

Family Fun Night ideas
Special Occasion & Holiday ideas
Movie Night ideas
Bedtime Moments
Mealtime Moments
etc.

MARRIAGE IDEAS

Date Night ideas (away from home)
Date Night ideas (staying home)
Romantic Getaway ideas
etc.

Basically, if you could share your idea by EMAIL or comment below and include features such as 1) How this idea is best used
2) Things you would need in advance
3) A detailed breakdown of how to go about the idea (step 1, 2...)
4) Any possible scripture reference you might have to support the idea (scripture is not necessary).

I'd really appreciate getting these soon. Plus, if you send me an idea by email I will fill you in on what this is going to be used for.

Oh and as an added incentive...
The best idea for the Parenting category will win a free copy of Rob Reinow's book Visionary Parenting.

In addition, the best idea for the Marriage category will win a free copy of Rob & Amy Reinow's book Visionary Marriage.

Disclaimer: Voting of said resources will be conducted by my crack staff consisting of 4 kids and 1 wife. Bribes are welcomed!

Email me here

Are We Really Connecting Church & Home?

2011-04-20T18:32:00.005-05:00

Faith@Home sounds cool and all... but do we really believe it?

"Parents are the primary spiritual leaders in a child's life..."
"We believe Deuteronomy 6 places the emphasis on the family..."
"We're going to partner with parents..."
"We've got to push faith back into the home..."
"Parents, it's your job to train and disciple your kids..."

I love these phrases. I've used most of them myself. With the recent popularity of groups like the D6 Conference, Rethink's 'Orange', and the whole Faith@Home movement these phrases are almost commonplace in many churches today. Thank God for that!

However what I'm seeing is that while many churches are embracing this mindset and looking back the the ancient paths of discipleship most are not charting a course to anywhere in particular. Most churches are not making the necessary changes to ensure this type of ministry actually happens. Most churches are simply adding more stuff on top of the old stuff. Most churches are not canceling certain children and youth events which exclude parents in search of greater ones that intentionally include them. Most churches are not taking that next step of asking, "So how do we really equip mom and dad for this lofty task we're slapping them with every week?"

Most churches are selling a product they have no intention of providing any type of instructions for.

Many are claiming family ministry is important (good). They're informing parents of their God-given responsibilities and callings (good). Yet they are leaving the masses in ignorance and darkness on simple pragmatics (bad).

So here’s something to think about if you’re a church leader who buys into an Orange-D6-Faith@Home model of ministry... what changes are you making in your church? What changes are you making in your home? What changes are you calling your people to make? What budget lines are you cutting/creating? What ministries are you stopping/starting? What community organizations are you partnering with? How are you personally equipping dads to be the spiritual leaders of their families? Are you asking them to read big books (cause they won't). Are you delegating this responsibility to other staff members and demanding they “fit it in” somewhere?

Let's not be guilty of calling our people to a higher standard than what we expect of ourselves.

This post would just be incomplete if I simply raised a bunch of questions and didn't offer any solutions or ideas. Truth is, there is a rapidly growing list of resources and ideas for churches and parents out there on driving faith into the home. You can find those fairly easy if you look for them (I’ve included a few later on). Here are some of my suggestions for all of us as we navigate this ancient-yet-future way of doing family ministry:

Write information for dads that they can read during lunch or sitting in the bathroom, not during an entire baseball season (don’t expect your dads to read those thick books).
Quit beating up men for NOT leading their families. Most know they need to and most secretly want to... however, most do not have time or practical know how. That’s where you can help.
Lead moms and dads to Scripture. Let the Bible reveal most of what you're trying to instill in them.
Speaking of the Bible... Preach the WORD! Quit skeet-shooting topics like Family, Marriage, and Faith with sermons that shove a few scriptures into your main idea.
Show parents how to do what your calling them to do. Like really show them. Invite them over to your house, use your couch, and your kids. Be a literal example. Oh and make sure it's not scripted either. Otherwise they'll feel discouraged the first time they try it and fail. Help them see that perfection is a unicorn and chaos is quite normal.
Point them to further resources... rather than expecting them to attend the next Family Conference with you.
In all aspects, make it easier for them to do something.
In all aspects, make it more likely that they will do something.
Celebrate and make a big deal of it when they do something!
Teach them to celebrate themselves for doing something! Small victories.

FURTHER RESOURCES
There are just so many good things to do and so many different ways to accomplish it. However, in our home, we seldom attempt to do anything on our own. We use some good tools from people who share our same desire to pass on to our kids a devoted love for God. Here are just a few of those resource ideas.

Splink
www.d6family.com/splink
These people offer short devotional ideas based around a weekly theme. It’s good stuff and it does not take anytime at all. I will say most of these are geared toward younger kids but if you have some creativity you can easily adapt them for older kids. This is produced by a great organization that attempts to include mom and dad into the spiritual development of their kids.

iQuestions
www.iquestions.com
Ever wish there was a website that you could go watch some Q&A videos from some great and talented leaders? This is it. They cover every topic from money, careers, sex, and parenting. It is video based answers to common questions many people have but are too afraid to ask.

Advent Conspiracy
www.adventconspiracy.org
Don’t worry this isn’t a protest for or against Santa Claus. This is a movement to rethink the way Christians do Christmas (primarily with how we spend our money). Their website explains it much better then I can. Check it out.

Servant Evangelism
www.servantevangelism.com
Need some ideas for what to do as a family to share the love of Christ in simple, everyday ways? This site has more than enough ideas.

Books
(all links go to amazon.com)
Parenting with Kingdom Purpose by Ken Hemphill & Richard Ross
God, Marriage, and Family by Andreas Kostenberger
Rite of Passage Parenting by Walker Moore
Building the Christian Family You Never Had by Mary E. DeMuth
Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
Spiritual Growth of Children by John Trent, Rick Osborne, & Kurt Bruner
Bedtime Blessings by John Trent
Mealtime Moments by Focus on the Family (Heritage Builders)

Sites
www.homeward.com
www.pluggedinonline.com
www.cpyu.org
www.answersingenesis.org
www.cbmw.org

Go get em' and lead the way!

Robert

Movie Review: Get Low

2011-04-04T23:13:00.003-05:00

Remember when movies told a story? This is one of those that tells a great story. It's truly a wonderful movie but not like you think it will be. Nothing blows up, no super heroes, no action figures or epic war strategies. It is a beautiful story of forgiveness, bitterness, urban legends, and mercy. Robert Duvall (already one of the greatest actors of our day) proves why he's still on top. Add in superb performances by Bill Murray and Sissy Spacek and you've got the makings of a classic film. And oh the soundtrack... It's an incredible mixture of bluegrass and haunting orchestral melodies. The overall theme feels a tad slow at times but like anything worth waiting for it makes you appreciate it as a necessary part of the process. Don't watch it if you're fond of picking A+B=C type movies. However, if you like stories that keep you guessing and wishing for more then try it.

"Dirty-Dirty Backbeat"

2011-03-08T21:49:00.004-06:00

Is Contemporary Christian Music, Christian?

Found this video several years ago in VHS form. Went searching for it tonight on YouTube and eventually found it (our culture amazes me).

Anyway I really can't set this up without incriminating several people and one out-dated church library so I give to you Evangelist Alan Ives.

If you've got time please watch it in it's entirety but if not my personal favorite section is minutes 38:00-44:00 (Rhythm)

Carolyn Conn (1950-2011)

2011-01-13T11:08:00.004-06:00

A couple of years ago I asked my mom to write out her testimony. I wanted it for myself but also deep down I wanted it in case something ever happened to her. I needed the security of knowing she had a relationship with God and that I would see her again someday. Well she did and I want to share it with everyone here. I want you to know what kind of a mother I had. Her up and down battle with cancer and other illnesses finally took her life last week but she stands completely healed today in the presence of Christ. I miss her like nothing imaginable but I'm holding on the the truth that is Heaven and the hope of glory.

"We are not long here"
Robert

Carolyn Conn – May 18, 2009

I was raised in a Methodist church and always enjoyed going to church. At the age of 10 or 11 my Sunday school teacher asked our class if anyone wanted to ask Jesus into their heart. I chose to do that, however was not really sure exactly what that meant. One Sunday, a group of us went to the front of the church and was baptized (sprinkled with water). As life went on, I tried to be a good person, always treated people as I wanted to be treated, and knew right from wrong. When my children were born I felt that they needed to be raised in church to have a belief in God. We visited a few churches in the area that were Baptist, because my husband was raised Baptist. Church going was sporadic after that for many years.

In 1993, I was hit with a catastrophic disease of cancer and prayed to God to help me through it. It was decided that surgery would be our only treatment and afterwards the doctor’s truly felt they had removed all of it. I was thankful to God and yet continued visiting church only every once in a while. In 1995, I knew deep in my heart that I needed God back in my life and longed for a closer relationship with Him. I started attending First Baptist Porter (the same church that my children had been attending). I really enjoyed the pastor and my Sunday school Ladies class. I had never been taught the Bible in such depth and I was like a sponge, absorbing as much as possible.

January of 1996 brought my cancer back in a full vengeance. I could sense that it was going to be different than the first time and I really needed God’s help. Our pastor spoke one Sunday on Carnal Christianity, someone just going through the motions of life, believing in God, praying to God, doing good for others, etc. but not giving their entire life over to Christ our Savior. “Oh my gosh” I thought… that was me. I felt I really needed to rededicate my life to Christ but pride set in and I didn’t want everyone at church to know that I really wasn’t sure if I was saved. I was also afraid that many would think the only reason I was rededicating my life was because of my cancer and that I was scared. But I knew deep down in my heart I had to get right with God, so I made a decision not to care what anyone might think. We had a revival at church in March and the pastor spoke on faith. He asked, “What type of faith do you have?” The example he used was if you are in a rough, choppy sea. He asked, “Are you drowning? Or are you hanging on the side of the boat for dear life? Are you trying to stay afloat? Or are you in the boat, assured, helping others into the boat?” I categorized my faith as simply trying to stay afloat, barely hanging on. I thanked God for allowing me to continue to live, stubborn as I was, to give me this new opportunity to make a decision for Him.

That very Sunday I went up to the front to rededicate my life. I don’t remember walking to the front of the church, I think I was carried. A young lady named Amy asked me if I had given my life to Christ. I told her that I remembered going through the motions but there had always been doubt. Right then we prayed the sinner’s prayer and I asked Jesus to come into my heart. I chose to be baptized that evening at church and to remove all doubt, no more waiting, no more pride.

At that time I was actively going through cancer radiation treatment and my body was marked up with black markers all over my torso to show the x-ray technician where to align my body exactly with the red laser cross beams so no damage would be done to my lungs, heart or vital organs during my treatment. These markings took about 3 hours to create and align precisely and I was told not to get them wet, because water would remove them. Therefore, I had been sponge bathing for about two weeks afraid to get them too wet. I began to fear getting immersed in water, thinking that might remove the markings. This was again the devil making another attempt to stop me, to put it off for a few more weeks. However, I decided not to wait and praise God on March 10, 1996 I was baptized. Oh yeah, by the way, the baptismal waters DID NOT remove any of the marks!

I now have calmness in my heart and there is no doubt in my mind about my salvation. I have also learned never to let pride stand in my way or care what some may think. Because God doesn’t care where YOU have been, He doesn’t care what YOU have done; He is only concerned where YOU are going!!

You too, can be a friend of God forever if you make the same decision I made. You can be forgiven and you can have eternal life with God if you turn away from your sins and turn toward God (this is called repentance), if you have faith alone in Christ alone. Please make this decision for yourself today, for today is the day of your salvation.

The Bible in 139 Days

2010-12-16T08:56:00.003-06:00

We live in a Strange World people

2010-12-06T08:09:00.001-06:00

When a complete stranger can take something like this...

And make it into something like this.

Anyone out there?

2010-12-03T11:04:00.002-06:00

Anyone still check this thing? I'm considering writing a lot more (for myself really) but seeing how this is something on the web that anyone can access (even you... guy in Bangladesh) I thought I would ask.

What makes for better communication? Comedy, Satire, Theology, Heresy, Parenting?

What should I write about?

The Bible in 139 Days (continued)

2010-10-04T13:32:00.002-05:00

Recently I was challenged to read the Bible in its entirety before the end of the year. That left me with 139 days. I decided to read it Chronologically (or rather historically by date). Periodically as I’m reading I will bookmark some verses that I think are worth sharing.

MORE VERSES
Dt 30:19 - Classic verse. Don’t you wish life were this black and white all the time? I mean choosing life is an obvious choice but it’s never that plain and simple. Choosing life often results in a lot of trials and discipline.

Dt 31:16 - Upon my death bed, I want to hear about how effective my life has been on others. I’d prefer not to hear about how my influence will fade quickly after I’m buried. Sorry Moses.

Dt 32:47 - Great verse I had to memorize for my Old Testament class.

Dt 32:51-52 - Consequences for action is biblical. It hurts, it’s difficult, and it still falls under the banner of God’s grace!

Dt 34:5 - Many have argued that Moses could not have written all of the book because how can you write about your own death? This last chapter of Deuteronomy was added much later.

Dt 34:7 - Moses did not die a ripe old man, fragile and lame. He still had energy. Moses died as punishment based on the Israelites and in accordance to the age of man’s years set forth by God after The Fall (Gen. 6:3).

Dt 34:10 - Another proof that Moses did not write this last chapter. How would the most humble man in the world have written about himself this way. It would have been enough to disprove his humility.

Josh 1:2 - This would have been quite the introduction for Joshua. “Hey, guess what... Moses is dead and YOU are my next chosen vessel.” Wow.

Josh 21:45 - God always keeps his promises. When will I learn this? When will I believe this? When will I walk in this sort of way?

Josh 22:20 - The wrath of God fell upon an entire congregation because of one man?

Josh 23:14 - Another reminder that God keeps his promises.

Josh 24:14-15 - “Choose This Day...” Joshua is attacking the main problem of the people. They had been, were presently, and would continue to serve foreign gods. This would lead to many struggles and problems. Today we like to think “Choose this day...” mean choose to go to church. However the problem is the same. We serve other gods still. Why do we expect our outcome to be any different than the Israelites? Jesus doesn’t simply beat up idols in our life, He destroys them and removes them. This is painful.

Josh 24:27 - Having a stone set up as a witness against you seems harmless enough until there is no one left to worship God and the rocks begin to cry out.

Josh 24:31 - This verse seems very positive. If you quit reading here it would remain that way. However take this in context of Judges 2:10.

Judges 1:6 - Thumbs and Big Toes? Why is this important? See Leviticus 8:24.

Judges 2:10 - After Joshua, the faith of Israel died. Why? Surely that had passed down the stories of their grandfathers? The problem was in their stories, God was merely one of the characters and not the author.

Judges 2:15 - How would it feel to have the hand of the Lord constantly against you?

Judges 17:6 - A very repeated theme in Judges (and if were honest most of our lives today).

1 Sam 1:11 - This was a moving prayer for Shelly and I when we were struggling with having our first child. What does it actually mean (for us) to give our child (children) to the Lord all the days of their lives?

1 Sam 2:12 - One of the reasons we named our son Levi instead of Eli.

1 Sam 2:25 - This shows the need for a mediator or an intercessor (1 Tim 2:5-6).

1 Sam 3:11 - I want to hear stuff like this on a regular basis.

1 Sam 7:3 - Samuel is just continuing what Joshua challenged the people with... putting away foreign Gods.

1 Sam 9:9 - I love it when the Bible writes its own commentary on itself.

1 Chron 10:13-14 - Not having faith in God AND seeing a physic is a bad thing in the Old Testament. Probably isn’t much better these days.

Ps 102:18 - That’s Visionary Parenting right there!

Ps 102:20 - Amen! and Amen!

Ps 75:10 - I remember people wearing Texas A&M shirts which depicted the Longhorns “sawed-off” and this verse was on the back. I can think of worse ways to misinterpret scripture.

2 Sam 11:1 - We’ve heard this before but it’s worth mentioning again. David should have been fighting! Not lounging around his casa.

2 Sam 12:14 - How many times have I utterly scorned the Lord? Thank you God for forgiveness and grace.

2 Sam 12:28 - David’s commander Joab did all the dirty work and King David got to get the glory. That’s a good leader to have under you.

Sometimes it's just about obedience (part 2)

2010-09-27T08:02:00.000-05:00

Part 2 - The Day I Lost Lots of Money!

Back in 2003, Shelly and I had the opportunity to start a new chapter in our lives. One that looking back now, changed our whole lives drastically. I was working for a building products company in East Texas and had the chance to move to Oklahoma (Tulsa area) for a new position with the same company. We knew nothing about Oklahoma, Tulsa, or anything other than Texas. We knew no one there, knew nothing about the area, people, or anything. It was a completely fresh start. What made it more difficult was that we had a young daughter and would be leaving family, friends, and really a life of familiarity and security behind. So of course we were all for it! “Adventure is Out There!” is what I would have said had the movie “Up” come out sooner than it did.

We had tried for a few years to buy a house to no avail. For some reason every time we got close things fell apart. Plus, living on a single income makes it difficult to purchase a house (at least one that would not require lots and lots of attention). We decided that we wanted to buy a house in the Tulsa area. I visited a few times and Shelly flew up once and we looked at what seemed like a million homes. We finally found a house and placed a contract on it. A few days later the sellers decided not to sell. Strike! We were back to square one. But we were used to this pattern. We started to wonder if we’d ever live in a house that we owned. Then we found a house and it was not perfect but was going to work out for us. We placed an offer, negotiated, counter-offered, and accepted in the parking lot of the movie theater in Tulsa, OK. We were going to be home owners.

The process began and the day of the house inspection was approaching. I was unable to be present due to some training I was doing learning my new job and my new territory (I was the Sales Manager for Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. This would later grow to over 14 states but that is another story!) I asked our realtor Brenda to oversee the home inspection for us since neither of us would be there (mistake #1). Brenda called me later that day and told me, “The inspection looks good except one corner of the house needs some foundation work.” I told here as long as the current homeowners agreed to fix the problem that should be alright (foundation problems in OK are a given not an exception).

A few weeks pass. The house is apparently fixed and all is ready to go. It is Monday morning. All of our possessions were loaded on a moving truck and have already left for Tulsa. All we had was a couple of bags and 1-year old daughter. The scheduled delivery time for the truck was Tuesday afternoon, well after our Tuesday morning closing date. We would have plenty of time to close and then unload our stuff. We say good bye to friends, family, and Texas and head to Tulsa with all the pressure of a new life in hand.

That night we check into a hotel and make our way to the home to do a final walk-through with the realtor. Upon walking in the house and looking around I walk in the living room. I’m checking a few things out now that all of the previous resident’s furniture is gone. I walk over towards one of the corners of the room and trip over something on the floor. As it turns out there was nothing on the carpet after all. There was however something under the carpet. I bend down and feel the floor. It feels like there was a piece of pipe or something underneath the carpet and it was bulging up. “That’s weird” I thought to myself. It wasn’t far from the wall so I grabbed the edge of the carpet and pull it back (mistake #2). This process revealed a 1-inch wide gap/crack/cavernous hole in the slab of the house. Not only was the gap wide it was a different elevation on each side. To me it looked like an earthquake fault line or something. Worse, I could not see the end of it. I followed the crack all the way down that wall, under the wall, and into the next room (which was the Master bedroom). I quickly realized that there was about 2-3 feet of the side of the house that (from one end to the other) had broken off and settled. The whole house was affected. By ‘affected’ I mean ‘broke in half!’ The doors on that side of the house would not even shut because the slab was do badly cracked. Whatever had happened had happened after our initial walk through. At this point, my realtor looks at me and I look back at her with a look that says, “Stop everything. There’s not a chance (in you know where) we’re moving into this house.”

Shelly and I know immediately that this spells disaster! Even if the problem was fixable, there was no way it could be fixed before tomorrow morning. It would have taken weeks. Shelly begins to cry. I get very upset. My realtor immediately gets on the phone but by this time it is about 7:00pm. We get back to the hotel room that night and our lives are a wreck. The crying, doubting, and questioning begin. “What have we done?” “God for sure doesn’t want us here.” “Are we stupid or what?” “How do we get our money back?” That last question began to ring in my mind...

The next morning (the same time we were supposed to be closing on the house) I begin a conversation with my realtor that borderlines a crazy man. At this point I am determined to back out of the contract 100%, get all my money back, and make people pay for this mistake. (What had happened is that the foundation people who were supposed to fix a small crack had done a poor job and actually made it worse and had not told anyone). I say to my realtor, “There’s no way I’m going to buy this house Brenda. We were lied to, deceived, and I want every bit of my money back.” I was mad and I meant it. I wanted it all: earnest money, inspection money, all the fees and bills associated with buying a house that we had already spent. I was going to get it all back or the world was going to feel the weight of a ticked-off Texan.

Now, remember the moving truck? The one with all of our stuff in it that was driving somewhere around OK with a couple of guys that had no idea our world had crashed around us? Yeah, that moving truck.

Yep, it was scheduled to arrive that afternoon with or without a house. That meant that we had just under 3 hours to find a place to live in order to unload our stuff. (This is another great story here but I’ll save that for those who are interested. By God’s provision, we did find a place and it ended up being wonderful).

Over the next couple of weeks I proved to all that I was a jerk and I had rights as a person. Plus, I did get my money back. In fact I had talked to enough people that I had gotten back everything from everyone (which is next to impossible I’m told) except our earnest money. If you’ve ever bought a house, then you know this is no small chunk of change either. The only way to get that money back was to file for mediation and appear before the homeowners along with both realtors. I was going to have to fight for it and fight I did. Like a big fat jerk, I fought for it with a bad attitude. I filed for mediation and it was scheduled for a Monday morning in downtown Tulsa.

During that time, since we were new to the area, we were church shopping. We had visited several churches and had not found one to call home. The Sunday prior to my mediation we visited a church and the sermon that morning was based out of Luke 6. This was the text. “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. {and this is the part that I hated to hear...} Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them."

I remember thinking that day, “I wonder what poor sap this message was for. It sure wasn’t for ME!” Like a fiery pit in the soul of your stomach I was hearing from the Spirit of God. It was not audible (but I wish it had been). “Robert, why are holding on to this? So what if you get it back? Will that make you a better person? Will that make you fulfilled? Happy? Will you have won? How many people will have been hurt in the process?”

Here is the part of the story that I hate telling because it shows how much of a jerk I was. The homeowners who owned the house were a young couple like us with a child. They had also just had a new child. The wife had to go back to work within a week or two after the birth because during the selling process, they had gone ahead and purchased another house. So when we backed out of the agreement they were forced to pay for two homes. I felt sorry for them I really did but my excuse was that I had been deceived and that I was in the right. They should have been more careful themselves.

So as I sit there, listening to that sermon, I felt God’s hand of love on me like a 10-ton wall resting directly on my heart. I was broken. We left that morning and ironically never went back to that church. However, God spoke to me there for sure that day. I told Shelly that I was going to cancel my request for the money and she was shocked at first but because she is a better person than I am she quickly agreed. It was too late to call off the mediation for the next day so I was going to have to go through with it. Except this time I had a different agenda.

That morning, in downtown Tulsa, I sat in a small room with my realtor; a very distraught just-had-a-baby - tired of all this crap-homeowner, along with her realtor, and an innocent mediator who was just doing this one more time that day. Like a person sitting next to you, I felt the sense of God’s presence around me. The five of us not sure what the next few moments were going to unfold. Since I had called the mediation I was given the chance to speak first. I saw the feelings of frustration on the face of that young mother and knew that she had probably practiced a thousand times what she would say to the man who had made her life a living hell for the past few weeks. So I offered her a chance to go first. I wanted to give her the opportunity to speak her mind. She deserved it. She bitterly said, “No, I want to hear what you have to say.” So I began...

“I called this meeting with the full intention of getting my money back. I feel sorry for you guys and your circumstances but we were lied to and deceived. I feel as if I do have a legitimate argument and could probably make a case for getting my money back...”

{I paused here. Maybe for dramatic effect or maybe for prayer I’m not sure}.

I continued, “But I’m a Christian, and I feel that being a Christian causes a person to do some things that sometimes do not make sense. Things that maybe even feel awkward and foolish. I’m sorry about what you and your husband have had to endure and I’m sure you feel just as cheated as we do. So while we need that money ourselves, if it would help you guys out in your circumstance, I would like to give it all to you.”

[Silence] is too small of a word for what followed.

After a few seconds, the weeks of hurt, sleepless nights, and bitter feelings burst out in that young mother like nothing I’ve ever seen. She was crying. Her realtor began to cry. My realtor was crying. I was almost crying. The Mediator however... he was very much at a lost for words. He just sat there with a stupid expression on his face. He had never seen anything like this. He began slowly, “Uh... Uh...., so I guess... we’re uh... done here?” He looked at me with a look that said, “Please explain what I’m supposed to do from here.” I looked at him and said, “Yeah, we’re done. Let’s go!” Before that session was over the young woman’s realtor had invited us to visit her church (she had heard we were looking).

A few days later my realtor sent us a card and a cross (which we still have in our living room). In the card she said this, “I’ve never seen Christianity lived out like that before. We all preach it all the time, but it is refreshing to see someone actually trusting in it.”

As I drove back to our little two-bedroom duplex that day I felt a flood of emotions. Anger for allowing myself to get so wrapped up in ‘my rights.’ Compassion and pain for that young couple who still had a lot of difficult decisions to make. Humility because I had just been a part of something that was beyond me. However mainly I felt satisfaction for doing the right thing. Not because it was necessarily the right thing to do... but rather because it was what the Spirit had told me to do, and that made all the difference. That made it right.

Sometimes it’s just about obedience.

One Word Review

2010-09-23T23:22:00.002-05:00

TOTALWASTEOFMYTIME

Sometimes it's just about obedience

2010-09-20T11:12:00.003-05:00

Part 1 - George

One day when I was in seminary I was taking a course on Evangelism. There’s nothing like taking a class on how to do something that you know you want/need to do and then having that class make you feel like a complete boob for not doing it or neglecting it regularly. Trust me if you don’t want to be convicted about your spiritual walk, don’t go to seminary.

Anyway, so one morning while I was making my daily commute into Fort Worth I stopped at a gas station that I liked to frequent for coffee (I had to have something to help me with my 10 hour days stuck in a chair). So I walk in to the store and I’m standing by the coffee bar getting my coffee. I notice a gentleman standing by the island where all the creamer, sugar, lids, & straws are located. I fill my coffee cup up and proceed to the island myself. As I approach the island, (and as I’m thinking about the freshness of my Evangelism class) I feel the need to speak with this individual. At this time many thoughts run through my head like, “I don’t even think this guy speaks English,” “I’m sure he doesn’t want some goober talking to him this early in the morning,” and “What in the world and I supposed to say to a man buying a coffee that turns the conversation towards Jesus?” After all, I wasn’t simply going to say hello. I was going to ask about his relationship with Christ because that’s what all good Christians do right?

So as I’m placing my coffee on the island my cup tips a little and spills the contents on my hand. Yes, it was hot... because coffee is hot! I then direct my glance to the gentleman and say, “Wow, that’s pretty hot.” At this, he turns to me and says (in English I might add), “Yeah, I like hot coffee, but my wife likes that cold coffee.” At this point (which was probably about 3 seconds long but it felt like 30 minutes), I think several thoughts. Again, was the thought, “how and I supposed to talk to this man about Jesus?” The other thought and sadly, my first idea as to how to witness to this guy went something like this in my head, “So you like hot things do you... well I hope you know Jesus buddy because if you don’t then where you’ll be going is hot for sure!!” I quickly determined that I did NOT want to be that evangelistic bully-guy. Seriously, how would you respond? This is how I responded.

“Say, I’d really like to buy your coffee and breakfast (he had some other stuff) for you this morning.” He looked puzzled and replied with a look that simply sent the message of “why would you want to do a silly thing like that?” Before he could accuse me of hitting on him or being attracted to his creamy caffeinated concoction, I simply said, “I believe in Jesus and that seems like something Jesus would have done for you this morning.” Still I was clueless as to what to say and was simply trying to find excuses for ending the conversation and getting out of there.

He said, “uh, alright.”

As we walked up to the counter (he still looking puzzled and me feeling stupid) I was again puzzled as to what to do. Now, we were surrounded by numerous patrons all buying their morning java and carbs. I paid for our coffee and we both headed to the door. This would have been a great time to ask him about his wife, if he had any kids, their ages, if they attended a local church, had a faith of their own, etc. It really would have been a great time to ask that but I had about 4 seconds before we hit the door. So I mustered up my strength and said, “Well, see you later. Have a good day.”

He thanked me for the purchase and walked away in the opposite direction towards his car. As I reached my car and sat down I quickly thought, “Hey I can at least pray for him today.” Except one thing. I never asked him his name... “argggh.” So I back up my car and drive to where he was parked. He still hadn’t gotten everything in his car so he was not in it yet. I block him in determined to find out his name but a little afraid he thought I was trying to car jack him or something. I ask for his name through my open window and he replies, “George.” So then I say, “Ok George, have a great day.” I may have told him “God Bless,” but I really don’t remember.

As I drove away that day headed to my very professional class on Evangelism I was ashamed. I felt embarrassed that I was embarrassed to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger when we had been talking all week about how easy it was to do in class. Here I was on a practical assignment and I had bombed. Was I a failure? Was I a bad student? What went wrong? Shouldn’t we have knelt and prayed in the gas station floor for George to receive Christ to which he would have drove straight home witness to his wife and kids? Shouldn't George’s life have been changed because he met Robert Conn that morning over a cup of spilt coffee? George should have become a pastor himself and led hundreds to Christ. Isn’t that how these testimonies are supposed to go?

I drove away with a cup of cruddy coffee and a defeated heart.

But then, in a quiet whisper, the Spirit of God revealed to me, “Robert, sometimes it just about obedience. Will you do what I ask you to do, when I ask you to do it?”

Today, George doesn’t represent for me a lost and dying nation of people who are need of the gospel of Christ. More than that, George represents to me a moment of my life, which is far too rare, when I swallowed awkwardness, fear, doubt, rejection, and embarrassment, and asked a man if I could buy him a cup of coffee.

I’m still praying for George and myself.

The Bible in 139 Days (Week 3 & 4)

2010-09-13T20:57:00.002-05:00

Recently I was challenged to read the Bible in its entirety before the end of the year. That left me with 139 days. I decided to read it Chronologically (or rather historically by date). Each week as I’m reading I will bookmark some verses that I think are worth sharing.

WEEK 3-4
Ex 23:3 - We should love the poor but not to the extent that we forsake justice.

Ex 29:20 - This is just a little too much for me. I can just see God waiting for Moses to say, “Ok, God? Really? Isn’t that a little too much?”

Ex 32:14 - God relents (as in changes His mind). Don’t let this freak you out. It doesn’t prove God is not all-knowing. Get used to it. It’s not the first time (remember Sodom & Gomorrah)

Ex 32:19 - I can really relate to this act of Moses. I mean I’ve gotten mad too sometimes and whatever was in my hands came a flying out.

Ex 32:27 - Aren’t you glad God does not demand we do stuff like this today? Or does He? I’ve got a sword...

Ex 33:11 - Moses spoke to God face to face (this is probably idiomatic because he never actually saw His face because it would have been too much for him).

Ex 34:15-16 - I think the message is clear... Don’t whore after other gods.

Lev 4:3 - The sin of the priest was enough to bring guilt upon the entire group of people. I’m inclined to believe this continues today to some extent.

Lev 13:40 - It’s ok everybody... hair loss is not a sin.

Lev 14:2 - Luke 17:11-19 is brought into context by understanding this passage. Lepers were required to show themselves to the priest.

Lev 19:30 - Sabbath?? What’s that? Do we do that anymore? [insert sarcasm]

Lev 20:5 - A friend of mine once said that in the Old Testament parents sacrificed their children to Molech because they thought it was the best thing to do. Today, parents just allow their kids to go to Spring Break beach parties.

Lev 23:11-12 - It’s called a wave offering. Interesting.

Num 6:24-26 - Such a great prayer to pray over your kids or just about anyone.

Num 14:24 - How I long to be considered by God a man with a “different spirit.”

Num 16:22 - Once again we see how God could possibly punish an entire congregation based on one man’s sin. Lookout people.

Dt 4:7 - God’s evidence of His chosen people. Reminiscent of 1 John 4:4.

Dt 7:7 - Love this verse. God proves to Israel that it was not because of anything they had to offer, the reason He chose them. He chose them because He wanted to choose them.

Dt 8:4 - Sometimes God’s blessings are not financial. Many times they are simple gifts like durable clothing and trouble-free appliances.

Dt 9:5-6 - God proves again that they were a stubborn and stick-necked people. They brought nothing to the table. He would allow them to conquer all because His name was at stake, not theirs.

Dt 11:19 - Are these strategic times or hyperbole for ‘always?’ Either way the call is the same. (See also 6:4-9)

Dt 12:3 - We get all in a foul mood if some Christian group tries to boycott somebody. Imagine God calling the Southern Baptists to something like this today? How would that go over?

The Bible in 139 Days (Week 2)

2010-08-28T14:30:00.000-05:00

Recently I was challenged to read the Bible in its entirety before the end of the year. That left me with 139 days. I decided to read it Chronologically (or rather historically by date). Each week as I’m reading I will bookmark some verses that I think are worth sharing.

WEEK TWO
Gen 12:17 - God is serious about marriage people.

Gen 17:17 - I think God waited on purpose for them to get past (way past) child bearing age.

Gen 20:12 - I used to think Abraham was being a punk calling Sarah his sister. However, she technically was his sister.

Gen 22:8 - God indeed did provide for himself a lamb in Jesus Christ several years later.

Gen 22:13 - This reminds me of Jesus’ self-sacrifice and the wearing of the crown of thorns.

Gen 26:7 - Apparently this pattern was a ‘learned behavior’ from his father Abraham (see Gen 20:12).

Gen 34:25 - I don’t know whether to say “Ouch!”, “Oh man that’s wrong”, or “Thanks for the great daughter-dating idea!”

Gen 39:5 - I should pray that the blessing of the Lord be on all that I have, in house and field. I really should.

Gen 42:21 - Imagine living life like this. Always looking over your shoulder waiting for God to pay you back, to get you! Oh wait, so many people still live this way.

Gen 49:10 - The scepter did not depart from Judah’s line. Christ came!

Gen 50:15 - These guys are still living with baggage from the past. Pity.

Ex 1:8 - We are all just one ‘king’ away from a generation who does not know God or His blessings.

Ex 2:22 - I guess Moses having kids escaped me. They really don’t get much of a spotlight while he is alive (see also 4:20).

Ex 3:13 - Reminds me of the line in C.S. Lewis’ Prince Caspian where Aslan tells Lucy to have the others follow her. “What if they don’t believe me?” Lucy says. “It doesn’t matter” Aslan responds.

Ex 6:9 - Everyone has a breaking point. The children of Israel had been broke after hundreds of years of slavery.

Ex 7:11 - Does this freak anyone else out but me? I mean the magicians we able to duplicate these miracles? Seriously spooky. Why would they want to duplicate these plagues? The plagues were a bad thing. Why add to it? (see also 7:22 & 8:7).

Ex 12:19 - It’s time to clean house literally. God was making (forcing) them to get physical when it comes to honoring and obeying Him. Interesting.

Ex 13:9 - Sounds very familiar to Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (see also 13:16).

Ex 20:17 - Not coveting a neighbor’s wife makes sense. It sounds like he’s saying you shall not desire to have your neighbor’s wife as your own wife. However, if you read the remaining examples of neighbor’s male servants, animals, etc. the context is not simply sexual. It is saying do not desire to have for your own anything that your neighbor has worked hard for or has been blessed with. Lust is an issue here but so is pride and greed.

Ex 21:17 - I think I’ll save this verse for my kids’ teenage years. Then plaster it all over the place.

The Bible in 139 Days (Week 1)

2010-08-21T10:35:00.000-05:00

WEEK ONE

Gen 4:7 - Strikingly similar to the woman’s curse in Gen 3:16. Her desire will be to have her husband’s role but he will (shall) rule over her. Here Sin is shown to have the desire to rule over us but Cain is called to rule over it.

Gen 4:26 - At this time in history people began to call upon the name of Yahweh publicly.

Gen 7:2 - Two by two... not so much. Try two by seven.

Gen 8:20 - How would you like to have been those birds? Rescued from the flood, caged up in the arc for weeks, and then once the sun is shining and all things look promising these birds get toasted.

Gen 8:21 - Truth: Bar-B-Q has always smelled good. (Yes, this is a little sacrilegious).

Job 5:17 - Great verse for me. Good verse for Job too!

Job 8:19 - Far too many people think like this. “Save all the Christians and let the lost go to Hell.”

Job 31:12 - Adultery is a fire that burns the whole house down. Recovery is difficult at best.

Job 32:8 - Old age does not equal wisdom. God’s Spirit in you equals wisdom!

Job 38:31 - I think it is cool that God uses the terms for two constellations (Pleiades or the Seven Sisters & Orion) both of which I assume were named by humans. Maybe not, I’m no astronomer. Yet leave it up to God to use our language to express His glory.

War Dance

2010-08-01T20:33:00.002-05:00

Amazing!

Found this on Netflix the other night. It seemed like a good documentary film so I gave it a shot. I was blown away. It is filmed well and reveals a side of pain I never knew existed. If you get a chance check it out.

You can see the trailer below.

Or you can watch the whole thing free here.

Identity Theft & The Brady Bunch

2010-07-31T23:01:00.003-05:00

So Friday, I received an email from Bank of America. This email informed me that my Debit card had been shut down due to questionable activity. So I call BoA and they inform me that my card has been involved in a 'mass compromise.' I quickly assume this is not a good thing. Anything on a mass scale and furthermore compromising, cannot be a good thing. Sure enough my card had been canceled and I would have to get a new one. Not only that but Shelly's card as well. So we pack up the kids and head to our local Bank of America.

We get there and we begin unloading the kids. Something you should know is that our kids have iPods. Each time we upgrade to a new phone we pass the old ones down to the kids. Shelly & I recently treated ourselves with the iPhone 4 so that meant Ashlin got my old iPhone (though she doesn't actually use the phone features) and Claire got our old iPod touch (which we got free and then thought we lost but then found, except Carley threw it into the bathtub one day and it only plays music and a few apps and keeps a charge for 30 min). So there are our 4 kids and 3 of them were glued to an electronic gaming device. One was watching a movie, Ashlin was playing Solitaire, and Claire was learning Checkers.

I did feel rather spoiled and American at this point. I mean my kids are playing iPhones and well you know how I felt. But I considered that a better feeling than losing my mind with 4 screaming kids in a confined bank lobby with security and probably a gun-protected vault nearby.

We get called back and the guy immediately makes a comment about the number of kids we have. He says, "Did you guys just now get a TV?" This comment is a favorite of mine. Its intended purpose is to assume Shelly and I don't have anything else better to do than have child-producing sex. This has always bothered me. Not because I find the question offensive but rather at the ignorance of the question. Am I really supposed to assume watching television is a better option than having child-producing sex? That's a no-brainer for me. There's always reruns! That was probably too much information I know but hey I love my wife and that's what married people do.

So a few more minutes pass while he is getting his/our info in order and he tells us that he is the youngest of 4. This guys ought to know what it's like having 4 kids (after all he even commented how he wanted 3 or 4 of his own). A colleague of his walks over and proceeds to tell us how beautiful our kids are. Then he says, "This is the East Texas version of the Brady Bunch." I did not ask him what he meant but I'm curious as to what he really could have meant. After all, we have 2 less than the Brady Bunch, right?

I didn't think much about it really, other than it kind of made me want to punch him in his gut for being a moron. However, I assumed he just wasn't used to seeing that many kids at once in a bank lobby. However, is 4 kids really that big of a deal? I mean it's not like we're Jon & Kate or the Duggars. It's 4 kids. Why is that such a big fuss? Have we really fallen that far from honoring children as a blessing from God? I can't wait until we get the same looks for remaining married. I hate to think about it but there may come a day when explaining why you stayed married to the same woman will get just as many crazy looks as having 4 kids.

So thank you Bank of America for offending me twice in one day! If you didn't already own my whole life I'd probably sick my kids on you. Oh well, better get back to rustling up dinner, making denim clothes for the kids, and churning our own butter.

Sincerely,

Mr. Brady

One Word Review

2010-07-09T00:15:00.002-05:00

Snore!

Things I've Learned while Driving in Tyler, TX

2010-05-13T13:13:00.002-05:00

We moved to Tyler a couple of months ago now and I've had a chance to drive around town quite a bit. I'd like to make some observations about my experiences.

The majority of people drive slower than I would have thought.
Speed Limit signs have no rhyme or reason to them. (60-30-45-55-70-30...)
Many people in Tyler are not friendly drivers.
There are too many U-turns necessary in Tyler.
There are too many people who make illegal U-turns in Tyler.
Grocery store parking lots might as well be Crash-Up Derby because no one stays in their designated lane (probably because they finally don't have to follow the concrete medians).
To go anywhere in Tyler will take you 15-20 minutes. Count on it.

Make no mistake... we love Tyler and we love her quirky DOT regulations!

"Taking Off My Training Wheels"

2010-04-27T23:11:00.001-05:00

Claire rides her bike for the first time with no training wheels!

She's turning 8

2010-04-08T22:49:00.004-05:00

I've never wanted anything in my life like I wanted this girl 8 years ago. This girl marked the beginning of my greatest endeavor... fatherhood. She lights up a room when she's in it. She dances as if she is all alone when chaos is around her. She's gifted in ways I will never understand. She understands many of my struggles and sorrows and yet she is playful and childlike. This girl has my heart. I'm seeing her grow up before my eyes and I love what I'm seeing. She's turning into the person I want to be. She's learning to excel in areas I continually fail in. She has a heart which is unparalleled in compassion, mission, hope, and love. I learn from her daily and I am so very proud of who she is becoming.

She is my beautiful daughter Ashlin, and she is turning 8.

I love you Ashlin,
Daddy

I'm Reminded...

2010-02-24T14:46:00.002-06:00

I'm reminded by a lot of things lately.

Things like when TV stations used to go off around midnight. When gas stations actually had attendants that filled your tank for you. That checking the temperature outside your car was accomplished by putting your hand on windshield.

I don't want to sound all old and archaic or anything, and I'm sure not going to insist that the way things used to be was the only way they should be. No, that's nonsense. I mean back then I did not have an iPhone, a laptop, a TV that plays movies off of a disk, etc. Back then was cool, but today is better you'd have to agree.

No, what I'm remembering and lamenting is passion, eager faith, a willingness to go anywhere and do anything. You know that feeling when your life was less full of stuff that holds you back and keeps you tethered to the comfortable? Why is it that when I was single and didn't have bills that I would have dropped everything and moved overseas? However now it would be much harder. Is it simply because I have more kids now (alright, a lot more). Is it simply because I'm responsible for more? Because I have more roots? Or maybe, just maybe... I'm doing the thing I vowed never to do... get comfortable.

So I'm moving overseas!

No, I'm kidding. Truth is, I do have a family now (a large one). I have a lot of bills and responsibilities, and all that junk. Is it possible to still live out the passion I first had in the life I have now? Possible... I don't know. Worth the attempt?... you better believe it!

"I care far more how humanity lives than how long. Progress, for me, means increasing goodness and happiness of individual lives. For the species, as for for each man, mere longevity seems to me a contemptible idea."
C.S. Lewis, God In The Dock

What to do when the Bible is silent (or not clear) on an issue

2010-01-29T22:41:00.002-06:00

“When we don’t find the specific answer to a specific question in the Bible, we are not free to add to the commands of Scripture what we have found to be pragmatically correct. It is certainly possible that God will give us specific guidance in particular day-to-day situations, but we do not have license to place on par with Scripture any modern revelations, leadings, or other forms of guidance that we believe to be from God. Nor should we ever seek to impose such guidance on other Christians generally or on other people in our churches, since we can be wrong about such guidance and God never wants us to give it the status of his words in the Bible.”

Wayne Grudem

Youth Room Remodel

2010-01-27T21:41:00.005-06:00

So for the past few weeks I've been remodeling a room in our Youth area. I asked a couple of guys in the church who are great carpenters and handy men to help (or rather oversee) the construction and they did a great job! Joel Bartlett & Ryan Dunn also got their hands dirty. We finished it today just in time for church tonight. Basically, we took an old Sunday school room that was only being used for storage and made it into an audio/video room. That move alone gave us some much needed additional space in the room.

Click on the pictures to see larger versions.

Hope For Haiti

2010-01-19T13:19:00.005-06:00

We sold over $1000 worth of shirts this weekend during Overflow Weekend. If you'd like a shirt please email me robert@fbcsanger.com.

We're not hi-tech enough to have online ordering so you'll have to mail us the order form along with your payment. Sorry about that. Here is the order form.

Adult Sizes = $15
Youth Sizes = $10

100% of the proceeds go towards Compassion International and Hope for the Hungry (two organizations directly affected by the earthquake).

Mail to:
FBC Sanger (Robert Conn)
PO Box 1700
Sanger, TX 76266

Make checks payable to FBC Sanger

See Ya 2009

2010-01-01T13:01:00.003-06:00

I'm not going to lie folks I didn't like 2009. Sure it had good times (seminary graduation, memorable trips and events with the family, seeing lives changed through Christ). But honestly there were other things that I'd just as soon not live again. Those of you in ministry will understand what I'm talking about. Every so often you have one of those periods of time where ministry is just plain hard. It's down-right ugly, mean, messy and makes you want to bail. And you probably would if it weren't for God's unwavering grace and the Spirit's intimate calling into your life.

There are those years that life loses a little of its shine. You discover things you don't want to discover. You learn things you don't want to learn. You learn them about others and you learn them about yourself. It takes a while for you to see clearly again. Maybe it was because of arrogance, maybe it was because of pride, or maybe it was being counted worthy enough to endure such suffering and trials. Only God knows. Either way... it was hard.

I'm ready for 2010.

Brighter days... Spring is coming!

Buy His Music

2009-12-28T10:16:00.001-06:00

www.rosskingmusic.com

Christmas Present for Shelly

2009-12-17T10:10:00.002-06:00

My wife loves Tetris. No seriously, she has like mad-ninja Tetris skills. If you don't believe me then challenge her. After you pick your bloody stump of an ego up off the ground you'll understand.

Anyway, I think I want to get her this for Christmas.

North or Be Eaten!

2009-12-03T09:41:00.006-06:00

I can not overstate the awesomeness of this book (and this series so far). North or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson is Book Two in the Wingfeather Saga. The book follows the heroic adventures of Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby who are actually the Lost Jewels of Anniera.

Peterson is becoming one of my favorite authors because he writes in a way that is 1) exciting, 2) hilarious, 3) thought-provoking, and 4) inspiring. Perhaps being a songwriter has given him a way with words but all I know is that reading these books (especially Book Two) is like awakening from a great dream you simply don't want to end.

Here is a snippet.

Then he thought of his father, Esben, and remembered the picture of him sailing on his twelfth birthday, an image Janner considered the essence of freedom. He thought about the royal blood in his veins and about the long-gone glory of his kingdom. He had been too busy to think much about the real Anniera. It hovered in the distance of his best dreams but remained a dream only. It was hard to believe it actually existed, that across these very waters a home awaited him. A real island where there had once been real towns, where there stood a real castle - the castle where he was born. Janner ached to see it. He remembered the words of his father's letter: "This is your land, and nothing can change that." He imagined lying in the warm wind of a heathery slope, eyes closed so he could feel the heartbeat of his land. He was only twelve, but he knew enough to realize that the way before him would be hard. Is it worth it? he asked himself. Was it worth losing his old life in order to learn the truth of who he was and who he was becoming? Yes.

Find out more about Andrew Peterson here.

Read my review of Book One

What My Brother Does...

2009-12-02T09:14:00.001-06:00

My brother works for HP and designs really important stuff. This is a video of his latest creation. I have no idea what this lady is talking about but it sure is a cool video.

Overflow Weekend 2010

2009-11-22T20:57:00.001-06:00

Overflow Weekend
"Live Love"
January 15-17, 2010

Trip to the Park OR Labyrinths, Motion Sickness, and a giant Leap of Faith.

2009-10-24T10:52:00.001-05:00

Remember this Song?

2009-10-12T22:51:00.002-05:00

Anybody remember this from 2002 and the 'Simulcast' video for 40 Days of Purpose? Still a great performance by Natalie Grant.

P.S. not sure where the subtitles came from but you get the point.

2009-10-09T10:36:00.002-05:00

Is it just me or is George Washington slapping Obama upside the head in this picture?

The Hunt 2009

2009-10-07T14:55:00.003-05:00

Coming in November

For God so Loved... Wonka?

2009-10-05T21:42:00.001-05:00

Another episode of Claireisms...

Legalism at it's best OR just a misunderstanding?

2009-10-01T22:54:00.004-05:00

I was studying for a sermon today and ran across this passage in John 6

27 Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”

Jesus was emphasizing one thing and they heard another. They misunderstood him (go figure). They basically responded with, “Just tell us what God requires and we’ll do that.”

Now I've heard some pretty silly arguments that are supposed to be arguments against legalism but actually are more like defenses for it. (I'll use daily bible reading just as an example, though it could be anything...).“I don’t have to read my Bible every day. Nowhere in the Bible does it say I have to read it everyday. That’s legalistic to think that.”

Really? While I'm not the guy who goes around checking off little boxes of what I've done today or yesterday, or ever... You tell me which is more legalistic. The guy who disciplines himself to read the bible everyday because he knows it is good for his soul OR the guy who doesn’t read his bible but admittedly would if the bible told him he had to?

Iron Man vs. Bruce Lee

2009-09-17T13:22:00.001-05:00

Good Ole' Boys (addendum)

2009-09-12T21:37:00.005-05:00

Why do we seek goodness? Probably because most people look at a Christian life and see some forms of goodness and that is appealing to them. Most people think that Christians are good people. In addition, most Christians portray their lives as being largely good. They hide the bad and showcase the good. The problem is that when people seek after 'goodness' usually all they find is behavior modification and and a perpetual list of "Do this" and "Don't do this."

The solution is to seek holiness, seek truth, seek righteousness through justification (all of which are only obtainable through Christ). In the long run goodness may be found, but more as a byproduct than as the intended goal.

1 Peter 1:13-21
13 Therefore, g preparing your minds for action, [1] and h being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, i do not be conformed to the passions j of your former ignorance, 15 but k as he who called you is holy, you also be holy l in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, m “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you n call on him as Father who o judges p impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves q with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you r were ransomed from s the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but t with the precious blood of Christ, like that of u a lamb v without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but w was made manifest x in the last times for the sake of you 21 y who through him are believers in God, z who raised him from the dead and a gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Good Ole' Boys (part 2)

2009-09-10T14:10:00.000-05:00

Below this post is Part 1. You should read it first if you have not. This one probably won't make much sense if you don't.

What about Scripture?
What does the Bible say about our goodness? Doesn’t it say we are to be good people? Yet is striving for goodness the real issue?

The bible makes it pretty clear that even in our best attempts it is impossible for us to be 'good.' Psalm 14:1 says, “There is no one who does good.” Jesus rebukes the Rich Young Man for assuming he knows what the word 'good' even means in the first place (Mark 10:18). In addition the Bible even tells us that Christians aren't the only ones who know how to do good things (Luke 11:13).

So seeking 'goodness' is bad? Got it!

Wait, if we are not to focus on goodness then...

Why should I not withhold my goodness from those who deserve it? (Proverbs 3:27)
Why was doing good on the Sabbath a potentially bad thing? (Mark 3:4)
Why do my enemies deserve me doing good to them? (Luke 6:27)
Why should I overcome evil with good? (Romans 12:21)
Why is goodness considered a fruit of the Spirit? (Galatians 5:22)
Why should I not grow weary by doing good? (Galatians 6:9)
Why was I created to do good works? (Ephesians 2:10)
Why should I hold fast to what is good? (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Why should my goodness be of free will and not compulsion? (Philemon 1:14)
Why should others continually see my good deeds? (1 Peter 2:12)

So seeking 'goodness' is good? Got it!

I don’t get it? Why the de-emphasis and then a glaring emphasis?

And then I read this verse and it sort of summed it all up for me.

John 3:20-21
20For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God." (emphasis added by me)

Do you see it?

Think about it, people who do wicked things avoid the light of Christ. They avoid the light because the light will expose their wicked deeds for what they truly are... wicked. So think about the opposite of that. Think about what a man looks like who tries to do the opposite of “wicked things.” You would think it would be a man that tries to do “good things.” You would think that, you really would, but you’d be mistaken.

The man who tries to live a life opposite of wickedness doesn't seek goodness, he seeks TRUTH! Literally, "he lives a life of practicing truth". He lives by the truth. Truth and Goodness are two completely different words in the Bible. Most of the time you see the word goodness (other than the ones listed above) it is referring to an attribute of God or describing something He gives, blesses, or has made (Gn 1:31; Ps 34:8; Is 52:7; Na 1:7; Jn 10:11; Ps 23:6; Ps 31:19; Zec 9:17).

Here’s where the confusion is I think. Truth is good but not all goodness is necessarily truth. This is why two guys like Gary and Larry (see previous post) can do the same things and they look seemingly similar. Larry does them out of compulsion (maybe to be a better guy or give back to the community or maybe he thinks he needs to do them for Karma). This is why Larry can love his wife and play with his kids and be honored by all for it. He can even be considered a "good Christian" when he is not. Some of the things he does are good and some of those things ring true with ultimate Truth... hence it's a good thing.

Yet for Gary to seek Truth, oh man, that is another ball game. Now Gary’s goodness doesn’t matter to him any longer. Gary is not loving his wife because he needs to, he is loving her because he can’t help but love her. Gary is not staying late at work for selfish reasons (though still entirely possible), he is working hard because he is daily, publishing the gospel that God has written on his brand-new living heart.

Larry may live a good life, but it is a life that shuns the light out of fear of being exposed and shamed by a holy God. Gary lives a good life and humbly (I daresay... boldly) comes to the light so that it may be seen that what he has done has been done through God (John 3:21). Gary is not perfect, far from it, but he is faithful.

Gary is no longer afraid of the light, he has no reason to be. While Larry lives a good life rejecting the light... Gary lives a life of truth delighting in it.

So you see “Does being a Christian make you a better person?” YES and NO.

Like my friend Taylor said, “Being Christian means loving Jesus and abiding in Him, who is God, who is all things good.”

It seems logical that abiding in Him would result in some of that "goodness" spilling over into you and out of you.

“Niceness... is an excellent thing. ...But we must not suppose that even if we succeed in making everyone nice we should have saved their souls. A world of nice people, content in their own niceness, looking no further, turned away from God, would be just as desperately in need of salvation as a miserable world - and might even be more difficult to save.”(1)

1 C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: Touchstone/Simon & Schuster, 1980).

Good Ole' Boys (part 1)

2009-09-08T13:36:00.003-05:00

I’m a little long winded sometimes (read: always). So I’m not sure when this post will end. If it gets too long prepare for part 2.

This post is in response to a previous question I asked... “Does being a Christian make you a better person?”

My quick answer: YES and NO. (You may stop reading now or carry on).

I grew up in the South and I started going to church at a very Southern Baptist church. I’ve been a part of several churches and believe it or not even within the “Baptist” branch of Christianity there are varying views of morality. However, for this post I will focus on (pick on) only one mindset and understanding of morality. Goodness.

I’ve heard countless times from the pulpit things like, “Christ will help you behave” and “God will make your life better” and “Come to Jesus and He will make you a better person, husband, father, employee” and all that. Often I’ve battled these sentiments internally. Often I’ve believed them and many times perpetuated something similar. I’m not bashing any preachers here. I’m just shining some light on what I think is a small pervasive problem with many people’s theology regarding their own morality.

Christians for some reason or another really want to be “good” people. Why is that? Do we think that by being “good” we will make God more famous? Will our lives be more of a testimony to Christ’s redeeming work in us? Will our neighbors be more intrigued and interested in coming to our churches by observing our “good” behavior? This is why we love the testimonies which start with sex, beer, and meth and end with families, grape juice, and scripture memory. (Oh if I only had one of those testimonies...)

So I’ll admit this early on here... “I don’t know.” But what I do know is that I’ve had an unhealthy and malnourished understanding about anything relating to my “goodness” and what my Christianity “gets” me.

Let’s play a scenario here. Let’s assume there are two similar men. One is named Gary and the other is named Larry. Gary comes from a troubled past with abuse, neglect, drug use, alcoholism, emotional instability, self-doubt, and an all-around cruddy life. Larry on the other hand is just a good guy. He’s a hard worker and his friends love him. He’s the first to buy the drinks on Friday night and the last to spread rumors about you. Oh, I should add that Gary (the first guy) is a Christian and Larry (the second guy) is not.

Now, let’s say you meet them both for the first time on the same day. You meet Gary and see how he lives his life. You see a nice guy who handles life well and respects others. He loves his wife, plays with his kids, and stays late after work to excel at his job. Then you meet Larry. Larry handles life well, respects others, loves his wife, plays with his kids, and stays late after work to excel at his job. Practically the same guys right? Or so you think. Let’s assume you do not know the history of each individual. You have no clue what Gary has been through and how coming to Jesus Christ has drastically changed his life. You should have seen him 5 years ago.

If you met these two guys at the same time, and then you found out that Gary was a Christian and Larry was not, you would have to conclude that being a Christian really has no effect. It doesn’t make you any different from anybody else. Gary and Larry act the same. They do the same things, they are just as polite, caring, and patriotic as the next guy.

Tim Keller (responding to a similar scenario) states that “unless you know the starting points and life journeys of each person you could easily conclude that Christianity isn’t worth much and that Christians are inconsistent with their own standards.”(1)

C.S. Lewis compares this dichotomy of goodness to being sick with an illness while still feeling better. For Lewis, coming to Christ should make you a “better” person in that you should not continue to be a snobbish, spiteful, envious, or ambitious person. In that regard you have become “better.” Lewis also states that being religious is mainly useless unless it does make you “better.” For this reason the world is correct to judge our actions. The world should be able to see our fruit. “When Christians behave badly... we are making Christianity unbelievable to the outside world.” (2)

Yet Lewis says there is a flip side of the coin as well. The world is incorrect to assume that Christians (at any given moment) should always be obviously nicer, more tolerant, and more generous than those who do not believe in Jesus (see Lewis’ chapter in Mere Christianity called “Nice People Or New Men.”

Glenn Packiam says it even more clearly when he writes “the good news of the gospel is not that we simply behave better; the good news of the gospel is twofold: that we have been forgiven, and that our hearts have been made alive to God!”(3)

For this I can not help but think about the Woman at the Well seen in The Gospel of John chapter 4 (mainly verses 1-26). Most of you reading this post will be familiar with the story so I’ll skip all the formalities.

Notice Jesus offered her “living” water.

I’ve heard this woman called “The Bad Samaritan” from the pulpit and while living a life of sexual immorality and I’m sure adultery probably qualifies you for the moniker of “bad” this title misses the point of the encounter. Had Jesus been primarily interested in her badness then he would have offered her “good” water. Yet he did not. He offered her “living” water? Why? Because forget the badness... she was DEAD! She was spiritually dead. She stood in current condemnation against a holy God. Good water would not have been enough. Really, really, great, holy, spiritual, and purified church water would not cut it, she needed something more.

When we focus on people’s badness we miss the bigger story... their deadness.

To be Continued...

1 Tim Keller, The Reason for God (New York: Dutton/Penguin Group, 2008).
2 C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: Touchstone/Simon & Schuster, 1980).
3 Glenn Packiam, Secondhand Jesus (Ontario: David C. Cook, 2009).

BIG BLOG COMING...

2009-09-06T00:11:00.003-05:00

I'm chewing on some stuff that I want to share here in a few days. It's about goodness. Till then I want to hear your thoughts on the topic. How about a question?

Does being a Christian make you a better person?

shhh, I've shared too much already.

Upstream

2009-08-25T13:13:00.005-05:00

Swimming upstream is difficult. Extra work is required. To turn around in the forceful and obvious tide simply to stand still, much less move forward in the opposite direction, takes more than I have the capacity to do.

I have kids so I use them a lot as illustrations. Mainly because they teach me more about myself than any other thing. It's like God's little gift to me, "Here Robert, here's a little mirror of yourself for 18 years." That said, my kids pick up on certain things and then they are taught others. My overbearing fear and apprehension as a parent has always been, "where do they learn the paralyzing sin known as behavior modification?" Do I unknowingly teach my kids that modifying their behavior simply to produce my desired outcome is all that is required? Do I give them the impression in my discipline that God treats us the same way?

The only reason I ask is because I see more often than not teenagers who understand their Christian walk as "doing the right things" and "being a better person." Let me make no uncertain terms about this. I think this type of thinking is paralyzing and leaves us in a one-sided relationship with God that only benefits us and leaves the Holy Spirit powerless and ineffective.

How do I go from teaching my two-year old to put the knife down so he doesn't kill himself to teaching him later that God is not interested in his goodness. How do I go from telling my child to always do the right thing even when its difficult (i.e. swimming upstream), to showing them that while modifying their behavior will impress most church members and the general masses, the hollow darkness of their hearts far outshines their good reputation and apparent good behavior ?

Lord, I pray I'm not a parent that teaches my kids that I am only satisfied in them when they obey or do what I want them to do. Praise God, I'm making intentional efforts to combat that very thing. My 4 year-old repeatedly recites back to me a truth that I tell her often, "There's nothing I can that will make you stop loving me daddy." How do I keep that and yet teach them to live a life of following hard after God? Oh yeah, trusting in the Spirit, because I could never teach them that anyway. The Spirit must reveal it to them. And then only after they receive the Spirit. Sure that guy down the street can't live like a Christian because he has no power to. He does not have anything in him that allows him to live a Spirit-filled life. Man, I hope I don't expect my kids to live a life after Jesus long before they see their need for Him.

I am reminded everyday at both the powerful importance and the paralyzing impotence that is parenthood.

Holy God, allow me to live a life not based on my goodness, a life that does not overlook a negative aspect here because I have more positives aspects over there. Allow them to see me fail. Allow them to see my humanity, my weakness, my frailty, my pain, hurts, doubt, questions, sorrows, and fears. Then allow them to see me rise up and place all of that into your hands, the One who pleads my case for me. Allow them to see a life lived for you, seeking after the joy that is only found upstream instead of the easy, uncomplicated, undemanding, unchallenging, effortless, painless, trouble-free, facile, simple, straightforward, and elementary joys of this world. Then maybe one day, they will be intrigued enough, having seen it done, to seek out understanding and guidance from You and You alone. That is my only hope and You are theirs.

Huh?

2009-08-18T14:42:00.001-05:00

Cause this is a lot simpler than the old way of doing it...

Medieval

10 things you did not know about Robert Conn

2009-08-17T13:06:00.004-05:00

I've never been much of a fan of the Facebook lists or the little quizzes about people I'm supposed to know. Listen I haven't seen you in like 20 years and I'm supposed to know the name of your first cat? Yeah right?

Anyway, I thought I would post my own list.

10 things you did not know about Robert Conn

Me and 3 other larger gentlemen won a lineman relay (a.k.a "fat-man relay") in high school at one of our track meets and we never did get our fruit basket award.
I actually had one of my ideas patented by Hewlitt-Packard Computers. I got $1,000 for it and they are billionaires.
I can run 4-5 miles without stopping. Seriously, I tried it the other night. Then two days later I got out of bed.
I have the most gorgeous wife and the most amazing kids in the world. (Ok, so you probably did know that but I'll take the brownie points anyway, Thank You very much!)
I really don't care for video games. I don't hate them or anything but I can only do about 10-15 minutes and then I'm done.
I really don't care for water parks. I don't hate them or anything (scratch that, I do hate them!) But my kids love them so what's a man to do?
I have somewhat of a photographic memory when it comes to information I have read or even recognizing people I have met. However, it has no affect on their names. I'd forget my own name if I didn't work at it.
I have the patience of a two-year old boy. You want to know how I know? Because I have a two-year old boy.
The very first question I'm going to ask God Almighty in heaven is, "Dreams??? what were those all about really?"
While I can't wait for my kids to grow up... When I see old photos of them I get a sick feeling in my stomach because they are growing up far too quickly.

More Photoshop

2009-08-10T09:40:00.003-05:00

ORIGINAL

EDITED ORIGINAL (no people/boats)

FINAL

Youth Camp Review... Part 2

2009-08-03T08:50:00.004-05:00

I've always been a fan of Neil McClendon. He hates me saying this but he spoke at my church when I was in Youth once. The thing I appreciate about Neil is the same thing most other Youth guys appreciate about him. He's not afraid to speak the truth and he does it in a very convicting and relevant way. Most Youth Pastors are not really afraid to speak the truth but for some reason when we do it it just comes across as arrogance and pride. However, Neil leaves you wanting more.

Besides his man-crush for bacon (or "meat candy" as he calls it) Neil has a bagful of one liners that render you useless for the next few minutes because you're focused on digesting what he just said. Here are a few of those...

"God is not a complex being with with several attributes in several boxes, He is one box with all attributes."
"Religious people are always offended."
"Christianity is not a feeling to be maintained, it is a reality you were created to enjoy."
"Most of the hard things in life will require more joy than discipline."
"The Bible has more confidence in joy than we do."
Chemistry definition of Conversion: "The process by which a chemical gives up its natural properties to become something its never been before - the byproduct of which can never be the same thing again."
"Most of us want to have experiences instead of habits."
"The church we preach to looks very different from the church we preach about."
"Proof that you know God is that you can endure things that don't feel good."
"Suffering is not punishment, it is an invitation."
"The thermostat in God's house is set on glory!"
"God does not relate to us based on convenience, He relates to us based on maturity."
"Don't walk away with more determination than when you arrived, leave with more joy!"
"Evangelism is the privilege of the individual, not the responsibility of the church."

Thanks Neil, for challenging not only my students but also all of us.

If you're in the Sugarland, TX area... visit Neil's church. Grand Parkway Baptist Church

Innovative Pizza Box Design

2009-07-28T00:23:00.001-05:00

I'm impressed!

Youth Camp Review... Part 1

2009-07-25T20:44:00.004-05:00

Billy & Cindy Foote

Being long-time fans of Billy and Cindy Foote, that was part of the reason I chose to go to this camp. To get to spend 5 days under quality musicianship and quality songwriting was bound to be a hit... and it was!

Billy did not fail to impress with his trademark "Cut Capo" and Eb tuning. Although I think if they actually performed songs in the standard "E" tuning Cindy's voice might have shattered the stained glass windows. That girl don't play y'all!

During the first Youth Ministers meeting on Monday night, Billy asked us to trust him. He would be teaching the students some new songs and that they just needed to stick with him. By the end of the week it would all make sense.

And that is what they did. They sang exclusively their music. I only counted three small bits of other material throughout the entire week. 1) "Nothing but the blood" hymn, brief snippet of Crowder's "O Praise Him," and one verse of "It is Well." Though these were peppered amidst his other songs in the forms of tags.

I could not believe how refreshing it was to NOT sing some standard worship songs. I love Tomlin, I love Crowder, and I kinda like Hillsong United. They write incredible songs... anthems if you will. However I never realized until this week how we often simply fall into a rut when we sing very popular songs like that. We subconciously think, "I know where this is going so I'll check out until it gets to the part I can cut loose." We seldom think about what we're singing.

But for the students to catch on to this was a blast to see. They said phrases like, "I like learning these new songs." Wow! Imagine that. Granted not everyone can pull this off. It takes solid musical ability. Billy Foote writes great songs. They are gospel-laden! They are not songs that celebrate our propensity to sin or repeat endlessly a job description of God. They are songs gloryfying God and the gospel, declaring our new identity, and freedom from sin!

The hits of the week were mainly Billy's brand new tunes Knees Are Bowing, Wonder Working One, We Will Trust, Salvation's Song, All Praise to God, and The Living One. They also did a few of their older hits like Welcomed Here and Not a God. The main focus was put on their two latest EPs "All the World To Me" and "Wonder Working One" both available on iTunes for $4.95. Well worth the price.

Thank you Billy and Cindy! For writing great songs and not being afraid to play them.

Legacies (part 8) Resources

2009-07-14T13:15:00.004-05:00

Part 8 - Resources

Well I’ve realized that to attempt to write out all the ideas and ways you can leave lasting legacies to your children is useless. There are just so many good things to do and so many different ways to accomplish it. However, in our home, we don’t attempt to do anything on our own. We use some good tools from people who share our same desire to pass on to our kids a devoted love for God. Here are just a few of those resource ideas.

Splink
www.d6family.com/splink
These people offer short devotional ideas based around a weekly theme. It’s good stuff and it does not take anytime at all. I will say most of these are geared toward younger kids but if you have some creativity you can easily adapt them for older kids. This is produced by a great organization that attempts to include mom and dad into the spiritual development of their kids.

iQuestions
www.iquestions.com
Ever wish there was a website that you could go watch some Q&A videos from some great and talented leaders? This is it. They cover every topic from money, careers, sex, and parenting. It is video based answers to common questions many people have but are too afraid to ask.

Advent Conspiracy
www.adventconspiracy.org
Don’t worry this isn’t a protest for or against Santa Claus. This is a movement to rethink the way Christians do Christmas (primarily with how we spend our money). Their website explains it much better then I can. Check it out.

Servant Evangelism
www.servantevangelism.com
Need some ideas for what to do as a family to share the love of Christ in simple, everyday ways? This site has more than enough ideas.

Books
(all links go to amazon.com)
Parenting with Kingdom Purpose by Ken Hemphill & Richard Ross
God, Marriage, and Family by Andreas Kostenberger
Rite of Passage Parenting by Walker Moore
Building the Christian Family You Never Had by Mary E. DeMuth
Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
Spiritual Growth of Children by John Trent, Rick Osborne, & Kurt Bruner
Bedtime Blessings by John Trent
Mealtime Moments by Focus on the Family (Heritage Builders)

Sites
www.homeward.com
www.pluggedinonline.com
www.cpyu.org
www.answersingenesis.org
www.cbmw.org

Thanks for putting up with me throughout this series. I hope you’ve been encouraged to become a parent who desires to leave a spiritual legacy for your kids to follow. I also hope you’ve been encouraged that this is tedious work and even though you will fail from time to time the goal is to be as consistent as possible and intentional about what you do. You would never give up on your kids... don’t give up on their journey towards God.

God bless!

Robert

Read More:
Part 1 - The Importance of a Legacy
Part 2 - Preparation
Part 3 - The Struggle
Part 4 - At Home
Part 5 - Share the Love
Part 6 - On The Way
Part 7 - Encouraging Words

He likes me... he really, really likes me!

2009-07-13T15:42:00.001-05:00

Can you fathom a God that is already pleased with you? Before Jesus did anything on earth God proclaimed to everyone that he was already pleased with him. How would it change your day if you woke up and knew (I mean really knew) that God was already pleased with you? Like a big fat smile and dancing over you kind of pleasure (see Zephaniah 3:17)? You don’t have to earn his favor. God does not ask us “What have you done for me lately?”

“I wish to God I could believe that.” I’m telling you because of God, you can!

When will we stop believing that little voice in our head that says, “You stink, try harder… run faster… jump higher.” God does not keep raising the quota for you to be acceptable to him. The treadmill has been turned off. It is not required of us to work ourselves into a religious lather to please him.

Philippians 2:13 says that God chose us for his good pleasure. Why? Why does he continue to choose us when we are filthy, selfish, and unworthy? It is because of God’s loving-kindness. Because his pursuit after us is not based on anything we have done or will do. It is not based on duty or obligation. His pursuit is only based on the fact that he cannot do any other thing than pursue us. It is his very nature to do so. That is Old Testament understanding of loving-kindness and the New Testament understanding of grace. God got first-round draft pick and he chose you first! Why? The Bible says because of pleasure. You can’t earn God’s pleasure… you simply have to receive it.

When will we stop trying to wear costumes of Christianity? Costumes telling us we need to spend our money this way, costumes telling us to drink this and not this, costumes telling us to listen to this type of music and not that type, costumes telling us to worship this way and not that other way, costumes, costumes, costumes. We’ve picked them up from many years of well-meaning Christians who think they know what we need to be spiritual! We have far too many costumes in our closets and no identities to dress ourselves in. This results in a religious schizophrenia that satisfies itself by compelling us to do the right things and avoid the wrong things.

We do a great job at urging sinners to repent of their sin. Yet we stink at demanding religious people to repent of their own righteousness. When we only preach to sinners what you get is a church filled with righteous people who think they have no need of repentance. Scary, isn’t it?

Can you fathom a God that is already pleased with you?

Kids vs. Gremlins

2009-07-10T19:18:00.005-05:00

1) Keep them out of bright light (easy to do when it's 110 outside!)
2) Don't get them wet (if you do your bathroom rug and floor will be soaked!)
3) Never feed them after midnight (snack? huh? I want a snack, I want a snack, I want a snack, I want a... !)

Every night I feel like we break these rules and before you know it there are 45 kids running around terrorizing our house.

Legacies (part 7) Encouraging Words

2009-07-08T14:41:00.002-05:00

Part 7 - Encouraging Words

I stink at encouraging. I stink at it when it comes to my kids and my wife. She deserves constant praise for all the hard work she pours into our four children every day and all day long. I do remember every now and then to thank her and to encourage her, but I’m way malnourished in that department. I’m also bad about doing it regularly with my kids. I find myself at times realizing that I’ve told them more negatives than positives. On most days, I’ve rebuked them and corrected them way more than I’ve taught them and shepherded them. However, even though I do have a hard time with encouraging my kids I try to make a point to do it and to even go out of my way to do it as much as I can.

Here’s what it may look like.

One of our kids decided that she would give little homemade cards to all of her neighborhood friends inviting them to church. I was blown away. We made a huge deal out of this. We went on and on about how cool of an idea that was and even helped her mass produce those things. Why? Because God is a rewarder of those who seek after Him (Hebrews 11:6). Doing little things like that is, in my opinion, seeking after the heart of God. So yes, we rewarded and encouraged big time.

Look for those times when your kids think “big” or “beyond themselves.” You know, those moments where they seem to think and act years beyond what is expected or “normal”. When your daughter chooses not to wear the revealing outfit, that’s big! When your son decides to share and not cut his sister’s head off with a rake, that’s big! When your kids make you a note saying that you’re a great mommy or daddy, that’s big! Capitalize on those moments. We’ve taken special trips to the store to reward good choices, we’ve given a little extra in allowances, and even allowed greater privileges around the house, etc. The point is clear... we are rewarding for good choices and God-like thinking.

Now, the naysayers out there will say something like this, “Wait a minute, aren’t you just rewarding for behavior that should be there anyway? Isn’t it dangerous to reward your kids for doing something that they should be doing already?” I agree some of these things should be expected from your kids. However, remember that you are building a legacy and typically with younger children. I don’t recommend buying your teenager a car when they choose not to cheat on the test, they should know better. However, when they’re young and they really have not grasped Christlike behavior, I say make a big deal out of it. It also depends on the child. Some kids have a harder time at this than others, be sensitive.

Encourage your kids, especially in those decisions and choices that demonstrate the heart of God.

(next and final time: Some resources that may help!)

Thank You Shelly

2009-07-02T20:14:00.002-05:00

I have two curses...

2009-06-30T11:23:00.002-05:00

1) When there are two doors side by side I always pick the wrong one to try and go through... the locked one!

2) Every stapler I pick up has just used its last staple.

What are your curses?

Legacies (part 6) On The Way

2009-06-24T10:31:00.003-05:00

Part 6 - On The Way

These days to be away from your home is almost more common than to be in your home. We’re sort of in that holding pattern now where our older kids have not really gotten involved in a million activities yet (Lord, willing that won’t happen either). Our younger kids are too young to be in sports teams and in dance classes. But a day is coming when I know we will be pulled in many different directions at once. When that day does arrive, what will be our theme as we travel here and there? Will we simply pass the time listening to the radio and watching DVDs in the van? Will we simply go to the store to buy groceries or visit the restaurant simply to fill our own bellies and walk away? Or is there something... anything... we can do as we’re going to one place to another to help enlarge the kingdom and build a legacy for our kids to follow?

Look for Opportunities... they’re there!
Shelly told me once after she returned from the grocery store, “I’m an idiot.” “Why?” I asked. “Because I just realized I missed an opportunity to share Christ with an older guy at the store. He had waited for me to load up all of my groceries in order to help. I told him that he didn’t have to and he replied. ‘I have all day.’ How could I have not caught that as an invitation to tell him about Jesus when he was waiting for me and clearly was not in a hurry?” I told her that she was a horrible person and she should be ashamed of herself. No, I’m kidding. We all do that right? We realize when it’s too late that we had a chance to do something and didn’t act upon it. If your kids are with you for example at the grocery store then what a better time to show them by example how to love others. How to look out for the needs of others. Another time, Shelly saw a man standing on the road asking for money. With kids in tow she went out of her way to go buy the man some lunch and then take it to him. The kids knew something was up and anxiously awaited her explanation. “Why did you do that mommy?” “Because he was hungry and didn’t have any money to buy lunch.” Silence... as they contemplated that action. I guarantee you that memory will stick with one or all of them the older they get. Living life like that stains a child deeply, and Lord willing, they won’t quickly recover.

Foster a missional lifestyle
It’s easy for church folk to see missions as something we give money to so other people can travel across the sea and tell other people about Jesus. However, missions is a calling for every believer. If missions was accomplished simply by giving money to the cooperative program or to Lottie Moon or to a host of other mission groups then we’d be done! We would have accomplished our mission ministry and we could pat ourselves on the back. One day mission work will cease. When Christ returns missions will stop. Until then it is our duty to not only give our money but also to walk neck deep in this life called missions. Do you show your kids everyday that you support a lifestyle of missions? Our goal is to... but honestly we fail here... alot. Here is an idea that we’ve kicked around but for some reason just have not been able to pull off yet. We give our kids each a dollar and ask them to figure out what they can give that dollar towards. In addition we encourage them to find out ways of multiplying that dollar into two, three, four... etc. Then we ask them to go around (with us of course) and speak to our neighbors and together we have an opportunity to 1) meet our neighbors, 2) raise their awareness for whatever we are supporting, and possibly 3) share Christ with them. The naysayers out there will say, “It’s only a dollar. What good is that?” I’ll tell you the good. One day when they get older and have their ‘own money’ then they will remember that mom and dad taught them how to share what little they had with others who do not have and that one dollar will turn into a lot more.

Other activities...
Other ways to show your kids that they live in a world bigger then themselves is to have them help serve at church, at a soup kitchen, thrift store, community cleanup day, neighborhood party, etc. Remember, we are laying a foundation here. It won’t be built overnight and the height of it is unlimited.

(next time: Encourage your kids’ growth... it goes a long way!)

Read More:
Part 1 - The Importance of a Legacy
Part 2 - Preparation
Part 3 - The Struggle
Part 4 - At Home
Part 5 - Share the Love

One On One

2009-06-22T11:00:00.004-05:00

Luke 20:45-47

"45 And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 47 who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

I know what you're thinking... that's three verses. I know but sometimes that happens. I was reading this passage this morning and it struck me as odd at first. It seems kind of out of place with the rest of the text. Until you look more closely at what Jesus had been teaching the people and the Pharisees in the preceding texts. What I find odd is that Jesus would say this to a crowd of people which no doubt was peppered with certain individuals whom he was condemning. Jesus had grit man! But what is this passage saying to me... about me?

Beware those who...

"Walk around in long robes..." - Maybe showing off what I have and what I've accomplished?
"love greetings in the marketplaces..." - Maybe loving public recognition and support from others a little too much?
"the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts..." - Maybe always wanting to best whether it be concert seat, food, book, latest iPhone, fastest computer, etc.?
"who devour widows' houses..." - Maybe not being faithful with what I've been given or by making profit on another man's shoulders somehow?
"for a pretense make long prayers..." - Showing off in church or subtlety "sticking it to the man" during prayers or teachable moments.

I admit I've been guilty of all of these. What scares me is the part where it says, "They will receive the greater condemnation.” While I know my security in Christ is... secure, what have I done to others? What have I missed out on? What am I missing out on now?

Legacies (part 5) Share The Love

2009-06-18T14:01:00.002-05:00

Part 5 - Share The Love

Parents are typically smarter than their kids. At least until a certain point and it also depends on the topic. I can find my way around a computer with ease (something I’ve always been able to do). However, I am amazed at how even my 4 year old can navigate the computer, my 2 year old understands my iPhone’s interface. They just know things that I remember learning as an adult. I know it’s only a matter of time before they outgrow my technological abilities and probably other areas as well. In terms of the Bible most parents start off knowing more about it than their kids. Mainly because they have been exposed to it more often. Often some kids outgrow their parents’ knowledge of the scriptures and this is not always a bad thing or a sign of parental negligence. Many times it can be a sign of a really good thing. Maybe your child has been called to full-time ministry or as a missionary or just to devote their lives to following hard after Christ. In that case you would want them to learn all they can learn.

But for this section, let’s assume that you are a parent who does have some skill or knowledge about the Bible. In the planning of your devotions with your kids it would be easy for you to take complete leadership and authority in all areas. After all, you know the stories, you know the main idea of the text, and you know how to teach it even in an understandable way relevant to their age and personality. However, my suggestion is that if you as the parent (or parents) always take the lead role in planning and overseeing the “family devotion” then you are missing out on a great opportunity to teach your kids.

Let your kids take ownership in the planning!

Let them choose the topic/story/verse/theme/song/etc.
Tell your child, “Today, you get to pick out what verse we are going to read.” You may also let them choose a certain topic or theme to discuss as a family. Depending on their age this can be either spontaneous or planned. For example, you may say to an older child, “Friday is your day! You get to pick out what we’re going to read, do, sing, go, make, etc.” This helps them take ownership for sure but it also does other things. It gives you a break from the planning process and it teaches the other children (if any) of what to expect and offers some level of excitement for when they get to do likewise.

For example, We’ve asked our oldest to plan the whole thing before. She began by having everyone sit in the living room floor and had us read a verse from her bible. Then she talked about what that verse meant to her and ways we could implement it in our day. Then she picked a couple of songs to sing and said a prayer. Was it simple? Yes it was simple, the whole thing took maybe 5 minutes. However, I was so proud of her for planning and taking an active role in both studying the Bible and loving her family.

(Note: What about kids who have not made a decision to follow Jesus Christ? While you should not exclude them from the process, you probably should not expect them to handle (with certainty) the truths of the Bible. After all, the Holy Spirit is the one who reveals Scripture to us and a child who is not a believer in Christ does not have the Holy Spirit living inside of them as that revelation). Involve them just the same but do not expect them to be able to do something they are not capable of doing).

Don’t get too picky or theological
One of the hard things for me is to keep myself reigned when we start talking about certain topics. I want my kids to be familiar with theological terms and those confusing Bible words. However I also have to remind myself that I have over 20 years of experience thinking about God and they have only a few or even no experience. So when your kids read a passage of scripture and don’t understand it or even understand it incorrectly, it is important to have grace. Sometimes you just have to smile and say, “That’s right honey.” Other times you may need to gently redirect. Still others, you may need to keep your mouth shut and not use those big words you so desperately want to. Plus, the more you spend time in the Bible with your family, you might get lucky enough to have those moments when your kid says something so innocent and harmless that you’ve never thought about before and you realize that they have just taught you something about God in their childlike faith. Soak those moments in... those times are truly precious.

To be honest, you as a parent could do it all. You could sit everyone down, every day, and do a verse-by-verse study through one of Paul’s epistles. Your kids would endure it. They would answer with all the correct answers. They would sing all the right songs. They would pray all your prayers, and you would probably walk away feeling accomplished and fulfilled. But as a parent myself, I would call that a failure. After all, we are not out to simply modify their behavior or water down their brain with theory, we want their hearts! We’re not merely giving them the “right” answers, we want them to seek God. You could do it all, but why on earth would you ever want to rob your kids of the joy they would find in doing it for themselves?

(next time: What can you do away from home that help build a spiritual legacy?)

Read More:
Part 1 - The Importance of a Legacy
Part 2 - Preparation
Part 3 - The Struggle
Part 4 - At Home

Caption Game

2009-06-17T21:53:00.002-05:00

You know the drill... I provide the photo and you provide the caption.

GO!

10 THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

2009-06-16T13:12:00.002-05:00

I've borrowed this post from Todd so here goes...

1. Vacations. I just ended my first two week vacation in many, many years. I gotta be honest, I didn't want to return to work.

2. Reading. I seriously could read all day long if something was interesting enough. However reading for me is slow work. You just can't read at home with 4 kids so don't try. Then by the time you can read... you're asleep.

3. 24. I recently watched the first 2 seasons of "24" on DVD with my wife. We were hooked man. Watching 2-3 sometimes 4 episodes a night. I felt like an addict but it was fun. Season three is somewhere in our future.

4. Friends. I have some of the greatest friends in the world. Everywhere we go we meet some cool people. There's always someone interesting we can invite over for dinner. Plus those long theological never-solving-anything-but-always-trying discussions are golden.

5. This place. Lance, Amy, Rachel, and Jason took Shelly and I here in Maryland. The Gaelic Prawns and Rockfish were a combination of goodness dipped in total awesomeness.

6. My wife. She's like super woman.

7. My kids. Ashlin, Claire, Levi, and Carley. Each has their own personality and each has my heart.

8. Family. I have a great family. I don't get to see them as much as I wish but they really are good people.

9. Not being in school. I just finished 4 years of seminary studies. Why do you think I'm posting this at 1:30 in the afternoon??? Because I don't have to write a book report!

10. Teaching. I love to teach the Bible. I love to ask questions that make me and others think long and hard about our faith and beliefs.

Further proclamation of the insanley obvious

2009-06-16T09:36:00.002-05:00

"Hey everybody... look at me. I'm listening to music. As if you couldn't tell by these the headphones stuck in my ears. No, these aren't just any headphones... they play music. See... the lights prove it to you."

Legacies (part 4) At Home

2009-06-15T12:20:00.000-05:00

Part 4 - At Home

“You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up” is what Deuteronomy 6:7 says. “Them” refers to the words or commands which were spoken by Moses not only in verse 4-6 but also throughout Deuteronomy and the other books which make up the Law, or Pentateuch, or Torah depending on your preference. However notice the emphasis on how we as parents are to teach these words to our children while at home. This in no way discourages the teaching of “them” away from home which I will discuss in a later installment. Neither does this presume that corporate worship is not crucial. However, here... we’re talking about the home “when you lie down and when you rise up” etc. Frankly, we as a family are home more often than we are at church so during that time is there anything we can do to support what we have learned while at church?

What can we do in our homes to build a spiritual legacy?

I admit that there are numerous things that can be done that will not be covered here. I’m only going to talk about a few things which we participate in as a family. Feel free to add your own ideas or to alter these, the truth is there are several resources available to you. The important thing is that you do something. No one is going to do it for you. You as the parent are responsible (I dare say solely responsible) for this. In addition please don’t assume this is your church’s primary responsibility either. The church ought to help you (they’ll call it equipping) but ultimately this is your burden as the parent to help your kids fall in love with Christ. This is really the only thing that will sustain them in the long run. One of these days they will be gone. If you teach them how to do all the right things then have you really taught them anything or have you just modified their behavior? However, if you can somehow help them fall in love with seeking after God then after they are gone they will continue strong and secure. Seems like I read something about training them in this way so they when they grow older they will not depart from it.

Read the Bible at home...
There’s a noble concept huh? Joke if you will but the majority of parents (even the ones who claim hardcore Christianity) do not read the bible as a family on any sort of regular basis. Here’s the thing about family bible reading. It’s easy to do when you’re teaching your kids about David and Goliath when they’re 3 and the story is exciting and new to them. However fast forward ten years and a few dozen times of hearing the same Bible verse preached with the same main point (it usually has something to do with conquering our own giants). Next thing you know you have a bored-out-of-their-mind teenager who doesn’t want to hear the same old lame story again. Sadly, apart from some theological books or a great mentor most people never get beyond the basics of the Bible. Therefore most parents don’t know any other way of teaching stories like David and Goliath other than teaching their kids that we can do anything if we set our minds to it. That is why a good teaching pastor is so crucial not only to the health and well-being of a church but also to each family involved in that church. If you ask me any sort of ministry to families begins in a large part with the pastor. You as a hearer have the opportunity to learn from the pastor and then you can go home and teach it to your kids. Sure they’ll figure out one day that you are simply repeating what the pastor said last month but by then the damage is done, you will have already developed quite a legacy of your own.

What about location, time, length and all that business? You know, Where do we read the bible together? When do we read it? and How long do we read it? As far as location goes, we try to change it up. We may sit around the kitchen table, we may sit in the living room floor, lay on our bed, the kids’ beds, in the grass outside, you name it. We’re nomadic that way and I think the kids like it. The time we do it is even more flexible. We have found that the mornings usually work better for us because by the time evening gets here, we’re all zapped and often too stressed out. Plus with young ones dinner, baths, and bedtime are too crazy in themselves. In terms to length we are again... flexible. Typically, if we read more than a few verses we’re on record-breaking territory. Mainly because of the varying attention spans. Our oldest can sit still and listen for a while. Our two-year old boy is only good for a minute or two before he’s asking for more snacks or to go outside and play in the mud. Maybe a better approach would be to decide on teaching a certain truth or aspect rather than doing something for 10 or 30 minutes. However you look at it, the goal is to get them used to hearing the Word of God even before they understand all the words. Getting them used to sitting down and reading the Bible even before they can do this on their own. They will catch on... I promise. If your kids are older then it might not be attention spans you are concerned with. It may be helping them to see that God is not a God who writes corny kid bible studies but rather a God is will always be bigger than they figured and always more gracious than they can understand.

Note: It is also a good idea to let your kids (regardless of age) see you reading your bible at other times. Or let them see you and your spouse reading it together. This not only stains them to the importance of Scripture it also sets an example in action that corresponds with the example in word you are trying to teach them.

Sing at home...
We love to sing around our house. Most the time its singing along with a CD or the radio. Sometimes we break out the guitars, the bongos, and the harmonica and just jam sometimes too (this is by far the favorite)! We try to sing some songs that they will recognize on Sunday mornings. More often than that we sing new songs. However, we don’t limit this time only to “church” music (as if there were a difference). We’re all about singing blues, rock, kid songs, and even making up our own silly stuff as well. This is cool because not only do our kids get to worship God with their voices but they also are learning to appreciate music and musical instruments. By the way, if you have perfect pitch and have the need for instruments to stay ‘in tune’ then this method might be difficult for you. We don’t bother with simple things like that very much around our house. Nothing is more of a “joyful noise” than guitars out of tune from one another, a lego bucket for a drum, and child’s piano that rattles because there are coins shoved into the speaker holes.

Compassion International
When our kids turn five we let them start sponsoring a child (one about their same age) through Compassion International. Read all about it here but Compassion International is a great, great organization. Our oldest is the only one sponsoring right now but Claire turns five this year. Our plan is to have all six of us sponsoring six different kids from six different parts of the world. The other goal is to have our kids visit their ‘adopted’ friend when they are older. I say goal because I’m not sure how that one would work due to costs and such but hey it’s good to have goals right? I’m telling you right here and now one of the best ways to teach your children about a world in need of Christ is to have them adopt another child similar to them who is from another country. Ashlin’s friend Melissa is from Peru and it is amazing to get letters from her thanking Ashlin for the extra money she sent for her birthday. A little girl we’ve never met from Peru has taught our child things about money and contentment that we never could. Melissa also asks Ashlin to pray for her family who is hurting, a father who is in jail, and other brothers and sisters that need to know Jesus. That kind of stuff stains a kid and I can’t teach them a worldview like that simply by reading them a good book.

Like I said there are numerous other things that we do and that you could do that are just as important and lasting. These are just a few simple examples. I’d love to hear your ideas. It’s your home and they are there only a few brief years... use them wisely.

(next time: Planning family devotions: don’t be a dictator, let them take ownership)

Read More:
Part 1 - The Importance of a Legacy
Part 2 - Preparation
Part 3 - The Struggle

I flew on Shamu... I think

2009-06-13T23:56:00.006-05:00

Flying Southwest you never really know what you're going to get. Meaning you show up and they are like, "This is a 14 stop flight... sit back and relax." While on one of these flights, Shelly and I were privileged enough to get to ride on the Shamu 737 for Southwest Airlines. Aboard this thing I kept thinking a few things:

1) Don't whales live in the water?
2) What does an airplane have to do with whales?
3) Why did they spend so long showing me how to inflate my under-seat flotation device?

You would think that being on a 'special' plane would result in special treatment or at least special memories right? Wrong! I don't even think any of the crew knew we were on the Shamu plane. I mean come on... we should have gotten something for this momentous occasion. A whole can of soda? A jumbo (Shamu-sized) package of peanuts? An announcement at our arriving Gate, "Ladies and Gentleman... the Shamu passengers are deboarding please make way." Something???

But we got nothing.

So the next time you see one of these beasts in the air just remember... They don't care about you. They're not there to please you. I think someone should call Sea World and complain. I mean I bet they paid a lot of money for that whale airplane. I should have at least seen a brochure for Sea World or something.

Now that I think about it... I'm not even sure why they have this plane in the first place. I mean I only saw it for like 1 second as it sped into the Gate. Then we could not get a good picture of it until after we landed. (this shot is the best one I could get). Who really sees this plane? Nobody sees it in the sky. You can't really see it on the ground with all the security and stuff. I think some simple Shamu stickers would have been better.

Advance 09

2009-06-06T17:13:00.005-05:00

"To advance the gospel not only in Raleigh/Durham North Carolina but in each of the represented cities, and ultimately to all peoples and people groups within the world."

That was sort of the overall mission/goal of this conference. The lineup was great: John Piper, Matt Chandler, Mark Driscoll, Tyler Jones, Eric Mason, Ed Stetzer, Bryan Chapel and others.

Things learned most from this conference:
1) I need to repent of much
2) I have many idols in my life that I never really considered idols but now see that they probably are.
3) I have allowed my bitterness towards others to overshadow my own sinfulness
4) Do I really want God to work in my life? Really? I say I do but do I really?
5) Good things that become God things end up being bad things.
6) I confirmed many other things this weekend as well. Things that I have been holding back on expressing fully but now I think I have the confidence to proclaim them humbly.

Things learned from the weekend:
1) My wife is still the most amazing and beautiful person I know
2) When my wife is in the room and we are talking together all other things fade away
3) The Marriot in downtown Durham does not have vending machines, a pool, or free breakfast
4) Thank God for the "map" feature on my iPhone. It saved our lives several times.
5) My new favorite place to eat is P.F. Chang's
6) Some rental cars smell like smoke but a Vanillaroma Christmas tree air freshener will help dramatically

Half the vacation is over... the other half is just beginning. I'm sitting outside in beautiful Maryland weather, listening to the birds, and looking forward to some "glorious sessions" with old friends.

Thank you Father in Heaven... I needed this break.

Legacies (part 3) The Struggle

2009-06-05T00:25:00.005-05:00

Part 3 - The Struggle

Leaving a legacy requires time and intention. It also requires some active planning in the area of family Bible studies, mission projects, and other activities, but before I go over some of those things let me begin with saying that as a family we struggle with doing this on a consistent basis. Sure it would be nice if every morning the birds were chirping while all six of us piled around the kitchen table, gently opened up the Bible and read 2 or 3 chapters. This of course would be followed up by a 4-part harmony rendition of “Come Thou Fount” and the kids urging me to “read more scripture papa!” We would then bow our heads in prayer for world hunger and determine how we each will spend the next few minutes in journaling and prayer.

But that isn’t happening!

It’s never happened and frankly I’m alright if it never does. Truth is many mornings the scene is quite the opposite. I’m usually yelling at my kids saying, “Shut up so we can read about the love AND PATIENCE of God for goodness sakes!” Instead of chirping birds, we get one kid singing the Barney song and another one screaming for more milk.

In addition to the struggle of situation, is frequency. Often when I get the chance to talk to other parents about how they spend time together as a family worshipping I get this reply, “Well we don’t do it every day.” May I please take the pressure off of you? We don’t do it every day either. Would we love to? Sure... but the truth is we just can’t make it happen every day. Schedules are different from day to day. The kids wake up early one morning and late the next. Carley is up all night some nights and Shelly is zapped from time to time. I’ve got to run out early and prepare for this or that. There’s always something that comes up. The hard part is not only doing it but also making it a priority. But even when you make it a priority it is still difficult to pull off (besides... doing it everyday is not the goal, more on that later). Some of you, because of your schedules, simply cannot do a family devotion every day. You’ve got one kid in dance, another in soccer, and you have to go shopping, get the tire fixed, mow the grass, wash the dog, etc. (and that’s just Monday). My suggestion to you is if you can only find one day a week or even month to get together and do some kind of family activity where you read the Bible together and worship together then do it that one day. Make that moment great. Spice it up with fun activities and out of the ordinary opportunities. Then try and squeeze in another day if possible. What happens often is parents get so beat down because they think they have to do something every day and then they give up when it doesn’t happen. Don’t give up. Do what you can do and then look for ways to expand from there. If that is once a week, then hey you’ve got 6 days to plan it well.

Like I said before, the goal here is not simply to do a bible study every day. You don’t “win” simply because you get to that point. That line of thinking is dangerously close to legalism and religious repetition. The goal however, is to glorify God and to show your kids that your life is based in something bigger than yourself. So don’t get discouraged when it gets difficult. If you read my last post then you understand that anything that is Spirit-filled wars against our very non-spirit-filled nature because of sin. It’s not hard simply because we are busy, it is difficult because on some level our natures fight against each other to put forth any effort.

Press on!

(next time: Things you can do at home to help build a kingdom mindset within your kids)

Read More:
Part 1 - The Importance of a Legacy
Part 2 - Preparation

Class of 2009

2009-06-01T00:09:00.001-05:00

The Dizzy Dozen

2009-05-30T22:40:00.005-05:00

May 31, 1997
The 13-kilometer Confederation Bridge, the world's longest bridge spanning ice covered waters, opens between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, Canada. {this is useless information I know... now on to the important stuff}.

That is also the day I married the love of my life. Wow, beauty, passion, love, laughter, gentleness, and super-fun times.

It's going by too fast but, here is to 12 years, 4 kids, and a million memories. I love you, I love you, I love you. Happy anniversary Shelly.

THE SHORT LIST

2009-05-28T08:22:00.004-05:00

I'm preaching Sunday. I'm really excited about it but every time I preach I get real anxious. Not like nervous really but just sort of humbled by what I'm going to say and the authority I am going to say it with.
I had a kidney stone Monday. Yeah, thought I was going to die in my bedroom.
Adjusting to not being in school is difficult but fun. Thanks to DVDs of "24" I'm giving it my best attempt.
My beautiful wife and I are headed to North Carolina and Maryland soon. It's the first time we've been away by ourselves for more than a day since having kids.
I have several books that I want to read. I'm going to start with this one and then hit this one.

Legacies (part 2) Preparation

2009-05-26T15:21:00.002-05:00

Part 2 - Preparation

Imagine if you will that it is Marathon Day. I step up to the registration stand as they staple on my back a white piece of paper with some numbers on it. This is it! I approach the starting line and anxiously await the firing of the gun. Before me lies 26 miles of heat-soaked pavement, twists, turns, ups and downs. The person beside me asks, “So what’s your target time?” To which I respond, “I’m not sure... I’ve never ran more than a mile or two.”

Leaving a legacy... parenting a child who hopes in the grace of God... and training and discipling the next generation is a marathon. Many parents are stepping up to the line and trying to accomplish the impossible without having done any of the hard work on the front end. There is no way that I’m finishing that marathon without some preparation. Likewise there is no way we’re going to leave a lasting legacy with our kids without some preparation.

I know many parents who complain that their kids just can’t get interested in church. They just can’t seem to get them interested in reading the Bible as a family. “It’s like pulling teeth” is a common phrase that accompanies these frustrated episodes. I tend to ask them, “Tell me about your own personal study. How do you seek after God? When do you spend time in prayer?” Other times I press, “So do you and your wife spend time alone in the Word and in prayer? Better yet, do your kids ever see you reading your Bible or have they ever “caught” you and your wife praying together?” Usually the facial expressions are obvious.

Many parents want the marathon championship when they have not even experienced a few 5 or 10K victories. Do you honestly expect your children to be passionate and interested in God when your very life, words, actions, and lifestyle clearly show that you are not? Jesus said that it is impossible to divorce our words and our actions from one another (Matthew 22:34-40). Our words and our actions are integrally connected all throughout Scripture. How hypocritical is it to ask our kids to spend their precious free time doing something that is difficult, demanding, and intentional when we are not willing to do that very thing on our own? I think this is why sports is such a popular outlet for many families. Think about it, the kid has to push himself in all areas to exceed. He strives, struggles, practices, and sweats to earn the prize. Yet where is mom and dad? Usually in the stands with a Big Red and a Slim Jim. How popular would those sports teams be if every mom and dad were required to practice alongside their kids? On the other hand, notice those parents who do take an active role in the sport with their child, they make it a family ordeal. Doesn’t that child love the sport more? Sure they do. The family is sort if united around that sport (whether this is a good thing is the topic of another blog). However it does prove my point. Families that invest in something together, enjoy whatever they are investing in to a greater degree. It could be baseball or cheerleading but it could just as easily be missional living and ministry.

Similarly, our children are pressed to give excellence in school (AP classes, honors classes, college prep classes, etc) yet many moms and dads choose not to help their children with what they are learning.. Parents, please don’t assume anyone is more of an expert when it comes to your children than you are. Your influence is key. Their teacher may know more algorithms than you but no one is expecting you to paint your walls with Algebraic equations to help your child learn math, you may not be good in math. However, the point is this, it’s easy for parents to demand excellence from their kids and yet remain unwilling to put in hard work themselves. Our kids will see right through this. They are geniuses when it comes to spotting hypocrisy. My four-year-old can tell something is wrong when I tell her she can’t have anymore cookies and yet I grab a handful. If she can see through that little culinary scam how much more will she see through my demanding she follow God when I fail to take an active interest in Him?

You’ve chosen a hard road if you’ve chosen to leave a legacy. Are you willing to prepare yourself? Are you willing to do some behind the scenes work that your kids may never see with their eyes but will most assuredly feel with their hearts?

Read more:
Part 1 - The Importance of a Legacy

Claireisms (again)

2009-05-23T11:13:00.003-05:00

The other night the girls picked up some balloons from somewhere. They could not blow them up so they asked me to do it. I grabbed Claire's and noticed it was drenched with spit. I said, "Gross Claire, it has your spit all over it." She then handed me another one and said, "Here dad, this one doesn't have any of my suck on it."

Then the next morning, we were reading the Bible together and she had grabbed a little toy water gun to play with. It was not loaded but she was wielding it none the less. "Ok, what are we going to read this morning?" someone asked. Claire grabbed her gun, spoke up and said, "Oooh, read a story with a gun in it."

On a side note, there are numerous Bible stories that are pretty funny when you incorporate a gun into the story line.

Thanks Claire for always making us laugh.

Legacies (part 1) The Importance of a Legacy

2009-05-21T14:15:00.004-05:00

Part 1 - The Importance of a Legacy

I caught a bird with my bare hands one time. It was a pet Cockatiel that had apparently flown away from somewhere. We named him Boz and put him in a cage. At first he was silent (probably traumatized by being placed in a brown sack and then locked in a cage) but later became very active and loud. We kept him for two years and then one day he was gone. My parents say they accidentally left the cage door open but now as a parent myself I know better. That bird was annoying he had to go.

They grow up quick don’t they? Our kids that is. It seems like yesterday the hospital was letting us return home with this new life. We were clueless and ignorant. Today we’re still a little clueless and ignorant but at least we know what to do with a new baby. Four kids gives you plenty of practice. However there is a day coming that at times haunts me. It is the day that I will look into my children’s eyes and realize that their time under my immediate influence is over. Their stay in my home, their tour of duty in my responsibility will come to an end. Particularly I think of when my three girls will potentially get married. One day I will have to come to the realization that they will no longer be my responsibility. Their husband will be their leader. Likewise, my son will one day lead his own family. Sure I will still have influence and instruction when asked but ultimately they will be searching out their own new paths and routes to life. I will no longer have the opportunity to show them every night how to study the Bible, how to love a spouse as Christ loved the church, how to be a parent, etc.

The thing about legacies is this, each new generation gets the opportunity to begin again. If you didn’t come from a great legacy, feel free to start one. Some are blessed enough to have come from a long line of ancestors with a strong biblical worldview and missional mindset. In terms of parenting I think most parents start off well. Most parents begin with bedtime prayers and readings from baby’s “first Bible.” However somewhere between “Now I lay me down to sleep” and select team sports things get dropped. Next thing you know the parent is saying “Hey can we read the Bible together tonight?” and the teen responds with, “Are you kidding me? How lame?” The parent throws their arms up in despair refusing to press the issue because after all, they don’t want their child to rebel against the Bible for goodness sakes. What happened?

I am not an expert and I do not have a degree in family counseling or childhood development. What I do have is story after story, experience after experience, and conversation after conversation with struggling and hurting parents who are wondering the same thing I am wondering: “How do I leave a Christ-centered legacy behind for my children to follow?”

In this series I will try to share a few of the things I find either important or absolutely crucial in leaving a long-lasting legacy. Don’t worry, I’m not going to make people feel guilty or inadequate. I’m not going to list a 7-Day chart complete with Bible readings and craft ideas (although that would be helpful for some of you Type A personalities). Truthfully, I plan on sharing my own struggles in this area. Because while I think I have a passionate interest in the discipleship and training of my children I also know that it is one of the hardest things I have ever attempted to do on a regular basis. I am not perfect. I don’t have all the answers and I make mistakes with my children. Parenting is difficult and rightly so. We live in a fallen world and those things which should come as natural and fully rewarding are (because of sin) not natural and many times not fully rewarding. I love my kids to death, but somedays I’d like it better if they were on loan. However good times and bad times aside, there is coming a day when I’m going to walk out on the front porch and look into that cage. I’m going to see that they have flown away and just like that crazy-haired bird named Boz, they will be gone.

Stay tuned, it should be a fun ride.

Things overheard at a James Taylor concert

2009-05-17T15:58:00.007-05:00

My beautiful wife and I treated our ears to a recent James Taylor concert in Dallas. I knew going in that we would probably be among the "younger" audience. Well, while we were not the youngest in the crowd we were most assuredly representing. We thought it would be fun to document some of the rather odd and funny things we overheard while at the concert. So here are the top things overheard at the James Taylor concert...

1) Said by one man to a total stranger while looking for his seat: "Do you mind reading this ticket for me? I'm not wearing my glasses."
2) Said by yet another person while "mingling" before the concert: "Yeah, we saw him 20 years ago in Kansas City."
3) During intermission I heard someone say, "The feeling is coming back in my legs."
4) Also during intermission, I didn't catch the whole conversation but it was something about enlarged prostates.
5) Said by a son to his mother who was obviously trying to explain to him something about James Taylor, "So was that when Cat Stevens was popular?"
6) Shelly overheard a lady say in the restroom, "Phew... I'm tired, and I look tired."

Also there were just some other humorous things about the evening such as: The fact that there was even an intermission in the first place (It was only about a two hour concert). Also during the intermission the line to the men's bathroom was just as long as the women's.

All in all it was a great concert. James Taylor can still play and his band is great. I'm glad I got to go. Thanks Shelly for the graduation gift.

Pig Fever hits the Pews

2009-05-01T11:35:00.003-05:00

Got an email this morning giving suggestions for Churches and how they should react to the epidemic/pandemic/plague known as "Swine Flu" or medically as H1N1 Flu. I'd love to know your thoughts. Here's an expert:

Specific recommendations for the faith-based community include:

Avoid large gatherings for special events, not including weekly scheduled worship services.
Send out information to congregant or parishioners that if they are ill or are experiencing symptoms, please do not attend worship services.
Post information or have information available on swine influenza and ways to protect their families (fact sheet included with this information).
Separate cups and individual wafers should be used for Lord's Supper or Communion.
Consider suspending "Welcome" time where attendees are invited to shake hands or hug/embrace.
Post information on outside doors of changes to service procedures (i.e., no shaking hands or hugging during "Welcome" time).

I guess the men of the church won't get to use the "Holy Kiss" argument anymore huh?

Fruit of the Bovine

2009-04-27T23:06:00.004-05:00

You know at some point... a dairy cow has got to be a better investment. I wish I could say this lasted us a whole two weeks. Really, I wish I could say that.

Please make all checks payable to:
The Conn's Milk Fund

My Drive-Time Mix

2009-04-27T07:37:00.004-05:00

So last night I decided to rip a few of my old CDs. I had kind of gotten tired of the music I’d been listening to and needed a change of scenery. So I did just that... (yes Youth ministers listen to more than Crowder and Coldplay). So I took off from Sanger headed to Ft. Worth this morning and hit “Shuffle” on the “Newly Added” folder I created. Below is the sequence of songs from my trip. How about this for an eclectic mixture?

Years After You - John Conlee
She Keeps the Home Fires Burning - Ronnie Milsap
Nightingale - Eagles
Gods of War - Def Leppard
As Long as I’m Rocking with You - John Conlee
Son of a Son of a Sailor - Jimmy Buffet
Sultans of Swing - Dire Straits
Let’s Get Lost - Amanda Marshall
Mr. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (James Bond) - Dionne Warwick
Tuesday’s Gone - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lay Your Hands on Me - Bon Jovi
Busted - John Conlee
Backwoods Preacher Man - Tony Joe White
High Sheriff of Calhoun Parish - Tony Joe White
Polk Salad Annie - Tony Joe White

The triple play of Tony Joe White was quite a blessing I tell you. In addition, the abrupt transition from Bon Jovi to John Conlee made me giggle out loud. Do any of these bring you back? Any favorites listed here? For your listening pleasure I've included a clip of Polk Salad Annie. This song has been a staple for me since my high school days. Enjoy!

P.S. Yes, I did sing loudly on most of these.

Claireisms

2009-04-20T21:50:00.000-05:00

A little back story: Claire (who is 4) is enamored with the country of Turkey. She doesn’t know anything about the country necessarily but she thinks its a funny name for a country (which it is) and she can spot it on a map for some strange reason.

SO

The other morning at breakfast Claire grabbed my bible and flipped it to the maps in the back. She said, “Where do we live?” I told her that where we lived was not on that particular map. Then I said but hey look, “Turkey is on this map... it’s right here.” I then proceeded to show her the area presently known as Turkey. Ashlin grabs the map and looks intently. Finally Ashlin says, “I don’t see where it says Turkey anywhere.” “That’s because back then it wasn’t called Turkey, the map is showing you what things looked like back then... it was called something else.” Claire says, “Was it called Ham?”

Good Friday (Audio)

2009-04-10T09:57:00.003-05:00

The Story: I wanted to express to my students this week the story of the cross. What happened, the horror of it, the passion of it, etc. So I did some research about the medical aspects of it (why it was so bad). I came across a medical account of a crucifixion and was going to use it as an illustration. However, I thought it needed some narrative behind it. So I took the 7 last sayings of Jesus and wrote sort of a first-hand account around this medical description of the crucifixion. I was simply going to read it but thought I would break down during it so I recorded it and set it on an ambient music bed. I am by no means a thespian but I attempted to read the part with some drama and passion. We played it Wednesday night for the students and it was very well received. I floundered as to if I should share it with all of you but in the end figured what the heck...

Everything that sounds "medical" I did not write... but the rest of it is in my mind how it all went down. BTW... it's like 21 minutes long!

If you cannot get the player to work... here is the direct link.

People What Are We Doing?

2009-04-01T12:00:00.001-05:00

April Fools Everybody!

2009-04-01T10:15:00.000-05:00

Too Be and Knot Two Bee

2009-03-31T14:04:00.003-05:00

I have had to write many papers in seminary. Research papers, book reports, reaction papers, decision summaries, on and on and... We're talking millions of papers, at least it feels that way. Looking back I've learned a ton having to write so much and so often. I've come to terms with the fact that I am a poor grammatical wizard and I should have listened to my English teachers in High School rather than a dozen other things I did that wasted time.

One of my professors posted a list of common errors made when writing papers. I must say I'm not near as bad as I used to be but I still blow it from time to time.

COMMON MISTAKES WHEN WRITING...
1) Write a sentence fragment. (Because it is right.)
2) Split an infinitive. (to further clarify)
3) Use a contraction. (it's, can't, won't, wouldn't, he's)
4) Use an apostrophe for the plural. (David then sent the soldier's into battle.)
5) Use verb tenses inconsistently. (The author writes well. He wrote his book last year.)
6) Cause a subject and verb to disagree. (A subject do like to agree with the verb.)
7) Misspell a word as a homophone. (their for there; precede for proceed, etc.)
8) Use the first or second person or other such designation. (I, you, we, the author)

What about you? Did you get all "A"s in English? Is this second nature for you? Or are you like me and end way too many sentences with prepositions?

Where Are The Younger Adults?

2009-03-20T09:34:00.004-05:00

Several churches all across America are asking the same question these days and it usually goes something like this, "Where are all the Younger Adults?"

W. Bradford Wilcox has written an interesting piece in The Wall Street Journal stating the expansion of government and the increasing delay of marriage among young people are two important reasons for the increasing secularization of America. Citing recent statistics which state that only 25% of Americans 21 to 45 attend church, down from one-third in 1970s, Wilcox quotes Princeton sociologist Robert Wuthnow:

The most powerful force driving religious participation down is the nation's recent retreat from marriage, Mr. Wuthnow notes. Nothing brings women and especially men into the pews like marriage and parenthood, as they seek out the religious, moral and social support provided by a congregation upon starting a family of their own. But because growing numbers of young adults are now postponing or avoiding marriage and childbearing, they are also much less likely to end up in church on any given Sunday. Mr. Wuthnow estimates that America's houses of worship would have about six million more regularly attending young adults if today's young men and women started families at the rate they did three decades ago.

I'm not saying I agree 100% with this assessment but I think its worth some dialogue. I've heard numerous people say something like this... "Teenagers drop out of the church at about 80% upon graduation only to return when they become parents themselves and want their kids to experience church like they did..." Well the question must be asked is... If people are getting married at a much later age (some estimate 28-29 as the average) then would it not make sense that they did not show back up in church until their mid 30s?

I'd love to hear your thoughts?

Do you think people waiting longer to get married is a bad/negative thing for the church?
What correlation (if any) do you think getting married later in life has to do with a decline of the Young Age Group in the church today?

source: S Patton

There are Places I Remember...

2009-03-18T01:37:00.005-05:00

So I thought I would share some of the more memorable places that I have visited. I used to travel a lot for work and I never missed an opportunity to take in the sights (It kept me sane). Anyway I have actually been to these locations you see pictured here below. I even took some pictures although these turned out much better than mine.

A quick note about this first picture (The Wade Center). You won't find this on a map but if you are a big fan writers like Owen Barfield, G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, Dorothy L. Sayers, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Charles Williams, then it is an absolute must! It has numerous artifacts from Lewis' and Tolkien's personal libraries (like Lewis' Wardrobe). It is located on Wheaton College campus.

Has Culture Outgrown?

2009-03-17T08:40:00.005-05:00

I want to keep this short so here's the main question. Has culture gotten to the point where it solves our struggle of trying to contextualize Scripture to accommodate the culture? That's the question. Here's what I'm asking.

It has been a popular method of Christian culture to copy, emulate, steal, lift, flat out ripoff certain cultural characteristics and place a Christian spin on them. See this, this, this, this, and this for examples. Doug Wilson said, "Whatever the world can do, we can do five years later and not as well." (I have no idea who Doug Wilson is but I thought it was a good quote).

While I would agree that not all of this technique is bad and that I've used similar methods myself... what are we going to do when our culture gets so bad that we are forced to be creative ourselves. Certain aspects of culture are already there but by in large we still have a good pool to pull from.

I doubt you'll see a Youth Camp this summer entitled "My Life Would Suck Without You..." or a sermon series named "10 reasons Why I Kissed a Girl and Liked it" (unless of course it was a men's series on pornography).

Maybe I'm reading this too black/white. I'm not one who typically likes to compartmentalize my Christianity into secular vs sacred (although I am guilty from time to time). However, is the "secular" culture solving the age-old contextualization problem for us? Is the culture getting so outrageous that we can no longer steal its ideas without condemning ourselves simultaneously?

Just asking...

One On One

2009-03-08T21:12:00.005-05:00

One guy talking about one verse...

ROMANS 1:1 ~ "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus,called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God"

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus…
This word for servant is the Greek word "doulos" and means slave or bond-servant. It has been described as the best name possible for the worst position available. It is defined as “One whose own will was swallowed up by the will of his master.” Paul well understood that he was a slave and recognized that he had always lived as a slave too. He discovered that when he was born he was a slave to sin and the flesh nature within him (Eph 2:1-2). At Paul's conversion, those chains of bondage to sin were broken. However he did not cease being a slave, he simply exchanged masters. Paul was now a slave to Christ. He was proud of this title, so much in fact that he places it before his other title of apostle.

Called…
When Paul refers to being “called” he means that God placed him in that position. God calling us, doing all the work, is more of a God-centered view than us simply responding to a need. It shows His sovereignty even over our choices. John 6:37 makes it sound like the decision is mostly ours in coming to Christ however a few verses later in 6:44 we learn that no one can come to Christ unless the Father calls him in the first place. Furthermore, if God is the one who calls us then wouldn't it be Him who keeps us? This goes back to John 6:37.

To be an Apostle…
Paul was not claiming here to be one of the 12 Apostles named by God. He was simply saying “one who is called to proclaim.” The word “ambassador” fits perfectly. The words means one who is a messenger (a messenger of what, we will see below).

Set apart…
This term in the Greek is in the perfect tense, which denotes past completed action with present results. It's a more colorful way of stating past tense then the ordinary aorist. Paul was set apart (by God) to preach the gospel, therefore this is why Paul was presently preaching the Gospel. Not only does the perfect tense imply preset results but also it was sort of understood that those present results would continue for Paul. Paul would be permanently set apart for this one task (Phil 3:13).

For the Gospel of God
The term 'gospel' literally means “good news." It’s good news that Jesus Christ died for our sin. That good news should be proclaimed to others.

Therefore... I think it is pretty clear that God does all the work here. He is our Master, We are His slaves, He calls us, He set’s us apart, He appoints us to proclaim His Gospel, etc. What re we to do then? We should respond (as Paul did) and fulfill that calling (Eph 2:10).

McBaby?

2009-03-04T15:22:00.003-06:00

Read THIS in order to make sense of this blog.

Welcome to McBaby may I take your order?

Yes... I'll have the Number 2. Oh wait, not the Number 2, that sounds messy. I'll have the Number 7 with extra sweetness and a side of loveable please.

Coming right up!

I Am Second

2009-03-04T01:07:00.003-06:00

I've seen these billboards around DFW for a few months now but never took the time to check out the web site until tonight. This is a great web site.

Why I Love Disciple Now Weekends!

2009-02-26T00:15:00.000-06:00

Tickets

2009-02-21T15:32:00.001-06:00

Concert Tickets from Robert Conn on Vimeo.

Difficult

2009-02-19T09:33:00.003-06:00

Can we all agree that some things in the Bible are just hard for us to grasp?

Take John 7:1-5 for example. Particularly verse 5.

"After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. 2 Now the Jews' Feast of Booths was at hand. 3 So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. 4 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For not even his brothers believed in him."

Here is the commentary from the ESV. So real and genuine was Jesus' humanity, and so well hidden was his deity before he began his earthly ministry, that even those who had lived in the same house with him for nearly 30 years did not know who he was: not even his brothers believed in him. They lived and ate and slept in the same rooms as the eternal Son of God and did not know it.

I wonder things like...

Did they never suspect? I mean he was perfect right?
Did Mary ever slip up and say something like, "Don't taunt your brother James, he sort of a big deal."
Did Jesus ever hear others' frustration on a hot day and say, "Oh yeah, you think it's hot here?"

First Annual OR Second Annual?

2009-02-17T23:57:00.004-06:00

The Reason: The reason this entertains me so much is because I am always asking myself this question.

The Scenario: If in the initial year, an event is held and called the inaugural, what is the event called the next year? First annual or Second annual? And why?

The Thread: This is perhaps the most entertaining thread (read: argument) that I've seen in a while. View the thread HERE

The Conclusion: I've always rested on the side that says the 1st Annual event is actually the 2nd time you do it. Much like my 1st Anniversary was after I had been married for a whole year. So if I throw a Christmas party for the first time (it would be wrong for me to call it the First Annual Christmas Bash). I could only call it that the second go round. Another option I am willing to entertain is upon the second event happening it becomes the 2nd Annual (and at the same time the previous event held the year prior becomes known as the 1st Annual...). Much like World War I & II. WWI was previously called The Great War (until the 2nd one came around). I just think it is wrong to have an event for the first time and call it "First Annual." It just sounds so pretentious.

The Question: Am I a total nerd for even posting this?

25 Things... by Julian Smith

2009-02-16T22:45:00.001-06:00

Fireproof (My Late Review)

2009-02-14T19:20:00.004-06:00

SPOILER WARNING: (don't read if you haven't seen the movie)

Anyone seen the movie Fireproof? Yeah, I had a chance to see it last year but something came up. Then I had a chance to see it when it came out in theaters but something came up. Then I started hearing mixed emotions about it from people which made me a little leary. Then our church decided to have a "showing" Friday night. So Shelly and I went. Mainly because it was free babysitting for a couple of hours (I'll be honest, I love my kids but sometimes I love when someone else has them)!

Acting: I went into the movie knowing that the acting was going to be a little labored. However, it only bothered me for about 5 minutes. They did a much better job this go round (referring to Facing the Giants). Plus having Mike Ceavers (sp) helped a bit too. It was also fun to see some of the cast return in different roles from the other movie.

Plot: To be honest, they tricked me. I was thinking that the husband would be the one to push for the divorce. I like how he was the one who had to do the hard work. Plus I like how his knee-jerk reaction to everything was to hit something. I think ALL guys related to that.

Theology: I've heard various posts bad-mouthing the movie's theology. Regardless of your view on marriage and divorce I think any movie that lifts high the understanding of marriage as a life-long covenant is a major plus. Was it perfect? No, but you know what? It was the best thing I've seen on marriage in many years.

Marketing: Man, what a brilliant idea to offer The Love Dare as an actual journal at every Christian Book Store. I'm not sure which came first, the movie or the book but either way it is a great follow up resource for those interested or needing additional help for their marriage.

Overall: Man, those guys over at that church in Georgia are good. They continually manage to make some very decent films which lift high the name of Jesus and reinforce a proper understanding of Scripture. I say great job and a great movie.

Here's the spoiler: They don't get a divorce... I know, it caught me off guard too.

(LIST)

2009-02-12T11:24:00.002-06:00

This is not the 25 Random things about me list that swept across the Facebook community last month. No, this list is compiled live... I have not even thought of what I am going to say until right now. Let's see if any patterns show up.

I'm at Panera Bread reading for Old Testament.
Sometimes I like reading ABOUT books of the Bible more then I like reading the books of the Bible (horrible I know, thank God for sanctification).
I felt like I did a good thing yesterday by driving up to Oklahoma and helping out with the tornado victims. We did not get to talk with any but we did organize the donation drop off at the First Baptist church there in Lone Grove. Pray for Dewayne (the pastor) he could use it.
I have a new dog that is slowly killing my child. The child gets my vote.
I'm praying for my mom, she's sick and no one seems to be able to help her.
I'm praying for my dad, he's ticked off that no one seems to be able to help my mom.
I'm praying for my sister-in-law's family... they lost a child and it was not expected at all.
I'm praying for one of my students because her mother is marrying another woman (well, not in Texas she's not, but you get the idea).
I'm praying for my youth group because they need to seek a God-sized God in order to do God-sized things.
I'm praying for my church because it is filled with broken, hurting, and neglected souls (which is both an exciting and extremely frustrating thing).
The other day I thought I had finally figured out Youth Ministry... I was wrong.
I love a good symphony orchestra.
I hope my wife gets me James Taylor tickets for graduation.
I'm graduating from seminary in May (Lord willing).
My time in seminary has been amazing and saddening all at the same time.
It used to be that I'd look back on my life and realize that I had grown since the previous year. These days it seems like I'm doing the same thing over a span of weeks. Not sure what that means. Either God is sanctifying me at a quicker pace or I am about to die soon. Either way, I'm cool.
I really miss some good friends. (They know who they are).
Shelly and I went on a date the other night and it was amazing. Time alone, conversation, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, chocolate, music, lights, holding hands, a "secluded" table at Barnes & Noble, fajitas, and sharing life like man and wife should on a regular basis.
This girl made that date (and all of them possible). She has been a blessing to our family and we love her.
I recently downloaded "The 50 Most Essential Pieces of Classical Music" from iTunes and am loving it.
I still think the soundtrack to Braveheart is the best musical score ever.
I still have reading to do.
I am meeting with a guy this afternoon to disciple him.
I am also being mentored by this guy.
I found I can adequately balance 24 different tasks and responsibilites at the same time. At least adequately in my mind... but probably not in others'.
I will dissapear, vanish, fall of the face of the earth, go incognito, go undercover, recede sometime this summer. That's right you won't be able to find me. I could be right next to you and you wouldn't know it. In case you are looking for me: go to the end of civiliation and hang a right.
The purpose for said disspearance is 97 hours worth and 4 years of built up tension and stress brought on by this place. "Was it worth it?" you ask... Yes, yes it was.
Just realized I have more reading to do after I finish the other reading. Crud.

Sometimes I get asked...

2009-02-05T22:26:00.003-06:00

Being in a smaller town sometimes I get asked if I want to visit or join certain civic clubs or community organizations. Typically I decline in a very respectful way claiming lack of time or something to that effect. Truthfully however, if time permitted and the inquirer truly wanted to know what was running through my head... I would reply with something like this.

"If I thought God was going to change the world through your civic club or organization then I would be in it. However, I believe that Christ is going to change the world through His church - so that is why I do what I do."

Just registered for this conference...

2009-02-02T10:29:00.000-06:00

this thing has the potential to be very, very good. Too bad it's 8 months away.

From The Vault

2009-01-31T10:00:00.000-06:00

Here's my name tag from back in my Circuit City days (96-99).

And yes... I was the CD Specialist!

25 Years of Apple History

2009-01-30T09:38:00.002-06:00

Go here to view 25 years of Apple design.

By the way, we totally got the Apple IIc for Christmas in 1984. I played countless hours of Dig-Dug and Zork on that thing.

"Knowledge" does not equal "Discipleship" (I don't care what you say... super-cool, trendy, promo flyer!

2009-01-29T09:52:00.005-06:00

I find it interesting that 99% of the slick ads I get in the mail are selling me "Discipleship" materials for my church and youth. However they are all under the assumption that that discipleship can be accomplished ALONE!

"Simply read this book... watch this DVD series... study this book of the Bible... AND YOU MY FRIEND will become a disciple of Jesus Christ."

Bunk I tell you... all Bunk!