As I sit in here and listen to the thunder shake the building - it just goes to show the glory of God - the clouds that are declaring His reign in a postmodern world.
Tonight is RC Sproul.
Can't say that the worship was all that. One song. Couldn't hear the worship pastor. At times like this I am thankful, yes, for old hymns that are good sound theology. But, I am also thankful for churches like Anastasia and the Summit that have great contemporary worship leaders.
Piper is talking about the Misplaced Locus of Amazement.
1. Unlike so many today, when Sproul comes to a text, there is an expectancy about seeing something majestic about God in the text. Most pastors do the opposite because it won't connect with the people. Sproul brings it up.
2. He has a gift (Sproul) of bringing the great down to even where a teenager will sit and listen to it: surprise, unexpected.
Sproul talks about The Task of Apologetics:
Ex 4.1-17
Moses, in Exodus, brings up apologetics. "suppose they will not believe me?" Miracles don't prove the existence of God - they are God's proof His agents of revelation. Its not how am I going to convince Pharoah - but more surprisingly - how am I going to convince your people? God answers (and He still does today). He answers a question with a question (why not?) I would be scared to death to pick up that serpant - was Moses? Was he scared to put his hand back in his shirt (to infect his whole body with leprosy)? Am I always scared with God's message that He intends for His people? Pastors, teachers, worship leaders, youth pastors - never be scared or timid to bring to your people (youth, college age, etc) the Word of God that He has given you to bring them.
What is the task? It is not to tell the world we are sorry to be believers in Christ. It is to give a reply (from the Latin). Paul went and replied to the claims against Christ - Acts. Did Paul have to become emergent to defend the gospel on Mars Hill - no, he didn't back down. apologia Justin Martyr. He defended Christian Theism. We are not to overthrow the gov't - pray for the gov't and its leaders. We are model citizens. Show the world what obedience looks like. However - we will not go against Scripture - he is not kyrios. Jesus is kyrios - sola! Every generation has its own philosophical question to handle and contend against...we are no different. Apologetics can never get you to trusting faith - they can dispense data that you can understand. Arguments can never change the human heart - that is a work of the Spirit. It can never prove the sweetness of Christ to a pagan - but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be involved in it. Pre-evangelism (clarify the data and give rational data - then get out of the way).
1. Preaching
Indespensables of the Saving Faith
The notitia (notae) - data of Christianity, the kerygma, we are justified by faith (in what?)
Assensus - intellectual assent to certain data and propositions (faith vs credulity - belief in the absurd) David Hume - nature of belief - faith can never be a matter of the will. Choice? Leap of faith? Satan never goes through a period of doubt in who Jesus is (James 2)
Fiducia - Trust, faith, to His finished work. Religious affection is essential to salvation. Do you love Jesus perfectly? No! Do you love Jesus as much as you ought to love Him? No! Do you love Him at all? Yes! Well, the only way to have any affection for the Biblical Christ is for the Holy Spirit to change your cold heart of stone.
Calvin's defence of Sacred Scripture
1. Proof - objective, lay out case, marshall evidence, give reason for proposition.
2. Persuasion - subjective, changing convictions (King Agrippa - almost)
2. Unmask the False Idols
The two most important things for modern Christian apologists to prove is:
Existence of God (point of attack is creation/evolution). Is there compelling evidence that God exists. Kant, French Encyclopedias. Why do we play dead to Kant?
Authority of the Bible (if 1 isn't true, who cares about this one) This book has its origin in God - all the rest is footnotes that can be solved by the Word. These two are the twin towers of Christian Apologetics. This is a desparate generation. Let us not grow weary - in seeking to defend those two things - that means preaching/teaching these two things.
The rest is exegesis.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Contending for the Truth Pt 4 Q/A session
Mohler, Ravi, Jr, moderated by Sproul.
How do we fight the postmodern society without relying on Mohler and Land appearing on national tv every 2 weeks?
Teach our kids the Word.
Jesus is the Word (not the movie)
On the Reading of Old Books - CS Lewis (What Piper says is chronological snobbery).
Teach our kids before feeding them to the wolves.
Culture is a powerful medium. We see with our eyes devoid of a conscience. We are conditioned to believe what we see and not think about what we see. The seduction of the eye. Teach our children to guard their imaginations. Evil had an attraction in the media. Distortion and distraction. Teach your children the contexts, not sound bites.
The single greatest need in our churches today is the expository preaching the Word of God
Is P-M dead as Oz Guiness has suggested and should we be thinking about what comes next?
(directed to Ravi)
It is dying. The mood to redefine reality will always be with us. As a major movement, it is moving into sunset, but its ideas will haunt us for a while. We still live in a modern society - much less a post-modern society. We have hope in technology. It has taken deep root in morality - and people will not let it go. There is no momentum to shift back to a biblical worldview of morality.
Statism...(RCS)where the gov't gets bigger and bigger and bigger. Its authority in life is larger. Separation is now separation of church and God. Marxism fell because everyone wanted a cell phone (AM). We have the regulatory state - there has got to be rules. The bullying of the state and the academy (RZ). Dawkins' book is big right now at Oxford - students who believe in a designed universe should not be allowed in Oxford. Veith quoted a gay activist group "we have created a truly faschist organization". When words have no meaning, it is all about the acquisition of power. (Jr). They are using their power to acquire power. Sophists of the worst kind, manipulating us into state intrusion.
Since the Lord orchestrates everything that happens, why has the Lord orchestrated P-M?
(AM) His glory will be more grealty demonstrated by the church's response to this. God's sovereignity does not mean determinism. God ordains but He is not the author of evil. We have a revealed authority. God's will is exercised so that He will get the most glory. How will our obedience give Him the most glory?
The hidden counsel of God is not our business (Zech) - we don't know why - but our job is to live according to God's Word (RCS)
(RZ) - Who's sin is it (John 9) - but the work of God may be seen in this man's life. We claim to see - our guilt remains. We see what true blindness is?
How do we train our children to fight P-M?
We need to be less concerned about the culture and we should be more concerned with teaching them to love and believe God. (Jr) Dt 6. Shema We should always teach them - always! The centrality of parenting centered on the Word of God (RCS) - The Sunday School program has caused us to make it a substitute for parenting.
How is P-M affected the Pittsburgh Steelers?
(Jr) - Dt 29.29
Is there a connection between Emergent Church and P-M?
It will pitch itself as soft P-M. In order to have any connection to P-M, the bottom line is no truth. Yes, I believe in the finished work of Christ, but it is up to me. I hope we are all enemies with p-m. Affirm what the Word of God says without ambiguity. (Jr) It is just one of many movements (RCS) - growing reluctance to define oneself as evangelical. (Al) - there is hardlined P-M (McClarin - Generous Orthodoxy) - You can be everything of the polarities. NO YOU CAN'T. It is a form of drinking P-M and letting culture set the direction. We are not devoid of culture (we are wearing clothes), but there is trouble when we can't or won't answer the Truth question. Read Mohler's comments on that book here. (Ravi) - We don't know what we believe. Most of the ECers (Joel Osteen - Ravi said it not me) don't mention the Cross. We are paying a big price of the lack of proper teaching. (RCS) "I don't care who you are, what you have done, or who you have done it with, God is not angry with you." (tv preacher) Sin has got to be preached in our church. Why else would anyone need to come to church? If we don't believe in the wrath of God - why preach the gospel?
What should I be reading to understanding P-M?
(Al) Don Carson - the Gagging of God, Ravi's books, Veith - PostModern Times (15 years old), (Ravi) David Clark's book on apologetics, Gagging of God, Degenerate Moderns
How do we present the gospel without the stigma of a "white gospel"?
(Ravi) - God is already doing that. Look at the work in China and the root that the gospel is taking there. Look at the work that churches in America are doing (the Summit) to reach non-white people. In Damascus, the church is full. The gospel is being given an open door - in every where but America. We can empower these other groups. Fine seminaries to empower the people and send them out (go SEBTS). The "Global South" - Nigerians outrank Europeans in worshippers. It is a tribute to "old-time" missionaries (and the power of the gospel). Why don't we have lines outside our church doors on Sunday to hear the preaching of the gospel? (JD - this is a happy problem we are having at Riverside).
What was God doing before He created?
It is a conditioned question for those who dwell in time - God is outside of time. (Ravi)
He wasn't bored or unhappy or lonely (RCS)
Reformed theology can be intimidating to newcomers, do you have suggestions to embrace the reformed faith?
It is daunting for those who have believed it a long time (AM) - take Calvinism as an example - the institutes architecture - he starts with the knowledge of God and man, and the glory of God for the purpose of all thing. You have to have a right picture of God. No wonder it is intimidating if you don't know the God and His glory - it is not a backward theology. It starts with God. Expositional Genius of John Calvin (RCS) - great new little book. His own heart was captured by the preaching of the Word of God. There is an importance in what happens in the pulpit week in and week out. We can't improve upon the Word of God. Do not become a loud mouth and obnoxious (Jr). Wherever we are, whoever we are speaking to, we are to communicate the greatness of God - that is our GOAL. We don't construct this question to protect our dignity - it is all about God. Life is not about us (that is why P-M doesn't fit in with the gospel).
How do we fight the postmodern society without relying on Mohler and Land appearing on national tv every 2 weeks?
Teach our kids the Word.
Jesus is the Word (not the movie)
On the Reading of Old Books - CS Lewis (What Piper says is chronological snobbery).
Teach our kids before feeding them to the wolves.
Culture is a powerful medium. We see with our eyes devoid of a conscience. We are conditioned to believe what we see and not think about what we see. The seduction of the eye. Teach our children to guard their imaginations. Evil had an attraction in the media. Distortion and distraction. Teach your children the contexts, not sound bites.
The single greatest need in our churches today is the expository preaching the Word of God
Is P-M dead as Oz Guiness has suggested and should we be thinking about what comes next?
(directed to Ravi)
It is dying. The mood to redefine reality will always be with us. As a major movement, it is moving into sunset, but its ideas will haunt us for a while. We still live in a modern society - much less a post-modern society. We have hope in technology. It has taken deep root in morality - and people will not let it go. There is no momentum to shift back to a biblical worldview of morality.
Statism...(RCS)where the gov't gets bigger and bigger and bigger. Its authority in life is larger. Separation is now separation of church and God. Marxism fell because everyone wanted a cell phone (AM). We have the regulatory state - there has got to be rules. The bullying of the state and the academy (RZ). Dawkins' book is big right now at Oxford - students who believe in a designed universe should not be allowed in Oxford. Veith quoted a gay activist group "we have created a truly faschist organization". When words have no meaning, it is all about the acquisition of power. (Jr). They are using their power to acquire power. Sophists of the worst kind, manipulating us into state intrusion.
Since the Lord orchestrates everything that happens, why has the Lord orchestrated P-M?
(AM) His glory will be more grealty demonstrated by the church's response to this. God's sovereignity does not mean determinism. God ordains but He is not the author of evil. We have a revealed authority. God's will is exercised so that He will get the most glory. How will our obedience give Him the most glory?
The hidden counsel of God is not our business (Zech) - we don't know why - but our job is to live according to God's Word (RCS)
(RZ) - Who's sin is it (John 9) - but the work of God may be seen in this man's life. We claim to see - our guilt remains. We see what true blindness is?
How do we train our children to fight P-M?
We need to be less concerned about the culture and we should be more concerned with teaching them to love and believe God. (Jr) Dt 6. Shema We should always teach them - always! The centrality of parenting centered on the Word of God (RCS) - The Sunday School program has caused us to make it a substitute for parenting.
How is P-M affected the Pittsburgh Steelers?
(Jr) - Dt 29.29
Is there a connection between Emergent Church and P-M?
It will pitch itself as soft P-M. In order to have any connection to P-M, the bottom line is no truth. Yes, I believe in the finished work of Christ, but it is up to me. I hope we are all enemies with p-m. Affirm what the Word of God says without ambiguity. (Jr) It is just one of many movements (RCS) - growing reluctance to define oneself as evangelical. (Al) - there is hardlined P-M (McClarin - Generous Orthodoxy) - You can be everything of the polarities. NO YOU CAN'T. It is a form of drinking P-M and letting culture set the direction. We are not devoid of culture (we are wearing clothes), but there is trouble when we can't or won't answer the Truth question. Read Mohler's comments on that book here. (Ravi) - We don't know what we believe. Most of the ECers (Joel Osteen - Ravi said it not me) don't mention the Cross. We are paying a big price of the lack of proper teaching. (RCS) "I don't care who you are, what you have done, or who you have done it with, God is not angry with you." (tv preacher) Sin has got to be preached in our church. Why else would anyone need to come to church? If we don't believe in the wrath of God - why preach the gospel?
What should I be reading to understanding P-M?
(Al) Don Carson - the Gagging of God, Ravi's books, Veith - PostModern Times (15 years old), (Ravi) David Clark's book on apologetics, Gagging of God, Degenerate Moderns
How do we present the gospel without the stigma of a "white gospel"?
(Ravi) - God is already doing that. Look at the work in China and the root that the gospel is taking there. Look at the work that churches in America are doing (the Summit) to reach non-white people. In Damascus, the church is full. The gospel is being given an open door - in every where but America. We can empower these other groups. Fine seminaries to empower the people and send them out (go SEBTS). The "Global South" - Nigerians outrank Europeans in worshippers. It is a tribute to "old-time" missionaries (and the power of the gospel). Why don't we have lines outside our church doors on Sunday to hear the preaching of the gospel? (JD - this is a happy problem we are having at Riverside).
What was God doing before He created?
It is a conditioned question for those who dwell in time - God is outside of time. (Ravi)
He wasn't bored or unhappy or lonely (RCS)
Reformed theology can be intimidating to newcomers, do you have suggestions to embrace the reformed faith?
It is daunting for those who have believed it a long time (AM) - take Calvinism as an example - the institutes architecture - he starts with the knowledge of God and man, and the glory of God for the purpose of all thing. You have to have a right picture of God. No wonder it is intimidating if you don't know the God and His glory - it is not a backward theology. It starts with God. Expositional Genius of John Calvin (RCS) - great new little book. His own heart was captured by the preaching of the Word of God. There is an importance in what happens in the pulpit week in and week out. We can't improve upon the Word of God. Do not become a loud mouth and obnoxious (Jr). Wherever we are, whoever we are speaking to, we are to communicate the greatness of God - that is our GOAL. We don't construct this question to protect our dignity - it is all about God. Life is not about us (that is why P-M doesn't fit in with the gospel).
Contending for the Truth - Pt 3 RC Sproul, Jr
R. C. Sproul, Jr lives in VA, and is the son of the founder of the Ligonier Conference and Ministries.
Key post-modern text
Gen 3
Rom 1
The flowers and the fields will wither (so will all these new philosophies), but the Word of the Lord stands forever (because its author is eternal).
The Bible does not call us to have a solid worldview, the Bible calls us to attain wisdom. We need wisdom. We need to want wisdom.
The craftiness of the serpent at work in Gen 3 is still at work today.
The Bible calls us to exhibit humility. Then the serpent confuses us to know what that means.
Arrogantly thinking we are right or being humble - can we be both humble and right? There is no greater sin in our world than to think we have the corner on truth.
Before we got to post-modern Bible studies - we had postmodernity in the church. We speak about our testimonies "I" style. (Is there anything wrong with that?). Who can argue with our story? Are we telling anything of historic reality or are we just telling our story? Who cares about what happened to us - I care about Truth that happened. You telling me that you were a drug attic has no value in my life - but the Cross of Christ has truth in my life - has value. No ones story can be false. The trouble comes in the church when she drives homes inclusivism. The "emergent church" wants inclusivism and affirm that Jesus will redeem many who will not call upon His name, there are many names on which we can call, sin is a modern concept built on law and not on relationship. It wants to say these things while keeping its evangelical mood and credentials. It wants to be all things to all people. It doesn't deny the resurrection of Christ or object to substitutionary atonement or the miracles that appear in the Bible - instead it objects to the objectifying/exclusivity of conservative truth claims.
God did not begin the Bible how we explain our periodic table or our systematic theology. He just says "in the beginning". He doesn't have to provide any rational. He tells us His meta-narrative.
Craftiness - then perseverance. He only has one weapon - his downfall - his pride. Pride drives the modernist to build the Tower of Babel, storm the Bastille in France, and also that responds to the devil when he asks us like he did Eve - "I don't want to answer that definitively". I can't tell you that you are wrong. Pride causes us to fail to say "amen" at everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Father.
Our answer is found in the garden (gen 3). Did Eve need a PhD in Philosophy - would that have caused her to succeed in this test? We don't need to become Mars Hill (Acts). We need to only understand this simple truth: the problem lies in "we don't believe God." Eve failed, we fail - when we don't believe what God has told us. If we have all the knowledge in the world and all the degrees we could hold, but still don't believe God - they mean nothing.
Do we work at affirming our story or HIS story? Is it still all about us or is our sharing of the gospel (witness, evangelism) about HIM.
We need to not be scared or intimidated at sharing "thus saith the Lord." He we stand. We can do no other.
Contending for the Truth Pt 2 - Al Mohler
Al Mohler is the President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.
We live in a hinge point of society of what is known and familiar. Postmodern needs defining even before we can begin thinking and speaking intelligently about it.
1 Deconstruction of Truth. Can truth be known? Christians are to align our lives with TRUTH - but that is foreign to postmodernists. For them, truth is made, not found. It is socially constructed. Disguised claims of power. Liberation comes from the deconstruction of these truth claims. Radical relativism is a challenge to the gospel.
2. Death of the meta-narrative. Doesn't this come up at every dinner table conversation. Oppression comes from the meta-narrative: Marxism, Christianity, progress, technology, modern science. Here's "my" truth.
3. Demise of the text. Derrida - death of the author. It doesn't matter what the author meant, it is what I think the text means. How many evangelical Bible studies are in this sense. "What does it mean to you?". How many of our Bible studies in our churches (conservative churches) are this way. Who cares what the text means to you - it depends on what the author meant. But, are we taking a stand against this in our churches? Most of the time, no. We don't want to "oppress" the people in our churches. We want to be "seeker friendly" to the outside world, to be postmodernists to a postmodernist society.
4. Dominion of the therapeutic. What makes me feel good?
5. Decline of authority. The author of the text is robbed it HIS authority as well (if the text is robbed). Archie Bunker (the theologian of both Ravi and Al) - "why do all you non-conformists dress alike?" Is there a "right kind" of authority? They will not accept authority who defines anything that is contrary to what they believe.
6. Displacement of Morality. See number 5.
Good news - you won't find it in most 15 year-olds, only in academia
Bad news - it is trickling down throughout the entire society
Signs:
absolute reign of theory - cinema, architecture (AT&T building in Manhattan 1986, (that is the picture atop the entry),a Chippendale crown sits atop"That is absolutely phenomenal!", Seattle Public Library, education, art (first labeled, Picasso), entertainment, theatre (no point?) Brokeback Mountain directors point was to "subvert", pictures in the Updated New Soviet Encyclopedia, transgression, music (atonality) - it is characterized by randomness, literature (novel has been transformed, playing with language)
Subvertion is the theme - nothing else, no point except to claim that there are no points.
Our brand new slogan - "subverting subversion to the glory of God"
Fastest growing in academia - sex and gender studies. It is a major area of oppression - what sex you are. Academia seeks to deconstruct this worldview. Once you transgress - there are boundaries.
Students - how does it affect them?
Most popular publication is sex magazines. Trangress all boundaries.
Law - infected legal studies "critical legal theory" - subvert all to a theory. US Constitution is a text for discussion and compromise. "You can't take back a right" We must be interested in how they think even if they are not interested in how we think. How are we to engage this culture - is the emerging church the answer? Do they take it too far? What about churches like Vintage 21 in Raleigh or people like Joel Osteen who won't say Jesus is the ONLY WAY on national television - he doesn't want to oppress the people or their rights.
Business - it is more about marketing in our consumer society. The appetite in our post-modern age is the creation of needs (needs that weren't needs before). All kids need iPods and cell phones.
We must understand postmodernism in the academy - not in its trickle down form.
Rationality, order, and absolute truths are welcome when you are 33k feet in the air, or banking, or building a building from the ground up.
Let's tell the truth to the glory of God.
Contending for the Truth - Pt 1 - Ravi
This is my first attempt at live-blogging an event. I know everyone can't attend and they might like to hear (or read) what is being said.
Dr. Ravi is going to start first in the pre-conference.
Contending for the Truth
Postmodernism and Philosophy
Right after lunch: G K Chesterton said, "Everyone's worldview changes about 30 minutes after lunch."
Postmodernism - don't know where we are and don't know who we are - and we are trying to pontificate the depth of it all. How are we going to define humanism if we don't even know who we are.
Do words have meaning? Do morals have any meaning? Until we want to flirt with the edges of absolutes - there aren't meanings to anything - but then we can take it as far as we want. Where is the line of absolutes. Many different worldviews have come and gone over the centuries. Postmodernism throws off all of these previous worldviews. The "I" is at the center of post-modernism.
Postmodernism was really born in Gen 3. "Did God really say...?" Can you be certain? We don't need to wait until the late 20th century - when we have it in the Garden of Eden. In spite of what God says - Eve chose to play God and attempt to redefine good and evil. This is where it started. Now, it has just gained vogue and popularity. Comes down to a problem of humility. The gospel demands humility.
Tenants of Postmodernism:
1. They do not believe there is no point of reference for words - shifting ground in propositional truth. We manufacture words and meaning by how we use it. But, they use tons of words saying their philosophy is stable.
Based on an epistemology that holds to a limitless instability of words, in language. Rhetoric radically suspends logic and opens up possibilities of referendum.
God in Us - (Freeman) Is 44.14-17
The case of the pagan whom Isaiah is harpooning:
14 He cuts down cedars, or he chooses a cypress tree or an oak and lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a cedar and the rain nourishes it. 15 Then it becomes fuel for a man. He takes a part of it and warms himself; he kindles a fire and bakes bread. Also he makes a god and worships it; he makes it an idol and falls down before it. 16 Half of it he burns in the fire. Over the half he eats meat; he roasts it and is satisfied. Also he warms himself and says, “Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire!” 17 And the rest of it he makes into a god, his idol, and falls down to it and worships it. He prays to it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god!”
2. There are no laws of logic that are undeniable. (identity, non-contradiction, excluded middle, rational inference - 4 fundamental laws that are in our discourse). But, postmodernists want to debunk these laws and say they don't work. Does rationality work in our society now? When we get beat at our own game - then we change the laws and the rules on which the game is played. This is what happens on our college campuses today. I saw it at UNC and Duke. But, we also see it outside the college campus. We see it in our families and our churches.
We cannot live in a world where there are no absolutes or logic - otherwise it is complete chaos. But, who is the one in charge of making the absolutes? It isn't even the same for Christians. Some believe the Bible (God's written Word), some don't. Some Christians even put themselves at the center. We are not the center of our own universe. We were created in the image of Someone - we bear the imago dei. He is the center. Then, how do our lives reflect it?
Be the Centre - by Michael Frye:
Jesus, be the center, be my source, be my light, Jesus. be my hope, be my song, be my vision, be my path, be my guide, Jesus (not I)
There doesn't seem to be any rational in the theory...
3. There are no boundaries for meaning. It is sad to think of the tragedy of lives of those who have lived this out. Where is their meta-narrative? They write out their own story by denying an overarching story. Where is there meaning in this? Speaking of genealogy - that is what I said in a scholarship - we find meaning in where we came from - but what about postmodernists...Beth Moore writes about generational sins - how would postmodernists think on this idea from BM? Genius gone wrong.
"Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word, tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard." Don't let the geniuses control our world - we need to know what we are talking about, know the gospel, know how to engage the culture in which we live. Why does the world get all the geniuses - take back the academic world for Christ!
Dr. Ravi is going to start first in the pre-conference.
Contending for the Truth
Postmodernism and Philosophy
Right after lunch: G K Chesterton said, "Everyone's worldview changes about 30 minutes after lunch."
Postmodernism - don't know where we are and don't know who we are - and we are trying to pontificate the depth of it all. How are we going to define humanism if we don't even know who we are.
Do words have meaning? Do morals have any meaning? Until we want to flirt with the edges of absolutes - there aren't meanings to anything - but then we can take it as far as we want. Where is the line of absolutes. Many different worldviews have come and gone over the centuries. Postmodernism throws off all of these previous worldviews. The "I" is at the center of post-modernism.
Postmodernism was really born in Gen 3. "Did God really say...?" Can you be certain? We don't need to wait until the late 20th century - when we have it in the Garden of Eden. In spite of what God says - Eve chose to play God and attempt to redefine good and evil. This is where it started. Now, it has just gained vogue and popularity. Comes down to a problem of humility. The gospel demands humility.
Tenants of Postmodernism:
1. They do not believe there is no point of reference for words - shifting ground in propositional truth. We manufacture words and meaning by how we use it. But, they use tons of words saying their philosophy is stable.
Based on an epistemology that holds to a limitless instability of words, in language. Rhetoric radically suspends logic and opens up possibilities of referendum.
God in Us - (Freeman) Is 44.14-17
The case of the pagan whom Isaiah is harpooning:
14 He cuts down cedars, or he chooses a cypress tree or an oak and lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a cedar and the rain nourishes it. 15 Then it becomes fuel for a man. He takes a part of it and warms himself; he kindles a fire and bakes bread. Also he makes a god and worships it; he makes it an idol and falls down before it. 16 Half of it he burns in the fire. Over the half he eats meat; he roasts it and is satisfied. Also he warms himself and says, “Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire!” 17 And the rest of it he makes into a god, his idol, and falls down to it and worships it. He prays to it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god!”
2. There are no laws of logic that are undeniable. (identity, non-contradiction, excluded middle, rational inference - 4 fundamental laws that are in our discourse). But, postmodernists want to debunk these laws and say they don't work. Does rationality work in our society now? When we get beat at our own game - then we change the laws and the rules on which the game is played. This is what happens on our college campuses today. I saw it at UNC and Duke. But, we also see it outside the college campus. We see it in our families and our churches.
We cannot live in a world where there are no absolutes or logic - otherwise it is complete chaos. But, who is the one in charge of making the absolutes? It isn't even the same for Christians. Some believe the Bible (God's written Word), some don't. Some Christians even put themselves at the center. We are not the center of our own universe. We were created in the image of Someone - we bear the imago dei. He is the center. Then, how do our lives reflect it?
Be the Centre - by Michael Frye:
Jesus, be the center, be my source, be my light, Jesus. be my hope, be my song, be my vision, be my path, be my guide, Jesus (not I)
There doesn't seem to be any rational in the theory...
3. There are no boundaries for meaning. It is sad to think of the tragedy of lives of those who have lived this out. Where is their meta-narrative? They write out their own story by denying an overarching story. Where is there meaning in this? Speaking of genealogy - that is what I said in a scholarship - we find meaning in where we came from - but what about postmodernists...Beth Moore writes about generational sins - how would postmodernists think on this idea from BM? Genius gone wrong.
"Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word, tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard." Don't let the geniuses control our world - we need to know what we are talking about, know the gospel, know how to engage the culture in which we live. Why does the world get all the geniuses - take back the academic world for Christ!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
small world and bikes
Today was a beautiful day in central Florida. Set up the bookstore this morning at Baptist World for the Ligonier Conference this weekend. The first person I met was a member of Clay Nettles' church in Maitland - what a small world. (being in the land of its a small world after all) (now you are going to be singing it all day).
Then I spent an hour in B&N - one place I could definitely max out my credit if I had one (good thing I don't). Read some Thomas Merton. About the solitary life (practice of solitude). So where is the balance of that and community - or life together - like Bonhoeffer says? Answer possibly might be - be content where God puts you - or has you in life. I don't know.
Then I went bike riding with Tywonn. That was funny. It was such a beautiful day in Windermere FL (west Orlando for you non-central Floridians). We rode about 10 miles and had to walk some back because my back tire went flat. Guess I'll be going to WalMart or a local bike shop before I leave - buying my brother another bike tire. Ty and I found a piece of glass in it.
Then we ate Chinese food and strawberries - yummy!
Then I spent an hour in B&N - one place I could definitely max out my credit if I had one (good thing I don't). Read some Thomas Merton. About the solitary life (practice of solitude). So where is the balance of that and community - or life together - like Bonhoeffer says? Answer possibly might be - be content where God puts you - or has you in life. I don't know.
Then I went bike riding with Tywonn. That was funny. It was such a beautiful day in Windermere FL (west Orlando for you non-central Floridians). We rode about 10 miles and had to walk some back because my back tire went flat. Guess I'll be going to WalMart or a local bike shop before I leave - buying my brother another bike tire. Ty and I found a piece of glass in it.
Then we ate Chinese food and strawberries - yummy!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Delighting
LR shared this with me today in an email - so I said I would take a look at it as well. I'm not really systematically going through anything right now - just seeing what come up during the day, and thinking on those things.
Today I totally failed at biblical femininity over dinner. Pray for forgiveness, go on, do it better next time. Do not live by cheap grace.
Can't wait for Ligonier to start - excited about hearing some great preaching (live that is).
Jeremiah 9:
1 - I know I don't have that - why even try to pretend. I do walk around campuses or the mall and see youth and college kids and women who are trying to live for something that is not worthwhile - but does it bring me to tears?
3 - The people we aren't to be like are the ones who don't know God or understand Him. are we working every day at NOT being like those people - working everyday on getting a better understanding of who our God is?
4-6 - Sin is tiring. Doing stuff that we weren't created to do is tiring. Living in the perfect center of God's will is the safest and most peaceful place to be. In some areas of my life right now I know that peace, in others not so much. It is a daily thing - live there - dwell there (God's presence that is).
7 - Refining and testing are in the same sentence - same phrase. We don't really like either of these terms - sometimes we don't even like to say that God will test us. But, he does - all for his glory.
12-16 - the voice of truth coming from God - that he will destroy us if we do not obey Him. To obey is better than sacrifice.
23-24 - What key verses...
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
I like to be able to boast in many things - but how often can I say this, and say it truthfully, yet humbly. I want to understand and know God. He practices steadfast love. He is always just and His righteousness appears here on this early. He DELIGHTS in these things - not just wants them from us - it says HE DELIGHTS. I want to do the things that GOD DELIGHTS IN.
Today I totally failed at biblical femininity over dinner. Pray for forgiveness, go on, do it better next time. Do not live by cheap grace.
Can't wait for Ligonier to start - excited about hearing some great preaching (live that is).
Jeremiah 9:
1 - I know I don't have that - why even try to pretend. I do walk around campuses or the mall and see youth and college kids and women who are trying to live for something that is not worthwhile - but does it bring me to tears?
3 - The people we aren't to be like are the ones who don't know God or understand Him. are we working every day at NOT being like those people - working everyday on getting a better understanding of who our God is?
4-6 - Sin is tiring. Doing stuff that we weren't created to do is tiring. Living in the perfect center of God's will is the safest and most peaceful place to be. In some areas of my life right now I know that peace, in others not so much. It is a daily thing - live there - dwell there (God's presence that is).
7 - Refining and testing are in the same sentence - same phrase. We don't really like either of these terms - sometimes we don't even like to say that God will test us. But, he does - all for his glory.
12-16 - the voice of truth coming from God - that he will destroy us if we do not obey Him. To obey is better than sacrifice.
23-24 - What key verses...
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
I like to be able to boast in many things - but how often can I say this, and say it truthfully, yet humbly. I want to understand and know God. He practices steadfast love. He is always just and His righteousness appears here on this early. He DELIGHTS in these things - not just wants them from us - it says HE DELIGHTS. I want to do the things that GOD DELIGHTS IN.
Idol Factories - or thoughts on Jacob
My pastor in NC just finished a sermon series on Jacob. What a great sermon series. The only one I caught "live" was one in Feb, so I listened to all of them today while I've been working out in the office.
I just wanted to give thoughts from them: and I'm looking forward to his next series. Praise God for the power of podcast and internet!
1. Stress is an idolatry and trust problem. Whenever we find ouselves stressed: relationship, money, family, lack of any of the above - think about what you are stressed about - it would probably fall into one of the above categories.
2. Leah's idol was Jacob - no matter how many kids she gave him, she still couldn't "earn" his love. That is all she wanted. When I can't earn someone's love it is hard, but when I find a relationship - any kind - when I don't have to earn it - it is so peaceful! Rachel's idol was kids. She didn't have them and she wanted to be able to give Jacob what Leah was giving him. Would that make her happy? Jacob's idol was the blessing - he tricked his way into it all his life - then finally at the end realizing that God is the blessing (the Messiah - the first born).
3. Will we only be happy if God gives us what we want? Gen 32.9. This is my biggest "question" of Scripture. All those scriptures that say praying in faith and you will receive. I've prayed for things for a long time and haven't received them. Is it b/c I am not asking in faith or b/c God doesn't want to give them to me. But - the promises of God and sovereignity of God are never in conflict with one another. How do I reconcile that within myself and my faith?
4. When you are right in the center - there is nothing like it.
5. Holding onto God isn't a means to an end - but an end in of itself (the chief end).
I just wanted to give thoughts from them: and I'm looking forward to his next series. Praise God for the power of podcast and internet!
1. Stress is an idolatry and trust problem. Whenever we find ouselves stressed: relationship, money, family, lack of any of the above - think about what you are stressed about - it would probably fall into one of the above categories.
2. Leah's idol was Jacob - no matter how many kids she gave him, she still couldn't "earn" his love. That is all she wanted. When I can't earn someone's love it is hard, but when I find a relationship - any kind - when I don't have to earn it - it is so peaceful! Rachel's idol was kids. She didn't have them and she wanted to be able to give Jacob what Leah was giving him. Would that make her happy? Jacob's idol was the blessing - he tricked his way into it all his life - then finally at the end realizing that God is the blessing (the Messiah - the first born).
3. Will we only be happy if God gives us what we want? Gen 32.9. This is my biggest "question" of Scripture. All those scriptures that say praying in faith and you will receive. I've prayed for things for a long time and haven't received them. Is it b/c I am not asking in faith or b/c God doesn't want to give them to me. But - the promises of God and sovereignity of God are never in conflict with one another. How do I reconcile that within myself and my faith?
4. When you are right in the center - there is nothing like it.
5. Holding onto God isn't a means to an end - but an end in of itself (the chief end).
Monday, March 12, 2007
another new baby!
I love new babies! I won't see this one for a while, but I get to see pictures! Congrats to James and Julie! They had baby Marshall on Friday. How exciting is that! James and Julie - blessings to you both (and little miss ava) - I am praying sleep for you and wisdom and many laughs as you watch Marshall grow! I pray Ava is a good big sister! Julie - you look beautiful (as always).
Sunday, March 11, 2007
in honor of mom!
This first one is me and Ty. You can tell we are both kind of cheesing it for the camera. Frank always said you can tell when people are cheesing it in pictures. The next is of my cousin Teresa and her daughter Kyla. They have been visiting us for a week and her family just left today to return to TX and CA. Then there is one of what the Hatchers (my Mom's family) does best - smoke mullet. We enjoy it a couple of times a year. This is the first time I've been home in a while to get some. That picture is of Alan and Papa. Then the final one is of my granny. It is hard to note when people are starting to age - but I guess it is a bi-product of the fall, isn't it.
It is my Mommy's b-day this weekend, actually it was yesterday. Her sister and family are in town. We went to Outback last night with some friends - and she got embarrassed by the cute waiter singing her a b-day song (but she got free dessert!). Then we all (the messed up family and friends that we call the Hatchers/Davidsons) got together today for smoke mullet and all the fixins. It was interesting.
I love my Mom - praise God we are getting along better than usual and it has been 2 whole weeks. I need to practice more patience with her, and not just when I get my own way.
Mom - I do love you and am thankful for your 59 years here on earth and the 30 that you have given to me! Here's to as many more as God will give you!
I love my Mom - praise God we are getting along better than usual and it has been 2 whole weeks. I need to practice more patience with her, and not just when I get my own way.
Mom - I do love you and am thankful for your 59 years here on earth and the 30 that you have given to me! Here's to as many more as God will give you!
Biblical Femininity and the Sanctity of Marriage
These two topics have been on my mind lately. This is going to be written both for girls (my college ones know that is a term of endearment) but also for those who work with teenagers and college girls - who need to think about what the Bible has to say about things in light of what they are learning from culture and friends.
First, I think these two topics are in the same family - they have much play on each other. I'm not married, don't know if that is something God has for me, but I can think about it either way.
We have many portraits of what biblical femininity, or Christian women, ought to be like. Some are Beth Moore, Joyce Meyer, a local pastor's wife, mother, aunt, singer, worship leader, friend, etc. I'm sure we have all seen good and not-so-good pictures of what a woman of God should be. So...what is our "plumb line"? It has to be Scripture, and as I have heard recently: reading the Word in the Spirit, not in the flesh. The Word is perfect and will not lead us wrong in how to please God.
So, how does this play into the sanctity of marriage. I was at a genealogy conference this weekend and one of the speakers said basically that marriage was for the distribution and protection of property. Maybe by a legal standpoint - but not by a godly standpoint. A Christian marriage should be a reflection on Christ's relationship with the church. One that will bring the most glory to God - more than the two people remaining single (or married to someone else).
There are some women in my life that I would like to be like someday: Phyllis, Kimmie, Renee. Some women older than me that I wish I could pick certain traits and just pump them into my life: Kathy, Patty, Felicity, MG. Also, younger women that I know have traits that I would love to have because they are more like Jesus than me in specific areas: Christina, Laura, Vern, April, Melanie, Devan, Kasey. I've been around some recently that I do not want to be like. There is a demonstration of biblical femininity that is so appealing. When I am portraying that (be denying flesh and walking in the Spirit) - I want to rest in that, fall asleep in it, dwell there - because it is what I was created to be. But, then when I see the opposite, crass, loud (in a bad way) - I am so turned off by it. I just want to run from it. It is hard to model biblical femininity in a sinful world. But the Word says that it will be. Here are some thoughts from Scripture (so that this isn't all about what I think):
1 Peter 3.1-...
"In the same way, wives, be submissive to your own husbands...as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely external...but that it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit - which is precious in the sight of God."
Prov 31.11
"The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain."
Eph 5.1-...
"Be imitators of God and walk in love. But immorality or any impurity must not be even named among you...Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord...Therefore be careful how you walk, making the most of your time because the days are evil. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her - so that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, so that he might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she would be holy and blameless."
Galatians 5.25-26
"If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit - let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another."
I pray this for my life, for the girls in my life, and for the girls that I will get to minister to in the future. If we embrace the way we were designed to live...all for the ambition of the glory and praise of God alone.
"What would happen if a remnant of women were willing to repent, to return to the authority of God's Word, to embrace God's priority and purpose for their lives and homes, and to live out the beauty and the wonder of womanhood as God created it to be?" - Nancy Leigh Demoss.
As Carolyn McCulley has taught me well, as she has mentored me (as well as Christina and Kathy) - you can even do this "home" thing as single women - using your home as your main point of ministry - hospitality, studies, etc. Thank you women of God for teaching me that as single women.
"The starting point for all repentance is setting our hearts and minds on things above...to direct our attention to Jesus and the finished work on the cross...to intentionally focus on Jesus...and that we are no longer enslaved by an evil desire." - Carolyn Mahaney
Ok - this has gone long enough. Be encouraged - encourage other women you know in this too.
First, I think these two topics are in the same family - they have much play on each other. I'm not married, don't know if that is something God has for me, but I can think about it either way.
We have many portraits of what biblical femininity, or Christian women, ought to be like. Some are Beth Moore, Joyce Meyer, a local pastor's wife, mother, aunt, singer, worship leader, friend, etc. I'm sure we have all seen good and not-so-good pictures of what a woman of God should be. So...what is our "plumb line"? It has to be Scripture, and as I have heard recently: reading the Word in the Spirit, not in the flesh. The Word is perfect and will not lead us wrong in how to please God.
So, how does this play into the sanctity of marriage. I was at a genealogy conference this weekend and one of the speakers said basically that marriage was for the distribution and protection of property. Maybe by a legal standpoint - but not by a godly standpoint. A Christian marriage should be a reflection on Christ's relationship with the church. One that will bring the most glory to God - more than the two people remaining single (or married to someone else).
There are some women in my life that I would like to be like someday: Phyllis, Kimmie, Renee. Some women older than me that I wish I could pick certain traits and just pump them into my life: Kathy, Patty, Felicity, MG. Also, younger women that I know have traits that I would love to have because they are more like Jesus than me in specific areas: Christina, Laura, Vern, April, Melanie, Devan, Kasey. I've been around some recently that I do not want to be like. There is a demonstration of biblical femininity that is so appealing. When I am portraying that (be denying flesh and walking in the Spirit) - I want to rest in that, fall asleep in it, dwell there - because it is what I was created to be. But, then when I see the opposite, crass, loud (in a bad way) - I am so turned off by it. I just want to run from it. It is hard to model biblical femininity in a sinful world. But the Word says that it will be. Here are some thoughts from Scripture (so that this isn't all about what I think):
1 Peter 3.1-...
"In the same way, wives, be submissive to your own husbands...as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely external...but that it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit - which is precious in the sight of God."
Prov 31.11
"The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain."
Eph 5.1-...
"Be imitators of God and walk in love. But immorality or any impurity must not be even named among you...Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord...Therefore be careful how you walk, making the most of your time because the days are evil. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her - so that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, so that he might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she would be holy and blameless."
Galatians 5.25-26
"If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit - let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another."
I pray this for my life, for the girls in my life, and for the girls that I will get to minister to in the future. If we embrace the way we were designed to live...all for the ambition of the glory and praise of God alone.
"What would happen if a remnant of women were willing to repent, to return to the authority of God's Word, to embrace God's priority and purpose for their lives and homes, and to live out the beauty and the wonder of womanhood as God created it to be?" - Nancy Leigh Demoss.
As Carolyn McCulley has taught me well, as she has mentored me (as well as Christina and Kathy) - you can even do this "home" thing as single women - using your home as your main point of ministry - hospitality, studies, etc. Thank you women of God for teaching me that as single women.
"The starting point for all repentance is setting our hearts and minds on things above...to direct our attention to Jesus and the finished work on the cross...to intentionally focus on Jesus...and that we are no longer enslaved by an evil desire." - Carolyn Mahaney
Ok - this has gone long enough. Be encouraged - encourage other women you know in this too.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Strong Personalities and Intimidation
I was reading this blog entry on Carolyn McCulley's blog. I so think everyone reading this: male or female should read that blog entry - especially either single people or one's in ministry working with women.
It is about women who get told they are "intimidating". Often us single women hear this, especially if we have leadership skills, are competent, or loud. Carolyn says this in her article as well. I have 2 degrees, often I have been told I won't marry because no man wants to be "outsmarted" or be less intelligent than his wife.
I love her article. I agree wholeheartedly. It is all 'tude! Do I go about in arrogance or in loudness?
There is something called a "gentle and quiet spirit". As I get older I am learning the look of what this is - I love it. There is nothing like it. I remember dating someone who told me I wasn't that. But, then I had a boss tell me that that characteristic was something he saw in me and appreciated. Which one do I believe? I don't know. But, now that I have been experiencing that around some people - I have been able to recognize it for what it is. It is so nice. I know that is how I am supposed to live - how I was designed to live. It is so comforting, something like I can fall asleep in. Do you understand? Am I making sense?
Just some thoughts - so if you want, read Carolyn's article - good stuff.
It is about women who get told they are "intimidating". Often us single women hear this, especially if we have leadership skills, are competent, or loud. Carolyn says this in her article as well. I have 2 degrees, often I have been told I won't marry because no man wants to be "outsmarted" or be less intelligent than his wife.
I love her article. I agree wholeheartedly. It is all 'tude! Do I go about in arrogance or in loudness?
There is something called a "gentle and quiet spirit". As I get older I am learning the look of what this is - I love it. There is nothing like it. I remember dating someone who told me I wasn't that. But, then I had a boss tell me that that characteristic was something he saw in me and appreciated. Which one do I believe? I don't know. But, now that I have been experiencing that around some people - I have been able to recognize it for what it is. It is so nice. I know that is how I am supposed to live - how I was designed to live. It is so comforting, something like I can fall asleep in. Do you understand? Am I making sense?
Just some thoughts - so if you want, read Carolyn's article - good stuff.
Monday, March 05, 2007
not politicians
As I was reading in the Word last night, I came to a passage in 2 Cor 5 that I really liked and I thought I would pass it along to you as you word for the day:
"Therefore we also have as our ambition to be pleasing to Him"
This morning: looking up ambition in the online m-w.com It actually comes from a latin word meaning the act of soliciting for votes (aren't you glad we don't have to be like politicians before God). But one of the definitions m-w gives is: the desire to achieve a particular end. And this leads me to the Confession that says "the chief END of man is glorify God and enjoy Him forever."
I pray that you lead an ambitious life today: not ambitious to be a good friend, teacher, researcher, pastor, parent, spouse, etc. (and these are not bad in and of themselves) - but be ambitious towards pleasing the Father.
"Therefore we also have as our ambition to be pleasing to Him"
This morning: looking up ambition in the online m-w.com It actually comes from a latin word meaning the act of soliciting for votes (aren't you glad we don't have to be like politicians before God). But one of the definitions m-w gives is: the desire to achieve a particular end. And this leads me to the Confession that says "the chief END of man is glorify God and enjoy Him forever."
I pray that you lead an ambitious life today: not ambitious to be a good friend, teacher, researcher, pastor, parent, spouse, etc. (and these are not bad in and of themselves) - but be ambitious towards pleasing the Father.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
SnowQuest 4D.12 Thoughts & Pictures
This one is Mr. Marvin - bus-driver extraordinairre. Then me and Melanie - new friend that is amazing! Then the top of the cars the morning we left. Glad I didn't have to drive in it. Misty and I were filling the "sea" for the 4D experience. Then the last one is me, Sarah (ski hero) and Amanda (one of my small group girls).
As I sit here in sunny Florida, I think back just two weeks ago I was out on a slope covered in gorgeous falling snow in Snowshoe, WV. I went with the youth group in St. Augustine from my former church of Anastasia Baptist. After a long drive down from NC and then the computer messing up and not being able to show the pictures from Indo (still got to talk about missions with teenagers though), getting the charter bus packed (Mr. Marvin was again one of our drivers - I love that man), we finally got on the road about 8p (if I remember correctly).
Won't say that sleep came easily. I remember texting my brother when we passed his old exit on 77 in Mooresville - it was 3a. I don't even know if he got it.
We stopped at McD's at a small town for breakfast and Bible study. I love my girls: Regina, Allie, Nikki, Genna, and Amanda. They were Jrs and Srs and were just great girls - we got along great for having just met them. I knew Genna and Allie's parents from when I served on staff at Anastasia - but that was so long ago!
From then on (till we got to the Skibarn for rentals) I was awake. There was much to do to get ready, but I was enjoying the scenery. It wasn't snowing, but the trees were bare and glistening. I loved looking at them and thinking of the times in Scripture when it says that the creation will worship its Creator.
romans 8.19 - for the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.
psalm 96.12 - let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
isaiah 55.12 - for you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace. the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
When I looked at those bare trees with their branches raised toward their Maker - I wanted just to lift my hands in worship. Be like the trees in evidenced surrendered worship to their Master and Creator. Why do the trees have all the good stuff? Praise God that He has given me a new heart and new hands (a new creation, 2 Cor 5.17) that can be used to honor my Maker and Renewer.
Then we got to SkiBarn and rented stuff then drove the rest of the way and checked in to the lodge. All weekend Mrs. June did a fantabulous job on cooking for us: roasted chicken, pot roast, veggies, salad, potatoes, grilled cheese, spice cake, queso, lemonade, pancakes, breakfast burritos. Have you ever eaten so well on a youth trip? She rocks!
Friday night: tubing, injuries (allie's boyfriend had a concussion - so that made for a long night for Allie, the two at the hospital, the families at home). I got to tube once we got a slight problem fixed, and it was so stinkin' cold. I couldn't move my hands and I had gloves on. It was near ZERO (for this FL girl!). Saturday I stayed in, hung out with Amanda, talked to kids as they got done skiing/boarding, helped Mrs. June with the food, read, enjoyed the scenery. Sunday I went skiing - it was SO MUCH FUN! Herrick and Sarah (my two heroes) helped me and it wasn't that bad - even falling. It was nice powder (as it was still blowing snow) - so pretty, so cold. I still have a bruise on my calf from the boot being too tight, but hey - you know, it was all worth it to ride ski lifts with Sarah and Herrick and just be out enjoying God's creation.
The worship times were great as Melanie and the Elder boys led in music each night. Mason challenged us from the Word each night - actually reading the Word, not fluffing it like so many youth trips, all to live 4D lives (sold out - all of us, not holding anything back, not 2D or 3D) for the glory of God. With sardines, box fans, kiddie pools - we made Peter's walk on water come alive for these teenagers (thanks to Mason's God-given creativity). Decisions were made that weekend as the Spirit worked in the lives of these 39 or so high schoolers. 1 Tim 4.12 was the key verse as we studies speech, life, love, purity, faith in our small groups. Uplift cards were given out from the kids to one another as they saw them living out 4D lives (what a cool idea).
Anyway - I was encouraged by the WORD, creation, community, friendships that formed, worship, Sarah, Melanie, Herrick, Mason, Mr. Marvin (for putting up with us), the adults that went who loved on kids, the God that loves us enough to give us all that snow, Brian for packing the bus in -15 weather and wind on Monday morning at 6a, all these things - done for the glory of God.
There will be pictures (hopefully after Wed when I get to St. Aug and get them) so check back, but at least I thought I would fill everyone in on SnowQuest 4D.12
Won't say that sleep came easily. I remember texting my brother when we passed his old exit on 77 in Mooresville - it was 3a. I don't even know if he got it.
We stopped at McD's at a small town for breakfast and Bible study. I love my girls: Regina, Allie, Nikki, Genna, and Amanda. They were Jrs and Srs and were just great girls - we got along great for having just met them. I knew Genna and Allie's parents from when I served on staff at Anastasia - but that was so long ago!
From then on (till we got to the Skibarn for rentals) I was awake. There was much to do to get ready, but I was enjoying the scenery. It wasn't snowing, but the trees were bare and glistening. I loved looking at them and thinking of the times in Scripture when it says that the creation will worship its Creator.
romans 8.19 - for the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.
psalm 96.12 - let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
isaiah 55.12 - for you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace. the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
When I looked at those bare trees with their branches raised toward their Maker - I wanted just to lift my hands in worship. Be like the trees in evidenced surrendered worship to their Master and Creator. Why do the trees have all the good stuff? Praise God that He has given me a new heart and new hands (a new creation, 2 Cor 5.17) that can be used to honor my Maker and Renewer.
Then we got to SkiBarn and rented stuff then drove the rest of the way and checked in to the lodge. All weekend Mrs. June did a fantabulous job on cooking for us: roasted chicken, pot roast, veggies, salad, potatoes, grilled cheese, spice cake, queso, lemonade, pancakes, breakfast burritos. Have you ever eaten so well on a youth trip? She rocks!
Friday night: tubing, injuries (allie's boyfriend had a concussion - so that made for a long night for Allie, the two at the hospital, the families at home). I got to tube once we got a slight problem fixed, and it was so stinkin' cold. I couldn't move my hands and I had gloves on. It was near ZERO (for this FL girl!). Saturday I stayed in, hung out with Amanda, talked to kids as they got done skiing/boarding, helped Mrs. June with the food, read, enjoyed the scenery. Sunday I went skiing - it was SO MUCH FUN! Herrick and Sarah (my two heroes) helped me and it wasn't that bad - even falling. It was nice powder (as it was still blowing snow) - so pretty, so cold. I still have a bruise on my calf from the boot being too tight, but hey - you know, it was all worth it to ride ski lifts with Sarah and Herrick and just be out enjoying God's creation.
The worship times were great as Melanie and the Elder boys led in music each night. Mason challenged us from the Word each night - actually reading the Word, not fluffing it like so many youth trips, all to live 4D lives (sold out - all of us, not holding anything back, not 2D or 3D) for the glory of God. With sardines, box fans, kiddie pools - we made Peter's walk on water come alive for these teenagers (thanks to Mason's God-given creativity). Decisions were made that weekend as the Spirit worked in the lives of these 39 or so high schoolers. 1 Tim 4.12 was the key verse as we studies speech, life, love, purity, faith in our small groups. Uplift cards were given out from the kids to one another as they saw them living out 4D lives (what a cool idea).
Anyway - I was encouraged by the WORD, creation, community, friendships that formed, worship, Sarah, Melanie, Herrick, Mason, Mr. Marvin (for putting up with us), the adults that went who loved on kids, the God that loves us enough to give us all that snow, Brian for packing the bus in -15 weather and wind on Monday morning at 6a, all these things - done for the glory of God.
There will be pictures (hopefully after Wed when I get to St. Aug and get them) so check back, but at least I thought I would fill everyone in on SnowQuest 4D.12
Monday, February 26, 2007
days and smiles
This girl so makes me smile every time I see her bright face! Oh my goodness this girl is so cute! :) Thanks Tab for the pictures! She is so precious and full of life.
Well, my first full day as a Re-Floridian is almost over. Ate some chinese food with my Mom, oatmeal at Bob Evans (the pre-Cracker Barrel wanna be) for breakfast, made dinner for them tonight. Halfway unloaded my stuff. Keep looking for emails from my life. Don't know what life is going to look like down here for me except work and parents. I hope God brings something exciting (not just keeping busy) to me.
No, I'm not questioning the move - just trying to figure out what life is going to look like.
But, at least I get to see Vera's smiling face in blog world! :)
Jason and Leslie's wedding
These are some pictures from Jason and Leslie's wedding in Durham on Saturday. It was great to be able to spend my last afternoon with friends and church family. The flower girl and ring bearer are Jackson and Kharis. Then, this is a picture of the bride from the back - I had to mess with the camera or I would have gotten one from the front. Oh, well. Everyone needs to see the back of her dress. Then we have the inside of the church. It was really one of the prettiest churches I've been in. Then this is Jason and Leslie saying their vows with JD cutting in some personal comments through it. Very godly wedding and funny. Special blessings to both of you. Congrats Jason and Leslie!
Friday, February 23, 2007
meeting a blogger mentor
Carolyn McCulley and Mahaney have both been mentors to me in the ministry of a wife, a mother, a discipler, a woman after God's own heart. I have had the opportunity to meet both of them this year. Last night I met Carolyn McCulley, of the solofeminity fame. She came and spoke at Southeastern SEminary and it was my last night to be there as I get ready to move. Perfect timing.
She spoke on how single women can live out Prov. 31 (which is mostly prescribed of wives)
1. We can be smart financially (debts, investments, etc)
2. We can pour into kids lives (be mothers in the Word, mentors, etc).
She said other things too, but that is where I am at right now. I do want to live smart with my money, live simply, that is always a work in progress. Thank you Holy Spirit. I also want to invest in girls' lives, whether high school or college age, or really anyone that God brings my way. I pray that I have ample opportunity to do so in FL as I have been able to do so here and also in FL before I left for NC.
She spoke on how single women can live out Prov. 31 (which is mostly prescribed of wives)
1. We can be smart financially (debts, investments, etc)
2. We can pour into kids lives (be mothers in the Word, mentors, etc).
She said other things too, but that is where I am at right now. I do want to live smart with my money, live simply, that is always a work in progress. Thank you Holy Spirit. I also want to invest in girls' lives, whether high school or college age, or really anyone that God brings my way. I pray that I have ample opportunity to do so in FL as I have been able to do so here and also in FL before I left for NC.
a movie
Tonight was the opening night of Amazing Grace - the movie about William Wilberforce's life. My Mom (how I love her) thought it was about the life of John Newton. He was in it - but it wasn't primarily about him.
But...even though I am sick - (I just wanted to chop my throat and ears off during the entire movie) I was able to think through this provocative movie. I hope all of you have the chance to go view it.
Compassion - this is what "wilber" and his buddies had for the slaves, who created in God's image, were not being treated equally with the white folks. They were brutally treated in trade routes to be put to work. Jesus said when he came to earth - I have compassion on them, they are like sheep without a shepherd. Shouldn't that be the same way with us - shouldn't we have compassion on a world who is dying with Jesus?
Change the World or obey and follow Christ? "Humbly we say we can do both" - Early they hinted that the choice had to be one or the other. But, as the movie went on - you could see that it had to be both. That is why I like people like JD Greear and Brad O'Brien - who, serving their church and college students - challenge them to not only be pastors and college leaders and missionaries - but also to fight a world who is lost and dying and going to hell in Congress, in Hollywood, in MTV, and ESPN, in the "Boston Public" worlds. We need people there just as much as we need people in the uttermost parts of the world and our local churches. I met a girl this past weekend who said her mission field was hollywood. She read people to pray for these people and get an in road to share the gospel - those are the types of people we need (and the Melissa's, the Parkers, and the Dixons and Sarahs).
"I wish I had your faith" - When William Pitt they dying - he said this to Wilber. I do not know the relationship with Christ that the PM had, but his faith was faltering at this moment. I wonder what the last moment of WW's life was like? "The opposite of faith is sight" was a quote from the BS from this past snowquest. I really like that quote? Where is my faith when the going gets tough or I can't see what is beyond the next bend in the road (or in I-95)? Where is my faith in a sovereign God when I don't get the things I pray for and I have to lean on Ps 84.11 and remember that "no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly."
Maybe when I am healthy again and my head quits pounding (or my generic tylenol kicks in) - I will be able to think some more about this movie - but "twas grace, that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home."
Go see the movie if you haven't - bring a non-Christian friend with you.
But...even though I am sick - (I just wanted to chop my throat and ears off during the entire movie) I was able to think through this provocative movie. I hope all of you have the chance to go view it.
Compassion - this is what "wilber" and his buddies had for the slaves, who created in God's image, were not being treated equally with the white folks. They were brutally treated in trade routes to be put to work. Jesus said when he came to earth - I have compassion on them, they are like sheep without a shepherd. Shouldn't that be the same way with us - shouldn't we have compassion on a world who is dying with Jesus?
Change the World or obey and follow Christ? "Humbly we say we can do both" - Early they hinted that the choice had to be one or the other. But, as the movie went on - you could see that it had to be both. That is why I like people like JD Greear and Brad O'Brien - who, serving their church and college students - challenge them to not only be pastors and college leaders and missionaries - but also to fight a world who is lost and dying and going to hell in Congress, in Hollywood, in MTV, and ESPN, in the "Boston Public" worlds. We need people there just as much as we need people in the uttermost parts of the world and our local churches. I met a girl this past weekend who said her mission field was hollywood. She read people to pray for these people and get an in road to share the gospel - those are the types of people we need (and the Melissa's, the Parkers, and the Dixons and Sarahs).
"I wish I had your faith" - When William Pitt they dying - he said this to Wilber. I do not know the relationship with Christ that the PM had, but his faith was faltering at this moment. I wonder what the last moment of WW's life was like? "The opposite of faith is sight" was a quote from the BS from this past snowquest. I really like that quote? Where is my faith when the going gets tough or I can't see what is beyond the next bend in the road (or in I-95)? Where is my faith in a sovereign God when I don't get the things I pray for and I have to lean on Ps 84.11 and remember that "no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly."
Maybe when I am healthy again and my head quits pounding (or my generic tylenol kicks in) - I will be able to think some more about this movie - but "twas grace, that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home."
Go see the movie if you haven't - bring a non-Christian friend with you.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
more of my fave people
In being this is my last month in the state of NC - I thought I would mention some more of my fave people...
This is Tim - wonderful fabulous small group leader extraordinairre and ex-choir leader at Faith Baptist Church. He is now getting set to move his family (his wife and all the kids) to Haiti to work with a medical team down there and equip Pastors. This is the new gift that God brought them in January - they only found out about 2 weeks before getting her. Some of you think 9 months is not long enough - think of only 2 weeks.I love this family - pray for them.
Best LIVE Sports Day in NC
Saturday was amazing! :) All thanks to Janel Blanchard!
First, I had breakfast with Becky and Cat at my house after we stayed up watching Pride and Prejudice - the real version. That was fun.
Then, I met up with Janel to eat at Boleros in Chapel Hill - a new little Cuban place on Franklin Street. She spent a semester in Cuba so she is the Cuban expert! :) I had red beans and rice with chicken and she had ropa vieja (sp?). We shared some tostones - which RG's were better.
Then the fun started! We drove to University Mall to ride the Tarheel Express to the Dean Dome. Didn't have to sit in traffic or nothing!
Saw Butch Davis (new football coach) as he was going into the game. Introduced to Jim Delany (one of the most influential men in NCAA right now). Then finally got in. From the outside of the actual court the Dean Dome doesn't seem that big - then you get in the court area and it is a see of the 2nd best blue!
What I didn't know going into the game was that they were honoring the 57 and 82 National Championship teams . So, right in front of me and Janel (literally 8 rows, same seat) was Michael Jordan (the best player ever in NBA), James Worthy, Sam Perkins (man walked by me, he's massive - looks more like a football player), Dean Smith. It was incredible. Halftime was great because of the introductions and everything. Then to top it all off UNC won (and got 2/1 biscuits at Bojangles) against an ACC rival - Wake Forest! Anne Graham Lotz was there on the way out. I think that was it of my celebrity sightings!
Then I spent the night watching movies and eating nachos at the Bacons - what a day ender! :)
Janel - you rock! I had so much fun! Thank you for making it special for me! Love you!
Monday, February 12, 2007
New Baby in Florida
Introducing the newest baby in my life: Eli Brian! I can't wait to actually be halfway close in proximity to this one. Congrats Jeremy and Katie! :)
Last Sunday at the Summit
Well, yesterday was my last day at the Summit. It was a bittersweet moment. The last 3+ years at a great church have been both wonderful and painful for me.
Got a parking spot driving a great vehicle that was loaned to me by the best family at the Summit - to me - the Bacons. I enjoyed a night at their house complete with a bonfire, good movie, great nachos, and kids.
Walked in and talked to three beautiful and amazing women of God. No pictures b/c my computer is down - sorry ladies. Julie Forrest - who is a beautiful soon to be mommy (she hopes any day). MG - another soon to be mommy for the first time - but she has more months to go. Vern - a mommy of 2 and looking great as ever. They were talking about maternity styles of which I have no experience! :)
Then went and saw Miss Kelly Pope - a friend from way back at the beginning - now we are both too busy and run in different circles - but I will see her tonight and am thankful for that opportunity!
Talked briefly to the soon to be married Mr. Jason Douglas. I won't get to talk to him at the wedding, but I wish him and Leslie the best in their marriage! Go Floridians!
Sat with Kristin after seeing some of my college girls.
The worship was great, a mixture of hymsn and praise songs. We sang Fairer - which hit me right where I needed - which led to confession and a reconciliation of sorts for which I am thankful! We all need to remember that Jesus if fairer than anything He can offer or that He has created.
Then JD preached a great sermon on Jacob - he's in a series! :) The beginning of which was great to me - because it was just what I needed to hear. Going in depth and pulling out the interesting things of the Word - you know it had to be written by a Perfect Author!
The closing video was one advertising for The Institute - the summer college program at the Summit. It includes missions, interning in ministries at the church, and seminary classes. I was able to go to SE Asia last summer and they went to EA this past summer. This year is another place in the world. It is a great program for college students - to see beyond themselves. Looking around and remembering the things I have done with these college students and what they have done for me - is what I'll take away from the Summit - the most. I love the relationships I have made.
May my community be sweet in FL like the one I have here. Praising God now that I will move around Disney and the beaches so people will visit me!
I love the Summit as a community and a place of worshippers (more and better as Gaynor would say). Praying God's direction and blessings on all of you. May you keep HIM first in all endeavors. Thanks for letting me be a part for 3 years!
Got a parking spot driving a great vehicle that was loaned to me by the best family at the Summit - to me - the Bacons. I enjoyed a night at their house complete with a bonfire, good movie, great nachos, and kids.
Walked in and talked to three beautiful and amazing women of God. No pictures b/c my computer is down - sorry ladies. Julie Forrest - who is a beautiful soon to be mommy (she hopes any day). MG - another soon to be mommy for the first time - but she has more months to go. Vern - a mommy of 2 and looking great as ever. They were talking about maternity styles of which I have no experience! :)
Then went and saw Miss Kelly Pope - a friend from way back at the beginning - now we are both too busy and run in different circles - but I will see her tonight and am thankful for that opportunity!
Talked briefly to the soon to be married Mr. Jason Douglas. I won't get to talk to him at the wedding, but I wish him and Leslie the best in their marriage! Go Floridians!
Sat with Kristin after seeing some of my college girls.
The worship was great, a mixture of hymsn and praise songs. We sang Fairer - which hit me right where I needed - which led to confession and a reconciliation of sorts for which I am thankful! We all need to remember that Jesus if fairer than anything He can offer or that He has created.
Then JD preached a great sermon on Jacob - he's in a series! :) The beginning of which was great to me - because it was just what I needed to hear. Going in depth and pulling out the interesting things of the Word - you know it had to be written by a Perfect Author!
The closing video was one advertising for The Institute - the summer college program at the Summit. It includes missions, interning in ministries at the church, and seminary classes. I was able to go to SE Asia last summer and they went to EA this past summer. This year is another place in the world. It is a great program for college students - to see beyond themselves. Looking around and remembering the things I have done with these college students and what they have done for me - is what I'll take away from the Summit - the most. I love the relationships I have made.
May my community be sweet in FL like the one I have here. Praising God now that I will move around Disney and the beaches so people will visit me!
I love the Summit as a community and a place of worshippers (more and better as Gaynor would say). Praying God's direction and blessings on all of you. May you keep HIM first in all endeavors. Thanks for letting me be a part for 3 years!
Friday, February 09, 2007
Household Question
I posed a question a couple weeks ago to married women on my email list. I actually got an overwhelming response. Thank you for those who responded. These women range from 22-60s. They have no kids, some kids, old kids, young kids (like Dr. Suess). Some have been married for less than a year, some over 30 years. Some work full time, some don't work at all, some work part time.
The question: is there anything that you must have done in your house before you go to bed at night (or you can't sleep)?
Some said random things, but the most frequent answer I got was the kitchen needed to be clean and house tidied. That meant the dishes in the dishwasher, not in the sink. Hopefully the dishwasher running (so they'd be clean in the morning).
Why? This helped their days to run smoother, the days to be less hectic, they would be available to show hospitality to people on a moments notice (especially when you are in ministry).
One good hint was to have a box or basket in your living room that kept all the clutter - then just go through the box every now and then and clean it out. Another - clean out the dishwasher first thing in the morning so you can fill it during day. And, limit your time cleaning - set a clock if you need to or do it during advertisements. Be intentional about clutter (or the lack thereof)
But, the sealer was: your family takes priority. If your husband is ready to go to bed - don't worry about the kitchen - go to bed with your husband. As one pastor's wife said, "a kitchen can wait, cultivating a Godly sound marriage can't."
Thanks ladies! :)
The question: is there anything that you must have done in your house before you go to bed at night (or you can't sleep)?
Some said random things, but the most frequent answer I got was the kitchen needed to be clean and house tidied. That meant the dishes in the dishwasher, not in the sink. Hopefully the dishwasher running (so they'd be clean in the morning).
Why? This helped their days to run smoother, the days to be less hectic, they would be available to show hospitality to people on a moments notice (especially when you are in ministry).
One good hint was to have a box or basket in your living room that kept all the clutter - then just go through the box every now and then and clean it out. Another - clean out the dishwasher first thing in the morning so you can fill it during day. And, limit your time cleaning - set a clock if you need to or do it during advertisements. Be intentional about clutter (or the lack thereof)
But, the sealer was: your family takes priority. If your husband is ready to go to bed - don't worry about the kitchen - go to bed with your husband. As one pastor's wife said, "a kitchen can wait, cultivating a Godly sound marriage can't."
Thanks ladies! :)
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Raleigh news and babies
Heard on the news this morning that there have been 2 newborn babies found abandoned in the Raleigh area. They don't know why they were abandoned, one on a back porch and one in an alley or something like that. They were both dead. Who could ever turn away a face like this - or any baby (this is my friend Vera in SC). Babies are so precious. They are loud sometimes, but so am I!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Hitting 500
Well, its been a long time, but the two blogs have finally hit 500 views! :) Thank you.
And thanks to Leah - it now has a new, more organized look to it!
Gators and UNC/Duke game tonight. We'll see how the top 25 looks after this evening. There will be some changes.
Only 5 more days of work! Then I get to go skiing, hang out with high schoolers, and pack! I'm looking forward to the next 2 bittersweet weeks!
And thanks to Leah - it now has a new, more organized look to it!
Gators and UNC/Duke game tonight. We'll see how the top 25 looks after this evening. There will be some changes.
Only 5 more days of work! Then I get to go skiing, hang out with high schoolers, and pack! I'm looking forward to the next 2 bittersweet weeks!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Colts, Conference, and New Babies
GO COLTS!!! The right kind of coaching does pay off. Now, I'm wondering if the Bucs hated the fact that they fired Dungy!
It is sad though - because now there is no football until August (except the Blue Orange game at UF in April).
The 20/20 conference at SEBTS was great this weekend. Went to an eating disorder session with Dr. Sam Williams and then to the dating/no-dating one with JD. Peter Kreeft is a better writer than he is a speaker, or I just wouldn't have put him first on a Saturday morning. Dr. Nelson was great as always. Speaking TRUTH with all the grace that he has been given throughout his life. The Daylight Donuts were great as well! :)
New babies - my friend Bryan and Debby Pickering had a new baby girl. I love hearing people's beliefs about a Sovereign God come into play when events in life don't go exactly as planned:
We are extremely thankful that God has seenfit to preserve her life; we praise God for carryingus through this very difficult time. We praise Himthat He is always good and that everything He does isright--even when we don't understand or when it hurts. He has been, & continues to be, our strength, ourRock and our refuge.
Here is a picture of little Olivia.
Congrats you guys - I'm praying for you and baby Olivia!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Mirroring the World
So, I listen to Z in the morning (link on the side) at work. I love this radio station. But, listening to it this morning, a caller called in and made me have to comment...
http://www.hisholyspace.com/
A "Christian alternative" to myspace.com. I'm not doubting the fellowship or community of this group, or that it is probably a safe alternative for kids and teenagers. But, why does it have to copy myspace - the world's answer for community blogging world? Why do our Christian t-shirts have to take worldly slogans and icons and make them into Jesus ones? Did God not give us creative minds? Doesn't the world tell us to be different than the world, don't be like the world?
Just some thoughts this morning. A little soap box of mine...
http://www.hisholyspace.com/
A "Christian alternative" to myspace.com. I'm not doubting the fellowship or community of this group, or that it is probably a safe alternative for kids and teenagers. But, why does it have to copy myspace - the world's answer for community blogging world? Why do our Christian t-shirts have to take worldly slogans and icons and make them into Jesus ones? Did God not give us creative minds? Doesn't the world tell us to be different than the world, don't be like the world?
Just some thoughts this morning. A little soap box of mine...
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Laura honored as bride-to-be
This day was to honor Miss Laura Robinson with a recipe shower with a few of her closest friends. It was a lot of fun. Vern and I hosted it for her with a lot of help from Terah (which we couldn't have done without - so thank you!).
We swapped recipes, played wedding taboo, ate cake and other good brunch-y type stuff, prayed for her, and ended the shower by laughing with JD taking random pictures, etc.
These are some of them...
Then we played wedding taboo. Its OK you didn't win Laura even though you were helping out the other team.
Mary and Kate (Mary herself is about to get married to Matt)
The group of all of us (minus Terah who had to leave early - we missed you). We even finished early if you can tell by the clock on the outside of their house...
Next is me, Laura, and Vern. I don't know how we managed to all match.
Then it is me, Vern, and Stephanie (soon to be made of honor... and a good friend)
Thanks ladies for making this day special for Laura and the tummy of her husband will thank all in attendance!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Ode to Unselfish Mothers
This is really for all the new mothers I know out there (or pregnant ones): Davia, Christina, Angela, MG, Tonya, Tab, and probably others I'm forgetting. I just wanted to share some things that I've seen happen in the last few weeks and months of acts of unselfishness. This is really why God has seen fit not to make me a mother yet, because I'm so selfish...
- all the changes your body goes through when you are pregnant and how hard you have to work at it to get it back
- losing sleep so you can get to the pediatrician early on a Sunday morning during the 2 hours they are open.
- changing your eating habits, like not really wanting to drink coffee when you are pregnant
- throwing crazy b-day parties - like Superheroes
- taking longer to get in and out of the car - especially when it is raining
- cleaning out your kitchen pantry so your only daughter can move back home
- giving up peace and quiet except for that rare moment when all your kids are asleep - than all you want to do it take a nap
- all this while keeping your husband as your top priority (outside of Jesus).
Craziness. I thank you for all the stuff you are all teaching me
- all the changes your body goes through when you are pregnant and how hard you have to work at it to get it back
- losing sleep so you can get to the pediatrician early on a Sunday morning during the 2 hours they are open.
- changing your eating habits, like not really wanting to drink coffee when you are pregnant
- throwing crazy b-day parties - like Superheroes
- taking longer to get in and out of the car - especially when it is raining
- cleaning out your kitchen pantry so your only daughter can move back home
- giving up peace and quiet except for that rare moment when all your kids are asleep - than all you want to do it take a nap
- all this while keeping your husband as your top priority (outside of Jesus).
Craziness. I thank you for all the stuff you are all teaching me
The Mind of Christ
Colossians 3.1-17 - I have not been living this (as evidenced by people at work, things I spend my time doing, how I answer my roommate, etc):
Put On the New Self
3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: [2] sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. [3] 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self [4] with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Father - make this real in my life. Make me dwell on you - not on everything that comes across ESPN. Not that I can't watch that stuff, it is not bad, but once it becomes the IMPORT then we have a problem. I want the stuff to come out of my mouth, not just be show, but be what is really in my heart.
As Rach has said: Think Rightly. The way I ought to think is by having the mind of Christ. That is done by dwelling on the Word! Not on People Magazine, ESPN, etc. But, on the Word and other Christian writings...
Thank you for conviction - even this morning as I was dwelling on my relationship with my roommate...
Put On the New Self
3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: [2] sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. [3] 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self [4] with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Father - make this real in my life. Make me dwell on you - not on everything that comes across ESPN. Not that I can't watch that stuff, it is not bad, but once it becomes the IMPORT then we have a problem. I want the stuff to come out of my mouth, not just be show, but be what is really in my heart.
As Rach has said: Think Rightly. The way I ought to think is by having the mind of Christ. That is done by dwelling on the Word! Not on People Magazine, ESPN, etc. But, on the Word and other Christian writings...
Thank you for conviction - even this morning as I was dwelling on my relationship with my roommate...
Monday, January 22, 2007
Big Game and "People of the Day"
Well - it was a half good day yesterday.
I don't know what happened to the Saints, maybe it was the snow. Bears didn't play all that well - it was just the Saints played horrible.
Then - it was the good game...Colts/Pats. What a game - lived up to its hype. Now, if you turned it off at half time like Scott Smith did - then you missed the half the Colts decided to play. I moved to the floor to watch the last 4 minutes b/c I knew it would be good. Then, after the game, during the presentation, both Jim Irsay and Tony Dungy gave credit to the Lord for blessing them and the team. Amazing isn't it!
So...people of the day:
Jim Irsay - owner of the Colts
Tony Dungy - was done wrong in TB but done right at the Colts and always outspoken about Jesus!
Sean and Dana Cordell - pastor and wife in Raleigh - a church plant in innercity Raleigh reaching people other churches might not - all of God's glory! And taking a stand against abortion from the pulpit and not afraid of the offense is people take - standing for TRUTH on this anniversary of Roe v Wade. If you need to see something on abortion - go to www.theologica.blogspot.com and watch the YouTube video.
I don't know what happened to the Saints, maybe it was the snow. Bears didn't play all that well - it was just the Saints played horrible.
Then - it was the good game...Colts/Pats. What a game - lived up to its hype. Now, if you turned it off at half time like Scott Smith did - then you missed the half the Colts decided to play. I moved to the floor to watch the last 4 minutes b/c I knew it would be good. Then, after the game, during the presentation, both Jim Irsay and Tony Dungy gave credit to the Lord for blessing them and the team. Amazing isn't it!
So...people of the day:
Jim Irsay - owner of the Colts
Tony Dungy - was done wrong in TB but done right at the Colts and always outspoken about Jesus!
Sean and Dana Cordell - pastor and wife in Raleigh - a church plant in innercity Raleigh reaching people other churches might not - all of God's glory! And taking a stand against abortion from the pulpit and not afraid of the offense is people take - standing for TRUTH on this anniversary of Roe v Wade. If you need to see something on abortion - go to www.theologica.blogspot.com and watch the YouTube video.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
BCS Dilemna
If you read the title of the blog and had to ask what BCS means - just skip it. But, if it interests anyone - wanna comment? I've read enough on the subject, pre-, mid-, and post-season. Believe me, I was all for the choice of the BCS title game b/c it featured my Gators. Not really because I thought they would really beat OSU (like they did), but only because UM already had their chance, and we needed to have one.
So...now, what do you do - will they make changes? They better, but what will they be?
NCAA has the Final Four - that would be great, but we'd be playing football up until the NCAA Final Four (AKA March Madness). The +1 game - that doesn't really work either. Here is the only solution to the problem - IMHO (and I don't claim to know a lot)
Have a conference championship for each conference. Then - by computer ranking (based on toughness of schedule) - pick the two best teams and have a BCS Title game. The rest can play in the other 30 something bowl games (good gracious there are a lot). The best football conferences are usually the SEC (by far), Big Ten, Pac10, Big12, ACC (sometimes).
Any takers?
So...now, what do you do - will they make changes? They better, but what will they be?
NCAA has the Final Four - that would be great, but we'd be playing football up until the NCAA Final Four (AKA March Madness). The +1 game - that doesn't really work either. Here is the only solution to the problem - IMHO (and I don't claim to know a lot)
Have a conference championship for each conference. Then - by computer ranking (based on toughness of schedule) - pick the two best teams and have a BCS Title game. The rest can play in the other 30 something bowl games (good gracious there are a lot). The best football conferences are usually the SEC (by far), Big Ten, Pac10, Big12, ACC (sometimes).
Any takers?
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Bugs Bunny and Church
This article by Dr. Russell Moore of Southern Seminary in KY is a good one about the emergent church. I miss Bugs Bunny and all his friends. But, where is the fine line in being "cool" to being strong in the Truth. Can the two coincide? Can Jesus be the "buzz" in culture? Or is the way narrow?
Think, ponder, critique your own church - where does it stand? How is it doing in being relevant yet not departing from the Truth?
Think, ponder, critique your own church - where does it stand? How is it doing in being relevant yet not departing from the Truth?
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Family and Mothering
This has been an interesting week in the thought process of this blog entry. Let me state a disclaimer: this is MOSTLY opinion, so take it as my opinion - one which you can disagree with and not to be condemned by. Hear my heart on this:
This weekend I spent time with a family with 3 kids. I am not ready to have 3 kids - I don't even know about one. Hopefully that will change when/IF I get married...I'm glad I don't want kids now because that would just add to my dissatisfaction in this current life stage...anyway. She is a stay at home mom. Many of the mothers I know are stay at home Moms - and I see such a difference in their kids. I was raised by a stay at home Mom and I think I turned out ok.
Last week I received a magazine from a major medical research corporation. Many of the top execs or speakers were women. I'm glad God has gifted them in area of knowledge and medicine. That is great. But, I wonder out of those women in the magazine - how many had successful marriages and healthy families? I'm not saying all stay at home moms' have this down pat. These women have obviously put so much time and energy into their work outside of the home, that I wonder how much time and energy they have left for their families (if they have any). A friend of mine in ministry wrote this about his wife..."Our home has been very orderly. "My wife" has done a wonderful job of keeping things clean and the girls on a schedule. It makes a big difference as ministry can be stressful, stressful! "
Then I read an article by a fave SE prof of mine, David Nelson, about his family and the "vocatio" of family. His was a slightly different take then mine, but still showing the importance of family. I am realizing the importance of family as I leave NC and return to Lakeland next month to begin working for my Dad. Family was definitely a perk to the move.
I'm definitely not one of those women who say "women can't work outside the home". I don't believe the Bible says that. But, what I do know the Bible says, is that a women (if married) has her chief focus her husband, home, and children (if so blessed with them). I think this applies to both ministry jobs and secular jobs. So often we get so wrapped up in ministry as women that our families fall by the wayside. It isn't just with secular jobs.
That is what I hope to be able to offer to my husband (one day maybe).
This weekend I spent time with a family with 3 kids. I am not ready to have 3 kids - I don't even know about one. Hopefully that will change when/IF I get married...I'm glad I don't want kids now because that would just add to my dissatisfaction in this current life stage...anyway. She is a stay at home mom. Many of the mothers I know are stay at home Moms - and I see such a difference in their kids. I was raised by a stay at home Mom and I think I turned out ok.
Last week I received a magazine from a major medical research corporation. Many of the top execs or speakers were women. I'm glad God has gifted them in area of knowledge and medicine. That is great. But, I wonder out of those women in the magazine - how many had successful marriages and healthy families? I'm not saying all stay at home moms' have this down pat. These women have obviously put so much time and energy into their work outside of the home, that I wonder how much time and energy they have left for their families (if they have any). A friend of mine in ministry wrote this about his wife..."Our home has been very orderly. "My wife" has done a wonderful job of keeping things clean and the girls on a schedule. It makes a big difference as ministry can be stressful, stressful! "
Then I read an article by a fave SE prof of mine, David Nelson, about his family and the "vocatio" of family. His was a slightly different take then mine, but still showing the importance of family. I am realizing the importance of family as I leave NC and return to Lakeland next month to begin working for my Dad. Family was definitely a perk to the move.
I'm definitely not one of those women who say "women can't work outside the home". I don't believe the Bible says that. But, what I do know the Bible says, is that a women (if married) has her chief focus her husband, home, and children (if so blessed with them). I think this applies to both ministry jobs and secular jobs. So often we get so wrapped up in ministry as women that our families fall by the wayside. It isn't just with secular jobs.
That is what I hope to be able to offer to my husband (one day maybe).
Self-Control? Self-Discipline? Legalism?
These have all been questions in my head lately - so I posed the question to several people I know to read their thoughts on the matter. I've read blogs, skimmed articles, etc. This is what I came up with this morning.
Self-Discipline - is something we do. We train our minds, bodies, etc to do, or not do, certain activities or behaviors. Eating, exercising, getting up early. This is a lot of what New Year's Resolutions are about - and thus they fail.
Self-Control - this is a gift from the Holy Spirit. It is not something we can muster up within ourselves. None of the grace gifts can we work up within ourselves. So, a lot of times I need to not rely on self but rely on the Spirit to work within me the gift of self-control. I have this, but I let flesh get in the way. Because I have all of the Holy Spirit (not some of Him), but I let flesh get in the way.
Legalism is the same way I've thought of it in the past. Working (or not working) to improve my standing before God. My standing before God is all grace.
Just some thoughts to ponder!
Self-Discipline - is something we do. We train our minds, bodies, etc to do, or not do, certain activities or behaviors. Eating, exercising, getting up early. This is a lot of what New Year's Resolutions are about - and thus they fail.
Self-Control - this is a gift from the Holy Spirit. It is not something we can muster up within ourselves. None of the grace gifts can we work up within ourselves. So, a lot of times I need to not rely on self but rely on the Spirit to work within me the gift of self-control. I have this, but I let flesh get in the way. Because I have all of the Holy Spirit (not some of Him), but I let flesh get in the way.
Legalism is the same way I've thought of it in the past. Working (or not working) to improve my standing before God. My standing before God is all grace.
Just some thoughts to ponder!
Monday, January 15, 2007
South Carolina
Well, my weekend in SC was quite good.
Got down there late on Friday - had a great night sleep, ready to venture on Saturday.
Played with these kids before the game, (do you know how hard it is to get 3 kids to all look at a camera and smile at the same time). Then came the GATOR game at USC - my first in enemy territory - but you aren't alone with you are part of the GATORNation! Do you see all that blue? We killed them the second half. Lee H (12) couldn't be stopped on threes! It was great.
Then Tab and I went on some errands and I sat in the car and listened to the Colts game...GO COLTS! Those field goals - hey, I'll take them. The defense held the Ravens - who were picked to win by (the last time I looked) every ESPN writer/announcer. That's rough - but now we got home field advantage. You gotta love the playoffs!
Then I drove to 96 on Sunday afternoon and had lunch with Christina, Marcus, and Will Vickers. William is 5 1/2 weeks old. The spaghetti was nutritious and delicious! Thank you for the hospitality!
Then drove back listening to football through all the small towns in SC.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
New Pictures
These were both taken last week - on the same day (I don't where the same clothes everyday!)
The first was with my friends Tonya and Kris and Josiah. We went to Elmo's for a quick lunch. It was yummy, but it was also good to check up on them and talk to them as they have been back in the states for abou 4 months.
The second is when Rach and I went to Chai's and Shadetree Coffee. Cool but empty coffee place (Duke was playing that night at home). We stayed till they closed. It had been a long day for both of us and Rach was getting ready to leave for Boston the next morning.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
National Champs!
Never thought this would happen (hope and thought are two different things)
I'll take many more games like that one - they played incredible. I was so nervous at the beginning of the game, even before that kickoff return for a TD. But, then they showed up. Maybe they were nervous too!
But, about 6 minutes left I knew they had it in the bag, Troy Smith looked defeated. Chris Leak looked amazing. Tim Tebow did what he was brought in to do (maybe he learned some from Chris Leak last night). They didn't turn the ball over. The DL got the QB. Urban was a brilliant coach last night (along with Charlie Strong).
My Gators (and GatorNations) - only team in NCAA history to hold both national championships in one year. It is great to be a Florida Gator!
Go blue! I'll go to a b-ball game on Saturday in SC - and then the blue and orange game when I get back to UF in April. Only time in my life I wish I had gone to UF!
I'll take many more games like that one - they played incredible. I was so nervous at the beginning of the game, even before that kickoff return for a TD. But, then they showed up. Maybe they were nervous too!
But, about 6 minutes left I knew they had it in the bag, Troy Smith looked defeated. Chris Leak looked amazing. Tim Tebow did what he was brought in to do (maybe he learned some from Chris Leak last night). They didn't turn the ball over. The DL got the QB. Urban was a brilliant coach last night (along with Charlie Strong).
My Gators (and GatorNations) - only team in NCAA history to hold both national championships in one year. It is great to be a Florida Gator!
Go blue! I'll go to a b-ball game on Saturday in SC - and then the blue and orange game when I get back to UF in April. Only time in my life I wish I had gone to UF!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Thoughts on 30
Well, 30 was better than 29 (although I didn't get an Elmo hat this year, but I did get a Tiara). That was fun! All the food (since I went out to eat a lot) is on the food blog. These are pictures from time with the Dixons and the night at Cheesecake Factory. Kristin and I had taken a picture with this girl on a poster, but the lighting was so bright it didn't turn out well.
30 is not at all where I thought I would be - but it is where God knew I would be. So, the next decade in my life has to be better than the last - so we shall see what God has in store.
Thank you to all the food, friends, emails, phone calls, cards, gifts - they are all liked, welcomed, and much appreciated!
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