Psalm 46 Prayer

Read: God is our refuge and strength

a very present help in trouble.

Prayer: Lord, you are our comfort and protection.  There is no other hope that we

  have in life and death.  You are here.

Read: Therefore we will not fear though

the earth give way,

though the mountains be

moved into the heart of the sea,

Prayer: Each day the world seems a little less stable under us.  May our lives look 

to You O God with courage and without fear.  

Read: though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

Selah

Prayer: Lord, natural disasters disturb us as climate and environments change

  over time.  Tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes among

  other events can cause for unrest.  May we hear your musical interlude as 

we face suffering, loss and tragedy.

Read: There is a river whose streams 

make glad the city of God,

the holy habitation of the Most High.

Prayer: Living water is what we seek, and You are our living water.  Flow through 

our lives giving refreshment and joy.

Read: God is in the midst of her; she

shall not be moved;

God will help her when morning dawns.

Prayer: May your presence, God, provide stability and strength for your children.

Read: The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;

he utters his voice, the earth melts.

Prayer: So many conflicts in our world today.  Nation against nation, people 

fighting for causes that they believe in wholeheartedly.  Where can we find 

peace?  Where can we find rest?  It is in You, O God.

Read: The Lord of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Selah

Prayer: Lord, as we look for safe harbor, we see throughout history Your 

faithfulness.  The protection found in Your presence is unmatched.  

Though physically we fade and fall, our souls rest in Your arms.

Read: Come, behold the works of the Lord,

how He has brought desolations on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

He burns the chariots with fire.

Prayer: Through our inner search, may we see peace on the other side of 

judgement.  You are sovereign, O God.

Read: “Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!”

Prayer: Thank you for your words of comfort and peace.  May they calm my 

thoughts and anxieties about the temporary state of this world in which we 

live.  You are above all nations including the one in which I live.  In these 

moments of silence, may you be Lord of this heart, this family, this church, 

and this, Your creation.

Read: The Lord of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Selah

Prayer: Lord, as we look for safe harbor, we see throughout history Your 

faithfulness.  The protection found in Your presence is unmatched.  

Though physically we fade and fall, our souls rest in Your arms.

Favorite Apps of 2012

Here are my favorites for iPhone and iPad this year with links to check them out for yourself.  Some are free and some cost so beware:).  If you have some favorites, leave a link in the comments.  I love to find new ways of accomplishing stuff.  And the more I can feed the tech addiction the better!  These are in no particular order other than the way they came from my head.

BizXpensTrkr

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bizxpensetracker-expense-mileage/id353431586?mt=8

A marriage saver for me, I am able to track expenses and mileage better than ever.  And by better than ever, I mean, at all.  Seems like this one cost a few bucks but it is worth every penny.  I tried many free ones until I finally bit the bullet and bought this one.

Touch Banking

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/touchbanking/id386678211?mt=8

This one is particular to the financial institution we use, and your bank probably has an app by now.  This is free and it allows me to check the balance and transactions from all my accounts on the go.  I have caught more errors and managed my money better because of this simple, free app.

Keynote and Keynote Remote

Keynote,  https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/keynote/id361285480?mt=8

Keynote Remote, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/keynote-remote/id300719251?mt=8

Giving presentations has never been so easy and user friendly!  You can now integrate presentations from PowerPoint.  With Keynote you can set up the presentation on your laptop or iPad, and with Keynote Remote you can control it through WiFi connection.

EasyBib

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/easybib/id436768184?mt=8

For the students and writers this app scans the bar code on books and gives you an instant bibliography that you can email in three formats: APA, MLA, and Chicago.  I wish I had this when I was in seminary or college.  I'm so glad I have it now.  It makes preparing papers, grading papers, and keeping track of research so easy!

Spotify

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spotify/id324684580?mt=8

Most of you probably have this one already, but worth mentioning because you can have just the right music anywhere you go now.  The premium subscription is worth it in my opinion to get rid of the commercials, but I do listen to a lot of music.

SkyView

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/skyview-free-explore-universe/id413936865?mt=8

I discovered this one while camping.  We started with the free version and quickly moved to the paid version.  My kids and I hold the phone or iPad up to the sky and it shows where constellations, satellites, and planets are located.  

Geocaching

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/geocaching/id292242503?mt=8

This app is a bit expensive, but if you go geocaching by yourself or with others it is worth it. Treasure hunting is fun and the kids love discovering things.  It gets us outside and going to new places.

Jetpack Joyride

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jetpack-joyride/id457446957?mt=8

My gaming experience is limited to short games that help me turn my mind off for a while.  

Survival Run

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/survival-run-with-bear-grylls/id503421893?mt=8

Ditto from the last one.

Pitfall

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pitfall!/id547291263?mt=8

Ditto again.

SongPop

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/songpop/id535603806?mt=8

Ditto again...If you like naming that tune and don't mind me beating you, get this one:).  Again I got the free one to start, but then moved to the paid version.

Amazon

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/amazon-mobile/id297606951?mt=8

I am always on the lookout for a good book and a great deal.  This app has saved me a lot of money this year, and it has cut down on the impulse buying in bookstores.  You can scan to compare pricing, create wish lists for later, or buy online from the app.  The one drawback is that you can't buy in the kindle store directly from the app.  That requires a quick move to your browser and the amazon.com site.

Accordance

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bible-study-with-accordance/id411970514?mt=8

If you are a mac user and want a great Bible software that offers scholarly resources, this is it.  The app is free, but the program and upgrades cost per module.  If you just want a bible on your phone use the YouVersion app.

Flixster

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/movies-by-flixster-rotten/id284235722?mt=8

I love to be able to check out what is showing on the big screen, and watch trailers from the same place.  I remember siting on the phone growing up waiting for the movie I wanted to see come across the recording only to miss the time.  Of course, I was on a phone with a cord attached to a wall too.  Now all the info I need is right at my fingertips.

Redbox

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/redbox/id339532909?mt=8

I don't have to waste a trip out to check if a movie is available for rent now.  Just check the listings and locations available.  You can reserve the movie directly from the app and get the movie you want guaranteed.

Netflix

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/netflix/id363590051?mt=8 

And lastly, another movie app.  If you have a subscription to Netflix this allows you to watch movies from many devices.  This works on the go if you have a 4G connection from your device.

Don't forget to leave your tips and recommendations in the comments!

Book Review: "God of the Mundane" It's a Christivus Miracle!

Many of you have seen the classic Seinfeld episode revealing George's colored heritage of Festivus.  It is the festival for the "rest of us" complete with the airing of grievances and feats of strength.  It was created not by the Seinfeld show but by a father of one of the writers who was fed up with the over commercialization of the holidays.  Our Super-Sized world certainly is enough to leave one disillusioned.  Even in our churches what is celebrated are the BIG visions, BIG Sundays, BIG acts of faith, but what about the rest of the mundane moments of life?  Is God at work in those too, or do we only experience God when the sea is split and I do something radical for God?

Matt Redmond, author of God of the Mundane, is turning our gaze away from the over sensationalized Christianity that is so prevalent in our American churches.  We are consumed with a drive to be radical, risk taking, dreamers who forget that God is at work redeeming every moment of every day.  Most of those moments are filled with driving to and from work, changing diapers, drinking refreshing beverages, and generally not "spiritual" giant activities.  So what do we do with ALL of those other moments which are the majority of our existence?  Is there a "Christivus" (Christianity for the rest of us)?  Redmond very personally and passionately proposes that the gospel and God Himself is at work in all of the moments of our lives not just the few, the proud, the giant moments of the faith. 

"We are redeemed from the slavery of thinking our mundane life is not enough."

There can be much guilt heaped on the life of a Christian with so many Super-Sized faith messages. We end up rolling in our obesity and missing the precious moments God has given us each and every day.  Redmond asks so many good questions contrasting the Super-Spiritual drive and the everyday moments,

"Really? Is this the normal Christian life? Is God sitting around waiting for each and every believer to do something monumental? Is this the warp and woof of the New Testament? Are the lifestyles of the Apostles the standard for the persons in the pew? Are the first-century believers the standard? 

Is this our God? 

In the economy of God, do only the times when we are doing something life-changing have any spiritual cache with Him? Does He look over the mundane work of the housewife only to see the missions trip she may go on? 

So, I wondered."

We all should wonder and question the call to BIG Christianity in comparison to the call of the gospel.  This message is so needed in our oversized church world.  There is a Christianity for the rest of us.  The gospel does transform every moment of our lives, and Redmond has proclaimed it here.  It is a Christivus miracle!

http://amzn.com/1937063968

Countdown to the Big 4-0!!

To My Kids... and anyone else who would like to waste a few minutes on me:)

40 years of experiences has brought me to this year. I will attempt to make a few lists for my kids to see what made dad who he is. Here is where we will start.

Some Accomplishments That Are Important to Me:

1. Married with two wonderful kids who are all a gift from God. I love you all!!

2. Masters degree from Covenant Theological Seminary: education is more than a piece of paper at graduation. It is a learning and maturing experience for life. It influences more than your career!

3. Bachelors degree from THE Auburn University: I almost dropped out after four years of school. Your granddad helped me see that I could never marry your mom unless I finished that degree.

4. Wrote and Sang a Song for Your Mom at Our Wedding: Driving one night from Atlanta to Birmingham (I kept that highway hot for about 6 months) I stopped along HWY 20 and wrote "Lord, Make Us One." God continues to answer that prayer!

5. Panama City Beach Ironman 2008: What a great day! Megan was born just a month before. Tyler and I drove to the beach and stayed at the "Condor" (condo) for about two weeks. It is one of my favorite memories with T. We ate alligator, completed a human maze (with Tyler stuffed in my fleece since it was cold), played on the beach, got bit by a thousand mosiquitos, performed my cousin's wedding ceremony, and I finished the Ironman tri in 12:09:45.

6. Learned to Provide Meat for My Family: O taught me how to hunt from the time I could walk and by the time I had graduated high school I had killed quail, squirrel, dove, pheasant, turkey, rabbit, deer, and other various critters. Bottom line hunting is a life skill that helped make me a man. It is one thing to be able to get a job and pay the grocery bill, and it is another entirely to know that you can go out and find your own food, kill it, and grill it up for the family.

7. Performed the National Anthem at the Savvis Center in St Louis, MO: I had set as a goal to sing the national anthem at a major sports stadium or arena. This is the most nervous I have ever been in my life. The guy who sang before me forgot the words to "God Bless America" and I had to help him finish. All the lights were out other than the bright spots on me at midfield. Maybe I'll show you the video some day.

8. Planted a Church, WayPoint: this has probably been the biggest challenge and learning experience of my life to this point. We made some great friends, many came to Christ, and many made significant life changing decisions through this endeavor. It renewed and in some ways established my trust in God's sovereignty because as the leader there are many who are encouraged and there are many who are offended as well. But it is my trust that God is over all even though I can really screw things up that makes things ok. All in all, I hope God used WayPoint as a checkpoint in people's spiritual journey while discerning their place in God's eternal plan; I know He did that in my life.

9. Became President of the Student Senate at SCCC: Before transferring to Auburn, I attended a junior college in St Charles, MO. I was very involved with student leadership and became president of the student senate (government). The big memory that I will always carry with me from that experience along with the lifelong friends is the opportunity to speak at the grand opening gala of the new campus along side college administration and public officials.

10. Ran My First Marathon on Thanksgiving Day 2000: This accomplishment has changed the way I view life as much as anything. Life is a marathon and not a sprint. It was difficult, and I questioned my sanity most of the last half. But in the end I decided to go back for more again and again. Maybe one day we can run one together.

There are other memories that might make a future list like the day I bought my first motorcycle and got a tattoo. But you'll have to wait until later for that. Cheers!

Favorite Christmas Movie Scenes 04

Some days are like that. Classic!

Advent Reflections 02:Is the Virgin Birth Important?

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

From the confessional history of the church, the Apostles' Creed is one that emphasizes the basic essential doctrinal points of the apostles' teaching. The confession begins this way:

"I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

the Maker of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,

born of the virgin Mary..."

Have you ever wondered, "Is the virgin birth of Jesus really that important?" After all it is scientifically unprovable and seems highly improbable that this could even happen. Yet it is predicted in the Hebrew scriptures, fulfilled in the New Testament, and affirmed by the early church fathers as essential. But how does that affirmation of belief impact our practical reality? And why is it so important?

Christian doctrine can seem so impractical without a solid understanding of clear application to our present lives. And without the clear application all we are left with are words to give verbal assent, a warm fuzzy feeling, and questions about the infallibility of the Bible. Although, to the early church, the Apostles' doctrine was completely practical. It met them in their life and fuzed meaning into their experiences. It also helped shape their understanding of how God has created the world to work, how it was broken, and how it is fixed. We should share their perspective on doctrine, and this blog is designed to take something that seems impractical and show that it not only applies to our lives, it is essential just as the early church affirmed.

The practical implications of the Virgin Birth are related to sin, or should I say, the possibility for the removal of sin. There are three aspects of sin that are important for each of us to understand if we are going to see the necessity of the Virgin Birth. The three aspects are as follows: original sin, generational sin, and personal sin. I will discuss these more in part two of this blog. For now, just know that these are real parts of our depravity that are addressed in the application of the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ.

Before we get to our sin let's look at what the Hebrew scriptures say about how atonement or reconciliation with God is made. Exodus 12 details the requirements for the Passover. In verse five a lamb without blemish is to be prepared. The blood is to be placed on the doorpost and lentils so so the angel of death would know who belonged to the LORD. Leviticus 1 outlines many of the sacrifices to be made including a lamb without blemish for the atonement of sins. These sacrifices had to be made repeatedly until the LORD sent His final sacrifice to redeem His people through a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:14-20; and Hebrews 8-10). Jesus was the perfect Passover Lamb and the sacrifice for all time establishing the new covenant of God's grace between God and His people.

You see the sacrifice had to be without any blemish or stain (perfect). This is the reason for the Virgin Birth, which will make more sense when we begin to understand more about sin.

Snow in the Mountains

Here are 10, no wait, 11 things that I have learned and love about mountain snow. It's not the miserable midwestern or southern mess that probably comes to most of my friend's minds. If you don't believe me come and visit for a week this winter!

1. It's not that people don't know how to drive in snow at sea level. It's just that it is impossible to drive on ice. Snow is very manageable in the mountains.

2. The roads are clear within hours of the snowfall finishing. And by clear, I mean dry!

3. There is practically no slush as the midwest knows it.

4. We can ski on this snow!

5. Snow ice cream once a week:)

6. You know those brushes on some ice scrapers? I understand why they are there now. You can literally clean all of the snow off your car with those, no ice layers!!!

7. We clear snow with plows here. No more shovels for the driveway!

8. No need to shovel the deck. We can sweep this powder!

9. There is a clear difference in the cold here. It does not feel like your skin is going to break off and bones shatter. It is just simply cold, no side affects.

10. The mountains are beautiful covered in a white blanket!

11. The deep blue sky the day after a snowfall. It is amazing. It should be on all bucket lists to see.

Pastor's Journal:From Southern Baptist to Non-Denominational

Painting by Matthew Rosebrock

Traveling across a religious spectrum has provided some unique challenges. This journey has included being born into a Southern Baptist home, studying religion at a state university, going to seminary at a Presbyterian school, being ordained through the Baptist General Conference, planting a church under my ordaining denomination, and serving as pastor of a non denominational church. Many lessons have been learned, some of which I hope to share through this journal in the future.

So many labels exist for Christians. Many are helpful, and many are destructive. They include: evangelical, fundamentalist, liberal, parachurch, literalist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Bible thumper, spirit-filled, charismatic, Pentecostal, reformed, Calvinist, Arminian, etc. It is one thing to be labeled, and it is another thing entirely to look through their lens at the surrounding world. A lot of the religious conflicts that I have caused, mediated, or observed have stemmed from a lack of understanding from other points of view. One person was labeling while looking through a lens, and another was defensive while looking through a completely different lens. Who was right? Who was wrong? How does anyone attempt to sort through it?

That lack of understanding has expressed itself in pride, ignorance, disrespect, and division. Maybe through my journey you can confront such attitudes in your own life as you read the way I am confronting mine. Let's take a thoughtful and considerate walk through this maze. It will be important for us to establish common ground from the outset.

To be continued...

Advent Reflections

If you have ever had children, you know anticipation well. From the moment two lines show up to the day of the birth it is almost constant preparation. The nursery must be painted. Furniture needs to be arranged. Gotta check the baby development websites, everyday, sometimes twice or more. There are the birthing classes, bottles, diapers, baby showers, etc. So much goes into preparation, and then the day comes. It is a magical moment the first time you hear the baby cry, and for the next two years everything is surreal, mostly due to lack of sleep. But it is so much different than you expect. Don't get me wrong, it is amazing, but it is not like what you had envisioned.

Another birth that was greatly anticipated, but not what it was envisioned is the birth of Jesus. Advent is the season of anticipation of Christmas. The first Sunday of Advent is focused on prophecy. There are more than 300 things foretold in the Hebrew scriptures about the One (Messiah) to come that Jesus fulfilled throughout His life. It seems that with all of those fulfilled prophecies there would be no disappointment or mistake who this Messiah was. But expectations are funny things. The more specific uncontrollable expectations, the greater risk of missing it or being completely disappointed. The expectation was for a great military leader and a king to take the physical throne of David. In contrast, Jesus was born to humble beginnings, and led as a servant giving of Himself to the point of a criminal's death.

John the Baptist was to prepare the way for the Messiah, and even for him, Jesus as Messiah was a question mark. John sent his followers to Jesus with an inquiry recorded in Matthew 11:3,

“Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

If anyone should know that Jesus is the Messiah, it is John. But it is understandable that he would ask the question. After all, preparing the way for One who has been anticipated for thousands of years is not something you want to get wrong, and the developed expectation that he was no doubt taught was much different than what Jesus looked like. Jesus wasn't the king or military leader they were looking for in a Messiah. The acceptance of reality and truth haven't changed much in the last 2000 years. Think about this,

What are you anticipating for Christmas? Maybe you envision a Norman Rockwell setting with a grand feast and warm fuzzy feelings about the people around the table. It could be big gifts under the tree with that perfect gift bearing your name on the card. Perhaps it is the look on your kid's faces when they see the gifts after Santa came the night before. There could be a more bleak outlook for you because hard times, unemployment, personal loss, or tragedy has struck. You may not even be able to envision any resemblance of happiness at Christmas. These are not the hooks on which to hang your hope and expectation.

So, as we enter the Advent season, maybe we should ask of our own expectations, "Are you really what I am anticipating? OR is there more?"

The hope that Jesus offers is not bound up in gifts we can buy or give. It is not found in a feast for the family. It is found in the historical reality that a baby was born in a miraculous way for a miraculous cause. He did not come to bring employment or warm fuzzy feelings. He came to die. Until our anticipation of Christmas is grounded in historic coming of a savior, and our hope is found in the salvation He alone offers; we are destined for disappointment and discouragement.

Turn your hope for Advent to Him. You may find a sense of contentment and peace you've never experienced before this Christmas. And along this journey you may discover a baby born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago fulfilling a new anticipation grounded in reality and Truth.

Favorite Christmas Movie Scenes 03

There will be more from this movie. My kids act this scene out more than any other. There's just something about bodily sounds that are hilarious. Don't forget to leave a comment of your favorite Christmas movie scenes. They may show up before December is over!

Favorite Christmas Movie Scenes 02

Here's another great moment. I remember after running a 5k race in Birmingham, AL sticking my lips to a Popsicle. OUCH!!! Anyone ever get stuck to something cold??

Favorite Christmas Movie Scenes

Christmas is here again and here are some of my favorite moments from some Christmas movies. Please leave comments of your favorite scenes, and maybe I will post them next!

The Christmas Tree from "Christmas Vacation." "It's not going in our yard, Russ, It's going in our living room." Hahaha!!!

To My Kids on the Importance of Auburn Family: Iron Bowl 2011

It is rivalry Saturday in college football, and THE big game is on at 1:30 MST. Now, you guys know I love Auburn football, but you need to understand why daddy acts a little "crazy" on days like this. Today, November 26, 2011, is the first time in my life that I can remember NOT looking forward to the Iron Bowl, but we will talk about that more later. Suffice it to say that this letter is therapy so that I can keep things in perspective on what I am anticipating to be a painful day. There is a wildcard, however, that will come to play! Auburn is bigger than the stats and more resilient than a point spread. So we have a fighting chance with home field advantage and tradition on our side. So win or lose this family (AU family) will stand united and yell with pride, War Eagle!!

Last year Auburn came back from a 24 point deficit to beat Bama and went on to play for the SEC and National Championship. This year Bama is stacked with speed and talent. The landscape of a team changes every year in NCAAF, and that is one of the things that makes it great to watch. But the reason I love Auburn is deeper than what happens between the hedges on any given Saturday afternoon every fall; it is TRADITION.

It seems the culture of our day undervalues tradition from church life to politics to family heritage. People want to write their own history rather than live as a part of something greater than themselves. Individuals are praised at the cost of the collective. There is certainly a place for the individual, but only in so much as he contributes to the whole. The Heisman Trophy is a great example of how an individual contributes to a team for the betterment of the whole. The individual is celebrated, but only because of the contribution he makes to the team. I don't love Auburn because of Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson, or Cam Newton, but they help build a rich winning tradition of which I am proud. So what is the heritage and tradition that makes me believe in Auburn and love it?

We are two generations of Auburn graduates in our family. Your grandfather (O) started us on this journey in the 60's. He ran track, and secured the Swearengin name in Auburn history by assisting his mile relay team to an SEC gold medal win in 1966. Just four years later O and Pops (your great grandfather) went to the Iron Bowl of 1972 named the "Punt Bama Punt" game.

(Kick off just began the game Bama 3 and out-Auburn 3 and out.)

The day I became an Auburn Tiger was 10 years after Punt Bama Punt. Pops took me to see the Iron Bowl of 82. In this game Bo Jackson went over the top of the offensive line across the goal line to secure an Auburn win and snap a nine year losing streak. I asked Pops after the game, "Is this the biggest game in the world?"

He replied, "To some it is."

After graduating high school, I went to junior college for two years. There was no question that I wanted to transfer to Auburn for my undergraduate education. Your mom and I met while we were DJ's at WEGL, Auburn's campus radio station in the summer of 1994.

(Auburn just scored a touchdown off of an Alabama fumble to cut Bama's lead to 14-7)

We both graduated in 1996 and were married in January 1997. The church in Atlanta where we were married wouldn't let us play the Auburn fight song as we left the church. The next Iron Bowl we went to was the 2005 game where Brodie Croyle (AL QB) was sacked 11 times and Auburn dominated the game winning 28-18.

But the TRADITION is greater than our family and its part of the AU story. There are so many people who have built the greatness of Auburn. I am just proud to be a part of the family and hope to represent it well throughout my life.

(Half time and AL is up 24-7)

The AU Creed emphasizes the importance of education, character, country and God. I'm sure other institutions emphasize the same, but there is no personal connection to any other. The family extends to others all around the world and is evident when traveling and saying War Eagle to others donning the Orange and Blue. I have had those moments almost everywhere I have traveled.

(Onterio McCalebb just returned the kickoff to start the 2nd half to make it 24-14)

Well the game is over now, and it turned out about like I expected this year. Final score Alabama 42 Auburn 14. Not the way we ever want it to end, but it is important to understanding the Auburn family. Even after a game that can be frustrating and depressing as a fan, most of us will still say, "It's still great to be an Auburn Tiger!" And as O always says, "We didn't lose, the time simply ran out this year." That is the way it is in this rivalry. It means bragging rights for a year, but the time will start again next November no matter who the score favors. So, even though I was not looking forward to the game, I know that we (AU Family) will stand together through good years and bad years believing in Auburn and loving it! And that is Auburn spirit. War Eagle!!!!

Love,

Daddy

Clarifying the Win: Thanksgiving

We all have things that need to happen for a fulfilling experience at almost anything, but rarely do we clarify what those things are. For the last several years for Thanksgiving we have hosted people at our home who did not have family in town nor were they traveling. With that scenario the win is accomplished every time almost by accident. This year we were invited to someone's home for the big feast. So, I had to really consider what the win would be. Do I have to watch football? Do I have to have turkey? What are the ingredients to a successful Thanksgiving?

I will assume that the day is spent with family in some way. That is an essential. It's not always with extended family, but it has always, ever since I can remember, involved family. So that is a given. I found out yesterday that football is not essential. But there were some menu items that can not be avoided for the proper celebration of Thanksgiving in my mind. Here are some of the items:

1. Pumpkin Pie: I love pumpkin pie with spray whipped cream. It has to be there!

2. Sweet Potato Casserole: This is not the marshmallow topped atrocity. It is the one with a double topping of crushed pecans, brown sugar, and butter. Lots of butter! Yes this is a southern dish, and corners can not be cut to make it more "healthy."

3. Canned Cranberry Sauce: It was on the table every Thanksgiving I can remember growing up, which makes necessary.

4. Sauerkraut: Now this one takes some explaining. Melanie's grandmother always had this on the table, and one year as we were engaged in our gluttonous feast, the question was asked. "Why do we always have sauerkraut?" To which she replied without any hesitation, "Because it makes you sexy!" If it wasn't officially established before then, that comment made it a requirement.

Well, those are the wins for our family. We may develop more over the years and, Tyler and Megan, you will probably have your own. Tell me when you have one of your own. If you know what they are, you can prevent, at least some, disappointment with the holiday.

Thanksgiving Resolutions

Well, I am getting a head start on the new year with a few resolutions that I have already been working on but are being built into my whole life. Here goes:

1. I resolve to write. I have explained this in a past blog entry but suffice it to say I want to leave a written picture and profile for my children and future generations of their heritage in my words.

2. I resolve to learn and live the Word. Aside from my calling to pastoral ministry there is an even greater call to be the living stone mentioned in 1 Peter 2:1-12.

3. I resolve to preach the Word. My calling as a pastor is to preach the Word not psychology, popular opinion, or the gospel according to Disney.

4. I resolve to learn church history. This has become even more important since taking a position leading a non-denominational church. I need to know and teach where we have come from and how we have developed theologically and Biblically. The church has too many people leading out of passion and ignorance alone. I don't want to be one of them.

5. I resolve to read. Maybe this is assumed from some of the previous resolutions, but it still needs to be stated.

6. I resolve to lead my family. Deuteronomy 6:4-9

7. I resolve to make disciples of Jesus. This is confession, repentance, and resolve that the unintended result of intentional discipleship has been that disciples of Lance have been made. This should not be. The only one worth following is Jesus.

8. I resolve to play Yahtzee. These have been too serious so far and the mood needs to be lightened. The best game ever is Yahtzee, and I play it at least 10 times a day on my phone.

9. I resolve to develop my grasp and understanding of Christian Theology.

10. I resolve to kill an elk! This comes from my desire to feed my family the most lean and delicious meat in the world, not to mention the whole kill and eat thing:)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

New Title and New Direction

Maybe you saw a few months back that I resolved to write. Well, today is the day I will jump back in the game here. I am writing another blog for church which is largely based around my study for sermons, but here is where I will lay my life out more experiencially and emotionally rather than expositionally. My resolution to write came as I read the resolutions of Jonathon Edwards. The reason I feel the need to write is mostly for my kids and family. What a great way to vomit existential information that they may never experience with me, or it could be a great way to track memories of a journey shared. These entries will be wayoints in my journey, just as they have been thus far. They are not a final answer or declaration of what is as the previous title, iManifesto, suggested, but they are just check points along the way where anyone who reads this can see the real me. I might unpack the past or dream about the future. I may brag about some accomplishment or whine for a while. But all in all I hope my kids will come away with something they can use to understand me, remember me, and understand themselves (since the apple doesn't fall far from the tree). And maybe you can be entertained by a guy who is stumbling through the dark as he follows the Light.

Oh and the new name is a reach back for me as I was a church planter of WayPoint Church in O'Fallon, MO for five years. The name was meaningful then and it is still meaningful now to me and hopefully to all who experienced the church. Until the next check in....

This Is It!

Eleven PM October 27, I was one of the first to experience "This Is It." I will have to admit it is hard to process everything because of the inner conflict that many of us share. The inner conflict is the block on the filter for all of the information we have built up over the last 42 years (I'm not 42, but no matter how old, we have all seen footage from an earlier day) since MJ came on the scene with the Jackson 5 mixed with our own life experiences. It is an inner conflict that is entertained, casts judgement and asks questions all at the same time. This is my attempt to make something meaningful of it in my mind.

When I look at the life of Michael Jackson, I see a reflection of the human condition. There is the desire to be the best, stand for something noble, communicate that message in an influential way and simultaneously know that our hearts and lives will never measure up to what is on stage for the world to see. We all create a stage for people to see what we want them to see. We dance, we sing, we perform on cue the moves that we believe will be the best expression of the moment, yet we suck at improvisation. Why else would we lie, cheat, steal or kill? If life could only be choreographed perfectly, rehearsed endlessly and the end product could be sheer genius. But in the film, "This is it," we see an unfinished performance. This is where we live our lives with others.

Throughout his career, MJ had a great message, and he could not escape the judgement of others. Does that sound like your life? It sounds like mine. Here are some of my thoughts on both:

Secret of a great message: it is something with which almost everyone agrees would make things better. Michael's message is just that, Beat It (there are other ways to solve problems without violence), Billie Jean (when we are innocent we want the truth to be known), Earth Song (we need to take care of the planet), Man in the Mirror (if we want to see change happen start with yourself), Black or White (skin color should be a feature not a profile), etc (feel free to continue). We all have a great and noble message we want to share, but we know the inconsistencies and contradictions inside ourselves. So, what do we do? We try to escape our imperfection by pointing it out in others.

Secret to judging others: it is easier to see the flaws in someone else, especially celebrities, rather than bringing to light the flaws we have in our own heart. When I find myself becoming judgmental, it is usually because I am covering something up inside of myself. It diverts the attention away from my reality and makes someone else's life look like hell. It is easy to pick on someone, but it is hard and near impossible to fix our own flaws that others can see so much more clearly. When we feel this treatment from others it makes it even harder to do what we believe we should do because of that improvisational thing we have such a difficult time doing. We overcompensate in order to cover the flaws. So what is the answer? Maybe there is no clear answer. Maybe our search for answers has blocked our view of the truth. The truth is that we are all flawed and need the grace of others to survive. The truth is that there are consequences to our actions that we and others have to endure. The truth is that our judgment, while well meaning, can actually hurt more than help.

Where do we go from here. We say goodbye to someone who through celebrity has changed the way we look at the world. Some say we will miss you, and others say good riddance. I say, I hope I don't miss the point of a great message because of the inconsistencies that I perceive from the vantage point of my couch through a satellite communication portraying a fraction of the truth. Let's take the great message and leave the judging to the creator. After all, we have enough to work on in our own lives. So in conclusion,

Michael Jackson is one of the greatest entertainers in history. His dance moves were fluid and crisp. His voice was distinct and enjoyable. His creativity was off the charts. And his budget was almost limitless. He was larger than life, yet he could not escape death. He will live on in our memories, his body will rest and his soul will move on to what's next. And we are left with an inner conflict and only our own lives to live. What will you make of yours? This is it!

iTunes Playlist

Marathon Playlist

Here is my St Jude Marathon playlist in the works (no partcular order).



Eye of the Tiger

Gonna Fly Now (Rocky Theme) These have to be in there no matter what.

Cult of Personality -Living Color

Extreme Ways -Moby

Filled with Your Glory -Starfield

Second to None (from the Transformers soundtrack)

Beat It -Fall Out Boy

For the Love of the Game -Pillar

Use Me -Hootie and the Blowfish

The Hero -Queen (from Flash Gordon soundtrack)

California Love -2 Pac

Go Speed Racer Go -Everclear

Bad -U2

The Adventure -Angels & Airwaves

The Competitor's Creed -FCA

Unbreakable -Fireflight

Dreamer -Chris Brown

Numb/Encore -Jay Z and Linkin Park

Lord Give Me a Sign -DMX

Iron Man -Ozzy

Stronger -Kanye West

The Warrior -Scandal

Extreme Days -Toby Mac

Slam -Toby mac

Meant to Live -Switchfoot

I Go to Work -Kool Moe Dee

Scream -Michael and Janet Jackson

Revolution -Kirk Franklin

That is phase one of the marathon playlist.

Ways I Don't Want to Die

Have you ever thought about ways you don't want to die? We WILL all die, and I have come to the conclusion that everything we do in life is a risk. One wrong move by us or someone else and life could be over in an instant. Then there are some things that are just accidents and just plain dumb luck. When I was out running the other day, my mind started to wander as it tends to do over the course of 11 miles or so. I was running next to a golf course with a par 3 hole just off of the road I was on when I thought, "One shanked line drive to the right, and I am a dead man. That's not the way I want to go." There are things that could happen that I would die content but death by a shanked golf ball is not one of them. Then I kept going with the list and posted it to facebook. Read, enjoy a good laugh and add one of your own as a comment.

#1 weekend fair amusement park rides.

#2 in a donut shop with local Law Enforcement!
-Douglas Johnson

#3 getting hit in the back of the head by a bad golf shot while running next to a golf course.

#4 Trying to repair a leak in a toilet tank - or - anything to do with a toilet!
-Douglas Johnson

#5 eatin alive
-Jon Kniss

#6 From loss of blood violating the first rule of garbage disposal repair (inserting your hand into the drain).
-Melissa Moody

#7 Being trampled to death at Walmart on black Friday
-Brandy Pecor

#8 death by my ex wife!
-Jon Kniss

#9 Buried alive.
-Kim Quin

#10 Hand propping a plane.
-Scott Woodliff

#11 Food poisoning after enjoying a really delicious meal that included an appetizer, salad, entree, and dessert. How often do we get these kinds of meals anyhow??!
-Thuy Witt

#12 A plastic surgery snafu.
-Ryan Witt

#13 blinded by cameras flashing on Christmas morning then falling down the steps and breaking my neck before I opened that big diamond I'd been waiting my whole life for
-Molly Byrd

#14 stabbed in the heart by a competitive fondue eater.
-Diane Harrison

#15 Falling from a really high place, and hitting the ground...splat
-Maria Schafer

#16 Blow drying my hair in the shower.
-Kim Quin

Reply: Kim if your drying youir hair in the shower you desevre it ! lol-Jon Kniss

#17 Disentary
-Jon Kniss

#18 Bike wreck
-Jon Kniss

#19 not dieing till you hear your wife say I TOLD YOU SO !!!
-Jon Kniss

#20 random drive by shooting.