Jack-O-Launch

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:19:06 -0600

This past Saturday Austin and I went to the 11th annual Jack-O-Launch in nearby Aurora. We saw frustrated engineers try their pumpkin throwing machines of all varieties. Some were pneumatic, others were traditional trebuchets. Check out this video - it is a catapult powered only by counterweights. The pumpkin goes close to 1/2 mile.

Drummer Boy

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:31:31 -0600

Random

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:49:19 -0600

If I had to read one blog every
day it would be this one.

Here’s a couple of new artists I am digging:

I kept seeing this shirt:
Which piqued my curiosity.

Turns out it’s a non-profit that was started to...well, here’s their mission statement:

To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.
You can check them out here.
And, if you dig around on the site you can read the story behind the name. It’s beautiful.

The Freshman

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:04:09 -0600

For the last 8 months or so I have been raising my heels off the ground to see my oldest son eye to eye. The truth is I have been resisting this reality for even longer. Straightening my posture, not taking my shoes off, silly things to postpone the inevitable. When he turned 15 a few weeks ago we measured him to make the mark on the growth wall, and I finally conceded once and for all. He is at least a full inch taller than me, and still growing. Thankfully, I still weigh more than him and can pin him flat.

Last month Austin began his freshman year at the newest high school in our county. Legend High School is the third high school in Parker and was built to alleviate overcrowding at the other two schools. This year the school will only have Freshmen in the building (along with some middle school students, but that’s another story).

Austin took a swing at joining Legend’s Soccer team and fell a bit short. The next week he decided to join the school’s cross country team. Now he runs every day after school, with 15 other freshman, somewhere between 3 - 5 miles. He’s competed in four meets so far, and he is one of the most improved runners on the team. Here are his times (spread out over a 5 week period) - the Cross Country distance is always 3.1 miles, run over various terrain, including stream beds, hills, etc.

27:27

24:34

24:00

23:50

Donna and I are VERY proud of Austin. He is working hard, making new friends, and creating some great high school memories. I’ve uploaded some pictures of Austin and the team on the aperture page.

Holy Moly

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 19:08:31 -0600

This was the view from our back deck this evening. Scary, huh. Austin took a little video as well. Take a look.

Disequilibrium

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:42:01 -0600

Typically I’m pretty good at saying, “I don’t know.” Seems like I say it a lot - I’ve had lots of practice. Don’t get me wrong, I love having answers. It makes me feel smart and important.

Lately, however, I have had fewer answers. And, on top of that, many of the answers I would have previously given seem woefully inadequate to me.

So, I’ve found myself in a state of disequilibrium lately - unsure about some things. I think this happens whenever something you think is true turns out to not be true. The result can be confusion, disorientation, and a desperate search for a stable reality.

I had a similar feeling yesterday while floating down the Colorado River.

Last year, while watching some kayakers on the Colorado, I promised myself that I would learn how to paddle in white water. A few weeks ago Larry, my brother (who has paddled more than me) planned his annual trip, and I saw an opportunity to combine brotherly fun with imminent danger.

Of course, my tendency is to run right up to where my ability ends, and then rush past it. Most of the time the consequences are nominal - I might have to rework a school assignment, try a little less cayenne pepper in the chili, or stick to the blue squares on the ski mountain. This time my M.O. caused me to be upside down for the first time in a kayak, in the midst of a class 2 rapid, wrapped in a neoprene skirt, not exactly sure how a wet exit works, hoping I didn’t crunch my head on a river rock (I wore a helmet).

That’s when the disequilibrium set in. When I made to the shore Larry asked me if I had any idea what caused the roll.

“Not a clue,” was my response.

As I said, lately I’ve been saying that a lot.

One of the things I’ve learned about disequilibrium is this: whether you’re under water, or questioning previous held realities, fear is not your friend. It can be paralyzing. It can even be life-threatening. The best approach, I’ve decided, is to take a deep breath, and swim toward the light.

Shazam

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:23:49 -0600

The other day I downloaded a new application for my iPhone called Shazam. It is a listening tool that identifies music. I knew apps like this existed for a couple of other platforms, but I had never seen one in action.

We were watching the Olympics the other night and a commercial came on with a catchy tune. I clicked on the app and in about 15 seconds I was introduced to a new artist - The application gave me complete info - artist, track title, album name, etc.

Check him out - Donovan Frankenreiter (except for his mustache he is pretty cool).

DCFC Video

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:15:31 -0600

Here’s a pretty interesting video from Death Cab. The song is “Marching Bands of Manhattan,” from their cd “Plans.”

Latest Music

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 07:38:09 -0600

Enjoy a little Death Cab For Cutie.

I had heard of Death Cab over the last few years, but assumed, because of their strange name, that I wouldn’t like their style.

I was very surprised. They have a very creative edge with unusual lyrics.

This cut (titled “Cath...”) is from from their album Narrow Stairs.

A Quandary

Mon, 4 Aug 2008 07:19:12 -0600

Perplexed. Uncertain.

This past Saturday our family (all four of us) rose early, filled our backpack water bladders, packed some food, and drove to the trailhead of Mt. Quandary.

Mt. Quandary is one of Colorado’s 14ers - a group of 54 peaks rising at least 14,000 feet above sea level. Every one of these peaks can be hiked. That is, climbed without technical equipment. Some are more demanding than others.

Our route on this day would take us about 3.5 miles in ascent, a little under 7 miles round trip. We would gain 3,500 feet in elevation before we summit. The ascent took 4 hours - less than one mile an hour. The descent took 2.5 - a slower pace than when you walk briskly through the mall. Seven hours after we began we crumpled into the seats of our car.

This was my fourth 14er. But, it is the first one I have climbed with my youngest son, Carter. I don’t know exactly what kind of stuff God used to make Carter, but I know that he has a determination that I know nothing about.

The last mile of the Quandary trail is unbearably difficult. It is relentlessly steep, very unstable, and terribly long. The air is thin, and the people above you look discouragingly small. The air gets thinner with every step you take, making frequent stops a necessity.

At just under 14,000 feet (Quandary is 14,265) we stopped for a needed rest. Carter had not been feeling well for a while, and I began to wonder if he would make it. Altitude can be dangerous. A few miles up a secluded, rocky trail is no place to be with an altitude-sick 12 year old. My Dad instincts kicked in and we had a brief discussion about turning around. When Carter realized that I wasn’t going to make him turn around, he stood up and headed up the mountain - a few steps ahead of everyone. He summoned energy and resolve from deep within and began climbing at a hurried pace - the rest of us could not keep up with him. Carter did not stop until he reached the Summit - the three of us several steps behind (okay, I was more than several steps behind Donna and Austin - but, I made it). When I made it to the summit this is what I saw...

...Carter signing the climber’s log. Every 14er has a climber’s log that is attached to the summit with a sturdy wire, and protected by a PVC tube. Carter proudly wrote his name down because he had climbed Mt. Quandary.

Thin air, physical limits, a rocky trail - these are some of the things that reveal a lot about a person. As I ponder what might be the focus of Carter’s determination as he grows into a man, there is one thing I know - it will become subject to his fierce resolve.

Technological Nirvana

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:45:30 -0600

I went back to the iPhone without being held hostage by the exorbitant AT&T fees.

My friend Chris bought a 3G iPhone, so I bought his old iPhone (which was only a few months old). I put my T-Mobile sim card in it, and used a hack program to make it work on the T-Mobile network.

Then I installed the new 2.0 software, and hacked it again. Now it works with the T-Mobile network, and makes use of Apple’s new “push” technology via their MobileMe service.

It does not have access to data over the Edge network - which is good since I have weaned myself from constant email. However, because the iPhone has wifi, it can access my mail, contacts, and calendar wirelessly.

Sweet phone, small monthly charges, no data, unless I am in range of one of my wifi networks.

One device. Music. Phone (have you seen the iPhone app store? It’s amazing). I can control my home stereo over my home Wi-Fi network from anywhere in my house (including my new deck) from my phone.

Genius!

The New Deck

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:06:55 -0600

We’ve been working hard on our new deck. Here are some before and after pictures. It’s not quite finished - some trim details need to be completed. But, it’s about 90% done (we need some furniture too!).

The deck is about about 350 square feet. I made it with ChoiceDek - Lowe’s version of Trex composite decking. The whole project cost a little over $4,000. The estimate to have the same deck completely built for us by a contractor was about $13,000.

BEFORE

AFTER

A More Welcoming Approach

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:53:45 -0600

Below is one of my first research papers I recently churned out for my masters program. Enjoy!

___________

Toward a More Welcoming Approach: Bridging the Gap Between
Evangelical Churches and Homosexuals

Introduction
“Who is welcome at your church?”
If an individual were to walk into an evangelical church in the United States and ask the above question to the established leadership the response might very well be something like the following: “Anyone and everyone are welcome in our church. Our doors are open to the entire community.” This is a well-intentioned response and reflects the heart many church leaders have towards inclusiveness. However, a close look at the growing tension between evangelical churches in the U.S. and the homosexual community tells a different story. In addition, the inability for many evangelical churches to effectively reach and work with homosexuals could indicate an underlying issue that is not being addressed at a foundational level.
Is it possible for an evangelical church to bridge the gap that currently exists? Is there an approach to this subject that might allow for a greater level of diversity in individual congregations? Does the conservative evangelical church have no place for, or ministry to, the homosexual person in today’s culture? First, this issue will be analyzed from a historical perspective, followed by a discussion of a practical approach towards bridging the gap between evangelical churches and homosexuals.

A Historical Perspective
Homosexuality as Orientation
Only in relatively recent history has the idea of homosexuality as a fixed orientation made its way into professional and academic circles. One of the first uses of the term referring to the core identity of a person, as opposed to behavior, or homosexual acts, is attributed to Karl Maria Kertbeny, a Vienna-born writer, in a pamphlet published in 1869 (Grenz, 1998). Prior to this distinction any discussion related to the topic was typically centered on moral vs. immoral behavior. This new perspective on the issue would eventually cause many faith-based groups to begin to rethink their position on homosexuality. For the first time in history church leaders were being faced with a unique problem. How do leaders respond to a group of people who are now claiming that homosexuality is a fixed orientation, a static identity if you will, as opposed to simply a type of behavior?
For evangelical churches the tension of this twentieth century question is held against the backdrop of two key historical characteristics. Moral conservatism and the inerrancy of the Judeo-Christian scriptures are two foundational principles that have deeply shaped the doctrine and policy of conservative churches. Consequently, some evangelical leaders shortsightedly viewed this relatively new assertion as a rationalization to live in an immoral state. This response contributed to a culture gap that continues to grow today. Interestingly, the pivotal point of the debate is no longer about the existence of orientation; this is now a commonly accepted idea among conservative evangelicals. In recent years the crux of the issue has centered on causation.

Homosexuality and Causation
The issue of causation is viewed as fundamental to the church’s response because of assumed implications. Many reason that if homosexuality is somehow woven into the genetic code then the Creator must sanction homosexuality as an orientation. Therefore, since this outcome is incompatible with a conservative evangelical worldview, this conclusion must be incorrect.
Historically, church leaders have done a poor job of reconciling scientific data with current theology. Prior to the 1500s prevailing theory placed the earth at the center of the known universe. Galileo, and many others before him, proposed a different theory: that the earth revolved around the sun. This theory placed Galileo at odds with the Catholic Church. He was tried, convicted and lived out his years under house arrest because the proposed theory contradicted the literal meaning of scripture (Sharratt, 1994). Of course, history proved that the presumption among church leaders was incorrect and shortsighted. History has also shown that the biblical narrative is not inconsistent with scientific conclusions regarding the structure of our planetary system. The underlying assumptions that church leaders bring to the table as they address the homosexuality issue have deeply affected conclusions drawn. The current paradigms used to address the issue of causation could possibly be widening the gap between evangelical churches and the homosexual community.
The two general schools of thought regarding causation could be broadly described as nature (a biological cause) and nurture (a sociological cause). The position of many evangelicals rests on homosexuality being a choice, and therefore something that can be chosen against, or set aside, for the sake of scriptural morality. The language of “choice” however indicates an uninformed, and grossly simplified understanding of the homosexual experience. In response to this language of choice many from the homosexual community aptly explain that their orientation was not chosen, but rather chose them (Cohen, 2008). The underlying implication when homosexuality is described as a choice is that orientation is a result of an act of the will, a volitional choice. When pressed on this perspective most evangelicals will acknowledge that societal pressures alone make this volitional argument illogical. Add to this the understanding that those who subscribe to a nurture position regarding causation generally agree that sexual orientation is determined long before a choice regarding sexual behavior is made by an individual (Grenz, 1998). The discussion about causation is an emotionally charged debate that involves a quickly evolving area of scientific study. It also challenges deeply held beliefs that appear to be threatened by genetic and sociological research. The result is often a tempestuous discussion that leaves both homosexuals and evangelicals frustrated and even more isolated.
Could it be that causation is not the key issue as many evangelicals suppose it is? Maybe the issue of causation is a never-ending side debate that prevents the core of the issue from being discussed: how can evangelicals respond in an open and welcoming manner to individual homosexuals and involve themselves in the homosexual community?

Practical Application: Where Do We Go From Here?

Old Paradigms are Insufficient
When a group of evangelical leaders endeavors to bridge the gap between their church community and homosexuals it is helpful to recognize that previously used paradigms regarding moral behavior are not helpful, and are indeed an impediment, to constructing a more welcoming approach. Church leaders do not have at their disposal a comparative analogy that will help them chart a proper course. Never before have leaders been faced with a group within their own community that is seeking permission for what has been described as an immoral behavior. Comparatively, the adulterer, the thief, or the liar, have never sought to sanction their activity as holy and acceptable. Indeed, the very idea is preposterous. Therefore, the paradigm of “love the sinner, hate the sin” fails to understand the nature of the issue. For the homosexual the “sin” and the “sinner” are one and completely inseparable. If a church leadership is willing to seek after a new paradigm that will enable a fresh perspective then the initial groundwork can be laid for a more welcoming approach.

Outside the Church Walls: Advocating for Homosexual Civil Rights
Because of the political, emotional, and moral tension surrounding the homosexual issue the possibility of standing alongside the homosexual community regarding basic civil rights has not appeared to be a viable option for many conservative faith-based groups. However, when evangelicals carefully consider the effects and requirements of such support many options not only become available, but also become an effective means toward bridging the culture gap. It would certainly not be a prerequisite for evangelicals and homosexuals to find moral agreement on the issue of sexual behavior before they align together on the issue of civil rights. Evangelical Christians all over the world labor on behalf of millions of people with whom they have moral misalignment. Setting aside the inordinate requirement of complete moral alignment could possibly enable evangelicals to advocate and work for the civil rights of homosexual individuals and partners through the establishment of fair public policy. This approach would go a long way towards developing a more open and welcoming atmosphere among evangelical circles.

Inside the Church Walls: Making Room For Everyone
Is it possible for an evangelical church to be a gay-friendly church while not changing their moral stance regarding homosexual behavior? This may seem like an impossibility. However, the results are well worth the effort for evangelical church leaders who are willing to: 1) do the difficult work of adopting new paradigms, 2) invest congregational resources towards advocacy issues, and 3) create open and inviting dialogue within the church walls regarding homosexuality.
Every evangelical leader knows there is a cognitive dissonance that exists between the beliefs of church members and their related behavior. To deny this reality would be to assert that all church members behave perfectly all of the time. In addition, most church leaders are aware of the vast moral conviction diversity that exists among church members as well. That is to say there is moral alignment on some issues, but in many cases opinions vary widely regarding the implementation of even the most basic moral codes.
Consequently, to require that someone have complete moral alignment regarding homosexual issues and beliefs before an individual could be welcomed into an evangelical community certainly seems wildly inconsistent. Conversely, to create a church environment where all feel welcome, in spite of differences and disagreements, seems certainly in line with the teachings and actions of Jesus.
As one evangelical leader points out, it’s not really a question of whether or not the church opens it doors to homosexuals (they are already present in evangelical churches), it’s really a question of whether or not the church environment is a place where they can find community and spiritual growth (Burke, 2005).
Admittedly, an effort to create an open and inviting atmosphere in an evangelical church regarding homosexuality will require a steadfast internal commitment and will cause no small amount of growing pains. This effort can begin by an honest admission regarding the complexity of the issue. This initial acknowledgement will indicate a departure from a simplistic sound byte approach many have come to expect from conservative churches. A teachable spirit among church leaders will also go a long way towards creating the same attitude among members. Creating opportunities for learning about the issue will also prove to be essential. In any relationship trust is built because of selfless investments made over time. If a more welcoming approach towards homosexuals is pursued with honesty and sincerity the existing gap will almost certainly be reduced.

Conclusion
Jesus had a way of reaching out to those whom society deemed to be less than important, not so desirable, and second-class citizens. In fact, he was so socially connected to these people that his reputation suffered great harm. He continually crossed societal lines that delineate race, gender, socio-economic, and moral differences that continually drive wedges between individuals as well as groups of people. He did this to express his deep love for all people, regardless of these distinctions. It is possible for today’s evangelical churches to follow the example set by Jesus in this regard by building a community of followers who are committed to bridging the gap between themselves and the homosexual community. The result might possibly be a group of people that looks very much like the crowd that followed Jesus centuries ago.

References
John Burke. (2005). No Perfect People Allowed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Art Cohen. (2008, Jan Feb). Whether it's a "choice" or not is irrelevant. The Gay and Lesbian Review Worldwide, 15.1, p. 5 (1).
Michael Sharratt. (1994). Galileo: Decisive Innovator. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Stanley J. Grenz. (1998). Welcoming but Not Affirming: An Evangelical Response to Homosexuality. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press. (Original work published 1998)

eCommerce

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:00:34 -0600

My money is a precious commodity. Sometimes I am careless with it, but not often. Every day countless retailers compete for my hard-earned dollar for the purpose of keeping their business afloat one more month.

So, with my tight budget, and the fierce competition in the marketplace, the margin available for error is very thin.

We try to support local businesses as much as we can. We like the convenience of dropping in, finding what we need, and walking out with it. This works really well for common products like milk, paper, and weed killer. We even try to frequent local businesses when our need is more specialized.

Today we were in search of a sturdy music stand (for my son’s drum music) and a Trek Pod (admittedly a pretty unique -and fabulous- product). I had checked some prices online before we left the house, so, I had some idea of what we would spend (I even checked the online stores of two physical stores we would probably visit).

We drove 25 miles round trip, talked to 5 different sales people, and viewed about a dozen different products. Then we drove home empty-handed. The experience took about 2 hours.

When we got home I sat down at my sleek MacBook Pro and in 10 minutes I ordered exactly what we were looking for - it will arrive in a few days. I’m willing to defer instant gratification for the sake of saving time and money. Shopping online saved us about $80.00 (a 70% savings).

Incidentally, while at the camera shop we found the exact Trek Pod I wanted. It was a floor model and didn’t have all of the included accessories. The salesman did not know enough about the product to comment intelligently, and was not interested in helping make the potential sale a reality.

What prevented those four retailers from receiving my money?

Their high mark-ups. I knew what I could the exact same products for in other places and was not about to pay 50-100% more than I had to.

Their lack of inventory. The items we were looking for are best-selling items online. We weren’t willing to settle for inferior products because we knew what was available elsewhere.

Incompetent sales staff. I expect a salesperson to know more about the product than I do. In the rare case they don’t, they should at least confess ignorance and find someone else who can help.

If a physical store expects to compete in today’s diverse marketplace they will need to focus on having the bestselling products represented by an informed, helpful sales staff that will take the time to build a relationship of trust with a consumer. I will spend my money at THAT store every time.

Happy Father’s Day

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:32:43 -0600

My Dad is the most selfless man I know. When I grow up I hope to be even a shred of the man that he is. Below is a video I made last year to honor him. Happy Father’s Day, Dad.

Three Years and a New Home

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 07:46:39 -0600

We’re coming up on three years since our move from Indiana to Colorado. It has been quite an adventure for our whole family. It seems we have packed quite a bit into our three years so far:

It all started with the wreck of our U-Haul (while it still had our possessions in it) two days after we arrived. Totaling a big beast is not easy, but I managed to pull it off.

Carter picked up a new sport (Roller Hockey) and has learned to skate incredibly well. He also began piano lessons and drum lessons. Carter has also been on the Honor Roll pretty consistently over the last 3 years.

Austin has climbed a couple of 14ers, canoed over 60 miles in one week, got braces (and just a few weeks ago got them off again), made it through middle school and learned to play the cajon. He is also inches away from the Life Scout rank, and served as a leadership Prefect at his school (student council).

Both boys have learned how to ski and absolutely love Colorado powder.

Donna began teaching at the boy’s school and helped launch a parents prayer group. She also got braces (still has them) and went back to school to work toward a nursing degree. Donna and I also climbed a couple of 14ers, and have done quite a bit of skiing since we’ve been out here.

One of the best parts of being out here in Colorado is the visitors we’ve had. Several folks from Indiana have come out to see us and enjoyed the rarefied air only available when you’re at least a mile high (our house is actually 600 feet above a mile). My brothers have made the trip several times and our times together are among my favorite. Who would have guessed moving 1,200 miles away would have brought us closer?

We just returned from our annual Summer trip to visit our family back east. All of our immediate family lives in Lexington, KY - we are the only ones who have left. Truth is we left pretty quickly - about 3 days after we got married. I was 21, and Donna was 19, when we loaded up our first U-Haul and moved to Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Ever since then we have lived at least 3 hours away from family. Now we live about 19 hours away.

Donna and I immensely enjoyed our growing up years. It was pretty storybook in most every way -- typical medium-sized town, suburban America, straight out of a John Hughes movie. At times we have considered moving back to Lexington. My desire to move back to Lexington stems from a sort of homesickness, a longing for what used to be. I’m sure it has something to do with a lack of familiarity that goes along with moving a few times. Donna and I have lived in 6 different homes (5 different cities) in our twenty years of marriage. Whenever we move to a new locale that nagging sense of homesickness settles in until:

I find a great place to get a haircut (here in Parker it took two years - part of the journey included a visit to this place - the Hooters of the haircut industry. Oh sure, “an accident” you say).
I find one or two coffee shops I enjoy (this took about a year).

Once those basic needs are met the nagging sense of wanting to go home again dissipates quite a bit.

The other experience that helps eliminate homesickness is actually going home. Every time we make the trip back to Lexington we are reminded that the homes of our childhood are unrecognizable.

Thomas Wolfe was spot on when he spoke through his protagonist George Webber:

"You can't go back home to your family, back home to your childhood, ... back home to a young man's dreams of glory and of fame ... back home to places in the country, back home to the old forms and systems of things which once seemed everlasting but which are changing all the time—back home to the escapes of Time and Memory."

Well said, Mr. Wolfe, well said.

Why do boys have nipples?

Fri, 30 May 2008 11:47:42 -0600

We’re doing a Q&A sermon series at the church I serve. Here’s how it works:
We asked the attendees to come up with their best, most confounding, puzzling questions that they would like for us to address during the weekend services. Over a period of about 6 weeks we received about 700 questions that filled almost 40 pages of a single-spaced Word document.

One of the questions is, “Why do boys have nipples?”

So, there’s a picture of me, with my shirt off, ahem. My good friend, Mitch Bolton, photoshopped “my” nipples off.

See how stupid that looks? So, that, of course, is why boys have nipples.

And, no, we did not subject our church to my nippleless man chest (Thanks to The Hoff for letting me borrow his six pack).

If you prefer a more academic answer, here it is.

Back to School

Thu, 8 May 2008 07:11:47 -0600

This past Monday I went back to school for the first time in 20 years (as a student). I began work in a Masters program at Regis University here in Denver. When it’s over I’ll have a Masters in Non-Profit Management, with a certificate in Leadership. The process will include about 30 hours of classes and it should take me a little less than 3 years to complete the degree.

Regis is a Catholic university in the Jesuit tradition (I’ve had some interest in the Jesuits for a while now - their founder is St. Ignatius of Loyola). I’m particularly excited about that because of the Jesuit emphasis on service and social justice. This combination makes it a very interesting place to learn about the scope and impact of the non-profit world.

I’ll be posting some of the things I learn along the way. Who knows, I may even format the blog in APA style.

TEAM

Sat, 3 May 2008 08:33:09 -0600

From the AP wire:

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - With two runners on base and a strike against her, Sara Tucholsky of Western Oregon University uncorked her best swing and did something she had never done, in high school or college. Her first home run cleared the center-field fence.

But it appeared to be the shortest of dreams come true when she missed first base, started back to tag it and collapsed with a knee injury.

She crawled back to first but could do no more. The first-base coach said she would be called out if her teammates tried to help her. Or, the umpire said, a pinch runner could be called in, and the homer would count as a single.
Then, members of the Central Washington University softball team stunned spectators by carrying Tucholsky around the bases Saturday so the three-run homer would count - an act that contributed to their own elimination from the playoffs.
Central Washington first baseman Mallory Holtman, the career home run leader in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, asked the umpire if she and her teammates could help Tucholsky.
The umpire said there was no rule against it.
So Holtman and shortstop Liz Wallace put their arms under Tucholsky's legs, and she put her arms over their shoulders. The three headed around the base paths, stopping to let Tucholsky touch each base with her good leg.
"The only thing I remember is that Mallory asked me which leg was the one that hurt," Tucholsky said. "I told her it was my right leg and she said, 'OK, we're going to drop you down gently and you need to touch it with your left leg,' and I said 'OK, thank you very much."'
"She said, 'You deserve it, you hit it over the fence,' and we all kind of just laughed."
"We started laughing when we touched second base," Holtman said. "I said, 'I wonder what this must look like to other people."'

"We didn't know that she was a senior or that this was her first home run," Wallace said Wednesday. "That makes the story more touching than it was. We just wanted to help her."
Holtman said she and Wallace weren't thinking about the playoff spot, and didn't consider the gesture something others wouldn't do.
As for Tucholsky, the 5-foot-2 right fielder was focused on her pain.
"I really didn't say too much. I was trying to breathe," she told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Wednesday.
"I didn't realize what was going on until I had time to sit down and let the pain relax a little bit," she said. "Then I realized the extent of what I actually did."
"I hope I would do the same for her in the same situation," Tucholsky added.
As the trio reached home plate, Tucholsky said, the entire Western Oregon team was in tears.
Central Washington coach Gary Frederick, a 14-year coaching veteran, called the act of sportsmanship "unbelievable."
For Western Oregon coach Pam Knox, the gesture resolved the dilemma Tucholsky's injury presented.
"She was going to kill me if we sub and take (the home run) away. But at the same time I was concerned for her. I didn't know what to do," Knox said.
Tucholsky's injury is a possible torn ligament that will sideline her for the rest of the season, and she plans to graduate in the spring with a degree in business. Her home run sent Western Oregon to a 4-2 victory, ending Central Washington's chances of winning the conference and advancing to the playoffs.
"In the end, it is not about winning and losing so much," Holtman said. "It was about this girl. She hit it over the fence and was in pain, and she deserved a home run."

Johari & Balloon Animals

Thu, 1 May 2008 08:02:00 -0600

Recently my Brother posted an interesting piece on the Johari Window:

The usefulness of the model becomes evident in everyday conversations as you consider the self-awareness of the person you’re talking with, and/or the things revealed by dozens of conversations you have every day.

One of my co-workers (Jason McBride, pictured above) is a very good friend of mine. The other day Jason’s “hidden” window became a little smaller for both of us. He revealed to me that one of his hobbies is making balloon animals.

“Surely you’re pulling my leg,” I said.

“No, seriously,” he said.

What fun it is to find out something new and unexpected about someone you know pretty well.

This happens everyday, if you’ll slow down enough to really listen to the people around you. In fact, many of the conversations you and I have are all about people trying to reduce the size of their “hidden” window:

--They tell you something about their feelings, revealing priorities or fears they rarely talk about.
--They tell you something about their likes/dislikes wondering if you’ll notice or maybe dig a little deeper on the subject.
--Maybe they’ll tell you about an interaction they had, wondering if you’ll pick up on their insecurities and shortcomings - and, if so, how you’ll respond to those inner realities.

One thing you can be sure of is that every person you talk with is assuming this: How you treat the person who isn’t there, is exactly how you’ll treat them, when they aren’t around. This, of course, is the single greatest factor determining the openness of their hidden window.

For your viewing pleasure - some of Jason’s very impressive creations:

PostSecret

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:18:14 -0600

In November, 2004 a man named Frank Warren printed 3,000 postcards inviting people to to tell him something they had never told anyone before. He handed these postcards out at subway stations, left them in art galleries, and slipped them between pages of library books.

The postcards began to trickle in with the most astounding, colorful, and creative content imaginable.

This phenomena has earned Frank Warren the unofficial title of the most trusted stranger in America.

Many of the postcards have been published in one of three volumes - the first published in 2005, and the latest near the end of 2007. The postcards also make up an immensely popular traveling art project.

I love to visit Warren’s website where he puts up new postcards frequently. Some make you laugh out loud...

...others will make you weep.

Visiting the site reminds me that I am surrounded by people who desperately want to be known, but instead choose to hide. It reminds me that very few people find the acceptance they crave. It also inspires me to do everything I can to create environments where people can tell the truth about themselves.

Blindside

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 12:40:21 -0600

Here’s a few thoughts for you:

Most pastors (85% last time I checked) who have been fired (or forced to resign) by their church/board didn’t see it coming.

The last 3 contestants on Survivor who had an immunity idol in their possession chose not to use it, and were summarily voted off the show (one contestant had TWO immunity idols in his bag).

If I were to gather 5 of your closest friends and ask them about your weaknesses, what would they say? If you made a list of your own weaknesses I bet your list and their list would be quite dissimilar.

How can so many of us lack self-awareness in some of the most basic ways?

Most of us think we have a good handle on who we are, until someone near us is brave enough, strong enough, or naive enough to tell us the “truth” about ourselves.

Here’s a little formula I’ve been working on:

T = {B > C} & {Re > Ri}

T is the likelihood someone close to you will tell you the “truth” about yourself - something about you they perceive to be true, that you seem to be unaware of.

If this is going to occur then:
The Benefit must be greater than the Cost...
&
The Reward must outweigh the Risk.

When both conditions are satisfied the odds turn in favor of you hearing the truth about yourself.

Here’s the good news: You can be your own Pythagoras. The outcome of the formula is at the mercy of your openness. You control the benefit and reward, and therefore the likelihood someone will illuminate your blindside.

How Not To Ruin Your Life

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:34:45 -0600

My good friend, Michael Williams, recommended this podcast. It’s American Public Media’s program called “Word for Word.

I had no idea that Ben Stein was an economist. He was also a speech writer for Nixon. He’s a very intelligent, funny communicator.

You can listen to his speech here, download it from APM’s site, or get it from iTunes.

Free Throws

Tue, 8 Apr 2008 07:23:34 -0600

John Calipari is a brilliant coach. He’s in the top 1% of the college coaching profession. He could write his own ticket and pretty much coach wherever he wants to. But, when he ran his mouth in defense of his team’s poor free throw shooting, well, he shouldn’t have.
Memphis enters the tournament with the worst free throw shooting percentage of the entire 65 team field.
Memphis missed 4 of 5 free throws in the last 1:15 of regulation.

Check out this video - it’s poor quality, but the audio makes the point -

Okay, the anchor gets owned, but now, Calipari’s comments seem less than self-aware.

When you suck at something, have the courage to admit it.

Product & Presentation

Mon, 7 Apr 2008 18:36:05 -0600

I was in KY last week, and my Dad (the eternal learner) introduced me to a new skill.

Dad has been taking photography classes the last few years at the University of Kentucky. He has quite a knack for taking an excellent picture. Turns out he’s not too bad at matting his pictures as well.

He bought a low-end mat cutter and began doing his own framing. A well-cut mat can make a good photograph look absolutely stunning.

I got a couple of my own digitals printed while I was there, and Dad showed me how to cut a mat. It involves a little bit of math (which sucks) and really sharp knives (which doesn’t suck). After about an hour or so he turned me loose to cut my first mat.

The finished product reminded me how important both product and presentation are. One without the other (and it’s difficult to say which is more important) is severely deficient.

I know plenty of people who have great ideas, but they simply don’t how to explain them well. I also know a bushel of folks who are mostly panache with little substance.

Effectiveness happens when product and presentation form a happy union.

This is true for ministry, tasty meals, web sites, and anything else that we experience throughout our day.

To put it another way, my brother Larry would say, “You can’t polish a turd.”

By the way, the UPS truck should deliver my mat cutter by Friday.

My Wise Friends

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:17:16 -0600

I have been deeply blessed with some very wise friends over the years. Their wisdom has shaped who I am.

Here’s one of the wise nuggets that I’ve held onto:

Why say “no” when “yes” could lead to some very interesting outcomes?

Mark Kinkead (pictured above - he’s the handsome one) taught me that “yes” is always more interesting than “no.” “Yes” is full of possibility, it encourages creativity, and throws open the door to what could, might, possibly happen. Mark said “yes” even when it cost him dearly. Mark said “yes” even when “no” was clearly the more practical answer. “Yes” means we can move forward, sideways, or even backwards - but, it means we’re moving. “No” stops, stands still, and stubbornly brings everything to a halt. When faced with a dilemma, Mark found a third option to say “yes” to. Mark redefined what it means to be a “yes” man and I am deeply indebted to him for it.

Say What You Mean

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 12:04:22 -0600

When someone says...

“I’m a straight shooter, I tell it like it is.”

What they really mean is...

“My social I.Q. is actually a negative number. In fact, I open my mouth on a regular basis with absolutely no concern for the people around me.”

----------

When someone says...

“I’m looking for a church that teaches what the Bible teaches.”

What they really mean is...

“I want a church that lines up with my interpretation of the Bible on a few key doctrinal issues.”

Or maybe...

“I’m not interested in learning anymore than I already think I know, and I want a church that will line up with the Republican Party.”

19

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 09:53:32 -0600

This past Tuesday Donna and I bought a new car.

It’s a Suzuki SX4. It is actually the least expensive 4-wheel drive vehicle sold in the US.

Those who know me well know that I have a history of trading/buying vehicles a little too frequently. When the four of us (Austin, Carter, Donna and I) went for our first drive together in the new wheels Donna and I counted up how many different cars we have owned throughout the course of our married life.

We’ve been married 19 years, and the Suzuki is our 19th vehicle. Ridiculous.

But, I must say, it is a sweet ride!

Here’s a few of the things that make is so sweet:
iPod integration
4 wheel disc brakes (along with 16 inch alloy wheels)
6 air bags, and an excellent govt crash rating
Steering wheel stereo/cruise controls
A very responsive 5 speed manual transmission
Completely automatic climate control system

All of this for less than 15K.

What a beautiful day

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 08:19:33 -0600

I love the ocean. Someday I will live near the breaking waves. I took some pictures during a sunset on Mission Beach, San Diego.

Take a look.

The sunset sequence is about 140 different pictures.

a productivity myth

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 11:19:34 -0700

Okay, check this out. I was reading Timothy Ferris’ blog (4 hour work week guy) and digesting a post about handling e-mail. He quotes Richard Scoble who estimates that for every e-mail he sends he gets about two in return. He’s saying there is a direct correlative relationship between the number of e-mails he sends/responds to and the number of e-mails he receives.

Amazing.

In my effort to take care of stuff I can actually make more work for myself without even realizing it.

So, what can you do about this problem? Quit responding to e-mail? Simply send fewer e-mails? Well, sort of. He suggests several personal rules for handling e-mail.

Take a look.

Pissing Against a wall

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 07:23:07 -0700

Gordon Atkinson (aka Real Live Preacher) put this video on his blog. If you watch to the end you’ll be rewarded with the phrase “The editors of the NIV pee sitting down.” Priceless.

King of Kong

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 06:57:04 -0700

Last night our family watched an obscure documentary about the gamer subculture:

The movie is a fascinating look into the golden age of arcade gaming. The film feels like a Christopher Guest spoof (Spinal Tap, Waiting For Guffman), but it’s not. It took us a few minutes to realize that these people were not actors.

Side note: did you know the gaming world has referees? Seriously. He even wears a striped shirt and a whistle. I’m not saying he was ridiculed in Junior High, but...

The myopic view the documentary provides is absolutely amazing. We laughed out loud at how seriously the players took their quest for a new high score.

Then I began wondering what a similar documentary about church life would look like, especially to people who are on the outside looking in.

How many issues are of paramount importance in the church world, and have no relevance outside church walls?

How much energy and passion is spent on “subculture” topics that have no bearing on feeding the hungry and caring for widows or orphans?

How many times does a church celebrate a great service, a building dedication, or some other accomplishment and the only noise is self-congratulatory hand-clapping?

How many churches could disappear from the landscape of your community and have absolutely no impact on the well-being of the nearby residents?

I know the message of the Cross isn’t supposed to make sense to those who are not acquainted with Christ. But that doesn’t mean that our actions, priorities, motives, and purposes should be as equally confounding.

Wouldn’t it be great of we had to explain ourselves often to people who don’t get church?

Of course, these gamers had surrounded themselves with other gamers. So, it wasn’t even necessary to justify their out of balance obsession - it was assumed. The smaller their world became, the more important they became. The result? An ego-driven, self-congratulatory sub-culture useless to the whole of society.

Sounds vaguely familiar.

Unplugged

Thu, 7 Feb 2008 10:55:20 -0700

It’s been about 6 weeks or so since I disconnected myself from all day e-mail access. Here are a few observations so far:

I can’t believe I didn’t do this sooner. I’m really wondering about other changes that would be good for me, that are lurking in the back of my mind, that I’ll eventually implement, and then kick myself for not doing it sooner.

I didn’t realize how strong the pull of the urgent was. I told myself numerous things to rationalize keeping e-mail on my phone. Things like - “I can always read it later, I don’t have to pay attention to it now, It’s handy to have for all of the free moments during the day, etc.” Lies....all lies. Lies designed to keep me hooked up to constant access.

I’m also surprised at how few of my e-mails require my attention. Seriously, I thought I was more important than I really am. The first day without e-mail on my phone was a day off for me (a Friday), and we all (Donna, the boys, and I) went skiing at Copper Mountain. Normally, even on a day off, I would periodically check e-mail, maybe respond to a few, and be generally distracted during the day more than a few times. After our trek into the mountains we came back home, and before going to bed I checked my e-mail (it was my day off, I shouldn’t have even done that). I was pretty sure there would be several urgent matters needing my attention. Nope - not one. Amazing freedom. Of course, the truth is, even if there had been I should have had my mind on my family, enjoying the most amazing powder I have ever skied in, completely free from work needs. Not being all that important, however, helps with the disconnection process.

So far, so good. I’m not going back, at least for this week.

the power of curiosity

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:55:17 -0700

Check out this insightful and inspiring video featuring Seth Godin. Seth is one of the world’s most read business bloggers. Check out his blog at http://sethgodin.typepad.com/ .

“Hey Vaughan, Get your head up!”

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:33:39 -0700

In the midst of adolescence I wanted badly to be a star athlete. Only a few things stood between me and the glory of a decorated letter jacket - talent, size, and work ethic.

So, I was relegated to the world of intramural sports - church leagues, pick-up games, old jerseys, and small gyms. But, at least I got to play...some.

I remember surprisingly few details about the time I spent in those leagues. But, I will forever have the voice of one of my basketball coaches ringing in my head for the rest of my days. I had the habit of dribbling up the court with my eyes on the bouncing ball. I lacked the hand-eye coordination to dribble without the help of watching, so I stared at the floor. The coach explained to me over and over that if I didn’t look up I was useless, unable to pass to an open player, and so on. So, as I came up the floor (he would have played me under the basket, but I was too short) if I glanced at the floor I was certain to hear the coach’s booming voice, “Hey Vaughan, get your head up!!” It was a simple approach, but it worked. To this day I fear looking at the hardwood while I dribble - I’m certain he’s close by ready to bark his rebuke at me.

For the last six years or so I have carried a device with me that functioned as a phone and an e-mail client. I have used a blackberry (4 different models), a Palm, a windows-based device, and an iPhone. This is just one of the many results of a flourishing technology addiction, but it is certainly the most damaging. The result of having 24/7 e-mail access has been progressively eradicating any margin I have between the world in front of me, and the virtual world.

Early next week my iPhone will be up for sale on eBay. I’ve gone back to a regular cell phone without e-mail or internet access. I would like to think it’s because I’ve headed off a potential problem before it has become an issue, but that is certainly not the case. In the last 18 months I’ve had two car accidents as a result of reading junk on my phone. Friends and family have made seemingly innocuous comments about my technology fetish, only to have me either dismiss them, or rationalize them away. So, after several smacks to my head (some literal, some figurative) I’m going on a diet. It’s time to draw some lines between the people around me, and the technology that tempts me.

It might have even happened sooner if my old coach had been close by yelling, “Hey Vaughan, get your head up!”

The Best Christmas Ever

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 08:55:39 -0700

By the time I was in my late teenage years, and able to weather some minor comments about my own character deficiencies, my family let me in on my “Christmas pattern.”

Even though I had lived it each year, as they described my behavior I felt like they were talking about someone else - until their stories piled high into a preponderance of undeniable evidence.

As the holiday came closer each year they sensed that my internal spring was winding itself tighter and tighter. Mom and Dad tried each year to prevent the sky-high expectations - “going to be a light Christmas this year boys, money’s tight ya know.” But after a few years of this I was wise to their scheme and knew this tactic didn’t affect the pillage and plunder I would enjoy on the 25th.

It started with the pre-Thanksgiving arrival of the Sears Wish Book. The creation of some evil-minded marketing genius designed to turn otherwise content children into the next generation of greedy consumers. When the 2-inch catalog arrived I sat down with a sharpened #2 pencil and a spiral notebook. It took several days to work my way through the full-color photos of happy children playing with my future toys and gadgets. I carefully weighed the options, adding and deleting items (mostly adding), while prioritizing what made it into the top ten.

Then the waiting began. The wondering, and the snooping through every nook and cranny to see if something on my list made it to the house. The anticipation was always more than I could bear. Each day nearer to Christmas my internal spring winding a bit tighter and tighter.

My expectations for the holiday had been incubating ever since the sugar rush of Halloween had worn off. By Christmastime I was wound tighter than a fiddle string. For my family it wasn’t a matter of IF Phil’s colossal breakdown would happen - it was simply a matter of when.

In my imagination I picture my Mom and Dad’s bedroom set up like the back room of a bookie’s parlor. My parents and two brothers in there laying bets and making odds on the timing of the meltdown, along with side bets on the catalyst event.

Christmas day was magical in my childhood home. There was a rhythm to the day that alternated tasty food with opening gifts. It was an all-day affair for the Vaughans - we were a disciplined crew taking our time unwrapping one gift at a time. However, at some point during the day my lack of self-awareness would get the best of me and I would snap. It was inevitable. I would collapse into a pile of emotion and tears for absolutely no reason at all. My gracious family would give each other knowing looks and patiently wait for me to pull myself together (money would change hands later - they were sensitive enough not to settle their bets in front of me).

When the Christmas dust began to settle, with my internal spring fully uncorked, I finally began to thoroughly enjoy myself, inevitably expressing to Mom and Dad that this had been the Best Christmas Ever.

Christmas in Africa

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 06:25:54 -0700

Check out the sweet a cappella sounds of Indiana University’s Straight No Chaser. They sing out a unique version of the 12 Days of Christmas. If you watch to the end you’ll be rewarded with a tasty melody from the 80’s.
Thanks to my friend, Phil Coleman for the YouTube link.

Merry Christmas!

A Mannheim Christmas

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 22:48:03 -0700

About 20 years ago Mannheim Steamroller & Chip Davis produced their first Christmas album. Their versions of old and new Christmas songs have been a part of my Christmas celebrations for the past two decades. This year my family and I had the chance to see Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller live, here in Denver.

You can see Chip Davis above on the drums (thanks to my Nikon D40x, and my zoom lens - we weren’t very close to the stage).

The music was absolutely amazing. I placed a couple of phone calls during the event so that a couple of Mannheim aficionados I know (my two brothers) could listen in on a little musical magic.

They ended the night with this song. Take a few quiet moments and be still during a very busy season.

Remember what the prophet Isaiah said: “In quietness and trust is your strength...”

Advent (week three)

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 06:10:14 -0700

December 16
Read: Matthew 2:1-12
Ponder: Jesus can either cause you to worship, or be threatened. Why do you think Jesus threatens so many people?

December 17
Read: Matthew 2:13-23
Ponder: Jesus’ life is filled with violence and difficulty from the very beginning. How has he turned your life upside down?

December 18
Read: Isaiah 55:1-9
Ponder: What are you thirsty for this season?

December 19
Read Isaiah 61:1-11
Ponder: This chapter describes the essence of Jesus’ earthly ministry that has been left in our hands to accomplish. Which phrase describes what you are being used by God to do?

December 20
Read Luke 1:26-38
Ponder: The words “do not fear” are quite common throughout the biblical account of Jesus’ birth. What do you find yourself afraid of this season?

December 21
Read: Luke 1:39-56
Ponder: Known as the Magnificat, this song of Mary’s highlights God’s continual use of the humble and lowly. In light of this, how useful have you been to God lately?

December 22
Read Luke 2:1-20
Ponder: The most familiar of Christmas readings might bring back memories of a particular voice reading this passage. Whose voice do you remember? Which phrases bring you comfort?

The Consolation of Israel

Fri, 7 Dec 2007 17:17:38 -0700

(Through the eyes of Simeon - Luke 2:21-35)
____________________________________

It’s hard for me to describe what that day was like. It was like nothing I had expected – yet at the same time it was so much more. There he was, before my very eyes. I had no doubt that I would see him. But, to hold him – that I did not expect.

I am getting ahead of myself.

My name is Simeon. I’m an old man – a very average, old man. I have lived a full life, like many of you. Spent many years earning a living wage, working hard. When I was young, I thought I would live forever. Now that I am old, I am glad that isn’t true – because I am tired. My bones ache, and my muscles aren’t what they used to be. But even though this earthly temple is about to give out, I am still filled with a never-ending hope. Hope – because of two promises.

My people, the Jews, we struggle with that feeling of hope. Sometimes we can be a people of such faith, and at other times we can be so stubborn and disobedient. But even in the midst of our struggles, we claim hope as our own. We know God to be faithful – one who keeps His promises. For many generations now we have been waiting for the one we will call Messiah, our Deliverer. We have been waiting for the Promised One – the Consolation of Israel. The prophets spoke of Him and His Kingdom. Even the great Isaiah foretold of His reign and His suffering. For so many years now we have been waiting – generation after generation - anticipating our deliverance. Like I mentioned, we struggle with this feeling of hope. We all know the prophecies by heart. We have studied over them and debated their meanings, and they are taught to our children. But, after a time, and I know you’re probably just like me, we notice that hope can fade – maybe just slightly, but it fades. In fact it’s easier to be busy about our lives than to live in hope each day. Would any of my people doubt God’s promises to be true? No, no one. We don’t doubt that God will provide – it’s just that it’s been so long. So very long. So, for many of my people, God’s promise has not been a part of daily conversation. That was true of me for a long time – until one day.

I will never understand why God chose me. It has never really made sense to me. There are so many around me that know Him better - that serve Him more diligently. Yet, I have never been more sure of anything in my life. I know well how Yahweh spoke to our Moses – but to me He came quietly. It was almost like a whisper, but not one that I heard, one that I felt. Yet it was so clear, that I wondered if others heard it, or I should say felt it. Yahweh let me know that before the day of my death that I would actually see the Lord’s Christ! That I, simple Simeon, would see with my very own eyes our Deliverer, the Messiah. I can’t begin to explain to you how much hope that placed into my heart. I know God had already promised to deliver us, His people. Learning about that promise as a boy changed my life. But this promise that Yahweh made to me, it changed how I lived every day. We have waited so long, and we have become a weary people. And yet, God was revealing to me to me that the time was near.

How long have you had to wait for something? I mean, there are some things that we think might happen that never do – that’s not waiting, that’s wondering. I know God to be the author of all truth, so I lived my life expecting His promise to come true, knowing it would on an appointed day. Sometime before my death, I would see the Messiah. Every day I have awakened, wondering if this was the day - every night retiring knowing that God is faithful.

And then today. Today. I was led to this place – to the temple. The soft, gentle whisper of God came again. I knew it would happen on this day.
I did not know what to expect – but I can tell you the feeling in my soul was indescribable. That my eyes, on this very day, would behold the salvation of Israel, and of all people. That everything I have ever hoped or dreamed about would come true today – on this day, here in this place.
When they came into our Temple, I knew without a doubt. When I saw them – when I saw Him...God’s voice was not a whisper now, but more like that of a proud Father.
I wish you could hear Him now the way I heard Him then.

I thought I knew what hope felt like – I confess to you that I knew very little about hope. What welled up inside of me when I held the tiny Messiah was a God-sized hope. It filled me, and overwhelmed me, and God gave me a glimpse of His salvation.

Like I said, I had no doubt that I would see the Messiah, God’s own Son. But to hold Him in my own arms, that I did not expect. Nothing could have prepared me for that.

Lord, now I can die in peace! As you promised me, I have seen the Savior you have given to all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!

Advent (week two)

Fri, 7 Dec 2007 07:50:14 -0700

Here are the readings for week two.

December 9
Read: Jeremiah 23:5-8

Ponder: What seems to be distracting you, irritating you, or pulling your attention away from who God is, and how he is working in and around you?

December 10
Read: Isaiah 42:1-9

Ponder: If you have been called to “demonstrate God’s righteousness,” then how is that happening? Is it your own idea of righteousness, or is it in alignment with the descriptions you have been reading?

December 11
Read: Isaiah 52:12 - 53:12

Ponder: Which statement do you find comforting? Which statement do you find shocking? Which statement reminds you of God’s love for you?

December 12
Read: Psalm 130:5-8

Ponder: Lately what have you been hoping for? How do “longing for” the Lord, and “waiting patiently” for the Lord fit together?

December 13
Read: Micah 5:2-5

Ponder: How does verse 5 affect you? How is he, or how is he not, the source of your peace?

December 14
Read: Zechariah 9:9-13

Ponder: How are you growing in humility these days? How has God made good on his promise to repay you with two mercies for each of your woes?

December 15
Read: Matthew 1:18-25

Ponder: Hundreds of years span time from the prophecies you read last week, to the verses you are reading this week. How does that reality affect your faith?

Advent (week one)

Sun, 2 Dec 2007 08:22:55 -0700

Our family will be reading through some selected passages, thinking on some related questions, and doing a bit of journaling throughout the month. You’re welcome to join us. Each Sunday I’ll be posting the readings for the coming week.

May the hardness of our hearts be softened by God’s Spirit. May we be overwhelmed by the incarnation. May we deeper realization of what it means to have God With Us.

Advent Reading - week one

December 1
Read: Isaiah 7:10-16
Ponder: In what ways has God been “with you” lately? In what ways has he been absent?

December 2
Read: Isaiah 9:1-7
Ponder: Pick one of the descriptions of Jesus in verse 6 that has been particularly true for you this year.

December 3
Read: Isaiah 11:1-14
Ponder: Focus in on verses 3-5. How can you live these verses in a very practical way?

December 4
Read: Psalm 27:13-14
Ponder: Have you spent much time waiting on God lately? How is your patience these days?

December 5
Read: Isaiah 32:1-8
Ponder: Why do you think the coming of the Messiah is so often tied to helping the poor and the oppressed? Who are the poor and oppressed that are close to you?

December 6
Read: Psalm 33:8-22
Ponder: Pick one of the verses from this passage, write it on a piece of paper, and carry it with you today. Read it occasionally and give it time to become a part of your day.

December 7
Read: Isaiah 40:1-17
Ponder: Who in your past helped you find a walk with God? Who made a path clear for you to find God? Who are you doing that for today?

December 8
Read: Isaiah 40:18-31
Ponder: Which description of God catches your attention? Why is that meaningful to you?

New & Improved Jesus

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 07:02:29 -0700

If you drive west of Denver, before you get into the mountains, you’ll see this sign:

Just up the hill from exit 259 you can visit the Mother Cabrini Shrine (the shrine honors Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American citizen canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church).

But, if you want to climb the 373 steps to get a closer look at the 33 foot statue of Jesus. (pictured above), then you’ll have to wait a few weeks. The area surrounding the statue is closed for repairs.

This past spring, on May 19th, the statue was struck by lightning. During a pretty intense storm a bolt struck the statue of Jesus and broke off an arm, a hand, damaged a foot, and shattered part of the foundation.

The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, who maintain the shrine, were quick to point out that we should not look for any religious symbolism from the event.

Really?

A piece of grilled cheese with the faint image of Mary shows up on eBay. The bid reaches $22,000 before eBay pulls the auction.

In 1978 8,000 pilgrims visited the home of Mario Rubio, in rural New Mexico, to see a burnt tortilla that had the image of Jesus on it.

And, so when lightning (classified by insurance companies as an “act of God”) causes $100,000 of damage to a statue of Jesus we’re supposed to view it as a coincidence?

Seriously.

And, finally, as a part of the renovation the workers are installing a lightning rod on top of the Jesus statue. Now that’s funny. A lightning rod...on top of Jesus.

Thankfulness

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 18:16:43 -0700

This year our family experienced a different kind of Thanksgiving Holiday. Just the four of us spent the day traveling to the mountains to spend some time together, ski a little, and relax a bit from what has become our hectic routine.

Over the last couple of years our schedule has become busier and busier. This past fall Donna added a college class to her schedule, and I added teaching an 8th grade class. The boys are facing ever-increasing academic demands that intensify with every year of school.

We had a blast during our trip. We played scrabble, ate too much, played in a hot tub (the water was 106 degrees, the air was 3 degrees - we had icicles in our hair!), and did a little skiing.

On the way to mountains, as we left Denver, we passed a house that was being devoured by fire - Thanksgiving Day, around noon. That will shift your perspective in a hurry. Click on this sentence for an article about the home, and the homeowner.

Here are a few of the things that I’m very thankful for this year:

My family - my lovely wife, and my two sons. They are more than I deserve, and our love for each other keeps growing deeper.

My Mom has pulled a “Lazarus” in terms of her physical health. Way to go Mom!

My Dad continues to show me the way through continual learning. Thanks, Dad!

My Little Brother has fallen in love - sweet love. Check out this video he created.

My Older Brother has taken up blogging. Check it out - you’ll be floored.

And, once again, God has shown infinite patience with me as I continually screw things up.

It’s been a good year.

Mathematicaphobia

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 06:24:08 -0700

I remember the day when I found out my Dad, once upon a time, had gotten a “D” in one of his math classes. I felt like I had been released from Alcatraz.

My Dad is a meticulous man. I learned from him the value of doing it right the first time; measuring twice, cutting once; using the right tool for the right job; and many other countless principles that are interwoven into the deep recesses of my psyche.

I also learned, by the time I was in the 7th grade, that it was best to leave my math book in my locker. That strategy would work for awhile - maybe an entire grading period. But when the final verdict got spelled out on my report card I could be reassured that the Math Wars would commence again.

Whenever Dad and I sat down to work on my math homework the evening would unfold in dramatic fashion. There were, of course, variations on the subplots, but the core events remained consistent.

To establish the backdrop you should know that Dad is, by training, a mechanical engineer. You should also know that the notion that higher math might become irrelevant the day I leave school - “I’ll never need to know this crap out in the real world” - was completely lost on Dad. Dad makes use of the quadratic formula AND the pythagorean theorem on a daily basis. You should also know that I am a lazy person, and that I use a calculator to do simple addition.

The battle usually took place at the kitchen table. As we sat down with my scribbled, poorly done math homework the questions began. Questions about the problems I hadn’t completed, the ones I had completed, and the extra ones I should have done. My Dad had perfected the socratic method into an instrument of torture.

Less than 20 minutes into the battle the tears would begin, Mom would step in to defend her middle child, and Dad would explain the dangers of sending a math deficient child into the cold world. Nobody was having fun.

Then, one day, in the midst of a casual kitchen conversation, Dad mentioned his less than stellar grade in a semester of higher math. I did a double-take, certain that I had heard wrong. When he confirmed the good news I danced a jig around the kitchen that left my Dad a little puzzled. Dad’s reaction to my celebration makes sense to me now. He truly had no idea how long his shadow was from where I sat. He did not now how perfect, how ominously perfect, I perceived him to be. He was the man who knew everything and struggled with nothing. That day Dad became a bit more like me.

Now, about 25 years later, I have my own two sons. And, in spite of my obvious flaws, my guess is they might occasionally see me the way I saw my Dad.

The other night as I was laying in bed with my youngest son, Carter, we made a deal: I would scratch his back as long he would answer my questions about his day. We both got what we wanted - he lives for a good back scratch, and I wanted to hear him talk and talk about his day.

“So, Carter, are you going to miss roller hockey now that the season is over?”

“How are things with your friends?”

“Carter, what have you been afraid of lately?”

This question about fear stumped him. I’ve asked him this one before, and occasionally we’ll talk about something that has really been bothering him. But that night he couldn’t come up with a single fear. So, like an experienced conversationalist, he turned the question around on me.

“What about you, Dad, is there anything
you’ve been afraid of lately?”

A few things came to mind, and as I wrestled with what would be appropriate to discuss with my 11 year old son, I recalled the ominously long shadow that fathers can cast in front of their sons. I wondered if Carter had the perception that his Dad didn’t fear anything.

So, we talked for the next several minutes about me, a few of my fears, why I have them, and where they come from. Oh, I still played it close to the vest - there are certain things an 11 year shouldn’t have to process. But, as we talked about my fears, a few of his own surfaced. The comforting presence of a fellow struggler opened up a room to his psyche that had been closed a few minutes before. That night we realized that we are afraid in many of the same ways. We swapped stories, compared notes, and together tried to figure out a way to move forward without letting fear control us. It was a conversation that I almost missed out on. It was the best half hour of my week that almost slipped by me. I’m confident that somewhere, back in the recesses of my mind, the humble example of my Dad gave me the courage to appear a little more human in front of my son.

That night - in spite of me fumbling through our conversation, and in spite of my uncertainty - I became a little more like Carter.