Toilets, Faucets, and Bathtubs

That was the theme of the day, yesterday! Dan, my father-in-law, came over to help me change out faucets on our front bathroom sink, replace the insides of our back bathroom toilet, and figure something out with our bathtub in the front bathroom. Both of us thought we'd have about three hours of work! Boy, were we in for a surprise.

Just before 9am, Dan showed up and we were ready to work. We examined the three jobs and headed to Lowes (by way of Mac's for some tasty and cheap breakfast) to get the necessary supplies. Upon returning to the house, each of us thought we'd have about three hours of work. The plan was to head down to the Heorot for a pint, some lunch, and guy time.

Well, let me put it this way...when I had to leave for praise team at 5:30pm, Dan was still under the sink. When I returned from praise team, just after 7pm, Dan was still under the sink!

As with every other thing in our humble abode, Al (the former home owner) had jacked every thing up! Who would have thought you would need bolt cutters take the top tank off a toilet? Who would have thought you would need two people to turn off the cold water supply to a sink? Every single thing we worked on we had to deal with the stupidity of Al...that's the story of fixing things at our house. But, we got it all finished! I'm pretty sure it made my wife extremely happy to have working sinks, bathtubs, and toilets! It makes me happy too!

I just feel bad that Dan and I never got to head down to the Heorot for a pint! I guess I'll just have to drink one for him when I head over there in a few minutes for lunch!

Advil, Mt. Dew, & Frank Zappa

This is how my morning started! My neck and head were absolutely killing me. So, the first thing I did was locate the bottle of Advil and consumed mass quantities!

After finishing off the Advil, I though to myself, "Man, you better get some caffeine in your system or you're going to be in trouble." Heading towards the coffee pot, I could see the little round pieces of mold sitting in the bottom of the pot...a great sign that I didn't clean out the pot the last time I made coffee (which I think was last Friday). Needless to say, I rinsed out the coffee put and immediately put it in the dishwasher. I did think, "Well, a little mold is good for you...Penicillin is okay!"

Then, I noticed a bottle of Mt. Dew left over from Tuesday nights something gathering. So, I got a Scotty's Brewhouse cup, filled it with ice, and poured over the liquid caffeine and sugar combination that has satisfied my cravings.

After taking a few sips of the sweet nectar known as Mt. Dew, I headed upstairs to check my e-mail and read the on-line version of the Star Press. To pass the time while I was reading, I decided to put in a CD. This mornings choice, the Apostrophe/Overnight Sensation disc by the one and only Frank Zappa.

"Watch out where the huskies go and don't you eat that yellow snow!" Of course, I think my favorite song on the album might be Uncle Remus..."I can't wait 'til my fro is full grown!"

The Shins in Concert

NPR's website is so great! They are always featuring some live shows by bands that you aren't hearing constantly on the radio or MTV (does MTV play music anymore?).

Anyway, this morning, I stumbled upon the audio from a Shins concert! I'm not a big fan of the artists featured along with the Shins (the white stripes and m. ward). But, I like the Shins. Most people may be familiar with the Shins due to their association with the Garden State soundtrack(a decent movie, a better soundtrack).

Anyway, if you dig the Shins, check out their live show on-line.

The Shins in Concert

Time of Prayer

This morning, I spent a decent amount of time in prayer...asking God to search my heart...to create in me a new heart...to give me the grace to let go of my own concerns and be open to what He is asking of me...to let myself be guided and formed by Him...to face my weaknesses...to strengthen and give me the courage to face the "destiny" he has called me to...to help me fully realize my vocation as His follower...His child...asking that I would be fully and constantly aware of His presence in me, in those around me, in creation, in everything...asking that I would abandon myself and be formed by His grace...truly and fully trusting every aspect of my life in Him.

While I was praying, I asked God to guide and direct my heart towards things I need to be doing. As I prayed for the church, I was continually overcome with thoughts of taking risks for the Kingdom. I've talked about taking risks from time to time...and it keeps coming up in my thoughts. Why? Most likely because we haven't really taken any risks. God led me to remember that we all need to be doing what's best for the church (not for me), for the Kingdom. He laid it on my heart that all that we say and do in our worship and ministries needs to be pleasing to Him (not to our fellow man). He just really laid it on my heart that we need to step out in faith...we need to give people something to be a part of, something to get excited about...we need to get out of our complacency, out of our maintenance mode. We need to be doing all we can do to bring those that don't know Him into the Kingdom.

All of this has been laying very heavy on my heart over the last several months. We give much lip-service to change, to taking risks, to reaching beyond the consumer-driven/self-centered/maintaining mode we've been stuck in. But, very little action is taken. We are trying to be more efficient in our planning...And, that is great! But, it's not taking a risk.

I've been frustrated with all of the instances where I'm asked if we have a contemporary service or some kind of emerging/postmodern thing happening...It's frustrating because, knowing this is what we really need to be pursuing, I have to say "no, we don't have anything like that. But, we do have a blended service." It's frustrating to hear people say, "this is what I'm looking for" and have to turn them to another place. I know that many of those asking would get a great deal from our church...our people are great...our messages are pretty good (if I do say so myself)...But, unfortunately, we aren't offering what some are looking for...And, so, they go looking other places. And, we've even lost some of our own who have grown weary of waiting for change...waiting for something new...Of course, you can't make everyone happy all of the time. But, giving people options...various styles of worship at various times...at least shows we're trying our best.

Well, I better stop writing before I write myself out of a job! It's not that I'm frustrated working here. I love this church! I love the people! I love working in ministry here! And, that's why it's frustrating. I want to see what's best for this church happening...not 5 months from now, but tomorrow. With the way things are going...we don't have 5 months to wait to do something.

Okay, I said I was going to stop...So, I will.

Weird, but good, Worship

On Sunday morning, Emily and I had the opportunity to be a part of the worship service at Epworth Forest's Fall Youth Rally. The youth rally is a gathering of United Methodist youth from the North Indiana Conference.

It was a rather interesting morning! Emily led the praise and worship music (something she found out she'd be doing at 7am on Sunday). Of course, she did a wonderful job! She has such a beautiful voice and a sweet spirit! But, during the first song, the words somehow stopped appearing on the screens. During the second song...no words. Luckily, each of these songs were ones the students were familiar with. By the time we got to the third song, the tech guys solved whatever the problem was and got the words back on the screen. The students, even with the tech problems, were totally into the worship...singing their little hearts out!

Then, during my teaching, we again experienced some tech problems. My presentation was there, then it wasn't. One minute it would appear, then vanish, then re-appear. It was a bit frustrating! Yet, at the same time, I believe God did some great things during our worship!

I was very encouraged as several people came and talked to me after the service and shared words of encouragement. I had a couple people ask me if our church had a service like what we did on Sunday morning at the rally. At that moment, I had to be honest and say, "Not really." We did a total contemporary service on Sunday morning at the rally...and, we don't have that at Center Chapel (hopefully the updated site will be uploaded soon). So, that was a little disappointing...to realize that we don't offer what some people are looking for...

I know Emily experienced some encouraging words as well! The director of outdoor ministries really enjoyed her worship leading...commenting that she had a wonderful voice (because she does)!

Honestly, in the midst of frustrating tech problems, God moved! As Emily pointed out, we were a part of that worship service for a reason! God will use that service to bring something about in the lives of those who were there.

This is Gatsby, our crazy little cat. We've had her since Emily's birthday (May 29th)! But, I just finally downloaded some pictures from our camera. This is Gatsby chillin' out in a shoe box! She's a little weird. But, she's out cat and I guess we love her! 

Shut Up!

Oh my goodness! Shut up for one second!

I'm sorry! I know it's rude to say shut up! I know that I should be compassionate, gentle, kind, patient, and all that jazz!

But, this lady is driving me freakin' nuts!

I'm at the Blue Bottle, writing my newsletter article and enjoying a cup of coffee. I've got headphones on, listening to some tunes. But, all I can hear is the annoying voice of some woman on the other side of the coffee house! She's talking business with some guy...I can't hear him at all...And, he's facing me! She's got her back to me and all I can hear is her high-pitched, annoying voice! Ahhhh! I'm losing my freakin' mind! I'm out of here as soon as I down this cup of coffee!

Why do people feel a need to talk so loud in a coffee shop? I just don't get it! But, it happens everywhere...Panera, the Blue Bottle, the MT Cup!!!

Oh well, I don't have to sit here. I can leave! Or...

Maybe I should get out my cell phone and start talking at ridiculously loud volumes!!! That might prove a point. I could be really loud and say, "Hold on, let me turn up the volume on my phone. I can't hear you over this loud lady in here."

Really, I should be more tolerant. I should be more patient. I should be more compassionate. I should be kind. But, I'm not. I'm sorry!

The Heart of the Matter

Sometimes I wonder if we’ve come that far in this whole Christianity thing. As I read the Scriptures, I am sometimes reminded that things today are really no different than they were in the days that Jesus walked the earth. The Pharisee’s were totally consumed with having their religion just right. Many people failed to see Jesus, even when He was standing right in front of them. There were a few faithful followers, but even they would flee and deny Jesus when the going got tough. Sound familiar?

As I was sorting through these thoughts, I realized that the problem with religion today is a matter of the heart. I was convicted that too often I place my priorities on outer things (keeping up appearances, performing all the “right” daily disciplines, etc) rather than on the inner workings of my being. While working through this, I came across a teaching of Jesus that totally focuses on the heart.

“Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, ‘Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!’ Jesus replied, ‘And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ he is not to ‘honor his father’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’ Jesus called the crowd to him and said, ‘Listen and understand. What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him unclean, but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him unclean.’” (Matthew 15:1-11)

The Pharisees were sort of an up-tight bunch of folks. They felt like every thing had to be put together just right. You had to follow all the rules and traditions. Many of their traditions were merely things they had come up with on their own. They saw Jesus’ disciples living a slightly different way than they did and called Jesus out on it. They couldn’t believe this Rabbi would allow his followers to “break” the tradition.

Jesus was quick to call them out. He basically said, “Oh, you Pharisees! You think you’ve got it all together! Honestly, you look great! You follow the rules! You wear the right clothes! You give the appearance that you’ve got it all together. But, in reality, your hearts are far from God. You see…your rules and traditions have become more important to you than God Himself. What God wants is your heart, not your silly traditions!”

Jesus says this same thing to us today! He warns us to not get caught up in going through the motions or giving the appearance that we are “good” Christians. He wants us to get to the heart of the matter! He wants our heart. When our heart is in the right place with Him, many of these rules and traditions will naturally take care of themselves.

If Jesus were sitting with us today, I think He might ask us, “What’s the condition of your heart?” I pray that we all will ask God to search our hearts so that our faith will be an inside-out, rather and outside-only relationship with Jesus.

Spending Time with "Sinners"

"As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. 'Follow me,' he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and 'sinners' came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, 'Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?' On hearing this, Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:9-13).

As I read this passage this morning, a few things hit me:

One, notice how Matthew gets up and follows Jesus? There must have been something so amazing, so captivating about Jesus that Matthew couldn't resist but follow.

Two, notice that Jesus didn't tell Matthew to get his act together first and then follow him. Matthew was a tax collector...someone known to cheat people out of money...tax collectors were very corrupt. And, Jesus makes a choice to call Matthew. Imagine the shocked look on the Pharisee's face.

Three, notice that Jesus spends time (eating, drinking, laughing, etc) with "sinners." He came to save the "sinners."

As I was reading, I was reminded of my time to spend time with "sinners." Now, if you're like me, you would say, "Well, I guess that means I can still just hang with my Christian friends because we're all sinners." And, that's true! We are all sinners and we do need to spend time together. But, we need to take on this characteristic of Jesus and start looking for opportunities to befriend those that don't know Him.

And, that totally justifies me spending time eating pizza and having a pint at the Heorot! Hahaha!

Honoring God???

I was a part of an interesting conversation this afternoon...Let me set the scenario. Say a certain church had an outdoor worship service on a Sunday morning. Say that certain people within that certain church were discussing the service today. Now, suppose that someone made a suggestion that the outdoor service be done on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon instead of during the normal worship time.

Okay, then let's say that someone proposed that the best reason to do this at a time other than the normal worship time was because of dress code issues. That's right, I said dress code! Here's the defense: During our worship, we're to honor God (to which I definitely agree). The problem with the outdoor service is that people don't dress in a way to honor God (which I wonder about...blue jeans, t-shirts, shorts...no big deal...now, when too much flesh is being shown, I can understand).

But, is the manner of dress supposed to be an issue? I mean, it seems like an argument the Pharisee's would have had. When I read the New Testament, it seems like Jesus, Paul, and the others were trying to show the people that it wasn't about the outside, but the inside. Jesus said that the Pharisee's looked the part and paraded around, but they were totally corrupt in their hearts.

I know that many people feel we should wear suits and ties (dresses for the ladies) to church every Sunday. I know many in older generations feel very strongly this way. And, for them, that's okay. But, we need to make sure we're not treading on the ground of telling people they have to become just like us in order to be a part of the Kingdom. I feel like we should come as we are...well, as long as we're wearing clothes. Honoring God is something that comes from our heart. For me, I don't think it matters if I'm wearing shorts, blue jeans, or a fancy Brooks Brothers suit. God wants my heart, not my clothes.

Anyway, I thought it was interesting that the type of dress would be a leading factor in moving the time of a gathering.

Dangerous Jobs

While being a pastor does have its dangerous moments (like when giving a sermon and you say something you know will tick people off), it just didn't make the top ten list of dangerous jobs.

If you think your job is dangerous, check out the list and see if your occupation made it!

MSN Article: Top Ten Dangerous Jobs

Saturday Morning

Well, this has been a fairly relaxing Saturday morning. Emily has been resting...just taking it easy after a long week at school.

I got up around 7:30am, which is early for me! I put on a pot of coffee, threw some bread in the toaster, warmed up a skillet, cracked some eggs, poured some OJ, and had a wonderful, quiet breakfast.

The eggs were perfect, if I do say so myself (and I do!). A little salt, a lot of freshly ground pepper, and a little hot sauce. Mmm, I think I could go for more.

Anyway, as I was enjoying the quietness of the morning, I found myself overcome by the beauty of the created world. The sun was shining through the backdoor. The cat was laying in a warm spot. I was eating good food and drinking good coffee. I could hear the birds and crickets making a racket outside. And, it reminded me that God is in all of it...the sun, the air I breath in and out, the cat, my coffee, the insects...all of it! It's pretty incredible, if you think about it! I hope you can enjoy creation today...whether it's a walk outside, a conversation with a friend or loved one, or enjoying some really good coffee.

Pork Roll Egg and Cheese

Yummy! Actually, it's a song by Ween! And, it's playing right now on my WMP playlist. It makes me laugh! It calls me to sing-a-long! What a joy!

Ethanol Plants

A couple of pro-ethanol plant articles came out in today's Star Press. In one of the articles, the development of these ethanol plants is referred to being as big for this area as the "New Deal." Now, it's been a while since I took a US History class...But, I was under the impression that the "New Deal" was about creating jobs for US citizens.

The development of an ethanol plant in Delaware County would employ roughly 30-35 people. Given the unemployment rate of Delaware and surrounding counties, I'd hardly compare this to the New Deal. Heck, Starbucks probably created 30-35 new jobs too! And, most of the jobs at the ethanol plants would be minimum wage jobs.

The development of four sites in Indiana would create, at the most, 140 jobs.

And, of course, neither article discusses the downside of putting in these plants in...lowered property values, air/water/soil/noise pollution, road damages/repairs, etc. Oh yeah, and it will totally enclose the town of Shideler...totally changing the lives of over 100 families. The main interest in this is financial benefits for the county, state, and a few individuals. Are the profits that could be made worth ruining the homes and lives of hundreds of people living near the proposed site? Yep, sounds good for Delaware County! Ha!

Article One
Article Two

Guinness Makes The Day

Well, I wrote earlier today about how I had wished I took the old man up on his offer for a pint...

This evening, a friend delivered a couple of pints of the good stuff to me. One for me, one for Emily. Well, Emily isn't a Guinness drinker. So, I guess I'll just have to enjoy both of them.

Well, that truly made my day! It's nice to know that people think of their Associate Pastor when they are in the liquor store!

Friendly Old Men

Yesterday, I got together for a pint with a friend of my down at the old watering hole (aka, "the Heorot"). Basically, he and I were the only one's in the place (well, besides the bartender and the guy that owns the place). As we were sitting there catching up and sharing about our lives, two old guys strolled in.

It looked like they had just come off the golf course. They sat at the bar and talked about beer, family, and how dark it was in the Heorot. When it came time for one of the gentlemen to pick up a round, he turned to our table and asked, "Hey, you guys want a beer? I'm buying!"

Though we turned down his offer, I couldn't help but be captured by this man's sense of hospitality. He didn't know either of us...We hadn't been in a conversation with the two old men. But, he felt like buying a round of drinks for the people in the bar. Why? I don't know!

But, now I'm kicking myself for not taking him up on the offer! I hope I'm like that when I'm older...I hope I'm like that today...Just buying someone a drink (whether a pint of Guinness, a cup of non-Starbucks coffee, a soda, whatever) for no reason at all...except to be nice.

Big Hot Dogs & Smores

On Tuesday nights, Emily and I host a Bible study at our house. The Bible study is called "something" because, well, that's just how creative we really are!

Last night, following our study of the Scripture (we worked through Romans 2), we went outside to enjoy some hot dogs and smores. I fired up the grill to cook the big hot dogs (um, each hot dog is a quarter-pounder!) and got a fire started to roast marshmallows for the smores.

It was a great night, just hanging out by the fire, talking with friends. I think we need more opportunities like that...within the fellowship of the church and outside as well. Wouldn't it be awesome if on nights like last night, we were having fellowship with believers and non-believers alike?

Obedient Servant?

This morning, while doing my morning prayers, I read a passage of Scripture from Philippians and thought about what this word was saying to me. Here it is. See what this passage says to you.

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" (Philippians 2:5-8).

As I read these words, the things that stuck out to me were:
1. "made himself nothing"- Christ emptied Himself. He made Himself nothing in order to become a servant of God. This spoke to me that I need to empty myself in order to become a servant of God.
2. "he humbled himself and became obedient"- Christ became humble, which led him to be obedient. This calls me to humble myself so I, too, can become obedient.

The final thought I have on this passage is that I need to empty myself and humble myself in order to become and obedient servant of God.

The Fiddler's Hearth

One of Emily and my favorite places would definitely be the Fiddler's Hearth Public House in South Bend, IN. Last night, while watching the film "Waking Ned Devine," I was reminded of this wonderful place. The Fiddler's Hearth is pretty much a Celtic, family-friendly pub.

Emily and I wandered in one day while walking around downtown South Bend. They had some Celtic music piping out into the streets that drew us in. As soon as we walked in the door, we fell in love with the place. It quickly became my second favorite place to consume a pint of Guinness (the Heorot being the first, of course). The have an incredible menu of wonderful Celtic inspired foods. We usually started off with the Ploughmans Plate...an appetizer of cheeses, bread, fruit, and this amazing relish. Some of our favorite main dishes were the Fish n' Chips (served wrapped up in newspaper), Steak n' Guinness Pie, Shepherds Pie, the Boxty, and Bangers n' Mash.

One of our favorite things to do while we were still living in Elkhart was to drive over to the Fiddler's Hearth for dinner, then we'd walk around downtown for a while, and we'd eventually end up at the South Bend Chocolate Cafe for a wonderful retreat!

If you're ever in the South Bend area and you're looking for a great place to eat, try out the Fiddler's Hearth. It's easy to find as you travel down Main Street!

Sacred Living & The Importance of Being Foolish

Over the past two weeks, I did a sermon series called "Sacred Living." The basis for the sermon series was Colossians 2:6-23; 3:1-17. The first week was all about "reality." We took the journey through the second chapter of Colossians and talked about how the things of this world are not our reality...Our reality is with Christ in the world to come. Then, this past Sunday, we walked through the third chapter of Colossians and focused on the things we are to rid ourselves of and the things we are to put on.

Well, last week, I picked up the new Brennan Manning book, "The Importance of Being Foolish: How to Think Like Jesus." It is absolutely incredible how this book it lining up with what I've been working through for this sermon series. Over the past two days, as I've been reading, I've been remarking to myself, "Self, I wish I had read this book earlier because there is so much in here I could have used." Manning talks about fully living in Christ...well, that's what "sacred living" is all about...Jesus.

Obviously, this is just confirmation to me that at least I needed to be reminded that I need to be living in the Kingdom today...That happens when I put myself aside and put on Christ.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me..." Galatians 2:20.

Sacred Living & The Importance of Being Foolish

Over the past two weeks, I did a sermon series called "Sacred Living." The basis for the sermon series was Colossians 2:6-23; 3:1-17. The first week was all about "reality." We took the journey through the second chapter of Colossians and talked about how the things of this world are not our reality...Our reality is with Christ in the world to come. Then, this past Sunday, we walked through the third chapter of Colossians and focused on the things we are to rid ourselves of and the things we are to put on.

Well, last week, I picked up the new Brennan Manning book, "The Importance of Being Foolish: How to Think Like Jesus." It is absolutely incredible how this book it lining up with what I've been working through for this sermon series. Over the past two days, as I've been reading, I've been remarking to myself, "Self, I wish I had read this book earlier because there is so much in here I could have used." Manning talks about fully living in Christ...well, that's what "sacred living" is all about...Jesus.

Obviously, this is just confirmation to me that at least I needed to be reminded that I need to be living in the Kingdom today...That happens when I put myself aside and put on Christ.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me..." Galatians 2:20.

Sigur Ros Concert

Okay, Iceland isn't known for tons of great music. But, Sigur Ros would fall into the great category. They create this spacey, trippy, ambient music that is wonderful for background music during worship services (especially communion or commitment style services), personal devotions, and driving down the road on a sunny day. From a technical point, they aren't incredible musicians...but, the music created is pretty spectacular for what it is. I first heard the group while in Grand Rapids at Mars Hill. They used a song for background music during a sort of drama presentation within the message.

You can check out a Sigur Ros concert on-line at the NPR site and sort of familiarize yourself with their music. People that have been around at our junior high camps the last couple of years may find the music to be familiar as Gern and I used it quiet a bit.

A Great Song!

So, I'm sitting in front of my computer, reading the Muncie Star Press on-line edition, listening to tunes on my Windows Media Player. And, all of a sudden, this song that I haven't heard in a while comes on...and, it's a great song!

"By Your Side" by Sade. It's an incredible love song! My favorite version is from the Lovers Live album. You know, sometimes a song just hits you and you say, "Man, that's a freakin' great song!" That's how it goes with Sade. She's got a wonderful voice...and she surrounds herself with wonderful musicians. Ndugu Chancellor...Yes, Leon "Ndugu" Chancellor was the first person to turn my listening ears on to Sade. During a master class he was teaching, he kept going on and on about Sade. So, I checked her out and I wasn't disappointed. I encourage you to take a listen if you're not familiar with her work.

Of course, the song that played right before was "Suspicious Minds" by Elvis! Another great song! And, right now, "Hard Headed Woman" by Elvis is playing...This morning is just a morning of great music!

David Crowder Band in Anderson

Make your plans now...The David Crowder Band, my absolute favorite praise and worship band, will be at Anderson University on November 13th! Sure, that seems like a long time from now. But, I know the need for people to do some advance planning. This will be an incredible evening!

Brennan Manning is one of my all-time favorites! His new book, "The Importance of Being Foolish: How to Think Like Jesus," is incredible. Okay, I know I'm only on chapter two. But, so far, it's brilliant! It challenges the reader...pushes one out of the comfort zone...helping us to realize what it really means to follow Jesus. I definitely recommend this one! Of course, if you've never read any of Mannings work, be sure to check out the Ragamuffin Gospel and Ruthless Trust.

Really, Who Is To Blame Here

While reading this mornings paper, I came across the following article. It was at the bottom of an article about a man stealing from a church...which is awful. However, I hope the church reaches out to the man and offers to help him with his problems.

Anyway, the part of the article that really caught my attention is right here:

Police arrested an Indianapolis man suspected in "quick change" scams at three Muncie businesses Monday night. Tommie Haynes, 47, faces three counts of theft, a class D felony with a standard 18-month jail term, and resisting law enforcement, a misdemeanor. The scam involves paying for a $1 or $2 item with a $50 bill and asking for change in a manner that confuses clerks. The con artist is then able to leave with more money than he started with.
The crimes happened at Dairy Queen and Gas America around 7 p.m. Both businesses told police their registers were short $150. Haynes also made an unsuccessful scam attempt at Meijer department store, police said. Police observed Haynes's vehicle on McGalliard Road and apprehended him and a second man, who was later released. Haynes was combative during his arrest, police said. Haynes is also a suspect in previous quick change scams in Muncie.

So, really, who is to blame here? The criminal or the cashier that can't figure out that they are handing out more change than they should. Have you seen the cash registers today? They basically do everything but count the money out for you. The register tells you exactly how much money to give back to the customer. So, if you are told to give back $48.50 in change, how can you be confused? If the bills you're handing back to the customer equal an amount more than what was given to pay for the items...something is wrong!

Random Thoughts from Morning Prayers

This morning, during my prayer time, I came across a passage of Scripture, that at first glance may just seem like a simple bit of information. However, this morning three things struck me as I read the following from Luke 6:12-16,

"One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor."

1- Jesus withdrew to pray...He went out to a mountainside...He got away to spend some serious time in prayer. Often, we need to withdraw for prayer. We need to remove ourselves from the distractions of this world in order to get serious with God. I don't know how many times a phone rings during prayer. I don't know how many times a television or computer distracts one from prayer. I don't know how many times other people distract us from our prayers. The point is, we need to take time to be alone with God...no distractions.

2- Jesus spent the night in prayer...I need to spend more time in prayer! He spent the whole night in prayer. Many times, I tire after a few minutes of prayer. But, I believe, God wants us to always be praying...He also wants us to spend some serious time praying...Not just talking, but listening as well.

3- Jesus calls his disciples...He knows their names. He knows our names too! Sometimes it's good to be reminded that this journey with Jesus is a personal thing. He knows us intimately. He knows our name, the numbers of the hairs on our head, every thing there is to know about us...He knows. Isn't that comforting?

Okay, that's it!

What's The Point?

So, on Saturday, Ball State got bowled over by Big Ten powerhouse Iowa. The 56-0 romp was actually less than what I expected. I really thought Iowa would score in the 70's. I knew Ball State would not score. The Cardinals looked pathetic!

So, now we'll get to see this happen again in the coming weeks as the Cardinals battle Auburn and Boston College. Some of you may be saying, "Well, BSU did give BC a good run for their money last year." And, that was the only positive that came last year...got a few players noticed by NFL scouts and landed them some contracts. Wasn't BSU 2-9 last year? I though Brady Hoke was supposed to be the new hope for cardinal football. My thoughts...Brady Hoke...what a joke! I'm sure he's a nice guy...but, we need to start winning football games.

Ball State and athletic director Bubba Cunningham (that should have been the first sign...the guy goes by Bubba) need to start focusing on scheduling games that the Cardinals can win. Three out of their first four opponents are teams that will annihilate the Cardinals...a great morale booster for the MAC season. The boys will be so beat up from the first four weeks they will be a mess when they start playing a more balanced schedule. I know the university scores some nice cash in these big match-ups. But, what is that money going to? Athletic scholarships for players that are sitting out due to suspensions? Building an addition to the stadium that will sit empty?

I really want to pull for Ball State football. But, it's beginning to look a lot like the loosing streak years. David Lettermen will be making fun of his alma mater's football program in the very near future!

BSU vs. Iowa Star Press Article.

Questioning

Well, this morning, after a phone conversation with someone, I began to question whether or not the article I wrote was appropriate...whether or not I should have identified myself as being associated with Center Chapel. Then, a couple of things happened that gave me confirmation that I had done the right thing.

Driving downtown, I saw several protestors of the Ag Park zoning surrounding the county building. Then, I decided to drive to Shideler. As soon as I turned down the "main drag," I was overwhelmed by the numbers of "No Re-Zone" signs throughout this small community. My heart broke for this community...This is a community that already doesn't have much. The homes are not fancy. The cars parked outside the homes are not fancy. The people out working in their yards looked tired. My heart ached. I realized that I had done the right thing. These people need people to stand up for them. If this zoning goes through, the lives of these people will be drastically changed...whether or not CAFO's come into the park or not. I thought, imagine if this were being proposed to go around County Village or Carrington Woods. Would people remain silent?

I am a bit at ease after reading an article in today's Star Press where Tom Jarvis, who is heading up the City-County Planning Commission, said they really need more time to make a sound recommendation.

More on the Paper

So, of course there has been some (very limited) controversy over a "pastor" writing a letter to the editor. The controversy...including the name of the church. I find nothing wrong with identifying myself and my position in the community. Though my personal and political views do not represent the whole of the church, I am a part of this community through my employment at the church. So, I don't want to hide the fact that I am on the pastoral staff of Center Chapel United Methodist Church. The church is called to take bold stands and risks when it comes to the well-being of people. As a citizen of Delaware County, I felt a need to take a stand and I felt a strong need to identify myself and my position.

However, at church on Sunday, I will address the issue and make the statement that my views do not represent the views of the church. I will probably say, in voicing my concerns, I identified myself and my role in this community. So, I will say, if you were offended by my letter to the editor, I deeply apologize to you.

Morris in the Paper

Well, the finely edited letter to the editor of the Muncie Star Press written by yours truly appeared in the paper this morning! Take this to check out the article on-line:

Morris in the Paper

Some have voiced concern as to whether or not I could get in trouble for expressing my views on the subject. The answer is no! As a citizen and a leader in ministry, I have the right and responsibility to voice my thoughts on matters such as these that could have an impact on the quality of life of those in our community! So, it's all good!