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It has been too long since I have written a "make no sense, ramble about nothing blog" so here I go.
So we hear that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I understand this and why it is called that. A good breakfast gets your metabolism going and aids in weight loss if that is what you are going for. It also gets your body going and helps you mentally as you go through your day. So it is really hard to argue about the importance of breakfast.
But if breakfast is number one, who wins between lunch and dinner? Lunch seems to always come at an important time. The time when breakfast is wearing off and you are beginning to get hungry again. And especially if you are at work, it is hard to concentrate when your stomach is rumbling. Not only is that distracting, but it is also embarassing. So lunch helps control that and gets you through until dinner. But then after lunch you crash. You want to take a nap and just be done for the day. So production goes down after lunch. So that is not such a good thing.
But then there is dinner. Dinner tends to be the yummiest meal so it gets big points for that. If you are like me breakfast is maybe a breakfast bar or cereal or something basic and bland. Lunch may be a sandwich or salad. Usually a little better tasting than breakfast but still not something delicious. But then there is dinner. Things like steak and potatoes are reserved for dinner. Casseroles are reserved for dinner. Ever go to a restaraunt? The lunch menu is smaller portions. Why? Because we eat more at dinner. That is also a good thing. At dinner the salad that was your main course for lunch becomes the introduction to the main course. Dinner is also the one meal where if you are lucky, the family is all together and you can talk about everyone's day.
So with that all being considered I am ready to give the title of 2nd most important meal of the day to dinner.
But then Taco Bell comes along and invents the 4th meal and the title is stripped for dinner and given to this 4th meal simply because, well it is Taco Bell and meals just don't get any better!!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
What I Learned While Freezing My Butt Off in San Francisco!
Well let me just jump right into this. The first thing I learned was that as a Christian I just didn't have the right vocabulary to describe just how cold I was while sleeping outside in San Francisco the other night. All the "OK" words just didn't seem to quite capture the depth of my coldness. But that is beside the point.
You may be wondering now why I would be sleeping outside in San Francisco. I won't go into all the details but if you want more than I provide just go to www.invisiblechildren.com and check out all the info about the Rescue event. That is what I was at. In brief, the Rescue was an event in 100 cities across the world in an attempt to end the longest running war in Africa and rescue the over 30,000 abducted children who have been forced by Joseph Kony into the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army). Nearly 100,000 people chose to abduct ourselves and wait to be rescued. In order to be rescued, we needed the media to show up and cover the event and we needed a mogul (someone of power and influence) to show up and pledge to lend his or her voice to rescuing these kids and ending the war.
So what did I learn while I was there? Well I'm not sure yet. I am still processing it all since I am only about 12 hours removed from it. But here are some observations.
I observed that I was out of place. I was old (37). There were a few of us old people out there, but in a crowd of approximately 2000 people we were by far the minority. This was both sad and encouraging to me.
It was encouraging to see the younger generation willing to give up their time and comfort to support an issue that isn't about them. Whether this war ends or these kids are freed won't make a single difference directly in any of the lives of these kids who were there. But yet they still care. They care because it isn't about them but it is about justice. And the abduction of innocent kids is unjust anywhere and anytime and injustice is always worth fighting for even if it doesn't affect us. An ocean may separate us from this war but kids are kids and people are people and distance should never be a reason for indifference.
I was sad because why were there not more old people, and by old I mean over 30, out there? What happens when we get older? Do we lose what some call the naivete that allows us to believe that change can happen and that we can be a part of it? Do we get too wrapped up in our own lives and our jobs and our families to be concerned about anything that doesn't affect us directly? I saw a lot on TV these past couple of weeks about the Tea Parties and I am all in favor of them. The governement is way too involved in my paycheck. But what I noticed was that the Tea Parties were my generation. So why is it that we can get out and believe we can have an impact on taxes but we aren't willing to do something about abducted children forced into a war? Is it really as simple as taxes affecting us and a war thousands of miles away not? I don't know. I don't have an answer for that.
I also must confess that if it weren't for a friend in this younger generation inviting me and sharing the story with me I would have never been there. I would have continued going about my life knowing about the "invisible children" but never caring enough to really know about them and get involved. I would have spent the day sleeping in and playing with my kids and I most definately would have been a lot warmer and more comfortable in my bed on Saturday night.
But one thing I did learn was that this younger generation really cares about issues of injustice. When something is wrong it is wrong. Whether next door or across the ocean. These kids may have been enjoying their time out there but if it was about enjoyment they could have been at any one of their houses staying warm and having just as much fun hangin out. It wasn't about the hangin with friends it was about the issue. And they truly did care.
What else I learned was that they long for someone to provide them a voice. The group at Invisible Children did this. They provided an outlet for these kids to get involved and do something about an issue they care about. And maybe that is where us old people can get involved. Maybe we could find ways to give this younger generation a voice. But first we have to care.
We have to believe again that we can make a difference. We have to believe that injustice is injustice no matter where it happens or who it happens to. We have to believe that injustice anywhere is worth fighting against. We have to be willing to take a stand for justice even if it takes us out of our comfort zone.
We have to look to this younger generation and learn a thing or two. Let them remind us what it is like to believe that our life can make a difference. Let them remind us that life is about more than our 9-5 jobs and our to-do lists around the house.
Let them remind us that as humam beings who have been given much, much is required.
You may be wondering now why I would be sleeping outside in San Francisco. I won't go into all the details but if you want more than I provide just go to www.invisiblechildren.com and check out all the info about the Rescue event. That is what I was at. In brief, the Rescue was an event in 100 cities across the world in an attempt to end the longest running war in Africa and rescue the over 30,000 abducted children who have been forced by Joseph Kony into the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army). Nearly 100,000 people chose to abduct ourselves and wait to be rescued. In order to be rescued, we needed the media to show up and cover the event and we needed a mogul (someone of power and influence) to show up and pledge to lend his or her voice to rescuing these kids and ending the war.
So what did I learn while I was there? Well I'm not sure yet. I am still processing it all since I am only about 12 hours removed from it. But here are some observations.
I observed that I was out of place. I was old (37). There were a few of us old people out there, but in a crowd of approximately 2000 people we were by far the minority. This was both sad and encouraging to me.
It was encouraging to see the younger generation willing to give up their time and comfort to support an issue that isn't about them. Whether this war ends or these kids are freed won't make a single difference directly in any of the lives of these kids who were there. But yet they still care. They care because it isn't about them but it is about justice. And the abduction of innocent kids is unjust anywhere and anytime and injustice is always worth fighting for even if it doesn't affect us. An ocean may separate us from this war but kids are kids and people are people and distance should never be a reason for indifference.
I was sad because why were there not more old people, and by old I mean over 30, out there? What happens when we get older? Do we lose what some call the naivete that allows us to believe that change can happen and that we can be a part of it? Do we get too wrapped up in our own lives and our jobs and our families to be concerned about anything that doesn't affect us directly? I saw a lot on TV these past couple of weeks about the Tea Parties and I am all in favor of them. The governement is way too involved in my paycheck. But what I noticed was that the Tea Parties were my generation. So why is it that we can get out and believe we can have an impact on taxes but we aren't willing to do something about abducted children forced into a war? Is it really as simple as taxes affecting us and a war thousands of miles away not? I don't know. I don't have an answer for that.
I also must confess that if it weren't for a friend in this younger generation inviting me and sharing the story with me I would have never been there. I would have continued going about my life knowing about the "invisible children" but never caring enough to really know about them and get involved. I would have spent the day sleeping in and playing with my kids and I most definately would have been a lot warmer and more comfortable in my bed on Saturday night.
But one thing I did learn was that this younger generation really cares about issues of injustice. When something is wrong it is wrong. Whether next door or across the ocean. These kids may have been enjoying their time out there but if it was about enjoyment they could have been at any one of their houses staying warm and having just as much fun hangin out. It wasn't about the hangin with friends it was about the issue. And they truly did care.
What else I learned was that they long for someone to provide them a voice. The group at Invisible Children did this. They provided an outlet for these kids to get involved and do something about an issue they care about. And maybe that is where us old people can get involved. Maybe we could find ways to give this younger generation a voice. But first we have to care.
We have to believe again that we can make a difference. We have to believe that injustice is injustice no matter where it happens or who it happens to. We have to believe that injustice anywhere is worth fighting against. We have to be willing to take a stand for justice even if it takes us out of our comfort zone.
We have to look to this younger generation and learn a thing or two. Let them remind us what it is like to believe that our life can make a difference. Let them remind us that life is about more than our 9-5 jobs and our to-do lists around the house.
Let them remind us that as humam beings who have been given much, much is required.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Sometimes You Just Have to Do Something
Sometimes you just have to do something. Salt doesn’t do any good in the cupboard and a light is useless until you flip the switch. So if we want to allow God to use us and to be salt and light sometimes you just have to start doing something and let God guide you.
For awhile God had put a burden on my heart for the homeless. But how do you help? My 6 year old son said we should just buy them a house. If only we could really help like that. But really what can one family do? It was easy to get overwhelmed at how big the problem is and allow that overwhelming feeling to paralyze us into inaction. Then one night during family devotions, God laid it on our heart to do something. To start.
So our family has begun fixing a meal and taking it to the Walmart parking lot every Tuesday night. During the week we stop by and say hi and introduce ourselves to any homeless people we see and invite them to the Tuesday night dinner. What I have learned is that one dinner and a couple hours a week isn’t much, but it’s a start and I’m excited to see where God takes it. I don’t share in an attempt to say, “Look at us,” because like I said we really aren’t doing much.
I share to say, “Do something.” Whatever the burden God has placed on your heart for ministry, find a way to start and get involved. Maybe you like the idea God has given us and want to do the same thing on another night of the week. That’d be awesome. Maybe you can’t do that, but you can come down on Tuesdays and bring some clothes. Or maybe you have something completely different that God is calling you to. Whatever it is… do something.
Someone told me this past week that it’s like a car. We give God control of the steering wheel, but if the car isn’t moving it's hard to steer the car. You want God to steer your life? Get the car moving and allow Him to steer you. Even if you are going in the wrong direction, it is easier for God to turn you around if you are at least moving. I know the analogy isn’t perfect. No analogy is, but it makes a good point.
So get the salt out of the cupboard and flip on the light switch and just watch how God changes lives through you.
For awhile God had put a burden on my heart for the homeless. But how do you help? My 6 year old son said we should just buy them a house. If only we could really help like that. But really what can one family do? It was easy to get overwhelmed at how big the problem is and allow that overwhelming feeling to paralyze us into inaction. Then one night during family devotions, God laid it on our heart to do something. To start.
So our family has begun fixing a meal and taking it to the Walmart parking lot every Tuesday night. During the week we stop by and say hi and introduce ourselves to any homeless people we see and invite them to the Tuesday night dinner. What I have learned is that one dinner and a couple hours a week isn’t much, but it’s a start and I’m excited to see where God takes it. I don’t share in an attempt to say, “Look at us,” because like I said we really aren’t doing much.
I share to say, “Do something.” Whatever the burden God has placed on your heart for ministry, find a way to start and get involved. Maybe you like the idea God has given us and want to do the same thing on another night of the week. That’d be awesome. Maybe you can’t do that, but you can come down on Tuesdays and bring some clothes. Or maybe you have something completely different that God is calling you to. Whatever it is… do something.
Someone told me this past week that it’s like a car. We give God control of the steering wheel, but if the car isn’t moving it's hard to steer the car. You want God to steer your life? Get the car moving and allow Him to steer you. Even if you are going in the wrong direction, it is easier for God to turn you around if you are at least moving. I know the analogy isn’t perfect. No analogy is, but it makes a good point.
So get the salt out of the cupboard and flip on the light switch and just watch how God changes lives through you.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Easter Lip Lickin'
Easter Lip Lickin. I am sure you are wondering what the heck that even means.Well when the ham comes out of the oven and the twice baked potatoes are on my plate and I remember that it is Sunday and I can ignore my diet for this day my mouth starts watering and I start licking my lips in anticipation of the amazing meal I am about to devour.
But, that is not what I am talking about but it does set the tone. What I mean is that Easter is the one Sunday of the year that it seems churches and Christians everywhere start licking their lips. After all just think about all those people who will come into our church services on this day. Attendance will shoot up and the numbers of non-Christians entering our doors will be amazing.
This is our chance. So we take extra care in making sure the worship team is well rehersed and that the sermon is just right with the perfect mix of jokes and illustrations in order to present the Gospel as best we can and save as many as possible on this special day.
My problem is, I hate it all. It actually disgust me that we get this way. Because I think we have missed the point. I think it starts with a complete misunderstanding of the purpose of the church gathering. (typically the church gathering is reffered to as the church but the church is actually the people so I will refer to it as the church gathering) For some reason we have decided that the church gathering is the place people come to be saved. But how can that be? If the church is saved people then who are we trying to save when saved people gather? hmmm Did you follow that?
You want to know my opinion on why evangelism is so weak and failing in America? Well if not then you shouldn't be wasting your time reading my blog. I think the biggest problem we have is that most Christians feel that their role in evangelism is to invite someone to a church gathering. Once we get our neighbor or co-worker in the doors of a church gathering then we have done our job and the rest is up to the pastor.
That's just stupid. You don't invite someone to a church gathering to get them saved you invite them because you have done life with that person and they have seen the love of Christ in you and come to know Christ through you and now they need that fellowship with other believers.
That isn't to say that we can't or shouldn't invite non-Christians to a church gathering. I just think that the church gathering should be for Christians. It should be a place where the body of Christ comes together and each person can share what God has done in and through them during the week. A place where we can use the gifts God has given each of us to encourage and bless each other. A place where we can hold each other accountable and be honest with each other about what is going on in our lives. And this is a whole other blog, but I'm guessing not too many church gatherings actually do that.
So instead of licking our lips because the attendance will be up tomorrow and doing everything we can to "get them" on this one day of the year, maybe just maybe we should be training up each other to actually do evangelism every day. And it isn't some difficult formula. If we just went about our day with the intent of loving others the way Christ loves them, evangelism would happen without us even thinking about it. And then we would see people coming to know Christ 365 days of the year instead of waiting for Easter.
Just my thoughts. Happy Easter
But, that is not what I am talking about but it does set the tone. What I mean is that Easter is the one Sunday of the year that it seems churches and Christians everywhere start licking their lips. After all just think about all those people who will come into our church services on this day. Attendance will shoot up and the numbers of non-Christians entering our doors will be amazing.
This is our chance. So we take extra care in making sure the worship team is well rehersed and that the sermon is just right with the perfect mix of jokes and illustrations in order to present the Gospel as best we can and save as many as possible on this special day.
My problem is, I hate it all. It actually disgust me that we get this way. Because I think we have missed the point. I think it starts with a complete misunderstanding of the purpose of the church gathering. (typically the church gathering is reffered to as the church but the church is actually the people so I will refer to it as the church gathering) For some reason we have decided that the church gathering is the place people come to be saved. But how can that be? If the church is saved people then who are we trying to save when saved people gather? hmmm Did you follow that?
You want to know my opinion on why evangelism is so weak and failing in America? Well if not then you shouldn't be wasting your time reading my blog. I think the biggest problem we have is that most Christians feel that their role in evangelism is to invite someone to a church gathering. Once we get our neighbor or co-worker in the doors of a church gathering then we have done our job and the rest is up to the pastor.
That's just stupid. You don't invite someone to a church gathering to get them saved you invite them because you have done life with that person and they have seen the love of Christ in you and come to know Christ through you and now they need that fellowship with other believers.
That isn't to say that we can't or shouldn't invite non-Christians to a church gathering. I just think that the church gathering should be for Christians. It should be a place where the body of Christ comes together and each person can share what God has done in and through them during the week. A place where we can use the gifts God has given each of us to encourage and bless each other. A place where we can hold each other accountable and be honest with each other about what is going on in our lives. And this is a whole other blog, but I'm guessing not too many church gatherings actually do that.
So instead of licking our lips because the attendance will be up tomorrow and doing everything we can to "get them" on this one day of the year, maybe just maybe we should be training up each other to actually do evangelism every day. And it isn't some difficult formula. If we just went about our day with the intent of loving others the way Christ loves them, evangelism would happen without us even thinking about it. And then we would see people coming to know Christ 365 days of the year instead of waiting for Easter.
Just my thoughts. Happy Easter
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