Stay Tuned for More…

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged…. well… anything. I’m not sure why. Just busy I guess…. and to be honest, there’s so much I’d like to say, but it’s hard to figure out just what will be a good topic to discuss and what not. You know I like to write things that really make me think… things that (I hope) will make others think. So, with that, I think I’ve found something to discuss a point of view and hopefully it will make you think too…

As of late, I’ve seen a lot of talk about worship over social media. Whether on Facebook or Twitter or blogs or online articles. Everyone I’ve seen tries to explain why worship in churches is changing or declining, or Why people should use one style of worship verses another, or why people don’t sing anymore or Why you should or shouldn’t do music that is “too churchy” versus only good, deep theological songs, or should you allow children in worship or not?…. and the list goes on and on and on…

While, I enjoy reading the various opinions and views of those who write these posts, I try not to engage with them too much. You’d think as one in the worship leading line of work, I would enjoy or even welcome the exchange of thought. But usually I just try to remain quiet on it all. I find that too many opinions seem to bog us down as people… Then it all becomes camps… If you believe this, then you’ll be in this camp. But if you believe this, then you have to be in this camp… And well… It just all gets old real quick for me.

Well, I guess you can say, I feel like I’ve remained silent long enough. So, I thought I would throw my voice out there with the masses. And maybe you won’t agree or you see things a different way, and I suppose you’re entitled to that. I mean, if we can’t have a little healthy discourse, then we’ll never grow as people. I will do my best to share with you my view and limited understanding of this grand subject… And while I can’t promise I will have all the answers wrapped up in pretty bows, I will share with you the best I can what I’ve learned, what I see, and what I understand from God’s Word about this thing we call worship…

So,  Stay tuned for more…

J.

"And Down the Rabbit Hole she Fell...": A Thought and a Question?

So, it's been a while on the blog, I'll admit... And I have to be ever so careful sometimes what I put out on the web for the world to see.

But I do have one question to pose...

I've been seeing lots of stories and news articles lately about the world's events: i.e., BSA's inclusion of homosexual members, Marriage equality, Government sequestration, growing unemployment, Growing debt crisis, etc. And many of the articles I've seen, on certain websites or news organizations, at least some of the ones I read - I will admit, are of a more religious nature - have all approached the issues the same way... There's always some big-whig who thinks he has all the answers claiming this particular stance or that particular stance. Every article its always somebody else and there's always a dire issue. But no matter who it is, their end message is always the same: "The Moral Decline of Culture and America". And no matter what the issue really is, it's always a detriment to the moral compass of our nation. And we are slowly "killing and compromising our morals." In essence, the world is going just going to pot!

I'll admit, I sometimes grow tired of reading and hearing all the hub-bub about it. I mean, really, if after all it all ends the same, so why do I need to concern myself with it....?

Well, as I've thought over these things recently, a question has lodged itself in my brain. And it won't go away. Every time I read an article of this nature, its slapping me in the face... Every time I hear someone tout a moral message of America, I can't help but think it.... "Who decides that our morals are declining? How do we really judge that our world is in moral decay?"

I mean when you consider the history of the entire world... Why is it just now in the 20th and 21st centuries that we have decided that our morals are decaying? That we are somehow worse now, than we were say 500 or 600 years ago? Or 1000 or 2000 years ago? Who judges that? And what is the litmus test for it?

This isn't simply a post for pondering today... Perhaps I should rename the blog "Questions from the Thinking Chair." In any case, I am curious your thoughts....

Are we as a nation, culture in a downward spiral of moral decay? And if so, How do we judge it? And if so, when will we hit the bottom? Will we hit the bottom? And what happens then?

Questions, questions fill my head....

J.

Two Guys Walk Into a Bar...

So, for several years of my bachelor life, I work for a summer camp organization called Centrifuge Camps. I loved my time with “Fuge” because I learned many life lessons, made life-long friendships (including my wife), and grew my creativity in many ways. But sometimes feel like I’ve been cursed by some the doctrines I learned while with Fuge. One of the things Fuge is very good at (and I would say probably best at) is teaching you how to look at the big picture and see things that need to improve. Looking at things through an eye of excellence. One of the big draws for me to Fuge was how well they build excellence into their program. They are constantly looking for how to better and improve themselves.
    Now at first glance you may say, “what’s the big problem with always trying to better the program?” Well, nothing. Except when it becomes a problem...

You see, every year Fuge would come out with a new idea (or mantra) they would use to inspire you to excellence... One year was “Challenge the Norm”, the next year was “Bump the Lamp”, and the next year was “Throw the Fish”, and so on... Whatever the saying, it was always meant to look for the small things that make it all better - going the extra step to make camp that much better for all attenders. I liked that approach. I wanted all who attended camp to not only have a fun time, but to have a life-changing, and life-altering experience.
    You may be thinking at this point, “Well, why do you feel cursed with this idea?” Well, its like this: Where, as the thought of always looking to improve and be excellent is good, there is one fault with it. It doesn’t take into account people. If for say I’m working by myself, this idea is no problem. I can always improve upon myself. However, when other people get involved, it gets to be a bit more difficult to improve. The variables change. Most people in the world understand this. In fact, we’ve developed a rule of judgment for such situations. We call it: The BAR.
    Through my years of working with people, I’ve learned that there are mostly 3 types of people in the world.

1. People who are at the bar. These people will always go to the bar. They will do the work that is expected of them and will probably go no further. They are ok, in fact they are very pleased, to just go to the bar and stop. They have no qualms with not going the next step or not doing things that obviously need doing. Their only concern is doing just enough to get the job done and make it to the bar.

2. The second type of people, are below the bar people. These types may or may not see the bar at all. They never get to the bar and don’t even consider the option of getting to the bar. These are main laborer types. They may work hard, but as it concerns them, their focus is when it’s time to hit the bar (the non-pun type).

3. The third type of people in the world are the people who see the bar, and move right on past it. These types always see the bar behind them. They do the work that must be done, and then some, to get over it. These types of people are zealous for the work they do, and can’t for some reason understand why other people wouldn’t want to work like them. In fact, they often wonder why not everyone can see the obvious bar that they have just raised. They wonder why nobody cares to see all the hard work they’ve put into their precious previous efforts.

As I look back, I often find myself as a third type of person. And as much as I would like to be a first or second type person, there’s something built into my psyche that makes me want to go a step beyond the bar. There’s something innate in me that makes me want to see that bar, getting a running start, jump up on it, and start dancing! And you know, it gets frustrating at times... But you know, I have to remember one thing: People are different. And that’s OK. The Word says that we as people are fearfully and wonderfully made, created in the image of God the Father.
    That makes me think... my God likes creativity. He likes to make all different types of things. And that means people who go to the bar, people who are below the bar, and people who dance on top of the bar. He creates us all in different ways so we can learn how to make it all work together. Whether we see it or not, we all need the other types of people in our lives. Because they challenge us and help us to grow. And I won’t lie, that’s sometimes not easy... 

But that discussion is for a different blog post...

A Penny For My Thoughts...

So, it's been several months since I've posted anything....

I've been really busy, and If you know me, you know I like to post things that really challenge me and encourage me to better myself and those around me. So, before the next post, if you're curious to see what I've been up to this past year, check out my better half's blog over at Rocket City Ramblings, as she has a great round up of Spring adventures!

So, now for the post this week.....

I've had many friends as of late putting their blogs to use with their thoughts and opinions concerning the recent social media storms and how it relates to us as followers of Christ: the health care debate, Same-sex marriage debate, immigration debate, among other things that are sometimes good to debate but actually lead no where in life! 

So, I thought I would put my blog to work with my thoughts concerning a couple of these debates...

My thoughts aren't that amazing... in fact, they might be boring compared to some of my friends views on the subjects. But here's my thoughts.... Are you ready?

Hold on......

At some point, we followers of Christ are going to wake up and realize our battle is not with the government concerning health care. It's not with the gay's in wanting to marry one another. Our battle is not with whether people should be deported or not. It's not even with those who give or have abortions. Our battle is not with the gamblers, or drunks, or druggies, or prostitutes. Our battle is not with the homeless population who are left to beg on street corners. And our battle is not with Occupy Movement.

If we look at God's word closely, we see Paul in Ephesians 6:12 telling us what we, the followers of Christ, are fighting against: 

           "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." (NLT)

Our battle is not with the things we deem unholy and unrighteous. Our battle is with things that are not of this world. Our purpose is to love those around us and realize that there's much more at work than meets the eye. And, by the way, here's the good news: Jesus Christ has taken care of it ALL!!! All the unholy and unrighteous things.... He's taken care of them. His power is far greater than the "evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world." 

Our job is not to tell people how unholy, unrighteous, and messed up they are. Our job is to love God and love those around us with the love of God, to the best of our ability. That doesn't mean shunning them for their sins or calling for their deportations, or alienating them because they have misguided intentions. We are to simply love. Now, I'm not saying there are not times we shouldn't open our mouths... but that is for another blog post. 

We are to simply show Christ.... and to be honest, that's a funny thing to me, because it's not in my nature to be like Christ. It is my nature to want to look down my nose at people and judge them for not being like me or not being better people. But just like all things that Christ makes new (2 Corinthians 5:17), I must work to see others the way Christ does.

My thought is we are all fallen people in need of Savior. And our battle is not with this or that. Our battle is with sin. Our battle is with seeing people the way Christ does and still loving them despite it and through it. And yes, I do realize this is easier typed than done...

but that's why this is called a blog.

'Til next thought.....

J.

I Knew A Man Bojangle's...

You know, sometimes, you just need to go to Bojangle’s

For those of you that aren’t familiar, I’ll explain. Bojangle’s is a Southern restaurant chain. I first came to know Bojangle’s when I was working for Lifeway’s Centrifuge camps in Greenville, South Carolina. Bojangle’s is probably best known for their Cajun chicken biscuits. They are simply delicious. You’re doctor may not approve, but those chicken biscuits are definitely worth the cholesterol that it adds to your body.

We occasionally swing by the Bojangle’s drive thru on the way to work to pick up a chicken biscuit or some Bo-Berry biscuits (assorted berry sweet roll biscuits) and a large sweet tea. Did I mention they have sweet tea? Some of the best in the South. In the words of Jeff Foxworthy, “If you put that on top of your head, your tongue will beat your brains out trying to get to it!” Yeah, it’s that kind of place.

Well, today, Kristin and I had some errands to run and decided to eat out. We’re driving around and decided to try out Bojangle’s for lunch, a bit of change from our regular routine. You might think this is a no big deal or you’re thinking, “So what?” Well, let me explain a bit more.

This particular Bojangle’s restaurant isn’t exactly in what we call “the best part of town.” In fact, it’s in a bit of a run down part of town. The old part, you might say. It’s the part of town that you quickly reach over on the car door and make sure your doors are locked. It’s the part of town where it’s not uncommon to see several police cars investigating a single car or a building. It’s the part of town where squatters and junkies are known to hangout.

In fact, the restaurant itself has a sign up front that reads, “Please keep your meal to 30 minutes or less.” I suppose this is to help with making sure people are in and out and not setting up house over in the corner.

Inside this particular Bojangle’s you’re not likely to see what we call “trendy” people. You more than likely won’t find any hipsters with skinny jeans and scarves around their necks and a fedora on their heads typing away on their new Apple MacBook or iPad while they casually sip on their skinny chai latte. You might see someone with a tattoo, but it won’t be of their favorite word in Hebrew or Chinese.

Instead, you’re probably going to see people who may look a little different. People who may look a little bit out shape. People who may not wear matching clothes. People who wouldn’t exactly be invited into certain “trendy” areas of our world. In fact, you might call some of these people misfits or socially awkward. Socially awkward not because they do anything peculiar, but socially awkward because we don’t know, or are not comfortable with having to converse or do life with them.

Not to be deterred from our chicken and tea (did I mention the tea?), we parked our car and braved the pouring down rain and entered Bojangle’s. As we entered, we were greeted by the guy at the front counter saying, “It’s pouring down rain outside and you’re wearing flip-flops?” I just grinned and said, “Sure. And what better day when it’s pouring down rain? And the best part is, no wet socks and shoes.” He smiled and replied chuckling, “I’ve never thought of it like that before. I’ll have to try it sometime. What can I get ya?”

We ordered, laughed with the folks behind the counter a bit, got our food and sat down. As we ate (trying to keep our meal to 30 minutes), there was a lady walking around who kept checking up on our food. “Would you care for a free Bo-Berry Biscuit?” Absolutely! “Can I get you some more tea?” Yes ma’am! Kristin and I chatted a bit about life as we ate. And some where in the course of our meal Kristin looked at me and said, “You know, this has been a very pleasant and enjoyable experience.” As I chewed my biscuit, I thought, “You know it really has been a pleasant and enjoyable experience. And all we had to do was break out of our normal routine for a minute to experience something that was unexpectantly extra-ordinary.”

Sometimes, breaking out of routine brings about some pleasant experiences. Now, don’t get me wrong, there were still some moments that caught me off guard. Kind of like the couple making out in front of the restaurant while I’m trying to eat. Or the man who came in wearing a dress shirt, sweat pants and yellow work boots. But in the end of the day, I realized that sometimes the most pleasant and enjoyable things happen when and where we least expect them. Especially, when we break out of our normal routine.

You know, sometimes, you just need to go to Bojangle’s.

Sing Us A Song, Piano Man...

Why do we sing?

Throughout history, people have sung songs of all kinds. Songs have been sung because someone was happy. There have been songs of sadness. Songs of joy. Songs of love. Songs of hate. Songs of lament. Songs of victory. Songs of loss. And songs of pain. People have sung songs because they had a story to tell or because they had a story to remember. Down through the ages, songs have helped people communicate and relate the stories and emotions of life.

Songs, and music in general, are powerful tools that, for some reason, connect to us as humans on a primal level. I think they some how help us, and allow us, to express feelings and emotions that we otherwise may not be able to express. Songs make it alright to feel a certain way, or say certain things that other forms of communication could not suffice or sometimes even allow. This is why, I think, there are so many different forms of songs. The emotions needing to be expressed, must be expressed in the appropriate song type. Hence, many forms of music through songs.

One of the sections of the Bible is a whole collection of songs known as the Psalms. These Psalms were written by many people, over the course of many years. This collection of songs was used as a songbook of sorts for people gathering to worship the Lord. The men who wrote these songs were trying to express certain feelings and emotions that they had, or were, experiencing. Some are fears. Some are joys. Some are sorrows. Some are laments. Some are encouragements.

All throughout the book of Psalms, there is this phrase that is scattered around: "Sing a new song to the Lord." Through all these emotions and experiences, the writers of Psalms keep coming back to this statement, “Sing a new song to the Lord.” It implies that in the midst of whatever circumstance you find yourself, the appropriate response is to “Sing a new song to the Lord.”

In other words, whether you have a sad song, or a happy song, or a joyous song, or a painful song, or a love song….Sing your new song to the Lord. The idea is to focus not on the emotion but on who the song is addressed too. The Lord should be the only thing worthy of our song. But we do have pains, and joys, and victories, and sorrows, and loves, and struggles. So whether you find yourself in the midst of victory or a loss, sing a new song to the Lord…. And sing loud! Because the Lord loves when people make much of who He is, even in the midst of our sorrows and pains.

So, Why do we sing?

About Cruise Ships and Bunny Rabbits

Earlier this year, my wife (rocketcityramblings) and I took a cruise to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. It was a wonderful time to get away and relax. We enjoyed the time greatly. But I had some observations from that time, I’d like to share with you...

Things I learned I on the cruise....

1. There is food everywhere! You can eat as much as You want, whenever you want, wherever you want!
2. There’s ice cream 24 hrs a day. Enough said...
3. When presented with the opportunity, old retired men will always feel the need to take off their shirts. Thankfully, old retired women don’t feel this same need!
4. Cruise Director Steve has more energy in his pinky finger than I have in my entire body! In fact, I'm pretty sure his pinky finger could kick my butt from one end of the ship to the other and never break a sweat! Yet, His games are fun and sometimes very embarrassing.
5. Sometimes fun games are needed to make people feel welcome and comfortable.
6. Cruse Director Steve has a myriad of Auburn clothing. He is a huge fan, yet is from Toronto, Canada.
7. Being on a boat in the middle of the ocean made me feel small and insignificant. This was a cool, yet surreal feeling for such a large man as myself.
8. There’s satellite TV. This way Glenn Beck and Anderson Cooper can keep you abreast of all the political propaganda of the day!
9. Carnival Cruises plays a myriad of 80’s and 90’s music, should one feel the need to cut a rug or two. (and yes, I did get my groove on once or twice on the Lido deck!)
10. There is an array of people from various walks of life on board a cruise ship. Some folks look like they belong, and others... Well, they just look out place.
11. Before we left for the trip, I joked to our Sunday School class about how even people on a cruise ships need Jesus... Turns out, I was correct!
12. I’m still convinced the best way to get people to open up and talk is around a table when food is involved.
13. There’s always a band on the Lido Deck, and at any time during the day they can be found playing a collection of Glen Campbell or Jimmy Buffett songs. I suppose if this ministry thing doesn’t pan out, there’s always a place for me on this boat!
14. I might just punch the next waiter who comes over and asks me if I want a drink in a coconut! DUDE, this is not Gilligan’s Island! If I want to drink from a coconut, I will get one!
15. But wait man, you can get me some more coffee! Did I mention there is free coffee anytime you want it!
16. On a cruise ship you can do just about anything you want, which includes taking a nap every afternoon following lunch. (I will definitely be bringing this one up with my supervisor when I get back!)
17. There is absolutely no good way to sport a life jacket! If the ship is going down, it is perfectly acceptable to be a fashion faux pas, if in fact the faux pas will save your life!
18. My dining room waiter is named “Wilson”, which is very funny and confusing, since his name tag says he is from “Indonesia.”
19. Wilson always greets me by name with a smile. This makes me feel particularly important, especially when he does it outside of the dining room!
20. I’ve come to realize that a cruise ship is all about me: My wants, My desires, My pleasure... This only helps to feed the “All About Me” Mentality.

If I’m not careful, I could get to thinking life is all about me. As I was making my observations about the cruise ship, I thought back to some words from Donald Miller...
In His book Blue Like Jazz, He tells the story of Don Rabbit:


“There was a Rabbit named Don Rabbit. Don Rabbit went to Stumptown Coffee every morning. One Morning at Stumptown, Don Rabbit met Sexy Carrot. And Don Rabbit decided to chase Sexy Carrot. But Sexy Carrot was very fast. And Don Rabbit chased Sexy Carrot all over Oregon. And all over America, all the way to New York City. And Don Rabbit chased Sexy Carrot all the way to the moon. And Don Rabbit was very, very tired. But with one last burst of strength, Don Rabbit lunged at Sexy Carrot. And Don Rabbit caught Sexy Carrot. And the moral of the story is that if you work hard, stay focused and never give up, you will eventually get what you want in life.
Unfortunately, shortly after this story was told, Don Rabbit choked on the carrot and died. so the second moral of the story is: Sometimes the things we want most in life are things that will kill us."

There is so much more to life than just living for me...
There is something much more satisfying in life than just filling it with “all about me” things....
But that’s for another post....

Until next time.