No treat here, just a trick
I'm kind of neutral about Halloween. I realize that almost all of the holidays we celebrate have pagan origins and yes, Rick and I do carve an occasional jack-o-lantern. One thing that does bother me though is that so many churches (ours included) will have these activities, where they dress up, get candy, etc...but, they call them Fall Festivals, or Halelujah Harvests. I think these people should be held at gunpoint until they call their Halloween parties, Halloween parties. It's as if they call it something else it will become something else. It's a stinkin' Halloween party and just call it that and have fun. If you must name it something else, at least call it a Reformation party. Then you can fix a Diet of Worms cake and play Pin the 95 Theses on the Wittenburg Door.
Christie |
Let's make it official!
Friday, October 29, 2004
gimme that microphone...
well, i'm sure you've all figured it out by now, but don't tell anyone PLEASE!
we're going home this weekend - we want our parents to be the first to know, so we'll 'officially' unveil the news when we get back ;) |
The microphone please...
We have some very, very, very exciting news. Rick and I are going to be proud new...
Oh, well I'll let Rick finish telling you, so nevermind. |
Excitement...spreads...
tonight was our fall festival at church.
honestly, it is not something that i really look forward to. in fact, it has been something that i'd rather just avoid, but have to do if i want to keep my job. it takes so much work and it has always had little impact. last year we had 175 people (the best count we got), few registered and the largest majority of people to come were from our church. NOT ANYMORE... WOW! we made a few changes - and had lots of skeptics. everyone said, 'we need to change the fall festival' and then when we did, they said, 'we've never done that before, i don't think it will work' well, all of the hours of work have paid off. tonight, we registered 804 people! (that's nearly 25% of our town by the way - and over 6% of our county). we got names, ages, telephone numbers, addresses, and prayer requests from 206 people who claimed no church relation whatsoever. it was awesome. God is so good. and one of the best things that happened was seeing some of our church people realize - hey, there are all kinds of people around us who need jesus , we just have to look for them. |
Real Christians of Genius...
"...We salute you Mr. Christianese speaking person..."
if you haven't seen this video - you must. it is absolutely friggin' hilarious and so true. i've yet to get up the courage to use it as a sermon illustration yet, but one day. i will. if you like the 'real christian' video, check out highway video. these people do an awesome job of making the word relevant, piercing and at times entertaining. each video contains humorous clips as well as very serious clips that leave your audience contemplating their faith. |
Mike - this pic's for you
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Mean Girls (& boys, too)
After a lot of thought, I have come to the conclusion that church people are some of the meanest that I know. Oh, but I guess it's okay. Remember, God's Word does tell us that all people will know we are Christ's disciples by all the times we come to church, right? Oh, my mistake they'll know by our starched khaki's and dress shirts, is that it? Or is it those great Bible studies we teach? What is the problem with the church? Where is the love? I don't remember Jesus tellng anybody how to comb their hair, or that they should wear dress pants instead of track pants. I remember Jesus reaching out to people despite their race, occupation or reputation. What are we doing to ourselves? Where is Christ in our church? In our lives? How have we settled for this mere form of godliness? I want more, more than rules, more than a facade - more than religion...
Christie |
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Taxpayers at work
Funny? yes.
Appropriate? not so sure. Don't get me wrong, I'm not defending his rights, just stick him in jail and forget about him. No need to have a party. |
ding..ding..ding...Round 2
In this corner Howard Stern...
and in this corner Michael Powell, FCC Chairman and son of Colin. Howard Stern is absolutely ridiculous, why in the world do people think they can say anything - regardless of the vulgarity level - and get away with... suddenly it is an attack of the right wing conspiratists trying to take away everyone's freedom. When it was Bill Clinton who appointed Powell to the commission in the first place. Stern's comments about receiving the stiffest fines - couldn't possibly come from the fact that Stern is the most vulgar Shock Jock out ther - could it? |
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
A Relevant, Conservative Church Planting Network...
some of you may already be familiar with this network. But if you're not, I wanted to make you aware of it.
i've long asked myself why there aren't many relevant, CONSERVATIVE churches out there. this place is trying to plant conservative churches.. www.a29.org |
A word from the Lord...
People blame the stupidest stuff on God. And other people actually believe it! Here is a prime example. I wonder if these cats actually believed what they were claiming, or if they were just crazy (probably both). I know, I know - I bet this special bit of esoteric truth was revealed to them through the Left Behind books, that's it! LaHaye and Jenkins strike again.
Christie |
Saved?!?
have any of you seen saved?
i saw it last night for the first time. it was a fascinating movie to be sure. having attended a christian school i can identify with many of the characters, but the end of the movie left me a little annoyed. i was hoping for some redemption - like mandy moore's character actually getting saved, but instead we were left with a - all religion is good, god loves everybody, just believe in something or everything or nothing - universalists view of religion. in fact the only people to remain looking like horrible people were the supposed "christians". anyway, some good humor and great food for thought for believers, but don't be too disappointed with the ending... my favorite part of the movie... when mandy moore screams, "I AM FILLED WITH THE LOVE OF CHRIST" as she hurls her bible at "mary's" back. so many people i know fit the role. |
Introducing.... Patrick
well, we've inspired one more to create a blog. (warning: not for the faint of heart or those with weak stomachs)
this one is someone that our bcf friends don't know, but he is a great guy. Let me introduce you to a local youth pastor and friend - Patrick W. I first met Patrick a few years ago, shortly after beginning my exile, errhh.. ministry, here in Hazlehurst as he was promoting a Bible man show about 15 minutes from here. Patrick grew up in Kansas City and was saved as a result of a youth ministry - if I understand correctly... something to do with a big foot show and vapor lock - you'll have to ask him about it. from KC he moved to LA where he became involved in Mosaic church and from there he moved to Baxley, ga - which is in the middle of nowhere - 2 hours from a mall... you can imagine culture shock set in - but it was all for the love of his life - stephanie. from baxley it was on to atlanta, and then as fate would have it, back to h'hurst to serve as a student minister. patrick is somewhat unorthodox, a little a.d.d. but he loves jesus and it shows. he has a passion for youth and has been a great encouragement to me and the collective/community student ministry of our county. he introduced me to the "jesus videos" which are currently not online - but as soon as they are back up, I will post a link to them... these videos in and of themselves are enough to make me love him. anyway, check out his site, excuse his grammar and leave him a message |
Monday, October 25, 2004
The things we do for love...
This girl definitely didn't read The Rules. She should be scolded. Severely.
Christie |
I'm sorry. So sorry..
i find this utterly amusing!
teresa HEINZ kerry has issued an official apology to Laura Bush for stating that she was unsure if Laura Bush had ever held a "real job." the insult is harsh enough - since laura has a master's degree and worked as both a school teacher and a librarian... but since when is staying home and taking care of your children not a "real job" and furthermore, when did growing up to inherit your daddy's billion dollar company become a "real job" inquiring minds want to know |
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Snap! Crackle! Pop!
I'd just like to say thanks to the person who invented Rice Krispy Treats. One of my favorite things in life.
|
Pride before destruction?
a tribute to my father's team - the Florida Gators - and their unfortunate loss today to one of the worst teams in the country. GO MISSISSIPPI STATE!
i found this article written early Saturday morning. hate to say it again, but sometimes, reality bites... "Let's be realistic here. Unless this game is played at a fraternity house where coaches aren't allowed until the fisticuffs have concluded, Mississippi State has no shot at beating Florida this morning..." and when you think it can't get any better, FSU pulls off a win over Wake Forest. GO NOLES! |
Saturday, October 23, 2004
the Lord gives and takes away and gives again...
i always knew that i loved jeremy camp's music.
it was deep and exciting and moving, but i never knew the testimony behind his life and music. you can read it here. and then Pre-Buy his new album "restored" at FamilyChristian.com for only $8.97. (released Nov 16) |
Friday, October 22, 2004
Religion, Politics and the American Way
I have just been informed that the most recent addition to my front yard's landscape - a Bush Cheney yard sign - has been deemed offensive by some members of my church.
Granted, I am FORCED to live in a home that the church owns and therefore my home is technically church property, and yes, my driveway and the church's sidewalk do share concrete. BUT IT IS STILL MY HOUSE AND MY YARD AS LONG AS I AM FORCED TO LIVE THERE, after all, I have to mow it. So why, can't I put up a sign with the candidate of my choice on it? Maybe I'm offended that someone in my church is offended by a George W sign. Maybe I'm offended by a church member's Kerry/Edwards bumper sticker. Maybe I'm offended that I'm forced to live in a house the church owns. but I am not allowed to be offended, because, I'm a church staff member, right? |
It's a bird, It's a Plane...It's a helicopter?!?
lonely fridays...
i've decided after reviewing everyone's blog archives that i must be the only loser that has to be at work and in front of my computer on Fridays :(
it seems no one else is around to post - that's just not fair! |
Reality Bites
Is reality tv coming to an end?
I must confess that I love Survivor. For several seasons now, it's been the only show that I refuse to miss (even taping shows if I'm not home) . But this season, the show has been dry and uninteresting. I've already missed two shows and it hasn't really bothered me. For starters, we have already done girls v. boys - worked great the first time - not this time. The women have been exceptionally annoying - fighting and whining has comprised most of their air time. and the men have been nearly as bad. Then, CBS allowed the old people to get the upper hand - voting off all the younger and more interesting people. I mean, do we really want to watch Scout, the 60 year old rancher survive Vanauatu? She might be nice and sweet, but who cares if she wins? C'mon how can you lose Brady - he's an FBI agent, how cool is that? So i guess I'm left with "Sarge," The drill sargeant and nuclear weapons specialist and Chad, the teacher and dad from California to cheer for. Maybe they won't let me down. and maybe next season, Survivor will return to its former grandeur. |
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Bubbilicious...or maybe not
Why is it that we have to turn everything into something Christian? I don't get it. We can't just have coffee houses, we have to have Christian coffee houses. And what about those testamints? Tell me, can a mint really be Christian or non-Christian in the first place? Don't get me started on Christian t-shirts - has anyone ever accepted Christ because they saw His name written in the Coca-Cola font? What is wrong with this sub-culture we have created. Shouldn't we be a counter-culture instead? Well, all these rantings are due to this. Why can't Christians be a part of culture and transform it, instead of always creating something separate. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate coffee houses that advertise themselves as Christian, they have their place. It's just this tendency to run for cover from the world that I'm talking about. Why can't Christians Rock the Vote right alongside non-Christians? Instead, we blow this big bubble and hop inside, with the hopes that nothing outside will come in and infect us. Sometimes, we just need our bubbles busted.
Christie |
The God Gene?
Has anyone else read Time Magazines cover article which raises the question, Is religion simply a by-product of our evolutionary history?
If you'd like, you can take their online quiz to determine how spiritual you are... But, be warned, you will be asked some very deep questions (i.e. #18. True or False: I love the blooming of flowers in the spring as much as seeing an old friend again.) If you answered True, you may be spiritual... |
Child's Play?
Have you seen the results of the Nickelodeon Kid's Election?
Apparently of the kids and teens that voted, 57% favored Kerry/Edwards. And they claim this vote has correctly picked the last four presidents. Let's hope it's just because the John's remind them of some of their favorite cartoon characters. |
'Da Bomb...
I love church people
I really do It's just that they can be so stupid! oh, yeah, and when did we start arresting and charging people for "making a false statement." Has anyone seen Bill Clinton lately? |
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
I can't take it anymore!
I am weary of all the election hype. I wish they would just have the stinkin' think today. I mean, everybody probably already has their mind made up anyway, whether they admit it or not. If I watch any more news coverage I don't think I will be able to stand it. After 9/11 I was glued to the tube for months, literally. When the anthrax scare happened not long after, I had watched so much coverage that it honestly struck fear in me to see a mail truck around town! It took me a while to get over it. But at my new job, I can't escape. Fox News broadcasts in the lobby 24/7. By the time this thing is over, I think I will need a therapist to work through all the issues....
Christie |
Check it out
Hear some great downloads from RelientK's new album, MMHMM.
Christie |
Monday, October 18, 2004
Question?
Why are Red-neck murders so hard to solve?
|
Answer...
The DNA is all the same and there are no dental records!
|
South GA humor
I hope no one takes offense to the joke...one of Jeff Foxworthy's latest.
Living in S GA, causes me to find the humor. |
long winded...
you'll have to excuse my posts from Thursday night - I was up, couldn't sleep and started rambling... they're a little long - Please forgive
|
Saturday, October 16, 2004
Moving On...
Yesterday was my last day working at the Bank of Hazlehurst. Banking was definitely not my forte and I am glad to be moving on to other venues. Starting Monday, I will be the office manager at Mcdonald's Lodge, a hotel here in town. Both jobs, the former and now my present are in many ways both equally unapealling. Neither are really what I want to spend 8 hours of my day doing. However, this is what God has provided for me at this time in my life and for that I am thankful. I'm sure I'll figure out some way to put my hard earned degree into action...
Christie |
Friday, October 15, 2004
Movie Stars, Rednecks and the WalMart Inventory Control System
Why I am opting to write this story instead of sleeping is beyond me. Actually there are many things playing into my insomnia - but we won't discuss them all.
For those of you who know me and Christie, you will appreciate this story for those of you who don't you may find a laugh from it anyway. Many of you may know that the Lord found favor in me and gave me an exceptionally beautiful wife. In the first few months of my most recent ministry, the number one question asked of me was not whether or not I was a believer, how I planned to reach the youth of the community, or even what my views were on Calvinism. No, the question I was forced to field most often was: "Rick, how in the world did you get that girl to marry you?" With that in mind, our story begins on a night like any other - Christie and I found ourselves in Wal Mart. We had finished our shopping, I was at the front of the store checking out and Christie suddenly remembered she wanted to get a basket for our living room. So off she went as I waited in line. After reaching the basket aisle by crafts, she suddenly found herself surrounded by a group of roughly a dozen Hispanic men. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, she tried to make a quick get away when one of them blocked her path and made some "Ohh-la-la" comment. Christie pushed past him and made a dash for the registers. Feeling very uncomfortable and somewhat violated at this point she reached me and with a desperate plea said: "Rick, come on let's get out of here, I've just been accosted" or something to that effect and so we finished paying and made a run for the door. Of course, as we passed through the white towers of WalMart security, we were greeted by the all too familiar sound of "We're sorry, you've activated the Wal Mart inventory control system, please step back and a Wal Mart associate will be with you shortly." The message that makes you look like a criminal - even though you've just spent half your paycheck in the store. So, reluctanlty we decided to oblige the monotone voice resonating from the speaker - and stepped back to wait on a Wal Mart associate. Nearly simultaneously to our obedience, we hear another voice - this time resonating from a 6-2 guy clad solely in camouflage - the voice was a much louder, very non-descript southern draw. Screaming over and over again, as he pointed to Christie: "Hey, there's that gurrl from joe black. Look there's a movie star. It's that gurrl from Joe Black. Hey ya'll look there's a movie star, right here in Vi-dale-ya... Look! It's that gurrl from Joe Black." Suddenly, we realized that this guy is convinced that Christie is Claire Forlani from Meet Joe Black. At which point, we decided obedience to the "WalMart inventory control system" - which was still telling us to step back and wait for an associate to help us - was no longer essential, so we ran out the door and to the Jeep, loaded our $124.97 worth of Wal-Mart products and went home. |
Ministers and manatees...
have you ever seen a manatee?
Growing up on "Florida's Nature Coast" I have had the privilege of seeing many and even swimming with a few. Also known as sea cows, these "evolutionary cousins" to the elephant are quite intersting mammals (not that I subscribe to evolution) . Very peaceful and graceful animals they are somewhat cute in an ugly sort of way. But there is one thing every manatee has in common - other than their short wannabe trunk-like nose - and that is they all bear scars - multiple scars down their backs. These scars are inflicted when unobservant boaters pass over them, thus resulting in the propeller of the boat slashing their back repeatedly from head to tail. At times, I think every minister - and probably every christian - bears these scars as well. Their scars occur when sometimes unobservant - often intentional - church members and do-gooders run them over repeatedly slashing and stabbing their back from head to tail... and then I think about Jesus - the scars that he bore, the slashing that He received and I am reminded that it is "by His stripes we are healed." I am reminded of the words of Paul in 2 Timothy that state: "share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began" I am reminded that this life is not about me and my pains or my hurts or even my joy. But this life is about the Gospel, this life is about a grand sacrifice, this life is about serving others - even when it hurts, even when the ones we serve are inflicting the deepest wounds. I am reminded that Jesus said: "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." I am reminded that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood." I am reminded that I do not live my life, but "Christ lives in me." I am reminded that I am to love unconditionally, even as I am loved unconditionally. "To love my enemy" and "pray for those who despitefully use me." I am reminded that in the end, my life is not my own andthe choice is not mine to make, it is a call to respond to. I am reminded that I serve a sovereign God who has never lost control and has my life in His hand. I am reminded that God is good and faithful and loving. |
the journey
If you find me talking too much about The Journey Toward Relevance I apologize. I can't really help myself. I have found this book to really challenge my thoughts related to the topic. Not that I have ever claimed to be relevant. well I do have this t-shirt that says "IAMRELEVANT" but other than that I have never laid claim to such a lofty title.
But I am telling you, you must read this book - the challege of relevancy, the author says is to balance a love for God with a love for people. Think about it, when we lean too far towards "loving" God we become self-righteous separatists and render ourselves ineffective/irrelevant, but if we lean too far towards "loving" people we become conformists and render ourselves ineffective/irrelevant. So it becomes a precarious balancing act with the desired outcome of becoming transformists somewhere in the middle. At any rate, there is a quote that I keep chewing on and thought I would throw it out to see if the rest of you feel like you ever fit into this category - I do. "I've seen a trend lately. A lot of people are walking around with a lot of bitterness toward the Church. In fact, pockets of people have organized times to complain about how the Church has disrespected them. Some of her offenses may have come in the form of legalism, religiosity or condemnation. Throughout history, the Church has been dressed in many different clothes. Sometimes she is relevant and beautiful, adorned in the finest and most elegant apparel. At other times she is in rags. She is strung out in the gutter of irrelevance. It kind of reminds me how I must look to Jesus many times. Nonetheless, to my wonderment, Jesus never loses His passion for His Bride (or for you and I for that matter). His Church is still on His heart. Thus, His Church needs to be on our hearts. There is no other Bride. We are it. We can’t escape each other, so we might as well reconcile with each other. If we’re badmouthing God’s girl, then we’re diametrically opposed to what’s on His heart. I see a potential threat on the horizon. If wounded people fail to move through their pain into a process of healing and convert their energies into something positive, an entire generation could be wasted on just sitting around and complaining about the Church’s irrelevance.” |
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Christianity > Religion...
I continually find myself these days pondering modern day religion - especially that found in the "evangelical churches of the south."
I am constantly amazed by the comments that I hear around the "church" building - from the church people - and on the church sign... for example, just the other day someone made the comment - "we live in the Bible belt and this is where the real christians are." No lie - my immediate thought was - why don't you go tell that to the Sudanese Christians facing genocide for their beliefs or the Chinese Christians in prison for claiming the name of Jesus Christ or any of the Christians struggling to survive in a muslim country... we think that because we go to church a few times a week and read our bibles daily and pray before our meals and live in smalltown, america where our teachers don't get in trouble for talking about Jesus - we think that this makes us the "real christians" - where is our cross? where is our scourging? where is our suffering for the name of Christ? WOW! What a dangerous place to be. I think it is far past time to take a look at the current state of Christianity and ask ourselves: Is this the religion Jesus Christ intended? Is this the religion He instituted? To further prove how clever we Christians in the south are, we have all purchased signs to put in front of our churches so we can put various clever messages out for all the world to read. A few that I've seen or heard of in the past few days: 1. Stop, Drop, and Roll won't work in Hell! 2. Eternity in Hell is a long time! 3. Whoremongers and adulterers will be harshly judged! 4. Eternity: Smoking or Non? Do we honestly believe this is going to make a lost and dying world slam on their brakes, turn around, beat down the doors of the church, and get saved? I just can't keep myself from asking: "WHY? WHAT IS THE PURPOSE BEHIND THE MADNESS?" It is so difficult to try and be relevant - the world rejects you most of the time and the church seemingly rejects you all of the time... I've been reading a book that has brought more clarification to the topic of relevancy than any other single work I've encountered to date. It's entitled The Journey Toward Relevancy: Simple Steps for Transforming Your World I highly recommend it You can order it here. While you're there check out Relevant's website. They have some great resources and awesome t-shirts - my favorite being the "up & coming televangelist" shirt. oh well, i guess i have yet to find the solution and must admit that at times, i am part of the problem.... so i'll just keep wrestling with the truth, listening to the Spirit and trying to figure this whole thing out... |
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Derek Webb
We saw Derek Webb in concert last night at the Blue Marquee Theater in Lyons, GA (He is the guy who used to sing for Caedmon's Call). I didn't even know he had any solo stuff unitl a few weeks ago I ended up with his House Show CD. The concert was great - laid back, relaxing - and his songs carry a really deep message. Be sure to check out some of the articles under the Journal section of his web-site.
Christie |
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Haste Makes Waste
The old adage remains true.
Rick and I got home from Florida yesterday evening, and being the domestic goddess that I am I decided to stuff all of our laundry in the washer instead of waiting until it piled up even more later in the week. In my fury, I decided not to check any of the pockets for random items that don't go through the laundry well. After putting my first load in the dryer I was in the kitchen and heard that sound - that noise in the dryer that you know is more than buttons and zippers clanging around. I opened the door and immediately saw a pen. Not just any pen - one of those that is liquid inside. I was relieved to see that amazingly, none of it had spilled out! But for some reason, I opened the cap - you know the rest of the story. After scrubbing my hands with hairspray (it is supposed to remove ink, right?), comet, alcohol, fingernail polish remover, and my final resort - gasoline - they are still stained. I guess I will have to wear it off... Oh, and by the way, if you are desiring to beautify your phalanges - comet is definitely not the trick. Christie |
Friday, October 08, 2004
Christopher Rocks!
Yay for Columbus! Among all the other good stuff he did he has gotten me off of work Monday. What a swell guy! Rick and I are off to the Sunshine State for the weekend, however, we don't plan to wrestle any gators. At least we hope not.
|
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
would you like some fries with that?
i don't know when i first developed this pet peeve
in fact, i'm not sure why i even let this bother me, but i hate it when you go to a fast food restuarant, ask for ketchup and they reply with "how many do you need?" is there supposed to be some mathematical formula to help you calculate the number of ketchup packs you will need? if so, i never learned it... and i imagine if i had learned it, i would first have to count the number of french fries in the carton and then multiply or divide by pi or some other irrational number. just give me a handful of ketchup packs please, i'll be glad to leave the ones i don't use behind. rick |
Everybody's Doin' it!
Although I do like to be stylish - I usually shy away from being trendy. Maybe I have finally succumbed, maybe not - either way here is our blog. There will be more to come...enjoy.
Christie |
ridiculous!
what the heck?
i can't imagine... i see children every week that need someone to love them... and these people have devoted their time (19 YEARS!), energy and even money (in a savings account for college?!?) to a doll...what's wrong with this? |
why not?
i must confess that christie has been involved in the world of blogs for a much lengthier period of time than i have been... she's been following a few blogs for some time now - always reporting to me on someone's latest visit to the California Pizza Kitchen or some other exotic outing... of course a trip to the mall is exotic for us since we live two hours from one.
anyway, i'm not sure why i decided to start a blog, just got an email from a friend (http://drivetrain.blogspot.com/) who has one and it seemed like a good way to put the new dsl connection to work. so begins our thoughts recorded for all the world to read - at least those who care... rick |