Nonconformist Chronicles

Resisting Anxiety

Many live the delusion that someday everything will be settled and secure. The dream house, the perfect marriage, and job security are all just over the horizon. The unexpected is not taken into account.

Anxiety is a very real temptation when we perceive that our security is threatened. One might feel insecure about the potential loss of a house, a job, possessions, or even a relationship. Being threatened with the loss of any one of those things might tempt one with anxiety. Having lost any one of those things might lead to anxiety about how to replace the loss. Anxiety can result when a wrong decision could lead to loss. Anxiety may result from regret over a wrong decision.  

Paul wrote, "Do not be anxious about anything" while knowing the loss of his very life was a possibility. How could Paul say this and claim to be content in spite of circumstances? (Philippians 4:6, 11). How do we resist the paralysis, worry, or panic that are characteristics of anxiety?

We must first realize that we do not find security in anything that is temporary. Since tomorrow is uncertain, there is no such thing as job security. Most do not keep the same job until retirement. One statistic says that the average person will change careers at least twice in a lifetime. Even if you don't change careers, you will likely change jobs.  

Nor can we find security in possessions. As Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19-20).  Worldly possessions are fragile and vulnerable to the elements. They are not dependable. Many have lost their possessions to fire, theft, or natural disaster. Others have lost houses due to foreclosure, transfer, or job loss. Yet many have survived and moved on.  

Suppose that one has anxiety about having to leave a house. This might be tempered by the realization that our earthly dwellings are temporary. We won't keep our houses forever. Our senior years may force downsizing or relocation to a long term care facility. Our homes will finally be left to others who will sort through our stuff which will either be sold at an estate sale or fought over by descendants. Our houses, like our bodies, are only temporary tents in which we reside for a little while. Being too attached to material things can only breed anxiety. 

We can resist anxiety if we can be thankful just for today. Be thankful if just for today you have shelter from the elements and a place to sleep tonight. The Lord has provided.

More later.       

The ABCs of Tagging

I've been tagged by Lisa who seems to think I need something to write about. I actually have some ideas, but I need to get around to studying a bit first. So in the meantime, I'll do the tag and keep this blog active. 

A. Attached or Single: Attached to a wonderful wife.

B. Best Friend: Stoned-Campbell Disciple, Preacherman, Chief Aaron.

C. Cake or Pie: Close between chocolate cake or pecan pie. 

D. Day of Choice: Saturday.

E. Essential Item: Computer

F. Flavor of Ice Cream: Vanilla or Rocky Road

G. Gummy bears or Worms: Worms, but only as a part of dirt cake. 

H. Hometown: Gotham City (actually, Fort Smith, Arkansas). 

I. Indulgences: Silly movies. 

J. January or July: A toss up. 

K. Kids: Justin (11) and Erin (8)

L. Last Movie I saw in a Theater: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the  Crystal Skull. 

M. Middle Name: Wade (no, my name is not Wade Wade)

N. Number of Siblings: Two that I know of. 

O. Orange or Apples: Gala apples fresh out of the orchard. 

P. Phobias or fears: Not having enough money.

Q. Quote: "The only way to avoid criticism is to say nothing, to do nothing, and to be nothing." --Attributed to Winston Churchill but who knows?

R. Reasons to Smile. The faces of my children, an honest and trustworthy wife, friends all over the country.

S. Season: Spring

T. Tag 4. Brian Nicklaus, Bobby Valentine, Josh Bruckerhoff, and whoever else wants to do this. 

U. Unknown fact about me: I once had elbow length hair (a long time ago). 

V. Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals: The question is a logical either/or fallacy, assuming that if one is not a vegetarian that one is an oppressor of animals. But I say, "Beef. It's what's for dinner." (And no animals were harmed in the making of this blog). 

W. Worst Habit: procrastinating. 

X. X-rays or Ultra-sounds; When I was a kid I wanted X-ray vision glasses like they advertised in the comics. As a teenager I had new motives for wanting X-ray vision glasses. As an adult, I've never had them, but I know they don't work. Public speakers with x-ray vision glasses would not have to imagine an audience in their underwear. But who would want to? Gross. I no longer want x-ray vision glasses. 

Y. Your favorite food: Chocolate and beef. 

Z. Zodiac: Who cares? I like Lisa's zoo animal idea better. Zoo Animal: fruit bat.

Thanks Lisa. It's good to think about real life now and then.         

I Love My Boy

I write this on the birthday of our firstborn, Justin. I sound like a parent when I say that I can't believe he is already eleven. As you can see from the pictures, his birthday cakes have evolved a bit since birthday number one. He has graduated from Big Bird on his first birthday to Indiana Jones in the present.    

Our kids' birthdays always bring back memories of the days they were born. After Justin had been born at 5:30 in the morning, I did what I always do when a major life transition occurs. I went for a walk in the woods. I drove to a forest preserve in the outskirts of the city and walked as I thanked God for this child. I thought about the compliment the Lord had paid me, to entrust me with the raising of a boy. God entrusted me with the responsibility of teaching---showing---a boy how to become a man. Was I up to the task? 

I'm currently reading John Eldredge's book The Way of the Wild Heart. The book is full of perspective on raising boys to become men. Eldredge describes the phases of a male's life in terms of boyhood, cowboy, warrior, lover, king, and sage. I pray I can adequately see Justin through each of the first five phases. Anyway, the book is excellent if you've been a boy or if you're raising boys. 

I am so thankful to have my boy (and my girl). When Justin was about two I was putting him to bed one night when I said, "I love my boy." He threw his arms around my neck and replied, "I love my boy too!" We have repeated this bedtime ritual often through the years. It has always been spontaneous and unprompted.

I love having my girl who adores her daddy (and whom I adore). And I love having my boy to do the "guy stuff" with. I got him the Transformers movie for his birthday--machines, robots, vehicles, explosions. Sounds great! My wife Gretchen has informed us that we can watch it without her. Right now we're working on her to let me take Justin to see Ironman. Maybe not the best parental decision on my part, but we guys love that stuff! It's got to beat What Women Want or How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days.

Justin has always had a heart for the underdog, the minority, the new kid at school, younger kids, and the "special" child (sounds a bit Christ-like to me). Justin is very talented with "hands-on" stuff (unlike his dad). He loves basketball and is a good sport win or lose (although he did make the winning shot the last game of the season). He is a Boy Scout, a first year trumpet player, and my hiking buddy. And we both share a love for Batman. I love my boy.

            

What Good is Anxiety?

My bank recently charged me a $5.00 dormant account fee. I have this account that I've done nothing with for at least six months. I'm glad my blog service doesn't charge me a dormant account fee since I haven't posted anything here for well over a month. I keep recommitting to this blog, but then life gets crazy again and I start neglecting it.

Some major life transitions over the last few months have kept me sidetracked as I've worked to reacclimate my entire life. I've had a case of writer's block the last several weeks as I deal with some potentially anxiety-producing issues. But the good news is that I don't feel that much anxiety. Sure, I have my moments. But overall I'm doing pretty well. I'd like to believe that it's at least in part due to spiritual growth.

The longer I walk with God, and the more I go through, the more I ask, "What good is anxiety?" I'm sure you've had life experiences in which you felt that the rug had been pulled out from under you. It seemed as if everything came crashing down. I've had my share of sleepless nights through the years. In times past, even in recent weeks, anxiety has made me physically ill.

When past experiences have thrown my life into chaos, I've felt like one of the psalmists, crying out to God in lament, asking "Why?" or "How long?" I have grovelled before God with my face to the ground begging for change or relief. It can be both biblical and healthy to live through experiences that force you to wrestle with God. If you've ever shaken your fist at heaven, it doesn't mean you're a bad person. You're in good company with the psalmists and prophets as you process your faith.

There may again be a time that I find myself desperate and on my face before God. But right now I'm trusting in his faithfulness. That doesn't mean I'm assured of outcomes that I would have ordered. But I trust God in spite of outcomes. Faith simply cannot depend on how well we perceive our lives to be going.

I know that the presence of God is with me regardless of my circumstances. And I know that in his wisdom, he will work all things for good. So what good is anxiety? Paul said, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

Scripture is clear that anxiety is only overcome by faith. This means trusting in God's faithfulness. I think spiritual growth means finally getting to the place where joy is found in the very presence of God and is not dependant on circumstances. Then we can say with Paul, "I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances" (Philippians 4:11).      

The Changing Values of the Church # 8

The Value of Preaching, Part Two

I do appreciate the comments on my previous post and I regret that I have not been able to respond. Perhaps I'll integrate some responses into this and other posts.

I'll again say that my concern is not sermon length per se. My concern is a low view of preaching and a general intolerance for the exposition of the Word. This seeming intolerance may be reflected in today's increasing demand for shorter sermons.

I don't think the issue has anything to do with attention spans. We live in an increasingly educated society where a greater number than ever are continuing their education. This means sitting through hours of lectures for a number of years. People can do it if they're convinced that it will improve their lives.

I'm always bothered by the sentiment that it doesn't matter how a minister preaches as long as he's good with people. While I agree that a preacher should work hard to build relationships, he also needs to be a good preacher. So why might some have a low view of preaching? 

1) In our church culture, I think worship is increasingly viewed as being participatory. This is a good corrective to some extremes. Worship is not about being a passive observer. But I think some worship leaders are now accentuating the areas they feel are most participatory (i.e., singing and communion), possibly to the neglect of more Word-oriented activities. Some fail to realize that active listening is also participatory.

2) Some may have a low view of preaching because they've mostly been exposed to mediocre preaching. They haven't heard real biblical exposition that makes Scripture accessible and that connects with everyday life. They've heard soap boxes, rants, doctrinal lectures, denominational defenses, history lessons, and stand-up routines.

Now I don't claim to be the best preacher on earth and no one consistently bats a thousand. But I'm passionate about preaching and forever working toward the goal of perfecting the craft. I've come a long way, but I'm not where I eventually envision myself to be. I work as hard as I do because I see myself as a steward of God's treasure. I view preaching as a sacred trust, not to be handled flippantly or haphazardly.

3) Many are of the view that since preaching isn't what draws people to a church, or keeps them there, then it must not be too important. But who says that preaching makes no difference in drawing or keeping people? Many are starving for the Word.

I'll admit that I've been a member at churches where the preaching had nothing to do with why I was there. I was there because of relationships with the people, or because I felt needed, or because the worship was inspiring. So I admit that preaching isn't the whole package. But there have been at least two churches I've attended because I was drawn by the preaching. The sermons spoke to me so personally that I wondered if the preacher had access to my life on hidden camera. The sermon was the shot in the arm I needed each week. Preaching was not the only reason I stayed, but it was the reason I came.

And we must remember that people are wired differently. While we all need preaching, communion, and to sing songs of praise, there are different aspects of worship that speak to different people according to who they are and where they are. While the preaching is what's always done it for me, I'm not the only one in the congregation. And while preaching may not be what does it for you, it may be what keeps someone else encouraged.                     

The Changing Values of the Church # 7

The Value of Preaching

A few months ago my friend, Frank Bellizzi, did a few posts on his blog in regard to a gospel meeting conducted by Evangelist T. B. Larrimore in Sherman, Texas in 1894. (Frank's posts can be found here, and here, and here). For five months, Larrimore would speak every day, twice a day, and three times on Sunday. Over 250 people were baptized at this meeting.

One Brother Earnest Hildebrand, a member at Sherman, wrote to Gospel Advocate about the meeting reporting that "Still, nobody seems tired, and no one seems willing to entertain the thought of closing the meeting...There has never been the slightest inclination of even a probable decline in interest, or in the mental, physical, or heart-power of any one engaged or interested in the work."

Larrimore later wrote to Gospel Advocate editor David Lipscomb, stating that the average length of sermons for this meeting was fifty minutes and the entire service lasted around seventy minutes. Lipscomb states his reason for reporting this meeting as the basis of an appeal to preachers and churches everywhere to do more preaching.

My purpose here is not to simply rehash what Frank has already said well enough. But since his posts, I've thought about this a lot and I've re-read those posts often. What strikes me is how far we've come in our church culture over the last century.

Now this isn't a total lament. I'm not advocating a return to fifty minute sermons. Absolutely not! But am I amiss to sense yet another swinging of the pendulum in our church culture? Not only did the church once seem to place a higher premium on the assembly and on Scripture, but it seems that we once had a higher view of preaching.   

During my recent job search, I contacted one church whose leadership demanded that sermons be kept to about fifteen minutes. I told them I would be hard pressed to do that. I had my rejection letter within the week. Now just for the record, I try to keep my sermons to about twenty minutes. I sometimes go into twenty five minutes, but rarely thirty. It took years to learn how to say something worthwhile in twenty minutes.   

The point of this post is not sermon length. But what I'm out to demonstrate is the low view that so many have of preaching these days. Some in a movement that once tolerated fifty minute sermons are now demanding that preaching be kept to fifteen minutes. In time, I wonder if sermons will be held to ten minutes or if some of our churches will dispense with preaching in worship altogether.

I've no doubt that Larrimore's meeting was successful in his time because it was a different time. In an era before the gradual shift from modernism to post-modernism began, rational argument and logical deduction were very persuasive. Now we're told that we preach to a sound bite generation who are accustomed to commerical breaks, audio-visual technology, and emotional appeal. We're told that we must connect with the culture, be more interactive, appeal to more senses than just the sense of hearing. We must persuade the heart and not just the head.

I agree to an extent, but my concern is that we might have underestimated the power of the spoken Word. The timeless Scriptures seem to maintain a very high view of preaching.

• While the world considers the preaching of the cross to be foolishness, the saved know that it is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:23-25).
• Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17).
• The Word, like the rain, always accomplishes its purpose and does not return to God void (Isa. 55:10-11).

So just how much do we accomodate our preaching to a supposedly post-modern culture that doesn't seem as persuaded by logic and explanation? Where is the line between accomodating the message and dumbing it down?  Where is the line between accomodation and entertainment?

Have we lost confidence in the power of God's Word to do its work? Might we have insulted the masses by judging them too shallow to handle biblical exposition? What do you think?      

The Changing Values of the Church, # 6

The Value of the Word, Part Two

• We do Bible things in Bible ways and call Bible things by Bible names.
• We speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where the Bible is silent.
• The Bible is our only authority in religious matters.
• We have no book but the Bible.
• Let's go back to the Bible.

The above points are slogans, or variations of such, that grew out of the Restoration Movement. There is no doubt that churches of that movement have held the Bible in high esteem. We've sang songs like "Give me the Bible." Instead of "church camp" we've had "Bible camp." We've competed in Bible bowls. When confronted with a new idea we've demanded book, chapter, and verse as proof.

You would think that people with such a high regard for the Bible would be the most loving, united, and Spirit-filled people on the planet. But has that been the prevailing reputation among those of the Restoration heritage (or of those affiliated with the most conservative stream of that movement known as churches of Christ)? We've too often been labeled as argumentative, sectarian, or legalistic. And too often, the labels have fit.

The problem has been adequately diagnosed as "bibliolatry." While holding a book in high esteem, some have failed to discern the spirit within the text. The text is a means to an end that the influence and application of that text might form Christ in us. When religion becomes all about a book, it can cease to be about a person.

When this happens, knowing the "right answers" displaces a relationship with Jesus as the litmus test for identifying faithfulness. We can become more concerned with being right than with being righteous. We can become more concerned with memorization than with transformation. We can become more concerned with knowing facts than with living faith.

At first glance, it would seem that previous generations were more interested in the Scripture. They came to hear it taught and preached whenever the church doors were opened. One to two week Gospel Meetings were well enough attended to justify one every Spring and another every Fall.

I have no doubt that many of those previous generations were faithful and sincere. But for others the motives were less sincere and more legalistic. Some of that attitude still exists. In more conservative congregations members still speak the rhetoric which insists that they hold the Bible in high esteem. But while some have the rhetoric down, it is evident that they've not been transformed. Haven't we all known people who defend dogma while defaming their brothers?

I've been concerned about the church. My previous posts have lamented the lackadaisical attitude that many of this generation have toward worship attendance. They don't even come to class, much less anything extra. Any excuse to miss will do. What that says to me is that people lack the passion they should have for studying the Word, being among the family of God, or praising the Lord. It's easy to underestimate the power of the assembly to transform if you're in a dead church. But let's not let our experience get in the way of biblical theology. The assembly has a very significant role in the lives of believers.

Please don't hear my concern as some legalistic argument that equates the assembly as the end-all litmus test of faithfulness, on par with loving your neighbor as yourself. That is not my point. Nor am I saying that it's always a sin to "miss church." As a new Christian, my job forced me to miss every Sunday morning.

But what concerns me is that the pendulum seems to have swung from viewing the assembly as important (perhaps too important) to hearing my generation routinely dis the assembly: "Going to church is not Christianity;" "We don't go to church. We are the church." These seem to be the slogans of this new generation. But are we throwing the baby out with the bath water?

By comparing this generation to previous ones, I am not calling us back to some golden era in which everyone had it together. I even suspect that in a movement typified by legalistic sectarianism our motives weren't always that pure (with notable exceptions acknowledged). Did previous generations go to church all the time because they were serious about transformation or because they were afraid not to go? I think quite a few were more concerned with punching their ticket than with loving their neighbor. We did have a mandate, after all, to study to show ourselves approved. If we didn't study, we must not be approved.

But in spite of all that study and church-going we still had the reputation of sectarian judgmentalism. How did that happen? Just holding the Bible in high esteem did not make us biblical. I'll close with this quote from Eugene Peterson's Eat This Book:

Once the Bible became a reverend authority it became possible to treat it as a thing, an impersonal authority, to use it to define or damn others, and to avoid dealing with God's Word in a personal, relational, and obedient way. It didn't take long for people to start using the Bible as a cover, as a front, by honoring it, praising it as a verbal artifact, defending it as the truth against all comers...But the words of Scripture are not primarily words, however impressive, that label or define or prove, but words that mean, that reveal, that shape the soul...

Having and defending and celebrating the Bible instead of receiving, submitting to, and praying the Bible, masks an enormous amount of non-reading.

Sound like anybody we know?            

WinterJam 2008: Why I'm Becoming a Skillet Fan

Last Friday night we attended Winter Jam 2008, an annual Christian music tour featuring a variety of contemporary Christian artists. I initially went because Barlow Girl was going to be there. Having purchased one of their CDs, I was interested to hear how their tunes would come across live. But while there, I also fell in love with the music of Skillet (pictured).

The event was held in the arena on the Ohio State University campus with 10,000 people in attendance. We stood in a long line in twenty degree weather since the event was general admission at the door. We got pretty good seats near the stage in spite of the fact that there was no reserved seating. Here is my short review of each act:

Warm up acts included pureNRG, three acrobatic kids (ages 11, 12, & 14) who sing, dance, and have been featured on Radio Disney. They do back flips, cartwheels, and everything else. My wife commented that this is what happens with too much Mountain Dew and Snickers. There was the soul/rap act, Group 1 Crew. They somehow manage to be melodic and the only female member has one powerful voice. So does Mandisa, the woman who brought Jesus to American Idol and forgave Simon Cowell on national television.

Acoustic, folksy duo, Connersvine, performed a couple of songs. They consist of Chris Wilson and Hunter Smith (Smith plays football for the Indianapolis Colts). They added more variety with beautiful songs and harmonies.

The show was hosted by Newsong. Now here is one impressive group of musicians. Their professionalism stands out on hits like "Blessed be Your Name" and "Defining Moment." These guys are really versatile in terms of musical styles and some members play multiple instruments. One of the more talented groups out there.

The headliner of this tour is usually Mercy Me, but since they couldn't make the Columbus show, Steven Curtis Chapman was filling in. But that's okay with us, since we love Steven Curtis Chapman and this is one way I persuaded Gretchen to go. He's another one who is just a bit louder and harder live than on CD. His songs included "The Great Adventure," "Live Out Loud," Magnificent Obsession," "Cinderella," and "Children of God."    

Of course Barlow Girl (cell phone picture on the right) rocked the place with powerful live renditions of "Grey," "Let Go," "Never Alone," "Average Girl," and a medley of "I Believe in Love" and "I Need You to Love Me." On CD, these three sisters are pretty versatile, with ballads and beautiful vocal harmonies included. But don't see them live unless you want to rock out. I'm almost embarrassed that I still like this kind of music---almost.

In spite of all these great performers, a highlight of my evening was Skillet. These guys were AWESOME! They are a powerhouse of energy, creativity, and sensationalism--with music accompanied by pyrotechnics. You could feel every beat of the drums in every bone of your body. It was loud, hard driving, and over the top. When they were done I asked Gretchen, "So what did you think of Skillet?" She replied, "I feel like I've been hit by one."      

Skillet's musical style is described on the Skillet Wikipedia article as one that "spans the musical genres from grunge, to electro-industrial, nu metal, to alternative rock, and even hints of goth metal influence." Skillet's latest CD, Comatose, respects Skillet's musical roots, while exploring new territory. A review on the Winterjam website describes it like this:

Classic rock riffs, swirling drums, monstrous hooks, and undeniably catchy choruses...hints of old school progressive rock mixed in with modern alternative flourishes...touches of classical influence as swelling strings intersect with sonic adrenaline rushes.

I was a huge rock fan as a youth, but I haven't been impressed with much that's come out over the last twenty years. Part of that could be that since becoming a Christian, the lifestyle reflected in the lyric content no longer speaks to where I'm at or ever want to be again. Rock has also evolved. Gone are the progressive styles of bands like Kansas, ELP, and Styx. Not many guitar legends or guitar dominant music have taken center stage the last two decades. The goth and grunge have, for the most part, been talentless excuses for music with "singing" that sounds more like someone throwing up. Lyrics are often immoral and fatalistic.

Isn't it ironic that it's Christian bands, like Skillet and Barlow Girl, who (IMO) are taking rock back to its roots. Skillet's music has evolved and matured to include a progressive element. There are also shades of grunge, even with lyric content that deals with darker themes. But the difference is that Skillet's lyrics offer hope as opposed to fatalism or apathy. And Skillet has talent. Guitarist Ben Kasica could be the next guitar legend.

There may be hope for rock music yet, but it surprisingly exists in Christian circles. That is where progressive elements, three chord jam, and guitar dominance are being restored. And with lyrics that don't undermine our lifestyle. Too bad that many of the a cappella tradition are so far out of the loop with what's going on. There is something for every musical taste in today's Christian music scene.

Father-Daughter 50's Sock Hop

Last night I had the privilege of escorting my seven-year-old to the Brownies Father-Daughter 50s sock hop. I wasn't crazy about the idea when the flier first came home. I didn't think Erin would be excited about going to a dance. But when she started getting excited, I could not even think of turning her down.

My initial thoughts were, "What if I look silly?; What if I embarrass myself?; What if others dance better than me?" (Yes, I actually thought that). But the point was a night out for fathers and daughters to be together. Erin is a real Daddy's girl and there is no one she would rather be with than me. To have me all to herself for an evening was quite a thrill. How could I say "no" to that?

We prepared for the evening in advance by practicing our moves to 50s music CDs and by watching episodes of "Happy Days" (which Erin now wants to watch on a regular basis). I had the stomach flu last weekend and Erin was praying I'd be well in time for the sock hop.

The night finally came and we arrived at the middle school where the event was held. I have never seen so many leather jackets and poodle skirts in one place. Did EVERYBODY dress that way in the 50s? How would I know? How would any of the dads on the dance floor know? Most, if not all, of the dads in attendance weren't even alive in the 50s, which made the whole thing even funnier.

We arrived at the gym and just observed during the first couple of songs. If I was concerned about my dance moves being unimpressive, watching most of these other dads convinced me that I clearly had nothing to worry about. No one was there to watch me anyway. 

When the professional deejay announced that he would be playing "The Twist," we got out on the floor. That's one we practiced! It's one of the few dances I know (or think I know). I attended a Chubby Checker concert the night he turned forty (which has already been years ago) and he was still twisting.

Well, we did the twist with high energy and vigor. I sat the next one out due to a powerful cramp in my side. Then we got back at it. The easier songs included "Tutti Frutti," "Wild Thing," and the "Hokey Pokey." They left me in the dust during "The Chicken Dance." "Blue Suede Shoes" is really hard to dance to. I only saw one dad attempt the limbo. If I had done the limbo, I would have wound up at the chiropracter. Erin did great the whole time!

We were in line to have our pictures made during "The Macarena" and "YMCA." (No fair! Those aren't 50s songs). After standing in line for a picture we went to the commons area for root beer floats. The girls did crafts--picture frames with pink poodles around the border. I guess we'll put our sock hop picture in it. There were hoola hoops in a corner of the gym for any interested parties.

On the way home, Erin said this was one of the best nights of her life. It's a reminder to me of just how important it is to spend time with each child individually. It's important to spend time with the whole family. But each child needs the attention of each parent individually as well. I'm glad I'll never have to regret the things I could have done with my kids.

An Uncle Again and Blogging Again

Some of you may recall a prayer request I made several months ago. My sister and her husband were expecting their second child, twenty years after the birth of their first one. Their second one was a total surprise after having been told that they would never have children again.

Well, my niece, Emma, was born on December 7, 2007. Her mom turned 40 on the 24th, but this was not on her list of forty things to do before turning forty. In fact, some of those things have been postponed. While little Emma was being born, her sister, Amber, was taking a college final.

So thank you to everyone who prayed. Things went well and Emma is healthy and happy.

On another note, I appreciate all who read this and I apologize for not always responding to comments and for the long hiatuses between some posts over the last six or eight months. I'm still learning the ropes of a new ministry, new place, new everything. We're gaining on the transitional business, but don't quite have it all done yet. And now it's getting to be tax time. ARRGGGH! We also have some personal challenges that have been frustrating, but I'm optimistic.

So from here on I do intend to blog more. Can that be a New Year's resolution or with most people is blogging one of the addictions they want to cut back on? But here are some of my good intentions:

• Post at least once a week, if not more often
• Respond to comments more frequently
• Keep up with my reading of others' blogs and post occasional comments
• Intersperse some lighter and more personal posts with the other stuff

In addition to blogging, I hope to settle back into some other regimens now that the holidays are behind us and we've been in Ohio for six months. My reading has been very sporadic over the past year, so I hope to make it through more books in 2008. I usually try to balance my reading among topics that will help me to grow personally, professionally, and intellectually. I'll share what I'm currently reading in a near future post.

In congregational ministry, my mission for 2008 is to get connected, with the priority being connection with the congregation. Not that I haven't done any of that and I've done more than most of our members could know since no one sees me all the time. But in addition to my reading regimen, I'll be getting back to a visiting regime that kind of fell by the wayside over the holidays. Not many want visits between Thanksgiving and New Years. Since some are so busy, formal visits aren't always possible with everyone. So I'll have to be creative about how to connect with young and busy families.

But for the record, I am very happy to be in my current location. It has not been a disappointment by any means. This is a rare kind of loving and accepting congregation that few ministers (or members) ever manage to find. Gretchen and I were just talking today about what this congregation has to offer:

• When we come away from worship we feel like we've really worshiped enthusiastically as a body.
• We are confident that newcomers to this congregation will be accepted and not needlessly offended.
• We have no doubt that we are loved.

We are blessed.