reading at the lake

An exert from above book:

Home! Come home. Does not this ache that refuses to leave our hearts want to remind us that we are not yet at home? What gifts do we possess to help us on the homeward journey except our littleness and our greatness, our frailty and our splendor, our poverty and our wealth, our new name, lived out. Little-Great-One (this is our new name at Baptism), come home.

What is home but that place where your name becomes precious, the place where your name finds its power? You find power when you are at home because it is there that you are loved, cherished, and accepted just as you are, with all your frailty, fears, and flaws. It is there in that lovely dwelling place called home that you discover you don't have to be perfect to be loved. There at home, you are able to embrace the truth that it's part of your life journey to be in the process. You don't have to e finished to be good. You don't have to be finished to see your splendor.

What is home but that place where forgiveness stands at the door, peers out the window, and rushes down the steps to meet you? You may be thinking, "I've never felt that kind of home." Well, neither have I, but I've experienced enough of home's moments to know that it's possible. It takes a lot of the real presence of being there to feel at home; sadly, many of us seldom feel at home.

The call from God is to come home, to embrace both our littleness and our greatness and come home. Come home to our families, friends, our church our selves, our God.

reflections...from the lake

Change can never erase love.

(Insight at the lake)

On the dock.

Best friends hat.

Sweetest dog ever.


Terracotta sun on the deck.


We refuse to get a sun burn!


T.V. at lake dominated by 3 year olds
appetite for Tom and Jerry!
Seven days of a good thing is ENOUGH!

a doodle doo....

We heard a story about our 3 year old with whom we are living with this week. As with any young child he repeats what he hears. He came home from pre-school several days in a row repeating one word he had heard on the play ground, the other four letter word for a rooster. He would blare the word out and his mommy would calmly tell him that was a word he did not need to use.

On the third or fourth day he tested the water again and tried out his new word. This time mommy looked down at him with a scowl. He knew that he was in trouble. Before his mom could say a word our little one looked up with his forehead wrinkled up and his eyes twinkling and he quietly added to his offensive word, "a doodle doo"?!?!

He saved the day with his clever addition, and hasn't spoken the word in question again.

at the lake...

Our annual trek takes us to the lake. There's just something about this place....it's always time for a nap! We are with our good friends PT Pastor and Fat Doctor and thier delightful son. We swam a bit this afternoon. The rest of the day has been all about relaxing.

As I play with friends 3 year old I remember when PT wasn't yet married and he was playing with our 3 year old. Time changes all things. This year our once 3 year old stayed at home. He's almost 18 and has a full-time job this summer.

We have come to that moment when we just have to trust that my son will make wise decisions while we are gone. We have done all we can do to teach him responsibility, ethics, morality, etc. He has to do it now on his own. I'm a bit nervous....but I can't do much about it. I choose to trust.

If you haven't yet taken time to rest, relax and enjoy this summer....it's time to do something about it. We don't have a lot of expendable cash but we refuse to give this time away up. Happy week. Mine will be.

loyalty

The above photo depicts the Queens Badge of Loyalty. If I were British I would be wearing such. This is because I am a loyal person. Unlike many in my generation I remained loyal to the church I grew up in. The Presbyterian Church has lost the majority of the last three generations. I stayed. I am still here.

When others became members of "independent" churches or left the church completely I stayed. I not only stayed I became ordained. As an ordained minister for the majority of my journey I have worked to please the people I serve. This means that I have worked to please the parents and grandparents of the generations of people who left.

This month I begin my 20th year of ordination. I am wondering what this loyalty to older generations has accomplished. Perhaps I have been so loyal to pleasing people that I have failed to remain loyal to the very one who called me. I wonder if God is nudging me to nudge others. People around me would say that is exactly what is happening.

All I know is that the next 20 years of ministry will not be like the first. I have learned a great deal about myself, and during the last several years I have gained a new perspective for ministry.

I don't know about you but I become the movie I watch.

I am not ashamed to admit that I once owned an ABBA album, and further more I liked their music. I'll also admit that I went to see Mamma Mia' today with my daughter. What a sight! The audience that is. Truly, it was like walking into church. There were maybe a dozen men of various ages and hundreds of women, most with gray hair.

My wife will tell you that no matter what movie I am watching, I become the movie. I can't help it. This is why I hate to watch previews. I get all wrapped up in becoming the movie only to find out it is a preview! With each preview I put on a new emotion. By the time the main feature begins I am exhausted.

My wife saw Mamma Mia' with her friend. She said, "Go see it. You'll enjoy it. I am just thankful I won't be there with you." That's because I become the movie. O.k. I didn't dance during the movie. But I wanted too!

I don't care what you think about me, that I enjoyed this smaltzy chick flick. I am secure in who I am, and that my friends makes life more enjoyable.

What DID Jesus Do?

Matthew 9:25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose.

Mark 3:9 And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they should crush him...

Yes, of course there are many instances in Scripture when Jesus was in the middle of crowds teaching and healing and laughing. But not always!

Crowds do not always provide space for healing, renewal, or rest. Sometimes the crowds were sent away so that Jesus might escape. On these occasions he went away to rest, pray, or to heal someone without gawking, bumping crowds!

What is it about the mega church? Why are gigantic amphitheater structures adorned here and there to resemble a church and massive numbers of people so appealing?

I suppose Jesus would visit a mega church, but I also know that Jesus would totally delight in a small church!

I will not spend time berating extra large congregations, that happens often enough. What doesn't happen often enough is the celebration of small congregations! There is joy, and life to be had in a smaller congregation. Yet, in this day and age small congregations are told that they are not successful, nor do they have a purpose.

I'm not so sure Jesus called us to build successful churches, atleast successful in the way we have come to understand. Nor do I believe any longer that a church should strive to offer programs for every possible age, or interest. And I do not believe the purpose of church was ever based on entertainment.

I believe churches should do what they do best and leave the rest for someone else. It is not important for a small church to copy the ministry of a large program church. Large churches will never have what small churches have and small churches will never have what large churches have. Yet, Jesus needs both.

I am just thinking out loud today.......I think the fact that Jesus chose only 12 to travel and spend most of his time with......that Jesus just might chose to be a member of a small church. It's a thought. And no, you don't have to agree.

singing the blues...

The President says that the economy is fine. Phil Graham says that we're all just a bunch of whiners. The President says that he doesn't have a magic wand to make the economy all better, especially the gas crisis. He says that it took a long time to get this way and it will take a long time to get better.

Funny, I recall the gas prices sky rocketing over night. I recall a barrel of gas going up only a few cents and the prices at the pump going up dollars in one afternoon. Seems to me the President does have a magic wand when it is in his favor.

Many of us are singing the blues. I have a truck that just cost $900 to repair and two other cars waiting to be repaired. My salary is not keeping up with the increasing costs of gas and food. I still have a house, and health insurance though. I am thankful for that.

I and many others are singing the blues....
And the blues my friends has nothing to do with whining!

Update: tcugrad, I don't know for sure....that's why I use the word "seems". I do know the current President and the Vice President have oil backgrounds and just maybe they might even have large oil related stock options. If so, high pump prices would be in their personal favor.

Pondering the Mayor's letter.

Mayor Steve Mitchell
Richardson, Texas

I got a letter from the Mayor two weeks ago in reply to my questions and concerns for those who are poor, and homeless in the city. He chose the same expression as the former Mayor did in his reply to me over a month ago. They both commended for my passion. I suppose passion undergirds my letters and newspaper articles but I choose to believe I simply have compassion.

After several weeks of pondering the Mayor's commendation I have come to the conclusion that it is far easier for one to to distance themselves from a passionate person. But oh, how much harder it is to discount one with compassion.

It seems my passion is to be commended but is not something that the city can be bothered with at this particular time. The cities passion at the moment is to become a premier first tier suburb. Everyone knows that premier communities don't want to be bothered with issues such as poverty or homelessness.

Case and point. Our mayor asked me when visiting my office who the homeless really belong to. If a person doesn't have an address then which city in the Metroplex is responsible to offer assistance. I suppose we can all stand around and yelp that we aren't responsible.

Technically the Mayor is correct. This city like all other cities are designed to serve citizens who live within the city limits. Yet, the pesky little fact that we are all members of the human race, and are called by God to have compassion for each other means that we are responsible for those who are without basic needs.

His letter was written to tell me what it means when the city says they support the local community ministry agency. He couldn't tell me what "support" meant until he had some research done. The good news is that the city does have the work of the local agency in mind. The real news is the city offers minimal assistance.

The rest of the news is that this city can do so much better. There are people who will gladly offer support and wisdom as to how the city can be proactive in offering support and care for those in need.

Passionate or Compassionate? Call me what you want. I believe caring for others in tangible ways is our human responsibility!

"I know, you are probably asking what would Jesus do?" the mayor said to me. That's a comment reserved for the Mayor when speaking with minister types!

No, I'm not waiting for Jesus to do anything. Jesus is waiting for me and you to get off our duff and DO!

Gretting Card Ideas for the Monaville General Store

It may be time for a new perspective.

Cemetery at Monaville, Texas


Sometimes all you need to
do to have a good time is stop.
The lights of Monaville, Texas


Follow me.
Farm gate near Monaville, Texas


Oh the stories I could tell.
Pine tree at the Monaville General Store.

Monaville?

If you drive too fast you will miss Monaville! Located on Texas Farm Road 359 near Harris Creek you will find one blinking red light, a historical marker, a new restaurant and bar called the Thirsty Parrot, an old store called Monaville Grocery and very soon a brand new store called

The Monaville General Store.

My sister and her family are opening the new General Store. Here is a current photo of the building.

Who is Mona and why does she have a "ville"?

Here is a little history:

Daniel C. Singletary opened the area's first post office and grocery store in 1886 and named the community in honor of his daughter Mona. Although the office discontinued postal service to the surrounding agricultural community in 1913, the community still had a school and a cotton gin. In 1941 Monaville reported a population of seventy-five. In 1987 Monaville remained an agricultural and livestock-raising community with one business. The community reported a population of 180 in 1990 and 2000.

sermon qoute of the day

(wife's sermon)

Presbyterians claim
that the Holy Spirit
speaks in the majority vote,
that is
until we don't agree
with the majority!

This is an actual picture of the
218th General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

You tell me: How did Jesus vote?

other photos from last week

Front gate to my sister's house on the farm.

Two scenes on the way to my sister's farm.

Covered bridge @ entrance of the subdivision where my parents live. When I was young the bridge floated away in a flood and was re-built only to be burnt down by a neighbor kid who had been known to play with fire. The bridge now has a concrete foundation. Back in the day it was wood and we could hear the cars crossing in our house.

Moss in a live oak.


Bromeliad on my parents backyard deck.
They have about 20 growing in huge pots.

visiting my parents last week...

My grandmother sketched the design for this building on scratch piece of paper. This was the location of my maternal grandfather's Pontiac dealership in the late 40's and 50's. It is currently being transformed into a community theater.

Soon the building to the right will be remodeled. This is the site of my paternal grandfather's cafe which operated in the 60's.

This was my mother's aunt's house. She married a man who struck oil. The next photo will show you that I grew up on another branch of the family tree.

This is where my mother's parents lived. The house above (my rich great aunt) was on the other side of the bushes to the right. My great aunt detested my grandmother. She never thought she was good enough for my grandfather. This is their old house today, not well kept.

This is where I went to school from 3rd to 5th grade. The tree to the far left is the pecan tree my 5th grade class planted on arbor day!

hot mic stupidity

He was whispering so the Rev. had to know there was a possibility for someone to overhear his STUPID remarks. I mean really, the one year Democrats have an intelligent, likeable candidate! I say someone close Jesse up in a closet until after the election.

It is unbelievable to me that Rev. J.J. would say anything to mess up the first opportunity for our country to elect an African American president. Perhaps jealously that Barack has done something he could not do is the reason for his stupidity. Or maybe, just maybe this is another example of his self-centeredness gone amuck.

Now that you have apologized Mr. Jackson go sit in the corner and don't say another word until we elect Barack Obama as our next president.

I haven't sung in a year...

I can't remember the exact day ....it was sometime last year. I stopped going to choir on Wednesday nights. There are practical reasons that kept me out of the loft such as an overloaded schedule. The bottom line was that I needed a break.

The best part of my current ministry is the music on Sunday morning. Worship on Sunday mornings literally brings alive the Kingdom of God on earth.

Though I miss singing with the choir, I have greatly enjoyed listening to them this past year. My absence from the loft has been a lesson in listening.....and discerning. I have learned that it is one thing to sing, and it is a whole other thing to listen. However, those who don't sing are not necessarily listening!

It became clear this week that I have some more listening to do.

In the tradition of the Quakers who gather to help each other discern I met with four others at the Presbytery to do just that.....listen and discern. I don't know why more of us don't do this! What stops us from listening?

It is amazing to hear what the others heard me saying. I know what I was saying.....what I didn't know was what they were hearing! When they told me what they heard.....that's when I was finally able to hear what God wanted me to hear.

I had no idea that stepping out of the choir loft a year ago would open my ears in a new way!

Who thought of this?

O.k. I seriously get this story! After all we live in America, the land of the free. Above, are photos from the Cockroach Hall of Fame. This kind of entertainment is what makes our country great.

Thankfully, this roach infested sanctuary is located in an area with strict sign ordinances so we are not tortured with the traditional series of signs teasing us: "200 miles to Roach Heaven!" "One more exit to Roach's are Us!"

The thing that surprises me most is that the Cockroach Hall of Fame is located in Plano, Texas....a wealthy suburb and home of the most plastic surgeons per square mile. The real laugh is that in this place where denial runs high....is this shrine for a bug most people refuse to believe exists, at least in their neighborhood.

My daughter and some friends went to see the roaches first hand. All I can say is this is what memories are made of!

It's baaaaack!

For two years I have not carried a cell phone.

That bit of news was disturbing to many people. "What do you mean you don't have a cell phone? How are we supposed to reach you? For gosh sakes man you are a minister! Members of your church need to be able to contact you 24 hours a day. What are you thinking?"

Seems no one failed to reach me. Eventually I got all my messages, some I wish I never heard.

Come to find out there are plenty of people who don't carry cell phones. It was as if those of us who do not carry a phone in our pocket or purse are part of a secret club. We can spot each other from a mile away.

I would dare say that non cell phone carriers are an elite group living life on the edge....risking missed messages, and requests, having to communicate the old fashion way.....face to face!
I remember the first portable phone I used. My wife was pregnant and I had a youth event 28 miles from our house. My friend, a church member, let me borrow his portable phone just in case my wife needed to contact me. That phone came with a case.....twenty something pounds and all! Those were the days!

I remember being stranded at the airport in Kansas City. I arrived for my flight 24 hours early. I didn't read my itinerary correctly. My best friend drove away after we said our goodbyes. I didn't have a cell phone, nor did I have his cell phone number! I had to use a public phone. Public phones aren't like they used to be. All the numbers and rules have changed.

I had to call my wife in Texas to call my friend in Kansas City who called his sister to come pick me up at the airport. I have to admit....a cell phone would have made my life easier that day.

So it came to pass. I own a cell phone again. This past week I learned how to text message! I would admit that it was not totally necessary to get all the messages I got.....but it has made my life easier.

I hate to admit it......I like my cell phone.

faith and flag?

Hitler proclaimed to be head of the church. And in many ways the church in Germany during his political reign succumbed to his power. The Nazi flag was displayed by the church as depicted in the photo above. Were religious leaders forced to display the flag? Perhaps some leaders and church members felt like they had no other option but to hang the swastika clad flag.

However,

history tells us that some Christians in Germany rejected Hitler as head of the church and did not agree to display the Nazi flag. These Christians risked their very lives to proclaim that Christ is the Head of the church!

I am proud to claim the confessional history of the Confessing Church of Germany. These are the faithful who gathered and wrote the Theological Declaration of Barmen. Here are a few of the words from the confession.

"In view of the errors of the "German Christians" of the present Reich Church government which are devastating the Church and also therefore breaking up the unity of the German Evangelical Church, we confess the following evangelical truths...

We reject the false doctrine, as though the Church, over and beyond its special commission, should and could appropriate the characteristics, the tasks, and the dignity of the State, thus itself becoming an organ of the State."

So what about the American flag in the sanctuary? Are Americans forced to display the flag? No.

Am I and others comparing America to the former Nazi Germany? No. Do I believe the American flag should be displayed in the sanctuary? No.

However, I do understand those who believe differently. I understand the veteran who fought in WWII in order to defeat Hitler. I also hear the Korean Vet who says that the flag represents his freedom to come and worship where he chooses.

I, however grew up in the Viet Nam and Watergate era. I did not learn to always trust the decisions of our government. HOWEVER, I celebrate our countries history, am thankful for the constitution, deeply love where I live, honor those who put their lives on the line for America and other nations!

When I enter the sanctuary, I enter to worship God.....the one and holy God who in Jesus Christ established the Kingdom of God on earth....this Kingdom includes all people, and all nations. The Sabbath is a day set aside for the sole worship of God, not me, not you, not this country or any other country.

Can we pray for our country during worship? Yes. Can we give thanks for this country during worship? Yes. But we must always do these things with the understanding that we are called to live as citizens of the Kingdom of God.....a Kingdom that includes England, Africa, Japan, Canada, Cuba, Mexico, China, Syria, Germany, Columbia, etc.

Will the flag be on display in the sanctuary where I lead worship this Sunday? Yes. The leaders of the congregation have agreed that the flag would be on display in the sanctuary on the Sundays nearest....July 4th, Veterans Day, and Memorial Weekend.

The flag remains in the Narthex on all other days.

What the church needs is poetry.

The church has forgotten how to think with imagination and to speak creatively. We've simply become one more warehouse for merchandise, an outlet for the purpose of selling goods and programs. We believe with all our heart that "being" church is about attracting people.

I'm part of an old mainline denomination. In the 80's and even a bit earlier I heard the critiques so called "independent", non denominational churches had of denominations like mine.

"The Spirit of God is not in your church anymore!"

"Your church is out of touch."

"Your church needs to be more seeker friendly."

Sure they had a point. And at the time and through the years it would seem that they were right. After all we have seen the growth of the mega-church.

But think about it. What is the main thrust of the mega-church mentality?

Attract, meet surface needs of people, attract, entertain, attract.

I understand these thoughts are a generalization. All I am saying is that what the "independent", non denominational churches built to replace denominations like the one I serve have failed to revitalize Christ's church in America.

Church buildings filled with coffee bars,

amusement oriented youth plazas,

indoor play grounds, stores, etc.

are not, have not, and will not

become the church/community God intended.

Hear me out. I'm not saying my way is better. It is not. In many ways the denomination I serve has failed to make space for the breath of God to breathe new life into our tired and worn out programs. We have sorely missed the mark.

What the church needs are poets! We need gifted people with the insight and imagination with joy and energy to help us listen. We have not been listening to God....not me, not you, not us, not them.

Who are the poets in your life, in your community? Seek them out and let them lead.

Poets will not do what we have been doing. Poets won't build monster buildings with glitzy attractions. Poets speak the truth about yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Poets dig down to the root of what we are feeling. Poets push us to let go and to hold tight.

It's time for the poets and artists, the singers and the dreamers to lead the church.

Doctor of Dudeology

For my new friend Andrew. I've found a new home for you. Dude, this sight was made just for you! Take a look for yourself dude! Andrew is a minister student in my current Doctor of Ministry class. This brilliant thinker peppers his deep thoughts with "dude". "Dude you need to grab hold of this eschatological moment!"

I am encouraging A. to write a book on "dudeology". In my quick study of the subject I found a whole community of dudes....theology and all. Check out the Church of the Latter Day Dudes!