Why I like bluegrass and folk

I catch a lot of "flack" from people because my I like bluegrass and good folk music. Good folk actually tells a story. Folk is not just music with a British voice and a cute guitar player. I like these two forms of music because they tell a story. A story that is not often heard in most modern music. "Oh baby," and songs that contain the word "whoop" are not worthy of being called stories unless you consider the degradation of people and circumstances stories worth telling. My favorite musician is Doc Watson. Doc was discovered by a recording agent in the late 50's as he was on his way to a music festival in Virginia. A person told him that he should listen to this blind guy in the hills who could play guitar and sing about things that actually affected the local people. Like the bootleggers, absentee fathers. He rode in the back of a flatbed truck for an hour bouncing through the hills until he came upon a cabin with a blind guy with a homemade banjo and guitar. When he played the producer knew the stories had to be told. Now, I like other music but when I really want to get into the music I listen to Doc. That is his pic here.

Things that make me happy.

This is a list of random things that make me happy.
-My wife.
-My nephews.
-Golf in the mid 70s.
-A nice deer hunt.
-Pheasant hunting with friends.
-Real people.
-Good movies.
-Being outside, I hate the indoors.
-When God's people sing their hearts out.
-The humanity of Jesus.
-The deity of Jesus.
-Wake boarding.
-Snow skiing.
-Days I don't have to be around negative people.
-Good chile rellenos, like Aylenes (sp?)
-Old books by old religious people.
-Good salsa, like Sandi Durbin's.
-Spontaneous trips.
-Camping at the Littlefield's May place.
-Driving a tractor as the sun goes down.
-The feeling I have after I have taken communion.
I could go on but I just wanted to share a few, with no real reason just some things that were on my mind, and some that came to me as I wrote.

Who is Jesus? Who am I?

I just started preaching through the book of Mark. I have preached through the gospels before and I love the study of the life of Christ. A real man who was really God. Amazing. However, most of the time that I had studied the life of Christ I analyzed his movements and His teachings to find out who my Savior is. I think now that it is appropriate to look into the life of Jesus and ask the question "who am I." Who do I live like. Do my actions and thoughts mimic those of Christ. As we study the life of Christ I believe it is most important to learn to become like him. Knowing where He went and when and even what He taught is important but it the starting point of a life continuing on His legacy of service. Mark says "the beginning of the gospel." I believe the continuation is in the life of His followers. When you study who Christ ask yourself who you are.

Who knows?

It seems as if there is a trend that says that all can equally and authoritatively interpret the Bible. (Usually the "authoritative stance" is the one from the mouth of the person who raises his or her voice the loudest.) This seems problematic when you consider the thousands of divisions that have come from this idea. How do we know which interpretation is the correct one. I believe in the inspiration of scripture but to say that well intended and studied Christians all come to the same conclusion would be ignoring the obvious fact that we do not. My thought is this...should there be a larger counsel of scholars in their respective fields that help us understand the real meaning of a text or can anyone understand scripture? I am not talking about God's plan to save us, I believe the core of that message is generally accepted. Interpretation has changed throughout time. As of now I think it is a combination of the two. I think that we need help from learned people in their fields as well as the witness of faithful servants of Christ to help us wisely apply what the text teaches us. More importantly I don't believe faith is about the right interpretation it is about life and the way the scriptures manifest themselves in a person's life. Take one look at the lives of people who insist they are right, not very compelling. I bring this up because we need to look into why we are doing what we are doing and what authority it has. We also need to be weary of following unscrptural practices that stem from obstinant heart that refuses to listen to anyone other than self. I don't know...just some thoughts. What do you think? Do you think that all people can interpret the Bible with equal authority? Who in the congregation is best equipped to help aid translation? Would we listen if it contradicted us? How can we get to what the text is saying? How can we live more like Jesus in a Biblical manner?

Ipod and sermons.

I was watching something the other day where people listed their ipod lists. Here are ten songs on my ipod that are a good representation of the music I like, some are my favs but most are just in category lists and represent what I like.

1. Country Blues by Doc Watson.
2. Deacon Blues by Steely Dan.
3. One by Creed and Metallica.
4. If we are the body by Casting Crowns.
5. NPR morning edition, when I remember to download it.
6. Man in Black by Johnny Cash.
7. The road goes on forever..., Robert Earl Keen.
8. Easy for you to say by Linda Ronstadt.
9. In the air by Nonpoint.
10. Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder.
That was a good old music list but it works.

Some have asked if I would post sermons on my blog. I haven't been able to figure that out but here is a link to the church's website where many Sunday AM sermons are posted, most of the sermons on the right hand side of the page. http://www.coctulia.org/sermons.htm. If you have any questions let me know.
God bless all of you and I pray the peace of our Lord would be with you with this week.

My Ideal Day

If I had one day to do whatever I wanted, wherever I wanted and time and money were not an obstacle this is what I would do:
I would wake up and have breakfast in Mexico City, atole and tamales. Then I would pick up my nephews and take them to the park. After the park we would go to the White River in Arkansas and swim and fish. I would then float the river down to Stone Gate Meadows and play 18 holes before lunch with my wife and Jesus. I probably wouldn't ask any questions because I would be too shocked. After lunch with Jesus and Jennifer at La Hacienda in Fayetteville I would drive my Aston Martin over to my best friend Reece's house and say "I have an Aston Martin and you don't." Then I would go to the bank after selling the car because when this day ends I will be broke. I would then go skiing in Crested Butte. When I got back I would drive up to our land in Kingston and chill while my dad played old bluegrass and folk music. Then for dinner I would take my mom, sisters and Jennifer to some fufu restaurant because that is the kind of thing they like. Close the day reading and praying with my wife.

Aspens.

Aspen trees are beautiful. When we ski in Southern Colorado the Aspen always amazes me. I was reading National Geographic the other day and learned that Aspen trees share their root system. When you see a group of Aspens together you are looking at one tree with several different "shoots" from that one tree. Trees establish their roots and then other sprout off of that original root. They are totally connected though autonomous trees. The Aspen may well be one of the best representation of what the church is supposed to be; interconnected, feeding off of the same nutrients, reaching up and reaching out. Christianity is not the religion of the "Marlboro man." When Jesus spoke he used imagery around him to convey teachings on the kingdom. He used imagery from nature to describe the future church. The church is living. It is not an institution and should not be treated as such. Are we Aspens? Connected? Reaching up? Reaching out? Surviving together? Or are we individuals who live our own lives and do our own things and make the church part of our identity? We are saved for a purpose and our connection to each other helps define that purpose. We are saved to reach to the Father for our growth and reach out to fertile soil in the hopes that they too will become one of us.

5 signs your a redneck preacher!

These are five signs that you are a redneck preacher. I am not too sure why I know these but here goes.
1. The only shoes you have to wear with a suit are boots.
2. People tell you jokes about rednecks and you think they are gossiping about your family.
3. You think that the first day of deer season is the beginning of lint.
4. People are shocked when they find out you went to college.
5. You are the preacher for the Central Church of Christ in Tulia.

"Because I know you"

My wife is a wonderful person and very godly influence over my life. We were talking yesterday about how scripture points us to the character of God through examples, teachings and the historical development of His relationship with His people. Though it may be difficult to understand what God wants from us in all situations the point is to learn a character that can guide us through the whole of life. To break the Word into fragments to prove points and defend positions we had before we even read the text is both dangerous and idolatrous. The most important thing is loving God and others, around these two things God has operated with us through time. My wife said something like this; "though we have not seen each other in all situations and know how each one will act in those given situations as time passes, and we know each other more, we learn what turns the other on or off and what makes them happy, excited, etc." Same with God. We come to know Him as we come into a deeper relationship with Him. It is cyclical. We know Him, we know what He wants, we know Him and on it goes. Get to know the Lord of the Word and living the Word will fall into place.

Encouraged!

The last weeks Jennifer and I have been thinking about future. What we would do, where we would like to do it etc. I get very frustrated with systems that bow to the whim of the loudest and most obnoxious voice. I had mentioned earlier that I was thinking about taking a job offer in Amarillo while Jennifer finishes school. During this time I would do some more grad school and work toward teaching at the collegiate level, which is Jennifer's plan right now. I guess if I am honest I don't think I do a very good job at being a minister. Much of what I say about the system and those things that bother me stem from my own insecurity about what I do. I just didn't think that preaching was what I needed to do. But today was a day that I will never forget. Fridays are kinda lazy for me. I mess around the house, work on Sunday's sermon a little bit, pick the High School kids up for lunch and eat with them and then just hang out with my wife. I came early today and one of the women in the kitchen encouraged me to keep doing what I am doing. I don't think she knows how much it meant to have someone notice. I walked out of the room and through my tears thanked God for making it clear. I am not digging for anything here I just want to say that I really appreciate encouragement, and I hope that I will learn to encourage others, God knows we all need it.

13You must encourage one another each day. And you must keep on while there is still a time that can be called "today." If you don't, then sin may fool some of you and make you stubborn. (CEV)

Routine

Today is the beginning of a schedule, and I like that. Jennifer has gone back to school to do her MS in Math. She will teach a few undergrad classes and take nine hours. She should be done in two years. I am so proud of her and I know that in the long run this will prove beneficial. I am ready to have kids but when we look at our long term goals that may not be the best thing right now, and that is fine. At least she is still young. I mention this to say that I am glad to be back on some kind of a schedule. It doesn't effect me as much as Jennifer but it will be nice to have predictability in our home. She is better suited for the environment she is in now. I love routine, but I hate routine without a reason. At least this gives us something to look forward to. I don't have to much to say today. Those of you in Tulia please continue to pray for Central in two lights. One, that we find a youth minister. Two, that many people who have been encouraged would return. Pray that the Lord would do whatever necessary to encourage them to Him.

Preacher Icon

I was talking with a friend of mine Saturday. He is considering going into full time ministry. As a person who may feel comfortable teaching and preaching but maybe not as strong in other areas I wanted to warn him. I love preaching. I have considered, recently, of taking another job in Amarillo while my wife finished grad school. I think much of my consideration derives from the fact that I don't believe the "Preacher Icon" fits scripture. What is the preacher icon? It is the perfect hair, politically correct, always happy, usually compassionate and certainly well liked by everyone (because he is doing what they think he should). This may win a lot of friends and at times temporarily cause growth. But at what cost? I love preaching because I believe that the Word is living and nothing molds the heart of a Christian for the service of their King than the Word. I don't fit the preacher icon neither do I wish to fit the mold. I would hope that no single person would be expected to have all of the gifts needed to minister. This would result in a spiritual death for many. Use your gift, fan it into flame and let the entire body of Christ minister. I am thankful I am blessed to minister in a way I know God has called me to.

Kain and Coby

A couple of months ago Kain and Coby, my nephews, found a couple of kittens when we there visiting. There is no telling where they found them. The boys roam free and come to the house many times with new "surprises." They are my two favorite people on the planet and when we are away from them I miss them dearly. (This excludes my wife of course.) That week in Arkansas was a lot of fun. The night this pic was taken Dad came over, with the guitar of course, and we all sat around and had fun and sang old bluegrass. It was a lot of fun but the best part of every evening were the adventures of Kain and Coby. Mundane and normal to my sisters but they were the best part to me. I hope I can relish the rest of life like I do when I am around them. There innocence removes any hint of reservation or care about my surroundings I simply glad to be with them.

Patternism kills faith.

Patternism is defined as an attempt to reach a goal by following a certain pattern, like a map or an art template. If you follow the right route you will get to the right place. Faith can not be approached as if we are cutting out stick figures or driving to Dallas. Patternism promotes that when certain steps are followed a certain result will certainly take place. Usually it is manifested in the five steps to salvation or the four essential elements of worship. Though these lists are never listed in our order we may believe we have "rightly divided" the word to arrive at them. The problem I have with this is that the true worship and focus is on self and what you have done. It makes faith formulaic rather than living. Do we really want to be under a legal system in which all of the right rules must be followed. It never has worked before, and it will never work. Don't hear me saying something I am not but please hear me say that there is no simple step process that will bring a real and substantive relationship with the Father. Faith is experiential and relational not patternism. I hope this makes sense I felt like sharing what has come to my mind by preaching Galatians, I will post Sunday's sermon later.

Tagged

I have been tagged, it was over a week ago but I have been gone. The "tag" requires I tell 8 random things about myself and then ask you to do the same.
1. I play golf daily.
2. I like Mexican food.
3. I was named after a fort in Belgium.
4. I have twin sisters.
5. I am bilingual.
6. I think that people who dress their dogs share their dogs intelligence.
7. I pray to see the day when leaders are mainly concerned with people.
8. I have three dogs.

What is AIM?

Last week we were at camp in the Altus, OK. area, it was fun time and I believe that some lives were touched with the gospel. Several young people came to me and asked about the AIM program. Many of you who read this blog are my friends because of AIM and I ask you to briefly share your experience with potential future AIMers.
AIM which is acronym for Adventures in Missions was formed as tool for high school graduates to be prepared for and participate in missions around the world. The program has evolved from the early days. Those interested in AIM are usually between the ages of 18-mid twenties, though there have been many wonderful exceptions.
This is how it works: you move to Lubbock for 8 months and study the Bible as well as other practical aspects of mission work. You are then placed on a team of people, with whom you can work and then sent to a place you have expressed interest in. These places range from New York to New Zealand and all places in between. While on the mission field you and your team will assist the missionary effort in whatever needs to be done. Sometimes you will scrub toilets, sometimes you will study the gospel with someone. After a year to two years you come home and go to college or go to work but you will forever be changed. You can read more about AIM on there website http://www.aimsunset.org/.
My experience with AIM is not unique but it helps show what many of us have had the opportunity to experience. I was taught the gospel by a friend in high school and shortly after I began to develop an interest in ministry. I had no desire, at the time, to do anything other than stay at home and raise cattle and chickens. (Yeehaw...bock bock) My youth minister told me that I should consider going to preacher's school. I thought you have to go to school to learn how to act like a dufus. Needless to say I was not interested. Then I heard of a young lady from my congregation who went to the AIM program, I inquired, I became interested and I decided I would go. I didn't know what I was getting into but I wanted to serve the Lord and thought this might help. I moved to Lubbock. I remember the drive well; lots of DP, lots of Tom Petty and lots of time to think about what I was doing. Got to Lubbock and met my roommate, he was a Mexican. I had never been around anyone other than people who looked, acted, and tawlked just like me. Then we had our first class assembly. Some of the people in that group were odd, some sounded like my Monty Python videos, surely the church didn't reach that far. Classes started and I must admit I thought I already knew everything so for the first couple of weeks I didn't learn much. But then something happened, slowly God began to peel layers of selfishness, racism, close mindedness, and unfaithfulness away from my heart. I began to see that the gospel is needed everywhere and we must be willing to die in order to make it happen. Well I formed some friendships and my team was formed. I was on a team with four people. There was me, Travis the Canadian hockey stud, Hannah from England and Katie from Hawley, TX. Katie and I were the most alike but we all formed a friendship that has changed who I am. We went to Ecuador, first to Cuenca for about a year and then Quito for a little under a year. We saw things I can not describe, we witnessed the power of God in a culture foreign to all of us. Most of all God changed us. I haven's talked to many of teammates in quite sometime but I think of them often, I have picture of us four above my PC. We are normal people. AIM was the single best move I have ever made. I have gone through a few degrees, Sunset, grad school and all that. If I had to choose just one it would be AIM, no question. I wish I could explain what the program did for me, I simply can't. I share this for those of you have been through the program and for those of you who are thinking about it. If you want the opportunity to molded in a wonderful way consider AIM. The congregation where I serve as minister has AIM groups come up every year. As I watch them I am excited to know that their world is fixing to be rocked by God. If you want to be, or have been, a part of AIM please share your story. Peace.

I love my wife.

In my early twenties I desperately wanted to be married. Relationships failed and I found myself alone while all of my friends seemed to be getting married. It wasn't that I didn't have friends, I did, but because I am not a very gregarious person I didn't have many and I only had one or two that I shared everything with. When I met Jennifer we were working at a gym in Lubbock. I invited her to go out with me and some friends one Saturday night, it was a lot of fun. Jennifer and I started dating soon after. She was struck by my boyish good looks and irresistible charm. I remember we spent a lot of time together, she was at my apartment or I was at her house, we were always together. I remember one time I went to Arkansas and the night before Jennifer told me she could never marry me. I hadn't asked but, we both knew that the relationship was fixing to either get serious or die. I was hurt. I thought that past relationship history would repeat itself. When I returned I hadn't shaved in a week, I was dressed like a hick and for the first time Jennifer saw the real me. She told me later that she fell in love with me then. Which leads me to the reason I write this post. I love being married. I am often misunderstood, people assume to know much about you when you are in the public eye. Usually the assumption are false. Jennifer really knows me. She knows what makes me mad, what excites me, she knows my struggles, she knows those things about me that most people can't tolerate. I never find myself feeling insufficient or insecure when I am with Jennifer, I can just be me. The real me is not something most people think is right for a preacher (I would like to say why this is both logically and theologically flawed but this is about my wife). Jennifer is the most compassionate and devoted wife and Christian I know. I know that all good men say great things about their wives but I mean it. If there has been one constant in my life it has been the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of my life Jennifer. There is no better earthly relationship than the one I have with my wife. People sometimes ask me about the Ephesian view of the family "...wives submit....husbands love..." This is in not problematic when you love your wife as Christ loves the church. Jennifer and I both know who the head of the house is and I know who I am to die for should the day come. Often the imbalance is created from a lack of love, you will serve and love the Lord with whom you have fallen in love. As well, you will serve and love the Lord who has fallen in love with you. I wont say our marriage is perfect but it is the best one I know of, as it should be. We love each other. I love being married.

Theology of Evan Almighty

I have no problem whatsoever with fun, or fun movies. I have not seen Evan Almighty, by the way it's spelled Eben, but I have seen Bruce Almighty and I had no theological or existential breakdown because of the movie. I realized that it was a movie. Just a movie. The same applies to any other movie that takes a Biblical theme and dramatizes it for fun. We have been doing the same thing in our VBS for years, and many times the more accurate version is hard to distinguish. What does concern me though is that few people are reading their Bibles and more often are relying upon secondary mediums to form their view of God. I don't know what God or Noah look like, they may look like Steven Carrel and Morgan Freeman, but I do know that there were not a ton of people in the boat with Noah, as the previews indicate. However, it is safe and culturally acceptable to imagine a God who would never wipe everyone out. Why do I say this? I believe that far too often our view of God comes from something we wish was true, rather than looking at the truth. This has infested my mind and I have found myself defending the god I created based on what I hoped was true, rather than living for the True and Living God. Though we are to make the gospel appeal to the culture we now live in, rather than continuing like we live 50 years ago, the gospel should not change as the means should change.

The most fulfilling and substantive spirituality is one that is built upon a true and healthy view of God. Though we will never understand Him he reveals parts of Himself to us as we need it, and at times when we want it. Crave the pure spiritual milk...

What do you think? Do you think that movies and other forms of entertainment can lead to an unhealthy view of God or are they just movies.

The above may seem like an odd topic but it has been rolling around in my head for a while.

Hole in One

A friend of mine from Grad school came out last week and stayed the night with Jennifer and I. We went and played golf at the Tulia course and my friend Travis hit a hole in one on number 7. To those of you who don't play golf you can still appreciate the fact that this is very rare, according to my calculations...let's see g=h2+c=7+3=157 yards= well it is very hard. Travis played golf when he was a kid and you could tell because he had a natural swing. The muscle memory just came back to him, it was like he never quit playing. I believe that the past trains us for the hard stuff ahead. I have been reading 1Timothy again lately and this verse stuck out "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales rather; train yourself to be godly." 1Timothy 4:7. I believe that Timothy was a young, insecure and fearful minister that approached his ministry with fear, I could explain why later. Paul cut through the nonsense and told him to exercise discipline to become more godly to face whatever was in His future. Travis' previous training prepared him for the shot ahead.

Burn out

I remember when I was in school that some older preachers told us that there will come a time when you feel ineffective and burned out. At the time I thought 'not me, never.' I realized recently that much of my own apathy comes from this very thing. It may seem odd that a preacher would feel that way, but I do. I look at what is going on around me and most of the time now I just want to run away from it. I love the Lord and His church but wonder if I shouldn't be doing something else. I wont, because I have a sense of calling. I think it is important for us to realize that the most physically and mentally taxing work is that which involves the lives of others. It is not escapism. It is a reality that must be faced. I write this because I feel weak as a minister. I also believe that an unhealthy dependency and expectation is placed on the preacher far too many times. Ministers have families that often viewed as disposable at the cost of the peace with a far more important complaint. I hope this doesn't seem to vulnerable, it was hard for me to write.

I have learned that the path way to burn out is as follows:

1. Allow complaints to dictate what you do.

2. Hang out with gossips.

3. Though your to be available 24/7 you better not take the time needed to relax.

4. When you finally feel burned out, just accept apathy as the norm.

I am thankful for what I do and would never consider anything else but doubt is creeping in. If you are in the same place distinguish between burn out and laziness and take the time needed to regroup, it will leave you much more effective. God bless and peace.

How amazing grace truly is.

I was talking with my wife the other day about the patience of God. I know that many times I have said God is patient, but I think I said it because I thought I had to and not because I knew it. Just because something is stated as truth and your head believes does not always mean your heart is convicted by that truth. Until, you experience just how real the truth is. I was thinking on some struggles of my own and realized that the Lord has been the one constant presence through it all. What does this have to do with patience? Because of His grace he chooses to be patient with us, a choice he does not have to make, a choice that our actions show is not merited. I get really bothered when I hear that salvation and remaining in God's hands is all up to us. We are saved, and remain saved, by grace, not by works so that no man can boast. Grace and patience inspires more faithfulness, not less. How many friends, who are patient and good, have you ever wanted to disappoint? None of them! God bless your day.

Liars hate Light

Recently I came to the realization that honesty is a dying thing. I believe it is a sad day when people choose to be dishonest because it will result in fewer troubles. This is the syndrome of the path of least resistance at all costs. As Christians we should guard ourselves against the washed out integrity that many support. It manifests itself in several ways, such as being blatantly dishonest but justifying it by more "noble" means, etc. What a pathetic and weak excuse for Christianity. Please don't associate or take advice from those who promote this kind of life. At times their influence reaches way beyond their true character. Jesus called Satan the "father of lies." It is no surprise then to realize that those who would continue to engage in dishonesty are Satan's greatest allies. I would say we need a return to brutal and real honesty. This doesn't mean throw away tact (I don't have any to throw away). Rather be honest with yourself, with God and with others. We can only draw closer to the Father when we get stuff into the Light. Liars hate the light, and Satan is the great liar. Jesus is the light. So be honest and stop running from those things that need to be dealt with. Liars hate the light.
I am sure the above seems random but in light of some things going on around me I thought I would just vent.

Independance Day

Today is the 4th of July. There isn't much going on in the Emerson house today. Jennifer is cleaning out some closets and I have been doing some yard work. Today invokes a lot of memories of growing up. My grandaddy was a high ranking official in the army before he retired. As you can imagine the importance of our Independence declaration was a very important subject. I hope and pray that our freedom would result in an uninhibited desire to tell people that Jesus is the Way, Truth and Life and that no one goes to the Father except through Him. Freedom came at a price and no where is that more true than in Christianity. Galatians 5 teaches us that we were 'freed for freedom sake. ' We have simply been freed to serve God not to live as we wish, the rest of the chapter makes that clear. What do you think is the greatest responsibility of our freedom in Christ?

In an accident

Went to Amarillo yesterday and got in a wreck. We were OK, or so I thought, I couldn't sleep last night because of my neck. Though, if needed, I would use an attorney this whole ordeal got me to thinking about how so many people abuse the system for money they never would have earned. I mean if a person is in a wreck and their most steady income has been welfare I don't think they should be able to sue for millions because of pain and suffering. It is a corrupt system. I think that Proverbs had it right, if you don't work you don't eat. But this all stems of course from the other Proverb, spare the rod spoil the child. Instant gratification is in because we can not wait to appease whatever need arises. This has created a dependency upon things and relationships and people are not as valued. (The growing porn industry illustrates this well.)

I know the above is random. I will post later.

this blog and your questions

I would imagine that many of you are reading this for the first time.

I started this blog to air questions and provide honest dialogue. This blog will not be censored, unless people are vulgar. I invite you to ask any question you want. If you are looking for honesty this is your place. If you are looking to find further justification for everything you have always believed please go to another place. The point of this is not controversy but rather a medium for us to say what and ask each other honest questions. I am doing this to get an idea of what people really think. If you want to remain anonymous that is cool. At times I will ask questions. They may relate to what is going on in my life and they may just be questions I am asking out of curiosity. You may ask why don't you just do this face to face, well I am not a real social person. I used to feel bad about this, I don't anymore because I realized the guilt was from a false perception of what- and sometimes who- I should be.

So...post a question or comment and let's start talking.

What matters the mostest.

I know that is bad grammar, if you know me you are not too surprised. Yesterday a friend of mine from school came out and stayed the night with Jennifer and me. We were grilling some steaks and talking on the back porch. He had served as a youth minister for a congregation in San Diego for a time. We talked about all of the things we like and dislike about ministry in the churches of Christ. I was thinking about it later and realized that in spite of all the things that we could be doing better we are still saved people and in His patience we can work those things out. At the end of the day we need to ask ourselves if our enlightenment helps us realize this or if it polarizes us from the very people we should love the most. I say this because many times my disagreements come from a selfish interest and not a sincere love for others and God. What matters the mostest; we are saved by Christ.

Apathy

I think that the primary crutch of the church is apathy. I see it all the time and I am one of it's greatest allies at times. It seems that when people are fed sugar water gospel and have everything done for them it leads to an apathetic spirit that buckles when forced to do what the "preacher" is "supposed" to do. I believe this stems from the fact that our view of ministry comes more from the civic clubs and coffee shops in small towns and not from the Bible as we so proudly claim it does. We have long abandoned the sola scritura (Bible alone) idea of the church and ministry and have adopted a pluralistic view that easily fits into our lives. This has created an apathy toward devotion. I could be wrong but the greatest reformations that have ever taken place in the whole of Christianity revolved around trying to break this cycle and promote God-focused, Bible centered faith rather than the alternative; culturally adapted Christianity. This form of Christianity has a form of godliness but denies the power thereof.

End of day, Thursday 6-28-07

It is about 11, I can hear Jay Leno in the background, Jennifer is getting ready for bed and I am about about to chill and fall half asleep in the recliner and then go to bed. It was good day. I have realized the power of positive attitude lately, which is a difficul thing for me because I tend to look at the negative. Played in a scramble tonight, we won, we used my drives each time but that was the only real contribution I made to the game. I have enjoyed playing golf. Travis, a friend of mine from grad school, is coming up tomorrow to stay the night. It will be fun. I don't know how this whole blog thing is going to work but I am going to speak honestly about what is going on in our lives. I invite questions but if you know I wont side with you don't ask questions to incite fights, I wont give the answers I think you want I will be honest. I am going to go for now. God bless and have a good night.

Time to blog.

I thought that I would start this blog to let people see what is going on our lives. I pray that the communication generated will bring glory to God and encouragement to all of us.

The summer has started out to be a crazy one. At the church we are without a youth minister so Jennifer and I have put off some vacation plans to hopefully be more available for whatever comes up. Jennifer's sister Alicia is going to have a baby this summer and we are waiting eagerly for him to be born. We feel that the Lord has blessed us lately and we feel grateful for His patience with us as we have stumbled our way through our time here in Tulia. Some of our closest friends are moving this next week and we hate to see them go, but we understand and hope the best for them.

That is all for now, I am going to go ahead try to figure this blog thing out. Let me know what you think I could do to make this a better blog. Also I would encourage I would love to answer questions, but please only ask questions you want an answer to.