While watching Superman Returns yesterday, Kylie asked, "Does God love Lex Luthor?"
"Of course he does," I said. "He love Lex Luthor, Superman, Lois Lane, Mommy, Daddy, and you. God loves everyone."
I now feel justified in renting Superman Returns for her.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Well Well Well
Today has been a great day. Kathryn slept great, rarely fussing last night, which let me sleep a total of 6-7 hours. Erika got about that much too (I got up early and took Kathryn downstairs with me).
Kylie fell asleep on the couch last night around 6:30, and stayed asleep until about midnight. She was up until 2 am, just playing and dancing. It's a strange sight to see a three year old having that much fun in the middle of the night. A portent of things to come?
We visited with friends, I got a lot of work done (unexpected, but welcomed), and enjoyed the day. All is well.
Kylie fell asleep on the couch last night around 6:30, and stayed asleep until about midnight. She was up until 2 am, just playing and dancing. It's a strange sight to see a three year old having that much fun in the middle of the night. A portent of things to come?
We visited with friends, I got a lot of work done (unexpected, but welcomed), and enjoyed the day. All is well.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
We're Home
Erika and Kathryn are napping, Erika's mom has gone to fetch some prescriptions, and Kylie is running around in her new Tinkerbell costume. All is well.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Love Multiplied
There's a strange sensation when your life suddenly deepens, like wading in a lake where the sandbar ends. You find yourself surprised, excited, and taking a deep breath before the plunge. This has happened before. Kylie added so much richness to our lives that we scarcely remember life without her. I wasn't sure how having another child would be, since we've been through the experience before. Would the same intensity be there?
Moreso. Kathryn is a joy. One of those deep joys that have to be experienced, regardless of the struggles. The love for my family has deepened, multiplied, and I imagine that this is just the beginning. I changed her very first diaper last night, helped give her first bath, even napped a little on my not-quite-long-enough couch. As with Kylie, there are brief glimpses of others when the light hits just so - Grandma Raney, Nani, Granny, Mommy. Erika and I marveled last night about the beauty of such a little one.
It's a good thing to know you belong where you are - mind, body, and spirit. We've seen an outpouring of love from our friends, friends we can truly call family. This is blessing.
Moreso. Kathryn is a joy. One of those deep joys that have to be experienced, regardless of the struggles. The love for my family has deepened, multiplied, and I imagine that this is just the beginning. I changed her very first diaper last night, helped give her first bath, even napped a little on my not-quite-long-enough couch. As with Kylie, there are brief glimpses of others when the light hits just so - Grandma Raney, Nani, Granny, Mommy. Erika and I marveled last night about the beauty of such a little one.
It's a good thing to know you belong where you are - mind, body, and spirit. We've seen an outpouring of love from our friends, friends we can truly call family. This is blessing.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Kathryn Finley Sears
Kathryn Finley Sears was born August 24, 2007, at 2:42 pm. She weighs 8 lbs. 13 oz. and was 22 inches long!
I'll post more as I get the chance. Mom and baby are doing great.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Getting Nostalgic
I'm working on getting all of my tech stuff ready for tomorrow (video camera, regular camera, iPod, etc.), and started looking through some old videos of Kylie. I made this for her first birthday.
Brings back memories!
Brings back memories!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Leadership: Movement
The second part of hope is movement. Focus, by itself, doesn't impact the way we live. There must be movement. Following Christ requires movement. Leading others requires movement. Focus shows us where we are going, movement makes it possible to get there.
Philippians 3:12-16
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Matthew 16:24-26
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
2 Corinthians 4:7-11
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body.
Movement is us becoming more like Christ. Some call this sanctification, some call it transformation. Both indicate a change. We show the hope we have in Christ when we move toward him. The closer we are to Christ, the greater our ability, through him, to impact others.
Philippians 3:12-16
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Matthew 16:24-26
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
2 Corinthians 4:7-11
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body.
Movement is us becoming more like Christ. Some call this sanctification, some call it transformation. Both indicate a change. We show the hope we have in Christ when we move toward him. The closer we are to Christ, the greater our ability, through him, to impact others.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Slog
That's the only word I know to express how it feels around here lately. We're living for Friday. As a result, I'm spending the night waiting until a respectable time to go to bed, and tomorrow will be spent doing the same (not totally, I am looking forward to Bible study).
I normally don't approach days this way, much less a week. I guess I should probably be glad that I can look forward to sleep and know it's coming.
If you don't hear from me this week, don't worry. I'll be back with good news (and pictures).
I normally don't approach days this way, much less a week. I guess I should probably be glad that I can look forward to sleep and know it's coming.
If you don't hear from me this week, don't worry. I'll be back with good news (and pictures).
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Shock
On Friday, as I was leaving work, I saw a teenager on a bike get hit by a car going 50 mph. I was maybe 20 yards away. Amazingly, when I got out of my car to try to help, he was standing in the road. In a small town like Hutto, the cops arrive quickly, so after everyone seemed to be OK, I left.
I could barely get the key in the door by the time I got home. I felt like I either wanted to cry or throw up, but did neither.
It's interesting how people react. Standing up after getting hit, slowing down, driving away, getting out, watching from a distance. What happens when stuff comes out of nowhere? What do you do? I'll admit, for a moment I was simply paralyzed, knowing what I should do, but not wanting to.
I think the kid's OK. I told the community officer that we'll do what we can for the families involved. Lift up some prayers.
I could barely get the key in the door by the time I got home. I felt like I either wanted to cry or throw up, but did neither.
It's interesting how people react. Standing up after getting hit, slowing down, driving away, getting out, watching from a distance. What happens when stuff comes out of nowhere? What do you do? I'll admit, for a moment I was simply paralyzed, knowing what I should do, but not wanting to.
I think the kid's OK. I told the community officer that we'll do what we can for the families involved. Lift up some prayers.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Leadership: Focus
The next part of leadership I want to examine is hope. In my opinion, this is something that I've not seen as much time devoted to, compared with faith and love. But, nevertheless, it is vital in our development of influence. And the first aspect of hope is focus.
Focus is simply the ability to look toward what God is doing, rather than being mired in the past (whether success or failure).
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Joel 2:27-29
Then you will know that I am in Israel,
that I am the LORD your God,
and that there is no other;
never again will my people be shamed.
And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
Properly focused, a follower of Christ is able to find perseverance, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of God's desires for this world. We see the future that God controls, rather than a future controlled by the evil forces of this world (even the world within us).
Typically, when I think of focus, I imagine the field of vision shrinking, smaller and smaller. However, I think when we focus on Christ, our field of vision actually grows, we begin to see possibilities that we never could before. Moments of despair give way to the indomitable truth of a relationship with Christ - hope.
Focus is simply the ability to look toward what God is doing, rather than being mired in the past (whether success or failure).
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Joel 2:27-29
Then you will know that I am in Israel,
that I am the LORD your God,
and that there is no other;
never again will my people be shamed.
And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
Properly focused, a follower of Christ is able to find perseverance, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of God's desires for this world. We see the future that God controls, rather than a future controlled by the evil forces of this world (even the world within us).
Typically, when I think of focus, I imagine the field of vision shrinking, smaller and smaller. However, I think when we focus on Christ, our field of vision actually grows, we begin to see possibilities that we never could before. Moments of despair give way to the indomitable truth of a relationship with Christ - hope.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
The Countdown Begins
OK, it's official. We're to be induced (that's the royal we by the way) next Friday. Nine days!
Simple Isn't Easy
I've been working through Galatians for our Bible studies, and I'm struck at how simple Paul is in his defense of the gospel. And, because of its simplicity, he makes a very simple statement: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." And I think this is one of the most difficult things to live by.
I don't think we like freedom. We don't like choices, and we don't like options. It's too much responsibility. Paul's version of freedom goes beyond our slavery to sin, and into our slavery to the Law as well. The Law was our curse, our Judge, Jury, and Executioner. But when Jesus became accursed, he removed the curse from us.
The Hebrew children experienced freedom from slavery. They hated it too. They cried to Moses, "Did you bring us out in this desert to die? We were better off in Egypt!" No, simple isn't easy.
We want proof of our righteousness. I go to church, I homeschool my kids, I take the Eucharist, I've been confirmed, I've been baptized, I don't watch rated-R movies, I vote Republican. Like Garfield says, "Big, fat, hairy deal." Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with these things. But if you have a mindset that requires these as proof of your relationship with God? I think we have a problem.
Simply put, we are called to follow Christ. But I wonder, how many of us follow out of freedom, and how many out of slavery?
I don't think we like freedom. We don't like choices, and we don't like options. It's too much responsibility. Paul's version of freedom goes beyond our slavery to sin, and into our slavery to the Law as well. The Law was our curse, our Judge, Jury, and Executioner. But when Jesus became accursed, he removed the curse from us.
The Hebrew children experienced freedom from slavery. They hated it too. They cried to Moses, "Did you bring us out in this desert to die? We were better off in Egypt!" No, simple isn't easy.
We want proof of our righteousness. I go to church, I homeschool my kids, I take the Eucharist, I've been confirmed, I've been baptized, I don't watch rated-R movies, I vote Republican. Like Garfield says, "Big, fat, hairy deal." Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with these things. But if you have a mindset that requires these as proof of your relationship with God? I think we have a problem.
Simply put, we are called to follow Christ. But I wonder, how many of us follow out of freedom, and how many out of slavery?
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Let's Fall in Love
Tonight, as we were dancing to "Beyond the Sea" (at the end of Finding Nemo), Kylie suggested we fall in love.
"How do we do that?"
"Hold my hand and I'll show you." And she takes me to run through the doors of my office.
I guess after seeing all of the Disney princesses run through the doors after getting married, that's what falling in love means.
"How do we do that?"
"Hold my hand and I'll show you." And she takes me to run through the doors of my office.
I guess after seeing all of the Disney princesses run through the doors after getting married, that's what falling in love means.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Leadership: Humility
In addition to an understanding of God and how he works within us (wisdom), we also need humility. Essentially, humility is a denial of our own abilities and a reliance of God. Wrapped up in humility is trust, acknowledging that God knows us and cares for us. Check out what Scripture says:
Philippians 2:5-8
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Ephesians 4:1-5
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
1 Peter 5:5-7
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
The humility we have in our relationship with God spills over into the lives of people. This mindset not only allows us to trust God, but we can begin to trust other people as well. In my opinion, a good leader is a humble leader, one that acknowledges that their leadership is based in their following of Christ.
Philippians 2:5-8
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Ephesians 4:1-5
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
1 Peter 5:5-7
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
The humility we have in our relationship with God spills over into the lives of people. This mindset not only allows us to trust God, but we can begin to trust other people as well. In my opinion, a good leader is a humble leader, one that acknowledges that their leadership is based in their following of Christ.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
My Last Sermon
I'm working on my sermon, which I will be preaching on Sunday, September 2nd at Lifepointe Fellowship. I decided to play around with Blogger to see if I could embed my last sermon I preached (over a year ago) at Genesis Metro.
Let's see if it works.
OK, it's still not working. You can download it here.
Let's see if it works.
OK, it's still not working. You can download it here.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Leadership: Wisdom
Continuing the thoughts on leadership...
Under the portion of faith, we find wisdom. Notice I don't say knowledge. There are many people who are "orthodox", meaning they believe correctly, yet they influence no one. A good leader uses that orthodoxy (right knowledge) for orthopraxy (right living). Here's what Scripture says.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 2:1-9
My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
Ephesians 5:15-17
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
I believe that wisdom is a mindset, an understanding of what the Lord's will is. From that flows a lifestyle of wisdom, both in the choices we make and the influence we have with others. The only way to have true wisdom is knowing God, and being known by God. This "know" isn't a detached, classroom understanding, but an intimate, relational understanding of who Christ is.
Under the portion of faith, we find wisdom. Notice I don't say knowledge. There are many people who are "orthodox", meaning they believe correctly, yet they influence no one. A good leader uses that orthodoxy (right knowledge) for orthopraxy (right living). Here's what Scripture says.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 2:1-9
My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
Ephesians 5:15-17
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
I believe that wisdom is a mindset, an understanding of what the Lord's will is. From that flows a lifestyle of wisdom, both in the choices we make and the influence we have with others. The only way to have true wisdom is knowing God, and being known by God. This "know" isn't a detached, classroom understanding, but an intimate, relational understanding of who Christ is.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Leadership
I thought I would spend the next few days talking about my views on leadership within the church. Leadership, when you boil it down, is about influence. As followers of Christ, we are all called to influence the culture and community around us, so it would follow that we are all called to be leaders.
Now, I'm not necessarily talking about "leaders" in the typical way. Many people will lead and influence people without ever feeling or looking like a "leader". Therefore, I'm not going to explore practices for leadership, but rather the mindset of a leader. What flows out depends on the personality and relationships of the individual.
Let's start with the basics.
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Flowing from these, there are other passages of Scripture that describe what a lived-out faith looks like.
2 Peter 1:5-8
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Colossians 3:12-17
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Romans 12:9-21
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
So, at the core of how we lead our lives is faith, hope, and love. Within each of those is a basic development of both mindset and action, each producing a balanced leader. I think it looks something like this:
I'll spend the next several posts explaining my rationale for these and how I think it truly influences our relationship with God and with those we love.
Now, I'm not necessarily talking about "leaders" in the typical way. Many people will lead and influence people without ever feeling or looking like a "leader". Therefore, I'm not going to explore practices for leadership, but rather the mindset of a leader. What flows out depends on the personality and relationships of the individual.
Let's start with the basics.
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Flowing from these, there are other passages of Scripture that describe what a lived-out faith looks like.
2 Peter 1:5-8
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Colossians 3:12-17
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Romans 12:9-21
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
So, at the core of how we lead our lives is faith, hope, and love. Within each of those is a basic development of both mindset and action, each producing a balanced leader. I think it looks something like this:
I'll spend the next several posts explaining my rationale for these and how I think it truly influences our relationship with God and with those we love. Sunday, August 5, 2007
Science Fiction: An Apologetic
Last night, ABC aired the first in what is destined to become a short-lived anthology series called "Masters of Science Fiction." Basically, each week they'll show a stand-alone show based off of a science-fiction writer's work.
Those who know me know I love this sort of thing, but may have difficulty knowing why. My favorite shows, both past and present, have a strong scifi leaning (Quantum Leap, Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek: TNG, Lost, Heroes, etc.). Sure, there's the futuristic elements that I like, the special effects and element of wonder, but I don't think that's the primary draw for me.
I believe that science fiction can raise questions about our present values that perhaps we may not see immediately. They can make us think about the world around us in new ways, discovering new understanding. I think Battlestar Galactica (the new one) is a great example. One episode has more real drama than a season's worth of Grey's Anatomy, but I think many people are turned off because it has robots and is set in space instead of a law firm or a hospital.
By seeing how humans react in these settings, we get a glimpse of ourselves as well. And because the setting is so different, it allows us to approach the values objectively. We are forced to listen to the characters' perspectives, their values and morals, before we make a judgment about them.
BSG asks serious questions about the war on terror; ST:TNG, about the nature of belonging and cultures; Quantum Leap, about meaning and significance, X-Men, about acceptance and tolerance. As a follower of Christ, I can't help but think about these things as well. For hundreds of years, there's been a surge in science fiction on the eve of great changes in our society. This trend continues today, as post-modernism is shaping our culture.
So, all these posts about science fiction and quantum theory and other geek things aren't simply the response of a mind fascinated with the future. It comes from a heart that is fascinated with people, how we live and what future we create. As a follower of Christ, it just seems natural.
Those who know me know I love this sort of thing, but may have difficulty knowing why. My favorite shows, both past and present, have a strong scifi leaning (Quantum Leap, Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek: TNG, Lost, Heroes, etc.). Sure, there's the futuristic elements that I like, the special effects and element of wonder, but I don't think that's the primary draw for me.
I believe that science fiction can raise questions about our present values that perhaps we may not see immediately. They can make us think about the world around us in new ways, discovering new understanding. I think Battlestar Galactica (the new one) is a great example. One episode has more real drama than a season's worth of Grey's Anatomy, but I think many people are turned off because it has robots and is set in space instead of a law firm or a hospital.
By seeing how humans react in these settings, we get a glimpse of ourselves as well. And because the setting is so different, it allows us to approach the values objectively. We are forced to listen to the characters' perspectives, their values and morals, before we make a judgment about them.
BSG asks serious questions about the war on terror; ST:TNG, about the nature of belonging and cultures; Quantum Leap, about meaning and significance, X-Men, about acceptance and tolerance. As a follower of Christ, I can't help but think about these things as well. For hundreds of years, there's been a surge in science fiction on the eve of great changes in our society. This trend continues today, as post-modernism is shaping our culture.
So, all these posts about science fiction and quantum theory and other geek things aren't simply the response of a mind fascinated with the future. It comes from a heart that is fascinated with people, how we live and what future we create. As a follower of Christ, it just seems natural.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Kylie's Special Day
Today we decided to make Kylie's Special Day, her one last all-about-her day before Kathryn arrives. We started with a tour of the hospital where Erika will deliver. Kylie got to see a newborn baby and learn about everything that will happen that day.
Then, we went to Build-a-Bear. She picked out a bear comfortable enough to take a nap with, and began stuffing.
The helper asked her name. "Kylie," she said. "How do you spell that?" And before I could answer, Kylie says, "K-Y-L-I-E." I was amazed.
Kylie scrubbed her off, then we selected her dress. They have Disney princess clothes, so it was a matter of selecting which one. After quite a time of indecision, she picked Mulan's dress-up.
After we finished up, we went to eat at Chick-Fil-A, then bought some candy and headed home. She's upstairs playing dress up right now. I just know that Kathryn's going to have a great big sister to help her out.
Then, we went to Build-a-Bear. She picked out a bear comfortable enough to take a nap with, and began stuffing.
The helper asked her name. "Kylie," she said. "How do you spell that?" And before I could answer, Kylie says, "K-Y-L-I-E." I was amazed.
Kylie scrubbed her off, then we selected her dress. They have Disney princess clothes, so it was a matter of selecting which one. After quite a time of indecision, she picked Mulan's dress-up.
After we finished up, we went to eat at Chick-Fil-A, then bought some candy and headed home. She's upstairs playing dress up right now. I just know that Kathryn's going to have a great big sister to help her out.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Geek Cooking
I like to cook. To me, it's not unlike a chemistry set. You've got solutions and mixing and heat. You can experiment by adding stuff you probably shouldn't. With cooking though, you get to eat your concoction.
With this geeky approach to cooking, it's no wonder that I enjoy watching Alton Brown. He hosts Good Eats on the Food Network. The show is one part Mr. Wizard and one part Peewee's Playhouse, with cooking. Most people I know (typically non-geeks) don't like him much.
This week I've been watching his miniseries from last year, Feasting on Asphalt. He rides across the country tasting the smaller "road food" places that dot the landscape. This weekend, he'll be heading up the Mississippi River.
Before you judge my TV habits, just remember that it's summer and nothing is on.
With this geeky approach to cooking, it's no wonder that I enjoy watching Alton Brown. He hosts Good Eats on the Food Network. The show is one part Mr. Wizard and one part Peewee's Playhouse, with cooking. Most people I know (typically non-geeks) don't like him much.
This week I've been watching his miniseries from last year, Feasting on Asphalt. He rides across the country tasting the smaller "road food" places that dot the landscape. This weekend, he'll be heading up the Mississippi River.
Before you judge my TV habits, just remember that it's summer and nothing is on.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
