Just when you thought things couldn't get any more ridiculous -- Left Behind: The Games -- bad theology in a cheesy format.Thursday, June 30
Thursday Notes
Just when you thought things couldn't get any more ridiculous -- Left Behind: The Games -- bad theology in a cheesy format.
Wednesday, June 29
Wednesday Notes
Wainer Guimaraes, pastor of The Bridge Covenant Church in Riverbank, along with his wife, Magui, were commissioned at the annual meeting of the ECC last week, to begin the Covenant's work in Brazil. Wainer and Magui are both originally from Brazil.Wainer is a friend and has been an important part of our North San Joaquin Valley cluster of Covenant pastors.
Tuesday, June 28
Tuesday Notes
"The Grand One," the world's largest saguaro cactus (picture by Dave Seibert/Scottsdale Republic in 2003), was scorched in an Arizona wildfire and will likely not survive. The fire started by a lightening strike on June 21st, is, as of today, only 25% contained.Saguaros are native to only Arizona, a sliver of southeast California, and northern Mexico. I have two in my cactus collection. But I'll not likely see them grow to the size of the Grand One, which took 180-200 years to reach 46 feet in height.
They also found that people who attend large churches read more than those who attend small churches. The Americans who read the least are agnostics and atheists. Americans read less than in the past and usually do not finish the books they start.
Monday, June 27
Ten Commandments
There appears to be a lot of confusion among those interpreting the Supreme Court ruling on the allowance of Ten Commandments displays in courthouses. One of the clearest articles I've read is an AP piece by Hope Yen. In a nutshell, the Supreme Court (which has a Ten Commandments display of its own) says that it's all a matter of intention. If the display appears to be motivated by the desire to promote religion then it's not okay. But if the display appears to be motivated by a desire to show the role of the commandments in American history -- that's okay.
As fuzzy as that sounds I can live with it. Frankly, I'm less concerned about public displays than I am about private acknowledgment. (I don't use the word "private" in an extremely individualistic sense but in contrast to "public" as an official governmental realm. Why are we so hell-bent on getting the government to acknowledge the significance of our faith? Are we so insecure in who we are that we need their blessing to believe the way we do?). Sometimes it seems that we who scream the loudest for these symbolic acknowledgments in society are the ones with the weakest knowledge of the commandments themselves -- or at least their implications.
As fuzzy as that sounds I can live with it. Frankly, I'm less concerned about public displays than I am about private acknowledgment. (I don't use the word "private" in an extremely individualistic sense but in contrast to "public" as an official governmental realm. Why are we so hell-bent on getting the government to acknowledge the significance of our faith? Are we so insecure in who we are that we need their blessing to believe the way we do?). Sometimes it seems that we who scream the loudest for these symbolic acknowledgments in society are the ones with the weakest knowledge of the commandments themselves -- or at least their implications.
Califia
The talk of Turlock is the new $50,000 piece of public art that's being installed downtown. It's a 14-foot tall statue of Califia -- the mythical black Amazon queen from which our state derives its name.
Turlock (and the university located here) has a history of poor choices when it comes to public art. And many, for various reasons, are questioning the wisdom of inviting Califia into such a prominent spot in our community.
Although she looks more Mexican (not a bad thing in and of itself) than Amazonian, I like her. Sure she has big hands but that's because she is a bigger-than-life Amazon warrior. The beautiful detail depicts the riches of our part of California. And this version by Donna Billick is pretty warm compared to some other interpretations. Welcome Califia!
Monday Notes
s of special interest to me because when he was a teen he played in a garage band across the street from my childhood home and as a kid his family attended our church occasionally (or so I've been told -- I don't remember seeing him). I have a copy of his 1969 Capitol album, Upon This Rock, which I understand is rare because Capitol and Larry didn't see eye-to-eye on something and they melted the remaining vinyl. He reissued it on his own label. His concerts were always engaging -- but his acidic rhetoric seemed way too much and I eventually quit going to hear him. He's had a lot of health problems over the years and I suspect he's mellowed a bit.Sunday, June 26
Sunday Notes
Yet more doves...
The fourth set of doves to be born in our hanging basket in 2005 emerged this morning. There are two babies. We've never had so many of these critters in a single season.
Billy Graham: Democrat
Evangelist to the world Billy Graham, who has stayed politically neutral throughout his career, has ruffled feathers by revealing that he has been a long-time Democrat. There are a lot of unspoken assumptions and presumptions in the evangelical world.
Really, though, just because a person is a Democrat doesn't mean that said person supports everything Democratic -- i.e. abortion rights and liberalization of marriage laws. Likewise, just because a person is a Republican doesn't mean that said person supports everything Republican -- i.e. facility of corporate greed and a more laissez-faire approach to the environment. By definition no political party can have it all right. That's the nature of politics. And that's why Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world..." (John 18:36)
Really, though, just because a person is a Democrat doesn't mean that said person supports everything Democratic -- i.e. abortion rights and liberalization of marriage laws. Likewise, just because a person is a Republican doesn't mean that said person supports everything Republican -- i.e. facility of corporate greed and a more laissez-faire approach to the environment. By definition no political party can have it all right. That's the nature of politics. And that's why Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world..." (John 18:36)
Saturday, June 25
Saturday Notes
Thursday, June 23
Ordination
This evening Derek Walles and Dan Whitmarsh were among those ordained at the annual meeting. In my capacity as a member of the board of the ordered ministry I was the one who laid hands on them both.
Thursday Notes
"The not-so-subtle equation of America's founding with biblical Christianity has been shown time and again to be historically inaccurate. The founding was a unique combination of biblical teaching and Enlightenment rationalism, and most of the founding fathers, as historian Edwin Gaustad, among many others, has noted, were not orthodox Christians, but instead were primarily products of the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment, we should recall, has never been much of a friend of biblical Christianity."
Wednesday, June 22
Wednesday Notes
The Four Spiritual Laws are a tract designed to help people share the gospel with others, and at the same time they embody a theory of the gospel -- and inasmuch as it is an attempt to summarize the whole gospel (no one ever really says this but anyone who does reduce it like this is at least saying "this is the bottom-line of it all"), it is a theology of the gospel. We will get no where in our thinking and our praxis until we realize the interrelationships of theology and "gospel tracts" or "what we think the gospel is." Link
The four laws tract was widely used in the 60's, 70's and 80's -- and was so misused at times that it became the subject of ridicule -- even among thinking evangelicals. But in some ways Scot's discussion is moot in that the tract doesn't seem to be in great use today. However, it is a great illustration of a reductionistic modern approach to Christians faith -- especially when contrasted with pre-modern and post-modern sources. It's a good discussion.
Tuesday, June 21
Tuesday Notes
Then, if that were not enough joy in one day, Joshua & Brooke Bernard had a baby girl at about 4 p.m. I just talked with Josh's mom and she said that they have not yet announced a name. Congratulations, too, to big brother Hayden! All mothers are doing well.
At the same hospital, Memorial Medical Center in Modesto, Abe Mulder had surgery this morning to remove a growth from his neck. Because of where this growth sat it was a particularly dangerous operation. But he did well and is recovering tonight in intensive care.
Today would have been the 100th birthday of existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre -- someone everyone should know about but give little credence to.
Monday, June 20
MONDAY
> The heartland alternative to off-shore out-sourcing.
> Among the latest findings, Alzheimer's researches have discovered that "people who drink fruit or vegetable juice at least three times a week seem four times less likely to develop the disease than nonjuice drinkers."
> Video and transcript of the Alaska Christian College story that ran on FoxNews last Friday.
> The heartland alternative to off-shore out-sourcing.
> Among the latest findings, Alzheimer's researches have discovered that "people who drink fruit or vegetable juice at least three times a week seem four times less likely to develop the disease than nonjuice drinkers."
> Video and transcript of the Alaska Christian College story that ran on FoxNews last Friday.
Sunday, June 19
GOT OXYGEN?
Today was the first day since Wednesday that I've felt like I haven't been sucking air every time I walk up the stairs. It takes a bit to adjust to life at 9,000 ft (2,743 m).
This morning before worship at the Feast I took a little drive and staked out an eagle's nest. You can't really see the eagle's head looking out over the edge. However, as soon as I put the camera away and started to drive off baldy took to flight.
Eagle's Nest
Some more local scenery:
Frisco
Dillon Lake
more of Dillon Lake
Moon over Dillon Lake
Today was the first day since Wednesday that I've felt like I haven't been sucking air every time I walk up the stairs. It takes a bit to adjust to life at 9,000 ft (2,743 m).
This morning before worship at the Feast I took a little drive and staked out an eagle's nest. You can't really see the eagle's head looking out over the edge. However, as soon as I put the camera away and started to drive off baldy took to flight.
Eagle's Nest
Some more local scenery:
Frisco
Dillon Lake
more of Dillon Lake
Moon over Dillon Lake
Saturday, June 18
SATURDAY
> AOL is entering into the free content and portal market.
> Happy Father's Day tomorrow. I talked with Kent on the phone this evening. He needed instructions on how to use the gas grill. They're going to have a Father's Day cook-out in my honor tomorrow. Of course, I'll be in Colorado. But it's the thought that counts. Right? :-)
> The Feast started tonight and while I'm not technically a participant, the board I'm on provided us with meal tickets. The first meal was this evening and I got to eat with Mike & Carrie Gillett, and kids. Mike is a US Army chaplain. He returns to Iraq on Wednesday. Mike and I were students together at Fuller. Then he followed me to North Park. They're good friends.
Other close encounters: Dean & Pat Anderson who were a part of our church in Texas. Pat is the one who got Kirk interested in piano and she was his first teacher. Don & Deanne Holmertz, Rick & Marci Hampton, Jeffrey Jones...
> AOL is entering into the free content and portal market.
> Happy Father's Day tomorrow. I talked with Kent on the phone this evening. He needed instructions on how to use the gas grill. They're going to have a Father's Day cook-out in my honor tomorrow. Of course, I'll be in Colorado. But it's the thought that counts. Right? :-)
> The Feast started tonight and while I'm not technically a participant, the board I'm on provided us with meal tickets. The first meal was this evening and I got to eat with Mike & Carrie Gillett, and kids. Mike is a US Army chaplain. He returns to Iraq on Wednesday. Mike and I were students together at Fuller. Then he followed me to North Park. They're good friends.
Other close encounters: Dean & Pat Anderson who were a part of our church in Texas. Pat is the one who got Kirk interested in piano and she was his first teacher. Don & Deanne Holmertz, Rick & Marci Hampton, Jeffrey Jones...
Friday, June 17
FRIDAY
> Spectacular is the best word to describe what it's like up here high in the Rockies -- dry, in the 70's, still snow capped mountains and peaks, green, brown. This is almost good enough to make someone put up with the cold and snow the rest of the year. Some of the local webcams
> Gas is still a bargain -- relatively speaking.
> The average American spends more on lottery tickets than on reading material or even movie tickets. And next week Californians have an opportunity to further expand illiteracy as we become the 12th and largest state to join Mega Millions. We've got to keep upping the ante because people get bored when the jackpot is only $30 million. On a pedestrian level this means longer lines at the convenience stores as the guys buy more tickets hoping that a big win will help them catch up on their child-support (and buy a new truck).
> Spectacular is the best word to describe what it's like up here high in the Rockies -- dry, in the 70's, still snow capped mountains and peaks, green, brown. This is almost good enough to make someone put up with the cold and snow the rest of the year. Some of the local webcams
> Gas is still a bargain -- relatively speaking.
> The average American spends more on lottery tickets than on reading material or even movie tickets. And next week Californians have an opportunity to further expand illiteracy as we become the 12th and largest state to join Mega Millions. We've got to keep upping the ante because people get bored when the jackpot is only $30 million. On a pedestrian level this means longer lines at the convenience stores as the guys buy more tickets hoping that a big win will help them catch up on their child-support (and buy a new truck).
Thursday, June 16
THURSDAY
> This year's entries in the Duct Tape Prom contest.
> Necktie makers are worried over the environmentally-friendly dress-down trend in Japan. Oh well -- it's good for the shirt-makers (to say nothing of the people who endured strangulation all the years). The Federation of Japanese Necktie Unions is considering a lawsuit against the government which has been promoting the shift during the hot summer months.
> This year's entries in the Duct Tape Prom contest.
> Necktie makers are worried over the environmentally-friendly dress-down trend in Japan. Oh well -- it's good for the shirt-makers (to say nothing of the people who endured strangulation all the years). The Federation of Japanese Necktie Unions is considering a lawsuit against the government which has been promoting the shift during the hot summer months.
Wednesday, June 15
WEDNESDAY
> The UCC is going to debate whether they should make the affirmation "Jesus is Lord" mandatory. This is a debate on two levels. 1) Whether there should be creedal statements which might exclude some people when culturally the denomination has chosen to define itself as inclusive. 2) Whether they actually want to make such a strong affirmation of Jesus' divinity.
"Jesus is Lord" is perhaps the earliest creedal statement of the church. See for example Romans 10:9 "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
> 3.8 million people have died in Congo since 1998. Even though the war is technically over a thousand people a day are still dying from hunger and diseases associated with the aftermath of the conflict. And it's not really on too many radar screens. However, there are some efforts underway -- small in comparison to the magnitude of the problem but large and significant to the people involved.
> The UCC is going to debate whether they should make the affirmation "Jesus is Lord" mandatory. This is a debate on two levels. 1) Whether there should be creedal statements which might exclude some people when culturally the denomination has chosen to define itself as inclusive. 2) Whether they actually want to make such a strong affirmation of Jesus' divinity.
"Jesus is Lord" is perhaps the earliest creedal statement of the church. See for example Romans 10:9 "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
> 3.8 million people have died in Congo since 1998. Even though the war is technically over a thousand people a day are still dying from hunger and diseases associated with the aftermath of the conflict. And it's not really on too many radar screens. However, there are some efforts underway -- small in comparison to the magnitude of the problem but large and significant to the people involved.
ROOM WITH A VIEW
This is from my room on the 5th floor of the Holiday Inn in Frisco, Colorado. My first meeting at Keystone starts in three hours (6 p.m.). It's the Covenant annual meeting blitz. For those packing to join us up here, the temp is in the 70's. Right now there are thunder storm cells in the area -- typical for this time of the year in the Rockies. It was smooth sailing from the airport west on I-70 (i.e. no major construction, etc).
This is from my room on the 5th floor of the Holiday Inn in Frisco, Colorado. My first meeting at Keystone starts in three hours (6 p.m.). It's the Covenant annual meeting blitz. For those packing to join us up here, the temp is in the 70's. Right now there are thunder storm cells in the area -- typical for this time of the year in the Rockies. It was smooth sailing from the airport west on I-70 (i.e. no major construction, etc).
Tuesday, June 14
TUESDAY
> Islamic Scholar after visit to the US: "I dreaded America; now I love America," Islam said. "I came to realize the people of America do not want bombs, do not want to dominate others."
> A college instructor who literally puts his money where his mouth is. His goal: give away $1 million before retirement. Inspiring.
> Fire Me, Please -- finally a reality show that's somewhat funny.
> Where Christians meet -- that is, if they are single and they have a good income... No, the site is not a LarkNews.com spoof. It's seriously cheesy.
> Diet soft drinks linked to weight gain. It's a mystery.
> Islamic Scholar after visit to the US: "I dreaded America; now I love America," Islam said. "I came to realize the people of America do not want bombs, do not want to dominate others."
> A college instructor who literally puts his money where his mouth is. His goal: give away $1 million before retirement. Inspiring.
> Fire Me, Please -- finally a reality show that's somewhat funny.
> Where Christians meet -- that is, if they are single and they have a good income... No, the site is not a LarkNews.com spoof. It's seriously cheesy.
> Diet soft drinks linked to weight gain. It's a mystery.
Monday, June 13
MONDAY
> The secret of a thriving city.
> Kirk is home for the summer -- arrived this afternoon. Anyone want to hire him? He's only home for seven or eight weeks -- making conventional summer employment difficult.
> Not quite a Class M planet -- but getting close.
> No, you will not find me speculating about what went right and what went wrong in the Michael Jackson trial. (I'm much too busy doing important web-surveys and tagging people.) If the experts can't figure it all out, how in the world are the rest of us suppose to know up from down in one of the most bizarre cases in ages. Our gratitude to the jury, though. Not only were they able to sort through the inconsistent details in this circus case -- but they actually came to a consensus and now perhaps -- just perhaps -- we can all have some relief from the Michael Jackson case. Dream on.
Before you forget about him, though, it is worth looking at the Michael Jackson website. They've obviously been working on his "not guilty" production for some time. Perhaps we can look forward to an "innocent" tour. Always a performer.
> Thomas Hohstadt on preaching to a postmodern world where the prime directive says never dabble in someone else's world.
> The rediscovery of the ivory-billed woodpecker could provide economic stimulation for at least one depressed rural Arkansas town. There is a certain irony in the story.
> Mavis Tell, who is from Hilmar, who teaches at a DoD school in Germany, and who remembers me from when I was a live-wire youngster at First Covenant Church in San Jose, emailed me with a link to Dan Clendenin's website. I had read his great books on Orthodoxy several years ago and have recommended them numerous times since. I discovered his website a few years ago but he has since developed it quite a bit. Thanks, Mavis, for pointing me back there.
> The secret of a thriving city.
> Kirk is home for the summer -- arrived this afternoon. Anyone want to hire him? He's only home for seven or eight weeks -- making conventional summer employment difficult.
> Not quite a Class M planet -- but getting close.
> No, you will not find me speculating about what went right and what went wrong in the Michael Jackson trial. (I'm much too busy doing important web-surveys and tagging people.) If the experts can't figure it all out, how in the world are the rest of us suppose to know up from down in one of the most bizarre cases in ages. Our gratitude to the jury, though. Not only were they able to sort through the inconsistent details in this circus case -- but they actually came to a consensus and now perhaps -- just perhaps -- we can all have some relief from the Michael Jackson case. Dream on.
Before you forget about him, though, it is worth looking at the Michael Jackson website. They've obviously been working on his "not guilty" production for some time. Perhaps we can look forward to an "innocent" tour. Always a performer.
> Thomas Hohstadt on preaching to a postmodern world where the prime directive says never dabble in someone else's world.
> The rediscovery of the ivory-billed woodpecker could provide economic stimulation for at least one depressed rural Arkansas town. There is a certain irony in the story.
> Mavis Tell, who is from Hilmar, who teaches at a DoD school in Germany, and who remembers me from when I was a live-wire youngster at First Covenant Church in San Jose, emailed me with a link to Dan Clendenin's website. I had read his great books on Orthodoxy several years ago and have recommended them numerous times since. I discovered his website a few years ago but he has since developed it quite a bit. Thanks, Mavis, for pointing me back there.
Sunday, June 12
SUNDAY
> If you're interested in a career as an agavologist here is an introduction to your world.
> From Russia with love -- An advertising firm is paying programmers 6.1 cents for every machine they infect with a spyware program that displays ads for one of the Russian company's customers. I thought we won the cold war.
> Israeli doctors and scientists say they have succeeded in germinating a nearly 2,000 year old date palm seed found in the ruins of Masada. Apparently, this type of palm, referenced in Psalm 92, disappeared from the area during the crusade era.
> The southern part of the state moved a bit this morning. Minor damage. No injuries. Too far south for us to feel.
> If you're interested in a career as an agavologist here is an introduction to your world.
> From Russia with love -- An advertising firm is paying programmers 6.1 cents for every machine they infect with a spyware program that displays ads for one of the Russian company's customers. I thought we won the cold war.
> Israeli doctors and scientists say they have succeeded in germinating a nearly 2,000 year old date palm seed found in the ruins of Masada. Apparently, this type of palm, referenced in Psalm 92, disappeared from the area during the crusade era.
> The southern part of the state moved a bit this morning. Minor damage. No injuries. Too far south for us to feel.
FAITH QUIZ
I can't believe that I'm doing an online quiz and playing blog tag -- all on the same day. My only excuse for the tag is that I enjoy the others who are playing it and feel honored that they'd choose me for such an important assignment. And my excuse for the quiz is that Scot McKnight seemed to like it and I've been enjoying his thoughts lately.
So here is the box that the theological worldview quiz thinks I belong in. In many ways I am probably closer to a Wesleyan than anything -- although I'm probably closer to a Lutheran in sacramental perspective. Since the quiz didn't have a Lutheran category it lumped that information into the Roman Catholic box.
I can't believe that I'm doing an online quiz and playing blog tag -- all on the same day. My only excuse for the tag is that I enjoy the others who are playing it and feel honored that they'd choose me for such an important assignment. And my excuse for the quiz is that Scot McKnight seemed to like it and I've been enjoying his thoughts lately.
So here is the box that the theological worldview quiz thinks I belong in. In many ways I am probably closer to a Wesleyan than anything -- although I'm probably closer to a Lutheran in sacramental perspective. Since the quiz didn't have a Lutheran category it lumped that information into the Roman Catholic box.
You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan. You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavily by John Wesley and the Methodists.
What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com |
TAGGED, AGAIN...
I should have dropped out when I could. Sean tagged me on the movie circuit. And since I like Sean I'll actually do it -- although I'm not a big film person. Yes, I really enjoy a good chase scene but I'd never go to the theatre just to see one. And really there are only three types of movies I like: 1) comedy that is built around timing (e.g. Peter Sellers and Laurel and Hardy; 2) esoteric foreign films which are outside my cultural box; 3) animation.
Total number of films I own on DVD/video: just a few
The last film I bought: The Incredibles -- wonderful animation, storyline, and plot development
The last film I watched: Star Wars (Episode III): Revenge of the Sith. It was okay but I think that George was pushing it just trying to get the project done. I, too, am glad to see the story completed. I'd now like to see all six movies in sequence.
Five films that I watch a lot or that mean a lot to me: I don't really watch too many movies over and over. There are a few that I own because I enjoy watching them again occasionally. In additon to the already mentioned Incredibles,
> The Pink Panther (the whole series)
> Babette's Feast
> Monsters, Inc
> Shrek & Shrek II
> Finding Nemo
Tag 5 people and have them put this in their journal/blog: (I'll pick on a different group this time)
Karl Naslund
Randall Friesen
Linea Lanoie
Linda Gilmore
Kevin Chang
Now, I hope that I don't wake up tomorrow to find that I've been tagged for my favorite fast-food or favorite cars or...
I should have dropped out when I could. Sean tagged me on the movie circuit. And since I like Sean I'll actually do it -- although I'm not a big film person. Yes, I really enjoy a good chase scene but I'd never go to the theatre just to see one. And really there are only three types of movies I like: 1) comedy that is built around timing (e.g. Peter Sellers and Laurel and Hardy; 2) esoteric foreign films which are outside my cultural box; 3) animation.
Total number of films I own on DVD/video: just a few
The last film I bought: The Incredibles -- wonderful animation, storyline, and plot development
The last film I watched: Star Wars (Episode III): Revenge of the Sith. It was okay but I think that George was pushing it just trying to get the project done. I, too, am glad to see the story completed. I'd now like to see all six movies in sequence.
Five films that I watch a lot or that mean a lot to me: I don't really watch too many movies over and over. There are a few that I own because I enjoy watching them again occasionally. In additon to the already mentioned Incredibles,
> The Pink Panther (the whole series)
> Babette's Feast
> Monsters, Inc
> Shrek & Shrek II
> Finding Nemo
Tag 5 people and have them put this in their journal/blog: (I'll pick on a different group this time)
Karl Naslund
Randall Friesen
Linea Lanoie
Linda Gilmore
Kevin Chang
Now, I hope that I don't wake up tomorrow to find that I've been tagged for my favorite fast-food or favorite cars or...
TAGGED!
Linea picked on me in the book tag.
Number of books I own: adequate
Last book I bought:
> Churches that Make a Difference: Reaching Your Community with Good News and Good Works by Ronald Sider, Philip N. Olson, and Heidi Rolland Unruh
Latest books I am reading:
> Death by Meeting by Patrick Lencioni
> Christ Present in Faith: Luther's View of Justification by Tuomo Mannermaa
> The Jesus Creed by Scot McKnight
> The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience by Ronald Sider
> Habits of the High-Tech Heart by Quetin Schultze
Last book I read (and have finished):
I think it's this one -- but I finished off a clump at once...
> One with God: Salvation as Deification and Justification by Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen
Five Books that mean a lot to me:
> The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
> The Great Divorce by CS Lewis
> Pia Desideria by Philip Jacob Spener
> Covenant Affirmations: This We Believe by Donald Frisk (Yes, it's a denominational book but it also one of the best summaries of what Christians believe. I give a lot away)
> Mother Church: Ecclesiology and Ecumenism by Carl Braaten (not exactly a classic but it stimulated my passion for ecumenism)
Tag Five More:
Bud Locke
Sean Meade
Steve Evans
Dan Whitmarsh
Ragamuffin Man
Linea picked on me in the book tag.
Number of books I own: adequate
Last book I bought:
> Churches that Make a Difference: Reaching Your Community with Good News and Good Works by Ronald Sider, Philip N. Olson, and Heidi Rolland Unruh
Latest books I am reading:
> Death by Meeting by Patrick Lencioni
> Christ Present in Faith: Luther's View of Justification by Tuomo Mannermaa
> The Jesus Creed by Scot McKnight
> The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience by Ronald Sider
> Habits of the High-Tech Heart by Quetin Schultze
Last book I read (and have finished):
I think it's this one -- but I finished off a clump at once...
> One with God: Salvation as Deification and Justification by Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen
Five Books that mean a lot to me:
> The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
> The Great Divorce by CS Lewis
> Pia Desideria by Philip Jacob Spener
> Covenant Affirmations: This We Believe by Donald Frisk (Yes, it's a denominational book but it also one of the best summaries of what Christians believe. I give a lot away)
> Mother Church: Ecclesiology and Ecumenism by Carl Braaten (not exactly a classic but it stimulated my passion for ecumenism)
Tag Five More:
Bud Locke
Sean Meade
Steve Evans
Dan Whitmarsh
Ragamuffin Man
Saturday, June 11
SATURDAY
> Chris Erdman has a good word on lectionary usage. Read more on the history of lectionaries.
> The world's wealthiest countries agreed on Saturday to write off more than $40 billion of impoverished nations' debts in a drive to free Africa from hunger and disease. This is good -- a very good start. Hopefully more debt relief is on the way.
However, it is now up to the African leaders to step up to the plate and to use their new financial flexibility to start caring for their people -- rather than lining their own pockets. As bankrupt consumers discover pretty quickly, debt relief isn't much good if they don't change their spending habits -- or in the case of Africa, their habits of corruption. There has got to be a complete change in the political culture of Africa or this will have no impact.
> Yesterday I went to San Diego to pick up Kirk's stuff (he comes back to Turlock on Monday). When I arrived at noon there was still a thick marine layer due to a condition that is technically called "June gloom". By the time we had packed the van and eaten lunch (2:30 p.m.) the sun was out and I was ready to stay. But unfortunately I had a date with the traffic. There were wrecks north-bound on the 405, 5, and 15. In other words it took four hours to get through LA. SoCal is wonderful as long as you don't have to go on the freeways. If someone were deviously inclined I figure that he could tie up most of SoCal by staging wrecks at 4 or 5 strategic intersections.
> Chris Erdman has a good word on lectionary usage. Read more on the history of lectionaries.
> The world's wealthiest countries agreed on Saturday to write off more than $40 billion of impoverished nations' debts in a drive to free Africa from hunger and disease. This is good -- a very good start. Hopefully more debt relief is on the way.
However, it is now up to the African leaders to step up to the plate and to use their new financial flexibility to start caring for their people -- rather than lining their own pockets. As bankrupt consumers discover pretty quickly, debt relief isn't much good if they don't change their spending habits -- or in the case of Africa, their habits of corruption. There has got to be a complete change in the political culture of Africa or this will have no impact.
> Yesterday I went to San Diego to pick up Kirk's stuff (he comes back to Turlock on Monday). When I arrived at noon there was still a thick marine layer due to a condition that is technically called "June gloom". By the time we had packed the van and eaten lunch (2:30 p.m.) the sun was out and I was ready to stay. But unfortunately I had a date with the traffic. There were wrecks north-bound on the 405, 5, and 15. In other words it took four hours to get through LA. SoCal is wonderful as long as you don't have to go on the freeways. If someone were deviously inclined I figure that he could tie up most of SoCal by staging wrecks at 4 or 5 strategic intersections.
Thursday, June 9
THURSDAY
> I had lunch today with someone who had never been in La Perla Tapatia -- the Mexican grocery store we frequent for the burrito bar in the back. Looking out over the store as we waited, that person's comment was, "I suppose bimbo has a different connotation in Spanish than English?"
SÃ. Now, my Spanish is pretty sad but I do get bimbo. And that's probably one of the basic things that all of us gringos should know -- even if you don't frequent Mexican grocery stores. Bimbo is the name of a mega Mexican-based bread conglomerate Grupo Bimbo. And you'll see the name all over in the grocery store. Yes, it's funny to English speakers -- but the bimbos are laughing all the way to the bank.
> Rockbridge University -- interesting online seminary built on the "purpose-driven" model. By far, though, my favorite online seminary these days is South African Theological Seminary -- fully accredited, reasonably priced, quality faculty, student-friendly from all reports, appropriate rigor, and for Americans the advantage of a cross-cultural perspective.
> Cool little trailers -- not the movie kind. Link 1 -- Link 2
> I had lunch today with someone who had never been in La Perla Tapatia -- the Mexican grocery store we frequent for the burrito bar in the back. Looking out over the store as we waited, that person's comment was, "I suppose bimbo has a different connotation in Spanish than English?"
SÃ. Now, my Spanish is pretty sad but I do get bimbo. And that's probably one of the basic things that all of us gringos should know -- even if you don't frequent Mexican grocery stores. Bimbo is the name of a mega Mexican-based bread conglomerate Grupo Bimbo. And you'll see the name all over in the grocery store. Yes, it's funny to English speakers -- but the bimbos are laughing all the way to the bank.
> Rockbridge University -- interesting online seminary built on the "purpose-driven" model. By far, though, my favorite online seminary these days is South African Theological Seminary -- fully accredited, reasonably priced, quality faculty, student-friendly from all reports, appropriate rigor, and for Americans the advantage of a cross-cultural perspective.
> Cool little trailers -- not the movie kind. Link 1 -- Link 2
THE DAY
It rained last night -- which may seem like no big deal to you but here in the Central Valley of California we usually don't have any rain between May and October.
It was still cloudy and threatening when I went into my meeting early this afternoon at Covenant Village of Turlock. I've been on the management advisory committee there for seven years. Today was the last in my term.
They had a special dinner for the committee members and then they gave each of the three retiring members really cool mantle clocks. I will miss that committee but it's not like I'll suddenly become a stranger to the Village. Many of the residents are a part of our congregation. However, it does feel good to have one less responsibility.
I have 12 months to go on my term as president of the Covenant Ministerium -- and related board assignments. I see light at the end of the tunnel. I do, however, leave next Wednesday for nine days of meetings on Colorado. I enjoy working with all the people -- a lot. But I'm ready for a change.
Speaking of change, when I left the meeting after 7 o'clock this evening the clouds were gone and we were back to beautiful spring. It should be a terrific day to drive to San Diego tomorrow to pick-up Kirk's stuff -- hours and hours of peace and quiet to work on my sermon.
It rained last night -- which may seem like no big deal to you but here in the Central Valley of California we usually don't have any rain between May and October.
It was still cloudy and threatening when I went into my meeting early this afternoon at Covenant Village of Turlock. I've been on the management advisory committee there for seven years. Today was the last in my term.
They had a special dinner for the committee members and then they gave each of the three retiring members really cool mantle clocks. I will miss that committee but it's not like I'll suddenly become a stranger to the Village. Many of the residents are a part of our congregation. However, it does feel good to have one less responsibility.
I have 12 months to go on my term as president of the Covenant Ministerium -- and related board assignments. I see light at the end of the tunnel. I do, however, leave next Wednesday for nine days of meetings on Colorado. I enjoy working with all the people -- a lot. But I'm ready for a change.
Speaking of change, when I left the meeting after 7 o'clock this evening the clouds were gone and we were back to beautiful spring. It should be a terrific day to drive to San Diego tomorrow to pick-up Kirk's stuff -- hours and hours of peace and quiet to work on my sermon.
Wednesday, June 8
WEDNESDAY
> I thought Americans had the corner on half-baked idiotic ideas. But now I know that the Germans are more screwed up than we are.
> Bach aria discovered -- remnant of more civil times in Germany.
> Several people have now pointed me to the Bible Dudes website so I should probably bookmark it. They also have a blog. Educational and cute.
> I thought Americans had the corner on half-baked idiotic ideas. But now I know that the Germans are more screwed up than we are.
> Bach aria discovered -- remnant of more civil times in Germany.
> Several people have now pointed me to the Bible Dudes website so I should probably bookmark it. They also have a blog. Educational and cute.
Tuesday, June 7
TUESDAY
> Cheryl is off at the SF Giants game tonight -- selling nachos as a fund-raiser -- fulfilling her calling as a band mom. I hope the bandies appreciate all that the adults do to keep the bands up and blowing.
> Kevin and Sandra are selling their house and are getting ready to leave Turlock. Kevin -- the mountain bike unicycler -- is so much fun because he marches to the beat of his own drum. Sandra gets my jokes -- and laughs in all the right places during my sermons -- even when what I say goes right over everyone else's heads. Sigh.
> Some guy in India sent 182,689 text messages in one month -- generating a 1,411 page phone bill and a place in the Guinness Book of World Records (he hopes). He may not know it yet but he has also contracted a bad case of carpal thumb syndrome.
> "What I did on my summer vacation..." Google is offering $4,500 to students who successfully complete an open source software project by the end of the summer.
> I got mail in the office from a company offering to submit our website to "20 MAJOR search engines" for $35. They've got to be kidding. One link on any website or a quick submission to Google will accomplish the exact same thing.
> Now that's service! Yesterday I ordered three books from amazon.com -- using their standard shipping so that it would be free. Estimated shipping time "5-9 business days" said the confirmation email. The books arrived via UPS this afternoon. How do they do that?
> G-rated films are more profitable than R-rated films. But profitability is not necessarily what drives the film industry. The bottom line isn't money but self-perception. Those in the industry don't want to think of themselves as G-rated people.
> Cheryl is off at the SF Giants game tonight -- selling nachos as a fund-raiser -- fulfilling her calling as a band mom. I hope the bandies appreciate all that the adults do to keep the bands up and blowing.
> Kevin and Sandra are selling their house and are getting ready to leave Turlock. Kevin -- the mountain bike unicycler -- is so much fun because he marches to the beat of his own drum. Sandra gets my jokes -- and laughs in all the right places during my sermons -- even when what I say goes right over everyone else's heads. Sigh.
> Some guy in India sent 182,689 text messages in one month -- generating a 1,411 page phone bill and a place in the Guinness Book of World Records (he hopes). He may not know it yet but he has also contracted a bad case of carpal thumb syndrome.
> "What I did on my summer vacation..." Google is offering $4,500 to students who successfully complete an open source software project by the end of the summer.
> I got mail in the office from a company offering to submit our website to "20 MAJOR search engines" for $35. They've got to be kidding. One link on any website or a quick submission to Google will accomplish the exact same thing.
> Now that's service! Yesterday I ordered three books from amazon.com -- using their standard shipping so that it would be free. Estimated shipping time "5-9 business days" said the confirmation email. The books arrived via UPS this afternoon. How do they do that?
> G-rated films are more profitable than R-rated films. But profitability is not necessarily what drives the film industry. The bottom line isn't money but self-perception. Those in the industry don't want to think of themselves as G-rated people.
Monday, June 6
MONDAY
> The rise and fall of Krispy Kreme -- by growing so quickly they squandered some of their mystique, undercut their profitability, and apparently got "creative" with their finances. (thanks, Jordon)
> They made it. Pastor Tom, Karen, and "Jet" Walker flew to Minnesota today. The complication is that Tom has MAJOR health issues that make flying iffy. But I just talked with Jet on the cell phone and they made it without incident. PTL
> The editors of the Covenant Home Altar must be reading my blogroll this quarter. I wrote last week's devotionals. Linea is writing this week's. And Bud is on duty for the last week of this month.
> "Bats live in the majority of Iowa homes without the owners even knowing it, said experts with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources." If true, can you imagine how mosquito infested Iowa would be if the bats weren't living in most homes?
> Hotel-condo hybrids -- growing trend.
> Blogging can enhance your career -- or...
> The rise and fall of Krispy Kreme -- by growing so quickly they squandered some of their mystique, undercut their profitability, and apparently got "creative" with their finances. (thanks, Jordon)
> They made it. Pastor Tom, Karen, and "Jet" Walker flew to Minnesota today. The complication is that Tom has MAJOR health issues that make flying iffy. But I just talked with Jet on the cell phone and they made it without incident. PTL
> The editors of the Covenant Home Altar must be reading my blogroll this quarter. I wrote last week's devotionals. Linea is writing this week's. And Bud is on duty for the last week of this month.
> "Bats live in the majority of Iowa homes without the owners even knowing it, said experts with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources." If true, can you imagine how mosquito infested Iowa would be if the bats weren't living in most homes?
> Hotel-condo hybrids -- growing trend.
> Blogging can enhance your career -- or...
Sunday, June 5
SUNDAY
> Bookmark: flickr Bird Watcher's Guide
> Steps toward maturity in the "emergent" -- note the humility and graciousness. This document is one of the best "conversation" pieces that has come out of the movement.
> Bookmark: flickr Bird Watcher's Guide
> Steps toward maturity in the "emergent" -- note the humility and graciousness. This document is one of the best "conversation" pieces that has come out of the movement.
Saturday, June 4
BABY DOVE
One of the two baby doves in the nest on a back patio hanging basket took its first flight this afternoon. I was watering in the backyard and that startled the bird, which flew out of the nest and around the patio for a few seconds (much to the delight of our dog and cat who both "guard" the nest from below). It eventually landed on the ceiling fan. Since then it flew back to the nest where its mother and sibling were waiting.
It amazes me that these mourning doves grow so fast and are ready to fly within two weeks after hatching. This is the third batch of doves to nest in that basket this spring.
One of the two baby doves in the nest on a back patio hanging basket took its first flight this afternoon. I was watering in the backyard and that startled the bird, which flew out of the nest and around the patio for a few seconds (much to the delight of our dog and cat who both "guard" the nest from below). It eventually landed on the ceiling fan. Since then it flew back to the nest where its mother and sibling were waiting.
It amazes me that these mourning doves grow so fast and are ready to fly within two weeks after hatching. This is the third batch of doves to nest in that basket this spring.
SATURDAY
> Laptops outsell desktops for the first time -- the cost is down and mobility is becoming more important.
> Agree or disagree?
At megachurches, individual needs reign supreme. The freshly built, mall-like structures offer child-care services, food courts, book stores, youth programs, and counseling for what ails you: financial issues, marriage problems, sexual addiction, chemical dependency. There is no burdensome talk of fire and brimstone or a dictate to serve the poor. Those are downers. These churches flourish by making people feel good about themselves and the search for prosperity. -- Hannah Lobel, Utne.com
> Evangelicalism: Philip Yancey on the truths, stereotypes, and misperceptions.
> "There are lies, damn lies, and statistics." The argument continues over the statistical "evidence" that the abortion rate has increased during the Bush administration.
> Betsy placed 21st in the state track and field trials yesterday -- not quite good enough to go on to the finals today. She ONLY did 36' in the triple jump. But that's okay. She's off this morning taking her SAT II tests. Oh, and our youngest is now officially a high school senior.
> Laptops outsell desktops for the first time -- the cost is down and mobility is becoming more important.
> Agree or disagree?
At megachurches, individual needs reign supreme. The freshly built, mall-like structures offer child-care services, food courts, book stores, youth programs, and counseling for what ails you: financial issues, marriage problems, sexual addiction, chemical dependency. There is no burdensome talk of fire and brimstone or a dictate to serve the poor. Those are downers. These churches flourish by making people feel good about themselves and the search for prosperity. -- Hannah Lobel, Utne.com
> Evangelicalism: Philip Yancey on the truths, stereotypes, and misperceptions.
> "There are lies, damn lies, and statistics." The argument continues over the statistical "evidence" that the abortion rate has increased during the Bush administration.
> Betsy placed 21st in the state track and field trials yesterday -- not quite good enough to go on to the finals today. She ONLY did 36' in the triple jump. But that's okay. She's off this morning taking her SAT II tests. Oh, and our youngest is now officially a high school senior.
Friday, June 3
FRIDAY
> Baitcar.com -- better than COPS. A bait car is a vehicle owned by police agencies in BC and strategically placed in high auto crime areas. Once the vehicle is stolen, police are dispatched to the moving bait car, the engine is disabled remotely, and the suspects are arrested. And it's all recorded on video for playback on the Internet (and in court). Warning: most of the thieves recorded have a vocabulary limited to four letter words.
> A gift from the BBC -- Beethoven's nine symphonies, played by the BBC Philharmonic, will be available for free download starting June 6th.
> The other day Sue was bemoaning her lack of high-speed Internet options. Here is a directory of WISP wireless options -- most in more rural areas.
> Chubby's, one of the hamburger places we frequent, has closed. We ate there last week and there was no sign of trouble. But when we went by tonight the restaurant was gutted. They had been in Turlock at least as long as we have -- 10 years. Now where will we go for Gilroy garlic burgers?
> Once again, tragedy in San Francisco. Common sense dictates that there are certain dog breeds which should not be permitted to live as pets.
> The ability for humans to drink cow's milk is apparently hereditary -- and appears to be limited to people whose ancestors herded dairy cows. But did they herd cows because they could drink the milk or did they develop the ability to drink the milk because they herded cows? Inquiring minds want to know.
> Today is Betsy's last day as a junior in high school -- her last final this morning. Then she goes to Sacramento to compete in the state track finals this afternoon (triple jump).
> Our friend, Mike Gillett, who is serving as a US Army chaplain in Iraq is returning home (Duluth, Minnesota) on leave. His family is ready. It seems to me that having him home for only two weeks would be rough. Sending him back again at the end of that time would be harder the second time than the first.
> Baitcar.com -- better than COPS. A bait car is a vehicle owned by police agencies in BC and strategically placed in high auto crime areas. Once the vehicle is stolen, police are dispatched to the moving bait car, the engine is disabled remotely, and the suspects are arrested. And it's all recorded on video for playback on the Internet (and in court). Warning: most of the thieves recorded have a vocabulary limited to four letter words.
> A gift from the BBC -- Beethoven's nine symphonies, played by the BBC Philharmonic, will be available for free download starting June 6th.
> The other day Sue was bemoaning her lack of high-speed Internet options. Here is a directory of WISP wireless options -- most in more rural areas.
> Chubby's, one of the hamburger places we frequent, has closed. We ate there last week and there was no sign of trouble. But when we went by tonight the restaurant was gutted. They had been in Turlock at least as long as we have -- 10 years. Now where will we go for Gilroy garlic burgers?
> Once again, tragedy in San Francisco. Common sense dictates that there are certain dog breeds which should not be permitted to live as pets.
> The ability for humans to drink cow's milk is apparently hereditary -- and appears to be limited to people whose ancestors herded dairy cows. But did they herd cows because they could drink the milk or did they develop the ability to drink the milk because they herded cows? Inquiring minds want to know.
> Today is Betsy's last day as a junior in high school -- her last final this morning. Then she goes to Sacramento to compete in the state track finals this afternoon (triple jump).
> Our friend, Mike Gillett, who is serving as a US Army chaplain in Iraq is returning home (Duluth, Minnesota) on leave. His family is ready. It seems to me that having him home for only two weeks would be rough. Sending him back again at the end of that time would be harder the second time than the first.
Thursday, June 2
THURSDAY
> Romance has ruined marriage.
> Garden report: Harvested the first two zucchini and the first three "grape" tomatoes tonight.
Also, last winter I had two very young Madagascar palms (not a true palm) get frosted. The first died. I was able to do some surgery on the second and I've been nursing it ever since. This afternoon I noticed that it has new shoots all up the trunk. Not only will it make it but it will have more leaves than before. Yeah! I actually picked up another one at a UC Riverside plant sale two months ago. And it's doing great, too.
"Now the LORD God had planted a garden...and there he put the man he had formed." (Genesis 2:8)
> Finally, it looks like porn sites will get their own .xxx extensions. This will further help to identify and screen out porn sites so that surfers don't accidentally end up there. Of course, it won't do a lot of good unless all porn merchants are mandated to use .xxx -- which they are not at this time. But creation of the top-level domain designation is a step in the right direction.
> Counterfeiting is the nail in the coffin on the Subway sandwich stamp promotion.
> Romance has ruined marriage.
> Garden report: Harvested the first two zucchini and the first three "grape" tomatoes tonight.
Also, last winter I had two very young Madagascar palms (not a true palm) get frosted. The first died. I was able to do some surgery on the second and I've been nursing it ever since. This afternoon I noticed that it has new shoots all up the trunk. Not only will it make it but it will have more leaves than before. Yeah! I actually picked up another one at a UC Riverside plant sale two months ago. And it's doing great, too.
"Now the LORD God had planted a garden...and there he put the man he had formed." (Genesis 2:8)
> Finally, it looks like porn sites will get their own .xxx extensions. This will further help to identify and screen out porn sites so that surfers don't accidentally end up there. Of course, it won't do a lot of good unless all porn merchants are mandated to use .xxx -- which they are not at this time. But creation of the top-level domain designation is a step in the right direction.
> Counterfeiting is the nail in the coffin on the Subway sandwich stamp promotion.
Wednesday, June 1
WEDNESDAY
> In a quiet trend, dozens of churches have lost members to sudden defections during missions trips. The lure of carefree living, dirt-cheap costs and an exotic locale prove seductive even for stable church-goers. Believe it -- or not.
> I am happy to report that up to this point I have never lost sleep wondering who "deep throat" was -- and I lived through the Watergate fiasco. It's probably a good thing that we now know -- to keep things straight in the history books. But I'm not going to sleep any better -- although Mark Felt might.
> SBC has lowered the cost of its low-end DSL to $14.95. It's not their fastest product but it's nothing to sneeze at -- especially if you are paying $20/month for dial-up! We have SBC in the church office and have been pleased with the service. This could kill a lot of the mom and pop ISP's which offer only dial-up. (Thanks, Eric!)
> The more visually oriented society becomes, greater is the role of words, according to Andy Crouch.
> In a quiet trend, dozens of churches have lost members to sudden defections during missions trips. The lure of carefree living, dirt-cheap costs and an exotic locale prove seductive even for stable church-goers. Believe it -- or not.
> I am happy to report that up to this point I have never lost sleep wondering who "deep throat" was -- and I lived through the Watergate fiasco. It's probably a good thing that we now know -- to keep things straight in the history books. But I'm not going to sleep any better -- although Mark Felt might.
> SBC has lowered the cost of its low-end DSL to $14.95. It's not their fastest product but it's nothing to sneeze at -- especially if you are paying $20/month for dial-up! We have SBC in the church office and have been pleased with the service. This could kill a lot of the mom and pop ISP's which offer only dial-up. (Thanks, Eric!)
> The more visually oriented society becomes, greater is the role of words, according to Andy Crouch.
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