This confession was written to follow a reading of Proverbs 31:10-12, 25-30 (NIV). It came out of an awareness that Mother's Day can be a difficult day for women whose relationships with their mothers were/are strained, those who have experienced infertility issues, etc. and others who find the Proverbs ideal too lofty to attain.
Lord, many of us read these words from Your Holy Word
And are inspired, encouraged, and grateful.
But some of us are tempted to doubt
That Your grace could ever produce
these kinds of virtues in our lives.
Some of us are tempted by resentment and unforgiveness
Because of those who have let us down.
Some of us are tempted to condemn ourselves for past failings,
and all of us remember times when we have fallen short.
Forgive us for doubt, resentment,
unforgiving hearts, self-condemning attitudes.
Remind us of your forgiveness, always available in Jesus Christ.
In Spite of our failures and sin,
We trust in Your power to transform our lives.
Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, Lord Jesus,
So that our lives may bring Joy to Your world
And Praise to Your Name.
© 2007 Rick Lindholtz
Wednesday
Friday
Friday 5/4
• For the third time in 6 1/2 years of calling Christ the King Lutheran Church my home, something has happened that I just find so interesting: Another church has extended a call to one of our staff, even though the staff person has clearly articulated that he is not looking and not open to a change of ministry. I find this interesting simply because it is so outside of my experience. In The Covenant I have never heard of such a thing happening. "No" means "No" in the ECC. If you're a Covenant reader, have you heard of a Covenant Church, in congregational vote, extending an official call to a pastor or staff ministry person who has said "no thanks" on more than one occasion?
This time (again)it is Mark, our Director of Worship and Music, who has been called by a church in Cleveland OH. And he figures that if a church is willing to extend a call, he needs to explore whether it is God's will. So he'll be up there next week.
I'm not concerned. God is in control, but I really don't expect this to happen.
• Miles has concluded his course of Prednisone. It has been sheer misery. Probably the worst month of our lives. And it will take a few days for the remnants of Prednisone to leave his system. Further, there is (as far as we can tell) no evidence that it has accomplished anything other than wreak havoc with his sleep cycle [and ours]and his Blood Glucose management. Today he is having a horrible day of abdominal pain - the presenting problem which the Prednisone was theoretically going to help.
This time (again)it is Mark, our Director of Worship and Music, who has been called by a church in Cleveland OH. And he figures that if a church is willing to extend a call, he needs to explore whether it is God's will. So he'll be up there next week.
I'm not concerned. God is in control, but I really don't expect this to happen.
• Miles has concluded his course of Prednisone. It has been sheer misery. Probably the worst month of our lives. And it will take a few days for the remnants of Prednisone to leave his system. Further, there is (as far as we can tell) no evidence that it has accomplished anything other than wreak havoc with his sleep cycle [and ours]and his Blood Glucose management. Today he is having a horrible day of abdominal pain - the presenting problem which the Prednisone was theoretically going to help.
Sunday
Sunday 4/29
-Awesome worship today in a service of confirmation for 39 8th graders. Doyle preached on "Oaks of Righteousness".
-Miles is slowly getting his sleep cycle back to normal as we taper down his prednisone dose. Last Monday night he slept not one minute from bedtime until 7:15 am. We are still recovering - all of us. Miles is enjoying his new pet, a leopard gecko named Faith, and also enjoyed a visit from
Maggie, who is owned by the Reuters - who are also the parents of Jeffrey, ElenaClaire's boyfriend.
-I just got home from a 5 hour rehearsal for "How to Succeed in Business without really trying", on stage here in Kingwood in June
- my first entrance into community musical theatre since "Bye Bye Birdie" 30 years ago in Davis. The time commitment is demanding but I'm having fun. today we choreographed "Brotherhood of Man" step for step based on this video of the Matthew Broderick revival of the show.
-Miles is slowly getting his sleep cycle back to normal as we taper down his prednisone dose. Last Monday night he slept not one minute from bedtime until 7:15 am. We are still recovering - all of us. Miles is enjoying his new pet, a leopard gecko named Faith, and also enjoyed a visit from
Maggie, who is owned by the Reuters - who are also the parents of Jeffrey, ElenaClaire's boyfriend. -ElenaClaire is moving into the home stretch - 
Pops Show is over (videos here) and Prom is coming - Graduation is May 25th and 
her Grad party at our house is May 29, featuring the music of These Guys Here.
Pops Show is over (videos here) and Prom is coming - Graduation is May 25th and 
her Grad party at our house is May 29, featuring the music of These Guys Here.Concordia and North Park both offered her generous scholarships ($8500 and $14200 respectively) but she is feeling like it would be wise for her to finish a couple years at Kingwood College - not certain that either she or Miles is ready for her to leave, and not feeling good about starting her post-college life with a pile of college debt (which would surely be the case if she went to either school).
-I just got home from a 5 hour rehearsal for "How to Succeed in Business without really trying", on stage here in Kingwood in June
- my first entrance into community musical theatre since "Bye Bye Birdie" 30 years ago in Davis. The time commitment is demanding but I'm having fun. today we choreographed "Brotherhood of Man" step for step based on this video of the Matthew Broderick revival of the show.I just finished reading "Flyboys" by James Bradley, author of "Flags of our Fathers". Awesome but disturbing book. No one really comes out of war virtue intact. But the details make it clear that a Pacific war was necessary back in the 1940s.
Thursday
Thursday 4/12
Easter was a great day... over 1700 in attendance, including the largest number of people ever to attend a single service at CTK (720 - all but maximizing our available seating, with folding chairs set up in the aisles.)
Miles was very sick on Tuesday, then had a great day on Wednesday. Today he is sick and at home again.
ElenaClaire secured a solo spot in the Kingwood High Pops Show at the end of the month. She'll be singing "Eleanor Rigby", backed by a small group of vocalists on the chorus.
She learned this week that she secured neither the vocal scholarship nor the LEadership Scholarship for which she applied. We are looking at Financial Aid packages, but realizing that in all likelihood she'll be at Kingwood College for a year or two. Still, we're making no firm decisions. Who knows what might still happen?
Miles was very sick on Tuesday, then had a great day on Wednesday. Today he is sick and at home again.
ElenaClaire secured a solo spot in the Kingwood High Pops Show at the end of the month. She'll be singing "Eleanor Rigby", backed by a small group of vocalists on the chorus.
She learned this week that she secured neither the vocal scholarship nor the LEadership Scholarship for which she applied. We are looking at Financial Aid packages, but realizing that in all likelihood she'll be at Kingwood College for a year or two. Still, we're making no firm decisions. Who knows what might still happen?
Friday
Good Friday
Miles' health has sort of taken over the subject matter on this blog - (and a lot of other stuff in our lives). It will not always be thus (I say in faith). The worship, music, drama, and theological musings will return.
Several of you who read here have sent encouraging notes - Thanks Geoff, Don, and John/Melissa, to name a few -
Miles started on prednisone Tuesday night and as expected, it is shooting his glucose levels all over the place - on the high end. Target levels are between 80-200, and the lower in that range, the better. On Weds., he didn't drop below 200 until 11:15 PM. Wake ups have been in the high 300s to middle 500s with the added complication of ketones, a chemical side effect of high numbers that make highs very stubborn. He went to school on Monday only this week. Last night we increased his nighttime basal rate (The dose of insulin his pump gives him every 3 minutes, day and night). ElenaClaire did a midnight check and I did one sometime in the 4 am hour. His wake up was 186. We'll learn a whole new system of management during his prednisone dose - anticipated to last 3 weeks, I think. Here's my best shot at explaining what this is like.
ElenaClaire had a phone interview yesterday with Concordia University in Austin. She's one of 8 finalists for 3 full-ride scholarships there. She also received a phone call Monday night from the Director of Biology and pre-nursing there, who when she learned North Park UNiversity in Chicago was also in the running, had very complimentary remarks about NPU and said she had sent students there to complete their nursing training - but most interesting was that Concordia is likely to start a school of nursing in the 2008-09 school year. For a number of reasons, not least of which is the relative proximity of Austin as compared to Chicago, I think Concordia has a subtle lead between the two schools. We should know by late next week what each school can do financially, and then ElenaClaire will have to make a decision.
At Christ the King, we had a great Palm Sunday which included a drama I wrote, with a cast of 7. I led last night's Maundy Thursday service worship along with Marilyn and John. Tonight and on Easter Sunday, I will be singing in the choir; on Sunday I will be conducting the choir on one song (Paul Baloche's "What can I do?") and leading vocally on one song ("Crown Him with Many Crowns", in the arrangement generated here last year by Brian West).
Several of you who read here have sent encouraging notes - Thanks Geoff, Don, and John/Melissa, to name a few -
Miles started on prednisone Tuesday night and as expected, it is shooting his glucose levels all over the place - on the high end. Target levels are between 80-200, and the lower in that range, the better. On Weds., he didn't drop below 200 until 11:15 PM. Wake ups have been in the high 300s to middle 500s with the added complication of ketones, a chemical side effect of high numbers that make highs very stubborn. He went to school on Monday only this week. Last night we increased his nighttime basal rate (The dose of insulin his pump gives him every 3 minutes, day and night). ElenaClaire did a midnight check and I did one sometime in the 4 am hour. His wake up was 186. We'll learn a whole new system of management during his prednisone dose - anticipated to last 3 weeks, I think. Here's my best shot at explaining what this is like.
ElenaClaire had a phone interview yesterday with Concordia University in Austin. She's one of 8 finalists for 3 full-ride scholarships there. She also received a phone call Monday night from the Director of Biology and pre-nursing there, who when she learned North Park UNiversity in Chicago was also in the running, had very complimentary remarks about NPU and said she had sent students there to complete their nursing training - but most interesting was that Concordia is likely to start a school of nursing in the 2008-09 school year. For a number of reasons, not least of which is the relative proximity of Austin as compared to Chicago, I think Concordia has a subtle lead between the two schools. We should know by late next week what each school can do financially, and then ElenaClaire will have to make a decision.
At Christ the King, we had a great Palm Sunday which included a drama I wrote, with a cast of 7. I led last night's Maundy Thursday service worship along with Marilyn and John. Tonight and on Easter Sunday, I will be singing in the choir; on Sunday I will be conducting the choir on one song (Paul Baloche's "What can I do?") and leading vocally on one song ("Crown Him with Many Crowns", in the arrangement generated here last year by Brian West).
Tuesday
Tuesday 3/27 pm
Miles is back home with abdominal pain. So much for 4 full days of school.
Last week I visted with my friend Gerard Baldwin, the last living director and illustrator of the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show. He drew and donated this drawing for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Gala Auction, scheduled for May 12. His wife Frances may also donate 5 hours of French Tutoring for the auction. They are really lovely people, most enjoyable company.Tuesday, 3/27 am
Miles is in school today. In the last month he has not been in school for more than 3 days at a time. Last week: Monday and Friday home because of illness. Yesterday: Home again. May this be a week he makes it through Friday.
He is on a new medication that is for his new, third diagnosis - ontop of Type 1 Diabetes and Eosinophilia, this is gastroparesis, a semi-paralysis of the stomach - a complication of diabetes. Very unusual for such a young child - typical only in adult diabetics. If the medication doesn't help, it might be an inaccurate diagnosis. Highly likely he'll go on steroids later this week - which should ease the eosin symptoms, but make his blood glucose go crazy.
ElenaClaire heard from Concordia yesterday. Of some 80 applicants for the Lutheran Student Leadership Scholarship (full tuition), she is one of 8 finalists for the 3 slots. She goes on to the next level: telephone iterviews next week. She's already assured of an $8500 Distinguished Student scholarship there; she is assured of $4000 so far at North Park ($2500 Dean's Award plus $1500 Covenant Ministers' Grant), with vocal scholarship potentially up to $4000 and other financial aid offers to come in early April. Several local scholarships await.
I am of no clear vision on this decision. I have a strong feeling for North Park, having lived there for 2 years while in Seminary. It has fine music and nursing programs. I'd love for her to have the Chicago experience. But Chicago is far away. I don't know if any of the 4 of us could handle such a great distance - esp. the kids. Austin is much nearer, a mere 3 hours away, which is a plus. But it has no nursing program - pre-nursing only. Perhaps 2 years there and then transfer? EC knows no one at North Park, though a dear friend of ours, like an aunt to EC, lives blocks away from campus. She has friends at Concordia and nearby at UT.
Ultimately it is her decision to make and I am confident that God will lead.
He is on a new medication that is for his new, third diagnosis - ontop of Type 1 Diabetes and Eosinophilia, this is gastroparesis, a semi-paralysis of the stomach - a complication of diabetes. Very unusual for such a young child - typical only in adult diabetics. If the medication doesn't help, it might be an inaccurate diagnosis. Highly likely he'll go on steroids later this week - which should ease the eosin symptoms, but make his blood glucose go crazy.
ElenaClaire heard from Concordia yesterday. Of some 80 applicants for the Lutheran Student Leadership Scholarship (full tuition), she is one of 8 finalists for the 3 slots. She goes on to the next level: telephone iterviews next week. She's already assured of an $8500 Distinguished Student scholarship there; she is assured of $4000 so far at North Park ($2500 Dean's Award plus $1500 Covenant Ministers' Grant), with vocal scholarship potentially up to $4000 and other financial aid offers to come in early April. Several local scholarships await.
I am of no clear vision on this decision. I have a strong feeling for North Park, having lived there for 2 years while in Seminary. It has fine music and nursing programs. I'd love for her to have the Chicago experience. But Chicago is far away. I don't know if any of the 4 of us could handle such a great distance - esp. the kids. Austin is much nearer, a mere 3 hours away, which is a plus. But it has no nursing program - pre-nursing only. Perhaps 2 years there and then transfer? EC knows no one at North Park, though a dear friend of ours, like an aunt to EC, lives blocks away from campus. She has friends at Concordia and nearby at UT.
Ultimately it is her decision to make and I am confident that God will lead.
Thursday
Thursday in Kingwood
Last Tuesday evening we took Miles to our regularly scheduled service of healing prayer. He seemed encouraged and blessed by the experience. He had been sick on Monday with EO symptoms but had been well enough to go to school on Tuesday.
He woke up with very good numbers and no EO symptoms on Weds and today and has had a couple of good days. In school three days in a row - which hasn't happened for a while.
He is also seeing his counseling therapist once a week now to help him cope with all this and is also taking painting lessons, which seems to help as well.
We expect to get info from his GI Dr. today about the tests he has had last week, and we are asking for an aggressive plan of treatment, even if it means doing a course of steroids which will complicate his diabetic regimen.
I am gearing up for leading a band as we lead worship this weekend; then on Palm Sunday I am directing a cast that includes myself in a drama I have written that will be halfway through the service and will be the tipping point as the service shifts from Palm to Passion emphasis. The drama takes place at Ground Zero in New York and is one of the best things I have written - based on a Willow Creek piece from years ago called "The Wall". Then Easter comes and EC and I will be in the choir. Alicia is not singing this year because Miles seems to need her to focus on him instead.
He woke up with very good numbers and no EO symptoms on Weds and today and has had a couple of good days. In school three days in a row - which hasn't happened for a while.
He is also seeing his counseling therapist once a week now to help him cope with all this and is also taking painting lessons, which seems to help as well.
We expect to get info from his GI Dr. today about the tests he has had last week, and we are asking for an aggressive plan of treatment, even if it means doing a course of steroids which will complicate his diabetic regimen.
I am gearing up for leading a band as we lead worship this weekend; then on Palm Sunday I am directing a cast that includes myself in a drama I have written that will be halfway through the service and will be the tipping point as the service shifts from Palm to Passion emphasis. The drama takes place at Ground Zero in New York and is one of the best things I have written - based on a Willow Creek piece from years ago called "The Wall". Then Easter comes and EC and I will be in the choir. Alicia is not singing this year because Miles seems to need her to focus on him instead.
Tuesday
Better on Tuesday
Miles is in school today - Thank you Lord. He woke up with no eosinophilic symptoms and a very healthy blood glucose number.
ElenaClaire received the Dean's award scholarship of $2500/yr at NPU. This week about 6 local scholarships will get filed. We expect to know the big picture by the first week of April. Then it all comes down to negotiations.
Christ the King is stepping into Lifeshapes - slowly but with determination and a sense that God is leading.
It's a beautiful day in Kingwood. And my attitude is much improved.
ElenaClaire received the Dean's award scholarship of $2500/yr at NPU. This week about 6 local scholarships will get filed. We expect to know the big picture by the first week of April. Then it all comes down to negotiations.
Christ the King is stepping into Lifeshapes - slowly but with determination and a sense that God is leading.
It's a beautiful day in Kingwood. And my attitude is much improved.
Monday
Sick and Tired
It comes down to this: I am fed up with illness. Not mine: Miles'. Eight plus years of dealing with diabetic management is bad enough. This new eosinophilic disorder is terrible. Miles stayed home from school today because he was not well enough to go to school. We know every year going into it that Miles will rack up more then the allowed days missed from school just from diabetic complications. This just adds to the burden.
I'm really tired of it.
I'm really tired of it.
Monday Afternoon - Music, Tools, Rodeo
• Here is a neat online tool. I needed to gather some information related to communications at CTK and this provided me with just the tool I needed.• We had a great day at the Houston Livestock show and Rodeo on Saturday. Ride 'em, Miles!
• EC received the "Distinguished Student Scholarship" of $8,500 per year at Concordia. Will she go? Hard to say. Other scholarships are out, there and at North Park, waiting on a reply, and more go out next week.
• My friend and colleague Marilyn Johnson and I collaborated on a song entitled "I am the vine". My contribution was the second verse. Written on Tuesday and Wednesday; presented in worship on Sunday, with Alicia and our friend George joining us on harmony vocals. Out of respect for Marilyn's ownership of the song, please do not use without contacting me first.
Thursday
Wednesday
ASK ME
My brother usually meets with a group at Starbuck's every Saturday morning, but apparently most everyone had said they couldn't make it. So, he told me, he was lying in bed early Saturday, wondering if he should go to Starbuck's or not.
Finally he decided to go and here's what he did. He made a little table-tent sign that said "ASK ME". He got a cup of coffee and the book he's currently reading, sat down at a table and set up the sign.
First thing that happened was a woman stopped and said "Ask you what?". Tom said "Anything". She replied "Okay, why is the sky blue?" Tom said "Great question. You want the serious answer or the funny answer?" "She said "Gimme the funny one", so Tom gave her the funny answer - an old Professor Irwin Corey routine.
Then she asked for the scientific explanation and he gave that to her. It turned into an interesting 10 minute conversation.
A few moments after she left a couple walked in. Same bit. The guy says "Ask What?" and Tom says "Anything". The guy looks at his wife, says "Honey, get me a cup of coffee" and sits down with Tom for 12-15 minutes of conversation that began with "What are you reading?"
Tom told me he figured that a) almost everyone has questions, and b) a lot of people don't feel like they have anyone they can ask. So he decided to let people know they can ask him.
I think he's on to something.
Finally he decided to go and here's what he did. He made a little table-tent sign that said "ASK ME". He got a cup of coffee and the book he's currently reading, sat down at a table and set up the sign.
First thing that happened was a woman stopped and said "Ask you what?". Tom said "Anything". She replied "Okay, why is the sky blue?" Tom said "Great question. You want the serious answer or the funny answer?" "She said "Gimme the funny one", so Tom gave her the funny answer - an old Professor Irwin Corey routine.
"'Why is the sky Blue' is a two part question. The first part is 'why?' This question has stumped philosophers for centuries. It's too complex to get into right now. The second part, 'is the sky blue?' Yes."
Then she asked for the scientific explanation and he gave that to her. It turned into an interesting 10 minute conversation.
A few moments after she left a couple walked in. Same bit. The guy says "Ask What?" and Tom says "Anything". The guy looks at his wife, says "Honey, get me a cup of coffee" and sits down with Tom for 12-15 minutes of conversation that began with "What are you reading?"
Tom told me he figured that a) almost everyone has questions, and b) a lot of people don't feel like they have anyone they can ask. So he decided to let people know they can ask him.
I think he's on to something.
Saturday
Random
• “Let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage”. Walden Media is awesome. So is Hillsdale College's monthly print/electronic publication Imprimis. This month Walden co-founder and President Michael Flaherty writes about the vision of Walden.
• Every Last week of February, right before my March 2 birthday - I give myself back to my parents as a birthday present. I wish I could bring my whole family with me. I'm writing from my parents' home in Davis. Brother Tom picked me up late Thursday night at the airport; sister karin and husband Dave drove up from Claremont; and all of us had dinner last night (as is our tradition) at The Buckhorn in Winters, of whom the Davis Enterprise recently wrote:
• And finally, I typically will speak at a Vespers Service at URC, where Dad and Mom live. That's Sunday, after attending my home church, University Covenant.
It's all good - just as it will be good to get home Monday night.
"We wanted to create a company dedicated to recapturing imagination, rekindling curiosity, and demonstrating the rewards of knowledge and virtue. All of our films would be based on great books, great people, and great historical events. They would be made by the best talent in entertainment and they would all be linked to educational materials developed by some of the best talent in education. We were taking Henry David Thoreau’s famous advice—to march to the beat of a different drummer—to Hollywood, which is why we decided to name our company after Thoreau’s most famous book, Walden."Read more - you won't be sorry. These are the first guys I want to show my screenplay to.
• Every Last week of February, right before my March 2 birthday - I give myself back to my parents as a birthday present. I wish I could bring my whole family with me. I'm writing from my parents' home in Davis. Brother Tom picked me up late Thursday night at the airport; sister karin and husband Dave drove up from Claremont; and all of us had dinner last night (as is our tradition) at The Buckhorn in Winters, of whom the Davis Enterprise recently wrote:
Where's the best beef? The Buckhorn Steak and Roadhouse in Winters, according to the U.S. cattle industry. The Winters steakhouse has been named top independent restaurant in the nation with the National Beef Backer Award, announced last month by the Beef Checkoff Program at the annual Cattle Industry Conference in Nashville, Tenn.• An enjoyable side benefit to this annual soujourn to the town of my raising is dinner the next night - Saturday (tonight), which gathers a circle of friends who became close in our High School years. Some of them, like Peter York and Bill Pfanner, I count among my friends since our days at North Davis Elementary School (and Oliver Wendell holmes Junior High, where the three of us were Dorothy's companions in the spring 1971 production of "The Wizard of Oz"). Others, like Christine Hopper, our hostess, became a friend in High School. All of them are interesting people (one of them is getting lots of airplay (and residuals, I hope) in a Progresso soup commercial in which she is a woman trying on a black dress). It's good to be with people who have known me for over 35 years and like me even though they don't have to. They even schedule a dinner around my travel schedule. How nice is that? I'll snap some pics tonight and see if I can pare them with some old pics and post them next week.
• And finally, I typically will speak at a Vespers Service at URC, where Dad and Mom live. That's Sunday, after attending my home church, University Covenant.
It's all good - just as it will be good to get home Monday night.
Thursday
Random Notes
• Miles has been diagnosed with eosinophilic duodenitis. Those without highly technical interests can skip the following italicized portions.
Eosinophils (ee-oh-sin-oh-fillz) are a type of white blood cells. Eosinophils are the least common of the white blood cells and comprise approximately 1-4% of the blood’s cellular make-up. Eosinophils are most commonly associated with allergic diseases and parasite infections. This condition is most common in south Texas for unknown reasons.
Because it is believed that allergies play a role here, the treatment of the allergies is hoped to be the trick to treating the condition. If Singulair does not work, prednisone is the next step, which tends to drive blood glucose numbers crazy. Your prayers appreciated.
• ElenaClaire and the Kingwood High School Chorale is on a 2 1/2 day trip to San Antonio where they will sing at the Texas Music Educators' Association Convention - quite an honor. Her scholarship application to Concordia Austin was sent in today. She has applied to Concordia and to North Park. Everything rides on financial aid.
• Alicia is going to New Orleans March 1-4 with the CTK Women's retreat to rebuild.
• Covenant Bible College is closing at the end of the school year, reports the Covenant. That's a real loss.
• Brian came into my office yesterday and played me some music by The Redwalls. Since then I can't get "Colorful Revolution" out of my head. Sounds like The Beatles meet Dylan circa 1969, with Jeff Lynne or Gerry Rafferty at the boards. But it's none of those things, it's a band from Chicago.
• My band, These Guys Here, (be sure and check out the video) are booked for a wild game dinner on March 24 at the Humble Civic Center. I hope my family and I get back from seeing "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" at TUTS in time.
• I've been cast in Center Stage's production of "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying", June 8-17 in Kingwood.
Eosinophils (ee-oh-sin-oh-fillz) are a type of white blood cells. Eosinophils are the least common of the white blood cells and comprise approximately 1-4% of the blood’s cellular make-up. Eosinophils are most commonly associated with allergic diseases and parasite infections. This condition is most common in south Texas for unknown reasons.
Because it is believed that allergies play a role here, the treatment of the allergies is hoped to be the trick to treating the condition. If Singulair does not work, prednisone is the next step, which tends to drive blood glucose numbers crazy. Your prayers appreciated.
• ElenaClaire and the Kingwood High School Chorale is on a 2 1/2 day trip to San Antonio where they will sing at the Texas Music Educators' Association Convention - quite an honor. Her scholarship application to Concordia Austin was sent in today. She has applied to Concordia and to North Park. Everything rides on financial aid.
• Alicia is going to New Orleans March 1-4 with the CTK Women's retreat to rebuild.
• Covenant Bible College is closing at the end of the school year, reports the Covenant. That's a real loss.
• Brian came into my office yesterday and played me some music by The Redwalls. Since then I can't get "Colorful Revolution" out of my head. Sounds like The Beatles meet Dylan circa 1969, with Jeff Lynne or Gerry Rafferty at the boards. But it's none of those things, it's a band from Chicago.
• My band, These Guys Here, (be sure and check out the video) are booked for a wild game dinner on March 24 at the Humble Civic Center. I hope my family and I get back from seeing "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" at TUTS in time.
• I've been cast in Center Stage's production of "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying", June 8-17 in Kingwood.
Tuesday
Miles in Hospital Thursday
Miles will be in the hospital Thursday for an outpatient procedure, an endoscopy to figure out the source of his chronic severe stomache aches, present for the past 9 months but becoming more frequent and painful in the past month. We hope they can find a reason for this but also believe in may be emotional and stress related and rooted in his frustration with his illness. More than once, and as recently as last week, through tears of sadness, confusion, anger and who knows what else, Miles sobbed "Why did God give me diabetes?" That's a tough one to deal with when asked by a mature Christian who's suffering; it's heartbreaking to hear your 10 year old son ask it.
Meanwhile every spare moment these days is spent painting hardiplank siding. A gang of guys from church and I are tearing off the 30 year old cedar siding that is in terrible shapr, on 2 sides of our second story (the first floor is brick, and the streetward sides of the house are tudor style stucco). I figure it's easier to paint the stuff on the ground. I have 60 pieces of 8 inch siding still to do - 12 feet long. I've got a couple sawhorses set up in the garage and I can paint 10 pieces at a time. I do a batch at lunch, a batch before dinner and a batch before bed. I'll finish Weds night and then take Miles to the hospital on Thursday. Pictures will follow.
Meanwhile every spare moment these days is spent painting hardiplank siding. A gang of guys from church and I are tearing off the 30 year old cedar siding that is in terrible shapr, on 2 sides of our second story (the first floor is brick, and the streetward sides of the house are tudor style stucco). I figure it's easier to paint the stuff on the ground. I have 60 pieces of 8 inch siding still to do - 12 feet long. I've got a couple sawhorses set up in the garage and I can paint 10 pieces at a time. I do a batch at lunch, a batch before dinner and a batch before bed. I'll finish Weds night and then take Miles to the hospital on Thursday. Pictures will follow.
Monday
Who said it? - #2
My brother sent this link last night which included the following quote:
“He and I kept praying for the highest love to bring to people. We all [in the band] believe in Jesus and we believe in God and we believe that we were his messengers, so we followed through with our career as his messengers to the world."
He's talking about a song that he considers the high point of his songwriting and his prayer before recording it. OK, I realize one takes these things with a grain of salt, but as the author of the article comments, "there is this other voice, from the ancient Scriptures in the writings of Solomon: “If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you” (Proverbs 11:27). So my bias is to find good in this quote, and to have hope for the heart of the author of the quote.
“He and I kept praying for the highest love to bring to people. We all [in the band] believe in Jesus and we believe in God and we believe that we were his messengers, so we followed through with our career as his messengers to the world."
He's talking about a song that he considers the high point of his songwriting and his prayer before recording it. OK, I realize one takes these things with a grain of salt, but as the author of the article comments, "there is this other voice, from the ancient Scriptures in the writings of Solomon: “If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you” (Proverbs 11:27). So my bias is to find good in this quote, and to have hope for the heart of the author of the quote.
Who said it?
"I believe in the culture war," she said. "And you know what? If I haveto take a side in the culture war I'll take their side," meaning the Christian conservatives. "Because if you give me the choice of Paris Hilton or Jesus, I'll take Jesus."
Answer here. Her last name might ring a bell.
Answer here. Her last name might ring a bell.
Saturday
Innovation
Outreach magazine names Covenant Pastor Craig Groeschel of LifeChurch.tv the leader of "America's most Innovative church".
Celebrating our anniversary
We had a great day. Miles’ health care needs prevent us from going out very often, so we “went for it”. We began with breakfast out at La Madeleine, a little French café near here. Then we went to the movies. We saw “Rocky Balboa”, the final installment in the Rocky series – my interest had been piqued when I read / listened to Sly Stallone’s comments related to why he made this film:
"I think as a young person you tend to think that the world somewhat revolves around you, that you can recover from anything, that you tend to have this kind of vim and vigor and energy to take on the world on your own shoulders. Well, after you've been knocked down a few times and the world has shown you it's dark side, you realize that you need guidance, you need God's word, you need spiritual help and that's when your journey will begin."
So I, as I get older, I realize how - very much - I rely upon Jesus, the word of God, and his support and how I pass it on to my children because I want them to learn at an early age by - usually find out that we have to sometimes learn the hard way and then it really takes hold and that's what this is all about. "
So anyway – we saw that and enjoyed it – Alicia said it was good except for the boxing – which isn’t as funny as it sounds because the boxing is really just the last maybe 15 minutes of the film. It was a very good, inspirational, motivational story line.
Then we strolled the mall for half an hour before going back in to see “The Pursuit of Happyness”, which is a true story about a guy who went from homeless to a Dean Witter stock broker. It was a good film too.
Then we had about 4 hours. We shopped; and we exchanged a Christmas CD – Alicia and I had both given each other the new CD by Sting, which is very unique - a CD of music composed by John Dowland (1563-1626), performed on the lute. We are such fans of Renaissance and Medieval music that we both wanted to get this CD, but we didn’t need two. So we exchanged one for Carly Simon’s CD “Into White” – a CD of cover versions including Oh Susanna, Jamaica Farewell, Over the Rainbow, Manha de Carnival (from “Black Orpheus”), Scarborough Fair, etc. Really nice stuff. Then we had a really enjoyable dinner at Saltgrass Steakhouse before returning to the theatre for the 7:15 showing of “Dreamgirls”, which we had seen on stage about 15 years ago. It was very good – a little language, but a good story and great music. It’s a fictionalized version of the story of the Supremes.
Alicia and I realized that, since we saw “The Nativity Story”, Charlotte’s Web”, and “Night at the Museum” all last month, we’ve been to the movies 6 times in the last 5 weeks – which is more than we usually see in a year or more.
All in all, a fun and unique 12 hours. Miles was picked up from school by a friend and then he and EC had a most enjoyable evening together, and all was well at home.
Now - on to year number 28...
"I think as a young person you tend to think that the world somewhat revolves around you, that you can recover from anything, that you tend to have this kind of vim and vigor and energy to take on the world on your own shoulders. Well, after you've been knocked down a few times and the world has shown you it's dark side, you realize that you need guidance, you need God's word, you need spiritual help and that's when your journey will begin."
So I, as I get older, I realize how - very much - I rely upon Jesus, the word of God, and his support and how I pass it on to my children because I want them to learn at an early age by - usually find out that we have to sometimes learn the hard way and then it really takes hold and that's what this is all about. "
So anyway – we saw that and enjoyed it – Alicia said it was good except for the boxing – which isn’t as funny as it sounds because the boxing is really just the last maybe 15 minutes of the film. It was a very good, inspirational, motivational story line.
Then we strolled the mall for half an hour before going back in to see “The Pursuit of Happyness”, which is a true story about a guy who went from homeless to a Dean Witter stock broker. It was a good film too.
Then we had about 4 hours. We shopped; and we exchanged a Christmas CD – Alicia and I had both given each other the new CD by Sting, which is very unique - a CD of music composed by John Dowland (1563-1626), performed on the lute. We are such fans of Renaissance and Medieval music that we both wanted to get this CD, but we didn’t need two. So we exchanged one for Carly Simon’s CD “Into White” – a CD of cover versions including Oh Susanna, Jamaica Farewell, Over the Rainbow, Manha de Carnival (from “Black Orpheus”), Scarborough Fair, etc. Really nice stuff. Then we had a really enjoyable dinner at Saltgrass Steakhouse before returning to the theatre for the 7:15 showing of “Dreamgirls”, which we had seen on stage about 15 years ago. It was very good – a little language, but a good story and great music. It’s a fictionalized version of the story of the Supremes.
Alicia and I realized that, since we saw “The Nativity Story”, Charlotte’s Web”, and “Night at the Museum” all last month, we’ve been to the movies 6 times in the last 5 weeks – which is more than we usually see in a year or more.
All in all, a fun and unique 12 hours. Miles was picked up from school by a friend and then he and EC had a most enjoyable evening together, and all was well at home.
Now - on to year number 28...
Thursday
A Prayer for the New Year
Almighty and eternal God; You are hidden from my sight; You are beyond the understanding of my mind; Your thoughts are not as my thoughts; Your ways are past finding out.
Yet You have breathed Your Spirit into my life;
Yet You have formed my mind to seek You;
Yet You have inclined my heart to love You;
Yet You have made me restless for the rest that is in You;
Yet You have planted within me a hunger and thirst that make me dissatisfied with all the joys of earth.
Lord God, I praise and magnify Your name that You have set Your seal on my inmost being, not leaving me to my own poor and petty selfhood or to the sole empires of animal passion and desire, but calling me to be an heir of Your eternal kingdom. I bless You for that knocking at my heart’s door that tells me of Your waiting presence. I bless You for Your hand on my life, and for the sure knowledge that, however I may falter and fail, yet underneath are Your everlasting arms.
You who alone know what lies before me this day, grant that in every hour of it I may stay close to You. Let me be in the world, yet not of it. Let me use this world without abusing it. If I buy, let me be as though possessing nothing. If I have nothing, let me be as though possessing all things. Let me today embark on no undertaking that is not in line with Your will for my life, nor shrink from any sacrifice which Your will may demand. Suggest, direct, control every movement of my mind; for my Lord Christ’s sake. Amen
From: A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie.
Yet You have breathed Your Spirit into my life;
Yet You have formed my mind to seek You;
Yet You have inclined my heart to love You;
Yet You have made me restless for the rest that is in You;
Yet You have planted within me a hunger and thirst that make me dissatisfied with all the joys of earth.
Lord God, I praise and magnify Your name that You have set Your seal on my inmost being, not leaving me to my own poor and petty selfhood or to the sole empires of animal passion and desire, but calling me to be an heir of Your eternal kingdom. I bless You for that knocking at my heart’s door that tells me of Your waiting presence. I bless You for Your hand on my life, and for the sure knowledge that, however I may falter and fail, yet underneath are Your everlasting arms.
You who alone know what lies before me this day, grant that in every hour of it I may stay close to You. Let me be in the world, yet not of it. Let me use this world without abusing it. If I buy, let me be as though possessing nothing. If I have nothing, let me be as though possessing all things. Let me today embark on no undertaking that is not in line with Your will for my life, nor shrink from any sacrifice which Your will may demand. Suggest, direct, control every movement of my mind; for my Lord Christ’s sake. Amen
From: A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie.
Tuesday
This Little Babe
Here is a recording (from Sunday's worship) of the song I wrote based on a 400 year old poem entitled "This Little Babe". I first encountered the text in Benjamin Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols" as a sophomore in High School, and even then I found the text compelling, if a bit arcane, and the melody Britten used was ... well, not really usable. So I modernized the text a bit and gave the song an early American, Sacred Harp sort of feel. It wound up developing a musical feel that was a cross between a lullabye and a military march - which actually fits the text. Though it doesn't show up well on the recording, Brian played a keyboard voice that sounded like a field accordian. (That's EC singing with me, BTW.)
Conversation #273
On a recent, fictional evening several friends and I were talking and the conversation turned to our spiritual lives. Each of us trusts in Christ and is active in different communities of faith here in town, though with varying degrees of satisfaction. It was, in fact, dissatisfaction that prompted the conversation, when Ben, after asking about my church, commented that he had decided to look for a new church to call home. I asked what had prompted his decision.
“I’ve felt less and less comfortable there ever since they began changing communion”, he replied. I asked for more information.
“Well, we always used to use little cubes of Wonder Bread”, he began. "I was fine with that. That, to me, is communion. That’s what I want when I receive Holy Communion. It’s what I’m used to, ever since I was a little kid. But they started tinkering with it.”
“How?” I asked, eager to understand my friend’s unhappiness.
“Well … what do you use for communion?” he asked.
“We use those little round wafers”, I answered.
“I could never stay in a church like that”, chimed in Steve, who up until this point had been only listening. “Way too formal. At our church we use pita bread”.
This remark brought Ben’s full concern to the surface. “That was the first step in the downward spiral of our church”, he said. "And at first, I was okay with it. After all, I liked their logic – that it was ordinary bread, and unleavened, which made it more like what Jesus would’ve used. It wasn’t cut into squares; it was just there and each person tore off a piece.
"Oh, sometimes I missed the little Wonder Bread cubes, and I would ask the pastor if we could go back to that, at least once in a while. But he seemed to think the pita bread was OK.
"Then about a year ago, I came to church and there it was: a whole loaf of bread. Someone in church had baked it - in their own oven - and brought it to church for communion.”
“What a cool idea”, Steve chimed in again.
“It was terrible”, Ben said. “I didn’t like it at all, and besides, every communion service since then, it was a different person bringing in a home-baked loaf of bread. And the problem is – well, first of all, they don’t even use the same recipe. You’d think that at least they’d standardize the process. But even worse, it’s still not cut up. You have to tear a piece of bread right off the loaf... very unsanitary. The pastor says that the single loaf represents the unity of the Body of believers, but I don’t buy that. I think it’s about trying to market our church to the yuppie types who buy their bread at that little bakery “The Baker’s Wife” down on 3rd street. You know, a mindset of “maybe if the bread we serve in communion tasted more like the bread they buy every day, they’d come to church.”
“Ben”, I said, putting a friendly hand on his shoulder, “I think you might be missing the point of Holy Communion.”
“Rick, you haven’t been living through this like I have”, he shot back. “Look, I’m sorry if my tone is a little bit defensive, but … well, take last week, for example. When I received communion, I had a distinct impression that the loaf was left in the oven a little long. A definite burnt taste.”
“Listen”, said Cheryl, who up ‘til now had been conspicuously silent. “If taste is the issue, why don’t you come visit our church? We brought on a new staff member about four months ago. His job title is Director of Bakery Ministries. The communion bread is different every week, but always fantastic. People who haven’t been happy in their old churches are filling the pews and they say they are getting so much out of the communion bread. Last week we had Honey Wheat; the week before, it was a Rye; we had dill bread once, and I hear they’ll be doing cinnamon rolls next week”.
Ben slammed his hand on the table and said “That’s just the kind of thing I DON’T want! Sometimes I wonder if that is even faithfulness to the gospel. Why can’t anyone just give me what I want – little cubes of Wonder Bread?
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
“I’ve felt less and less comfortable there ever since they began changing communion”, he replied. I asked for more information.
“Well, we always used to use little cubes of Wonder Bread”, he began. "I was fine with that. That, to me, is communion. That’s what I want when I receive Holy Communion. It’s what I’m used to, ever since I was a little kid. But they started tinkering with it.”
“How?” I asked, eager to understand my friend’s unhappiness.
“Well … what do you use for communion?” he asked.
“We use those little round wafers”, I answered.
“I could never stay in a church like that”, chimed in Steve, who up until this point had been only listening. “Way too formal. At our church we use pita bread”.
This remark brought Ben’s full concern to the surface. “That was the first step in the downward spiral of our church”, he said. "And at first, I was okay with it. After all, I liked their logic – that it was ordinary bread, and unleavened, which made it more like what Jesus would’ve used. It wasn’t cut into squares; it was just there and each person tore off a piece.
"Oh, sometimes I missed the little Wonder Bread cubes, and I would ask the pastor if we could go back to that, at least once in a while. But he seemed to think the pita bread was OK.
"Then about a year ago, I came to church and there it was: a whole loaf of bread. Someone in church had baked it - in their own oven - and brought it to church for communion.”
“What a cool idea”, Steve chimed in again.
“It was terrible”, Ben said. “I didn’t like it at all, and besides, every communion service since then, it was a different person bringing in a home-baked loaf of bread. And the problem is – well, first of all, they don’t even use the same recipe. You’d think that at least they’d standardize the process. But even worse, it’s still not cut up. You have to tear a piece of bread right off the loaf... very unsanitary. The pastor says that the single loaf represents the unity of the Body of believers, but I don’t buy that. I think it’s about trying to market our church to the yuppie types who buy their bread at that little bakery “The Baker’s Wife” down on 3rd street. You know, a mindset of “maybe if the bread we serve in communion tasted more like the bread they buy every day, they’d come to church.”
“Ben”, I said, putting a friendly hand on his shoulder, “I think you might be missing the point of Holy Communion.”
“Rick, you haven’t been living through this like I have”, he shot back. “Look, I’m sorry if my tone is a little bit defensive, but … well, take last week, for example. When I received communion, I had a distinct impression that the loaf was left in the oven a little long. A definite burnt taste.”
“Listen”, said Cheryl, who up ‘til now had been conspicuously silent. “If taste is the issue, why don’t you come visit our church? We brought on a new staff member about four months ago. His job title is Director of Bakery Ministries. The communion bread is different every week, but always fantastic. People who haven’t been happy in their old churches are filling the pews and they say they are getting so much out of the communion bread. Last week we had Honey Wheat; the week before, it was a Rye; we had dill bread once, and I hear they’ll be doing cinnamon rolls next week”.
Ben slammed his hand on the table and said “That’s just the kind of thing I DON’T want! Sometimes I wonder if that is even faithfulness to the gospel. Why can’t anyone just give me what I want – little cubes of Wonder Bread?
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
Monday
Spiritual Formation
The Ultra Rev (Hi Stevie Baby!) asks for specifics about Spiritual Formation, or Discipleship. He quotes from Bill Hybels:
Stevie thinks that's a great working outline, but asks "What are those certain practices, relationships and experiences?".
Practices - makes me nervous because it smacks of legalism. If we were talking about salvation instead of sanctification, which I *think* is the idea behind being a disciple, I bet we'd spot it as legalism in a flash. But since it's not about salvation we're willing to let it slide - forgetting that Paul asked in Gal 3:3 -
"How is Christ deeply formed in a person's life? Do you just pour knowledge into a new Christian and does that make them mature? Do you just have them stay within certain guidelines, do you put down certain expectations, do you say 'If you attend these meetings and give a certain amount of money?' Is it external? Is it internal? Is it a combination of both? How does Christ take up residency and become fully formed in someone's life? We're (Willowcreek) asking those questions these days and the working outline of what we're working on is that there are certain practices, relationships and experiences ... that contribute to Christ being deeply formed in someone's life."
Stevie thinks that's a great working outline, but asks "What are those certain practices, relationships and experiences?".
Practices - makes me nervous because it smacks of legalism. If we were talking about salvation instead of sanctification, which I *think* is the idea behind being a disciple, I bet we'd spot it as legalism in a flash. But since it's not about salvation we're willing to let it slide - forgetting that Paul asked in Gal 3:3 -
After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to
become perfect by your own human effort?
But I think I know where Bill is headed and I'll get to it in a minute. At any rate I am not persuaded that, as taught by much of the Christianity I was shaped by as I grew, that x minutes a day reading the Bible and x minutes a day in prayer is the quick and simple formula for maturity - though it's not an unhelpful discipline either.
Relationships - I suppose if by this one means relationships of accountability wherein one lives transparently and is allowing other believers to speak truth into their lives, I think that's pretty much on the right track. Maybe it refers to the believer's relationship to Father, Son and Spirit - which provides interesting material for thinking about the believer's way of understanding God. Is God the big hook in the sky that will snag me at my death and take me to Heaven? (And maybe snag me whenever I face difficulty and disappointment in this life? A lot of Christianity, esp. of the American variety, thinks this). Or is God three persons with whom I have a relationship, and if so, how do I relate to each of them?
Experiences - Again I am not sure it's the right word. Fellow believers of a pentecostal variety definitely think an experience will suddenly confer maturity. I disagree with them.
"practices, relationships, and experiences". That's not bad. What about adding faith commitments and values?
Faith Commitments and Values suggest that there are things that are increasingly becoming important in my life because of what I believe and what I value. And maybe for example that's why certain practices, relationships and experiences have a place in my life - not because they, ex opere operato, have specific worth in producing spiritual maturity, but almost the opposite. Through them I experience maturity because certain commitments and values drive them.
What are the commitments and values? Off the top of my head: Conformity to the character of Jesus. Community with other believers. Worship. A Transparent life before fellow believers. Yieldedness to the Spirit of God.
Just some thoughts early on a Christmas afternoon.
Friday
An affirmation of faith for the New Year
Father God, as we enter this new year,
May it be a year in which You are near to us in every moment.
For we believe in You, Almighty Creator of Heaven and Earth.
Lord Jesus, stay by our side day by day.
We place our faith in You,
the one who is both God and man.
From your birth of a virgin in Bethlehem
to your ministry of healing and of grace,
From Your self-giving death on the cross for us
to Your powerful resurrection and ascension,
We declare that You are Lord,
and we believe in the truth of Your Word.
Holy Spirit, come to us this year
in a thousand different ways.
With Your gentle direction,
Your quiet voice,
and Your wise instruction,
guide us to Jesus and His Word.
Almighty God – Father, Son, and Spirit –
You have gone before us into the new year,
and You call us to join you.
We come in confidence and joy,
loving and trusting You. Amen.
© Rick Lindholtz 2006
May it be a year in which You are near to us in every moment.
For we believe in You, Almighty Creator of Heaven and Earth.
Lord Jesus, stay by our side day by day.
We place our faith in You,
the one who is both God and man.
From your birth of a virgin in Bethlehem
to your ministry of healing and of grace,
From Your self-giving death on the cross for us
to Your powerful resurrection and ascension,
We declare that You are Lord,
and we believe in the truth of Your Word.
Holy Spirit, come to us this year
in a thousand different ways.
With Your gentle direction,
Your quiet voice,
and Your wise instruction,
guide us to Jesus and His Word.
Almighty God – Father, Son, and Spirit –
You have gone before us into the new year,
and You call us to join you.
We come in confidence and joy,
loving and trusting You. Amen.
© Rick Lindholtz 2006
Tuesday
Rocky Balboa - the latest Christian film?
I completely missed any sense of the final Rocky movie being a testament to Sly's Christian faith, but that appears to be the message of this interview. There are some pretty direct expressions of faith in this interview. I try to quiet the cynic in me that wonders if it's all about marketing to tap into passion dollars. But take a look at the interview and the link contained in it - "Rocky Resources".
Quote from Sly:
"I think as a young person you tend to think that the world somewhat revolves around you, that you can recover from anything, that you tend to have this kind of vim and vigor and energy to take on the world on your own shoulders. Well, after you've been knocked down a few times and the world has shown you it's dark side, you realize that you need guidance, you need God's word, you need spiritual help and that's when your journey will begin.
"So I, as I get older, I realize how - very much - I rely upon Jesus, the word of God, and his support and how I pass it on to my children because I want them to learn at an early age by - usually find out that we have to sometimes learn the hard way and then it really takes hold and that's what this is all about. "
Quote from Sly:
"I think as a young person you tend to think that the world somewhat revolves around you, that you can recover from anything, that you tend to have this kind of vim and vigor and energy to take on the world on your own shoulders. Well, after you've been knocked down a few times and the world has shown you it's dark side, you realize that you need guidance, you need God's word, you need spiritual help and that's when your journey will begin.
"So I, as I get older, I realize how - very much - I rely upon Jesus, the word of God, and his support and how I pass it on to my children because I want them to learn at an early age by - usually find out that we have to sometimes learn the hard way and then it really takes hold and that's what this is all about. "
Thursday
Prepare a Highway
Here's the audio of the song I wrote for Advent, based on Isaiah 40:1-8 - as taken from our worship service last Sunday.
A few years ago...
We were planning to drive from Houston to Dallas for Christmas, after 4 Christmas Eve services and one Christmas morning service.
The kids and Alicia were excited to see the grandparents and to meet a new sister in law and her kids.
Houston to Dallas after the morning service. That was the plan.
The minivan breaking down two and a half hours from home, halfway to Dallas was not in the plan. But random automotive failure made us its victim.
We pulled off the road in Fairfield Texas. Into the empty parking lot of a gas station. Nothing was open.
We decided to limp along to Dallas. As we pulled onto the freeway I noticed the Motel 6. It was sparkling like a diamond. I am not exaggerating. Like a diamond. But I thought “I’m glad that we’re not going to be stuck in a motel tonight”.
11 miles later the van broke down irreparably. I phoned our towing service. After another 45 minutes a tow truck came up from behind. No garage was open until tomorrow, the driver explained. But he would take us back to Fairfield and drop us at the Motel 6.
Alicia and the kids were crying. All of us were deeply disappointed in what was becoming our worst Christmas ever. As Alicia and the kids pulled luggage out of the crippled van, I went in to secure a room.
The woman behind the counter had a name badge that said Delois. She had a pleasant smile on her black face as she asked how she could help. I said I needed a room because our van had broken down en route to Dallas. She said she could give us a $15 break on the room, maybe that would help. I thanked her.
Feeling dejected and in need of prayer and sensing a warmth from her I asked “Are you a person of faith?” She said she was and I said perhaps she could pray for my family who were having a bad day. She said she could do that, then added “I’m having a kind of bad day too.” I thought “Of course you are; you’re behind the counter at Motel 6”, but said nothing. She continued “My only child, my 8 year old daughter, died in a car accident 3 months ago today. She loved Christmas. This is a hard day for me.”
I had 2 reactions nearly simultaneously. The first was an attitude adjustment. Quit feeling sorry for yourself, Rick. You and your family are safe and merely inconvenienced.
The second was as close to the audible voice of God as I’ve ever come.
“This is why I brought you here”.
Suddenly the world changed. We were not victims of random automotive failure. We had been sent by God to care for a wounded soul.
When Alicia came in and learned of Delois’ circumstances, she came around the counter and embraced her. She took off a silver pin, a circle of angels, and pinned it onto Delois. “Never forget that God’s angels are watching over you”, she said. We held hands and prayed with her.
Then I thought of the food we had brought in from the van. “Delois, what are you doing for Christmas Dinner?”
“I’m not having Christmas dinner. I have to work here at the counter”, she replied.
“Well, Delois, we have chicken enchiladas, cranberry relish, fudge, and shortbread. Why don’t we bring it in here and you can join us for a Christmas dinner right here in the lobby?”
It would up becoming one of our most treasured Christmas memories. And it reminded me that the first Christmas also involved travelers who stayed in a place they never expected to be, and wound up sharing an unforgettable experience of God at work.
The kids and Alicia were excited to see the grandparents and to meet a new sister in law and her kids.
Houston to Dallas after the morning service. That was the plan.
The minivan breaking down two and a half hours from home, halfway to Dallas was not in the plan. But random automotive failure made us its victim.
We pulled off the road in Fairfield Texas. Into the empty parking lot of a gas station. Nothing was open.
We decided to limp along to Dallas. As we pulled onto the freeway I noticed the Motel 6. It was sparkling like a diamond. I am not exaggerating. Like a diamond. But I thought “I’m glad that we’re not going to be stuck in a motel tonight”.
11 miles later the van broke down irreparably. I phoned our towing service. After another 45 minutes a tow truck came up from behind. No garage was open until tomorrow, the driver explained. But he would take us back to Fairfield and drop us at the Motel 6.
Alicia and the kids were crying. All of us were deeply disappointed in what was becoming our worst Christmas ever. As Alicia and the kids pulled luggage out of the crippled van, I went in to secure a room.
The woman behind the counter had a name badge that said Delois. She had a pleasant smile on her black face as she asked how she could help. I said I needed a room because our van had broken down en route to Dallas. She said she could give us a $15 break on the room, maybe that would help. I thanked her.
Feeling dejected and in need of prayer and sensing a warmth from her I asked “Are you a person of faith?” She said she was and I said perhaps she could pray for my family who were having a bad day. She said she could do that, then added “I’m having a kind of bad day too.” I thought “Of course you are; you’re behind the counter at Motel 6”, but said nothing. She continued “My only child, my 8 year old daughter, died in a car accident 3 months ago today. She loved Christmas. This is a hard day for me.”
I had 2 reactions nearly simultaneously. The first was an attitude adjustment. Quit feeling sorry for yourself, Rick. You and your family are safe and merely inconvenienced.
The second was as close to the audible voice of God as I’ve ever come.
“This is why I brought you here”.
Suddenly the world changed. We were not victims of random automotive failure. We had been sent by God to care for a wounded soul.
When Alicia came in and learned of Delois’ circumstances, she came around the counter and embraced her. She took off a silver pin, a circle of angels, and pinned it onto Delois. “Never forget that God’s angels are watching over you”, she said. We held hands and prayed with her.
Then I thought of the food we had brought in from the van. “Delois, what are you doing for Christmas Dinner?”
“I’m not having Christmas dinner. I have to work here at the counter”, she replied.
“Well, Delois, we have chicken enchiladas, cranberry relish, fudge, and shortbread. Why don’t we bring it in here and you can join us for a Christmas dinner right here in the lobby?”
It would up becoming one of our most treasured Christmas memories. And it reminded me that the first Christmas also involved travelers who stayed in a place they never expected to be, and wound up sharing an unforgettable experience of God at work.
Wednesday
I know it seems early for this...
...but I am writing narration for the Christmas Cantata and the following serves as an intro to the wonderful song "Here with Us".
Michael Card © 1986 Birdwing Music / Mole End Music
Before the infant Jesus came to earth,
His coming was a promise long foretold.
Prophets, poets … all would anticipate
the promised day when God would come to earth.
But still before the promise, it was there:
Salvation had already been designed
within the heart of God: a holy plan
to take His sovereign place upon the stage.
Before He spoke the words “Let there be light”,
He planned to save all those who were His own
until the holy moment, long foreseen,
when Father and the Son would say Goodbye.
He left His Father’s throne above,
So, free, so infinite His grace
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And Bled …but wait.
Before He bled, He took on flesh and blood.
When Christ the Savior left His Father’s throne,
He did not go to Bethlehem’s manger.
Another destination was in sight
in Nazareth: a virgin girl’s womb.
When the Father longed to show a love
His coming was a promise long foretold.
Prophets, poets … all would anticipate
the promised day when God would come to earth.
But still before the promise, it was there:
Salvation had already been designed
within the heart of God: a holy plan
to take His sovereign place upon the stage.
Before He spoke the words “Let there be light”,
He planned to save all those who were His own
until the holy moment, long foreseen,
when Father and the Son would say Goodbye.
He left His Father’s throne above,
So, free, so infinite His grace
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And Bled …but wait.
Before He bled, He took on flesh and blood.
When Christ the Savior left His Father’s throne,
He did not go to Bethlehem’s manger.
Another destination was in sight
in Nazareth: a virgin girl’s womb.
When the Father longed to show a love
He wanted us to know
He sent His only Son
And so became
a holy embryo:
That is the mystery.
a holy embryo:
That is the mystery.
Michael Card © 1986 Birdwing Music / Mole End Music
Thursday
Here are 2 movies that I won't miss
I am not one who refuses to go to any movie unless it has "Christian Values". I believe
it's important to engage with the culture and hear what it is saying; to affirm when it is on target and to challenge its assertions when it disagrees with or denigrates the values I hold. But I have to admit, I love it when positive stuff makes it to the big screen.
The phenomena of "The Passion" made people recognize "Passion dollars" - the money that is in the pockets of those with conservative values, that are waiting to be spent when we are offered entertainment that inspires and honors our values. And this fall will see the release of "One night with the King", a re-telling of the story of Esther, and "The Nativity Story" as well. I plan to see both, and to encourage others to also see these films.
it's important to engage with the culture and hear what it is saying; to affirm when it is on target and to challenge its assertions when it disagrees with or denigrates the values I hold. But I have to admit, I love it when positive stuff makes it to the big screen.The phenomena of "The Passion" made people recognize "Passion dollars" - the money that is in the pockets of those with conservative values, that are waiting to be spent when we are offered entertainment that inspires and honors our values. And this fall will see the release of "One night with the King", a re-telling of the story of Esther, and "The Nativity Story" as well. I plan to see both, and to encourage others to also see these films.
Wednesday
A Reading: NAME and FORTRESS
The reading that follows was assembled to go between two feature songs this week: the first is "Your Name" by Paul Baloche and Glen Pakiam - a great new song from Paul's new release, "A Greater Song" - a recording chock full of content-laden lyrics:
As morning dawns and evening fades,
You inspire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart
And glorify Your Name.
Your Name is a strong and mighty tower,
Your Name is a shelter like no other,
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder,
'Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your Name.
The Lyrics and Charts are on Paul's website, but not an mp3 - but there is a chance to listen to "What can I do?", another fine selection from "A Greater Song".
The song to follow the reading is "A Mighty Fortress is our God".
LEADER Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
ALL He has paid a full ransom for his people.He has guaranteed his covenant forever.What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!
LEADER The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me;I will protect those who trust in my name”.
ALL Those who know your name trust in you,for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.
LEADER Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures:‘The stone that you builders rejectedhas now become the cornerstone.
ALL We who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidenceas we hold to the hope that lies before us –a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.
LEADER God is our refuge and strength,always ready to help in times of trouble.
ALL The Lord of Heaven is here among us; God is our fortress.
From Psalm 34:3, 111:9, 91:14, 9:10, Acts 4:9-11, Hebrews 6:18-19, Psalm 46:1, 11 (NLT)
As morning dawns and evening fades,
You inspire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart
And glorify Your Name.
Your Name is a strong and mighty tower,
Your Name is a shelter like no other,
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder,
'Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your Name.
The Lyrics and Charts are on Paul's website, but not an mp3 - but there is a chance to listen to "What can I do?", another fine selection from "A Greater Song".
The song to follow the reading is "A Mighty Fortress is our God".
LEADER Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
ALL He has paid a full ransom for his people.He has guaranteed his covenant forever.What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!
LEADER The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me;I will protect those who trust in my name”.
ALL Those who know your name trust in you,for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.
LEADER Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures:‘The stone that you builders rejectedhas now become the cornerstone.
ALL We who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidenceas we hold to the hope that lies before us –a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.
LEADER God is our refuge and strength,always ready to help in times of trouble.
ALL The Lord of Heaven is here among us; God is our fortress.
From Psalm 34:3, 111:9, 91:14, 9:10, Acts 4:9-11, Hebrews 6:18-19, Psalm 46:1, 11 (NLT)
Tuesday
More good coverage of Miles
My ordaining body, The Evangelical Covenant Church, has published a news story on its website about Miles' life with Diabetes and our Smiles for Miles fundraiser last week.
We've just passed the halfway point
...in an awesome series on the Lord's Prayer, entitled "Looking Up". I've written a drama for each of the seven weeks, in which an actor enters an office and has a conversation with their Father - who is not there - for it represents speaking to the Heavenly Father. Each section of the Prayer is covered:
The Father's Character: Our Father ... Hallowed be Thy Name...
The Father's Kingdom: Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be Done...
The Father's Provision: Give us this day our daily bread...
The Father's Forgiveness: Forgive us our sins as we...
The Father's Guidance: Lead us not into temptation...
The Father's Protection: Deliver us from Evil...
The final week focuses on the Father's family, who together bring Him their praises: the first word of the prayer, "Our", calling attention that it is as a community of believers that we are invited to pray...
Last Sunday we had a powerful service focusing on Forgiveness. In this drama, the young woman (portrayed by ElenaClaire) did not enter the Father's office - she was estranged because of her disobedience and by the harm done by others and was unable to receive or to extend forgiveness. It created a very tender moment for Doyle to teach.
We also read responsively an expanded version of the Lord's Prayer, which I adapted from Max Lucado as found in The Great House of God. (pdf format file)
At the conclusion of the service the choir presented a Celebration of Forgiveness - three songs concluding with "This is how it feels to be free", with lead vocals by Raymond Foster, who is the best male vocalist in the church - there was a strong recognition of the wonderful experience of being forgiven. Powerful experience of worship.
The Father's Character: Our Father ... Hallowed be Thy Name...
The Father's Kingdom: Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be Done...
The Father's Provision: Give us this day our daily bread...
The Father's Forgiveness: Forgive us our sins as we...
The Father's Guidance: Lead us not into temptation...
The Father's Protection: Deliver us from Evil...
The final week focuses on the Father's family, who together bring Him their praises: the first word of the prayer, "Our", calling attention that it is as a community of believers that we are invited to pray...
Last Sunday we had a powerful service focusing on Forgiveness. In this drama, the young woman (portrayed by ElenaClaire) did not enter the Father's office - she was estranged because of her disobedience and by the harm done by others and was unable to receive or to extend forgiveness. It created a very tender moment for Doyle to teach.
We also read responsively an expanded version of the Lord's Prayer, which I adapted from Max Lucado as found in The Great House of God. (pdf format file)
At the conclusion of the service the choir presented a Celebration of Forgiveness - three songs concluding with "This is how it feels to be free", with lead vocals by Raymond Foster, who is the best male vocalist in the church - there was a strong recognition of the wonderful experience of being forgiven. Powerful experience of worship.
Saturday
Great Reading
Here is a great article entitled "Freedom and Justice in Islam" by Bernard Lewis, a leading scholar of near eastern studies who at one time was one of the very few european scholars permitted access the the archives of the Ottoman Empire. We need to hear his detailed yet thoroughly readable analysis of the history of the Muslim world in relation to the ideas of democracy. This essay and David L. Cunningham's excellent 5 hour film "The Path to 9/11" are both outstanding doors to opening the world of the 21st century.
Here is the wonderful piece about Miles that appeared this week in the Kingwood Observer.
Here is the wonderful piece about Miles that appeared this week in the Kingwood Observer.
Wednesday
Smiles for Miles
Once a year I invite my online friends to think about Miles and his life with diabetes. This in addition to the walk to cure diabetes, we're throwing a party called "Smiles for Miles".
Thursday
Confession based on 1 Peter 4: 1-11 & 1st Thess 3: 6-13
God, forgive us.
We get ourselves locked up in old sinful habits –
Thinking of our own wants and needs,
Neglecting our brothers and sisters,
Failing even to hear your voice.
We've already put in our time in that God-ignorant way of life.
Now it's time to be done with it for good.
We confess to you.
Forgive us, Lord.
Now we ask you: Set us free,
So we can live out our days pursuing what You offer us,
instead of being tyrannized by what we want.
Guide us to do what we can to help others when their faith falters.
Pour on Your love so it fills our lives
and splashes over on everyone around us. Amen.
We get ourselves locked up in old sinful habits –
Thinking of our own wants and needs,
Neglecting our brothers and sisters,
Failing even to hear your voice.
We've already put in our time in that God-ignorant way of life.
Now it's time to be done with it for good.
We confess to you.
Forgive us, Lord.
Now we ask you: Set us free,
So we can live out our days pursuing what You offer us,
instead of being tyrannized by what we want.
Guide us to do what we can to help others when their faith falters.
Pour on Your love so it fills our lives
and splashes over on everyone around us. Amen.
Draw me Near
Yesterday Mark asked for a couple of verses for "Jesus Draw Me Close". The end product is called "Draw me Near" and my verses read as follows:
1. Draw me near through Your Word
Draw me near as I pray
Draw me near in this place
as we gather together, receiving your grace.
2. For You came near to love
And you came near to heal
And you came near to save
as You died on the cross and you rose from the grave.
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
melody available on request
1. Draw me near through Your Word
Draw me near as I pray
Draw me near in this place
as we gather together, receiving your grace.
2. For You came near to love
And you came near to heal
And you came near to save
as You died on the cross and you rose from the grave.
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
melody available on request
Tuesday
CareCalendar.org
Check out www.carecalendar.org - we are just bringing our care ministry up on this neat idea which takes the familiar concept of an internet calendar and uses it to allow volunteers to provide meals and other kinds of caring to families in need. This is worth the attention of church leaders.
Saturday
This Little Babe - for Christmas 06
Those familiar with "A Ceremony of Carols" by Benjamin Britten will recognize this edited text. I've long wanted to make slight adjustments to the text and write a singable melody - the melody (which I will post soon) has an old American hymn feel to it, arranged in such a way as to combine elements that suggest a lullaby with a military drum rhythm. If the combination sounds ironically mismatched, that's the point of the text.
This Little Babe
Robert Southwell (1561-1595) adapted by Rick Lindholtz
Melody © 2006 Rick Lindholtz
This little babe, so few days old
Has come to empty Satan’s fold.
All hell will at his presence quake,
Though he himself for cold do shake;
Though he is weak and small of size,
The gates of hell he will surprise.
If you would find fullness of joy
Depart not from this heavenly boy.
With tears he fights and wins the field,
His naked breast stands for a shield;
His battering shot a baby’s cries,
His arrows made of weeping eyes,
His martial ensigns cold and need,
And feeble flesh his warrior's steed.
If you would find fullness of joy
Depart not from this heavenly boy.
His mighty throne is in a stall,
Protected by a broken wall;
A crib his trench, hay stalks his stakes,
Of shepherds he his muster makes;
And though he comes so weak and poor
He holds the key to Heaven’s door.
If you would find fullness of joy
Depart not from this heavenly boy.
This little babe, so few days old
Has come to empty Satan’s fold.
So give yourself to Christ, my soul,
This little babe will make you whole,
Within his crib is surest ward,
This little babe will be thy guard;
If you would find fullness of joy
Depart not from this heavenly boy.
This Little Babe
Robert Southwell (1561-1595) adapted by Rick Lindholtz
Melody © 2006 Rick Lindholtz
This little babe, so few days old
Has come to empty Satan’s fold.
All hell will at his presence quake,
Though he himself for cold do shake;
Though he is weak and small of size,
The gates of hell he will surprise.
If you would find fullness of joy
Depart not from this heavenly boy.
With tears he fights and wins the field,
His naked breast stands for a shield;
His battering shot a baby’s cries,
His arrows made of weeping eyes,
His martial ensigns cold and need,
And feeble flesh his warrior's steed.
If you would find fullness of joy
Depart not from this heavenly boy.
His mighty throne is in a stall,
Protected by a broken wall;
A crib his trench, hay stalks his stakes,
Of shepherds he his muster makes;
And though he comes so weak and poor
He holds the key to Heaven’s door.
If you would find fullness of joy
Depart not from this heavenly boy.
This little babe, so few days old
Has come to empty Satan’s fold.
So give yourself to Christ, my soul,
This little babe will make you whole,
Within his crib is surest ward,
This little babe will be thy guard;
If you would find fullness of joy
Depart not from this heavenly boy.
Tuesday
I AM NOT MOVED
Text: Rick Lindholtz, © 2006
Based on “My God I love Thee” a poem of antiquity,
possibly Latin in original; extant in Spanish and attributed variously to Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz or Juan de Avila
translated into English by Edward Caswall
Target melody: “Danny Boy”
for Daniel Martinez' 80th birthday
I am not moved, my God, to love and serve you
Because I long for heaven’s eternity,
I am not moved to follow in your footsteps
That I might not be lost eternally.
But I am moved to trust in you my Savior,
For on the cross you suffered in disgrace.
My Lord, you bore for me the pain of nail and spear,
And did it all, your children to embrace.
When I behold your passion and your suffering,
When I recall your pain and agony,
When I reflect upon the way You gave your life,
And all for one who was your enemy,
Then I am moved to trust in You my Savior,
For on the cross you suffered in my place
My Lord, you bore for me the pain of nail and spear
And did it all, to give to me Your grace.
I do not come to win the prize of heaven
I do not come to find a great reward
I do not come, the fear of hell escaping,
But you have shown Your love to me, my Lord
So let me love and honor you my Savior,
And in Your name, Your praises I will sing,
You are the God who died to show your favor
You are my God and ever-loving King.
Text: Rick Lindholtz, © 2006
Based on “My God I love Thee” a poem of antiquity,
possibly Latin in original; extant in Spanish and attributed variously to Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz or Juan de Avila
translated into English by Edward Caswall
Target melody: “Danny Boy”
for Daniel Martinez' 80th birthday
I am not moved, my God, to love and serve you
Because I long for heaven’s eternity,
I am not moved to follow in your footsteps
That I might not be lost eternally.
But I am moved to trust in you my Savior,
For on the cross you suffered in disgrace.
My Lord, you bore for me the pain of nail and spear,
And did it all, your children to embrace.
When I behold your passion and your suffering,
When I recall your pain and agony,
When I reflect upon the way You gave your life,
And all for one who was your enemy,
Then I am moved to trust in You my Savior,
For on the cross you suffered in my place
My Lord, you bore for me the pain of nail and spear
And did it all, to give to me Your grace.
I do not come to win the prize of heaven
I do not come to find a great reward
I do not come, the fear of hell escaping,
But you have shown Your love to me, my Lord
So let me love and honor you my Savior,
And in Your name, Your praises I will sing,
You are the God who died to show your favor
You are my God and ever-loving King.
Wednesday
Cape Cod, here we come
...and I hope we don't meet Tropical Storm Beryl while we're there. We fly out tomorrow for a family reunion on Lake Wequaquet with Alicia's parents and 5 of her 6 brothers and sisters.
In the meantime, I've updated the family pictures site, going with a blog format. Check it out.
We'll be back on July 31...
In the meantime, I've updated the family pictures site, going with a blog format. Check it out.
We'll be back on July 31...
Thursday
Weddings, Funerals, and Communion - a response to Jibstay
Don Johnson, whom I have considered a good though casual friend for 21 years, posted a few questions about weddings and communion. There are some interesting issues for discussion there and in the comments that follow.
So much to reply to, so little time...
1. About Communion in weddings... my bias has always been that weddings of believing couples, held in churches, are worship services. The service of communion should be offered to all who self-identify as believers - followers of Christ. To offer it to the couple only has the effect of denying the unity of the body, missing the admonition of 1 Cor 11:20-21, and treating a holy sacrament as a prop in a play. So I would not do that.
2. About "Fencing the Table"... interestingly enough I am serving in a church which is part of a national body that "fences the table" or is perceived so by most folks like Covenanters. But interestingly enough, the way it is handled locally is a manner that I think would fly in a Covenant Church. Here's what happens: in the worship folder at the point at which Communion takes place, these words appear (or words to this effect):
It is important to us that those who participate in this meal affirm with us the following: 1) I believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior and have been baptized. 2) I believe that Jesus Christ is truly present here. In this meal, I receive bread and wine and His body and blood. 3) I desire to partake of this meal so that I may receive power to live as a fully devoted follower of Christ.
Earlier in the service, usually before the offerings when some other worship details are being discussed, worshipers are alerted to those words in the folder and informed that if they aren't sure they can affirm these words, they are invited to receive a prayer of blessing when they come forward.
Interestingly, when I first heard those words the first time I walked in the door as a worshiper, I immediately recognized that a) the language in #2 was there to identify their consubstantial theology, and the whole statement was there to softly acknowledge their synodical position, without explicitly sending a "not-welcome" message to worshipers. I caught all that because of theological training. Alicia, however, completely missed the significance of it - as, I suspect, many if not most worshipers would.
Don - and other Covenant responders - I would love to hear your responses to this. If your sacramental theology is not consubstantial, you probably would not agree with it; but apart from that, how does it strike you?
3. Weddings and Funerals...The juxtaposition of these two words brought to mind something I said at the most recent wedding I performed, for my niece Bekah and hr husband Jon. I observed that one normally doesn't talk about death or funerals at a wedding, but in fact a wedding is a funeral in several very specific ways.
It is the death of our freedom to live as a single person of course; but more than that, I view marriage itself as in essence death, in this regard. We are told to give our lives for our partners. You hear language in Paul about husbands loving their wives as Christ does the church, and the common remark is "How did Christ love the church? He died for her", prompting the common remark of husbands to the effect that "I'd take a bullet for her if it came to it". The simple fact is that won't ever come to that for most of us, but that doesn't let us off the hook. Every day we make choices about dying for our partner - turning off the sports game on TV (usually him) or putting down a good novel (usually her) to invest oneself in that which is of significance to the partner.
Marriage is simply the best place we are given to pratice dying. And since weddings are where this officially starts, a wedding is a funeral. Living-for-self is the deceased, and if we're wise, we say "Rest in Peace" out loud, and silently, "Good Riddance".
Surprisingly enough, my niece said she was significantly and positively moved and challenged, not put off, by these words.
"Nothing in this life that I've been trying
can equal or surpass the art of dying"
-George Harrison
So much to reply to, so little time...
1. About Communion in weddings... my bias has always been that weddings of believing couples, held in churches, are worship services. The service of communion should be offered to all who self-identify as believers - followers of Christ. To offer it to the couple only has the effect of denying the unity of the body, missing the admonition of 1 Cor 11:20-21, and treating a holy sacrament as a prop in a play. So I would not do that.
2. About "Fencing the Table"... interestingly enough I am serving in a church which is part of a national body that "fences the table" or is perceived so by most folks like Covenanters. But interestingly enough, the way it is handled locally is a manner that I think would fly in a Covenant Church. Here's what happens: in the worship folder at the point at which Communion takes place, these words appear (or words to this effect):
It is important to us that those who participate in this meal affirm with us the following: 1) I believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior and have been baptized. 2) I believe that Jesus Christ is truly present here. In this meal, I receive bread and wine and His body and blood. 3) I desire to partake of this meal so that I may receive power to live as a fully devoted follower of Christ.
Earlier in the service, usually before the offerings when some other worship details are being discussed, worshipers are alerted to those words in the folder and informed that if they aren't sure they can affirm these words, they are invited to receive a prayer of blessing when they come forward.
Interestingly, when I first heard those words the first time I walked in the door as a worshiper, I immediately recognized that a) the language in #2 was there to identify their consubstantial theology, and the whole statement was there to softly acknowledge their synodical position, without explicitly sending a "not-welcome" message to worshipers. I caught all that because of theological training. Alicia, however, completely missed the significance of it - as, I suspect, many if not most worshipers would.
Don - and other Covenant responders - I would love to hear your responses to this. If your sacramental theology is not consubstantial, you probably would not agree with it; but apart from that, how does it strike you?
3. Weddings and Funerals...The juxtaposition of these two words brought to mind something I said at the most recent wedding I performed, for my niece Bekah and hr husband Jon. I observed that one normally doesn't talk about death or funerals at a wedding, but in fact a wedding is a funeral in several very specific ways.
It is the death of our freedom to live as a single person of course; but more than that, I view marriage itself as in essence death, in this regard. We are told to give our lives for our partners. You hear language in Paul about husbands loving their wives as Christ does the church, and the common remark is "How did Christ love the church? He died for her", prompting the common remark of husbands to the effect that "I'd take a bullet for her if it came to it". The simple fact is that won't ever come to that for most of us, but that doesn't let us off the hook. Every day we make choices about dying for our partner - turning off the sports game on TV (usually him) or putting down a good novel (usually her) to invest oneself in that which is of significance to the partner.
Marriage is simply the best place we are given to pratice dying. And since weddings are where this officially starts, a wedding is a funeral. Living-for-self is the deceased, and if we're wise, we say "Rest in Peace" out loud, and silently, "Good Riddance".
Surprisingly enough, my niece said she was significantly and positively moved and challenged, not put off, by these words.
"Nothing in this life that I've been trying
can equal or surpass the art of dying"
-George Harrison
Wednesday
Theology in Pencil, Ink, and Blood
I so resonate with this essay by Keith Drury that I wanted to post it here. But it seems more gracious to let Keith get the traffic. So click here and read.
Tuesday
Happy Fourth
Interview
Read this interview with David Wells. What do you think of his premises and conclusions?
Family
Here's the Kingwood Lindholtzes, on July 1, EC's 18th birthday.
Read this interview with David Wells. What do you think of his premises and conclusions?
Family
Here's the Kingwood Lindholtzes, on July 1, EC's 18th birthday.
Friday
Where I'd like to be July 30 - Aug 5
...and where YOU should go, or send an arts-gifted Christian from your church:
--the conference: The Artist Unleashed: the Arts in Ministry.
--in partnership with the Gospel Music Association’s [GMA’s] “Music in the Rockies
--Click here for info and sign-up
--Featured Speaker #4: Karen Covell. Karen is a leader in profiling that Hollywood—and the film, arts & entertainment sub-culture—is a true “missions field,” and she’s right !! Karen is the Director of the Hollywood Prayer Network [www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org] . Through her job as a film and television producer she has lived her faith in the Film industry for years—while modeling and developing ministries of evangelism and discipleship within that community. Few Christians will challenge us as pragmatically as she can towards a lifestyle of ministry that is both culturally relevant and ‘ministerially’ effective. You can contact Karen directly at <>. Sign up to get her Hollywood Prayer Network updates for yourself.
A short word from Byron Spradlin: It’s time the Church wakes up to the reality that the Hollywood—Arts & Entertainment sub-culture is actually “shaping” the way Christians think about life and living; and that’s NOT a good thing. It’s also time the Church takes pro-active efforts to equip, commission and send qualified ‘ministry agents’ into that sub-culture (most of whom will be volunteer or bi-vocational). Our conference this year serves to affirm these critical “ministry agents” and equip them for more active and effective volunteer & regional ministry. Here are some of the topics: arts in missions, regional outreach strategies, personal ministry skills, biblical teaching on the “ministry” aspect of music & the arts, ministry organization, support raising for your ministry.
Our speaker list is outstanding: Karen Lafferty [missionary songwriter], myself, Dave Durham [missionary musician and culture creative specialist], Dave Bunker [music industry businessman, professor & arts specialist], Rory Noland, Scott Wesley Brown [recording artist, worship pastor, music in missions advocate], Karen Covell [Hollywood producer], Michele Suh [A.C.T. staff working in Hollywood with Hollywood Connect], Dr. Vernon Whaley [Worship & Music department chair at Liberty University], Steve Scott [pastor, arts in missions advocate, songwriter & poet], Billy Smiley [worship pastor, songwriter, recorder], Jeff Morrison [recording artist, songwriter, regional ministry specialist], Julie Branham, [worship leader with a music evangelism focus, singer & songwriter, regional ministry specialist], Larry Moshell [A.C.T. Staff Development Dir., ministry development specialist], Lee Porter [A.C.T. staff, vocal coach worship pastor].
--the conference: The Artist Unleashed: the Arts in Ministry.
--in partnership with the Gospel Music Association’s [GMA’s] “Music in the Rockies
--Click here for info and sign-up
--Featured Speaker #4: Karen Covell. Karen is a leader in profiling that Hollywood—and the film, arts & entertainment sub-culture—is a true “missions field,” and she’s right !! Karen is the Director of the Hollywood Prayer Network [www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org] . Through her job as a film and television producer she has lived her faith in the Film industry for years—while modeling and developing ministries of evangelism and discipleship within that community. Few Christians will challenge us as pragmatically as she can towards a lifestyle of ministry that is both culturally relevant and ‘ministerially’ effective. You can contact Karen directly at <>. Sign up to get her Hollywood Prayer Network updates for yourself.
A short word from Byron Spradlin: It’s time the Church wakes up to the reality that the Hollywood—Arts & Entertainment sub-culture is actually “shaping” the way Christians think about life and living; and that’s NOT a good thing. It’s also time the Church takes pro-active efforts to equip, commission and send qualified ‘ministry agents’ into that sub-culture (most of whom will be volunteer or bi-vocational). Our conference this year serves to affirm these critical “ministry agents” and equip them for more active and effective volunteer & regional ministry. Here are some of the topics: arts in missions, regional outreach strategies, personal ministry skills, biblical teaching on the “ministry” aspect of music & the arts, ministry organization, support raising for your ministry.
Our speaker list is outstanding: Karen Lafferty [missionary songwriter], myself, Dave Durham [missionary musician and culture creative specialist], Dave Bunker [music industry businessman, professor & arts specialist], Rory Noland, Scott Wesley Brown [recording artist, worship pastor, music in missions advocate], Karen Covell [Hollywood producer], Michele Suh [A.C.T. staff working in Hollywood with Hollywood Connect], Dr. Vernon Whaley [Worship & Music department chair at Liberty University], Steve Scott [pastor, arts in missions advocate, songwriter & poet], Billy Smiley [worship pastor, songwriter, recorder], Jeff Morrison [recording artist, songwriter, regional ministry specialist], Julie Branham, [worship leader with a music evangelism focus, singer & songwriter, regional ministry specialist], Larry Moshell [A.C.T. Staff Development Dir., ministry development specialist], Lee Porter [A.C.T. staff, vocal coach worship pastor].
Tuesday
Christ Church
Brad points us to Christ Church in Plano, Texas, one of the largest and fastest growing congregations in the Episcopal Church, USA, which has decided to disassociate itself from the denomination.
This is the church where I received training in the Alpha course and I was very impressed with the church and the people I met there.
While the collapse of the Episcopal Church is sad to observe, the reports from the Episcopal Church conference that are posted at the Christ Church site are truly inspiring - a voice of faith from within an apostate body.
This is the church where I received training in the Alpha course and I was very impressed with the church and the people I met there.
While the collapse of the Episcopal Church is sad to observe, the reports from the Episcopal Church conference that are posted at the Christ Church site are truly inspiring - a voice of faith from within an apostate body.
Wednesday
Prepare a Highway
We're going to give a shot at writing our own Christmas Cantata this year and the first song I wrote (last week) is based on Isaiah 40. The melody can't be posted yet but when I can I'll record a rough version and post it here.
Prepare a Highway
From Isaiah 40:1-4 (second draft of lyric) 6/12/06
V1
Hear the words of Comfort God is sending:
To declare the time of brokenness is through,
Days of sad and wounded hearts are ending,
A tender voice of hope for me and you:
Ch
Prepare a Highway for the Lord,
A road that leads to life eternally.
Prepare a Highway for the Lord,
And let it run right through the heart of me.
V2
Let the mountains of my sin begin to crumble,
Let the valleys of my heart be filled with grace.
Make a pathway for the Savior, meek and humble,
For the road that leads to where I’ll see His face.
(Ch)
Bridge
Like the grass beneath the summer sun, we’re dying,
Like the flowers of the field we fade away.
We rely upon your grace, the forgiveness in Your face,
So let your work begin anew today.
(Ch)
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
Prepare a Highway
From Isaiah 40:1-4 (second draft of lyric) 6/12/06
V1
Hear the words of Comfort God is sending:
To declare the time of brokenness is through,
Days of sad and wounded hearts are ending,
A tender voice of hope for me and you:
Ch
Prepare a Highway for the Lord,
A road that leads to life eternally.
Prepare a Highway for the Lord,
And let it run right through the heart of me.
V2
Let the mountains of my sin begin to crumble,
Let the valleys of my heart be filled with grace.
Make a pathway for the Savior, meek and humble,
For the road that leads to where I’ll see His face.
(Ch)
Bridge
Like the grass beneath the summer sun, we’re dying,
Like the flowers of the field we fade away.
We rely upon your grace, the forgiveness in Your face,
So let your work begin anew today.
(Ch)
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
Monday
Various Things on June 12th...
1. END OF THE SPEAR is out on DVD tomorrow! If you missed it in the thatre, don't miss it on DVD. One of the best films I've ever seen.
Worlds collide and tragedy strikes as a missionary group journeys to the heart of the Amazon jungle in search of the Waodani, a tribe of fierce warriors on the brink of extinction due to revenge killings. When five of the missionary men are speared to death by tribesmen, their families are left husbandless and fatherless. Undeterred by their tremendous loss and spurred on by hope, the families decide to remain in Ecuador, and risk living among the Waodani. But the effects of that first encounter have yet to subside: A young boy, struggling to unlock the secret of his father’s death, must learn to accept a tragedy he cannot change in this powerful true story of sacrifice, courage, and reconciliation.
Available on DVD from Fox Home Entertainment starting tomorrow (June 13), End Of The Spear takes viewers deep into the heart of darkness to discover that faith and forgiveness can transcend the senseless acts of violence that stand in the way of cultural understanding.
Go to your local video retailer, or visit the following links to purchase End Of The Spear DVD's tomorrow: bestbuy.com , walmart.com or amazon.com !
2. JUST BACK FROM COLORADO!
ElenaClaire and I got back last night after 8 days in the Rockies with 80 teens and 13 adults. Awesome beauty. Adventure Experiences' Basecamp is at 10,000 feet. Our days were filled with hiking up to 13,000 feet to a bowl between three peaks (Our team went on the first day and we were led by 3 guides who had never done this hike before - and they started us off on the wrong trail, which led us to the wrong point - but we didn't mind - our hike was tougher than the usual one and we actually got totally off any trail - we also got lost on the way down - but we had an awesome hike and saw things no one else on the trip saw), rock climbing, high ropes challenge courses, a prayer trek, and white water rafting.
I got sick while up there - not altitude sickness, but a severe chest cold that flattened me and I missed several activities, but seeing God at work in the lives of students was worth going through a little misery.
3. MILES IS IMPROVING.
Just before I left, Miles was hospitalized overnight with diabetic complications. I would have cancelled my attendance on the trip but Alicia's sister Rachel said she's come down to stay with Alicia and Miles - which was so necessary because Miles needed constant attention - and even with Rachel there, Alicia absolutely exceeded all she is capable of. By the time I got home Alicia had not had a solid night's sleep in 13 days - Miles was needing blood checks every 2 hours, day and night, and though Rachel could take some of those, she could not make every dosing decision. Her presence also allowed Alicia to get a few things done during the day. THANK YOU RACHEL!
Friday
Da Vinci
Read a great essay and compilation of material.
See also the collection of material I've compiled for the church website.
See also the collection of material I've compiled for the church website.
Monday
My Experience at the Mosque
I have a new appreciation of what it feels like for someone like Hemant with no experience attending a Christian Church to walk into that environment for the first time.
On Saturday afternoon I drove into the parking lot of the Baitus Samee Mosque in Houston, an invited guest of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, to participate in a symposium on the topic “The Existence of God and Human Suffering”.
I’ve never been in a mosque before.
I was not concerned for my safety, unlike those among my acquaintances who learned of my invitation and suggested a bullet proof vest (only half-joking, I suspect). Through my conversations with my host, Shahed, and my reading on the Ahmadiyya website, I knew that this muslim community, which is spread across 178 nations, utterly rejects violence and terrorism, recognizing that “jihad” as a word that refers to the individual’s inner struggle to live out a life that honors Allah.
My main concerns were that I would not unintentionally offend my hosts through my ignorance of their customs. I needed not be concerned. They were more than helpful and welcoming – truly delightful and friendly people who showed me where shoes could be placed during the symposium (since they are not worn in the mosque). Many of the 35 or so men present were quick to come forward and welcome me – the genders are separated in the mosque, so there were no women present in the seminar. The women were holding their own seminar on the other side of the wall. Even in the fellowship time which followed the women were separated from the men.
The program began with “a recitation of the Holy Qur’an”. If there was an element in the service that had me on pins and needles, this was it. What would I experience?
The Qur’an is always read in Arabic, and so one man came forward to read. I could not be absolutely clear on whether he was singing, or whether the rising and falling tones are reflective of the tonal nature of the Arabic language. The only experience I could compare it to was hearing the Qur’an read over loudspeakers in Iran or Iraq, such as one sometimes hears on a television news program.
The reading was followed by a translation in English – certainly for guests like me, but I wondered if it was also for those whose Arabic is rusty.
Next were three 15 minute addresses by the three speakers – first the jewish guest, then myself, then the muslim speaker.
In my presentation, I was eager to observe a careful balance. On the one hand, I had been invited to speak on the assigned topic from a Christian perspective. I also wanted to faithfully represent the message of biblical Christian faith. On the other hand, I was a guest, and did not want to communicate in a manner that would offend my hosts. I think that I effectively hit the mark.
The next 30 minutes was a time of question and answer. The moderator requested that all questions be directed to all three panelists so that each of us could answer, so that was the way the afternoon flowed on.
However, when the moderator said there was time for one more question, a man rose to the microphone and said “I have a question I would like to direct only to Rick: You said in your presentation that the sufferings of Christ could alleviate the sufferings of humanity, and I am not clear how that could happen. Could you explain your meaning please?”
For me, this was a wonderful moment, for it seemed to me that I was being invited by my hosts to be more specific in describing the nature of my faith as a Christ-follower. And so I took several minutes to answer the concluding question.
The last thing that occurred before the symposium concluded was a brief 5 minutes by a man identified as a muslim missionary. I did not have the feeling that his brief message contributed anything of substance to the words that had been spoken already.
After the symposium, many people came forward to graciously thank me and express appreciation for the content of my talk. One man said that he’d had many questions about Christianity, and I had managed to answer several of them. I was grateful. My secondary goal in being there was to help the listeners to learn and understand the day’s topic from a Christian perspective. I am grateful that this goal was met.
My primary goal had been to learn, and I certainly learned, from both the jewish and muslim people I encountered. I was struck by how similarly we approached the topic, and several times in the Q&A, I responded and then one of my fellow panelists said “I was going to say the same thing Rick said”.
(If I had a third goal, it was to enjoy a very different, cross-cultural cuisine in the time of refreshments that followed. Alas, I might as well have been at a Texas Baptist pot luck: there was fried chicken, cole slaw, pasta salad, pizza and Coke. However, there were two desserts that were culturally distinct, and they were wonderful!)
One last word: I thought of you, my acquaintances at OTM, as I went through this experience – and particularly thought of my brother Tom, who like me is characterized by a love for the unfamiliar or cross-cultural. Eat your heart out, Bro!
(This review was originally published by me at the "Ebay Atheist" website, sponsored by Off-the-Map. The site has evolved into a place of dialogue between Christians and atheists. At that site there are 18 replies, a couple of which are elaborations by me. read them here...)
On Saturday afternoon I drove into the parking lot of the Baitus Samee Mosque in Houston, an invited guest of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, to participate in a symposium on the topic “The Existence of God and Human Suffering”.
I’ve never been in a mosque before.
I was not concerned for my safety, unlike those among my acquaintances who learned of my invitation and suggested a bullet proof vest (only half-joking, I suspect). Through my conversations with my host, Shahed, and my reading on the Ahmadiyya website, I knew that this muslim community, which is spread across 178 nations, utterly rejects violence and terrorism, recognizing that “jihad” as a word that refers to the individual’s inner struggle to live out a life that honors Allah.
My main concerns were that I would not unintentionally offend my hosts through my ignorance of their customs. I needed not be concerned. They were more than helpful and welcoming – truly delightful and friendly people who showed me where shoes could be placed during the symposium (since they are not worn in the mosque). Many of the 35 or so men present were quick to come forward and welcome me – the genders are separated in the mosque, so there were no women present in the seminar. The women were holding their own seminar on the other side of the wall. Even in the fellowship time which followed the women were separated from the men.
The program began with “a recitation of the Holy Qur’an”. If there was an element in the service that had me on pins and needles, this was it. What would I experience?
The Qur’an is always read in Arabic, and so one man came forward to read. I could not be absolutely clear on whether he was singing, or whether the rising and falling tones are reflective of the tonal nature of the Arabic language. The only experience I could compare it to was hearing the Qur’an read over loudspeakers in Iran or Iraq, such as one sometimes hears on a television news program.
The reading was followed by a translation in English – certainly for guests like me, but I wondered if it was also for those whose Arabic is rusty.
Next were three 15 minute addresses by the three speakers – first the jewish guest, then myself, then the muslim speaker.
In my presentation, I was eager to observe a careful balance. On the one hand, I had been invited to speak on the assigned topic from a Christian perspective. I also wanted to faithfully represent the message of biblical Christian faith. On the other hand, I was a guest, and did not want to communicate in a manner that would offend my hosts. I think that I effectively hit the mark.
The next 30 minutes was a time of question and answer. The moderator requested that all questions be directed to all three panelists so that each of us could answer, so that was the way the afternoon flowed on.
However, when the moderator said there was time for one more question, a man rose to the microphone and said “I have a question I would like to direct only to Rick: You said in your presentation that the sufferings of Christ could alleviate the sufferings of humanity, and I am not clear how that could happen. Could you explain your meaning please?”
For me, this was a wonderful moment, for it seemed to me that I was being invited by my hosts to be more specific in describing the nature of my faith as a Christ-follower. And so I took several minutes to answer the concluding question.
The last thing that occurred before the symposium concluded was a brief 5 minutes by a man identified as a muslim missionary. I did not have the feeling that his brief message contributed anything of substance to the words that had been spoken already.
After the symposium, many people came forward to graciously thank me and express appreciation for the content of my talk. One man said that he’d had many questions about Christianity, and I had managed to answer several of them. I was grateful. My secondary goal in being there was to help the listeners to learn and understand the day’s topic from a Christian perspective. I am grateful that this goal was met.
My primary goal had been to learn, and I certainly learned, from both the jewish and muslim people I encountered. I was struck by how similarly we approached the topic, and several times in the Q&A, I responded and then one of my fellow panelists said “I was going to say the same thing Rick said”.
(If I had a third goal, it was to enjoy a very different, cross-cultural cuisine in the time of refreshments that followed. Alas, I might as well have been at a Texas Baptist pot luck: there was fried chicken, cole slaw, pasta salad, pizza and Coke. However, there were two desserts that were culturally distinct, and they were wonderful!)
One last word: I thought of you, my acquaintances at OTM, as I went through this experience – and particularly thought of my brother Tom, who like me is characterized by a love for the unfamiliar or cross-cultural. Eat your heart out, Bro!
(This review was originally published by me at the "Ebay Atheist" website, sponsored by Off-the-Map. The site has evolved into a place of dialogue between Christians and atheists. At that site there are 18 replies, a couple of which are elaborations by me. read them here...)
Tuesday
A Unique Opportunity
I have a unique opportunity on this coming Saturday, 2-4 pm.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association has invited me to a Symposium on the topic of
“The Existence of God and Human Suffering”, at the Baitus Samee Mosque.
The day will be marked by speeches by three guest speakers from the
Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities. (Each presenter speaking for 15 minutes)
I will be the guest Christian presenter.
It is the muslim way to have separate events for men and women. I will be speaking only to men. There will be a parallel meeting for women at the same time, with female speakers.
Tea and refreshments will be served afterward.
This is going to be, if nothing else, a very unique cross-cultural experience. It is also an opportunity for me to communicate the message of Christ.
My Christian faith tells me that the God I worship is a God who is intimately familiar with suffering because He Himself chose to suffer. Here, I realize, is where I part company with my muslim and jewish friends, but it is a very important part of the way I as a Christian process my understanding of the existence of God and human suffering. I therefore plan to conclude by explaining how this uniquely Christian doctrine informs my thinking on the crucial question that has been the focus of our conversation today.
My goals for the day are to learn from the other presenters and the people with whom I interact; and to communicate clearly on my assigned topic with a distinctively Christian flavor.
I covet your prayers as I prepare my presentation and as I present it on Saturday.
I am hopeful that I can gather a group of men who are available on Saturday and can attend with me. I have extended invitations to men in this area.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association has invited me to a Symposium on the topic of
“The Existence of God and Human Suffering”, at the Baitus Samee Mosque.
The day will be marked by speeches by three guest speakers from the
Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities. (Each presenter speaking for 15 minutes)
I will be the guest Christian presenter.
It is the muslim way to have separate events for men and women. I will be speaking only to men. There will be a parallel meeting for women at the same time, with female speakers.
Tea and refreshments will be served afterward.
This is going to be, if nothing else, a very unique cross-cultural experience. It is also an opportunity for me to communicate the message of Christ.
My Christian faith tells me that the God I worship is a God who is intimately familiar with suffering because He Himself chose to suffer. Here, I realize, is where I part company with my muslim and jewish friends, but it is a very important part of the way I as a Christian process my understanding of the existence of God and human suffering. I therefore plan to conclude by explaining how this uniquely Christian doctrine informs my thinking on the crucial question that has been the focus of our conversation today.
My goals for the day are to learn from the other presenters and the people with whom I interact; and to communicate clearly on my assigned topic with a distinctively Christian flavor.
I covet your prayers as I prepare my presentation and as I present it on Saturday.
I am hopeful that I can gather a group of men who are available on Saturday and can attend with me. I have extended invitations to men in this area.
There is None Like You
We sang this song by Lenny LeBlanc last Sunday in worship. On Saturday morning as we rehearsed, the team was about to move on to another song, "Come Holy Spirit, Fall fresh on me". As they turned to the proper page, I looked at the bridge or verse of "There is None..."
"Your mercy flows like a river wide,
and healing comes from your hands;
suffering children
are safe in your arms;
there is none like You...."
© 1991 Integrity's Hosanna! Music
and I had a moment of inspiration. I quit playing keys and singing as I wanted a second verse and it came to me all at once. As the idea fell into place I realized it could lean heavily on some of the words that were already there:
"You gave your life as a gift of love,
and healing flowed from your hands.
Death could not hold you;
You rose from the grave;
There is None like you...."
Rick Lindholtz 2006
Boom, there it was, before the team could finish rehearsing the next song. When they finished I said "Mark, I just got a verse for There is None." He said "Let's hear it" and I went through it. And he said "Let's use it tomorrow. Write it down, everyone, we'll change the screens later".
Afterwards he told me: "Earlier in the week as I was writing the service, I realized I wanted more resurrection in it, but since it was Confirmation Sunday, the theme was not lending itself to selecting a song in that direction, and God just led you to the right words."
It was a neat moment. And it was very effective in worship. Especially on the third Sunday of Easter.
"Your mercy flows like a river wide,
and healing comes from your hands;
suffering children
are safe in your arms;
there is none like You...."
© 1991 Integrity's Hosanna! Music
and I had a moment of inspiration. I quit playing keys and singing as I wanted a second verse and it came to me all at once. As the idea fell into place I realized it could lean heavily on some of the words that were already there:
"You gave your life as a gift of love,
and healing flowed from your hands.
Death could not hold you;
You rose from the grave;
There is None like you...."
Rick Lindholtz 2006
Boom, there it was, before the team could finish rehearsing the next song. When they finished I said "Mark, I just got a verse for There is None." He said "Let's hear it" and I went through it. And he said "Let's use it tomorrow. Write it down, everyone, we'll change the screens later".
Afterwards he told me: "Earlier in the week as I was writing the service, I realized I wanted more resurrection in it, but since it was Confirmation Sunday, the theme was not lending itself to selecting a song in that direction, and God just led you to the right words."
It was a neat moment. And it was very effective in worship. Especially on the third Sunday of Easter.
Saturday
My first post in a long time
These've been busy days. The weeks before Easter always are. CTK requires/encourages all staff to track their hours, and those in excess of 48 hours a week become comp hours. It's typical for the program staff to ramp up quite a few comp hours in the weeks preceeding Easter and Christmas Eve. So here I am with several days of comp time saved up.
Throughout Lent we had Wednesday evening services preceded by soup supper. (Back in 2001 when I was unemployed, unsatisfactorily-emplyed and/or underemployed all year, we got hooked on the soup supper because it was one evening of free dinner.) Mark and I alternated leading worship on Wednesday evenings. They were great services - with Vicar Brian preaching on Israel's journey through the wilderness. The kid's got game!
Maundy Thursday, Brian and I again teamed on the service. With our focus on the Passover and the Last Supper, we wanted a more intimate feeling than we usually have in a 700 seat Worship Center - since both Passover and Jesus' final meal occured in homes, not Worship Centers - so we created a "living room" on the thrust of the platform with couch, chairs, coffee table, and populated the living room with 2 guitarist/singers, one vocalist, a percussionist playing a djembe, and myself on keys and vocal. All vocals were handled via Countryman headsets - a lot of production went into making this feel un-produced. It was awesome and very well received. Once we all sat down in the "living room", none of us got up again for the entire service.
Good Friday was a very powerful service with Alicia, EC and myself in the 60 voice choir. The service began with the sound of nails being driven and included the seven last words appearing on screen, very artfully presented - lots of darkness and silence. Lots of opportunities to reflect on the price paid for our salvation. Great series of dramatic messages presented by Pastor Doyle.
Tomorrow, the three of us are again in the choir. I'll be conducting during one of the songs, an arrangement Brian and Mark did of "Crown Him with Many Crowns"; and Dana will be conducting an arrangement by Mark and myself of "Christ the Lord is Risen Today".
The kids have been busy today making Easter Eggs (both real ones, jello ones, and Mexican Cascarones and watching the Narnia movie. Alicia spent hours preparing food for tomorrow, though it will just be the four of us. I spent the better part of the afternoon moving mulch around in the yard - mulch from a chipper that's been working behind the church, clearing brush for the "CTK park".
Throughout Lent we had Wednesday evening services preceded by soup supper. (Back in 2001 when I was unemployed, unsatisfactorily-emplyed and/or underemployed all year, we got hooked on the soup supper because it was one evening of free dinner.) Mark and I alternated leading worship on Wednesday evenings. They were great services - with Vicar Brian preaching on Israel's journey through the wilderness. The kid's got game!
Maundy Thursday, Brian and I again teamed on the service. With our focus on the Passover and the Last Supper, we wanted a more intimate feeling than we usually have in a 700 seat Worship Center - since both Passover and Jesus' final meal occured in homes, not Worship Centers - so we created a "living room" on the thrust of the platform with couch, chairs, coffee table, and populated the living room with 2 guitarist/singers, one vocalist, a percussionist playing a djembe, and myself on keys and vocal. All vocals were handled via Countryman headsets - a lot of production went into making this feel un-produced. It was awesome and very well received. Once we all sat down in the "living room", none of us got up again for the entire service.
Good Friday was a very powerful service with Alicia, EC and myself in the 60 voice choir. The service began with the sound of nails being driven and included the seven last words appearing on screen, very artfully presented - lots of darkness and silence. Lots of opportunities to reflect on the price paid for our salvation. Great series of dramatic messages presented by Pastor Doyle.
Tomorrow, the three of us are again in the choir. I'll be conducting during one of the songs, an arrangement Brian and Mark did of "Crown Him with Many Crowns"; and Dana will be conducting an arrangement by Mark and myself of "Christ the Lord is Risen Today".
The kids have been busy today making Easter Eggs (both real ones, jello ones, and Mexican Cascarones and watching the Narnia movie. Alicia spent hours preparing food for tomorrow, though it will just be the four of us. I spent the better part of the afternoon moving mulch around in the yard - mulch from a chipper that's been working behind the church, clearing brush for the "CTK park".
Thursday
Come Holy Spirit
There are several songs by this title, one by Malcolm Fletcher. Here is a text that is very similar in meter to Fletcher's:
Come Holy Spirit, Open up your Word
Let me see your glory; Let me see my Lord
only you can change my heart
make in me a brand new start
Come Holy Spirit, Open up your Word
Come Holy Spirit, Open up your Word
Let me see your glory; Let me see my Lord
only you can change my heart
make in me a brand new start
Come Holy Spirit, Open up your Word
Thursday
The Liberal Baby Bust
What's the difference between Seattle and Salt Lake City? There are manydifferences, of course, but here's one you might not know. In Seattle,there are nearly 45% more dogs than children. In Salt Lake City, there arenearly 19% more kids than dogs.This curious fact might at first seem trivial, but it reflects a muchbroader and little-noticed demographic trend that has deep implications forthe future of global culture and politics. It's not that people in aprogressive city such as Seattle are so much fonder of dogs than are peoplein a conservative city such as Salt Lake City. It's that progressives areso much less likely to have children. read more...
Go see a movie...
..on May 19 - that's the recommendation of Barbara Nicolosi. She's suggesting that on the day "Da Vinci code" opens, Christians avoid the tempting alternatives of:
-ignoring the movie (which is like not voting in an election: you're giving the task of shaping the future to others)
-or protesting the movie (which will just drive the box office up by attracting attention)
-or discussing the movie (which is a nice thought if anyone was listening)
So, she says, go see a movie. ANY other movie.
"You'll get a vote, the only vote Hollywood recognizes: The power of cold hard cash laid down on a box officewindow on opening weekend.Use your vote. Don't throw it away. Vote for a movie other than DVC. If enough people do it, the powers that be will notice. They won't have achoice.
"The major studio movie scheduled for release against DVC is the DreamWorks animated feature Over the Hedge. The trailers look fun, and you can take your kids. And your friends. And their friends. In fact, let's all go see it. Let's rock the box office in a way no one expects -- without protests, without boycotts, without arguments, without rancor. Let's show up at the box office ballot box and cast our votes. And buy some popcorn, too."
It's a creative suggestion. The Dreamworks people have gotta love this idea...
What's the difference between Seattle and Salt Lake City? There are manydifferences, of course, but here's one you might not know. In Seattle,there are nearly 45% more dogs than children. In Salt Lake City, there arenearly 19% more kids than dogs.This curious fact might at first seem trivial, but it reflects a muchbroader and little-noticed demographic trend that has deep implications forthe future of global culture and politics. It's not that people in aprogressive city such as Seattle are so much fonder of dogs than are peoplein a conservative city such as Salt Lake City. It's that progressives areso much less likely to have children. read more...
Go see a movie...
..on May 19 - that's the recommendation of Barbara Nicolosi. She's suggesting that on the day "Da Vinci code" opens, Christians avoid the tempting alternatives of:
-ignoring the movie (which is like not voting in an election: you're giving the task of shaping the future to others)
-or protesting the movie (which will just drive the box office up by attracting attention)
-or discussing the movie (which is a nice thought if anyone was listening)
So, she says, go see a movie. ANY other movie.
"You'll get a vote, the only vote Hollywood recognizes: The power of cold hard cash laid down on a box officewindow on opening weekend.Use your vote. Don't throw it away. Vote for a movie other than DVC. If enough people do it, the powers that be will notice. They won't have achoice.
"The major studio movie scheduled for release against DVC is the DreamWorks animated feature Over the Hedge. The trailers look fun, and you can take your kids. And your friends. And their friends. In fact, let's all go see it. Let's rock the box office in a way no one expects -- without protests, without boycotts, without arguments, without rancor. Let's show up at the box office ballot box and cast our votes. And buy some popcorn, too."
It's a creative suggestion. The Dreamworks people have gotta love this idea...
Tuesday
Monday
...was a long day. We drove up to Dallas for the memorial service of a baby girl named Kate who only lived 40 days. Kate's parents are in inner city urban ministry in Dallas.
It was hard on all of us to go through but we wanted to be there to provide comfort for the family who are dear friends.
Back in Kingwood today, my energy levels are rather low.
Meanwhile, Tom is back from his trip to SoCal, and so it is fun to both be posting on the ebay atheist again. At one point yesterday, the two of us were responsibile for 7 of the 10 most recent posts. And one of mine got lifted to the front page, where it's already generated over 89 responses. It offered a link to an op-ed piece in the Houston Chronicle about a self-avowed atheist who writes about joining a Christian Church.
It was hard on all of us to go through but we wanted to be there to provide comfort for the family who are dear friends.
Back in Kingwood today, my energy levels are rather low.
Meanwhile, Tom is back from his trip to SoCal, and so it is fun to both be posting on the ebay atheist again. At one point yesterday, the two of us were responsibile for 7 of the 10 most recent posts. And one of mine got lifted to the front page, where it's already generated over 89 responses. It offered a link to an op-ed piece in the Houston Chronicle about a self-avowed atheist who writes about joining a Christian Church.
Thursday
Ebay Atheist article in Wall Street Journal
Read the article here. Those of us who are part of this community are bracing for a whole lot more traffic.
Experiences are the best gifts
If you're familiar with the "Languages of Love" books or concepts you know the premise: different people have different "love languages" to which they respond. I am definitely in the experiences camp, and for my 50th birthday, Alicia gave me a great experience:
We spent about 75 minutes at the home of the last living artist from the "Rocky and Bullwinkle Show".
Gerard Baldwin was the art director of the Jay Ward Studios, is the brother-in-law of a friend, and lives about 5 minutes from our house. Alicia, the kids and I arrived at his home about 6 pm and were met by Gerard at the door, offering us a glass of wine. So we sipped wine and looked around his home at various works of art as he shared stories about the shows on which he worked and the people who worked with him.
And best of all, Mr. Baldwin offered us a framed original work to be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for the annual Gala Fund-raiser's silent auction. The work to be done will have a minimum value of $500 .
Tomorrow night we will be hosting 18 for dinner in the lovely Houston townhome of Bev Mitchell, our dear friend. And I am advised that there are still a few surprises in the works. But our visit with Gerard Baldwin was an experience I will not soon forget.
We spent about 75 minutes at the home of the last living artist from the "Rocky and Bullwinkle Show".
Gerard Baldwin was the art director of the Jay Ward Studios, is the brother-in-law of a friend, and lives about 5 minutes from our house. Alicia, the kids and I arrived at his home about 6 pm and were met by Gerard at the door, offering us a glass of wine. So we sipped wine and looked around his home at various works of art as he shared stories about the shows on which he worked and the people who worked with him.
And best of all, Mr. Baldwin offered us a framed original work to be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for the annual Gala Fund-raiser's silent auction. The work to be done will have a minimum value of $500 .
Tomorrow night we will be hosting 18 for dinner in the lovely Houston townhome of Bev Mitchell, our dear friend. And I am advised that there are still a few surprises in the works. But our visit with Gerard Baldwin was an experience I will not soon forget.
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