January 2011
Someone just “tore it up” at church. No, I’m not talking about a fiery sermon… I mean someone farted & stunk up an entire section.
Shari: “Is pizza French?”
Party is over. Cops are gone. Neighbor can rest knowing that the fire hydrant is unobstructed.
Flip the M
Our default position is to focus on self. It’s all about me… Give me. Listen to me. Help me. Serve me. Love me. Want me. Need me. Thank me. This never works, never satisfies. We need to flip the M—and move from “me” to “we.” When we love God and put others before self—life is blessed, satisfying, rich and rewarding. Loving God, loving people and loving life… this is how it was meant to...
I wrote you a note. It’s called “You’re Not Special.” You can read it here: http://t.co/0COuNNM
You're Not Special
Have you ever questioned the worth of “special china” sitting behind glass doors on display—yet rarely used? You can’t find a clean cup in the house for a drink of water and you glance over at the china cabinet… There they are—all lined up, looking good and staying put. Off limits. Reserved for something special and important. Frustrating, isn’t it? Cups for use are in high demand and in...
Carrying More Than a Stuffed Animal or Nintendo DS
Picture a family getting ready to go on a long drive and overnight stay somewhere. The parents carry suitcases, diaper bags, groceries, backpacks and toddlers. They load up the car. They make several trips into the house and back out to the car—each time, their arms full of necessary items. What do the kids carry? Maybe a favorite stuffed animal or Nintendo DS. In this picture, we see a...
The fun theory—can it change behavior for the better? Can fun get people to take the stairs instead of the escalator? http://t.co/coRF16A
Manna and Maggots
With approximately 2 million people camping out in the desert, the land could not sustain them. There were no orchards or farmlands. There wasn’t a Walmart Superstore nearby. No taco trucks or hot dog stands… So how did the Israelites eat? God provided “manna” - bread from heaven for them. He gave them instructions to take just enough for their families for the day—assuring them that He...
Not trying to brag, but I’m pretty sure I just had the “funnest” day so far of 2011.
RT: @JeffreyKniles —Getting concerned. Haven’t seen Beyoncé dancing around in a commercial for several days now. Is she OK?
Feels so good to crush my tennis opponent on a Saturday morning. All I do is win… http://yfrog.com/gyneuwvj
RT: @JonAcuff —I’m sitting in the dentist’s lobby, eating breath mints, hoping that makes him think I’ve been flossing regularly.
Friends in Low Places
In terms of making a difference, we tend to think of going to the power-players for help. People in high places… Politicians. Wealthy business owners. Celebrities. You know—important, recognized, respected people. In the story of Israel crossing over from the desert-side of the Jordan river into the new territory God had for them, a key figure emerged… someone who provided them with...
The Middle-Class in Spirit Problem
Generally, we think of middle-class as a safe (or even desirable) place to be. However, this isn’t always true. Spiritually, it’s more desirable to be poor, bankrupt, at the end of your rope. Remember what Jesus said? “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 5.3 (NKJV) “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven...
A City of Refuge
Our church is to be a city of refuge—a haven for those who are looking for a safe place and a second chance. We will not be an exclusive club for spiritual fat cats. We will not be a religious retirement home. We must be a place of grace. We must be a place that doesn’t care… “We don’t care where you’ve been, what you’ve done, what your zip code is or what your reputation is. You are welcome...
A City to Love
Our 2010 included… BBQs. Parties. A car show. A Kid’s Carnival. Weekly giveaways. 500 backpacks stuffed with school supplies—given to local children. Frozen turkeys and Thanksgiving groceries—enough to feed 1,100 people in our community. Hundreds of Christmas gifts for kids in foster care. Over 5,000 hot meals given to the hungry. Why? Because we have a city to love. It’s not “us -vs-...
Stadiums, Not Casinos
It’s possible to be so good for yesterday that you’re no good for today. I feel sad when I drive by a local casino’s sign and read the names of their upcoming acts… REO Speedwagon, MC Hammer, Smokey Robinson, STYX, Rick Springfield, Brian McKnight, Air Supply. Kinda seems like the last stop before the grave for musical artists. I wonder, has anyone rebounded from performing in (local)...
Smells, Sounds & Stuff
I was doing some reading yesterday. Specifically, I was reading from the Bible Reading Plan—it had me in John chapter 12. I was struck with the experiential nature of worship described… First, a woman pours expensive perfume all over Jesus’ feet. Judas flips his lid—calling it a waste of resources, but Jesus defends her. Next, a large crowd gathers around Jesus. They had palm branches (not...
Don't Credit The Cow
The Israelites were subjected to harsh conditions as slaves in Egypt. God heard their prayers, their cries for help. God raised up Moses to lead them out of Egypt. God sent plagues to Egypt in order to frustrate Pharaoh, Egypt’s leader. God opened up the Red Sea so the people could cross over on dry ground. God provided bread from heaven and plenty of quail for the people to eat in the desert. God...
I have long ago given up the dream of rocking down to Electric Avenue, let alone taking it higher. —Tim Siedell
Earthquakes & Celebration
Most of my memories of what we did in church during my growing up years wouldn’t exactly fit in a category labeled “celebration”. We did other things (not bad things—but not really celebratory things)… things like “waiting on God” and “crying out to God”. Our “worship face” was usually some version of a pained expression. Of course, the kid’s songs in Sunday School were fun, energetic and...
I asked my dad when was the last time he didn’t have dessert—he said there was probably a day when he was a kid. 50+ years of dessert daily!
Shari: “I know how I can be more classy… spray paint the soles of my cheap high heel shoes red.”
I don’t like this recent trend of so many people being younger than me. —Tim Siedell
Love fashion? You probably already know about the Sartorialist—here’s a new mini-documentary about him: http://j.mp/h1M1ZJ
Those blurry bright lights on the picture say: Saints 36, Seattle 42. Boom. Roasted! http://yfrog.com/h7r3kjj
Total hug count in our row at the Seahawks game: drunk guy & Pastor Jon - 12. Drunk guy & me - 0. Guess who doesn’t have a “yes face”?
Permission to Love The 1984 Sony Walkman
After saving my hard-earned money for months, I finally had enough to buy it—the brand new, bright yellow, Sport Sony Walkman. Man, I loved that 1984 Sony Walkman! I remember listening to U2’s Joshua Tree album (cassette tape) on it. My Sony Walkman went places with me and it looked great hanging on my belt (only problem: it was 6lbs and made my pants fall off). It played my favorite hits of the...
Spent 20 minutes attempting to tie my bow tie tonight. After sweating through my shirt, I gave up. Some day, I will win, bow tie.
I wish I were one of those people who thrives on the danger of leading a double life. You know—Bruce Wayne, Peter Parker, Hannah Montana —PD
Half of the appeal of staying up late is the total absence of morning people. —Tim Siedell
RT: @StephenAtHome —Hey cantaloupes! With a more positive attitude, you could become CAN-eloupes.
Beware of “arriving”. Moving forward, growing, changing, learning & pressing on is a bigger deal than arriving. http://briandolleman.com/
Beware of "Arriving"
Picture in your mind a trailer—one that has arrived and has been in that same spot for years now… Brittle, cracked, flat tires with weeds growing out of them. Moss and other plants thriving on the roof. This trailer may have arrived… But it’s stuck. Stuck = unmovable, done, finished, over, going nowhere—the best days are all in the past now. Beware of “arriving”. We tend to celebrate...
Has Pat Robertson told us what’s up w/ the fish & birds dropping dead in Arkansas yet? I go to Pat when I need to know who to blame…
Moving Towards A Better Tomorrow
The start of a new year brings a sense of new opportunity and hope for a better tomorrow. Maybe you’ve been going in circles for a long time. Maybe 2010 sucked. Maybe it’s time for you to start moving towards a better tomorrow. God delivered his people out of slavery in Egypt, through the Red Sea, into the desert—and on their way to the Promised Land. Unfortunately, they got stuck in the desert...
Arkansas - even fish & birds can’t live there…
Sounds like Taylor Swift will be writing some new hits…
RT: @OwlCity —Going on an Alaskan cruise for vacation. I like big boats and I cannot lie. // Ha! I like big boats that go 2 hot locations…
The Cross Over
“Now you and all the people prepare to cross over…” (Joshua 1.2 HCSB) The cross over is that place of change, transition or movement from one place to another. Crossing over requires faith, strength and courage. Change can be unsettling, but it’s no time to curl up in a ball and wish for the “good ol’ days”. If you live with the belief that your best days are behind you—you will inevitably...
I think the only thing the Men’s Wearhouse guy could guarantee is that I’ll look like a car salesman if I get one of his suits.
Overheard my wife talking to our daughter about Adam & Eve discovering maple syrup & enjoying it on their pancakes. Huh?
RT: @Mental_Floss —Other entries in the Seattle Seahawks’ 1975 name-the-team contest included: Skippers, Pioneers, Lumberjack & Seagulls.
My wife isn’t very street. She had to ask what a G6 is. Silly girl… it’s a super-fly Pontiac!
I think my first big accomplishment in 2011 is gonna be getting out of these pajamas & putting some clothes on… after this next nap.
But it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then. —Alice, Alice in Wonderland // Welcome to 2011.