I have found the ultimate for our "hurry up" days.
It came in a catalogue for one of those clearance warehouse discount bargain factory wholesale outlets. They are called "12-Program Relaxation Glasses."
The idea is for you to wear a sunglasses device with lights and an attached music player. Apparently by wearing this gizmo you will be able to relax, to sleep, and forget your problems. All for the amazingly low price of only $99.99! (plus shipping and handling)
But what I found even more interesting is the "Quick Relaxer" feature of these space age glasses. This feature allows you to wear the glasses for only 10 minutes, you will be relaxed and less stressed.
A "Quick Relaxer?" Are we in such a rush that we now need to relax in a hurry?
Certainly we all need to relaxation and "down time." This world certainly needs less stress in it for all of us. But, there is no shortcut. Relaxation takes time. The Bible promises that God gives his beloved sleep. The Bible also says that "in quietness and confidence shall be your strength."
We are truly restless untill we learn to rest in him.
Writing these words has left me all stressed out. Think I'll put on my glasses. I'm in a hurry and I need to get relaxed.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Blogging Ed and Eric
I have just returned from the Louisiana Evangelism Conference held at Louisiana College in Pineville. Having been on the road for 4 of the last 6 days, I and my family are ready for me to be home.
I spent Friday and Saturday helping my brother and sister clean up my the backyard at my mother's house. Since she died in September, little has been done there and much needed to be done. Mother loved to garden, did not believe in throwing anything away, filled whatever empty space she could find with something, and applied whatever throwaway material possible to her garden. We took a load of scrap iron, and a truck and trailer full of broken bricks, chunks of concrete, old plastic, newspapers, and carpet to the dump. "To the dump, to the dump, to the dump, dump, dump."
I came back Saturday just in time for my wife's Sunday School party, preached twice Sunday, went to Lafayette to teach my preaching class Monday, then on to Alexandria for the Evangelism Conference.
The Conference didn't appear to be particularly well attended. This could not be due to the hospitality of the College- which was marvelous-, nor the lineup of speakers- which was outstanding. I really wanted to hear what Ed Stetzer and Eric Geiger had to say. Both men are writers, thinkers, and practitioners helping to advance the Kingdom of God.
I have emailed Ed some reflections for discussion you can read here. I anticipate his comments.
Both men are excellent communicators, though Ed tends to be a bit more ubiquitous on stage. Just a few noteworthy quotes:
The first is from Wayne Jenkins, our state evangelism director as he introduced the Conference and referred to the speakers:
"Each of these men has smoke on their britches. They are close to fire, because they are practitioners."
Further quotes:
Ed Stetzer:
"It would be sad to moralize the unconverted rather than convert the immoral."
"The world knows Christians for what we are against. We ought to be for serving people who are hurting."
"Fundamental to the nature of the gospel is the propagation of the gospel."
There are all kinds of people in Louisiana. We are called to reach all these people. "I don't have to like it all." "Churches are going to look different." (Referring to the missional methods employed) Comment: Point well taken. Many Southern Baptists insist that all Southern Baptists should embrace the traditional Anglo-Saxon southern church culture, or are somehow unfaithful to the Bible or the message of the gospel when not all people we are trying to reach are from that culture, i.e., the tattooed, toe ringed teens, or the "arts and croissant" crowd.
Eric Geiger:
"Our view of the mission impacts how we live it."
On an improper view of his own role as an evangelist: "I viewed myself as a salesman for evangelism. I later became a heathen hunter."
"If you love people, you have to love people because of what Christ did on the cross."
"The ordinary details of our lives are sacred."
I was challenged and charged. I pray that I am changed, and as a result others will be.
I spent Friday and Saturday helping my brother and sister clean up my the backyard at my mother's house. Since she died in September, little has been done there and much needed to be done. Mother loved to garden, did not believe in throwing anything away, filled whatever empty space she could find with something, and applied whatever throwaway material possible to her garden. We took a load of scrap iron, and a truck and trailer full of broken bricks, chunks of concrete, old plastic, newspapers, and carpet to the dump. "To the dump, to the dump, to the dump, dump, dump."
I came back Saturday just in time for my wife's Sunday School party, preached twice Sunday, went to Lafayette to teach my preaching class Monday, then on to Alexandria for the Evangelism Conference.
The Conference didn't appear to be particularly well attended. This could not be due to the hospitality of the College- which was marvelous-, nor the lineup of speakers- which was outstanding. I really wanted to hear what Ed Stetzer and Eric Geiger had to say. Both men are writers, thinkers, and practitioners helping to advance the Kingdom of God.
I have emailed Ed some reflections for discussion you can read here. I anticipate his comments.
Both men are excellent communicators, though Ed tends to be a bit more ubiquitous on stage. Just a few noteworthy quotes:
The first is from Wayne Jenkins, our state evangelism director as he introduced the Conference and referred to the speakers:
"Each of these men has smoke on their britches. They are close to fire, because they are practitioners."
Further quotes:
Ed Stetzer:
"It would be sad to moralize the unconverted rather than convert the immoral."
"The world knows Christians for what we are against. We ought to be for serving people who are hurting."
"Fundamental to the nature of the gospel is the propagation of the gospel."
There are all kinds of people in Louisiana. We are called to reach all these people. "I don't have to like it all." "Churches are going to look different." (Referring to the missional methods employed) Comment: Point well taken. Many Southern Baptists insist that all Southern Baptists should embrace the traditional Anglo-Saxon southern church culture, or are somehow unfaithful to the Bible or the message of the gospel when not all people we are trying to reach are from that culture, i.e., the tattooed, toe ringed teens, or the "arts and croissant" crowd.
Eric Geiger:
"Our view of the mission impacts how we live it."
On an improper view of his own role as an evangelist: "I viewed myself as a salesman for evangelism. I later became a heathen hunter."
"If you love people, you have to love people because of what Christ did on the cross."
"The ordinary details of our lives are sacred."
I was challenged and charged. I pray that I am changed, and as a result others will be.
Monday, January 14, 2008
On The Steps Of The State Capitol
It was a bright and sunny day in Baton Rouge today. I and two pastor friends along with many others from around out state attended the Pastor's Prayer Breakfast for incoming governor Bobby Jindal. We heard a powerful challenge by a Lutheran pastor who told of our nation's tolerance of abortion and our guilt in perpetuating that sin. We listened as others told of how our nation's educational system was founded on Christ, the scriptures and prayer. Today, that system is becoming more secularized. I was challenged to speak and stand for our nation's godly heritage.
We also spent time interceding for our new governor, his staff, newly elected public officials and other national leaders. The prayers were as heartfelt as the pleas that drove us to our knees. I believe our governor is committed to Christ and to allowing godliness to reign in our state government. I will continue to pray that this be so, just as Romans Chapter 13 says I must.
A couple of hours later, on the steps of the capitol building, the spirit was as bright and sunny as the morning sky. The air was crisp and cool; the crowd optimistic and expectant. We watched eagerly as new officials took the oath of office. One humorous moment came when the judge administering the oath of office to the state treasurer charged him to faithfully execute the office of "insurance commissioner." The incoming insurance commissioner had just finished taking his oath of office. After a strained silence and a few chuckles, the judge realized his mistake and corrected himself. One official to an office, please.
Finally, governor elect Jindal took his oath of office and spoke. I have long admired his ability to speak well, passionately, and detailed without any notes whatsoever. This morning, he was true to form. He spoke of a new day in state government, a day of ethics reform, a day of opportunity for business, and an invitation to those who grew up and were educated in Louisiana who left to work in other states to return and help rebuild the state. I have long cast a cynical eye toward politicians who seem to want to use religion, Christianity, or the church to achieve their political goals, but today I felt a genuine spirit of humility and integrity. I am willing to give those who claim Christian values and beliefs an opportunity to live them out in public office. I may be fooled again, but at least I gave our governor and his administration a chance to do what he says must be done.
To top it all off, as a "Deacon" sang "God Bless America," rising to a crescendo with his final note, he was drowned out by four F-15 fighter jets which screamed overhead in tight formation. It was a proud day to be an American, a Louisianian, and a human being.
Hope, optimism, and patriotism reigned on the steps of the Louisiana state capitol today. Long may they wave!
We also spent time interceding for our new governor, his staff, newly elected public officials and other national leaders. The prayers were as heartfelt as the pleas that drove us to our knees. I believe our governor is committed to Christ and to allowing godliness to reign in our state government. I will continue to pray that this be so, just as Romans Chapter 13 says I must.
A couple of hours later, on the steps of the capitol building, the spirit was as bright and sunny as the morning sky. The air was crisp and cool; the crowd optimistic and expectant. We watched eagerly as new officials took the oath of office. One humorous moment came when the judge administering the oath of office to the state treasurer charged him to faithfully execute the office of "insurance commissioner." The incoming insurance commissioner had just finished taking his oath of office. After a strained silence and a few chuckles, the judge realized his mistake and corrected himself. One official to an office, please.
Finally, governor elect Jindal took his oath of office and spoke. I have long admired his ability to speak well, passionately, and detailed without any notes whatsoever. This morning, he was true to form. He spoke of a new day in state government, a day of ethics reform, a day of opportunity for business, and an invitation to those who grew up and were educated in Louisiana who left to work in other states to return and help rebuild the state. I have long cast a cynical eye toward politicians who seem to want to use religion, Christianity, or the church to achieve their political goals, but today I felt a genuine spirit of humility and integrity. I am willing to give those who claim Christian values and beliefs an opportunity to live them out in public office. I may be fooled again, but at least I gave our governor and his administration a chance to do what he says must be done.
To top it all off, as a "Deacon" sang "God Bless America," rising to a crescendo with his final note, he was drowned out by four F-15 fighter jets which screamed overhead in tight formation. It was a proud day to be an American, a Louisianian, and a human being.
Hope, optimism, and patriotism reigned on the steps of the Louisiana state capitol today. Long may they wave!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Change?
Change. Isn't it interesting how so much rhetoric by presidential candidates has sounded the need for change? It would be interesting to know exactly how many times that word has been used in stump speeches. Never mind that no one defines exactly what they mean by that word. Apparently voters like the word, judging from how often candidates use it and get applause. But without a clearly defined meaning, what does the word mean? Leaving the definition nebulous allows us to supply our own definition, practically guaranteeing that we will agree with the call for change, whatever it means.
It reminds me of a sales seminar I attended many years ago when I sold auto parts. The seminar leader told us that when we were selling shock absorbers to a potential customer, we should tell him that they would provide more "ride control." What does "ride control" mean? ...... It means whatever the customer wants it to mean, and therefore gives the customer exactly what he seeks, whatever that is.
It is interesting how we want change for our nation and change in the presidency, but few seem to want change in the church. Imaging a potential pastor coming to a congregation considering him as pastor. What if the pastor said, "When I am pastor here, I am going to bring change!" In most churches, how many votes would he get? Sounding a note of change seems to work for presidential candidates, but not pastoral candidates.
Change the nation, just don't change our church.
Whatever that means.
It reminds me of a sales seminar I attended many years ago when I sold auto parts. The seminar leader told us that when we were selling shock absorbers to a potential customer, we should tell him that they would provide more "ride control." What does "ride control" mean? ...... It means whatever the customer wants it to mean, and therefore gives the customer exactly what he seeks, whatever that is.
It is interesting how we want change for our nation and change in the presidency, but few seem to want change in the church. Imaging a potential pastor coming to a congregation considering him as pastor. What if the pastor said, "When I am pastor here, I am going to bring change!" In most churches, how many votes would he get? Sounding a note of change seems to work for presidential candidates, but not pastoral candidates.
Change the nation, just don't change our church.
Whatever that means.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
No Resolutions
Long ago, I decided to forgo new year's resolutions. Instead, I decided to set new year's goals. This time of year, I like to review my achievements of the previous year's goals and set new ones for the coming year.
Concerning last year, I didn't do too badly. I didn't do much toward writing a new biography of George W. Truett, but did get some priceless research done in Dallas while visiting my son. Now I have two reasons to visit Big D.
Other goals concerned reading the Bible in the original languages, and spending more time in prayer. Last year, I did read the entire Bible through, though not in the original Greek and Hebrew. I have a new Greek Reader's Bible and have decided this year to read the New Testament through in Greek. This particular Bible has particular Greek words translated at the bottom of the text, thus saving time looking up words that are a bit more obscure. I am looking forward to sharpening my skills in Greek.
I also plan to lose weight and quit drinking Diet Coke. I was drinking a couple of large "jug-a-mugs" full of the fountain fizz daily, and sometimes more.
So far, the year is only two days old and no Diet Coke yet for me. No weight loss yet, either, though. I am finding that water with lemon slices in it can be quite satisfying. I am not much of a coffee drinker, but am enjoying morning coffee with a caramel/creamer mix stirred into it. That is a very satisfying cup of coffee and replaces that first morning jug-a-mug of Diet Coke nicely.
Beyond that, my goals are not yet focused. I believe that goals must be measurable, specific, and time bound, among other things, so I have to work out some details.
Another thing from last year is that I have been faithful in exercise. I work out 4-5 days a week, alternating time between weights, jogging, treadmill, and stairstepper. On days I don't do it, I find myself missing it. Unfortunately, on days that I do exercise, I find myself telling me that since I exercised, I can eat a bit more. How self deceiving that is! Exercise does make you hungry, however.
Bottom Line: No New Year's resolutions for me.
Just goals.
How about you?
Concerning last year, I didn't do too badly. I didn't do much toward writing a new biography of George W. Truett, but did get some priceless research done in Dallas while visiting my son. Now I have two reasons to visit Big D.
Other goals concerned reading the Bible in the original languages, and spending more time in prayer. Last year, I did read the entire Bible through, though not in the original Greek and Hebrew. I have a new Greek Reader's Bible and have decided this year to read the New Testament through in Greek. This particular Bible has particular Greek words translated at the bottom of the text, thus saving time looking up words that are a bit more obscure. I am looking forward to sharpening my skills in Greek.
I also plan to lose weight and quit drinking Diet Coke. I was drinking a couple of large "jug-a-mugs" full of the fountain fizz daily, and sometimes more.
So far, the year is only two days old and no Diet Coke yet for me. No weight loss yet, either, though. I am finding that water with lemon slices in it can be quite satisfying. I am not much of a coffee drinker, but am enjoying morning coffee with a caramel/creamer mix stirred into it. That is a very satisfying cup of coffee and replaces that first morning jug-a-mug of Diet Coke nicely.
Beyond that, my goals are not yet focused. I believe that goals must be measurable, specific, and time bound, among other things, so I have to work out some details.
Another thing from last year is that I have been faithful in exercise. I work out 4-5 days a week, alternating time between weights, jogging, treadmill, and stairstepper. On days I don't do it, I find myself missing it. Unfortunately, on days that I do exercise, I find myself telling me that since I exercised, I can eat a bit more. How self deceiving that is! Exercise does make you hungry, however.
Bottom Line: No New Year's resolutions for me.
Just goals.
How about you?
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