...but I've got a new page on MySpace! I've recently been able to record some music on my home computer and upload it to the Information Superhighway (as they promised us it would be called when I was in high school). I'm working with Cakewalk's Music Creator 4 and so far it's been pretty easy to use. Check me out at www.myspace.com/bendelong. Other videos can be viewed at www.myspace.com/shout4god.
Ciao for now,
Ben
Monday, July 6, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Busy vs. Distracted
I'm reading a book by John Ortberg called God is Closer Than You Think. I'm about 1/3 through the book and I plan on finishing it at Lakeside next week (OH MAN- LAKESIDE!).
Right now he's talking about the story of Jesus visiting Martha and Mary and Martha complains to Jesus that Mary isn't helping. Jesus does not share her frustration but rather chides Martha for being too distracted and confirms Mary's choice to sit at His feet as the better choice.
And John is comparing busyness and distraction. I'm not really as busy as I used to be working at a restaurant and teaching 30 piano students, though working at home and raising a 9 month old isn't the laziest of jobs! But I can certainly tell you that I am just as distracted as I ever have been, if not more so.
Have you ever been greatly distracted? I don't necessarily mean driving down the road and something other than driving catches your eye. I mean really, REALLY distracted! I was. Am. Like yesterday, I was getting ready for the day upstairs when I realized my toothbrush was in the downstairs bathroom. So I hustled downstairs so I wouldn't be late for church. Only to pass by the computer when I remembered I was making a special CD for the prelude music on Father's Day. I spent some time on the compy and then remembered how hungry I was. I then went to the kitchen to make breakfast and put a skillet on the stove to heat my Chicken in a Basket (yummmm!). Oh no! I forgot to do something with my hair. Back up stairs to fix the hair. And what do I see still missing from the bathroom? My toothbrush. A little gel on the head and I'm back down to get my toothbrush. Hmmm- the computer didn't burn my CD yet. Let me figure out why... As I'm working on the CD I smell this faint burning scent- oh yeah- the stove! I forgot the stupid skillet! Throw the bread and egg on the skillet quickly so I can get back to the computer and try to burn that darn disc again. Oh crap! I have to flip the bread!! Breakfast is ready so I munch munch munch while I'm concentrating on the computer. Poop- look at the time: I'm late! I was going to stop by the store, too, and get one more thing for Dad's Father's Day gift. Put the plate in the sink, say bye to the wife and kid and head out for church. With breakfast in my belly. Without the CD. And, a little ashamed to admit this, without brushing my teeth.
And that was just yesterday. I could tell you about this morning and how long my Golden Grahams spent in milk on the outdoor table waiting for me to eat them and to read my Ortberg book. I'm not busy, though I may have many things to do; I'm distracted. And distractions keep us from our priorities. And our 1st priority is Jesus and spending time with Him.
Although I love that you're reading this blog, I'm guessing it is a tool to distract you from other work or pleasure. Do me, yourself, and all of us a favor and STOP BEING DISTRACTED! You spent, what, 5 minutes reading this story? I dare you to reorganize your priorities and spend the next 5 minutes reading a Psalm or praying. Man, 5 minutes seems long then, right? But it's time that is spent better.
Right now he's talking about the story of Jesus visiting Martha and Mary and Martha complains to Jesus that Mary isn't helping. Jesus does not share her frustration but rather chides Martha for being too distracted and confirms Mary's choice to sit at His feet as the better choice.
And John is comparing busyness and distraction. I'm not really as busy as I used to be working at a restaurant and teaching 30 piano students, though working at home and raising a 9 month old isn't the laziest of jobs! But I can certainly tell you that I am just as distracted as I ever have been, if not more so.
Have you ever been greatly distracted? I don't necessarily mean driving down the road and something other than driving catches your eye. I mean really, REALLY distracted! I was. Am. Like yesterday, I was getting ready for the day upstairs when I realized my toothbrush was in the downstairs bathroom. So I hustled downstairs so I wouldn't be late for church. Only to pass by the computer when I remembered I was making a special CD for the prelude music on Father's Day. I spent some time on the compy and then remembered how hungry I was. I then went to the kitchen to make breakfast and put a skillet on the stove to heat my Chicken in a Basket (yummmm!). Oh no! I forgot to do something with my hair. Back up stairs to fix the hair. And what do I see still missing from the bathroom? My toothbrush. A little gel on the head and I'm back down to get my toothbrush. Hmmm- the computer didn't burn my CD yet. Let me figure out why... As I'm working on the CD I smell this faint burning scent- oh yeah- the stove! I forgot the stupid skillet! Throw the bread and egg on the skillet quickly so I can get back to the computer and try to burn that darn disc again. Oh crap! I have to flip the bread!! Breakfast is ready so I munch munch munch while I'm concentrating on the computer. Poop- look at the time: I'm late! I was going to stop by the store, too, and get one more thing for Dad's Father's Day gift. Put the plate in the sink, say bye to the wife and kid and head out for church. With breakfast in my belly. Without the CD. And, a little ashamed to admit this, without brushing my teeth.
And that was just yesterday. I could tell you about this morning and how long my Golden Grahams spent in milk on the outdoor table waiting for me to eat them and to read my Ortberg book. I'm not busy, though I may have many things to do; I'm distracted. And distractions keep us from our priorities. And our 1st priority is Jesus and spending time with Him.
Although I love that you're reading this blog, I'm guessing it is a tool to distract you from other work or pleasure. Do me, yourself, and all of us a favor and STOP BEING DISTRACTED! You spent, what, 5 minutes reading this story? I dare you to reorganize your priorities and spend the next 5 minutes reading a Psalm or praying. Man, 5 minutes seems long then, right? But it's time that is spent better.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Lakeside: the Chautauqua on Lake Erie
I Love Lakeside.
The compound itself is still there along with all the beloved sights and sounds. I was able to take a day trip to our favorite location this side of Antarctica and was able to share this experience with a noob. Not only was it his first time to Lakeside, but a first time for many things! I will share with you our experiences:
Before even entering the compound, we had an Allen sighting! What a way to start off the day!!
Since it is before June 20, and the fact that it was the Western Ohio U.M. Conference, there were NO GATE FEES.
Oh, and no parking fees along with the no gate fees. Of course, there were no parking spots due to the 5,000 laymen and clergy wandering our streets.
Taught him how to play Shuffleboard. The fact that I won 79 - 13 shows nothing of the amazing shots he made! He cleared my St. Pete block, knocked out my high 8 and his disc landed in the 10 in one shot. Unfortunately for him I had the hammer.
We then dined at Sloopy's with a most excellent pizza. Since there was a shortage of tables, we invited an elderly couple to sit with us at our 4-top. What an experience! I'll tell you more of that in person if you ask...
After Sloopy's we grabbed our fishing poles and headed back to the dock. My friend caught absolutely nothing and I didn't do much better. Over the past 4 years at Lakeside, I have not caught ANYTHING. Well, this time I caught a 2 inch Goby, a couple 4 inch Gobys
and a 16.5 inch sheephead. So, I guess you could say that I, too, didn't catch anything! :)
After an hour of fishing, I took my friend on a Sunfish for about a half hour. This was his first time on a sailboat and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. We did not tip.
Following our sailing trip, we headed out for home but not before we drove past the Marblehead Lighthouse.
All of Lakeside in a day! The weather was 79 degrees and sunny. Not a drop of rain!
Final report: all of Lakeside is prepared for our invasion in less than 3 weeks! :) I warned the Shuffleboard hut and Sloopy's to be prepared...
The compound itself is still there along with all the beloved sights and sounds. I was able to take a day trip to our favorite location this side of Antarctica and was able to share this experience with a noob. Not only was it his first time to Lakeside, but a first time for many things! I will share with you our experiences:
Before even entering the compound, we had an Allen sighting! What a way to start off the day!!
Since it is before June 20, and the fact that it was the Western Ohio U.M. Conference, there were NO GATE FEES.
Oh, and no parking fees along with the no gate fees. Of course, there were no parking spots due to the 5,000 laymen and clergy wandering our streets.
Taught him how to play Shuffleboard. The fact that I won 79 - 13 shows nothing of the amazing shots he made! He cleared my St. Pete block, knocked out my high 8 and his disc landed in the 10 in one shot. Unfortunately for him I had the hammer.
We then dined at Sloopy's with a most excellent pizza. Since there was a shortage of tables, we invited an elderly couple to sit with us at our 4-top. What an experience! I'll tell you more of that in person if you ask...
After Sloopy's we grabbed our fishing poles and headed back to the dock. My friend caught absolutely nothing and I didn't do much better. Over the past 4 years at Lakeside, I have not caught ANYTHING. Well, this time I caught a 2 inch Goby, a couple 4 inch Gobys
and a 16.5 inch sheephead. So, I guess you could say that I, too, didn't catch anything! :)
After an hour of fishing, I took my friend on a Sunfish for about a half hour. This was his first time on a sailboat and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. We did not tip.
Following our sailing trip, we headed out for home but not before we drove past the Marblehead Lighthouse.
All of Lakeside in a day! The weather was 79 degrees and sunny. Not a drop of rain!
Final report: all of Lakeside is prepared for our invasion in less than 3 weeks! :) I warned the Shuffleboard hut and Sloopy's to be prepared...
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Angels Unaware
Hebrews 13:2
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it."
Did I entertain an angel this week?
I was driving in my regular hurried fashion, not following the speed limit by any means, when I noticed a car to the side of the road. My first instinct is always the same: inspect the tires to see if they have a flat...
(Once I was driving from Point A to Point B and I ran out of gas. Not thinking I had actually run out of gas and in an attempt to start my car, I ran the battery dead. This was at 7 pm. I called people for help, three police cars passed and still I was on my own. By 1 AM, I was at Point B sans car. I then vowed to help anyone on the side of the road. I've picked up hitchhikers, changed tires, and given a jump to many a person. And if you can't tell, I'm still alive.)
...and the car did, in fact, have a flat. Additionally, the gray hair of the elderly gentleman (he was AT LEAST 59...) :) suggested that he could use a spare set of hands as well as a a spare tire. Minor dilemma: I was heading north and he in the southbound direction. With a cement wall as the median. I took the next exit hoping to find a quick turn around- which, if you ever REALLY need one you can NEVER find- and I found a loop ushering me southbound immediately. Of course, I maneuvered a beautiful triple lane change.
I don't know what it is about people these days, always wary of other people, but when I arrived at the man's car, he was just getting his jack out- you know, the kind that comes with the car...
(As a freshman, I was changing my brakes in the Lawlor parking lot at Cedarville. I had removed the front left tire and not having any car stands, I was relying on my 1990 Buick LeSabre's stock jack from the trunk. You could fit a whole lot more than a standard jack in that baby's trunk! So as I was lying on my back inspecting the rotor, I heard this faint creeaak and said to myself, "Self, I don't like that noise..." so I picked my head off the ground preparing to move out from under the car when the jack folded in half and the rotor grazed the right side of my head and found its resting place more than an inch into the pavement. Fortunately, I slipped out from under the car without actually getting hurt. My next stop was to purchase a real jack, jack stands, and made sure that there were working jumper cables in my trunk.)
...and we all know how I don't trust those jack, I offered my help. To my chagrin, he refused my help. I even asked if he just wanted an extra set of hands, which he declined. I also noted that he had a nice set of golf clubs in the back seat (so maybe he wasn't an angel after all?).
But what if the point of this exercise was not to demonstrate my superior skills in changing a tire? What if it was a test to see my availability? What if I was entertaining an angel unaware? Perhaps it was a test of my busy life versus helping another's life. And what if he was just a normal elderly man who didn't want the help of a stranger? And the thought that kept permeating my days of late: what if his jack folded on him? I certainly couldn't have just sat there in my car on a busy highway during rush hour. I trust the Lord kept this kind old man safe. Or I trust that this angel returned the message that I went out of my way to help a stranger in need. Either way, I was glad I could help.
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it."
Did I entertain an angel this week?
I was driving in my regular hurried fashion, not following the speed limit by any means, when I noticed a car to the side of the road. My first instinct is always the same: inspect the tires to see if they have a flat...
(Once I was driving from Point A to Point B and I ran out of gas. Not thinking I had actually run out of gas and in an attempt to start my car, I ran the battery dead. This was at 7 pm. I called people for help, three police cars passed and still I was on my own. By 1 AM, I was at Point B sans car. I then vowed to help anyone on the side of the road. I've picked up hitchhikers, changed tires, and given a jump to many a person. And if you can't tell, I'm still alive.)
...and the car did, in fact, have a flat. Additionally, the gray hair of the elderly gentleman (he was AT LEAST 59...) :) suggested that he could use a spare set of hands as well as a a spare tire. Minor dilemma: I was heading north and he in the southbound direction. With a cement wall as the median. I took the next exit hoping to find a quick turn around- which, if you ever REALLY need one you can NEVER find- and I found a loop ushering me southbound immediately. Of course, I maneuvered a beautiful triple lane change.
I don't know what it is about people these days, always wary of other people, but when I arrived at the man's car, he was just getting his jack out- you know, the kind that comes with the car...
(As a freshman, I was changing my brakes in the Lawlor parking lot at Cedarville. I had removed the front left tire and not having any car stands, I was relying on my 1990 Buick LeSabre's stock jack from the trunk. You could fit a whole lot more than a standard jack in that baby's trunk! So as I was lying on my back inspecting the rotor, I heard this faint creeaak and said to myself, "Self, I don't like that noise..." so I picked my head off the ground preparing to move out from under the car when the jack folded in half and the rotor grazed the right side of my head and found its resting place more than an inch into the pavement. Fortunately, I slipped out from under the car without actually getting hurt. My next stop was to purchase a real jack, jack stands, and made sure that there were working jumper cables in my trunk.)
...and we all know how I don't trust those jack, I offered my help. To my chagrin, he refused my help. I even asked if he just wanted an extra set of hands, which he declined. I also noted that he had a nice set of golf clubs in the back seat (so maybe he wasn't an angel after all?).
But what if the point of this exercise was not to demonstrate my superior skills in changing a tire? What if it was a test to see my availability? What if I was entertaining an angel unaware? Perhaps it was a test of my busy life versus helping another's life. And what if he was just a normal elderly man who didn't want the help of a stranger? And the thought that kept permeating my days of late: what if his jack folded on him? I certainly couldn't have just sat there in my car on a busy highway during rush hour. I trust the Lord kept this kind old man safe. Or I trust that this angel returned the message that I went out of my way to help a stranger in need. Either way, I was glad I could help.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Life: God's Miracle
My sister-in-law was expecting her baby girl on June 14. Imagine my surprise when I got a text from Danielle on May 28 that Sophie Corinne Abate was born at 7:12 that morning! Our family of three packed up a suitcase for the weekend and went to see this miracle. Even though she weighed a little more than my Caleb, she looked so itty-bitty! Probably because out of Cabe's 20 inches, 4 or 5 inches of his measurement was the caboose of a conehead from camping out in the birthing canal for 3 days. Yeah, I know you wanted to hear that.
Sophie has lots of black hair, dark eyes, and a little more fair a skin color than her big sister, Emma. Sophie was breech so sis-in-law had a c-section and mother, baby, sister, and father are all doing well. Sophie had a TON of visitors and that's simply because she is loved so much.
Welcome to the world, baby girl!
Sophie has lots of black hair, dark eyes, and a little more fair a skin color than her big sister, Emma. Sophie was breech so sis-in-law had a c-section and mother, baby, sister, and father are all doing well. Sophie had a TON of visitors and that's simply because she is loved so much.
Welcome to the world, baby girl!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
For some, an end; for others, the beginning
I'm really proud of the class of 2009. Not that I know everyone who ever graduated in every state in every city, both high school, undergrad, and graduate programs, but the select few that I know, I am very proud of them!
For instance, take Andrew. Man, what a guy! Two years and it's like we grew up together. Good times, eh bro? I can't wait to see you! Definitely VERY proud of this dude.
And the rest of the Geneva graduates- it was awesome to see you walk across that stage, especially the ones I got to know a little bit through Focus. Congrats!
And then there's my brother, Sam. He crammed his college life into 5 years and that includes Air Force ROTC. And morning PT. And shining your shoes. And being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. And being married for a year. And becoming a godparent. And wii as well as the rest of all the games you master. I can't say enough about this kid.
Of course, Sam's lovely wife, Leslie. How have you put up with Sam and the rest of us DeLongs?! :) You must be very special in a number of ways... plus having the eyes of Audrey Hepburn. And Muffins. Thanks for being my brother's best friend.
So here's to you, class of 2009. You're the last class to graduate with the glasses so you you can have your eyeballs in the middle of your graduating year and the two digits on the side of your head. 2010 just won't be the same.
This month also marks the end of my time with Zynga's Texas Hold 'Em. I'm graduating from spending so much time worrying about getting to the next tier and achieving my diploma: Masters in Daddying. It will also free up time for me to spend with my wife and I'm guessing she will appreciate that as well. Poker: ciao for now.
For instance, take Andrew. Man, what a guy! Two years and it's like we grew up together. Good times, eh bro? I can't wait to see you! Definitely VERY proud of this dude.
And the rest of the Geneva graduates- it was awesome to see you walk across that stage, especially the ones I got to know a little bit through Focus. Congrats!
And then there's my brother, Sam. He crammed his college life into 5 years and that includes Air Force ROTC. And morning PT. And shining your shoes. And being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. And being married for a year. And becoming a godparent. And wii as well as the rest of all the games you master. I can't say enough about this kid.
Of course, Sam's lovely wife, Leslie. How have you put up with Sam and the rest of us DeLongs?! :) You must be very special in a number of ways... plus having the eyes of Audrey Hepburn. And Muffins. Thanks for being my brother's best friend.
So here's to you, class of 2009. You're the last class to graduate with the glasses so you you can have your eyeballs in the middle of your graduating year and the two digits on the side of your head. 2010 just won't be the same.
This month also marks the end of my time with Zynga's Texas Hold 'Em. I'm graduating from spending so much time worrying about getting to the next tier and achieving my diploma: Masters in Daddying. It will also free up time for me to spend with my wife and I'm guessing she will appreciate that as well. Poker: ciao for now.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Mother's Day
I want to thank all of you who sent me a Mother's Day card. You know, it's not easy raising a child while your spouse is out on the job having fun and seeing people! But someone's gotta take one for the team. Although no one actually sent me a card, I'm sure several people meant to as well as a couple others whose got lost in the mail. Don't worry- I'll be okay.
I did, however, make a delicious breakfast for Danielle: fresh fruit (strawberries & cantaloupe), oatmeal with blueberries, toast, and scrambled eggs. Of course I made enough for the two of us so we munched on a little bit of everything. The meal was accompanied by a card which Caleb picked out (I gauge his smile/laughter meter when I present to him the card selections) and a bouquet of flowers including irises, pink daisies, and 3 white roses.
After church, my parents along with my family went to lunch at The Docks. We chose the Real Seafood Company and I had some of the BEST lobster ever! We finished off the meal by taking pictures and walking to Rhino's Coffee & Chocolate Bar where I found the most delicious dark chocolate mocha with a side of raspberry and dark chocolate truffles. What a mother's day it was!
And I do feel bad that I'm not posting devotions and all that I started out to do. But I just haven't had the deep thoughts I thought I'd like to share. So I guess this blog will become more personal. That way I can feel free to post more often. And play more poker.
I did, however, make a delicious breakfast for Danielle: fresh fruit (strawberries & cantaloupe), oatmeal with blueberries, toast, and scrambled eggs. Of course I made enough for the two of us so we munched on a little bit of everything. The meal was accompanied by a card which Caleb picked out (I gauge his smile/laughter meter when I present to him the card selections) and a bouquet of flowers including irises, pink daisies, and 3 white roses.After church, my parents along with my family went to lunch at The Docks. We chose the Real Seafood Company and I had some of the BEST lobster ever! We finished off the meal by taking pictures and walking to Rhino's Coffee & Chocolate Bar where I found the most delicious dark chocolate mocha with a side of raspberry and dark chocolate truffles. What a mother's day it was!
And I do feel bad that I'm not posting devotions and all that I started out to do. But I just haven't had the deep thoughts I thought I'd like to share. So I guess this blog will become more personal. That way I can feel free to post more often. And play more poker.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday, Sammy boy! Turning 23 today, eh? I remember that age. Young, wild & untamed, not concerned about the big 3-0 coming up next year... still able to run and not hurt myself, newlyweds... but enough about me- this is to you.
You're a still-on-the-honeymoon newlywed, you're graduating from Cedarville in 2 weeks and you're getting your training in Security Forces. Go NCIS! ... just in the Air Force. Ah, Mr. Clean. You're the "rice is my life" guy. And here's to wearing sweatpants instead of jeans for your adolescent years. Do you remember wanting to be the guy that changes the stoplights? Or the guy who lives in an ATM giving out money? Don't worry about how much it costs to live in a cemetary- it's free for you when you get to go there. Oh, and I'm sorry I didn't stop you when you sledded past me. I remember being upset with you and hitting you on the head with my plastic & empty mountain dew bottle only to realize I hit you with the hard cap. That was mean and I meant it to be- I'm sorry. Although it's not like the time I told Jon to sit on a pen I was pointing up in the suburban thinking it would just go up his butt. Yeah- it didn't; sorry about that Jon.
Don't you have a couple inventions to work on? And if you don't get to it, I'm going to make mad cash off that movie idea you have about the teacher and the skateboard dude. I'll slide you 3%- how's that sound? In honor of you, today I'll watch commercials and realize I had that idea first, recite movie lines as conversation, and play lots of video games.
Love you bro.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Didn't Work
Well, as you can see, I haven't blogged this week (since my birthday). And as you can see from my facebook, I HAVE, in fact, been playing poker. My priorities were NOT in the right place this week.
Wednesday was my love's birthday and did okay- brought flowers (and Caleb) to her new job and got to spend an hour or so with her. That was fun! Cooked dinner (made tacos) and ate some leftover dessert from my birthday two days prior. Also got her something we couldn't afford so I'm taking it back to the store today; smart thinking on her part.
Caleb is the cutest I've ever seen him. Yesterday he was reintroduced to a Christmas toy from Grandpa Marzano. It's a driving toy and makes noise when you play with it. And when you don't play with it, it's quiet. Except for about 30 seconds after he stops playing with it, it comes to life to enchant him once again. This worked out for my benefit and pleasure (even as it is now) and here's why: if you know Caleb, you know he LOVES cables. Here's how it went. Caleb played with the steering wheel but then spied some cables. He ran off to get them (about 10 feet away) and the driving toy came back to life singing "Come play with me!". So he hurried back over those 10 feet to the wheel to steer himself to victory. Having accomplished that, it was back to the ever-luring cables. Only to be greatly distracted by the toy once again. Back and forth, from the wheel to the cables, Caleb went. About six times he crawled across the room and back. Again, this was his good excercise and for my humor (is it wrong to laugh at your child?). Maybe I'll get this on video next time.
Wednesday was my love's birthday and did okay- brought flowers (and Caleb) to her new job and got to spend an hour or so with her. That was fun! Cooked dinner (made tacos) and ate some leftover dessert from my birthday two days prior. Also got her something we couldn't afford so I'm taking it back to the store today; smart thinking on her part.
Caleb is the cutest I've ever seen him. Yesterday he was reintroduced to a Christmas toy from Grandpa Marzano. It's a driving toy and makes noise when you play with it. And when you don't play with it, it's quiet. Except for about 30 seconds after he stops playing with it, it comes to life to enchant him once again. This worked out for my benefit and pleasure (even as it is now) and here's why: if you know Caleb, you know he LOVES cables. Here's how it went. Caleb played with the steering wheel but then spied some cables. He ran off to get them (about 10 feet away) and the driving toy came back to life singing "Come play with me!". So he hurried back over those 10 feet to the wheel to steer himself to victory. Having accomplished that, it was back to the ever-luring cables. Only to be greatly distracted by the toy once again. Back and forth, from the wheel to the cables, Caleb went. About six times he crawled across the room and back. Again, this was his good excercise and for my humor (is it wrong to laugh at your child?). Maybe I'll get this on video next time.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Another Year Bites the Dust
So I originally started this blog to keep me from playing Texas Hold 'Em on facebook and push me to get into the Bible more. Basically, keep me doing something rather than wasting time. Well, I have NOT been wasting time. The Easter season is a busy season for musicians and pastors, of which I am kinda both. Plus, today is my birthday and Wednesday is my beautiful wife's birthday. I was born 29 years ago and it was actually Easter Sunday way back in 1980. Good times. I remember it well.
And to all those other April birthdays, here's a little insight to my mind. It always seemed to rain on my birthday. As I was growing up, I started to read the Bible and I got to the book of Job. At one point, Job cursed the day he was born; I started to believe that he was born on April 6 because it was always bad weather. It is snowing today. DANG IT JOB!
And to all those other April birthdays, here's a little insight to my mind. It always seemed to rain on my birthday. As I was growing up, I started to read the Bible and I got to the book of Job. At one point, Job cursed the day he was born; I started to believe that he was born on April 6 because it was always bad weather. It is snowing today. DANG IT JOB!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Fool Me Know More
Well, I was not the recipient of an April Fools joke. At least I'm not aware of one. Except I went to Lowe's to buy a closet shelf and I needed someone to cut the shelf down to size... no one came after 4 pages so I grabbed the cutting tool and did it myself. Maybe that was their joke on me?
Heading out to a pastor's meeting this morning. Can't wait to meet up with Glenny-poo again. Although I saw him a mere matter of months ago, it had been years before then. Hope the senior citizens get along okay with out me...
And just for the record, last night's sleep was the best sleep I've had in weeks here at home!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Needs, Sabbath, and Scum
Mark chapter 2 is another power-packed punch. The book of Mark is known not only for being the most chronological book of the Gospels, but also it presents story after story, example after example, parable after parable with no time to breathe between KOs.
Perhaps you've read the story of four friends bringing a paralytic to Jesus, only to find the place is packed so they build an elevator and drop the man in front of Jesus. Clearly He knows our needs because Jesus immediately forgives the man of his sins. Oftentimes God, in the Old Testament, calls out a person's sin by unleashing an illness or a disease. I believe that's why in John chapter 9 Jesus' disciples asked Him about a blind man: "Why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents' sins?"
And just to prove that He is God, Jesus not only forgives the man's sins (notice the plurality), but He also lavishes on the man (and us) things we want: healing. The man jumped up and walked out. I firmly believe that the man's spirit would have been flying high already because the burden of the years he spent living with guilt was no longer weighing him down.
Stinking bratty Pharisees. They watched Jesus closely in order to yell at Him for breaking rules. Like picking grain on the Sabbath. Or healing on the Sabbath. Things for which one would supposedly be killed ("the Pharisees went...to plot to kill Jesus"). I've never really observed Lent, partially because I would probably mess up and be plastered as the poster-boy for what not to do. But also because I find it a religious act that runs the person (Who says you can't eat meat on Friday? Why isn't fish meat?). I like the Christian religion not because of the rules but because of the freedom. One Christian can observe Lent and be fulfilled while another can not observe Lent and be drawn closer to God all the same.
And the religious community is notorious for eating up its own kin. Cannibalism even. Too often we take the Pharisees role and watch for our brothers and sisters to fall, only to hold them extra accountable because we would NEVER do what they did. But look at me. I've never worked at a secular job on a Sunday, claiming I'm a Christian and I don't work Sundays for religious reasons (ok, once on Mother's Day at a restaurant). And yet, as a pastor, Sundays are the days I work the most, especially around Easter- extra practices, rehearsals, multiple services... a little Pharisaical of me if I don't say so myself.
So point the finger at me- I deserve it. I've eaten the sacred loaves.
But what a relief when Jesus says that "healthy people don't need a doctor- sick people do. (Jesus has) come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." And "The Sabbath was made to met the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!" EVEN OVER ME!
Prayer: I admit: I am scum. I am a Pharisee. I am sick and in need of a Doctor. So my sins may not be plastered across the front page or commented on through Facebook. No one would find my sins in any Google search but You know they are there. And what's more: I know they are there. And one step further: I know that You know they are there. I've been on both sides: the sinner being pointed out by the Pharisees and the Pharisee pointing out the sinner. This is no joking matter. I need Your healing touch. Forgive my sins. You are God. Thank You!
Perhaps you've read the story of four friends bringing a paralytic to Jesus, only to find the place is packed so they build an elevator and drop the man in front of Jesus. Clearly He knows our needs because Jesus immediately forgives the man of his sins. Oftentimes God, in the Old Testament, calls out a person's sin by unleashing an illness or a disease. I believe that's why in John chapter 9 Jesus' disciples asked Him about a blind man: "Why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents' sins?"
And just to prove that He is God, Jesus not only forgives the man's sins (notice the plurality), but He also lavishes on the man (and us) things we want: healing. The man jumped up and walked out. I firmly believe that the man's spirit would have been flying high already because the burden of the years he spent living with guilt was no longer weighing him down.
Stinking bratty Pharisees. They watched Jesus closely in order to yell at Him for breaking rules. Like picking grain on the Sabbath. Or healing on the Sabbath. Things for which one would supposedly be killed ("the Pharisees went...to plot to kill Jesus"). I've never really observed Lent, partially because I would probably mess up and be plastered as the poster-boy for what not to do. But also because I find it a religious act that runs the person (Who says you can't eat meat on Friday? Why isn't fish meat?). I like the Christian religion not because of the rules but because of the freedom. One Christian can observe Lent and be fulfilled while another can not observe Lent and be drawn closer to God all the same.
And the religious community is notorious for eating up its own kin. Cannibalism even. Too often we take the Pharisees role and watch for our brothers and sisters to fall, only to hold them extra accountable because we would NEVER do what they did. But look at me. I've never worked at a secular job on a Sunday, claiming I'm a Christian and I don't work Sundays for religious reasons (ok, once on Mother's Day at a restaurant). And yet, as a pastor, Sundays are the days I work the most, especially around Easter- extra practices, rehearsals, multiple services... a little Pharisaical of me if I don't say so myself.
So point the finger at me- I deserve it. I've eaten the sacred loaves.
But what a relief when Jesus says that "healthy people don't need a doctor- sick people do. (Jesus has) come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." And "The Sabbath was made to met the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!" EVEN OVER ME!
Prayer: I admit: I am scum. I am a Pharisee. I am sick and in need of a Doctor. So my sins may not be plastered across the front page or commented on through Facebook. No one would find my sins in any Google search but You know they are there. And what's more: I know they are there. And one step further: I know that You know they are there. I've been on both sides: the sinner being pointed out by the Pharisees and the Pharisee pointing out the sinner. This is no joking matter. I need Your healing touch. Forgive my sins. You are God. Thank You!
411
Yesterday's line read: "Fine is now what You have called me to" which is the exact opposite of what I meant. The line should have read "Fine is not what You have called me to. There- does that make a little more sense and have a bit more flow?! :) Beginner's mistake.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thought Provoking Thought
A couple things struck me as I was reading Mark chapter 1 today. I marveled at the comparison of Jesus' teaching in the synagogue and the religious teachers of the law. It stands to reason that the difference would be like an atheist giving facts about the Bible and a person whose life was changed from drugs and sin to God. The former would be black and white... and boring. The latter would be emotional and fired up... from personal experience. Obviously Jesus had first-hand encounters with God! :) Um... He WAS God! No wonder He had "such authority" and that "people were amazed at His teaching."
The other thought was now a new thought- I've had it before. What if, during a church service, we had an average Protestant church-goer, a Catholic, and a Mormon or a Latter Day Saint sit and answer questions- who would know more? Questions like "What are the seven deadly sins?" "Name the 10 Commandments." "Name the 12 disciples." "Can you say the books of the Bible?" "Put these people in chronological order: Joshua, Jonah, Jesus, Abraham, Moses, Paul."
Prayer: Come to my heart, Lord Jesus. I've been doing fine so long without You. Fine is not what You have called me to. You expect great things from me. I expect great things from me as well. I also expect great things from You. Help me to be faithful, honest, pure, and patient. I cannot do these things on my own.
Song: Less is More (Relient K)
The other thought was now a new thought- I've had it before. What if, during a church service, we had an average Protestant church-goer, a Catholic, and a Mormon or a Latter Day Saint sit and answer questions- who would know more? Questions like "What are the seven deadly sins?" "Name the 10 Commandments." "Name the 12 disciples." "Can you say the books of the Bible?" "Put these people in chronological order: Joshua, Jonah, Jesus, Abraham, Moses, Paul."
Prayer: Come to my heart, Lord Jesus. I've been doing fine so long without You. Fine is not what You have called me to. You expect great things from me. I expect great things from me as well. I also expect great things from You. Help me to be faithful, honest, pure, and patient. I cannot do these things on my own.
Song: Less is More (Relient K)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
