I love Presidential campaigns. I love watching the news each night this time of the season, catching up on the big moments and hot sound-bites of the day. It's fun to sort through the various outcomes of each debate, caucus and primary, imagining all the while what the final ticket might look like. To me, the primary season is better than March Madness.
In recent years I have noticed that the evangelical church in America has become consumed with the political process. More and more we see denominational leaders, pastors, and other respected individuals in evangelical Christianity putting tremendous effort and resources into the political arena. In my next blog I'll share some thoughts on the Church's role in American politics, but today I would like to hear from you.
Does the Church and/or its leaders put too much energy/attention into the political process in America?
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Looking Forward
Here's a few quick predictions for 2008:
1. Neither of 2007's Presidential frontrunners, Rudy Guiliani and Hillary Clinton will end up winning the White House. Guiliani won't even get the GOP nomination.
2. Packers QB Brett Favre will win one final Super Bowl over the New England Patriots.
3. The Major League Baseball steroid scandal will spill over into other sports, particularly hockey and basketball.
4. The Arkansas Razorbacks Men's BB team will make it to the Elite Eight.
5. Providing all the rest of these come true, I will pick up a part-time gig as a fortune-cookie writer.
1. Neither of 2007's Presidential frontrunners, Rudy Guiliani and Hillary Clinton will end up winning the White House. Guiliani won't even get the GOP nomination.
2. Packers QB Brett Favre will win one final Super Bowl over the New England Patriots.
3. The Major League Baseball steroid scandal will spill over into other sports, particularly hockey and basketball.
4. The Arkansas Razorbacks Men's BB team will make it to the Elite Eight.
5. Providing all the rest of these come true, I will pick up a part-time gig as a fortune-cookie writer.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
A Look Back
While we live each passing year one day at a time, history has a way of compressing the calendar into cliff-notes form. For this entry, we'll survey a few of the big stories of the past year, and then vote on which one is most likely to be the key moment for which 2007 will be remembered. In no particular order:
1. Filmmakers claim to find the tomb of Jesus Christ, along with his wife and son. This "discovery" was based on names inscripted on the ossuaries (bone boxes). The story was later debunked by a number of theologians, historians, and archaeologists.
2. Al Gore awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to raise awareness about Global Warming.
3. Barry Bonds breaks (*) the all-time Major League home run record. Because of his involvement in the steroid scandal and facing possible perjury charges, Bonds achievement is met with cold recognition. The ball was later branded with an asterisk and sent to the Hall of Fame.
4. U.S. Senator Larry Craig claims to have a wide stance. Enough said.
5. In one of the craziest college football seasons ever, 2007 saw the #1 ranked team fall 4 different times. The "year of the upset" began with #5 Michigan's loss to Division 2 Appalachian State. In the 15 weeks following, a slew of upsets would keep the top 5 rankings in a state of constant change.
So, which of these is the story most likely to go down as the historical marker for 2007?
1. Filmmakers claim to find the tomb of Jesus Christ, along with his wife and son. This "discovery" was based on names inscripted on the ossuaries (bone boxes). The story was later debunked by a number of theologians, historians, and archaeologists.
2. Al Gore awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to raise awareness about Global Warming.
3. Barry Bonds breaks (*) the all-time Major League home run record. Because of his involvement in the steroid scandal and facing possible perjury charges, Bonds achievement is met with cold recognition. The ball was later branded with an asterisk and sent to the Hall of Fame.
4. U.S. Senator Larry Craig claims to have a wide stance. Enough said.
5. In one of the craziest college football seasons ever, 2007 saw the #1 ranked team fall 4 different times. The "year of the upset" began with #5 Michigan's loss to Division 2 Appalachian State. In the 15 weeks following, a slew of upsets would keep the top 5 rankings in a state of constant change.
So, which of these is the story most likely to go down as the historical marker for 2007?
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Christmas Scavengers
Recently I got to observe people in one of the wildest places on earth: Sam's Club at Christmas time! I made sure to arrive at approximately 3:30pm on a Saturday, which is a horrible time for productive shopping but ideal for sample consumption. Yes, I am a sample mooch; I confess this with a bit of shame. Nevertheless, I like free food, and I will continue to whole-heartedly pursue any strategy that will satisfy my palate. One thing I've learned, whenever there's a higher traffic pattern at Sam's, they really go all out with tons of samples.
As I was making my rounds, I was astounded to see that I was not the only one with this intention. People of all persuasions were circling the sample boths like third-world vultures. As soon as a new morsel reached a plate, men and women alike would reach in and snatch it in the blink of an eye. What blew me away was that these people were not even trying to act nonchalant. They had resorted to their natural instinct for survival, going on a full offensive to gather food.
After watching this for several minutes, I learned that I had to resort to this sort of behavior if I were to enjoy the riches of the sample aisle. It paid off big. I enjoyed two different kinds of shrimp, eggnog, cheese on a cracker, salami on a cracker, sausage and cinnamon toast, chip and queso, two kinds of cake, turkey salad on a cracker, bruschetta, olive dip and ham. It was magnificent!
On my drive home, I began to ponder this event. Soon I was completely mystified by my experience. What in the world could possibly possess adults who have more than enough money to survive, who in all likelihood had not missed a meal in the last decade, and who are (I am assuming) normally somewhat dignified in public to act like a bunch of alley cats? Where would this motivation come from?
As I was making my rounds, I was astounded to see that I was not the only one with this intention. People of all persuasions were circling the sample boths like third-world vultures. As soon as a new morsel reached a plate, men and women alike would reach in and snatch it in the blink of an eye. What blew me away was that these people were not even trying to act nonchalant. They had resorted to their natural instinct for survival, going on a full offensive to gather food.
After watching this for several minutes, I learned that I had to resort to this sort of behavior if I were to enjoy the riches of the sample aisle. It paid off big. I enjoyed two different kinds of shrimp, eggnog, cheese on a cracker, salami on a cracker, sausage and cinnamon toast, chip and queso, two kinds of cake, turkey salad on a cracker, bruschetta, olive dip and ham. It was magnificent!
On my drive home, I began to ponder this event. Soon I was completely mystified by my experience. What in the world could possibly possess adults who have more than enough money to survive, who in all likelihood had not missed a meal in the last decade, and who are (I am assuming) normally somewhat dignified in public to act like a bunch of alley cats? Where would this motivation come from?
Friday, December 14, 2007
Christmas Thoughts
In my time off, I've had some time to learn from various life circumstances. Allow me to share. On Wednesday evening, my wife and I returned home to find a bit of a flood in our apartment. Our neighbor's hot-water heater had burst, spilling its contents into our bathroom and part of our bedroom. Long story short, I ended up sucking up water with a shop vac until the later hours of the night.
The next morning I was scheduled to go with a team from our church for the weekly pick-up from the local food bank. We were scheduled to meet at 6:30am; local temperature this particular morning was a chilling 31 F. In addition, the overpasses had iced over the damp night, leaving a number of slick spots and more than a couple traffic-altering fender-benders. It was not looking to be a great day.
Our pick up time was scheduled for 7:30, but the first palate was not loaded on our truck until nearly 8. Neither did our palates of food come quickly after the first arrival. We loaded what we believed to be the last arrival around 8:30. After I was several miles down the road, I got a call asking me to turn around, the final palate had just been pulled.
When I returned, they loaded a top-heavy palate of milk, juice, and sour cream in the back of my truck. At nearly every other stop light on the 15 minute drive to the church, Miguel and I had to redistribute the boxes in hopes of making it to our destination with all the goods. Unfortunately, one whole case of milk toppled out the back of my truck into an intersection. It was deemed an irretrievable loss.
That morning, weary and frustrated, I wondered why I had even bothered. Why not just call in about the flood and catch up on some sleep? Frankly, it was sheer obligation that motivated me to go, but I came to understand a deeper reason to move forward in future moments like this.
In the heart of the Christmas season, we celebrate the serendipity of the Nativity scene, complete with an overstuffed manger for the Lord to enjoy. We wrongly rid the stable of its splinters, sawdust and stink. We make it easy, but for the Lord of Hosts to come incarnate, ease was not a part of the plan. He sacrificed and subjected Himself to the common inconveniences and aggravations of life. So when life demands that you endure discomfort and frustration for the good of others, remember that in doing so you are walking the path blazed by Christ. Be inspired as you gain a greater understanding of the way He lived.
And I'll try my best to do the same.
The next morning I was scheduled to go with a team from our church for the weekly pick-up from the local food bank. We were scheduled to meet at 6:30am; local temperature this particular morning was a chilling 31 F. In addition, the overpasses had iced over the damp night, leaving a number of slick spots and more than a couple traffic-altering fender-benders. It was not looking to be a great day.
Our pick up time was scheduled for 7:30, but the first palate was not loaded on our truck until nearly 8. Neither did our palates of food come quickly after the first arrival. We loaded what we believed to be the last arrival around 8:30. After I was several miles down the road, I got a call asking me to turn around, the final palate had just been pulled.
When I returned, they loaded a top-heavy palate of milk, juice, and sour cream in the back of my truck. At nearly every other stop light on the 15 minute drive to the church, Miguel and I had to redistribute the boxes in hopes of making it to our destination with all the goods. Unfortunately, one whole case of milk toppled out the back of my truck into an intersection. It was deemed an irretrievable loss.
That morning, weary and frustrated, I wondered why I had even bothered. Why not just call in about the flood and catch up on some sleep? Frankly, it was sheer obligation that motivated me to go, but I came to understand a deeper reason to move forward in future moments like this.
In the heart of the Christmas season, we celebrate the serendipity of the Nativity scene, complete with an overstuffed manger for the Lord to enjoy. We wrongly rid the stable of its splinters, sawdust and stink. We make it easy, but for the Lord of Hosts to come incarnate, ease was not a part of the plan. He sacrificed and subjected Himself to the common inconveniences and aggravations of life. So when life demands that you endure discomfort and frustration for the good of others, remember that in doing so you are walking the path blazed by Christ. Be inspired as you gain a greater understanding of the way He lived.
And I'll try my best to do the same.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Enjoy Enriching Hobbies
Last time I began a three part look at what to do to get through dry times in your writing. Today I want to focus on the importance of engaging in some enriching hobbies. Eclipsing the sole motivation of improving your writing, hobbies are vital for personal health. One thing that all high-impact people recognize is the need to live a balanced life, and developing and enjoying a hobby or two is a key part of that equation.
One of my weekly hobbies is weight-lifting. Ever since I can remember, I've always wanted to lift weights. I have been a bit of a gym rat for 15 years, and I am probably more addicted to it than ever. Three times a week or more I head over to Fit For Life to work off some of the stresses of the day and to push my body to its limits. Every time I leave, I walk out those doors with sharpened mental focus, increased energy and a renewed confidence for the next task that comes my way. (If you are looking to add physical fitness to your schedule, call Fit For Life and ask for King Hoover. You'll not find a better health architect!)
Two of my favorite seasonal hobbies are deer and duck hunting. I love escaping the maddening grip of the city to soak up the sounds and smells of nature. Add to that the fellowship of lifelong friends and family, along with the thrill of the hunt, and you can begin to see why I love November. Just a few weeks ago, I got together with my Dad, a couple cousins and two of my closest friends on this planet. In addition to having a side-splitting good time, I managed to bring this guy home on Saturday...
...And this guy on Sunday!
(Yes, that's a 7 point followed by an 8 point!)
I realize this probably is not for everyone, so here's your chance to provide some other examples. What hobbies do you engage in to reset your mental balance?
One of my weekly hobbies is weight-lifting. Ever since I can remember, I've always wanted to lift weights. I have been a bit of a gym rat for 15 years, and I am probably more addicted to it than ever. Three times a week or more I head over to Fit For Life to work off some of the stresses of the day and to push my body to its limits. Every time I leave, I walk out those doors with sharpened mental focus, increased energy and a renewed confidence for the next task that comes my way. (If you are looking to add physical fitness to your schedule, call Fit For Life and ask for King Hoover. You'll not find a better health architect!)
Two of my favorite seasonal hobbies are deer and duck hunting. I love escaping the maddening grip of the city to soak up the sounds and smells of nature. Add to that the fellowship of lifelong friends and family, along with the thrill of the hunt, and you can begin to see why I love November. Just a few weeks ago, I got together with my Dad, a couple cousins and two of my closest friends on this planet. In addition to having a side-splitting good time, I managed to bring this guy home on Saturday...
...And this guy on Sunday!
(Yes, that's a 7 point followed by an 8 point!)
I realize this probably is not for everyone, so here's your chance to provide some other examples. What hobbies do you engage in to reset your mental balance?
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