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July 31, 2009
String Bass Players & Old Hippies
July 30, 2009
Storm
The other
evening I arrived home from a bike ride to find Denine prepping for dinner in the kitchen. I quickly changed and offered to help. She asked me to take care of grilling marinated chicken while she finished the side dishes.
As I fired the grill on the back deck I noticed storm clouds rolling in over the lake. They continued to build and the wind started picking up as I cooked the chicken and checked on progress inside. I finished up just as the first drops of rain started to fall.
We settled into the dining room to enjoy our meal and look out over the lake as the storm rolled through. It had come quickly and was full of violence and chaos. The lightening flashed and we could hear thunder roll. The water came down so fast and was so driven by the wind that it looked as if large sky born waves were crashing over our boathouse.
As we looked out over the water we could see areas where it was raining harder than other areas. The waves had picked up and tossed about as if angry. At the end of the point the pine trees were swaying wildly as if the wind could not decide what direction to push. It was some kind of storm.
Then it was over. Done. The sky was remained dark, but a few gaps opened and small amounts of dying sunlight splashed on the trees and water. On the opposite shore we saw a faint rainbow . The lake went dead calm.
A little later after we had cleaned the dishes I wandered out of the house into the evening quiet. It was now in that last half hour of twilight before dark. The light was soft and dim. Everything was still and the air smelled of rain and freshness. When I came back in the house I remarked to Denine that it was one of the most beautiful evenings I could remember.
As I continue down this path of following Christ I marvel at the layers of meaning in Christ words. After last night's storm the story in Mark 4 came to mind where Jesus calmed the storm. It's easy to see this a a simple story that we lack faith, but I believe it goes a little deeper. I think it also speaks to using our faith.
In this summer season of storms Denine and I have had a few relational storms pass through our lives and we have watched as several close friends have battled their own storms. It is so easy to start wondering where is this Christ that we follow. Why doesn't he save us now? Why did our faith seem so strong yesterday and today we are struggling to keep our head above water? Jesus save us! How about now, Jesus? How about now?
And while we are pulling our hair out and shouting for Jesus to do something and losing our faith he is right here. He never said the storms would not come. He simply said he would be with us. We can be whipped, tossed, and flooded over, but nothing changes. He is still here.
Recently a friend was telling me about a storm that has entered his life this summer. In the past I would have only prayed for the storm to end. I need to remember and remind my friend that Christ is with us during the storm. I need to remember that no matter what, the storm will end and Christ will still be with us. I need to remember to thank Christ for staying with us through the storm. He never left, panicked, or ran for cover. And he will be with us to enjoy the beauty after the storm has passed.
Mark 4: 35-40 (The Message)
Late that day he said to them, "Let's go across to the other side." They took him in the boat as he was. Other boats came along. A huge storm came up. Waves poured into the boat, threatening to sink it. And Jesus was in the stern, head on a pillow, sleeping! They roused him, saying, "Teacher, is it nothing to you that we're going down?"
Awake now, he told the wind
to pipe down and said to the sea, "Quiet! Settle down!" The wind ran
out of breath; the sea became smooth as glass. Jesus reprimanded the disciples:
"Why are you such cowards? Don't you have any faith at all?"
July 29, 2009
Good Advice for Men - No. 33
July 28, 2009
It's Tuesday-palooza!
"I don't care what he says, he's not pullin' that truck unstuck!"
Tuesday-palooza celebrates life through noteworthy photos. Selection tends towards humor, southern life and laughing at ourselves & the things we do to occupy our time. Your comments, suggestions, and photo submissions are welcome.
July 27, 2009
It's gonna be a bright, bright Sun-Shiny day.
July 24, 2009
The Characters of Tour de France
Like most cycling enthusiasts, I have watched as much coverage of Tour de France as time and my marriage will allow. One of my favorite parts is seeing the rabid fans that camp out on the mountain stages to see the epic battles as the competitors race up the climbs. This is where the 3-week race is decided and the fans love it. Some of them dress up in outlandish costumes and attempt to run along side as the cyclists pass through the crowds. It is quite entertaining.
By the way... here is a great report posted by ESPN writer Bonnie Ford about one of my favorite cyclists. Jens had a massive crash this week while riding at about 50 mph off the mountain.
Photo credits: Ed Hood @ Pez Cycling News
July 23, 2009
Good Advice for Men - No. 32
July 22, 2009
Rajn Rooster
Out of 400 job applicants both our girls found jobs that the Rajn Rooster which opens in Greenwood today. The excitement from Erin and Beth was a little like the first day of school. They are starting a new chapter in their journey to go back to Kenya. Who knew it would involve chicken wings?
If you are local, stop in and say hello. They will love it. For carry out call 388-WING. Enjoy.
July 20, 2009
Apollo 11
Today marks 40 years since man first walked on the moon. I remember watching as a curios 6 year old boy who loved adventure. As we gathered around the small family TV with rabbit ears we had to strain to see what was happening due to bad reception. I remember wondering how that signal could come all the way from the moon and into our TV set . All the static seemed appropriate. My dad suggested that we watch closely because we would want to remember the moment. He was correct.
These days I believe our financial priorities should go towards solving problems like hunger, poverty, and disease. But in the late sixties and early seventies our country struggled with civil rights, war, and social change. Perhaps this symbol of national pride and more importantly, hope was needed. I remember feeling that we were a nation that could accomplish much when we answered the call. We still can.
"I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth." - JFK
"Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed." - Neil Armstrong
"Roger, Twank...Tranquility, we copy you on the ground. You got a bunch of guys about to turn blue here. We're breathing again. Thanks a lot!" - Charles Duke
This is the LM pilot. I'd like to take this opportunity to ask every person listening in, whoever and wherever they may be, to pause for a moment and contemplate the events of the past few hours and to give thanks in his or her own way. - Buzz Aldrin (He then took Communion privately.)
"One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." - Armstrong
"... This has been far more than three men on a mission to the Moon; more, still, than the efforts of a government and industry team; more, even, than the efforts of one nation. We feel that this stands as a symbol of the insatiable curiosity of all mankind to explore the unknown ... Personally, in reflecting on the events of the past several days, a verse from Psalms comes to mind. 'When I consider the heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the Moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man that Thou art mindful of him?'" - Aldrin
Photo credit Life Magazine