Christmas is a busy, stressful, high-pressure time of year for many. It can also be exciting, relaxing and playful. One of my daughters gave me a great compliment, although I suspect it was not meant that way. She asked “Why do you act like Buddy?”
I, of course, responded with, “Buddy who?”
“The guy from Elf!”
Now that’s a compliment! Acting like Buddy means being carefree, funny, child-like in faith and a little psychotic and stupid. In my mind, those qualities aren’t too bad. Sometimes adults lose sight of what’s important. Most of the time it takes a child to remind us of what’s important. Make a point, this Christmas season to act like Buddy. You may want to stay away from jumping into your Christmas tree or adding sugar and sprinkles to your spaghetti. But singing loudly in the shower or playing on the escalators … Oh, that reminds me of a time when Delaney and Ashlyn were around 5 and 7 years old. We were in the mall one day – Dillard’s, I think. Shirley was looking at stuff and we were bored. Me and Boredom = goofy! We ran to the escalators and started riding them upstairs while goofing around. Once, at the top, we ran to the other side and rode down. After a few minutes, we were riding up and down as fast as we could; while standing on one leg, laying down, stretching our legs apart like Buddy. Needless to say, the employees at the make-up counter were fascinated by our new game. Most stopped and laughed. There were a couple who were not amused by our antics. The girls had no idea anyone was watching, much less unhappy with our fun. They just played up and down. Who knew escalators could be so entertaining?
This Christmas season, maybe we should all find a flight of escalators and not worry so much about what others think. Maybe we should relax and lighten up. Maybe we should act a little more like Buddy instead of his father.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Tonight's Coming Apocalypse
Tonight, the Who Dat Nation will rise from the corners of the earth bringing judgment and wrath from the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Riding into the dome with thunderous applause, each rider breaks his seal. The first to enter is the White Horse of Conquest. Conquest is best represented by attitude. From the moment the Saints walk onto the field, they believe they will win. Their winning attitude starts with the chant. The horsemen surround their leader, beginning the chant – bringing their attitude of conquest.
The second horse to enter is the Red Horse of War. War is won in the trenches. Those who ride the Red Horse are the offensive and defensive linemen. They battle the entire game, blocking, pushing, protecting and tackling. The war is won on the backs of the men riding the red horse into the trenches.
The third horse is Black – Famine. On the field, our backs and receivers bring famine to opposing teams. Opposing defenses are left starving on the barren wasteland as the unstoppable scoring machine victoriously adds point after point.
The fourth and final horse is Pale – Death. This horse is ridden by one man – the #1 quarterback in the NFL, Drew Brees. His high-potent passing game brings the final blows leading to death. Just when an opponent thinks they have a chance, Drew leads a game-changing scoring drive; crushing the hopes and dreams of once brave men. Death comes every time the ball leaves his hands.
So tonight, as the Cowboys sheepishly make their way into the dome, the Horsemen will be waiting. Judgment is coming, boys. White, Red, Black and Pale – these four colors bleed together forming the purest shades of black and gold. The Who Dat Nation is rising from the corners of the earth bringing Conquest, War, Famine and Death to all who oppose. Who Dat, Who Dat, Who Dat, Rise Up!
The second horse to enter is the Red Horse of War. War is won in the trenches. Those who ride the Red Horse are the offensive and defensive linemen. They battle the entire game, blocking, pushing, protecting and tackling. The war is won on the backs of the men riding the red horse into the trenches.
The third horse is Black – Famine. On the field, our backs and receivers bring famine to opposing teams. Opposing defenses are left starving on the barren wasteland as the unstoppable scoring machine victoriously adds point after point.
The fourth and final horse is Pale – Death. This horse is ridden by one man – the #1 quarterback in the NFL, Drew Brees. His high-potent passing game brings the final blows leading to death. Just when an opponent thinks they have a chance, Drew leads a game-changing scoring drive; crushing the hopes and dreams of once brave men. Death comes every time the ball leaves his hands.
So tonight, as the Cowboys sheepishly make their way into the dome, the Horsemen will be waiting. Judgment is coming, boys. White, Red, Black and Pale – these four colors bleed together forming the purest shades of black and gold. The Who Dat Nation is rising from the corners of the earth bringing Conquest, War, Famine and Death to all who oppose. Who Dat, Who Dat, Who Dat, Rise Up!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Pulled Over for Drug Trafficing
Can’t remember if I have written this story of not. If so, too bad! Read it again! Our daughters were young. Delaney was around 2 and Ashlyn was a few months old. We were moving from New Orleans to Knoxville. I’ll spare you the details of packing the 24-ft U-Haul with two little ones tagging along. We had a few items to pick up in Mobile so we were heading East on I-10 when it happened.
Yep! Mississippi Troopers!
Looking in the side mirror, I noticed a state trooper behind me with his lights on. Knowing I wasn’t speeding because the pedal was all the way to the floor and I was only going 60 mph. Delaney was riding with me and Ashlyn was riding with Shirley in our van. When I pulled over, Shirley stopped ahead also. Two officers stepped from the patrol car. Walking cautiously, one eased toward the driver side of the moving van. The other climbed onto the car trailer that carried my 1980 faded-brown Mazda GLC. It looked like a beat-up Chevette. Needless to say, I became worried when one drew his gun. I decided the best thing to do was raise my hands so they could be seen.
The officer on my side asked for my license and said, “Keep your hands so I can see them!” He left. Looking through the mirrors without moving my head, I watched the other officer climb all around the trailer.
The officer returned. He asked nearly 300 questions about “who” I was and “where” I was going. Apparently, satisfied with my answers he said, “We are looking for a drug trafficker fitting your description.”
“My description?”
“Yes, they are posing as a family moving.”
“You don’t need to worry, officer. I stopped drug dealing years ago.”
Did you know some officers don’t have sarcastic humor? I found out! Obviously, he wasn’t amused.
He then said, “They’re pulling a car almost exactly like yours.”
“If a drug dealer is pulling a car like mine, he’s not too good at his job, is he?”
Have you ever heard that timing is everything? Once again, officer not amused. It was one of those note to self moments - never use sarcasm with troopers.
We were allowed to leave without further incident. I don't think the church I was going to as student minister thought it was funny I was almost arrested on the way to lead their youth. Maybe one day I’ll write about that little Mazda and the time my brother and I were arrested for attempted armed robbery! Now that’s a funny story.
Yep! Mississippi Troopers!
Looking in the side mirror, I noticed a state trooper behind me with his lights on. Knowing I wasn’t speeding because the pedal was all the way to the floor and I was only going 60 mph. Delaney was riding with me and Ashlyn was riding with Shirley in our van. When I pulled over, Shirley stopped ahead also. Two officers stepped from the patrol car. Walking cautiously, one eased toward the driver side of the moving van. The other climbed onto the car trailer that carried my 1980 faded-brown Mazda GLC. It looked like a beat-up Chevette. Needless to say, I became worried when one drew his gun. I decided the best thing to do was raise my hands so they could be seen.
The officer on my side asked for my license and said, “Keep your hands so I can see them!” He left. Looking through the mirrors without moving my head, I watched the other officer climb all around the trailer.
The officer returned. He asked nearly 300 questions about “who” I was and “where” I was going. Apparently, satisfied with my answers he said, “We are looking for a drug trafficker fitting your description.”
“My description?”
“Yes, they are posing as a family moving.”
“You don’t need to worry, officer. I stopped drug dealing years ago.”
Did you know some officers don’t have sarcastic humor? I found out! Obviously, he wasn’t amused.
He then said, “They’re pulling a car almost exactly like yours.”
“If a drug dealer is pulling a car like mine, he’s not too good at his job, is he?”
Have you ever heard that timing is everything? Once again, officer not amused. It was one of those note to self moments - never use sarcasm with troopers.
We were allowed to leave without further incident. I don't think the church I was going to as student minister thought it was funny I was almost arrested on the way to lead their youth. Maybe one day I’ll write about that little Mazda and the time my brother and I were arrested for attempted armed robbery! Now that’s a funny story.
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Real Tombstone
Take a deep breath and relax. Close your eyes. Wait, forget that, you need to keep them open so you can finish reading this. Relax and picture yourself standing over a mountain lake. The water is crystal clear although you’re not at Camp Crystal Lake. The tall majestic southern pines provide cool shade on a warm afternoon. The smell of spring is in the air. Wild flowers are blooming and butterflies dance like fairies across the picturesque sky. Just a few bright, puffy clouds can be seen in the distance. Kneeling, you pick up a small, flat stone. Rubbing the dirt away, you fling the stone into the flat water – it skips once, twice, three times before sinking. You pick up another. This time it skips five times. Take another deep breath.
If you’re like me, you loved skipping rocks when you were a kid. It didn’t matter where – Mobile Bay, Big Creek Lake, Chickasabogue Creek, or even a ditch. Water was water and skipping rocks was cool. Even now, when I’m around the water, I look for a rock. Rocks are important when you’re a kid. I remember collecting them; pretending they were made of solid gold.
The Bible is full of references to rocks. In fact, Jesus is called the Rock of Salvation, the Rock of Refuge and the Spiritual Rock. There are too many references to list but here are a few: Psalm 18:1-3, 27:5, Proverbs 30:19, I Corinthians 10:4 and Matthew 16:18 when Jesus tells Peter upon his faith the Church will be established.
The Bible even tells us that the rocks will cry out in praise if we don’t. Can you imagine that - rocks singing the praise of the Father in our place? There’s one particular rock I wonder about. The one that sealed Christ’s tomb. That rock was rolled away. I wonder if it sang praise to the risen Lord as His resurrection power touched it. It must have! After all, don’t we cry out with praise when His resurrection power touches us? I just have to believe that rock felt His presence and couldn’t help but unleash praise!
So the next time you’re close to a body of water, look for a rock. Sling it into the water. Every time it skips, shout hallelujah as His resurrection power touches you again.
If you’re like me, you loved skipping rocks when you were a kid. It didn’t matter where – Mobile Bay, Big Creek Lake, Chickasabogue Creek, or even a ditch. Water was water and skipping rocks was cool. Even now, when I’m around the water, I look for a rock. Rocks are important when you’re a kid. I remember collecting them; pretending they were made of solid gold.
The Bible is full of references to rocks. In fact, Jesus is called the Rock of Salvation, the Rock of Refuge and the Spiritual Rock. There are too many references to list but here are a few: Psalm 18:1-3, 27:5, Proverbs 30:19, I Corinthians 10:4 and Matthew 16:18 when Jesus tells Peter upon his faith the Church will be established.
The Bible even tells us that the rocks will cry out in praise if we don’t. Can you imagine that - rocks singing the praise of the Father in our place? There’s one particular rock I wonder about. The one that sealed Christ’s tomb. That rock was rolled away. I wonder if it sang praise to the risen Lord as His resurrection power touched it. It must have! After all, don’t we cry out with praise when His resurrection power touches us? I just have to believe that rock felt His presence and couldn’t help but unleash praise!
So the next time you’re close to a body of water, look for a rock. Sling it into the water. Every time it skips, shout hallelujah as His resurrection power touches you again.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Whatever You Do, DON'T LOOK!
Someone must have put a voodoo hex on me.
Tuesday: I discovered one of my favorite shirts had a hole in the elbow. Not just a small pin prick but a huge hole – as wide as the Gulf of Mexico. Big deal, right? I discovered the hole halfway through the day. It’s not like I had another shirt to change into! There I was all afternoon having people stare; wondering why I wore such old, worn-out shirts. And it was a favorite. Threw the shirt away.
Wednesday: Halfway through the day, I discovered old coffee stains on my pants. Not just any pair of pants but a pair I actually like! Coffee stains – old coffee stains. Does anyone know how to remove coffee from your clothes? What’s worse, I didn’t have time to change before church so I walked around all night with stained pants! People shaking their heads again. The trash runs on Thursday so when I got home, I took the can to the street. While skillfully preparing to roll the can from the garage, I noticed the back of my truck blocked my way. The can was too wide to get through the space. No, the can didn’t grow; whoever parked the truck in the garage didn’t pull up far enough! Trying to save time, I picked up the can over the back of the truck. It’s one of those big ones with wheels. After putting the can down and starting to roll it down the driveway, I noticed goop all over my robe and pajamas. Yes, I have a robe. Have you ever looked into the bottom of your trash can? If not, don’t! It’s a trap – kinda like looking at the placenta after your child is born. I remember when our first daughter, Delaney, was born. I received some wonderful advice from a stupid old man in our church. He said, “no matter what happens, don’t look at the placenta.” You guessed it; he wanted to share the joy of his experience. Obviously, that makes it like a train wreck – you know you shouldn’t look but you can’t help it. That’s the way it is with your trash can – I’m telling you don’t look. I was covered with this liquid goop made up of coffee, tea, water, old food, cat litter, and a host of yet to be determined atomic material. Needless to say, I spent the evening washing my robe and pajamas. They stunk! Hoping nothing happens today!
Tuesday: I discovered one of my favorite shirts had a hole in the elbow. Not just a small pin prick but a huge hole – as wide as the Gulf of Mexico. Big deal, right? I discovered the hole halfway through the day. It’s not like I had another shirt to change into! There I was all afternoon having people stare; wondering why I wore such old, worn-out shirts. And it was a favorite. Threw the shirt away.
Wednesday: Halfway through the day, I discovered old coffee stains on my pants. Not just any pair of pants but a pair I actually like! Coffee stains – old coffee stains. Does anyone know how to remove coffee from your clothes? What’s worse, I didn’t have time to change before church so I walked around all night with stained pants! People shaking their heads again. The trash runs on Thursday so when I got home, I took the can to the street. While skillfully preparing to roll the can from the garage, I noticed the back of my truck blocked my way. The can was too wide to get through the space. No, the can didn’t grow; whoever parked the truck in the garage didn’t pull up far enough! Trying to save time, I picked up the can over the back of the truck. It’s one of those big ones with wheels. After putting the can down and starting to roll it down the driveway, I noticed goop all over my robe and pajamas. Yes, I have a robe. Have you ever looked into the bottom of your trash can? If not, don’t! It’s a trap – kinda like looking at the placenta after your child is born. I remember when our first daughter, Delaney, was born. I received some wonderful advice from a stupid old man in our church. He said, “no matter what happens, don’t look at the placenta.” You guessed it; he wanted to share the joy of his experience. Obviously, that makes it like a train wreck – you know you shouldn’t look but you can’t help it. That’s the way it is with your trash can – I’m telling you don’t look. I was covered with this liquid goop made up of coffee, tea, water, old food, cat litter, and a host of yet to be determined atomic material. Needless to say, I spent the evening washing my robe and pajamas. They stunk! Hoping nothing happens today!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Follow the Spirit
Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and the subject keeps changing to something you didn’t want to talk about? Maybe you’ve wanted to talk to a friend about one thing but God always seems to lead you another direction? You’re not alone. That seems to be what happened to Jude. Jude, Jesus’ brother, wrote a small letter to a fellowship of believers. In verse 3, he writes: “While I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”
Isn’t it great that Jude followed the leading of the Holy Spirit? He wanted to write about one thing but God led him another direction. If, Jude had not followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we would not have verse 24-25. So the next time you’re in a conversation that keeps getting changed, maybe it’s the Holy Spirit prompting you to follow Him. After all, He knows the big picture.
Sometimes, we promote our agenda not His.
Isn’t it great that Jude followed the leading of the Holy Spirit? He wanted to write about one thing but God led him another direction. If, Jude had not followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we would not have verse 24-25. So the next time you’re in a conversation that keeps getting changed, maybe it’s the Holy Spirit prompting you to follow Him. After all, He knows the big picture.
Sometimes, we promote our agenda not His.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
What Was I Thinking
I was reminded this morning of a time about 15 years ago when my wife and I went to play golf one day. As I remember, it was a nice autumn afternoon. The weather was perfect – not too hot not too cool. The breeze coming off Mobile Bay felt exhilarating. The course was beautiful; the greens weren’t too hard or soft and the fairways were perfect. What a great afternoon to be together.
Neither of us had been playing long so we were learning the sport as we played. Because I was playing with a girl, we got a cart. I’m told real men walk the course! After a bite to eat at the clubhouse, we made the turn and started the back nine. Hole after hole we played, enjoying our time together. That magical feeling you have when you’re in the right place with the one you love was everywhere.
We approached the 17th tee. Shirley led with a beautiful drive. I followed and we made our way to the fairway for our approach shots. After reaching the green, I walked back to the cart. While walking toward the electric beast, I noticed a peculiar glow from under the carriage. It was orange, with a hint of yellow. The smoke gave away the obvious problem – the cart was on fire! That’s right, sports fans. The battery tipped over, leaked and caught on fire. Even though it was a small electrical fire, the flames quickly grew. Like any young husband, I immediately sprang into action. Running toward the cart, with adrenaline pumping, I did what any man would have done – saved my clubs! You guessed it. After grabbing my bag, I told Shirley the cart was on fire and she might want to get out!
I know, I know, looking back it would have been smarter to get her out of the cart before grabbing my bag. I guess I wasn’t thinking straight. Needless to say, I don’t play golf any more. Now, we fish. I hope the boat never catches on fire!
Neither of us had been playing long so we were learning the sport as we played. Because I was playing with a girl, we got a cart. I’m told real men walk the course! After a bite to eat at the clubhouse, we made the turn and started the back nine. Hole after hole we played, enjoying our time together. That magical feeling you have when you’re in the right place with the one you love was everywhere.
We approached the 17th tee. Shirley led with a beautiful drive. I followed and we made our way to the fairway for our approach shots. After reaching the green, I walked back to the cart. While walking toward the electric beast, I noticed a peculiar glow from under the carriage. It was orange, with a hint of yellow. The smoke gave away the obvious problem – the cart was on fire! That’s right, sports fans. The battery tipped over, leaked and caught on fire. Even though it was a small electrical fire, the flames quickly grew. Like any young husband, I immediately sprang into action. Running toward the cart, with adrenaline pumping, I did what any man would have done – saved my clubs! You guessed it. After grabbing my bag, I told Shirley the cart was on fire and she might want to get out!
I know, I know, looking back it would have been smarter to get her out of the cart before grabbing my bag. I guess I wasn’t thinking straight. Needless to say, I don’t play golf any more. Now, we fish. I hope the boat never catches on fire!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Three Little Words
Have you ever thought about the one central theme of the Bible? If you could summarize the Bible into one sentence, what would it be? Maybe you haven’t given much thought to the subject. If you have, what’s your one sentence?
There are many but the central theme I see is found in Genesis 3:9. In this verse, God asks Adam what seems to be a simple question – “Where are you?” That’s the basic theme, and question everyone must answer. The Bible in three words – talk about a summary! God knew where Adam was physically. The question was spiritual. The theme of the Bible and the reason God became man was to answer that question.
From the Garden of Eden to Bethlehem to Jerusalem to Rome to London to New York to Mobile, God is asking “Where are you?” What’s your answer? If we’re honest, we have to answer as Adam did – lost, hiding and ashamed. God knows where we are – lost without Him. The reason He became man was to become the bridge we must cross so He can take us to the Father.
Where are you?
There are many but the central theme I see is found in Genesis 3:9. In this verse, God asks Adam what seems to be a simple question – “Where are you?” That’s the basic theme, and question everyone must answer. The Bible in three words – talk about a summary! God knew where Adam was physically. The question was spiritual. The theme of the Bible and the reason God became man was to answer that question.
From the Garden of Eden to Bethlehem to Jerusalem to Rome to London to New York to Mobile, God is asking “Where are you?” What’s your answer? If we’re honest, we have to answer as Adam did – lost, hiding and ashamed. God knows where we are – lost without Him. The reason He became man was to become the bridge we must cross so He can take us to the Father.
Where are you?
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Online in an Offline World
Trendwatchers seemingly disagree on many futuristic human behaviors. But most agree on one trend that will continue to grow, develop and defy the false notion of the cocooning trend. Cocooning was a concept trend noticed a few years ago that described people in the future staying in their houses after work; barely leaving for any reason. The online, virtual avatar world was supposed to cause us to retreat into our homes and hide from the world. The ease of online shopping coupled with the connectivity of social networking scared retailers and marketing professionals. Oops! We're trend busters!
More than ever, we will continue to live large parts of our lives online; yet, we will also increase our exposure in the real, offline world. Social networking sites and mobile communication has defied every cliché about diminished human interaction in our online world.
A world in which the majority of people lose themselves in virtual worlds isn’t going to happen. The same technology that was once condemned for turning entire generations into homebound gaming zombies, is now getting people out of their homes. With more information accessible through mobile communication, people are more likely to stay out and interact with each other. What an opportunity!
Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, LinkedIn, and countless other social networking media actually help increase our interaction with each other. Social media is about connecting with others. Think about it, how many of you have connected or re-connected with friends because you found them on facebook or twitter? I have. In fact, many people I have become friends with online are people I knew years ago. How amazing is it to re-discover old friends? How else would I know how God is working in the lives of people in South Carolina, Colorado, the United Kingdom, or Costa Rica? Many of my online friends are pastors, missionaries and youth pastors. It is fantastic to read about their ministries.
We will continue to see our online and offline worlds merge. This trend gives a whole new meaning to global ministry. People in Alabama can minister to people in Ecuador, Korea or anywhere else. Because of this trend, EVERY pastor, and church should have a major online presence. It’s a necessity in today’s culture. Sermon notes, message clips, event updates and ministry opportunities need to be posted all over twitter and facebook. What an opportunity for global evangelism. Use the online world to minister to others in the offline world.
More than ever, we will continue to live large parts of our lives online; yet, we will also increase our exposure in the real, offline world. Social networking sites and mobile communication has defied every cliché about diminished human interaction in our online world.
A world in which the majority of people lose themselves in virtual worlds isn’t going to happen. The same technology that was once condemned for turning entire generations into homebound gaming zombies, is now getting people out of their homes. With more information accessible through mobile communication, people are more likely to stay out and interact with each other. What an opportunity!
Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, LinkedIn, and countless other social networking media actually help increase our interaction with each other. Social media is about connecting with others. Think about it, how many of you have connected or re-connected with friends because you found them on facebook or twitter? I have. In fact, many people I have become friends with online are people I knew years ago. How amazing is it to re-discover old friends? How else would I know how God is working in the lives of people in South Carolina, Colorado, the United Kingdom, or Costa Rica? Many of my online friends are pastors, missionaries and youth pastors. It is fantastic to read about their ministries.
We will continue to see our online and offline worlds merge. This trend gives a whole new meaning to global ministry. People in Alabama can minister to people in Ecuador, Korea or anywhere else. Because of this trend, EVERY pastor, and church should have a major online presence. It’s a necessity in today’s culture. Sermon notes, message clips, event updates and ministry opportunities need to be posted all over twitter and facebook. What an opportunity for global evangelism. Use the online world to minister to others in the offline world.
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