The Threshing Floor

MOVED:

2010-12-11T21:58:00.001-08:00

I am writing a new blog focused more on ministry, the church and youngens @ www.natestratman.com
Might not be of interest to you, but if you know someone in ministry..send them on over.

thanks
Nate

"Mejus" or "Wejus"? :a conundrum

2010-12-10T14:24:00.001-08:00

Fresh into my first year of youth ministry, I found myself sharing a long list of accomplishments with an old sage of a minister. He listened to me go on and on about how needed I was in the lives of teenagers in my church and community. The seasoned pastor listened to me boast about being called in the middle of the night to address a teenage drama or how I had given several of my house keys to students in my ministry. As I finally began to realize how special I was, I paused and the old man began to speak. He said, "Son, do you know what you have done? You have cut off the legs of the body of Christ and you've left one hell of a mess". Not exactly the response I was looking for, but one I'll never forget.

This conversation is one of the defining moments in my ministry that continues to push me to partner with parents, para-church ministries and many more. I have been humbled since those days but I still fight the urge to put that old superman cape back on. I honestly think that our theology is the culprit. When we focus so much on Me and Jesus, aka "Mejus", we often find ourselves trying to be each body part within the body of Christ. When we understand the beauty of "Wejus" which is abundant throughout the Old Testament, Acts and Pauls's letters, we will then find ourselves working side by side a wide variety of faithful and willing servants.

So what has changed since those days? I believe that God has allowed me to play a role in recruiting a wide variety of faithful friends who weren't always flashy or the most talented. I have seen the beauty of those friends using their God given talents to reach many teenagers in the name of Jesus Christ. For youth ministry to be effective and sustainable, we must move to a "we" over "me" philosophy of ministry. The village style of youth ministry will always be messy. The village style of youth ministry will always be a better picture of Christ's church.

Nate's just pickin a fight

2009-07-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

Whether true or not, a historian once told me that it takes 50 years to appropriately and accurately analyze a particular Presidency. How long has President Obama been in office? Let's give him a little time, shall we?

Secondly, I won't let you get away with saying that you're "apolitical." You may not like the current two-party system (who does, really?), but as long as you pay taxes, drive on roads, send your kid(s) to public schools, check a book out of the library, enjoy the saftey afforded by the military, hike in national parks, etc. etc. etc., then you cannot be "apolitical." I know that it's a current trend for young Christians to denounce all politics, but as I said, that's an impossible act unless you want to be Amish.

The question we should ask ourselves instead, "is how should Christians engage in politics?" Our voices must be heard in the public forums: war, homelessness, economic crises, abortion, marriage, healthcare, etc. etc. etc.

The prophet Samuel warned the people that desiring human leadership would only cause problems. We got what we asked for. Our political system is a part of the fall, so it's our job to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world--that includes the world of politics.

That's all I got: this was a "straw-man" argument in the first place. Let's talk about how the National League hasn't won an All-Star game in 13 years.

the elder

Still Smokin?

2009-07-10T19:11:00.001-07:00

My elder,
Has He proven to be the Messiah that you and your Democratic friends have hoped for?

love,
nate

PS- A) I'm "apolitical" when it comes to party affiliation so don't start railing on Bush, that doesn't hurt me. (:
B) Yes I'm being one of those armchair quarterbacks who has 20/20 vision
C) I know you don't consider him a Messiah with a big M, but maybe a little one?

PSS- Leaving the sarcasm behind, with each leader it is a matter of time before their capes become tattered. I fully believe they are human and fallible. Here is my question though, "Will Obama eventually fall from the pedestal that has climbed on?
Was there too much "RAh RAh"?

Faith in College

2009-07-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

Nate's blog is full of big questions. I think we should spend some time on many of those issues. For now, I'll just address this question: "So Dr. Jake, from your perspective, why do so many college students leave the faith during college years?"

I'll argue that most students who go through faith crises in college are not really questioning God's existence; Jesus' life, ministry, and divinity; salvation, etc,. What they are really questioning is their family's, church's, youth pastor's "brand" of who God is. They feel like they're at a crossroads: believe my parents or believe my professors. That's a scary place to be.

A friend of mine who teaches in our Biblical Studies division once told me that when a student enters his office and says, "I don't believe in God," his first reaction is to ask, "Tell me more about this God you don't believe in." What begins, then, is a critical dialogue about God and about that student's faith journey and background.

What I've noticed about our students is that many of them were never asked by their parents, churches, or youth pastors what THEY think about faith, God, salvation, etc. They're told what to think, so they enter college without any real critical thinking skills. And, ultimately, they become even more vulnerable to a variety of opposing worldviews.

We have many students who go through periods of doubt and skepticism at JBU; however, the professors here are committed to walking with students and allowing them to ask the difficult questions. We have to allow people to ask the difficult questions. They're really asking God; you just happen to be standing there at the time.

the elder

A Wide Open Door

2009-06-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

The middle stat by George Barna is something I understand, but it raises questions.
Is the church not doing it's job?
Is youth ministry ineffective? (gulp!)
As Christians are we o.k with declaring college as a hedonistic exploration?

I personally have been on a mini crusade to rethink the way we challenge young people in the church. We must be relevant, but grounded in truth. We must as a body of Christ stop tip toeing around the tough questions that young people are wrestling with. We should be ready to talk about the environment, sex, war, politics as well as sports, music, history and science.

So Dr. Jake, from your perspective, why do so many college students leave the faith during college years? Where do you believe the church has messed up with children and adolescents? What could college/university ministries or local churches do for college students?

hmmmm
the younger

(PS. POST ON OUR BLOG SO WE DON'T FEEL LIKE LOSERS ANYMORE THAN WE ALREADY ARE!!)

TRUTH: part 3

2009-06-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

Clarification on the Elder's clarification: I may sound old fashioned, but I absolutely believe there is still absolute Truth. There are theological truths that I rarely waiver on.
What i was referring to in my original post can be called "little "t" truth" or peas and carrots. Here is the problem I run into; what is a pea to me can be a hunk of meat to you. I'll give you an example using myself as the resident idiot. I was in a meeting full of guys and gals who serve in the family ministiries area of our church. We were studying 1 Peter and got into a discussion about women in leadership. I made the comment that I wish this would all go away so we could get on to bigger and better things. One of the females remarked, "of course it is not a big deal to you!" I responded with "touche". She was very right. I'm male and white, so it's easy for me to gloss over all kinds of issues.
last point: You may disagree with me,but here is how I have defined the meat from the peas. If it is salvific, then it is meat. If it is not, then it's not.

word to your mothers,
young nathan

The need for Truth

2009-06-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

I want to flesh out some of Nate's last entry because I like where he's going with it: Arrogance and Faith should never be bedfellows. He makes that clear when he says, "you could be wrong in certain areas of faith. Most of the time, Christians tend to conflate the essentials of the faith with the non-essentials of the faith.

Nate's right that we are called to be seekers of the truth, but I think we're also called to be possessers of the Truth when we find it. Please note that I used a lower-case "t" and an upper-case "T." In his book "How to Stay Christian in College" J. Budziszewski defines truth as "abstract knowledge." We continually seek this type of knowledge through Bible studies, mission trips, academic classes, camping trips, etc. But, as Christians, we seek this truth while we know another Truth. Christ is our Truth: when we find it, we possess it. We seek to know Him better, but when we discover that Jesus is the Christ, we stop seeking. We start knowing and possessing. That's good, right?

The Apostles Creed always helps me when I get bogged down by the complexities of the nonessentials. I must hold on to the tenants of the faith, or I will be influenced and carried away by the lower-case "truths" that tend to dominate most of Christian dialogue. Nate's right: we are polarized by our squabbles and bickering over the nonessentials of the faith. But, I will argue that we should be united in the ultimate Truth: Christ is savior and lord. We have to possess that. And, I know Nate would agree.

the elder

TRUTH: Possess or Seek

2009-06-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

Our nation is polarized. The American Christian Church is polarized. We use language like "Left and Right, Conservative and Liberal, Evangelical, Progressive, Jesus Likers and Jesus Lovers, on and on and on.

I confess I've been involved in this rhetoric.

The Peanuts cartoon above got me thinking about the I think or process. Where am I flat out wrong when it comes to theology?
"Is it healthy to have some sense that you could be wrong in certain areas of faith or is that being mamby pamby?

"We are called by God to be seekers of the Truth, not possessors of it."
So why does possessing seem like the goal?
Doesn't seeking sound more fun than possessing?
Where could you be wrong?

In the words of the 80's band .38 Special, should we just HOLD ON LOOSELY?
under construction
nate

response: READING

2009-06-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

I feel as equipped to talk about reading as I do giving a lecture on being still.
But......i usually have a thought or two about areas I have no skill in, so here goes nothin.
I feel led to speak in bullets:
* Of course as Christians we must read. Without reading scripture for ourselves we just listen to watered down thoughts and opinions on faith, trying to spiritually survive off the left overs of others.

* Authors publish too many books and most books are way too dang long. Get to the point people! Not everything has to be the length of "War and Peace"

* Not sure what you academic types would say, but I think students read a bunch, but not the stuff you want them to. While Dr. Jake gets amped off card catalogs and the musty smell of periodicals, this generation reads blogs, websites and other pop literature. Does this count? A little bit?

* My final tidbit would be that we all have to find our reading style. Some like a little Fabio novel by the pool, others like to read a 12 book series on the rapture, while others like to scroll through the NY Times on their Crackberries. I happen to hate Fiction and have caught a bunch of jaw about it. My thought is to simply encourage people to read, which gives us all a better chance of understanding the world in which we live.

good to be back,
the younger

We're back, I think

2009-06-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the Elder:

Nate dropped the ball (hah!), so I thought I'd pick it up again.

At my university, I am now the coordinator of the Freshman Summer Reading Program. Every year, hundreds of colleges and universities assign a book for all in-coming freshman to read in order to introduce students to the life of an intellectual community. I love the program and am committed to seeing it succeed.

What has happened, however, is that directing this program has shown me just how resistant many students are to reading. It baffles me, really. What are we (parents, schools, churches, communities) doing to ruin reading for our kids. My son, Ben, begged me to read him a book before his oatmeal and applesauce this morning (if you know Ben, that's a big deal). It saddens me to think that he will eventually lose this love to read.

How can reading be a part of our own spiritual development? How is reading necessary for living a productive, Christ-like existence?

I know Nate has opinions, because both of us were not big readers when we were kids (Just ask the Rev. and the Birth Mother).

Adventures in Myopia

2008-08-28T10:47:00.001-07:00

I had to use a 25 cent word for "narrow vision" to refer to Nate's comments about my vocabulary.

First, costs for higher education are sky-rocketing and we should question the "product" and the expense of our colleges and Universities. And, I have no doubt that Nate's financial advisor gave him sound and thoughtful advice. I went to a random "Calculate Future College" website and came away with a wopping $250,000 figure that will send Ben to a small liberal arts college/University. That's a lot of haggis.

But, I believe, there will always be affordable higher education. Let's pretend our darling Ruthie is still living in Colorado when she graduates. She wants to live on campus, but she doesn't want to be too far from her wonderul parents. She has choices: Colorado College is $46,900 a year, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs is just under 9, 000 a year, and a full load at the Community College of Denver would put you back about 5,000 a year. (These are not perfectly accurate numbers). And, although costs will rise in the next 15 years, the differences between private, state, and community insitutions will be relatively the same.

So, here's my point. We need to get beyond the idea that a college name = status. Yes, there is a hierarchy of schools in this country. I'm sure that Ruthie might get a better education at Colorado College than she would at a local community college, but that also has a lot to do with Ruthie. I'm surrounded by amazingly intelligent, well published, scholarly educators who got their start at small, little-known, and some times community colleges. I am also amazed by those scholars and professors who attended elite colleges and universites.

Bloom where you're planted. That's what I'm preachin'.

Find a school that is in your price range, that offers you more than just academics, and that cares about you as a whole person, and not as a figure. (Check out more at http://www.jbu.edu/ --just a little plug)

the elder

P.S. I know that I teach at a small, liberal arts University that costs around 20,000 a year, but after just two days this semester, I will be willing to justify that cost to anyone.

P.P.S I hope Aunt Kris responds again.

Kris the Kougar

2008-08-21T13:04:00.001-07:00

Just when the Brothers Namtarts thought nobody was out there....Aunt Kris the Kougar comes leaping from the thicket after many months of postmodern and cultural ramble. She waited ever so patiently for the "Good Debt, Bad Debt" discussion to pounce on her prey.

Well done Kristen, Well done!!

For those of you who are thinking "what the heck is happening"? Let me explain.

Read Kris's comment to my previous entry on Higher Education costs and relevance.

Aunt Kris is pastor emeritus of numerical ministries for our family. She has spent time with many of the cousins on our floundering math skills and appears to be a tax consultant to my big little brother Yacob. She not only has a numerical answer for most things, she also has a plan for your life.

the younger

nathan

Adventures in Missing the Point

2008-08-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

Professor Stratman,

I don't doubt your calling to ministry of the mind for one second. You seemed to rationalize your teaching to students and that is not needed. My angst is towards the institution or the "man". Can you change the world one mind at a time? YES. Will the university setting as we know it in the states be the only place that engineers, lawyers, writers and teachers are prepared? I hope not.

Is it possible to have a different educational vehicle without dumbing down the process?

As for the "good debt and bad debt" statement, I'm not so sure. That sounds like a statement that works for the wealthy even though I have used it. So many of my friends in their mid 30's are up to their eyeballs in college debt and it has financially paralyzed them. The costs are only rising and like the church, the university appears to be rigid and slow to reach a new generation of thinkers.

In my particular case I did learn a bunch of life lessons in the Arkansas fraternity house, but I'm not sure the classroom piece was worth Mom and Dad's money (even if I would have tried harder) . I could have learned how to pay bills, be responsible and cook dinner in the Army too.

Summary: YES to HIGHER EDUCATION and YES to LOWER COST HIGH EDUCATION.

Ministry of the Mind

2008-08-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

There were several times during the dissertation stage of my doctorate that I questioned the whole college thing. We were making a lot of sacrifices for me to go back to school. We were poor (ask my aunt--she did our taxes). And, as my spiritual life was asking me to look for ways to drastically change my life, my school responsibilities were asking me to read 100 pages a day, research, teach, and create unique, critical, and analytical arguments . . . that in no way would change the world . . . or so I thought.

It was Pop who helped me look at this stage of life with new perspective. During a particular low point in all of this, he said to me that I was engaged in the "ministry of the mind." His implication (and I hope I get this right) was that all of my education was great training for my ministry as a teacher. We forget that Jesus' ministry started when he was 30. We also forget that wonderful piece of Scripture (Luke 2) that reminds us that Jesus "grew in wisdom and stature." Students are in desperate need of the "ministry of the mind." It may not happen in every college class they take. For some, it might not happen in a classroom. But college, when it is at its best, gives our students those opportunities to grow in wisdom and stature. We pay for it, yes. But our hope is that investment in our children will be eternal, not just one for good grades and a nice diploma.

And, to quote the Womb Mother (fair to fair, same to same), "there is good debt and there is bad debt. College Loans are always good debt."

And, Nate, I know that when you list your personal "Hall of Fame," those guys come from your undergrad days at the U of Arkansas. College gave you many things to draw from in your ministry. You could have found some of those lessons elsewhere, but you didn't. You found them in college.

lovingly and collegiately yours,
the elder

Overrated!!!

2008-08-16T15:58:00.001-07:00

(Prelude- my older brother has been whining like a baby. He says that I haven't been writing about controversial issues for him to tear apart with his 50 cent words. So here I go, and from the greatest movie of all time i will attempt to "Sweep the Leg".)

Our country ranks number 2 in dollars we spend for public education and close to 10th globally in quality. My financial advisor showed me a chart of what college will cost for Ruthie when she is 18. My reaction was "It's not worth it!!!!" Whether the aim is to create critical thinkers or well prepared business people, it just isn't worth it in my humble opinion.

So Dr. Jakers, what is your product worth? If costs rise will higher education become obsolete?

Does a more european approach to University make more sense?

LYLAS, GTG, BRB

the younger

nathan

The Olympics: Global Unity?

2008-08-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

I never thought that I would be that guy jumping up and down in my living room yelling at a swimming race of all things.....but I was. I get chills when the little guy does the "iron cross" on the rings or when the ice skater nails the "triple sow-cow double toe loop combo reverse".

But there is a greater loser than the person who just misses the bronze in a race. When the Olympics come to a city, the biggest losers are the working poor and homeless. In an attempt to clean up the reputation of a city, we remove eyesores which happen to be people in the case of the winter olympics in Vancouver on 2010. In spending a week loving the homeless of downtown Vancouver, their greatest concern was the legistlation that would move all street dwellers out of the city to redevelop all of the low income housing into high-rise condos for the wealthy. One guy said to me "Are we cattle or humans"?

Don't get me wrong, I love the Olympic spirit and live 1 block from the Training Headquarters. But i see the protesters here in town who can't believe we support China despite the way they treat many of their people and I've hear the cries of those in vancouver who will lose the transitional housing that once gave them a closer shot of actually getting off the streets.

hmmmm

the younger

Heavenly Smells

2008-08-09T14:58:00.000-07:00

I'm driving in near lake city, Colorado where the mountains tightly surround the small community and rivers run all around it. I spot a hitchhiker a few miles up the road and I slowly go past a young man whose white teeth were so bright in contrast to his filthy face. I passed him bye. Why? Probably because he looked so dirty and he would probably stink up the vehicle I was driving....and then I looked at myself. I had just gotten off the trail from backpacking for 5 days with no toothbrush, deodorant or change of clothes. My odor was horrific. When I finally smelled myself, I turned around to pick up the guy. Why? Because we smelled the same and had both been sleeping under the stars for many days.

His name was Jamie and he was from Wales outside of Cardiff. I had been there so we had a bunch to talk about, especially rugby. He had just graduated university and wanted to be a math teacher, but first he wanted to hitch across the states, then to Fiji, then to Australia by himself. I took him down the road a ways and really felt a connection with this guy. In a funny sort of way, I'm glad I was dirty enough to have compassion for such a great young man.

Think of the smells Jesus smelled. From mangy shepherds to his buddy Lazarus who had been dead for several days, Jesus smelled the smells of those he loved. It reminds me of a homeless man who took off his shoes in my office to show me his infections, my office wreaked for days. While it was uncomfortable for me to be in my office, God used this smell to remind of a man who was much more uncomfortable than me.

God, may you help me to hear your voice, taste your bread and wine, see your goodness, feel your warmth and SMELL your creation.

humbled,

young nathan

HIATUS

2008-07-11T10:10:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the slow responses but I have been on a 2 week trip with my high school students through yellowstone, seattle and in to Vancouver BC. We get back on the 14th and then the Elder and the YOunger will be united for the first time since the inception of the Threshing Floor. Maybe we will do a podcast of a stratman family discussion???

here is the blog that we have kept for the last couple of weeks www.fpcvancouver2008.blogspot.com

nate (the younger)

more on safety

2008-07-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

First of all, Nate makes fun of us listening to depressing music and then puts Iron and Wine on his playlist. Go figure. By the way, check out Jules' playlist on our blog: www.thestratmans2.blogspot.com. It's rockin'.

Now, for safety. I typed up a great response a few minutes ago and then accidentally erased it, so I'll paraphrase. Nate's right and I'm no good at it. That's the bottom line. It seems to me that Ellen's comment and Nate's blog are forcing us to realize that we live incredibly comfortable lives on purpose. We choose to ignore those areas (geographical, theological, or emotional) that pose problems or conflicts. We are convinced that if we take care of ourselves and our families then that means we are "good Christians." I am incredibly guilty of this fallacy (almost a heresy).

My prayer is that God will present me with situations where the "odds are stacked against me" so I can better glorify God and God's kingdom. That's a scary prayer, but I do believe Nate is right when he says that safety insiduously undermines the authentic faith.

Now, Nate, throw something up where we can argue. (For example, should Tyson Gay's incredible 9.68 100 meter dash at the US Olympic qualifying meet be disqualified as a World Record because of a 9 mph tail wind? Now that's a topic.)

SAFETY

2008-06-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

quick note: these are undeveloped thoughts that I will throw out for us to wrestle with.

I am becoming more and more convinced that SAFETY is becoming one of the most effective thieves to living an authentic Christian life.

A classmate just shared his struggles about trying to live out Christ's call in a really tough neighborhood with his family and the immediate safety of his children and wife. I feel for him in this spiritual struggle. My personal struggle comes with the measures we as a society have taken to create a safe environment at the cost of community. 8 foot privacy fences, gated communities, surveillance cameras and lack of gathering places in neighborhoods have all thrown fuel on the fire in my mind.

I don't want to put Kim and Ruthie in harms way, but something deep inside me says that there is greater danger in living a life that is free of risk. My favorite image of the church is that of a bird bath not a birdcage. The birdcage selects it's pretty little birds, gives them all the toys they need and then shuts the door. Now think about a bird bath. Bird baths are open to raccoons, squirrels and crows who bath in the same water as the pretty birds. While the bird bath is more susceptible to massive amounts of crap, it's a better picture of the church I want to be associated with.

under construction

the younger

Responding to Authority

2008-06-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

(or wins)

I am in total agreement with the younger on this issue. Submitting to our God (the Authority) is the beginning, middle, and end of living an authentic faith. I also agree with the Womb Mother that it is important to be obedient and faithful to the small things.

Here's the real rub for me: What should I do when my submission to God's will and teaching opposes my submission to other earthly relationships: friendship, family, citizenship, etc? Are American values always the same as Christian values? To whom should I give my constant allegiance? These are questions I hope we all ask and struggle with daily.

I want Christ's teaching to influence every part of my life: my marriage, my teaching, my parenting, my friendships, my voting practices, and my hobbies. This is how I'm beginning to understand God's authority. It is my chief end "to glorify God and enjoy God forever," so I can only do that if I allow His will to infuse how I relate to everyone I come in contact: friends, enemies, the poor, the wealthy, the earth, the foreigner, my next-door-neighbor, the prisoner, the disabled, the student, the teacher, etc. etc.

I know I am really submitting to God's will when I get weird looks from other people or when my actions, words, or thoughts oppose those actions, words, and thoughts of other earthly authorities. Jesus also got a few weird looks for healing on the sabbath, hanging out with tax collectors, talking with adulterous women, forgiving sins, and much much more.

So, my question: What happens when you are bombarded by various conflicting authorities? Who wins?

I want God's authority to win,

the elder

AUTHORITY

2008-06-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

"Authority is quite degrading" - Oscar Wilde

I have really enjoyed meeting friends in the past few months who are agnostic or followers of a different faith. From these "coffee talks" I find myself thinking about "words' we use as Christians that are beautiful by intention but tend to be culturally offensive. Throughout the scriptures the words "authority" and "submission" pop up frequently.

What do my new friends think when they here these words in the context of faith? My guess is that they would agree with Oscar Wilde that authority is degrading. Why wouldn't they? The abuse of authority is everywhere in our world, in our history and in our homes. I remember as a small boy having the deepest respect for anyone in uniform. I guess I respected their authority to arrest, put out fires, preach a sermon or prescribe medicine to me. Either I was just being childish or times have changed. Respect has been replaced with cynicism and fear. My hunch is that inviting my friends to "submit to the authority of God" might go over like a led balloon. While this statement doesn't sound warm and fuzzy,

I do find a sense of safety in it's meaning.

When it comes to reading and understanding scripture, dad would always remind Jake and I to "read on". A classic section of scripture that we fail to "read on" is found in Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus. The first thing we men hear is that wives should submit to their husbands. If you want to stir the pot up a little bit, go shout that verse in the middle of a mall. But in honor of my pops, we must read on. The ultimate call is to submit to God and to one another. Not exactly our culture's motto, but I have found "beauty in my attempt to bow".

In my search to understand the character of God, I think I sleep a bit more sound knowing that I not only believe but trust in His authority. Not because He wants to boss me around, but because he knows and wants what is best for me.

I also find it encouraging that at the most troubling point in Jesus' life he submitted to the authority of his father. "Not my will, but thy will be done"

Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants.

2008-06-05T16:29:00.000-07:00

A very large heap of Couscous

All this coming from a guy who thought frozen custard was fat free. Hah! Nate actually made Jules laugh out lout; those who know us know what an accomplishment that is.

Here's the cliff's notes version of Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food. In the last section of the book, he suggests several things to think about when we eat.

"Food" defined:

1. "Don't eat anything your great grandmohter wouldn't recognize as food" (i.e. the "grapple.")

2. "Avoid food products containing ingredients that are a) unfamiliar, b) unpronounceable, c) more than five in number, or that include d) high-fructose corn syrup." My loaf of bread actually contains high-fructose corn syrup.

3. "Avoid food products that make health claims." Apples don't need labels.

4. "Shop the peripheries of the supermarket and stay out of the middle." It's a better chance to eat whole foods.

5. "Get out of the Supermarket whenever possible." He supports farmer's markets.

Pollan also argues that American food culture has nothing to do with health or community. We want fast, cheap food with health claims. He suggests that we take the time to cook our own meals, eat them with other people (at tables, not desks), eat slowly, and pay attention to when our gut tells us we are full. Growing our own food is a plus, too. Talk about counter-cultural.

I'm not suggesting that we memorize every nutritional label on everything that we buy: counting calories, watching fat grams, reading ingredients, and comparing products. Our food culture has already taught us to do that. What Pollan suggests is that we just try to enjoy food . . . . real food. What I want to try to do is to spend more time buying (growing) foods that don't have labels. This is just the beginning of the journey for me, but I'm now willing to pay a little more attention to how my eating plays into my faith walk.

Couscous is Good,

the elder

Sloth

2008-06-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

Sloth: aversion to work; laziness.

Dear Brother Tender Tummy,

When you wrote this entry I once again "boxed you in" as my dainty older brother who can get full from a few organic cumquats a handful of capers and a side of couscous. The picture you would probably paint of me is similar to that of good ole' Sloth from the Goonies, devouring his Rocky Road ice cream with his new friend Chunk.

Ok ..joking aside. I'm not where you are on this one yet or maybe ever. I applaud you for your awareness on this issue. When I found out that a normal portion should fit in the palm of your hand I was flabbergasted. In my travels to many developing nations I always struggle to get full at any meal. Can I blame this on our culture? The Golden Corral? The fact that I have the restraint of a rhino in heat? I ate lunch with 2 guys from Mongolia last week and they stared at me as I devoured several plates from the local pizza parlor. In my tactful way I asked them for their opinions about american cuisine. The answer: TOO MUCH. (i put down my cinna-stick in shame)

I can say this with confidence: when we (I) have anything in abundance, it is almost natural to abuse it and have no reason to trust God to continue to provide it.

So Elder Jake, read your books and let me know the cliff note version. I am somewhat aware and willing to listen. Asking me to back off on what I eat and how much I eat is like asking you to not listen to your depressing music anymore.

Bring it on Donkey Kong,

the younger

peas and carrots, literally

2008-06-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been reading books about food. This fall I read Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life. Her family spent a year eating locally by growing their own food and frequenting farmer's markets. It's a good read. Now, I am in the middle of Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food (highly recommended). He's asking us to rethink our obsession with nutritionism and start eating food (real food) again. Next, I plan to read Bill Mckibben's Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future for a Christian spin on the food debate.

What all this reading has me thinking about is the spiritual discipline of eating. Now, I am really at the beginning of this journey, but I believe that most Americans take their food so much for granted that most of you are chuckling at the fact that I even mention "spiritual" and "eating" in the same sentence.

But this is my journey: How much do I need to eat? Where should I buy my food? Who produces the food I purchase? How can I share my food with others? How can I make my eating practices spiritual and Christ-centered? Should eating be pleasurable or merely to sustain? Yes, these are the "peas and carrots" of faith, but I contend that our bad eating habits could block us from genuine relationship with our neighbors and with God; not to mention bad health.

So, join me in thinking about how we eat.

the elder

P.S. This might get ugly--our biggest fights over the years have centered around food. :):) I can't eat much fried food, red meat, or fattening foods without getting a stomache ache. Hmmm . . . maybe that should be a normal reaction to eating lots of fried food, red meat, and fattening foods.

BIZZY

2008-05-30T07:28:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to think of the last time a teenager told me they were bored...hmmm?

I'm trying to think of a more "counter-cultural" message than Slow/Silence/Solitude.

I'm trying to think of a topic that I have taught on and not lived out more than this one...hmm.

I think I've come to the conclusion that nobody like to be told to slow down, especially me. Remember the public pool in the summer time? What an exciting time WALKING from diving board to diving board!! UGHH The teenage lifeguard screaming at you "NO RUNNING ON THE DECK"

Timeout: we have a pleasant interruption at the Raven's Nest coffee shop from my friend Sam the Therapist. Here are his remarks on slowing down. He was saying that Henri Nouwen claims there are more "words" in this era than any other. Words on billboards, walls, signs....everywhere. It's not as much that our bodies are busy, but our minds are inundated with words. Because of this, words have lost their potency.

Nate's conclusion- I was told as a little boy that I had 2 ears and one mouth for a reason....to listen twice as much as I speak. Here's my prayer: slow me down Lord, slow me down. Help me to hear your voice amongst all the noise I have created. amen

Busy vs. Active

2008-05-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

I am on a planning committee for next year's fall retreat at our University called Breakaway. The theme for the weekend will be "rest." Several faculty members have been asked to speak about how they "do" (or not do, as the case may be) rest. This got me thinking about the difference between living an "active" life and living a "busy" life.

Students hate when teachers give them "busy-work." It seems like everytime I ask someone how they're doing he/she either responds with, "I'm tired" or "I'm busy." George Costanza (Seinfeld) convinced his colleagues that he was a very active worker just by looking busy. Even the Veggie Tales have a song "I'm busy, so busy, much too busy for you" to potray the religious folks who by-passed the beaten man in the Good Samaritan story. I get the feeling that we perceive a great correlation between productiveness and busy-ness.

I want to lead an active life; I want to encourage my students to lead an active life. But I'm done being busy. If it looks like I'm not busy, then good. Probably, I'm not. Maybe I'm contemplating something about the day; maybe I'm praying with my eyes open; or, maybe I'm remembering my only home run in Little League (July, 10, 1988). Regardless, I'm not interested in "looking" like I'm busy.

I have lived the busy life: filling every moment of every day with stuff. I would write things down on a to-do list just so I could cross it off--like eating breakfast. Sometimes I would grade a stack of papers, then look at my to-do list and notice that I did not have "grade papers" on my to-do list. So, I would quickly write down "grade papers" on my list and then cross it off.

Don't mistake my comments: Work is good, to-do lists can be helpful, and being involved in the body is a part of our spiritual calling. But, all of this well-intentioned work can just lead to busy-ness: doing "things" just for the sake of doing "things."

I want my life to be intentional and significant. This, to me, is the spiritually active life.

restfully,

the elder

The Ole' Tender Spot

2008-05-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

In conversations I have had this week I have been put in 3 camps so far; 1) Fundamentalist 2) Liberal and 3) dwelling in minutia. Thanks for your comments, now I have an identity crisis! Just kidding....I am stable....somewhat.

Here are some of my responses and Jake can speak for himself.

a) If one of us is not being "scriptural", then please comment using scripture and your faithful interpretation of it.

b) This is a "no-hata" zone. Our hope is to grow despite our differences.

c) Minutia: as stated in our focus of the blog, we will dabble and disagree in the peas and carrots, but that doesn't mean we don't love meat and potatoes more....we do. Both of us love Jesus and seek to serve him and grow in him. So for the record, fuel efficient cars, women elders and trendy churches will never trump our first focus on Christ. Word.

d) Liberal and Conservative: What do those mean anymore???? Those are 2 loaded words. Here is a tiny mantra I have learned, "Once you label me, you negate me".

e) As a friend of mine always says, "We are seekers of the truth, not possessors of it". So we will continue to seek. Yes I have convictions and they sometimes morph and change as I grow spiritually on this crazy little journey called life.

God is Good,

the younger

Not picking and choosing

2008-05-21T05:06:00.000-07:00

Nate:

You are right that as culture changes, the way we act out our life of faith can (and should) change. I guess that's what being "relevant" is all about. However, we still need to reflect on what motivates our particular views on certain subjects: tithing, worship, women in leadership, homosexuality, the environment, etc. If we are not acting out of Christ's Love, then we can assume that our cultural prejudices are getting in the way.

To me, that's not being a "Cafeteria Christian." My job, as I understand the Shorter Westminster Catechism is "to glorify God and enjoy him forever." I am not sure I can adequately and faithfully accomplish this with prejudice in my heart.

So, I guess I have to ask the hard question: does my faith influence how I live in my particular cultural moment, or does my cultural moment dictate my faith? That's a complex question, and I will constantly set myself up for ridicule if I say that my faith should always trump my culutral moment. But this is what I want for my life of faith--this is what I think Jesus says when he asks us to take up our cross . . .or, to "die to self."

One last thing on the "women in church leadership" issue. The following passage comes from the "Brief Statement of Faith" of the Presbyterian Church (USA). It was created in the mid-80s and it can be used for public proclamation:

"We trust in God the Holy Spirit . . . the same spirit who inspired the prophets and apostles / rules our fatih and life in Christ through Scripture, / engages us through the Word proclaimed, / claims us in the waters of baptism, feeds us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation, / and calls women and men to all ministries of the Church."

That's reconciliation. Amen.

the elder.

Pick and Choose

2008-05-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

Dr. Brother,

Both of your points below have teeth and have furthered my "chewing" on this subject. Your point does lead me down yet another rabbit trail.

The time and place of the accounts of Jesus are vastly different than our current American culture. At what point does changing or dismissing things because of "cultural differences" go too far? or does it? In church history we have seen scriptural abuse towards african americans and women, now the full the ordination of gay/lesbian folks is the new hot topic. We can and have all argued these issues, but what about some of the others. Tithing, gleaning and traditional forms of worship don't seem like they fit in our current context, so do we chuck 'em? Not trying to be flippant, but we seem to approach the Bible with a cookbook mentality of "use the ingredients you like and leave the ones out that give you heartburn". That is referred to as "versitis" when we manipulate, ignore or pull scripture out of context so it is more palatable.

Paul says to his little pal Timothy that he should "watch his doctrine and life closely". It has become abundantly clear to me that I am called to wrestle, wrestle and wrestle some more with my faithful understanding of God's word because my hands, feet and mouth seem to follow my convictions........and that can be glorious or an absolute debacle!

back at ya

the younger

Culture vs. Jesus

2008-05-20T07:38:00.000-07:00

Point #1: We live in a particular cultural moment. That means that all of our thoughts and actions are products of our environment: social, political, religious, pop-cultural, etc.

Point #2: Jesus preached and lived a counter-cultural Gospel. That means that what it means to be a Christ-follower is not always the same as what it means to be an American.

I make these two points because I constantly ask myself the following question: Are my thoughts on this (or any) particular issue a result of my understanding of the Gospel, or do I feel this way because of my cultural placement? In what ways does my faith (or understanding of the Gospel) come in direct conflict with my culture?

So, is the issue of women in church leadership a Biblical/theological/Christ issue, or is it a cultural issue? I argue that it is our cultural prejudice that keeps women out of the pulpit, not Jesus.

Dad mentioned the other night that this discussion is exactly what this blog is all about. This is the threshing floor where it is vital to find the Truth in cultural squabbles.

the elder

Props for Nate being so vulnerable. Not much gets accomplished if we can't be real.

True Confession

2008-05-19T17:39:00.000-07:00

Dearest Brother,

Since you and I are in the "tree of trust" and nobody else is reading this, I have to admit that I'm don't stand right where you are on this issue. So I'll wrestle and process this right here on the good ole' world wide web.

I'm not sure I would join a church where the senior pastor was a woman, but I wouldn't join a church that didn't have women as elders and associates. Sound hypocritical? Maybe it is, but that's where I am right now. Let me try and flesh that out. The response might come from the fact that I have never been a member of a congregation with a lead female pastor. It might stem from the fact, right or wrong, that in many settings men seem to grab the attention of large groups of people when it comes to vision, direction and leadership. Whether men are being intentional cruel or not, many guys don't and won't follow women in certain roles. Even saying this out loud makes me feel like a narrow minded chauvinist, which I don't want to wear that badge at all.

Here are 2 things that you can join me in "chewing on":

1) One of the most popular, fairly recent translations of the bible was translated by men only. Could the interpretation of text or translation have been more rich if scholarly women were at the table?

2) Here's a comment from a friend of mine. His pastor had a long standing affair in a church that does not affirm the leadership of women. "If a woman would have been on the leadership team, she most likely would have sniffed this affair out way in advance.

still under construction

the younger

Women in Church Leadership

2008-05-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, I heard a pastor say something in his benediction that changed my spiritual life forever. He closed the service by challenging us to be "agents of reconciliation." That phrase is now a part of my daily prayer life. How am I mending cracks? How am I bringing together that which has been torn a part?

I believe that as Christians we are called to be proponents of gender reconciliation. The church, unfortunately, has played a large role in creating a division between the sexes. And although I believe God created men and women differently, He has given them, equally, spiritual gifts in order to praise Him and worship him forever. That goes for preaching, too. Not only do I welcome women to lead in all aspects of spiritual formation, but I expect it. Women should be church elders, deacons, teachers, and pastors.

Our churches should be filled with diversity: culutral, socio-economic, generational, and gender. Congregants gain so much when the Gospel is preached and taught from a variety of perspectives (all under the banner of Christ, of course).

Listen to this quote on women preachers: "Preaching as a voice from the margins gives listeners new ways to listen, new eyes to see, and new possibilities to envision reconciliation between the margins and the center. Preaching from the margins invites listeners to move toward creative new margins, the real center, where the Spirit of God is present and at work, to participate as God’s partners in the transforming work of God.[1] Instead of marginalizing women and other minority groups, the church must recognize that their voice is necessary to understand the fullness of God's kingdom. No one can convince me EVER that the Gospel should only be taught and preached by White Men. To me, this kind of thinking underestimates God's love, the Holy Spirit's ability to infuse us with wisdom and discernment, and Jesus' sacrifice as reconciliation.

lovingly,
the elder

P.S. Ditto on everything Nate said about the "Womb Mother." What made my mom such an effective parent was that she believed that her two boys were flawed characters that desperately needed God's love to make us whole. She gave us that daily. So, why on earth wouldn't we want a mother in the pulpit to be an agent of reconciliation--there are some things I just don't get.

[1] Eunjoo Kim, Women Preaching : Theology and Practice through the Ages (Cleveland, OH: Pilgrim Press, 2004) 7

Voice

2008-05-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

I am especially thankful for the 2 women in my life who continue to shape me into the guy I want to be. This week was our 4th anniversary and last week was mother's day, so this is a late thank you to my momma and my wife.

It seems to be a volatile issue in many circles when it comes to the role of women. I'm not a feminist (is that physically possible?), but I continue to realize the power of women in my life. Some folks will die at the stake before they let women lead in church, but my response is that women have been running the church my entire life from vacation church school to mission trips. I won't go too far down this rabbit trail, but I will stop by saying that I have greatly benefited from the many female influences in my church upbringing....so thank you!

anywho.....

One thing that sticks out to me is my mother's voice. While I have great memories of her belting out her Christmas Cantatas or harmonizing with the Gaither Vocal Band in her little honda accord, I'm not talking about her singing voice. I'm grateful for her spiritual voice.

It's was strong, but not out of line. It was that voice that constantly stood up for the underdog and reminded that dog that "they were precious in His sight". It was that voice that spoke up to those whose goal in life was to blow out everybodys candle. I can remember an incident when a man came into our church and said some incredibly hurtful things to an elderly pastor. My mother chased this giant of a man out into the parking lot, bellied up to him and firmly let him know that he was out of line. It's her voice that speaks scripture with confidence and it is her actions that have been the very hands and feet of Christ. While my mom will never make headlines like Bono, she seems content to be a daily servant in the small things knowing that our God is in the business of making "big" out of "small".

(i just realized that I used the past tense for my mom as if she has died, she hasn't and I don't know why i did that.

So here is my confession: I haven't always appreciated women in leadership until I have stopped and thought of what true leadership is and how it has shaped my life. So Mom and Kim, I apologize if I have ever been a pig and I thank you both for your voices!

What a profound day it will be when all voices of the body of Christ are heard at the same decibel level.

sorry for the ramble...

the younger

Worship

2008-05-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

I am not sure if I am equipped to enter this discussion. Honestly, I have written and erased a new post two times (check that--three times) already. I'm not a youth pastor, an ordained preacher, or a theologian. I have no idea how we should "do" church. I am an English professor who likes church. So, I guess I need to start there.

Literary history has taught me that each literary movement does not live in a vaccum. It is a part of a cultural moment that is responding to a previous cultural moment. Romanticism is a result of those who rejected the Enlightenment, and Realism took hold when writers resisted Romantic ideas. This is just like the church. Each generation seems to know exactly how to do church because the previous generation or era got it wrong. It is certainly interesting as it keeps conversation lively, but I believe we spill a lot of ink trying to figure out how to "do" church without speaking enough about how to "be" the church.

What I love about my new tiny church in NW Arkansas is that it is a place to worship. We praise God, confess our sins, hear the Word, pray for our world and our brothers and sisters, and listen for God's presence. In essence, we worship.

Julia and I have had long talks about church experiences where we leave complaining about the preaching, or the music, or the seating/lighting/sound, or the order of worship, blah blah blah. In those moments we know we have ignored God entirely. We have pushed God out of His space of worship and made it about us.

Why is it that we demand churches to be relevant? What we must demand is that our churches be authentic (one of the comments mentioned that). We have been placed here to worship God and enjoy Him forever. If that ain't happenin' at church, then it's just entertainment, and my life is already full of entertainment.

The future of the Church

2008-05-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

I think the church is just as likely to follow fads as a 15 year old girl. Fair? In the last 5 years alone we have seen Seeker Churches, Peeker Churches, Home Churches, Post Modern churches, Simple Churches and now Organic Churches. Not that these divisions are new, the Baptist denomination alone has almost 75 offshoots (my favorite is the Primitive Baptist Church...I've always wondered if they have open fire pits inside, eat turkey legs and have larger than normal foreheads)

anywho....

In the last year, something remarkable happened in the evangelical church world. Bill Hybels of Willow Creek church published a humble document called "Reveal". This disclosed to the world that many of their edgey and flashy philosophies and practices have come up short. The highly attractional, seeker model had fallen short in equipping folks to trust in Christ over the long haul. It remains to be seen whether or not the JILLION churches who copied this model will admit the same things. I personally have more respect for the mega-church after I read this book that basically said "we thought we were producing fruit, but not like we thought. Has God used the Willow Creek Mega Ministry? YES. Were they off course in theology and practice? Hmmm...that's not my call.

So here is what makes me nervous: In our attempt to "make church and the gospel relevant", what have we sacrificed? My generation is very passionate and non-committal, which could be good and dangerous for the church. I think our "flaky-ness" has sent us on the hunt to birth trendy churches....so what could be the colatteral damage when the fad ends? Oh My!

So here's my main point:

Is it possible to be welcoming to the outsider, deep in theology, entrenched in mission and engage our ever-changing culture all in one church????

i sure hope so.

the younger

nathan

Dying to Self

2008-04-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

Nate used the following Bonhoeffer quote on his recent entry: "When Christ calls a man, he bids him to come and die". This idea of "dying to self" is the most challenging theological idea to me right now. In the last two years, I have seen the birth of my child, rededicated myself to my marriage, landed a tenure-track University teaching position, bought a house, published articles, and began running races again. Self-absorbtion is my M.O. right now. I am so far away from "dying to self" it is sinful. And I mean sinful.

On the phone the other night, Nate said, " I think there is a difference between living a life of humility and living a life with humble acts." I think I'm doing a good job of being a good person because I often do good things for people. See what I mean: This is not the life of humility. It's a guy who is merely masking his self-absorbtion with "good" deeds. I am more convinced that Jesus doesn't want us to "do good deeds." Jesus wants us to completely die and give ourselves over to His kingdom and His people.

I'm just not sure what that looks like right now. I'm praying, though. I promise you that.

Oh, the picture: Matthew 6 reminds us:

"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

My problem is that not only does my left hand know what my right hand is doing, it is urging it to do more so it can get all the recognition. Then, they start clapping for themselves.

the elder

P.S. the younger says I write too much. Forgive me.

Wherever I go, there I am

2008-04-26T18:13:00.000-07:00

" In the waters of baptism the old Adam was drown,

but the bastard can still swim"

While most of my theological heroes have been servant-hearted senior citizens and teenagers in the church, I enjoy Luther's "saltiness".

I tend to think it's fairly misleading when a new believer views surrendering to Christ as the end of the road instead of the beginning. I have to admit that's what I thought. Many of the students I have known including myself have hope that Jesus will make all the hotties notice us, our grades will land us on the honor role and cops won't be able to pull us over anymore. My experience was exactly opposite. I found myself single, struggling in school and still getting stopped by the police. I truly did have a peace that was beyond all understanding despite all the misfortune.

Could following Jesus actually be more costly?

Could all this "Prosperity Theology" be insanely destructive?(don't get me started)

Could our "old adam" haunt us even as new creations in Christ?

YES, YES and another spoonful of Yes.

Bonhoeffer puts it best when he says "When Christ calls a man, he bids him to come and die". To me this is a better "sales pitch" for following Jesus than the all too popular "come get your blessing" spiel. Maybe the real blessing is in the dying?

I have a hunch that I'll be annoyed by the same couple of thorns for the rest of my life. Could he pluck them from my side? sure. Will He? Not sure. But there is something in the daily wrestling that reminds of my need for a Saviour.

" Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.

Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me."

under construction,

the younger

Be Simple, not "Green"

2008-04-24T13:27:00.000-07:00

The younger is right on the following assumption: "Being green" should not be the end goal of our pursuits. It shouldn't be a medal we wear. We should be discerning shoppers when it comes to the "Green Machine." Unfortunately, "being green" has become trendy. So, now millions of people are spending billions of dollars on extra stuff they don't need just because it's labeled "green" or "organic." "Being green" is a 25 cent word for "being greedy."

Now, what I propose is living simply. Don't buy so much stuff. Shop locally. Walk or ride your bike. Grow a garden. Make friends with farmers. Instead of spending an extra 10 G's on a hybrid car, why not keep the old car you have and ride your bike or take the bus to work.

On one of the comments, the "Womb Mother" mentioned that she now uses canvas bags for shopping. That's easy to do. If you like using plastic/paper bags, then just find more ways to reuse them once you get home.

Do we really need to buy bottled water (I just heard the "Womb Mother gasp)? I wonder if our tap water is just as good for us as the bottled water. Why waste all that money and plastic when the tap is inexpensive and readily available. And, don't get me started on where some of these bottling companies gett their water.

That recycle excuse that Nate mentioned is as old as recycling itself. I've heard that justification for waste from lots of people. I suggest calling your local recycling plant. Ask them for brochures on their recycling techniques. Or, email your newspaper or broadcast news station. They're always looking for good stories.

One last thing. Don't let the whole bipartisan "Global Warming" debate hide the real truth: God created the Earth and God called it good. That should be all we need to live simply.

To show I have a sense of humor about the environment, the article below is a great satire on the trend of "being green." I love it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/04/AR2008030403198.html?hpid=topnews

For those of you who are interested in taking a closer look at where your money goes, check out www.coopamerica.org. On the left side, you'll see a link called "Responsible Shopper." It gives a report card on how companies treat their employees, the earth, and the customer. Check it out.

Don't be trendy. Be simple.
The elder

P.S. Please leave comments. We will use them in our blog updates.

A Slight Rebuttal to the Elder

2008-04-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

Dearest Elder Jacob,

I was deeply convinced that you are an off the chart nerd when I saw 8 words in your entry that I've never heard before. To my delight, your creativity came through at the end and your image has been restored. Thanks be to God.

At the expense of sounding like a heretic, I shall tell you what I think happens to be the "Elephant in the Room" when it comes to being "green". While it seems really trendy to be GREEN, I have to admit that there are a fair share of naysayers who think that Global Warming is a good scare tactic, but not totally true. I also admit that I am a "negative nancy" about recycling after I have heard several allegations of our sorted waste heading right for the dump.

I agree Dr. Jake that caring for our world is not political for me, it's biblical. I too have opened my eyes to some growing concerns in this area....not ready to join Green Peace, Peta or hang out with Al Gore, but I'm becoming more aware.

Not trying to be narrow minded, just trying to sift through the poo to find the truth!

(PS- has anyone seen An Inconvenient Truth? thoughts? )

one of the quotes on this web page is " It's difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon him not understanding it"

- too which I'll say "SNAP"

the younger

Blame it on the rain

2008-04-21T19:47:00.000-07:00

I have made a promise to myself and my loved ones that I will not try to compete with Nate's sense of humor. He has always been the funny one in the family. And everytime I try to top his jokes, I come off looking more like a charlatan than a Charlie Chaplin. However, while reading his first entry, I did find myself humming the all familiar Michael Jackson tune, "Man in the Mirror." Sing along: "I'm starting with the man in the mirror (oh yeah)" / I'm asking him to change his ways (his ways) / And no message could have been any clearer. / If you wanna make the world a better place / Take a look at yourself at make a cha-y-ange."

Nate's right. It does sound a bit cheesy or maybe cliche to say "be the change," but nothing will change in our world if we are not convicted to make personal changes. It is incredibly easy to fall into a cynically apathetic mindframe. During a break from college, I remember telling pop with a confident smile that I was turning into a cynic. All he said was, "Jake. Cynics have no hope." I keep that with me.

So, I'll start placing the blame on me right now. And although Nate will label the following ideas a bit quixotic, tomorrow is Earth Day (and you don't need Facebook to know that). I'll be the first to say that I don't recycle enough, I use too much water, I use too much gasoline, I waste too much paper on campus, I do not thank God daily for rivers, blue skies, white clouds, green grass, rolling hills, dramatic bluffs, and everything else I know God created and called good.

The environment is not a political issue with me. It's a faith issue. God created the earth and called it good. That's enough for me to start paying attention to how I use what I've been given. And don't give me the line that humans have "dominion" over what God created. I prefer to interpret that word as "stewardship" and not total control and selfish consumerism. With the freedom we've been given, we have amazing choices to make. I have been called by God to care for God's creation. It's a choice; I am not stuck in some cheap sardoodledom.

I am a hypocrite. Scratch that. I'm Pecksniffian. I want to cherish and conserve God's creation, but I find a thousand ways to justify my selfish wants and wasteful lifestyle. It's a conundrum. How do I live in this society without completely falling prey to overusing the resources we've been given?

We are to blame for the condition of this earth. I am to blame for the condition of this earth. My actions prove that I do not care about God's creation. It's that simple. For more information on how the term "Evangelical Christian Environmentalist" is not a contradiction in terms, go to the following website: www.creationcare.org.

By the way, the above entry includes the other nine words Webster chose as the top ten of the year: http://www.merriam-webster.com/info/07words.htm

Jake, the elder

Word of the Year

2008-04-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

Did you know that each year Webster's dictionary has a Top Ten List of words which have the possibility of being added to the dictionary? The number one word for this past year was WOOT. You know, when your favorite Nascar driver zooms bye you holler "Woot Woot"!

Anywho...

The number 5 word is "Blamestorm". Instead of brainstorming and coming up with solutions, we gather in a room and find someone to strap to the stake. I'm sorry, but I'd rather knee myself in the face 5 times.

This got me thinking about blame in our current culture. Here are a few of my favorites:(which i've probably used them all)

1) My DNA made me do it. "I'm this way because my grandpa was" hmmm

2) Watch the British Parliament on CSPAN for some serious finger pointing.

3) The church doesn't function like I think it should, so I'm taking my ball and going home.

4) Blame it on the Baby Boomers!! ( Social Security, The environment, El Nino etc)

ok, I'm sounding cynical....so here's my point.

I was so relieved when my boss and pastor said in a meeting "We thought we made the right decision and we didn't. I made a mistake and we will try to correct it". This decision has had a fairly large fall out, but I thought he demonstrated incredible leadership by saying, I messed up.

I don't have the perspective to make this call, but it seems to me that BLAMESTORMING is at an all time high with a record amount of political talk shows and feisty blogs who are out on a witch hunt.

Blog Benediction: "Talk is cheap, but actually living out our convictions is another story" While it sounds cliche, hopefully the change I'd like to see will start with me.

- young nathan

The Threshing Floor

MOVED:

"Mejus" or "Wejus"? :a conundrum

Nate's just pickin a fight

Still Smokin?

Faith in College

A Wide Open Door

TRUTH: part 3

The need for Truth

TRUTH: Possess or Seek

More on Reading

response: READING

We're back, I think

Adventures in Myopia

Kris the Kougar

Adventures in Missing the Point

Ministry of the Mind

Overrated!!!

The Olympics: Global Unity?

Heavenly Smells

HIATUS

more on safety

SAFETY

Responding to Authority

AUTHORITY

Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants.

Sloth

peas and carrots, literally

BIZZY

Busy vs. Active

The Ole' Tender Spot

Not picking and choosing

Pick and Choose

Culture vs. Jesus

True Confession

Women in Church Leadership

Voice

Worship

The future of the Church

Dying to Self

Wherever I go, there I am

Be Simple, not "Green"

A Slight Rebuttal to the Elder

Blame it on the rain

Word of the Year