Just Another Anomaly

For those of you who have waited with baited breath for my return from the great outdoors--here I am. The family reunion was wonderful. We all enjoyed our time together immensely. There was food, fellowship, golfing, boating, tubing, volleyball, more food, games, swimming, a proposal and so much more. We were excited because the proposal came from a great guy named Patrick to Sara's sister, Carlie. It was very sweet. We all look forward to the wedding most likely within the next year. When is the next reunion anyway?

The only downside to this weekend was that I had some apparent flare-up with my arthritis or at least that is what I thought at first. For those who do not know I have battled arthritis now since I was about 9 or 10 years old and this weekend my ankles began to swell uncontrollably. I normally experience swelling all the time but what was different this time was that the swelling would not go down. It only continued to spread to my feet and toes and then up my legs. Finally, after we returned home late Monday night I decided to go into the doctor on Tuesday morning. However, it wasn't surprising that the doctor didn't quite no what to make of it either. After ruling out anything to do with blood circulation or clotting she decided that it must be some form of infection although she cannot explain how or why. She prescribed some antibiotic to combat the infection and a diarhetic to remove the fluid and hopefully reduce the swelling (did I mention I have to go upstairs to use the bathroom in our apartment). Now we play the waiting game which includes my feet elevated above my head while I lay on the couch. I can think of other things I could be doing but I guess I should take advantage of the added rest.

It is easy to wonder why these sorts of things happen to me. There is always something strange going on in my body. Over time I've resigned myself to think that I am just another anomaly. Maybe I'm just special, I don't know. Although I would rather not have to go down this road to prove it each time. You know, I may be an anomaly in more ways than one but the truth is that you are too. We are all created to be special. We are unique in our own ways. Who we are is not only representative of whose we are but also of where we have been (what kind of person we are when we come out on the other end of both joy and adversity). In that sense every person is another anomaly created by God. Even though I may not know why things happen the way they do at least I can rest assured in the promise that He does. May you rest in that promise too.

The Whisper of Nature is Calling My Name

Rest and Relaxation...Nothing could be better than that except when it is combined with being in the midst of the beauty of God's creation. And, am I ever ready for some vacation time. Sara and I are leaving today to begin our trek to Fairfield Bay Resort somewhere north of Little Rock in Arkansas for the "Siner Family Reunion." This is really my first opportunity to have extended time with the extended family and I am looking forward to it. Some people might cringe at the mention of visiting in-laws but I enjoy time with them. Sure, they are different than my family but that's what makes each of us special. Our differences don't have to cause friction even though they have the capability to but instead they can be used to strengthen and draw us closer. I learn a lot from the Siner family. I am introduced to new perspectives which I might not otherwise be exposed to. I appreciate them and love them for who they are and I hope they feel the same about me. I wouldn't trade them for anyone else. So I look forward to this weekend and the opportunity it presents to get to know them more.

I also look forward to some time away. It is supposed to be beautiful there and I hope to take full advantage of the beauty it offers. I wonder if I should inform my employers not to worry about me if I don't show up for work next week! I might get attached to life in the great outdoors. Anyway, I probably won't be able to write until we return the first of next week. Maybe I'll have some good stories to share.

Until then, may we all not take for granted the blessing of family.

Father's Day

Some simple thoughts on a day in which we give an extra amount of honor and thanks to our fathers:

I am thankful for my dad. We have shared so many great memories together. I remember his involvement in Indian guides when I was younger. I remember his advice when I kept encountering a school bully (although we won't share that advice here). I remember putting up the basketball hoop in the driveway and shooting hoops together. I remember watching basketball games together and him coming to watch mine. I remember the ways in which he displayed love for my mom. I remember the home projects, grilled feasts, and the responsibility of mowing the yard. I remember his example of what it means to be a Christian man, father, and husband. There are more memories than I can count. In all these years nothing has changed--he is still the same great dad he's always been. I hope one day I can follow in his footsteps. In my family relationships, I pray that like my father, I too may glorify God and image Christ and especially in this case, with my future son(s) and/or daughter(s).

God thank you for the blessings of fathers. Thank you that we may call you Abba Father. Even when there are those who do not have good fatherly examples I thank you that we can claim the promise that you are father to the fatherless!

Live to Leave a Legacy

I remember my dog named Cricket. He was a small black-haired dog with one white paw and crooked teeth in which one tooth jutted out beyond his mouth. He was a good little dog: friendly, loyal and loving, the epitome of man’s best friend. But, unfortunately he was also a sick dog. He experienced seizures which incapacitated him from time to time and before long his sickness caught up to him. It was one of the first times I had to deal with loss.

I don’t know when your first experiences with loss occurred but the reality of life is that we will all encounter loss at some point. Sometimes it is the loss of a job or a way of life. Other times it might be the loss of a family pet, a relative, or other loved ones who hold important places in our lives. It seems as though we experience loss in different degrees depending on the level of importance in our lives but also depending on the amount of expectancy. For instance, death can be difficult in all circumstances but when someone dies suddenly or unexpectedly the shock of that loss and the grief that follows can be much greater than when we are better prepared and are expecting someone to die.

This last week, a family I have been fairly close to most of my life experienced a sudden and unexpected loss. The father, Mark, was on a kayaking trip with his son Matt, who is fourteen years old. Toward the end of their trip they were headed down the river when Matt’s kayak got stuck in a whirlpool section of the rapids. He was able to get out of the boat but his kayak was still stuck in the circular current of the river. Mark tied a rope to his waist and went to try to retrieve the boat and upon doing so somehow got pulled under the water. Matt was able to pull his father out but could not revive him so he was forced to run about two miles to get help. By the time help arrived though it was too late.

Death is supposed to be easier for us to handle as Christians because we have the promise of life both now and forever more. I don’t know how I would respond in this situation because I haven’t had to face death in a way that hits so close to home. My heart goes out to a family that is forced to face the reality of the brevity of life in this way but I am thankful that as believers there is life beyond the grave. We who are in Christ Jesus will once again experience the resurrection of our old selves and receive new life to reign with him forever for God through Christ has conquered death.

But, in light of this reminder, I am also thankful that Mark leaves behind a legacy for his family, his friends, and all those that come after him. He leaves a legacy as a faithful follower, friend, husband, father and image of the love of Jesus Christ. It is true that we are not promised our next breath. We are never guaranteed long life for we could be here today and gone tomorrow. However, what we are promised and what we can guarantee is that we can live our lives now, each and every day to the glory of God through which we leave a legacy of love that far outweighs and outlasts are earthly existence. Rest assured that the saints who have gone before us will be there to cheer us on to the end. Run the race! Claim victory in Jesus! Live to leave a legacy to the glory of God!

God, thank you for people like Mark who live their lives to leave a legacy for your glory. May we all choose to live our lives every day that we may do the same.

Radical Hospitality

(The following thoughts spring from an inspiring and challenging message from Randy Harris this past Sunday at Highland)

When I read those words, at first glance I don't exactly picture them together. I had no idea that hospitality could be termed radical. Maybe I haven't connected the two words because it is easier to have a much more limited understanding of the word hospitality in order to place it nice and neatly within my own comfort zone box. It might be that adding the word radical simply serves to confront me with the idea that there is deeper meaning behind hospitality than I have ever dared to realize.

I grew up in a white, middle-class, churched family where hospitality involved having people over in your home whether it be for a meal, or just for the simple pleasure of fun and fellowship. All in all, I believe my parents did a good job of instilling in me an appropriate desire for hospitality and the importance for incorporating it into my life. But then I read the words, Radical Hospitality, and once again I find myself confused. What's so radical about hospitality?

We live in a dangerous world. We can't pretend to ignore that reality. On a daily basis we must face the possibility of encountering "monsters" (as Randy termed it) of all different shapes and sizes. In all likelihood, we will be hurt in one way or another as we encounter these "monsters" but, in line with our normal tendencies, is the answer to shelter ourselves from these experiences? I don't believe so. I think this is where the word radical comes into play. The ministry of Jesus provides us with an image of Radical Hospitality which blows away any previous misconceptions of the words. He lived and walked among the sick, the poor, the unclean, the marginalized and the sinner proclaiming the message of the Kingdom of God, not only in the form of words but also exemplified in a life of love and compassion for all people.

Therefore, Radical Hospitality is more than sharing time together with people you know and are comfortable with, although that is a part of it. Radical Hospitality extends beyond our comfort zones. It takes seriously the command to go into all the world and share the message of Christ. It means meeting people where they are, no matter who they are. In a world where monsters aren't just make-believe, we must be more hesitant to judge others and more willing to live among them. Granted, we must still be cautious in some respects. This approach doesn't make the world any less dangerous. We are likely to get burned or hurt in our pursuit of this type of hospitality. But Radical Hospitality calls us to move forward in Christ willing to take a risk and remembering that there are people to be loved and lives to be transformed.

Are You Ready To Be Radical?

MORE THAN CONQUERORS

The Message of Revelation

To understand Revelation we must examine it within its historical setting. John is writing this to the churches of Asia with the intent that it be read aloud to the congregation. It is not a depiction of the end times but it is a revelation of what is soon to take place.

The theology of Revelation can best be summed up in one word: VICTORY!! John is writing to these churches because persecution and suffering are inevitable. He is writing to encourage them to remain faithful in the midst of persecution because the battle has already been won. Victory is secure because Satan has been defeated through Jesus Christ. Through Christ they don’t have to fear death/martyrdom because if they remain faithful and do not compromise their faith, they will be made MORE THAN CONQUERORS!

Revelation can be difficult for us to understand because we don’t always know how to understand the Apocalyptic language. John wrote to people who understood the historical, sociological-political, and literary contexts. His intent was not for it to be read literally, but instead understood in symbolic terms.

Even though John had this specific and narrow audience in mind there are lessons or theological principles which we can claim for our lives today. Most importantly, the message of VICTORY is still the same for us. We may not have to give up our lives but suffering and persecution are still inevitable. We can receive encouragement and confidence from this message just as the early Christians mentioned in Revelation did. If we remain faithful, do not compromise our faith and proclaim that Christ is Lord, we too can claim VICTORY and the promise of reigning with Christ!

It is also important to realize that God knows his people and will nourish and provide for his people even in the midst of crisis. The challenge for us is to sort out our faith before the crisis strikes. We are to be firmly planted in God and Christ, prepared for whatever period of suffering we encounter. We can also understand our existence in an already/not yet mindset. The Kingdom is here in the now but it will also come in its fullness later. We have been raised with Christ now and we will experience the glory of his resurrection later.

The message of Revelation for believers is a message of empowerment. It is a message that cannot help but impact my life. What better message do we have to share than we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS through Jesus Christ! Although life may not be easy, Satan is defeated and the VICTORY is ours. The very essence of that message should break forth from our lives like rushing water. Through Christ we have hope. In Christ we have freedom. The bonds of Satan have been broken and once we come face to face with this truth we are empowered to live like the redeemed!

Trust in God, do not compromise your faith with the world, and proclaim Christ as Lord. Fall to your knees and worship at his feet recognizing his holiness, righteousness and sovereignty. Then go in Christ and proceed as Conqueror!

A Revelation of Clearer Vision

This week I have been taking a week intensive course in Revelation with Dr. Ian Fair and I believe all this talk about Apocalyptic literature, prophecy, and revelation is causing me to see my own resemblance of visions. I woke up this morning and recalled having a strange dream or vision of some kind during the night. Although I guess it is possible that I just hit my head a little too hard in my sleep. Nevertheless, I will do my best to relay this revelation including some small additions from further reflection.

In the second year (of graduate school), in the sixth month on the eighth day, while I was participating in the week intensive Revelation course, there came to me a vision in my sleep (although one might not be so brave as to proclaim this vision is from God via the mouth of Jesus, as in other prophetic revelations—I don’t know, I'll leave it for you to decide).

I looked up and there before me was a town square. The streets were filled with all sorts of people—men, women, and children representing many different ethnicities. I walked down the street and all the people were bustling with energy and excitement. Then, up the street to my right came Michael Jordan. There was something different about him though. As he came closer I realized that he was 15ft taller than the rest of the people gathered around. He was a giant. Everyone flocked toward him and with utter amazement they proclaimed, “Can you believe it, there’s Michael Jordan!” Some reached out just in hopes of brushing against him.

I decided to move on and continued down the street and around the corner. It didn’t take long before a large shadow crossed my path. I looked out ahead of me but was slightly blinded by the sun behind him. As he approached I heard the squeals of recognition, “Brad Pitt!” The crowd clamored excitedly attempting to get closer to him. Beyond him was Julia Roberts and over to the left was Brett Farve and behind him Tiger Woods. All of them towered over the crowds, standing at least 20 ft. tall. Many stared in amazement and admiration of these people with such great talents and accomplishments.

I left the square and continued through a local neighborhood where I passed a mother and father playing with their children in the front yard. Further down the road on the left was a school and there a teacher stood outside teaching her students under a tree. I looked around and the crowds of people were nowhere to be seen. Then I continued to the end of the street, around the bend and back toward town. Up ahead I came upon a small church building. The minister waved at me from the parking lot and I acknowledged his greeting but kept my course. Finally, I reached the town square and it seemed even more crowded and boisterous than before. People were still laughing and conversing about the events of earlier that day seemingly waiting to catch another glimpse of someone so worthy of honor and praise. As I walked with my head down and made my way back to the place I began I nearly bumped head on into a man. He looked very familiar to me but I could not quite recognize his face. Suddenly, I realized who it was--it was Jesus. I quickly turned around to greet him but he was already gone and it was painfully obvious that no one else in the busy streets saw him either.

So, there it is, as clear as mud. I realize it is quite a strange vision and I don't know quite what to make of it but I think I have some ideas. Maybe you might have some suggestions. I just hope this class isn't making me crazy! And, don't worry, I'll be sure to give an update on any future visions.

Here's to New Beginnings

Today was our first day at Highland...as official members anyway! We have been there for about a year now and figured it was probably time to take the next step and make a commitment. We had been debating whether or not to pursue a ministry position at another church in the area while we are in school but in the end we decided Highland is where we wanted to be. We started a new class today entitled "Abundant Journey" and we look forward to the relationships we will build with people in this class. Today was also a special day because they incorporated a "new baby blessing" into the service in which the parents and their new babies were blessed and prayed over. Then they asked the children first followed by the entire congregation to be committed to growing up these babies in the Lord. It was a powerful and emotional experience.

Later this year, Highland will be celebrating its 75th anniversary and have asked the members of the congregation to participate in the celebration process by creating a theme title to represent God's faithfulness throughout their history. As a new member I decided I wanted to get creative and join in the fun. And, of course, I also decided to blog about it. So here goes--my idea for Highland's 75th Anniversary Celebration:

A Portrait of Faithfulness

This theme represents both God's faithfulness and ours. When I think about portraits, I think about the rich history they represent. I think about the memories they capture. I think about the great cloud of witnesses that have gone before us. At times, all we have to do is catch a glimpse of these snapshots in time and we are reminded of the purpose of our journey and encouraged to continue.

I also think about what it takes to create a portrait. We all represent many different colors used together by the Master to create a beautiful portrait of love and faithfulness. If a picture speaks a thousand words then our prayer is that those words--past, present, and future--give glory, honor, and praise to God.

May we continue to be found faithful

Like a Kid in a Candy Store

It was supposed to feel like that anyway. At least that's how I envisioned it. You see, I have been looking forward to this particular weekend ever since last summer when a friend of mine told me about a book fair hosted by "Friends of the Abilene Library," and held in June each year. Thursday, I saw an article in the paper proclaiming the "good news" about the over-abundance of books looking for kind and warm shelves of which to call home sweet home and I was reminded of my friend's excited remarks about his previous experience which included six hours with books in one place. Of course, I, being the generous person I am, could not allow such books to be abandoned in such a cruel and heartless manner so Sara and I went to the civic center after work last night in hopes of "adopting" a few.

Now, I too was bubbling over with excitement, like a little school-girl (no offense) or a kid in a candy store as we approached the front doors and I saw row after row of books staring back at me with pouty lips and "puppy-dog" eyes only longing to belong--made to be special once again. I began to scan the sea of literature not sure even of where to begin. I made a bee-line to the religion section prepared to persevere for the long haul. It ended up being more like a kid at the dentist with a cavity from the candy store that once was. I finished looking through the books in about 30 minutes with only one that I even somewhat fancied taking home.

I felt a wave of disappointment come over me but I was determined to not throw in the towel. I moved to other sections--philosophy, marriage, mystery, classics, novels--none of which caught my eye. Six hours? I couldn't stay for six more minutes. I'm not sure what happened. I don't know if last year's fair was better, or if there is just a difference between my friend and I in what we look for in books. Maybe the problem is that I now work for a bookstore and in my short time there I am already very spoiled. Needless to say there are more books than I previously envisioned still left without a home and this kid is still looking for his candy...

I think I had a Snickers bar here somewhwere...

Can You Feel the Heat?

Another scorching day in West Texas. According to some it was the second day in a row of 100 degree weather. All I know is that it sure felt like it. One thing I do not miss about living in Florida is the humidity. I don't miss walking outside only to return within seconds dripping in sweat. Yes, it is hot here in Abilene but I can appreciate dry heat. Here, unlike Florida, you can retreat to the shade and escape the unbearable heat of the sun. In Florida, if the temperature is 98 degrees in the sun you might be lucky to find a reprieve of 97 degrees in the shade. Well, no matter the discrepancies the evidence is clear...summer is here.

Today, Sara and I helped the mother of a couple in our small group, move in. She moved to Abilene from California. I hope she is prepared for culture shock. We started about 8:30 and finished within two hours which I believe was quite a feat. Thankfully, the heat withheld the devastating force of its wrath until after noon when we were already experiencing the benefits of one of my favorite inventions: the a/c. However, no rest for the weary--soon after we were back to work earning the "big bucks."

For dinner we got to enjoy the company of some of our closest friends as we fellowshipped over a feast of hamburgers and tortilla chips. What a blessing that God created us to share in relationship with each other.

Then it was off to Highland to receive an encouraging message on being empowered to witness because of the Spirit within us. After our time of worship, Sara and I went to the elders meeting. We had decided to place membership at Highland and take steps to get involved in ministry opportunities so this meeting was a chance to be introduced to the elders. The meeting provided yet another blessing as the elders prayed over us before we left. I only hope I may be fortunate enough to work with a church in the future who has leadership as dedicated to imitating Christ and glorifying God as the people here at Highland. We look forward to being a part of this family.

Even after such an affirming evening, Sara and I still succumbed to temptation on the way home. We remembered that United was having a sale on Blue Bell ice cream and so we stopped to indulge ourselves. The hardest part for us is choosing a flavor that fancies both our palates. By the way, in light of this most recent indulgence I guess I must include ice cream in the list of God-designed blessings for all of mankind (unless of course you are lactose intolerant).

May God continue to pour out his grace-filled blessings upon us all!

Isn't it Ironic?

Well, it is time once again. Time for what you might ask? Summer? Well, yes, but that is not what I am referring to this time. No, it is time to pay the summer school bill. It is a time when once again I come face to face with the actual "investment" that education requires. However, education itself is not the subject of my ramblings. I am a huge proponent of education. After all, I am a graduate student and will have participated in higher education for at least a total of eight years before the earliest possible completion date.

My subject for today more specifically involves the irony of Christian education. This day represents the struggle I encounter every other day throughout my journey through higher education at a Christian institution. I am reminded of the amount of debt my wife and I are incurring in order to pursue a life of ministry. Granted, we all have to make sacrifices in life, but it is disheartening to think that just to receive a Christian education we must sacrifice our future financial situation and quite possibly our children's as well. Believe me, money is not the goal of my life. I want to work to live, not live to work. However, I am also well aware that ministry does not always provide financial stability, which leads me to contemplate whether or not the accumulation of debt is worthwhile. It just seems ironic that based on the cost, loans are encouraged and thousands of dollars of debt are incurred in order to obtain a Christian education. Am I (are we) being a good steward?

I realize that the irony surrounding Christian education affects more than just me as a student. Faculty, staff, administration, parents, and children are all affected in some way or another(and the list probably goes on). I've heard my fair share of horror stories in regard to the paralyzing effect of school debt on the lives of many families. But, in most cases, each person valued the sacrifice for one reason or another. I for one, value my education. I value the experiences I have shared because of my pursuit of a Christian education. I believe I am a different person because of the formation I received from Christian education. I have worked hard to be a good steward while at the same time entrusting my life (including my education debt) to God. I wish the scenario could be different. I wish a Christian education could be as free to everyone as the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, the reality of a private institution (Christian or not) outweighs my strongest desire in regard to this matter.

So, what do I do from this point? I continue to try to be a good steward of whatever blessings God provides and continue to trust Him even in the midst of what can feel like a tidal wave of school debt(or should I say investment)! You know, faith is almost always greater than anything I can fathom. I'm just thankful God is even greater than our school debt!

Where He leads me, I will follow!