Cajun Roast Beef

New Music and LSU

2011-10-05T17:48:00.000-07:00

New Favorite Song

I have a new favorite song, and it has one of the best lines I've ever heard. The song is by Shaun Groves, and it's on his new release, Third World Symphony. The entire album is really good, blending a mix of edgy yet rich writing, passionately low key vocals, and lots of interesting instrumental combinations (like the piano, banjo, electric guitar, flute and triangle on All Is Grace). The song that has me so captivated is called No Better, and it's a strain to those of us who realize that we are truly and wholly saved by grace alone, and that we are absolutely no better than anyone else. The line that drives this point home so wonderfully says:

There's no justice here
It's just as well, you know
We've all got Hell to pay
And grace pays all we owe.

Man, that's good stuff!

Here's a video of Shaun singing the song. It's rough, but you get the picture.

No Better (Demo) from Shaun Groves on Vimeo.

LSU Looking Good

I knew LSU was going to be tough this year, but with all the off-field distractions before the season began, I thought they'd be lucky to win 9 games. That may still be, but this team looks poised to make a run at the National Championship. LSU has what many teams like to act like they have, but few actually possess: Swagger! This team is tough, mean, and plays like the other team called their Mama a bad name.

Defensive back, Tyrann Mathieu (aka: Honey Badger, TM7, Tryannasaurus, Mayhem Mathieu, Little Ball of Hate, etc), is one of the most dynamic players I've ever seen. He's a tiny guy - about 5'9", 175lbs - but he's fearless and nasty, and he's like a magnet for the football. It's rare that you have that sense of expectation - like anything can happen when he's on the field - when watching a defensive player, but that's exactly the way it is when Mathieu's playing.

Here's a video of Mathieu's body of work. Heisman candidate? You bet!!

Watch out for the Tigers!!

Mark's Jesus is Awesome!!

2011-10-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

I started a new sermon series two weeks ago on the book of Mark, and have been struck by the no nonsense, in-your-face style of this Gospel. Matthew, who wrote to a Jewish audience, begins his book with a genealogy, underscoring Jesus' Jewish lineage. Luke focused more on the ministry of the "Son of Man", and highlighted the birth of Christ. His emphasis was on the humanity of Christ, because he knew that his Greek readers would have related to the idea of a perfect Son sent down from the heavens to live a perfect life on earth. John wrote to a very general audience of both Jews and Gentiles, and his message was largely about Jesus' deity, emphasized by the incredible gift of eternal life for all who believed.

But Mark wrote to a different audience altogether. Mark wrote to the busy Romans, a culture know for innovation, progress and greed. Of all the cultures represented in Scripture, perhaps none more closely mimic the values of modern day America more than that of Rome. Though thousands of years of cultural advancement separate us, Rome would be proud of what we've become. Jesus came from the line of David, but we have come from the line of Rome.

In Mark, I have been surprised to see a different Jesus emerge than the one I've grown accustomed to. This Jesus isn't the sanitary and seemingly harmless figure I grew up with. The Jesus of Mark wouldn't dare stick to a flannel board. This guy was on a mission!! Mark's Jesus probably looked more like Pigpen of Charlie Brown fame than the halo'd peacemaker pictured in Titan's Salvator Mundi.

Mark begins with a bang, and without the labored details of Matthew. It opens with John the Baptist coming on thescene in a way that was shocking and probably quite unexpected. This is what I love about the Christian story, and about the Bible in particular. Ifyou were trying to fabricate a convincing story of the coming of the Messiah - The Savior of the World - would you do it like this? Would you basically find the craziest lookingdude you could imagine – a guy who lives in the woods (cue banjo music) eatsgiant grasshoppers and fights bees for wild honey - and make him the one whowould handle the Messiah’s PR campaign?

I've always pictured John the Baptist to be a cross betweenChewbacca, the Big Foot look alike in the Star Wars films, and Bear Grylls, thego-for-broke survivalist star of Discovery’s Man vs. Wild. He was a big,hairy woodsman, and he’d eat anything! This is theguy who ushers in the Savior of the world! I think that’s pretty incredible. You just can’t invent this stuff!

This man, whom I imagine with a beard that would make ZZTop jealous, develops quite a following in Jewish circles. People are coming to him in droves to bebaptized, and the picture here, as N.T. Wright aptly describes it, is of a manwho is rudely awakening the world by “splashing cold water all over them andtelling them to get ready for the greatest moment in Jewish history, in worldhistory.” (Mark for Everyone, p. 3)

Mark’s primary audience is Roman, and the idea of amessenger who would go before the emperor to announce his coming and “preparethe way” would have been a familiar one. Roman royalty typically sent messengers ahead to repair roads andannounce the King’s coming so that those awaiting his presence would have ampletime to adequately prepare for such an event. As the old British joke says, “Wherever the Queen goes she smells freshpaint.”

In the case of John the Baptist, rather than fixing roadsand sprucing up homes, his primary concern was to turn hearts away from thedeception of the world and toward the fulfillment of the prophecies. The One spoken of in Isaiah 40:3-5 andMalachi 3:1 (among other places) was coming, and the waters of baptism servedas a tangible expression of both spiritual awakening and spiritualcleansing. This was the kind ofpre-royalty preparation that John was tasked with. Instead of building roads, he was preparinghearts.

So, what we learn from verses 1-8 is that God is up tosomething new here. As Sally Lloyd-Joneswrites in her wonderful book, The Jesus Storybook Bible, “Everything bad iscoming undone!” The vast silence sinceGod’s manifest presence left the Old Testament temple was finallybreaking. The restless and feverishslumber of a sin-sick people was rather shockingly coming to an end. The Messiah was coming, and a mad man wasalerting the world to this jarring fact.

I'll keep you posted on the Mark series, and I'll update my blog as I continue to be surprised by Jesus. Funny how you can be a Christian for most of your life and still stumble on God's surprising truth. And by "funny", I mean "awesome"!!

Light Up the Sky, Upward, New Music and Twitter

2011-05-12T07:44:00.000-07:00

Light up the Sky

Some storms blew through North Texas last night, and the lightning was pretty intense in certain areas. This video was shot in Fort Worth during a 30 minute period when a whole bunch of transformers exploded, leaving about 5,000 people without power. As I watched this, I was reminded of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Lots of colorful light bursts!

If you can't see the video, click here to view it.

Upward

We're starting a new series at church on May 22nd, and I'm pretty excited about it. It will last the entire Summer, and we're going to look at selected chapters from the book of Psalms. The series is called "Upward", and I'm hoping it will generate a lot of excitement during the Summer months. Here's the promotional video for the series:

If you can't see this video, click here to view it.

New Music

I've kind of grown tired of the over-produced, super slick style of worship music that everyone's playing these days. Some of it's good, but it's everywhere, and it's all starting to feel the same. Well, recently I stumbled onto something called High Street Hymns, and I really like it. Check out the song below. How have I never heard this before?

<a href="http://highstreethymns.bandcamp.com/track/praise-my-soul-the-king-of-heaven">Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven by High Street Hymns</a>

Twitter

Finally, I am going to make a bold proclamation... I like Twitter better than Facebook. There, I said it. On Twitter, I can follow who I want to follow, and I don't get any annoying friend requests from people I don't know or don't remember. People can follow me too, but I don't have to ever post anything if I don't want to. For some reason, I just like to browse people's tweets, and then I'm done. I can simply be a spectator, with no fear of commitment. I like that. What does that say about me?

Some of my favorite people to follow are:

Tim Keller - Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian in Manhattan. Dr. Keller's posts always make me thankful for the grace of God.
Jim Gaffigan - This guy is one of my favorite comedians, and his tweets are pretty hilarious.
Bill Simmons - He's a writer and analyst for ESPN, and his hot sports opinions are unique and clever.
The Quotable Les Miles - Mesmerizing quotes from the head coach at LSU. Miles is awesome, but he often makes no sense.
CS Lewis - Brilliant, bite-sized commentary from one of the smartest Christians in modern history. I know he's dead, but that's the great thing about reading his tweets!!

Worship Like a Rock Star

2011-02-15T20:00:00.000-08:00

OK, I don't even know what to say about this. I deeply long to have this man come and perform at my church. Amazing moves... Killer voice... Mystifying stage presence... This guy's the total package. I'm pretty sure he's the secret child of Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson. I found myself breathless while watching this performance. Undoubtedly you will too!

If this video is not displayed correctly, click here to watch.

(HT: Bag of Nothing)

OK, here's another video of the same song. The intro on this one is mind-boggling!!! The moves, man! The moves!!! And I love the oh so subtle way he tells the sound man to turn up the track volume. Two thumbs way up!!!

Again, if you can't see the video (and, trust me, you want to see this!), click here.

iBand - Amazing!!

2011-01-31T13:17:00.000-08:00

This is the coolest thing I've seen in a long time. Two observations: 1) These guys had a lot of time on their hands to figure this out, and 2) This was done by a church. Good to see a church on the cutting edge. Stick around until the 5:02 mark. It's awesome!!

If you can't see the embedded video, click here

I Love My Small Group!

2011-01-24T21:51:00.000-08:00

In addition to pastoring Grace Community Church, I also lead a small group (aka Life Group) which meets at our house every Sunday at 5:30pm. Our group is pretty new, but we have some folks who are very committed to meeting every week and going about the business of sharing life together. Last Sunday we gathered for one of the best group times I can remember.

Several people shared freely about the various struggles they faced, and I was struck by just how difficult life is. There were deep and painful struggles with children, heart wrenching stories of illness, and life altering tales of hardship. Simply listening to these accounts was, for lack of a better word, hard. So stunning were some of these stories that we stopped down and paused for prayer three times just so we could make it through the night.

As some shared and others prayed, I was blown away by a unique and exciting thought: We were actually opening up about the gory details of our lives without fear or remorse. There were no shallow bushes to hide behind. All that stood before us were the open, revealing and deep waters of true Christian brother and sisterhood. We didn't gather for a dinner party or an ice breaker or a game night. Instead, we coalesced for the dual purposes of bearing our souls and seeking our Savior. What other venue can offer this? What other setting would dare?

This is why I love my Life Group: It's the only place something like this can happen. It's deep and real and good. It's not even always fun, but there's not a single post-Life Group discussion that doesn't contain this sentiment: "I'm so glad I went to Life Group tonight!"

Even if you have an aversion to sharing your "junk" with a small group, do me a favor and try it anyway. You may discover that there's really no reason to avoid the risky proposition of consistently attending a small group.

Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired

2011-01-20T09:33:00.000-08:00

It's been a really long time since I've tried to crank this bad boy up to see if it still runs. Life is busy, I guess, and I just haven't felt inspired to update my blog in a while. I'm not really sure I feel all that inspired to update it today, but I've been sick all week, and the thought of melting into the couch one more day is killing me! So I guess this is what you can expect from my blog from now on: When I'm not sick, I won't post. When I am sick enough to be really tired of being sick, I'll post something. Deal? Deal.

Joining me in sickness today are my son's Pierce and Quinn. There's not much worse than taking care of sick children when you are also sick. There's going to be trouble if we all have to throw up at the same time. This town's not big enough for the three of us!
Where's my wife, you ask? Well, she works at Navarro College, and school started this week, so she's pretty out of pocket. I think she's really happy that she doesn't have to be here. I would be!
I saw this picture at www.bagofnothing.com, and it made me laugh:

We went to Roanoke, TX on Sunday night and spent the night with our old neighbors, who also happen to be some of our closest friends. They have 4 kids, and we have 5. They also have some other kids who are staying at their house because they are very wonderful people who do that sort of thing. There were 13 kids and 4 adults in their house Sunday night. It was a free-for-all!
We had a blast with our friends!! We stayed up until 3am and talked and played games and talked some more. You can't do that kind of thing with just anyone. Only special friendships with special people can give you that kind of freedom. Either that, of we're all insane. Not sure which.
We ate at Cowboy Chow in downtown Roanoke, and if you haven't either been to Cowboy Chow or downtown Roanoke, you're missing out. Cowboy Chow is, as its name suggests, a restaurant which features the type of food you might have eaten on the Old Chisholm Trail, or something like that. I had the "Tater Parfait", which was a layer of mashed potatoes on top of a layer of black beans on top of a layer of brisket... Twice! It was served in a mason jar, and it was absolutely delicious!! Kim had the "Ranch Cigars", which is brisket and cheddar cheese rolled tightly in 4 flour tortillas, and flash fried. It was served with mashed potatoes and a delicious three cheese ranch . Kim's meal was better than mine, and mine was dang good! There's another Cowboy Chow location in the Deep Ellum area of Dallas.
Downtown Roanoke, TX has become one of my favorite locations in the Metroplex. It's changed a lot since we lived there, when the wonderful Babe's was the only real attraction. Now it's loaded with good restaurants, including Cowboy Chow and Twisted Root (a great place to get an awesome hamburger), and they've redone the roads to give it a quaint, old main street vibe. You should visit sometime!

There's been a lot of LSU buzz since the Tiger's whipped the Aggie's in the Cotton Bowl. Coach Les Miles turned down the Michigan job in favor of staying in Baton Rouge, and even though Miles is extremely goofy, you can't really argue with his record. Four 11-win seasons in 6 years is pretty impressive, and he's also 5-1 in bowl games. And, oh yeah, there was that National Championship in 2007. I'm happy he stayed. If you don't think he's goofy, check out this web page, which offers a compilation of Miles' quotes. It's oddly addictive.
There are tons of reports today that Steve Kragthorpe has been hired as LSU's new Offensive Coordinator. Kragthorpe is known for his offenses at Tulsa and Louisville. Seems like a solid hire.
LSU is also garnering a lot of hype for next season. So far, at least two "experts" have picked the Tigers to win the National Championship (This guy, and this guy). It's good to know there aren't any high expectations for next year! No place to go but down!!

Ok, well, that's all I got! Until the next time I fall deathly ill....

Food, Inc.

2010-09-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

I vividly remember sitting down as a young man for dinner at my Grandparent's ranch in DeRidder, LA. I could see the corn fields from the kitchen window as the smell of fresh green beans and grilled chicken filled the room. I can remember seeing the same potatoes my Grandmother and I pulled from the ground earlier that day being pulled from the oven just before dinner. And I remember seeing that glistening grilled chicken and realizing that its head was in my Grandma's hand after she had wrung its neck that very morning. There was no doubt where those wonderful meals came from, and that's kind of what made them so wonderful.

Saturday night after watching the LSU Tigers work over Vanderbilt, Kim and I sat down with some friends and watched a documentary called "Food, Inc." Something about the cover of the film caught my eye, and even though I knew the movie might change the way I looked at food, it still seemed like a worthy pursuit. I was right on both counts, and now I'm not sure what to do about it.

Food, Inc. tells the story of the food industry in America. It does not paint a pretty picture. It lifts the curtain between the bright and organized presentation we see on the grocery store aisle, and the rather dark and destructive process by which those items end up on the shelf. I had never really thought of these things before. How do we get our food? Who brings it to the grocery store, and how do they get it? How does all that nice white chicken meat end up in a shrink wrapped container without bones? These are just some of the questions Food, Inc. seeks to answer.

Here's an excerpt from the Food, Inc. discussion guide provided on the movie's web site:

"When most of us think of a farm, we imagine a place with a red barn, green
pastures, and chickens running around the yard. But the reality of most farms
in the United States today is far from that image. Farming has become so
industrialized and mechanized that many modern farms are like factories.

The poultry industry is an example of this change to factory farms. As depicted in
Food, Inc., chickens today are often raised in huge metal buildings with no access
to light or fresh air, confined together with thousands of birds in one building,
and made to grow so quickly that often their bones cannot keep up and they can
lose their ability to walk."

I didn't really think about that the last time I popped a chicken nugget in my mouth. The movie goes on to tell us that chickens grow to full maturity in about 6 months, but steroids and genetic engineering have altered the way our food grows. The food industry now grows huge chickens with large breasts (because consumers prefer white meat) to full maturity in about 48 days. I'm no expert, but that can't be good for the chicken or the consumer.

We also find out in Food, Inc. that most of what we like to think of as "fresh food", like eggs, vegetables and meat, travels an average of 1,500 miles from the farm to the grocery store. That doesn't seem real fresh! This is the first time in history that we aren't able to trace our food from its origin, and we don't really care.

In one particularly disturbing scene, the makers of Food, Inc. showed how 85% of hamburger beef is cleaned by ammonia before it is packaged. Apparently the scientists who came up with this factory-produced process thought that exposing the meat to ammonia would eliminate the risk of disease. The factory was big and metal and contained a seemingly endless labyrinth of pipes. If you didn't know better, you'd think they were building cars in that factory, not packaging meat!!

Now, I'll be honest with you... I don't know quite what to do about this. I'm far too busy (which is undoubtedly part of the problem) to raise my own livestock and harvest my own vegetables. Plus, I don't have any land on which to pursue such things. Going to McDonald's with 5 kids seems much more do-able for my family than stocking the freezer with grass-fed, free range beef, and cooking a bag of frozen beans in the microwave is much more efficient for a family of 7 than snapping, washing and cooking pees acquired from the farmer's market.

But going to McDonald's is no longer desirable, and the thought of continuing to fill my body with overprocessed, pesticide riddled, genetically engineered, ammonia doused, corn based food disgusts me. I hate it that I don't know where the food I eat comes from, and I'm bothered by the fact that huge, multinational corporations control nearly all the available food in the world. Clearly changes must be made. I'll update you when I figure out how to make them. Until then, I'll remember my Grandparent's farm and see if I can find a way to duplicate its wholesomeness on some small level.

Horn Creek Mountain Top Experience

2010-08-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

Last week was my family's annual trek to the mountains of Colorado for Family Camp at Horn Creek. We love it. Our year isn't the same without Horn Creek, so we literally do everything in our power to make the trip happen. This year was particularly tough because we weren't in a position financially to be able to go, but thanks to some very generous folks who work at the camp we were able to migrate northwest for a week in the thin, beautiful air of Horn Creek.

There were many wonderful things that happened at Horn Creek this year, and it was probably my favorite trip since we started coming 4 years ago. Pierce was easier to handle this time around, and even when he did generate some chaos, the other campers seemed better prepared to deal with his quirks. Jillian and the boys went and did as they pleased, and they frolicked and built forts and observed (and sometimes captured) wildlife with more skill and freedom that ever before. Kim and I had more time to sit and talk and enjoy the scenery than in years past, and we began to feel like Horn Creek was more "ours" than not.

The highlight of the trip, by far, happened on Thursday when Kim, Trent, Cale and I hiked to the 13,450 ft summit Horn Peak. We began in a meadow at 6:00 a.m., and as we hiked to the base of the mountain, we realized we were in for a very difficult day. Ten minutes into the hike we were seriously re-thinking our summit attempt. We just couldn't seem to catch our breath. And by "we", I mean Kim and me, because Trent and Cale showed no signs of struggle. I think there's probably something very empowering to a kid when he discovers he's stronger, on some level, than his parents. It was good to see my kids empowered.

By the time we got to the tree line (which is the place where the oxygen levels are so thin that tree's can't grow) we were exhausted. Again, by "we", I mean Kim and me. The boys were still fresh as a mountain stream. Little punks! Our guide informed us at this point that it would take at least three more hours to reach the peak. Three more hours!! How could that be? We had already hiked for 3.5 hours, and it looked from our perspective like the top of the mountain was only a couple of hundred yards away. Our guide was obviously mistaken. We'd be at the top in less than an hour.

The sad truth is that it took us more than three hours to get there. Oh yeah, and by "us", I mean Kim and me. The boys hit the summit a full hour before we waddled to the top. We collapsed there with our two oldest sons, and we took in a panorama of some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. It was an exhilarating, confidence boosting accomplishment for all involved, and it was the kind of thing that made me long for more of this kind of activity with my family. I made it a goal on the top of that mountain that I would climb this mountain with each of my children before I die.

I want my kids to know that true accomplishment is more than getting to the next level on a video game. I want them to know that they can overcome tremendous obstacles and still achieve great things. I want them to know what beauty looks like. I want them to feel small compared to God's handiwork, and I want them to know that when they do, I'll be right there with them, feeling even smaller. I want them to know that how you descend is just as important as how you ascend, and I want them to understand that risk and danger are sometimes parts of the journey that you must embrace instead of avoid.

When we got to the top of the mountain I looked at Cale and said, "You know what the bad thing about climbing a mountain is?" He answered, "No." "You can never say 'I can't' again", I responded. "I'll know better, because if you can climb a mountain, you can do just about anything." He thought, nodded his head, and said, "Yep." Then I said, "Do you know what the good thing about climbing a mountain is?" "What?" he replied. "You can never say I can't again."

I'm not sure he understood where I was going with that, but I knew that one day he'd realize that having a never quit mentality would become a great asset. That's the kind of thing you can only learn by experiencing something bigger than yourself. Horn Creek gives us those kinds of opportunities, and that's why we love it.

You should probably find a way to get to Horn Creek sometime!

Trash Talking

2010-06-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

Last year when LSU lost to Ole Miss in shameful fashion (a loss to Ole Miss is always shameful, but this one was particularly so), Shepherd Smith, an Ole Miss graduate, took a shot at the Tigers at the end of his Fox News show. It was cheap and unnecessary, but, hey... It's Ole Miss.

I thought this was a fun piece of video featuring Les Miles, the LSU head football coach. Miles, not known for his articulate interviews, was surprisingly well spoken, especially in relation to his concern for the Louisiana coast. Good stuff!

Click the link below to watch the video:
Trash Talking

Mega-conferences

2010-06-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

The college football landscape is about to change dramatically, and I'm not sure what I think about it. I grew up in SEC country, and for some time now the SEC has been considered the top conference in the land. With 5 of the last 7 BCS National Champions coming from the SEC, it's hard to argue against the conference's dominance. As a fan of the LSU Tigers, an SEC Western division school, I am perfectly happy with the conference, aside from the inclusion of Vanderbilt University, who consistently rests at the bottom of the SEC.

The Big 12, another power conference, and one that has seen nearly as much success as the SEC in recent years, looks to be evaporating. Nebraska has accepted an invitation to join the Big 10, and Colorado has jumped to the PAC 10. That said, it's only a matter of time before Texas makes a move, and then the dominoes will fall, and the Big 12 will be no longer.

In my opinion, the SEC can only gain good things from this turn of events. We either pick up, say, a Texas A&M or an Oklahoma, or we raid the ACC and get Virginia Tech and Fla State. Either way, the rich get richer, and the competitive level of the SEC incredibly goes up a notch.

For fans, this paves the way for 3 major conferences: The SEC, The PAC 16, and The Big 16, and there will probably be one or two more mega-conferences that emerge from all of this (The Mountain West has reportedly already added Boise St). The good thing is that this should pave the way for a playoff system. The bad news is that many of the mid-major schools like Utah and TCU may find it even more difficult to compete for national prominence.

Oh yeah, and how about those sanctions at USC? 30 lost scholarships over three years, with a cap of only 15 a year, plus forfeiting some losses and no postseason for the next few years? Wow!! That 2003 BCS National Championship for LSU is starting to look more and more unanimous with each passing day. Sweet redemption!

I can't wait to see how it all plays out. All I can say is Geaux Tigers and Go SEC!!!

Here's an interesting article by Tony Barhart about how it all might shake out.

Here's another article about Texas A&M to the SEC. Good stuff.

Good Christian Music

2010-05-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

The phrase "Good Christian music" used to sound like an oxymoron to me. For a long time I rejected the idea of "Christian" music at all. I don't like it when we categorize our faith, as though there are exclusively Christian moments and non-Christian moments. Is it Christian when a young Sunday-schooler walks an old lady across the street and non-Christian when a gang-banger caps off a drive by? One demonstrates charity and grace and the other reflects grave depravity, but both speak clearly of lynch pin doctrines of the faith. So is sin any less Christian than love? Without sin, after all, there is no need for the sacrificial love of Christ.

Music, in much the same way, can't simply be defined as "Christian" or "non-Christian." It either speaks of the goodness of God or the depravity of man, but themes of faith abound in any form of art. So, the real designator when it comes to the industry known as "Christian music" is the faith status of the singer/performer. The music itself is neither Christian nor non-Christian, but the artist can certainly claim one or the other designation.

Anyway, now that I've cleared that up... Here's my list of good music that happens to be performed by Christian artists. This is not a comprehensive list, but simply a few good things I've listened to lately that seem worth passing along. Enjoy!

Phil Wickham - I'm not big on the whole "Worship" genre, but Wickham's music is so artfully arranged that I can no longer deny its greatness. His voice is full of believable passion, and the writing aptly captures the mystery and greatness of God. When you listen to his songs, you feel as though you're being swept up into something bigger (Try "Cannons" or "Heaven & Earth")
Sara Groves - Before her latest release, "Fireflies and Songs", I couldn't have told you a single song by Sarah Groves. I'm sure I've heard her before, but nothing memorable comes to mind. But this most recent album is great. It's smart, dignified and moving, and the music moves as naturally as a mountain stream. There's nothing spectacular on this record, but it's the kind of album you can play several times and hear something new with each listen.
Glenn Kaiser and Darrell Mansfield - When I was in college, one of my friends bought Kaiser/Mansfield's "Trimmed and Burnin'", and it instantly became one of my favorite records of all time. Imagine two guys sitting on the front porch of a rickety rural farm house with a dobro (a kind of steel guitar) and a harmonica (and maybe a glass of moonshine and a burning cigarette), and you're probably pretty close to envisioning the setting where a lot of these songs were written. This is just gritty, down home blues sung by two gravel throated virtuosos. Every song speaks of the holiness of God, but nothing about this album feels contrived or condescending. I've listened to these guys consistently for nearly 20 years, and they never get old.
Ben Shive - I first heard Ben in December at the Behold the Lamb of God show in Cleburne, TX (This show is a must see, so if it comes your way, you must go see it!). I was blown away by his writing. Rich, deep, truly powerful writing. He can really play the piano too, and his album, "The Ill-Tempered Klavier", is quite magical. You should probably buy it.

That's all I've got for you. I know there's more really good music by Christian artists out there, but these are the one's currently lighting my fire. I hope you like them too.

I knew this day would come!!!

2010-05-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

I remember back several years ago when we took the dignity defying plunge into Mini-van ownership. Fantasies of driving a big, manly truck or a hip, slick sports car quickly vaporized into the reality of driving a bulky, egg-shaped family wagon. As The Police so accurately wrote in their song, Synchronicity, driving a mini-van is a "humiliating kick in the crotch."

But no longer!! According to Toyota, owning a Mini-van = Pure Awesomeness. I knew this day would come!!!

Contemporvant

2010-05-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

This is a great video that shows how ridiculous church can sometimes be. I love the church in all its many expressions, but I'm starting to feel less and less like the "cool" pastor type. I can't pull off the designer T-shirts, I don't have any tattoo's, I can't grow a gotee, and if I shaved my head I'd look even more goofy. I'm approaching 40, and I'm just not that cool anymore. This video is sweet justice for me because it points out that the uber-cool church environments that are all the rage aren't very cool either. Good stuff.

"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.

(HT: Denny Burk)

Been a long time, Baby

2010-05-06T09:20:00.001-07:00

OK, it's been way too long since I've been here. For whatever reason I decided to open up the laptop and dust off Cajun Roast Beef like an old book that's been sitting on the shelf of an abandoned cabin. I'm not sure why I stopped blogging for so long. It probably has a lot to do with the fact that I am just busy these days and don't have the time to spend on contemplating "Life, Religion and Stuff" like I used to. Truth be told, I probably didn't have the time then either, but it seemed more important to vent to my online journal than take care of the business at hand. That is no longer the case.

Another reason I stopped blogging is because, honestly, it felt like I was trying to be self-important. It was kind of like saying, "Look, everyone, I've got something cool to say! You should read my thoughts because they're good." While I'd like to believe that I'm capable of some pretty good thoughts, it was beginning to feel weird to consistently publish them to the web. I really felt like I was looking for some confirmation that I could think well or write well or be clever. I'm a people pleaser, and this sort of became my outlet to feel like someone liked me. Sad, but true.

The other reason I haven't posted in a while is because I'm not as creative as I used to be. I don't know whether it's parenting 5 children or running a church or what, but my brain just doesn't have that same spark anymore. Plus, I spend so much creative energy on sermon preparation that there's nothing left for my blog. Sometimes - and I know some of you won't believe this - I just don't have anything to say (or write).

What I've come to realize lately is that I really like to write. Some people like to hunt or play video games or collect memorabilia, but I like to write. It's an outlet, and it's just something that's in me. So I'm going to keep posting here and there because it's something I like to do. I won't do it as much because I'm busy and I don't want to get caught in a self-important trap, but I will try to post something regularly.

Happy reading!!!!

Don't Just Improve Your Marriage... Transform it!!

2010-03-02T07:42:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned a while back, I have been writing some press releases for a marketing company, and, every once in a while, I really like to pass along the title and description of a book that I think will be particularly helpful. "Us" by Daniel Tocchini is one such book. I really like Tocchini's approach, and I'd highly recommend taking a look at this one. Here's the press release:

Us, a new book by Daniel Tocchini, isn’t about improving marriages. It’s about transforming them. Drawing on personal experience and stories from couples he has coached, Tocchini offers practical guidance to move couples beyond communication tricks and gimmicks to help them truly understand "Us" for the first time. Couples often encounter devestating roadblocks to their communication, but "Us" takes them through the necessary steps to evade such obstacles and experience freedom in marriage. Things like talking honestly, listening generously, tackling tricky issues, breaking out of ruts, and abandoning self-centered “consumer thinking" help navigate couples through their life together. The good news, according to Tocchini, is that personalities don’t need to change in order for marriage to work. What needs to change is how we view ourselves, our spouses, and our marriages.

Innovative, insightful and thoroughly biblical, Tocchini’s approach has helped thousands in his popular seminars. Whether a marriage is in deep trouble or just coasting along, it's time for Christian couples to read the User's Guide that God intended.

In this intensely practical, innovative guide, marriage coach Daniel Tocchini invites you to open your marriage to transformation by learning to:
· Expect less—and infinitely more—of your life partner and yourself
· Actually talk to each other instead of making assumptions (and accusations)
· Break free of those recurring, unresolved arguments
· Manage the impact of difficult (but necessary) conversations on your relationship
· Defuse conflict without sweeping it under a rug
· Open the broken places in your marriage (the ones you hesitate even to talk about)

Tocchini explains, “This is a transformational approach to breaking through the barriers and getting out of the ruts in our marriage by paying attention to our conversation—what we are thinking, our motivation for thinking it, and the impact it has on our spouse.”

Author Bio
Daniel L. Tocchini has worked with more than 5,000 couples through personal marriage coaching and the unique and life-changing marriage seminars offered through his organization, the Association for Christian Character Development. An ordained minister, chaplain, author, and highly successful speaker/coach, he lives with his family in California.

Us by Daniel L. Tocchini
David C Cook/January 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4347-6473-7/196 pages/softcover/$14.99
http://www.davidccook.com/

Hidden Baggage

2010-01-12T09:10:00.001-08:00

Do you ever feel like you're carrying around some hidden baggage? I recently took a trip through an airport security checkpoint in Dallas. In the wake of the underwear bomber (is there a more dubious distinction?), airport security is in full on lock down mode, and those of us who've had to travel since Christmas day have encountered a whole new level of scrutiny. In my case, I stepped to the checkpoint confident that my luggage would make a non-stop trip through the x-ray machine, and assured that I would shoe-lessly and belt-lessly breeze through the metal detector without incident. I laid my laptop, car keys, coat, cell phone, shoes and belt in their own generic grey bins, and slid them onto the conveyor belt like groceries at a check out lane. What could go wrong?

Before I left home, I grabbed a small carry-on bag from the hall closet and packed it myself (without the aid of any terrorist-types), so I knew there was nothing in there that could be fashioned into a makeshift weapon. Imagine my surprise when one of the security guards stopped me and exclaimed, "You know you have a multi-tool with a blade in your bag, right?" "No!" I surprisingly snapped back, "I had no idea." Apparently one of my kids stuffed this threatening device into my suitcase for some unknown reason. It cost me nearly 20 minutes at the security station just to explain to homeland security that I really wasn't planning on charging the cockpit with a leatherman. Finally, after confiscating the multi-tool that I never knew I even owned, they sent me on my way.

It was a not so subtle reminder that we sometimes carry harmful things around with us, like so much airport baggage, while not even knowing they are there. This is why I think counseling is good for just about anyone. Counselors are sort of like airport security check points. They reveal the things we carry around inside of us that could be potentially harmful to us, sometimes without our knowledge. Just something to think about.

New Book Offers Honest Reflections About Bothersome Truths

2010-01-04T10:44:00.000-08:00

If you were to ask an atheist or skeptic what bothers him most about Christianity, chances are that person would have a list of issues to discuss. But what would happen if you were to pose that same question to a Christian — or, better yet - an evangelical pastor? The answer might surprise you.

In What Bothers Me Most About Christianity (Howard Books/Simon & Schuster), Pastor Ed Gungor owns up to the valid criticism that affronts Christianity. Gungor is the author of the New York Times bestseller There Is More to the Secret and is recognized as an expert on issues of faith and popular culture. A regular guest on Moody Broadcasting’s Primetime America radio show, his popular blogs are found on Christian Post.com. With his trademark wit and refreshing honesty, Gungor explores the aspects of Christianity that trouble not only the opponents of faith but dedicated believers as well.

“Those who embrace Christ love Christianity, but some parts of faith still don’t sit well. Not everyone is willing to admit this. Some claim they never experience tension or doubt—that their faith is always an ecstatic, absolute, unwavering “knowing” that bubbles inside them at all times, forever effervescent and never encroached upon by doubt. But I don’t believe them,” Gungor states. “Faith has already won the day in my soul. But still, some areas of faith throw me off. They disturb me; they disturb lots of people. In What Bothers Me Most About Christianity, I extend an open invitation to anyone who wants to explore these areas with me.”

In recent years, atheist authors like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens have begun to flood the market with books attempting to dismantle religious faith. Gungor’s contribution to this discussion is thoughtful, reasonable, and respectful. What Bothers Me Most About Christianity is essential reading for anyone—believer and skeptic alike—who struggles to understand or accept:

• A Hide-and-Seek God
• An Unreasonable Faith
• An Evil World
• A Lone Savior
• The Science-Faith Smackdown
• An All-Too-Human Church
• An Old Testament “Bully”
• A Misuse of Scripture
• A Torturous Hell

Gungor maintains that having faith is not intellectual suicide and that mystery is an essential quality of the Christian belief. What Bothers Me Most About Christianity opens up the forum for amicable discussion between thinking people on both sides of the debate, from aggressive atheists to unswerving Christian believers. Gungor maintains that balancing faith and reason is, indeed, possible and that devoted Christ followers need not shy away from asking the tough questions.

“If we aren’t honest about the tensions in faith, problems emerge. Critical thinkers observe Christians and dismiss the claims of Christ, and some Christ followers end up living more in the land of fake than the land of faith,” Gungor reflects. As he guides readers through these fundamental issues, they will find that their honest wrestling will actually bring them to a deeper, more mature understanding of faith. What Bothers Me Most About Christianity is available online here.

Taking a Shortcut to God?

2009-12-29T09:58:00.000-08:00

We live in a culture of experts. Everywhere one turns, there are professionals touting advice on everything from how to repair your car to how to fix your marriage. And, in Christian circles, some have even started to believe that there are “God experts”—people who can pray in just the right way that God hears them or who worship in such a way as to make God listen. We begin to rely on these people as our sole source of information about God, rather than make the effort to encounter Him directly ourselves.

In his new book, Secondhand Jesus: Trading Rumors of God for a Firsthand Faith (David C Cook, June 2009), author and worship pastor of New Life Church Glenn Packiam summons readers upon a passionate quest—a holy pursuit—to truly experience Christ’s power and love for themselves. “God wants us to know Him deeply and personally,” Packiam says. “But there are no shortcuts to God. The Bible tells us that ‘The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.’” (Matthew 7:14, The Message)

God has offered us firsthand knowledge of His love, His grace, and His power. Yet so often, we too easily settle for someone else’s descriptions, the Cliff notes from another’s spiritual journey. We are content for others to do the heavy lifting and then give us the bottom line. And, like any secondhand information, after enough times through the grapevine, the truth about God deteriorates and crumbs of rumor are all that remain.

But when life derails, and things don’t go as we had planned, our thin view of God is challenged. In those critical moments, we can choose to walk away from God, or to let our questions lead us home. When we choose to wrestle with God, to engage Him individually, we—like Jacob and Job and David—will see rumors die and revelation come alive.

Crushing rumors of God that many Christians mistakenly hold, Secondhand Jesus isn’t a five-step formula, but rather a challenge to Christians to own their faith by questioning their preconceived ideas about God. “It’s time to hear the magnificent, Divine Invitation,” says Packiam. “It’s time to take God up on His offer and embrace the mystery and majesty of knowing Him for ourselves.”

Author Bio

Glenn Packiam is an associate worship pastor at New Life Church and the director of New Life School of Worship in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was one of the founding worship leaders and songwriters for the Desperation Band. Glenn’s worship songs, like “Your Name,” “Everyone (Praises),” “My Savior Lives,” and “We Lift You Up,” are being sung in churches all over the world. Glenn is also the author of Butterfly in Brazil. He and his wife, Holly, and their two adorable daughters, Sophia and Norah, live in Colorado Springs.

New Twist for my Blog

2009-12-29T09:43:00.001-08:00

For some time now I have been writing pseudo-professionally, and because of that you may start to see some changes to my blog. I do a little writing for the B&B Media Group, and they promote and market a lot of really good books. As a result of my relationship with B&B Media, I'm going to start posting some press releases of some of the books they promote so that you will be aware of what's "out there" that you may want to add to your reading list. I hope this will prove helpful to you and to B&B. Thanks!

More Christmas Quotes

2009-12-22T18:27:00.000-08:00

"I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses." - Taylor Caldwell

"Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people once a year." - Victor Borge

"Sing out with joy for the brave little boy who is God, but he made himself nothing." - Andrew Peterson

Christmas Quotes continued....

2009-12-18T09:15:00.000-08:00

"There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one Big Story. The Story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them.

It takes the whole Bible to tell this Story. And at the center of the Story there is a baby. Every Story in the Bible whispers his name. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle –the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together, and suddenly you can see a beautiful picture." - Sally Lloyd-Jones, The Jesus Storybook Bible

Christmas Quotes

2009-12-17T08:55:00.000-08:00

From now until Christmas day I'm going to share some of my favorite Christmas quotes with you. Enjoy!

"Today as I read the accounts of Jesus' birth I tremble to think of the fate of the world resting on the responses of two rural teenagers." - Philip Yancey, The Jesus I Never Knew

5 Awesome Gifts for Men

2009-12-08T09:02:00.000-08:00

I'm putting together a list of Christmas goodies that any intelligent man would want this year. I own some of these, but would love to have others. Without further hesitation, I bring you Steve's list of Awesome Guy Christmas Presents:

1. Keurig Single Cup Home Brewing System - I recently acquired this lovely machine as a pastor appreciation gift. It's awesome. I hate brewing a pot of coffee when all I really want is one cup. With this bad boy there are no messy coffee grains, no filters to bother with, and no re-warming of old coffee because you feel bad throwing out half a pot at the end of the day. Plus, it makes a really good cup of joe. This is a must have for the coffee lover.

2. Under Armour Boxerjock - OK, I'm not going to post a picture of these, but trust me when I tell you that this is simply the finest pair of male undergarment ever invented. Also trust me when I say that every man needs to replenish all or some of his underwear each year. Enough said.

3. Kindle - If there's one item on this year's list that I covet most, it's the Kindle. This electronic book reader is like having an entire library of books in a device the size of a thin paperback. Here are only a few of the features the Kindle offers:

Slim: Just over 1/3 of an inch, as thin as most magazines
Lightweight: At 10.2 ounces, lighter than a typical paperback
Books in Under 60 Seconds: Get books delivered wirelessly in less than 60 seconds; no PC required
3G Wireless: 3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle; no annual contracts, no monthly fees, and no hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots
Global Coverage: Enjoy 3G wireless coverage at home or abroad in over 100 countries.
Paper-Like Display: Reads like real paper without glare, even in bright sunlight
Carry Your Library: Holds up to 1,500 books
Longer Battery Life: Now read for up to 1 week on a single charge with wireless on, a significant improvement from the previous battery life of 4 days
Built-In PDF Reader: Your Kindle can now display PDF documents natively. Native PDF support allows you to carry and read all of your personal and professional documents on the go.
Read-to-Me: With the experimental Text-to-Speech feature, Kindle can read newspapers, magazines, blogs, and books out loud to you, unless the book's rights holder made the feature unavailable
Free Book Samples: Download and read first chapters for free before you decide to buy
Large Selection: Over 360,000 books, including 101 of 112 New York Times® Best Sellers, plus U.S. and international newspapers, magazines, and blogs.
Low Book Prices: New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases are $9.99, unless marked otherwise. When traveling abroad, you can download books wirelessly from the Kindle Store or your Archived Items. U.S. customers will be charged a fee of $1.99 for international downloads.

Santa, if you're listening, I'd really love to have a Kindle.

4. DigiMemo Tablet - The unique toy records your notes, ideas, drawings, sketches and flowcharts as you create them, and stores them as image files to flash memory or to an optional CompactFlash card in real time. What could be easier or more natural than handwriting your notes using a pen on ordinary paper? I would use this thing a lot for taking notes at meetings, conferences, etc. Very cool.

5. Powermat Charger - My son likes to chew on my iPhone charger, and it seems like we're always looking for that stupid cord. The Powermat charger is a mat that is roughly the size of two mouse pads that allows you to charge your phone and other devices by simply laying them on the mat. Pretty awesome!

Picture updates of Random Happenings

2009-11-11T11:34:00.001-08:00

Here are some pics of things I've seen or taken part in lately that are pretty cool. Enjoy!!

This was taken at Irving Bible Church, the church that I used to be on staff with. I went back to IBC this week for a conference, and, as usual, the church facility was full of interesting and fascinating information. Nobody brings meaning to their facility better than IBC. This was a great display promoting a ministry called "Water is Basic." Really cool (This picture doesn't do it justice).

Another of the many interesting displays at Irving Bible Church. That's a pretty sobering fact.

This is a letter that my son, Cale, wrote to his older brother, Trent. It was displayed outside of his classroom at school. I love it that my boys not only get along, but that they openly share their fondness for each other. That's pretty special.

This is a picture of a ministry that my church has started recently, whereby we go to different parts of our community and serve a free meal from a gigantic BBQ pit on wheels. Pretty awesome. At this particular event we fed about 200 people in 40 minutes. Wow!!

Look at all that free food! Yummy!!

This is a pic of my little girl, Jillian, while we were riding one of those terrible spinning rides at the Fall Festival. I love that sweet little girl!

This is my youngest son, Quinn in his Halloween costume.

Check out all the Hayes kids (and Mom)! Pierce was a Hamburger, Quinn was a Puppy, Trent was a very tall and skinny Yoda, Cale was a Land Shark, and Jillian was a Dalmatian. Kim was a Pentamom (Mother of 5).

This is Jet, our new Miniature Schnauzer/Scottish Terrier mixed puppy. Jet was Jillian's 5th birthday present. Like we needed any more mouths to feed!

Random Stuff

2009-11-03T14:03:00.000-08:00

LSU plays Alabama this week. In honor of the game, I landscaped "LSU" into the ivy in my yard. Here's a pic.
I've been preaching a series called "What Would God Say to... ?" It's about what God might say to some of our culture's most notorious figures. The first week was "What Would God Say to Oprah Winfrey?" The second week was "What Would God Say to Donald Trump?" Week 3 was "What Would God Say to Britney Spears?" Week 4 was "What Would God Say to Darth Vader?" Last Sunday was the final week, and we finished off with "What Would God Say to John and Kate Goselin?" Each week really dealt with what these certain personalities represent in our culture. Oprah represents religious pluralism; Trump represents arrogance and greed; Britney represents what happens when someone falls apart; Darth Vader represents a lust for power; John and Kate represent divorce. God has a lot to say about all of those things. Interesting stuff.
We've been busy at church lately. 4 events in two weeks! Last Saturday we fed about 200 people at the East Side Apartments in Corsicana. That's a lot of BBQ!! It was awesome! This past Friday we gave out over 1,000 bags of candy to the kids who came to the downtown trick or treat. That's a lot of candy! On Halloween we ran a couple of booths at the Fall Festival at First Baptist Corsicana. There were a ton of people there. That's a lot of folks!! On Sunday they threw a pastor appreciation lunch for me. The food was great and people said nice things.
More people came to the pastor appreciation lunch than to the other three events combined. That doesn't make me feel appreciated.
I found some new bands that I really like, and I may have made the best mix on my ipod that I've ever heard. It's loaded with stuff from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Parlor Mob, The Mumlers, The Black Keys, The Raconteurs, Ray LaMontagne, Spoon, and others. Awesome!

"A Revered Spiritual Powerhouse"

2009-11-03T09:37:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a while, and I'm really not sure how much longer I'll keep this thing going. I'm torn, really, about whether or not the "Beef" is feasible for me at this stage of my life. Perhaps I just need to buckle down and make it work. Let me know what you think I should do if you have a chance.

To continue with the "Beef" or not, however, is not the intention of this post. I just saw something that will take a while to completely digest. I'll ponder this for a while. You see, the church that I pastor is in the process of making several changes. In our efforts to become more faithful practitioners of what Scot McKnight calls "The Jesus Creed" (Love God, Love Others), we feel that it's necessary to renovate some portions of our facility. In my view, this is really an issue of stewardship and service more than anything else. Our building is unfinished, and, particularly from the outside, it is difficult to know whether or not we're actually viable. One could easily drive or walk past our church and wonder if we're open for business (so to speak).

The Bible calls the man a "sluggard" who lets his grass become overgrown and his wall (fence) fall down (Proverbs 24:30-34). God speaks of being a good manager of what He has given us, and I believe in my heart that Grace Community Church of Corsicana, TX, has tried very hard to do the best with what we've had, but it is time to make a few adjustments that will enhance and complete what is currently the equivalent of an overgrown yard and a broken wall. We have committed to do so without incurring any debt, and we're determined to restore our facility to its humble and transparent roots.

I wrestle with spending money on a facility. It feels dirty sometimes because that money could seemingly be spent on any number of things that might go toward flesh and blood rather than bricks and mortar. I do think, however, that there are times when taking care of your facility means that you give yourself a greater opportunity to help more people and have more impact than you would otherwise. This is the motivation that is driving our church, and I can say with total confidence that this renovation is not a power play or a lust for luxury. That's just not what we're trying to do.

Today I was made aware of First Baptist Church of Dallas' plans to re-create their downtown fortress into "a revered spiritual powerhouse." The project will cost a mere $130,000,000. It's the largest church building program in modern history. I watched the videos on this web site to see more about the project. It's massive and gaudy, and I feel a little sick over the whole thing. It feels like what might happen if Jerry Jones were to become a pastor. Yuck!

My wife taught school at First Baptist Academy in Dallas for years until they lowered her pay last year in an effort to make their private school less of a drain on the church. Now I know what they were up to!! My two oldest boys were no longer eligible for scholarships because FBC Dallas had other plans for that money. Who needs an education when you can look at a whole bunch of shiny new stuff?

So now I'm left with the question, "Are we doing the same thing?" Are we renovating our little facility at the expense of the very people Jesus came to serve and love and save? Are we putting a building ahead of our mission to empower people to know and love Jesus? These are the questions that haunts me.

Now, I don't know how much is too much when it comes to this kind of thing, but I'm prone to think that if I invite people to my house for a party, but haven't bothered to mow the yard, pick up the half eaten pizza on the table or clean up the dog poop in the middle of the area rug, it's not going to be much fun for my special guests. Aesthetics play a direct role in the comfort level and involvement of the people. If things look nice, folks are more likely to have experiences that are good and inviting. If a church seeks to pursue that end, I think that's reasonable and noble.

On the other hand, if I expect people to come to my party just because I have a rock band, a laser light show, several inflatable games, and a few celebrities at a mansion in the Hampton's, that's a different story. I'm sure folks will come by the droves, but are they really the kinds of people I want at my party? And is all that stuff necessary for us to enjoy each other or is it simply extravagant and useless? I think you know the answer.

So, for now, I think we'll move forward with our plans to renovate, and I know that FBC Dallas will move forward with their plans to re-create. I'd like to think there is no difference in the motivation for these two projects... aside from about $129,900,000.

In Memory of Dr. David Edwards

2009-10-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

Dr. David Edwards, pastor of First Baptist Church in Corsicana, died in a car accident yesterday. David was a good friend. When I got home from the hospital late last night, this is what I wrote about our friendship:

Sometimes pastors need pastors too. We struggle with life’s ups and downs just like everyone else, and at certain points we need a patient, loving, listening ear. We don’t have the luxury of whispering the latest gossip in the hallway, or “constructively” criticizing the sermon over Sunday lunch. Instead, we rely on those rare and wonderful friends who can hear our hearts and handle our hurts with great care and discretion.

My pastor in this town was Dr. David Edwards. It’s ironic that Dr. Edwards, the pastor at First Baptist Church, and I, the pastor at Grace Community Church, would have built such a friendship. You see Grace Community Church notoriously broke away from FBC nearly 14 years ago. Regardless of the irony, David and I enjoyed a real and honest friendship that was challenging, inspiring and forward thinking.

When we’d meet for coffee on a nearly weekly basis, we’d talk about things that mattered, like our love for our families, our insecurities and weaknesses, and our goals and aspirations for our churches. The only expectation we had of each other was to tell it straight. There was no sense of the kinds of petty competition and unbecoming boasting that has unfortunately bled into the church world. David and I were teammates, and we shared ministry tips and collaborated on ministry efforts in ways that were insightful and unselfish.

David always made me feel like an equal, even though he was 13 years my elder and had achieved much more than I, both academically and professionally. We shared a common, passionate love for Christ, and we respected each other because we knew what it meant to be leaders who desperately desired to see the great impact of God’s grace in this town. Our relationship was easy, and that, my friends, is hard to find.

So, as a pastor who needed a pastor, I mourn with the dear people of First Baptist Church (especially the family of Dr. Edwards). Thanks for sharing your leader with me, and know that the people of Grace Community Church are fervently praying for God’s sustaining grace during this unimaginable time. David was a friend and mentor, but he was, more than anything else, a pastor, and that’s just about the best thing a person could be to a pastor like me.

Remembering 9/11

2009-09-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

My 10 year old son watched the Fox News 9/11 special report with me tonight. He wanted to know more about what happened. We would pause the program and talk through his many questions. He asked me what I was thinking when the plane hit the Pentagon. I told him that I was just worried about what would happen next. Where was the next explosion going to be? It was such a frightening time.

I talked through tears to my son about what happened on 9/11, but it felt good to know that the memories of that day still stirred up emotion inside of me. I think our country is doing its best to let the emotions of 9/11 fade. The fact that we still don't have a 9/11 memorial/museum, and that the dadgummed site in lower Manhattan still looks the same as it did in 2002 is a crying shame. The more time goes by, the more I fear that we are forgetting all of the implications of what happened on that horrible day.

We forget that we are united by something beyond geography, politics and personalities. We forget that we are bound, at the most basic level, by the fact that we are free. We forget that what makes us noble is selfless generosity. We forget that we are vulnerable, and we are never too big, rich, proud and popular to achieve immunity from the attacks of zealous, wicked people.

Tim Keller, speaking in a sermon about observing the Lord's Supper, speaks of the value of remembrance. He says remembering is much more than simply recalling past events. The word "re-member", says Keller, is the opposite of the word "dis-member." When we re-member, we unite around the truth. Our country could stand to re-member right about now. Unfortunately, it seems, we have chosen to dis-member. What a tragic disservice to those who fell on 9/11.

What do you think of this?

2009-09-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

One of my church members came to me with a ticket to an event that he'd heard about that offered a chance to win the choice of 1 of 2 brand new vehicles. All I had to do, according to the ticket, was listen to a 3 minute story. So I looked a the ticket and went to the web site, and here's what I found. Apparently you set up a private viewing area that has these videos available for viewing. People watch the videos and fill out a card that asks them if they want to make a decision to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. The card serves as their registration for the car give-a-way.

I don't know how I feel about this. I love the idea of using people's stories to share the truth of Jesus Christ, but I hate the idea of having to bribe them to do so. Then again, people came to Jesus all the time because they heard that he might perform some kind of miracle , or heal them of their sickness. Isn't that the same thing? At what point, though, does the car give-a-way overshadow the Savior? The idea behind this is that people will be lured in by the prospect of winning a new car, but once they enter the private viewing area, they are introduced to the unexpectedly wonderful story of Jesus. Is this a good idea, or is it just a bait and switch?

If it's ok for us to lure people in with a chance to win a new car, then would it be ok for us to offer free crack to people who will listen to a story for three minutes? At what point is it ok to use this kind of tool, and at what point is it no longer ok? I'll be real honest: I'm uncomfortable with the car give-a-way side of this, but I'm not at all uncomfortable with the fact that everyone who comes to Jesus does so out of selfish motivation. What's the difference between coming because you want a car, and coming because you want heaven instead of hell?

Anyway, check out the site and see what you think. I'd really love to get your insight on this one, so please post a response. I'd especially love to hear from those of you who aren't particularly involved in church, or who wouldn't consider yourselves Christians. How would this kind of thing hit you?

By the way, if you respond, I'll give you a free car!

The Michael Phelps of Youth Ministry

2009-08-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

My Brother-in-law showed me this video last night, and if it weren't so tragically true to life, it'd be absolutely hilarious. I actually know guys in youth ministry who are carbon copies of this guy! You can't imagine how many times I've wanted to jump on stage and give them the hook. This is painfully funny.

The Bishop Castle

2009-08-09T21:48:00.000-07:00

Jim Bishop

Kim and I drove all five kids to Horn Creek, Colorado for Family Camp this week. This was our third year in a row to attend camp at Horn Creek, and, as usual, it was worth every bit of time, money, and effort it took to get there. This is a wonderful experience, and if you read this and have a family, you should seriously consider making the trip with us next year. Seriously, it's awesome!

One of the beauties of Horn Creek is that you can pretty much customize your experience. If you want to climb Horn Peak, you can. If you want to drive to the Wolf Sanctuary, you can. If you want to shuttle over to Lake DeWeese, you can. If you just want to stay in your room and participate in what we like to call "Horn Creek Aerobics" (that's code for taking the best nap of your life), you can. The options are abundant and awesome!

Each year we plan to participate in certain things that sound fun and interesting. Last year we drove to Colorado Springs, where we took the kids to "The North Pole", an amusement park that feels like spending a day in Santa's mythological wonderland. We also took a trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park and enjoyed a fascinating adventure atop a mountain of sand. This year, among other things, we decided to go to a place we had heard about many times before, but had never visited. It only took us 45 minutes of majestic mountain scenery to get there, and it revealed one of the strangest, most mind-boggling sites I've ever hear of, much less visited.

The Bishop Castle is apparently one man's effort to... uhm... build a castle. Who hasn't wanted to do that, right? Well, Jim Bishop has done/is doing it! Did I mention that it's strange? It looks like something out of a Tim Burton movie (Batman, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands), and standing in its shadows is a grim yet fascinating undertaking.

Every year since 1969, Bishop has single-handedly gathered and set over 1000 tons of rock to create this stone and iron fortress in the middle of nowhere. Bishop calls it "a monument to hardworking people" and "America's biggest, one-man, physical project." I'm not sure whether that can be corroborated, but as weird as this place is, it's certainly impressive. Bishop, on the other hand, is crazy. I'm talking Britney Spears shaving her head crazy. The dude is certifiable, but at least he's productive, right?

He is currently building a mote in front of the castle, and I happened to run into him while he was moving dirt with a Bobcat. He took off his cowboy hat, wiped his brow, and went on an epic rant about how our government is planning to round people up into concentration camps replete with "human ovens." After nearly ten minutes of uninterrupted ramblings, Bishop turned to me and my 10 year old son and said, "If b--- s---- was music, I'd be a four piece brass band! But some of what I say is true, and I've got the God given right to say it!" You might also need to exercise your God given right to take a high dose of anti-psychotics, Mr. Bishop. Seriously.

The climb to the top of Bishop's castle is an exercise in fear and vertigo. Each side of the castle offers circular, wrought iron stairways that wind past open windows and up narrow towers. There is a huge dragon-shaped furnace that protrudes through the front of the place, providing an ominous face to this egregious edifice. Each step feels like it could be your last, but you feel drawn, inexorably, to continue to climb to the top of every terrible tower. Words can't really describe this place, and pictures really don't do it justice. If you're ever in Custer County, Colorado, The Bishop's Castle is definitely worth a look. Here are some pics:

Sea World 2009

2009-07-11T23:11:00.000-07:00

My family went to Sea World in San Antonio this week, and it was awesome. Our friends, Jennifer and Mark, were kind enough to host the entire Hayes clan (minus Quinn), and it was a real treat, especially considering the fact that Mark works at Sea World and is in charge of caring for many of the animals. I made a video of our trip, and the coolest part is at the end, when Mark gave us a private visit to the dolphin tank. We got to touch the dolphins and see them do some tricks. It was amazing! Enjoy the video!!

Texas is Tiger Bait!

2009-06-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

The LSU Tigers baseball team defeated the University of Texas 2 games to 1 in a best of three series to win their 6th National Championship. The Tigers are young, confident, and loaded with talent, and it won't surprise me to see them at the top again next year. The best part of all is that they beat Texas, and, well, I live in Texas. Thanks, Tigers, for giving me bragging rights over all these snooty longhorn fans!

Here's a general description of Texas and LSU fans:

Texas Fan:

Attire: Burnt orange cap, white golf shirt, khaki shorts, Crocs (Texas colored), Oakley's and a blue tooth device.
Likelihood of face paint: Very Low.
Drink of Choice: Shiner Bock or Cognac
Demeanor: Composed, almost disinterested, and likely to flash a "hook 'em" sign after a good play.

LSU Fan:

Attire: Purple Cap, Championship Gold T-shirt, Purple shorts, flip-flops, Mardi Gras beads, Flask.
Likelihood of face paint: Very High.
Drink of Choice: Cheap Bourbon or Natural Light
Demeanor: Shamefully enthusiastic, slightly inebriated, and likely to chant "LSU! LSU! LSU!" or "Tiger Bait! Tiger Bait! Tiger Bait!" to the top of their lungs after every play.

Give me the LSU fan any day!

Geaux Tigers!!!

More Greatness From Seth!

2009-06-18T13:11:00.001-07:00

My new worship leader, as stated before, is awesome! He's been recording some new stuff lately, and it's really, really good. Kind of reminds me of Neil Young but with a much better voice. I love Seth's style of music: acoustic, folksy, and layered. Listening to his stuff is like lying in a wheat field next to a big tree on a blue sky day. Nice work, Seth!

You can listen to all of Seth's new stuff here:

http://twiturm.com/profile/sslay

For those who don't understand my obsession with LSU...

2009-06-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

There was an article today in an Omaha, Nebraska newspaper that sums up why it's so fun and addictive to be an LSU Tiger sports fan. The Tigers are in Omaha this week for the College Baseball World Series. LSU had an incredible run in baseball between 1990 and 2000, winning 5 National Championships in 10 years. During that time, LSU fans became an annual fixture in Omaha, site of the College World Series. This article explains the phenomenon that is LSU athletics, and shows that there's nothing quite like the fraternity of LSU sports fanatics. In short, nobody throws a party like LSU!

Article: The College World Series is Better When LSU Wins

By the way, LSU is undefeated in this year's College World Series, and the Tigers beat SEC rival Arkansas 9-1 last night.

New Worship Leader Song

2009-06-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

Seth Slay, the new Worship Leader at my church, is wonderful! He's young... Very young (20), but he's delightful. The best thing about Seth is his humble spirit. He's not into the spotlight, which is weird for a public musician. Instead, Seth is quiet, unassuming, and more concerned about what the people in the congregation are singing than what is happening on stage. I love it!!

Anyway, Seth has been recording this week in Rockwall, TX, and here's his first new song. It's really great! You can listen to it by clicking this link: http://twiturm.com/6gcy

Go Seth!!

Funniest Thing I've Seen in a Long Time!

2009-06-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

My friend Todd Bragg sent this to me, and I can't stop watching it. I remember watching this video on Friday Night Videos in the mid-80's. I was mesmerized by the glowing eyes and all the crazy imagery. Apparently so were the makers of this new and improved video. Beware... You will laugh out loud at this.

Frost/Nixon

2009-06-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

My family's out of town for the weekend - all except Pierce and me - and that paves the way for some serious time wasting on my part. When I'm home alone the typical restraints and responsibilities are no longer present, and there's ample space to fill with meaningless activities, or even the random nap (which I thought was extinct, but, as it turns out, is only an endangered species). Last night I put Pierce to bed and watched Frost/Nixon on pay per view. Good choice.

Told in documentary style, the film details the final days of President Richard Nixon and tells of David Frost's risky attempt to interview America's most controversial political figure. The movie is extremely well made, well acted, and... well... fascinating. There are many layers present in this film that one could explore, but the story line that intrigued me most was Frost's willingness to put his entire financial status, reputation and career behind this project. He risked everything to interview Nixon, and nobody thought he had the journalistic pedigree or intellectual integrity to pull it off. For most of the movie, it seemed the critics were right. Frost was disorganized, distracted and often times disengaged from the reality of his situation. He was in over his head, and his realization of this fact before his final interview with Nixon was the turning point of the story.

In the end, the Frost/Nixon interviews proved to be some of the most compelling political documentation in American history. Frost was rewarded and even lauded by the same critics who doubted him, but I couldn't help but think how close the line was between massive success and crushing failure. This movie was so fascinating because it demonstrated that anything worth doing must straddle the same line. It made me ask myself if I have done or am doing anything "on the line", and it forced me to realize that, if I want my life to matter, I've got to walk the line (Fade lights; cue Johnny Cash song; roll credits).

An Abortion Contradiction

2009-06-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

Dr. George Tiller was murdered this weekend at Church. I feel bad for his family and his church, and I hate that this terrible thing happened. Dr. Tiller is best known as one of only a few doctors in the United States who perform late term abortions. He had performed more than 60,000 of these procedures in his career. Here's what Dr. Albert Mohler (President of Southern Seminary) said about Dr. Tiller:

"Violence in the name of protesting abortion is immoral, unjustified, and horribly harmful to the pro-life cause. Now, the premeditated murder of Dr. George Tiller in the foyer of his church is the headline scandal — not the abortions he performed and the cause he represented.

We have no right to take the law into our own hands in an act of criminal violence. We are not given the right to take this power into our own hands, for God has granted this power to governing authorities. The horror of abortion cannot be rightly confronted, much less corrected, by means of violence and acts outside the law and lawful means of remedy. This is not merely a legal technicality — it is a vital test of the morality of the pro-life movement.

Murder is murder. The law rightly affirms that the killing of Dr. George Tiller is murder. In this we must agree. We cannot rest until the law also recognizes the killing of the unborn as murder. The killing of Dr. George Tiller makes that challenge all the more difficult."

I agree with Dr. Mohler's assessment. It's sad to me that this has already become ammunition for certain pro-abortion activists who claim that Dr. Tiller's murder is a sign of the violent and hypocritical nature of the pro-life movement and mentality. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, this situation sheds light on a stunning pro-abortion contradiction.

I've heard from many people over the years who think abortion should be legal , and one of their main arguments for abortion is that they claim that making it illegal would cause thousands of pregnant women to rush into back alley's and perform their own abortions. They think this would cause a "black market" abortion industry that would be unhealthy and would eventually cause more harm than good. While I appreciate the compassion that leads to this argument, I think it is completely wrong. Here's why:

What if pro-life activists made this same argument in relation to the murder of Dr. Tiller? What if we said that abortions should be made illegal because, if they're not, the potential exists for people to murder more abortion doctors? We can't continue to allow abortions because a "black market" industry of abortion doctor assassins (ADA's) will flood to dark alley's to hatch murderous plots and purchase weapons to kill those who carry out abortions.

The problem here is that we don't make laws against bad things because the potential of collateral bad things might happen. We don't tell everyone it's ok to speed on the highways because if they don't, they might be late to work and get fired. We say it's not ok to speed because speeding is a threat to society and is therefore immoral. In the same way, we shouldn't legislate for or against abortion because it might make people do illegal and immoral things. We should legislate for or against it because of it's threat or benefit to society.

I find it very difficult (if not impossible) to find an argument that proves that abortion is a benefit to society. On the other hand, it's quite easy for me to find many arguments that prove that abortion is the termination of a viable, LIVING human, and in the society I live in, that is never tolerable.

Interesting Quote of the Day

2009-05-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of Christianity Today hit my mailbox recently, and I was intrigued by an interview with Shane Hibbs, the author of the book, "Flickering Pixels: How Technology Shapes Your Faith." I haven't read the book yet, but the interview made me want to read it.

Hibbs' answer to one of the questions is extremely insightful. He explains in clear terms why something as wide open and seemingly freeing as the internet can be potentially destructive. Here's the quote of the day. Feel free to discuss...

Shane Hibbs on the internet -

"And it creates a permanent puberty of the mind. We get locked in so much information, and the inability to sort that information meaningfully limits our capacity to understand. The last stage of knowledge is wisdom. But we are miles from wisdom because the Internet encourages the opposite of what creates wisdom—stillness, time, and inefficient things like suffering. On the Internet, there is no such thing as waiting; there is no such thing as stillness. There is a constant churning."

Phil Jackson puts "Bozo" Seger in his place

2009-05-06T09:34:00.000-07:00

So, I'm watching the NBA playoffs the other nights, and the LA Lakers are losing at halftime to the Houston Rockets. TNT's sideline reporter, Craig Seger, enters the scene wearing a "butterscotch" suit with a ridiculous shiny tie. Seger is known for this kind of thing. He's this 50-something white guy who wears these crazy suits and makes a spectacle of himself. It's annoying.

Apparently Laker's coach, Phil Jackson, agrees with me. He laid the smack down on Seger the other night, and it was really shocking and funny because I was watching it live, and I totally wasn't expecting it. It was a pretty awkward scene. I love awkwardness!

A Peculiar People

2009-05-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

I know a lot about peculiar people. Aside from being one myself, I have become a part of a unique network of people who would definitely be labeled "peculiar." When Pierce, our middle child, was diagnosed with Autism more than three years ago, we joined the ranks of many parents and children who have been affected by this odd and cruel disorder. Autism is a world of quirky behaviors, primitive communication and pervasive insecurity. The parents of Autistic children are typically divorced (80% divorce rate among Autistic parents) or struggling with their marriage, and are often times wrestling with wrapping their brains around the "why's" and "how's" of raising what seems to be the world's strangest kid. Like I said, the world of Autism is a peculiar one.

I've found over these last three years that there are many comparisons to be made between Autism and the church. People with Autism have a difficult time relating to the world around them and communicating with others, and so does the church. Folks with Autism are typically self-absorbed and in their own world, and this is certainly a pit into which many churches have fallen. Autistic people are - let's face it - peculiar, and so are Christians.

1 Peter 2:9 says that we are " ...a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people..." We are peculiar in the sense that we have been set apart for God's purposes. We are, as many have noted, in the world, but not of the world. This is a tremendous tension. Perhaps nothing better illustrates Christianity's discomfort with this idea of peculiarity than a quick study of church architecture.

The architecture of the Medieval church is symbolic of its fight for authority with the government. As battles raged between Kings and Catholic authorities (see Henry VIII and Sir Thomas More), the church and the state battled over whose buildings looked the part. Westminster Abbey and The Palace of Westminster were closely linked, not only in proximity, but also in design. They both stand as towering symbols of authority and tradition, the two preeminent epistemological categories of the day.

As history moved west in the wake of the enlightenment, and industry replaced the family farm, the distinction between church and culture grew even more unclear from an architectural standpoint. With the rise of industry came the advent of the worker's union. Union halls became gathering places for motivational support, community events and communal connection. It's no accident, then, that churches began to fashion their buildings after the open spaces and wide walls of the union hall.

World War II ushered in a new interest in science and innovation. The celebrities of the day were brainiacs like Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer, and they hailed from great halls of learning such as MIT and Harvard. Logic and reason ruled the day, and educational architecture, with its Greek columns, triangular facades, and epic lines became all the rage in church architecture. As science threatened the miraculous nature of the Bible, Christianity responded with a strong commitment to apologetics, and a new look that mirrored its academic rival.

Americans soon became bored with rocket scientists and astrophysicists, and turned to a different and much less intellectual source of interest. The entertainment industry, with its L.A. studios and supermodel personalities, set the trend for culture, and for the church. The church growth movement, cognitive of the power of cool, merged high tech visual aides with casual environments and found a winning combination for relevance in the media age. Suddenly churches went from epic, institutional stone buildings to sweeping, sloping structures, emblematic of the entertainment superplexes found near suburban shopping malls. Both inside and out, the contemporary church looked like what might best be described as a marriage between a rock concert venue and a movie theatre.

Along with an obsession for entertainment came a sharp rise in consumerism. Out were the Mom and Pop stores of old Americana, and in were the Wal-Mart's and strip mall's, which offered one-stop shopping for any possible consumer need or desire. In kind, churches began to offer spiritual programs for every conceivable situation in life. Parenting classes, money management courses, life coaching, Single's groups, Men's groups, Women's groups, Yoga classes, Mother's Day Out programs, etc, became the marks of a vibrant church. The message appeared to be, "Just back up your spiritual truck and receive a customizable church experience, suited to your every need."

Christian bookstores began to pop up in retail heavy areas, and Christian goods and services became a multi-million dollar business. Christian T-shirts were big sellers, along with mass produced Christian art, Christian greeting cards, and Christian music. You could even promote dental hygiene with Christian breath mints! No wonder the new trend in church buildings became the storefront church.

Victor Lebow, a Retailing Analyst, had this to say about the effect of consumerism on spirituality: “Our enormously productive economy demands that we make consumption our way of life, that we convert the buying and use of goods into rituals, that we seek our spiritual satisfaction, our ego satisfaction, in consumption.” The interesting aspect of this is that Lebow said those words in 1942! Lebow's prophetic words are only now being understood properly as the church is becoming something of a spiritual supercenter.

Now, let me state here that I'm not opposed to churches that look like movie theatres or storefronts. I pastor a church that meets in an old department store, and we worship with the aide of a large projection system. My point is not that doing church in buildings that are inspired in some way by cultural trends is wrong. However, I do think it's high time that Christians begin to express our peculiar heritage with some sense of originality and greater purpose than trend following. The message of Christianity is infinitely unique. Why, then, have we continually struggled with our peculiarity? I'm not sure. Perhaps we should.

We are given a distinct and original call in 1 Corinthians 1:23-25, and this call should make it pretty much impossible for us to live in this world without enormous social tension. It tells us that we are wired differently, not unlike an Autistic child, and that social interaction for us peculiar people will be an awkward venture.

"but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God."

What we find here is that we are to proclaim a counterintuitive message that will cause those who think differently from us to either experience toe-stubbing discomfort or mind boggling annoyance. It doesn't mean that we run to the streets with a chip on our shoulder, seeking to counfound each passerby, but it does mean that the natural outworking of a vibrant faith is a certain amount of social discord.

So, rather than do all we can to placate and mirror the prevailing culture, doesn't it make more sense for us to embrace our peculiar calling and take our cues from Jesus and his painfully original message? How do we do that? Quite simply, we walk according to the "power" and "wisdom of God" regardless of whether it's fully embraced by our culture. We take our cues from Jesus, and we mirror Him. In so doing, we embrace an odd and alien existence which may not be properly packaged for mass consumption.

1920's Reporter Guy Strikes Again!

2009-04-29T08:11:00.001-07:00

So, there's this local Dallas sports radio station that constantly cracks me up, and they've come up with one of the funniest, most brilliant comedic bits I've ever seen or heard of. They have one of their radio personalities act like a 1920's reporter and interview or ask questions to some of the biggest sports figures in the world. 1920's lingo is just flat out funny. They used to say things like, "Say, pal, whadaya say we head over to the ole scrap heap and knock back a few oil cans?" (Translation: Why don't we go to the pub and have a few beers?)

Anyway, the 1920's Reporter Guy, Scoops Callahan, has struck again. He asked a question at the San Antonio Spurs post-game press conference, and Greg Popovich, Spurs head coach, couldn't have been less amused. There's a lot of sports tension anytime Scoops is on the scene.

Below you'll find some of the best and most brilliant work of Scoops Callahan. Enjoy!

Cross "Testify before a Senate Committee" off my bucket list!

2009-04-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity on Tuesday to testify before a Texas Senate Committee on Education about a series of new bills designed to give Autistic students and parents more and better options within the public school system. Senator Florence Shapiro (pictured) authored many of these bills, and many parents and children will benefit from her dedication and support in helping families dealing with Autism.

The main bill was sb 2204, and it seeks to offer parents and educators the option of using private therapy centers as a resource for Autistic children who are at risk for institutionalization. The bill would allow parents and schools to collaborate with private therapy centers to help develop behaviors and skills necessary for independent living in Autistic kids in an effort to prevent them from being institutionalized at a later date, thereby becoming an even greater strain on the government and taxpayers.

The Teachers Union, as well as the Board of Education were not at all happy with this bill, and presented it as a glorified voucher program. The Plano ISD even sent in a ringer to testify before the committee. A woman came to the podium, introduced herself, and then proceeded to tell the committee that she was the parent of two Autistic children, and she was against this bill. She finished her speech, and then Senator Shapiro lowered the boom on her! Apparently the lady was paid to make the trip and speak against the bill, and her two Autistic kids actually have Asperger's Syndrome, a form of Autism that is extremely high functioning and typically not at risk for institutionalization. In short, the lady's testimony was dishonest and represented the kinds of dirty tricks that the educational system will play in order to protect the status quo. I applaud Senator Shapiro for sniffing out their scheme and calling them on it!

I spoke briefly about my son's battle with Autism, and made the committee aware of a philosophy that drives my wife and I as we seek to help little Pierce. Our philosophy is to do whatever it takes to give our son the BEST shot at a BRIGHT future. My question to the committee was, "Do you believe that the educational system in Texas has the manpower, the resources and the training to give my son the best shot at a bright future, and if you were in my shoes, would you settle for anything less?" I told them that the way they answered that question would determine the way they voted on this bill. I'm praying for them as they weed through all the details and distractions. I hope you'll pray for them as well.

New Article on Practicing Theology

2009-04-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Robert Johnson, is doing an Easter week series on his web site, www.practicingtheology.com. The series is called "The 3 Nails", and it's been really good so far. Robert asked me to write an article answering the question, "Is suffering a guarantee in the Christian life?" In short, my answer is "yes." If you'd like to read the longer version of my answer, check out the article here.

We Could Learn a lot from this Exchange

2009-03-31T08:27:00.000-07:00

Penn Gillette, a known Atheist, describes in this video an encounter he had with a man after his show who gave him a Bible. Christians would be wise to note the tone and approach the Christian man took as he approached Mr. Gillette. Very cool.

The Wedding Album Effect

2009-02-17T07:41:00.000-08:00

I recently wrote an article for my good friend Robert Johnson, and you can view it here at Robert's web site, Practicing Theology. Enjoy!

It's Been a Long Time...

2009-01-28T17:51:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted for a long time, and I'm not sure how I feel about my blog these days. I am busy, and the blog just doesn't get as much of my attention as it used to. I like to write, and I want to do it more, but it's a lot of work, and I'm not as naturally creative as I once was (at least I don't feel as creative). It probably doesn't help my blog's cause that I write sermons every week, and much of my writing energy is devoted to that cause. In light of everything I just wrote, I'd still like to keep this blog around because it contains much of who I am and what I've thought over the past three years. It has been a cathartic outlet, and has, at times, kept me sane. I may not post a whole lot anymore, but I will continue to utilize this free and therapeutic outlet.

Here's a quick update on life in the not-so-blog-heavy Hayes family:

Kim gave birth to our 5th child on January 7th. His name is Quinn Michael Hayes. Quinn means "wise", and it also means "five." Hopefully he'll turn out to be our "wise 5th child."
Quinn's middle name, Michael, is a tribute to my best friend, Mike Spratt. Mike died several years ago of a heart attack at age 33. He was a fine person, and I miss him dearly. His memory lives on in my child, and I can't wait to tell little Quinn about the great man who inspired his middle name.

I've continued writing on the side, and have had some small successes recently. In October the study guide for Erwin McManus's book, "Uprising", was released. I had the privilege of writing the study guide, which accompanies a dvd series produced by Blue Fish TV. Very exciting!

Grace Community Church, where I serve as Sr. Pastor, is a wonderful place, and Kim and I are enjoying our new church a lot. There is a ton of potential at Grace, and we're starting to realize some of that potential. People are still coming to church in spite of me. Despite the struggling economy, Grace is in solid financial condition. Even more, we're tackling some of the problems that exist in the Corsicana community, and are starting to make a dent in the world around us. That's what it's all about!!
My two oldest children, Trent and Cale, are excelling in their new school, First Baptist Academy of Dallas. Both boys have made the honor roll, and Cale, in particular, is making tremendous social and educational strides. We're blessed to have an opportunity to send our kids to this fine institution.

My little fishing buddy, Cale!

Trent and a large bass!

Pierce, our autistic son, is struggling a bit these days, mainly due to the fact that his favorite person, Mommy, is a bit off limits since having a c-section. Pierce has still experienced enormous growth, but he's having a rough go of things as of late.
Jillian, our one and only girl, is an absolute delight. She is pretty, funny, and in complete control of her Father's emotions. The child has me wrapped around her cute little finger. I'm so happy we had a little girl!
Timothy Keller is making a huge impact on my life. Keller is pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, and is author of 4 books and contributor to many others. His most recent book, The Prodigal God, is destined to be a classic. Keller's focus on service, mercy, and the beauty and surprise of the gospel is transforming my soul.

O Holy #$*&%!

2008-12-16T09:19:00.000-08:00

OK, folks, it's that time of year. It's time for my favorite Christmas song performed by my favorite artist of all time. I don't know his name, but he's a genius. Listen and enjoy the most beautiful version of O Holy Night you've ever heard:

Click here to listen

Surprise!!

2008-12-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

I'm doing a 4 week series this month called "Surprise!" I've challenged my church to wake up each morning for the next 30 days and pray these three words: "Surprise me, God." I also had journals printed up for them and have asked them to record God's activity in their lives. I can't wait to see what happens! I started a new blog to chronicle what happens in my life as I set forth on this new experiment. you can read it here.

When I was a kid, Christmas was always surprising. Now that I'm a grown man, not so much. I've heard all the stories and I know what to expect from this culture during this season. Seems like the surprising birth of Jesus has been buried by other things. I'm hoping this little experiment will change all of that. Perhaps it will shake the dust off of this season and bring a refreshing and simple perspective to the Christmas event.

My first surprise entry is below. I'm dying to see what the next month will bring.

____________________________________________

So, I did it. I woke up this morning and asked God to surprise me. It felt risky and a bit scary. It also felt good to just say it. Most of the time when I pray I'm pretty much saying a lot of the same things that I always say. It was good, for once, to pray something different and unusual. Can't wait to see what happens!

My first surprise hit at about Noon when I spoke to Kim on the phone and she reminded me that we had to go to the First Baptist Academy Christmas party that night. Ughhhh. A Christmas party with a bunch of people whom I hardly know. Sounds dreadful. Add to it the fact that attending this Christmas party would be infinitely inconvenient. I was ready to pull the plug on this whole deal. Kim also informed me that there would be a $20 fee to attend. That was all it took to set me off.

"$20! So, let me get this straight. You have to drive home from Dallas, drop the kids off, freshen up, and then you and I have to get in the van and drive all the way back to Dallas to go to a party that we have to pay to attend? It isn't enough that we have to pay for gas and a babysitter? We need to back out of this thing! I'll go, but I'm not going to be happy about it."

We climbed into the van at about 5:30pm. By 6:35, we were lost in Oak Cliff. The directions Kim had been given were a little off, and we were aimlessly touring South Dallas at night. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper.

Somehow, by sheer dumb luck, we managed to navigate our way to the party. It was at a little restaurant called Eno's, and it was nestled in a quaint and beautiful part of South Dallas (the Bishop Arts District). Apparently one of the graduates of Kim's school owns and operates this wonderful Italian tavern. If you have the chance, check this place out. The atmosphere is amazing.

We entered the party and enjoyed some really good pizza, pasta, and - get this - they had root beer on tap! After our meal, everyone got a root beer float, and it was heavenly. We sat with the head basketball coach at Kim's school, and he was a delightful person. We talked for at least an hour and a half, and he told me all about his hometown of Roswell, New Mexico. Yep, Roswell is where all those supposed alien sightings occurred. Supposedly the governement has some secret alien laboratory hidden in the Roswell area. Urban legend? Depends on if you like The X-files or not!

Anyway, God managed to surprise me in spite of my horrible attitude. He showed me that long, irritating, inconvenient journeys sometimes lead you to the best, most enjoyable surprises. Isn't that the whole lesson of the Israelites journey to the promised land? I guess sometimes you have to wait to judge the journey until you've reached the destination.

Can't wait to see what happens tomorrow!!

Random Stuff

2008-11-03T12:54:00.000-08:00

Feeling foggy today. Tired. Lonely. Discouraged.

Here are some things I'm pondering:

I've been doing a series lately on the book of Proverbs called "How's Life?" It's been extremely challenging to my congregation and me. Proverbs is a book full of very direct moral platitudes. I am not a person who prefers to think in these terms. I'm a wrestler who tangles with issues and leaves room for the grey areas. Proverbs has no patience for this kind of thinking. I am not a Proverbs kind of guy, but I've learned a tremendous amount from this series. It reminds me of something of GK Chesterton's that I read: "There are many, many angles at which one can fall but only one angle at which one can stand straight." Proverbs is a book of straight angles.
Although this series has been really good, our attendance has declined. Not sure what that's about, but I'm trying not to let it discourage me. It's not working very well.
We're trying to get Pierce's therapy covered by insurance. It's a daunting task. Insurance is like toilet paper: You don't particularly like it, but you're glad it's around when you need it.
It's that time of the year when people's lives start to fall apart. Not sure why that is, but I've found that this time of year brings with it a lot of pain. Like the leaves fall from the trees, so the joy seems to fall from the lives of many people as the holidays approach. Part of what I do is help rake the leaves into a pile and encourage people to jump in them.
This commercial cracks me up.
I recently bought two books that I can't wait to read (reviews are forthcoming). The first is "The Prodigal God" by Timothy Keller, and the second is "Jesus Wants to Save Christians" by Rob Bell and Don Golden. Tim Keller's book is destined to be a classic. I've read half of it, and it is in the same vein as classics by CS Lewis and AW Tozer. It's just an amazing book. Rob Bell's book seems like a pretty significant can of worms that I'm curious to open. I'll tell you what I think after I've finished both books.
I'd rather watch The Steeler's vs The Redskins than go to elder's meeting. I'm pretty sure God doesn't like me very much.
LSU is playing Alabama this weekend. Nothing would make me more happy than to see the guy on the left beat the guy on the right.
Unless Barack Obama goes on a Jeremiah Wright-style rant on Monday Night Football, he'll probably be the next president. We'll see if hard hitting reporter Chris Berman will ask something that will turn the tide.
Soccer season is finally over. Thank the sweet Lord!

New Site Alert!! Check it out!!

2008-10-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

My good friend Robert Johnson has recently launched a new web site called Practicing Theology. Robert is a gifted person with the mind of a theologian and the heart of an activist. I thought this article on his web site was particularly striking. I can't imagine the struggle of a young black man who is wrestling with race and conviction in the current presidential election. If you want an honest view of faith and issues, check out Robert's new site.

Check Out My Latest Article!

2008-09-30T06:14:00.001-07:00

I'm going to be a little giddy and self-promotional for a second (Hey, let's face it... why else would anyone have a blog?). For years I've wanted to write and contribute to something worthwhile. Well, I finally have my chance, and my new article that I wrote for the Small Group Exchange is up! You can read it here.

The Small Group Exchange is a resource for small group leaders all over the world. It's an off-shoot of Blue Fish TV, who produces great video resources for churches and small groups. I'm excited to be a contributor, and blessed to work for such a great group of people!

Pretty exciting stuff for a small church pastor in a funny little Texas town! This blog has helped me a ton with writing, and I probably would have never even tried to write for anything else if I hadn't started this thing on a whim. If you're out there reading, thanks a bunch for the support!!

Our Lord in the Attic

2008-09-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

I'll never forget the day that my wife, Mother, sister and I went on an expedition in Amsterdam to find an off-the-beaten-path tourist attraction known as "Our Lord in the Attic." The only remaining "clandestine church" in Amsterdam, "Our Lord in The Attic" is a typical canal house designated by its narrow rooms and multi-floor design. The attic, however, displays an ornate and lovely cathedral. The Catholics, banned from worship in Amsterdam after the Reformation, met secretly in attic cathedrals. Witnessing this truly unexpected marvel of architecture and beauty was one of the highlights of our trip to Amsterdam.

It was the walk through Amsterdam's infamous red light district, off of which "Our Lord in the Attic" sits, that made this trip singularly unique. I mean it's not often that you have the chance to walk down a street flanked with hash houses and brothels with the three most sainted women in your life. Filling the uncomfortable role of having to distract your Mother from noticing hardcore sex shops is not what typical sonship requires. Polite hash refusals are not what you expect to hear from your wife. Witnessing these naive women marvel as they stood before a brothel that boasted window shopping for prostitutes was something I would've never imagined. It was the most surreal moment of my life.

Like a divorcee trying to avoid her ex, I embarassingly shuffled my "girls" through all the debauchery as quickly as I could. We finally made it to the other side, and anxiously entered the museum. Still reeling from the barrage of images, we walked ourselves through each narrow room and up each steep stairway. It was a nice place, but a bit boring and uninspiring. By the time we reached the third floor I was ready to move on to a real exhibit, like the Anne Frank House or the Van Gogh Museum. Why were we waisting our time touring this boring little place? And to think all the junk we had to pass just to get there!

Our steepest climb came as we worked our way to the fourth floor, the attic. The stairs seemed to go straight up to the ceiling. At the apex, we entered a room so surprising and magnificent that it almost made me forget all that had come before. The attic revealed a miniature cathedral the likes of which I had never seen. The ornate carvings, marble columns and intricate paintings that filled this room were spectacular. I was immediately moved by the holiness of this place. To think that persecuted people sought refuge in this little slice of heaven was sobering and moving.

We stayed for a while, soaking in the complete otherness of this magical monument. We didn't talk much. Words would have only cluttered such a pristine moment. Finally we whispered our goodbyes and navigated the narrow, stair lined path to the outside world. I felt like I was dreaming.

Back on the street I thought of the two worlds I'd just experienced. One full of carnality and hedonism and the other so serene and holy. I was saddened by the fact that these two worlds existed in such close proximity to each other, but never overlapped. The church, though no longer facing the threat of persecution by reformers, still met in secret, fleeing a wholly different kind of threat. Perhaps the worst place for our Lord to be during times of religious freedom is in the attic.

Many churches could probably change their street address to "attic." Instead of proclaiming "our Lord in the open", or "our Lord in the neighborhood", or "our Lord on the street", most churches keep "our Lord in the sanctuary", or "our Lord in the fellowship hall", or "our Lord in the prayer room". Thankfully God didn't take this approach. Instead, he sent our Lord to our world so that our soul might find freedom. Our Lord can't afford to be in the attic any longer. He was never intended to be there in the first place.

Buy This Book

2008-09-23T08:42:00.001-07:00

My friend, Mike Foster, wrote a book, and it is now available for purchase. I haven't read it yet, so I'm not sure if it's good, but I know that Mike is very cool and creative, and the book is probably those things as well. Way to go Mike! You inspire me.

Go buy Mike's book. You can do it here.

Statistically Speaking

2008-09-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

So, as I mentioned in the previous post, we're having our fifth child, and it is a boy. We're certainly excited about this surprising turn of events (this was not planned, and the little guy fought through a lot of barriers to get here!), but we're also a bit frightened. Scientists estimate that, in families with one autistic child, the risk of having a second child with the disorder is approximately five percent, or one in 20, which is greater than the risk for the general population. There's also a much greater chance of Autism in male children as opposed to female.

These kinds of statistics can make you crazy. The thought that something might be wrong with your kid is already the ambient noise in your mind, but any slight rise in the probabilities brings this background thought to the forefront. Five percent's not a lot, but it's enough to make you lose sleep. You lose sleep because you're not real sure you can handle another one. You're pretty sure you can't handle the one you already have.

Pretty amazing how a 5% chance there might be a problem virtually erases the 95% chance everything will be fine! If you told me I had a 95% chance of winning the lottery, I'd run - not walk - to the local Quickie-Mart to buy a ticket. Shoot, I bet I don't have a 95% chance of making it to work in one piece, but I still make the three right turns that get me there every morning (right out of my driveway, right on Northwood, right on Beaton).

Point is, you can't live life statistically. If you did, you'd probably never drive a car, get married or eat any of the various foods that will, statistically speaking, give you some terrible disease. The only statistic, in the end, that really matters is that God is 100% in control. Doesn't really make it easier to sleep at night, but it'll do for now. The longer I live the more I have to cling to this life-giving statistic. It helps me make it through about 85% of the time!

Tigers Beat Tigers!!

2008-09-20T21:27:00.000-07:00

What a great game between LSU and Auburn! LSU looked like they were in BIG trouble in the first half, but the coaches pulled out all the stops and THE Tigers took home the victory! Jarrett Lee, LSU redshirt freshman QB, pulled himself together after an early interception, and showed great poise and impressive arm strength in leading LSU to the comeback victory. And watch out for Charles Scott! The guy has rushed for 100+ yards in every game this year, and he looks like the best LSU back I've seen in a while.

#6 LSU - 26 #10 Auburn - 21

Normal Surprise

2008-09-19T08:55:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about surprise. Seems these days that new and unexpected things happen too often for the term to fit. When surprise becomes the norm, perhaps the norm becomes the surprise. For instance, I was more surprised by the fact that I got to enjoy a relaxing day of football watching and general laziness last Saturday than I was when my son developed a finger infection that looked like what I would think leprosy might look like. Saturdays like the one I described used to be the norm. Grotesque finger infections used to be surprising.

This ironic twist in the way I view surprise is not unique to me. We process change at such a phenominal pace that surprise is more defined by simplicity than complexity. We are surprised when things are quiet in our audio barrage. We are surprised when the pace of life is manageable rather than overwhelming. We are shocked by the regular and at home with the fantastic.

We found out the other day that our fifth child will be a boy. When we tell people about it they are surprised. They're not surprised by the fact that we're having a boy; they're surprised that we're having a fifth child. They look at us like we've grown a third eye. They say things like "You do know what causes that, don't you?" Uhm, yeah, we do know what causes "that" (although we're somewhat surprised when time permits such activity).

Isn't it funny that we've come to a place in society where sexual intimacy between husband and wife that results in conception and child birth is surprising? Isn't that the natural outpouring of this sort of union? So we've come to a place where what is natural and common sense is surprising. Interesting, don't you think?

All of this leads me to this thought: How does God surprise us at this particular place in time? How do we (the church) surprise others? God used surprise throughout Scripture. Abraham faced the surprising (and terrifying) murder of his own child. David was the kind of surprise pick for King that would have made the Sarah Palin VP nomination look humdrum. Paul was shocked full circle on the road to Damascus. Jesus' surprise birth, surprise death and surprise resurrection were, well, surprising. So what is God up to now?

Perhaps He's standing behind the tree you're about to walk up on with a noise maker and a bag of confetti, just waiting to jump out and yell "Surprise!!" Kind of ridiculous, right? Of course He's not behind a tree with confetti, but He might be in the next cubicle with the guy who's marriage is falling apart because of a porn addiction. He might be with your daughter's teacher who's secretly struggling with insecurity because of her experience as an abused child. He might be in the coffee shop with the college kid who's so unsure of his future that he's thinking of ending his own life. After all, it's not surprising that people are dealing with painful lives. What's most surprising is that God's people aren't there for them. Not sure He'd have gone through such trouble surprising us if He'd have known how unsurprising we'd be.

Where can we look today to be surprised by God? What can we do today to be God's surprise?

Palin Breaks the Mold and Confounds Both Sides... and I love it!!

2008-09-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

The world has gone insane (Not that this is news to any of you). Since Sarah Palin announced her intention to become Vice President of the United States, craziness has ensued. Hard core liberal women have suddenly decided that women can't do everything they dream of doing, and are best suited at home with their kids, and hard core conservatives have suddenly decided that a whole new world of professionalism exists for women, even those with 5 children. Seriously, what's the world coming to?

My good friend (and mother of 3), Tempi, sent me this article discussing the pros and cons of Sarah Palin's VP aspirations. Personally, I like the lady. If she and her husband think they can handle it, it's really nobody else's business to tell them otherwise. Time will tell if liberals are ready to treat a strong, independent, professional, tough-minded woman, who - oh, by the way - has five kids and a Christian value system the same way as they would any other woman running around Washington in a pants suit. Time will also tell if conservatives are ready to say that women with 5 kids should leave the traditional role of house wife behind. Both ideologies are having a tough time being consistent with this one, and that makes the world go crazy.

Meanwhile, I am sitting here rubbing my hands together with a twisted grin on my face. I love it when people actually have to think through things for a change instead of simply buying in to what "liberals" or "conservatives" have to say. It's extremely entertaining for me to see so many contradictions on both sides. I love it when folks like Sarah Palin come along and break all the stereotypes. It's good for America.

Pit Bull Palin Wows the Political World

2008-09-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

Before the proverbial ink was dry on my last post about Barak Obama, Sarah Palin storms to the stage of the Republican National Convention and delivers a whale of a speech. In the most intense and nerve wracking setting possible, under the scrutiny of the media and the watchful eye of many unconvinced Americans, Palin stood with all the poise of an unflappable veteran and ripped off the speech of her life. In so doing, she may have built a dam high enough to impede the progress of the Obama tidal wave.

Like a sports team who grasps victory from the jaws of defeat, the Republican ticket - though not quite achieving victory - has certainly gained a tremendous amount of momentum. Sarah Palin has come pretty darn close to matching Barak Obama's star power, but she didn't do it by becoming a media darling. Instead, she pole vaulted over an impossible bar and put her party back in the fight. The next few months are going to be very interesting.

I found two things about Palin's speech extremely refreshing:

Mrs. Palin spoke very genuinely to the families of Special Needs children. I can't tell you how much it means to my wife and I to have an ally of this stature on our Special Needs journey. Her words to Special Needs families were like honey. She, perhaps more than any other candidate that I can remember, knows what its like to serve the neediest of all people. I find that extremely compelling.

It was great, for once, to see a female stand on stage in something other than a pants suit. Finally a woman in the presidential conversation who actually looks like a female. I don't think anyone can doubt her toughness... She's a pit bull with lipstick! But she's still feminine. I have no problem with a strong woman, but I do have a problem with women who think that looking like a man makes one strong. Palin nailed this one, and she looked the part.

The Obama Tidal Wave

2008-08-29T09:54:00.001-07:00

I'm feeling more and more like there's no way John McCain can beat Barak Obama. Last night at the Democratic National Convention, Obama spoke to a crowd of 80,000 people at Invesco Field in Denver, CO. It was electric. I certainly don't agree with Obama on a litany of issues, but he is the single most gifted politician I have ever witnessed. The man can deliver a speech. He is a force like none other in the political realm, and it's hard for me to see how anyone can knock this guy off course.

McCain, in an interesting move, has asked a woman named Sara Palin to be his Vice President. I like Palin, at least what I know of her. I like that McCain picked her. I love it that she decided to keep her Downs Syndrome child instead of abort him. I like knowing that the Vice President can relate to what it's like to have a special needs child. I really like this pick. But...

...It will not be enough. Obama is just too polished... too genunie... too good at being extremely like-able to be unseated. McCain has taken a huge risk on this one, and I genuinely hope it pans out. As much as I respect Obama's talents and intellect, I simply can't vote for him because of some of his radical views (particularly on the military and abortion). I actually like Obama more than McCain, but I think McCain and Palin will be better for the country.

Lord help us as we wade through this fascinating political season!

It's that Time of Year!!

2008-08-27T05:06:00.000-07:00

LSU kicks off its season in 3 days, and I couldn't be more excited! There are huge questions at Quarterback, but I'm confident the Tigers have enough talent at that position to find someone who can make things happen.

A few players to watch on this year's team:

Ricky Jean-Francois - Just because his name sounds like that of a Parisian hairdresser doesn't mean the guy's not a beast. This guy will make you forget all about Glen Dorsey. He's big, fast and aggressive. Watch for him to be extremely disruptive to any and offense the Tigers face all year.
Brandon Lafell - All the tools to be a great reciever. If he can catch the ball consistently, he'll be a first round draft pick by the time it's all over.
Chad Jones - By year's end he will be thought of as one of the best safeties in the country. He's only a sophmore.
Trindon Holliday - The fastest man in college football. Might also be the shortetst man in college football. Despite his diminutive stature, Holliday won't hesitate to run a kick back on you. He's just like that. Dynamite every time he touches the ball!
Richard Murphy - Every time I've seen this guy get some playing time, he's looked fantastic. He tore it up in Spring practice, and continued to do well this Summer. Look for Murphy to give the team an explosive spark in the running game.
Special Teams - The Tigers will be looking for an edge in every game this year because their QB's are unproven. My guess is that they've put a lot of work into special teams this year to help create an edge that will give our young, unproven QB's an advantage. We'll see!!

Check out this video. It will give you a passionate desire to watch LSU football.

IBC and Women

2008-08-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

My old church, Irving Bible Church, has gotten a lot of press lately due to their recent position on women in ministry. The Dallas Morning News wrote an article about the issue as well. Many people have asked me about IBC and this issue, and all I can say is that I love IBC and think very highly of the staff and elders. I wasn't a part of the decision making process, but I was at IBC when this issue was discussed, and when the elders came to their stance on this issue. Although I don't have a problem with the stance that IBC has taken, I do understand that this is an issue where many Godly people hold many different opinions. I am one of those people who can see both sides of this one, but I trust the process that the leadership of IBC went through to get to the stance that they have taken, and I have no problem with it.

This Sunday Jackie Roese preached at IBC. I have heard Jackie preach before, and I think she is truly gifted. She and her husband, Steve, are wonderful people who deeply love Jesus. They are unique and sometimes misunderstood, but I trust them, love them, and support them fully.

The most disheartening thing about this to me is that folks on both sides of this issue are using IBC as a battleground to air their theological beefs. I find this extremely distasteful. This is a very polarizing issue, but it is not an essential aspect of Christianity. This is not the Virgin Birth of the Diety of Christ. There should be grace and liberty exercised with this issue, and I see a frustrating lack of both. It saddens me.

This is an issue that should be honestly discussed, but it is becoming an issue that is dividing God's people. I find that very troubling. That's my 2 cents.

Autism: The Musical

2008-08-12T23:14:00.000-07:00

Since we just moved, and we signed up with a new cable company, we're receiving a few free months of what they like to call "Premium Channels." We're now able to watch HBO, Showtime, and a few other channels that we've never had access to before. It's kind of a nice little perk!

A couple of nights ago while I was channel surfing to find something interesting I noticed a show on HBO called "Autism: The Musical." Just what we needed, right? Another serious issue relegated to the status of "Musical." Don't get me wrong, I like the occasional musical, but this genre can sometimes make serious situations seem like trite scenes from Grease. That's the last thing I want to see when it comes to Autism. Out of curiosity I decided to record this show.

I watched it tonight. It's incredible. It's actually a documentary about a lady who had a dream to teach Autistic kids how to perform a musical on stage, for an audience. It details the lives and struggles of the children who play the main characters in the musical, and it tells both wonderful and excruciating stories about their lives with Autism. What a wonderful, terrible, beautiful, horrible film. It both breaks your heart and inspires your spirit. I highly recommend it, and I fully realize that it may have particular interest and emotional weight for me due to the fact that I have an Autistic child. Who knows, it may not hit you the same way.

If you have the chance, check it out.

You can read more about it here.

Here's a clip from the film:

Fun Movie Memories

2008-08-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

Had a great visit the other day with my old friend and distinguished professor, Dr. Kreider. He'll probably hate the fact that I'm mentioning him here, but he's sort of old and grumpy, so he's prone to hate things without my help. Anyhow, he reminded me about two of my favorite movie experiences of all time. Dr. Kreider was with me for both experiences, so he can vouch for the following details.

The first movie memory happened when Kreider and I decided to go see this new science fiction movie that was just beginning to generate some buzz. We sat calmly, not really expecting much from the film, and were slowly transported into one of the most amazing films I can remember seeing at the theatre. It was one of those great feelings you sometimes get at the movies when you meander upon something that revolutionizes the way you look at things. I remember feeling that way when I saw E.T. as a kid, and even more when I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark. Both films hit the theatres with relatively little fanfare, but both changed the way we looked at life.

In the same way, when Kreider and I stumbled upon The Matrix on that fateful night, we enthusiastically fell down the rabbit hole into an amaizing world of technology and special effects, theology and philisophy, and jaw-dropping action and adventure. All the things we were discussing in pursuit of understanding culture and theology were being played out on screen in this epic film. It was like we were watching the modern era give way to something else... something we couldn't define, but something that was indescribably resonant.

It was a cool experience, and it was only fitting for both of us that we witnessed this film together. It's just the kind of experience every student should have with his teacher, and every teacher should have with his pupil. It's not often that both encounter something fresh together. Very cool!

The second movie experience was much less cool. We went to a late showing of the film Magnolia. I've heard from many folks who really liked this movie, but Kreider and I were less than impressed. It wasn't so much that the movie was bad, but that the experience was totally horrid.

There was a constant barrage of noise, moving people, and, well, Kreider's snoring, and it had to be one of the worst movie watching experiences of my life. An entire group of folks sat behind us and barked orders at the screen like drill seargent's at boot camp. It seemed like a steady stream of people had to go to the bathroom, and they seemed to stagger themselves so that they left at every key moment of the film. How they knew to plan this is beyond me, but I could swear they were doing it just to make Kreider and me crazy.

If that weren't enough, I think Kreider just gave up about half way through the movie and decided to doze off like grandpa after Thanksgiving turkey. It wasn't long before I began to notice a chainsaw-like snore eminating from the seat to my right. Hey, I should have known better. Give the guy a comfortable seat, a tub of popcorn, and an incredibly boring film, and who can blame him for snoring like my drunk uncle after a bender?

Anyway, those two experiences were quite memorable and I just thought I'd share them with you. No point whatsoever. No spiritual crumbs to chew on... just a couple of friends at the movies. Kreider! Let's do it again soon!!

Black Monday

2008-07-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

I'm finding out about a phenomenon I've heard about for years, but have never really experienced. Preachers call it "Black Monday", and I can already tell I'm going to have to fight it. It refers to the depression and let down associated with preaching in front of people on Sunday and feeling the "rush" of a week of activity that culminates on Sunday, ends on Sunday night and zaps the life right out of you. I remember having the same feeling when I played football and we'd end the week with a game. The next day was always kind of blah, and I never thought much about it as a young man. As a man in his thirties, I'm starting to think about it.

In an article called "Birthing a Sermon", John Ortberg suggests that sermon preparation and delivery is like giving birth. Although this metaphor is very extreme (it's actually ridiculous, but I still like his point, so don't email me barking about this metaphor), it describes well the kinds of feelings involved in planning and executing a sermon. In the article Ortberg writes, "Sermon preparation is a complex process. When I think about constructing a message, I use the metaphor of having a baby, because I believe the stages are quite similar. There's the initial conception, which is often quite a lot of fun. Then there is gestation, which is increasingly difficult. Next, there's the delivery, which can be a combination of euphoria and intense pain. And finally, there are some post-delivery details." What Ortberg fails to point out is the post-partum depression associated with sermon preparation and delivery.

Today has been a difficult day. I had trouble waking up and have felt somewhat funky all day. Thoughts are hard to hold captive, and my energy level is very low. In the back of my mind I've experienced feelings of dread and despair. All I can chalk it up to is that there was a lot of build up and excitement for me on Sunday, and when it's all over it's kind of anti-climactic.

Just thought I'd give you some insight into the mind of a pastor. I'm better now, but there is some residual lull plaguing me still. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Back in the Saddle

2008-07-20T09:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy month, and I've been less than diligent in blogging on a regular basis. Sorry about that (on the off chance that anyone out there really cares!). Here's the latest:

I'm doing a series on the Gospel of John at my new church. It's been pretty cool, but I have a feeling we'll be looking at John for a long time. It's been four weeks and we're still not out of chapter 1! The most striking thing about John so far is the humility of this loving apostle. Instead of claiming any authority or power for himself, his life is totally and completely dedicated to pointing others to Christ. I love it when he says of Jesus, "He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. (John 1:27)" Talk about a guy who knew his role and embraced it wholeheartedly!!

We've been on a couple of cool trips this summer. First we went to family camp at Horn Creek in Colorado. The coolest part of that trip was our venture to Great Sand Dunes National Park. They say certain scenes from Star Wars were filmed there. I kept hoping to see a Jawa, but lucky for my droids there were none to be found.

Our second trip was to Navarre Beach in Florida, and it was good as well. The highlight of this trip was our stop in Baton Rouge on the way back. Mike the Tiger was active and ready to pounce (no doubt on a Georgia Bulldog or an Ole Miss Rebel!). The kids enjoyed it, and it was my wife's first time to see the new habitat built especially for LSU's famed mascot. Oh yeah, and the beach was cool too!

We're finishing off the vacation season with some time at our family ranch in DeRidder, LA. This is the place where I grew up swimming in mud holes and shooting snakes with bb guns. It's not the prettiest place in the world, but it's home. Ahhhh nostalgia!

I'm finishing up a project for Blue Fish TV that should go to press soon. It's a study guide for an upcoming video series on Erwin McManus' book, Uprising. Bet my high school English teacher never thought I'd be published! Take that Mrs. Z!!

Looking forward to being back in Corsicana this week. VBS will be in full swing, and I'm hoping to finally settle in to life as a sr. pastor. The honeymoon will be over soon, but I'm hopeful and excited about the future.

I'll write again soon, and maybe next time it won't be all about me! Probably not, but maybe.

Don't Do It!

2008-06-21T12:18:00.000-07:00

Johnny and Chachi are back with this hilarious new video designed to help men know where to draw some crucial lines. These guys are awesome! Enjoy!!

LSU Baseball Does it Again!!

2008-06-10T00:23:00.000-07:00

This season's LSU baseball team is amazing! They have won 24 of their last 25 games, and they broke out the big bats tonight by hammering the University of California Irvine 21-7. With the win, LSU advanced to the College World Series. The Tigers led from start to finish, and proved to be too much for the UCI pitchers.

I used to love watching LSU baseball in the 90's. It was during this decade that the Tigers won 5 National titles in 10 years. This year's team looks like it could make a run for the title, and it's just so good to see the Tigers advance to the College World Series once again. Who knows, maybe we'll have another Warren Morris moment! If you don't know what that is, watch and enjoy. This was probably the greatest moment in LSU baseball history.

Moving, Driving and Spinning

2008-06-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Moving is horrible. As I write this I am surrounded by boxes and clutter. Each box signifies disorder, and although I'm ok with the occasional lack of order, it's a different story when the only thing that characterizes your life is mass chaos.

Add to that the fact that I'm driving to and from my new home, Corsicana, TX, about three days a week. I love to drive, but with gas prices soaring to ridiculous new heights, it's not as fun as it used to be.

In short, my life is spinning like a race car tire, and I'm having trouble sleeping. Crazy thing is, I'm doing really well! I love my new church, and feel energized by thoughts of the future. It seems, for me, that I'm at my best when things are spinning out of control. It's when things become boring that I stumble around, like a kid stepping off a merry-go-round, dizzy from the furious wave of activity.

We'll be in our new house this Thursday, June 12. I've already preached my first two sermons at my new church, and things are going swimmingly. In all, things are going very well, and the Lord is giving me the strength to maintain a pretty high level even through all the changes. I'm just hoping and praying that I won't crash and burn when the dust settles a bit.

I'm going to bed now so that I can continue to fidget like a kid in church until I finally nod off at about 5am. Good times, man... Good times.

I'm a Senior Pastor Now!!

2008-05-23T23:14:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it either. Who'd have thought that I would have become a Senior Pastor? I got a call a while back from the first church to give me a full-time job, asking if I'd consider becoming the Senior Pastor. I worked there for 4 years as the Youth/Worship Pastor, and loved every minute of it. It was the perfect place for me, and it gave me confidence in my calling. Words can't express how happy I am to return to Grace Community Church in Corsicana, TX (Check out the sweet football facilities for Corsicana High School!!). Thanks for giving me another chance!!

It's bitter sweet to leave Irving Bible Church, which is the best thing I've ever had the chance to be a part of. IBC is unique and wonderful, and it's tough to say goodbye. Ultimately, though, IBC prepared me for this chance to take what I've learned and use it to impact my new community. I'll always be an IBC'er!!

Pray for me in my new role. I'll keep you posted on how it's going. If I don't blog for a while, it's because I'm kind of busy these days. Just keep checking in and I'll get around to it soon enough!!

Expelled Review (as promised)

2008-04-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

Well, I saw Expelled, and I'm going to try to briefly describe my thoughts on the film. First off, I can say that this movie, contrary to the views of atheist and molecular biologist Richard Dawkins, was very well made. It had all the herky-jerky filming that we're used to seeing in a documentary, but there were also some scenes that were marvelously photographed and the movie, on the whole, was slickly produced.

The movie was also quite effective in demonstrating some of the weaknesses of Darwinian theory, and it made establishment scientists such as Richard Dawkins and PZ Meyers look condescending, and often times foolish. These folks had a particularly difficult time finding plausible answers to the question of how life begins. Their stammers and far-fetched explanations were somewhat alarming (Dawkins posits at one point in the film that the first cells were "seeded" on earth by some sort of alien force. Sounds a lot like Intelligent Design!).

There were two areas, however, where the film fell short (in my opinion). One was that the producers failed to give a clear understanding of Intelligent Design, and why it should be considered. They did a great job of showing the problems of Darwinism, but they didn't give a clear solution for those problems. They merely stated that other options should be considered. Who knows, that may have been their point, but I would have loved to have heard more about how Intelligent Design helps fill in Darwinisms gaps.

The second area of concern I had was with the turn in the second half of the film that sought to show the link between Darwinism and Nazi Germany. There is no doubt that Hitler and his minions were heavily influenced by Darwinian thought. There is also no doubt that Darwinian thought naturally lends itself to certain atrocities. After all, when your theory is based upon the survival of the fittest, it stands to reason that the least fit in society will be marginalized. If you're at the bottom of the food chain, you will be eaten.

There is a problem, however, with linking the brilliant scientists of the day with Nazi Germany just because they believe in Darwin's theories. The film was too heavy-handed in its approach to this issue, and it only served to close any doors to dialogue that may or may not have been opened as a result of the legitimate information the film highlighted.

In all, the film was good, but it had its shortcomings. It's still worth seeing, and my hope is that some eyes will be opened by its claims.

Everybody Loves Juno... except me

2008-04-19T17:08:00.000-07:00

For months now all I've heard, when asking the generic question, "Seen any good movies lately?" is "Have you seen Juno? Oh my gosh! It's so awesome. Seriously, one of the best movies I've seen in a long time." I usually just turn around quietly and wish I hadn't asked the question. I saw Juno several months ago, and I'm pretty sure I didn't like it. This may sound a bit Obama-esque, but I'm not quite sure why I didn't like it.

Maybe it had something to do with the fact that I could barely understand Juno, the main character, and her quirky band of whiz kid friends. I wanted to ask them, "Is there a reason you're talking like what seems like a teenager designed by a committee of adults that have researched youth by watching MTV around the clock?" The dialogue was clever... too clever. And where did all this cleverness lead us? Well, the most annoyingly intelligent teenager ever to grace the silver screen brought us the warm tale of teen pregnancy, marital strife, divorce, constant references to unborn children as "it" or "the thing", and overbearingly child-obsessed suburbanites. It doesn't get much more clever than that!!

I kept asking myself if I was supposed to be happy with the way things turned out in Juno. Everyone else I knew walked out of the film pretty excited about the way it ended. I just kept thinking, "That's it? I'm supposed to feel good about that? I'm supposed to think it's great that the girl gave up 'the thing' for adoption to the most emotionally disturbed character on the screen?" But hey, at least she didn't get the abortion!

Don't get me wrong, Juno is funny, light-hearted, and complex. Ellen Page is great as the main character, and her Father uttered one of the funniest lines I've ever heard in a movie ("I'm gonna punch that kid in the wiener the next time I see him."), but let's face it, teenagers aren't that clever. Most of them are pretty un-clever. Instead of uttering quick quip after super quick quip, most teens I know are busy exclaiming, "Dude, check out my new ringtone!"

The movie does demonstrate that there is a frightening stupidity in our society about children, what a blessing they are, and how wondrous the path to new life can be. Kids in this day are objects of consumption and convenience, and that's pretty sad.

So, I thought Juno was clever (cue annoying indie song). It was cool for shizz, but in a totally hamburger phone kind of way. In other words, it was so clever that it almost made me forget how stupid it was. I liked the movie. I found it enjoyable on the surface, but underneath it seemed shallow to me. There were a couple of times when I felt like I was watching a bad action movie or a cheesy horror film. I wanted to yell at the screen, "Oh, yeah right!! Like that would ever happen!!" Then I'd look around to see if anybody was with me, only to find that the film had found a captive audience, believing every over-intelligent smirk.

In conclusion: Teenagers aren't that smart, and they don't really talk that way! Plus, kids are good, and they aren't "things." The end.

Expelled: Darwinism Finally Questioned Publically

2008-04-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

Kim and I are going to try to go see this Saturday night. I'll give it a critique after we see it. It's interesting to see a movie like this, and it'll be really interesting to see how the intellectual community deals with the claims of this film. People like Michael Moore and Bill Maher pride themselves on their rebellious stance on so many issues, so it's nice to see someone from a Judeo-Christian background challenging the rebels who now make for the American establishment. That's right, the Moore's and Maher's are now the establishment, and the rebels are now those who challenge secularism. Kudos to Ben Stein for bringing this issue under the light. If you disagree with him, fine... Just give him the same courtesy you expect from others, and listen to his claims. Isn't that the American way?

Here's the trailer, and it's very compelling.

Autism Poem

2008-04-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

I haven't written a poem in a while, but I had a little time today, so I wrote one about Pierce. It was therapeutic. Some lines were totally difficult, and others were healing. Such is the layered existence of an Autism Dad. Even if you don't have an Autistic child, you can probably relate to the paradoxical lines of this poem. I hope it proves therapeutic for you too.

The Spectrum

There's a feather in your hair and a sparkle in your eye
You're living in two worlds that fall under a seamless sky
There's a song in your head and it's waiting to be heard
But you struggle for your voice, you wrestle for a word

There's a part of you that soars on clouds to worlds so far away
And a part of you that's tethered to the darkest shade of grey
You're as clear as a water color hanging on a wall
And as stable as a Summer leaf clinging in the Fall

I cannot understand you and I don't know why I try
When you're near I miss your presence, when your gone I do not cry
Your the most painful love I've ever known, the best/worst thing I have
And I love you dearly for it all, the good times and the sad

I wonder if I'll ever really know quite who you are
Like a dream remembered dimly or a far and distant star
Hidden in your face lies your personality
One of many things about you that reamain a mystery

Review: "The Culturally Savvy Christian"

2008-04-11T10:12:00.001-07:00

Dick Staub's "The Culturally Savvy Christian: A manifesto for deepening faith and enriching popular culture in an age of Christianity-lite", is the latest in a stack of books by my bedside. The cover got my attention because it has a picture of a man on the front, and from the urban belt buckle to the suit-coat-with -t-shirt look, this could be a picture taken on any given Sunday at my church. The striking aspect of this photo is the picture of Jesus, slightly obscured by the cross-necklace, that is printed on the t-shirt. Is this the culturally savvy Christian, or is this the brand of Christianity that the author is writing against (A brand that is consumer driven, spiritually shallow and entertainment crazed)?

The first chapter is full of quotes and stats that tell us how bad the culture is. It's interesting, but you've heard it before. Paris Hilton has no talent, Oprah is the prophet of choice and television will rot your soul. Tell me something I don't already know, right?

But the second chapter turns the light on "pop-Christianty", and reveals that television is not the only thing that will rot the soul. Church, with its cineplexes... uhm... I mean Megachurches, and its "anything you can do, we can do cheesier" mentality may be just as dangerous as anything pop-culture throws your way.

Here's the quote that got me:

"Others believe that our apparent success has been accomplished by conforming to American culture rather than transforming it, pointing out, as Alan Wolfe observed, that instead of theological, it is therapeutic; instead of intellectual, it is emotional and revivalist; instead of emphasizing a serving community, it is consumeristic and individualistic; instead of producing spiritual growth and depth, it is satisfied with entrepreneurialism and numeric growth. Instead of being a moral and spiritual beacon, evangelicalism is viewed as an important political and economic niche."

Ouch!!

The rest of the book gives some guidance as to how Christians can become "serious about faith, savvy about faith and culture, and skilled in relating the two." The sections are divided as such, and Staub has some great things to say about what it means to go a different direction than the current trend of pop-Christianity in a world that has so many opportunities in the areas of intellectualism, art and depth.

Staub is well-intentioned, but only time will tell if his thoughts truly shape the scene. Evangelicals, as Staub notes, are well-intentioned and sincere in their desire to reach the culture and transform it. Staub also has good intentions, but who's to say that his ideas won't end up becoming the next wave of pop-Christianity, or worse, cocooned Christianity. There is a balance to the Christian life in this world, and few ever achieve it. Those who do seem to have an intangible quality that allows them to be thought provoking, personable and street smart about the culture. They make the Gospel look beautiful and believable, and they are rare indeed. I'm not sure they achieve this balance by reading books... although it probably doesn't hurt.

Oh yeah, about the picture on the front cover... I think this is the person who fails to achieve the balance. He looks kind of cool, but kind of goofy. Jesus is great, but he should never be charicatured on a t-shirt. And the gold chain with the cross is a bad look. I bet this guy has a gotee!

Anybody Listening?

2008-04-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

"Nobody ever listens to my pages!" said the girl at the Barnes & Noble checkout counter nearly five minutes after she called over the speaker system for a manager to help her figure out the glitch that was preventing her from processing my payment. She was obviously irritated, but continued to smile in a self depricating manner, as if to say "Oh well! What are you gonna do?!"

I could feel her pain. There are times when I feel like nobody ever listens to my pages either, and there's nothing more frustrating than being pushed to the back burner, or - even worse - never making it to the stove. Most of us are in need of some type of attention... Any attention! Like an American Idol contestant standing insecurely before the judges, we desperately long for positive feedback, or at least contructive criticism.

So what do we do when there's nothing? What happens when we've sung our song, poured our heart and soul into every detail of it, and there is no applause, no Randy/Paula/Simon praise or criticism? What then?

Perhaps we do as the girl at Barnes & Noble did. Maybe we lament the fact that nobody's coming to bail us out, but we don't let it ruin our day. Could it be that we sing the song not for the audience applause, but for the art and the beauty of the thing?

I read a portion of a book today that asked the question, "What if you had just thirty days to live?" Great question. Would we spend our time nervously waiting on the audience's response, or would we re-imagine what matters and fight like hell to sing the song we're supposed to be singing? Howard Thurman said it best with these words: "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

The next time no one's listening, ask yourself if you're doing what makes you come alive. If you are, it doesn't matter who's listening, you will be heard. If you're not, find a song you love, and sing it like nobody's business!!

I Could be in This Club!

2008-04-07T19:11:00.000-07:00

Check out this really fun and cool way of supporting the idea that less stuff in our world opens up more opportunities to serve others. This makes me proud to own a 1996 Toyota Avalon with 296,000 miles! Sucker runs like a top!!

Caedmon's Call at The Door

2008-03-28T12:07:00.000-07:00

Went to the Caedmon's Call show last night at The Door in Dallas. It was great. Here are a couple of observations:

1) Derek Webb was with the band again, and he was wearing a white t-shirt. I picture him opening his closet and grabbing one of the 50 identical white t-shirts he has hanging neatly in a row. Good to know that going solo hasn't affected his sense of style.

2) Todd Bragg has an awesome beard. Nothing else to say about it. That beard is phenomenal.

3) Andrew Osenga stole the show. The solo at the end of "Hold the Light" was wonderful. He is unique and original, and he doesn't even try to be. It's just who he is.

4) The Door is now in the old Gypsy Tea Room building, and there were a lot of wild bands who played that joint over the years. The Backstage "green room" was loaded with interesting wall art. There was a picture of a Unicorn - the most mystical and sacred of all mythical creatures - that was quite disturbing. No one should do such things to Unicorn's. Here is the only part of the picture I can show you that will leave this poor creature with some dignity.

5) The show was impressive, and it was good to see the band back together. CC is a great group of people, and I love watching them play live. I was asking my wife the other day if we liked them because we know them or if we'd love their stuff even if we didn't know them. We both concluded that we'd dig them even if we didn't know them. You should probably buy their stuff.

The Beef Eclipses 200 Posts!!

2008-03-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

This is post #201 in the illustrious life of Cajun Roast Beef!! "Who cares?", you may ask, and the answer is probably "very few people, and none of them really matter." So, here's to all you people who don't matter. The Beef is here for you, bro. Now go try to do something cool and fail miserably!

To commemorate this awesome event, here's something I think is funny!

Thoughts from a Christian Zombie

2008-03-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

Spent the morning at Barnes and Noble after dropping Pierce off at therapy. Looked around the Christianity section for a while, aimlessly wandering the aisles for something that might waken me from my zombie-like trance. Max Lucado... yawn... Chuck Colson... sigh... Latest hip pastor with a gotee... snooze... New book by George Barna... Hmmmmm... "Pagan Christianity"? Must look at book... May find interesting stuff... Feeling blood flow again...

So, I open this book and find a very interesting thesis:

"Have you ever wondered why we Christians do what we do for church every Sunday morning? Why do we "dress up" for church? Why does the pastor preach a sermon each week? Why do we have pews, steeples, choirs, and seminaries? This volume reveals the startling truth: most of what Christians do in present-day churches is not rooted in the New Testament, but in pagan culture and rituals developed long after the death of the apostles. Coauthors Frank Viola and George Barna support their thesis with compelling historical evidence in the first-ever book to document the full story of modern Christian church practices." - taken from the "publishers description"

Only got about 30 pages in before I had to go, and I didn't have any money to buy the book. First reaction: Duh! Of course the church today doesn't look anything like the church of the New Testament. That's probably a bi-product of the fact that 2000 years has gone by since the inception of the church. Anyone who is naive enough to think that what we do on Sunday's is anywhere close to what was going on in the New Testament is fooling themselves. So what if we aren't "doing church" like they did it in ancient times? As long as we're focusing on the glory of God and the magnification of Christ, I'm not sure methods matter much.

Second reaction: Wow, we really have made up some crazy stuff. Not sure Jesus would like us too much.

Final reaction: OK, so now what? Say we're doing it all wrong... what do we do about it now? Do we just blow the whole thing up? And if we do, how can we be certain that what is put in its place will be any more true to the ancient church than what we've done so far?

Not sure where I'm going here, but you might want to check out the book. It raises some interesting questions, but it kind of smacks of the same kinds of ultra-literalism of the fringe elements of religion.

At least that's the opinion of this Zombie..

Cajun Roast Beef: The Origin

2008-03-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

When I started this thing a while back, I had a primary task: find a good name. So, I thought and I thought... What would be a cool name that would be fun and a bit mysterious? What would reflect my heritage, while at the same time demonstrate some level of intrigue? After minutes of thought, I finally settled on "Cajun Roast Beef".

Today I went to the place that inspired the name of this goofy little experiment. We are in Lake Charles, LA (my home town) for spring break, and we just had to head over to Kirkman St. to Pronias Deli for the famous Cajun Roast Beef sandwich. I took a picture of the deli and the sandwich for your viewing pleasure. Any place that's advertising "Homemade Family Size Gumbo" has got to be good! Enjoy!!

A Violently Original Quote

2008-03-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

I have a new favorite quote. Not sure why something someone else had to say or write ignites such intense thoughts and emotions, but this something someone else had to say or write certainly stirred my innards into a frenzy. Here goes:

“Be regular and orderly in your life so that you may be violent and original in your work.”
- Gustave Flaubert

I hadn't heard of Gustave Flaubert before, so I did a little research and found his story to be sad and interesting. Flaubert was a French writer who is widely recognized as one of the greatest Western novelists of all time. He lived a very lonely life, and threw himself relentlessly into his work. A true perfectionist, Flaubert would close himself off from the world and write for weeks and months at a time, sometimes spending an entire week on one sentence or passage. His obsession with writing came from his constant quest to find "le mot juste" ("the precise word").

I am not Gustave Flaubert. I lack focus and find it very difficult to limit distractions. There are a million "violent and original" thoughts in my head, but my life is not "regular and orderly" enough to bring to fruition my creative punch. I often feel guilty about all the things I fail to accomplish because of my inability to impliment ideas into action. It is a paralyzing affliction.

What I find interesting is that Gustave Flaubert was not me either. Flaubert was very lonely, and only had one romantic relationship in his life. Ironically, this relationship was an affair with poet Louise Colet, and it was more tortured than fulfilling. Flaubert was also plagued by venerial diseases, mainly due to his relations with prostitutes. He was financially destitute and lived through hardship after hardship. His greatest struggle, however, was his inability to achieve perfection. He often complained to friends about the strenuous nature of his work, and told of his insecurities related to his lack of true understanding of literary form and structure. He died of a stroke in 1880, alone and broke.

Funny thing is that to this day, Flaubert is used as a model of literary form and style. He is studied by writers throughout the world, and is thought to be near perfect in his exactitude and stylistic precision. Unfortunately, I suspect, none of that mattered when he lay dying and alone.

So here we are, Flaubert and I, both longing for that which we seem unable to obtain, and struggling with insecurities from opposite ends of the spectrum. Regardless of how we get there, the key is that the "violent" and the "original" be unleashed. These are reflected in the epic stories of belief, and they are vividly interwoven into God's story about Himself. Samson's story is so violently original that it hurts, but it is God who weaves these qualities together to bring about His glory in their fulfilment. David's story is a creative masterpiece, although it is not David who achieves stylistic perfection, but God who tells us what it means to follow after His own heart. David is the Flaubert of the story, and God is the one who pieces it together in such a way that we are still studying this masterful model of form and style.

Ultimately we find that regardless of which end of the spectrum we may find ourselves, our stories fail to achieve the perfection that we hope for. What makes our stories "violent and original" masterpieces is the author, not the characters flaws or strengths. In His hands, "le mot juste" is achieved. The perfect work is not negated or fulfilled by my lack of order, or Flaubert's mastery of it; it is achieved when God's pen perfects our faith. And if we have no faith, God's pen finds glory in that as well.

May your "regular and orderly" life be filled with "violent and original" moments.

New Site Alert!! Go Check it out!!!

2008-03-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

Check out this pleasantly deep site from musician Andrew Petersen and some of his counterparts. It's called "The Rabbit Room", and it's very cool. Buy some music while you're there.

The High Price of Greatness

2008-03-02T10:12:00.000-08:00

I come from a family of ministers. My Father was a pediatrician who spent every spare moment working to give good health care to the needy by opening a Well Baby Clinic in the middle of the most poor neighborhood in the Southwest Louisiana town of Lake Charles. My Mother was a high school guidance counselor who worked tirelessly to help kids make it to college, and she also opened up her home to troubled kids when they needed a place to stay. My big brother is a pastor at a church in the Atlanta suburbs, and is undergoing some pretty heavy criticism for trying to establish a Hispanic ministry at his mostly white church. My big sister is a podiatry resident in Pennsylvania, and she's probably got the biggest heart of anyone I know. So, while us Hayes' have our fair share of dysfunction, we hail, nonetheless, from a rare line of walking wounded who call themselves "ministers".

I bring this up not to toot our respective horns (if you knew my brother, you'd know that he can toot with the best of them!), but to share a truth about ministers and ministry of which many may not be aware. "Minister" is the Latin word for "doer of little deeds", as opposed to a "magistrate", who is a "doer of great deeds." This stands in stark contrast to the idea of ministry as it has come to be understood in recent times. Many look at the minister as someone who is God-like in both thought and deed. Ministers are thought to be "perfect" or at the very least they are considered "better" than most ordinary folk. They are the keepers of the great truths of God, and are shining examples of holiness.

What we see in the Latin, however, is a dramatically different inference. Here we see that ministers are servants, humble and lowly. Ministers are more likely to find the short end of the stick than the pot of gold. Ministry, in this light, is characterized not by the high offices of church or state, but by the lower, more hands-dirty types of tasks. As such, ministry is humiliating.

The reason I'm writing this today is because my sister and I were lamenting my brother's recent troubles as a pastor, and she shared with me my brother's insight into the whole matter. "Anyone who has ever become great has gone through the harsh fire of criticism." was my brother's wisdom on the subject. Spoken like a true minister. Helen Keller, no stranger to hardship and ridicule, had this to say about becoming great, "I long to accomplish great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker." In other words, God honors and uses the humble, however humble they may be.

Perhaps the high price of greatness is not the hard work and years of practice it takes to become a doctor, but the one contagious act of humility that turns medicine into ministry. Maybe the greatest thing is not the up-front pulpit savvy of the pastor, but the lowly vision to reach the diverse and marginalized in our ever changing society. God may not use anything more in this world than the accomplished man or woman who commits to become the "doer of little things."

For My Sister!

2008-02-27T13:32:00.000-08:00

This guy is a total tool, but this post is pretty stinking funny. Enjoy, Donna!!

Nanotechnology freaks me out

2008-02-25T12:41:00.000-08:00

This little video details some of the changes in nanotechnology that will no doubt be realities in the not-too-distant future. This will make the iPhone seem as out-dated as the Commodore 64. I particularly like the part at the end where the device is color-coordinated to the girl's outfit by snapping a pic and watching the device morph into the picture's design. Crazy!!

Mandles: The Scent of a Man

2008-02-21T16:32:00.000-08:00

This is too funny!! I could create several of these in my own private laboratory (a.k.a. "The Crapper"). I'd like to see new scents such as "Mentho-lyptus" or "Toe Cheese". If I know my readership like I think I do, I'm almost positive some of you guys could come up with a few choice new fragrances as well!!

Watch and enjoy!!

Rambo, John J.

2008-02-14T09:19:00.001-08:00

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I went to see the latest installment of the Rambo franchise last week, and - I gotta say - I really liked it!

First Blood introduced us to the reclusive John J. Rambo, a post-Vietnam wanderer with a serious mean streak. When pushed, Rambo strikes small town America with shock and awe the likes of which Baghdad can't even imagine. His superior officer, Colonel Troutman, gives us some context into this ticking time bomb when he tells the local sheriff, "Rambo's a killing machine... Trained to eat things that would make a billy-goat puke. He won't stop... ever." Troutman's prophetic words hold true, and Rambo leaves a trail of destruction like only a billy-goat eating, Medal of Honor winning, killing machine can.

Verdict: I loved every minute of it. From the prison camp flashbacks to the rat-infested mine shaft, to the emotionally charged, nearly inaudible rant at the end of the film, First Blood is still a favorite. Can't wait for the sequal!!

Rambo: First Blood Part II was perhaps one of the most hyped movies of the 80's. Sylvester Stallone resumed the Rambo character, but this time Rambo had been in prison for some time, and making big ones into little ones had further refined this born killer into something far more viscious: a body builder. Rambo rarely wears a shirt in the sequal, and his gaping physique reveals what we all fear to be true: prison gives the criminal element the rare opportunity to work out all day long, thereby making the dangerous even more dangerous. Rehabilitation never looked better!!

The government, in need of a public relations boost (imagine that!), decides it'd be a good idea to send a maniacal ex-green beret - who also happens to be incarcerated - into the Vietnam jungles to search for POW's. Ahhh that military intelligence! But Rambo, not the type to let POW's rot in the jungle, starts an all out war against the Vietnamese, the Russians, and even the corrupt Murdock, leader of this incredibly well thought out use of taxpayer dollars. Armed with a bow and arrows, a gigantic knife, and his heaving pectorals, Rambo rescues the POW's and thwarts his enemies in a series of very plausible combat scenarios. Let's face it, the guy's a tactician.

Verdict: Amazing!! We want more!! Rambo, you not expendable!!!

Rambo: First Blood Part III was a very forgetable film. This time Rambo finds himself in Afganistan fighting against those old cold war pinata's, the Russians. After all, American hero's + Russian commies = box office success!!

I don't really remember much about this movie, but it seems to me that Rambo demonstrates that he is like the mail man of military combat: neither rain, nor sleet, nor Vietnamese jungles, nor Middle Eastern caves can stop this guy from delivering the goods. We also see that although Rambo hasn't been to prison in a while, he is still ripped like a Greek god. Must be that diet of billy-goats and foreign enemies.

Verdict: The franchise has jumped the shark (that's pop-culture lingo for "this movie sucked, and the Rambo name has run its course").

But wait... In the distance voices are heard speaking of a new hope... What was once lost is now found... Rambo returns!!

The latest film, entitled simply "Rambo", takes us back to that ruggedly quiet wanderer we fell in love with in the very first film. We realize, very early on, that Rambo's new home offers more than small town America or prison could ever hope to give... Steroids!! Rambo is now a genetic freak who catches cobras for a living. We learn, without even hearing a word from Rambo's genetically altered lips, that he is still one bad mofo! If you handle cobras, what's overthrowing a genocidal regime gonna do? Scare you? It's a cobra, dude!

Anyway, we also see that this film is very different than the others. This movie is serious. Rambo, regardless of his veiny, swollen appearance, sheds light on one of the most heartbreaking realities of war: genocide. We are taken into a graphically brutal world of random occupation, rape and mass murder. It is sobering. Even the violence, which at one time in my life made me think that war was a cool thing, was gruesome and nauseating. The evils of war were clear, and the internal struggle for Rambo's soul was real and conflicting.

In the end, like always, Rambo wins, but you get the feeling that winning for Rambo is the most overrated thing in the world. He is beaten, lonely and so full of pain that he seems sub-human. Only at the very end of the film are we presented with the hope that change could be a possibility for this war torn veteran.

Verdict: Stallone has managed to take a character that had become a charicature, and turn him into a great character again. The man deserves some credit.

In all, the world's a better place because of Rambo. Thanks for the memories you bloated freak of nature!

New LSU Championship Shirt!

2008-02-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

My good friend, Marc McCartney, brought me a shirt back from the National Championship game. For those of you who have forgotten, LSU won that game by whipping Ohio State like a rented mule.

Check out my sweet shirt!!

2008 Hooters Calendar!!

2008-02-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

Some of you may find this very offensive...

If you're scared of graphic photography, you may want to look away...

I'm warning you, these pictures are hot.....

Clinton or Obama... Obama or Clinton...

2008-02-13T10:24:00.000-08:00

Now that I'm back in the blogging game, I'd love to know your thoughts on the Democratic Party's nomination of a presidential candidate. John McCain pretty much has the Republican nod tied up (Personally, I like Huckabee better, but what the heck do I know?). In light of that, if you had to vote today, would you pull the lever for Clinton or Obama? I'll give you my answer later.

New Post!! More to Come

2008-02-13T10:19:00.000-08:00

So, I haven't posted in a while. Honestly, I've just been very busy, and have gotten out of the habit.

For my first post in a long time, I'd like to share this little gem with you from a Japanese game show. If only I'd have known about this game when I was a youth pastor!

I love pie... charts!

2007-11-11T09:28:00.000-08:00

Thought this was funny. Always wondered how death was distributed throughout the Death Star. Now I know!

This one's funny too!!

Posted from: Gizmodo

Hope for Home

2007-11-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

I grew up in the great state of Louisiana, but have since bemoaned the fact that the state looks more gruesome these days than great. Hurricane Katrina underscored the mess of politics and societal issues that have plagued Louisiana for years, and although the state will always have my heart, I have given up any ideas of ever being able to live there again.

This article, however, gives me hope for home. I long for the days when Louisiana is known for more than food and football. I long for the days when it is known as a great place to live, raise a family and make a life. Good luck to our new Governor. May he usher in a greater hope for home.