IT'S ABOUT TO BE A NEW YEAR

Caleb Jay-16 days old and Grandpa Dunn

I am writing this early on New Year's Eve Eve. I will be on the road New Year's Eve returning from visiting two of my children, three of my grandchildren - especially my new grandson Caleb.  New Year's Eve I will be helping at a youth lock-in at my church in Landisville called A Night to Worship, an incredible phenomenon where dozens of kids will spend hours in prayer, silence, then worship and reflection--drawing close to God as the old year draws to a close.  I hope to catch a little sleep before I have to preach to the rest of my congregation at 10:00 am New Year's Day (we only have one worship service on this particular Sunday to give my staff and our worship volunteers a bit of a break).

Many people have been spending some time reflecting on the year that is about to end and the new one that is about to dawn.  Some of are even making resolutions--personal goals, hoping to correct what needs to be corrected from the past or to finally achieve what remains unaccomplished.  Some will be quite ambitious and those resolutions will more resemble revolutions. (Which reminds me of a quote from a friend named Justin Meier, "Everyone wants a revolution, but no one wants to do the dishes.")

I have long since ceased making resolutions.  Most of the time they were unrealized, coming unraveled soon after the detachment of the holidays turned into the responsibilities of real life.  (As one of my favorite authors Tim Hansel once wrote, "The problem with life is that it is so daily.")

What I look for more in a new year is to see the rhythm that will be required to live it in a healthy and fruitful manner.  Life has its seasons, as I am beginning discover as I approach my sixty-first year and actually begin contemplating how to finish well in my calling as a pastor.  Those seasons cannot be lived without regard to the requirements and the boundaries imposed upon us by those seasons. I mean, it's really hard go surfing in the winter if you live in a place where the snow sometimes accumulates as many as a dozen inches in a few hours.  It is pretty much an exercise in futility to try planting a garden in January in Pennsylvania unless you're going to do it indoors.

Seasons require rhythms of living.  In a few weeks I will begin a sabbatical, a season I have not experienced in several decades.  I hope to develop a healthier pattern of exercise, rest, diet and study for spiritual formation than were possible in the hustle and bustle of a church at Christmas time -- and in a church period, where you are on call so often that your work resembles triage more than heart surgery.  It will also be a season where I can be more attentive to God speaking to me without my having to translate it into operational plans for the church--and to learn to communicate with persons who will see me simply as a fellow spiritual sojourner than as their Pastor.  This season won't last long, but I am hoping it will reveal some truths about who I am as a person in Christ, so that I find a better rhythm for living when I return to the front lines of serving Him in a local church as its Lead Pastor.

Most people don't know that my alter ego is sometimes best identified by A.A. Milnes' character Tigger. Partially because a whole lot of the bounce and spirit of adventure has leaked out of my life, and along with it some of my passion for God.  So, I see this season as sort of an adventure upon which I have most people's permission to embark.

 Now I just need to allow myself to embrace a rhythm of adventure.

VADER DID YOU KNOW?

Just for fun. No theological significance. No political commentary. Just a little something I found vacationing in the blogosphere. For all you Star Wars fans--have a good time.

2011 IS WINDING DOWN - THE SPORTS SCENE

I really think the top two teams in the US are actually playing for the BCS Championship (I am picking LSU), but once again we are frustrated by a system that is more about filling bowl games with revenue enhancing match-ups.  than having a true playoff. There is still no true College Football Playoff among football powerhouses and so computers and opinion polls will continue to determine the winners instead of letting it be settled on the playing field between athletes striving to achieve.  The Final Four in NCAA basketball still produces a clearer champion, and that's why many of us will choose basketball over football. (I am looking forward to seeing Syracuse and Ohio State settle the question in March). Isn't there just a part of you that would have liked seeing a game between a surging Boise State and an Alabama that kept bouncing back?  Wouldn't that have been more exciting than a pairing that could have been predicted in August?

A scandal-ridden 2011 is going to leak over into 2012.  Ohio State got what it justly deserved for the infractions of its players, but we haven't heard the end of what is happening in places like Penn State and Syracuse. At least the Buckeyes have Urban Meyer to help rebuild.

One of the most exciting baseball seasons in decades came to a conclusion in October as the Cardinals won the World Series.  And my favorite Justin Verlander pulled off the incredible feat of winning both the AL Cy Young and Most Valuable Player honors.  But at this point Peyton Manning's future is uncertain and Drew Brees claimed a place in the history books as he broke Dan Marino's single season passing record.  Tim Tebow and the Broncos probably won't make the AFC Championship, but the Green Bay Packers could very likely make it two Super Bowls in a row.  (Vince Lombardi must be smiling from ear to ear as he trades football predictions with St. Peter).  Tebow, did, however, provide us a memorable football season and earned the Broncos some new fans; but I suspect his detractors will still be saying "He's not really a good quarterback.")  And to that I want to say, "Get a life!"

We know that Albert Pujols and the Cardinals have parted ways, but Jimmy Rollins is still a Philadelphia Phillie. I am hoping that in 2012 the Tigers will get Verlander some dependable pitching help and finally get back to the World Series.

The NBA made a "comeback" coming back from its lock-out in time for Christmas Day.  But I loved seeing Chris Paul and the Clippers steal the Lakers Los Angeles thunder.  And speaking of the Thunder, Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City brand may get me watching pro basketball ... finally.

I would have liked to have talked about golf,  but 2011 has left me with no real memories. Did I mention Nascar or the NHL?  No, I didn't ... on purpose. 

And finally, I'm glad the immaturely behaving Detroit Lions finally grew up in time to make the playoffs, They probably won't get past Green Bay, but it's been nice seeing them as winners again.

WEB SITINGS - GRANDMA CONNIE AND CS LEWIS AND BONHOEFFER ON CHRISTMAS

On December 18, my friend and fellow blogger, Dan had a grandmother die. Her name was Connie and he obviously loved her.  He wrote a great blog called "17 Scattered Thoughts About Grandma Connie.  Dan wrote:

My Grandmother died yesterday at 90 years of age.  Some thoughts…

1. She always called me Danny.  I guess lots of people did when I was a kid, but she never stopped.  When I called her, I had to say that it was ‘Danny’ calling or she wouldn’t have known who I was. 

2. When I was a kid, my favorite color was green.  I don’t think I ever chose it though.  I think Grandma chose it for me.  I think she liked green.

3. I remember going to visit her apartment.  She always had Polar ginger ale.  Always in a one liter bottle.  I think I might have avoided the other stuff in her fridge (I’ve always hated tuna), but man did I go for that ginger ale.

4. She never had a drivers license.  She didn’t own a car and she didn’t drive.  Except once – a long time ago.  She told me about it and I love that.

5. I admit that I teased her.  She would always ask me about the older people at my church.  I told her that I tease them too.  I don’t think that she believed me, but she should have.

6. Back to the driving thing: it was a long time until she let me drive her.  That was always my dad’s job.  I think she suspected that I maybe drove too fast and might have been dangerous behind the wheel.  I have no idea where she might have gotten that idea…

Continue reading ...

A little lesson in Christian apologetics from Calvin and Hobbes

Another post I found interesting reading came from Q Ideas which is connected with Gabe Lyons, It was called "Surprising Christmas Insights from Lewis and Bonhoeffer."

 C.S. Lewis (1898 - 1963) and Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906 - 1945) are two of the most influential Christian thinkers of the last quarter millennium. But what did they think about Christmas? The truth may surprise you.

After reading The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, one might expect C.S. Lewis to be a big fan of Christmas. After all, when Narnia was under the curse of the evil white witch, it was described as land where it was “always winter, but never Christmas.” But such an expectation might not be completely warranted. It seems C.S. Lewis was not very pleased with the way many who bear Christ’s name celebrate Christ’s birth:

Three things go by the name of Christmas. One is a religious festival. This is important and obligatory for Christians; but as it can be of no interest to anyone else, I shall naturally say no more about it here. The second (it has complex historical connections with the first, but we needn't go into them) is a popular holiday, an occasion for merry-making and hospitality. If it were my business to have a 'view' on this, I should say that I much approve of merry-making. But what I approve of much more is everybody minding his own business. I see no reason why I should volunteer views as to how other people should spend their own money in their own leisure among their own friends. It is highly probable that they want my advice on such matters as little as I want theirs. But the third thing called Christmas is unfortunately everyone's business.

I mean of course the commercial racket. The interchange of presents was a very small ingredient in the older English festivity. Mr. Pickwick took a cod with him to Dingley Dell; the reformed Scrooge ordered a turkey for his clerk; lovers sent love gifts; toys and fruit were given to children. But the idea that not only all friends but even all acquaintances should give one another presents, or at least send one another cards, is quite modern and has been forced upon us by the shopkeepers.
- From “What Christmas Means to Me” in God in the Dock

On the other hand, one might expect that Dietrich Bonhoeffer, particularly later in his life, had little to rejoice about on Christmas. He was living under the authority of one of the most evil, unjust, racist regimes since the beginning of time. How was any German citizen to interpret the “good tidings of great joy” which had supposedly arrived with the birth of Christ? Yet, Bonhoeffer saw Christmas in the opposite light: not a confusing contradiction in a word of evil but encouragement for those living under oppression. He wrote,

For the great and powerful of this world, there are only two places in which their courage fails them, of which they are afraid deep down in their souls, from which they shy away. These are the manger and the cross of Jesus Christ. No powerful person dares to approach the manger, and this even includes King Herod. For this is where thrones shake, the mighty fall, the prominent perish, because God is with the lowly. Here the rich come to nothing, because God is with the poor and hungry, but the rich and satisfied he sends away empty. Before Mary, the maid, before the manger of Christ, before God in lowliness, the powerful come to naught; they have no right, no hope; they are judged.
- From God Is In the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas

Tebow at prayer. He's only concerned with an audience of One

This one will be worth a blog post in 2012

2011 IS WINDING DOWN - THE POLITICAL SCENE

At the moment I am in Toledo OH visiting my new grandson Caleb and his parents, Katie and Jason. A Sunday holiday gave many business and organizations – not to mention the schools, postal service, government and banks to turn Monday into a holiday, as well. I suspect with the New Year’s Eve being on a Saturday that more than a few places will start shutting down early on Friday, as well. Let’s see, that leaves three work days in a lot of places – and not much work is going to happen. 2011 is most definitely winding down. (By the way, I worked both days of last weekend and will work both days of this weekend. It is comes with the territory when you are a pastor). Blogging for me is something I do to relax. I don’t hunt, fish, wood carve, or chop wood-I unwind with my computer and unleashing my fertile imagination. So right now I will “relax” looking at the political scene.

We are now eleventh months from the next general and presidential election. The Republicans debates are in full swing–with candidates almost daily giving us reason not to vote for any of them. The Democrats are having those debates behind closed doors, but right now there are many voters who will not support Mr. Obama’s re-election bid. In fact, after the craziness of the budget, tax breaks, and other assorted DC impasses, I am afraid that a whole lot of people are fed up with the current leadership on either side of the aisle. Unfortunately those throwing tea parties or occupying Wall Street don’t inspire me either. Persons whose whole campaigns revolve around “throw the bums out” rarely have sustainable ideas that promote the common good. 2012 will be a matter of significant prayer for many of us who love this nation and treasure its democratic institutions.

Another dictator, who styled himself literally as a god, died last week. Kim Il Jong of North Korea went where-ever dead “gods” go and I am pretty sure it’s not Heaven (even if as a diehard communist, he believed in any kind of afterlife). No administration has been able to reign in the meglo-manical paranoia of the North Koreans (even the Chinese find them troublesome and potentially dangerous “allies.”) In fact, three thorns in the flesh of democracy met their Maker this year – bin Lauden, Khadaffi, and Jong. Will the world be safer, or freer? Perhaps for a time. But in our Fallen World where men aspire for the power to compel people to choose their way of life or live subject to their warped ideologies, more such “thorns” will erupt. That is why we must work to make our democracy be a beacon of light instead of a poor excuse for a family feud. Democracies work where this is mutual respect, an honest resolution of differences, and the integrity to work for the common good.

This morning’s news contained the disturbing report that the Iraqi President has already begun to act like Saddam Hussein, arresting his Sunni minority Vice President and making bogey men out of his political opponents. Fearing the Shiite majority, the Sunnis and others are already threatening civil war, a development that will only serve the purposes of a greater threat to the world–Iran.

As Walter Cronkite used to say, “And that’s the way it is.” This is where I say, “We need Jesus now more than ever.”

IF CHRISTMAS TELLS US ANYTHING .......

Some people are a little out of it because they are recuperating from a Christmas celebration that covered too many miles and made too many stops in too short a period of time.

So just in case you missed out on the true meaning of Christmas, I offer this choir singing Michael  W. Smith's musical theology lesson about Christmas.

COME CHRISTMAS EVE, WHAT WILL YOU SEE?

Jimmy Stewart (one of my favorite actors of all time) once appeared in a movie called Mr. Kreuger's Christmas.  This is a clip from that movie.  Here's my question, "Come Christmas Eve, what will you see--about yourself, about your world, about the Christ?"  My Christmas Eve sermon is "If Jesus Had Not Come..."  What is the difference in your life because Jesus came?

REMEDY FOR A STALE CHRISTMAS

Just in case the Christmas story has grown stale, this re-telling by some kids from New Zealand ought to rewarm your heart,

MONDAY MORNING REFLECTIONS - THE END (?) OF A WAR, PACKERS, IT'S NOT ABOUT TEBOW, AND SIX MORE DAYS

The war in Iraq ended early on Sunday morning as the last batch of approximately 25 American military tricks and tractor trailers carrying Bradley fighting vehicles and armored cars carrying 500 US troops crossed the border into Kuwait. Quoting the report by Reuters:

"The war launched in March 2003 with missiles striking Baghdad to oust President Saddam Hussein closes with a fragile democracy still facing insurgents, sectarian tensions and the challenge of defining its place in an Arab region in turmoil. As U.S. soldiers pulled out, Iraq's delicate power-sharing deal for Sunni and Kurdish factions was already under pressure. The Shi'ite-led government asked parliament to fire the Sunni deputy prime minister, and security sources said the Sunni vice president faced an arrest warrant."

Now the post-war analysis begins as historians and politicians try to assess the success and/or failure of this war.  The fact that the war in Afghanistan continues with Americans continuing in harm's way will temper any assessment. And no one should forget that the war on terrorism has not been won. Neither the Bush or Obama administrations dare make such a claim. Nearly 4,500 Americans and tens of thousands of Iraqis lost their lives in this fearsome conflict.

America continues to be the one nation willing to expend its own lives in the defense of freedom for persons around the world.  It is an admirable reputation which once again confirms the will and the worth of a democracy.  As much as people wish to castigate or critique America, we are the one nation that can be depended upon.

We should not forget that it has been at a price.  And now that this war is over (?) it is essential that we care for the men and women of the American military and their families--and help them deal with the even deeper price they have paid than anyone.  That will be the true test of the character of Mr. Obama and the person who will hold the office in January 2013.

The Packers finally lost yesterday to the Kansas City Chiefs.  A season of perfection will elude them, but at this point I am looking for them to hoist that Super Bowl trophy at season's end.  The Denver Broncos and Tim Tebow did not defeat Tom Brady and the Patriots.  I suspect Tim will be as gracious and as faith-filled in defeat as he was in victory,  Hopefully his detractors won't make over this either.  In the end, it's not about Tebow, it's about the Broncos (and it's not about Tebow, it's about Jesus Christ.)

And remember - just six more days until Christmas!  It will mean a lot more if He has been resident in your heart throughout this year.

IF JOSEPH AND MARY WERE ON FACEBOOK

Bought this video for my church from Igniter Media.  It's only a week to this celebration.

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

For much of my adult life I have been a reader and fan of Peanuts and its creator, Charles Schulz.  Part of the attraction to me has been its subtle and sometimes not so subtle theological reflection.  Above and below are are just a few of my favorite panels:

Many of us are familiar with his most circulated theological statement known as A Charlie Brown Christmas.  This animated special has been a part of the CBS Christmas line-up for more than a decade.
I don't watch it every year, but still delight each time I encounter it. In 2010, when CBS decided to drop it, ABC picked it up through 2015.

Recently I read how A Charlie Brown Christmas almost didn't make it.Charles Schulz wanted to use the King James Version of the Christmas story in the cartoon and some television execs thought that would be inappropriate and offensive and wanted to hold off airing the special. Schulz stood his ground.  Read the story itself. national

FERVENCY - MY KIDS, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY - GOD'S !!!!

FERVENCY is the name of the youth worship band from the Church of God of Landisville, which I am privileged to serve as Lead Pastor.  These kids chose their name because of their attitude towards Jesus Christ and sharing the Good News.  Last Saturday night they performed at local high school talent show, a distinct honor rarely afforded openly Christian groups.  This is their performance.

MONDAY MORNING REFLECTION - MORE TRAGEDY FOR VIRGINIA TECH

Last Thursday was a study day at Virginia Tech. Finals were set for Friday, but for now the finals are on hold. A gunman shot and killed a police officer on campus at a routine traffic stop. The shooter did not appear to be part of the traffic stop. Soon another body was found. Three years ago Virginia Tech experienced the single worst shooting in modern American history when 33 people died in a few hours on campus at the handles of a single gunman. Once again Tech was hit with a violent tragedy.

 

A friend of  mine, Tammie Gitt, posted this thought on Facebook.  "Thank a police officer today. He might die for you tomorrow."  Let me add my "amen."

More details will emerge I am sure about these killings, but my reflection is this. We live in a fallen world. By that, I mean that the world intended by our Creator has been damaged beyond measure by our human sin.  

Although it is popular to believe in the progressive goodness of humankind, the daily violence of even a free society is an unavoidable reminder of the dark stain of sin upon the heart of humanity.  It is a stain that we have not been successful to erase.  We will not be able to do so without the intervention of Someone who is above our humanity and without sin's corruption.

That's why a little more than 2000 years ago, a holy God Himself entered time and space and took up residence among us.  This is why He gave His life through the life of His perfect Son, Jesus Christ - so that our lives would be freed from the power and the penalty of sin. The Virginia Tech killings remind us that we still live in the presence of sin.  The baby born in that manger reminds us of the life transforming power to defeat that sin once and for all.

Sin's demise does not some through a political program or a social philosophy.  

It cannot be voted out of power nor overthrown by a military option.

It will not end by human persuasion or the right human leader or system.

There is not enough education to overcome its insidious grasp on the human mind and spirit.

Sin requires a Savior.

^"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.' - Romans 5:6-8

(C) 2011 Stephen L Dunn

O HOLY NIGHT - DAVID PHELPS

A friend of mine Ballard Wood connected me to this video. It starts with a commercial from a Pentecostal evangelist named Joel Hemphill but his story is worth your reflection, too.  Let this video remind you of the season and its reason.

WAYNE BOYER

A treasured friend of mine and fellow pastor, Wayne Boyer, went home to be with the Lord a few days ago. Another friend of mine, Bill Sloat blogged a tribute to him that I am reposting here for broader distribution of the tribute. - Steve



Cancer stinks.

I've smelled the stench in a more up-close-and-personal way than I ever wanted to.

Since her diagnosis, Evelyn has had the joy of walking the cancer road with three people she regarded as friends before cancer came into their lives. It's a road you don't want to walk on without human companionship. On Tuesday, Wayne became the last of those three 'cancer buddies' to come to the end of the journey.

The cancer road is such a strange one. Though he'd been on it long before Evelyn, she endured a particularly harsh chemo drug before Wayne was put on it. So, she was able to describe for Wayne its horrid effects before he experienced them. And, we were able to understand what he went through during those treatments and to appreciate the faith, the grace and the courage with which he embraced that incredible suffering.

Not long ago, I could not get Wayne out of my mind and so, as I was driving, I phoned him. From the instant he answered, I could hear the smile in his voice. I actually heard his laughter as he told me that he knew that the cutting-edge drug he was on was not working and that he knew that it would not extend his life and that that was okay. He talked about the joy he still felt in the Lord's salvation. He expressed his only real regret that Kay would be left alone. When we hung up, it was with laughter and a naive, "Talk to you later."

Two days after that, the final onslaught overwhelmed him and he was rushed to the hospital.

Cancer killed Wayne. It did not beat him.

Wayne followed Jesus. He set his heart on living out obedience to the greatest of all the commands in the Law: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."

Thanks, Wayne, for letting me see that.

Talk to you later.

A LITTLE CHRISTMAS HUMOR - NOT

MONDAY MORNING REFLECTIONS--TIME TO GIVE TEBOW SOME CREDIT, MARY DID YOU KNOW, JUSTIN BIEBER MUSIC VIDEO, AND SPIRITUAL QUESTS VIA THE SING-OFF

Tim Tebow led the Denver Broncos to victory Sunday afternoon over the Minnesota Vikings.  Two significant developments as a result.  They moved into a tie with the Oakland Raiders for the AFC West after the Raiders were demolished by the Miami Dolphins.  And the Broncos, who were being given up for dead eight weeks ago, have now gone 5-1 since Tebow began as a starter. Their victory over Minnesota increased their winning streak to five, the longest since John Elway was QB. Tebow's success on the football field is beginning to finally distract the media from their incessant sniping at his persistent (and consistent) expressions of his faith.  Just Friday I still had a friend at church look cross-eyed when I mentioned Tebow was making me a Broncos fan.  Maybe my friend and others will stop obsessing about the "NFL quarterback model" and finally give credit to Tebow for his emerging talent.

Lots of Christmas music fills the air.  One of my favorites in Kenny Roger's rendition of Mark Lowry's  "Mary Did You Know?"

Speaking of music - is it just me for is there something slightly obscene in Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey's Christmas music video where this very sensuous and obviously adult women is singing seductively to a young man who is still a teenager? (He is still 17 years old).  If she were a school teacher she would be facing criminal charges.

Then there was my favorite show of the fall season The Sing-Off and Ben Folds hauntingly subtle Christian message (or question)  in "You Were Not the Same" has me thinking about how people express their spiritual quest, and not always finding answers.  Folds is clearly not a Christian and his lyrics in many songs like the popular "Army" must be edited for general or popular audiences.  But every time I hear a song that asks spiritual questions and responds with semi-despair, I have to wonder how we connect people with the "Hope that does not disappoint us." More about this later, but for now, enjoy the song.

THE TOUCH OF GOD THROUGH A BABY

Although I don't watch it religiously, I have long been a fan of CBS' Sixty Minutes.  A number of years ago newsman Harry Reasoner shared his personal thoughts on Christmas during Prime Time.  I'd like you to read some excerpts from his remarks. - Steve

Eleven years ago I did a little Christmas piece and it seemed like a good idea to repeat it. The basis for this tremendous burst of buying things and gift buying and parties and near hysteria is a quiet event that Christians believe actually happened a long time ago. You can say that in all societies there has always been a midwinter festival and that many of the trappings of our Christmas are almost violently pagan. But you come back to the central fact of the day and the quietness of Christmas morning, the birth of God on earth.

It leaves you only three ways of accepting Christmas. One is cynically, as a time to make money and endorse the making of it. One is graciously, that’s the appropriate attitude for non-Christians who wish their fellow citizens all the joys to which their beliefs entitle them. And the third, of course, is reverently.

If this is the anniversary of the appearance of the Lord of the universe in the form of a helpless babe, it is a very important day. It is a startling idea, of course. The whole story that a virgin was selected by God to bear his son as a way of showing his love and concern for man. It’s my guess that in spite of all the lip service given to it, it’s not an idea that has been popular with theologians. It is somewhat an illogical idea and theologians like logic almost as much as they like God. It’s so revolutionary, a thought that it probably could only come from God that is beyond logic and beyond theology. It is a magnificent appeal. Almost nobody has seen God and almost nobody has any real idea what he is like, and the truth is that among men the idea of seeing God suddenly and standing in a very bright light is not necessarily a completely comforting or appealing idea.

But everyone has seen babies and almost everyone likes them. If God wanted to be loved as well as feared, He moved correctly, for a baby growing up learns all about people. And if God wanted to be intimately a part of man, He moved correctly, for the experience of birth and family-hood is the most intimate and precious experience that any of us will ever have.

So it comes beyond logic. It is either a falsehood or it is the truest thing in the world. It is the story of the great innocence of God the baby. God in the power of man has such a dramatic shock toward the heart that if it is not true to Christians, then nothing is true.

So if a person is touched only once a year, the touching is still worth it. And maybe on some given Christmas some final quiet morning, that touch will take. The touch of God coming into this world as a vulnerable baby. - Harry Reasoner

BREAKFAST

I love breakfast!


No apologies, no hesitation, no nuances – just a straightforward love of breakfast.
A cup of coffee, a simple bowl of Cheerios, a slice of toast – that’s breakfast at its most minimal.  Although my diabetes now requires me to tone down breakfast, there are some things that I particularly love with breakfast.
Start with a cup of fresh, hot coffee.  It requires no doctoring, just its rich flavor wafting aromatic out of the cup into your nostrils. A quality cup of coffee is the “first love” of a good breakfast.   And please, please, please — do not ruin the experience by serving me decaf.  I’d rather have a warm glass of diet Pepsi that’s been sitting on the counter for three days.

I can begin to embrace breakfast with a gusto by a cold glass of tomato juice served while the meal itself is being prepared.  Many places add a slice of lemon,but for me such “decoration” is totally unnecessary.  If I have lemon at all at breakfast, let it be lemonade.  Occasionally, when I am not too worried about my blood sugar, a glass of Florida’s best orange juice is a pleasant addition – but it has to have lots of pulp or the whole OJ thing loses substance.  OJ is the first place where I might want to chew my breakfast,  When the price on either is too high or none is available, there’s much breakfast refreshment from a glass of ice water with that slice of lemon that people erroneously want to insert into my tomato juice.

Now the main courses begin to arrive–generally on multiple plates balanced artfully on the forearm of your waitress.  How do they do that?  I have trouble carrying my keys in my hands let alone do the balancing act required by breakfast waitresses.  And they do it without velcro.
So what comes first?  Two eggs sunnyside up/  Please do not let them get cold in the kitchen before they reach me.  And if you break the yolks, I’ll send them back.  Never mind that I am about the plunge my fork into their shimmering yellow surface.  Part of the blessing is savoring the plunging of the fork into those two yellow faces staring back at you and watching the yolk run into the whites.  And don’t burn the whites. A runny yoke loses its culinary satisfaction when it is eaten with the rest of the egg that has begun to take on the texture of burnt toast.  

Of course – toast.  My preference, four half slices of raisin toast, slightly crispy with a pat of butter melting into its surface.  My diabetes has turned breakfast potatoes into unwelcome carbs. At my home restaurant, the Silver Spring Family Restaurant has offered me fresh, sliced tomatoes as an alternative. (Unfortunately with an upcharge).  That’s the “fruit: with my breakfast.  I cannot quite explain it, but those tomatoes are a perfect taste counterpart to the eggs and toast, and they don’t compete with the coffee. (By now I should be on my second cup).

If i want to have a more filling breakfast, old-fashioned Southern grits with a huge dollop of butter melting into their hot, fluid surface has me salivating before I even get that first taste (which is usually ten minutes after they get to the table and have finally cooled enough to eat without cauterizing your epiglottis.  Unfortunately too many people are introduced to grits through a box or in the North where they never seem to make grits the right way (except in Cracker Barrel).  But give grits a chance.  You won’t be sorry and they are probably better for you than a double order of toast.

And for “dessert,” (yes, breakfast has a dessert along with your third cup of coffee) be sure and tie the whole experience together with a few danish, preferably something with cinnamon (unless you need more fruit, then get apple danish).  But don’t tell my health coach about the danish.
I love breakfast!

(C) 2011 by Stephen L Dunn

LIFE MATTERS - BUT SUPERCOMMITTEES ARE ANOTHER MANNER

I am a "fan" so-to-speak of political cartoons.  An image with a brief text is often prophetic, if not certainly articulate.  Here are some cartoons that lately have spoken my mind quite.  Thank you to USA's stable of political cartoonist for their collective wisdom and artistic talent.

MONDAY MORNING REFLECTION - ANDY ROONEY, JOE PA, IRAQ

Andy Rooney died earlier this month. It had not even been a month since he announced retirement.  Sixty Minutes presented a delightful tribute to Andy, his life and his passion to write.  I, for one, delighted at Andy's brief appearance each week--wrapping up what had often been a heavy show with a little whit and whimsy that refreshed the soul. Andy prepared his segment from 1978-2011, his final presentation was his 1,097th.   Memorable quotes galore. Here are a few I connected with:

"People will generally accept facts as truth only if the facts agree with what they already believe."

"The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong."

"Vegetarian - that's an old Indian word meaning lousy hunter. "

"Nothing in fine print is ever good news."
 
"Death is a distant rumor to the young.I didn't get old on purpose, it just happened. If you're lucky, it could happen to you."

"Happiness depends more on how life strikes you than on what happens."

 

 

As a wordsmith, I would never presume to be in Andy Rooney's league; but I will miss him. Whether it was an eloquent ode to dust or a pithy analysis of the Democrats and Republicans, Andy never failed to stimulate my mind and occasionally open it a little bit more.  And unlike the talk-show pundits, he never took himself too seriously and treated his listeners like they were intelligent beings.

The United Negro College Fund used to have a slogan, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."  Andy wasted nary a cell.

Joe Pa's saga continues.  Now we read that he directed the university's academic enforcement officer to let the athletic department police the football team.  That's just the kind of "football is bigger than the university" thinking that cost Jim Tressell his job at The Ohio State University.  When we allow college athletes to see themselves as a privileged class we plant seeds in their psyche that will be a hindrance to the leaders many of them will have the opportunity to become (unless, of course, they become Senators and Congressmen).

The pullout from Iraq is slowly underway. Our nation in general and our military families in particular have made tremendous sacrifice so that Iraq would be free and to plant seeds of democracy. Unfortunately, I think this cartoon reflects the attitude of the current Iraqi leadership.

On a personal note: A brother of one of my best friends after several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan ready to resume normal life.  He discovered about a month ago that he has a brain tumor and underwent surgery to remove a part of it.  Keep Marvin in your prayers.

Yesterday marked the beginning of Advent, the season in the Christian year that we begin preparing our hearts for the message of Christmas. During this month I am posting items on my devotional blog called THRIVING IN CHRIST.  The first post is "The Day Peace was Declared" and you can click HERE to access it.

SHOULD TEBOW DIAL BACK HIS JESUS TALK?

When Tim Tebow was in college he was a sports media darling, but now that he has become an NFL quarterback, the media has spent a lot time and energy beating up on Tebow. Not so much for his somewhat un-NFL-like quarterbacking skills; but for his very obvious devotion to Jesus Christ. Last week Jake Plummer grabbed some headlines with his critiquing of the level of Tim's expressing of his faith.

Former Bronco quarterback Jake Plummer (2003-2006) thinks Tebow should make some changes: "...regardless of whether I wish he’d just shut up after a game and go hug his teammates, I think he’s a winner and I respect that about him,” said Plummer. “I think that when he accepts the fact that we know that he loves Jesus Christ, then I think I’ll like him a little better. I don’t hate him because of that, I just would rather not have to hear that every single time he takes a good snap or makes a good handoff."

When I read Plummers' comments I think that Jake just doesn't get Tebow.  (Nor does John Elway nor much of the sporting world.) His faith goes far deeper than painting scripture on his eyeblack in college.  His whole worldview is rooted in a genuine love for Jesus Christ. It is also grounded in a worldview that says faith is not a private matter and that football is not a matter of eternal significance.  This video (which the poster inaccurately titled "Tebow SLAMS  Plummer") gives us a clear answer as to who Tim Tebow believes himself to be and how that impacts he as an NFL quarterback.


Personally, I hope that Tim maintains his spiritual integrity and lives by the perspecive described on tbe video. It would probably be a good career move to do otherwise, but we the NFL and our nation would profit from aquaterback that accepts his role model role and tries to model a faith with integrity. So what do you think?

THERE ARE NO OFF LIMITS QUESTIONS

Earlier this year popular preacher and teacher Rob Bell stirred considerable controversy with a new book called Love Wins. (Just for clarification, I have purchased the book but not yet read it. I believe no one should comment on a book if they have not read it thoroughly and reflected upon it honestly. I intend to read it in the next month.

I have unfortunately or fortunately read an avalanche of comments about the book and its supposed premise. I have noted that very few commentators have actually yet to read Love Wins either, just what other commentators have said about it. To those who have charged Rob with universalism, others have responded with a question, "How does belief in free will (which Rob believes) co-exist with universalism (everyone will come to God)?"  One of my Facebook friends wrote in response to some of my questions, "It seemed more a calling out of Calvism that anything." (He, by the way, had read the book.)

My purpose in all of this is not to comment on Rob's book. I still have not read it.  And because many of his writings and videos have been extremely helpful to me as a biblical Christian, I intend to give him the respect of reading and reflecting upon it with honesty.  My intent is to note something far more at issue here.


When it comes to God and our desire to understand His truth, are there no "off limits" questions? This is no small question for those of us engaged in apologetics with persons who have no Christian roots and no biblical reference points in their life experience.  More often than not, the very fact that I am willing to say, "There are no off limits questions, just questions for which you do not yet have answer" has been the springboard to genuine dialogue that God used to reconcile people to Him.  Actually, the questioning usually begins with, "This is probably a stupid question ..." meaning a whole lot of their self-esteem is about to be invested in this investigation of the truth and they want to be sure that their quest will be respected by those who claim to know the Way.

I find it hard to believe that God, Who is Truth in Person, is offended by questions since it is He who embedded in us a hunger for the Truth when He created us in His image.  And God does not cease to God simply because we are rebellious in our motives for asking questions.  God can handle the Truth because He is Truth.  And in the end it is not reason that convicts of our inescapable need for God, it is the Holy Spirit who is more than human answers and theologies and systems.

There are too many Christians that are offended by any questions, except softball ones.  Perhaps they are offended because they don't have all the answers and secretly believe that their salvation is dependent upon being able to pass some kind of biblical intelligence test.  That still smells of salvation by works, and for that we have the Apostle Paul's clear admonition, "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power" (Colossians 2:4) and " "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast." (Ephesians 2.8-9)

Questions are the way that truth is revealed and appropriated.  Asking questions was at the heart of Jesus' teaching method.  God is not someone Who needs protected from the skeptics and defended against the atheists.  He is the One who through open hearts grants us new minds which are ultimately what is required to understand the truth and live the truth.

Every time we launch an assault on someone who asks questions we say that Truth is fragile.  God, Who moves the mountains and holds the universe in His hands is anything but.

A LITTLE POST TURKEY ANALYSIS

Have fun. I did when I came across these.  Hope your Thanksgiving dinner was enjoyable, your family time a blessing and that the Detroit Lions won.

And then very serious thought .......................................