That Inner Struggle Thing

I shouldn't have done it, but how do you say no to Braum's?

I live in Gallup, New Mexico . . . 12 miles from the Arizona border and 500 miles away from the nearest Braum's. For the uninitiated, Braum's is a hamburger and ice cream joint based in and near the state of Oklahoma. Anyone who has ever called Oklahoma home is a Braum's addict, and that definitely includes me. There were a few years there where Braum's burgers and ice cream were staples of my diet . . . and the proof is there for anyone to see!!!

I have been away from Oklahoma for nearly 5 years, so I've been going through Braum's withdrawal. I've spent the past 9 days in and around Oklahoma (south-central Kansas where I am now at is also Braum's country) . . . and so, I've been making up for lost time! There seems to be a Braum's on every corner in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Wichita . . . I haven't made it to all of them in the past week, but I've done my best!

I told myself tonight that today would be Braum's free . . . my body needed a break. But . . . I relented . . . I gave in . . . and quickly gobbled up a double dip chocolate chip-peanut butter cup waffle cone! It was wonderful! All that I had expected! For about 30 minutes!!! Then, reality set in, and now I have a killer headache from too much sugar, and I'm sure those calories are up to no good :-).

Isn't that the way with sin? Often the temptation to indulge in improper behavior . . . to do what we know is wrong and will likely result in harmful circumstances . . . becomes too much (at least in our way of thinking) and we give in and do what we should have avoided. Initially, it seems that the lies of temptation are indeed true . . . what fun! . . . we feel great! . . . best time of our life! . . . top of the world! . . . then reality sets in and everything comes crashing down. Sin is fun for a moment . . . perhaps many years of moments, but there is an end to the fun. Reality cannot be held at bay forever. There will be an accounting. Eating a Braum's double-dip ice cream cone will result in a few hours of discomfort and a few extra pounds, but giving into more serious temptations will result in much more serious and life-affecting consequences.

We learn from our mistakes . . . from those moments when we let down our guard and allow those temptations to take over . . . moments when sanity departs us and self-destructive reasoning and behavior creep in. Or, at least we should. The consequences of bad actions should teach us to avoid the same trap the next time. If we are paying attention. If we do not become so deadened to cause and effect that we do not grow.

Tomorrow will be Braum's free!!! I hope :-).

A Test of Forgivness

I worshiped with two congregations in south-central Kansas today. I was privileged to speak to both about Manuelito Navajo Children's Home. This morning, I was with the McPherson, Kansas church. Tonight, I was with the Haven, Kansas church.

My good friend, Lance Morrisett, is the preacher at Haven. It was good to be with Lance, Jennifer and Cullen. I had not seen Lance and Jennifer in nearly 5 years. We met 10 years ago in Childress, when I was preaching for the Fairview Church of Christ (my first preaching stop) and Lance was the youth minister for th eChildress Church of Christ. Those were good times.

This morning, while at McPherson, I enjoyed sitting in a Bible class with Glen Elliott, the preacher at McPherson. Glen's subject was forgiveness. He offered a test of forgiveness that I found worth sharing. To paraphrase, this is the gist of Glen's challenge: You say you've forgiven the person that has hurt you, but has your behavior toward that person changed? Do you still respond to him or her like you have a grudge toward them, or have you allowed the relationship to enter a new day. Are you happy when the other person meets some adversity or hardship, considering such things as just payback? Or, do you wish good things for the person?

We have all been hurt at various times in life. It is a very human thing to want to strike out and wound the person who has wounded us. But, we are called to forgive; to do as Jesus did . . . to love those who hurt us, and seek not to harm in return, but to forgive . . . to not be bitter, but to find a place of peace in the relationship once more.

It is not enough to say, "I forgive you," but continue to alienate the other person is wrong; to wish that they would meet with some unfortunate circumstance is hateful; to desire the worst for that person is sinful. When we forgive, a new day dawns . . . a new chapter in the relationship begins.

Beautiful World

I began the week (Sunday) in Chandler, Arizona. As this day ends (Tuesday), I am in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I've driven over 1,300 miles in the past three days . . . across four states . . . Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. I have seen so many beautiful sights in those long miles . . . the Sonoran Desert and Dragoon/Dos Cabezas mountain ranges in SE Arizona, the mountains and desert of SW New Mexico, the Rio Grande valley around Las Cruces and the White Sands, the Sacramento Mountains and Cloudcroft, New Mexico, the vast plains of eastern New Mexico, the cotton fields of the Texas Panhandle, the Caprock and hill country of the eastern Panhandle, the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma, and the rolling hills of central Oklahoma. I've crossed the Rio Grande, the Red River, the Canadian River, and the Arkansas River. What a beautiful world God has made . . . and he has given it to us to enjoy, to call home, to care for and be a part of. How aweome is our God!

Two Recommendations

Two recommendations.

1) Phoenix Zoo. I took my girls there today. I love bringing my girls to zoos, and we have visited several during the past few years: San Diego, Cheyenne Mt. in Colorado Spgs, Oklahoma City (twice), and Columbus Ohio. Phoenix is one of the best. It has some great attractions for small kids. Some hilly terrain, but not much. But, we missed the mountain lions . . . "Exhibit temporarily closed." What a great morning and early afternoon.

2) Serano's. I've mentioned this one before, and I have it listed as one of my favorite restaurants on the right hand column of my blog. I discovered Serano's three years ago, and must make a stop there each time I come to Chandler, AZ. If you visit, order the #33: cheese enchiladas topped with green chili beef. Very good! They were a little off tonight, but still better than most Mexican food I've had . . . and I'm quite particular.

Payson, Arizona

I visited a place new to me today . . . Payson, Arizona. Beautiful.

The comment is not reserved for the town, per se, although in my quick drive through the town limits, I was impressed. My evaluation is primarily focused on the drive into and out of town. For the first time in my life, I travelled the route south from Holbrook, Arizona to Chandler(Phoenix), Arizona, through Payson. What a beautiful drive . . . especially the vicinity around Payson. In the space of about 50 miles you descend from snow-covered Ponderosa forests to the lowlands of the Sonoran desert.

I will definately be making this trip again. Hopefully, I will not be in as much a hurry as I was this morning. I would like to spend some meaningful time in and around Payson.

(I owe credit for the photo to some anonymous source on the Internet. I had my camera this morning, but did not have time to stop and take photos . . . next time!).

Leadership Training for Christ

It's that time of year again. Another Leadership Training for Christ convention has arrived. It's always a highlight of the year for me.

The kids from Gallup Church of Christ and Manuelito Navajo Children's Home attend the LTC-Southwest convention in Chandler (Phoenix), Arizona. It will be my third year to attend the convention in Chandler, but my first with Gallup. I brought the youth group from Cortez, Colorado the past two years. In years past, I have attended LTC conventions at Tulsa, Oklahoma and Dallas-Ft. Worth. Each convention has its own charm, and aspects genuine to the place, but the overall program is basically the same, and the aim of bringing Christian youth together in an atmosphere where their talents and abilities are affirmed and encouraged is the same in each place.

I have spent most of my life close to youth ministry in Churches of Christ, beginning as a youth, myself, and continuing as an adult employed as both youth minister and preacher for a succession of congregations. Over the years, I have gone back and forth in my feelings regarding L. T. C. I have certain criticisms: namely, the monetary expense (and how that often capitalizes a lot of small church youth budgets), and the use of Easter weekend as a convention time (I understand the logic of using this time, but a lot of family activities are compromised in the process, and many families do not participate in L.T.C. as a result). But, the positives far outweigh the negatives.

I cannot think of another program in churches that involves the nuimber of children, youth, and adults as does L.T.C.; with all ages working together toward a common goal and purpose. I cannot think of another program that taps into the wide breadth of talents and abilities and interests as does L.T.C. L.T.C. excels at communicating to youth that all sorts of skills can be used to glorify God and edify the church. It used to be, that young people (and old, too) were told that serving God amounted to saying a public prayer or leading a song (activities that usually left out half our kids!), but L.T.C. enables kids to use all sorts of talents in Christian service. L.T.C. also brings hundreds and thousands of Christian youth together, creating a "strength in numbers" effect, telling kids, "Hey, I'm not alone in this church thing . . . there are lots of others just like me!" This benefit is especially truth with youth coming from small congregations.

I am looking forward to my time in Chandler, and I know the kids from Gallup are excited. An added bonus: my three girls are with me this week, and I will get to share the fun of L.T.C. with them.

The photo is from L.T.C. 2006 in Chandler. It is of the Cortez youth group (and my kids, too).

Great Winners

Another Tiger win. Another emphatic declaration that he is the greatest champion in sports history. Has there ever been an athlete with a greater competitive drive?

Here's my list of great champions in sports history.

1. Tiger Woods (he will only continue to make the point)

t2. Bill Russell (Mr. Championship)

t2. John Wooden (brilliant coach . . . a giant of a man in a rather diminuitive frame)

4. Otto Graham (7 NFL championships in 10 seasons . . . why isn't he mentioned in the same breath as Montana?)

5. Joe DiMaggio (the greatest Yankees' captain)

t6. Pete Sampras (if could have only added the French!)

t6. Roger Federer (he will eclipse Sampras . . . unless he runs out of gas!)

8. Jeff Gordon (okay, okay . . . "sports" champion may be a stretch :-))

9. Jack Nicklaus (Tiger still trails the Golden Bear in the numbers race)

10. Pat Summit (a nod to Title IX)

Showdown: KJV vs. NIV

You gotta check out this YouTube video (visit the link below). I've heard some crazy assaults on the NIV over the years . . . this is the craziest. You'll laugh watching it, but it's definately not the most-genuine, intelligent exegesis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDxcyqeRc-4

Note: I owe Ben Witherington credit for pointing me to the video. He had it posted on his blog, today.

Forgotten Flicks

Do you Netflix? What a great concept. I've become a Netflix addict.

Lately, I've been requesting some golden oldies . . . movies I had not seen in a long, long time. I enjoyed watching these movies for the 2nd time (or 40th time) as much as the 1st time. Here's my recommendations:

The Apple Dumpling Gang (Don Knotts & Tim Conway . . . need I say more?)

Victory (Sylvester Stallone playing soccer alongide Pele in a WWII POW camp . . . what a concept!)

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (the best of the Star Trek movies)

JAWS (even though Ive seen the shark at Universal Studios, this movie is still one of the best ever made)

Die Hard (the original . . . far outshines the sequels)

Superman II: Richard Donner Cut (an altogether new movie . . . takes a mediocre movie to classic status)

Grab some popcorn and head to Netflix.

Our God Is an Awesome God

Have you heard Charlie Daniels's version of Awesome God? If not, give it a listen. It is on the Songs 4 Worship Country CD produced by TimeLife records, or you can download the single from Amazon.com. The whole album is great, but I especially like the Daniels's track.

Favorite Baseball Teams/Seasons

Spring Training has started and another Major League Baseball season is around the corner. I can't wait. I love baseball. I especially love the lore and history of the Major Leagues. Football, specifically the NFL, is my favorite spectator sport, but the NFL does not have the heritage of MLB. Mention a baseball player, any position, any era, and on the basis of statistics he can be compared to players from the past 120 years. You can't do that with a football player. Certainly each era has its quirks that make comparissons a little problematic (i.e., steroids, the "dead ball", segregation, etc.), but all in all it is still fascinating to place Babe Ruth side by side with Albert Pujols and compare their accomplishments, and with statistics there is a certain amount of objectiviy on which to base a comparison.

At the outset of new baseball season, I want to present my listing of favorite baseball teams/seasons. You can tell from the list who my favorite franchise is . . . only the most successful franchise in the history of the National League (and I've been a fan since the early days of the Wizard of Oz!) . . . through good seasons and bad (and there have been plenty of both). Can you guess my second favorite team?

My favorite MLB Teams/Seasons:

#1- 1934 St. Louis Cardinals, the "Gashouse Gang" (Dizzy, Daffy, Ducky/Muscles, Pepper, Ripper, the Fordham Flash, Leo the Lip, Spud, Tex, Pops, Dazzy, Chick, Buster, Kiddo, Wild Bill . . . has any team ever had a more colorful collection of nicknames?)

#2- 1941 Booklyn Dodgers (they lost the WS to the Yankees, but this team was special

#3- 2006 St. Louis Cardinals (they should have won two seasons earlier, but they finally sealed the deal in this magical season)

#4- 1927 New York Yankees (what list of baseball seasons/teams would be complete without this team . . . but I still favor the 1921 Yankees)

#5- 1948 Cleveland Indians (two words: Satchel Paige)

#6- 2004 Boston Red Sox (no, I'm not a citizen of the Red Sox Nation, and they swept my beloved Cardinals, but I took great satisfaction in the way this team dispensed the Yankees)

#7- 1982 St. Louis Cardinals (this was the team that began my love affair with the Cardinals)

#8- 1946 St. Louis Cardinals ("The Man" . . . Stan Musial's greatest team, and the World Series that brought a nation out of the years of war and into a time of great prosperity)

#9- 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers (Jackie Robinson, need I say more . . . on second thought this team probably belongs at the top of my list)

#10 - 1985 St. Louis Cardinals (the team that could . . . but fell just short . . . my hats off to George Brett and crew, but the best team lost on that day!)

#11- 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers (they beat the A's, that's reason enough to be on my list . . . plus Kirk Gibson's "Natural" moment)

#12- 2005 Houston Astros (I had to add a Texas team, and this is the closest a Texas team has ever come to Baseball imortality . . . and, yes, they did beat my Cardinals in the NLCS . . . amazing series, though)

What teams make your list?

Top 11 Quarterbacks

In recognition of Brett Favre's retirement, I'll join with the countless others and offer my list of the greatest QB's in NFL history. I refuse to list those QB's who are still in the midst of their careers, but I am certain that in time Manning, Brady, and Romo (yes, that's right) will cause me to reorder my list.

1. Johnny Unitas (he defined the modern QB)

2. Joe Montana (2 minutes left, down by 6, who else would you want behind center?)

3. Otto Graham (no one has approached his champonship run; no one ever will)

4. John Elway (best combination of skills ever)

5. Terry Bradshaw (he does have 4 rings)

6. Roger Staubach (I know, I can't believe I put him behind Bradshaw, but 4 rings outshine 2)

7. Troy Aikman (and, no, Cowboy bias is not in play; this is an objective list)

8. Dan Fouts (often overlooked; perhaps best pure passer ever)

9. Brett Favre (has all the records, but only 1 ring)

10. Dan Marino (his hands are absent the jewelry)

11. Sid Luckman (a Cowboy recognizing a Redskin? is the world coming to an end?)


Most over-rated QB: Broadway Joe Namath.

Most under-rated: Danny White (and, no, its not because I'm a Cowboy fan) & Joe Theisman (and that is certainly not because I'm a Cowboy fan)

Most un-realized potential: Randall Cunningham (meteoric start; forgettable finish)

Who's on your list?

Cowboy Tribute

This lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan takes his hat off (if I wore one) to Brett Favre. Great athlete. Great competitor. Great man. I do take great satisfation, however, in the fact that he never won in Texas Stadium!

Have a wondeful retirement.

Happy Birthday, Doc Watson!

Happy Birthday to Doc Watson, who turns 85 years young, today. For the non-initiated, Doc Watson is a giant in the realms of Bluegrass and folk music, and is a guitar player extraordinaire (especially when you consider the fact that he's blind!). If you haven't heard of him, run to Amazon.com and purchase Three Pickers, a live concert CD/DVD he did a few years ago with Earl Scruggs (of Beverly Hillbillies fame) and Ricky Skaggs. The incomparable Alison Krauss even makes a cameo.

I grew up on Bluegrass music (a cousin even played with Ricky Skaggs), but did not fully appreciate it until the past few years. Now, I'm hooked! And, if you give it a try, I imagine you will be, too.

On "Shifting Borders of Faith"

U.S.A. Today had a very interesting article in today's Life section, entitled "Shifting Borders of Faith." It was an article by Cathy Lynn Grossman on The U.S. Religious Landscape Survey conducted recently by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. Much of what was revealed in this survey is not much of a surprise. The 1950s was a long time ago and the cultural and religious character of our nation has been in a flux of change for many decades. However, there were a few observations made by Grossman that caught my attention.

• "51.3% of Americans call themselves Protestant, but roughly one-third of this group were 'uanble or unwilling' to describe their denomination." Can we say that there is a yearning for genuineness in faith rather than structure and tradition.

• "Nearly three in four U.S. Buddhists are converts." Consider that statistic for a moment. How many in churches are 'converts'? I would be shocked if genuine converts (not 3rd, 4th, 5th generation believers) number more than 1 out of 10 in most churches.

• "25% of adults under age 30" are unaffiliated with a church. What does this say about the church in 10 years . . . in 30 years?

• Those who are "self-proclaimed" pagans (0.3% of the U.S. population) is roughly equivalent to the number of those who belong to mainline Churches of Christ. Read that statistic again. Does that catch your attntion?!!!

I will comment further on these findings in a future posting. I would like to hear your insights on the matter, so leave a comment or two.

"O Lord, you have searched me and you know me."

Our earliest ancestors tried it . . . to no avail. They had sinned, and when they heard God approaching, they fled and sought to hide. They tried to hide from the one who knows and sees all. In hindsight, rather foolish, but quite human, nonetheless.

We've all tried it . . . I know I have. We run from our sins, rather, we run from an accounting of those sins. In shame, we seek to hide . . . to hide from God and from those closest to us. We hand our heads. We cover our eyes. We deny. We blame. We may even bury ourselves deeper in our sins, because we are unprepared to deal with our folly and the harm our choices have brought.

But, just as certainly as God came into the Garden, knowing full well what Adam and Eve had done and knowing where they hid, God knows us . . . we cannot hide from him.

I love Psalm 139, but it must be one of the most challenging passages in Scripture.

The psalmist prays, "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord" (vv. 1-4).

The psalmist continues to relate who God is the all-knowing Creator, the one who "created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb" (v.13). And concludes, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there" (vv. 7-8).

Psalm 139 is not merely a psalm of praise, glorigying God as Creator, but it is a prayer of confession and supplication. The psalmist invites God into his life, for the Father to expunge all that is dark and void and sin, and to renew what has become corrupted. But, the psalmist is also declaring his own faithfulness and righteousness, sayining, in essence, God you know me intimately, I can hide nothing from you, my life is laid bare before you, and I have no shame. The Psalmist is not arrogant in making this confession; the implication, I believe, is that he has lived his life diligently and conciously opening himself up to God, quick to deal with his sin, not trying to hide from God, but eagerly inviting him to enter his life and to rule over it.

The psalmist cries out, "If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord, and abhor those who rise up against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (vv. 19-24).

To live transparently before God . . . how freeing . . . how empowering. Much of the worry in life stems from our insecurities, constantly rining our hands over what others and God thinks of us. And, in our efforts to cover up our weaknesses, inadequacies, and failures, we dig deeper holes rather than bury them. To open onesself up to God, to cry out for his assistance and mercy and strength in our times of need (and moral and spiritual failure) is key. When we open ourselves up to God, we invite his tender touch, his mercy, his loving care. It's very difficult for a doctor to heal a stubborn patient and a patient in denial.

Let us us share the praise of the psalmist: "How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you" (vv. 17-18).

Great Presidents

I had intended to post this yesterday, in recognition of President's Day, but time got away from me.

I love U.S. History and enjoy reading about and discussing the Presidents we have had in our history and considering their place in history and significance to the country. I have a few lists I want to share reflecting my opinions about our Presidents. I have tried to be objective and invite others to share their thoughts and lists.

List #1: The Presidents with the Greatest Signicance to the Country in terms of impact and legacy in the context of contemporary American society (regardless of whether or not I'm a "fan")

1. George Washington (he is after all the "Father of our Country" . . . plus, can you imagine if John Adams was the first president?)

2. Abraham Lincoln (can you imagine the Civil War and its aftermath with any other President at the helm?)

3. Franklin Roosevelt (no, I am not a fan, but who else has had a greater impact on modern society . . . after all who else can we credit more for our "Welfare State"?)

4. Ronald Reagan (he brought an end to the Cold War and ushered in the greatest era of material prosperity our country has ever known . . . and, yes, I am a FAN)

5. Theodore Roosevelt (he ushered us into the "modern world" and began to build our legacy as the world's superpower)


List #2: Our Most Under-Rated Presidents

1. George W. Bush (just wait 20-30 years and see how he is viewed)

2. George H. W. Bush (had he been elected to a second term, I think the world would have been a much different place, and many of the problems in the Middle East would not be as difficult as they are now)

3. Harry Truman (although, during the past decade he has begun to get his due . . . and, yes, this Republican is a fan)

4. James Garfield (okay, I can't really think of any significant accomplishments, but I like him because of our shared heritage)

5. Richard Nixon (yes, his behavior at times was shameful, but the earlier part of his presidency was filled with some noteworthy achievements; plus, he gave a few good men their starts in government)


List #3: Those Who Would Have Made Great Presidents, But Never Were

1. Alexander Hamilton (if he'd only had a "softer side')

2. Newt Gingrich (there's still time with this one)

3. Margaret Thatcher (oh, of course, Britian had her first)

4. Admiral "Bull" Halsey (I've got to think that anyone nicknamed "Bull" would make a great president . . . plus my dad sailed on the ship that bore his name)

5. Sam Houston (he did great for Texas, surely he could run the United States!)


List #4: Those Who I Hope Will Be President One Day

1. Newt Gingrich (is there a more intelligent man in America? . . . imagine the debates!!!)

1a. John McCain (I am not his biggest fan, and in a Republican primary, my vote would have gone to another . . . but do we really have another choice at this point?)

2. George P. Bush (I haven't lost hope in the Bush dynasty)

3. J. D. Watts (Vice-President in 2008?!!!)

4. Carly Fiorna (she ran Hewlett Packard . . . I've bought 20 or so of their printers)

5. Harrison Ford (okay, I wouldn't like his politics . . . but he just has that look)

Two Churches, Two Very Different Styles

I am still on the road sharing the news about Manuelito Navajo Children's Home. I left Gallup on January 22, and my travels have taken me through Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, and back to Texas. I am currently in Temple, Texas. I will finally return home to Gallup on Friday. As enjoyable as this tour has been, I'm eager to get home.

One of the great blessings of this job are the opportunities I have to visit so many different congregations of the Lord's people. I've lost track of the number of churches I've visited during the past three weeks.

Yesterday, I worshiped with two different congregations here in Temple, worshiping in the morning at Western Hills and having the opportunity to speak last evening to the Northside church. These are very different congregations with a common faith.

Western Hills seems to be more progressive of the two. Their worship included a number of contemporary songs, even a few songs I had not heard before, and the service included some elements that were somewhat new to me. I especially liked the "Shepherd's Blessing," a word of encouragement and prayer given by one of the elders near the beginning of the worship. I was also moved by the placement of the prayer for the offering, given aften the collection was taken. It reminded me of Jesus taking the loaves and fish and lifting them up to God, asking for his blessing. A subtle act, to be certain, but powerful. I enjoyed the message, brought by Scott Meyer, and delivered in a very "relaxed/casual" manner.

The Northside church is a more traditional congregation, more long the lines of what I have been accustomed. The friendliness of the congregation was impressive. And the singing . . . even with a small group, it sounded great. I must say, even though I have always prefered "Youth Songs" over the old standbys, I found myself appreciating singing some well known songs (in contrast to not knowing many of the songs at Western Hills). It reinforced to me the importance of striking a balance between the traditional and contemporary. The all and none approach leaves people out, a blending includes everyone.

The primary point I want to make with this posting is that despite the differences between these congregations (and I imagine the differences go deeper than just the distinctions in worship), both congregations share a fellowship grounded in faith in Jesus as Christ. I found a passion for Jesus in both places and a genuiness of faith that was encouraging.

Despite the protestations of some, the New Testament does NOT provide us with a precise model or blueprint of what the church is to be and do. Certainly, we are given principles to follow and we have some examples of the life and practice of the early church, but totally lacking from the New Testament is a book like Leviticus. The minutia of the "old law" was nailed to the cross.

Consider how varied the early churches of the New Testament must have been. Different cultures, languages, and backgrounds must have resulted in a varitety of practices, much of the variety being subtle differences, but differences none the less. For instance, I can imagine that the singing in a predominantly Latin North African church would have varied greatly from a church in Jewish Palestine. Yet, both were praise directed at a common Father and shared Savior.

I am reminded of the song, a "Youth Song" at that: 'We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord; we are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord; and they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love; yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love."

What a Night!

I survived a tornado last night!

I grew up in Lubbock, Texas, and have spent much of my life in Texas and Oklahoma, in the vast, beginning stretches of the infamous "Tornado Alley," but I had to come to Tennessee to experience my first genuine tornado up-close . . . and an F-4 tornado at that!!!

I am in Jackson, Tennessee, where I have been attending the lectureship at Freed-Hardeman University. As you have probably heard, Jackson, and many other areas in Tenessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Alabama and Mississippi, were hit hard by tornados last night and into this morning. The tornado that struck Jackson came right over the motel where I am staying. Fortunately, it had lifted back into the clouds at the precise moment it came over us. It had been on the ground as close as 2 miles to the west of my motel, destroying a small community and killing 2 people. It then touched down again just a mile NE of the motel, on the campus of Union University, destroying several buildings (including dormitories) and entrapping dozens of students. Fortunately, there were only the two deaths in Jackson; unfortunately, at least 54 deaths are attributed to all of the storms across the south.

The randomness of these storms is what has struck me the most today. How the Days Inn where I am staying was not damaged, while destruction can be found to the west and east of us, amazes me. I feel very lucky (no, blessed), and my heart goes out to those who suffered a much different experience.

The power of nature puts a lot into perspective. What takes men many months and years of labor and expense to build, the forces of nature can rip apart in a matter of seconds! Treasure what really matters in life . . . the people God gives us to love and be loved . . . and, yes, that relationship that far surpasses all others . . . with God Himself.

The Blessing of Mentors

One of the great blessings I have had in life are the many men who have served as role models and mentors for me. I was blessed today to be reunited with one such person. I was able to share lunch with one of my favorite people. It had been at least 12 years since I had seen him.

Danny Holmes came to the Green Lawn Church of Christ when I was entering my junior year in high school. He came to be our youth minister. That began a good friendship that has lasted for over 20 years! I have always appreciated Danny's humility and his laidback spirit. When he was my youth minister, I especialy appreciated how he went out of his way to give attention to those who were not popular and not in the in-crowd. Some of my fondest memories in life are of small group Bible studies in Danny & Amye's apartment in Lubbock when I was a teenager and of "indoor golf" matches in the Green Lawn youth center. And, I have always been appreciative of the opporutnity Danny gave me to be his intern . . . one of my first hands-on opportunities in ministry.

The people in our lives really are the greatest of the many blessings God gives to us. The wise man of Proverbs once said, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."