Advent or Ad Event

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone. It sounds like people were out in droves seeking and finding bargains. As we well remember from Bill Clinton's 1992 campaign, 'Its the economy stupid.'



Advertising and Christmas are almost synonymous these days. Santa sells cars. Reindeer encourage us to buy the right jewelry. Elves are busy making the perfect toy for Johnny. This time of year is really an Ad Event.



God, however, has a different sense of economy. It is not based upon what you can get, but what you can give. Its not about ownership but about stewardship. Its an invitation to prepare to welcome the one who comes in the face of the least, last, lost, and lonely. Advent is a call to watch for the God who comes to us in ways that baffle the world in which we live.



Fifteen years ago, a 'young' pastor and his wife took their first born (age 4) to see the glitz and glamour of Christmas in San Francisco. They took the BART to Union Square and toured the beautiful stores filled with 'things' far beyond their price range. They traveled by cable car to Fisherman's Wharf and witnessed shops filled with Christmas 'goodies.' At the end of the day, preparing to head home they popped into McDonald's for substance for the journey home.



While finding a table in a crowded restaurant, the first born took note of a man waiting in the long lines for a cup of coffee. He wore a stocking cap, an old heavy coat to ward off the chill evenings, pants that were well beyond their prime, and beat up old boots. He carried over his back and old duffel bag, and he had white locks poking out from under his cap and framing his chin. The pastor felt sorry for him, realizing that he was one of San Francisco's many homeless people.



The eldest son, however, saw something different. He saw a winter's visitor in disguise. He saw the one he had read of in myriad stories. He saw the one we know as Santa Claus. While father tried to ignore, for the eldest and only child, he could not contain his excitement. His excitement could not be contained, for he was the one to first notice that Santa was in our midst.



Perhaps his father could learn something from the oldest child. Perhaps the eldest child got it right, or maybe he was just a little mistaken. Perhaps it was not Santa in their midst, but he was the first to see Jesus whose birth we were making preparations to celebrate. 'When have we seen you Lord?'

The elect and elections

Last night was supposedly about a change in course. The Republican Party, two years after its demise was predicted, struck back with a winning hand. Now we can look forward to two years of pundits questions as they anticipate what will happen in 2012.

What really happened last night? Was it a big vote for change? Was it simply an act of frustration by an electorate that has been beaten and battered over the past 2-3 years? Was it a desire to get back to basics?

Within the church, there is always this tension between change and tradition. We often profess a desire to grow, but quite honestly are afraid of the change it will bring. A recent quote I was exposed to puts it in perspective; 'We yearn for change, but cling to the familiar.' (Anthony de Mello)

Last night, I believe we saw just that, a yearning for change but we clung to the familiar with an iron grip. We are not sure we like where the future is leading us and so we tried to reset and restore. We wistfully remember the 'good old days' forgetting that they weren't necessarily all good after all.

I hope that as a nation we can figure it out. I understand the Tea Party's complaint that the little guy seems to be getting the shaft. I am concerned that we just keep upping the ante in this game of debt poker without really an endgame in sight. Yet I hope that we will not allow fear to be the driving force in our nation's debate. While we may or may not agree with all that President Obama has done or hasn't done, he is right when he says 'Hope' is the only way.

As one of the 'elect' it is my hope that we might allow the image of the peaceable kingdom, the messianic kingdom, the kingdom of God guide us as we continue in this national discourse concerning our future. I have hope for the future despite the current concerns, for I am reminded that hope is the belief in the things not yet seen. (Hebrews 11.1)

Peace,

Pal

Letter to Questioner...

This is from an email I sent to a seeker. Maybe it might speak to you...

A new favorite statement of mine (partly mine and partly adaptation of another’s thoughts) is – the law wants conclusions, and grace desires conversation. It seems to me, you are in the midst of the conversation, exactly where God wants you to be.

I like how you are wrestling with questions. I believe it takes some maturity to ask the question, ‘What does God need?’ Perhaps, however, that’s not the real question you are struggling with (presumptuous on my part for me to say, I know) at this moment. Perhaps the bigger issue behind your question is a sense of ‘calling.’

‘Calling’ is the song that God sings in our hearts. Calling is the sense of harmony with my world. Calling doesn’t mean that all is easy or that we have no anxiety, but calling speaks of an alignment of my voice with the melody God’s choir is singing.

When we are living in the midst of the melody of God’s song; allowing for our own expressions of harmony, a smile forms on our face much like a musician who is caught up in a difficult piece of music. We feel as if our talent, our task, and our temperament are working toward a tangible goal. It may not be any more real than the sound of a note that is soon lost in the midst of many notes, but it is real. It may not come easy but it gives us life, abundant life (Jn 10.10).

I encourage you, if you desire what ‘God needs,’ to reflect upon what has and continues to bring you joy. Think about what comes naturally to you and what others affirm in you. Give yourself the opportunity to remember what makes your steps lighter and your burden easier. Ultimately, God’s desire (because this is the way to the fullness of life for which we were created) is that you live within your gifts, yours alone, and that you use your gifts as you respond to God’s ‘calling’ upon your life.

I don’t know if this helps any, but I encourage you to stay in the conversation and don’t allow yourself to feel as if you have to come to some conclusion…ever!

Halloween - Trick or TREAT?

Right about now, I can imagine there are many in the faith community raising the hue and cry about the evils of Halloween. Some see only witches and demons, and others see a glorification of the occult. I, however, see the gospel of GRACE!



Perhaps my appreciation of Halloween goes back to my youth and the fact that my day of birth is so closely aligned with this holiday. The end of October meant good things to me. It meant presents, parties, and candy! What more could a kid want?



That's my point! On Halloween we get to dress up and become whoever we want, and not what the world demands of us. For one night we are no longer slaves to the perceptions of others, but free to be what only God could imagine. (Now I know that some abuse this opportunity, as is the case whenever we express our freedom, but that should not detract from the beauty of the gift!)



Secondly, without deserving it, simply by showing up we are showered with good things. What other night of the year can I just show up at a strangers house, be welcomed and given good things? What better image of God's GRACE. Candy is given not because we have earned it, but simply out of love for us knocking at the door.



Yes, Halloween can be used by others to proclaim the dark side of life, but that's no reason for followers of the light to run away and pretend as if it doesn't exist. Like our ancestors in the past, let us take this holiday and tell the alternative story, the story of light, love, and grace. Let us joyfully participate in this one night of the year when we as neighbors get out into our neighborhood and experience the joy of community. Let us celebrate the God is the God of all nights and days including Halloween.



(By the way... another reason I like Halloween is that on this day in 1517 a German monk by the name of Martin Luther nailed 95 thesis on the church door in Wittenburg and thus began what we now know as the Protestant Reformation. But that's another blog!)

Re-inventing Relationships?

Many a movie is about them. Almost every popular song has something to say about them. We pretend to have them on the Internet. Relationships, the deep and abiding ones are what we all hope to have.

What has happened, however, is that like Esau, we have sold our birthright for a bowl of soup. We are willing to be satisfied with a few lines on a social network site like Facebook or a TWEET from one of our 'friends.' We rarely have time to sit across a table and luxuriate over a home made meal because we have to get to some place where we will hang out with our 'friends' for a few hours.

Why is it that Rascal Flatts can sing songs about Mayberry and sitting on the front porch and we all go 'ahhhhhhh?' Could it be that we all wish for a time when people actually took the time to know one another and be known by one another? How do we put the Jeanie back in the bottle?

Maybe communities of faith could lead us back home...to a place where we are known and know others. Maybe, and only maybe, because it is far too easy for congregations to measure themselves based on numbers rather than friendships. Even in communities of faith we have lost the sense of what it means to be a 'sanctuary.'

I really don't know how to reclaim my birthright, because like all the rest of you I have drunk of the soup and it tasted good going down. The problem now is that I have acid stomach reflex and the pain is keeping me from doing anything about it.

BEST?

This weekend TdF winner, Alberto Contador, was outed as having performance enhancement drugs in his blood system. It was a minimal amount and his excuse was some steak a friend brought him from Spain. Later it was announced that in addition he has some 'plasticizer' in his blood stream that appears to be evidence of blood doping. AC's response was to threaten retiring from the sport if his claim of innocence is not sustained by the governing authorities.

This insane quest to be the best is not just killing road cyclists (the side effects are cancerous) and a sport I enjoy, but it is threatening the entire human race. We compete for resources so that we can have the best life possible. We go to war with other nations because they have something we feel we need to make our lives better. We are willing to skewer the economy and the livelihood of many just so we can claim that our investment company is outperforming all others (and by the way we secure for ourselves this great big bonus). It's not just greed, but it is the hunger and desire to be the 'best' at what we do that is threatening our civilization.

Now I'm not saying we shouldn't strive to do our best. I'm concerned that our self-worth and the worth others shower upon us is dependent upon being better than others. Once we lose this sense that God loves us no matter how we perform on the SATs we are easily manipulated by this fear of failure. Once our value is judged by the market rather than by the creator we simply become commodities ourselves.

Alberto is a great cyclist and a gifted athlete. In order to win, however, he felt he needed to go over the edge to gain an edge on the competition. When we have to win, be the best, with no sense of our identity in Christ, we are left with cheating ourselves and others in the scramble to the top of the pile. But honestly, is it really worth it?

FAITH LESS?

Over the past few weeks I have found myself wondering if we have too much 'religion' in this world. I know, these are not the thoughts a pastor should query, but I suppose I'm not the first.

Just yesterday it came out that Atheist know more about religion than Protestants and Catholics. In fact of all the major groups queried, Protestants and Catholics were at the bottom of the survey. Over 50% of Protestants didn't even know who Martin Luther was...hmmmm. Maybe we who claim to be religious aren't as religious as we think.

Unfortunately, I find that far too many people who have too little understanding of religious beliefs are convinced that they are the righteous ambassadors of certain fundamental truths. Whether it be Glenn Beck preaching to the Tea Party or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of Iran, spewing forth hatred in the name of Islam, I am appalled that it can be so easy to distort not only orthodox theological traditions but reinterpret history as well.

Now don't get me wrong, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and we are wise to listen with humility to those with whom we have judged to be wrong-headed. Nonetheless, it seems that all one needs to do is stamp something as a 'religious belief' and that in itself justifies whatever comes out of their mouth. I personally believe religious beliefs are as worthy of being questioned as are political platforms. Indeed, if we do not question our beliefs we expose ourselves to the possibility of becoming idol worshippers (and I am not speaking of American Idol).

All too often religion has become a divisive issue around the world and in the U.S.A. as well. So rather than allowing ourselves to wrap a particular biblical passage around our pet peeve, can we as followers of Christ simply submit to the commands that Jesus gave us? Interpreting the 10 commandments, Jesus said there are two: Love God & Love Neighbor (the second being the same as the first!). Then to his disciples he said, Love one another as I have first loved you.

Rather than worrying if people believe the right things, can we agree to act with love for those who are different from us because God is revealed in them? Rather than getting people to agree about what we believe, can we show compassion as God showed compassion to us in Christ?Rather than arguing over what God may consider trivial, could we start crafting bridges connecting the essentials?

Yes there will always be people who wish to maintain the purity of their 'religion,' but I'm reminded of Luther who uttered, 'He who desires a perfect church desires no church at all.'

Lutherans at 500

500 years is a long time. 500 years since the beginnings of the Reformation could weaken the 'branding' of any organization, but especially a church dependent upon the 'priesthood of all believers.'

Some are saying that we Lutherans are 'dying out.' That we don't get the current culture, and that we are not adept at the language/needs of people today. Our numbers are in decline, the average age of our 'membership' is ready for retirement, and we are more concerned about our property than we are about our neighbors.

The statistics don't lie; Lutherans are in decline, and the rate of numerical depreciation is accelerating. Yet, God uses a different form of math. God used one to turn life inside out. God used 12 to turn the world upside down. God used the weak to shame the powerful, and the foolish to shame the wise.

Now I'm not saying, 'Let's simply sit on our laurels and remember the good old days.' What I am saying is that we Lutherans have something to offer to this world, no matter our current 'numbers.' We need to stop whinning and start thinking seriously about how we get this message of Good News out to a people who are hurting. We live in a pluralistic world of paradoxes.

This is comfort food to us Lutherans. We are a people who are comfortable living in the midst of difficult questions and unwilling to settle for simple answers. This stuff will preach in Peoria and NYC and Seattle and... well you name it! We just have to make sure that we stop giving our congregations milk toast when we've got pot roast simmering on the stove. We cannot let the 'babblers' control the conversation when we have real meat to offer. We need to get serious about who we are and what we have to offer; and take a few risks along the way as we toss it out into the market place of thought. This is a faith for those who want to wrestle with God, and it's 'time to rumble!'

So, come on all you Lutherans. Just because you cannot speak intelligibly about the tribulation theories of the rapture, doesn't mean you need to hide your head in the cone of shame. Those theories aren't worth the breath it takes to utter them. We've got real work to do as we bring the grace revealed in Jesus into the equation of a world suffering under the works of the law. Bring me your tired, worn, and heavy laden, and we will give you rest from the tyranny of tired religion. We will invite you into a powerful relationship with the God of the universe who promises that life will be wild (not easy) and full of wonder (but not necessarily wonderful).

Let's not forget that Luther himself was a rabble-rouser. So toss the Jello into the trash, down a pint of beer in honor of the old guy, and let's start talking about salvation history! Let's just see how that gives a new perspective to how we view CNN & FOX and the rest of the world we do not see on the nightly news.

Forget the pity party Lutherans, let's party like its 1999 (or 1517)!

The Alban Institute - 2010-09-20 Seeing Ourselves in the Other

The Alban Institute - 2010-09-20 Seeing Ourselves in the Other

HATE & Heaven

When did hate become a part of God's heavenly plan?

Over the past few weeks we have had to witness a 'pastor' promote his agenda of hate in the name of Christ. He has held the world hostage, much like any two-bit criminal seeking his moment of glory. I for one will be glad when his 15 minutes of fame have run their course.

Now, most people get it - the man is frequently identified in the press and by people in general as being on the 'fringe.' Unfortunately, it seems as if the people on the fringe, whether it be politics or religion or you name the subject, that seem to be controlling the debate these days. Why is it that drug lords in Mexico are able to silence a majority of the population? Why is it that a few neo-conservatives were able to 'cook the books' so that we jumped into a war in Iraq? Why is it that the good work of God's people, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick goes unnoticed while this 'lunatic' continues to preach hatred on international media?

If we allow our fears to remain at the center of the debate, the 'crazies' will continue to rule. If, however, we move beyond fear to faith, trusting in God and trusting more in one another, then we can get back to a rational discussion about how best to move forward. Fear causes us to either fight or fly, but hope causes us to hang in there believing in an unseen future. Which will guide your heart?

God, Stephen Hawking, & an Evolving Humanity

The big news today (in my world) is Stephen Hawking's theory of spontaneous existence. He theorizes that the big bang existed outside of time and therefore didn't need someone/deity to light the match. Not being a brilliant astro-physicist I'll take his word on this. Being a theologian (not brilliant) my response to this big news is well a great big cosmic yawn.

In other news, evolutionary theorist have been asking how it is that humans around the world in different cultures came to have this common belief in gods/God? The hypothesis is that for a complex social structure to exist there needed to be someone/thing outside the system who could keep us in line respecting the good of all. In other words, the clans that believed in a god were able to advance evolutionary because they had a leg up on social order due to this moral policeman in the sky. This sounds interesting, and makes me wonder if the lack of belief in a god who makes any judgment on our choices will lead therefore to moral decline?

So what? Stephen Hawking argues for an amoral cosmos whose existence is the result of spontaneous action of matter (and since there is no constraint of time therefore there is no need to determine a prior action to define this action?). The evolutionary anthropologist on the other hand argue for a morality or order that comes from...where? It seems the physicist believes all is random, and the anthropologists believe that we in some way determine a morality of right and wrong. Hmmm... In one sense we are very small, and in the other we play a very large role.

Now I'm out of my league I know, but I've always believed that God exists outside the dimensions that define us, including time. As I read scripture the message is less about the origins of the universe, but the why of the universe, and the reality that God continues to invest in the creative work in our midst. As for how we come to believe in God, scripture suggest that there is this mystery, this Holy Spirit, that is defined by what it causes within us. Could this Holy Spirit create within us a desire for a more orderly society that acknowledges a hunger for righteousness?

Like I say, I'm not that smart, but I don't see in these reports the demise of God. Do you?

Why?

Why? This is a question I ask myself sometimes as I peddle away in the monotony of desert heat called Phoenix. Why peddle through the heat of summer? Why put myself through such a sweat bath?

Well, there is always the issue of good health and the good feeling that provides. Yet, there is more to it than that. Today I signed up for my fourth Tour de Cure with the American Diabetes Foundation. My sister-in-law has diabetes. I cannot do much, but I can ride a bike and in doing so I am no longer just a bystander.

Two weeks ago I signed up for the MS 150 (Multiple Schlirosis). Another sister-in-law has MS, and I am forced to watch the progression of that disease without being able to change one thing. Riding my bike makes a difference.

This fall I will ride in the Tour de Tucson (109 miles). I chose to be a sponsor of a child receiving care through the hospital that benefits from this festival on wheels. I am healthy and this is a way I can turn my strength into something good for those who are week.

Why do I ride? I ride because by riding I can make a small difference in the lives of those who struggle. What gifts has God given you? How might they be used for the sake of those not so gifted? It is a question we a lll would benefit from asking.

Deeper

Wow...amazing how God breaks in when you least expect.

Yesterday I was talking with a friend, and it was mentioned that she was in a read through the bible in a year group. I asked, 'why?'

She responded by saying that it seemed like a good thing for a Christian to do. Again I asked, 'why?'.

It lead to a conversation about the purpose of the bible and it's importance in our lives. She being a teacher, I asked if she was preparing a test would she test her students about everything covered in the class or focus upon the most important concepts. Her answer was obvious, which led me to ask if the same philosophy shouldn't apply to the bible? Again her answer was obvious and we began to talk about the importance of the gospels as the revelation of God's design for humanity and all creation. As Lutherans we are encouraged to read all of scripture from the vantage point of the cross of grace. In other words, we might best spend the time to go deep into the gospels before we try to figure out what else is being said in the New and Old Testaments.

Fast forward to today's men bible study and an opportunity to share the above story. The result was that most everyone wanted to do it! They wanted to follow the ancient practices of the church, and slowly digest the gospel as a way of understanding the bible as a whole. Wow! Rather than allowing ourselves to be consumers of scripture they opted to be consumed by God's GRACE!

I cannot help but share what I see as a mature hunger for deeper things. I'll keep you informed as our new study will begin after labor day.

The Alban Institute - 2010-08-23 A Well in the Distance

The Alban Institute - 2010-08-23 A Well in the Distance

I like this article, because it reminds me that faith is not seen but hoped for (Hebrews 11.1). Our vitality is not to be measured by world standards but by what God is doing as roots are fed. I'm curious what you might see in this article-is there a well in the distance?

give It a Rest.

IInteresting...

Today I was accused of being an agent of Satan. A conversation (by Internet) between many and diverse opinioned pastors ends up sliding toward Armaggeddon.

It's a good reminder of what is happening in much of our national conversation, whatever the issue. Dan Quayle's son is running for Congress from our state, and he begins a TV ad by claiming President Obama is the worst President in the history of the USA. Hmmm... Whether you like his polcies or not, I really cannot look at history and say that Warren Harding or James Buchannan were better than Mr. Obama. Does this really aid us in the national debate over the difficult issues facing our country?

Perhaps former President Clinton was right when he told the National Press Club that our civil debate has deteriorated in part due to a lack of sleep. We are not only working ourselves to death trying to save the American dream, but we are working ourselves into a frenzy that could cripple the future of our nation.

So, please get some sleep out there. No more Late Night with Dave. No more surfing the web or playing Farmville late into the night. No more Mochas to stay awake into the wee hours. Take a nap America. Get 8 hours of sleep, and I gurantee life will look a bit better. God did really honestly have it right with his 'Dayplanner.' He called it 'day' and 'night!'. Let's try being one nation under God and get some rest!

Religious Freedom

Religious freedom is a tricky thing. People often allow their religious beliefs to blind themselves to the legitimate religious beliefs of others.

When my dad was young, living in central Pennsylvania, there would be fights between the Catholic boys and the Protestants. Today we would think this to be crazy stuff. Yet today, there are many making political hay by ranting and raving against the building of a Muslim religious center near where the twin towers once stood. Forget that the purpose of this center is to prompt religious dialog and tolerance which seems to be lacking in the shrill voices of those who oppose it's construction. My basic question is when did we in America become so bigoted that we are going to condemn the actions of an entire group for the action of few misguided fanatics?

Should we deny the building of Lutheran Churches because of our cooperation with the Holocaust of Hitler and his gang? Should we deprive the Baptist of the right to worship because there are members of the KKK hidden in their ranks? Should Congregationalist be denied their freedoms because of the trumped up Salem Witch Trials of the 17th century? He who is without sin cast the first stone!

I commend the Republican mayor of NYC and the Democratic President of the USA for putting aside cheap political gain and standing up for what this counter considers to be among the essentials-the freedom to assemble and worship without government interference!

The Alban Institute - 2010-08-09 Craving Community

This is worthy of a read. We are not about creating churches, but people are looking for COMMUNITIES!

The Alban Institute - 2010-08-09 Craving Community

The Alban Institute - 2010-08-02 In These Times

The Alban Institute - 2010-08-02 In These Times

Interesting take on real hope in the midst of difficult times. Worthy of our reflection and our action. Where will you find the hope that rewrites humanities future?

Peace,
Pal

Parenting

As a parent, I find myself constantly wondering how did I ever think I could manage this experiment in human bonding. I mean, under the best of circumstance it is a nerve-racking roller coaster ride thar never ends, and when thing s get really exciting...well, needless to say there is a reason our hair turns grey.

My children are good kids, and I know this because others say this about them. Yet when it comes to parental communication, most of the time the best I get is a 'grunt.'. I suppose this is better than some of the other things that could come my way, but as I recall in my day, even as a teen we were a bit more fearful of our parents and thereby a bit more conciliatory toward them. (I know this isn't reality, but allow me my fantasy.)

As I reflect upon this, I cannot help but make the comparison to what God must experience in relationship with us. When I think of how I treat God, well my kids behavior begins to look exemplary in comparison. Yet this God does not disown me or even ignore me, but is constantly delighting in me...what's with that?

Perhaps, by remembering this I will be a better parent. Perhaps I will be a better neighbor. Perhaps I will be a more compassionate citizen. Whatever the outcome, and I would hope for something to register, nonetheless I will continue to treasure that this God still loves me!

The Arts!

Sorry...this was an attempt from my IPad and didn't work. Hmmm....

Just a quick thought about the arts... they move us, they make our hearts soar, they cause us to laugh and cry. They are what distinguishes us as children of God. They are a gift.

Yet, when it comes to the funding and providing for the Arts, they are always the first to go. Please don't let the Arts become roadkill to the skills that produce a bottom line. Please remember what it was like when your mom put your finger painting of a bird up on the refrigerator door. Please don't just support the Arts but become an advocate for Artistic expression among children and adults.

The Arts can never pay for themselves, but maybe not everything in our society should be market driven. The Arts remind us of the extravagance of God's economy.

Back on Track

Blogging... what's the point? Does anyone read what is written? Is there anything that hasn't been said by thousands of others already? Just because we can, should we blog?

Those are the type of questions I find myself asking, and as a result my motivation for actually writing something on this page diminishes as I imagine the cosmic yawn that will ensue. Yet here I am again, because I realize that whether anyone reads what I write or not, the point is to write. To express myself, and in a small way connect with me if with no one else.

Today I write realizing how disconnected I am from my past. I am so busy living today (not a bad thing) that I have little opportunity to remember where I have been or to imagine where I am going. I got news through Facebook that my sister-in-law had a stroke yesterday. Hooray for Facebook, but what about the personal touch? Why have I allowed myself to drift off into this lonely place where I hear of people I care for only through social media postings.

TIME magazine just published an in depth article about Facebook and social media describing how it changes how we connect. In some ways it has expanded our horizons and yet I believe it has given us a false sense of community. Teens (at least the teens I'm around) would rather text one another than talk to one another. Is this a positive step? Bloggers would rather post our rants and raves online rather than simply talk to someone about what we think. Have you noticed how people won't really talk to one another about issues face to face anymore, but are happy to put their opinions out there in cyberspace? Is this good?

So, as I make a renewed commitment to blog each week, I am also making a commitment to pick up the phone, and talk to people, arrange for a lunch together, to look people in the eye and ask them what is really going on. Blogging and social media have a place, but they shouldn't be the only place where we get in each other's face.

Peace,
Pal

Last Night

Last night I get a call just before 10 pm...a beloved and active member of our parish had had a heart attack and was gone. Just like that a life that was, was no more, and a family immediately began to shift its priorities.

Now we all know that when it comes time for us to cease bodily functions, we would all like to go in such a manner. We want to be active, alert, and attentive up until the last moment. We don't want to linger and struggle. This is all well and good for us who wish we could plan our demise, but what about those left behind?

To be honest, as I sat with this family, even in the midst of their shock I saw the firm foundation of faith supporting them through this ordeal. Yes, there were tears and even regrets, but there was a firm conviction that the beloved was in a better place, and they faced their trial with a sense that God was still at work turning tragedy into triumph.

It makes me reflect, however, how easily we imagine that there will be a tomorrow. Obviously we cannot live in fear of dying, for then we would never live. Yet, whether it be physic numbing or simply ignorance, we rarely imagine that such a tragedy could happen to us. And still it does with frequent regularity. Can we ever be prepared? Probably not. Can we understand? Regretfully, not well. Can we live in the face of death? There is one who promises us the hope of life on the other side of death.

I'm not sure where I wish to go with this entry, except to say that the title, 'Last Night' is intended to have us all think. What if we knew this was our last day/night? How would we change the way we live our lives? Perhaps this is a good thought to ponder...

Peace,
Pal

Haiti Isn't Gone

Well, the Olympics have captivated our attention, and well they should as we witness the tremendous abilities of the athletes in the snow of Vancouver.

Then there is the continuing debate over health care in the USA. I stil don't understand why a minority of 41 is able to keep us from really trying to do something to fix a system that is not working... but I suppose that is for those far more intelligent than I.

But what about Haiti? Haven't heard too much lately right? Does that mean the problem is over? Nah! The truth is that the worst is yet to come unless we continue to attend to this country on life support.

The news cycle reminds me of what happens when someone dies. For a few days friends and neighbors stop and attend to the needs of the ones who are left behind. Then life gets the better of us, and we move on, leaving those who are hurting the most to hurt in silence when they most need support.

Haiti continues to need our support. The people are facing the rainy season without much shelter. As the media shifts its attention, you know that the governments will soon do the same without pressure from people like us. So let the people in Washington know that you still care about what is happening in Haiti. Let's not let this one just slip off the radar screen.

As for one thing you can do... the Resurrection Dance Theater from St Joseph's Home for Boys in Haiti will be in Phoenix March 9-12. They will be in the East Valley Tuesday night, at Peace Lutheran on Wednesday, and in Sun City on Thursday. Come on out and support these boys as they tell their story and their hope.

Social Networking

Social Networking is all the rage. Do you tweet? Are you on Facebook? Will you answer my friend request? Well, after having joined this great movement I have come to some conclusions...

First, like most any form of networking, you have to listen to a lot of drivel before there is any depth. In the upper midwest they may talk about a snow storm coming in. In Phoenix, we may talk about how hot it is today. At the family table we may hear a lot about nothing. On Facebookl, we get to hear about Farmville and Mafia Wars. Yet, like in all our other settings, some of this is just the precursor to that moment when the conversation goes deep.

Second, it is interesting when you are limited in the characters or words you are allowed to type. We are developing a 'personal ads' form of conversation. The nice thing is that when most of what you read is somewhat inane it is nice to know there is a limit. The sad side of it is when you do have that moemnt when real life is being shared.

Third, the social networking sites can be a great means to connect people from a wide geographical area for the purpose or cause that is their passion. This past week, I have tried an experiment to see if through my very small network, I could use the 100 people to pass on a message of support for my Leukemia ride. It was gratifying seeing some of my 'friends' pass on my message to their social groups. At this time, however, while some have responded, it has not been a great way to get the message out. We will see if that changes with a little bit more time.

Finally, social networking reveals just how narcissitic we can be. It is one thing to hear Uncle Joe talk at Christmas dinner about his ingrown toenail, but it is completely different to hear about the ups and downs of various 'friends.' I'm not sure I would want people to know all the inner workings of my life, but for others it is just part of the territiory. I suppose I am grateful for their honesty and vulnerability, but nonetheless I wonder if there are not more important issues for us to be engaged in in cyberspace.

Just a few random thoughts.

Peace,
pal

Has the World Gone Crazy

Last week I went with my wife to the theater. We went to eat at a pizza place downtown. As we walk in, there is a sign 'No Guns.' Has the world gone crazy?

In Arizona we are so upside down on the budget that it isn't funny. What does our Republican legislature do? The Governor (Republican) recommends letting the people decide if they want a temporary sales tax. The legislaure holds it breath, stomps its feet, and says, 'NO!'

While the budget spins further out of line, the legislature takes on legislation like the removal of speed cameras on our freeways. Even though they save lives (proven), add to revenue, and all you have to do is stay within 11 miles of the speed limit (huh?), it appears that our legislatures believe this to be an infringement on our freedom. Oh yeah, this is the state that doesn't require motorcycle riders to wear a helmet. This is the state that allows you to take a gun into a bar. That's right we wouldn't want to infringe on the freedom to get drunk while carrying a weapon.

At the same time we have these Tea Party folks who are now raising a ruckus because John McCain is too liberal. Huh? John McCain is no where near the maverick he once projected himself to be. This is the man who has swung so far right that he has Jeff Sessions looking like a liberal. Yet he is far too liberal for the Tea Party folks. Yes indeed, let's not have any taxes, and let's get Sheriff Joe into an office where he can do some real good. The world has gone crazy. How did I get here?

A NEW YEAR

It's been a long time since posting. I feel as if I have earned a 'cone of shame'for being such a bad dog.

Interestingly, we are often caught in the vise of shame. We have not lived up to the expectations of others, let alone ourselves, and are left with the reminder of all the other times we failed. Some of us are so caught up in this never-ending downward cycle that we feel like giving up. What's the use?

Isn't this the engine behind the very profitable diet industry in America? People try to lose weight, but get behind only to find themselves worse off than before, and give up thinking of themselves as failures. Each time they try they discover they are worse off than they were before.

All too often, I see this in the church as well. Someone makes a goal to read the Bible from front to back, and once they get stuck in Leviticus, they give up. Others commit to give a certain amount of money and then a crisis intervenes and they feel like they're a failure. Is this the message the church wants to encourage?

I guess everything would be okay if we just thought differntly about ourselves. If only we all could practice positive self-eteem. Yes, there are as many motivators of the mind out there as those who shill for diet developers. Yes we know the results are about the same for each. I'm not much better at thinking positively about myself than I am imagining myself skinnier than I am.

So what are we to do? Well a lot of churches offer the mind motivator 'stuff' with a little bit of Jesus and call it a miracle method. Obviously, I don't go for that! I believe that thinking positive results when we experinece what Jesus came to offer us.

First of all, how about real community. A community that is like family (including dysfunctionalities) built around the promise of grace. We hunger for a family that knows that none of us measures up and we can nonetheless live with one another.

Second, how about real service. More than just an 'tip' in the plate, but offering ourselves in service of others in need. Nothing makes us feel better about ourselves than knowing we were of assistance to another in their need. We were created to give it all away.

Third, let's consider worship. As one T-Shirt said, 'The difference between God and me is that he doesn't think he's me.' Worship that isn't about getting a spiritual high, but worship that is an offering of myself and a willingness to live with imperfection. Let's get back to making worship center around God and not my needs.

Fourth, reading the written Word is not to be an exercise so that I can prove myself more knowledgable or worthy than you. Hopefully, by getting into Scripture we will experience God's grace revealed to undeserving people and realize that we are those people. Such a way of reading just may make us more compassionate and caring for those who don't agree with us.

I don't like wearing the 'cone of shame,' yet I realize that it is me not God who attaches this around my collar. Perhaps as I experience the marks of faithful living, I will be less controled by the cone of shame, and more free to see the world without blinders. As we begin 2010, wouldn't it be great if we could trust that God does truly love us without condition. Something I need to think about.