Clemson win total--Sponsored by Halloween Express

Clemson 30

Maryland 17

"Daddy, I cannot see the Gamecocks in this weeks BCS poll, but I see Clemson."

"Seeing is Believing, Son. Seeing is Believing."

Sermon Recap--Unmasked

This week our worship area was decorated with black drop cloths and spiderwebs. Many Jack-o-Lanterns, ghosts and ghouls were on the walls, as well as a few Vampires, werewolves and Frankenstein monsters. The previous night was our annual Halloween Bash at Apache, and with another event on Wednesday--the decorations had to stay up. I decided to work the sermon around the decor. Here is the attempt:

It sure looks a bit different in here today. Actually, I have never preached in such an environment. I have been in churches with million dollar Tiffany windows, preached in some with clear windows, preached in places where one other person understood English, but never have I preached in a place decorated for Halloween. Last week, after the sermon, Carl Van Zandt reminded me that this would be the decor. I decided that it would be a good idea to use the season of Haunting and Witches to teach a point or two that we all need to hear again.

The church does a great job of telling people the things they cannot do. No drinking, No smoking, no cussing, No Harry Potter, No Rock Music, No Mexican Food (I think I heard that before), No this and no that. No Halloween...it's demonic and all that jazz.

Instead of boycotting this stuff of werewolves and vampires, today I wanted to look at Halloween as a metaphor for life and the games we play daily with ourselves, others and God.

What were some of the things you dressed up as as a child? (Answers were: princess, cowboy, cheerleader, ghost, witch. One man said that he dressed up as a girl scout troop leader and another man had dressed up as Salome. Never would have pictured that one!!)

Today, I have brought a few masks with me. Pardon me while I slide one on. (Place Spiderman mask)

When I was a little boy--I just loved Spiderman. In fact, I still do. Sliding this mask on makes me want to fight the enemy and jump up on this table and spin my web. One thing that I loved about Spiderman was the fact that when trouble would come he would always know it. His "spider-senses would tingle" and he would be able to avoid the issue most of the time. We all want to be something. I wanted to be a hero. I wanted to be special. I wanted to be anyone except Richard, and that is a shame.

Ladies still try to be the princess. They want to be beautiful and desired and noticed. Little girls want to be lovely and that is often emphasized more than intelligence. Sad, but look at the boom in cosmetic procedures in the United States. We are just not satisfied with who we are.

The second mask I have today is.....(Unveil Zorro eye covering).

That is right, I wanted to be Antonio Banderas. (Big Laughter)

As a little fellow, I would lay in bed and watch my black and white T.V., and this sword wielding man would carve a Z in the pants of the bad guy, or in the skirt of a lovely lady. Now, he was cool. I never understood why no one figured out who he was, since only his eyes were covered. He even had a cool voice and was super mysterious.

The mask that we use the most is the mask of ....(unveil blank face mask).


We hurt, and we keep it in. We are dying inside and the outside is a blank smile. This mask really shows the fear that we have of being authentic, real, not fake...true to ourselves.

This morning Rudy Cogle sang a familiar song for us during our offering time. "When He was on the Cross, I was on His Mind." Amazingly powerful, grace empowered words..."He knew me, yet He loved me." Now, that is the gospel. Good news for mask wearing cowards like us. Christ sees through our disguise and loves us still.

All this stuff around us trying to scare us, not just boogers and cobwebs, but heavy stuff like wars, and disasters, and murder and poverty and drug addiction and much, much more. What is the word of God for his people today. I struggled with several passages, but I just kept coming back to a verse we will look at again during the Advent season.

Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be for all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

So familiar--I know it by heart, but yet at times, it is as if I never heard it. As I say it again, allow it to move you and cast away those things that are scaring you today.

Fear Not!! For Behold...I bring YOU!
Good News that will be like no other.
It is not just for you, but for all people.
This day, God wraps flesh around himself and comes near.
He is your rescuer, redeemer, and hero.

So, take off the masks and walk in the light that casts away the darkness.

If you care to try on these masks before you leave, then come on up. I just ask that we leave all our masks at the foot of the cross today. That is where evil has been conquered...now and forevermore.

If I were an M&M...

Forgive Me

No sermon recap this week due to lack of time for typing. I will be better next week, maybe, perhaps, hopefully.

I do want to let you know that we had 178 people in Worship Sunday. All I can say is "Wow!" It is great when 2 people show up to worship--it is tremendous when 100 people more than you plan for show up!!

Please check back, the recaps will pick back up next week. Please check out the prayer list--we have many sick people here at Apache and in our extended community.

Clemson win update by Douglas-Sponsored by Grands bisquits

Clemson 70

Some directional school 14

Have you heard about the new ride at the South Carolina State Fair?

It is named the Commodore Surprise. You start out High and then sink like a lead boot! Who knew Lionel Richie's old group was so talented?

Vandy 17

USC 6

Fortune Cookie from Saturday

*** God looks after you especially.

Yes, because I surely need it!!

Sermon Recap-Back to the Primary (school):Unclean

Over the past month or so, I have come to a jarring realization. Three year olds are just nasty little creatures. I just do not recall Douglas being disgusting as a little one, but I realize that often parents are jaded. This is similar to the fact that all babies born naturally look like trolls. I was so proud that Douglas did not look like one--until I looked back at his baby pictures. There looking back at me was a little troll. But at least he was my troll!!

I see from the looks on your face that you may not agree with me. But each morning as I walk into class, I am greeted by kids around a table with food all over their faces and in the floor. After they finish eating and are cleaned up they come forward to the carpet for the "formal" instruction time. Kids sneeze and stuff flies everywhere. When you and I sneeze, we have great decorum and control. A three year old handles sneezes in terms of the Richter scale. Green stuff goes flying and ends up on the person beside them and in their hair and all over everything.

Then we have dirty diapers, and then lunch. Lunch is extraordinary mess on a grander scale. Then we head to the playground. This week, the child that I shadow started licking the playground equipment. Yuck!!

The scriptures talk a good bit about clean and unclean. Today, we encounter a crazy, unclean man and a story that is hard to forget.

Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man

Mark 5:1-13

So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from a cemetery to meet him. This man lived among the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.

When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. With a shriek, he screamed, "Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don't torture me!" For Jesus had already said to the spirit, "Come out of the man, you evil spirit." Then Jesus demanded, "What is your name?" And he replied, "My name is Legion, because there are many of us inside this man." Then the evil spirits begged him again and again not to send them to some distant place. There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby. "Send us into those pigs," the spirits begged. "Let us enter them."

So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.

This story is filled with uncleanliness. Jesus was in a "Gentile" village. Non Jewish people were considered to be defiled. Jesus met a man filled with an evil spirit. Possession was also a sign of being unclean. The demoniac lived among the dead. There were tombs all around him. You guessed it, another sign of uncleanliness.

Jesus cast out the demons into swine--UNCLEAN creatures!!

As you came in today you were given a rock. The demoniac was so numb to life he would cut himself with stones. This may have been the only time that he actually felt alive. He had no interaction with normalcy. He was uncontrollable, unliked, unkept, and unclean.

The Gospel impacts his life. On this day, God in the flesh passes through and he is never to be the same. In Christ--he and we are new creatures. We are no longer unclean-for God looks at us and sees the righteousness of Christ.

The demoniac did not need to beat himself up any longer--he was changed. This raving lunatic that had been the talk of the town was still the talk of the town. Now however, it was for different reasons.

Now you would think that the crowd would have been overjoyed to have Christ in their midst. He had cast out the demons of the town loon and maybe life could now return to normal. Instead, the crowd asked Jesus to leave the town and leave them alone. Hmmm, isn't that odd.

You and I are healed, redeemed and freed from the shackles and chains of sin. We have a new purpose and mission in life, but so often forget that we are FREE. Look at that rock in your hand. Today it represents those things that are holding you back from being free. Do we dare choose to keep cutting ourselves with the rock when Christ beckons us to give it all to him.

In sixth grade at a talent show at school I sang a song before the crowd. I have no idea why I liked the song so much. But looking back on it 26 years later, I can appreciate the words more and more. In fact, I think the demon possessed man would appreciate it too!

Are you tired of chasing pretty rainbows?
And are you tired of spinning 'round and 'round?
Wrap up all the shattered dreams of your life
And at the feet of Jesus lay them down

Chorus:
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
Shattered dreams, wounded hearts and broken toys
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
And He will turn your sorrow into joy

Verse:
He never said, you'd only see sunshine
He never said, there'd be no rain
He only promised a heart full of singing
About the very things that once brought pain

Repeat Chorus

And He will turn your sorrow into joy!

Today when you leave this service, I want you to take that rock and chunk it far out into the ocean. Feel it leave your hand, watch it spin and fly through the air, and hear it splash down into the surf. Jesus wants you to give Him your fears and doubts and sickness and broken dreams. Remember that he has move our sins as far away as the East is from the West. Cast those problems into the sea of Forgetfulness.

Now, I do not want to look out and see you trying to find the rock in the bottom of the ocean. Once you give it to Christ--let him keep it! When you think of it this week--remember, it is gone! You chunked it, he grabbed it and you carry it no more. Those rocks are heavy, but Christ gladly takes them--because they are burdens of HIS children.

**Great conversations and prayers after the service. It seems that many were freed today. Let's pray that they keep it that way.

Sermon Recap-Back to the Primary (School) "Teachable Moments"

Another sermon delivered on a smurfingly lovely day on Apache Pier

This is the third week of a sermon series focusing on events from the Primary school. This is a good place to start, because we have things (ideas and theology, precepts and opinions) that were learned and formed early on in our educational process. Many of these foundational principles have been forgotten and are in need of revisitation and as my Grandma used to say, "I need to learn you a thing or two." Guess what, I need to learn too!

Have you messed up this week? I mean really messed up--royally well? Maybe it was not even a big mess up, but you still have issues.

We have had an exciting week at the primary school. On Friday, Sarah got a knock on her door and Douglas was standing beside his teacher. His class had been looking in the new aquarium that had been set up to help the kids have responsibility in caring for animals and understanding how they live. Douglas, while looking down into the fish tank, SPIT into it. A big oops on his part, or as they say in school, "A Bad Choice."

His dad had taught him the fine art of spitting. We do not do this often. But usually when we look off the side of the pier--we spit and watch it sail in the breeze until it hits the water. I see that you ladies look disgusted--so I must ask the men, "Did your Dad teach you to spit?" (Almost 80% of the males were multi-generational spitters) My flaw in teaching Douglas to spit was the necessary direction of "when and where." He did not get in trouble in this instance...I did.

This week our kids went out to recess. I was watching my 3 yr old autistic child like a hawk. He ran around and played and climbed up the slide and slid down several times. He made another climb up and I waited for 20 seconds and he did not come down. There were several teachers on the large playground equipment where he was hidden from my view. I just knew everything was fine. Another 15 seconds passed...and no little guy. I walked around the equipment and he was NO WHERE TO BE FOUND. I was frozen, unable to move, my mind raced but I stood heavy legged and still. Then I was startled to my senses and took off looking for him.

It is of no use to call out his name. He does not recognize or respond. Once he stops running he never stops. I went over to the other playground and scanned quickly for a stocky kid with tight braids. No such luck. I ran into the classroom to see if he happened to be there. I prayed that he was playing in the toilet. No such luck.

I walked out of the classroom and turned around and there he was in the tight grasp of the school disciplinarian. "You're fired, Mr. Jenkins," she said with a wry smile. I told her what had happened. She saw the sweat pouring out of my head and heard the shaking in my voice. "Mr. Jenkins, we are all in this together. Another staffer saw him running wide open through the lunchroom with no plans on slowing down. Everything is OK, you are doing a great job with him, just be careful. Guess what? A kid got away from me one time, too." I took a deep breath and FIRMLY grasped his little hand. We walked back out to the playground.

Jesus was one who took advantage of teachable moments. In a familiar story that is often shared on Easter or the week following--he teaches the right point at the right time.

John 21 (New Living Translation)
Epilogue: Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples

Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee.This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.”

“We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.
At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was.

He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?”
“No,” they replied.
Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.

Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.

“Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said.

So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn.

“Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said.

None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish.

Teachable moment--The disciples tried it their way and failed. After being a witness to the resurrected Christ and following His direction...amazing things happened. Often the emphasis of this story is on the huge amounts of fish caught and the net not tearing. Now, that is true and amazing. But this time, as I read this story the part that jumped out at me was the fact that Jesus gave them credit for the catch.

Now, if that had been you or I, we would have bragged and said, "I thought you were Sons of Fishermen. It is good that I called you to be a fisher of men, because you all are lousy fisher of fish. Look at what I did, I told you where they were and you caught them. You do not even need a depth finder with me around. Look at me. Look at Me. Bow down to me!!

Amazingly, the story does not end there. Not only does Jesus give them credit for catching the fish--he cooks breakfast and serves them. This is far more than a breakfast, He is teaching a valuable lesson about serving his flock. If the resurrected Christ can serve, if God in the flesh can serve, if out loving Saviour can serve---then certainly we are to serve as well.

When I walked back to the playground, one of the teachers was letting another one of the aides "have an ear full" about propping a door open. We had received several emails about making sure all the doors were closed, and the only way that my little guy could have escaped so quickly was to run in this propped open door. It only took a second, and he had escaped. Blame was being thrown around.

I walked over to the culprit. I looked at her and said, "The door should not have been open, but if I had been watching more closely--the propped open door would have been irrelevant.

Now-I do not have a Messiah complex. I am far from being Christlike-much less Christ. But in this teachable moment, I realized that she knew her mistake. She shared responsibility, but most of it was mine. She needed grace, I had been offered some by the administrator inside the school, and now it was my turn to extend some.

Jesus gives us credit for the good and takes our sin. We get his righteousness and He took the wrath of God on our behalf. Why are we so quick to take ALL the credit and pass ALL the blame?

I guess none of you will ask me to babysit for you. Your kid will know how to spit--if I do not lose him.

Isn't it good that Christ came to seek and save those that were lost? Thanks be to God.

I can't even look!

Clemson 23

Va Tech 41

September Reads

Stories of Emergence: Moving from Absolute to Authentic

* * * *

My pleasure reading has almost stopped. I enjoyed this book, and have read a lot of emerging church stuff over the last 3 months. I have about 6 more to knock out, and at the rate I am going, January 2009 will mark completion.

Sermon Recap--Back to the Primary (school)-Recess

This is the second sermon of a series called "Back to the Primary." There are some basic things about our faith that we need to remember. We have learned them--but somewhere along the way have forgotten. This series has been inspired by the time I am spending in the Primary school shadowing a three year old.

Looking out over this group, I have an idea that most of you had the same feelings about school and education. So the question for you this morning is: "What was your favorite part about school ?" The entire crowd answered..."Recess."

Just what I had anticipated!!

My job of watching my little guy is a lot of fun. In fact it is pretty easy in the rectangular confines of the classroom. The real challenge occurs when we venture outside to the playground area. This is a fairly small area, but it is not totally enclosed. If I lose sight of him for just a second..he could be anywhere on the primary school campus.

In the middle of the playground is a huge combination piece of equipment. It is one of those big climbing things with 4 or 5 slides, a walking bridge, and other fun and colorful attractions for little ones. My little dude likes to run away from me and play the "you cannot get me" game. He gets on the far side of the equipment and looks at me and laughs. He is a non verbal child--no speaking--but he can laugh with the best of them.

Now I love trickery and aggravation. I prefer to be on the giving end of the process. West Virginia lost in Football on Friday evening, and Saturday morning, Alan Gordon and Jenn were walking past my place and I just had to open the door and give them a hard time. I knew that I should not do that, but I just had to do it. Guess what? This morning he ran right up to me to return the favor.

Friday morning was a normal morning--running around trying to get everything ready for school. I grabbed a pack of peanut butter crackers and Douglas and his book bag and everything else I needed. He was snug in the car seat and we took off. I could not find my crackers. I felt in the seat, between the seat, under the seat...all while driving down Kings Hwy. I asked Douglas if he had my crackers, and he answered, "No."

I pulled over and parked and we ran into Krispy Kreme for a coffee. I know what you are thinking. No, I did not get any doughnuts....just coffee. I looked in the back seat, still no crackers. Before school is the only time that I can eat breakfast and it looked like the stomach would be growling.

As we were pulling into the school, Douglas said, "Look Daddy what I have. Can Douglas eat Daddy's crackers ?" I could not help but laugh. He had hid those from me all the way down the road. He had put them in his pocket when we went in Krispy Kreme, and watched me look all over the car for them. A great job of hiding--wouldn't you say?

We all do a lot of hiding. It seems so fruitless to play hide and seek with an all knowing God.

Genesis 3:8-13

When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”
He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”
“Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”
The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.”
Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?”
“The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.”

Hiding from God, naked and ashamed, they attempted to cover up. We still do the same thing today.

He made us to have fellowship with Him. He wants us to worship and enjoy Him forever.

Do we enjoy God? Or do we spend a lot of time trying to cover up our authentic selves from Him? Guess what? He knows us already.

This past week I was talking to someone and asked them if I could pray for them. The reply came and was meant to be humorous--but also spoke to a deeper truth. "I am sure that God has much more important things to worry about." In effect, they were saying, "I am not sure that my stuff matters or that I matter to God.

We have a little guy in our class that is so smart. His issue is impulsive and aggressive behavior. We were walking out to recess and I had my pupil with my right hand and the impulsive child with my left. Mr. Left hand and I had a conversation. Well, actually it was mostly me talking--but he was a captive audience.

"Now when the door opens, we need to let the other children go out first. I want you to have a lot of fun on the playground. No pushing, wait you turn and make good choices." His reply-"Yes sir."

The door opened-he jerked free, ran past the children and up the slide. The class that we share time with was already playing and He knocked three children down and ran to the slide and down he came with much joy and satisfaction.

The parent in me boiled. "I just told him not to do that. I gave him step by step instructions and even told him why it is good to make good choices--and He did the opposite."

My Spirit groaned as I realized that I too am impulsive. I, too, react without thinking of others. I am the impulsive little boy that hides from God.

He clothed Adam and Eve with a sacrifice and He clothes us with the righteousness of Christ.

Because of that grace, I challenge you to come clean with God...and ENJOY HIM. I release you to play this week, squeal and run and chase after the one who loves YOU, and longs to spend quality time with you, slow down long enough to hear His laughter and let him catch you.

The Face Says it all...

Clemson 3

Ga. Tech 13

Sermon Recap: Back to the Primary(school)--Lunchtime

Picture in honor of Amy Jenkins Maxton-lover of all things smurfy.

This is the first week of a sermon series titled,"Back to the Primary-Things we knew already but have forgotten." Hope you all enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed the preparation time.

For our 3 year olds at the Primary school, one of the best parts of the day is lunchtime. At 10:20 we begin the process of degermification. We take our little ones to the bathroom in shifts and then sanitize them. We do not use a pressure washer or anything like that, the item used is a miracle gel. To be honest, I do not buy into the whole antibacterial deal. Not to long ago I heard a comedy routine with George Carlin. He talked about his childhood and how his mom would let him play in the sewer drains in New York City. He then went on to say that he never gets sick. He credits this to all the strong immunity his body built up over time. On the other end of the spectrum is the way we attempt to keep our kids healthy and ungermed. A squirt of the magic gel, a little rubbing and then they are off to get in line.

We have an appointed line leader--this is a position of mere title. The problem we have is that our line of six, three year-olds is not really a line. It is a part snake and part stampeding bull and it seems useless to get them in the appointed places. We have one little girl with a limp. She always moves to the left. We are supposed to stay hugged against the wall on the right side of the hall. She bounces about to the left--I steer her back to the right. As soon as she gets lined back up, off to the left she pops again.

We find our spots at the table. My little guy is always impatient and wants his food, NOW!!! He does not talk, but he lets me know that he is hungry and does not want to wait on the assistant to warm it up. His mom sends the same thing for him to eat everyday. No, really...everyday. He has chicken nuggets and mashed potatoes. He never eats the potatoes, but inhales the chicken. I make the sign language symbol for chicken--he never makes the sign and I give him the chicken anyway.

The little boy across from me at the table has anger issues. He is super smart, but oh my!! If he does not get his way it is chaotic. He throws himself in the floor and throws whatever he has across the room. He gets so angry he jerks all over and he loves to push people. At lunch, he just sits there, super still and never eats a thing.

We have one little girl that is super messy. Chocolate milk goes everywhere and food is all over the people that sit beside her. She needs to wear a bib, but it would never stay on the entire 30 minutes. I made sure the second day I was there to always have someone sitting between she and I.

This motley crew of three year olds share a table 4 days a week at school. Food is important for them, just as it was for the people in the scripture today. Often times we forget how many stories there are in the bible that are about food.

John 6:30-34

They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
“Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”

The people wanted a sign. Show us a sign and we will believe. Moses showed us and we followed him. What are you going to do, Jesus?

I just love the hint of sarcasm in the voice of Christ. My loose translation is..."Let me tell you something--Moses did nothing. My Dad did that, and guess what He is still offering you something but this is much better than before.

I am enough to fill you forever. The manna was a daily portion, my portion is for a lifetime and then on into eternity.

They wanted some of what he had to offer then. Give us that bread EVERYDAY!! Reminds me of my little guy with the chicken. It is the same everyday, but it fills him. Are we satisfied with Jesus. Is he enough? Seems like we always want more when what we really need is right here.

This morning we are coming to the Table of Christ. Is His body (bread) enough? Is His blood (the cup) still sufficient for you and me? Maybe we long for something more exotic and dynamic--but the reality is that nothing can take the place of Christ in our lives. We try to fill the "God shaped void" and we find ourselves gorged, but empty.

In this time of silence before coming to the table--ask God to show you what has gotten you off track. Don't fool yourselves. We are all in the same boat here. We have not given God our whole heart and we rarely love our neighbors as ourselves.

Remember--He is enough for whatever you are facing..yesterday, today and tomorrow.

**While serving over 115 people Communion, I said to one gentleman, "The blood of Christ given for You." His reply, "I am so glad to have a place at his table."

Guess what? There is room for another---care to join us?

Clemson win total by Douglas--sponsored by Rooms to Go

Clemson 42


NC State 20

Quote- "But Daddy, what about our good friend Sammy?"

Reply- "It's OK son, He's used to losing to Clemson."

"How bout them Tigers!"

Clemson win total by Douglas--Sponsored by Yamaha Golf Carts

click to enlarge

Clemson 38
Furman 10

"Daddy, I think I need to get more Clemson stuff."--Douglas

Worth Repeating--Sermon Recap

For the past three weeks I have started to become acclimated to my new part time job at Myrtle Beach Primary school. My job is to shadow a three year old autistic child. I am there for half a day on M, Tu, Thu, and Friday. I really enjoy it, but it has presented several challenges.

Perhaps the biggest challenge is the repetition of each day. For primary and elementary school teachers, life is similar to the Bill Murray movie, Groundhog Day. Every day is the same routine, doing the same things, saying the same things and teaching the same things. For the last week, we have been reading the following book.

Douglas, our five year old and resident children's literature specialist will assist me this morning in the reading of Brown Bear, Brown Bear--What do you see? (This was a non practiced event and I have great fear not knowing what He will do when He has a microphone in his hand. He had the book 90% memorized, he messed up in a few places and sighed and put his head down. He then got the right word and kept on working through the book until he completed the task.)

Now what is the author trying to teach children in this little tale?

(Audience Answers) He is teaching about different animals. He is trying to teach about different colors. He is teaching repetition and basic words. He is also encouraging interaction between teacher and student.

When this book was written there was an intended purpose, and you all have done a great job of picking up on it.

This morning, our scripture passage speaks of purpose as well.

John 20:30-32 states for us:

The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.

This certain book of scripture in many ways encapsulated the intended purpose of the entirety of the biblical Canon. We have these stories so that we can come in contact with Jesus. After the contact, then the intent is that we will Believe. After believing, then we will live empowered lives by the Spirit.

At school we spend a lot of time reinforcing positive behavior and keeping of rules. My little guy runs me around that room all morning long. He slides back to the sink and turns on the water. I get him out of that situation and start to clean up, and then in a flash he is up front in a cabinet pulling stuff out and throwing it all on the floor. I toss the water filled paper towel in the trash and run up front, and.....he runs to the back for the sink again. Now I could just make him sit in the chair beside me while I clean up, but he will never learn if I do not give him some freedom.

I have been able to get him to understand that he cannot throw things in class, except for a little cloth baby doll. The flipping and throwing of things is one of the few things that calms him down. My strong hand on his shoulder or chest is the other. Often he only needs to realize that I am there, and then he calms down and settles in to the routine. He is a little dude trapped inside himself, unable to tell others what is going on. Imagine the frustration involved in his daily routine.

Over the next several weeks, we are going to be looking at "Primary School" aspects of scripture. These are things that we know, but often forget. C.S. Lewis even spoke of preaching in this way. He said that our primary task as ministers is to remind people of the timeless truths that they have learned but forgotten.

When I was in 3rd grade, I had to learn my multiplication tables. I did great with them except for 6x4. I know, it was simple memorization--but for some reason I just could not get that one. As hard as I tried to make it that way, 6x4 was not 26.

From a spiritual standpoint, we too know the basics. We have memorized the answers, but when the hard times come and the crisis of belief sets in....often we answer 6x4 is 26. The reality is that 6x4 is 24, and that God has made promises to us that have been, are and always will be true.

What has you agitated today? Have you gotten yourself worked up by believing in your ability to solve your own problems? Are you unable to verbalize the hurt and anger that you have inside? Perhaps this morning, We need to be reminded of the gentle hand of God, on our shoulders reminding us of his presence.

The next few weeks will show us the Basics and then we will look into the more technical. One of the great things about Douglas and his reading was not that he did so well. He did a great job, and as his Father, I am proud of him. But I am most assured of the fact that when he messed up, he kept trying and finished his task.

God has a task for us, and although we often mess it up, I am sure that He is so very proud of us for persevering. I am excited about sitting on the carpet in God's classroom, and invite you to join me. By the way, don't be late...or you will need a hall pass.

Nurturing my Inner Redneck

This morning at 6:15, I hopped in the KIA and took off to find a strong cup of coffee. The waitress handed me my "To-Go" and called me "Sugar", I just love that. I scooted toward the Pavilion Parking Garage for South Carolina's Largest Garage Sale.

Lots of People with Lots of Junk-- I love ebay, but it has killed the Old Time Jockey Lot. Now it has pretty much turned into vendors hawking wares with no real "finds" to be found.

There was a Native American musician playing some kind of blowing flute deal as Rednecks were nudging people with elbows, hips and wagons. Bojangles vendors were selling biscuits while most of Myrtle Beach was still snoozing or just getting in from clubbing. What song was the guy playing? The Sound of Silence--by non Indians, Simon and Garfunkel. I passed on the CD.

Here is the run down:

Coffee-1.25
Tip- .75

Parking Meter 2.00
Chicken Biscuit 3.00

Raffle Ticket for High School 5.00
My Pavilion Final Season T Shirt 2.50

Sarah's Pavilion T Shirt 2.50

Putt Putt Ad shirt for Douglas 4 @ 1.00 each

Grand Total--21.00

Nurturing my Inner redneck---Priceless.

Now, for lunch...an RC Cola and a Moon Pie!

Meet Mercury

Douglas has names for each of our vehicles. The mini-van is "Rocket" from the animated series, Little Einsteins. The black convertible is "Shadow" because it sounds cool. Shadow is being replaced, as overnight I have turned into an old man. Due to our promotion and the need for more driving and schmoozing, the Shadow is being sold.

I did not intend on purchasing this car so fast, but it fell smack into my lap. So, meet Mercury, the Grand Marquis that will be paid off in less than a year. The dealer actually is a member of one of our sponsoring churches, and while there I helped him do his bible study homework. We continue to be amazed how God provides for us.

Now I walk out of the house and see a mini-van and a land yacht, and I do not look like "Mr. Incredible" in either of them. I figured since we eat dinner at 4 every night and play putt-putt it was time to get the badge of old age. Stay outta my way, I make WIDE TURNS!!

Clemson win total by Douglas--Sponsored by Apache Pier

Clemson 49

La. Monroe 26

Quote: "I think La. Monroe could beat Fla. State."-- Tommy Bowden

All quotes from the mind of the photographer.

Look what I found-Sermon Recap

This past week on the news there was an interesting story about a piece of property in the fastest growing area for new house builds in our area. Property prices are through the roof and some couple had bought their piece of Earth. It was time to dig down and lay the foundation and guess what they found? Artillery shells from WWII. Not quite what they expected.

Now you all know how I am, and if you don't, well you will soon. When I hear things like this it gets me thinking about other digging stories and how it all applies to our life in Christ. If we did down deep into our past we often find things far worse than artillery shells. These are the things that often hold us back and keep us from being who were created to be in Christ. I just read this past week that our self image is almost completely formed by the time we are in the second grade. Now I have not done a lot of follow up research on this, but it sure seems about right. Many of our parents and teachers had good intentions but let's face it, they each made mistakes. Sarah and I try to breath and speak confidence into Douglas so he will believe that he is special and important and can do anything he sets his mind toward. Yet we are not perfect and we pray that those mistakes made by us will be covered in grace and he will have a healthy self image. Many of us still hear the voices of an authority figure in our past saying words like,"You are stupid, You are no good, You are not as pretty as ________, you will never amount to anything, I wish I had never had you....etc."

The sad part is in many of these situations, those people are not even alive anymore so that we can clear the air and start over again. The voices from the past can be haunting if we keep listening to them. When you look in that mirror, what is your first thought? Negative? Artillery shells indeed!

I read another story about digging this past March. It made me laugh and smile.

(AP) Matt White, a journeyman pitcher trying to make the Los Angeles Dodgers, could become baseball's first billionaire player. It has nothing to do with his arm. He owns a rock quarry in western Massachusetts. White, who has appeared in seven big league games in nine professional seasons, paid $50,000 three years ago to buy 50 acres of land from an elderly aunt who needed the money to pay for a nursing home. While clearing out a couple acres to build a home, he discovered stone ledges in the ground, prompting him to have the property surveyed. A geologist estimated there were 24 million tons of the stone on his land. The stone is being sold for upward of $100 per ton, meaning there's well over $2 billion worth of material used for sidewalks, patios and the like. Of course, that doesn't factor in the expenses involved in processing the stone and transporting it for sale. "It sounds bogus even saying those numbers," White said. "I'm just a small town guy trying to get to the big leagues. It's beyond comprehension."

So, there is a positive digging story! But the scripture tells us about more ground and raising and identity.

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Identity is a fragile thing. Do the voices tell you that you are no good and that God cannot love you, care for you and use you? Do they tell you that you are not worthy of the lavishing love of God? Good!! The gospel is that we are not worthy, we are not deserving. But, if we are buried with him we are raise again to the newness and fullness of life. Christ, in the great exchange on the cross took all our sin and GAVE us his righteousness. We are his children not because we deserve it or merit it, but because he claims us as his own.

For those who accept this gift, this identity, this newness, this fullness we must puss back the voices that tell us to perform, conform and do the dance for acceptance. This is something you and I need to tell ourselves often. Daily may not even be enough!!

There is nothing I can do to make God love me more. There is nothing I can do to make God love me less.

That is the definition of grace that I learned form the Brennan Manning classic, The Ragamuffin Gospel. The church and the world often makes us perform for approval. Jesus has done all the performing that is necessary! Our works should not be approval seeking, but they should be a "thanks" to God for his grace.

This week, dig deeper and find out what the voices are saying. My prayer is that you will know exactly what to tell them when they speak. That is more valuable than billions worth of rock and much more lasting and stable.

A Forwarded Email--Sometimes they are good!!

Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.

Clemson Win Total by Douglas---Sponsored by SONIC

Clemson 24

Florida State 18

Quotes from the Game: "They beat us again, Dadgummit." Bobby Bowden, FSU Legend

"That is 4 out of 5 for us. Who's Daddy now?" Tommy Bowden, Clemson Coach

All quotes are from the mind of the photographer.

On a Pedestal---Sermon Recap

I am usually not a preacher that rants and raves about things. I try to keep my head clear and stay on a fairly even keel. This week, the sermon is a little different. I do however think that it is needed and necessary.

This past week I was listening to the radio and the 20 second news report came over the waves. There was a wreck backing up traffic, a senator who was not gay that was gay, and a blurb about the war on Terror. The nice little radio voice then gave me the best news of the Day, Cameron Diaz is 35 years old today!

I am not sure when our society took such a marked turn to emphasis of celebrity. Now it seems that Ryan Seacrest is everywhere telling us what so and so is wearing, dating or doing. Paris Hilton is everywhere, and she has not really done anything that matters except star in a movie on the internet with bad lighting and be born to rich hotel moguls. She actually makes 75,000 dollars just to make an appearance at clubs for parties. In some cases the price is closer to A QUARTER OF A MILLION! Lindsey Lohan is in and out of rehab, Brit Spears is a train wreck that we cannot help but watch, and the list goes on and on.

I have a few vices, none of which I am proud of, except my coffee addiction. I love good coffee, strong coffee with Espresso and Starbucks does it best. About a month ago, I had a message on the side of my cup as part of their "The Way I see it campaign." Each week the message changes and it is there to spark thought and encourage conversation about issues. The real plan is to get you to hang out and buy more coffee and strudel and music and then get hooked, but the message is on the cup regardless.

This message was spot on and had to be shared:

Many people lack a spiritual belief system and fill that void with obsessions about celebrities. The celebrities are raised to the rank of gods, and these earthly gods will always fail the expectations the masses have set for them. The cycle runs thusly: adoration turns to obsession, obsession turns to disappointment, and from disappointment it is a just a short emotional jump to contempt.-- Donna Phillips, Claremont CA

I do not know who Donna Phillips is, but she is right. The issue is not just about movie stars.

I love sports and the landscape of athletics is littered with idols. If we elevate people to the position of God we will be so disappointed. Poor Mike Vick, Poor O.J. Simpson, sports is a real issue as it comes to idolatry.

What about religion? Now I fear to say this because you all may revolt and toss me off this pier to the sharks, but what about preachers. Do we idolize them too, do we make them celebrities and give more credence to their message of Christ than another? Think about it. Billy Graham, Joel Osteen, Hagee, Fallwell, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer and the list goes on and on. Is the Gospel from their lips of any greater worth? Last week I could not help but chuckle when I saw Mr. T preaching on TBN. No, I do not normally watch TBN, but I was flipping and there it was staring me in the face. I just kept waiting on him to say, "I pity da fool that rejects Jesus," but I must have missed it.

This week I conducted three funerals. I though about titling this message, "You Can't spell funeral without Fun", but decided against it. Last Sunday was my Grandmother, midweek was a middle age campground resident that died in her sleep and yesterday was an 18 year old that died in a car accident on her first day of college. Families torn apart with grief, burdens and raw emotion.

This I know to be true; the hope in each of these situations is not Paris Hilton, Lohan, Spears, Vick, Graham or Hinn. The only Hope for these families is Jesus. The scripture speaks to our hope and it does not talk of celebrity.

The Hope of the Resurrection

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.

Jesus is the hope at death and in life. Our hope is not because of our merit, good looks or family. Oh, that is wrong...it is all about family. We are His children, not because we deserve it, but because he loves us enough to die for us. He gave each of these families strength enough to keep pressing on...and believing.

He is the only celebrity worth talking about. He with no implants, no makeovers, and no shameless self promotion. He is our reason for being, he is our hope, he is our peace, he conquered death, hell, and the grave. Where is CNN when you need them?

So, Who are you raising up on the pedestal? It may shock us if we really take the time to analyze and answer.

August Readings

I have been able to read a lot in August. No wonder I am in such a good mood. This much reading is a rarity, and has been a lot of fun.

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Confessions of a Reformission Rev.: Hard Lessons from an Emerging Missional Church (The Leadership Network Innovation) (Paperback) by Mark Driscoll




* * *

Dear Church: Letters from a Disillusioned Generation (Paperback) by Sarah Cunningham


* * *

Faith of My Fathers: Conversations with Three Generations of Pastors about Church, Ministry, and Culture (Emergentys) (Paperback) by Chris Seay (Author)

This book is from the xxx church group. A good book that speaks about the addiction that is never talked about. These folks are not just flapping their gums, they are at Porn Conventions making a difference for Christ. Interested yet? Guess what? They even take wives along for accountability. I give this one

* * * * *.

Never stick your tongue out at Mama : and other life transforming revelations

Picked this one up at the local library. Should have left it there.

* *

by Max Davis

Sermon Maker, The (Hardcover) by Calvin Miller

Good book about preaching and touching the congregation. Need more preaching books like this. Many sermons are heavy on the Theology and light on the stuff that life is made of. Miller talks about a combination of the two.

* * * * *

Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith (Cover Image May Vary) by Rob Bell

I like this book, especially the middle section about Grace. It reminded me a lot of the Brennan Manning Classic, The Ragamuffin Gospel. Sometimes Rob Bells choppy writing style is aggravating. I think his NOOMA film stuff is great. Check it out at http://www.nooma.com/

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The Complete Live and Learn and Pass It on: People Ages 5 to 95 Share What They've Discovered About Life, Love, and Other Good Stuff (Hardcover) by H. Jackson Brown

Simple little book that can make you think. Good Bathroom reading---if you are inclined to pondering things while sitting.

* * * *

Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections Between Sexuality And Spirituality (Hardcover) by Rob Bell (Author)

I especially enjoyed the beginning and the end of this book. See note on Rob Bell above.

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Career Placement Test--Sermon Recap

In the Fall of 1984, I was sitting in Freshman English in a small classroom in Inman, S.C. Standardized Tests were given out and we answered about 200 questions, in hopes that we would begin thinking about our futures. As a Freshman, I was not thinking a lot about anything, unless it was girls, and that job did not pay too well.

After thinking about the test and carefully answering each question, I turned it in. Mr. Burns, the bearded English prof said, "Thanks, Mr. Jenkins," and off to the computer tabulation center it went.

About 6 weeks later the results came back. What was the proposed course for my future? Well, here goes:

1- Crime Scene Investigator- Now this is before the barrage of TV series about murder and figuring out whodunnit, only Jack Klugman, as Quincy was doing this well at this time. I was encouraged at the prospect of this career. I liked Quincy, he lived on a boat and that helped with the ladies.

2- Writer

3- Teacher


Now I am sure that some of you are surprised that I did not score well in the preaching area. Now that I think about it, you may not be surprised at all. Some of you may be saying, "Ahh, so that explains his problem." I did some research about the CSI work and decided I was not interested in all the Math and chemistry needed to succeed in this field. I have a few friends that are math nerds. I like them, in fact I like them a lot, but my mind just does not work that way.

It is funny though how I have not been able to escape dealing with death and dying. As a minister it happens all the time. People often ask about my congregation and what kind of people I work with. I reply, "From Womb to Tomb." The past three weeks I have dealt heavily in death and it seems to be everywhere I look.

Several weeks ago, I got a call from my uncle concerning the declining health of my Grandmother. I grabbed 5 days worth of clothes, a few books, and my Funeral Garb. You see, I even have special clothes to "Marry 'em or Bury 'em." The Geneva Gown is black with ruffles sleeves and looks very formal and solemn. I though black had a slimming effect, but somehow I think it does not apply with me.

The drive of 4 hours to the upstate of SC is one that I enjoy. Especially when I am alone. My mind takes me many places and often I get lost in the music and memories and wake out of my Daze around Columbia, SC. The car is a place where I clear my mind and has been the birthplace of many sermons. I do not do it much anymore, but I have been known to drive around and get lost and end up in the middle of nowhere. But, I drive still.

On that trip home, I thought a lot about my Grandmothers life. She was married over 50 years to my Pop. (There is a story about him on down in the blog--Check it out) In ways, she never recovered from his death. She lost 2 sons to tragedy and illness, and spent her life in a hard working but simple manner. If anything would make me lose my faith, it would be to lose my son in a tragedy. I guess that is one of those fears of mine that borders on the irrational, but the shroud of death is there. Although she suffered all that loss---she never lost her faith.

A stroke had left her unable to walk and becoming less able to talk and interact. I entered the hospital room and approached the bed. I grasped her hand and moved toward her ear, "How you doing, sweetie?" She was barely able to get out the reply, but it still came, "One Day at a time, Richard, One Day at a Time." The voice of a fellow walker on this road of life spoke from my soul, "Aren't we all, Grandma....Aren't we all." A day later, she stopped eating and drinking.

I spent about 5 days there. What does one do when death is coming? What is there to do beside one who cannot even talk anymore? I told Grandma that she was the best Strawberry Cake maker ever. I touched her face. I dipped a little mouth sponge on a stick into mouthwash to give her a fresh mouth. I helped nurses change a diaper and give a bath and realized that she once gave my Dad a bath and changed diapers too.

Her last remaining son is only 5 years older than me. He was a late gift to them. I have a pic of my Dad in a Graduation gown holding his little brother. Now that is a surprise! He has not had an easy time. Being raised by aging parents, competing with stories and memories of brothers that are dead. Dead people don't make mistakes, and sometimes his were magnified. The past few weeks have brought us closer. I have been able to meet his new wife and share a meal in their home. We were able to pray together and encourage each other and tell a few stories that brought smiles. Even her death has been a source of unity and reconciliation.

Driving to the hospital one morning, a little pup ran full speed out in front of me. I dodged to miss him and He kept running. Where to...? He was running toward a graveyard. I looked in the rear view mirror and saw gray hairs peeking through the red on my goatee.

I drove past a telephone pole that my buddy, Brent Blackwell ran his camaro into in 1986. It was in front of a mortuary. He lived, but the pole was still crooked.

I grabbed a paper and read about death. Local, State, National, and World....death.

We seem so separated from God, we seem so seperated from each other. We seem to be trapped by our fears and problems. What is our Hope? Is there an answer?

Romans 8:38-39
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

One evening, I looked over and my grandmother was playing with her wedding band. I couldn't help thinking that she was thinking about my Pop. I thought about their love and a deeper love as well.

Because she is His Bride--Death has been conquered
Because Death has been conquered-She has no need to fear
Because she has no need to fear--She has peace
Because she has peace-she is longing for him.

Because she longs for Him--He comes to get her
He comes to get her--because she is His bride.

Years ago at the lake, Grandma would call me or Amy and ask us to meet her at the fence. She would make me Strawberry Cake or make Amy a chocolate pie. There were more calls to Amy than me--but who's counting! We would reach over the fence and reach over to get the prize, a gift of her love.


Christ would meet my Grandma on Friday evening. She was wrapped in His righteousness as she entered into heaven. Jesus met her at the gate and ushered her in. He reached across and offered the gift of healing and restoration---and she will never be the same.

No matter what you are struggling with today, Jesus is there to meet you at the Fence and offer what you need. I have a feeling that if he can conquer Sin and Death and Hell...you are a piece of cake. Not strawberry, that is all mine...but you are a piece of cake. Reach out, he is there for you!!

Things I think about

If you see a self help book reduced to half price should you buy it?

I saw two Baptist churches side by side the other day. The names were Happy Home Baptist and Christian Fellowship Baptist. I bet they split over the color of carpet.

Thief

This Guy stole my book. Not really, but this is the book that I wanted to write. The sad part for me is that he wrote it better than I would have. The good part is that you can read my book and I can work on my new book. Unless Donald Miller steals it too! So, the question for you is...

"Who wants to borrow my book first?"

Not sure if an Apology suffices...

Bubble gum with Nazi sticker sold in Israel

Roll Bubble Gum's surprise sticker turns out to be of swastika wearing Nazi officer.
Reuters
Published:
08.14.07, 08:21 / Israel Jewish Scene

An Israeli woman was astounded to find a tattoo- sticker of a Nazi soldier inside a pack of bubble gum she had bought at her local store, Maariv daily reported recently.
"A surprise awaits you," said the "Roll Bubble Gum" pack, showing a picture of a pink wrapper alongside what it said was the sticker, which showed a Nazi officer in uniform and wearing a swastika armband.
Some suggested that the sticker was of "Red Skull", which is the name of a Marvel Comics villain, who is the enemy of Captain America.
Marvel featured three Red Skull villains in its comics, the first two were Nazi agents and the third a communist.
The newspaper quoted Orna Gutman, 23, as telling its website the pack's label was in Arabic and English and stated the gum was made in China but did not name the importer.