Day Two, San Francisco

We spent a great day in the city today. Paul, Terry's brother took us into the city. Just a lot to see. One of the pics of the boats and the Golden Gate Bridge behind was taken from the table where we ate lunch.

It was an absolutely beautiful day. The wind was blowing offshore, meaning the cool waters of the pacific weren't being used to cool off the city, so with the sun out, and it clear as a bell, we got some great pictures of the bay, and ate some seafood for lunch.

Another great day. 2 down, 6 to go! Big Sur is right around the bend, I can't wait.

Day One, Yosemite

We traveled today from Bakersfield through Yosemite, and are spending a couple of days with Terry's brother, Paul in Concord. It was a great day, as you can see with the pics. I'll let them speak for themselves. Yosemite is unbelievable!

Tomorrow, San Francisco with Paul and Rosita. Should have some more pics tomorrow night for you.

Words don't do these pictures justice. It was absolutely gorgeous. We drove over the pass from the south, through clouds, rain, and snow, only to have us drive into the clearest, brightest, sky you could ask for. It became obvious to us that we weren't in "Illinois anymore", driving by several "play areas" in the snow. There are a lot of people who don't see snow much by the looks of things. It was really funny.

Hoping our weather holds out this week for our drive down the coast. Tomorrow is supposed to be great, not sure about later this week. Our drive could be a wet one.

Until tomorrow.

Site added to our trip!

I've never been to Yosemite, and I'm not sure when I'll be this close to it again. I figured out today that it only adds 120 miles to our trip, and will probably add 4-5 hours with our messing around in the park, but it should be well worth it. We won't have much time to hang out, and will probably just drive through, but when you're only 150 miles from this, it's pretty hard to pass up.

So, off to California we go. Yosemite, San Francisco, and the Pacific coast via Highway 1 from Half Moon Bay to Ventura. What a ride and week it will be! I can't wait. Here's hoping we get a lot of time with the "top down". (I rented a convertible)

Darrel, I'm looking forward to a lot of sacred space over the next 10 days. Hope it goes slow enough for us to enjoy it.

California Here we Come!!

Terry and I are frantically making plans for our upcoming vacation. We just arrived home from Michigan, where we spent Christmas with my mom, Chris and Linda's family, and Kelli's boyfriend joined us this year. We missed not being with Kristin, Luke, and Brayden, but know that Luke's family is more than taking care of them.

Our two quick days in Michigan were dominated by Hand in Foot, watching the classic movie A Christmas Story, and lots of Wii. You'll be glad to know that I've reached pro status on golf, and Terry did on bowling; never dreamed a video game could leave you sore, wow.

We leave Saturday for San Diego, will take two days to drive to Oakland where we will spend the 31 and January 1 with Terry's brother Paul and his family in Oakland, then spend five glorious days driving down the Pacific Coast Highway from Half Moon Bay to Ventura. We hope to see things like the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, Pebble Beach, The Lone Cypress, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Bixby Bridge, Redwoods, Hearst Castle, and lots of whales. We'll be spending one night in Santa Cruz, two nights in the Big Sur section, and one night in Ventura before arriving back in San Diego on Sunday the 6th. We are real excited about this, and like South Africa last year, hope to keep you up with our trip, and will have lots of pics during and after.

Terry will the come home on the 7th, I will be staying in San Diego for meetings the 7 and 8, before flying home on the 9 to begin school here for the spring semester.

Well, that gets you caught up with what's happening, and hope to help you experience the trip with us as we go. I'll be talking to you some time this weekend from, hopefully, sunny California!

This is what they do to my grandson these days!

poor kid, he doesn't have a chance.

American Examples of Integrity and Response

Jose Canseco - "I used steriods and human growth hormones, helped teammates use them, and it's an epidemic in baseball."

Response: "Canseco is a dirty creep!"

Barry Bonds - "I used some clear creme and HGH unknowingly."

Response: "Bonds is a jerk and a liar!"





Roger Clemens trainer - "I personally injected steriods in Roger several times."

Response - "Why should we believe him?"

Roger Clemens - "I want to state clearly and without qualification: I did not take steroids, human growth hormone or any other banned substances at any time in my baseball career or, in fact, my entire life."

Response: "It's Roger, let's believe him."

Maybe the blame needs to be shared in where we find ourselves in this game and as a country.

Well, we spent the day listening to the sounds of students leaving campus. They are heading literally all over the world for Christmas. Joshua is going to Ethiopia. Hector is going to Mexico. They are going to Great Britain, Canada, Virginia, Florida, Colorado, Ohio, and some even to Bourbonnais.

Home. Going home. There's something special about going home, or at least there should be.

I've also been reminded that there are some going home, who would rather stay. Home is painful for them; a place of failure and lost innocence; a place of abuse and heartache; home. My heart breaks for you, and it makes me more grateful for what I have.

What does home mean for me? It's where my family is. What does Christmas mean to me? Ove the years it's been things like marathon video watching; snowmobiling; dominoes; breakfast casserole; yeast rolls; sleep; cinnamon rolls; Dutch Blitz; snow; food; sleep; family; remembering; mourning; living; sleep. Christmas for me is all those things rolled into one. This year should be no different.

This year it's Christmas in Michigan; Kelli's 21st birthday; San Diego, California; visiting Paul and Rosetta in Livermore, CA; a 5-day drive down the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Ventura; Big Sur; Redwoods; whale-watching; sunshine; expecting the unexpected; driving a convertible for the first time in my life; back to San Diego; BCS National Championship game; meetings; then finally home for another semester.

My Holiday's are full and rich. A time for family; a time for friends; a time to play; a time to remember; a time to reflect.

Let's get going!

Wisdom from Calvin and Hobbes

We're getting a pretty good snowstorm here in Bourbonnais. I wouldn't call it a blizzard, people can still get out if they want, but we'll have 6-8 inches before it's done some time tomorrow. I thought I would post some wit today, in honor of the storm, from Calvin and Hobbes.

1st Frame
Hobbes: "Look at all this snow!"

Calvin: "I'm being tested. "

2nd Frame
Calvin: "We got this snow so I'd be tempted to smack Susie with a slushball and forfeit all my Christmas presents."

3rd Frame
Calvin: "To evaluate my character, my immediate pleasure is being pitted against my future greed."

4th Frame
Hobbes: "Poor Susie."

Calvin: "IT'S NOT A FOREGONE CONCLUSION!"

We're lost, every one of us.

One of the themes of Advent, as I've been reading, is just how sinful a lot has been cast for us. Reading through some of the traditional Advent passages this week from Amos, Revelation, and Matthew, is leaving me in a pretty dark place. But I think I finally got it this morning.

As I look forward with anticipation to our break from routine around here at Olivet, celebrating Christmas my family, Kelli's 21st birthday, and Terry and my trip to California, there is much to look forward to.

But scripture is reminding me today that in all my anticipation of what the holiday and Christmas break brings to me and our family, and to all of us, without our receiving the Gift, we are lost. Lost to ourselves (which is really scary), lost in our search for meaning and purpose, lost in our ability to love and forgive, and ultimately lost in our search for God.

So, what's the good news in that? It's that we don't have to look. That's the story of Christmas; he sought us, he came after us, he looked for and He found us.

So, if your world on this day is dark and bleak, know that God still seeks. If you have a sense of how lost you are, know today that God is finding you. If you can't seem to find your way out of the situation life has thrown at you, either because of your will or the imposition of another's, know that in that there is hope, forgiveness, and the ability to forgive.

It's never too dark, we're never too lost, we're never beyond hope, and if we're at the end of our rope, He throws us another in the shape and form of a baby.

Merry Christmas!

Just Call Me Jesus

"When God chose to reveal himself, he did so through a human body. The tongue that called forth the dead was a human one. The hand that touched the leper had dirt under its nails. The feet upon which the woman wept were calloused and dusty. And his tears. . . oh, don't miss the tears. . .they came from a heart as broken as yours or mine ever has been.

'For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.'

So people came to him. My, how they came to him! They came at night; they touched him as he walked down the street; they followed him around the sea; they invited him into their homes and placed their children at his feet. Why? Because he refused to be a statue in a cathedral or a priest in an elevated pulpit. He chose instead to be Jesus.

There is not a hint of one person who was afraid to draw near him. There were those who mocked him. There were those envious of him. There were those who misunderstood him. There were those who revered him. But there was not one person who considered him too holy, too divine, or too celestial to touch. There was not one person who was reluctant to approach him for fear of being rejected.

Remember that.

Remember that the next time you find yourself amazed at your own failures.

Or the next time acidic accusations burn holes in your soul.

Or the next time you see a cold cathedral or hear a lifeless liturgy.

Remember. It is man who creates the distance. It is Jesus who builds the bridge.

'Just call me Jesus.'

What's the point? Jesus could have been a 'Joe.' If Jesus came today, his name might have been John or Bob or Jim. Were he here today, it is doubtful he would distance himself with a lofty name like Reverend Holiness Angelic Divinity III. No, when God chose the name his son would carry, he chose a human name. He chose a name so typical that it would appear two or three times on every class roll.

'The Word became flesh,' John said, in other words."

Max Lucado from God Came Near

What do you say?

I'm reading a book called, Families at the Crossroads, by Rodney Clapp. He is probably most noted for his book, A Peculiar People, but I've been pretty fascinated by this book as well. It is not what you might expect the title to suggest; a combative, cultural confrontation of postmodernism and it's effects on the home. It's rather a mild indictment on the church, and it's misuse and misinterpretation of what a family and home is. It's a reclaiming of it's true biblical roots, not it's nineteenth century post-industrial American definition.

There is a lot of insight in this for the church, but there is one quote I want to look at today, thinking in terms of youth ministry. On page 64, he says:

"The home once served major economic and social functions. Now it is a 'haven' from the 'real world'. It is a retreat for the wage-earner and a nest for children who await true personhood in the form of intimacy, which tend to be cheapened and diluted because they are not seen to have a tie to the truly significant wider world."

I couldn't help but think of youth ministry as it functions in most churches moving in tandem with the direction of the family that Clapp notes. In the, what Chap Clark calls, "ghettoizing of youth ministry", we have removed the significant role of children in our churches, much like has happened in the family. They are placed in a holding pattern, where we shove them off in their corners until they are "mature" and ready for "real ministry". Of ministry along these lines, I am the chief of sinners, and believe the time for correction has come.

It's no wonder students leave the church in droves, graduating from high school, youth group, and the church all in the same summer. They are growing up without us. Because of this, we don't need to just rethink how we do youth ministry, we need to rethink how we do church.

Do you remember the day when students were depended on and necessary to make sure Sunday School, the nursery, choir, and other ministries in the church happened, let alone functioned? Now, we don't allow our students near the nursery, they have to audition for the choir, if they are allowed to sing in them at all, and we certainly wouldn't allow them to teach Sunday School. I'm not advocating they become the theological experts in our churches, but have you heard some of the theology taught by adults in Sunday School? Maybe the best way for students to know what they believe, is to learn and wrestle with it while they teach it. Put them in partnership with an adult to mentor and guide them. Sure it might be messier, but I'm not sure it could be any worse.

I'm becoming more and more an advocate of moving back to an integrated, cross-generational church; one where students are just as involved as the adults in the day-to-day running of the ministries. I think it's one of the ways we will see students stick around; they won't leave something they are invested in, passionate about, and willing to die for.

Maybe they'd rather teach a class than play a video game. Maybe they'd rather change a diaper than play Bible bingo. Maybe they'd rather feel engaged in worship by helping lead, than always shoved in the first three rows of the church for the effect of showing how successful we are because "they" are "here". Maybe we allow them to be the significant contributers to the kingdom now, because they can.

The one's who have the most to lose in the long run, the adults who are their parents and grandparents; also have the most to say about whether this happens or not. So, what do you say?

Well, here in Bourbonnais today we're getting freezing rain and drizzle. So, Terry and I have chosen to stay in, and are watching the Monk marathon on the USA Network. That's a great way to spend the day for two tired, old people.

It made me think of a couple of things. One, we don't slow down very often. It's usually the weather that shuts us down, anymore. When we can't move, when we have to stop, that's when we slow down. Terry said this morning that our stopping has made her realize how tired she is. I look for excuses to slow down at times, and I suppose the weather isn't really that bad yet, but it has given us the opportunity, or excuse, to stop, and that's what we've chosen to do.

That leads me to my second thought, that when we do slow down, we usually feel guilty. We've already had the conversation this morning about whether it's okay to not go to church, even when the weather makes travel difficult. Maybe we don't slow down because we don't know how. We don't live in a society that makes room in it's schedule for rest. I live in a building filled with 50 college students, and the activity at all hours of the night remind me that the patterns of activity are set very early in our lives. We don't stop, because we don't know how to stop.

The last little thought regarding this, is that we when we do slow down, we don't do it well. Is watching a Monk marathon the "right" way to slow down? The fact that I'm asking that question shows me even when slowing down, there is a checklist of things that I need to accomplish that make slowing down worthwhile. Maybe a day of nothing every now and then is good for the soul.

I remember as a kid, the best news we could receive in the morning was that school was canceled because of the weather. It meant a break from our routine; a day of play, usually in the fresh snow; sleeping in; or as an adult, sitting at you computer in your boxers and t-shirt at 10:30 in the morning, writing about how much I'm looking forward to doing nothing.

Well, I guess since I've begun to work on my list of things to do, I can feel better that this day of stoppage created by freezing rain is not a total waste. Monk is waiting.

Truth

The Golden Compass

I was in conversation today with a friend about this movie, and the stir it is creating within the Christian community. To boycott or not to boycott, that is the question; or it seems.

Well, I've not read this story, and you might offer some correction or help, but my understanding is that it is written by an outspoken Athiest, who as he leads us through the narrative, eventually takes us to a garden, where in the closing scene the children in the story kill God. That isn't contained in this movie, but is eventually where the story leads. I realize this is an understated synopsis, but is what this movie and the greater story is about.

Here is a couple of my thoughts

First, I don't think as someone who believes in a God who is active in this life, my life more personally, and throughout history, that this story should become something I need to fear. I kind of throw it into the same camp as the Divinci Code, where I want to be a part of the dialogue, so I'll probably go see it. But there is a difference between this and Brown's work.

What is that difference? My second observation, is we do need to realize that the author of this is unapologetic as to what he believes. Parents need to draw your own caution in that. This is not fiction to him, but it is his systematic theology, if I may say it that way. Sure, you will find the book, and most likely the movie, labeled as fantasy, but it isn't fantasy to the author. He doesn't believe in God, so that would logically lead to His death, especially His (God) being killed by children. Isn't that the ultimate, the child will lead us again, by killing off a weak, feeble, irrelevant concept of a "god". Therefore, I am, or better said, humanity is the ultimate expression of the created order, the evolutionary process, and in full control.

It is a message that will ring true in our post-Christian society. It will tickle the ears of those longing to be their own god. It will remove our need for the "crutch" that God has provided for us, and throwing it away, we will find ourselves truly free, again. The movie will be praised not only for it's technological genius, but for it's celebration of humanity, and it's ability to do whatever it puts it's mind to.

Like you, I will wait to see what is said about the themes to this story, especially by the secular press. What will be seen as the source of hope, tenderness, love, and compassion for others? Where will forgiveness, mercy, or even justice come from? I ask those quesitons because my experience with humanity is there is nothing within any of us that allow that to flow naturally. I, we, need help.

So, I'm not afraid of this movie. It's really nothing new, just a new form. Sure, some will buy into it's conclusion; not me. Because I know personally the giver of hope.

Yahtzee for Ohio State,
and LSU for that matter!

For those of you who hate my beloved Buckeyes, this weekend was pretty painful. But, come on, Pitt beating West Virginia? Oklahoma beating Mizzou wasn't a stretch for anyone, but what about the Mountaineers; must be the school colors.

Let me ask you; if you are in the place of Ohio State, with this flawed system, do you turn the invitation down because all the Big Ten haters in the world don't think we deserve it. Let me remind you where we have come from:

Lost - Troy Smith, Ginn, Gonzalez, Pittman, and 4 other starters from our offense.
Picked pre-season 4th in the big ten
Michigan pre-season 5 in the country, Wisconsin pre-season 8, Penn State pre-season 20; Ohio State, 22.

So, here we are again. We are in the envious position, playing for a National Championship, again, for the 3rd time in 6 years. I guess you all have to just deal with it. Michigan (ASU, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Ohio State), Florida (Georgia and LSU), USC (Stanford? and Oregon), and Georgia (Tennessee and Florida). And what might have been for Mizzou, WV, Oregon, Kansas, and Oklahoma's of the college world if you just finished. Won the games you were supposed to, and we're not having this conversation. Almost forgot Virginia Tech, but I'm not sure they play football in the ACC anyway, do they? (I owed you that Eric) We also don't control the events in the Big Ten. Sorry it's considered down this year, but when 8 of the 11 schools are playing in bowls, we share those numbers only with the SEC.

So, as I sit in my office this Monday morning, I can honestly say, it's great to be hated. So prognosticate all you want, but I know you want to be where we're going; to New Orleans on January 7.

For you ministry/youth ministry buffs out there, this is a great article that was sent to me by one of our students here at Olivet, and I think is a great lesson for any age.

humility and facial hair
I don’t know why they hired me. I was an over-confident, 23-year-old college grad with a pretty impressive resume, well impressive for someone going into journalism ...

Boomer Sooner

Closing the gap.

Technology is amazing. In my home, we are discovering a new way to use technology; the web camera.

Just getting back from Killeen, I was pained with the realization that I won't get to see Brayden, er, and Kristin and Luke, until our spring break in March. As much as Brayden has changed in the five weeks between our previous visits, I can't imagine how much he will change over the next 3 1/2 months. Sooo, we decided to do something about it, and invest in web cameras for our computers. That was our Christmas gift to Luke and Kristin. I'm sure they knew there was no ulterior motive on our part, at all!

I can't begin to tell you how much fun it is to see and hear Brayden via the internet (Kristin and Luke too); thank you to MAC, Microsoft, Dell, and Al Gore, for bringing this new age to us. It will create some incredible moments for us as we sit and talk with our daughter, son-in-law, and grandson, helping to close the distance a little between Bourbonnais and Ft. Hood, Texas.

I love technology; most times.

Looking at the title of this blog caused me to reflect on the fact that again, that is what advent is about; God closing the gap. I use a web camera, but His way was much more sacrificial and meaningful; it's times like this I'm frustrated by the limitation of language in trying to express something so profound.

I recognize today that it was by his initiation, that he took the risk to send his son, with no guarantee of our response, yet did it anyway. God coming to where we are.

Going to Texas is one thing, it could even be called a gift. But man, what a greater gift we have been given. I don't want to ever take it for granted.

P.S. Fred, and all others concerned about my XM radio battles; I lost the battle on the way down, but listened to football all the way home. So we'll consider this one a draw.

Be Ready

One of the books that has helped shape me over the years during Advent is a little book called God Came Near. It's one of Max Lucado's earliest writings, and to me, still one of his best. I share an excerpt from a section in chapter one. It probably won't be the only time I quote from this book over the next month, either.

"Christianity, in its purest form, is nothing
more than seeing Jesus.
Christian service, in its purest form, is nothing
more than imitating him who we see.
To see His Majesty and to imitate him,
that is the sum of Christianity."

He then begins by telling the story of a 52-year-old man who had been born blind, but because of a new technology, was able to have his sight restored. He was able to see for the first time.

He talked about how Bob was utterly speechless with colors, like yellow and red. How caught off guard he was the first time he watched a jet flying through the air with it's vapor trail. And he talked about how fascinated he was by what he was able to see for the first time, and then over and over again; like sunrises and sunsets, he never grew tired of those.

He was at the same time amazed how dull his friends had come with the same things. Bob would stop to gaze at the color of a flower in the spring, and his friends would walk right by them. All that he was seeing right now, was there all the time, but he had missed it. So close, but his lack of vision kept him from being able to see what to everyone else was obvious.

(begin quote) "But Bob Edens isn't the only one who has spent a lifetime near something without seeing it. Few are the people who don't suffer from some form of blindness. Amazing, isn't it? We can live next to something for lifetime, but unless we take time to focus on it, it doesn't become part of our life. Unless we somehow have our blindness lifted, our world is but a black cave.

Think about it. Just because one has witnessed a thousand rainbows doesn't mean he's seen the grandeur of one. One can live near a garden and fail to focus on the splendor of the flower. A man can spend a lifetime with a woman and never pause to look into her soul.

And a person can be all that goodness calls him to be and still never see the Author of life. . .

Have you seen Him?

This is no run-of-the-mill messiah. His story was extradordinary. He called himself divine, yet allowed a minimum-wage Roman soldier to drive a nail into his wrist. He demanded purity, yet stood for the rights of a repentant whore. He called men to march, yet refused to allow them to call him King. He sent men into all the world, yet equipped them with only bended knees and memories of a resurrected carpenter." (end of quote)

Being so close, without seeing what's there all along. Sounds like our world, doesn't it. To be honest, sometimes it sounds like me.

Lord, help us to not just see the obvious, but to also begin to notice the beauty in the mundane during the season of Advent.

Go Sooners!

The First Week of Advent

Advent, "the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the coming of the Christ". (Wikipedia)

It is a already and not yet reality for us, isn't it? He has come, yet we are awaiting his coming again. In the mean time, His kingdom has a present reality through the church; enabling Christ to come in a variety of ways.

This is a plaque that is in the Regina Mundi church in Soweto, South Africa, where students gathered for meetings during the riots in 1976-77. It was a place of refuge and violence at the same time. Many were killed in spite of where they gathered. The church itself still bears the scars from the conflict; yet great was their hope.

I'm reading the biography of Nelson Mandela, which is no small read by the way, and I'm amazed at his perseverance for the sake of his people and country. How long they waited, how dark it was, yet their persistence and belief changed the face of a nation.

That's the story of hope we live in this month, is it not. Their story, the students of the 70s in South Africa, is a living parable of the light that shown in this lost, dark world of ours; and yet, the darkness did not understand what the light was about.

The present reality of the kingdom seeks to bring hope into the dark places of this world, living with a perspective that sees what is to come, and lives with that as our reality. We don't see like the world sees. We look through a different set of lenses. This "seeing" is happening all over the world all the time, the work of kingdom folk.

Here is my prayer for us as we enter this advent season; that we don't miss it. That our religion doesn't get in the way of our kingdom business. That we not miss the real purpose of his coming; that we get to be hopeful people, bringing the light of hope to the dark places in our world. Pray with me that we see beyond the lights, the glitter, the sales, and realize that Jesus came so, "all that received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God".

The darkness is great, but the light has broken through. Lord help us to live in that light.

Thanksgiving in Texas

We've had an absolute blast in Texas for Thanksgiving. We are leaving today, driving to Joplin, and should be home tomorrow by dinner. It's a long way, but well worth it.

This video was taken the same time as the picture, with Gigi and Brayden playing after his
bath.

This should give you a little taste of what we got to experience this time with Brayden. He's changed so much since we last saw him in October at his dedication. He laughs, giggles, coos, grunts, and is teething, so he is doing the best to try and swallow his fist.

When his dad reads to him, it's interactive. As Luke reads, he grunts, and talks back at the book, you have to see it to get the true experience. He really loves his daddy. And his eyes really light when his mama walks into the room. They are very happy, which makes it easier to leave, and have them so far away. We know it's not forever, so for now, we make due.

Well, hope your thanksgiving has been as good as ours. As I write this, everyone else is watching Elf, which makes this holiday trip complete; we've watched a holiday movie.

Hope your Advent is filled with as much joy and expectation as ours.

Today, we head for Texas to spend Thanksgiving with Brayden, Luke and Kristin, and yes, it is in that order (sorry kids). We will leave this afternoon after my classes, hoping to arrive in southern Illinois at a fairly decent hour, getting about six hours of sleep, and motoring on to get there by dinner.

Terry's new car has 3 free months of XM radio, so that will be great for the drive, although there is a distinct possibility of breaking into a fight over whether we listen to ESPN radio or XM7 on the way (XM7 is the station for 70s music). Could be worse, I guess, but ESPN all the way will be great, plus with the stations that carry college football, even though I won't be able to watch it all this weekend, I will be able to listen to any I can't see.

So, let the holiday's begin. This week kicks off the Advent season, which makes for a very difficult time to keep students focused, er, and the profs. Pray for us, will you?

Will keep you informed as to how our next month goes, and hope many of you do the same.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Life can now get back to normal, and be about the things that really matter; family. This week begins a month of celebrating family, revolving around the greatest gift we have all received; no, not a grandson, the gift of our savior.

Here's hoping that you all have a great week with family, friends, and football. Eat lots of turkey, be safe on the roads, and love the ones you are with. We'll be in Texas this weekend spending time with Luke, Kristin, and Brayden. We so look forward to seeing our kids. Hope your week is as special as ours.

Ohio State 14


Michigan 3

Nuff said!

GO BUCKS!

I woke up this morning, wide awake, at 6:30, dreaming of an LSU loss. Anyone who's been following the college football scene knows what that would do to the Ohio State/Michigan game today. I'm getting ready to watch last year's replay on ESPNU.

Today is about one thing, the Ohio State vs. Michigan game. If you aren't a fan, I'm sorry. I feel bad for the SEC fans who just don't get it. Illinois fans, you get your props this year, you got your one in every 15 year win, but you still don't get it. When that game ended, it became Michigan week. There is nothing like it, and no game more important than this one. It can redeem or ruin a season in one three-hour period; for us today, it would be ruin.

It's bragging rights for a year; it's not about who has the best record. It's about who's flag gets to fly; until the third Saturday in November, 2008.

When the game ends today, I become a Big 10 fan. It's us against them. Until then, it's the best game of the year. Enjoy, I know I will!

O - H

Why is this rivalry so great? Check this out.

On Nov. 13, HBO Sports will premiere its documentary on the greatest rivalry in college football. "Michigan vs. Ohio State: The Rivalry" will take a close-up look at this storied rivalry through the eyes of the athletes, alumni, and fans who’ve made this game great. Prior to the release of the documentary, Ross Greenburg, the president of HBO Sports, participated in an e-mail Q&A session with Ohio State Alumni Magazine.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO FEATURE THIS GAME IN THE DOCUMENTARY?
Greenburg: The Ohio State-Michigan game has been a classic rivalry, and when you have the history surrounding the “10 Year War,” the story takes on mythic proportions. It is a subject matter that fits the mold of our very best HBO Sports documentaries.

WHERE DO YOU THINK THIS RIVALRY RANKS AMONG ALL OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL'S GREAT RIVALRIES?
Greenburg: We think this rivalry stands alone as the college football game each year with the most national interest. Many people in Texas, Oklahoma, and California won't be happy to hear this, but the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry has no peer. This is the first time HBO Sports has produced a documentary on a college football rivalry. Why do you think we picked this one?

WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT THIS RIVALRY DURING PRODUCTION THAT YOU FOUND MOST INTERESTING?
Greenburg: The supreme hate that develops between the Ohio State and Michigan fans is an amazing phenomenon. I knew this was a rivalry. I never realized there was so much deep-seated anger toward the opposition.

DO YOU THINK OHIO STATE AND MICHIGAN FANS VIEW THIS RIVALRY THE SAME WAY?
Greenburg: Yes. They definitely have an equal amount of hatred for each other, but their reasons are distinct. Ohio State fans feel the Michigan fans are pompous, and the Michigan fans feel the Ohio State fans are not worthy.

WHY DO YOU THINK THE RIVALRY HAS DEVELOP[ED THIS WAY BETWEEN THESE PARTICULAR SCHOOLS?
Greenburg: There is a clash of culture. Michigan thinks of itself as a Midwest Ivy League institution and Ohio State is a proud state university that represents all of Ohio.

WHAT HISTORICAL FIGURES DO YOU THINK PLAYED THE BIGGEST ROLE IN MAKING THIS RIVALRY WHAT IT IS TODAY?
Greenburg: Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler.

DO YOU THINK THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE WAY THE FANS VIEW THE RIVALRY AND THE WAY THE PARTICIPANTS VIEW IT?
Greenburg: None whatsoever, but the participants feel a lot more pressure and would personally suffer more of the disappointment after a loss. Of course, they would also feel even more euphoric after a victory. Their memories will last a lifetime.

IF YOU HAD TO DESCRIBE THIS GAME TO SOMEONE WHO ISN'T A FOOTBALL FAN, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE IT?
Greenburg: Life and death. It is everything that is right with college football.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF THIS RIVALRY?
Greenburg: The energy in the stadium each year on the third Saturday in November. As the bands play the fight song and the teams charge out onto the field, a classic rivalry is renewed; and there is always next year if you lose.

WHAT IS THE WORST PART OF IT?
Greenburg: There must be nothing worse than the 364 days after a loss.

WHAT DID YOU THINK OF LAST YEAR'S GAME?
Greenburg: The rarity of No. 1 playing No. 2, and the extraordinary game that unfolded may never be duplicated through the rivalry’s long, rich history. It took on even a grander scale when Bo passed away the day before the game. We shot all week in Ann Arbor and Columbus and recorded our interview with Bo in Ann Arbor Stadium the day before he died. It was one of the great football games in collegiate history, and the rivalry made it even more memorable.

China - Thousands turn to Christ every day in China but persecution is rampant. Pray for continued church growth in the midst of oppression and suffering. Ask God to provide Bibles and raise up more Christian pastors and evangelists to meet the enormous demand created by nationwide spiritual hunger. Pray that the network of 1,100 reform-through-labor prison camps where many Christians suffer for their faith will be fully exposed, condemned and relegated to history.

The Game!
20 hours, 42 minutes, but who's counting?

No. 7-ranked Ohio State (10-1/6-1 in the Big Ten) visits No. 23 Michigan (8-3/6-1) for a noon game Saturday at Michigan Stadium (107,501).

Middle East - "I was a devout Muslim, and all I was taught was to hate", says Abdul. "But in a vulnerable tie of my life, two families reached out to me and showed a love I had never experienced before."

Pray that Christians living in the Middle East will continue to show the love of Christ to hurting unbelievers despite persecution. Pray that God will touch the hearts of many unbelievers there, that they might come to know Christ as Savior.

Proof

Jesus is a Buckeye!

THE SERIES
Michigan leads the all-time series with Ohio State by a 57-40-6 count. Michigan leads 30-18-4 in games played in Ann Arbor.

Since 1951, the Buckeyes hold a 28-26-2 lead, including victories in five of the six games during the Jim Tressel era. Ohio State has won the last three meetings with Michigan.

The two teams first met in 1897 and the rivalry has been continuous since 1918. Since 1935, the game has been the traditional conference finale between the two schools.

Egypt - Over 85% of people living in Egypt are Muslims. In Egypt, Christians are persecuted by radical Islamic groups and local police. Nearly all elected officials are Muslim. Egyptian citizens must list their religion on their identity cards, presented whenever they apply for employment. Christians are often turned away from employment because of their beliefs.

Pray that God will encourage Christians in Egypt to remain strong in the face of persecution.

74 hours and counting.

GO BUCKS!!

95 hours, 20 minutes, and counting.

FIRST AND 10
• Ohio State is 10-1 and 6-1 in the Big Ten; Michigan is 8-3 and 6-1 in the Big Ten
• Ohio State has won 29 of its last 31 games
• Eight OSU players are in the hunt for national postseason awards
• The Buckeyes lead the nation in scoring defense (11.4); OSU is second in pass defense and total defense
• The Buckeyes have scored at least one touchdown in their last 137 games
• Ohio State has scored on its opening drive in nine games this season, the last seven in a row
• Brian Robiskie has caught a pass in 23 consecutive games
• Coach Jim Tressel is 72-15 in seven years at Ohio State; 207-72-2 in 22 years overall
• Linebacker James Laurinaitis is a finalist for the Lombardi, Butkus and Lott awards
• Ohio State is the two-time defending Big Ten champion

Go Bucks!

"When I was 15, I heard about Jesus Christ for the first time," explains Rahmet, a Muslim background believer. "I started to weep when I saw how Jesus suffered for my sins. That's when I accepted Christ as my Savior. But my family was enraged when they found out. My father said I had to leave the house. I was only 15 and I had nowhere to go."

Pray for Christians who have been rejected by family and friends, that God would surround them with new Christian "family" who loves and supports them.

I would be remiss today if I didn't thank Chadwick Anderson for the invite to share with the Illinois Free Methodist conference in Greenville, IL. It was fun being with you, sharing from my heart about how we can work together to shape the heart of this generation of students. Thanks for the invite, the food, and the gracious gift.

Also, special thanks to the 17 or so of you from Greenville that "stuck it out" with me, up until the last minute to go cheer on your beloved Comets in the state quarterfinal football game. I told you several times during the day, I would have been strangely absent, tailgating with the rest of the town, and basking in what, for my money, can't be reproduced anywhere; the atmosphere created by a high school playoff game, in any sport.

I had a blast; hope we see each other again this side of heaven. My life is richer because I was able to spend time with you.

Today I mourn, again.

This was a tough weekend if you are an Ohio football fan; first with Ohio State going down, and then with my Brownies losing a heart-breaker at Pittsburgh. I'm not mourning that, though.

My church tries to keep before us the needs of the global church, and yesterday was another one of those days when we were reminded of what the church faces, and to pray for the suffering, persecuted church all over the world. I will share those stories with you this week, in the hopes you will join me in prayer for them.

"North Korea is the top persecutor of Christians in the world. Between 50,000 and 70,000 Christians are currently suffering in prison camps. The North Korean government considers Christianity to be a threat to stability, and hunts Christians all over the country. Many are arrested, tortured, and even killed. Pray that Korean Christians will remain strong in their faith and that God will change the hearts of government officials."

Today, I Mourn

Illinois 28
Ohio State 21

I personally don't care if we ever play a team again sporting the colors of Orange and Blue. Did they say "Juice" is only a sophomore? That's sick!

Today, I laugh.

I almost removed yesterday's blog before anyone could read it. I decided to leave it, because it represents what is happening. It's only as we own up to who we are, that we can live lives of confession with each other.

Today, I needed a good laugh, maybe you do too. I turned to the trusty Far Side comics, and because of copyright issues, I couldn't post a picture, so imagine this:

There are two medevil soldiers descending from a guard tower in a castle. They are carrying another wounded soldier on a stretcher, walking down the stairs. The wounded soldier is propping himself on one arm, with his pants pulled down to his ankles, exposing his wounded area, that happens to have 3-4 arrows sticking out of it. He is explaining his wound to the other two by saying:

"So I says to Simon, 'You know, we may be completely surrounded by the Saxons, but someone should at least give them a good mooning.'" (Thanks Gary Larsen)

Maybe a good mooning every now and again would do us all some good.

For What?

I've not had the best of weeks. I have a friend that was released from his youth position in South Carolina, with two of the reasons being that he didn't turn in his receipts on time, and his board reports were late twice this year. This just happened last week, on one day, with no warning, not allowing him to say good-bye to the youth group or the youth staff, and he isn't allowed to worship there either. I'm sure there is more to this than that, but he's a good guy, and this is ridiculous.

I have another friend that is going into a meeting Saturday, to try and repair a severed relationship. It's dealing with some misunderstandings, questioning of not only his leadership, but his personal integrity, from those in leadership positions in the church. I'm praying for my friend this week. What is going on?

It's caused me to ask some questions about what the church is doing to itself. These attacks aren't coming from outside the church, they are coming from inside the church. Man, I feel like Rodney King in the 80's, when speaking of racial reconciliation said, "Can't we all just get along?" Well, can't we?

I teach a class of 150 freshman and sophomore students here, called Christian Formation. During one of the sessions, we talk about the church, and the statement of the early Fathers calling it, the "One Holy catholic church". We make a joke about whether that should read "many un-Holy divided churches". We joke, but I'm not. It isn't funny what's happening in the church today, and for what?

We don't argue much about theology, instead we argue about worship styles.

We don't argue much about sacramental rights, instead we argue about color of carpets.

We don't argue much about the wholistic salvation of all humanity, we just want out of here.

We don't argue much about social responsibility, we just aren't.

We don't argue much about . . . .Instead, we spend our energy tearing each other apart. We don't need enemies outside the church, we have enough inside the church to keep us busy, thank you very much.

In the mean time, children die, nations kill, creation groans, people smirk, the church suffers, yada, yada, yada. And for what?

My prayer for the church is that the church will be the church again; whatever that means, right?

Today I rest

May the Lord bless and keep you
The Lord make his face to shine upon you
And give you peace
The Lord lift his countenance upon you
And be gracious unto you
The Lord be gracious, gracious unto you.
Amen.
(Aaronic Benediction)

OSU 38

Wisconsin 17

10 and 0 with two to go!

I love this man! One more week, and then we can finally talk about "that team from north of the border", to quote Woody. Have we played anyone good yet?

Go Bucks!

Today, I rant.

Okay, today, I rant. Hope that's okay, but I'm tired of some things.

I'm tired of those who in the name of corporate holiness and fighting systemic evil, forget the other spheres they live in; those being of personal and social holiness. Where is the ethic in that?

I'm tired of those who, in the name of identifying with the poor, in their vow of so-called poverty, forget the chaste life that we are also called to and take on some of the same vices that the poor are victimized by. When we no longer live lives different than those we are trying to identify with, in order to understand them, what is left to call them to? (Not trying to sound legalistic, because I don't think I am, just trying to find somewhere to stand.)

I'm tired of those who have no perspective on life, criticizing what they don't understand. What does a 22-year-old know, really?

I'm tired, and running out of patience, with young "ministers" who while trying to instill change in the church, compromise their own integrity in the same church that they are called to serve. Licensing and ordination are not rights, they are privileges. Until we decide collectively to change, isn't it a compromise to your personal integrity if you choose to participate in what the church says not to? Is there no authority in the church anymore?

What does lie within us? What is our make-up? Who are we, anyway? Help me, because sometimes, I just don't know!

"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." (1 Cor. 4:2)

Alive or dead?

This is a picture of some of the spruce pines that are literally dying from the ground up on my brother-in-law's property "up north". There is no light that can get to the lower part of the trees, so the life is disappearing from the lower parts of his pine grove.

I was talking yesterday to some of my friends here at Olivet, about the hard work we do to maintain a level of community here with students. Living in community is not easy, because it calls for accountability, discipline, and balancing justice, mercy, and grace. The work of people of light. It's difficult, especially when you are holding students accountable. It's hard work. But it's good work.

I wonder what it would be like if the church did the same work the university did in trying to hold us accountable to the calling we have all received. There are corrective words that come from the pulpit, but what about from each other? How would the hard, yet corrective and loving word be received? How would discipline be accepted? Discipline and accountability are the hard work of the church, but work that seems to be rarely done anymore, and less accepted.

This work brings light, according to scripture. And to extend the metaphor, light brings life. Light exposes; but makes life possible at the same time.

Are we open to the corrective work of not just the Spirit, but hearing that come from a loving brother or sister? Maybe the reason our students struggle with discipline and correction here, is because it's the first time either of these have been offered. It is the work of true community.

If you look from the sky, the pines in this picture look alive and well, but underneath, as the picture shows, they are dying from a lack of light. The only way to fix it, is to clear-cut and prune. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

Ohio State 37

Penn State 17

Have we played anyone credible yet?

9 and 0 with three to go.

Go Bucks!

Team Bubba 2007

Went hunting this weekend in northern Michigan, and had a lot of time to reflect. In years past, there have been anywhere from 8-11 guys hunting the same weekend, and for a variety of reasons this year, there were only two, my brother-in-law and myself.

Nothing personal Chris, cause we had a blast. And it was much more relaxing this year than in others years, mostly because there was a lot of down time, and not near the emotional energy spent on time with friends. Got to lay around a lot, watch the world series, Ohio State beat up on Penn State, Detroit beat the Bears (what's going on in the world?), track a deer, and spend a lot of time thinking in the woods.

Why do I go back there? It is becoming more and more rare to come home with deer, so why hunt there as opposed to other places where the hunting might be more successful. For today, the reason is pretty simple; memories.

For 15 years, we've been hunting in the same place. The picture of this plow represents the hard work that went into being there at times; planting clover and rye fields, hanging tree stands for gun season, putting up fence and property markings, building the cabin that provides running water, electricity, and gas heat, which were some of the things lacking the first couple years when things were much more rustic, to say the least.

Memories.

This is where my dad built a tree stand the summer before he passed away, and was never able to hunt from. I have; shot a deer out of there the fall after he died. Cried up there, wishing he was sitting in that spot and not me. He built that thing to last, and I'm sure will outlive all of us; that sucker is not going anywhere.

Memories.

These benches are empty this year, but are a place we have set before as a group around a fire, telling stories, making hobo pies, and laughing together about the one that we missed, or celebrating the one we were able to find.

Memories.

Deer camp for me isn't just about the hunt; it's about friends. That's why I keep going back. I hope my friends are able to fill these seats next year.