You know what's sad? A 27 year old man being sleepy at 8:30.
I have just gone through a whirlwind hour of being with my two boys. Typically they have energy to spare....tonight, they could power my whole home if we could somehow harness their energy. Maybe if I built two big hampster wheels and put them in a cage.....hmmm. I knew it was especially bad tonight when they started making up words and yelling them. Micah, in a fit of energetic joy, put two collectors edition DVD cases on his hands, went out on the deck and pounded the glass. He came inside and said "dad, did you see my sussix sticks?"
"Your what?"
"My sussix sticks - I put them on my hands and they helped me."
"Ohhhh....wowwww!"
With that, I settle in at the iBook, ready to blog the evening away. I have my decaf starbucks house blend, made in a french press, cream currently blending itself into the coffee. Ahhh, this is a good evening.
Here's some thoughts from the past few days:
-I had a great time taking pictures at a wedding along with my lovely wife last Saturday for about 16 hours. It was, indeed, a long day. The wedding was a trip - most of the family was fully Hispanic. The music they liked ranged from Tupac's "California Love" to Los Jefes Del Ritmo (Mexican "polka" style music). And what an honor to get to take their pictures. They are full of smiles and joy - and man, hispanic people know how to party. It doesn't hurt that the wedding was sponsored by Bud Light (or could have been) and that more cans than I can count were consumed during the reception. . . .and after the ceremony. . . .and before the ceremony. . . .and early in the morning. I declined their invitation to have a beer - at 9:30 AM.
Anyways - Ash will post the pics from the wedding on her blog. I hope to have at least one that "makes the cut" and is displayed. That might be a stretch - anyone that's seen her blog lately knows that I have catching up to do.
-I am gaining more respect at work - having been "put in charge" of the crew for a day when the other bosses left town. I'm being "groomed" to be a manager in this company which is a good feeling - they believe in my potential. That helps me know that I'll have a job tomorrow unlike a lot of the guys I work with who get fired. Apparently, I'm a lot smarter than the other guys I work with - I just can't run machines like they can.
So I'm respected now. But with that respect comes the need to actually know the people that I work with. For instance, I found out that a co-worker of mine has a girlfriend. Actual conversation:
"So, you have a girlfriend?"
(In a slow southern drawl): "Yeeeah - she's got a stomach on her, but her legs are skinny."
(In my mind): "You have got to be kidding me. . . .is this guy for real? I didn't ask about her looks!?"
And - another conversation with the same guy:
Him: "Do you smoke?"
"No."
"That's good - it's a filthy habit." He takes a drag and blows it out his nose. "Yeeeah, I started after I had open heart surgery."
(In my mind): "You have got to be kidding me."
And - another comment by the same guy:
Him: "You know, all religions are pretty much based on catholicism."
(In my mind): ". . . . . . . ."
Lord beer me strength.
-I found out that I have "closet viewers", or, viewers who don't leave comments. They know who they are - and I know who they are (at least some of them). I expect this to change soon - and that they will know the liberating feeling of leaving a comment.
But, I'm up to like, 8 readers, or something like that. I can't even count all of them. . .on one hand. And wow, it's read WORLDWIDE! I got a phone call from an old friend this week who said he stayed up until after midnight laughing at John Daker. Moments like that make blogging worth it.
And I guess I get to thinking about how blessed I am to have the simple pleasure of friendship with you all - even though blogging might be a lame furthering of friendship (compared to sharing coffee and conversation). How much I care for each and every one of you, regardless of where you're at, when we spoke last, distance apart, etc. The truth is, you're all a gift to me, and I am so honored and blessed to share life with you guys. I am blessed to call you all my friends (or family depending on who's reading). I am blessed to know you guys. I know that life apart from you would be so much less fulfilling. You guys are the "great cloud of witnesses" here that I see cheering me on, that Hebrews 12 talks about.
So, readers in, and out of the closet (wait, did I just say that?), know you're loved in my heart. Know that I thank God for each of you, and that the door is always open - here at the house, or just that fake door over the phone or on the internet.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Thoughts on wonder
I worked a 13 hour day today - from dark to dark. Working a day like that, you can imagine I had some time to my thoughts. And what happens when I get lost in my thoughts? I BLOG!!! YAY!! Here we go.
As a Christian, I have grown very accustomed to the christiany language. Some examples:
"Pre-marital sex": THE cardinal sin for all young Christians. Never mind that when someone does have pre-marital sex, the entire youth group gossips about it. . . in the name of "prayer." Right.
"5-point calvinist": typically, it's the people in church that are in most need of having a beer. . . .a large beer.
"Courtship": what Christians do instead of dating. We have officially "Kissed Dating Goodbye." Thanks to Joshua Harris for making millions of Christian kids feel bad for having dating relationships.
"Church": the building where you go on Sundays.
"Worship": unlike the real definition of worship in the dictionary, in today's world, it's the part of the church service where you sing songs. Worship can be categorized into a few categories: "good", "okay", or "I didn't like it." The meaning of the word "worship" is completely different than the dictionary.
And like the above, Christian culture has re-defined the meaning of many words. And today, it bothered me greatly.
For one thing, we, as Christians, tend to repeat many of the same phrases over and over. We do not purposefully change the definition of words, but by liberally using many phrases, they have lost their potency. And what it's left us with is the loss of the gravity and depth of those words. Words like "awesome", "majestic", "glorious", "gracious", and "merciful" become mundane and stagnant when thrown around. Saying "God is majestic" can become simply a phrase.
And I came to thinking about all of the things that I take for granted in my world around me, mostly, the visible things. "God is wonderful", or full of wonder. The earth is His, and everything in it; the earth is filled with His wonders. And I take them for granted.
And so I, this week, have attempted to renew my awareness of the wonder of God's creation. Amidst the mundane, it remains: wondrous, perfect, mysterious. Just stop and look at the deep blue of the evening sky. Just stop and look - and know He is God.
That's where I'm at. . . .even as I spew diesel fumes into the air every day during the week.
As a Christian, I have grown very accustomed to the christiany language. Some examples:
"Pre-marital sex": THE cardinal sin for all young Christians. Never mind that when someone does have pre-marital sex, the entire youth group gossips about it. . . in the name of "prayer." Right.
"5-point calvinist": typically, it's the people in church that are in most need of having a beer. . . .a large beer.
"Courtship": what Christians do instead of dating. We have officially "Kissed Dating Goodbye." Thanks to Joshua Harris for making millions of Christian kids feel bad for having dating relationships.
"Church": the building where you go on Sundays.
"Worship": unlike the real definition of worship in the dictionary, in today's world, it's the part of the church service where you sing songs. Worship can be categorized into a few categories: "good", "okay", or "I didn't like it." The meaning of the word "worship" is completely different than the dictionary.
And like the above, Christian culture has re-defined the meaning of many words. And today, it bothered me greatly.
For one thing, we, as Christians, tend to repeat many of the same phrases over and over. We do not purposefully change the definition of words, but by liberally using many phrases, they have lost their potency. And what it's left us with is the loss of the gravity and depth of those words. Words like "awesome", "majestic", "glorious", "gracious", and "merciful" become mundane and stagnant when thrown around. Saying "God is majestic" can become simply a phrase.
And I came to thinking about all of the things that I take for granted in my world around me, mostly, the visible things. "God is wonderful", or full of wonder. The earth is His, and everything in it; the earth is filled with His wonders. And I take them for granted.
And so I, this week, have attempted to renew my awareness of the wonder of God's creation. Amidst the mundane, it remains: wondrous, perfect, mysterious. Just stop and look at the deep blue of the evening sky. Just stop and look - and know He is God.
That's where I'm at. . . .even as I spew diesel fumes into the air every day during the week.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Thoughts on increasing church attendance
Most everyone knows that I am the worship leader for a small church service here in Kansas City. It started in 2006 amongst a group of younger adults who longed for a service they could call "their own", and in turn, reach out to Kansas City.
It has not gone as we'd hoped.
I am being very frank and honest here which is difficult considering that I am a very very large part of the makeup of the service. Therefore, much of the "blame" for why the service hasn't worked, I place squarely on my own shoulders.
"Perhaps my voice just wasn't good enough."
"I just couldn't build a committed band."
"I just didn't choose the right songs."
Blah blah blah. Attacks - I really know that's all that those things are - but nonetheless, this blog is called "just my thoughts" and those ARE my thoughts.
As numbers have dipped to new lows, my heart sinks along with it. Spiritually dry, I find myself longing to be out from behind the mic, somewhere able to worship Christ without the constant thinking about "change the chord NOW" or "I hope the power point is in the right order" or "sheesh, I guess nobody likes this song. . . ." True, it seems that my heart is linked to the attendance of the service.
With all of this in mind, something I saw out front of a church the other day really caught my attention. No, it wasn't a church bilboard proclaiming God's wrath on our sinful humanity. It was worse. The banner rolled out in front of this church (I don't know the name) said:
"Voted best place in the southland to worship."
WHAT THE?? Who voted? Their own congregation? How did this church win? And what kind of IDIOT puts a banner out front of your church saying that you're the best? I can only figure these things:
-They truly are "the best." They worship better than other churches. They use only the finest songs, the finest singers, the most talented dancers, ALL of the instruments. . . .and God truly IS happier.
-It really is the best place to worship in the southland. This could mean a few things:
-Heated leather massage chairs for congregants to sit in while making a joyful noise. The massages could evoke some new joyful noises like "ooooooh" and "aaaaaaaaah". . . or "man I had such a hard week, but the Holy Spirit worked out the kinks. . . .praise Jesus - this IS the best place to worship."
-Free catered lunch every Sunday.
-Free church "Giveaways" and door prizes like "first fifty people that come get an iPod".
What disgusts me most about the sign is the blatant propaganda this church is using to attract new visitors. And how sad! Instead of an inviting place because Christ's followers go there and have brought them in, they are resorting to the gimmicks that fast food restaurants use. Strip-mall church - come and see. . . .why the worship here is the best. It makes me sick.
But the harder part about it is that it convicts me deeply of my own wickedness in this area. I want to sell people Jesus like a store sells goods and services. But He is not a product to be sold. He is God.
I want the gospel to be a pretty, neat package. I want to tell people - come and see, your diseases and addictions will disappear, guaranteed! I want to tell people that they are going to be wealthier.
But I can't because at the heart of this gospel lies the Hero of my faith; broken, bleeding and dying on a rugged cross. I see Him suffering. I see Him poor and opressed and embarassed and lonely and plain looking and sad. I see Him homeless. I see Him tortured.
Best place to worship in the southland?? What a crock of crap - may God have mercy.
Come to Jesus. But don't come because a church has great programs or advertises great worship experiences. Come because He is God, and He is good.
It has not gone as we'd hoped.
I am being very frank and honest here which is difficult considering that I am a very very large part of the makeup of the service. Therefore, much of the "blame" for why the service hasn't worked, I place squarely on my own shoulders.
"Perhaps my voice just wasn't good enough."
"I just couldn't build a committed band."
"I just didn't choose the right songs."
Blah blah blah. Attacks - I really know that's all that those things are - but nonetheless, this blog is called "just my thoughts" and those ARE my thoughts.
As numbers have dipped to new lows, my heart sinks along with it. Spiritually dry, I find myself longing to be out from behind the mic, somewhere able to worship Christ without the constant thinking about "change the chord NOW" or "I hope the power point is in the right order" or "sheesh, I guess nobody likes this song. . . ." True, it seems that my heart is linked to the attendance of the service.
With all of this in mind, something I saw out front of a church the other day really caught my attention. No, it wasn't a church bilboard proclaiming God's wrath on our sinful humanity. It was worse. The banner rolled out in front of this church (I don't know the name) said:
"Voted best place in the southland to worship."
WHAT THE?? Who voted? Their own congregation? How did this church win? And what kind of IDIOT puts a banner out front of your church saying that you're the best? I can only figure these things:
-They truly are "the best." They worship better than other churches. They use only the finest songs, the finest singers, the most talented dancers, ALL of the instruments. . . .and God truly IS happier.
-It really is the best place to worship in the southland. This could mean a few things:
-Heated leather massage chairs for congregants to sit in while making a joyful noise. The massages could evoke some new joyful noises like "ooooooh" and "aaaaaaaaah". . . or "man I had such a hard week, but the Holy Spirit worked out the kinks. . . .praise Jesus - this IS the best place to worship."
-Free catered lunch every Sunday.
-Free church "Giveaways" and door prizes like "first fifty people that come get an iPod".
What disgusts me most about the sign is the blatant propaganda this church is using to attract new visitors. And how sad! Instead of an inviting place because Christ's followers go there and have brought them in, they are resorting to the gimmicks that fast food restaurants use. Strip-mall church - come and see. . . .why the worship here is the best. It makes me sick.
But the harder part about it is that it convicts me deeply of my own wickedness in this area. I want to sell people Jesus like a store sells goods and services. But He is not a product to be sold. He is God.
I want the gospel to be a pretty, neat package. I want to tell people - come and see, your diseases and addictions will disappear, guaranteed! I want to tell people that they are going to be wealthier.
But I can't because at the heart of this gospel lies the Hero of my faith; broken, bleeding and dying on a rugged cross. I see Him suffering. I see Him poor and opressed and embarassed and lonely and plain looking and sad. I see Him homeless. I see Him tortured.
Best place to worship in the southland?? What a crock of crap - may God have mercy.
Come to Jesus. But don't come because a church has great programs or advertises great worship experiences. Come because He is God, and He is good.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Thoughts on Zoomanity
Greetings from a cloudy Kansas City, reader(s).
I am discovering lately that the greatest benefit to working in construction is the time off. How much do you get? Well, none. How much do I get to stay home? Every time it rains. After 2 and a half inches on Saturday, it was again, my day off. I am, um, not complaining. Making $0.00 today is not fabulous, but God is good and providing mercifully. So today, I have relaxed with my family. I'm grateful for this time. Sabbath rests seem few and far between on the weekends lately. Ashley had her first photography booth at a bridal show in KC lately and did great. The bridal response has been pretty incredible. Anyway, that show, combined with church equals an anti-Sabbath for our family.
What's the cure for the common busyness? A trip to the zoo. And because entrance was free, we took the kids (their second trip this year). What a beautiful day, what a beautiful family. I marvel at God's goodness.
When Daddy's home special, then often times the action ends up in the play room. . . . .with trains.
Tyler, happy to be chilling in the fake tree at the zoo.
Who has skills? Micah. Period.
What a beautiful family. It makes life beautiful.
I am discovering lately that the greatest benefit to working in construction is the time off. How much do you get? Well, none. How much do I get to stay home? Every time it rains. After 2 and a half inches on Saturday, it was again, my day off. I am, um, not complaining. Making $0.00 today is not fabulous, but God is good and providing mercifully. So today, I have relaxed with my family. I'm grateful for this time. Sabbath rests seem few and far between on the weekends lately. Ashley had her first photography booth at a bridal show in KC lately and did great. The bridal response has been pretty incredible. Anyway, that show, combined with church equals an anti-Sabbath for our family.
What's the cure for the common busyness? A trip to the zoo. And because entrance was free, we took the kids (their second trip this year). What a beautiful day, what a beautiful family. I marvel at God's goodness.
When Daddy's home special, then often times the action ends up in the play room. . . . .with trains.
Tyler, happy to be chilling in the fake tree at the zoo.
Who has skills? Micah. Period.
What a beautiful family. It makes life beautiful.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Thoughts on more flights of conchords
No, seriously all of you who read the blog (up to 3 I think by last count). I feel led to pound this into my readers' heads. Watch Flight of the Conchords - referenced in a blog entry a few days ago.
You say: "really?"
And to that I say: "yes." Watch the following - one of the greatest songs ever.
Enjoy.
You say: "really?"
And to that I say: "yes." Watch the following - one of the greatest songs ever.
Enjoy.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Thoughts on Colorado Pictures
Pics of the recent trip to CO. These are pics that I took. For many many many many more pics of the trip, see my wife's photo blog: ashleyparsonsphotography.blogspot.com.
Pics of the "old friends" referenced a couple of posts below:
Jerome, the red. Or is it magenta?
Devon, a faithful blog reader (rewarded with her picture on the blog - congrats my friend!)
Sarah, doing her best "Magnum" impression in the mountains. Nothing says "I'm a missionary in Mexico" like this pose.
Kyle, fired up for his impending wedding, shows me how excited he is about Cinderella and his cool magic wand. He told me later that Cinderella is a really "manly" Disney character. Obviously:
Jen and Jane rocking the Rio at the Bachelorette party (if by rocking you mean "sedately sitting at a table smiling"):
Clark, appearing in a vision as a pirate. . . .or zorro. . . .or whatever those tux clothes look like. Whatever the case, man this guy makes whatever look styling. . . .
And my beautiful wife. I love seeing joy on her face.
For now, goodbye to Colorado. . . . .
Pics of the "old friends" referenced a couple of posts below:
Jerome, the red. Or is it magenta?
Devon, a faithful blog reader (rewarded with her picture on the blog - congrats my friend!)
Sarah, doing her best "Magnum" impression in the mountains. Nothing says "I'm a missionary in Mexico" like this pose.
Kyle, fired up for his impending wedding, shows me how excited he is about Cinderella and his cool magic wand. He told me later that Cinderella is a really "manly" Disney character. Obviously:
Jen and Jane rocking the Rio at the Bachelorette party (if by rocking you mean "sedately sitting at a table smiling"):
Clark, appearing in a vision as a pirate. . . .or zorro. . . .or whatever those tux clothes look like. Whatever the case, man this guy makes whatever look styling. . . .
And my beautiful wife. I love seeing joy on her face.
For now, goodbye to Colorado. . . . .
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Thoughts on new hilarity
I believe that I now am introducing a new phenomenon to you, my reader. Take a quick gander at this stuff. Just enormously entertaining. I give you, Flight of the Conchords. If there's any way you can get the episodes on DVD - they are just off the wall, and hilarious.
The show goes from plot lines into these random music videos. This is a show that HBO got right. And the other great part? The lead singer looks like two of my best friends wrapped up into one - Tim and Jerome. You know who you are. And you know I'm right.
Just thought I'd pass on the new hilarity.
The show goes from plot lines into these random music videos. This is a show that HBO got right. And the other great part? The lead singer looks like two of my best friends wrapped up into one - Tim and Jerome. You know who you are. And you know I'm right.
Just thought I'd pass on the new hilarity.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Thoughts on friendships, old and new
Buckle up, here comes a doozy of a blog post. I've been writing for 1 hour. I'll add photos to this in the coming days. Here goes:
So much has occurred in the prior 4 days, I am left reeling with a severe case of mental diarrhea. Am I able to say that on a blog? Please do not report me to the blog police. I do need this blog to remain active. My reader will be so sad.
I am in Greeley, Colorado currently - sitting up at 11 PM with "Sense and Sensibility" on (my wife is watching while I blog. . . .and I'm not watching, ahem. . . but WHY did Willoughby have to go to London and leave his wife and her sisters crying? I am depressed), packing here and there for a return flight home to Kansas City tomorrow night, and just somewhat "buzzing" in my mind about recent events. And, as always, God shows up in it in some way, for which I am very grateful.
I have been in Colorado for the main purpose of being part of my dear friends' wedding: Jen and Kyle. Kyle went to high school with my wife and I have known him since recently after I met my wife. He's a dear friend, a good man, loves Christ and will make you laugh. . . .and also likes Duke, CU, and the Denver Broncos, as unlovable as they are currently. Jen has been a more recent addition as a friend to us. We connected with her through our dear friends, the Kayls. Jen is also funny, sweet, caring and has a taste for some of our favorite things: Friends, fashion, dancing (Ashley), Margaritas and Coors light (Jeremy). And, praise Jesus, she also roots for Duke, CU, and the Denver Broncos.
What an honor to be in a wedding - but a wedding for two dear friends? What an absolute joy. I have been reminded of God's goodness in the past days just as I have been privileged to stand beside them as they wed. Celebrating a new marriage with dear friends, in the company of other dear friends, for dear friends. God is good.
And they are now in Mexico, for which I am jealous.
Sitting beside me at the wedding were two other friends: Clark and Zak. Clark, a man of wealth, makes me laugh as hard as anyone does. He is a man of travel, fashion, and his cynical sense of humor is one of a kind. Consider: he has appeared as a guest on the television show "What Not to Wear." He's more smooth than I will ever be. And yet, he cares for me and my wife deeply, as well as my two boys. And in that, I see God's hand. I am grateful for Clark.
Zak, my wife's best friend's husband, shares the exact same taste in funny movies that I do. Watching old SNL skits on nbc.com could bring, literally, weeks worth of laughter, reciting the lines of our favorite skits. This week's favorites?
-or-
Irreverence aside - laughter is good medicine for me. Consider me "healed." Zak is a great guy, and designs great websites, like my wife's: ashleyparsons.com. He's generous. . . .and a good dancer (trust me, he held me tight at the wedding).
I'm reminded of two of my most dear friends who are across the world right now, of all places: Kuwait City. Tim and Krysten are full of adventure, laughter, wisdom, grace and love. They are forever encouraging toward me. And as a result, they're missed, daily. And it made it really hard to see Tim's parents this weekend - a grim reminder that they are 12 timezones (give or take) away. I miss them, but only because God's given me a great friendship. For that I'm grateful.
I've been reacquainted with two of my closest friends. . .who are girls. And before you freak out on me, they are two of my wife's closest friends: Sarah and Devon. Throughout the years of knowing them, I've seen friendships grow despite distance apart. Sarah is a missionary in Chihuahua, Mexico; she runs a home for teenage girls who have been in an orphanage. It gives them a chance at having more freedoms, more education, and she is incredible in this ministry. Watching God's hand move her from 2nd grade teacher in Colorado to cross-cultural ministry is a true privilege. And Devon, my wife's best friend since 8th grade, like a sister to me in many ways. She, like her husband, makes me laugh, and despite the infrequence visits, it's as if no time passes when we all get together. God blesses my heart through these two.
I have also, or course, been with my friends Jane and Jerome, who by themselves are two of the most important people to me on the planet. Add in their three boys whom I've known since they're days in Jane's belly and their friendship with my kids, then you have a special friendship. They are unique in the way they can simply sit with me and everything feels as it's meant to be. The only problem is the time between visits.
And in all the ways God has blessed me with these people (and more that I haven't listed), my heart aches as our plane will leave at 6:10 PM tomorrow, and yet I find hope in what God has laid in front of my path when we touch down in KC at 8:30. The top two reasons? My wife, and my boys, the greatest blessing - my heart wells with pride for them. And as He has blessed my friendships through the years in Colorado, He has blessed, and continues to bless, my friendships in Kansas City. My brothers and sisters in Christ: Bret, Carol, Megan, Genny, Chad, Alysia, not to mention my family. I could write far more than paragraphs about all of them. He is a good God, full of blessings, full of love and grace - and not for anything that I am or will be - it's just because His character is to give to His children.
And yet, flying away is still hard, because Colorado is an old friend. Like a hot cup of coffee with an old friend, seeing today the massive forests, deep blue of the October sky, fiery dots of yellow aspen trees placed perfectly throughout the hillsides, and Longs Peak, acting as the Patriarch of the Front Range, I'm reminded again that the geography of my heart lies 600 miles to the west of my current home. And I long for the next time I return, when no doubt, like an old friend, I'll find this place welcoming, haunting, beckoning me to explore the wild places I cannot yet see with my eyes. Like a good friend, I will also return with much anticipation, eager to take up where I've left off.
I fly away from old friends, but in the arms of Christ - my provider, protector, and best friend. And in Him is the deepest satisfaction of all.
AND - the Rockies are in the NLCS. God IS good. ;)
So much has occurred in the prior 4 days, I am left reeling with a severe case of mental diarrhea. Am I able to say that on a blog? Please do not report me to the blog police. I do need this blog to remain active. My reader will be so sad.
I am in Greeley, Colorado currently - sitting up at 11 PM with "Sense and Sensibility" on (my wife is watching while I blog. . . .and I'm not watching, ahem. . . but WHY did Willoughby have to go to London and leave his wife and her sisters crying? I am depressed), packing here and there for a return flight home to Kansas City tomorrow night, and just somewhat "buzzing" in my mind about recent events. And, as always, God shows up in it in some way, for which I am very grateful.
I have been in Colorado for the main purpose of being part of my dear friends' wedding: Jen and Kyle. Kyle went to high school with my wife and I have known him since recently after I met my wife. He's a dear friend, a good man, loves Christ and will make you laugh. . . .and also likes Duke, CU, and the Denver Broncos, as unlovable as they are currently. Jen has been a more recent addition as a friend to us. We connected with her through our dear friends, the Kayls. Jen is also funny, sweet, caring and has a taste for some of our favorite things: Friends, fashion, dancing (Ashley), Margaritas and Coors light (Jeremy). And, praise Jesus, she also roots for Duke, CU, and the Denver Broncos.
What an honor to be in a wedding - but a wedding for two dear friends? What an absolute joy. I have been reminded of God's goodness in the past days just as I have been privileged to stand beside them as they wed. Celebrating a new marriage with dear friends, in the company of other dear friends, for dear friends. God is good.
And they are now in Mexico, for which I am jealous.
Sitting beside me at the wedding were two other friends: Clark and Zak. Clark, a man of wealth, makes me laugh as hard as anyone does. He is a man of travel, fashion, and his cynical sense of humor is one of a kind. Consider: he has appeared as a guest on the television show "What Not to Wear." He's more smooth than I will ever be. And yet, he cares for me and my wife deeply, as well as my two boys. And in that, I see God's hand. I am grateful for Clark.
Zak, my wife's best friend's husband, shares the exact same taste in funny movies that I do. Watching old SNL skits on nbc.com could bring, literally, weeks worth of laughter, reciting the lines of our favorite skits. This week's favorites?
-or-
Irreverence aside - laughter is good medicine for me. Consider me "healed." Zak is a great guy, and designs great websites, like my wife's: ashleyparsons.com. He's generous. . . .and a good dancer (trust me, he held me tight at the wedding).
I'm reminded of two of my most dear friends who are across the world right now, of all places: Kuwait City. Tim and Krysten are full of adventure, laughter, wisdom, grace and love. They are forever encouraging toward me. And as a result, they're missed, daily. And it made it really hard to see Tim's parents this weekend - a grim reminder that they are 12 timezones (give or take) away. I miss them, but only because God's given me a great friendship. For that I'm grateful.
I've been reacquainted with two of my closest friends. . .who are girls. And before you freak out on me, they are two of my wife's closest friends: Sarah and Devon. Throughout the years of knowing them, I've seen friendships grow despite distance apart. Sarah is a missionary in Chihuahua, Mexico; she runs a home for teenage girls who have been in an orphanage. It gives them a chance at having more freedoms, more education, and she is incredible in this ministry. Watching God's hand move her from 2nd grade teacher in Colorado to cross-cultural ministry is a true privilege. And Devon, my wife's best friend since 8th grade, like a sister to me in many ways. She, like her husband, makes me laugh, and despite the infrequence visits, it's as if no time passes when we all get together. God blesses my heart through these two.
I have also, or course, been with my friends Jane and Jerome, who by themselves are two of the most important people to me on the planet. Add in their three boys whom I've known since they're days in Jane's belly and their friendship with my kids, then you have a special friendship. They are unique in the way they can simply sit with me and everything feels as it's meant to be. The only problem is the time between visits.
And in all the ways God has blessed me with these people (and more that I haven't listed), my heart aches as our plane will leave at 6:10 PM tomorrow, and yet I find hope in what God has laid in front of my path when we touch down in KC at 8:30. The top two reasons? My wife, and my boys, the greatest blessing - my heart wells with pride for them. And as He has blessed my friendships through the years in Colorado, He has blessed, and continues to bless, my friendships in Kansas City. My brothers and sisters in Christ: Bret, Carol, Megan, Genny, Chad, Alysia, not to mention my family. I could write far more than paragraphs about all of them. He is a good God, full of blessings, full of love and grace - and not for anything that I am or will be - it's just because His character is to give to His children.
And yet, flying away is still hard, because Colorado is an old friend. Like a hot cup of coffee with an old friend, seeing today the massive forests, deep blue of the October sky, fiery dots of yellow aspen trees placed perfectly throughout the hillsides, and Longs Peak, acting as the Patriarch of the Front Range, I'm reminded again that the geography of my heart lies 600 miles to the west of my current home. And I long for the next time I return, when no doubt, like an old friend, I'll find this place welcoming, haunting, beckoning me to explore the wild places I cannot yet see with my eyes. Like a good friend, I will also return with much anticipation, eager to take up where I've left off.
I fly away from old friends, but in the arms of Christ - my provider, protector, and best friend. And in Him is the deepest satisfaction of all.
AND - the Rockies are in the NLCS. God IS good. ;)
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Thoughts on the ragamuffin gospel and the God of Grace
Good morning faithful and dedicated blog reader. I write to you from my living room in a quiet house in Kansas City. Yes, a quiet house. My kids are at their grandparents' house, my wife is on a plane to Colorado as I write (and I go tomorrow, praise Jesus), and I am rained out of work today thanks to a 90 minute shot of moisture yesterday. In other words, I am bringing you a special morning edition of my thoughts. This might be especially bad, but whatever, you're reading it and you're stuck with me. Besides, if you endured my Appalachian is HOT HOT HOT post, and my rants about Mac Powell and Jeremy Camp - you are good to go here.
After dropping Ashley off at the airport this morning, I braved the rush-hour traffic in North Kansas City to head to my favorite little coffee joint: Starbucks. . . . .at the Plaza. . . .so quaint.
Amidst the sea of high class business-formal and business-casual apparel wearing corporate job holding Lemmings, I found myself in a nice, comfy chair with an Americano and a scone (can I be serious? I had a scone for breakfast? So manly. . .), my bible and my book, the Ragamuffin Gospel. This was a rare moment for me - time to read, think, and relax. Those times of sipping coffee and reading grow very few and far between as your kids grow (as any parent can attest to). So for just over 100 minutes, I read.
The Ragamuffin Gospel is quickly becoming a landmark book in my life.
I was skepticle of this book in the past, mostly because I saw that the foward was by Michael W. Smith. Could this book simply be a fad, or perhaps a fashionable Christian book that most Middle-class suburban dwelling American Christians should read? After all, that's what I marry with Michael W. Smith in my mind. 
I'm not here to rip on him, that's just where my mind goes when I see his name: a worship concert full of 40-somethings with pleated slacks, polo shirts, cell phone clips on their belts, and homes in the 'burbs. I am wicked to the core - but I'm right and you know it.
I am only 3 full chapters into the book - scarcely 72 pages - and it has shattered my expectations, and has began to refine my view of Christ. This isn't a "live better lives in 10 steps" book, but it's altering my foundation of faith - returning me to the Christ full of unconditional love and grace; reminding me that the gospel is for the broken and beat up. Brennan Manning has placed me front and center in the Gospel story and his words cut to the heart.
My background has always been the "good guy" - the Christian kid - the church goer - the do gooder, etc. I have, for much of my life, lived the way that "good" people do - not like "those sinners". And I've served the church. And I've gone on missions trips. And I've gone to the inner city. And I've led youth group (and learned to play acoustic guitar like every other Christian guy has at some point). And I've learned how to say the "right things" in the right way. And along the way somewhere, I have a tendency to lose sight of the grace of God.
"God is love" or so the Bible says. But if I am honest with myself, I live believing that God is love IF I do the right stuff, say the right stuff, serve more, act better. It's a flawed perception of Jesus, and I'm finding myself again confronted with the simple and pure message of the Gospel: Jesus loves me, exactly as I am, and I can do nothing to change that love. Manning writes:
"The danger with our good works, spiritual investments, and all the rest of it is that we can construct a picture of ourselves in which we situate our self-worth. Complacency then replaces sheer delight in God's unconditional love. Our doing becomes the very undoing of the ragamuffin gospel."
My "doing" becomes my undoing. Serving to gain His approval? I have it backwards! I have forgotten His love is unconditional, maybe not in my mind, but in my heart. It's a subtle difference - but what a difference! Knowing this love is constant, never-changing, fierce for me - there is peace and rest in it. And ultimately, over all things - the foundation of the Gospel message rings loudest in my ears:
"At the heart of the gospel of grace, the sky darkens, the wind howls, a young man walks up another Moriah in obedience to a God who demands everything and stops at nothing. . . This is the God of the gospel of grace. A God who, out of love for us, sent the only Son He ever had wrapped in our skin. He learned how to walk, stubled and fell, cried for His milk, sweated blood in the night, was lashed with a whip and showered with spit, was fixed to a cross, and died whispering forgiveness on us all."
I'm off to run on this beautiful fall day and to Colorado tomorrow. May your heart be encouraged in the midst of this ever-present, never-ending love from our Gracious Savior. Much, much love to all.
After dropping Ashley off at the airport this morning, I braved the rush-hour traffic in North Kansas City to head to my favorite little coffee joint: Starbucks. . . . .at the Plaza. . . .so quaint.
Amidst the sea of high class business-formal and business-casual apparel wearing corporate job holding Lemmings, I found myself in a nice, comfy chair with an Americano and a scone (can I be serious? I had a scone for breakfast? So manly. . .), my bible and my book, the Ragamuffin Gospel. This was a rare moment for me - time to read, think, and relax. Those times of sipping coffee and reading grow very few and far between as your kids grow (as any parent can attest to). So for just over 100 minutes, I read. The Ragamuffin Gospel is quickly becoming a landmark book in my life.
I was skepticle of this book in the past, mostly because I saw that the foward was by Michael W. Smith. Could this book simply be a fad, or perhaps a fashionable Christian book that most Middle-class suburban dwelling American Christians should read? After all, that's what I marry with Michael W. Smith in my mind. I'm not here to rip on him, that's just where my mind goes when I see his name: a worship concert full of 40-somethings with pleated slacks, polo shirts, cell phone clips on their belts, and homes in the 'burbs. I am wicked to the core - but I'm right and you know it.
I am only 3 full chapters into the book - scarcely 72 pages - and it has shattered my expectations, and has began to refine my view of Christ. This isn't a "live better lives in 10 steps" book, but it's altering my foundation of faith - returning me to the Christ full of unconditional love and grace; reminding me that the gospel is for the broken and beat up. Brennan Manning has placed me front and center in the Gospel story and his words cut to the heart.
My background has always been the "good guy" - the Christian kid - the church goer - the do gooder, etc. I have, for much of my life, lived the way that "good" people do - not like "those sinners". And I've served the church. And I've gone on missions trips. And I've gone to the inner city. And I've led youth group (and learned to play acoustic guitar like every other Christian guy has at some point). And I've learned how to say the "right things" in the right way. And along the way somewhere, I have a tendency to lose sight of the grace of God.
"God is love" or so the Bible says. But if I am honest with myself, I live believing that God is love IF I do the right stuff, say the right stuff, serve more, act better. It's a flawed perception of Jesus, and I'm finding myself again confronted with the simple and pure message of the Gospel: Jesus loves me, exactly as I am, and I can do nothing to change that love. Manning writes:
"The danger with our good works, spiritual investments, and all the rest of it is that we can construct a picture of ourselves in which we situate our self-worth. Complacency then replaces sheer delight in God's unconditional love. Our doing becomes the very undoing of the ragamuffin gospel."
My "doing" becomes my undoing. Serving to gain His approval? I have it backwards! I have forgotten His love is unconditional, maybe not in my mind, but in my heart. It's a subtle difference - but what a difference! Knowing this love is constant, never-changing, fierce for me - there is peace and rest in it. And ultimately, over all things - the foundation of the Gospel message rings loudest in my ears:
"At the heart of the gospel of grace, the sky darkens, the wind howls, a young man walks up another Moriah in obedience to a God who demands everything and stops at nothing. . . This is the God of the gospel of grace. A God who, out of love for us, sent the only Son He ever had wrapped in our skin. He learned how to walk, stubled and fell, cried for His milk, sweated blood in the night, was lashed with a whip and showered with spit, was fixed to a cross, and died whispering forgiveness on us all."
I'm off to run on this beautiful fall day and to Colorado tomorrow. May your heart be encouraged in the midst of this ever-present, never-ending love from our Gracious Savior. Much, much love to all.
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