DoxA

Hallow Weenies

Scary, spooky, icky, creepy... It Halloween tonight and the neighborhood will be a buzz. We live in a little part of San Jose that takes this night seriously! And we do not. Well, that's not true. We do for the fun of it but we don't get caught up in the Christian debate of "It's a night for Satan but what about the kids?" Don't get me wrong. We pray for safety and protection especially on this night and recognize there are a lot of things done especially for this night that the evil one would enjoy but these homeys don't play that. The enemy of our soul essentially gets every night; we would do well to remember this and pray each day for every night that the prince of the power of darkness be bound and Christ's followers kept safe. So, with that said, we don't go to a Harvest festival, Trunk or Treat or any other reason for the faithful to gather together and ignore their neighbors. Ouch! Did I just write that? S'ppose so... I haven't deleted it. No, These homeys stay home.

Over the years my wife and I have made a tradition of making chili, and having a houseful of friends and loud conversation while handing out candy... And not just any candy. We give out full size Hershey Bars to the bigger kids! We don't pass out tracts... we want people to come back to our house. We share our best wine with our adult neighbors, we talk, ask where they live, what they do. Many we've gotten to know starting in November. Been invited over to their house for dinner. Offer to take their garbage cans in while they're on vacation and keep an eye on things.

...yeah, it's Halloween. We'll be home tonight and we don't think it's scary, spooky, icky or creepy to get to know your neighbors on a night when it's so easy to meet them.

In Search of Political Correction

When I was a sick little tyke, my mom would take an aspirin, grind it up and put it in a spoonful of jam so I could swallow it. "Swallow" she said... "It'll make you feel better."

I'm actually feeling a little bit of nausea today. Why, you ask? No, I don't have the flu, don't think I have another infection, in fact, physically, things appear to be functioning quite well. Then why do I want to puke? Oh, maybe it's all the PC BS that is spreading as quickly and doing equal damage as any plague in recent history. Fear and ignorance are used by both political machines to promote their agendas and I'm sick of it! We continue to undermine one another through half truths and deflection. I don't care about the stage at the DNC, couldn't care less about the clothes Sara Palin wears and how much they cost... anyone talking about the cost of fund-raiser dinners while a third of the world's population goes hungry today? When was the last time a candidate claimed, "We have to do something about the issue of clean water for 1 billion people" and canceled just one TV campaign ad that could produce hundreds of water wells for an impoverished nation? Just sayin' isn't just doin'! Talk about the issues and intend to keep your promises. That's all we''re asking.

Then there are the initiatives. Talk about spin. I feel like I'm on a cheap carnival ride. Oops, here comes my lunch again. I want Ellen Degeneres to have a happy life, I do! I'm not trying to take away anything from her... But I'm just SICK she says I am if I vote for Prop 8!

Come on people! Let's stop making this personal and start making it practical. I'm tired of swallowing all this sugary stuff! I'm a big boy now. Just give me the thing that will make it all better.

This rant is part of the collective conversation happening at the Watercooler today. Join in and if you were uncertain about how silly ads can get I'm putting one here that has no bearing on any current election so as to keep you guessing and because of my position; unable to publicly endorse any candidate! God bless America.

Rest Assured

My mom used to tell me there are only two things in life you can expect: Death and taxes. At an early age I thought it was a bit strange to boil down our existence to these two things and even today I think it's cute but still not the essence of life. So, without trying to sound a bit grandiose, I've done a little boiling on my own and determined the essence of life (the physical living part of it) is this... rest.

Bear with me...  when we were kids we were told by our parents to take naps and we'd fight these daily punishments with tantrums and crying fits... but when we got older we looked forward to them and wish now we could make a regular habit of afternoon cat naps. When we're young we look forward to leaving school and starting a job and joining the work force only to soon begin saving for and counting down toward early retirement. Our weekends tend to be the highlight of our week because we can "sleep in" which allows us to take advantage of the evening before for a little "night on the town." We schedule vacations, we call in a sick day, faking coughs and heading up to the ski slopes and we fill every moment not at work playing at whatever hobby we choose or being with whomever we want. Of course I'm speaking generally here, but doesn't this sound familiar?

So where's the rest with all this play?

I remember a friend of mine years ago describing the difference between "Burnout" and "Burn-over." He is a landscape architect and explained the difference to me as the result of similar patterns of regular frequency which is only effected by the time allowed for recovery. His example: A path on the ground is produced when traffic, foot or otherwise, travels the same distance in the same space over and over again. First, Burnout is what begins to occur; the grass gets damaged initially at the top, then the roots are effected, even with watering the grass will lose its health evidenced by its shape and color... that's how one knows it's a "path" which encourages more people to use it which leads to Burn-over. Burnout he says is recoverable. Rest allows the grass to recover it's health and return to normal. This is why you'll see on golf courses markers or delineaters keeping traffic off certain areas... But Burn-over is what always occurs when the ground is not given a chance to rest. Here the evidence of a Burned-over path is the grass dies and the path is nothing but dirt. In a Burn-over situation... the grass will never return. Even if the path is reseeded, the likely chance of growth is rarely possible. Jesus pointed this out in the parable of the seeds; that seeds landing on paths of hardened soil are usually the ones that produce no growth.

I don't believe God made us to pay taxes and then die. Jesus claimed that He came to give us life and a more abundant life at that! That abundance can take many shapes. Yes; play, fun, wealth, reward, intimacy... it's all that. But without rest, without time to recover, you may experience burnout. If that's you today... there's good news. Set some new patterns and rest from the old ones. If not... I fear you may join the ranks of those who walk the path toward depression and illness. In other words, Burn-over!

God intended us to rest, just as He did. He created the heaven's and earth, put everything in it and called it all good and then took a day off (Gen. 1,2). He then commanded Moses to have all of God's people take a day off (Ex. 20, 31) He even went so far as to tell them give the land a break every so often to let it recover (Lev. 25:11) For all the bad press God gets, He certainly was practical when laying down the law. And for those who think all He wants is a pound of your flesh and the heart of your soul... He really wants to give you rest (Hebrews 3:7-4:13).

So where are you? Feeling refreshed, Burnout or Burn-over?

• What patterns have gotten you there?
• What are you doing about it?
• What would rest look like to you?
• When do you feel refreshed? What was it that made you feel so?
• When you rest is there room for Spiritual renewal? and why would that matter?

In the coming week try something unusual... plan some "nothing" into your hectic schedule. Test this and see if it doesn't give you some newfound perspective on what matters and how you spend your time. If you do this right, there's a good chance you'll be on the right path toward recovery and you'll discover the essence of life... is rest... which gives you a better life!

Xterra World Championship Minus One

This Sunday 600 off-road endurance junkies will line up on the beach at the Maui Prince Resort in Hawaii. These athletes are the best of the best having qualified at 34 global Xterra races this year. Their plight will have them slug through a two lap 1500 meter swim in the often choppy and temperate waters off  Makena beach. Then a grueling climb up the backside of Haleakala, the dormant volcano on the Valley Isle, which will produce some punishing crashes, multiple flats due to the kiawe thorns and razor sharp lava and thrilling descents on the "Plunge" making this 30K mountain bike ride the most difficult on the circuit. Followed up out of transition (T2) will be an 11K trail/road/up and down a wall of rock/sand run. It is not for the faint of heart or the casual athlete... How would I know? I've done this race.

This year will produce the usual cast of characters. Pros like Melanie McQuaid, Julie Dibens, Conrad Stoltz and Mike Vine also Age Group legends such as Barbra Peterson and Tom Lyons...They'll all be there but one person who won't be there with goggles and running shoes is Jamie Whitemore. Just like Xterra Nationals held earlier this month Jamie will be sitting on the sidelines, watching all of those who feared and admired her run by grabbing bike and snapping race belts because of a horrible wrestling match of cancer and determination... Both victim and disease competing for the ultimate win. If this week produces anything similar to the sentiment and respect for this former world champion those who will be racing will do so in her honor and though the fear of having "J-Dawg" run them down will be lost the respect for her and her fight will rise to even greater heights!

Last week I spoke to Jamie who shared her hopes for her and her husband, Courtney's trip to Maui this week. She just wanted to be there, enjoying the camaraderie and magic that make Xterra unlike any sport. While road triathlon is serious and uptight, Xterra is easygoing and lighthearted, who wouldn't want to be there... But imagine having been known as the person who help make that sport what it is... You have to be there! I'll be posting an update on how to pray for Jamie in the coming days and weeks. You can check that out here. Also, please visit Jamie's blog here to catch up on her journey or send encouragement and to possibly discover how you can practically help her and Courtney as they still face incredible challenges. To check out live coverage on Sunday or to see last years coverage go here.

MAUI NO KA OI "Maui is the Best"

How Low Can We Go?

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Public opinion, I am sorry to say, will bear a great deal of nonsense. There is scarcely any absurdity so gross, whether in religion, politics, science or manners, which it will not bear."

Partly due to my occupation and mostly due to the political climate of our time, I am hearing some pretty crazy things lately. Some of these things may have been said by you. I have perhaps said a few things too I should have kept to myself. What amazes me in all this is the justification to say horrible personal things about people who hold opposing political or religious views. It's as if we are given a hunting license for Character assassination.  Callously we aim our guns, squeeze the trigger and spew our napalm of fiery words that stick and burn while the issues remain untouched and the people chard. Paul says,

"Let your conversation be gracious and attractive​so that you will have the right response for everyone." Colossians 4:6

Perhaps we would do well to catch our words in our minds before we let them fall from our mouths. Speak with compassion before passion, act with kindness before blindness and model wisdom not folly.

No matter who the candidate, no matter what the issue; they are just as important as and for the people Christ died for... one crucifixion was enough!

Linkin Blogs

Los, AKA Carlos Whittaker has the most creative, slick and interactive of all the blogs I read. He is an artist, pastor, thinker, experience architect, and Web 2.0 junkie. Carlos was at Sandals Church in Riverside California where he served for 10 years as the Pastor of Worship and Creative Arts.  Sandals Church is an authentic community of believers whose goal is to be real with themselves, others, and God.  His passion for leading the church into a relational worship experience each and every Sunday was his hearts goal.

In August of  2007 Carlos and his family made the move from Southern California to Atlanta, GA.  Carlos became the Director of Service Programming at Buckhead Church which is one of the three North Point Community Church campuses.  He oversees all the Sunday adult experience and design.  He directly oversees all areas Hosting, Production, Creative, Video, Music, and Programming at Buckhead Church.  He also sits on the creative sermon planning team for Andy Stanley.

Carlos and Heather Whittaker make up a blogging power couple in Ragamuffinsoul.com and Whittakerwoman.typepad.com.  They have 3 children.  In November 2006 Carlos and his wife Heather adopted their son Losiah from Seoul Korea. And I warn you... this is one cute family and to mom and dad's credit, they like to showcase their cute kids prominently on their blogs... Sometimes way too much information and always engaging and interesting; I recommend a look at this Ragamuffin's soul and you to can be one of the quantrillion people who know Carlos.

Insulation: The Good, The Bad and The Itchy

Yesterday after completing the Silicon Valley AIDS Walk, we tracked down a used car for our daughter, Sara, then traveled over to Home Depot to pick up some R-30 insulation as the weather will soon turn colder. Last year we discovered why the living room and master bedroom were unbearably cold; there is no insulation in the attic! Our house was remodeled some years ago and contractors must have thought insulation was an unnecessary luxury. With heating costs on the rise I think otherwise.

So, now with my garage filled with insulation, I pull on a long sleeve teeshirt, tuck everything nice and tight, crawl up into the limited space and begin placing the insulation. I am having to straddle ceiling joists and maneuver in about 3 feet of space ducking and tucking under conduit and roof supports all the while using a battery powered light to see my way. I'm hot... coughing... bumping my head... knees aching... and getting a headache from breathing through a mask! I kept thinking, "I hope the owner of this house really appreciates what I'm doing right now!" I finally had to call it quits after a couple of hours. My older body unfolding from the confines of lumber and darkness, I emerged into the garage and basked in the coolness of twilight's gentle breeze... Ahhhhhh, relief! But then I started itching. My arms and stomach where my teeshirt pulled back were red and covered in small little welts. Apparently while placing the insulation I hadn't insulated myself well enough from the insulation.

This got me a thinkin'. About our everyday lives: Can we insulate ourselves in such a way that it hurts us? When do we need to get out of the small, confined space and emerge into the night? When is too much insulation too much? And what about that itch? Insulation is for our benefit but we shouldn't wear it like a garment. How do we, as people of faith, insulate ourselves from the evils of this world but maintain a safe distance from it to operate in this world? Apart from the obvious "salt and light" reference where Jesus refers that we are essential to this world He also prays for our protection from this world... “I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.  They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. John 17:15-19 (NLT)

Yesterday as we took our church service literally to the streets and joined with a couple other churches to walk as Team Beautiful Day in the Silicon Valley AIDS Walk, I have to admit I wanted to insulate our folks from some of the things that would transpire. But I trusted God's truth would prevail and they would be protected as they were sent out. Team Beautiful Day marched as a team, 800 strong and raised $25,000. The organizers could not believe the response of the church; it's openness to help and impact of putting our money where our mouth is. Perhaps our voice, God's truth will be heard. Then again, it may not. The result likewise is in God's hand.

I have yet to finish the work in the attic. I'll be going back up there in a couple of days when I have the time. There's no rush... the weather's pretty nice right now. I know when I go back up there, however, it will be uncomfortable for a moment in time, but the result will provide a winter of warmth and a summer of cooler temps. So, here's what I learned from laying the insulation... the good, the bad and the itchy; whenever I find myself in uncomfortable situations, think about the good that can come from it; even if the benefit won't be realized for some time!

To Walk the Talk part free

Today after our prayer time, my friend Tom and I headed over to a local St.Ourbucks to discuss church, life, you know... et al. While we were chatting away I noticed something that made me smile. A older man who appeared to have what the world would consider success and security by wearing a nice suit and tie, his shoes were new and shiny. He stooped down and picked up a penny and placed it in his pocket and then walked on. I thought, "Was this a 'penny saved a penny earned' thing or is the economy really that bad and a penny saved is one for a rainy day?"

My thoughts moved to the poor of this world where a penny could make a difference and remembered the words of Jesus, "You will always have the poor among you." We see them... but do we know them? So I have two questions, little comment from myself and would love to have as many answer as possible below in the comment section (please let us know your thoughts... it only takes a moment).

1. Who are the poor?
2. What did he mean by among?

Go ahead... talk amongst yourselves!

Joining in the discussion on art and culture at the Watercooler on this Blog Action Day.

To Walk the Talk part 2'

A couple of summers ago I was walking with my daughter, Aubrey, in New York City. Due to a bit of confusion on my part and trying to locate a dance studio on the upper east side we did a bit more walking than planned... a lot more. When I finally admitted to my daughter that I had no clue anymore where we were headed and that I thought I had memorized the studio's location and we had unnecessarily walked to Harlem and back, I expected her to say something like... "Dad, why didn't you just write down the directions?" But she didn't but what she did gave me a clue to perhaps why.

As we stood near Central Park she pointed to a building and said, "Look dad." As I panned across the green backdrop of the park back toward the wall of gray at first all I could see were the buildings but then I found it. Inscribed on one of the buildings was a familiar passage of scripture found in the old testament.

   

O people, the Lord has told you what is good and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

She said, "I think that's so cool... Come on dad let's walk."

So as we strolled through the park over to the Lincoln Center, on a beautiful afternoon, it dawned on me that my daughter was walking with me; listening, following, anticipating and completely trusting me to get her to our destination. This is generally not how I walk with God. I tend to wander. Mostly leaving God, not letting him know where I'm headed or intending to disclose a time of return, I just like to bolt! "See ya!" and off I go. I tried to imagine what it would be like if Aubrey just started running across the field and left the ol codger? Well that thought didn't last long because I know I can still out run her but God doesn't chase after me. What's up with that? Could it be that we are called to walk with God rather than to let God walk with us?

I realize for a church to take its people into the streets for a walk that is politically charged and for many, who will be there and benefit are of alternative lifestyle, there will be issues. People will want to take a stand and draw a line. And honestly, I'm alright with that. But as you take a stand, I'm going to take a walk. And our walk will be our stand... That as a church we walk with other fellow Christ followers and we walk with God, for mercy, to do what is right. We walk not for a cause, but for Christ. We walk not for a political statement but to state we are aware and that we care. We walk not for affiliation but for the afflicted. We walk because we walk. But before you do or before anyone should, you need to ask some questions; it's right to do so. But don't just ask what you're walking for, ask... Who are you walking with?

To Walk the Talk

Several months ago I was talking with this guy who is the lead pastor of Westgate Church here in San Jose. We were talking about the church, in general, and why we are struggling in this community... His favorite reference to the church here in Silicon Valley is, "We're sick but at least we know it." He wasn't referring to all people of the church just a few of us who are trying to understand why the media paints such a negative image of Christ followers and why our neighbors want nothing to do with our churches. We shared similar passions for educating the faithful to what it means to become Christ like. We talked about what practical steps the church could take to turn the tide of public opinion. Unfortunately, most in the church not just here but abroad don't care what the world thinks of us. We insist that separation from the world means seclusion. We develop our own Yellow Pages, create our own media, listen to our own music and associate only with those in the holy huddle. No wonder those who say they like Jesus but not his followers choose to avoid us like the plague. Our very avoidance of them reveals "they" are the plague. While Jesus says, "Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened..." we Christians are saying, "But before you do, here are several hoops you must jump through." Don't believe it? What do you think is the motivation behind Bill Maher's scathing documentary style film, "Religulous?" I believe he honestly is trying to set us religious-types straight! But what needs to be corrected should come from what WE do not what they say. 

Jesus, responding to Pharisaical assumptions refers twice to Hosea 6:6... Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
Tyndale House Publishers. (2004). Holy Bible : New Living Translation. "Text edition"--Spine. (2nd ed.) (Mt 9:10-13). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.

My colleague's church has done a lot to reach out to the community here in Silicon Valley. It started with a discussion that asked, "If our church burned down tomorrow would anyone in this community care?" Since then they have worked hard to develop healthy, respectful relationships with different community organizations. Under the direction of this guy their church has established a broad ministry based on the notion of "Emptying Churches, Filling Needs." One of those needs was befriending and caring for HIV/AIDS patients at the Living Center. As my friend describes it, "It is the closest thing today to what leprosy was in the days of Jesus." And as he further points out, when the religious community was turning and hiding, Jesus ministered personally to the leper.

I am so moved by this. I want those who walk by me to know, as a Christian, as one of Jesus' followers, I don't hate you. In fact let me walk with you and prove it! So to put action to our faith I asked our elders if we could move our church SERVICE (I love that word all of a sudden) into the streets on the morning of October 19th and join with three other churches, Calvary Church Los Gatos, The River and of course, Westgate Church to walk in the 19th annual Silicon Valley AIDS Walk, they agreed. So that is what we are doing. We're going to Walk... the talk. Some are upset and don't understand why we would do such a thing. Others are amazed we would take such a risk.

No risk... no reward. More on this later.