Macaroni and Cheese. Rogers and Hammerstein (or Hart). Ben and Jerry. Batman and Robin. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Brown and Pink. Chocolate Chips and Cookie Dough. These are just a few of history's dynamic duos, and I think we should add Charles Welsey and Felix Mendelssohn to the list. Wesley's brilliant lyrics and Mendelssohn's gorgeous tune make "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" one of the greatest hymns of all time. Yet had these genuises had their way, this perfect pairing would never have been.
Wesley wrote the lyrics in 1739 and wanted them coupled with a solemn tune. Mendelssohn wrote the music in 1840 as part of a cantata commemorating Gutenberg and the invention of the printing press and specifically requested that the music not accompany sacred choruses. Thankfully, both men's wishes were ignored, resulting in this fantastic carol.
I'm posting the lyrics once again. Enjoy -particularly the last two verses.
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Christ, by highest Heav’n adored; Christ the everlasting Lord;
Late in time, behold Him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings, ris’n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Come, Desire of nations, come, fix in us Thy humble home;
Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring Seed, bruise in us the serpent’s head.
Now display Thy saving power, ruined nature now restore;
Now in mystic union join Thine to ours, and ours to Thine.
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Adam’s likeness, Lord, efface, stamp Thine image in its place:
Second Adam from above, reinstate us in Thy love.
Let us Thee, though lost, regain, Thee, the Life, the inner man:
O, to all Thyself impart, formed in each believing heart.
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Why Christians Should Take The Christ Out Of Christmas
My freshly watered Christmas tree topiary is currently resting in my sink beneath my handmade apple and cranberry Christmas wreath across from my freshly baked Christmas cookies. As I plug in my Christmas lights and gaze at the gold and cream Christmas ornaments arranged in soda fountain glasses on my bookshelf, I begin to wonder what would happen if Christians decided to take the Christ out of Christmas. By this I mean that Christians stopped treating Christmas as a Christian holiday and simply viewed it as a cultural phenomenon. I’m pondering this for several reasons:
1. Christmas is not an ancient Christian holiday. The Bible never tells us to remember and celebrate Christ’s birth. Many Christmas traditions are rooted in pagan winter festivals. Christians did not celebrate Christmas until the 4th century, when the established Church declared December 25th to be Christ’s birthday. At the time of the Reformation, Protestants refused to celebrate Christmas because they considered it a Catholic holiday. Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans cancelled Christmas in England in 1645 because of the drunken and debauched celebrations. American Puritans outlawed Christmas in Boston from 1659-1681. The celebration of Christmas was not widespread in America until the 19th century.
2. American Christmas traditions have nothing to do with Jesus’ birth. There are easier ways to dwell on the incarnation than decorating trees, making cookies, and wrapping presents.
3. Viewing Christmas as a Christian holiday gives us license to embrace many traditions that aren’t necessarily biblical because the holiday is linked to Jesus. Presents, decorating, parties and the like become almost religious observances.
4. Christmas is full of many fantastical characters (Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, etc.) and we have to work extra hard to explain to children that Jesus was a real person. There are more productive ways to teach this story.
It seems that trying to remember Jesus’ birth in the midst of all these traditions is fighting a losing battle. So what if we just stopped trying? What if we treated Christmas like any other secular holiday (Thanksgiving, Independence Day, New Year’s Day, etc.)? I see the following potential benefits:
1. We use Christmas as an opportunity to show solidarity with our friends and neighbors. Christians no longer worry about the secularization of Christmas or fill their schedule with church activities and pageants. Instead we wholeheartedly embrace community holiday celebrations. We attend office parties, host neighborhood desserts, support Christmas school concerts, and go to city tree lightings and parades, all with the intention of building relationships with our community for the sake of spreading the gospel.
2. If Christmas is a secular holiday, there’s no obligation to put up a tree, buy presents, or make cookies. Instead we decide which traditions we want to embrace in light of the whole counsel of Scripture. Decorating your home and throwing parties might stem from a biblical conviction about the importance of hospitality. You may choose not to buy gifts or limit your gift giving based on the Bible’s teaching about good stewardship. You might decorate dozens of cookies with your children because of a biblical conviction about parenting. Instead of trying to push a square peg into a round hole and forcing the story of Jesus’ birth to apply to our traditions, we examine what the Bible says about each tradition and develop convictions about what we should embrace and what we should discard.
3. We use Christmas as a way to teach our children biblical principles that actually relate to our celebrations. For instance, “Mom, why are we buying presents for Grandma?” “Well Sally, buying presents is one way that we can show Grandma we love her. I’m so glad that God has blessed us with such a wonderful family. What do you think are some other ways we can show love to our families?” or “Kids, you are doing such a great job decorating this Christmas tree! Isn’t it fun to have an actual tree in our house? I’m so glad that God made different trees for us to enjoy. And doesn’t this tree smell good? I’m happy that God made so many different smells. God is so creative!”
4. We don’t view the incarnation through the rose colored glasses of Christmas. If we stop connecting Jesus’ birth with family, presents, soft lights, and cinnamon buns, we can read the story more accurately as a scary, harsh, and beautiful piece of history.
5. Pastors don’t have to devote a month of each year to the same story and can focus on the specific needs of their church.
Treating Christmas as a secular holiday does not mean that we forget about Christ’s birth. Perhaps we just choose to celebrate it in different ways. For instance:
1. We listen to and sing music about the birth of Jesus all year long at home and at church. Some of the best hymns ever written are songs about Jesus’ birth.
2. We reflect on Jesus’ birth whenever it comes up in our personal Bible study or a pastor’s sermon series.
3. If we want to focus on the incarnation during December, we refuse to link it with Christmas celebrations and treat it as something separate.
Agree? Disagree? Let me know what you think. I'm going to drink some egg nog and rock around my Christmas topiary (my apartment was really too small for a tree.)
1. Christmas is not an ancient Christian holiday. The Bible never tells us to remember and celebrate Christ’s birth. Many Christmas traditions are rooted in pagan winter festivals. Christians did not celebrate Christmas until the 4th century, when the established Church declared December 25th to be Christ’s birthday. At the time of the Reformation, Protestants refused to celebrate Christmas because they considered it a Catholic holiday. Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans cancelled Christmas in England in 1645 because of the drunken and debauched celebrations. American Puritans outlawed Christmas in Boston from 1659-1681. The celebration of Christmas was not widespread in America until the 19th century.
2. American Christmas traditions have nothing to do with Jesus’ birth. There are easier ways to dwell on the incarnation than decorating trees, making cookies, and wrapping presents.
3. Viewing Christmas as a Christian holiday gives us license to embrace many traditions that aren’t necessarily biblical because the holiday is linked to Jesus. Presents, decorating, parties and the like become almost religious observances.
4. Christmas is full of many fantastical characters (Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, etc.) and we have to work extra hard to explain to children that Jesus was a real person. There are more productive ways to teach this story.
It seems that trying to remember Jesus’ birth in the midst of all these traditions is fighting a losing battle. So what if we just stopped trying? What if we treated Christmas like any other secular holiday (Thanksgiving, Independence Day, New Year’s Day, etc.)? I see the following potential benefits:
1. We use Christmas as an opportunity to show solidarity with our friends and neighbors. Christians no longer worry about the secularization of Christmas or fill their schedule with church activities and pageants. Instead we wholeheartedly embrace community holiday celebrations. We attend office parties, host neighborhood desserts, support Christmas school concerts, and go to city tree lightings and parades, all with the intention of building relationships with our community for the sake of spreading the gospel.
2. If Christmas is a secular holiday, there’s no obligation to put up a tree, buy presents, or make cookies. Instead we decide which traditions we want to embrace in light of the whole counsel of Scripture. Decorating your home and throwing parties might stem from a biblical conviction about the importance of hospitality. You may choose not to buy gifts or limit your gift giving based on the Bible’s teaching about good stewardship. You might decorate dozens of cookies with your children because of a biblical conviction about parenting. Instead of trying to push a square peg into a round hole and forcing the story of Jesus’ birth to apply to our traditions, we examine what the Bible says about each tradition and develop convictions about what we should embrace and what we should discard.
3. We use Christmas as a way to teach our children biblical principles that actually relate to our celebrations. For instance, “Mom, why are we buying presents for Grandma?” “Well Sally, buying presents is one way that we can show Grandma we love her. I’m so glad that God has blessed us with such a wonderful family. What do you think are some other ways we can show love to our families?” or “Kids, you are doing such a great job decorating this Christmas tree! Isn’t it fun to have an actual tree in our house? I’m so glad that God made different trees for us to enjoy. And doesn’t this tree smell good? I’m happy that God made so many different smells. God is so creative!”
4. We don’t view the incarnation through the rose colored glasses of Christmas. If we stop connecting Jesus’ birth with family, presents, soft lights, and cinnamon buns, we can read the story more accurately as a scary, harsh, and beautiful piece of history.
5. Pastors don’t have to devote a month of each year to the same story and can focus on the specific needs of their church.
Treating Christmas as a secular holiday does not mean that we forget about Christ’s birth. Perhaps we just choose to celebrate it in different ways. For instance:
1. We listen to and sing music about the birth of Jesus all year long at home and at church. Some of the best hymns ever written are songs about Jesus’ birth.
2. We reflect on Jesus’ birth whenever it comes up in our personal Bible study or a pastor’s sermon series.
3. If we want to focus on the incarnation during December, we refuse to link it with Christmas celebrations and treat it as something separate.
Agree? Disagree? Let me know what you think. I'm going to drink some egg nog and rock around my Christmas topiary (my apartment was really too small for a tree.)
Thursday, December 13, 2007
About A Boycott
I love going to the movies. I love going with my parents and whispering jokes about the dialogue to my mom. I love going with my friends and discussing the movie over hot chocolate or Coldstone. I even love going by myself occasionally, which can be a deliciously freeing experience. I love giant bags of popcorn. I love medium sized Diet Cokes with a little bit of Cherry Coke at the top. I love watching previews (sometimes more than the actual movie). I love huge multiplexes. I love small independent theaters. I love summer blockbuster season. I love fall art house season. I love holiday Oscar season. I loathe the January-April "let's release films that wrapped three years ago" season, but will still see those films because I love going to the movies.
All that to say, I have a question about movies and I need your help (don't you feel important and affirmed?) As many of you know, "The Golden Compass" is causing a bit of hubbub in the Christian world (my brother just wrote two excellent posts about this film on his blog) and some Christians are encouraging others to boycott. While I don't think that all Christians need to avoid this particular movie, it raises the question if there are any movies that all Christians should avoid. Are there any movies that would be across the board sinful for every Christian to see or does it always depend on the individual's conscience? And if there are indeed movies that no Christian should see, what is the criteria by which we judge these movies?
Once again, I'm forcing you to do the dirty work and help me develop a solid opinion, while I get to sit back and eat Salt and Pepper Kettle Chips. So here are my specific questions to you:
1. Are there any movies that no Christian should see?
2. If so, what criteria would you use to decide whether or not Christians should see that movie?
3. What criteria do you personally use to decide which movies you will or won't see?
Put on those thinking caps and let me know what you think! Meanwhile, I have some television to watch.
All that to say, I have a question about movies and I need your help (don't you feel important and affirmed?) As many of you know, "The Golden Compass" is causing a bit of hubbub in the Christian world (my brother just wrote two excellent posts about this film on his blog) and some Christians are encouraging others to boycott. While I don't think that all Christians need to avoid this particular movie, it raises the question if there are any movies that all Christians should avoid. Are there any movies that would be across the board sinful for every Christian to see or does it always depend on the individual's conscience? And if there are indeed movies that no Christian should see, what is the criteria by which we judge these movies?
Once again, I'm forcing you to do the dirty work and help me develop a solid opinion, while I get to sit back and eat Salt and Pepper Kettle Chips. So here are my specific questions to you:
1. Are there any movies that no Christian should see?
2. If so, what criteria would you use to decide whether or not Christians should see that movie?
3. What criteria do you personally use to decide which movies you will or won't see?
Put on those thinking caps and let me know what you think! Meanwhile, I have some television to watch.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Well, I Know The Answer's Jesus, But I Still Think It's A Squirrel
I'm currently teaching my Sunday school kids about the Biblical basis behind various Christmas carols and this morning we discussed "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen."
During our review time I asked, "What country was "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" written in?" and one bright eyed little kindergartner immediately responded, "God!"
Sigh.
During our review time I asked, "What country was "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" written in?" and one bright eyed little kindergartner immediately responded, "God!"
Sigh.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Paint It Black Friday
I feel a bit guilty for not doing my part to bolster America's economy on the busiest shopping day of the year (I did purchase an Entertainment Weekly and some green apples, but I don't think that really counts.) To atone for my lack of shopping, I thought I'd post some gift ideas that will encourage my readers to spend their hard earned cash and hopefully eliminate some of the stress that comes with the search for the perfect Christmas present. I'll post a variety of suggestions over the next month. Here are this week's picks:
A Measuring Gaggle: About a week ago, I was unwinding on my couch with a copy of the latest Anthropologie catalogue when I spied this adorable quartet of goose shaped bone china measuring cups. I actually exclaimed, "Oh my goodness, those are so cute!" (talking to yourself is one of the delightful/disturbing things about living alone.) Your mom/sister/girlfriend/wife would probably never think of buying something as frivolous as goose measuring cups, but just imagine how darling they would look resting on her kitchen shelf. And how they'll add a touch of whimsy to even the most mundane culinary chores. And they're microwave and dishwasher safe. Sheesh, I've convinced myself. I think I'm going to order a set tonight.
Artwork: This gift requires a solid grasp of the giftee's design aesthetic, but can be a fun and unexpected present. For some unique ideas, check out etsy.com, a website where thousands of artisans sell their handmade wares. I'm fond of John Golden's digital prints, especially the By Order Of The Management series, Lunastrella Record Player, Lowtops On Baby Blue, and Mind Your P's And Q's.
Personal Stationary: I was raised by one of the most gracious women I know, yet somehow I can't seem to write a proper thank you note. I understand that lack of cute stationary is no excuse for my rudeness, but perhaps I'd be a bit more on the ball if I had some lovely cards to send. Personal stationary is a great gift because it's a luxury most people wouldn't think to buy for themselves, it's practical, there's a plethora of options, and people will enjoy it regardless of their shoe size, taste in music, or 2008 diet plans. I'm particularly enamored with Paper+Cup's OldSchool Numbered Note Card and Framed Silo Note Card and Erin Condren Design's Sugar Spots Note Card (they even come with matching return address labels!)
A National Geographic Magazine From The Month And Year They Were Born: This gift comes across as incredibly sensitive and thoughtful, yet all you really have to know is the giftee's birthday. It's always fun to look back on the events and trends of your birth year and it may spark some fascinating stories on Christmas morning. Check out National Geographic to learn how to order back issues.
On Top Of The World Globe: This globe won't be everyone's cup of tea and it's fairly expensive, but it could be a super buy for any vintage lovers or travel enthusiasts on your list. Restoration Hardware's nifty replica is modeled after globes on the desks of 1950s travel agents and would look gorgeous on a coffee table.
Happy Shopping!
A Measuring Gaggle: About a week ago, I was unwinding on my couch with a copy of the latest Anthropologie catalogue when I spied this adorable quartet of goose shaped bone china measuring cups. I actually exclaimed, "Oh my goodness, those are so cute!" (talking to yourself is one of the delightful/disturbing things about living alone.) Your mom/sister/girlfriend/wife would probably never think of buying something as frivolous as goose measuring cups, but just imagine how darling they would look resting on her kitchen shelf. And how they'll add a touch of whimsy to even the most mundane culinary chores. And they're microwave and dishwasher safe. Sheesh, I've convinced myself. I think I'm going to order a set tonight.
Artwork: This gift requires a solid grasp of the giftee's design aesthetic, but can be a fun and unexpected present. For some unique ideas, check out etsy.com, a website where thousands of artisans sell their handmade wares. I'm fond of John Golden's digital prints, especially the By Order Of The Management series, Lunastrella Record Player, Lowtops On Baby Blue, and Mind Your P's And Q's.
Personal Stationary: I was raised by one of the most gracious women I know, yet somehow I can't seem to write a proper thank you note. I understand that lack of cute stationary is no excuse for my rudeness, but perhaps I'd be a bit more on the ball if I had some lovely cards to send. Personal stationary is a great gift because it's a luxury most people wouldn't think to buy for themselves, it's practical, there's a plethora of options, and people will enjoy it regardless of their shoe size, taste in music, or 2008 diet plans. I'm particularly enamored with Paper+Cup's OldSchool Numbered Note Card and Framed Silo Note Card and Erin Condren Design's Sugar Spots Note Card (they even come with matching return address labels!)
A National Geographic Magazine From The Month And Year They Were Born: This gift comes across as incredibly sensitive and thoughtful, yet all you really have to know is the giftee's birthday. It's always fun to look back on the events and trends of your birth year and it may spark some fascinating stories on Christmas morning. Check out National Geographic to learn how to order back issues.
On Top Of The World Globe: This globe won't be everyone's cup of tea and it's fairly expensive, but it could be a super buy for any vintage lovers or travel enthusiasts on your list. Restoration Hardware's nifty replica is modeled after globes on the desks of 1950s travel agents and would look gorgeous on a coffee table.
Happy Shopping!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
We Gather Together To Read This New Blog Post
On this Thanksgiving day, I'd like to take a moment to express my gratitude for the following things that are consistently excellent: Christopher Guest movies, Bittersweet Cafe hot chocolate, my mom's jokes, Stephen Sondheim musicals, Martha Stewart DIY projects, my dad's sermons, Zachary's deep dish pepperoni pizza, Tim Keller Bible studies, Anthropologie sweaters, discussions at my small group, Project Runway, Amy Butler textiles, Tim Goodman's column in the SF Chronicle, service at San Leandro Honda, Safeway, Mimi's buttermilk spice muffins, Spark on PBS, Disneyland, Discount School Supply products, and Isaac Watts' hymns, including "Is This The Kind Return." I thought it was particularly appropriate for today. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!
Is this the kind return,
And these the thanks we owe,
Thus to abuse eternal love,
Whence all our blessings flow?
To what a stubborn frame
Has sin reduced our mind!
What strange rebellious wretches we,
And God as strangely kind!
On us He bids the sun
Shed his reviving rays;
For us the skies their circles run,
To lengthen out our days.
The brutes obey their God,
And bow their necks to men;
But we, more base, more brutish things,
Reject His easy reign.
Turn, turn us, mighty God,
And mold our souls afresh;
Break, sov’reign grace, these hearts of stone,
And give us hearts of flesh.
Let old ingratitude
Provoke our weeping eyes,
And hourly as new mercies fall
Let hourly thanks arise.
Is this the kind return,
And these the thanks we owe,
Thus to abuse eternal love,
Whence all our blessings flow?
To what a stubborn frame
Has sin reduced our mind!
What strange rebellious wretches we,
And God as strangely kind!
On us He bids the sun
Shed his reviving rays;
For us the skies their circles run,
To lengthen out our days.
The brutes obey their God,
And bow their necks to men;
But we, more base, more brutish things,
Reject His easy reign.
Turn, turn us, mighty God,
And mold our souls afresh;
Break, sov’reign grace, these hearts of stone,
And give us hearts of flesh.
Let old ingratitude
Provoke our weeping eyes,
And hourly as new mercies fall
Let hourly thanks arise.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
You Can't Judge A Carol By Its First Verse
I'm not a fan of Christmas carols like "Angels We Have Heard On High" or "The First Noel" that simply tell the Christmas story with no additional teaching or insight. You know, the carols that start "there were some important people in a special place," followed by a chorus of "alleluia" or "noel," followed by a second verse that explains "some other important people came to see them," followed by another chorus of "alleluia" or "noel," followed by a third verse that tells how "some other neat stuff happened," and finally closing with two rousing choruses of "alleluia" or "noel."
For years I foolishly grouped "Once In Royal David's City" with these types of carols, only to discover that it may be the sweetest children's song ever written. Cecil F. Alexander included it in Hymns For Little Children in 1848 and it's the first time I've seen Hebrews 4:14-16 specifically applied to children. I teared up when I read the lyrics today and I hope they encourage you as well.
Once in royal David’s city
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little Child.
He came down to earth from Heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall;
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Savior holy.
And, through all His wondrous childhood,
He would honor and obey,
Love and watch the lowly maiden,
In whose gentle arms He lay:
Christian children all must be
Mild, obedient, good as He.
For He is our childhood’s pattern;
Day by day, like us He grew;
He was little, weak and helpless,
Tears and smiles like us He knew;
And He feeleth for our sadness,
And He shareth in our gladness.
And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love,
For that Child so dear and gentle
Is our Lord in Heav’n above,
And He leads His children on
To the place where He is gone.
Not in that poor lowly stable,
With the oxen standing by,
We shall see Him; but in Heaven,
Set at God’s right hand on high;
Where like stars His children crowned
All in white shall wait around.
For years I foolishly grouped "Once In Royal David's City" with these types of carols, only to discover that it may be the sweetest children's song ever written. Cecil F. Alexander included it in Hymns For Little Children in 1848 and it's the first time I've seen Hebrews 4:14-16 specifically applied to children. I teared up when I read the lyrics today and I hope they encourage you as well.
Once in royal David’s city
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little Child.
He came down to earth from Heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall;
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Savior holy.
And, through all His wondrous childhood,
He would honor and obey,
Love and watch the lowly maiden,
In whose gentle arms He lay:
Christian children all must be
Mild, obedient, good as He.
For He is our childhood’s pattern;
Day by day, like us He grew;
He was little, weak and helpless,
Tears and smiles like us He knew;
And He feeleth for our sadness,
And He shareth in our gladness.
And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love,
For that Child so dear and gentle
Is our Lord in Heav’n above,
And He leads His children on
To the place where He is gone.
Not in that poor lowly stable,
With the oxen standing by,
We shall see Him; but in Heaven,
Set at God’s right hand on high;
Where like stars His children crowned
All in white shall wait around.
You Kids Today Are So Spoiled . . .
In my day we didn't have any of those slick "Veggie Tales" videos with catchy songs and Monty Python inspired quips. All we had was the crudely animated "Flying House" series. And we had to walk five miles in the snow to watch it. Barefoot. Uphill. With wolves chasing us.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
I Think I Should Take This As A Compliment
This morning in Sunday school, I received one of the greatest accolades a second grade girl can bestow. Cassie looked at me and said, "You look a little bit like Hannah Montana."
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Merry Reformation Day Eve!
I know what you're thinking. "Reformation Day is less than five hours away and I still haven't bought Aunt Betty's gift! And I don't have any activities prepared for my child's class party! And I have no idea what to serve for dinner!" Never fear, oldlutheran.com is here to help. Check out their 2007 Reformation Party Kit.
Or, you could simply read "In The Bonds Of Death He Lay," an amazing hymn by Martin Luther.
In the bonds of death He lay,
Who for our offense was slain,
But the Lord is risen today,
Christ hath brought us life again;
Wherefore let us all rejoice,
Singing loud with cheerful voice.
Jesus Christ,
God’s only Son,
Came at last our foe to smite,
All our sins away hath done,
Done away death’s power and right;
Only the form of death is left,
Of his sting he is bereft.
’Twas a wondrous war I trow,
Life and death together fought,
But life hath triumphed o’er his foe,
Death is mocked, and set at naught;
Yea, ’tis as the Scripture saith,
Christ through death hath conquered death.
Now our Paschal Lamb is He,
And by Him alone we live,
Who to death upon the tree
For our sake Himself did give.
Faith His blood strikes on our door,
Death dares never harm us more.
On this day, most blest of days,
Let us keep high festival,
For our God hath showed His grace,
And His sun hath risen on all,
And our hearts rejoice to see
Sin and night before Him flee.
To the supper of the Lord
Gladly will we come today;
The word of peace is now restored,
The old leaven is put away;
Christ will be our food alone,
Faith no life but His will own.
Or, you could simply read "In The Bonds Of Death He Lay," an amazing hymn by Martin Luther.
In the bonds of death He lay,
Who for our offense was slain,
But the Lord is risen today,
Christ hath brought us life again;
Wherefore let us all rejoice,
Singing loud with cheerful voice.
Jesus Christ,
God’s only Son,
Came at last our foe to smite,
All our sins away hath done,
Done away death’s power and right;
Only the form of death is left,
Of his sting he is bereft.
’Twas a wondrous war I trow,
Life and death together fought,
But life hath triumphed o’er his foe,
Death is mocked, and set at naught;
Yea, ’tis as the Scripture saith,
Christ through death hath conquered death.
Now our Paschal Lamb is He,
And by Him alone we live,
Who to death upon the tree
For our sake Himself did give.
Faith His blood strikes on our door,
Death dares never harm us more.
On this day, most blest of days,
Let us keep high festival,
For our God hath showed His grace,
And His sun hath risen on all,
And our hearts rejoice to see
Sin and night before Him flee.
To the supper of the Lord
Gladly will we come today;
The word of peace is now restored,
The old leaven is put away;
Christ will be our food alone,
Faith no life but His will own.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Great Taste Is What It's All About
At least that's what Thomas Keller thinks. The chef and owner of the French Laundry, considered by many critics to be one of the best restaurants in the world, had this to say about my favorite eatery:
"I really respect a company that holds its ground when there is so much pressure to follow the "what’s next, what’s new" trend. In-N-Out’s quality lies in the simplicity of what it promises and delivers. To be able to do something over and over with integrity and excellence, even if it is fast food, is something to be truly admired."
"I really respect a company that holds its ground when there is so much pressure to follow the "what’s next, what’s new" trend. In-N-Out’s quality lies in the simplicity of what it promises and delivers. To be able to do something over and over with integrity and excellence, even if it is fast food, is something to be truly admired."
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Halloween And Christmas: Part 3
The third in last year's three part series about the similarities between Halloween and Christmas and thoughts on how Christians celebrate each holiday.
There are positive aspects to both holidays.
Pros for Halloween include:
1. Neighbors spend time together and get to know each other as everyone opens up their homes for one night. It's a prime time to build relationships within the community.
2. Children experience the fun of planning their costumes and dressing up. It's a delightful tradition that they look forward to all year long.
3. Parents bond with their children as they take them trick or treating.
Pros for Christmas include:
1. It encourages people to reflect on Christ's birth, which is always a good thing.
2. In our frantic individualistic society, Christmas is a holiday when people actually spend extended time with their family and friends.
3. Christmas encourages the development of family traditions, which can bond families and bring joy to children.
4. Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolates.
There are also negative aspects to both holidays.
Cons for Halloween include:
1. An emphasis on witchcraft and the devil.
2. Frightening and evil images on television, in the movies, on people's front lawns, and on first graders.
3. Some people use this day to celebrate things that are evil.
Cons for Christmas include:
1. Disrespect for the Bible including: children's stories told from the donkey's point of view, countless Christmas cards with pictures of a lily white Jesus and angels that look nothing like their description in the Bible, and the presence of wise men in every nativity scene when they weren't actually present at Jesus' birth.
2. Rampant materialism and greed. We spend hundreds of dollars and rack up credit card debt on things we don't need or will soon throw away, often while ignoring the basic needs of others.
3. A confusing collection of traditions and stories combined into one holiday so Santa and Jesus have equal standing.
It seems that Christians often want to abandon Halloween while embracing Christmas. Yet both holidays share roots in paganism, a fairly secular history in America, and can at times blatantly disrespect God's Word. When both holidays have so much in common, it seems inconsistent to heap praise on one and condemnation on the other. I think we may need a more balanced approach - making sure we don't throw the baby out with the bath water in the case of Halloween and making sure the baby doesn't drown in the bath water in the case of Christmas.
For example, Halloween is a prime time to build relationships with our neighbors. Christians are called to share the gospel with our community and Halloween provides a fun and natural way to connect with others, whether by trick or treating together or greeting people at the door. Maybe Christians should stay in their homes, hand out candy, and get to know their neighbors on Halloween. (Disclaimer: While people often see Halloween as simply a fun evening for children, the holiday can have demonic connotations for others. Those whose consciences are troubled by involvement in Halloween activites should absolutely not participate.)
There are some Christmas traditions that we might want to rethink, such as overspending. Instead of going into debt for presents, what if Christians donated their money to people in need? I know of a family that adopted another family that was struggling financially. When the parents bought their children Christmas presents, they made sure to buy presents for the kids in their adopted family as well. We could also be more careful of how we communicate the Christmas story, especially to children. We can make sure we focus on the facts of the Bible (not adding extra characters like the mean innkeeper or the little drummer boy) and make Jesus the main character (as opposed to Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the talking cow in the barn, the littlest angel, the star who could never do anything right but on one special night got the chance to shine . . .)
Halloween and Christmas share checkered pasts and some less than admirable traditions. They also present great opportunities to further God's Kingdom. I believe that if we approach each holiday with thought, care, and biblical conviction, we can use them to show love to our communities and bring honor to God.
There are positive aspects to both holidays.
Pros for Halloween include:
1. Neighbors spend time together and get to know each other as everyone opens up their homes for one night. It's a prime time to build relationships within the community.
2. Children experience the fun of planning their costumes and dressing up. It's a delightful tradition that they look forward to all year long.
3. Parents bond with their children as they take them trick or treating.
Pros for Christmas include:
1. It encourages people to reflect on Christ's birth, which is always a good thing.
2. In our frantic individualistic society, Christmas is a holiday when people actually spend extended time with their family and friends.
3. Christmas encourages the development of family traditions, which can bond families and bring joy to children.
4. Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolates.
There are also negative aspects to both holidays.
Cons for Halloween include:
1. An emphasis on witchcraft and the devil.
2. Frightening and evil images on television, in the movies, on people's front lawns, and on first graders.
3. Some people use this day to celebrate things that are evil.
Cons for Christmas include:
1. Disrespect for the Bible including: children's stories told from the donkey's point of view, countless Christmas cards with pictures of a lily white Jesus and angels that look nothing like their description in the Bible, and the presence of wise men in every nativity scene when they weren't actually present at Jesus' birth.
2. Rampant materialism and greed. We spend hundreds of dollars and rack up credit card debt on things we don't need or will soon throw away, often while ignoring the basic needs of others.
3. A confusing collection of traditions and stories combined into one holiday so Santa and Jesus have equal standing.
It seems that Christians often want to abandon Halloween while embracing Christmas. Yet both holidays share roots in paganism, a fairly secular history in America, and can at times blatantly disrespect God's Word. When both holidays have so much in common, it seems inconsistent to heap praise on one and condemnation on the other. I think we may need a more balanced approach - making sure we don't throw the baby out with the bath water in the case of Halloween and making sure the baby doesn't drown in the bath water in the case of Christmas.
For example, Halloween is a prime time to build relationships with our neighbors. Christians are called to share the gospel with our community and Halloween provides a fun and natural way to connect with others, whether by trick or treating together or greeting people at the door. Maybe Christians should stay in their homes, hand out candy, and get to know their neighbors on Halloween. (Disclaimer: While people often see Halloween as simply a fun evening for children, the holiday can have demonic connotations for others. Those whose consciences are troubled by involvement in Halloween activites should absolutely not participate.)
There are some Christmas traditions that we might want to rethink, such as overspending. Instead of going into debt for presents, what if Christians donated their money to people in need? I know of a family that adopted another family that was struggling financially. When the parents bought their children Christmas presents, they made sure to buy presents for the kids in their adopted family as well. We could also be more careful of how we communicate the Christmas story, especially to children. We can make sure we focus on the facts of the Bible (not adding extra characters like the mean innkeeper or the little drummer boy) and make Jesus the main character (as opposed to Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the talking cow in the barn, the littlest angel, the star who could never do anything right but on one special night got the chance to shine . . .)
Halloween and Christmas share checkered pasts and some less than admirable traditions. They also present great opportunities to further God's Kingdom. I believe that if we approach each holiday with thought, care, and biblical conviction, we can use them to show love to our communities and bring honor to God.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Halloween and Christmas: Part 2
The second in last year's three part series about the similarities between Halloween and Christmas and thoughts on how Christians celebrate each holiday.
There are several more similarities between Halloween and Christmas.
Neither are mentioned in the Bible.
Christians have opposed both holidays.
European immigrants brought their Halloween traditions to America during colonial times, but most of New England refused to celebrate the day due the Puritan influence in that area. Many Christians also oppose the celebration of Halloween today.
At the time of the Reformation, the Protestants refused to celebrate Christmas because they considered it a holiday concocted by the Catholic Church. The Puritans also opposed the celebration of Christmas and often with good reason. In England, people would dutifully go to church and then celebrate the holiday in a drunken, Mardi Gras like atmosphere. In 1645, Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans wanted to rid England of her decadence and Christmas was cancelled until the reign of Charles II. The American Puritan settlers did not practice Christmas and the holiday was actually outlawed in Boston from 1659 to 1681. Anyone showing Christmas spirit would be fined five shillings.
The American incarnations of each holiday bear little resemblance to the original religious celebrations.
Interestingly, the American incarnations of each holiday were not embraced out of religious convictions, but rather because of their supposed benefits to the community.
European immigrants brought many of their Halloween customs to America and the flood of Irish immigrants in 1846 helped popularize the holiday. Americans began to dress up in costumes and go door to door asking for food and money. This practice waned during the nineteenth century when the holiday was primarily celebrated with parties in homes, but became popular again between the 1920's and 50's. By this time, Halloween had lost most of its religious undertones and became a secular and community centered holiday directed primarily at children. Today most children have no concept of the religious origins of dressing in costume or trick or treating. Witches do still cast spells and perform rituals on October 31st, but it is in celebration of Samhain, not Halloween.
The celebration of Christmas in America was not widespread until the 19th century (it wasn't even a federal holiday until 1870) and the celebration of the holiday was greatly influenced by two authors: Washington Irving and Charles Dickens. Both wrote Christmas stories which emphasized charity, goodwill, and kindness to the poor and evoked old English Christmas customs. This struck a chord in a time of great class conflict and the Victorians saw the benefit of celebrating the holiday.
Both holidays are essential to America's economy.
Halloween is America's second largest commerical holiday and Americans spend an estimated $6.9 billion a year. Christmas is America's largest commercial holiday and Americans spend over $200 billion a year.
Each holiday has its own heartwarming Peanuts special involving Linus discovering a great truth.
All right, this isn't really relevant. But it's true.
Check back tomorrow to find out the problem with nativity sets.
There are several more similarities between Halloween and Christmas.
Neither are mentioned in the Bible.
Christians have opposed both holidays.
European immigrants brought their Halloween traditions to America during colonial times, but most of New England refused to celebrate the day due the Puritan influence in that area. Many Christians also oppose the celebration of Halloween today.
At the time of the Reformation, the Protestants refused to celebrate Christmas because they considered it a holiday concocted by the Catholic Church. The Puritans also opposed the celebration of Christmas and often with good reason. In England, people would dutifully go to church and then celebrate the holiday in a drunken, Mardi Gras like atmosphere. In 1645, Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans wanted to rid England of her decadence and Christmas was cancelled until the reign of Charles II. The American Puritan settlers did not practice Christmas and the holiday was actually outlawed in Boston from 1659 to 1681. Anyone showing Christmas spirit would be fined five shillings.
The American incarnations of each holiday bear little resemblance to the original religious celebrations.
Interestingly, the American incarnations of each holiday were not embraced out of religious convictions, but rather because of their supposed benefits to the community.
European immigrants brought many of their Halloween customs to America and the flood of Irish immigrants in 1846 helped popularize the holiday. Americans began to dress up in costumes and go door to door asking for food and money. This practice waned during the nineteenth century when the holiday was primarily celebrated with parties in homes, but became popular again between the 1920's and 50's. By this time, Halloween had lost most of its religious undertones and became a secular and community centered holiday directed primarily at children. Today most children have no concept of the religious origins of dressing in costume or trick or treating. Witches do still cast spells and perform rituals on October 31st, but it is in celebration of Samhain, not Halloween.
The celebration of Christmas in America was not widespread until the 19th century (it wasn't even a federal holiday until 1870) and the celebration of the holiday was greatly influenced by two authors: Washington Irving and Charles Dickens. Both wrote Christmas stories which emphasized charity, goodwill, and kindness to the poor and evoked old English Christmas customs. This struck a chord in a time of great class conflict and the Victorians saw the benefit of celebrating the holiday.
Both holidays are essential to America's economy.
Halloween is America's second largest commerical holiday and Americans spend an estimated $6.9 billion a year. Christmas is America's largest commercial holiday and Americans spend over $200 billion a year.
Each holiday has its own heartwarming Peanuts special involving Linus discovering a great truth.
All right, this isn't really relevant. But it's true.
Check back tomorrow to find out the problem with nativity sets.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Vintage Blog Schmog
Over the next three days I'm going to repost last year's series on Christmas and Halloween, and lest you think I'm just being lazy, check out the four rock solid reasons supporting my decision:
1. The holiday season is fast approaching and it's good to ponder these issues.
2. Since my readership has doubled over the past year, there are probably two people who haven't read this series yet.
3. I started my blog last October and reposting is rather nostalgic.
4. I'm lazy.
So, without further ado, here's "Halloween and Christmas: Separated At Birth?"
At first glance, it seems that Halloween and Christmas couldn't be more different. After all, Halloween appears to celebrate death, evil, and witchcraft while Christmas celebrates the birth of the perfect Savior of the world. But when you think about it, Halloween and Christmas share some striking similarities.
Both have roots in paganism.
The roots of Halloween date back to about two thousand years ago. The Celts who lived in what is now Ireland celebrated their new year on November 1st. This heralded the beginning of winter, which was commonly associated with human death. The Celts believed that ghosts of the dead returned to earth on October 31st and their presence made it easier to predict the future. During this holiday the Druid priests made predictions and the Celts built huge bonfires where they sacrificed crops and animals and dressed in animal heads and skins. When the Romans conquered the Celtic territory in A.D. 43, they incorporated two of their festivals into Samhain.
For many years, people were frightened that they might encounter a ghost if they left their homes, so they wore masks after dark in hopes that the ghosts wouldn't recognize them and believe they were fellow spirits. People also placed bowls of food outside their homes to keep ghosts from entering.
Pagan midwinter festivals existed long before Christmas. The Romans celebrated Saturnalia the week before the winter solstice and the festival lasted an entire month. This holiday honored Saturn, the god of agriculture, and included drinking, feasting, and the closing of schools and businesses. The Romans decorated their homes with boughs of evergreen to illustrate how Saturn would soon make their land fruitful. The Germans celebrated the god Oden during this time and the Norse held a celebration called Yule, which involved burning large logs.
Both were established by the Catholic Church.
The holiday known as Halloween was actually created by the established Church. Christianity eventually spread to the Celtic lands and in the seventh century, the Church instituted All Saints' Day or All-Hallows on November 1st. This day was set aside to honor saints and martyrs and some believe it was the pope's attempt to replace Samhain. October 31st was referred to as All-Hallows Eve, which eventually became Halloween. In A.D. 998, the Church designated November 2nd as All Souls' Day, a day to remember and pray for souls in purgatory. Some say that dressing up as devils, saints, and angels was a common practice on this day and the celebration also involved bonfires and parades.
The tradition of "trick or treating" most likely stems from All Souls' Day parades in England. During the celebration, poor citizens would beg for food and the wealthy would give them pastries called "soul cakes" in return for a promise to pray for the family's dead relatives in purgatory. Eventually, children took up this practice and traveled to different houses where they received food, ale, and money. This custom was referred to as "going a-souling."
Christmas was first celebrated in the fourth century when the Church chose December 25th as the date of Christ's birth. No one is sure why this particular date was chosen, but some believe it was due to the fact that this was already a public holiday for pagan celebrations. This would increase the chance that Christianity would be publicly embraced. The celebration spread to Egypt in A.D. 432, to England in the sixth century and to Scandinavia by the end of the eighth century.
Both tend to distort the truth.
Halloween turns witches and the devil into cute and cuddly characters and chubby cheeked toddlers seem to have no qualms about trick or treating dressed as Satan. Christmas takes the frightening, harsh, and beautiful story of Christ's birth and transforms it into a cozy little tale about a cheerful barn, some happy animals, and a little baby who didn't cry.
Check back tomorrow to find out what else Halloween and Christmas have in common, including their connection to Linus Van Pelt.
1. The holiday season is fast approaching and it's good to ponder these issues.
2. Since my readership has doubled over the past year, there are probably two people who haven't read this series yet.
3. I started my blog last October and reposting is rather nostalgic.
4. I'm lazy.
So, without further ado, here's "Halloween and Christmas: Separated At Birth?"
At first glance, it seems that Halloween and Christmas couldn't be more different. After all, Halloween appears to celebrate death, evil, and witchcraft while Christmas celebrates the birth of the perfect Savior of the world. But when you think about it, Halloween and Christmas share some striking similarities.
Both have roots in paganism.
The roots of Halloween date back to about two thousand years ago. The Celts who lived in what is now Ireland celebrated their new year on November 1st. This heralded the beginning of winter, which was commonly associated with human death. The Celts believed that ghosts of the dead returned to earth on October 31st and their presence made it easier to predict the future. During this holiday the Druid priests made predictions and the Celts built huge bonfires where they sacrificed crops and animals and dressed in animal heads and skins. When the Romans conquered the Celtic territory in A.D. 43, they incorporated two of their festivals into Samhain.
For many years, people were frightened that they might encounter a ghost if they left their homes, so they wore masks after dark in hopes that the ghosts wouldn't recognize them and believe they were fellow spirits. People also placed bowls of food outside their homes to keep ghosts from entering.
Pagan midwinter festivals existed long before Christmas. The Romans celebrated Saturnalia the week before the winter solstice and the festival lasted an entire month. This holiday honored Saturn, the god of agriculture, and included drinking, feasting, and the closing of schools and businesses. The Romans decorated their homes with boughs of evergreen to illustrate how Saturn would soon make their land fruitful. The Germans celebrated the god Oden during this time and the Norse held a celebration called Yule, which involved burning large logs.
Both were established by the Catholic Church.
The holiday known as Halloween was actually created by the established Church. Christianity eventually spread to the Celtic lands and in the seventh century, the Church instituted All Saints' Day or All-Hallows on November 1st. This day was set aside to honor saints and martyrs and some believe it was the pope's attempt to replace Samhain. October 31st was referred to as All-Hallows Eve, which eventually became Halloween. In A.D. 998, the Church designated November 2nd as All Souls' Day, a day to remember and pray for souls in purgatory. Some say that dressing up as devils, saints, and angels was a common practice on this day and the celebration also involved bonfires and parades.
The tradition of "trick or treating" most likely stems from All Souls' Day parades in England. During the celebration, poor citizens would beg for food and the wealthy would give them pastries called "soul cakes" in return for a promise to pray for the family's dead relatives in purgatory. Eventually, children took up this practice and traveled to different houses where they received food, ale, and money. This custom was referred to as "going a-souling."
Christmas was first celebrated in the fourth century when the Church chose December 25th as the date of Christ's birth. No one is sure why this particular date was chosen, but some believe it was due to the fact that this was already a public holiday for pagan celebrations. This would increase the chance that Christianity would be publicly embraced. The celebration spread to Egypt in A.D. 432, to England in the sixth century and to Scandinavia by the end of the eighth century.
Both tend to distort the truth.
Halloween turns witches and the devil into cute and cuddly characters and chubby cheeked toddlers seem to have no qualms about trick or treating dressed as Satan. Christmas takes the frightening, harsh, and beautiful story of Christ's birth and transforms it into a cozy little tale about a cheerful barn, some happy animals, and a little baby who didn't cry.
Check back tomorrow to find out what else Halloween and Christmas have in common, including their connection to Linus Van Pelt.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Ghosts Of Halloween Past
Halloween is only nineteen days away and I have no idea what to wear. Perhaps I can draw some inspiration from the costumes of my childhood.
My very first trick or treating experience. Don't I look excited? And I love my pillowcase treat bag.
Another adorable costume sewn by my talented mother. I need a hat like that.
I completely botched the accessories with this princess outfit. While my friend Becky wisely chose refined pearls and ballet slippers, I wore very grimy tennis shoes and a homemade necklace of fishline and beads.
Again, my mom is amazing. Not only did she sew the costume (and a Raggedy Andy costume for my brother), but she made the wig too.
This costume was inspired by "Meet Molly," a book about a little girl growing up during World War II. In the book, Molly and her friends dress as hula dancers for Halloween, only to be sprayed with a hose by Molly's pesky older brother, Ricky. Thankfully, my Halloween experience was much drier.
I loved my poodle skirt, but my brother's He-Man get up may the best costume in the history of the world. "By the power of Grayskull, I have the power!"
Here's an example of a perfectly darling costume ruined by improper make-up application. "Just stuck her face in a cake" was not quite the look I was going for.
I will never understand what possessed a girl who is mortally afraid of balloons to go as a bunch of grapes for Halloween.
"Aren't you a little old to be trick or treating?" Yes, but Pippi Longstocking was one of my favorite costumes. I wish I could still get my hair to do that.
My very first trick or treating experience. Don't I look excited? And I love my pillowcase treat bag.
Another adorable costume sewn by my talented mother. I need a hat like that. 
I completely botched the accessories with this princess outfit. While my friend Becky wisely chose refined pearls and ballet slippers, I wore very grimy tennis shoes and a homemade necklace of fishline and beads.
Again, my mom is amazing. Not only did she sew the costume (and a Raggedy Andy costume for my brother), but she made the wig too.
This costume was inspired by "Meet Molly," a book about a little girl growing up during World War II. In the book, Molly and her friends dress as hula dancers for Halloween, only to be sprayed with a hose by Molly's pesky older brother, Ricky. Thankfully, my Halloween experience was much drier.
I loved my poodle skirt, but my brother's He-Man get up may the best costume in the history of the world. "By the power of Grayskull, I have the power!"
Here's an example of a perfectly darling costume ruined by improper make-up application. "Just stuck her face in a cake" was not quite the look I was going for.
I will never understand what possessed a girl who is mortally afraid of balloons to go as a bunch of grapes for Halloween.
"Aren't you a little old to be trick or treating?" Yes, but Pippi Longstocking was one of my favorite costumes. I wish I could still get my hair to do that. Wednesday, October 10, 2007
"What Is The Use Of A Book," Thought Alice, "Without Pictures Or Conversations?"
Autumn is here, which means the return of high waisted jeans, appointment television (Project Runway starts November 14th!), pumpkin pie, art house films, and school. In honor of the fall semester, I thought it would be fun to ponder six of the most formative books I’ve read. Some are scholarly, some are frivolous, and all have had a major impact on my life.
The Bible: I was going to make this a list of the six most formative books I’ve read besides the Bible, but decided that I didn’t want to mention the most formative book in my life in passing. I was enthralled by the story of the Golden Calf when I was five. Learning the TOPICAL Bible study method in middle school changed my life. I discovered the richness of reading the Bible in context in college. I fell in love with the unified story of the Bible as I started writing kids’ curriculum. And I’ve recently wondered how I could have missed the overarching theme of God’s Kingdom after all those years of Bible study.
Disneyland: Inside Story: My zealous devotion to Disneyland (I chose my college partly because it was fifteen minutes away from Anaheim) was forged during the Bruce family’s annual trek to the park. Each year I spent eleven months and three weeks in eager anticipation of our trip and devoured every book about Disneyland I could find at the San Leandro Library. My favorite was Disneyland: Inside Story, which I checked out countless times. I would curl up on my heater and spend hours reading about Disneyland’s history from Walt’s vision of a place where “parents and children could have fun together” to the unveiling of Star Tours. It sounds silly, but Disneyland: Inside Story had a greater influence on my vision for children’s ministry than any practical ministry book I’ve read. The concepts of paying attention to small details, creating meaningful experiences for people and making decisions based on personal passions instead of trends have definitely informed my philosophy and I think Christian Education departments should make this book required reading.
The Knowledge Of The Holy: I read A.W. Tozer’s classic during my senior year of college and it changed the way I view God, the way I praise God, the way I pray, the way I teach children, and the way I read the Bible. Although I read many of the "great books" in college, The Knowledge of the Holy is one of the few that I'll still reread.
The Penny Whistle Party Planner: I’ve always liked planning things. I was a highly unromantic child, but spent hours designing my future wedding dress (along with the bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, naturally.) When I got a little older, I wrote course catalogues for the fine arts academy I dreamed of founding one day. I started to solidify my college major as a high school freshman. One of my favorite college activities was planning my classes for the next semester as soon as the new schedule arrived in my mailbox. So, it will come as no surprise that The Penny Whistle Party Planner by Meredith Brokaw and Annie Gilbar appealed to me when I was younger. It was chock full of creative themed kids’ party ideas (like a cheerleading party, a ballet party, and an orchestra party) with lots of do it yourself decorations, games, and crafts. Planning weekly Sunday school curriculum is sort of like planning a party (with crafts, games, science experiments, and drama activities all revolving around one theme) and I think that consistently reading The Penny Whistle Party Planner as a child helped prime the pump for my current profession.
Nicomachean Ethics/Desiring God: No one should read Plato during their first year of college. As a very ignorant (and practically minded) freshman, I couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about. I mean, the guy was clearly crazy. All right, the cave analogy in “The Republic” was kind of cool, but FORMS? There’s really a perfect chair hovering around somewhere in the universe and all other chairs are just copies of it? This was more than my little eighteen year old brain could manage. Thus I was delighted to discover that Aristotle thought forms were irrelevant and was much more in line with my practical sensibilities than his wacky mentor. I was particularly intrigued by his position that happiness was man’s highest good and excited by how this corresponded with John Piper’s ideas about Christian hedonism in Desiring God. I’d never really thought about enjoying God before and developed a much deeper understanding of man’s ultimate purpose and God’s character by reading Nicomachean Ethics and Desiring God concurrently.
Evidence That Demands A Verdict: I became a Christian when I was three years old and never thought much about the validity of my worldview until I was a teenager. Suddenly I began to worry that the beliefs I’d embraced might not be true. My wise dad suggested I read Josh McDowell’s Evidence That Demands A Verdict and for the first time I saw that Christianity was reasonable and based on historical fact. Mr. McDowell gave me a lot of comfort and I still use his evidences for the resurrection with my kids.
So those are my six. What are some of the most formative books in your life?
The Bible: I was going to make this a list of the six most formative books I’ve read besides the Bible, but decided that I didn’t want to mention the most formative book in my life in passing. I was enthralled by the story of the Golden Calf when I was five. Learning the TOPICAL Bible study method in middle school changed my life. I discovered the richness of reading the Bible in context in college. I fell in love with the unified story of the Bible as I started writing kids’ curriculum. And I’ve recently wondered how I could have missed the overarching theme of God’s Kingdom after all those years of Bible study.
Disneyland: Inside Story: My zealous devotion to Disneyland (I chose my college partly because it was fifteen minutes away from Anaheim) was forged during the Bruce family’s annual trek to the park. Each year I spent eleven months and three weeks in eager anticipation of our trip and devoured every book about Disneyland I could find at the San Leandro Library. My favorite was Disneyland: Inside Story, which I checked out countless times. I would curl up on my heater and spend hours reading about Disneyland’s history from Walt’s vision of a place where “parents and children could have fun together” to the unveiling of Star Tours. It sounds silly, but Disneyland: Inside Story had a greater influence on my vision for children’s ministry than any practical ministry book I’ve read. The concepts of paying attention to small details, creating meaningful experiences for people and making decisions based on personal passions instead of trends have definitely informed my philosophy and I think Christian Education departments should make this book required reading.
The Knowledge Of The Holy: I read A.W. Tozer’s classic during my senior year of college and it changed the way I view God, the way I praise God, the way I pray, the way I teach children, and the way I read the Bible. Although I read many of the "great books" in college, The Knowledge of the Holy is one of the few that I'll still reread.
The Penny Whistle Party Planner: I’ve always liked planning things. I was a highly unromantic child, but spent hours designing my future wedding dress (along with the bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, naturally.) When I got a little older, I wrote course catalogues for the fine arts academy I dreamed of founding one day. I started to solidify my college major as a high school freshman. One of my favorite college activities was planning my classes for the next semester as soon as the new schedule arrived in my mailbox. So, it will come as no surprise that The Penny Whistle Party Planner by Meredith Brokaw and Annie Gilbar appealed to me when I was younger. It was chock full of creative themed kids’ party ideas (like a cheerleading party, a ballet party, and an orchestra party) with lots of do it yourself decorations, games, and crafts. Planning weekly Sunday school curriculum is sort of like planning a party (with crafts, games, science experiments, and drama activities all revolving around one theme) and I think that consistently reading The Penny Whistle Party Planner as a child helped prime the pump for my current profession.
Nicomachean Ethics/Desiring God: No one should read Plato during their first year of college. As a very ignorant (and practically minded) freshman, I couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about. I mean, the guy was clearly crazy. All right, the cave analogy in “The Republic” was kind of cool, but FORMS? There’s really a perfect chair hovering around somewhere in the universe and all other chairs are just copies of it? This was more than my little eighteen year old brain could manage. Thus I was delighted to discover that Aristotle thought forms were irrelevant and was much more in line with my practical sensibilities than his wacky mentor. I was particularly intrigued by his position that happiness was man’s highest good and excited by how this corresponded with John Piper’s ideas about Christian hedonism in Desiring God. I’d never really thought about enjoying God before and developed a much deeper understanding of man’s ultimate purpose and God’s character by reading Nicomachean Ethics and Desiring God concurrently.
Evidence That Demands A Verdict: I became a Christian when I was three years old and never thought much about the validity of my worldview until I was a teenager. Suddenly I began to worry that the beliefs I’d embraced might not be true. My wise dad suggested I read Josh McDowell’s Evidence That Demands A Verdict and for the first time I saw that Christianity was reasonable and based on historical fact. Mr. McDowell gave me a lot of comfort and I still use his evidences for the resurrection with my kids.
So those are my six. What are some of the most formative books in your life?
Friday, October 05, 2007
Ain't No Small Group Like A Creekside Small Group
Directing two kids' plays has recently cut into my blogging time, but I promise that soon I will post something more thoughtful than videos I find on YouTube. In the meantime, here's a promotional video that my awesome small group recently filmed for our church. Enjoy!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
YouTube Time Capsule, Part 3
It's hard to pick just one Muppet segment from Sesame Street. Guy Smiley, Cookie Monster, Meryl Sheep, Don Music - they're all fantastic. But this might be one of the sweetest clips of all.
YouTube Time Capsule, Part 2
This Sesame Street segment absolutely enthralled me as a child. I was amazed by a) the fact that this little girl had a llama for a pet and b) that this little girl was allowed to walk the streets of New York alone. After watching it again I am also amazed that the mullet was once deemed an appropriate hairstyle.
YouTube Time Capsule
Last Sunday I officially entered my upper twenties. Turning twenty seven has made me wax nostalgic about my blissful eighties childhood and thankfully YouTube has footage from all my favorite television shows. Here are three of the most formative clips, starting with the "Things To Do" rap from the brilliant "Reading Rainbow." It completely inspired me when I was a kid and I think we'll make bleach bottle birdhouses in Sunday school next week.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Why I Bought Boot Cut Jeans Two Years After They Became Popular
I'm somewhat of a late adapter. I still don't have a DVD player and am now forced to borrow videos from the library. When I was in college, I consistently called my cordless phone a cell phone because I’d never owned a cordless phone. I loathe text messaging. I grew to appreciate nineties alternative rock a decade after most songs were released. I just got a phone with a camera (and only because I cracked my old phone in two and that model is no longer available.) Thus, it should come as no surprise that I'm about to blog about a subject that everyone else blogged about a year and a half ago. Hey, I've got to be me.
Here are some statistics that Mark Driscoll posted on the Resurgance in May of last year. I'm sure you'll recognize them from about twenty seven other blogs that dealt with this issue in a timely manner:
*Fifteen hundred pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout, or contention in their churches.
*Fifty percent of pastors' marriages will end in divorce.
*Eighty percent of pastors and eighty-four percent of their spouses feel unqualified and discouraged in their role as pastors.
*Fifty percent of pastors are so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living.
*Eighty percent of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years.
*Seventy percent of pastors constantly fight depression.
As I drove to Trader Joe's this evening (since the contents of my refrigerator consisted of nectarines, pears, oranges, apples, peanut butter, parmesan cheese, semi-sweet chocolate chips and one miniature pepperoni pizza, I figured it was probably time to buy groceries), I listened to callers on a Christian radio show discuss pastor's wives who attend different churches than their husbands. Apparently, some pastor's wives are under so much strain that they feel they must leave their husband's church for the sake of their own spiritual health. This led the host to cite some of the above statistics.
As I listened, I began to wonder why ministry takes such a toll on pastors and their families. My warm, compassionate side (the one that cried at the end of "Ratatouille") acknowledged that many churches have unrealistic expectations of pastors since the role of the American pastor has grown to include CEO, marketing strategist and comedian, among other things. As a pastor's kid, I've definitely seen the hardships and discouragement that come with full time ministry. However, my cold, critical side (the one that laughed at the end of "Titanic") wondered if modern pastors are a bit (for lack of a better word) wussy. It's no surprise that ministry is tough. Consider Paul's description of his ministry in 2 Corinthians 11:26-29:
I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is a daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?
And this was a man who was able to say in 2 Timothy 4:5-8 near the end of his life:
But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure as come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Are these statistics an indictment of the spiritual maturity of churches or an indictment of the spiritual maturity of pastors? Do we need to rethink how we treat our pastors and their families or do pastors need a more realistic understanding of the trials of ministry? Or both? Or neither?
I’m an opinionated person longing for an opinion on this issue. Please help me form one by posting your thoughts. In the meantime, I need to learn how to take pictures with my phone. I still can’t figure out where you’re supposed to load the film.
Here are some statistics that Mark Driscoll posted on the Resurgance in May of last year. I'm sure you'll recognize them from about twenty seven other blogs that dealt with this issue in a timely manner:
*Fifteen hundred pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout, or contention in their churches.
*Fifty percent of pastors' marriages will end in divorce.
*Eighty percent of pastors and eighty-four percent of their spouses feel unqualified and discouraged in their role as pastors.
*Fifty percent of pastors are so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living.
*Eighty percent of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years.
*Seventy percent of pastors constantly fight depression.
As I drove to Trader Joe's this evening (since the contents of my refrigerator consisted of nectarines, pears, oranges, apples, peanut butter, parmesan cheese, semi-sweet chocolate chips and one miniature pepperoni pizza, I figured it was probably time to buy groceries), I listened to callers on a Christian radio show discuss pastor's wives who attend different churches than their husbands. Apparently, some pastor's wives are under so much strain that they feel they must leave their husband's church for the sake of their own spiritual health. This led the host to cite some of the above statistics.
As I listened, I began to wonder why ministry takes such a toll on pastors and their families. My warm, compassionate side (the one that cried at the end of "Ratatouille") acknowledged that many churches have unrealistic expectations of pastors since the role of the American pastor has grown to include CEO, marketing strategist and comedian, among other things. As a pastor's kid, I've definitely seen the hardships and discouragement that come with full time ministry. However, my cold, critical side (the one that laughed at the end of "Titanic") wondered if modern pastors are a bit (for lack of a better word) wussy. It's no surprise that ministry is tough. Consider Paul's description of his ministry in 2 Corinthians 11:26-29:
I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is a daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?
And this was a man who was able to say in 2 Timothy 4:5-8 near the end of his life:
But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure as come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Are these statistics an indictment of the spiritual maturity of churches or an indictment of the spiritual maturity of pastors? Do we need to rethink how we treat our pastors and their families or do pastors need a more realistic understanding of the trials of ministry? Or both? Or neither?
I’m an opinionated person longing for an opinion on this issue. Please help me form one by posting your thoughts. In the meantime, I need to learn how to take pictures with my phone. I still can’t figure out where you’re supposed to load the film.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
My Wildest Dreams Fulfilled
If you're anything like me, you've spent many a sleepless night pondering what you'd look like as a character on "The Simpsons." Well, ponder no more! Visit this fun little site and find out! Here's my Springfieldian alter-ego. I think the resemblance is uncanny.
Sunday School Bloodbath
So in the midst of a lesson about how the Holy Spirit empowers us to be good examples to others, my Sunday school class started discussing the movie "Facing the Giants." I pointed out that a church made that film and we began to brainstorm what sort of movie Creekside could make. My class decided that it should be about them. Then they decided that it should involve jellybeans. And somewhere along the way, it became the the bloodbath known as "Sunday School and the Fight with Countess Jellybean." Eleven year old Madison wrote this script and I'm impressed how she still managed to tie in the morning's lesson while killing me off.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Combatting Listlessness
I'm a pretty easy girl to read. If I wear a dress to work, it means that I haven't done laundry in three and a half weeks and have no clean jeans or socks. Or if I start rapidly pushing my hair behind my ears, it means I see a balloon nearby and am terrified that it's going to pop. And if I post a list on my blog, it means that I have nothing thoughtful or creative to say but still feel that I should post something. And if that list is somewhat spiritual in nature, it means that I'm atoning for lauding the works of Nick Lachey in a previous post. Thus, here are my TOP TEN FAVORITE HYMNS.
10. Hallelujah! What A Savior. Words and Music by Philip P. Bliss. Of all the hymns in this list, I think I've loved this one the longest. It's succinct and beautiful and I think we should sing it at every Good Friday service.
9. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling. Words by Charles Wesley. Music by Rowland H. Prichard. "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" is one of those hymns with fifty alternate melodies and I think Prichard's lilting tune is not only the loveliest of the bunch but also one of my favorites in all of hymnody. And Wesley's lyrics aren't bad either.
8. And Can It Be?. Words by Charles Wesley. Music by Bob Kauflin. Remember that horrible Michael Jackson song, "Heal the World?" I remember that my mom would always laugh at the lyric, "There are people dying" because the melody was so cheery. The original version of "And Can It Be?" suffers from the same problem: weighty lyrics and a sugary sweet tune. Thankfully, Bob Kauflin fixed this when he inserted a more contemplative melody and the result is incredibly moving.
7. For The Beauty Of The Earth. Words by Folliot S. Pierpoint. Music by Conrad Kocher. I tend to worry about the future, so lately I've tried to focus on the present and relish each of God's gifts moment by moment. A cup of 72% cacao hot chocolate. A crystal clear blue sky. The birds that like to chirp outside my window at 2:00 a.m. "For The Beauty of the Earth" is a wonderful reminder of God's daily blessings and "the beauty of each hour." And it's gorgeous acapella (watch "Little Women" and you'll agree.)
6. I Sing The Mighty Power Of God. Words by Isaac Watts. Music arranged by Ralph Vaughn Williams. This may be my favorite hymn about the sovereignty of God and there are three things I particularly like about it. 1. It's originally from the hymnbook, "Divine and Moral Songs for Children." It's heartening to think of children singing lyrics like "I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day; the moon shines full at God’s command, and all the stars obey." 2. The old English tune was arranged by Ralph Vaughn Williams, who's like the king of old English tune arrangements. 3. It ends with this amazing lyric, "While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care; and everywhere that we can be, Thou, God art present there."
5. The Hymn From "Jupiter." Music by Gustav Holst. All right, so this isn't a hymn in the traditional sense. But the middle section from the "Jupiter" movement of Holst's "The Planets" practically begs for us to write lyrics and sing it in church.
4. Arise, My Soul, Arise. Words by Charles Wesley. Music by Bob Kauflin. Here's another Wesley hymn suffering from "Heal the World" syndrome that's revitalized by a gorgeous Bob Kauflin tune. There's a reason that nearly half of my favorite hymns were written by Charles Wesley. He's a master lyricist and his lyrics in this hymn are poignant without being sappy, theological without being dry, and simple without being trite. It's a brilliant song.
3. All Creatures Of Our God And King. Words by Francis of Assisi. Music by Peter Von Brachel. I believe that a majority of musical problems could be solved if composers simply wrote everything in 6/8. I always liked this hymn, but it jumped into a whole new category when I heard it in 6/8. And I love the concept of all creation praising the Lord.
2. The Master Has Come. Words by Sarah Doudney. One of the most inspiring hymns I know. I'm encouraged to fight the good fight each time I hear it.
1. Hark The Herald Angels Sing. Words by Charles Wesley. Music by Felix Mendelsshon. It's a crime that we only get to sing this song once a year. We should seriously sing it every Sunday. Lyrics don't get much better than "Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail the incarnate Diety" and "Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die."
That's my list. What are your favorite hymns?
10. Hallelujah! What A Savior. Words and Music by Philip P. Bliss. Of all the hymns in this list, I think I've loved this one the longest. It's succinct and beautiful and I think we should sing it at every Good Friday service.
9. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling. Words by Charles Wesley. Music by Rowland H. Prichard. "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" is one of those hymns with fifty alternate melodies and I think Prichard's lilting tune is not only the loveliest of the bunch but also one of my favorites in all of hymnody. And Wesley's lyrics aren't bad either.
8. And Can It Be?. Words by Charles Wesley. Music by Bob Kauflin. Remember that horrible Michael Jackson song, "Heal the World?" I remember that my mom would always laugh at the lyric, "There are people dying" because the melody was so cheery. The original version of "And Can It Be?" suffers from the same problem: weighty lyrics and a sugary sweet tune. Thankfully, Bob Kauflin fixed this when he inserted a more contemplative melody and the result is incredibly moving.
7. For The Beauty Of The Earth. Words by Folliot S. Pierpoint. Music by Conrad Kocher. I tend to worry about the future, so lately I've tried to focus on the present and relish each of God's gifts moment by moment. A cup of 72% cacao hot chocolate. A crystal clear blue sky. The birds that like to chirp outside my window at 2:00 a.m. "For The Beauty of the Earth" is a wonderful reminder of God's daily blessings and "the beauty of each hour." And it's gorgeous acapella (watch "Little Women" and you'll agree.)
6. I Sing The Mighty Power Of God. Words by Isaac Watts. Music arranged by Ralph Vaughn Williams. This may be my favorite hymn about the sovereignty of God and there are three things I particularly like about it. 1. It's originally from the hymnbook, "Divine and Moral Songs for Children." It's heartening to think of children singing lyrics like "I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day; the moon shines full at God’s command, and all the stars obey." 2. The old English tune was arranged by Ralph Vaughn Williams, who's like the king of old English tune arrangements. 3. It ends with this amazing lyric, "While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care; and everywhere that we can be, Thou, God art present there."
5. The Hymn From "Jupiter." Music by Gustav Holst. All right, so this isn't a hymn in the traditional sense. But the middle section from the "Jupiter" movement of Holst's "The Planets" practically begs for us to write lyrics and sing it in church.
4. Arise, My Soul, Arise. Words by Charles Wesley. Music by Bob Kauflin. Here's another Wesley hymn suffering from "Heal the World" syndrome that's revitalized by a gorgeous Bob Kauflin tune. There's a reason that nearly half of my favorite hymns were written by Charles Wesley. He's a master lyricist and his lyrics in this hymn are poignant without being sappy, theological without being dry, and simple without being trite. It's a brilliant song.
3. All Creatures Of Our God And King. Words by Francis of Assisi. Music by Peter Von Brachel. I believe that a majority of musical problems could be solved if composers simply wrote everything in 6/8. I always liked this hymn, but it jumped into a whole new category when I heard it in 6/8. And I love the concept of all creation praising the Lord.
2. The Master Has Come. Words by Sarah Doudney. One of the most inspiring hymns I know. I'm encouraged to fight the good fight each time I hear it.
1. Hark The Herald Angels Sing. Words by Charles Wesley. Music by Felix Mendelsshon. It's a crime that we only get to sing this song once a year. We should seriously sing it every Sunday. Lyrics don't get much better than "Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail the incarnate Diety" and "Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die."
That's my list. What are your favorite hymns?
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Swell Saturday: Musical Twinkies
A few months ago I posted my musical equivalent of a bag of Ruffles potato chips - songs that I can listen to ten times in a row. On this swell Saturday, I'll reveal my musical equivalent of a deep fried Twinkie - my favorite guilty pleasure songs. Please don't judge too harshly.
Photograph: I've always giggled at Nickelback, and I find this song particularly amusing. Those boys from Canada try so hard to rock while singing about the girliest of subjects: looking at old photo albums. Still, the chorus is incredibly catchy and I could listen to Chad Kroeger's voice all day long.
Lips Of An Angel: One of my favorite memories of this year so far was driving to Long Beach to look at bridesmaid dresses with my beautiful sister in law and belting this song together. (I still think she and my brother should have used it for their first dance.) The most awesome thing about Hinder's ballad is that lead singer Austin Winkler is supposed to be whispering to his ex-girlfriend while his current girlfriend is in the next room, yet he practically screams, "It's really good to hear your voice, saying my name it sounds so sweet."
Rich Girl: I'll be the first to say that I'm not a fan of Gwen Stefani's voice. Or her clothing line. Or her dance moves. But she sure can write a catchy song. "Rich Girl's" great beat and happy vibe almost make me forget that Stefani is desecrating one of musical theatre's greatest hits.
How Can We Be Lovers: While most of my grade school chums were swooning over the New Kids on the Block, I was singing along to Michael Bolton. Being an innocent little fourth grader, I had no qualms about belting out the following lyrics: "How can we be lovers if we can't be friends? How can we start over when the fighting never ends? How can we make love if we can't make amends?" It was my favorite song on the whole tape.
Proud To Be An American: I know it's cheesy, but I do get a little misty whenever I hear this song. Especially if it's accompanied by fireworks.
Wanted: Dead Or Alive: My brother introduced me to this song when he serenaded my parents with it every night during his senior year of high school. You can always count on Bon Jovi to deliver ridiculously dramatic lyrics and this song has some gems. My favorites include "Sometimes you tell the day by the bottle that you drink and times when you're alone and all you do is think" and "I've been everywhere, still I'm standing tall. I've seen a million faces and I've rocked them all." Plus Richie Sambora's harmonies are brilliant.
She's So High Above Me: Remember the band Fastball? That's what I thought. But I still love this song. I used to warble "She's so high above me, like Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, or Aphrodite" to my roommate Holly because she slept on the top bunk. Clever, no?
Love Shack: How can you not love a song with lyrics like, "Hop in my Chrysler, it's as big as a whale and it's about to set sail!" Plus the "Bang, bang, bang on the door" finish is easily one of my favorite pop music finales.
What's Left Of Me: I hated the boy band craze of the late nineties. And of all the boy bands, I hated 98 Degrees the most. So I was shocked to discover that this rather lovely little ditty was performed by none other than Nick Lachey. Yes, the lyrics are inane ("I'm half the man I thought I would be, but you can have what's left of me" doesn't exactly make me swoon), but it's a truly pretty song.
So there you have it. What are your guilty pleasure songs?
Photograph: I've always giggled at Nickelback, and I find this song particularly amusing. Those boys from Canada try so hard to rock while singing about the girliest of subjects: looking at old photo albums. Still, the chorus is incredibly catchy and I could listen to Chad Kroeger's voice all day long.
Lips Of An Angel: One of my favorite memories of this year so far was driving to Long Beach to look at bridesmaid dresses with my beautiful sister in law and belting this song together. (I still think she and my brother should have used it for their first dance.) The most awesome thing about Hinder's ballad is that lead singer Austin Winkler is supposed to be whispering to his ex-girlfriend while his current girlfriend is in the next room, yet he practically screams, "It's really good to hear your voice, saying my name it sounds so sweet."
Rich Girl: I'll be the first to say that I'm not a fan of Gwen Stefani's voice. Or her clothing line. Or her dance moves. But she sure can write a catchy song. "Rich Girl's" great beat and happy vibe almost make me forget that Stefani is desecrating one of musical theatre's greatest hits.
How Can We Be Lovers: While most of my grade school chums were swooning over the New Kids on the Block, I was singing along to Michael Bolton. Being an innocent little fourth grader, I had no qualms about belting out the following lyrics: "How can we be lovers if we can't be friends? How can we start over when the fighting never ends? How can we make love if we can't make amends?" It was my favorite song on the whole tape.
Proud To Be An American: I know it's cheesy, but I do get a little misty whenever I hear this song. Especially if it's accompanied by fireworks.
Wanted: Dead Or Alive: My brother introduced me to this song when he serenaded my parents with it every night during his senior year of high school. You can always count on Bon Jovi to deliver ridiculously dramatic lyrics and this song has some gems. My favorites include "Sometimes you tell the day by the bottle that you drink and times when you're alone and all you do is think" and "I've been everywhere, still I'm standing tall. I've seen a million faces and I've rocked them all." Plus Richie Sambora's harmonies are brilliant.
She's So High Above Me: Remember the band Fastball? That's what I thought. But I still love this song. I used to warble "She's so high above me, like Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, or Aphrodite" to my roommate Holly because she slept on the top bunk. Clever, no?
Love Shack: How can you not love a song with lyrics like, "Hop in my Chrysler, it's as big as a whale and it's about to set sail!" Plus the "Bang, bang, bang on the door" finish is easily one of my favorite pop music finales.
What's Left Of Me: I hated the boy band craze of the late nineties. And of all the boy bands, I hated 98 Degrees the most. So I was shocked to discover that this rather lovely little ditty was performed by none other than Nick Lachey. Yes, the lyrics are inane ("I'm half the man I thought I would be, but you can have what's left of me" doesn't exactly make me swoon), but it's a truly pretty song.
So there you have it. What are your guilty pleasure songs?
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Wesley Wednesday: Unlikely Lyrics Edition
I love lyrics that use odd words. Like "For poor ornery sinners like you and like I" in "I Wonder As I Wander." Or "A love as pure as breath, as permanent as death, implacable as stone" in Stephen Sondheim's "I Wish I Could Forget You." Or "I want to tell her that I love her but the point is probably moot" in Rick Springfield's "Jesse's Girl." This great Charles Wesley hymn uses two seldom used words (at least in hymns): antepast and dragon. And the rest of the words are pretty good too. Enjoy "Where Shall My Wondering Soul Begin?"
Where shall my wondering soul begin?
How shall I all to heaven aspire?
A slave redeemed from death and sin,
A brand plucked from eternal fire,
How shall I equal triumphs raise,
Or sing my great Deliverer’s praise?
O how shall I the goodness tell,
Father, which Thou to me hast showed?
That I, a child of wrath and hell,
I should be called a child of God,
Should know, should feel my sins forgiven,
Blessed with this antepast of Heaven!
And shall I slight my Father’s love?
Or basely fear His gifts to own?
Unmindful of His favors prove?
Shall I, the hallowed cross to shun,
Refuse His righteousness to impart,
By hiding it within my heart?
No! though the ancient dragon rage,
And call forth all his host to war,
Though earth’s self-righteous sons engage
Them and their god alike I dare;
Jesus, the sinner’s friend, proclaim;
Jesus, to sinners still the same.
Outcasts of men, to you I call,
Harlots, and publicans, and thieves!
He spreads His arms to embrace you all;
Sinners alone His grace receives;
No need of Him the righteous have;
He came the lost to seek and save.
Come, O my guilty brethren, come,
Groaning beneath your load of sin,
His bleeding heart shall make you room,
His open side shall take you in;
He calls you now, invites you home;
Come, O my guilty brethren, come!
For you the purple current flowed
In pardons from His wounded side,
Languished for you the eternal God,
For you the Prince of glory died:
Believe, and all your sin’s forgiven;
Only believe, and yours is Heaven!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Obscure Bible Facts Challenge: Pauline Epistles Edition
After church this morning, I've come to the conclusion that the Pauline Epistles are the most difficult books to teach third grade boys. Hopefully this quiz will be slightly less difficult.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Harry Potter And The Order Of The Swell Saturday
It's time once again to laud five more sultans of swell. Here are this week's favorites in no particular order.
The Wailin’ Jennys: My mom has fantastic taste in music, so I’m constantly borrowing (or stealing) her CDs. My most recent snatch is The Wailin’ Jennys' “40 Days” and I’ve listened to it every day this week. Cara Luft, Nicky Mehta, and Ruth Moody make up the pop/folk band and besides having one of the best names in the music business, they also write their own songs, play their own instruments, and sing impeccable three part harmony. Although they sometimes remind me of the soundtrack to a CW show (but a really classy CW show like the first season of "Felicity"), their songs are lovely and melancholy and the perfect accompaniment to a good book and a cup of hot chocolate.
Blueprint Magazine: A few months ago, everyone in my small group Bible study shared their favorite way to relax. I was amazed at the mature responses: go on a walk, work out, read a good book, etc. Alas, my answer wasn’t quite as impressive. I usually buy a giant salami sandwich and Diet Pepsi at Safeway and then eat it on my couch while reading a magazine. (And when I'm feeling really lazy, I lie on my couch and balance the plate on my stomach.) So while my friends exercise their bodies or their minds while they relax, I manage to damage them both at the same time. However, Blueprint magazine helps me feel a little better about my sloth. While many magazines aimed at 20-30 something women feature articles like “What’s Your Flirting Style?” or “The Best Jeans for Your Body Type”, Blueprint is a breath of fresh air. Consider the topics in this month’s issue:
-Bridesmaid Revisited: How to transform an old bridesmaid dress into haute couture with fabric paint and sponge paintbrushes.
-The Cutting Room: Creative ways to use wallpaper in your home, such as insets for your doors or a headboard.
-100 Reasons to Hit the Road: Their picks include the All Night Flea Market in Wheaton, IL, Congress Avenue Bats (1.5 million bats take flight at sunset) in Austin, TX, and In’N’Out Burger.
-The Guide to Surefire Grilling: Did you know that you can grill pizza?
Say what you will about Martha Stewart, she knows how to produce a great magazine.
Hairspray: Let’s face it. Hollywood hasn’t had much luck with the movie musical in recent years. After the brilliant “Chicago,” it’s been a string of critical and box office failures including “Rent”, “The Producers” (which was much better than critics would have you believe), the painfully tedious “Dreamgirls”, and in a strange way, "Spiderman 3". I thought “Hairspray” would be another nail in the movie musical’s coffin. I was wrong. “Hairspray” is my favorite movie of the summer and perhaps my favorite movie of the year so far. It’s a master class on how to make a movie musical (take notes, “Dreamgirls”) and I couldn’t stop smiling the entire two hours. The visuals were stunning, the choreography was brilliant, it was both sweet and sardonic, and John Travolta was a revelation. And with Tim Burton's "Sweeney Todd" currently in production, I'd say that the future of the movie musical looks pretty bright.
Threadless: This website combines two of my great loves: capitalism and democracy. Anyone can submit a t-shirt design, the public votes on their favorites and Threadless posts the winners each week, which you can purchase for about $15. My current favorite is the "I Listen To Bands That Don't Even Exist Yet" shirt.
The Following Quote: Here’s how writer-producer Al Jean sums up “The Simpsons Movie” in Entertainment Weekly, “As an event, I think it’ll be somewhere between Sgt. Pepper’s the album and Sgt. Pepper’s the movie.”
The Wailin’ Jennys: My mom has fantastic taste in music, so I’m constantly borrowing (or stealing) her CDs. My most recent snatch is The Wailin’ Jennys' “40 Days” and I’ve listened to it every day this week. Cara Luft, Nicky Mehta, and Ruth Moody make up the pop/folk band and besides having one of the best names in the music business, they also write their own songs, play their own instruments, and sing impeccable three part harmony. Although they sometimes remind me of the soundtrack to a CW show (but a really classy CW show like the first season of "Felicity"), their songs are lovely and melancholy and the perfect accompaniment to a good book and a cup of hot chocolate.
Blueprint Magazine: A few months ago, everyone in my small group Bible study shared their favorite way to relax. I was amazed at the mature responses: go on a walk, work out, read a good book, etc. Alas, my answer wasn’t quite as impressive. I usually buy a giant salami sandwich and Diet Pepsi at Safeway and then eat it on my couch while reading a magazine. (And when I'm feeling really lazy, I lie on my couch and balance the plate on my stomach.) So while my friends exercise their bodies or their minds while they relax, I manage to damage them both at the same time. However, Blueprint magazine helps me feel a little better about my sloth. While many magazines aimed at 20-30 something women feature articles like “What’s Your Flirting Style?” or “The Best Jeans for Your Body Type”, Blueprint is a breath of fresh air. Consider the topics in this month’s issue:
-Bridesmaid Revisited: How to transform an old bridesmaid dress into haute couture with fabric paint and sponge paintbrushes.
-The Cutting Room: Creative ways to use wallpaper in your home, such as insets for your doors or a headboard.
-100 Reasons to Hit the Road: Their picks include the All Night Flea Market in Wheaton, IL, Congress Avenue Bats (1.5 million bats take flight at sunset) in Austin, TX, and In’N’Out Burger.
-The Guide to Surefire Grilling: Did you know that you can grill pizza?
Say what you will about Martha Stewart, she knows how to produce a great magazine.
Hairspray: Let’s face it. Hollywood hasn’t had much luck with the movie musical in recent years. After the brilliant “Chicago,” it’s been a string of critical and box office failures including “Rent”, “The Producers” (which was much better than critics would have you believe), the painfully tedious “Dreamgirls”, and in a strange way, "Spiderman 3". I thought “Hairspray” would be another nail in the movie musical’s coffin. I was wrong. “Hairspray” is my favorite movie of the summer and perhaps my favorite movie of the year so far. It’s a master class on how to make a movie musical (take notes, “Dreamgirls”) and I couldn’t stop smiling the entire two hours. The visuals were stunning, the choreography was brilliant, it was both sweet and sardonic, and John Travolta was a revelation. And with Tim Burton's "Sweeney Todd" currently in production, I'd say that the future of the movie musical looks pretty bright.
Threadless: This website combines two of my great loves: capitalism and democracy. Anyone can submit a t-shirt design, the public votes on their favorites and Threadless posts the winners each week, which you can purchase for about $15. My current favorite is the "I Listen To Bands That Don't Even Exist Yet" shirt.
The Following Quote: Here’s how writer-producer Al Jean sums up “The Simpsons Movie” in Entertainment Weekly, “As an event, I think it’ll be somewhere between Sgt. Pepper’s the album and Sgt. Pepper’s the movie.”
Thursday, July 19, 2007
100 Ways To Confuse A Child: Lesson 32
I find that whenever I try to be exceptionally clever in my Sunday school lessons, I end up skewing children's theology.
I taught the kids about Paul and Lydia a few months ago and had the brilliant idea of using dipping something into dye as a picture of water baptism. I now wonder if my primary motivation for giving this example was the fact that I thought tie-dying socks would be super fun. In any case, the kids were pretty confused and over the next month whenever I asked, "What is baptism?" one little boy always confidently replied, "It's when you dip yourself in dye." Sigh.
Ben Witherington III probably never had a Sunday school teacher with a sick need to tie-dye socks, thus he has a solid grasp on the meaning of baptism and a new book called "Troubled Waters: Rethinking the Theology of Baptism."
Check out this link for a few of his thoughts on the subject and let me know what you think.
I taught the kids about Paul and Lydia a few months ago and had the brilliant idea of using dipping something into dye as a picture of water baptism. I now wonder if my primary motivation for giving this example was the fact that I thought tie-dying socks would be super fun. In any case, the kids were pretty confused and over the next month whenever I asked, "What is baptism?" one little boy always confidently replied, "It's when you dip yourself in dye." Sigh.
Ben Witherington III probably never had a Sunday school teacher with a sick need to tie-dye socks, thus he has a solid grasp on the meaning of baptism and a new book called "Troubled Waters: Rethinking the Theology of Baptism."
Check out this link for a few of his thoughts on the subject and let me know what you think.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Hit 'Em Up Style
Elements of Style, that is.
I consider myself a classic Type A personality, but lately I’ve wondered if that only applies to the insignificant areas of my life. For instance, I’ll spend two hours agonizing over a font for a flier, but take a year to compose a thank you note. I can’t stand misplaced apostrophes, but have the worst time returning library books when they’re due. I must hang my towels so the tags face inward, but can’t use my trunk because it’s full of year old craft supplies.
One of my more trivial obsessions is writing and grammar and William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White are my heroes. Their classic, “The Elements of Style” is chock full of delightfully phrased advice about style, misused words and expressions, basic rules of grammar, principles of composition and more. So in the interest of good writing everywhere, I decided to share a few of my favorite quotes.
Write with Nouns and Verbs.
“Write with nouns and verbs, not with adjectives and adverbs. The adjective hasn’t been built that can pull a weak or inaccurate noun out of a tight place . . . it is nouns and verbs, not their assistants, that give good writing its toughness and color.” (page 71)
Avoid the Use of Qualifiers.
“Rather, very, little, pretty – these are the leeches that infest the pond of prose, sucking the blood of words.” (page 73)
Put Statements in Positive Form.
“Make definite assertions. Avoid tame, colorless, hesitating, noncommittal language. Use the word not as a means of denial or in antithesis, never as a means of evasion.” For example: “He was not very often on time” versus “He usually came late.” (page 19)
Omit Needless Words.
“Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts.” Examples include “her story is a strange one” versus “her story is strange” or “owing to the fact that” versus “since.” (page 23)
I consider myself a classic Type A personality, but lately I’ve wondered if that only applies to the insignificant areas of my life. For instance, I’ll spend two hours agonizing over a font for a flier, but take a year to compose a thank you note. I can’t stand misplaced apostrophes, but have the worst time returning library books when they’re due. I must hang my towels so the tags face inward, but can’t use my trunk because it’s full of year old craft supplies.
One of my more trivial obsessions is writing and grammar and William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White are my heroes. Their classic, “The Elements of Style” is chock full of delightfully phrased advice about style, misused words and expressions, basic rules of grammar, principles of composition and more. So in the interest of good writing everywhere, I decided to share a few of my favorite quotes.
Write with Nouns and Verbs.
“Write with nouns and verbs, not with adjectives and adverbs. The adjective hasn’t been built that can pull a weak or inaccurate noun out of a tight place . . . it is nouns and verbs, not their assistants, that give good writing its toughness and color.” (page 71)
Avoid the Use of Qualifiers.
“Rather, very, little, pretty – these are the leeches that infest the pond of prose, sucking the blood of words.” (page 73)
Put Statements in Positive Form.
“Make definite assertions. Avoid tame, colorless, hesitating, noncommittal language. Use the word not as a means of denial or in antithesis, never as a means of evasion.” For example: “He was not very often on time” versus “He usually came late.” (page 19)
Omit Needless Words.
“Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts.” Examples include “her story is a strange one” versus “her story is strange” or “owing to the fact that” versus “since.” (page 23)
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody, Everywhere!
Given that I moved into my own place almost five years ago, I realized that it was probably time for me to clean out my old room. During the process I found a few treasures from my youth and I thought sharing them with you would help mortify my pride. Let the humbling begin!
Ah, another Dickensian Christmas with the Bruces. I often wonder what happened to that beautiful white fireplace.
A page from a little book I made at Pioneer Girls in third grade. Sadly, my handwriting still looks like this.
Prom 1997. My date and I made our entire group about two hours late when we decided to order the dessert sampler.
My first attempt at keeping a diary. It was an utter failure, considering that my first entry is dated four years later.
My brother as "Indiana Jeff" at the very first Camp O' Fun. Of all the incomprehensible skit plots we've had, this one takes the cake.
A Japanese print I made in art class in fourth grade. I especially like my music note stamp. If only someone had encouraged my artistic talent, who knows where I'd be today?
At the end of junior year, I had the brilliant idea of packing up all my bedding a day too soon. This was the result.
My official nickname during summer musicals.
My first big ballet recital picture. I particularly like the lovely silk plant in the background.
A thank you note from one of my first events as a Children's Director. I'm still proud of the fact that my party was the best time ever in a child's whole life.
A page from a college notebook. It appears to have served dual purposes: Greek drill sheet and lipstick blotter.
Ah, another Dickensian Christmas with the Bruces. I often wonder what happened to that beautiful white fireplace.
A page from a little book I made at Pioneer Girls in third grade. Sadly, my handwriting still looks like this.
Prom 1997. My date and I made our entire group about two hours late when we decided to order the dessert sampler.
My first attempt at keeping a diary. It was an utter failure, considering that my first entry is dated four years later.
My brother as "Indiana Jeff" at the very first Camp O' Fun. Of all the incomprehensible skit plots we've had, this one takes the cake.
A Japanese print I made in art class in fourth grade. I especially like my music note stamp. If only someone had encouraged my artistic talent, who knows where I'd be today?
At the end of junior year, I had the brilliant idea of packing up all my bedding a day too soon. This was the result.
My official nickname during summer musicals.
My first big ballet recital picture. I particularly like the lovely silk plant in the background.
A thank you note from one of my first events as a Children's Director. I'm still proud of the fact that my party was the best time ever in a child's whole life.
A page from a college notebook. It appears to have served dual purposes: Greek drill sheet and lipstick blotter.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Obscure Bible Facts Challenge: Children Edition
For the three of you who may have worried that I'd given up blogging forever, never fear! I've been living in the land of Camp O' Fun for a few weeks now, but I'm back and ready to blog. After spending the last week with ninety first through fifth graders, I was inspired to write a little Bible quiz about children. Enjoy!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Children Are The Future, Today Belongs To Me!
I made a shocking discovery a few weeks ago. After spending eight years under the delusion that I was an ESTJ (in the Myers Briggs personality type test), I learned that I am in fact an ENFP! Apparently every major life decision I’ve made over nearly a decade was based on faulty information. Maybe I should drive a Jetta instead of an Accord. Perhaps I should wear flats instead of heels. Could it be that I actually like vegetables more than fruit? Clearly, I have a lot of soul searching to do.
In reading about my personality type, I discovered that ENFPs are energized by new ideas and love to start things. So it should come as no surprise that I have quite a few projects on the back burner. Unfortunately ENFPs also have a difficult time finishing things, thus the odds of me actually accomplishing any these ideas aren't great. But I thought that sharing them with you might be a catalyst for action. Here are four projects I would like to finish in the future:
Write a Series of Children’s Books: I’m a huge fan of children’s literature. The “Betsy-Tacy” series, the “Shoe” books, “Half Magic”, “Magic By The Lake”, and every other book by Edward Eager, “Mrs. Piggle Wiggle” and the “Series of Unfortunate Events” all line the top of my bookshelf. For about four years I’ve played around with the idea of writing a series of children’s books that would combat various heresies in a child friendly way. I’d call it “The Adventures of Theo Logian” and it would feature a plucky little boy named Theo Logian who is constantly using his keen intellect and expansive knowledge of the Bible and church history to correct the misinformed ideas of his buddy Harry C. Oh, and he has a time machine too. The first book in the series would be a treatise against polytheism called “THEO LOGIAN AND TOO MANY GODS” with more books to follow. (The next book might be a study of the emergent church called “THEO LOGIAN AND TOO MANY CANDLES.”) Anyone interested in illustrating?
Compete On “The Amazing Race” With My Dad: Ok, so competing on a reality show with my father isn’t too likely considering it would take both of us away from our jobs for more than a month, but it would be so awesome. We'd make a great team - he could do all the physical challenges and figure out the puzzles and I could stand by and be super encouraging. America would love us (or hate us, depending on the editing) and I’m sure we’d get at least third place.
Write a Sociological Study: When I was in college, my first taste of a great sociological study was Christina Hoff Sommer’s “The War Against Boys”. It was well researched, well written, well argued and has definitely influenced how I treat the boys in my Sunday school classes. I've been in love with sociological studies ever since. Some of my favorites include, "The Second Family" by Ron Taffel and Melinda Blau, "Snobbery: The American Version" by Joseph Epstein and "Queen Bees and Wannabees" by Rosalind Wiseman. I'm currently reading, "One Perfect Day: The Selling of the American Wedding" by Rebecca Mead and it's a fascinating look at the wedding industry. When I read a good sociological study, I'm often inspired to go out into the world, do lots of research, draw conclusions and write a book. Given that my college papers consisted almost entirely of quotes and footnotes, I think this type of writing would suit me. Right now I'm interested in studying women's ministries in various churches and drawing some brilliant conclusion about the state of women's ministry in the 21st century.
Write, Direct, and Edit a Short Film: I'd call it "Meet Cute" (except that the title would look like "meet cute") and it would be a series of vingettes in which a girl (played by me in an assortment of darling Anthropologie outfits) falls in love with various guys through trite plot devices often used in bad romantic comedies. For instance, they might accidentally run into each other in the hall at work and have to bend down and pick up their papers, only to suddenly lock eyes and fall instantly in love. Or she might be picketing the gigantic small business killing bookstore his family owns, only to suddenly lock eyes with him and fall instantly in love. Or they might be walking their dogs at the dog park and get their dog leashes tangled up, only to suddenly lock eyes and fall instantly in love. You get the idea. Then in the last scene, she'd meet a guy at a party, they would make really boring small talk about their jobs and she would excuse herself. Then the screen would read, "Bobby and Susie were married three months later." Cute, right? Hey, at least it would give me a chance to wear adorable clothes. And that's half the reason I want to make the film.
Those are my four future projects. Hopefully I'll finish at least one some day. Or perhaps someone with a personality type that's good at finishing things could finish it for me.
What projects do you have on the back burner?
In reading about my personality type, I discovered that ENFPs are energized by new ideas and love to start things. So it should come as no surprise that I have quite a few projects on the back burner. Unfortunately ENFPs also have a difficult time finishing things, thus the odds of me actually accomplishing any these ideas aren't great. But I thought that sharing them with you might be a catalyst for action. Here are four projects I would like to finish in the future:
Write a Series of Children’s Books: I’m a huge fan of children’s literature. The “Betsy-Tacy” series, the “Shoe” books, “Half Magic”, “Magic By The Lake”, and every other book by Edward Eager, “Mrs. Piggle Wiggle” and the “Series of Unfortunate Events” all line the top of my bookshelf. For about four years I’ve played around with the idea of writing a series of children’s books that would combat various heresies in a child friendly way. I’d call it “The Adventures of Theo Logian” and it would feature a plucky little boy named Theo Logian who is constantly using his keen intellect and expansive knowledge of the Bible and church history to correct the misinformed ideas of his buddy Harry C. Oh, and he has a time machine too. The first book in the series would be a treatise against polytheism called “THEO LOGIAN AND TOO MANY GODS” with more books to follow. (The next book might be a study of the emergent church called “THEO LOGIAN AND TOO MANY CANDLES.”) Anyone interested in illustrating?
Compete On “The Amazing Race” With My Dad: Ok, so competing on a reality show with my father isn’t too likely considering it would take both of us away from our jobs for more than a month, but it would be so awesome. We'd make a great team - he could do all the physical challenges and figure out the puzzles and I could stand by and be super encouraging. America would love us (or hate us, depending on the editing) and I’m sure we’d get at least third place.
Write a Sociological Study: When I was in college, my first taste of a great sociological study was Christina Hoff Sommer’s “The War Against Boys”. It was well researched, well written, well argued and has definitely influenced how I treat the boys in my Sunday school classes. I've been in love with sociological studies ever since. Some of my favorites include, "The Second Family" by Ron Taffel and Melinda Blau, "Snobbery: The American Version" by Joseph Epstein and "Queen Bees and Wannabees" by Rosalind Wiseman. I'm currently reading, "One Perfect Day: The Selling of the American Wedding" by Rebecca Mead and it's a fascinating look at the wedding industry. When I read a good sociological study, I'm often inspired to go out into the world, do lots of research, draw conclusions and write a book. Given that my college papers consisted almost entirely of quotes and footnotes, I think this type of writing would suit me. Right now I'm interested in studying women's ministries in various churches and drawing some brilliant conclusion about the state of women's ministry in the 21st century.
Write, Direct, and Edit a Short Film: I'd call it "Meet Cute" (except that the title would look like "meet cute") and it would be a series of vingettes in which a girl (played by me in an assortment of darling Anthropologie outfits) falls in love with various guys through trite plot devices often used in bad romantic comedies. For instance, they might accidentally run into each other in the hall at work and have to bend down and pick up their papers, only to suddenly lock eyes and fall instantly in love. Or she might be picketing the gigantic small business killing bookstore his family owns, only to suddenly lock eyes with him and fall instantly in love. Or they might be walking their dogs at the dog park and get their dog leashes tangled up, only to suddenly lock eyes and fall instantly in love. You get the idea. Then in the last scene, she'd meet a guy at a party, they would make really boring small talk about their jobs and she would excuse herself. Then the screen would read, "Bobby and Susie were married three months later." Cute, right? Hey, at least it would give me a chance to wear adorable clothes. And that's half the reason I want to make the film.
Those are my four future projects. Hopefully I'll finish at least one some day. Or perhaps someone with a personality type that's good at finishing things could finish it for me.
What projects do you have on the back burner?
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Flight of the Conchords
Flight of the Conchords is "New Zealand's fourth most popular folk parody duo" featuring Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement. These guys produce some of the funniest material I've seen in a long time. Here is the "I'm Not Crying" video from the pilot of their new HBO show. Enjoy!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Swell Saturday: Fantastic Fathers Edition
It probably would have been better if I'd posted this on Friday, because then it could have been "Fantastic Fathers Friday" but oh well.
My dad is a very humble guy (I know you’re asking yourself, “How did he produce someone like Jenny?”) and would never brag about himself, so I’m going to have to do the job for him. I warn you now that this is an unabashedly gushy post.
If my mom is a Proverbs 31 woman, my dad is definitely a First Timothy 3:1-7 man. I read through these qualifications for overseers a few days ago and was struck by how much they reminded me of my dad. So in honor of Fathers' Day, please indulge me as I show how my dad is indeed a First Timothy 3:1-7 man.
“It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife”: Each morning, my dad gets up early, makes a cup of Caffe De Vita (or Coffee of Life as we say in our family) and brings it to my mom. This is just one of thousands of ways that my dad serves and cares for her each day. He has set the great husband bar remarkably high.
“Temperate”: When I was a kid, my dad and I joked about “buffeting our bodies and making them our slaves,” (pronouncing “buffet” like “buh-fey”) and would laugh at the idea of gorging ourselves with food to produce self discipline. But while I still enjoy “buh-feying”my body, my dad has truly made his body his slave. He isn’t controlled by sleep; he wakes up before sunrise every day to study his Bible and pray. He isn’t controlled by leisure; he works out with a master’s swim team, is in great shape, and has a killer Butterfly stroke. He isn’t controlled by his stomach; the healthy food that he enjoys puts my regular diet of burgers and fries to shame. He isn’t controlled by the television; he spends an amazing amount of time reading and contemplating new ideas. I’m in awe of his self control.
“Prudent”: Our church staff meetings begin with prayer requests and when one of us is struggling with a particularly tough problem, most of us will make very concerned faces, sympathize with what that person is going through, and earnestly say, “That must be hard – we’ll pray for that.” Often my dad will then speak up and say something like, “Have you tried writing a letter to explain your concerns?” or “Have you looked into different scholarship programs – I know a few websites you could check out.” or “We experienced that a few years ago and this helped us.” The troubled staff member’s eyes suddenly light up and he or she will say, “I never thought of doing that. I’ll give it a try!” My dad has a wealth of practical wisdom.
“Respectable”: Even when I was young, I sensed that people respected my dad. He's honorable, doesn't compromise on what he knows is right and never goes back on his word or wavers.
“Hospitable”: Growing up, we always had people over at our house. Whether it was a small group Bible study on Wednesday nights, our annual Christmas party, or emergency counseling appointments, my dad was constantly willing to open our home to others. He’s a truly fantastic host and comes up with the best party activities. “Full Contact Pictionary” remains one of my favorite party games ever.
“Able to Teach”: I continually hear about my dad’s preaching. At my weekly small group someone always says, “This reminds me of what John talked about last week. Wasn’t that a helpful sermon?” When I talk with members of our congregation I hear, “Your dad’s sermon was so good this morning. I felt like he was speaking right to me.” When I travel and meet people who knew my dad when he was with Campus Crusade they’ll often say, “Your dad was an amazing Bible teacher. I learned so much from him.” My dad’s sermons are a wonderful mix of in depth Bible study, great storytelling, and practical application. I leave his talks with a better understanding of Scripture, strong conviction of my own sin, and appreciation for my Lord. Plus, he gives every sermon completely from MEMORY. I’d like to see Jonathan Edwards do that.
“Not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable”: As much as I like to think of myself as sweet and gentle, I can be pretty pugnacious. Whether someone cuts me off on the freeway, disagrees with an argument I think is airtight, or is condescending in any way, I’m ready to duke it out right there. Even though my dad’s opinions are just as strong as mine, I’m amazed at how well he handles conflict. He believes the best about people. He gives people the benefit of the doubt. He’s patient and kind. He’s able to diffuse tense situations and cut right to the heart of the matter without getting personally offended. I could learn a lot from his example.
“Free from the love of money”: I never thought about money as a kid because I never heard my parents talk about it. I now know that money was pretty tight at times, but my dad never made it an issue. He always trusted God to provide and saw money as a tool to help others and further God’s Kingdom. He remains unfailingly generous and constantly treats people to lunch.
“He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity.”: I can’t remember a time that my dad was not actively discipling me. In preschool, my favorite game was “Ethical Questions” where my dad would describe a difficult moral situation and I would have to figure out the best way to handle it. (I remember asking him for a really tough one and he gave me the “Is lying ever right/hiding Jews in your basement in Nazi Germany” question.) As an elementary schooler, he told me Bible stories all the time. He was a master in setting up a story and I was so excited to hear about what happened to the Israelites after they made the Golden Calf or what happened to Esther after Xerxes held his nationwide beauty pageant. In junior high, he taught me the inductive Bible study method (I think I still have some of my old notes). Before my first dance in high school, my dad and mom helped me think through how I would handle every potential situation that could occur. I still constantly go to him for counsel.
“And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”: My dad has always cared about serving the greater community and supports it in various ways including working as the swim coach at the local high school a few years ago, spearheading a movement of community service at our church, tutoring fourth graders in reading, beautifying a playground, and much more.
So there you have it. I love you, Dad! Happy Fathers' Day!
My dad is a very humble guy (I know you’re asking yourself, “How did he produce someone like Jenny?”) and would never brag about himself, so I’m going to have to do the job for him. I warn you now that this is an unabashedly gushy post.
If my mom is a Proverbs 31 woman, my dad is definitely a First Timothy 3:1-7 man. I read through these qualifications for overseers a few days ago and was struck by how much they reminded me of my dad. So in honor of Fathers' Day, please indulge me as I show how my dad is indeed a First Timothy 3:1-7 man.
“It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife”: Each morning, my dad gets up early, makes a cup of Caffe De Vita (or Coffee of Life as we say in our family) and brings it to my mom. This is just one of thousands of ways that my dad serves and cares for her each day. He has set the great husband bar remarkably high.
“Temperate”: When I was a kid, my dad and I joked about “buffeting our bodies and making them our slaves,” (pronouncing “buffet” like “buh-fey”) and would laugh at the idea of gorging ourselves with food to produce self discipline. But while I still enjoy “buh-feying”my body, my dad has truly made his body his slave. He isn’t controlled by sleep; he wakes up before sunrise every day to study his Bible and pray. He isn’t controlled by leisure; he works out with a master’s swim team, is in great shape, and has a killer Butterfly stroke. He isn’t controlled by his stomach; the healthy food that he enjoys puts my regular diet of burgers and fries to shame. He isn’t controlled by the television; he spends an amazing amount of time reading and contemplating new ideas. I’m in awe of his self control.
“Prudent”: Our church staff meetings begin with prayer requests and when one of us is struggling with a particularly tough problem, most of us will make very concerned faces, sympathize with what that person is going through, and earnestly say, “That must be hard – we’ll pray for that.” Often my dad will then speak up and say something like, “Have you tried writing a letter to explain your concerns?” or “Have you looked into different scholarship programs – I know a few websites you could check out.” or “We experienced that a few years ago and this helped us.” The troubled staff member’s eyes suddenly light up and he or she will say, “I never thought of doing that. I’ll give it a try!” My dad has a wealth of practical wisdom.
“Respectable”: Even when I was young, I sensed that people respected my dad. He's honorable, doesn't compromise on what he knows is right and never goes back on his word or wavers.
“Hospitable”: Growing up, we always had people over at our house. Whether it was a small group Bible study on Wednesday nights, our annual Christmas party, or emergency counseling appointments, my dad was constantly willing to open our home to others. He’s a truly fantastic host and comes up with the best party activities. “Full Contact Pictionary” remains one of my favorite party games ever.
“Able to Teach”: I continually hear about my dad’s preaching. At my weekly small group someone always says, “This reminds me of what John talked about last week. Wasn’t that a helpful sermon?” When I talk with members of our congregation I hear, “Your dad’s sermon was so good this morning. I felt like he was speaking right to me.” When I travel and meet people who knew my dad when he was with Campus Crusade they’ll often say, “Your dad was an amazing Bible teacher. I learned so much from him.” My dad’s sermons are a wonderful mix of in depth Bible study, great storytelling, and practical application. I leave his talks with a better understanding of Scripture, strong conviction of my own sin, and appreciation for my Lord. Plus, he gives every sermon completely from MEMORY. I’d like to see Jonathan Edwards do that.
“Not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable”: As much as I like to think of myself as sweet and gentle, I can be pretty pugnacious. Whether someone cuts me off on the freeway, disagrees with an argument I think is airtight, or is condescending in any way, I’m ready to duke it out right there. Even though my dad’s opinions are just as strong as mine, I’m amazed at how well he handles conflict. He believes the best about people. He gives people the benefit of the doubt. He’s patient and kind. He’s able to diffuse tense situations and cut right to the heart of the matter without getting personally offended. I could learn a lot from his example.
“Free from the love of money”: I never thought about money as a kid because I never heard my parents talk about it. I now know that money was pretty tight at times, but my dad never made it an issue. He always trusted God to provide and saw money as a tool to help others and further God’s Kingdom. He remains unfailingly generous and constantly treats people to lunch.
“He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity.”: I can’t remember a time that my dad was not actively discipling me. In preschool, my favorite game was “Ethical Questions” where my dad would describe a difficult moral situation and I would have to figure out the best way to handle it. (I remember asking him for a really tough one and he gave me the “Is lying ever right/hiding Jews in your basement in Nazi Germany” question.) As an elementary schooler, he told me Bible stories all the time. He was a master in setting up a story and I was so excited to hear about what happened to the Israelites after they made the Golden Calf or what happened to Esther after Xerxes held his nationwide beauty pageant. In junior high, he taught me the inductive Bible study method (I think I still have some of my old notes). Before my first dance in high school, my dad and mom helped me think through how I would handle every potential situation that could occur. I still constantly go to him for counsel.
“And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”: My dad has always cared about serving the greater community and supports it in various ways including working as the swim coach at the local high school a few years ago, spearheading a movement of community service at our church, tutoring fourth graders in reading, beautifying a playground, and much more.
So there you have it. I love you, Dad! Happy Fathers' Day!
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