It’s my pleasure to welcome my friend, author Sundi Jo Graham, to Christian in the Rough. If you haven’t read her latest book Dear Dad, did you know I was a Princess? you owe it to yourself to follow the link at the end of this post and check it out!

Take it away, Sundi Jo…

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up” - James 5:14-15

From Dear Dad…

I wanted this to all be over. I sat at my desk twirling a pencil around, trying to figure out how to make sense of everything. No one else was in the office yet. I was extremely grateful. I was going to talk to my friend Jammie.

Maybe she would help me make sense of everything. Then I saw her e-mail:

“I was reading this morning and came across these scriptures and wanted to share it with you:

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up“ - James 5:14-15

“I love you and hope that you can meditate on these, and maybe they will help you want to seek help from our church family.”

Seek help from our church family? I had no idea what she was talking about. They had dragged her into all of this, too.

More…

Allow me to introduce you to the word denial. The definition? The action of declaring something to be untrue: “she shook her head in denial”.

Have you ever convinced yourself the truth really isn’t the truth? Ya, me too. I had myself convinced that I was ok. Friends were trying to reach out to me, but I wasn’t ready to face the truth.

Instead of asking for help, I dug myself into a deeper hole, convincing myself that everything was just fine and dandy. Malarkey!

I don’t believe the above verse just applies to the physically sick. We don’t have to be diagnosed with cancer to seek out prayers from our church family. I was emotionally sick and I can’t imagine the power prayer would have brought to the situation had I allowed myself to be vulnerable with those whom loved me.

The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up. Vs. 15

The prayer of faith applies to our minds, as well as our bodies. Don’t let pride, fear, or denial keep you from seeking prayer. It’s the key to healing.

What’s getting in the way of your healing?

Sundi Jo is an author and speaker. Her first book Dear Dad, a memoir of gritty redemption, offering hope to the broken, is available now. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook.

Silently I screamed my prayer. “God, my children are driving me crazy!”

“They have this attitude of entitlement. Whenever they approach me with a need or want, they expect me to drop everything and give it to them NOW.”

“Sometimes it isn’t even a request; it’s a demand. Heck, sometimes they expect me to meet their petitions without even bringing them to my attention.”

“They’re ungrateful for just about everything I do for them. It’s like they expect me to hand them the world on a plate. And when I don’t, they whine and moan that it isn’t enough.”

“When I ask something of them, no matter how simple, they roll their eyes and grumble about how ’unfair’ things are. They don’t want to lift a finger in return.”

“When I let them experience hardships, in hopes that they will learn and grow, they complain that I’ve abandoned them, that I just don’t care.”

“They ignore my instruction. It’s as if they think the rules I lay out for them are only to inconvenience and torture them. They don’t seem to realize I’m pointing these things out because I care about their well-being and want what’s best for them.”

“Seems like no matter what I do, it’s wrong in their eyes. I’m their advocate, but they view me as their enemy. They don’t want anything to do with me. I wish they could understand how much I love them.”

“God, my children are driving me crazy!”

God whispered in reply, ”I know. I have children too.”

“About 7 billion of them.”

“One of them is you.”

Have you ever looked back over a stretch of time, scratched your head and asked yourself, “What the heck happened?” April seems to be that kind of month for me. Both this year and last, I quickly fell behind and spent the rest of the month trying to catch up!

Thankfully I did manage to assemble some of my favorite top blog posts from around the blogosphere – the Posts with the Most - for your reading pleasure.

As always, I invite you to share your own favorite top blog posts from the past month in the comment section. After all, this is all about discovering and sharing some of the great blogs and bloggers out there. Come join the party!

Here are my picks for April 2013, in random order:

• Oh No They Didn’t – Find out here what wisdom kept The Bearded Idealist Stephen Haggerty from starting a fight in the Arby’s drive-thru.
• With My Heart in Their Hands – As a Developmental Services Worker student, Life With Bellymonster‘s Liz McLennan touched the lives of 9 adults with disabilities. Here she shares how they touched her life in return.
• They Could Be My Stories Too – Rochelle Fritsch of The Late Arrival helps us look at poverty through a different set of eyes. Be sure to check out the interactive quiz at the end.

Congratulations to all our featured blogs and bloggers!

What were some of your favorite top blog posts in April 2012?

After all the fuss I’ve been making about growing my beard over the past several weeks, I took a major step backward on Tuesday night.

I took my son to the barber for a haircut. While dropping him off, I noticed on the menu board that the barber also did beards.

Noting that some beard hairs grow more quickly than others, and figuring that I’d benefit from a bit of a ”clean up” trim, I soon found myself a chair.

Not wanting to undo a stellar three months of beard growth, I carefully explained to the barber, “I’m growing my hair out. I want to keep it as long as possible. I don’t want to lose any length on my beard. I just want you to even the growth out and trim down any stragglers.”

Before I knew it, he had taken a set of electric shears and hacked a full inch of growth off the right side of my face.

“Like this?” he asked, with a vacant look on his face.

I think the look of horror on my face and my exclamation of “Oh, crap!” told him he had made a huge mistake.

Too late at that point, though. We had to even everything out. Which means I lost about two months’ worth of beard growth in that sitting, due to some poor communication.

I am so bummed.

I was so careful and deliberate with my wording; I have no idea how he could have somehow heard me say, “Reduce my face to stubble.”

It reminds me of back when my wife was pregnant with our son. We were out of town in Buffalo, NY and she was having some serious cravings for a Wendy’s hamburger. I asked one of the locals where I could find a Wendy’s.

Without hesitation he replied, “There’s Swiss Chalet just around the corner.”

“Thank you,” I continued, “but my wife is pregnant. She has a craving for a Wendy’s hamburger. Do you know where we can find a Wendy’s?”

“Yeah,” he said, “Follow me, the Swiss Chalet is right around the corner.”

“B-but,” I stammered, “We’re looking for a Wendy’s…” as he hopped in his car and waved us on.

We got in our car and followed him. To Swiss Chalet. He waited in his car to make sure we got out of ours and went in. We hid inside the Swiss Chalet until he pulled away, then resumed our search for…a Wendy’s.

Do people not listen anymore?

It’s easy to spot when other people don’t listen.

I wonder how often I’ve had trouble with my own listening, and not even noticed.

I wonder what I’d hear God say to me right now, if I chose to discover the lost art of listening.

I’ve been a die-hard Conservative for most of my adult life.

And, while I’ll never claim to be an aficionado when it comes to Canadian politics, I’ve noticed a pattern over the years.

It seems to me a large number of Canadians don’t really care which party is in power.

As long as the current leadership hasn’t ticked everyone off enough, as a nation we’ll just shrug our shoulders in resignation and vote for them again in the next election.

But if leadership has rubbed us the wrong way, we’ll look for whoever we think is the most likely opponent to beat them, and vote for them instead.

For a lot of Canadians, it’s not so much about the party line as it is about putting in power the person who offends us the least.

Which I suppose helps explain the recent Conservative Party of Canada ads.

Mere hours after Justin Trudeau (son of former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau) was elected the leader of the opposition Liberal Party, the Conservative Party ran this childish campaign:

I guess the idea was to convince us that Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party are an even worse option than the current Conservative government, led by Stephen Harper.

But I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - if you think smearing the opposition is more likely to win my vote than news of how well you’re running the country, then maybe you shouldn’t be in power.

Would it make sense for me to promote my blog by telling you how awful someone else’s blog is? Or try to convince my wife what a wonderful husband I am by telling her what horrible husbands other guys would make?

Hardly.

Then why do political parties spend so much time and money convincing us how bad the other guy is, and very little showing us why they are the right choice?

Sorry Stephen Harper and Conservative Party of Canada, I’ve had it with you. In your efforts to gain votes you didn’t yet have, you just lost one that you already did.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. – Ephesians 4:29

Ever since I decided, 75 days ago, to grow a Duck Dynasty beard, new and exciting things have been happening.

I’ve been referred to as Moses, Santa, and Grizzly Adams. I’ve had my own mother say, “Eww…you’re not going to keep growing that, are you?” I’ve discovered that egg yolks stick really well to facial hair.

And I’ve noticed a modest shift in traffic to my blog.

Over the past month, 8 of the top 13 search queries that led people to this site had something to do with Duck Dynasty. The most popular one was “how to grow a Duck Dynasty beard”.

With that in mind, I knew I had to do what any savvy blogger would do:

1. Shamelessly create new content to exploit search queries related to Duck Dynasty beards, solely to increase traffic.
2. Justify it by offering readers a solution to a current problem, so it doesn’t look like I’ve completely sold out.

Beard, Day 74

So, although my own Duck Dynasty beard is still a work in progress (great beards are measured in years and months, not weeks and days), it is my pleasure to share the keys I have learned over the past several weeks about how to grow a Duck Dynasty beard:

1. Avoid shaving.
2. Repeat Step 1.

Sorry if you were expecting something more complicated.

But as Phil Robertson once said when asked how long he had been growing his beard, “I ain’t growing it. It’s doing that on its own.”

Words of wisdom.

Results may vary depending on your genetics and hormone levels, but this isn’t rocket science, folks. You can’t force or rush a Duck Dynasty beard.

You just have to let it happen.

It can go against every fiber of our being, but sometimes the best thing you can do to help something grow, is get out of its way.

Have you ever tried to force things that were beyond your control?

Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Between 1933 and 1945, the Nazi regime under Adolf Hitler institutionally killed more than 11 million people.

As we pause today and remember those atrocities, hoping and praying that something like that will never happen again, we need to pay attention to folks like author Andy Andrews who ask the hard question - how do you kill 11 million people?

How can such devastation be allowed to happen? How can more than 11 million people be led to their deaths? What would cause a society to go so far sideways? And what can we do to prevent that sort of thing from ever happening again?

Because unless we know and recognize the things that set such wheels in motion in the first place, history is destined to repeat.

The plain and simple truth, he discovered, was that you kill 11 million people by lying to them.

In his book How Do You Kill 11 Million People? Andrews reveals the dangers of leaders who lie, and more importantly, a population that trusts such people to lead them.

Andy Andrews is an advocate of truth. How Do You Kill 11 Million People is a call to action, specifically to the people of the United States, but also to the world in general, to demand truth from our leaders and to take an active, informed, passionate role in shaping our society.

We’ve seen what can happen without it.

It’s up to you and me to make sure that doesn’t happen again.

This book was bought with my own hard-earned cash. It was not a freebie, so I felt no obligation to endorse it. I was not required to write a positive review. As a rule I only post reviews of books that I enjoy, and that I feel will be beneficial to my readers. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Embedded in this review is an affiliate link to Amazon.com. If you follow the link from here and buy a copy of this book, Amazon will award me a 4% commission on the purchase.

Ask people to name their 10 favorite foods, and I doubt that celery would make many lists.

It’s definitely not in my Top 10.

But I used to eat a lot of it when I lived with my parents, in my late teens and early 20′s.

Back then I’d eat just about anything, and everything.

Seems I was always hungry, especially after playing hockey or softball. I’d come home and raid the fridge, eating whatever was handy.

There always seemed to be tons of celery.

So I’d eat that just to get rid of it, along with whatever else I could find. Heck, when you’re that hungry, sometimes quantity trumps quality.

But after a while…month after month after month…my frustration with eating celery boiled over.

I finally blurted to my Mom, “Will you please stop buying so much celery?!”

“I thought you liked it,” she replied, “You kept eating so much of it.”

“No!” I cried, “I’ve only been eating it to get rid of it. I don’t like it!”

I didn’t like celery, and was eating it just to get rid of it. My Mom saw how much I was eating, thought I liked it, and kept buying more.

Until I spoke up, she thought everything was fine.

But it wasn’t. I was eating celery, for crying out loud.

Why didn’t I speak up sooner?

******

Fast forward a couple of decades…

My wife and I are now seeing a counsellor once a week. Why? Because over the years we didn’t speak up on certain issues in our relationship.

We didn’t share how we were feeling at the time. Didn’t give our partner the chance to learn and possibly change things. Just grew more and more frustrated with each other until we finally snapped.

I’m glad we’re working things out now. It’s such a relief to speak out when things bother us, and deal with them then and there. It sure helps avoid a bunch of mental baggage down the road.

Just like me with the celery, I wish we had decided to speak up sooner. But I’m glad we finally did.

******

Let me encourage you, if something is going on in your life that is bothering you - tactfully, lovingly, speak up.

It may lead to some hard conversations, but in the long run it’s worth it.

It sure beats eating celery.

Well, now that we’ve reached the first of April (no fooling!) it’s time to celebrate our favorite top blog posts from March 2013 – the Posts with the Most!

Once again I’ve assembled my faves of all the top blog posts I read last month, and invite you to join the fun by letting us know some of your own March picks in the comment section.

One of the things I like most about this monthly feature – besides the chance to promote some great blogs and bloggers I know – is to discover new ones!

So don’t be shy, dive right in. Enjoy these awesome eight, and let us know who else you think should be on this list.

Here they are, in random order…

1. The Day I Discovered What I Wanted to Do Forever – After going through her own battle with cancer, Haley Bellows now helps others through theirs. Via Prodigal Magazine.
2. I Don’t Know How to Do Justice – Jessica Bowman guest posts at In a Mirror Dimly, exploring what it means to “do justice”.
3. Actions Speak Louder Than Feelings – Andy Andrews shares a stellar way to get past a negative attitude.
4. Please take one – Billy Coffey offers a smart solution for settling our differences.
5. The hazards of walking barefoot in the grass – It’s a pleasure to have the incomparable katdish back here at PWTM, this time weighing the risks vs the rewards of going barefoot.
6. Don’t waste your fail – Ben Reed talks poop. In a good way.
7. push. – Alece Ronzino of Grit and Glory reminds us that live isn’t meant to be easy, but it is meant to be shared.
8. Affecting the world – A very rare double feature this month, from Billy Coffey. As a rule I try only to feature one post per blog per month. But the messages in both of these offerings from Billy were so distinct and so necessary, they earned their own separate spots. This one is about the ripples we leave behind us as we go through life.

Now it’s your turn – what were your favorite top blog posts from March 2013?

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve gone through what I can only describe as a spiritual s***-kicking. Excuse my French, but I can’t come up with any term that describes it better than that.

By nature I’m an extreme introvert, and am wired more to deal with tasks than people. I’m a guy who makes to-do lists. Forecasts. Grocery lists. Budgets. I’m a planner and a control freak. I like all my ducks in a row.

I’ve measured my success by how many items on my lists I’ve been able to check off.

Some days, I’m this annoying boss from The Incredibles:

I’ve gotten so caught up in making sure that I do my daily Bible reading, blog reading, blog writing, praying, etc. that it has become all about the list, and not about people.

When someone asks how my spiritual life is going, I instinctively default to my list of activities. How much am I praying, reading, writing?

Not - how is God using me as an instrument of His grace to others?

“Religion” has become more important than relationship.

Crap. I’ve been a Pharisee.

Don’t get me wrong – praying, reading and writing can be good, and healthy. But not when they become a consuming activity, an item on a checklist, something that actually keeps me from sitting at Jesus’ feet.

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:38-42

Imagine that. In my pursuit for Jesus, I’ve rushed right past him, to-do list in hand.

Jesus, forgive me.

Time for me to throw away the to-do list, and sit at Your feet.

On Monday I went to the dentist. Naturally, on the previous Thursday I started to floss, hoping to make it look like I’d been flossing regularly for the last six months.

Oops.

Even though my dentist is a really nice guy with a great sense of humor, I don’t usually enjoy my visits. Even if it’s just for a clean and polish.

Most appointments start off with a rookie hygienist, half my size and half my age, trying to gouge her way through my teeth with a sharp metal hook. This hook, though meant to clean my teeth, quite often finds its way into my gums as well.

As much as I try to stay relaxed and distracted by the 24-hour news channel on the TV screen that’s glued to the ceiling, I can’t help but stiffen and wince as the hook-wielding sprite-du-jour bloodies my gums.

I never appreciated or understood all that pain until Monday’s appointment. For the first time ever, my hygienist actually explained to me what she was doing, and why she had to scrape below the gumline.

It turns out that, though painful, removing the plaque from below the gumline keeps my teeth clean and healthy. The longer I go without that maintenance, the worse my teeth will get, and the more painful the work will be to fix them.

Knowing that didn’t lessen the pain, but it made it more bearable.

That’s the attitude I try to remember when God disciplines me. His knowledge of - and desire for - what’s best for me should always trump my selfish desires. Though it’s painful, his way is the best.

The longer I go against it, the worse things will get, and the more painful it will be to fix them.

God, let me seek and follow your will today, not mine.

Oh yeah, and please remind me to floss.

Amen.

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. – Hebrews 12:11

Well, we are now 40 days into my year-long quest of growing a beard worthy of Duck Dynasty.

At the start of this great adventure, I posted some reasons why I’m growing a beard in the first place. And, as the facial follicles festively fill out, I’ve made a few observations about the whole process.

It’s amazing how, when you’re looking for simple life lessons, they seem to pop up in the most unusual circumstances. Like letting your hair grow.

In totally random order, here is some of the wisdom I’ve gleaned from the experience so far:

1. Change and growth don’t happen overnight. It’s a process that you need to commit to, something that happens daily. Sometimes the change is so gradual, you don’t notice from day to day. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. Note your progress so you can look back over time to see the results.
2. Change and growth can be uncomfortable. Any guy who has grown a beard can tell you about that stretch, a few days into it, where it starts to itch. Many guys will cave at this point and give up in the name of comfort. Only the truly committed will soldier through to see the reward.
3. Change and growth won’t look good right away. Even the best beards started as unsightly stubble. Hey, you gotta start somewhere.
4. Change and growth won’t appeal to everyone. You may get comments from others about how this new venture isn’t such a good idea. Some may have a valid point (not everyone can – or should – grow a beard). A few just might be jealous. Beard envy, anyone? Choose to get feedback from those you respect who will “tell it like it is”.
5. Those who have been there will rally around you and offer encouragement. I’ve swapped plenty of beard stories with some great guys over the last few weeks, and don’t think I’ll ever tire of them. There’s a special bond among guys with beards, a kinship. A knowing nod and a smile that says, “Hey, me too!”

And a bonus thing I learned this past week – toddlers can stare for a very, very long time.

What changes have you been going through lately? What changes have you been putting off?

The beginning of each month brings one of my favorite features – Posts with the Most. Welcome to our latest edition, where we celebrate my favorite top blog posts from around the blogosphere for February 2013!

In completely random order, I’ve assembled 7 top blog posts for your reading pleasure. Please share any of your faves from the past month that I may have missed, in the comment section.

Posts with the Most is all about connecting some great blogs and bloggers with some great readers – you!

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a look back at the month that was…

1. I Like Going To WalMart – I never used to like going to Wal-Mart. Until Bryan Daniels of Chief of the Least gave me this perspective.
2. Everyday Radical: How God Feels About Letting His Children Go To Hell – A gem from Emily Wierenga, posted at Prodigal Magazine.
3. The Stories You Tell - Great post, but be warned: Rob Shep uses the word “poop”. Twice. Gasp!
4. Doing Justice: Small, Quiet Battles – J.R. Goudeau guest posts at In a Mirror Dimly.
5. The Woman Who Changed the World – Another great guest post. This time Stephanie May shares a story all the way from Kathmandu at Prodigal Magazine.
6. Enough faith – Billy Coffey grabs his monthly spot at PWTM with a strong dose of truth.
7. On the Chair Next to You – Brant Hansen of Brant’s Blog wraps up our unofficial running theme of “perspective” with the incredible story of a man named Kumar.

I hope you enjoyed these posts as much as I did. Many thanks to those who wrote and featured them!

What was your favorite top blog post from February 2013?

Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
    Remind me that my days are numbered—
    how fleeting my life is. – Psalm 39:4

For all my life I’ve struggled with procrastination. Putting things off until the last minute. Doing just enough to get by. Planning to do great things…tomorrow.

Does that sound familiar?

I don’t want to reach the end of my life with a boatload of things I should have, could have, would have done, but didn’t.

In my heart I echo that psalmist’s prayer. I want to live my life with an urgency and focus that reflects the brevity of my time here on earth, and the importance of each day.

Because today could be my last.

Why, then, haven’t I?

I think it’s safe to say – if you and I are asking ourselves that question, we need to change our mind-set.

20,000 Days and Counting is the place to start.

How many days have you been alive? How many would you guess?*

Today is day 16,592 for me.

Author Robert D. Smith reached his 20,000th day back in 2009. He celebrated that milestone by checking into a hotel. Over the next 48 hours, he planned his next 20,000 days. Out of that 48-hour session, 20,000 Days and Counting was born.

In this compact, easy-to-read manual, Smith shares a simple plan that, when applied, will have you living with purpose. Daily.

Our days are already numbered. When you come to the end of yours, what sort of life would you like to look back on?

Why not start that life today?

With the help of 20,000 Days and Counting, you can.

How many days have you been alive? Is the number more or less than you thought it would be?

*To find out how many days you have been alive, Robert D. Smith has provided a “life-calculator” at his site. Check it out!

This book was bought with my own hard-earned cash. It was not a freebie, so I felt no obligation to endorse it. I was not required to write a positive review. As a rule I only post reviews of books that I enjoy, and that I feel will be beneficial to my readers. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Embedded in this review is an affiliate link to Amazon.com. If you follow the link from here and buy a copy of this book, Amazon will award me a 4% commission on the purchase.

I live within walking distance of a major highway. Sometimes when there’s been a crash, I can see a helicopter hovering over that section of the road.

Earlier this week, the helicopter was hovering. And the first thought through my head was, “I hope it isn’t anyone I know.”

I quickly gave my head a shake.

As if it would be alright if it was someone I didn’t know?

How sick is that?

But that happens all the time. Doesn’t it?

*****

In an old Twilight Zone episode called Button, Button, Arthur and Norma Lewis are poor and in desperate need of cash. A strange box arrives at their door, along with a note. The note says a Mr. Steward will soon be paying them a visit. Later, Mr. Steward shows up with a key to the box.

He explains that if they press the button on the box, two things will happen: they will be given $200,000, and “someone whom you don’t know” will die.

They agonize for days about whether or not to press the button.

Finally, Norma gives in and decides to press it.

Mr. Steward shows up the next day with a briefcase containing $200,000. He informs them that the button on the box will be ”reprogrammed” and given to someone else under the same terms and conditions.

“I can assure you,” he concludes, ”it will be offered to someone whom you don’t know.”

*****

When it’s “someone whom you don’t know”, it’s easier – as this Phil Collins song suggests - to “switch it off or look away”.

Long Long Way To Go*

While I sit here trying to think of things to say
Someone lies bleeding in a field somewhere
So it would seem we’ve still got a long long way to go
I’ve seen all I wanna see today

While I sit here trying to move you any way I can
Someone’s son lies dead in a gutter somewhere
And it would seem that we’ve got a long long way to go
But I can’t take it anymore

Turn it off if you want to
Switch it off it will go away
Turn it off if you want to
Switch it off or look away

While I sit and we talk and talk and we talk some more
Someone’s loved one’s heart stops beating in a street somewhere
So it would seem we’ve still got a long long way to go, I know
I’ve heard all I wanna hear today

Turn it off if you want to (turn it off if you want to)
Switch it off it will go away (switch it off it will go away)
Turn it off if you want to (turn it off if you want to)
Switch it off or look away (switch it off or look away)

Switch it off

Turn it off

*****

It’s interesting how our concern level changes when the affected person switches from “someone whom you don’t know” to someone we do know. Especially ourselves.

Isn’t it?

*****

What if it was someone you did know?

* Special thanks to katdish for introducing me to these lyrics almost two years ago, right after the tsunami in Japan.

I’ve always been a music buff, especially the “classic rock” genre. Growing up in Toronto in the 1970′s, my transistor radio was tuned in to local AM radio station 1050 CHUM for all the latest rock and roll hits. I still remember DJ Tom Rivers, who signed off his broadcast time with the slogan, “Lead, follow, or get out of the way!”

Decades later, his slogan still strikes a chord with me, since I’ve always been concerned about which one of those three God is calling me to do.

Do you know someone who should be leading, but isn’t? Do you know someone who should be following, but isn’t? Do you know someone who just needs to get out of the way?

Could any one of those someones be you?

For four years a friend of mine, Marc, helped plant and pastor a new church. At the end of those four years he realized it had progressed as far as his leadership would take it. Marc loves his people. He swallowed his pride and made the difficult, painful decision to “get out of the way” so someone else could continue what he had started. That is the mark of a true leader. I can’t even begin to describe how much I admire him for that.

Another friend of mine was in virtually the same situation. He is a good man with many talents, but leadership is not one of them. Still, he assumed a position of leadership. He gave it his all, and took his young church as far as his ability would allow. But then, perhaps unaware of his limitations, he stayed in that position and refused to get out of the way.

It resulted in a slow and painful death spiral that left many good families hurt and disillusioned, physically, mentally and spiritually spent. What an unfortunate ending for something that started with so much hope and promise.

With those examples clearly in mind, last year I stepped out of a leadership role in the young adult ministry at our church and allowed it to take a whole new direction, under new leadership. For a while it felt like I was admitting defeat.

But then I realized…

Not everyone is called to be a leader, and that’s ok. We glorify God by using the talents and opportunities He has given us, and also by making room for others to use theirs. Sometimes it’s just a matter of knowing when to lead, when to follow, and when to get out of the way.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. – Romans 12:6-8

I’ve been sporting facial hair since I grew a moustache at 18. My beard has come and gone over the years. The goatee has been around for the last 10 years or so.

I’ve now had more years with facial hair than without.

But I’ve never had a Duck Dynasty beard.

For those who aren’t familiar, Duck Dynasty is a reality TV series that follows the Robertson family and their duck call business, Duck Commander. The Robertson men are known for their robust beards.

If you’ve ever wondered what you’d look like with a Duck Dynasty beard, follow this link to the Duck Dynasty Beard Yourself Facebook app. I’ve shared my handiwork above.

Yep, that picture up there? Not my real beard.

Yet.

See, I’ve decided to grow myself a Duck Dynasty beard. I figure it’ll take about a year, maybe a bit longer.

It’s been 12 days so far, and all is well.

It’s amazing how polarizing the topic of beards can be. People (especially ladies) seem to either love them or hate them. So why, you ask, would I suddenly decide to grow a Duck Dynasty beard?

1. My company is hosting a rock ‘n’ roll theme party in January 2014 and I want to go as a member of ZZ Top.
2. My wife has been asking me to grow my hair long for years. The beard has been included in the dare. Happy wife, happy life!
3. It’s a bit of a ”social experiment” to see how differently people react to me with long hair and a bushy beard.
4. I figure it will help me look more the part of a “Christian in the Rough”. Kinda like the anti-Joel Osteen. Same muscular build and pasty white complexion, with the head of a Robertson instead of an Osmond.
5. I’m hoping to one day be included in The Bearded Idealist‘s Beard of the Month feature, which is not only a lot of fun, but also helps raise money for a great cause.

Check in for monthly updates on the beard’s progress. Use the app to beard yourself and post the link. Or guys, why not join me and grow your own Duck Dynasty beard?

How do you feel about beards?

Welcome to February! It’s time to look back at January 2013 and celebrate some of my favorite top blog posts from around the blogosphere – the Posts with the Most!

As always, you are welcome to include your own picks in the comment section. I’m always looking for great blogs and bloggers we can share. Come and join the party!

Here, in random order, are my favorite top blog posts for January 2013:

1. Why I asked Jesus to make me like my dog – Once you hear about Sammy Adebiyi’s Saint Bernard MJ, you might want to be like her too.
2. A middle finger like mine – No, it’s not what you might think. Billy Coffey shares his daughter’s touching goal for the coming year.
3. Discipleship Minute: A Lesson From Annie – Like Sammy, PWTM newcomer Ed Underwood has an exemplary dog – a loyal spaniel named Annie.
4. Everyday Radical: To The Last Virgins Standing – Emily Wierenga shares her personal story of sexual purity at Prodigal Magazine.
5. Searching for Meaning in a World Without Google – David Rupert of Red Letter Believers dared a week without search engines. Could you survive it?
6. The Gospel of Pastor Mark Driscoll – My buddy Clay Morgan from Clay Writes handles the controversial Mark Driscoll with humor, wisdom and grace. When I grow up, I want to be like Sammy’s dog, Ed’s dog, and Clay.
7. Can You Imagine? – aka The Parable of the Flying Naked Baby. Yes, that’s right. You can’t make stuff like this up. From Jamie the Very Worst Missionary.
8. Desperate for Jesus – Jared Hollier asks this awesome question – “So why was Jesus so miraculous in the gospels, and so ordinary in our lives?”
9. God or the Bargain – The Bearded Idealist Stephen Haggerty guest posts at The Standing Place. For anyone who has ever eaten cheap pizza and regretted it later.
10. Bring the Rain. Bring the Pain. – We may not enjoy going through trials, but often they prove to be exactly what we need. From Third Option Men.

What were some of your favorite top blog posts from January 2013?

As a youngster I remember seeing dozens of cereal commercials on TV. Some had to get pretty creative to make their product sound nutritious.

“They’re a source of food energy!” (So are sticks of deep-fried butter.)

“One ounce of ________ with four ounces of milk is a good source of protein.” (So is four ounces of milk.)

“A drug-free way to promote regularity.” (In other words, it helps you poop.)

But my all-time favorite was when the camera panned across a breakfast table laden with fruit, eggs, milk, grains, yogurt, and a tiny bowl of cereal. And we heard those five magic words, “Part of this balanced breakfast.”

Which was a clever way of saying, “Your breakfast will actually be nutritious if you eat all this other stuff along with our cereal.”

I think it was the same PR firm that came up with the idea of Al Gore having a “neutral carbon footprint”.

It’s like the old joke about two actuaries who go duck hunting. Both shoot at a duck that flies overhead. One’s shot misses 20 feet to the left. The other’s shot misses 20 feet to the right. They give each other high fives, because on average they shot it. (My brother-in-law works with actuaries. He loves that joke.)

There’s something not quite right about this whole “balanced” thing.

But we do it all the time, don’t we?

Not just with breakfast. With our overall behavior. Making up for – even justifying – our unhealthy habits by trying to do enough “good” stuff to balance things out. Always keeping score. Spinning plates.

It can be downright exhausting.

I don’t want a “balanced” breakfast. I want a healthy breakfast.

Maybe it’s time to lose the Chocolate Frosted Sugar Bombs…

Dear Mister Language Person: I am curious about the expression, ”Part of this complete breakfast.” The way it comes up is, my 5-year-old will be watching TV cartoon shows in the morning, and they’ll show a commercial for a children’s compressed  breakfast compound such as “Froot Loops” or “Lucky Charms”, and they always show it sitting on a table next to a some actual food such as eggs, and the announcer always says: “Part of this complete breakfast.” Don’t they really mean, “Adjacent to this  complete breakfast,” or “On the same table as this complete breakfast”? And couldn’t they make essentially the same claim if, instead of Froot Loops, they put a can of shaving cream there, or a dead bat?

A. Yes.

- Dave Barry

Read Chapter 53 of the Book of Isaiah in the Bible, compare it to the life and ministry of Jesus, and you’ll likely see some parallels. There’s something to be said about the benefit of hindsight, seeing a prophetic work lived out with uncanny accuracy.

I felt the same way as I read Amusing Ourselves To Death by Neil Postman.

First published in 1985, then released with a new introduction in 2005, Postman’s prophetic words warned of the effects that popular media (which at the time was pretty much television) would have on our culture.

Though written before the age of the Internet, cell phones, DVDs, HDTVs and iPods, it’s amazing to see how Postman’s thoughts have become even more relevant today.

He often refers to Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, in which society falls not to outward oppression, but to its own distractions and passivity.

Postman argues, “Forms of media favor particular kinds of content and therefore are capable of taking command of a culture.”

He continues, ”A great media-metaphor shift has taken place in America, with the result that the content of much of our public discourse has become dangerous nonsense.”

Like it or not, I found it impossible not to agree.

We’re being duped.

Willingly even.

Almost unknowingly.

Look around and you’ll see it everywhere.

Politics. Religion. News. Sports. Education. Commerce.

These days, image trumps substance.

Christianity isn’t exempt.

Postman hit me between the eyes when he said, “I believe I am not mistaken in saying that Christianity is a demanding and serious religion. When it is delivered as easy and amusing, it is another kind of religion altogether.”

Hmm…wonder which kind most of us are looking for?

There is no easy cure. And as Postman aptly notes, “not everyone believes a cure is needed.”

But for those who’ve ever had a nagging feeling that society is headed sideways and can’t quite figure out why…

For those who would rather swallow the painful red pill of reality than the blue pill of blissful ignorance…

For those who feel called to more in life than simply drowning in a “sea of amusements”…

This is required reading.

Not necessarily an easy read. Not always a comfortable read. But oh so vital.

Just like with Isaiah 53 and Jesus, hold the prophetic words of Amusing Ourselves To Death next to our Information Age society, and the parallels are undeniable.

It’s up to us what we do with it. Will you choose the red pill or the blue?

This book was bought with my own hard-earned cash. It was not a freebie, so I felt no obligation to endorse it. I was not required to write a positive review. As a rule I only post reviews of books that I enjoy, and that I feel will be beneficial to my readers. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Embedded in this review is an affiliate link to Amazon.com. If you follow the link from here and buy a copy of this book, Amazon will award me a 4% commission on the purchase.

Many years ago, at a competitive softball game, I crushed a ball to left field. It sailed over the startled left fielder’s head as he ran back in vain to track it down. My blast cleared the bases, and brought cheers from the few fans who were watching.

At the end of the inning, as we took the field, my friend Chappy trotted over and patted me on the back.

“Nice hit,” he said, “but that’s not your swing.”

Chappy knew that I’ve never been a home run hitter. My strength has always been hitting line drive singles up the middle, or doubles to the gap. I hit for average, not power.

On my best day, I had what they call “warning track power” – enough oomph to get the ball near the fence, but not over.

After that one miracle connection, he knew that I’d likely go up to the plate again and swing for the fence. He knew that I’d try to be something I’m not, and lose sight of my strengths.

While it stung a bit to hear him say it, I knew he was right. And I appreciated it.

* * * * *

On October 23 1993, the Toronto Blue Jays were leading the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series, three games to two. Down by one run in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 6, with one runner on base and one out, Toronto’s Paul Molitor came to the plate.

He said one of the hardest things about that at bat was fighting the thought that if he hit a home run, it would win the World Series. In his words, “That’s not percentages.” Molitor wasn’t a power hitter. He hit a solid single to keep the rally going.

The next batter, Joe Carter, slugged a home run to win the Series.

Molitor was named Series MVP.

* * * * *

Sometimes we look to club a home run, when all we’re really made to do is spank a single.

Don’t lose sight of your strengths and try to be something you’re not.

Remember your swing, and keep the rally going.

“Don’t look for big things, just do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa

I’ve been sitting on a book idea for years. Yeah, I’ve worked on it here and there, with several chapters half-written. Some of it’s pretty good. But it’s still in bits and pieces.

Lately, I’ve grown tired of making excuses when people ask, “So, how’s the book coming?”

I decided to buckle down and invest in Michael Hyatt’s GET PUBLISHED audio program.

One of the first things the program recommends is to write down your goals. Hardly anything novel or earth-shattering there, right?

Just one problem. I hadn’t written down any goals for my book writing, blogging, platform…anything.

So I decided to give it a try. And I was amazed at what a difference it made when I wrote it down.

I wrote down a goal to reach 100 Facebook likes by the end of 2012. I wound up with 140.

I wrote down a goal to reach 5000 Twitter followers by the end of 2012. I wound up with over 8000.

Because when you write it down and keep it in front of you, you start to think of ways to make it happen.

I also wrote down a goal to complete my book proposal by the end of 2012. I didn’t get it done. But let me tell you, I got a lot more of it done than I would have without a written goal.

It’s amazing what power the written word can have.

I’m pretty sure that’s why God says in Deuteronomy to write His words on your doorposts and on your gates, tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.

This time of year, posts about New Year’s resolutions (or whatever you want to call them) are a dime a dozen. But here’s some sound advice: if you’re setting some goals anyway, be sure to write them down and keep them in front of you as reminders.

While we’re at it, let’s do the same with God’s word.

You just might be amazed at the difference it makes.   

“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors.” – Deuteronomy 11:18-21

What goals have you written down for this year?

I’m no daredevil, but I enjoy things that push me beyond my comfort zone. Physically. Mentally. Even spiritually. That’s why I’m a fan of Tough Mudder.

As their website describes, “Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie.”

With obstacle names like Kiss of Mud, Fire Walker, Arctic Enema and Electric Shock Therapy, Tough Mudder is no stroll in the park.

But it’s not the challenges that impress me the most about Tough Mudder. It’s their approach that I love – an approach that, in my mind, parallels what Christianity was meant to be.

“Tough Mudder is more than an event, it’s a way of thinking.” – toughmudder.com

Tough Mudder participants are known as Mudders.

For starters, Mudders don’t take themselves too seriously. Yes, the courses are hardcore, but Mudders are met at the end with a beer, some laughs, and an upbeat live band. Organizers advise, “…please don’t show up at a Tough Mudder without a sense of humor.”

Mudders run as a team.

“To get through mud, fire, ice-water, and 10,000 volts of electricity you’ll need teammates to pick you up when your spirits dip. To get over 12 foot walls and through underground mud tunnels, you’ll need teammates to give you a boost and a push. Tough Mudders are team players who make sure no one gets left behind.” – toughmudder.com

Mudders recite this pledge before each event:

• I understand that Tough Mudder is not a race but a challenge.
• I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time.
• I do not whine – kids whine.
• I help my fellow mudders complete the course.
• I overcome all fears.

The best Christians I’ve known don’t take themselves too seriously. They recognize that life is a team event, not solo. They encourage and build others up. They look out for each other. They stretch themselves, and help others stretch in the process.

Yep. The best Christians are Mudders.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another… – Hebrews 10:24-25

If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. – Galatians 6:3

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. – Galatians 6:9-10

I’m so impressed with Tough Mudder, I’m actually thinking about signing up for their upcoming Toronto event on September 28 and 29, 2013. Who’s with me?

Who are some Christian “Mudders” you know? How have you been influenced by their example?

Katie is Deaf, but that doesn’t stop her from singing at church. Yes, she signs along with the music, but also sings the words out loud with all her heart. She doesn’t hit all the right notes, but she makes a joyful noise.

Ed can hear, but can’t find a tune to save his life. Still he sings with unbridled enthusiasm, and worships with a joy that is simply infectious. He doesn’t hit all the right notes, but he makes a joyful noise.

Meanwhile, I sing softly, self-conscious. My hearing isn’t the best. Neither is my voice. Am I off key? What if somebody notices? What if they don’t like it? What if they laugh?

Hmm. Sounds pretty pathetic when you put it that way, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, this was me last Sunday.

Until, of course, God clobbered me over the head with a two-by-four. In a good way.

I thought of the years that I’ve sat on my gifts, too timid to put them out there for God and others to see. What if I screw up? What if my best isn’t good enough? What if people don’t like it? What if they laugh, or criticize?

But then God dropped a new question in my lap.

What if this is what you’ve been called to do all along, warts and all?

Katie and Ed don’t inspire by the notes they sing. They inspire by the reason they sing them.

This year, you and I may not hit all the right notes.

But let’s make a joyful noise.

Let’s live out loud.

Every corner of creation is a living declaration
Come join the song we were made to sing
- Steven Curtis Chapman, “Live Out Loud”

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” – Matthew 5:13-16

Happy new year! Welcome to 2013, everyone! If there’s one thing I like better than compiling a collection of my favorite top blog posts at the end of each month for our Posts with the Most feature, it’s assembling a collection of the best of those best for a special year-end edition!

Yes, I’ve taken my favorites from each month of Posts with the Most in 2012 and posted them here for your reading pleasure.

Congratulations to all the amazing bloggers who have contributed to PWTM this past year, and a huge thank you to all of you readers who support and encourage them!

Here they are, sorted by month:

• January – I’m ready for my close up. – Jamie the Very Worst Missionary started the year off with a bang. If you’re all about keeping up appearances, you may not want to read this. But read it anyway.
• February – Jesus in a White Dress – Sam Davidson asks, should we be waiting for Jesus to come back, or is He already here?
• March – The Stillness Dilemma – Just like me, Carlos Whittaker of Ragamuffin Soul can remember a slower time. A time before video games, cell phones and personal computers. Do you remember what it’s like…to be still?
• April – Shining the Light through Leaky Cracks – Jessica Bufkin guest posts here for Sundi Jo. Did you ever think that love might be contagious?
• May – You Will Want to Give Up. Don’t. – Inspiring words from Shawn Smucker, the guy in the blue bus.
• June – One Unselfish Act – Billy Coffey shows up quite often here at PWTM. Why? Because his stuff is that good. Don’t believe me? Read this post!
• July – Bob Feller Made Me Cry – Yes, kids, there is crying in baseball. At least there was for Ricky Anderson.
• August – Guest Post: Rain – Kirsten LaBlanc guest posts at Tamara Out Loud, giving us the best reason for rain that I can think of.
• September – Matthew is SEVEN! – Liz of Life With Bellymonster shares a moving tribute to her son Matthew’s first seven years.
• October – You know your Dad loves you, right? – Jason of Mustard Seed Year loves his boys, there’s no denying that. A very special story about a Father’s love.
• November – Hollywood Existential 11: City Slickers – My buddy Clay Morgan from Clay Writes reminds us of the secret of life, with a little help from a crusty cowboy named Curly.
• December – rearview mirror: choose – Alece from Grit and Glory offers a thoughtful and compelling review of her year, through the lens of a single word.

 What was your favorite post from 2012?

Happy new year, everyone! We’re kicking off 2013 in style, with a special double feature of Posts with the Most. Today in part one, we look back and celebrate my favorite top blog posts of December 2012 from around the blogosphere.

If you aren’t subscribed to Christian in the Rough yet, now is the perfect time. You won’t want to miss part two - our amazing Best of 2012 edition – coming up in just two days!

But first, let’s have a peek at some of the blogs and bloggers who rocked in December. Here, in completely random order, are my picks:  

1. Looking for Jesus – Billy Coffey reposted this gem from last year. I liked it so much, it made the December Posts with the Most for the second year in a row. 
2. On Excuses – Michael Perkins of Dripping Jesus tells it like it is, because he truly cares. A very encouraging post from a very encouraging guy.
3. This. – In the middle of all the holiday stress and busyness, Jamie the Very Worst Missionary discovers what Christmas is all about.
4. rearview mirror: choose – Alece from Grit and Glory makes her PWTM debut with a thoughtful review of her year, through the lens of a single word.
5. When the Work Will Never Be Finished – Featured in Prodigal Magazine, Shawn Smucker encourages us to persist in the things that truly matter.

Be sure to join us for our next post, featuring the best of Posts with the Most for 2012. As always, I’d love for you to share some of your favorite top blog posts here. Let’s keep sharing and encouraging!

What were some of your favorite posts in December 2012?

At the end of each year, I like to take a few days off, recharge my batteries, and spend some extra time with family and friends. This year, I’m also putting the finishing touches on a book proposal. What a perfect time to share the 10 most popular posts of the past year here at Christian in the Rough!

Surprisingly, most of the “Top 10″ were not published in 2012, so you may not have seen these in a while, if ever! Counting down the Christian in the Rough Top 10 for 2012, here’s the number one post!

Take a close look at yourself in a photograph or in the mirror, and you will likely notice that you are not symmetrical. All of us have differences between the left and right half of our faces and bodies, though some may be quite subtle.

For me, some of the differences are easy to spot. I have a tattoo on my left shoulder blade. My head is always tilted slightly to the right (the result of an old hockey injury). My nose was broken in a bizarre high-jumping accident back in high school (please don’t ask), so it curves and points slightly to the left of my face. Although I am right-handed, the left half of my upper body is noticeably more muscular than my right, especially around my neck and shoulders.

Have you ever heard someone ask a photographer to capture their “good side” when taking pictures?

Well, my “good side” is my left. Though I’m grateful for both halves of my body, I prefer the looks of my left over my right. Just for fun I took a picture of myself, divided my face down the middle, and mirrored the images to see the difference. The results were downright freaky, as you can see below.

On your left is the right side of my face, mirrored. In the middle is my “normal” face. On your right is the left side of my face, mirrored.

Up until I created these pictures, I hadn’t realized what a huge difference there is between one half of my face and the other. Of course, the lighting helps. But look at the contrast! The left half of my face looks stronger, healthier, happier, more positive. The right half of my face looks weaker, less healthy, less happy, less upbeat. Both halves are my face. Both live together, side by side. But both are very different.

Isn’t it funny how it even shows up in our face?

We all have a strong side and a weak side.

A healthy side and a not-so-healthy side.

A bright side and a dark side.

A “good” side and a “bad” side.

We are a unique blend of both.

The important question is…which one do we tend to favor?

Which side are you on?

At the end of each year, I like to take a few days off, recharge my batteries, and spend some extra time with family and friends. This year, I’m also putting the finishing touches on a book proposal. What a perfect time to share the 10 most popular posts of the past year here at Christian in the Rough!

Surprisingly, most of the “Top 10″ were not published in 2012, so you may not have seen these in a while, if ever! We are counting down the Christian in the Rough Top 10 for 2012. Here’s the number two post, and the top cartoon of the bunch…

Poor Hamish…

At the end of each year, I like to take a few days off, recharge my batteries, and spend some extra time with family and friends. This year, I’m also putting the finishing touches on a book proposal. What a perfect time to share the 10 most popular posts of the past year here at Christian in the Rough!

Surprisingly, most of the “Top 10″ were not published in 2012, so you may not have seen these in a while, if ever! Over the next few days, we will be counting down the Christian in the Rough Top 10 for 2012. Believe it or not, here’s number three…

My friend Duane Scott loves Cheetos. I can’t blame him. I’m also a fan of those wonderful bites of cheesy goodness. But Duane has taken his Cheetos obsession to new heights.

Yes, Duane launched a Cheetos poem competition.

Below you will find my first entry into the competition. Grab yourself a bowl, sit back, relax, and read away!

Just Another Poem About Cheetos by Larry Hehn

Call them corny, I don’t mind
Call them cheesy, that’s just fine
I know corn and I know cheese
Together they are sure to please

Form them into bite-size sticks
Not too thin and not too thick
Full of flavor, full of crunch
Full of goodness, fun to munch

Call them Cheetos, that’s their name
Join me in this rhyming game
Write a poem for Duane Scott
Vie for prizes he has bought

Link it to duane-scott.net*
You will like it lots, I bet
To his blog you must subscribe
Stick around and catch the vibe

Once you’ve finished all that stuff
Visit Christian in the Rough
Play a round of Name That Toon
Hope to see you really soon!

Look how low that Larry stoops
Was that cheesy? Corny? Oops!
Shameless plugs for his own site
Make him like a Cheeto. Right?

__________

* you may now find Duane at www.scribingthejourney.com

What is your favorite snack food?

At the end of each year, I like to take a few days off, recharge my batteries, and spend some extra time with family and friends. This year, I’m also putting the finishing touches on a book proposal. What a perfect time to share the 10 most popular posts of the past year here at Christian in the Rough!

Surprisingly, most of the “Top 10″ were not published in 2012, so you may not have seen these in a while, if ever! Over the next few days, we will be counting down the Christian in the Rough Top 10 for 2012. Here’s number four…

“C’mon, slowpoke! Can’t you go any faster?!”

At the end of each year, I like to take a few days off, recharge my batteries, and spend some extra time with family and friends. This year, I’m also putting the finishing touches on a book proposal. What a perfect time to share the 10 most popular posts of the past year here at Christian in the Rough!

Surprisingly, most of the “Top 10″ were not published in 2012, so you may not have seen these in a while, if ever! Over the next few days, we will be counting down the Christian in the Rough Top 10 for 2012. Here’s number five…

I used the word “blessed” in my last post, and it’s been bothering me ever since.

Because I think I did a disservice to the word.

When I hear someone described as “blessed” I instinctively think that everything is going that person’s way, that they are a “winner” in the eyes of the world. Two thumbs up.

But is that really what it means to be blessed?

Well, I checked the Amplified Bible and here’s what it said blessed means…

“spiritually prosperous”

“with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions”

Did you catch that too?

Regardless of your outward conditions.

While the world may look at your outward conditions and judge you a “loser” by its standards, you still just might be blessed. How the world measures blessing and how God measures blessing don’t always match.

Being blessed is about our attitude, not our circumstances.

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.”

- Matthew 5:3-12 The Message

How do you know when you’re blessed?

At the end of each year, I like to take a few days off, recharge my batteries, and spend some extra time with family and friends. This year, I’m also putting the finishing touches on a book proposal. What a perfect time to share the 10 most popular posts of the past year here at Christian in the Rough!

Surprisingly, most of the “Top 10″ were not published in 2012, so you may not have seen these in a while, if ever! Over the next few days, we will be counting down the Christian in the Rough Top 10 for 2012. Here’s number six…

I was in the Edmonton airport on Friday morning, getting set to fly home after a gruelling work week.

Though the day had barely begun, I was already stressed. Why does the proverbial poop have to hit the fan just as I’m on my way out the door? After a bunch of hurried phone calls, emails, and written instructions about all I was leaving behind, I rushed out the office door half an hour later than planned.

Trying to ignore the knot in my stomach, I pushed through the rain to the airport and returned my rental car. An extra charge of $3.16? What’s that all about? Went to the counter and got that straightened out.

Security line longer than expected. Why is that guy behind me standing so darn close? Oops, sorry about that, officer. Forgot to take my laptop out of its bag before running it through the X-ray machine. One more time…ok. Finally, I’m through and locate my gate.

Phew, made it.

Now I have to pee.

Ok, that men’s room over there is closed for maintenance. There’s a single unit further down but it has three guys waiting outside. I press on. Ok, the next rest room is off limits because it’s on the other side of the door marked “International Flights Only”. Please, just let me through for a couple of minutes. I promise I’ll go right back to Domestic when I’m done.

Hmph. No such luck…

So I hustle back to the other side of the terminal. Walkingwalkingwalking…ah, at last! A men’s room in sight!

“Excuse me, sir?”

Wow, my new hearing aid is pretty good. What’s that guy calling me over for?

“Would you like to hear about our wonderful new _______ credit card? It has yadda yadda points…blah blah blah miles…murmle murmle murmle bonus…shuppa shuppa shuppa flights…only 30 seconds to fill out an application! What do you say?”

I reply, “Umm, no thanks. I only have one credit card and I make a point of never using it.”

“Oh, but sir…yadda yadda blah blah murmle murmle shuppa shuppa…only 30 seconds!”

“Thanks, but no. I really have to pee.”

I continue another ten yards to the men’s room and breathe a sigh of relief. Finally I can head back to my gate and catch up on some reading.

I walk past the same credit card booth, less than two minutes since our first conversation.

“Excuse me, sir?”

“Who, me?”

“Yes, would you like to hear about our wonderful new _______ credit card?”

“Uh, you just talked to me.”

“Oh. ok.”

Dude, now I’m positive that I don’t want one of your credit cards.

If you want to influence people, it’s a good idea to remember them.

For more than only 30 seconds.

Who has impressed you by remembering – or not remembering – you?

At the end of each year, I like to take a few days off, recharge my batteries, and spend some extra time with family and friends. This year, I’m also putting the finishing touches on a book proposal. What a perfect time to share the 10 most popular posts of the past year here at Christian in the Rough!

Surprisingly, most of the “Top 10″ were not published in 2012, so you may not have seen these in a while, if ever! Over the next few days, we will be counting down the Christian in the Rough Top 10 for 2012. Here’s number seven…

Werner Barth was the best teacher I ever had. A wiry man with a spring in his step, a sparkle in his eye, a gravelly voice and a thick German accent, Barth had a tremendous effect on me. Strangely, it had nothing to do with the topic he was teaching.

Barth taught statics – defined in one dictionary as “The branch of physics that deals with physical systems in equilibrium, in which no bodies are in motion, and all forces are offset or counterbalanced by other forces.” It was potentially one of the most boring subjects on earth.

But not with Barth as the teacher.

He loved to teach. And he loved his students.

He communicated ideas in ways that were fun and memorable.

One day, to illustrate the difference in direction between a positive bending moment and a negative bending moment, he stood on his chair and swung his hand up to his head. As he scratched his head, he said, “You can do this on the subway. That’s a positive bending moment.”

He then swung his hand down to his rear end. As he scratched, he said, “You can’t do this on the subway. That’s a negative bending moment.”

25 years later I still remember the difference.

What impressed me most, though, was his reaction when our entire class performed poorly on a test.

At that point he had been teaching for more than 25 years, longer than most of us in the class had been alive. But there was not an ounce of pride in Barth. At our next scheduled lesson, he pulled up a chair in the middle of the classroom, sat down and questioned us for an hour about how he could improve his teaching methods.

Even after years of learning, applying and teaching, he was still a student.

What I learned in that classroom had only a bit to do with statics, and a lot to do with a lifetime of learning, humility and working within your passion.

16 years after leaving the program, I tracked him down and called him out of the blue to thank him. He remembered me. “Ah, Larry…skinny guy!” He remembered all of his students by name, and kept in touch with many of them.

He told me about his retirement 14 years earlier, his recent hiking trip, and how he had beaten colon cancer a few years ago. He spoke with a positive attitude and an appreciation for life that surpassed just about anyone I’ve ever known.

When I grow up, I want to be like him.

It has been eight years since that phone call. I’m sorry to say that I have again lost touch with Barth, but I know we’ll meet again. And when we do, I’m sure he’ll have a sparkle in his eye.

Who is the best teacher you ever had?

At the end of each year, I like to take a few days off, recharge my batteries, and spend some extra time with family and friends. This year, I’m also putting the finishing touches on a book proposal. What a perfect time to share the 10 most popular posts of the past year here at Christian in the Rough!

Surprisingly, most of the “Top 10″ were not published in 2012, so you may not have seen these in a while, if ever! Over the next few days, we will be counting down the Christian in the Rough Top 10 for 2012. Here’s number eight…

Have you heard the joke about the long-haired young man who wanted to borrow his father’s car?

“Dad,” he asked, “May I borrow the car keys?”

His father replied, “I’ll loan you the car keys, as soon as you cut your hair.”

Thinking fast, the son stated, “But Dad, Jesus had long hair.”

The father countered, “Yes, and he walked everywhere he went.”

—–

Saturday is usually my day to sleep in. But not last week. I woke up to the clock radio at 7:27. Not sure why, but I’ve always liked setting my wake-up times to match the model numbers of passenger jets. And I definitely prefer Boeing to Airbus.

(That one was for all my pilot friends.)

I threw on some clothes and drove the two short blocks to Gary’s Automotive Repair to leave my car for an oil change. Gary is the best. He always lets me know how long he is going to take, even if that means I might go somewhere else. Which is why I never do. I like dealing with honest people.

I got to the shop a little early. It turns out they don’t open until 8:30 on Saturday morning, not 8:00 as I thought.

No big deal.

I wandered over to the neighboring coffee shop and grabbed a nice steamy cuppa joe. When Gary’s opened, I dropped off my keys and headed home on foot.

Y’know, I saw a lot more stuff as I strolled along, coffee in hand, than I ever notice when I drive.

I noticed the heavy morning dew clinging to the blades of newly green grass. I saw the spectacular, cloudless blue sky stretch from horizon to horizon. I spotted a fresh crop of bright yellow dandelions trying their best to take over the world.

I witnessed all the sights and sounds of a city waking up for another day. And I took some time to reflect and to pray.

If I had taken the car, I would have missed it all.

Have you ever caught yourself speeding through life?

Maybe I just missed that part of the Bible, but I don’t ever remember reading about Jesus being in a hurry. Ever.

He didn’t take the wheel.

He walked everywhere he went.

“Christianity is not about inviting Jesus to speed through life with us; it’s about noticing Jesus at the rest stop.” – Mike Yaconelli

What will you do this week to slow down, and notice Jesus at the rest stop?

At the end of each year, I like to take a few days off, recharge my batteries, and spend some extra time with family and friends. This year, I’m also putting the finishing touches on a book proposal. What a perfect time to share the 10 most popular posts of the past year here at Christian in the Rough!

Surprisingly, most of the “Top 10″ were not published in 2012, so you may not have seen these in a while, if ever! Over the next few days, we will be counting down the Christian in the Rough Top 10 for 2012. Here’s number nine…

Last week I noticed that bloggers Dustin Valencia and Ben Nunes had posted letters to their younger selves on their blogs. I thought it was a great idea. I started thinking, what sage advice would I give to my 18-year-old self?

I’m not sure if I would have listened to all this when I was 18, but here’s what I would say if I had a chance. Here goes…

Dear 18-year-old Larry,

• Don’t be in such a hurry to get older. You’ll be 43 before you know it.
• Relax. You don’t have to be “right” about everything. (And, by the way, you aren’t.)
• Nobody is beyond redemption. This includes you.
• Humor at someone else’s expense isn’t humor.
• If you don’t have the money for something, don’t buy it.
• Breaking a room-temperature Terry’s Chocolate Orange on your forehead is a neat trick. Trying to break a frozen Terry’s Chocolate Orange on your forehead will give you a concussion and leave bits of foil embedded in your forehead. I’m just sayin’…
• If you want to experience grace (and you will), start by extending it to others.
• Don’t derive your self worth from your athletic accomplishments. Just go out there and have some fun.
• I know you may not want to hear it right now, but Dad does know what he’s talking about.
• Some things are your own fault. Deal with it.
• Mullets aren’t forever. Rock it while you  still can.
• Seek God above all else, and he will provide.
• Everyone you meet is important. Everyone.
• As long as it is legal, moral and ethical, there is no job that is beneath you.
• Always look for things to celebrate rather than criticize.
• You don’t need to know what happens next. If you found out, you wouldn’t believe it anyway. Just have faith.
• Some of this stuff will take you 25 years or more to learn and appreciate. Hang in there!

What would you write in a letter to your 18-year-old self?

At the end of each year, I like to take a few days off, recharge my batteries, and spend some extra time with family and friends. This year, I’m also putting the finishing touches on a book proposal. What a perfect time to share the 10 most popular posts of the past year here at Christian in the Rough!

Surprisingly, most of the “Top 10″ were not published in 2012, so you may not have seen these in a while, if ever! Over the next few days, we will be counting down the Christian in the Rough Top 10 for 2012. Starting our countdown today, in the number 10 spot, is one of three cartoons to crack the Top 10. Enjoy!

After hours, Doctor Bob secretly did animal testing.

“[The devil] has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.” – John 8:44

I don’t usually remember my dreams. I know I have them, but most vanish from my memory as soon as my eyes open. But the dream I had on Monday morning was disturbing enough to stick with me.

I was with a former co-worker at one of those “family entertainment centers”, something like a Chuck E. Cheese’s for grownups. He had just finished playing a bunch of games, and was at a checkout machine to pay for his evening’s fun.

As he clocked out, a long printout spewed from the machine. His eyes grew wide as he scanned an ever-growing list of surprise fees. All the fun he had was going to cost a lot more than planned.

He had been fleeced, and there was nothing he could do about it.

I watched the color drain from his face, as the creepy owner smirked, “So, was it worth it?”

I knew right away who the owner was.

At that point I woke up. With the name “Satan’s Playground” bouncing around in my head.

Satan is a master of deception. It’s his one and only profession. It’s his art.

He’s not the conspicuous pitchfork-toting, horned, barb-tailed, red-skinned repulsive creature we might envision.

No, he’s handsome, charming, influential and subtle. He’s the ultimate “spin doctor”. He tells the most beautiful lies. So beautiful that we want to believe them, might even fall for them.

But no matter how beautiful a lie may seem, it is still a lie.

Satan’s playground has its appeal, but when we add up the hidden cost, it’s never worth it.

…it is impossible for God to lie. – Hebrews 6:18

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:31-32

God’s way may not be popular. It may not be sexy. It definitely isn’t easy.

But I know whose face I’d rather see at the end of the road asking me, “So, was it worth it?”

I published what could be called my first “blog post” at this site over nine years ago, in November 2003. My first book had been published earlier that year. I was looking for a way to develop what they now call a platform.

Back then I had no idea what a blog post was. It would be years before the word blog entered my vocabulary.

Once a month or so, I churned out a short post along with a relevant cartoon, sending it out to a modest number of email subscribers. The site wasn’t interactive, no comments or anything like that. It was very primitive.

But hey, you gotta start somewhere.

It took a few years, but eventually I discovered a better way to do what I had been doing since 2003. A way that sparked conversation. A way that built community. It was time for this old dog to learn some new tricks!

The old site was torn down, and Christian in the Rough was born in July 2010.

Many thanks to all of you - those who have been around since the early days, those who have found us just recently, and everyone in between. I’m honored to be part of this amazing community.

And today I’m proud to unveil this, the 300th Christian in the Rough blog post!

In honor of this milestone, I’m giving away a piece of history, the place where it all began - my old desktop computer from 2003.

Ok, kidding!

I bet most people would rather receive an Amazon gift card, yes?

So…simply enter a comment below and you will be entered in the draw for a $30 Amazon gift card, just in time for Christmas! Use it to buy presents for someone you love, re-gift it as is, or treat yourself to your own special stocking stuffers courtesy of Christian in the Rough.

Please make sure you leave a comment by 11:59 pm EST on Sunday December 9. I’ll announce the winner here on Monday December 10. Good luck, everyone, and thanks again!

What would you do with a $30 Amazon gift card?

The beginning of each month brings one of my favorite features – Posts with the Most. Welcome to our latest edition, where we celebrate my favorite top blog posts from around the blogosphere for November 2012!

In completely random order, I’ve assembled 9 top blog posts for your reading pleasure. Please share any of your faves from the past month in the comment section that I may have missed.

Posts with the Most is all about connecting some great blogs and bloggers with some great readers – you!

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a look back at the month that was…

1. Hoarding is such a nasty habit – If you’ve ever heard of or seen the show Hoarders, you may be alarmed to learn that we’re all hoarders, in a way. Sammy Adebiyi hosts this guest post by Brina Harwood.
2. Jesus in Cougar Town – Jamie the Very Worst Missionary discovers that the mission field is closer than we may think.
3. Don’t Edit Out The Flubs – RobShep spots some movie flubs, and encourages us to find and reveal our own.
4. My Body Armor - Dave Hearn of Warrior Shepherd defines the Holy Spirit in a way that may surprise you.
5. When You Wish For Deeper Contentment – Prodigal Magazine features Duane Scott, who learned from his Dad why prayers sometimes don’t go the way we expect.
6. Hollywood Existential 11:City Slickers – My buddy Clay Morgan from Clay Writes reminds us of the secret of life, with a little help from a crusty cowboy named Curly.
7. Thanks For Loaning Me Louise – Rambling with The Barba‘s Ken Hagerman shares a tribute to a very inspiring lady.
8. Why Our World Doesn’t Need More Santas – Shawn Smucker knows that there’s more to Christmas than presents.
9. Holy Hesitation – Javan Rowe writes at Third Option Men about five lessons he learned from a 68-yard punt return.

What was your favorite top blog post from November 2012?

Does the world really need another list of fun things to do when you’re bored? Maybe not. But just think of the possibilities!

I was bored last week, and hopped online to see what the interwebs had to say about fun things to do when you’re bored. Frankly, I was disappointed with what I found.

I thought, surely the Christian in the Rough community could come up with a rocking list that would stand head and shoulders above any other list out there.

So today, I’m asking for your help.

What fun things can you think of to do when you’re bored? Let’s get as many suggestions in the comments as possible. Just one rule: each activity must be fun for all involved - nothing that disturbs or harms someone else. Ok, let’s go! I’ll start with a few…

• Pray.
• Try to peel an orange or an apple and keep the entire peel in one piece.
• Find a puddle and splash in it. If there are no puddles around, grab some water and make your own.
• Pretend you are a CSI agent. Spot some fibers across the room and make up a story about how they got there.
• Yawn in public and see how long it takes for someone else to yawn.
• Pray.
• Walk around with a Slinky, asking people where the nearest escalator is. Walk away singing the Slinky Song.
• Go to the park and swing on a swing. Remember to yell, “Whee!” every time you swing forward.
• Figure out what you would change your name to if you suddenly went gangsta.
• Start a conversation using a banana as a pretend phone. After a while, hand it to someone and say, “It’s for you.”
• Pray.
• Read this post out loud in your best Christopher Walken, Gilbert Gottfried, William Shatner or Julia Child voice.
• Race grapes in the microwave.
• Find verses in Proverbs that can be written as a haiku.
• Two words: Gangnam style.
• Pray.

What other fun things can you think of to do when you’re bored?

What do you think of when you hear the word “slave”?

I couldn’t think of anyone who would want to be one. For me, the word brought up images of people held and forced to do things against their will.

It’s not a moniker that I would have considered worth striving for.

But then I noticed something.

In Romans 1:1, Paul calls himself “a slave of Christ Jesus”.

In Philippians 1:1, Paul again refers to himself and Timothy as “slaves of Christ Jesus”.

In James 1:1, James introduces himself as “a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”.

Peter? “…a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1)

Jude? “…a slave of Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:1)

I thought that slavery was oppressive. Something to be avoided. Abolished.

But here’s a group of guys whose slavery is voluntary, joyful.

It didn’t make much sense, until I realized what I was missing:

We are all slaves.

It just comes down to what we choose to be a slave of.

Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. – Romans 6:16

As much as we’d like to think otherwise, we are all bound to serve something or someone. Bob Dylan figured that out back in 1979:

You’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You’re gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody
- Bob Dylan “Gotta Serve Somebody”

Heck, even if you decide that you’re above it all, that you alone are in charge of your life…guess what?

“To be one’s own master is to be the slave of self.” – Natalie Clifford Barney

There’s no escaping it. Jesus made it pretty clear:

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.” – John 8:34

Everyone who sins? Yep, that means all of us.

Whether we like it or not, we’re all slaves. The ultimate question is…what will we choose as our master – sin, or God?

How do you feel about the idea of being a slave?

A few days ago, my friend Julie shared a story with me, and asked if I wanted to share it here on the blog. I couldn’t say yes quick enough.

I think Julie expected me to re-write this in my own words, but her version is so spontaneous and heartfelt that I’m publishing it as is. Julie doesn’t have a blog, but I think she could!

Hey Larry — Wondered if you would be interested in an article / idea I have for your blog. Short story: At the dentist office, making my next appointment which will be in January so I started to say, “Hey well then Merry…” and I got cut off.

“I hate Christmas so don’t bother.”

I think there are a lot of people with ‘I hate Christmas’ going on right about now and I expect it will get worse! But it is because their Christmas is filled with shopping, and baking and wrapping and trying to be all things to all people but without any joy … being and doing everything that isn’t really about Christmas!

I know there are tons of messages about keeping the Christ in Christmas, but maybe people need something more practical to follow.

Find Christ everywhere.

1. Let someone in line at the store. Smile. Tell them that’s a present from you.

2. Sing / Listen to Hymns about the joy of Christmas not just about Santa and Reindeer (they are okay sometimes too).

3. Don’t wait until Christmas Eve to read the story of the birth of Jesus – Read it now. Advent doesn’t mean you have to wait for the story in Church!

4. When you start to get caught up in everything that isn’t about Christ … take a moment. Pray for the guidance to find the joy.

5. Look at every life around you as if they were as special and beautiful as the birth of baby Jesus … because every life is special.

Just some thoughts … You can do wonders with an idea like this (I think!)

Wishing you Joy in your heart and mind as you prepare for the Christmas Season!

Julie, you already did wonders with this idea. Thank you so much for sending it my way and sharing it with us! Wishing you much joy as well, and a very merry Christmas!

What other ways of finding Christ everywhere can you add to Julie’s list?

This year, as in years past,  I’m playing a lead role in our church Christmas play. My acting must be ok, since they keep inviting me back. It’s something I enjoy, and a gift that I’m happy to share.

The play doesn’t open until next week. But we’ve been rehearsing for months.

At first we just got familiar with our lines. We read them, and tried to memorize them. It took us a while to connect with the full character and emotion behind them.

With each passing week, the words and the characters became more ingrained. They started to take on a life of their own. We shifted from vacantly reciting a series of words, to conveying their depth and meaning.

As I studied my character, I went onto YouTube to see how other actors have played the role. The first – and only – version of the play that I saw was…well…horrible. The actors recited their lines word for word, but had no character behind them.

No facial expression. No body language. No voice inflection. No emotion. Lifeless.

There’s a difference between reciting, and radiating. Repeating, and relating.

I noticed a parallel with Scripture.

If I just skim over my Bible every once in a while, can I really expect to capture the depth and heart of what God is saying in it, and through it? Can I expect to develop a relationship with someone if I only have fleeting, superficial conversations?

No, if I want to experience and appreciate the depth of Scripture, I need to study it regularly. I need to “be in” it, not just speed-reading to get through it, not just learning the words and missing the heart of them.

But it doesn’t stop at that. It’s not just about “learning the lines”. I need to apply them. Give life to them. In a word, act.

Dear Scripture, I’m just not that into you…yet.

But today is a new day.

How often do you read Scripture?

Tomorrow my American neighbors celebrate Thanksgiving. Up here in Canada, we celebrated our Thanksgiving in October, mainly because our harvest season comes sooner in the Great White North.

Though we may not agree on what day to celebrate Thanksgiving, I’m glad both of our countries set aside a day to remember all the reasons we have to be grateful.

Heck, even before either of our two countries were countries, we appointed special days for the population to thank God for His providence.

For several years in Canada the day was officially observed “for general thanksgiving to Almighty God for the blessings with which the people of Canada have been favoured.” In the United States, George Washington declared Thanksgiving Day ”to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God.”

Yes, our two countries have many reasons to be thankful.

So many that I catch myself taking them for granted.

I was reminded of this a couple of years ago when a water main burst near our home, leaving us without running water for roughly 30 hours.

No drinking water. No working toilets. No washing your hands. No showers. No washing clothes or dishes. No tea. No coffee. No rinsing after brushing your teeth.

It was only 30 hours, but it felt more like 30 days.

I don’t ever remember thanking God for running water before, but I sure did once the main was repaired and our water supply restored. I had completely taken this gift for granted. When I later read that more than one billion people in the world do not have a safe source of water, I became even more thankful and aware of how blessed I really am.

It makes me wonder just how many blessings God has showered me with, that I haven’t even noticed. It makes me think that, although it’s nice to have a special day set aside to celebrate, maybe every day should be a day of thanksgiving.

What “everyday” blessings are you thankful for?

“We can stand affliction better than we can prosperity, for in prosperity we forget God.” – Dwight L. Moody

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. – Psalm 92:1

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is not something that usually comes up in conversation, but years ago I suffered from a very uncomfortable condition called anusitis.

Not sure what anusitis is?

In the words of Inigo Montoya, “Let me ‘splain.”

“No, there is too much. Let me sum up.”

Anusitis is primarily diet-related. Eating certain foods can lead to irritation of the skin around your anal opening. That can cause pain, burning, itching and bleeding. It then results in a discharge that is extremely irritating to your anal skin.

It is – literally – a real pain in the…well, y’know.

Thankfully, I did find out that there are ways to get rid of anusitis:

1. Remove things from your diet that tend to cause the irritation: coffee, garlic, pizza, Italian sauces, curry, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and juices, cranberry juice, iced tea, apple juice, chocolate, nuts, popcorn, red meat, pork, strawberries, hot peppers, chilli, vinegar, black pepper and tomatoes. Ok, pretty much my entire diet. Not fun.
2. Use a cold (yep, you keep it in the freezer) reusable suppository called Anurex. (My wife aptly referred to it as a “butt popsicle”.) Not fun.
3. Eat lots of fiber and drink lots of water so your movements stay soft and regular. Not fun. But the toughest – and most important – one of all, was…
4. Never scratch! Again, not fun.

Let me tell you, the itching was unbearable. Every ounce of my being screamed out to scratch. And believe me, nothing felt better than to scratch.

At first.

But long term, scratching only made things worse. As much as it felt right to scratch, it was the last thing I should have been doing. Scratching increased the irritation, which increased the discharge, which increased the irritation, which made me want to scratch even more…

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. – Proverbs 14:12, Proverbs 16:25

For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. – 1 John 2:16-17

So many things in life seem right. Feel right. At first. But they lead to death.

So many things in life don’t seem like much fun at the time. But they lead to life.

When you look at them with an eternal perspective, which path is the real pain in the…well, y’know?

Imagine what it would be like to be debt free. For my wife and me, breaking free from our debt seemed an impossible dream. Until we were introduced to Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University.

Dave Ramsey’s program has already helped us pay off tens of thousands of dollars in debt. It has set us on the path to becoming debt free.

No, this is not an infomercial. This is not an affiliate marketing endorsement. I don’t have any ties with Dave Ramsey.

My wife and I have simply applied the Financial Peace University principles to our finances and seen amazing results. I want others to experience the same freedom.

About ten years ago, I went three straight years without full-time, permanent employment. We lived off credit cards and the charity of others, especially my parents. I dug a huge financial hole for our family.

To make things worse, my wife and I were on completely different pages when it came to money. She was what Dave Ramsey calls a “free spirit”. I went to bed every night with a knot in my stomach, wondering how we were going to pay for everything.

Thanks to Financial Peace University, we reached a mutual understanding of our finances and how we wanted to handle them.

The Financial Peace University program breaks down the changes you need to make into manageable, measurable baby steps. Biblical principles are used to support the ideas espoused in this program.

It isn’t always easy. It requires discipline and some lifestyle changes. But the results are well worth it. We have gone from barely treading water to dramatically reducing our debt every year. At last, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s not an oncoming train!

As we become better stewards of our finances, not only has a lot of stress disappeared, but we have also experienced the joy of giving more to worthy causes, another principle of FPU.

It will be a while before we are debt free, but we are headed in the right direction. Thanks, Dave and Financial Peace University. You are excellent!

What would change in your life if you were debt free?

Things that are Excellent is a regular feature that celebrates “what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable…things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8). If you have a feature idea or a guest post that you would like to submit, let us know in the comments below or email your ideas to: excellent@larryhehn.com

My Uncle Frank passed away last week. Born in 1925, he and my Aunt Betty were married for 62 years. As family and friends gathered to pay our last respects, a common memory was found with all – Uncle Frank’s great sense of humor.

Until 1976, Frank ran the family farm that his great-grandfather had settled. We heard stories about the farm. Like the time a hose from the liquid manure spreader came loose, and had Uncle Frank covered by the time he brought it under control.

Which prompted the question, “Where were you when the s*** hit the fan?”

We shared tales of the fun-loving mischief he got into over the years, and laughed at the memory of his good-natured pranks.

I don’t think Frank’s face will ever fade from my memory. He always had a sparkle in his eye, like he was up to something. When his grin broadened and eyebrows lifted, we knew we were in for some great laughs.

While it is sad to see Uncle Frank go, it’s encouraging to know his years of illness are behind him, and he is now adding to the laughter and cheer in heaven.

With a combined 13 uncles, of whom five are still alive, I’ve been blessed to know and love some great characters. The fondest memory I have of many of them is the laughter we have shared whenever we’ve gotten together.

It’s been a pleasure knowing you on this side of heaven, Uncle Frank. I can only imagine what shenanigans you are up to now, but I look forward to hearing all about it when we meet again.

What fond memories do you have of a special relative?

Ah, guilty pleasures.

We all have them.

You know what I’m talking about…those things that we secretly like, but are ashamed to admit it in public.

That album that we only listen to when everyone is out of earshot. What is it…Billy Ray Cyrus? Barry Manilow? The Bee Gees? Vanilla Ice? Wham? Air Supply? Duran Duran? Lionel Ritchie? Weird Al?

The book whose title we think twice about divulging when someone asks, “So, whatcha reading?”

That “action figure” that we catch ourselves still playing with, even after the kids have gone to bed. (It’s not a doll, right guys?)

Any drink ending in “tini” that isn’t a martini.

CSI Miami.

The sweats that we wear around the house because they’re really comfortable, but wouldn’t be caught dead wearing outside.

That sappy romantic comedy starring Matthew McWhat’s-his-name that we joke about, but secretly enjoy watching when the rest of the family has gone to Grandma’s house for the weekend. (Yes guys, I’m talking to you again.)

That reality show that we swore we would never look at but, like a train wreck, somehow can’t turn away from either. (You better redneckognize!)

Wayne Newton.

Juice Newton.

Fig Newtons.

Deep-fried Mars bars. Heck, deep-fried anything.

“A guilty pleasure is something one enjoys and considers pleasurable despite feeling guilt for enjoying it. The ‘guilt’ involved is sometimes simply fear of others discovering one’s lowbrow or otherwise embarrassing tastes. Fashion, video games, music, movies, and junk food can be examples of guilty pleasures.” – Wikipedia

I have my fair share of guilty pleasures:

• puffing on a nice cigar (smoking is bad for you)
• a fine single malt scotch (so is drinking)
• watching Wipeout with my family (is it ok to laugh at people as they fall in a pile of mud?)
• AC/DC (I edit the lyrics in my head, ok?)

Heck, I will even admit that I watched Ishtar twice. And enjoyed it.

Though we all have things in our lives that we may be embarrassed to admit in public, I hope that never includes our faith.

“If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” – Mark 8:38

Some things you need never feel ashamed of.

What are some of your guilty pleasures?

“We shouldn’t abbreviate the truth but rather get a new method of presentation.” – Edward Tufte

In September my wife and I celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary at the Savour Stratford Culinary Festival.

One of the events we attended was a wine tasting hosted by Riedel, a company that makes varietal-specific wine glasses.

The folks at Riedel insist that “a wine will display completely different characteristics when served in different glasses.”

Heading into the tasting, I was skeptical about that claim.

The first wine we tried was an oaked Chardonnay. Now I’m no sommelier, but drinking it out of one glass, I found the oak flavor too strong. Out of another glass, the oak flavor was too soft. And from a third, it was well balanced, just right.

Just like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, except with wine instead of porridge. (For the record, I’m ok with that trade.)

Ok Riedel, now that I’ve tried it for myself,  I’m convinced. It turns out that the size, shape, and rim diameter of the glass does affect a wine’s flavor profile.

The same wine, when served in different glasses, is received in a whole different way.

Or, in other words…

Presentation matters.

It got me thinking about how we present the Gospel, and how it’s received.

Too strong? Too soft? Just right?

Yes, the Gospel is awesome, and nothing we do or say will change how amazing it is. However, our presentation may muddy the message that the world is dying to hear.

The Gospel will always be Good News, but we still have a responsibility for how we present it to others.

Are you a testimony to the greatness of the Gospel, or does it get lost in presentation?

How would you describe your presentation of the Gospel, through both your words and actions?

Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. – 2 Timothy 2:23-26

And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. – 1 Peter 3:15-16

It’s not a word that I hear very often anymore, vocation. Maybe it’s because my Catholic high school days are long behind me. Maybe it just isn’t used as much today; I’m not sure.

Father Vetere would be proud of me for looking up the word vocation and finding that it comes from the Latin vocatio, meaning “to call”. He was a human dictionary, that guy.

As the Latin suggests, the idea behind the word vocation is that God is calling you to use your gifts and talents toward a certain purpose.

I was reminded of that earlier this week on my walk in to work.

My office is less than a mile from my home, so I walk every day. I wear shoes that are designed specifically for walking. When I use my walking shoes to walk, my feet are happy.

Two sets of traffic lights stand between my home and my office. Yesterday, one of them turned green before I had made it to the intersection. If I wanted to make it across safely, I had to run.

Have you ever tried running in flippers, snowshoes, work boots, or walking shoes? I felt like a cross between Bozo the Clown and an injured Budweiser Clydesdale as I lumbered spladap! spladap! spladap! spladap! across the intersection.

I quickly discovered that there’s a reason why some shoes are called running shoes, and other shoes are called walking shoes.

Walking shoes were not made for running. Trying to use them for running can be painful. Not just for those who are doing the running, but also for those who are watching. Ok, for them it might also be a bit humorous…

If I were ever called to run to work, I wouldn’t do it in my walking shoes. I would change into my running shoes.

Makes sense, right?

If God is calling us to something greater, we may need to abandon the familiar in order to get there.

Well, I’m not sure who, but someone else reading this post also needs to hear this:

God has called you to use your gifts and talents toward a certain purpose. You’ve heard that call, and you’ve been faithfully walking. That’s great, but if you’ve been called to run, it’s time to get rid of your old familiar, comfortable walkers and don some running shoes instead.

‘Cause walking shoes weren’t made for running. But you were.

What might God be calling you to, that you’ve been dragging your feet about?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. – Hebrews 12:1