Living the Biblios

A Pre-Halloween Story

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:19:00 +0000

This is a story I told my elementary aged daughter when she said her friends were teasing her for not being a witch on Halloween.

Once upon a time, in the throne room of heaven, there were two little angels. One of them, from the kingdom of light, always lived there. The other, from the kingdom of darkness, was a demon angel, and happened to wander by.

The little angel from the kingdom of darkness yelled, "I know what I'm going to dress up as when I go down to earth to see the children on Halloween night!" The angel who lived in the throne room sighed and thought, "I know. I know. He'll probably be a witch, or a monster, or maybe a wrapped up mummy."

And then the demon angel boasted, "And I got the idea from all of you!"

This declaration troubled the little angel of light and also made him curious because the little angel wore the very same costume every year. It's not that the little angel wasn't creative, it's just that he enjoyed his costume that much. He so much enjoyed showing his costume to the children of the earth. What was the little angel from the kingdom of light on Halloween? He was a voice--a still small voice that liked to whisper the quiet assuring words of God's love, peace, and presence.

The demon angel then cried out, "This year for Halloween, I'm going to be a loud voice! I'm going to going to be the loud voice that accuses people, teases people, and makes people scared. No doubt, they'll listen to me! Because they won't be able to ignore my big loud sounds!" And then the little demon angel proudly said, "Thanks for the idea angel goody two shoes. Ha! Ha! Ha!"

Now this bit of news was truly worrisome. And the little angel thought about the children of earth and wondered, "Will my small voice still be good enough?

My Stock Phrase

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:45:00 +0000

Whenever people call into Dave Ramsey's popular financial advise radio show, their first question is often, "how are you?" and Dave's always answers, "Better than I deserve." It's a great stock phrase.

A stock phrase is a witty saying used often. It gets people thinking and spices up a conversation. Best of all, it doesn't take much effort on your part because its your standard line.

So here's my stock phrase. I've been using it for several years. It frequently gets a reaction. Whenever people ask, "What do you know?" or "How are you?" I reply:

"I'm fine, because God still loves me."

Yes, if you know me, be amazed, God still loves me. If you don't know me that well, trust me on this one.

John 3:16 and Romans 5:8 testify to God's persistent, never ending love toward all people. God loves because he created us. God loved us by sending his son Jesus to cover over our sin guilt. God loves us by offering the free gift of salvation. God loves us by giving us a new life in Christ. And still loves us when we trip up, mess up, and screw up.

God still loves me. And you too.

Tree House

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:44:00 +0000

Mr. Non-Builder here, who is fortunate to make a living with his mouth instead of his hands, actually built a tree house for the kids this past weekend.

The project started long ago with the persistent pestering of my daughter Valerie (pictured in center). For months, she begged for a tree house. When she found a free pile of old barn wood, the project was underway.

I did get some much needed help! Thanks to Jerome (for wood), Jeff (for circular saw and level), Jake (for 4 1/2 hours of help and advise), and Mark at Rice County Builders (for help and advise on the ladder).

Yes, I am proud of myself. And the kids are excited.

Links to the Intergoogle 8/8/09

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 08:44:00 +0000

10 ways parents can help children get involved in the arts.

A good interview with pro-life advocate and thoughtful author Scott Klusendorf

Chuck Colson writes why same-sex marriage and religious liberty can't coexist--just look at how the courts are deciding such cases already.

Fighting to keep slavery out of Kansas--again. An article exposing the 2009 version of slavery.

I'm seeing U2 in Norman, OK in October. Can't wait! The stage will be incredible. Here's the set list for the first night of the tour--June 30 in Spain.

Check out this new topical search vehicle: Alltop

Take a minute and watch how AAA baseball player Josh Womack swings a bat.

Evangelism Or Vandalism?

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 03:25:00 +0000

Spiritual Battle Quote

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:20:00 +0000

"Being a Christian does not mean there is no more battle. It means we have a strategic point of attack in the battle. The battle position of the Christian is victory, joy, and abundance. The Lord expects us to do no more than to welcome His assistance."

Corrie ten Boom
Don't Wrestle, Just Nestle
p. 50

An Afternoon at Prairie Dunes CC

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 05:54:00 +0000

After walking in the gallery at the 2002 women's US Open and the 2006 men's Senior US Open at Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, Kansas, it was my great privilege on Thursday afternoon to actually play the course myself.

Pictured is yours truly getting ready to tee off the famous # 8 hole. After hitting a perfect tee shot and approach shot just short of the green, I ended up taking a 6. That's Prairie Dunes. The right touch is required around the greens, which are protected by rising inclines.

My score? 102. Worst score of the year, but definitely the best experience!

Thank you Milt and Kevin for the opportunity!

Mike Roe and Michael Miller

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:43:00 +0000

About 30 people came out Wednesday night to see, in the words of Mike Roe, "the only concert in town" featuring Roe and opening act Michael Miller.

$299 in free will offerings was given to the family of Gavin Schlatter, a seven year old boy dealing with a long term illness.

Roe performed songs from his new release, "We All Gonna Face the Rising Sun," a collection of obscure, old-time gospel songs. He also played tunes from the latest 77s release and material from the Lost Dogs.

And in the "most unusual moment of the evening," Michael Miller was nearly arrested by Little River's police officer, when he entered the Senior Center to arrest a Michael Miller--just not the Michael Miller who came to perform.

My thanks to the Congregational Church and Linda Miller for making the evening a reality!

Michael Roe Benefit Concert July 29

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 03:47:00 +0000

Singer, songwriter, and versatile guitarist Michael Roe, along with opening performer Michael Miller, will perform a benefit concert on Wednesday evening, July 29, 7:30pm, at the Sr. Center stage, 220 Main St., Little River, Kansas.

The free will offering will benefit the family of Gavin Schlatter, a seven year old boy suffering from a long term illness.

Roe (The 77’s, The Lost Dogs) is an autumnal, bluesy, introspective kind of guy who is a master on any guitar put in his hands. Vocally and stylistically he spans the years from Chuck Berry, to Elvis Presley, to Johnny Cash, to Neil Young, to Art Garfunkel.

His new release, "We All Gonna Face the Rising Sun" pays tribute to the raw old-time gospel performers from the turn of the century, like Blind Willie Johnson, Charlie Patton and Lead Belly. "I listened to hundreds of songs to come up with these," he says of the 11 tracks on Rising Sun. "It's one thing to like a song, but quite another to feel it, and to feel like I can pull off performing it with some kind of authenticity."

Roe can cover any genre and any style without skipping a beat. He is an all-things-to-all men guitarist/vocalist for the rootsy, collaborative group the Lost Dogs. Regardless of the hat he is wearing, Michael Roe has, over the course of his 25+ years as a national recording artist, delivered well-crafted songs and lyrics to his audience.

Michael Miller is out on the road supporting his second album, "I Made You Up." Bringing together a peculiar mixture of influences ranging from songwriter Steve Forbert to Supertramp to David Bowie, Miller lures listeners with stories of ordinary lives in familiar and far away places. "I just love getting lost, literally, in strange lands, hanging with the locals, the natives, and seeing how they live. It's sort of like soul mining. I get to go dig for beauty and truth in other people's backyards and the discoveries and treasure-finds typically end up in my songs in some way."

Michael Roe has carved out a body of work that is broad, deep, well regarded and much acclaimed. On a personal note, I've been a fan of Mike's for more than 20 years. I'm pleased to welcome him back to small town America.

Earlier, this show required the purchase of tickets, but the Little River Congregational Church has graciously covered the expenses of the performers.

Go Tom Watson!

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:03:00 +0000

Tom Watson is nearly 60 years old, yet after three rounds he's leading the British Open, one of the world's most prestigious golf tournaments.

Watson, a Kansas native, played in the 2006 US Senior Open at Prairie Dunes Country Club in nearby Hutchinson. I snapped this photo of Watson on # 2 during a practice round.

If Watson can win the Open on Sunday, it would be one of sports' astounding feats. Go Tom!

History Repeats Itself

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:42:00 +0000

Check out this cartoon that was created during President Franklin Roosevelt's time.

It was inspired by painting "The Sower" from J.F. Millet (1814-1875).

Does not history repeat itself?

My Rote Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:23:00 +0000

The other day my wife and I were praying with one of our kids before bed. The kids still say the rote, "Now I lay me down to sleep" and so to teach them to pray beyond that, my wife invites the kids to go further by prodding them, "Say something special."

Valerie, my middle child, then said a short prayer that I often say with the kids at breakfast. The kids have heard this prayer from me regularly, but yesterday was the first time I actually heard one of the kids say it themselves. It goes something like this. Call it Ted's rote prayer:

"Dear God, thank you for this brand new day. Thank you for all the things we're going to see, do, and learn. Help us to love you and obey you. Help us to love and obey our parents and our teachers. (A sentence about any particular need). We pray in Jesus name, Amen."

And that's my prayer for you today.

Psalm 22 and 23

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:49:00 +0000

The other day I talked with a local retired pastor over lunch about my burnout. He understood. He's was once there too.

He said, "Have you ever noticed that Psalm 22 and 23 are right next to each other?"

Psalm 22 speaks of despair. Jesus cited its opening words on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" On the other hand, Psalm 23 is one of the most famous passages in Scripture, for it assures the believer of God's personal presence and love.

The retired pastor continued, "I believe you can't fully appreciate Psalm 23 until you've lived Psalm 22. And if you've never lived Psalm 22, you're experience of Psalm 23 is superficial."

Having lived more recently on the Psalm 22 side, I'm appreciating all the more Psalm 23.

Pastor Burn Out

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:13:00 +0000

While on vacation in Ohio, I read a story about a man who stepped out in front of a truck on a busy highway and ended his life. At first, I thought, "How could he do that?" But then I sympathized. The man must have been in deep despair.

I can relate to that desperate feeling. For the last year, the best description of myself and my pastorate is burn out.

When you're burned out, every problem is magnified. Your heart is burdened with depression. You want to quit and give up.

Whenever my wife said, "Let's get help," I replied, "It's not that bad," "I can handle it," "It'll eventually pass," or "Leave me alone." But the despair kept lingering.

Finally, my wife gently conned me to visit Pastor Dennis & Billie Henderson at Monday Morning Ministry, near Sherman, Texas. We spent the week relaxing and talking with two seasoned veterans. What we experienced wasn't professional therapy. We heard the Henderson's story and they heard ours. It was just what I needed. In many respects, it was a life saver. I've come home with a renewed sense that God is good. And I come home with a renewed realization of the priority of prayer.

If you're a pastor feeling desperate and burned out, you need to step out of your comfort zone and find someone who will seriously listen to your story. As Dennis says, hundreds of lives are adversely affected when a pastor who leaves the ministry. Call Monday Morning Ministry.

As for me, this burned out flame is slowly coming back to life.

I'm Now on Twitter

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:48:00 +0000

I'm now on Twitter. Follow me here:

http://twitter.com/TedWeis

This article by Michael Hyatt convinced me.

When Famous People Die

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:26:00 +0000

Numeric Trivia

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:05:00 +0000

At five minutes and six seconds after 4 AM on the 8th of July this year, the time and date will be 04:05:06 07/08/09.

This will NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN!!

And as a relative said in response to the above, "Did you know that precisely 4 minutes past 5:00pm on 7/7/09…it will be 5:04pm on 7/7/09! This is the only time this will happen – incredible!

Orange Sky Over Kansas

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:22:00 +0000

Guitarist Mike Roe in Little River July 29

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:20:00 +0000

Singer, songwriter, and versatile guitarist Michael Roe--with opening act Michael Miller-- will appear in concert on Wednesday evening, July 29, at 7:30pm, on the stage of the Sr. Center, 220 Main St., Little River, Kansas.

The free will benefit concert will support Gavin Schlatter, a local seven year old boy who is suffering a long term illness.

Roe (The 77’s, The Lost Dogs) is an autumnal, bluesy, introspective kind of guy who is a master on any guitar put in his hands. Vocally and stylistically he spans the years from Blind Willy Johnson, to Chuck Berry, to Elvis Presley, to Johnny Cash, to Neil Young, to Art Garfunkel. Roe can cover any genre and any style without skipping a beat. He is an all-things-to-all men guitarist/vocalist for the rootsy, collaborative Lost Dogs. Regardless of the hat he is wearing, Michael Roe has, over the course of his 25+ years as a national recording artist, delivered well-crafted songs and lyrics to his audience.

Roe is also a much-demanded producer and session player and has spent considerable time discovering, producing and playing on many diverse projects. Some of his additional works have been recorded by both general market players and Christian music’s most popular artists.

Michael Roe has carved out a body of work that is broad, deep, well regarded and much acclaimed. In each of his recordings, Roe desires not only to set forth a well written song but also to show himself as a real human being, writing from his experience of life’s difficulties and struggles as well as life’s joys and promises. “These songs are a forum where I dialogue with myself and with God. A lot of these are prayers, some of them are promises I’m making to myself, some of them are just wishful thinking. Oftentimes my songs tell on me, they indict me, they provoke me, they convict me.” Adds Roe, “We’re only here for a short time, in this veil of tears...I hope my songs help people in general to realize what we have been given and how much is available to us.”

On a personal note, I've been a fan of Mike's for more than 20 years. I'm pleased to welcome him back to small town America.

Mark Driscoll on Fatherhood

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:01:00 +0000

Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, has put out a no non-sense book on fatherhood. It's typical Mark and its worth a read.

An excerpt from the last chapter:

To many Christians, the principles I have articulated may seem obvious, but they are nothing short of revolutionary in our day. Instead of enjoying the good life Scripture speaks of, many people are practicing the hookup-shackup-breakup game of death. Birth control is their savior, keeping them from the hell of marriage, children, and obligation. If that fails, abortive murder often suffices. People love sex, but they don't love marriage; they love sex, but they don't love children. This is because they don't love God.

As Christians, we do not emulate these men in any way. They are the world, and we are the church. In the church, things are different because Jesus and his men are our example. Repentant men who desire to walk with Jesus, love women, and love children with masculine dignity are welcome. But men who want to abuse our sisters in Christ and ignore their responsibilities are unwelcome. Simply, churches must demand that sinful men change or leave.

Check it out for free here.

HT: Justin Taylor

Thank You Senator Tom Coburn

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 06:28:00 +0000

Senator Tom Coburn, Republican of Oklahoma, gave amazing testimony on C-Span 2 before the Senate Health Committee about the harms government run health care will bring:

It will force doctors to participate in government programs and deny liberty.

It will decrease competition among insurance companies and care facilities.

It will decrease choices in treatment because the government will always have its eye on cutting costs, not finding the best treatment for the individual patient.

Government already has burdened citizens and insurance companies with high costs because it underfunds Medicare and Medicaid, effectively on passing costs.

Great job Senator Coburn!

Good Quote from Pastor Chuck Swindoll

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:31:00 +0000

Yesterday, Pastor Chuck Swindoll on his radio program Insight for Living was talking about Job and the hardships he suffered.

While observing how our media relishes the chance to emphasize the negative, Swindoll said:

"Even the weatherman says, 'Partly cloudy.'"

Great Quote from My Son

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:29:00 +0000

This morning I enjoyed "Daddy" time with my six year old son. First we got a donut, then took him to the dentist, followed by a haircut, and then to a swimming lesson.

Over a donut and juice, my son says this out of the blue:

"Daddy, I can dream with my eyes open."

Son, may God enable you to always do so.

Does Letterman's Apology Go Far Enough?

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:41:00 +0000

CBS "Late Show" host David Letterman is offering an apology today to Alaskan governor Sarah Palin for a crude joke he recently made about Palin and her daughter.

According to The Live Feed, Letterman says the following on tonight's show:

I was watching the Jim Lehrer ‘Newshour’ – this commentator, the columnist Mark Shields, was talking about how I had made this indefensible joke about the 14-year-old girl, and I thought, ‘Oh, boy, now I’m beginning to understand what the problem is here. It’s the perception rather than the intent.’ It doesn’t make any difference what my intent was, it’s the perception. And, as they say about jokes, if you have to explain the joke, it’s not a very good joke. And I’m certainly – ” (audience applause) “– thank you. Well, my responsibility – I take full blame for that. I told a bad joke. I told a joke that was beyond flawed, and my intent is completely meaningless compared to the perception. And since it was a joke I told, I feel that I need to do the right thing here and apologize for having told that joke. It’s not your fault that it was misunderstood, it’s my fault. That it was misunderstood.” (audience applauds) “Thank you. So I would like to apologize, especially to the two daughters involved, Bristol and Willow, and also to the governor and her family and everybody else who was outraged by the joke. I’m sorry about it and I’ll try to do better in the future. Thank you very much.” (audience applause)

It's good that Letterman is apologizing. He definitely crossed the line.

But his apology appears to waffle.

On the one hand, when Letterman says, "my intent is completely meaningless compared to the perception," he seems to imply that the problem rests with us, not him. We just don't get it.

On the other hand, he admits fault for putting out into the public square a joke difficult to appreciate with his remark, "It’s not your (the viewer's) fault that it was misunderstood, it’s my fault."

A true apology focuses on the actions we did--on our guilt. Despite what Letterman says, one's intent does matter. In fact, it's the heart of the matter.

God Bless You Pete Lopez

noreply@blogger.com (Living the Biblios) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 06:18:00 +0000

The Federal government is telling hundreds of GM and Chrysler dealerships that they will no longer be authorized dealers. Incredible that this is happening in America.

Watching C-Span 2 tonight, I heard Pete Lopez, owner of the Spencer Auto Group in Spencer, WV testify before the Senate. Spencer's population is about 3,000 and resembles life in rural Kansas. Like dealerships in this area, Spencer Auto Group is getting both their GM and Chrysler dealerships pulled out from under them. 18 jobs are at stake.

Lopez told how his dealership drives 30 miles each way to pick up and service the car of a 79 year old lady. Spencer sponsors the local 4-H club and provides cars to local high school driver's ed program. Spencer is a community leader. And the Federal government's intrusion into GM and Chrysler--and the Fed's long meddling in the auto industry with its rules and regulations--is ruining this company and reducing the quality of life in rural America.

Dag gone shame.