Musings of a Small Town Christian

D-Day

2007-06-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I checked in here. Life has been truly busy, with Easter, church property deals, and a trip to God's beautiful Alaska (where we took 400 pictures in 8 days, and a dose of 100% DEET protected me from mosquitos and caused my skin to break out like a 13-year old's).

More on that next time. But every year during June's first week, my mind turns to the first week of June, 1944, and the invasion of Normandy by the Allied forces.

June 6 was overcast, grey, with a thick, low layer of cloud that cut visibility to hundreds of yards. The night before, Supreme Commander Dwight Eisenhower addressed his troops with these words: "You are about to embark on the Great Crusade. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. Let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking."

The invasion began the night of June 5 with paratroopers jumping into France to prepare the way for the main body of troops; they did their work but many drowned when they landed in swamps and their heavy gear sucked them under.

At dawn the German troops on duty up on the cliffs saw the fog lift a little... to reveal a solid wall of grey ships unloading troops. The first men ashore had to scale those cliffs, and that unit lost over 60% of their men in that one, bloody day. Those who followed faced the scythe of the Grim Reaper, and within minutes the surf was bloody and the beach was littered with dead; within hours the bodies were piled high. But the combined troops, American, British, Canadian, and the other allies, pressed on until, at the end of the day, the Nazi fortress was pierced and a permanent foothold was established.

That night President Franklin D. Roosevelt's prayed on national radio, "Almighty God, Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization. They will need Thy blessings. Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom. Help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith to Thee...And O Lord, give us faith. Give us faith in Thee; faith in our sons; faith in each other; faith in our united crusade...Thy will be done, Almighty God."

God was indeed gracious that day, as those who fought and those who died prepared the way to free Europe. On this 64th anniversary I again thank Him, and them, for having blessed us with a freer, happier world than the one they knew.

No Lessons Here

2007-04-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

So, it's the Gators again, this time by 84-75 over Ohio State. CHOMP.

Can our world learn anything from this? Probably not.

Sure, the winners won last year then all five starters decided to NOT go pro but come back and try again. Any lessons there about putting glory before bucks?

Sure, the Florida coach (Billy Donovan) refused to entertain offers from other schools (so far, at least). Any lessons there about loyalty?

Sure, the Gators used several guys team to slow down THE Ohio State University's OUTSTANDING big guy, Greg Oden. Any lessons there about teamwork?

Sure, Donovan and tourny MVP Corey Brewer were truly gracious after the game, in their comments both about Florida and OSU. Any lessons there about sportsmanship?

Next year most of these guys will be gone, to the pros or to the same workaday world most of us face. Some will have fortune and fame, others only memories. Greg Oden will remember he played a great game, but 25 points and 12 rebounds couldn't quite get it done this time. Any lessons there about the value of doing your best? Naw. Couldn't be.

As a Christian I try to remember what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. I don't know if any of these guys - Florida or Ohio State - are men who trust in Christ, but it seemed they were working their hardest last night, giving it their all, striving for something beyond. As always in sport, some experienced the thrill of victory, others, the agony of defeat. But both teams were great, and I never mind watching people performing with all their hearts. It's a God-pleasing thing, and it rings of immortality.

Those about to dunk, we salute you!

Last Year, This Year

2007-04-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

OK, March Madness ends tonight. Missus Smalltown Christian is heaving a sigh of relief. Thanks, honey, for being so understanding of this particular peculiar addiction of mine.

Last year, the NCAA Championship Game featured the UCLA Bruins and the Florida Gators. I spent a lot of time figuring out who was going to win a very close game, but when it was actually played the Gators had very little trouble handling the Bruins. So much for research.

This year it's again the Gators, but their opponent will be the Buckeyes of THE Ohio State University (and how much self-affirmation do you need when you name yourself THE all in caps? I mean, be real OSU, if ANYONE else was into you as much as YOU are into you, then WE would have thought to capitalize the "the". But I digress...)

Anyway, after much less deliberation than last year, I'm picking the Gators to beat the Buckeyes tonight, just because I've seen nothing to make me think any team is better than Florida. That said, you can begin to berate me for my lack of basketball genius.

Oh, and GO WILDCATS!

First Half, Second Half

2007-03-09T12:57:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again. Yep, March is here and the Madness has begun. And that makes life better.

First off, I should say that my beloved Arizona Wildcats had about the worst season I can remember. I say "about", because I do recall one that was worse, and that was before St. Lute took over in Tucson. Sure, they made it 20 wins (extending the NCAA's longest current streak of 20-win seasons) but they they did that in two parts: the first stretch was 13-1, the second was 7-9. And then they got blown out in the first round of the PAC-10 tourney. Sigh.

On the other hand, today I got to watch one of the hottest teams in the northwest, the Boise State University Broncos... women's team. (Have you ever noticed that men's teams get all the press, even when the women are better?) The Lady Broncos (would that make them the Mares? Hmmm, that just doesn't sound right!) have been good all season, and except for a couple of injuries might have been great. Today they played a very good Fresno State team, and they didn't look too wonderful in the early going. They were down 9-2 after the first two minutes, and by half time they had never led. They got it turned around, though: hot shooting and smart plays let them take the lead in the second half and even though the Bulldogs never let up, the Broncs prevailed. One more win, and they go to the NCAAs! Go Big Blue!

So I got to thinking, isn't it interesting how you never know at the beginning how the end will look? Basketball teams can start boiling hot then slow to a mere simmer, or come out with all the power of a toy poodle and end up like a team of Budweiser Clydesdales.

What about you? Have you been on top of your game, or has the game been on top of you? If things have been hard, cheer up - you're not out of the game yet! Pray for the Lord to guide you, and jump back in. And for those of you in the lead, strong and proud - well, remember you haven't won anything until the final buzzer sounds. Pray for humility and blessing, and keep doing what is good and right.

Either way, you can get there if you don't give up.

Go Cats! Go Broncos! Go You!

Art

2007-02-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

So, Missus Smalltown Christian and I went to Los Angeles for a wedding last month. It was great - sunny LA as cold as it's ever been (in MY memory, anyway). We arrived one day early and used that extra time to go to the Getty Museum, and that was great (if a bit windy!). It's full of great art (check out the Rembrandts!) displayed in fabulous buildings, nestled in a great setting.

The Getty sits atop two ridges in the foothills. One view looks toward downtown LA. Another leads the eye to the sparkling Pacific. Looking up the mountain you see an old convent; the joke we were told was "Only God is higher than the Getty!". The buildings are off-white in color, highlighted with stone cut from an ancient Italian quarry, and seem to sit comfortably between the earth and the sky. The architect took well over a decade to do the construction, and he did it perfectly - you couldn't ask for a better location.

The rest of the weekend we spent with family: rehearsal, touristing, wedding, wedding banquet for 250, church, more touristing, more food, more food, more food.... And you know what? That was also great.

One thing the Missus mentioned was how well everyone got along. She pointed out that the whole family is made up of followers of Jesus, and they are gentle and generous with each other. Not everything went smoothly, but everyone was cool. Getting up Sunday and going to church with 7 of our relatives was a blast, as it spoke of a bond deeper and older than mere genetics.

What I've discoverd is that when you follow Jesus, He renews you, shapes you, reforms you, situates you in the places He wants you to be. He makes you more beautiful than you were before. Like the Getty, you can start off as an empty hillside, then find yourself changed and filled with beautiful things. Sure, some days may be windy; some may even rain. Sometimes a Christian can even act... un-Christlike. But that doesn't mean the Architect doesn't know what He's doing: something great!

Here's to your inner masterpiece!

2007:43-42

2007-01-05T19:53:00.000-08:00

So, you made it! The other day when I wrote it was still 2006 and I wished you a happy new year. So, now you've made it, and how's it looking? Good, good, glad to hear it!

It's looking pretty nice from here, but I'm a little tired. Getting old, I guess. Sure, we stayed up late on New Year's Eve. But instead of dancing and partying the night away, we were a little less funky. Maybe next year - I understand they do this every December 31st.

Of course, I MIGHT be tired from what happened New Year's EveNING, when I and the rest of the Great NW stayed up to watch the BSU Broncos play the Oklahoma Sooners. Sure, the Broncos were too small, too slow, too weak, from a cupcake conference. Las Vegas was generous enough to have them underdogs by only 7 points, but the whole world knew they had no chance. Poor things.

Until they went up 14-0 in the first quarter and most of the world had to sit up and take notice (all except for the good people of Oklahoma, who just wanted to crawl under a rock). After that, though, things got REALLY interesting. Scores back and forth. Long bombs. A flukey punt bobble (or whatever you call it when the ball bounces off the heel of a blocker) that gave UOK first down right by the BSU goal line. A 2-minute scoring drive that tied the game. A badly timed pass, intercepted and returned with 63 seconds left for the winning touchdown. Except that the Broncos pulled out an amazing final drive and scored the game-tier at James Bond Time: 007 left on the clock.

Then Oklahoma put the game away. On the first play of overtime their running back, Heisman nominee Adrian Peterson sprinted 25 yards for the score to put them up by 7. But...

BSU gets the ball back, right? How about a first down! Then how about nothing more until fourth down, when the quarterback leaves the play and another guy throws a touchdown pass! And then - like you've probably seen already - the BSU Broncos, the little guy, the Champs of the Cupcake Conference, lined up for the 2-point conversion and the win.

Now, we here in Boise weren't surprised. NOBODY from Atlantic City to Vegas to the west coast Indian reservations gambles like BSU. In fact, I was thinking they'd go for 2 at the end of regulation time. But they didn't. They waited until overtime.

And with a quick non-pass to the receivers on the right side of the field, the quarterback confused the defense. Then, a behind-the-back handoff to Heisman-nominated running back Ian Johnson, a quick scamper, and the Boise State Broncos are Fiesta Bowl Champions. 43 to 42.

It was 11:00, four hours after the starting time, and David had brought down Goliath once again. It was the most exciting football game I've ever seen. It was the best ending to a football game ever (sorry, Cal; your claim to the title involved NON-players NOT playing the game). And I stayed up until 2:00 watching the reruns.

Amazing stuff.

So, if the rest of 2007 is as good as the start was, we're in for a great year. Deep snow, an early spring, and global peace would all be in the cards. But to be honest, I think we've seen the best... so it's going to be all downhill from here.

Fortunately, the Broncos set us up so high that even going downhill ain't so bad!

2006-12-31T22:56:00.000-08:00

! HAPPY 2007 EVERYONE, Y FELIZ ANO NUEVO!

God grant His blessings on you right and left. I hope it's the best year you've had so far, but the least of all those to come!

Your Top 10 (Part 2)

2006-11-14T14:40:00.000-08:00

So, what do you want on your tombstone? Or at least, sung at your funeral? After I left yesterday the conversation went on a little while and some of the wits (half of them) came up with these:

WwwwWipeout! (the Surfaris)
Dead Man's Curve (Jan and Dean)
Another one bites the dust (Queen)
It's the end of the world as we know it (REM)
as well as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and the Beatles' "In My Life".

Gives you some sense of the people I hang around with, eh?

But, anyway, I need five more to finish my own top 10 list. Of course, if I don't die today I may have different ideas tomorrow. But here goes:

"Precious Lord Take My Hand" (Thomas Dorsey) - because it is the sweetest gospel number ever, and I dare you not to cry:
Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light:
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.
When the darkness appears
And the night draws near,
And the day is past and gone,
At the river I stand,
Guide my feet, hold my hand:
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home

Yesu Azali Awa (African hymn) - because it's fun to sing, and translates as "we're going to sing to Jesus in heaven":
Yesu azali awa, Yesu azali awa,
Yesu azali awa na biso
Biso toko sepela, Biso toko sepela
Biso toko sepela na lola
Oh, oh
Alleluia, alleluia
Alleluia na Yesu

Forever Young (Bob Dylan) - A great song and a blessing on those who hear it:
May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

"Further On Up the Road" (Bruce Springsteen) - don't we need some rock and roll?
Got on my dead man's suit
And my smilin' skull ring
My lucky graveyard boots
And a song to sing
I got a song to sing, keep me out of the cold
And I'll meet you further on up the road
Further on up the road, further on up the road
where the way is dark and the night is cold
one sunny morning we'll rise, I know
and I'll meet you further on up the road

"Dust" (D. Hardesty) - OK, I'm a little biased here, but it's a good tune that puts things into perspective:
We are dust, we are grass
we are made from the earth;
to the earth we'll return someday
but we'll rise when He calls, and we'll live in heaven's halls
Gloryland is our home someday
Gloryland, Gloryland, we are bound for Gloryland
Gloryland, Gloryland, movin' on to Gloryland

And finally, "Dear Friend" by DeGarmo and Key. Yeah, some of you kids may not know this one, but it's a perfect encore:
Seasons change, days go by,
People come and people go.
Though our paths may lead us apart,
They will meet one day, I know.
And I owe you,
So much, dear friend,
For all those treasured times.
For you’ve made me a richer man,
Having had you in my life.

OK, OK, I know that's not 10. I can count to 11 (or 12). BUT HEY, IT'S MY FUNERAL AND I'LL PLAY WHAT I WANT.

Hope yours goes well, too.

Your Top 10 (Part 1)

2006-11-13T16:28:00.000-08:00

What do you want sung at YOUR funeral?

That's the question some friends were discussing today. Pretty good question, and some pretty good answers (some repeatable, some not!). One of my favorite responses was Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here :-) Somebody else said, "Anything written after 2070." Also good.

So what about me?

Here are some (in no particular order) that I'd love to hear, either sung live, or piped in as folks mill about wondering "Why is he smiling?"

"Keep Me In Your Heart For Awhile" (Warren Zevon) - recognizing that I may not be permanent, but I'd still like to be remembered:
Shadows are falling and I'm running out of breath
Keep me in your heart for awhile
If I leave you it doesn't mean I love you any less
Keep me in your heart for awhile
Sometimes when you're doing simple things around the house
Maybe you'll think of me and smile
You know I'm tied to you like the buttons on your blouse
Keep me in your heart for awhile

"How Firm A Foundation" (John Rippon) - because Someone's holding on to me:
The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.

"Be Thou My Vision" (Dallan Forgaill) - because I'm holding on to Someone:
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light...
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

"Better Things" (the Kinks) - because I love and have great hopes for you all:
Here's wishing you the bluest sky,
And hoping something better comes tomorrow.
Hoping all the verses rhyme,
And the very best of choruses to
Follow all the doubt and sadness.
I know that better things are on the way...
I know you've got a lot of good things happening up ahead.
The past is gone its all been said.
So heres to what the future brings,
I know tomorrow you'll find better things.
I know tomorrow you'll find better things.

"I Love to Tell the Story" (Katherine Hankey) - because the Story is what it's about:
I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
'twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

OK, there's five out of ten. Maybe I'll get to five more tomorrow. If I live that long. What's on YOUR list?

E Plurubus Unum

2006-11-08T23:48:00.000-08:00

I had a great experience tonight. I went to my church for a prayer meeting. (And right now some of you are thinking "If that's a great experience you need to get out more!" But wait a sec...)

I was sitting in a small room with a small group of believers. All of us were disappointed, to varying degrees with the election. Hey, most of the people and issues I voted for won! (na-na-na :-P ) But I have to shake my head in awestruck amazement at some people's choices. (And there were other people sitting there, probably thinking the same thing about my choices :-)

So there we were, a 60's liberal, a friend of Republican candidates, a professional woman (classic Bill Clinton target), and a Baptist pastor. What could we do? From the media reports you'd expect nothing less than a slugfest.

Nope. We read the Bible - I Timothy 2:1-6, actually:
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.

And then we prayed. We prayed for Nancy Pelosi, for the President, for Sen. Reid, for the hearts of those on Capitol hill, for our State politicians, for our Superintendent of Public Instruction, on and on.

What did we pray? First, that we would be cleansed and forgiven of harsh words and ill feelings. Then, that our leaders would serve selflessly, as God intends leaders to do. That they would work together for the good of the country. That they would have such success - Democrats AND Republicans - that those who voted against them would be amazed and delighted with their good governance.

And then we prayed for each other, and for eternal matters. After all, this country is a little thing that isn't going to last long, but eternity is, well, eternal.

You see, we might look like different tribes, wear different pins in our lapels, cheer for different teams, support different candidates, even speak different languages, but Jesus takes people of different descriptions, from all around the world, and He binds us into a loving family. E Plurubus Unum - "Out of Many, One".

And I'm glad He does. You'll never know how sweet it is to see Jews and Arabs, Broncos and Vandals, mods and rockers, blacks and whites, even Democrats and Republicans embrace each other with honest love and goodwill until you see what Christ can do in the hearts of His people. One people. Out of many.

Shalom.

Elections

2006-11-07T08:33:00.000-08:00

I've made my voting decisions; by the time you read this you may be done, too. Or well-done. And while we may disagree on some particulars, some things remain true...

While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies.

His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."

"No problem, just let me in," says the man.

"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."

"Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the senator.

"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.

They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go.

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him. "Now it's time to visit heaven."

So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."

The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.

Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"

The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning. Today you voted."

Empathy and Insight

2006-10-04T22:35:00.000-07:00

I received a response e-mail today taking exception to my post "Pity the Pope". The responder made some very kind, thoughtful comments about me and my thought processes, but forgot to leave his name. Funny how that happens, ain't it? But I'd still like to reply to him/her/it.

First, I send out thanks for agreeing with me that the Pope made a major error. He flubbed it. He tripped. He dropped the pop up flyball. He messed up. You and me, we agree. He should have known that there was no way that one paragraph in his speech would be well-received, and should simply have left it out.

Second, he/she/it said I lacked "empathy and insight", and suggested I get some. He/she/it's probably right. Mom always said I lacked empathy and insight. And I know (from personal experience with me) that I'm frequently hard-hearted and often downright stupid. So I appreciate his/her/its suggestion and, believe it or not, I'm working on it. I really am.

On the other hand, I'm not sure how much insight it takes to understand that shooting nurses who are taking care of the children you blew up with a bomb on their schoolbus, is simply unacceptable. And could we just maybe agree that sawing the heads off people just because they disagree with you is out of bounds? Maybe I'm not being empathetic, but gee golly I don't feel unreasonable when I request that people not be kidnapping-murdering-oppressors.

I was once counseling a man who had the bad habit of beating up his wife. He wouldn't accept that it was WRONG to pound her. "She makes me so mad sometimes". OK, but you STILL don't get to punch her in the face. "If you knew what she's like to live with..." Sorry, throwing her into a wall IS STILL WRONG. And being a terrorist - creating terror by attacking innocent civilians - is, simply, wrong.

Third, he/she/it also suggests I need to admit that I have "no inkling of what middle eastern folks think, feel, or want." Well, that I can't admit, because he/she/it is simply wrong. I've spent a little time in the Middle East. I've had friends from the West Bank. I know missionaries in Gaza and Lebanon. I've observed and had these discussions with people who DO know. And here are a few things I've discovered:

1. "Middle eastern folks" come in lots of shapes, sizes, and colors, and lumping them together as one big group of SunniShiaWahabiJordanianSyrioEgypTalibanianCopts is silly.
2. Israeli-style "Middle eastern folks" would rather not have their children massacred.
3. Arab-style "Middle eastern folks" would rather not have their children massacred.
4. Some "Middle eastern folks" are quite glad to kill anyone if a) they feel insulted, b) they think the other person is of the wrong religion, or c) they think it will get them into paradise faster.
5. The people described in item 4 TEND to be (PROFILING ALERT! PROFILING ALERT!) Muslims of a particularly ruthless type (see: 9/11/01). And they're evil.
6. Arab AND Israeli-style "Middle eastern folks" can live together in peace, and have shown it many times. But only when they decide blowing each other up is wrong.
7. Christ tears down walls of separation between people, and makes a new ethnicity in His own image.
8. Pita and hummus and paprika chicken and hand-eaten rice and grapefruit juice and turkish coffe and baklava make a pretty dandy meal.

Finally, he/she/it closed with this thought: "Jesus would not have made the speech the Pope did. He wouldn't have spoken... he would have listened...." I agree halfway. I think He might have made the speech the Pope made, but leave out one hopelessly inept 500-year old quote.

On the other hand, to think that Jesus wouldn't have spoken out at all is opinion not based on evidence. All He DID (except give His life for us) was speak out. He never missed a teaching moment. He NEVER asked anyone's opinion, except to then show them how to improve their thinking. He criticized a lot, and had a right to: He was God incarnate, and you don't get more authority than that.

I'm pretty sure Jesus would have told the terrorists to knock it off - that they are completely without excuse. He might have also told the Pope to watch his mouth. And He probably would have told me to be more empathetic and insightful.

Like I said, I'm working on it.

Not As Qualified As I'd Like to Be

2006-09-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

There are some jobs you really need a resume for. CEO at a Fortune 500 Company. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Head football coach at the University of Alabama (but apparently not the Oakland Raiders). Probably even Pope (500 year-old quotes or not).

Last week Rosie O'Donnell, opined on her TV gabfest The View that "Radical Christianity is just as dangerous as Radical Islam." Now, apart from things like hijacking jetliners and ramming them into office buildings; exploding car bombs in crowded markets; forcing women into seclusion (or burkhas); ; preaching violent overthrow of the government; counting "suicide bomber of children on school buses" as an honorable occupation; beheading journalists, Muslim aid workers, and politicians; and generally murdering those we disagree with; and the fact that I don't think I know ANY Christians who are opposed to allowing people to freely practice a variety of religions, but there are myriads who believe in Jesus and His command to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, I can see where she's coming from.

Rosie, I don't know exactly what it took for you to get your job, but thanks for your thoughtful, insightful, and intellectual contribution to the world of whatever you were talking about. Here, have another donut.

But what does that have to do with resumes? Well, I have to admit, like the author of the following article, that I'm not really qualified to be called a "Radical" Christian. I'm just a piker on the "Radical" scale, a 98-pound weakling trying to swing a mallet and win the cigar. Check out the great piece of writing (which truly is thoughtful, insightful, and intellectual) at this link http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/pastors/1424980.html and you'll understand more of what I'm talking about.

Monday morning blessings to all - including Rosie.

Pity the Pope

2006-09-22T10:33:00.000-07:00

Pity the Pope. Poor guy. First of all, he uses a centuries-old quote that says Mohammed brought nothing good, but instead brought violence and jihad. He should have known in advance that there was NO WAY that would be received well. The fact that statements of jihad have been issued and that violence broke out in response... well, didn't you see that coming? The Pope seems pretty reasonable, but pity him - he really put his foot in it.

Second, pity the Pope because his apologies won't be heard. Sure, he says he doesn't believe the quote. He says he "respects" Islam as worshipping the "one God" (we'll get back to that in a minute). He says he was only using the quote as a starting place for his speech on reasonable discourse between faiths. But that's not going to stop the many Muslims who are saying he must be replaced as pope, saying he must convert to Islam at once to show his sincere contrition, saying the green flag of Islam will soon wave over the Vatican, or just calling for his head. Cut off. With a dull and rusty blade.

Third, pity the Pope because he can't win. To really be forgiven by Muslims he must issue an abject apology and praise Islam as true. But wouldn't that violate the faith we suppose he holds? Or he can be true to his own faith and say, "Muslims must be respected, as everyone must be, but God is perfectly revealed only in Jesus Christ." How'd you like to be him if he actually states what the Bible says?

One thing I appreciate about Muslims is that they believe in their religion. They are devoted to Muhammed and protect his name. They don't take any guff. But that doesn't mean they are right, or that they are worshipping "the one God".

If the Bible is true, the One God
created everything that exists, through His eternal, divine Son Christ Jesus;
displayed His power through the Jews;
sent a Savior for sinful humans, His own Son, Jesus Christ;
perfectly revealed Himself through that Son, Who was the exact representation of His Father on earth;
is approachable ONLY through that Son, Jesus Christ;
allowed that Son to be crucified as a saving sacrifice for sins;
forgives sins ONLY through that sacrifice;
raised that Son to life and authority;
seated Him on the throne of Heaven;
receives sinners who repent and trust Jesus as Savior;
gives those sinners new life and a Father-child relationship with Him;
will one day judge the world through that Son, when every knee shall bow and every tongue admit that Jesus Christ is Lord;
will be honored by that Son, Jesus Christ, as the last act of human history.

The Pope should say all that, and be true to His faith. He should let them hear the message of the Christian church. Sure, they may worship one god. But if they don't know Jesus as Lord and Savior, Muslims simply don't worship the One God Who is over all. (And please don't bomb my children or cut off my head for saying so.)

What I Did With My Summer Vacation

2006-08-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

Driving in today, the Missus and I were amazed at the amount of traffic - the lines of cars waiting to turn left, the mile-long backup west of Veteran's Parkway, the Starbucks Nation crowded around the doorway of their shrine, eyes glassy, hands jittery, waiting for their morning fix of caffeine and sugar. The picture is much different from last week's, which tells me school must be back in session.

And that means it's time for a post-summer update: What I did with my summer vacation.

Most of June, July, and August went by in a blur; I managed to stay relatively productive with music and ministry. The church made some big decisions and we're carrying them out. There's a good spirit, and though we don't know all the details, we're comfortable with what God is doing.

My band, Bright Red Tie, played at the big Father's Day Car Show in Eagle and had a great time. We even picked up a couple of new fans who signed up for our mailing list. Due to drummer problems we had to cancel a few gigs, but we're up and running again, with a couple of cool things coming up soon (more about that next time). The band's website is www.myspace.com/brightredtie if you'd like to check it out.

August 3rd The Missus and I bolted from Boise to the great State of Illinois, where we picked up my mom and her husband and headed to a Family Reunion in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, with side trips to cheese factories, scenic overlooks, and a couple of famous guitar stores. Actually, we didn't drag the parents to all those things; we just limo'd them from the airport to stay with friends of my grandad's, then off to the party a few days later.

The friends-of-grandad's (FOGs) are a really cool couple in their 70s. They are Christians and feel the Lord has given them a ministry of hospitality. In other words, when people come through town (old friends, church speakers, missionaries on furlough) they open their doors and invite people into their own informal, no-cost B&B. George (the husband FOG) told me "This is the Lord's house; we just operate it for Him." What a great attitude! And one more person for me to aspire to be like when I grow up.

Speaking of B&Bs, after journeying through Sheboygen and Green Bay (where the Missus took pictures of Brett Favre while I ate creamsickles) we stayed at The Inn at Timber Cove, a converted estate on the shores of Lake Superior, with Brian and Tina. B & T were missionaries in Brazil, and two of the nicest people you'll ever meet. The food was great, as was the conversation, and the setting was peaceful (20 acres of woods and berry patches will do that!). If you're ever in Ashland, look them up. Oh, one disappointment - we saw the deer, but not the bear, so we may have to go back. Then we started the meandering drive back to Chicago (home of the dandy Brookfield Zoo), and our flight home.

So did I learn anything? I mean, besides that I need a real vacation more than once every three years? Yep. Sometimes we get very focused on our lives, too focused maybe. Even though we might be dealing with international people, affairs, planning, we're near sighted. But meeting the FOGs and Brian and Tina, seeing the first Baptist church in Wisconsin, clambering the shore of Lake Michigan, running into an old friend at a church in Bloomington, MN (HEY, WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING HERE????), and seeing a BUNCH of cows and corn, reminded me that God is working everywhere I go. He's active. He's not localized. He's on the mooooooove (sorry, Wisconsin joke). At all times, in all places, He is God, and He is dealing with people in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota just as He is with people here.

That means I can relax a little and let Him do it. It's all in good hands, so lighten up, David! News Flash: God can handle the world. It's my job to hang with Him wherever I am, and follow Jesus the best I can. And if I'm with Him, then Idaho, Kinshasa, Rio de Janeiro, or wherever, it's home.

Hey, 32 + 12!

2006-06-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

Today I'm 32+12. Yep, it's the 12th anniversary of my 32nd birthday. I'm 44 and - according to the Missus - still cute. Of course, my niece thinks I'm just old and tells me so, but she's usually grinning when she says it.

Last year on my bd I was living the high life in Kinshasa, Congo. Several of us went as a mission team to Africa, where we spent about two weeks in house-to-house evangelism and revival services. Kinshasa is surreal - 7,000,000 people, very inadequate garbage system, extreme pollution, intermittent electricity, armed militias in the streets, traffic laws that are less than suggestions, city-dwellers cooking over wood fires, riots after soccer matches. You know, the usual unreal, hazy, "how did I get here?" kind of place that you've run into when you've fallen asleep after eating too much pepperoni pizza. Remember Apocalypse Now? Sort of like that.

But the people we worked with were wonderful, full of great spirit, great songs, and wonderful hospitatity: they didn't have anything but would gladly split it with you. And on the last day of the trip, June 14, 2005, missionary friends invited us all over and fed me birthday cake.

What a great day.

I never expected to have a birthday in equatorial Africa, but I thank God for giving one to me. In the year since, here in the USA, I've had the joy of dealing with revised expectations. How do I live with abundance? How do I tell Americans about Christ when so many don't really want to hear? How do I stay in a complacent America when so many in other places DO want to hear? And, what else does God have for the future?

All good questions.

Today I ate pizza at Tony's and then, after prayer meeting, went with the family for coconut cream pie at Marie Calendars. Also, a good birthday. Praise God for every one of them.

Puzzle Corners

2006-06-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

This world is made of an almost infinite number of puzzle pieces, and there's always another corner or edge to pay attention to.

That means we can get busy at a moment's notice. We can drop one thing and pick up another without missing a beat. Then, after a while, we think "Whatever happened to that thing I dropped? Hmmmmmmm..........."

In my case, I got busy before Easter and had to neglect the Musings blog. A month later, when I was about to post again, I realized no one had asked where it was, why I hadn't been posting, "WHERE'S MY DAILY DOSE OF DAVID??" or whatever. Since I have plenty of other things to do I decided I wouldn't bother being a blessing if no one was being blessed! And that's been... months.

But in the past two weeks 4 people have referenced Musings of a Smalltown Christian, so I thought I should at least let people know what's going on:

I've been working hard and practicing humility.

Since I went on blog-hiatus I've been doing my usual thing (pastoring Crane Creek Baptist Church); auditioning drummers for my band, Bright Red Tie; dealing with selling some property for our church; putting in some extra time digging through historical documents for the Treasure Valley Southern Baptist Association; shopping for a new washing machine; organizing a Congo Team reunion party; and mowing my lawn. All of those things are going well, some are done, and I'd be mowing RIGHT NOW if it hadn't rained last night and made the grass soggy.

Instead, I'm blogging.

And watching the French Open.

As for the humility, my friend Steve points out that we're all about as irreplaceable as a hole in water. If we think the world revolves around us, well, that world has plenty of edges and corners to work on, and won't worry about our departure much (pass that piece of blue, will ya? it might fit in this patch of sky). If we think no one else can do what we do, there are over 6,000,000,000 people out there willing to prove us wrong. And if one blogger goes, another will take his place. Or not.

So, if you have enough puzzle pieces to occupy your time, and the loss of these Musings wouldn't negatively impact your life, God bless ya and carry on. If, however, you'd like to keep reading the odd little things that come out of my brain, drop me a line or leave a comment on the blogsite.

OK, back to Roger Federer, the GREATEST tennis player in history. Who replaces Pete Sampras as the GREATEST tennis player in history. Who replaced ol' what'shisface as the GREATEST tennis player in history.........

73-57

2006-04-03T22:24:00.000-07:00

So, the Gators - the cooler mascot, the seafood, the northern Florida, the east coast bias, the bigger big men, the school of Dad - snapped up the Bruins tonight, 73-57. They broke the Bruins' defense (or, out-defended the Bruins' offense), chomped like the swamp creatures they are.

Right now I wish I'd put down that 10,000 bucks.

No No 11

2006-04-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

My brother-in-law called last night and said, "Number 11, huh?" No, there is no #11 in the NCAA Basketball Championship game tonight. The upstart George Mason Patriots went down on Saturday, and in less than 11 hours we're going to be watching UCLA vs. Florida.

So, the Smalltown Christian must make his choice. And I'll admit it's difficult.

The UCLA Bruins are a conference rival of THE MIGHTY ARIZONA WILDCATS, so it's hard to choose them. On the other hand, it would be nice for the PAC-10 to win it all, again.

The Florida Gators are my "birth team", since I'm from their area. Plus, Dad attended Florida (with a degree, I think, in partying. Let's just say he didn't finish his studies there.) But...I'm tired of hearing about eastern teams (Duke, UConn, UNC, blah blah blah). Did anyone else notice all four #1 seeds were chosen from east of the Mississippi?

UCLA has better guards.
Florida has a better inside game.

The Gator is much cooler than the Bruin.
LA is more fascinating than northern Florida.

LA is a Mexican town, and I love Mexican food.
Florida is a shrimp and fish place, and I love seafood.

Tough choices. Which reminds me of life. We wade through mounds of information, trying to make the perfect decision, hating to commit because MAYBE THE NEXT ONE WILL BE BETTER!!! And we still can't see the future.

An artist I know loaned our church her paintings for an exhibit we did, "The Art of Worship". She asked me, "Will they be safe?" I told her, "Maybe not. They have been so far. I have no reason to think they won't be. But you never can tell."

So is there any safe choice in life? Choose Jesus. Decide to do what you think God wants, as best as you can see, and you'll be moving in the right direction. I mean, ANYBODY can improve the life of his community by following the 10 Commandments. They reflect God's eternal character, so even if you just think, 'Hey, maybe adultery has negative societal effects so I'm not going to do it,' - whether your reasons are theological or just sociological - faithfulness to your spouse is still a healthy thing.

Of course, choosing His way works better if you know Him, rather than just guessing. If you know Him you can make an informed decision on His will, because you know His character and how His mind works and you may have even had a conversation with Him about the matter. Does that mean you'll always be right? Nope. I miss all the time. But my life is a dialogue with God that evolves and grows and will end up where He wants it to, if I just keep walking with Him.

But He's given me no clear direction on how to bet tonight (not that I'm going to bet tonight, although if the clouds parted, the sky rolled back, angel choirs streamed across the expanse and mighty voice from Heaven proclaimed "The Gators will win the Championship tonight!" I'd probably put down a dollar or 10,000.)

So here's my choice:
The Bruins have an incredible, clamp down stranglehold defense that crushes the breath from their opponents like an anaconda. They aren't pretty, but they are efficient: no one has been able to score against them in weeks. And I don't see how the Gators are going to change that tonight.

So, I'm picking UCLA to win...but I still don't know if I'm cheering for them.

Of Kings and Kingdoms, 1

2006-03-31T08:16:00.000-08:00

Did you notice La Granmarcha? Last week the Hispanic/Latino/Mexicano/Anahuaca population of southern California marched, 500,000 strong, through the streets of Los Angeles to protest immigration reform. The streets leading to the government buildings were impassable (even more so than they usually are; have you ever tried to drive in downtown LA?).

The big question is, Why? Why would half a million people get out and protest about a situation, against proposed laws, against secure borders? And the correct answer is NOT "Because Spanish-language radio and TV encouraged them to."

You're closer if you say, "Because they see the border and the government of the US as illegitimate." The U.S. doesn't have the right to keep Mexicans and Central Americans out. Whatever the conditions of their arrival, those who are here have a right to be here. Their parents, children, and cousins have a right to be here, too, because the US has no legitimate reason for excluding them.

If the jobs, benefits, and lifestyle are better here, they should be allowed.

What's more, those who oppose the open border are racists. It's impossible for a person to want resticted immigration because they believe in the rule of law, in the danger of full access, in the economic disadvantages of such a system. No, it can only be because that person hates Hispanic/ Latino/ Mexicano/ Anahuacas. ("Anahuacas", by the way, is a name for indiginous Californians. And I don't mean the Missus, who was born in San Francisco.) That's all there is to it - you are a racist.

The beautiful thing about calling someone a racist is that it immediately takes the argument out of the rational realm and into the emotional. There are few labels that can do it as effectively (only "child abuser", "fundamentalist Christian", and "Republican" spring to mind) and it doesn't matter whether the label is accurate or not. Those who receive the label are now (by definition) ignorant, self-centered abusive, greedy, oppressors, whose opinions on any subject are to be disregarded. Conversely, the one who does the labeling is now, by extension, an intelligent, altruistic, caring, selfless, rights-respecter, whose opinions on every subject are to be accepted without question.

I can understand why someone would want to come here. If I was from most other countries, I'd want to come here, too! But "want" is not sufficient. And if we're going to discuss immigration effectively, we have to drop the word "racist" (because that says there can only be one legitimate point of view, that of the labeler). My conversation must include law, culture, and faith (since I am a citizen of a Kingdom higher than either the United States of America or the Estados Unitos de Mexico). And I hope that as I think about these things I can expess something worth expressing.

Hit the comment button and let me know what you think. And in the meantime, here's a link you can follow for another perspective:
http://www.mexica-movement.org/granmarcha.htm

The End of the Spear

2006-03-28T11:53:00.000-08:00

The other day, the Missus, a friend, and I went to see the movie "The End of the Spear". It's the story of a tragic and wonderful encounter, told from both sides, and is better than I thought it was going to be.

Have you ever noticed that Christians, the heirs of JS Bach and Michelangelo, often churn out pretty lousy "art"? Not long ago I heard today's Christian music described as "the best sounds of the 80s", which prompted someone else to comment "Christian Radio - 100 bands, 4 songs."

Now, it's not all bad. There are some exciting Christian musicians, people who do very special things and write songs aimed at the heart more than the pocketbook. There are some artists who are painting beautiful, intriguing, thought-provoking, pieces at very high levels. (Just for the record, I'm not one of them). If you want to know some great poets or painters expressing a Christian wordview, let me know and I'll be happy to clue you in.

But there's a lot of dreck that gets by just because someone uses the name "Jesus" 27 times per verse.

It's the same with movies made "for the Christian audience". Most of it's lifeless, with mediocre acting and soap-opera worthy writing. And that's a real shame because we of all people should be the most alive, most expressive, most poetic. Hey, we KNOW the Life, the Word, don't we? Why, yes we do. :-)

So whenever I see a movie aimed at Christians I cringe a little, hoping that it will be better than an afterschool special.

"End of the Spear" is. Oh, there are a few "clinks" in it, but that's true of most movies. But there's a beauty and grace about it you don't often see. It has life.

The story revolves around a missionary family trying to reach a remote, Central American tribe who have never heard the Good News: though we are sinners, there is forgiveness and a new life for all who will trust Jesus as Savior and follow Him as Lord. The husband, a pilot, does make contact but tragedy ensues, brutally and in shocking detail. The rest of the movie deals with the ripples that extend from that moment.

There are two or three moments of genuine, almost infinite, sadness as well done as anything I've seen onscreen. And some truly funny things as well (don't leave when the credits start rolling). I say, Go see it, and see if you don't agree. I think you will.

But see it quickly. Them thar Christian movies never seem to stick around for long.

2-3-4-11?

2006-03-26T17:34:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhhhhhh! A week of basketball frenzy, seven days of nailbiters, 64 teams, 60 games, and all the joy, passion, suspense, and heartbreak of a full season of General Hospital (except everyone kept his clothes on).

And it all comes down to 2, 3, 4, and... 11?

Duke? Nope. Kansas or North Carolina? Nope? THE MIGHTY ARIZONA WILDCATS? Nope, not this year (sigh). And after this afternoon, UConn and Villanova are nope and nope, too.

2, 3, 4, and... 11?

The PAC-10 Conference started with four teams, lost one in the first round, one in the second, one in the fourth, and one is still playing. The Unknowns frequently beat up on the Knowns. Buzzer-beating 3-point shots were common enough that they turned from astonishing to merely grin-inducing.

2, 3, 4, and... 11?

In its region UCLA was seeded #2, and they're in after beating #1 Memphis 50-45. (50-45? In a major-college regional championship? Are these guys in their 20s or their 50s? I saw the Boise State Broncos and the U of Louisville score more points that that in a FOOTBALL game a couple of years ago!) But I digress... Florida (seeded 3) took down Villanova and Louisiana State defeated Washington after a controversial non-call of goaltending. And those are all great teams, and we all tip our hats to each of them. Way to go, guys!

2, 3, 4, and... 11? Oh yes, the guys seeded #11. The green and gold team from George Mason University (who???) looked at the favorite, regular-season ranked #1 University of Connecticut, and gunned 'em down like David going after Goliath. The Patriots took the Huskies into overtime and then sent them to the doghouse. Wow :-)

2, 3, 4, and a very deserving 11. Incredible stuff.

So which of the Final Four will I cheer for next week?

UCLA, from the Pac-10?
Florida, my Dad's school?
George Mason, the upstart team on a quest?
LSU, the Terrible Tigers of the South?

Stay tuned! It's going to be fun!

For the Chief Baker

2006-03-22T08:57:00.000-08:00

Here's something my Sunday School class came up with last Sunday. This month our church has been thinking about The Art of Worship , and we were discussing music and poetry.

The class assignment? Write some.
The reward? Cupcakes.
The result?

Our Father...
faithful like a cupcake

Always sweet to my taste
Brings a smile to my face
Beautiful to my eyes
I am hungry for You

You nourish my yearnings
Your mercy sweetens my life
Your grace provides substance
Your love is sprinkled on top

Amen.

(2006, Crane Creek Baptist Church of Boise, ID, no rights reserved. All parts of this psalm may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including recording, photocopy, translation, transliteration, transcription, transcontinental, transfat, transubstantial, transamerica, transylvania, transpiration, transfiguration, transfusion, translucence, transhumance, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the authors, as long as it's in good taste - like a cupcake)

Passing a Blessing Along

2006-03-18T22:06:00.000-08:00

I got these two feeds from a good friend, who wanted to give me a blessing. I've seen God do things like this before, so I'm not really surprised, just thrilled :-) Anyway, the Smalltown Christian feels like he needs to pass them along as well, soooooo... be blessed!

http://actsofobedience.blogspot.com/2005/10/taco-bell-eagle-and-orange-feet_22.html

THEN

http://actsofobedience.blogspot.com/2006/03/taco-bell-eagle-orange-feet-sequel.html

1 Down, 5 to Go

2006-03-17T12:50:00.000-08:00

So I'm pretty busy right now, got a lot to do to get ready for the weekend, but some things can be rescheduled and some can't. That's why I got out of my office at 10:15 to meet my brother down at Busters for food and - more importantly - Arizona Wildcats basketball.

That's right. This is Holy Fortnight. The NCAA Basketball tournament. The greatest 2 weeks of sports in America (what Olympics?), 64 games culminating in the crowning of one National Champion. It's hoops time, Baby! And there's nothing like it.

The beauty of the tourney is that Big Time Schools like Duke, UCLA, Connecticut, and Oklahoma get in, but so do the little guys like Wichita State, Iona, Oral Roberts, and Winthrop (more about them later). All it takes is beating your competition in the regular season. You may know Wisconsin's fight song ("On, Wisconsin"), but how about Bradley U's? I'll give you $2 if you do. Sure, you may know Southern Cal's "Trojan March"... but they didn't make it in. So sorry - not invited this year.

And for two weeks, anything can happen. OK, no number 16-seed has ever beaten a #1. But some 15s have beaten #2s. That's pretty close to anything. (Several years ago, the University of Santa Clara beat Arizona. Sure, they had a genuine future NBA Allstar leading them, but that's not the point; the little guy beat the big guy and that's what it's about. Of course, Santa Clara isn't in this year, and the 'Cats are for the 21st straight time, so there!)

It started yesterday morning (I wore my blue AZCats cap to the office, just out of respect). Since then 12th-seeded Montana broke 5th-seeded Nevada, and #13 University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee knocked down #6 Oklahoma. #15 Winthrop (Winthrop?) took a hot Tennessee team right to the wire before the Volunteers hit the winning bucket with less than a second to go. And today Northwestern State University of Lousiana stomped on Iowa's heart with their own last-second 3-pointer, sending the Hawkeyes home crying while the Purple Demons are laughing all the way to Round 2. That's #14 over #3, and it counts. A lot.

So I sat there with my brother Craig, wearing my bright red Arizona Basketball t-shirt, eating nachos (and hot wings, and spinach dip) and drinking cokes, and cheering for the greatest spectacle in sports - unlimited hope, any team can get in, every band gets to play, every cheerleader gets to smile and shake, no one's too short if he can shoot, you play for all the marbles - everytime - and you get paid nothing: it's for pride and that's all. So when Iowa lost, the guy in the black and yellow sweatshirt at the table next to us got up and left without saying a word, too brokenhearted to even wave goodbye...while we watched the MIGHTY ARIZONA WILDCATS smash the Wisconsin Badgers and celebrated like something great had just happened. Which it had.

One game won, five to go. Bear Down, Arizona.