Please pray for Celeste Green's father, Dan Scott. You can read about him here:
http://www.noelgreen.com/Dan
Celeste is one of the kindest people I've ever met.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Say a prayer for...
Please pray for Dr. Charles Siburt as he fights cancer. You can follow his journey here:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/charlessiburt
Dr. Siburt has been a teacher, mentor, and friend. He has shared wisdom and guidance when I need it. I'm a better minister because of him.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/charlessiburt
Dr. Siburt has been a teacher, mentor, and friend. He has shared wisdom and guidance when I need it. I'm a better minister because of him.
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
2012
In 2012, I want to...
- pay off my credit card.
- fall in love.
- kick the addiction to soda.
- exercise regularly.
- memorize more scripture.
- give more and take less.
- love more and judge less.
- blog more.
- write that book.
- find a healthy relationship with food.
- call my brothers more often.
That's a pretty good start.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
On Katrina
Inspired by others who have done the same today, I thought I'd recount some of my experiences following Hurricane Katrina. When the hurricane hit, I'd just started a grad program in Abilene, Texas. Like most people, I couldn't take my eyes off the constant coverage of the disaster. I wrote this blog entry a few days later:
I got the chance to watch Oprah this afternoon. I usually don't watch the show but I happened to see that she would be talking about the Hurricane, so I tuned in. The current conditions of the people living in Louisiana are unbelievable. Dead bodies are everywhere. If a person is about to die, they go ahead and take the body to the make shift morgue so the person can die in peace. What a tragedy when the morgue is the most peaceful place to die. Oprah got to go into the Superdome and there was water, urine, and feces covering the floor. Thankfully, no one is living there any more. As I watched the show I felt so helpless. All I want to do with my life is love God by loving and serving people. I wish so badly that there was something I could do to help these people. I just feel stuck here.
I titled that blog Helpless and I remember feeling so helpless at the time. Here I was sitting around the Graduate School of Theology with a bunch of future ministers talking about what it means to live an incarnational life, all the while thousands of people were one state away and living without water. Sometimes it feels like the Christian walk is so much talk and so little action.
Thankfully, I was able to put that Christian walk into action several months later when I traveled to New Orleans with the youth group I was interning for. It's funny, at the time I had no idea I would soon be working with that youth group full time. I was very nervous about that trip to New Orleans. I had broken my foot a few weeks earlier and I knew I would be very limited physically. I certainly was, and again felt such a feeling of helplessness as I watched my teens work so hard. I remember having so many thoughts and emotion swirling around in my head and heart. Here's the blog I wrote soon after we returned:
We returned from New Orleans a couple of hours ago and I have so many thoughts. I know my words can't really do justice to the experience I just had, but I'll try.
First of all, I have to brag on my kids. They were awesome, bigger than awesome. Our job was to go into these houses that hadn't been touched in 10 months and clear out all of the belongings- couches, dressers, refrigerators, clothes, books, food, EVERYTHING, then we had to strip the house down to just the studs. The church we were staying at and working through expected our group to get three houses done, my incredible kids got ten houses done. That's more than any of the groups that have come through that church. I didn't hear the kids complain about the work a single time. We had to force them to take water breaks. They wanted to stay and work as late as possible each day. I am so proud of them.
When we got to New Orleans we went down to the French Quarter which didn't seem to have much damage from the hurricane. This area is very old, it looks like old cities in Europe (at least what I think those cities look like). New Orleans definitely rivals Las Vegas for the title of sin city. The closer you walked to Bourbon Street the stronger the smell of alcohol got. I'm sure my teenage boys got an eye full more than once. There was an overwhelming feeling of loss and hopelessness in the city. The people are weary and tired.
When we left the French Quarter we took the kids down to the 9th Ward, a poor neighborhood that was pretty much wiped out by the storm. The destruction was worse than I had imagined. We saw houses that were literally turned over on their side. The few brick houses in this neighborhood held together pretty well, but all of the other houses were completely lifted off their foundation. The flood water was higher than the roofs and didn't start going down for at least two weeks. Nothing and no one survived this storm. Each house had a spray painted number on it of the number of bodies found in it. This place was a ghost town. There was not sign of life anywhere. We drove down one street and saw a man working on his house. We got out and talked to him and prayed with him. He told us about an decorative angel that was on his roof that made it through the storm and still sits on the roof. There are signs of God everywhere.
The neighborhood we worked in was an average middle class area. It reminded me of the neighborhood I grew up in. Just imagine your house submerged in water for two weeks then left for 10 months. Everything was still wet, covered in mold, and completely filthy. I've never seen anything this nasty. We had to wear masks to protect our lungs and prevent nose bleeds. I just pray that our kids didn't breathe in anything that will affect them later. Our homeowners didn't know what they were going to do. It hasn't been decided whether these neighborhoods will be rebuilt or just completely demolished and returned to marsh land. I kept asking myself, who would build a city on a swamp?
I still have lots of questions and unresolved feelings about New Orleans. I'll probably write more about it. The one thing I know is this city must be redeemed. Not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. That is my prayer for New Orleans.
I got the chance to watch Oprah this afternoon. I usually don't watch the show but I happened to see that she would be talking about the Hurricane, so I tuned in. The current conditions of the people living in Louisiana are unbelievable. Dead bodies are everywhere. If a person is about to die, they go ahead and take the body to the make shift morgue so the person can die in peace. What a tragedy when the morgue is the most peaceful place to die. Oprah got to go into the Superdome and there was water, urine, and feces covering the floor. Thankfully, no one is living there any more. As I watched the show I felt so helpless. All I want to do with my life is love God by loving and serving people. I wish so badly that there was something I could do to help these people. I just feel stuck here.
I titled that blog Helpless and I remember feeling so helpless at the time. Here I was sitting around the Graduate School of Theology with a bunch of future ministers talking about what it means to live an incarnational life, all the while thousands of people were one state away and living without water. Sometimes it feels like the Christian walk is so much talk and so little action.
Thankfully, I was able to put that Christian walk into action several months later when I traveled to New Orleans with the youth group I was interning for. It's funny, at the time I had no idea I would soon be working with that youth group full time. I was very nervous about that trip to New Orleans. I had broken my foot a few weeks earlier and I knew I would be very limited physically. I certainly was, and again felt such a feeling of helplessness as I watched my teens work so hard. I remember having so many thoughts and emotion swirling around in my head and heart. Here's the blog I wrote soon after we returned:
We returned from New Orleans a couple of hours ago and I have so many thoughts. I know my words can't really do justice to the experience I just had, but I'll try.
First of all, I have to brag on my kids. They were awesome, bigger than awesome. Our job was to go into these houses that hadn't been touched in 10 months and clear out all of the belongings- couches, dressers, refrigerators, clothes, books, food, EVERYTHING, then we had to strip the house down to just the studs. The church we were staying at and working through expected our group to get three houses done, my incredible kids got ten houses done. That's more than any of the groups that have come through that church. I didn't hear the kids complain about the work a single time. We had to force them to take water breaks. They wanted to stay and work as late as possible each day. I am so proud of them.
When we got to New Orleans we went down to the French Quarter which didn't seem to have much damage from the hurricane. This area is very old, it looks like old cities in Europe (at least what I think those cities look like). New Orleans definitely rivals Las Vegas for the title of sin city. The closer you walked to Bourbon Street the stronger the smell of alcohol got. I'm sure my teenage boys got an eye full more than once. There was an overwhelming feeling of loss and hopelessness in the city. The people are weary and tired.
When we left the French Quarter we took the kids down to the 9th Ward, a poor neighborhood that was pretty much wiped out by the storm. The destruction was worse than I had imagined. We saw houses that were literally turned over on their side. The few brick houses in this neighborhood held together pretty well, but all of the other houses were completely lifted off their foundation. The flood water was higher than the roofs and didn't start going down for at least two weeks. Nothing and no one survived this storm. Each house had a spray painted number on it of the number of bodies found in it. This place was a ghost town. There was not sign of life anywhere. We drove down one street and saw a man working on his house. We got out and talked to him and prayed with him. He told us about an decorative angel that was on his roof that made it through the storm and still sits on the roof. There are signs of God everywhere.
The neighborhood we worked in was an average middle class area. It reminded me of the neighborhood I grew up in. Just imagine your house submerged in water for two weeks then left for 10 months. Everything was still wet, covered in mold, and completely filthy. I've never seen anything this nasty. We had to wear masks to protect our lungs and prevent nose bleeds. I just pray that our kids didn't breathe in anything that will affect them later. Our homeowners didn't know what they were going to do. It hasn't been decided whether these neighborhoods will be rebuilt or just completely demolished and returned to marsh land. I kept asking myself, who would build a city on a swamp?
I still have lots of questions and unresolved feelings about New Orleans. I'll probably write more about it. The one thing I know is this city must be redeemed. Not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. That is my prayer for New Orleans.
Watching the news coverage about Katrina this week has filled me with the same emotions and questions I had 5 years ago. So many feelings about the importance of home in a person's life, the value of under-resourced (poor) people in our country, the appropriate response of government in situations of disaster as well as the response of churches and Christians.
I'll end with the same prayer I had at the time: May God redeem us.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Meet Molly
Yesterday I became a first time pet owner. I adopted Molly, a four year old beagle, from a local shelter. She is wonderful! She's very sweet and only goes potty on the grass!! The teens love her and she really enjoyed all the attention they gave her last night. So, with 24 hours down, all I can say is so far-so good!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
When did total nerd come back in style? I've been seeing this look a lot lately:
Surprisingly, this look seems to be absolutely intentional. The trendy Starbucks worker and Borders clerk are now sporting the mullet and big glasses. They say everything old becomes new again. I guess everything nerdy becomes cool at some point. I'm thinking of getting out my glasses and putting some masking tape around the nose piece. I'll do anything to be cool.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
I've been meaning to blog about this for awhile. Last month my cousin, Kenny, passed away after an incredible battle with cancer. He was a police officer with the Austin police force for 30 years. His funeral was unlike anything I've ever seen. First of all, I've never seen so many cops in one room. The funeral was the greatest showing of respect I've every seen. The weather was cold and rainy which seemed quite fitting.
I've been blown away by Kenny since his diagnosis. I've never seen someone face such difficult circumstances with such a positive attitude and will to live. He never stopped fighting even in the very end. If a fighting spirit alone could cure cancer, Kenny would have been cured the day after his diagnosis.
Here is a link to the news coverage of his funeral.
KVUE Story
I've been blown away by Kenny since his diagnosis. I've never seen someone face such difficult circumstances with such a positive attitude and will to live. He never stopped fighting even in the very end. If a fighting spirit alone could cure cancer, Kenny would have been cured the day after his diagnosis.
Here is a link to the news coverage of his funeral.
KVUE Story
Thursday, April 16, 2009
A few months ago, maybe even a year ago, I told you to check out Obediah Parker's version of Hey Ya. Well last night they played that song on Scrubs! That led me to believe that the producers of Scrubs are reading my blog. I always welcome new readers. :)
I have a little story for you. After church last night I was up in my office and received a text telling me there was a duck under my car. Of course I thought this was a joke. But as it turns out, a little ducky with a broken foot had found its way under my car! Whoa. It was so cute and scared. So, Tim (the other youth minister) called animal patrol, who were not working at 9:00 pm. So the dispatcher sent out a police officer to help us in our time of need. While we waited on the first responder, we noticed an owl, or hawk, or some other big predatory bird perched on a tree in the distance. Back to that in a moment. I expected the officer to put the duck in a cage and take him in for treatment. Instead he scooped him up in a blanket and carried him down to the creek at the edge of the church property. I was a little disappointed in his course of action, but what was I going to do- argue with the cop? This morning Tim and I were so proud of our courageous actions last night. We decided to go down to the creek and check on the ducky. All we found was a big pile of duck feathers. This forced us to believe that owl made a good dinner out of the duck last night. Nature can be so tragic.
I have a little story for you. After church last night I was up in my office and received a text telling me there was a duck under my car. Of course I thought this was a joke. But as it turns out, a little ducky with a broken foot had found its way under my car! Whoa. It was so cute and scared. So, Tim (the other youth minister) called animal patrol, who were not working at 9:00 pm. So the dispatcher sent out a police officer to help us in our time of need. While we waited on the first responder, we noticed an owl, or hawk, or some other big predatory bird perched on a tree in the distance. Back to that in a moment. I expected the officer to put the duck in a cage and take him in for treatment. Instead he scooped him up in a blanket and carried him down to the creek at the edge of the church property. I was a little disappointed in his course of action, but what was I going to do- argue with the cop? This morning Tim and I were so proud of our courageous actions last night. We decided to go down to the creek and check on the ducky. All we found was a big pile of duck feathers. This forced us to believe that owl made a good dinner out of the duck last night. Nature can be so tragic.
Here's the poor little duck.
The duck was a little scared of me. I'm assuming this was because of my red eyes.
The police officer who led the duck to ultimate death.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Lots of thoughts going on here... just follow along.
I recently drove through the state of Kentucky. It seems like a nice enough place. Here's the weird thing- apparently they have no idea what to do with the bodies of dead deer. So, their best answer is to simply leave them in the grassy median. Hey- it's winter time, at least they'll kind of blend in with the dead grass. Well, not really. I lost count after 20. We were only in the state for about an hour.
Last Saturday I had to get 3 van loads of teens back from Wichita in a snow storm. I doubt my blood pressure has ever been higher. I prayed the whole way home as I gripped the wheel with all my might. At one point I said, God if you get us home I'll give you the glory on my blog. So here it is people: The good Lord got us home safely last Saturday morning! He's pretty good at protecting me. We sure know it wasn't my driving abilities.
There is all this commotion about The Bachelor. Surprisingly, I've never watched the show, so I have no comment.
I wish those lovely people who cut hair would just admit they have no idea how to style curly hair. I'd rather leave with my hair wet than let them blow dry my head into a frizzy afro. (is that even how you spell that?) Today when the lady was trying to dry my hair, I finally had to just say, "ma'am will you please stop that, I'll just leave like this." I knew she couldn't fix the mess she was creating. I did give her a nice tip though, just in case she thought I was rude.
I have a girls retreat coming up soon. I'm on empty when it comes to ideas about what we should do. Any thoughts out there?
Today was an open windows day! The sun was shining and it was so wonderful. I hope it lasts a little while.
I had to face some rejection yesterday. I'm tired of putting myself out there. I'm also tired of being a "good friend." That's all have to say about that.
It's time for some Thursday night tv. Such a good way to end a long week. I'll finish with a new photo. My good pal Susan took this for our new website at church.
I recently drove through the state of Kentucky. It seems like a nice enough place. Here's the weird thing- apparently they have no idea what to do with the bodies of dead deer. So, their best answer is to simply leave them in the grassy median. Hey- it's winter time, at least they'll kind of blend in with the dead grass. Well, not really. I lost count after 20. We were only in the state for about an hour.
Last Saturday I had to get 3 van loads of teens back from Wichita in a snow storm. I doubt my blood pressure has ever been higher. I prayed the whole way home as I gripped the wheel with all my might. At one point I said, God if you get us home I'll give you the glory on my blog. So here it is people: The good Lord got us home safely last Saturday morning! He's pretty good at protecting me. We sure know it wasn't my driving abilities.
There is all this commotion about The Bachelor. Surprisingly, I've never watched the show, so I have no comment.
I wish those lovely people who cut hair would just admit they have no idea how to style curly hair. I'd rather leave with my hair wet than let them blow dry my head into a frizzy afro. (is that even how you spell that?) Today when the lady was trying to dry my hair, I finally had to just say, "ma'am will you please stop that, I'll just leave like this." I knew she couldn't fix the mess she was creating. I did give her a nice tip though, just in case she thought I was rude.
I have a girls retreat coming up soon. I'm on empty when it comes to ideas about what we should do. Any thoughts out there?
Today was an open windows day! The sun was shining and it was so wonderful. I hope it lasts a little while.
I had to face some rejection yesterday. I'm tired of putting myself out there. I'm also tired of being a "good friend." That's all have to say about that.
It's time for some Thursday night tv. Such a good way to end a long week. I'll finish with a new photo. My good pal Susan took this for our new website at church.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
What is it about Oscar season that just makes you want to cry?... oh, it's the movies! My goal this year was to see all of the big Oscar films. Well apparently, to get anywhere in Hollywood you must commit suicide, molest an alter boy, read to an illiterate Nazi, hate people from Asia, and marry Leonardo DiCaprio. Why can't we just be sweet and nice and happy? Jeez America, let's get some therapy.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
So, I was updating my Facebook and realized that I haven't read any books lately that aren't youth ministry related. Well, I'm in the mood for reading- it must be the cold weather. Give me some recommendations. What are your favorite books? You know, the ones that you just can't put down. The ones you read in a day. And please don't say Twilight...
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
So I have a pretty crazy task before me. I'm about to spend the next two months teaching a group of rowdy 7th and 8th graders how to study the bible. On the surface this many sound easy, but as I sit here preparing, I'm becoming more fearful, or confused, or overwhelmed, well I'm not sure exactly how I feel. Here's what I do know. I didn't learn how to study the bible until I went to grad school. I am confident that my exegetical material from those classes will be lost on these teens, I say sarcastically. In all honesty, that material was lost on me pretty regularly. Oh man. Wish me luck people.
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