Worship services at Grace-Plano are concluding as I write this. It is nighttime here in Israel. Somehow I will find a way to eat dinner (shouldn't be a problem) and then try to go to sleep.
From the lobby of the resort in Netanya I can hear the sounds of waves from the Mediterranean Sea. Hope to get pictures tomorrow morning.
No problems on our flights here. However, Anne and Amy (my two traveling buds from Grace-Plano) somehow scored first class seats from DFW to Newark. As I was feasting on a bag of pretzels and some ginger ale, they had gourmet dining and snacking. I told them to take a break when you get it.
I was fortunate to have emergency row seating from Newark to Tel Aviv, so I could stretch out my big legs. Very worth the $60 upgrade.
Tomorrow we make our way to Caesarea. Can't wait to explore the sites, cross-reference with Scripture, and imagine what it would have been like.
For now, it is off to dinner and then to bed. A person can only be on airplanes and buses for so long...
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Never Thought I Would "Do" Ash Wednesday Again
“But let all
who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your
protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult in you. For
you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover them with favor as with a shield.”
Psalm 5:11-12
 |
| Not only do I wear ashes once a year. I also, from time-to-time, sport a clerical collar. Both symbols give me a warm, but strange connection to the Church of my youth. |
Then I went to seminary, where a professor taught me that any practices in the Church (the western Church, at least) prior to the Reformation are the property of Protestants and Roman Catholics alike. There is about 1,500 years worth of heritage that we share in common. So therefore, Ash Wednesday, which was practiced long before there was an eastern or western Church, or Roman Catholics and Protestants, is "fair game" for liturgical practice.
Now, I realize this is a totally childish way of looking at things, with the focus on what is "mine" and what is "yours," but for some reason it resonates with me.
It helps me to bridge the faith I knew as a child to the faith that I practice today.
It allows me to participate in practices shared by friends and family who are still practicing Roman Catholics.
And it shows me that Christ's Church is truly catholic, or universal, and that we share a common, ancient heritage.
It is all ours.
Or better yet, it all belongs to Christ.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Like a Pig Staring at a Pearl Necklace
I am on Week 2, Day 5 of the Twitter challenge at church. Following on the previous blog, now that I am technologically re-integrated, I am trying to use things like Twitter and Facebook more for their usefulness for the Kingdom.
This is not to say I am some pious soul who has no need of entertaining, mindless dialogue between friends. I enjoy exchanging quips about the simple joys of life, and the funny thoughts and events that we encounter from day-to-day. However, Facebook (for one) can be used more intentionally for things like keeping the Body connected throughout the week, and reaching out to others in our networks who may/may not be Christian. It can also bridge the generations. (I certainly use it to check-in on what's new in my kids' lives, and in the lives of our church youth.)
Twitter, however, has me stumped. It seems like a truncated version of Facebook, and I do not yet understand why so many folks are going nuts for it. Is it only because it is the newest and shiniest social networking toy out there? Or does it offer something Facebook does not yet offer?
Don't get me wrong. I like to check Tweets from people like "Weird Al" and Conan O'Brien, or check on what my favorite athletes are saying and thinking. But can it be used for other, more intentional purposes related to the Church?
As one of our church members says, when I am on Twitter, "I feel like a pig staring at a pearl necklace."
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Re-integrating to the Tech World
I recently broke an 8-month "technology fast" from things like Facebook and blogging. I even deactivated Internet and e-mail access on my iPhone for a spell.
The fast started last summer after one of my son's baseball games. He said, "Dad, why are you always checking your phone when you come to watch my games?" It's not as if he wouldn't be doing the same thing if I was on the field and he was in the stands. He and his brothers do, after all, use Facebook, Xbox, texting, et. al., much more than I do. But as the guy in his life that he calls "Dad" I thought enough is enough. If I can't sit at attention for my own son's ball game without being tied to a hand-held device, then perhaps I have a problem (which I did).
At any rate, it is time to reintegrate, and you could say I am worse off than before I started the fast. I have since graduated to Linked In and Twitter. So now, in my complicated life, I must regularly check voice mails, texts, Facebook posts, e-mails, and Tweets. I am registered on Linked In but don't know how to navigate yet (not really interested in learning, either.)
The conclusion I have come to is that I will take the "good" that Internet networking has to offer, and discard the rest. I will try to avoid posting every funny (but ultimately useless) comment that pops into my head, and be more selective in what I share. I will try to glorify God more in my comments, recognizing that it is possible to have a "bad" Christian witness through the things we Tweet and post.
Don't know if is going to work out any better this time around, but I am giving it a shot.
God help me.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Farewell Blue Bomber, High Gas Costs
Hail the size of tennis balls pounded the Town a Prosper a month ago. The storm hit just after midnight, and as we huddled in the laundry room, it sounded like an arial bombardment.
My 8-year-old daughter still gets sketched out every time the weather calls for thunderstorms.
In the morning, we counted 10 shattered windows on the west side of the house and total roof damage. Both of our vehicles looked like they were parked in the middle of a golfball driving range.
The Keffers came out on top in this one, though. As you may or may not know, we are living with my wife's parents until October or November, when our new house build is finished. Any house damage from the storm was a slight inconvenience for me, but not as stressful as it was for my parents-in-law and other homeowners in Prosper.
The upside for us is that the storm totaled "The Blue Bomber" -- a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban that had 129,000 and sucked down a gallon of gasoline every 11 or 12 miles. It's not that I did not appreciate the Bomber for years of service and good memories, but I will not miss the gasoline costs.
Also, we were able to use the insurance money to buy a used 2001 Volkswagen Jetta with relatively low miles. This puppy gets 22 miles to the gallon.
My 2005 Ford F-150 was not totaled, but sustained a lot of damage. The truck has been in the body shop for three weeks now, and I am so looking forward to having it back. The first thing I am going to do -- at least this is the plan -- is to put it on Craig's List to sell. I like what happened with the Suburban-Jetta swap-out, and I am now focused on eliminating another car payment and simplifying our lives with a car that I can pay cash for.
I don't expect to find a vehicle that seats six AND gets good gas mileage, but we'll see what happens.
I'm not sure why I am blogging about hail storms and vehicles. I guess I am just excited that we were given the opportunity to make some much-needed changes in our vehicle situation.
I never imagined a severe hail storm would make this possible, but I'll take a good break when it comes my way.
My 8-year-old daughter still gets sketched out every time the weather calls for thunderstorms.
In the morning, we counted 10 shattered windows on the west side of the house and total roof damage. Both of our vehicles looked like they were parked in the middle of a golfball driving range.
The Keffers came out on top in this one, though. As you may or may not know, we are living with my wife's parents until October or November, when our new house build is finished. Any house damage from the storm was a slight inconvenience for me, but not as stressful as it was for my parents-in-law and other homeowners in Prosper.
The upside for us is that the storm totaled "The Blue Bomber" -- a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban that had 129,000 and sucked down a gallon of gasoline every 11 or 12 miles. It's not that I did not appreciate the Bomber for years of service and good memories, but I will not miss the gasoline costs.
Also, we were able to use the insurance money to buy a used 2001 Volkswagen Jetta with relatively low miles. This puppy gets 22 miles to the gallon.
My 2005 Ford F-150 was not totaled, but sustained a lot of damage. The truck has been in the body shop for three weeks now, and I am so looking forward to having it back. The first thing I am going to do -- at least this is the plan -- is to put it on Craig's List to sell. I like what happened with the Suburban-Jetta swap-out, and I am now focused on eliminating another car payment and simplifying our lives with a car that I can pay cash for.
I don't expect to find a vehicle that seats six AND gets good gas mileage, but we'll see what happens.
I'm not sure why I am blogging about hail storms and vehicles. I guess I am just excited that we were given the opportunity to make some much-needed changes in our vehicle situation.
I never imagined a severe hail storm would make this possible, but I'll take a good break when it comes my way.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Daily Prayer: A Simple Enough Concept
Daily prayer is such a simple concept.
We awaken each day, and the Spirit leads us out of bed and onto our knees, to praise God and ask for God's mercies throughout the coming day.
We stop our workday for lunch, and we give thanks to God, not merely "for this food and the hands that have prepared it," but for the ways we have seen God at work in the first working hours of the day.
And then at evening, we thank God again, intercede for others, and pray whatever else the Spirit leads us to pray.
It all looks good on paper, doesn't it? But when each day comes, we get pushed and pulled by all types of "more important" things.
In the morning, we need our coffee first. The dog has to go for a walk and take a pee. The kids wake up and want breakfast. The newspaper looks more interesting.
At lunch, we tell ourselves we are too busy to pause for prayer because of the demands of the day. We have to get back to the office.
And in the evening, of course, are children's events, night meetings at church, or a game or new episode on TV.
There are all types of things that complicate the very simple concept of daily prayer. It happens in my life, and maybe for some of you.
I have found two things helpful.
The first is the concept of "Praying the Hours" -- a Jewish tradition that Jesus and his disciples embraced. It is also Christian monastic tradition, a tradition that Protestant Reformers observed, and a discipline we can still use today.
There are any ways of dividing up each day into Hours of Prayer, but I have found Morning, Midday, and Evening Prayers to be an attainable and helpful format. It is not the only one, of course, but it gives a little structure that I need. And if my definition of "morning" prayer time is invaded by dogs, kids, and headlines, then I may need to awaken 30 minutes earlier, or ask the Spirit to nudge me and awaken me 30 minutes earlier.
The second helpful practice is starting 15-minute prayer services at your church or with other believers. Make a covenant with "two or more" believers to meet once a week (Wednesday?), or even more, for one of these prayer times. At these services, read a Psalm and a second Scripture lesson together. Sing a hymn or song of praise together. Pray together. It takes only 15 minutes. I promise.
I have found that accountability and encouragement from other worshipers helps me to honor at least one of these prayer times each week. One prayer times builds on the next, and soon I have more courage and inspiration to pray more diligently each day when I am alone.
For what it's worth.
We awaken each day, and the Spirit leads us out of bed and onto our knees, to praise God and ask for God's mercies throughout the coming day.
We stop our workday for lunch, and we give thanks to God, not merely "for this food and the hands that have prepared it," but for the ways we have seen God at work in the first working hours of the day.
And then at evening, we thank God again, intercede for others, and pray whatever else the Spirit leads us to pray.
It all looks good on paper, doesn't it? But when each day comes, we get pushed and pulled by all types of "more important" things.
In the morning, we need our coffee first. The dog has to go for a walk and take a pee. The kids wake up and want breakfast. The newspaper looks more interesting.
At lunch, we tell ourselves we are too busy to pause for prayer because of the demands of the day. We have to get back to the office.
And in the evening, of course, are children's events, night meetings at church, or a game or new episode on TV.
There are all types of things that complicate the very simple concept of daily prayer. It happens in my life, and maybe for some of you.
I have found two things helpful.
The first is the concept of "Praying the Hours" -- a Jewish tradition that Jesus and his disciples embraced. It is also Christian monastic tradition, a tradition that Protestant Reformers observed, and a discipline we can still use today.
There are any ways of dividing up each day into Hours of Prayer, but I have found Morning, Midday, and Evening Prayers to be an attainable and helpful format. It is not the only one, of course, but it gives a little structure that I need. And if my definition of "morning" prayer time is invaded by dogs, kids, and headlines, then I may need to awaken 30 minutes earlier, or ask the Spirit to nudge me and awaken me 30 minutes earlier.
The second helpful practice is starting 15-minute prayer services at your church or with other believers. Make a covenant with "two or more" believers to meet once a week (Wednesday?), or even more, for one of these prayer times. At these services, read a Psalm and a second Scripture lesson together. Sing a hymn or song of praise together. Pray together. It takes only 15 minutes. I promise.
I have found that accountability and encouragement from other worshipers helps me to honor at least one of these prayer times each week. One prayer times builds on the next, and soon I have more courage and inspiration to pray more diligently each day when I am alone.
For what it's worth.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Coaching is About the Joy
I always wondered what it was that kept my old basketball coaches returning year after year to work with us on the court.
Was it the money?
No. Some of my high school coaches earned some extra bucks, no doubt, but I can't imagine the hourly rate was worth it.
Was it the prestige?
Hardly. Most of my teams -- with the exception of my old CYO teams at Corpus Christi Catholic Church -- stunk.
Was it because dads wanted to coach their sons' teams, to spend time with Junior or even to make sure Junior makes the starting team?
This is plausible. I've done this as a coach (at least the first part), and spending time with your son or daughter is definitely a good reason to coach, at least in my opinion. I want my kids to remember that I was involved in their lives, and I want to share a piece of me with them as they grow up.
But I have discovered a new reason to coach, in recent months. I have identified why I think (and hope) many adults coach youth athletics.
It brings me joy.
It brought me joy this year to teach basketball fundamentals, and little life lessons along the way, to a bunch of junior high and elementary school kids (I coached my son MT's fourth-grade team and my son Ben's sixth-grade team). It brings me great joy on gamedays to see the kids compete, and occasionally (rarely in our case) eek out a win. It brings me joy to see them finally "get it," whether it is seeing them use a bounce pass instead of a chest pass, or seeing them slide their feed on defense instead of reaching in for a foul.
And this year, my joy has gone to a whole new level. I coach my daughter's first- and second-grade volleyball team.
Now, I only know the basics of volleyball -- what I learned in high school gym class and what I learned at the mandatory 2-hour coaches clinic this year.
But what joy it brings me to work with these little girls, and see them finally hit the ball over the net on a serve or see one of them return a serve.
I am in coaching because I want my daughter to know that she is athletic, that girls sports are just as important as her brothers' sports, to spend time with her, etc... But at the core, I coach because it brings me joy.
I know I am not alone.
Was it the money?
No. Some of my high school coaches earned some extra bucks, no doubt, but I can't imagine the hourly rate was worth it.
Was it the prestige?
Hardly. Most of my teams -- with the exception of my old CYO teams at Corpus Christi Catholic Church -- stunk.
Was it because dads wanted to coach their sons' teams, to spend time with Junior or even to make sure Junior makes the starting team?
This is plausible. I've done this as a coach (at least the first part), and spending time with your son or daughter is definitely a good reason to coach, at least in my opinion. I want my kids to remember that I was involved in their lives, and I want to share a piece of me with them as they grow up.
But I have discovered a new reason to coach, in recent months. I have identified why I think (and hope) many adults coach youth athletics.
It brings me joy.
It brought me joy this year to teach basketball fundamentals, and little life lessons along the way, to a bunch of junior high and elementary school kids (I coached my son MT's fourth-grade team and my son Ben's sixth-grade team). It brings me great joy on gamedays to see the kids compete, and occasionally (rarely in our case) eek out a win. It brings me joy to see them finally "get it," whether it is seeing them use a bounce pass instead of a chest pass, or seeing them slide their feed on defense instead of reaching in for a foul.
And this year, my joy has gone to a whole new level. I coach my daughter's first- and second-grade volleyball team.
Now, I only know the basics of volleyball -- what I learned in high school gym class and what I learned at the mandatory 2-hour coaches clinic this year.
But what joy it brings me to work with these little girls, and see them finally hit the ball over the net on a serve or see one of them return a serve.
I am in coaching because I want my daughter to know that she is athletic, that girls sports are just as important as her brothers' sports, to spend time with her, etc... But at the core, I coach because it brings me joy.
I know I am not alone.
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