Even though I haven't posted in months, I've thought about it a lot.
We have to be the busiest family that has ever existed! I'm gettin' off this ride as soon as the holidays are over.
Ta Ta for now,
CC
Monday, November 21, 2005
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
What is the theme? Cursing
Please forgive me for I haven't blogged in a good while. This summer has just beaten me to a pulp. I have ben busy with, mostly, church stuff as the cheif (pastor) has been away for various reasons. Someone told me at a church meeting the other night, "You look tired." I hate that! I hate looking tired! I am tired- I need a break. I'm off from home church this Sunday, so I think we're planning on visiting a church we've never been to.- the local Kingdom Hall! YEAH!
Oh boy, what do I ned to tell you about, here? Um, we got a dog and sent it back from whence it came because our cat decided to piss on our bed- at 3:00 a.m. ! Damn dog! (two cuss words in one sentence!)
We saw "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" it was bad. Johnny Depp is a good actor and Tim Burton is a good director. They should have just left well enough alone. I mean, how in the name of Jesus can someone re-make Willy Wonka without the Anthony Newly music?
Mrs CC and the clergy kids went to a state up north that has a lot of lakes and the youngest clergy kid (a very cute five year old boy) after climbing to the top of a pontoon boat said "Who in the hell would want to jump off that thing? He was referring to the covering which was over part of the pontoon. Mrs. CC said, "What did you say?" To which he repeated very matter of factly: "I said, who in the hell would want to jump off that thing?" Mrs. CC nearly busted a gut not laughing at his cuteness. Let me be clear abotu one thing- I used to be a really good cusser and I one day decided to cut it out and gradually, there were less bombs of any kind going off in our little clergy house. Needless to say, he's been hanging around some potty mouth neighbors.
I preached at home church last Sunday on Christ's Ascension. I know, that's right before Pentecost, but we are in the midst of a sermon series about our sanctuary's stained glass windows and I drew the one about the Ascension. I did the best I knew how and I just feel as though it was not one of my best. I really struggled getting it together and thought that I just really needed to deliver it with passion, which would make up for possible lack of content. I was wrong- shall we move on?
I'm sick of writing and I'm hungry.
Oh boy, what do I ned to tell you about, here? Um, we got a dog and sent it back from whence it came because our cat decided to piss on our bed- at 3:00 a.m. ! Damn dog! (two cuss words in one sentence!)
We saw "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" it was bad. Johnny Depp is a good actor and Tim Burton is a good director. They should have just left well enough alone. I mean, how in the name of Jesus can someone re-make Willy Wonka without the Anthony Newly music?
Mrs CC and the clergy kids went to a state up north that has a lot of lakes and the youngest clergy kid (a very cute five year old boy) after climbing to the top of a pontoon boat said "Who in the hell would want to jump off that thing? He was referring to the covering which was over part of the pontoon. Mrs. CC said, "What did you say?" To which he repeated very matter of factly: "I said, who in the hell would want to jump off that thing?" Mrs. CC nearly busted a gut not laughing at his cuteness. Let me be clear abotu one thing- I used to be a really good cusser and I one day decided to cut it out and gradually, there were less bombs of any kind going off in our little clergy house. Needless to say, he's been hanging around some potty mouth neighbors.
I preached at home church last Sunday on Christ's Ascension. I know, that's right before Pentecost, but we are in the midst of a sermon series about our sanctuary's stained glass windows and I drew the one about the Ascension. I did the best I knew how and I just feel as though it was not one of my best. I really struggled getting it together and thought that I just really needed to deliver it with passion, which would make up for possible lack of content. I was wrong- shall we move on?
I'm sick of writing and I'm hungry.
Monday, July 18, 2005
People like me
I am such a miserable sinner sometimes. I can't anymore call myself a disciple of Jesus than Charlie Manson! Do you ever feel that way? Some days, I just can't seem to get a hold of this whole Christian thing. My thoughts are anywhere but on Christ- my mouth speaks words that are not of Christ and sometimes, my actions are just plain ugly. Why me, Lord? Don't you know how broken this vessel is? This sucker's got holes in it everywhere! I guess that's the point, huh? God chosses people like me to tell other people like me that there is a person unlike me that has paid the price for us all.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Back to back
Holy shoot! Look at this cat! It's the captain in his Sunday best! I figured out how to post pix- cool! What next?
I can't believe I'm posting two days in a row! Work is slow- time to write.
We wrapped yesterday up with two of the three kids having a really bad attitude. The eldest was jealous because the middle got the attention because it was her birthday and the youngest takes his lead from the other two so...
Mrs. CC and I fell into bed and desperately prayed our little hearts out because we felt so completely inadequate for the job of parenting. It is , without question, the toughest, most heart wrenching, turn your stomach into knots, make you want to cry over nothing, job in this universe! I told Mrs. CC that if we can withstand our eldest chid's journey through adolesence we can make it through anything! The US military should send parents that have gone through this stage of life with their kids to Baghdad to serve- it would be a piece of cake! I can see it now:
"Listen Osama, If I release all the anger and frustration I'm feeling at this very moment I could literally rip your head off your shoulders and I wouldn't even think twice about it!" Oh my gosh, did i just type that?
Now I am calm...
My dad died nine years ago today. It was a Saturday and it was hot. He, recently retired, decided he would try and improve his exercise (anything's better than nothing) regimen and was taking a walk in the heat of the day. According to the woman that was walking behind him, he simply stopped, laid the towel that was around his neck neatly on the ground, lay his weary body down and died. I'll bet you that he knew that was IT.
I miss him; his dry sense of humor, his kissing my kids, his somewhat half-baked hugs, his dressed up smell on Sundays, his buying lunch for the whole family (not really). I wish he and I could talk about everything that's happened since he's been gone. Does he know that Second street in downtown big city is now a two way street? What? Does he know there's a really cool, new ballpark to go and watch minor league baseball? Does he know that I want to be in the ministry? Does he know how nice our yard looks just after its mowed? Does he know that we are growing roses? Does he know that mom struggles at times? Does he know that I struggle at times?
Being a dad is hard work.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Wild Thing
Yes, well, here I am again.
Birthday seems to be the topic for today as we celebrate the birth of our middle clergy kid. We had the family party over the weekend and the kid party is not until July 19- she is excited! She is as sweet as they come (not perfect), thinks very deeply and is very perceptive. We got her an electric guitar for her big day and she has joined a band (no name yet). At last week's rehearsal her fellow bandmates asked if she would be the "front person" to which she replied, "Why not?" The first song thay have learned is "Wild Thing". I should get out some of my band days pictures and strategically place them about the house so she can get a glimpse of me back in the glory days.
I've been reading lots of other blogs lately and have noticed how filthy dirty some of them are. Now, I'm not a prude or anything, but please- have some decency about yourself! Especially some of the women's blogs (e.g., Dooce)- Holy Potty Mouth!
I'm trying to decide if I will take a class this semster at seminary. Now that I've had some time to recover from the hectic pace of late spring and early summer, I feel like I'm ready to go at it again- we'll see. I'm also thinking that I'll leave the church position in late 2006 and look for something else, probably in a different church and perhaps a different denomonation.
What else is there to say?
CC
Birthday seems to be the topic for today as we celebrate the birth of our middle clergy kid. We had the family party over the weekend and the kid party is not until July 19- she is excited! She is as sweet as they come (not perfect), thinks very deeply and is very perceptive. We got her an electric guitar for her big day and she has joined a band (no name yet). At last week's rehearsal her fellow bandmates asked if she would be the "front person" to which she replied, "Why not?" The first song thay have learned is "Wild Thing". I should get out some of my band days pictures and strategically place them about the house so she can get a glimpse of me back in the glory days.
I've been reading lots of other blogs lately and have noticed how filthy dirty some of them are. Now, I'm not a prude or anything, but please- have some decency about yourself! Especially some of the women's blogs (e.g., Dooce)- Holy Potty Mouth!
I'm trying to decide if I will take a class this semster at seminary. Now that I've had some time to recover from the hectic pace of late spring and early summer, I feel like I'm ready to go at it again- we'll see. I'm also thinking that I'll leave the church position in late 2006 and look for something else, probably in a different church and perhaps a different denomonation.
What else is there to say?
CC
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Ramblin' man, (Lord, I Was Born)
Weekend highlights:
Friday July 1: A quiet day at work. Therefore, I spent a good part of the day working on my sermon. I went to Jazzercise in the evening for a brisk workout (I was the only male).
Pizza and "The Pacifier" with Vin Diesel (it was awful- but the kids liked it) rounded out the evening.
I preached this weekend at home church. The sermon was well recieved and I got a lot of positive feedback from the ever-gracious home congregation. It was titled "An Offer We Can Refuse" and the text was Matthew 11: 25-30 where Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest."
Sunday evening I was invited to preside at a renewal of vows (sort of). The couple got hitched at a JP's office, so the groom's mother decided to have a "ceremony" in the back yard of her house with many of her (the mother's) family members. I took my oldest daughter with me and we arrived about six. I met with happy hubby and wife do discuss the "ceremony" and we got on with it. From start to finish, it took about twelve minutes. The whole thing was very,very strange for a couple of reasons:
1. Bride and groom were heavily tattooed and clearly not interested in any of this God-stuff I was preaching.
2. Lots of drinks had been consumed (by the party-goers) prior to our arrival. Many, many speech- slurred, yet well meaning, toasts
3. Upon arrival, I was hustled away to meet with the couple, while my daghter was given a tour of the home that has been in this family's heritage for over one hundred years (very cool). Anyway, clergy kid made her way out to the back porch where all the "wisdom" was (the half-drunk guys).
OLD GUY: What's your last name, honey- Minister?
CLERGY KID: HUH???
OG: I say, uh ... what's your last name- Minister?
CK: Uh.... Like, NO.
OG: What's your first name, then?
CK: Stated her first name...
OG: First name what?
CK First name, last name.
OG: OK.
Clergy kid leaves the wisdom corner to find the Captain and sticks right by my side the reminder of our short time at the wedding "feast". The whole thing could very well be an episode our upcoming HBO series: "All God's Children".
The whole clergy family went out to dinner and then to see "Madagascar" (it was awful- but the kids liked it).
We spent the best part of Monday doing nothing. Around 5 we went to a neighbor's house for swimming, food and fireworks. Even though there was minimal drinking, those that did the drinking got pretty loud and a bit obnoxious. The good news is that they left prior to sundown.
That's probably more than you care to know about my life, right?
Friday July 1: A quiet day at work. Therefore, I spent a good part of the day working on my sermon. I went to Jazzercise in the evening for a brisk workout (I was the only male).
Pizza and "The Pacifier" with Vin Diesel (it was awful- but the kids liked it) rounded out the evening.
I preached this weekend at home church. The sermon was well recieved and I got a lot of positive feedback from the ever-gracious home congregation. It was titled "An Offer We Can Refuse" and the text was Matthew 11: 25-30 where Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest."
Sunday evening I was invited to preside at a renewal of vows (sort of). The couple got hitched at a JP's office, so the groom's mother decided to have a "ceremony" in the back yard of her house with many of her (the mother's) family members. I took my oldest daughter with me and we arrived about six. I met with happy hubby and wife do discuss the "ceremony" and we got on with it. From start to finish, it took about twelve minutes. The whole thing was very,very strange for a couple of reasons:
1. Bride and groom were heavily tattooed and clearly not interested in any of this God-stuff I was preaching.
2. Lots of drinks had been consumed (by the party-goers) prior to our arrival. Many, many speech- slurred, yet well meaning, toasts
3. Upon arrival, I was hustled away to meet with the couple, while my daghter was given a tour of the home that has been in this family's heritage for over one hundred years (very cool). Anyway, clergy kid made her way out to the back porch where all the "wisdom" was (the half-drunk guys).
OLD GUY: What's your last name, honey- Minister?
CLERGY KID: HUH???
OG: I say, uh ... what's your last name- Minister?
CK: Uh.... Like, NO.
OG: What's your first name, then?
CK: Stated her first name...
OG: First name what?
CK First name, last name.
OG: OK.
Clergy kid leaves the wisdom corner to find the Captain and sticks right by my side the reminder of our short time at the wedding "feast". The whole thing could very well be an episode our upcoming HBO series: "All God's Children".
The whole clergy family went out to dinner and then to see "Madagascar" (it was awful- but the kids liked it).
We spent the best part of Monday doing nothing. Around 5 we went to a neighbor's house for swimming, food and fireworks. Even though there was minimal drinking, those that did the drinking got pretty loud and a bit obnoxious. The good news is that they left prior to sundown.
That's probably more than you care to know about my life, right?
Friday, July 01, 2005
Heavy Laden
The holiday weekend is upon us. We have a few plans: Relax. Go to church. Do a renewal of vows service. Relax. Blow off fireworks. Relax. That's about it.
I've got a lot on my mind but not much energy to try and articulate it.
Bottom Line: "Come to me , all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest."
I've got a lot on my mind but not much energy to try and articulate it.
Bottom Line: "Come to me , all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest."
Thursday, June 23, 2005
(Today's Post is parenthetical)
I had a meting with the pres. Tuesday to discuss new position. Here's the short version: "Steve, you'd be perfect for the position", he said. "BUT, I've got a short window of time (Nov.1, 2005) to fill the position and that person needs to be up to speed by then, too. As I see it, we wouldn't be able to get you trained and up to speed by then."This did not come as a tremendous surprise as I was just doing some investigating.
After a few days consideration, I've gained some clarity regarding the ministry/job dilemma. My perspective was pretty black and white in my last post, e.g., "I'm either going to abandon this whole ministry thing or work in the "secular" world (if there is such a thing) and there's no in between. I can, however, choose to leave my position at home church (a tough decision), continue my seminary studies, spend more time with wife and kids therefore, building some margin in my life which is sorely missing today. I would have to find a way(s) to replace the income from the CLP position (I could preach as often as my schedule will allow). Why have I used parenthesis so much today?
Anyhoo, I will talk to home church pastor today and express my concern about my lack of time with the family.
I've had three calls in the past few days from folks asking me to marry them. Hang on now, I don't mean thay want me to be their husband, but to officiate/preside at their weddings. To the best of my undertanding, I no can do weddings at will. I can do weddings in our church for church members and follow certain parameters (pre-marriage counseling, et. al.). Now ther's an idea for some extra income: Go down to the local American Legion post and advertise weddins for $30. per. Who says the minstry isn't entrpeneurial (how do you spell that)?
After a few days consideration, I've gained some clarity regarding the ministry/job dilemma. My perspective was pretty black and white in my last post, e.g., "I'm either going to abandon this whole ministry thing or work in the "secular" world (if there is such a thing) and there's no in between. I can, however, choose to leave my position at home church (a tough decision), continue my seminary studies, spend more time with wife and kids therefore, building some margin in my life which is sorely missing today. I would have to find a way(s) to replace the income from the CLP position (I could preach as often as my schedule will allow). Why have I used parenthesis so much today?
Anyhoo, I will talk to home church pastor today and express my concern about my lack of time with the family.
I've had three calls in the past few days from folks asking me to marry them. Hang on now, I don't mean thay want me to be their husband, but to officiate/preside at their weddings. To the best of my undertanding, I no can do weddings at will. I can do weddings in our church for church members and follow certain parameters (pre-marriage counseling, et. al.). Now ther's an idea for some extra income: Go down to the local American Legion post and advertise weddins for $30. per. Who says the minstry isn't entrpeneurial (how do you spell that)?
Monday, June 13, 2005
The Clergy family plus one returned from vacation yesterday. Overall, we had a good time and even had money left over- is that possible? On the way home we stopped in Atlanta for the night. Mrs. CC's cell phone rang about midnight. It was her middle brother (she has three) calling to tell us that brother #1 had died as a result of a massive heart attack at age 52.
We are leaving for the Great White North tomorrow morning for the funeral. The family has asked me to preside, to which I agreed. Now what? What am I gonna say? How am I gonna say it? Do I talk about all the "dirt", too? I had been around this guy only a little, but he really led a tormented life which included many stints in and out of rehab (he died sober). He served in prison for two years or so and, I mean, there's all kinds of other crazy stuff to talk about from my brother-in-law's life but, what do I talk about and, more important, what do I leave out? I have this strange sense that, since my b-in-law had such a struggle with life that his death is more of a relief and something that the family has been "prepared" for this for some time.
As for the funeral, I must realize that I am there do three things:
1. Proclaim the gospel
2. Remember the life of and hope for the dead
3. Comfort and hope for the family
My kids will be there and haven't heard me "do" a funeral before. I'm sure they'll have some questions.
I'm really having some doubts (too strong a word) about my life in the ministry. I'm not sure what's behind it, but I heard that a key senior position in the company has come open and I'm thinking of checking into it. Certainly, there are many unanswered questions at this point, but perhaps a series of reverberations might result if I threw my name in the hat and were selected for the position.
1. Pay raise and more responsibility
Good...Mrs. CC wouldn't have to go back to work when I leave my corporate job to go to seminary in five years. This also may enable us to move into a bigger house (not a keeping- up- with- the- Joneses new house) just one with more room and few extras (office for me, basement, etc.).
Bad... I would have to forego other employment (i.e. church work). No more seminary (I love going to seminary). Working for "the man" and therefore, losing my "Wild at Heart" dream of ordained ministry (those don't seem to go together, do they?).
I guess the best thing to me to do at this point is ask some questions, pray and listen. I'm just going to do what's ahead of me for today and I'll not make any decisions about careers until things have settled down a bit and I've had a chance to talk to some people I trust and know me pretty well.
Gotta Run-
Cappy
We are leaving for the Great White North tomorrow morning for the funeral. The family has asked me to preside, to which I agreed. Now what? What am I gonna say? How am I gonna say it? Do I talk about all the "dirt", too? I had been around this guy only a little, but he really led a tormented life which included many stints in and out of rehab (he died sober). He served in prison for two years or so and, I mean, there's all kinds of other crazy stuff to talk about from my brother-in-law's life but, what do I talk about and, more important, what do I leave out? I have this strange sense that, since my b-in-law had such a struggle with life that his death is more of a relief and something that the family has been "prepared" for this for some time.
As for the funeral, I must realize that I am there do three things:
1. Proclaim the gospel
2. Remember the life of and hope for the dead
3. Comfort and hope for the family
My kids will be there and haven't heard me "do" a funeral before. I'm sure they'll have some questions.
I'm really having some doubts (too strong a word) about my life in the ministry. I'm not sure what's behind it, but I heard that a key senior position in the company has come open and I'm thinking of checking into it. Certainly, there are many unanswered questions at this point, but perhaps a series of reverberations might result if I threw my name in the hat and were selected for the position.
1. Pay raise and more responsibility
Good...Mrs. CC wouldn't have to go back to work when I leave my corporate job to go to seminary in five years. This also may enable us to move into a bigger house (not a keeping- up- with- the- Joneses new house) just one with more room and few extras (office for me, basement, etc.).
Bad... I would have to forego other employment (i.e. church work). No more seminary (I love going to seminary). Working for "the man" and therefore, losing my "Wild at Heart" dream of ordained ministry (those don't seem to go together, do they?).
I guess the best thing to me to do at this point is ask some questions, pray and listen. I'm just going to do what's ahead of me for today and I'll not make any decisions about careers until things have settled down a bit and I've had a chance to talk to some people I trust and know me pretty well.
Gotta Run-
Cappy
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Where are my People?
I'm sort of discouraged that my posts are not being read (or at least not commented on). Give me some feedback, people!
It's been a few days since last we talked, but I'm not so sure I have anything to tell you about my clergy life. I preached at Little Church in the Country last Sunday and loved it! 'Twas a beautiful day and I like flying "solo". Maybe it's a control thing, but I just love being the one who decides what to say in the prayers, liturgy, etc.. It is so freeing! I don't quite know why I don't do it more at Home church. Probably because there are many more people to offend. At Little Church there are only about twenty-five regulars, whom I only see a half dozen times a year. After the service, I set our little family van on cruise at 55 mph, rolled down the window, rolled up my sleeves and took the long way home.
Anyhow, our holiday weekend consisted of doing lots of little things that we, otherwise, haven't had time to get around to. I wasn't really busy, per se, so I managed to squeeze out some Sabbath through the course of the last four days. Are leisure and sabbath the same thing? I think that Sabbath is reflective and contemplative and leisure is turning off the brain and perhaps just sitting in front of the tube or the internet looking and feeling kind of numb. I feel like I am where God wants me right now.
God: "Three things Cappy: 1.Don't quit your day job yet- I need you there. 2. Play, and I mean really play, with the kids- while they still want you to play with them. They need you and you need to laugh all of your laugh every now and then. 3. Cherish your beautiful wife. 4. Talk to me more often."
The Clergy family (plus one) departs for the beautiful south on Friday and won't return until June11. No blog until your Captain returns.
Blessings Get All Over You!
It's been a few days since last we talked, but I'm not so sure I have anything to tell you about my clergy life. I preached at Little Church in the Country last Sunday and loved it! 'Twas a beautiful day and I like flying "solo". Maybe it's a control thing, but I just love being the one who decides what to say in the prayers, liturgy, etc.. It is so freeing! I don't quite know why I don't do it more at Home church. Probably because there are many more people to offend. At Little Church there are only about twenty-five regulars, whom I only see a half dozen times a year. After the service, I set our little family van on cruise at 55 mph, rolled down the window, rolled up my sleeves and took the long way home.
Anyhow, our holiday weekend consisted of doing lots of little things that we, otherwise, haven't had time to get around to. I wasn't really busy, per se, so I managed to squeeze out some Sabbath through the course of the last four days. Are leisure and sabbath the same thing? I think that Sabbath is reflective and contemplative and leisure is turning off the brain and perhaps just sitting in front of the tube or the internet looking and feeling kind of numb. I feel like I am where God wants me right now.
God: "Three things Cappy: 1.Don't quit your day job yet- I need you there. 2. Play, and I mean really play, with the kids- while they still want you to play with them. They need you and you need to laugh all of your laugh every now and then. 3. Cherish your beautiful wife. 4. Talk to me more often."
The Clergy family (plus one) departs for the beautiful south on Friday and won't return until June11. No blog until your Captain returns.
Blessings Get All Over You!
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
What a start to the day! I got up at 5:45 and took a brisk and envigorating thirty minute walk in the fifty degree sunrise! Man, does that feel good! I felt so connected to God, even though I didn't really say anything. Upon my return, I cleaned out part of the firdge, ate a bowl of cheerios with strawberries, cut an entire cantaloupe, read some scripture, took my pills and headed for the shower. WHEW!
Last night the eldest clergy kid and her parents attended the sports banquet at her school. Each team was introduced and given a token for their efforts. Since this is her last year in elem school, she got a little emotional when the banquet ended and wept a bit. We told her that it was ok to feel sad that she was leaving elem school and that this is a part of life and life changes all the time. She replied, "Can I have a coke before bed?"
We went to a couple of graduation parties on Sunday: the son of a family friend fron HS and our nephew from middle school. The friend lives in a big house, has a pool, trampoline, hot tub, three big tents, buffet line, two live (as opposed to dead) bands, along with three hundred of their closest friends. Having said that, one might think the big bash was impersonal, crowded and kind of clique-ish. 'Twas not. The kid (graduate) greeted all guests as they came in and thanked them for coming! Can you believe that? An eighteen year old that actually gives a darn about manners and doing what is right and proper and mature.
As a rule, I'm not a party guy (big or small) especially where there's people I don't know, but I made it and Mrs. CC (as usual) pulled me out of my corner and we mingled with others. Overall, we had a good time.
Our nephew is just entering high school (the same one the other kid graduated from) and is still in the midst of pre-pubescent uncomfort. Physically, he has grown a ton, but has some emotional development remaining. He's a good kid; he's just not as sure of himself as someone older. It was just our immediate family for the nephew's bash; cake and ice cream and a few family stories. Good time.
I bought myself five books for my birthday:
A Generous Othodoxy- McClaren
Reverberations of Faith- Brueggemann
Margin- Richard Swenson
The Art of Forgivig- Smedes
Guerrilla Marketing- Levonson
This gives me a little something to read whilst on vacation.
Carry On.
Cap'n
Last night the eldest clergy kid and her parents attended the sports banquet at her school. Each team was introduced and given a token for their efforts. Since this is her last year in elem school, she got a little emotional when the banquet ended and wept a bit. We told her that it was ok to feel sad that she was leaving elem school and that this is a part of life and life changes all the time. She replied, "Can I have a coke before bed?"
We went to a couple of graduation parties on Sunday: the son of a family friend fron HS and our nephew from middle school. The friend lives in a big house, has a pool, trampoline, hot tub, three big tents, buffet line, two live (as opposed to dead) bands, along with three hundred of their closest friends. Having said that, one might think the big bash was impersonal, crowded and kind of clique-ish. 'Twas not. The kid (graduate) greeted all guests as they came in and thanked them for coming! Can you believe that? An eighteen year old that actually gives a darn about manners and doing what is right and proper and mature.
As a rule, I'm not a party guy (big or small) especially where there's people I don't know, but I made it and Mrs. CC (as usual) pulled me out of my corner and we mingled with others. Overall, we had a good time.
Our nephew is just entering high school (the same one the other kid graduated from) and is still in the midst of pre-pubescent uncomfort. Physically, he has grown a ton, but has some emotional development remaining. He's a good kid; he's just not as sure of himself as someone older. It was just our immediate family for the nephew's bash; cake and ice cream and a few family stories. Good time.
I bought myself five books for my birthday:
A Generous Othodoxy- McClaren
Reverberations of Faith- Brueggemann
Margin- Richard Swenson
The Art of Forgivig- Smedes
Guerrilla Marketing- Levonson
This gives me a little something to read whilst on vacation.
Carry On.
Cap'n
Thursday, May 19, 2005
So much to talk about...
15 year anniversary weekend extravaganza... great time was had by all! The Captain got "roasted" in certain spots, while Mrs. CC tanned beautifully. The following day we had an absolutely horrific experience with a condo salesperson- too many details. The "pitch" was the worst thing I have ever had to endure. Our salesperson was rude, offensive and just plain mean, especially when she found out we weren't buying. Pool time followed by nice dinner.
Clergy story:
One of our dearest congregants called me late the other night and just needed to talk to someone (he lives alone). He told me about the doctor's not-so-good diagnosis that day and what needs to be done. My friend responded, "Doctor, that's ok because I have a blessed savior that will care for me." Many diseases have plagued this man.
Just prior to his call, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and having quite a pity party for various reasons and then... his call. I didn't have much to offer my friend except for a couple of "bless your hearts" and an occasional "amen". Then the conversation got a little goofy.
He proceeded to tell me that his pit bull, "Ginger" was such a spoiled girl that she refused to wear anything other than the $20 perfume she's been wearing for the past several years. This puzzles and yes, even troubles me. That would be a good sub-plot for our TV series we're going to write this summer.
Gotta Run-
CC
15 year anniversary weekend extravaganza... great time was had by all! The Captain got "roasted" in certain spots, while Mrs. CC tanned beautifully. The following day we had an absolutely horrific experience with a condo salesperson- too many details. The "pitch" was the worst thing I have ever had to endure. Our salesperson was rude, offensive and just plain mean, especially when she found out we weren't buying. Pool time followed by nice dinner.
Clergy story:
One of our dearest congregants called me late the other night and just needed to talk to someone (he lives alone). He told me about the doctor's not-so-good diagnosis that day and what needs to be done. My friend responded, "Doctor, that's ok because I have a blessed savior that will care for me." Many diseases have plagued this man.
Just prior to his call, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and having quite a pity party for various reasons and then... his call. I didn't have much to offer my friend except for a couple of "bless your hearts" and an occasional "amen". Then the conversation got a little goofy.
He proceeded to tell me that his pit bull, "Ginger" was such a spoiled girl that she refused to wear anything other than the $20 perfume she's been wearing for the past several years. This puzzles and yes, even troubles me. That would be a good sub-plot for our TV series we're going to write this summer.
Gotta Run-
CC
Thursday, May 12, 2005
My Dad's brother
Below is my homily from my uncle's funeral. I have taken out some details to protect their identity.I really don't know what else to say other than, it took a lot more out of me than I expected and I truly felt I was "carried along".
Mrs. CC and I are headed out tomorrow morning for our fifteenth aniversary weeekend extravagnza. Will retyrn to post Tuesday.
Mesage:
To some of us, he was known as “Dickie”. Some of us called him L.R. Some called him “Rich”, some called him “Pop”, some called him “Dick”, some called him “Brother. Some called him “boss” and he called some of you “boss”. My Dad used to call him “Junebug” or “Jumpin’ Junie from Junee High”. I called him Uncle Dick. But for most of us here, we simply called him “friend”. However he was known to you, you have come here this morning because of who Dick was: a man of great character and integrity; a man of fairness and equity and a man who was as competitive as anyone I have ever known. Most of you know that golf was one of Dick’s great passions. When he stepped up to the first tee during a round of golf, you could count on one thing: Dick would leave nothing in the bag, as it were. The same could be said about the way in which he lived his life: he left nothing in the bag. May we all come to the end of our time with such resolve.
So we come together this morning with Jane and Mark and the family, more out of our understanding that gatherings like this are for the living, …And,…Because we wish to give witness to the one whose words and promises are the ground of the life we believe Dick now knows, and the life we hope for.
Like most of us here this morning, Dick experienced life’s peaks and valleys. He was shaped by his losses and his mistakes as much as his successes. I believe that one of the things that made him most proud was his fifty-one year marriage to my Aunt Jane. He was proud of Mark and Cathy and their two daughters, Abby and Lilly, Dick and Jane’s granddaughters. He was proud of his accomplishments both personal and as a part of a team, most notably, his contribution to the 1953 basketball team that went all the way to the semi-state and whose remaining members will serve as pall bearers today. Such loyalty among is rarely found in today’s world.
Dick exemplified what most of us call a self-made man. His many years of hard work in the insurance business and as a builder and entrepreneur, and like most men from his generation, brought him much success and a feeling of great personal satisfaction. Dick also knew what it was like in the valleys of life.
I think it’s safe to say that Dick may have reached his lowest point on December 2, 1979 when Dick and Jane’s twenty-one year old daughter Pam was tragically killed in an automobile accident. While it may be true that a parent may never recover from the loss of a child, Dick and Jane were sustained during their time of loss by many of you here today.
Dick fought his share of personal battles, too. There’s a quote that says: “If at first you don’t succeed, well then, you’re running about average.” Those words rang true for Dick. But in true Dick fashion, he’d pull himself up by his proverbial bootstraps and take another run at beating his worthy opponent. In the end, the victory was his. In the later years of his life, he lived with a freedom and a peace that I believe he would want for all of us here today and he would tell us that it came by the grace of God.
Through these peaks and valleys of life, Dick got right with God. He had a spiritual awakening and found that, only by the grace of God, an inner peace- the peace that passes all understanding. My friends, today Dick is at peace.
BUT WHAT ABOUT US WHO ARE STILL ON A JOURNEY? Are there promises for us? Yes, there are. We can be assured that we too will be led to victory if we trust fully in Christ and in him alone. Death may seem to hide his face temporarily, but his promise is to be with us always, even to the end of the world.
Corrie Ten Boom, who suffered horribly in the Nazi concentration camps and lost her sister and family to them, said, "When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away your ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer." Our lives have an engineer. We can trust Him who said, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you; let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
You and I can find that the same faith which led my Uncle Dick home can also bring comfort to us.
Someone has observed that life is like an oriental decorative rug—it has two sides. One side—the underside— is full of dark mangles, threads that make no sense to us, full of knots with no pattern to its reasons why. But when you look at the rug from the top side, you see the beautiful patterns, designer work- the full picture. The way we see life, so often, is from the underside, full of confusion, knotted lives, no patterns to why things happen the way they do…but God, sees life from the top side. He sees the full picture.
If we could open up Heaven just for a few minutes, we would all stand in awe of the beauty, the happiness, the joy, the excitement of it all. This is what I believe. If I could ask Uncle Dick, what you want to tell your family, I believe it might be something like this:
1. Tell them, I LOVE THEM with all my heart
2. I want to see them again.
3. Please tell them about God and His saving grace.
4. Remind them where I found my peace- through God- and that peace can be found by all of us.
This is the gospel of Jesus Christ; this is the promise of God. Thanks be to God. AMEN.
Mrs. CC and I are headed out tomorrow morning for our fifteenth aniversary weeekend extravagnza. Will retyrn to post Tuesday.
Mesage:
To some of us, he was known as “Dickie”. Some of us called him L.R. Some called him “Rich”, some called him “Pop”, some called him “Dick”, some called him “Brother. Some called him “boss” and he called some of you “boss”. My Dad used to call him “Junebug” or “Jumpin’ Junie from Junee High”. I called him Uncle Dick. But for most of us here, we simply called him “friend”. However he was known to you, you have come here this morning because of who Dick was: a man of great character and integrity; a man of fairness and equity and a man who was as competitive as anyone I have ever known. Most of you know that golf was one of Dick’s great passions. When he stepped up to the first tee during a round of golf, you could count on one thing: Dick would leave nothing in the bag, as it were. The same could be said about the way in which he lived his life: he left nothing in the bag. May we all come to the end of our time with such resolve.
So we come together this morning with Jane and Mark and the family, more out of our understanding that gatherings like this are for the living, …And,…Because we wish to give witness to the one whose words and promises are the ground of the life we believe Dick now knows, and the life we hope for.
Like most of us here this morning, Dick experienced life’s peaks and valleys. He was shaped by his losses and his mistakes as much as his successes. I believe that one of the things that made him most proud was his fifty-one year marriage to my Aunt Jane. He was proud of Mark and Cathy and their two daughters, Abby and Lilly, Dick and Jane’s granddaughters. He was proud of his accomplishments both personal and as a part of a team, most notably, his contribution to the 1953 basketball team that went all the way to the semi-state and whose remaining members will serve as pall bearers today. Such loyalty among is rarely found in today’s world.
Dick exemplified what most of us call a self-made man. His many years of hard work in the insurance business and as a builder and entrepreneur, and like most men from his generation, brought him much success and a feeling of great personal satisfaction. Dick also knew what it was like in the valleys of life.
I think it’s safe to say that Dick may have reached his lowest point on December 2, 1979 when Dick and Jane’s twenty-one year old daughter Pam was tragically killed in an automobile accident. While it may be true that a parent may never recover from the loss of a child, Dick and Jane were sustained during their time of loss by many of you here today.
Dick fought his share of personal battles, too. There’s a quote that says: “If at first you don’t succeed, well then, you’re running about average.” Those words rang true for Dick. But in true Dick fashion, he’d pull himself up by his proverbial bootstraps and take another run at beating his worthy opponent. In the end, the victory was his. In the later years of his life, he lived with a freedom and a peace that I believe he would want for all of us here today and he would tell us that it came by the grace of God.
Through these peaks and valleys of life, Dick got right with God. He had a spiritual awakening and found that, only by the grace of God, an inner peace- the peace that passes all understanding. My friends, today Dick is at peace.
BUT WHAT ABOUT US WHO ARE STILL ON A JOURNEY? Are there promises for us? Yes, there are. We can be assured that we too will be led to victory if we trust fully in Christ and in him alone. Death may seem to hide his face temporarily, but his promise is to be with us always, even to the end of the world.
Corrie Ten Boom, who suffered horribly in the Nazi concentration camps and lost her sister and family to them, said, "When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away your ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer." Our lives have an engineer. We can trust Him who said, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you; let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
You and I can find that the same faith which led my Uncle Dick home can also bring comfort to us.
Someone has observed that life is like an oriental decorative rug—it has two sides. One side—the underside— is full of dark mangles, threads that make no sense to us, full of knots with no pattern to its reasons why. But when you look at the rug from the top side, you see the beautiful patterns, designer work- the full picture. The way we see life, so often, is from the underside, full of confusion, knotted lives, no patterns to why things happen the way they do…but God, sees life from the top side. He sees the full picture.
If we could open up Heaven just for a few minutes, we would all stand in awe of the beauty, the happiness, the joy, the excitement of it all. This is what I believe. If I could ask Uncle Dick, what you want to tell your family, I believe it might be something like this:
1. Tell them, I LOVE THEM with all my heart
2. I want to see them again.
3. Please tell them about God and His saving grace.
4. Remind them where I found my peace- through God- and that peace can be found by all of us.
This is the gospel of Jesus Christ; this is the promise of God. Thanks be to God. AMEN.
Friday, May 06, 2005
I got a phone call at 11:30 the other night from a family friend informing me that my uncle had a heart attack and was not doing well. The doctor came out of the E/R asking the family if they had or knew of a minister- enter the Captain. I lay in bed thinking about whether or not I would go to the hospital and be there for my aunt. My hesitation was due partly to "What am I gonna do? What am I gonna say? What if he dies and she falls apart? What then?"
I arrived at the hospital about midnight and uncle passed about 1:30 Thursday morning. By that time, there were ten or twelve others that had come to offer comfort to the family. The family asked me to preside over the funeral which is scheduled for Monday and I fell privileged to do so. I went home around left around 2:30 and didn't sleep much.
I've "done" a few funerals, but not for family members. This will be different because instead of spending time with the family learning about the deceased, I already know much of what they would tell me. My pastor has told me in the past, "Some of the easiest funerals you'll ever do will be life-long believers who were faithful in his or her service to God and the church. On the other hand, some of the toughest funerals to prepare for are the ones where the deceased didn't go to church and may or may not have believed in God. The funeral for my uncle is the latter.
I will talk about his life and his family and how much he loved them. I will talk about his battles and his victories with alcoholism. I will talk about his competitive nature and his passion for golf and I.U. basketball. I will also talk about his spiritual awakening as the result of the Twelve Steps of A.A. and that if he were to leave those who mourn a word of encouragement he would tell them to lean on God. If you're not sure who God is or if you're angry with God right now because of what has happened- lean on God anyway. God is the one who has promised to never leave or forsake us. My uncle knew what it was like to be broke and he knew what is was like to be rich. I'm not talking about money. He knew what it meant to be spiritually and emotionally broke, which made some of his victories even more rich.
I will post again following the funeral.
Cappy
I arrived at the hospital about midnight and uncle passed about 1:30 Thursday morning. By that time, there were ten or twelve others that had come to offer comfort to the family. The family asked me to preside over the funeral which is scheduled for Monday and I fell privileged to do so. I went home around left around 2:30 and didn't sleep much.
I've "done" a few funerals, but not for family members. This will be different because instead of spending time with the family learning about the deceased, I already know much of what they would tell me. My pastor has told me in the past, "Some of the easiest funerals you'll ever do will be life-long believers who were faithful in his or her service to God and the church. On the other hand, some of the toughest funerals to prepare for are the ones where the deceased didn't go to church and may or may not have believed in God. The funeral for my uncle is the latter.
I will talk about his life and his family and how much he loved them. I will talk about his battles and his victories with alcoholism. I will talk about his competitive nature and his passion for golf and I.U. basketball. I will also talk about his spiritual awakening as the result of the Twelve Steps of A.A. and that if he were to leave those who mourn a word of encouragement he would tell them to lean on God. If you're not sure who God is or if you're angry with God right now because of what has happened- lean on God anyway. God is the one who has promised to never leave or forsake us. My uncle knew what it was like to be broke and he knew what is was like to be rich. I'm not talking about money. He knew what it meant to be spiritually and emotionally broke, which made some of his victories even more rich.
I will post again following the funeral.
Cappy
Monday, May 02, 2005
I was gone, but now I'm back
I have been away from blogging due to work, life and church stuff.
Work: nothing interesting, other than we had a big sales meeting last weekend and they brought in a comic named Greg Hahn and he was great! I got to talk to him a bit and seemed like a good guy. I can imagine that after an act like his (very physical and exhausting) he would run on the adrenaline for a little while after the show and then come crashing down. After the show, I saw him in the hotel lobby kind of bouncing around and wiping the sweat from his brow.
Life: We had quite a gathering at the clergy house last night (The cap's b-day). I can't believe all these people showed up just for me! It can feel pretty uncomfortable for me when people give me presents. In my mind I'm thinking, "You know, you really don't deserve all this." And the people- oh boy! I'm not real big on hugging, but I just wanted to hug everybody that came to my party- just for showing up!
Church: I preached at the local Y last Sunday (4-22) because the church has sold their building and using the proceeds to carry on in a different setting. Total attendance: 9 (including me and the pianinst). Let me give you a glimpse into the morning:
9:00 Clergy arrives at Y to help set up for service. There, he finds an elderly gentleman (at least 80) setting up chairs and moving tables around and about to go into cardiac arrest. I insisted on helping and he reluctantly agreed.
9:20 The person providing special music enters and I introduce myself. He looked familiar, but I wasn't where from. We chatted a bit and it turns out we knew a few of the same people. His solo was "There is a Balm in Gilead" (one of my favorite hymns). He did a nice job although his vibrato sounded a little like Bert Lahr (cowardly lion) in The Wizard of Oz:
"There is a Balm in Gileeeaaaddd, to heal the sin siccckkkk souullll." You've got to hear it to get the full effect.
9:30 Pianist arrives (notice- no congregants yet). She reminded me a whole lot of my late grandmother, who used to play the piano on the radio back in the forties and fifties. You know, big hair, heavy on the lipstick, perfume, nail polish and ready to rock! Anyway, I introduced myself to her and she said, "Oh, it's so nice to meet you Reverend." I said, "Nice to meet you, but call me Steve. We had a brief discussion about the hymns I had chosen and we were approaching showtime.
9:52: The service was set to start a 10 and I was growing a wee but concerned. Just then a throng of people came through the door (5) bringing our grand total to eight. Let's get this party started!
We were done at 10:45 (I don't preach long sermons) and I thoroughly enjoyed (is that the right word?) my time with the group that decided to come to church that day. I hope they were glad they came.
The week that lies ahead: work, church meetings, one overnight, final exam and the Derby...
Grace and Peace-
CC
Work: nothing interesting, other than we had a big sales meeting last weekend and they brought in a comic named Greg Hahn and he was great! I got to talk to him a bit and seemed like a good guy. I can imagine that after an act like his (very physical and exhausting) he would run on the adrenaline for a little while after the show and then come crashing down. After the show, I saw him in the hotel lobby kind of bouncing around and wiping the sweat from his brow.
Life: We had quite a gathering at the clergy house last night (The cap's b-day). I can't believe all these people showed up just for me! It can feel pretty uncomfortable for me when people give me presents. In my mind I'm thinking, "You know, you really don't deserve all this." And the people- oh boy! I'm not real big on hugging, but I just wanted to hug everybody that came to my party- just for showing up!
Church: I preached at the local Y last Sunday (4-22) because the church has sold their building and using the proceeds to carry on in a different setting. Total attendance: 9 (including me and the pianinst). Let me give you a glimpse into the morning:
9:00 Clergy arrives at Y to help set up for service. There, he finds an elderly gentleman (at least 80) setting up chairs and moving tables around and about to go into cardiac arrest. I insisted on helping and he reluctantly agreed.
9:20 The person providing special music enters and I introduce myself. He looked familiar, but I wasn't where from. We chatted a bit and it turns out we knew a few of the same people. His solo was "There is a Balm in Gilead" (one of my favorite hymns). He did a nice job although his vibrato sounded a little like Bert Lahr (cowardly lion) in The Wizard of Oz:
"There is a Balm in Gileeeaaaddd, to heal the sin siccckkkk souullll." You've got to hear it to get the full effect.
9:30 Pianist arrives (notice- no congregants yet). She reminded me a whole lot of my late grandmother, who used to play the piano on the radio back in the forties and fifties. You know, big hair, heavy on the lipstick, perfume, nail polish and ready to rock! Anyway, I introduced myself to her and she said, "Oh, it's so nice to meet you Reverend." I said, "Nice to meet you, but call me Steve. We had a brief discussion about the hymns I had chosen and we were approaching showtime.
9:52: The service was set to start a 10 and I was growing a wee but concerned. Just then a throng of people came through the door (5) bringing our grand total to eight. Let's get this party started!
We were done at 10:45 (I don't preach long sermons) and I thoroughly enjoyed (is that the right word?) my time with the group that decided to come to church that day. I hope they were glad they came.
The week that lies ahead: work, church meetings, one overnight, final exam and the Derby...
Grace and Peace-
CC
Friday, April 22, 2005
Inside and Out
Friday again! I have had a somewhat hectic week with much travel and little family time. The only good in that is I can get some major studying done as my final in NT approaches.
Mrs. CC has spent a good part of her week in the chiropractor's office getting "adjusted" and her problem I spoke of last week doesn't seem to be a major medical concern. The chirco. said that a major contributor to her pain was stress. Can you believe it? STRESS!!!!!!! Three kids (plus babysitting two others) all of which want her attention every second of the day, mountains of laundry, meals to prepare and clean up after (I help when I'm there) and a husband that wants all of her attemtion, too! WHADDYA MEAN STRESS? SHE DOESN'T HAVE ANY STRESS!!!! WHAT ABOUT ME??? (no more caps). I mean, I work (most of the time), bring home the proverbial bacon, wear nice clothes everyday, eat out for lunch almost every day (sometimes I pay), and get to have somewhat meaningful conversations with grown up people. I've got it tough too, buddy!
Anyhoo, I'm filling the pulpit at a local church that has decided to sell their building and meet at the the local "Y". Their pastor asked a while back and I gladly accepted. This will mean that I won't be at Home church this weekend at all (a good thing), not beacause I don't love the people there, it's just nice to get out a bit.
Rambling... In my job, there are evaluation sheets filled out after every session I teach. Most of them are positive and helpful. As a matter of fact, I don't put a tremendous amount of stock in the responses, because people just fill them out and want to go home because they're typically filled out at the end of each session. I got an Email from a boss yesterday saying that two of his people had participated in a recent session of mine and had some "concerns". Now, I haven't dug into this yet, but when I read something like that, I automatically interpret it as criticism of me- directly into the heart and soul of me!!! I succedeed in letting that one little comment nearly ruin my day yesterday! How in the world could someone have that much power over me?
A prayer...
Lord, why do I feel so inadequate when other people offer constructive criticism?
Help me today to accept the wholenees that you have offered me through Christ.
You have fashioned me in the image of your son, inside and out. I may appear to have it all together from the outside, but I can only feel that way on the inside when I trust and rest in you.
Cappy
Mrs. CC has spent a good part of her week in the chiropractor's office getting "adjusted" and her problem I spoke of last week doesn't seem to be a major medical concern. The chirco. said that a major contributor to her pain was stress. Can you believe it? STRESS!!!!!!! Three kids (plus babysitting two others) all of which want her attention every second of the day, mountains of laundry, meals to prepare and clean up after (I help when I'm there) and a husband that wants all of her attemtion, too! WHADDYA MEAN STRESS? SHE DOESN'T HAVE ANY STRESS!!!! WHAT ABOUT ME??? (no more caps). I mean, I work (most of the time), bring home the proverbial bacon, wear nice clothes everyday, eat out for lunch almost every day (sometimes I pay), and get to have somewhat meaningful conversations with grown up people. I've got it tough too, buddy!
Anyhoo, I'm filling the pulpit at a local church that has decided to sell their building and meet at the the local "Y". Their pastor asked a while back and I gladly accepted. This will mean that I won't be at Home church this weekend at all (a good thing), not beacause I don't love the people there, it's just nice to get out a bit.
Rambling... In my job, there are evaluation sheets filled out after every session I teach. Most of them are positive and helpful. As a matter of fact, I don't put a tremendous amount of stock in the responses, because people just fill them out and want to go home because they're typically filled out at the end of each session. I got an Email from a boss yesterday saying that two of his people had participated in a recent session of mine and had some "concerns". Now, I haven't dug into this yet, but when I read something like that, I automatically interpret it as criticism of me- directly into the heart and soul of me!!! I succedeed in letting that one little comment nearly ruin my day yesterday! How in the world could someone have that much power over me?
A prayer...
Lord, why do I feel so inadequate when other people offer constructive criticism?
Help me today to accept the wholenees that you have offered me through Christ.
You have fashioned me in the image of your son, inside and out. I may appear to have it all together from the outside, but I can only feel that way on the inside when I trust and rest in you.
Cappy
Monday, April 18, 2005
Family Tradition
I have a cousin that was in town this weekend (I didn't get to see him) and I was thinking that I probably haven't talked to him since the last family funeral. If we had talked over the weekend I suspect our conversation would have gone something like this:
CUZ: "So, I hear you're a preacher now?"
CC: "Yeah, sorta."
CUZ: "Following in grandpa's footsteps are ya?"
CC: Yeah, but there are a few differences..."
CUZ: "Like what?"
CC: For starters, grandpa was an alcoholic, paranoid schizophrenic, manic depressive, and sometimes violent man that was caught in one of the biggest cults in the world!"
CUZ: Oh.
Now, I'm not the picture of perfection by any stretch but at least I take medicine for my chemical imbalances! My grandpa was a tormented man and was sucked into the JWs along with his wife and family (my dad). I really believe that is was only by the grace of God that my dad survived his childhood much less overcome some of his own personal demons.
Meanwhile, we had good weekend that included the first of nine sermons on the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22 ff). Love was the first "fruit" discussed. My dad used to say in his AA talks, "Love is the answer, what's your question?"
CC
CUZ: "So, I hear you're a preacher now?"
CC: "Yeah, sorta."
CUZ: "Following in grandpa's footsteps are ya?"
CC: Yeah, but there are a few differences..."
CUZ: "Like what?"
CC: For starters, grandpa was an alcoholic, paranoid schizophrenic, manic depressive, and sometimes violent man that was caught in one of the biggest cults in the world!"
CUZ: Oh.
Now, I'm not the picture of perfection by any stretch but at least I take medicine for my chemical imbalances! My grandpa was a tormented man and was sucked into the JWs along with his wife and family (my dad). I really believe that is was only by the grace of God that my dad survived his childhood much less overcome some of his own personal demons.
Meanwhile, we had good weekend that included the first of nine sermons on the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22 ff). Love was the first "fruit" discussed. My dad used to say in his AA talks, "Love is the answer, what's your question?"
CC
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
I haven't posted for a few days and I'm not sure why. I like the idea of having a blog much better than actually writing for it. Anyway, today is Wednesday and I just returned from my third consecutive free lunch of the week- now that's important! Is there any theological significance to this, you ask? No.
I preached last weekend at Home church using the Emmaus Road experience taken from Luke's gospel (24:13-35). The message was titled "Timing is Everything" and the main idea I wanted to convey was: when we feel we have reached low points in our lives and feel as though God has "abandoned" us (like the two apostles at Emmaus may have felt), God will provide exactly what we need, when we need it.
When people ask me "how'd your sermon go last weekend?" I really don't know what to say other than, "I had help." I guess I could ramble on about my superior oratorical skills or my folksy-yet- humorous-yet profoundly spiritual commentary and insights regarding the text and its application to our daily lives- but I'll leave that one to the experts.
One church member (a genral practitioner) came through "the line" following the service and I thought it was a bit unusual because the good doctor doesn't normally go in for that kind of thing(socializing). As he approached I was thinking, "He's probably coming through to tell me what a great message I preached and that I would be a fool not to pursue full-time ministry, etc. As I held out my hand to shake his, he grabbed mine saying, "Did you know that the pew bibles and the hymnals have the same cover on them? Whatever.
Family life: We attended the littlest clergy kid's tee ball game Monday night and the girls brought a friend from the neioghborhood. Whilst the game was in progress, the girls were playing at the playground nearby. There happened to be a smart $#$# kid (boy) that made some off color remarks (too involved a story to tell) about the girls' mother (my wife). Anyway, the game wrapped up and the girls couldn't wait to tell me what little Johnny Troublemaker said about their mom. "Dad, what are you gonna do about it?"
"Relax, I'll take care of it", old dad said.
We all piled into the truck and pulling away "the boy" appeared. "Dad, that's him! That's the kid that said those nasty things about mom!"
I pulled the truck to the curb, rolled down my window, and cricked my index finger at the sexually frustrated, pre-pubescent potty mouth.
CC:"Young man... could you come over here, please? (Young man looks around as if I'm talking to someone other than him).
BOY:"Me?"
CC:"Yes, could you come here, please?"
BOY:"Sure." (His cheeks are red and has broken into a cold sweat- a lot of guys get that way when I get in their faces)
CC:"Did you say something about my wife?"
BOY:"What?"
CC:"Did you say something about my wife?"
BOY:"No."
CC:"Are you sure?"
BOY: "Yes." (drop of sweat on tip of nose)
CC:"OK."
I then gave him one of my "You lying little fart, I should beat the crapola out of you, but I won't" looks.
Let me explain. I will not listen to nor tolearate anyone talking smack about my wife or my kids at anytime in anyplace and I want them to know that and to witness me standing up for them! Now, what's the theological significance in that?
Gotta run- CC
did you say something about my wife?"
CC
I preached last weekend at Home church using the Emmaus Road experience taken from Luke's gospel (24:13-35). The message was titled "Timing is Everything" and the main idea I wanted to convey was: when we feel we have reached low points in our lives and feel as though God has "abandoned" us (like the two apostles at Emmaus may have felt), God will provide exactly what we need, when we need it.
When people ask me "how'd your sermon go last weekend?" I really don't know what to say other than, "I had help." I guess I could ramble on about my superior oratorical skills or my folksy-yet- humorous-yet profoundly spiritual commentary and insights regarding the text and its application to our daily lives- but I'll leave that one to the experts.
One church member (a genral practitioner) came through "the line" following the service and I thought it was a bit unusual because the good doctor doesn't normally go in for that kind of thing(socializing). As he approached I was thinking, "He's probably coming through to tell me what a great message I preached and that I would be a fool not to pursue full-time ministry, etc. As I held out my hand to shake his, he grabbed mine saying, "Did you know that the pew bibles and the hymnals have the same cover on them? Whatever.
Family life: We attended the littlest clergy kid's tee ball game Monday night and the girls brought a friend from the neioghborhood. Whilst the game was in progress, the girls were playing at the playground nearby. There happened to be a smart $#$# kid (boy) that made some off color remarks (too involved a story to tell) about the girls' mother (my wife). Anyway, the game wrapped up and the girls couldn't wait to tell me what little Johnny Troublemaker said about their mom. "Dad, what are you gonna do about it?"
"Relax, I'll take care of it", old dad said.
We all piled into the truck and pulling away "the boy" appeared. "Dad, that's him! That's the kid that said those nasty things about mom!"
I pulled the truck to the curb, rolled down my window, and cricked my index finger at the sexually frustrated, pre-pubescent potty mouth.
CC:"Young man... could you come over here, please? (Young man looks around as if I'm talking to someone other than him).
BOY:"Me?"
CC:"Yes, could you come here, please?"
BOY:"Sure." (His cheeks are red and has broken into a cold sweat- a lot of guys get that way when I get in their faces)
CC:"Did you say something about my wife?"
BOY:"What?"
CC:"Did you say something about my wife?"
BOY:"No."
CC:"Are you sure?"
BOY: "Yes." (drop of sweat on tip of nose)
CC:"OK."
I then gave him one of my "You lying little fart, I should beat the crapola out of you, but I won't" looks.
Let me explain. I will not listen to nor tolearate anyone talking smack about my wife or my kids at anytime in anyplace and I want them to know that and to witness me standing up for them! Now, what's the theological significance in that?
Gotta run- CC
did you say something about my wife?"
CC
Friday, April 08, 2005
Oh, what a beautiful weekend...
I woke the clergy girls up this morning with the following words:
CC: "Girls, I have two words for you- KELLY CLARKSON!"
8 year old clergy kid: "I have two words for you- BE QUIET!"
Mrs. CC is taking our two girls (11 and 8) to see Kelly Clarkson tonight- they (all three) are so geeked! I would kind of like to see her too, except that we can't just leave the clergy boy at home by himself now can we? So, the Captain and the Kid have a guy's night out tonight. I think we'll start out about three with a trip to the video store and rent "Star Wars" (the first one). Then we're planning on going to eat (his choice- probably McD), then to a baseball game where we'll spend the majority of the game at the playground- me watching him ride the Merry Go Round ($1 a pop) and me freezing my clergy buns off! I suspect we'll leave no later than the top of the fourth inning.
Upon returning home, we'll get ready for bed (no, we don't wear matching Spiderman jammies), turn on the Star Wars movie and fall asleep within ten minutes, his oversized head resting on my shoulder. Life is good.
Meanwhile, back at the concert, Mrs. CC is down front in the mosh pit and the clergy girls are on the shoulders of two fifteen year old guys named Chase and Hunter- ugh.
The Captain
CC: "Girls, I have two words for you- KELLY CLARKSON!"
8 year old clergy kid: "I have two words for you- BE QUIET!"
Mrs. CC is taking our two girls (11 and 8) to see Kelly Clarkson tonight- they (all three) are so geeked! I would kind of like to see her too, except that we can't just leave the clergy boy at home by himself now can we? So, the Captain and the Kid have a guy's night out tonight. I think we'll start out about three with a trip to the video store and rent "Star Wars" (the first one). Then we're planning on going to eat (his choice- probably McD), then to a baseball game where we'll spend the majority of the game at the playground- me watching him ride the Merry Go Round ($1 a pop) and me freezing my clergy buns off! I suspect we'll leave no later than the top of the fourth inning.
Upon returning home, we'll get ready for bed (no, we don't wear matching Spiderman jammies), turn on the Star Wars movie and fall asleep within ten minutes, his oversized head resting on my shoulder. Life is good.
Meanwhile, back at the concert, Mrs. CC is down front in the mosh pit and the clergy girls are on the shoulders of two fifteen year old guys named Chase and Hunter- ugh.
The Captain
Monday, April 04, 2005
Skipping, walking and the Pope
Don't know if you've heard, but the Pope died over the weekend at the age of one-hundred and six. I am amazed at the amount of coverage the networks have given this. The networks brought in the morning "A" teams. You know, Charlie and Diane at ABC; Katie and Matt at NBC and Steve and Edyie at CBS(who cares). Anyway, there is a good news- bad news angle to this whole thing.
The good news is that the name of Jesus Christ has never been heard (in a good way) on network tv as much as it has the last few days. The bad news is that most people hear the message coming from someone with a collar on might say, "He's a priest- he's supposed to say that kind of stuff." In other words- in one ear and out the other.
The good news is that the Catholic Church overall, is decidedly pro-life. The bad news is that a handful of folks who represent any other pro-life Christian community get very little (if any) attention from the networks- ever.
The good news is that there are millions of people around the world that are deeply committed to their Catholic traditions as evidenced by the prayer vigils, and deep sadness over the Pope's passing (at one hundred and twelve). The bad news is, at the end of the day, it's not about organized religions or the its leaders- it's about Jesus and what he has done for us. It's about focusing our attention on Jesus and trying to live our lives as he would if he had our bodies and our minds to live his life through.
Otherwise, Mrs. CC and I went to a couples' night out at a local church with some neighbors. A nice time was had by all. One of the highlights was a conversation I had with one of our neighbors:
CC: Hey, what do you do for exercise?
Neighbor: Not much, play basketball now and then.
CC: I'd like to start walking in the mornings. Would you be up for that?
Neighbor: I'd rather run. Hey, I know, why don't we combine the two and skip around the block in the mornings- whaddya think?
CC: OK! Sounds great- skipping is often made fun of and I have never really understood why...
At one point during the evening a "survey" of sorts went out with a few questions. This one stuck out for me:
What brings you contentment and peace? Sex. Walking. Having sex while walking. Is that so wrong?
Following our deep discussions at the church function, we all (the women) decided to go to the restaurant across the street and drink margaritas and daquiris (sp?). When is the last time I laughed so hard?
The good news is that the name of Jesus Christ has never been heard (in a good way) on network tv as much as it has the last few days. The bad news is that most people hear the message coming from someone with a collar on might say, "He's a priest- he's supposed to say that kind of stuff." In other words- in one ear and out the other.
The good news is that the Catholic Church overall, is decidedly pro-life. The bad news is that a handful of folks who represent any other pro-life Christian community get very little (if any) attention from the networks- ever.
The good news is that there are millions of people around the world that are deeply committed to their Catholic traditions as evidenced by the prayer vigils, and deep sadness over the Pope's passing (at one hundred and twelve). The bad news is, at the end of the day, it's not about organized religions or the its leaders- it's about Jesus and what he has done for us. It's about focusing our attention on Jesus and trying to live our lives as he would if he had our bodies and our minds to live his life through.
Otherwise, Mrs. CC and I went to a couples' night out at a local church with some neighbors. A nice time was had by all. One of the highlights was a conversation I had with one of our neighbors:
CC: Hey, what do you do for exercise?
Neighbor: Not much, play basketball now and then.
CC: I'd like to start walking in the mornings. Would you be up for that?
Neighbor: I'd rather run. Hey, I know, why don't we combine the two and skip around the block in the mornings- whaddya think?
CC: OK! Sounds great- skipping is often made fun of and I have never really understood why...
At one point during the evening a "survey" of sorts went out with a few questions. This one stuck out for me:
What brings you contentment and peace? Sex. Walking. Having sex while walking. Is that so wrong?
Following our deep discussions at the church function, we all (the women) decided to go to the restaurant across the street and drink margaritas and daquiris (sp?). When is the last time I laughed so hard?
Thursday, March 31, 2005
He said, she said...
Yesterday was a day filled with miscommunication. I took the clergy boy to tee ball and was supposed to wait until practice was over, then take him to a meeting with me, where Mrs. CC would come and get him. As I left the practice (without the boy) I called Mrs. CC to tell her which ball field he was to be picked up from and our conversation went something like this:
Mrs: "You're waiting for him!"
CC:"I am?... well, I can't because I'll be late for the meeting."
Mrs: "Well I haven't even eaten my supper yet!"
CC: "Oh, I'm sorry... I've totally blown it, haven't I?
Mrs: "I'll get him."
At the end of the evening (about 8) the oldest clergy kid exclaimed. "Dad, I haven't even had my supper yet!" She's not much of an eater anyway (no excuse) but how, in the name of the Lord , did we (my wife and I) manage to forget feeding one of our kids! I'll go home this afternoon to a bony, dehydrated, starving eleven year old asking lethargically, "Daddy, I've been a good girl, can I eat today?" Oh, man, I am a piece of s#$@* father.
Mrs: "You're waiting for him!"
CC:"I am?... well, I can't because I'll be late for the meeting."
Mrs: "Well I haven't even eaten my supper yet!"
CC: "Oh, I'm sorry... I've totally blown it, haven't I?
Mrs: "I'll get him."
At the end of the evening (about 8) the oldest clergy kid exclaimed. "Dad, I haven't even had my supper yet!" She's not much of an eater anyway (no excuse) but how, in the name of the Lord , did we (my wife and I) manage to forget feeding one of our kids! I'll go home this afternoon to a bony, dehydrated, starving eleven year old asking lethargically, "Daddy, I've been a good girl, can I eat today?" Oh, man, I am a piece of s#$@* father.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Brief
I've got this idiot, jack-leg loser that sits in a cubicle right outside my office door that simply drives me CRAZY! Every flippin' thought that runs through his little pea brain has to be verbalized and he conducts all of his phone calls on the speaker phone- and I hired him! What was I thinking?
It's a beautiful spring day here; "Makes me wanna holla- hold up both ma hands"... (Marvin Gaye). I can't think of nothin' else to say.
Cap
It's a beautiful spring day here; "Makes me wanna holla- hold up both ma hands"... (Marvin Gaye). I can't think of nothin' else to say.
Cap
Monday, March 28, 2005
Recap
Between kid's stuff, the Easter holiday, company and watching nerve racking basketball games, I am an emotional wreck! I leave this afternoon for places south of here, to return Tuesday evening.
Getting caught up on school work, church work and secular work. Why is it that of those three the one I love the most pays the least? Wouldn't it be great if the one you loved most paid the most? What a concept!
Your captain's little sister got engaged over the weekend and I'm so happy for those two kids. She asked me to officiate the cermony- heck yes, I'm gonna do it! And she asked my big brother to "give her away" (strange way to say it). What a day that will be- I'm liable to turn into a blubbering idiot..........GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF,MAN!
Getting caught up on school work, church work and secular work. Why is it that of those three the one I love the most pays the least? Wouldn't it be great if the one you loved most paid the most? What a concept!
Your captain's little sister got engaged over the weekend and I'm so happy for those two kids. She asked me to officiate the cermony- heck yes, I'm gonna do it! And she asked my big brother to "give her away" (strange way to say it). What a day that will be- I'm liable to turn into a blubbering idiot..........GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF,MAN!
Friday, March 25, 2005
Holy Week!
Back from a trip to beautiful London! I had the good fortune to take Mrs. CC and the clergy kids- they played whilst I worked. Highlights included a private viewing (no one else showed up) of "The Pacifier". The kids thought it was "totally hilarious" and Mrs. CC said it was ridiculous. Anyhoo, we got back yesterday just in time for me to make my NT class at seminary- yippee. After having my "theologically-challenged" butt kicked by the material, I was thoroughly wasted upon arrival back at the house around 10:15 where I found Clergy girls camped out on the hide a bed in the so-called "great" room, because their room ain't finished yet (see Monday's post) and they were watching one of their fave movies- "Oklahoma". I came in just when Poor Judd Fry and Curly's showdown in the smokehouse- high drama, for sure. I kissed them and went back to the bedouir (is that spelled right?) to find the lovely Mrs. CC still awake. I asked about the Maundy Thursday service they went to and she said it was fine. One of our elderly, hard of hearing, and barely able to get around choir members decided to let out an extra loud yawn as he was getting up to go down front for communion- she said the whole choir nearly busted a gut.
Since there was no child care (don't ask) the littlest clergy kid sat with his eight year old sister in the very front pew and was nearly perfect for almost the entire length of the service- an hour and twenty! Can you believe it? I got me a good family...
I hope you all have a blessed weekend and remember- it's for us that He died and it's for him that we live!
And May All Your Easter Eggs Be White,
CC
Since there was no child care (don't ask) the littlest clergy kid sat with his eight year old sister in the very front pew and was nearly perfect for almost the entire length of the service- an hour and twenty! Can you believe it? I got me a good family...
I hope you all have a blessed weekend and remember- it's for us that He died and it's for him that we live!
And May All Your Easter Eggs Be White,
CC
Monday, March 21, 2005
Cry Baby
As it turns out, your captain got a last minute preaching gig that helped us hire out the wallpaper and paint job. God is good.
I preached in a little, small, tiny, country church yesterday, where I've preached many times. As a matter of fact, I preached my very first sermon there in 2001- it was horrible! The fact that they ever asked me to come back shows the amount of grace and mercy these people possess. My sermon was called "I Love a Parade" and I preached it at our home church on Palm Sunday of 2004. Although I didn't go "noteless", I did (conciously) just "talk" more than simply read the written words.
Otherwise, it was a strange weekend. On the way to the youngest clergy's ball game on Sat. we stopped at a carpet place to choose what gets laid in the girl's room. I'm just like, "Whatever, blue, pink, purple, plaid, shag, - I don't flippin' care! In the meantime, the littlest clergy decided to turn the extra large rolls of carpet into a logging festival. "Get down, buddy." "Hey, now, get down, I said!" "If you don't get off those rolls right now, I'm going to put you up for adoption (not really). As we moved to the cash register, the littlest is hopping from one roll to the next, prompting the comment from the store owner, "Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to get control of your children." OK, granted, the idiot carpet jackass was way out of line, nevertheless, I was livid. I took the little man out to the van (spanked him as we walked) informing him that he was not going to be able to go to his final basketball game that afternoon. All of this took place in the span of eight seconds. Then, Mrs. CC came out with the girls, got in their van (we almost always have to drive two vehicles) and asked me what the plan was. I said in my most authoritative voice, "Why don't you go to the game and pick up his "trophy" because I'm taking him home! After hearing several reasons why we should let him go to the game, we went to the ball game. He and I arrived about twenty minutes early and just sat for a bit- he had fallen asleep (always cute) and I had all but lost my mind. The more I thought about the day's happenings and the all the emotions wrapped up in them, I just lost it. I began to cry a bit then all out water works- I mean sobbing! I climbed into the back seat (not an easy task for an old guy) and woke up the kid saying, "I'm so sorry!" I love you so much, I'm sooo sorry!". He woke up and after seeing the emotional train wreck that I was said, "Daddy you don't have to be a cry baby about it. I feel better now.
Your Captain.
I preached in a little, small, tiny, country church yesterday, where I've preached many times. As a matter of fact, I preached my very first sermon there in 2001- it was horrible! The fact that they ever asked me to come back shows the amount of grace and mercy these people possess. My sermon was called "I Love a Parade" and I preached it at our home church on Palm Sunday of 2004. Although I didn't go "noteless", I did (conciously) just "talk" more than simply read the written words.
Otherwise, it was a strange weekend. On the way to the youngest clergy's ball game on Sat. we stopped at a carpet place to choose what gets laid in the girl's room. I'm just like, "Whatever, blue, pink, purple, plaid, shag, - I don't flippin' care! In the meantime, the littlest clergy decided to turn the extra large rolls of carpet into a logging festival. "Get down, buddy." "Hey, now, get down, I said!" "If you don't get off those rolls right now, I'm going to put you up for adoption (not really). As we moved to the cash register, the littlest is hopping from one roll to the next, prompting the comment from the store owner, "Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to get control of your children." OK, granted, the idiot carpet jackass was way out of line, nevertheless, I was livid. I took the little man out to the van (spanked him as we walked) informing him that he was not going to be able to go to his final basketball game that afternoon. All of this took place in the span of eight seconds. Then, Mrs. CC came out with the girls, got in their van (we almost always have to drive two vehicles) and asked me what the plan was. I said in my most authoritative voice, "Why don't you go to the game and pick up his "trophy" because I'm taking him home! After hearing several reasons why we should let him go to the game, we went to the ball game. He and I arrived about twenty minutes early and just sat for a bit- he had fallen asleep (always cute) and I had all but lost my mind. The more I thought about the day's happenings and the all the emotions wrapped up in them, I just lost it. I began to cry a bit then all out water works- I mean sobbing! I climbed into the back seat (not an easy task for an old guy) and woke up the kid saying, "I'm so sorry!" I love you so much, I'm sooo sorry!". He woke up and after seeing the emotional train wreck that I was said, "Daddy you don't have to be a cry baby about it. I feel better now.
Your Captain.
Friday, March 18, 2005
This post has no title, just words and a tune...
Your captain has returned from a journey that included two days of terribly boring and depressing business meetings (I think Scott Peterson's first week in San Quentin will be easier than what I had to endure) .
Friday is here at last and the smoke has begun to clear. I have minimal church responsibilities this weekend, so Mrs. CC has decided that the wallpaper in the girls' room needs to go and a new paint job- O Happy Day! Thank you, Jesus! This promises to be a "steamy" weekend, if you know what I mean.
My protion of Sunday's service is the sermonette and the subject is naturally, Palm Sunday. I think I'll come at this from the angle of the of the palm as it signifies victory. Hmmm, I may need a bit more than that, eh? How about this, The Palms in Las Vegas got its name because the palm signifies victory. You know, spend all your hard earned money at the Palms and get ya some victry!? Nah, too "heady" for young minds. What about asking the question, "Why can't palm tress grow in cold weather? Because.... uh... they symbolize victory, right? (puzzled looks from adults and children alike). OK, that's our message for this morning, now run along and get your bellyful of palm shaped cookies and artificial fruit punch.
Carry On.
Friday is here at last and the smoke has begun to clear. I have minimal church responsibilities this weekend, so Mrs. CC has decided that the wallpaper in the girls' room needs to go and a new paint job- O Happy Day! Thank you, Jesus! This promises to be a "steamy" weekend, if you know what I mean.
My protion of Sunday's service is the sermonette and the subject is naturally, Palm Sunday. I think I'll come at this from the angle of the of the palm as it signifies victory. Hmmm, I may need a bit more than that, eh? How about this, The Palms in Las Vegas got its name because the palm signifies victory. You know, spend all your hard earned money at the Palms and get ya some victry!? Nah, too "heady" for young minds. What about asking the question, "Why can't palm tress grow in cold weather? Because.... uh... they symbolize victory, right? (puzzled looks from adults and children alike). OK, that's our message for this morning, now run along and get your bellyful of palm shaped cookies and artificial fruit punch.
Carry On.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Above Ground
I talked to the beautiful Mrs. CC over the weekend about how we would spend our fifteenth anniversary weekend (May 13). There is a marriage weekend "retreat" of sorts scheduled in Colorado Springs. The cost is one thing (about $1000.) but child care is quite another...
I had lunch with my little sister last Friday and during the course of our conversation it came up that we will be married fiftenn years come May and I did not mention what, at that time was only in the back of my mind (the Colo. Springs weekend) when she stated frimly, "Hey, I am volunteering my services the weekend of your anniversary to come to your house and watch your kids while you and the Mrs. get away for the weekend- the whole weekend. Unbelievable! All the more reason to go on the trip, right!? We'll see.
Our pastor preached about Ezekiel's vision of the dry bones, asking the question: "Can these dry bones live? Only God knows... Some days are drier than others, right?
Following the Sunday service, we have a kind of "receiving" line where me, the pastor, and student assistant "meet and greet" folks as they leave. Many hugs, some tears, and some off the wall comments like, "It sure was cold in there this morning, can't you do something about the heat?" Or, when asked how one was getting along replied, "Well, I'm still above ground!" I thought the words above ground were only associated with swimming pools. I guess if I were in my twilight years, I might say the same thing. Life is sometimes just about being above ground.
Bless,
Your Captain
I had lunch with my little sister last Friday and during the course of our conversation it came up that we will be married fiftenn years come May and I did not mention what, at that time was only in the back of my mind (the Colo. Springs weekend) when she stated frimly, "Hey, I am volunteering my services the weekend of your anniversary to come to your house and watch your kids while you and the Mrs. get away for the weekend- the whole weekend. Unbelievable! All the more reason to go on the trip, right!? We'll see.
Our pastor preached about Ezekiel's vision of the dry bones, asking the question: "Can these dry bones live? Only God knows... Some days are drier than others, right?
Following the Sunday service, we have a kind of "receiving" line where me, the pastor, and student assistant "meet and greet" folks as they leave. Many hugs, some tears, and some off the wall comments like, "It sure was cold in there this morning, can't you do something about the heat?" Or, when asked how one was getting along replied, "Well, I'm still above ground!" I thought the words above ground were only associated with swimming pools. I guess if I were in my twilight years, I might say the same thing. Life is sometimes just about being above ground.
Bless,
Your Captain
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Saturday morning
Saturday morning is so nice. We didn't wake up until 8:00...
I don't quite have this blog thing totally down yet. I want to post some pix and have been to Hello or whatever that place is and downloaded the stuff and I still don't know how to do it!
Is there anyone out there that can help me?
I don't quite have this blog thing totally down yet. I want to post some pix and have been to Hello or whatever that place is and downloaded the stuff and I still don't know how to do it!
Is there anyone out there that can help me?
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Kids and Giants
I took my oldest daughter to a band open house at the middle school (the same one I attended)she'll be attending next fall. Before we got out of the car she said, "Dad, you're not going to hold my hand or anything like that, are you?" This is a sign of things to come. By the way, she chose the trumpet (following in the footsteps of her legendary uncle) as her instrument. Pucker up, baby girl!
Monday night Mrs. CC and I heard Dr. Howard Hendricks speak at the seminary I attend. He was awesome! During the week, it's hard for us to get away with all the kid's stuff going on, but we planned ahead (two weeks) and got all of our ducks in a row to make it happen. "Prof", as he's known by his students, is a real giant in Christianity (he's about 5'0"). His theme was also the title of his re-released book "Heaven Help The Home Today". Here's the bottom line: God first, spouse second, kids third, everything else follows after that. I needed to hear that...
We went by ourselves, but ran into a couple we knew, who were meeting three other couples so we just had a great night out. After the talk I got to meet Dr. Hendricks. He was so kind, gracious and humble. He told the story of his bout with cancer and how the surgey, basically, took the entire left side of his face. It was noticeable up close, but the sweetness in his soul outshined the scars and skin grafts. We had a very memorable evening.
There was a photographer there and I noticed he took a pic of me talking to Hendricks. I contacted the photog. and asked if I could get a copy of the pic. COOL!
I'm fighting off a cold (big sniff) and feel I am holding it at bay, at least for now.
Monday night Mrs. CC and I heard Dr. Howard Hendricks speak at the seminary I attend. He was awesome! During the week, it's hard for us to get away with all the kid's stuff going on, but we planned ahead (two weeks) and got all of our ducks in a row to make it happen. "Prof", as he's known by his students, is a real giant in Christianity (he's about 5'0"). His theme was also the title of his re-released book "Heaven Help The Home Today". Here's the bottom line: God first, spouse second, kids third, everything else follows after that. I needed to hear that...
We went by ourselves, but ran into a couple we knew, who were meeting three other couples so we just had a great night out. After the talk I got to meet Dr. Hendricks. He was so kind, gracious and humble. He told the story of his bout with cancer and how the surgey, basically, took the entire left side of his face. It was noticeable up close, but the sweetness in his soul outshined the scars and skin grafts. We had a very memorable evening.
There was a photographer there and I noticed he took a pic of me talking to Hendricks. I contacted the photog. and asked if I could get a copy of the pic. COOL!
I'm fighting off a cold (big sniff) and feel I am holding it at bay, at least for now.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Don't worry, I'm just fine...
Hey now.
I know what you're thinking- "where's Steve been?" Well, you know I've been busy, man! I'll bet this blog has had some 3 hits since last week. I'm sure that Hugh Hewitt will be sitting up and taking note shortly.
I know what you're thinking- "where's Steve been?" Well, you know I've been busy, man! I'll bet this blog has had some 3 hits since last week. I'm sure that Hugh Hewitt will be sitting up and taking note shortly.
I heard about this website called www.dooce.com- this woman is hilarious! I was bustin' a gut in laughter (or was I bustin' a move?). Anyhoo, check it out and put a smile on your otherwise ugly face of yours.
Better go before I gets busted-
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Too Busy For Fun
Since this is my blog and I've had so many visitors (0), I felt an obligation to update ye olde blog today. The aforementioned weekend was busy and not completely chaotic. The Finn bros. were excellent- I went back to the eighties for a bit! Saturday's "concert" was very successful, if not well-attended and we were tighter than tight! Sunday come around and I was nearly out o' gas. Then on a plane for GR and to a Servant Leadership seminar Monday from 8 to noon- back on a plane for home- many delays- home at midnight.
I have a hard time really enjoying weekends like last. So busy, I don't have "time" to enjoy. I'm so worried about the details (e.g., will we sound good at our concert? will I miss the plane? Will it be snowing? Will the hotrl have a res. for me? Will my rental car be nice and big?) you get the idea.
I am working on that! Help me,Lord!
I have a hard time really enjoying weekends like last. So busy, I don't have "time" to enjoy. I'm so worried about the details (e.g., will we sound good at our concert? will I miss the plane? Will it be snowing? Will the hotrl have a res. for me? Will my rental car be nice and big?) you get the idea.
I am working on that! Help me,Lord!
Friday, February 25, 2005
FRIDAY!
Oh man, I am so glad it's Friday! I thought I was going to have a panic attack this week because of the overload at work, church and family. I just hope and pray that I'm not so caught up in serving God and neglecting my wife and kids.
Mrs. CC and I are going to see Neil and Tim Finn tonight. WOO HOO! The kids are spending the night at grandma's tonight- DOUBLE WOO HOO!
This weekend is going to be a busy one. Sat: Kids' basketball at 10 and 1. Church band gig at 1:30 to 4. Worship service from 5 to 6 and then, home for the night. My heart is racing just thinking about the potential for chaos!
Gotta Run!
CC
Mrs. CC and I are going to see Neil and Tim Finn tonight. WOO HOO! The kids are spending the night at grandma's tonight- DOUBLE WOO HOO!
This weekend is going to be a busy one. Sat: Kids' basketball at 10 and 1. Church band gig at 1:30 to 4. Worship service from 5 to 6 and then, home for the night. My heart is racing just thinking about the potential for chaos!
Gotta Run!
CC
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Right out of the gate
OK. This is my blog. Cool. I hope I can use this to write some funny and profound stuff about my life, fanily and the ministry.
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