Club vs. Church III - Back in S.C. via Ocala

I was squirming my way through a Jerry Springer-type church business meeting in 2000. A Cincinnati church was fed up with getting along so they decided to slug it out, in public. I was relegated to sitting silently to witness the massacre. My request to speak was met with a firm no thank you, we don't need anybody to help us screw this thing up, we are doing that on our own.

A humble, thirty-something man came to the mic for his 60 seconds in the midst of flying hymn books and offering plates (embellishment mine). He said to the effect, I work for a corporation in downtown Cincinnati. They would never let things happen this way at our office. Sometimes the church gets accused of running itself like a secular organization. For our church, if we ran things like a secular organization, it would be an upgrade. We do not run our church like a secular organization, we are sub-secular.

Not sure if sub-secular is a word. The statement was the most powerful I have ever heard in a church business meeting gone bad (I have obviously seen a few). So, maybe we can learn church from the South Holston Ruritan Club (see 12/21, 22). More tomorrow.

West Columbia. All is good. Normally the Christmas break is a bit slower. My world tour included Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida. Movies: Hairspray, Mr. Bean's Holiday, Alvin and The Chipmunks, and High School Musical II. Nothing of note. Books in process of note: Divine Mentor (Cordeiro): Microtrends (Penn) - you will hear more about both. Carl Martin slammed a tape measure, bases-clearing, walk-off, grand slam at WRC yesterday morning: Xtreme Living from Joshua 5. Glad to be back.

From Tennessee - Industrial Size Balsamic Vinegar

I've been thinking about beginnings. The new year begins when we take a fresh look at the birth of Christ. Let's not wait until January 1, 2008. I can't wait that long for a fresh start. Let's start with Jesus. Again. Anew. Now. What would you like your relationship with Jesus look like? What changes do you need make to go deeper? I have a couple in mind for me. At least a couple.

Great day Sunday. Highlands Fellowship screen church in Johnson City, Tennessee. Highlands Fellowship is a great story. More later. Grace Baptist Church (my home church) Christmas program in the evening. Presents, food, etc. My sister made a WW one point pumpkin pie. I received the ultimate practical gift: an industrial size bottle of Balsamic Vinegar. Ye Haw! There is a party in my tummy!

Merry Christmas from the Senesi family! We pray this year will represent new beginnings and deeper waters, with Him, for all of you and all of us.

From Tennessee - Club vs. Church

Reggie McNeal always bemoaned the fact that the church often demonstrated a club mentality. I understand what he meant. No question the 50 year-old South Holston Ruritan Club faces challenges in the future.

Some churches, however, would benefit from the South Holston Ruritan approach. For other churches, a club mentality would be a step up. Here are my observations of the club mentality:

1. Humble Leaders - I witnessed the outgoing president's last meeting and the installation of a new one. They presented the former president a lapel pin and a basket of fruit for his one year of volunteer service. He seemed genuinely grateful. The new president stammered as he looked at the floor of the platform. He said, uh, I will do my best, that is all I can promise. Uh, you guys are going to need to help me and when I mess up, tell me. Neither of these guys demonstrated my greatest strength, false humility. They meant it.

Jim Collins, in Good to Great, said the leadership in Great organizations demonstrated two traits. One of them is professional humility. Percept, the demographers for World Headquarters, estimated that 80% of South Carolineans, prefer the style of leadership that, works with them on deciding what to do and helps them do it. In comparison, roughly 4% preferred a leader who tells them what to do.

You can start an argument about the need for strong leadership. You might add that biblical leadership is uncompromising and bold if you want. First, however, you might consider the model of a healthy, balanced, in tune with the Father-type leader, like er . . . uh . . . Jesus. Oh, maybe that's not fair to play the Jesus card. Paul? We see elements of strength and even a prophetic vein in their leadership. We also see humble, servant leaders.

Much of what we give to churches under the guise of strong leadership is flesh. Leaders think we are being strong, when we actually lead like we would without Christ. Selfish, self-promoting, uncaring, and manipulative are not the ways of Jesus. A club mentality may help here. At least the club mentality demonstrated in the last two presidents at the South Holston Ruritan . . .

Live Christmas Jazz in E-town last night with Randy (b-i-l) and Debbie (beloved sister). Rick Simerly is a Jazz legend in East Tennessee. Eat your heart out Steve Carmel Frappichino Scudder. Great pictures and a long, hard walk/run around the lake was also happening. Fun abounds. Merry Christmas!

From Tennessee - The Club Faces Challenges

Last night my family and I went to the South Holston Ruritan Club's annual Christmas potluck and monthly meeting. Fascinating! I will talk more about it. The 50 year-old-club has been actively involved in community affairs in the Bristol, Tenn. region. My father-in-law, Charles Owens, has been involved for years.

My mind was operating on overdrive as I watched members and their families roll through the door. This is not an expose' btw. I was impressed by many things. Clarity of purpose, focus, resourcefulness, unity and structure were just a few of the positives.

The challenge they face is the age of club members. At 48 years old, I was with the youngest group represented. How can the club be passed on to the next generation? Does the next generation even care if the club exists? How would the club have to change to get younger? How can the club enjoy another 50 years of community involvement? More coming on the future of the club.

On the road yesterday, of course. Still had a chance to talk to movement makers, Neal McGlohon, Steve Scudder, Michael Green, and exchanged voice mails with Carl Martin. Merry Christmas! I am not mad at the Happy Holidays crowd, but that felt good!

Roger vs. Barry IV - God has No Preference

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:28 NAS).

I'll bet some people in Galatia got ticked off when they read that part of Paul's letter. Hey, wait just a doggone, rebel flag waving minute here. God said what? God was telling Paul to let the people know, faith alone is what made them right with Him.

I used this text, when I addressed the topic, What Black History Month Means to Me, at New Testament Baptist Bible Center back in the '90s. I confessed to the congregation that Pastor Jerry's requested topic sent me on a journey with God. I researched the meaning of Black History Month. I learned how much it meant to them.

Since that assignment, the journey sent me to the streets of Cincinnati hand-in-hand with African-Americans singing We Shall Overcome, on King Day 2001. I read MLK's autobiography and visited the Black History Museum in Savannah, Georgia.

So, I am there, right? Speaking down to you about how you should be like me. Not at all. The more pages I turn, the more I see the true picture of my heart. Not pretty. I prefer my own. Not only do I prefer my own, but I think mine are better. I confuse my comfort with mine with the destructive, ungodly attitude that mine are superior. And God . . . and Paul blew that attitude out of the water when they said . . . In Him there are no preferred cultures or people groups. Only Jesus can live like Jesus. The long journey continues.

World Headquarters Yesterday. One busy, busy day left. Got more shopping done. Doing all I can to contribute to the Shopocalypse! Almost finished.

What Black History Month Means To Me - Roger vs. Barry III

My close friend, Jerry Davis, an African-American church planter/pastor from New Orleans, shocked me over lunch back in the mid-90's. We were indulging at the Golden Corral Buffet in Marrero, my community for 12 years, on the westbank of the Mississippi River.

I want you to preach at my church in February, Jerry said, between bites. Sure, Jerry. Jerry continued, I have a special topic in mind. Great Jerry, I said, be happy to do whatever you think. Jerry continued, I want you to address the subject, What does Black History Month mean to me?

Jerry and I were really close. I was comfortable being honest with him. God gave him great patience, tolerance, and wisdom in those days. I responded to Jerry, between bites with a cautious, but unavoidable . . . Okay, Jerry, Black History Month really doesn't mean a whole lot of anything to me. He said, I understand, but will you do it? And yes, I did preach on that Sunday night in February, to an all African American audience, New Testament Baptist Bible Center, on the subject, What does Black History Month mean to me? More of the story, tomorrow.

World Headquarters yesterday. Trying to carve out a break. I see Tennessee, and lots more fun coming. Spent time with movement maker John Sharp. Had great conversations with Bill Brown, formerly of Southeastern Seminary, Marcos Elizondo, Samuel Rodriguez, and as always, Abi Elrod of the Church Multiplication Group. Always thinking, always dreaming, about the next step, the next level.

Give it Up For Cujo - Roger vs. Barry II

To tell Cujo, one of our family dogs, good-bye was tougher than I thought. He went to a great home (not heaven cause I am not sure . . . anyways, it was a great older couple). He was one of those pets that was ALWAYS in trouble. I guess hating on Cujo had been one of my favorite past times. I also guess I didn't hate him as much as I thought.

I remember one of those family moments. You know the kind I am talking about. Sometimes God uses your kids to punch you right in the heart. We were talking about Martin Luther King, and I was being all that, explaining to Ann and Ab about our attitudes and how we ought not feel superior to other people. Then, Ab, asked, What about the way you treat Cujo? Shut up kid, you are missing the point. Or did she? From that day on, I really did try harder, not to hate on Cujo.

For me, and some of you spiritual guys may help me here . . . I don't know if it is because I am too flawed to be a prophet . . . or too insecure . . . or self-aware. Maybe one day I will get to the place where I can be more self-righteous. Now don't let me sin again. I am self-righteous and one of my strengths is false humility. However, when its just God and me, He always manages to remind me about my journey. He reminds me that I have such a long way to go. He reminds me that my righteousness or self-righteousness is relative to my own definition of right. That definition can be self-promoting and self-serving. More tomorrow.

Great Weekend. Riverbanks Zoo, Christmas Party w/Elders at Bill and Jennifer's, Preached at Willow (Skipping Christmas), and . . . the most incredible concert in years, Newsong, Matthew West, Todd Agnew and others at Northside. Newsong continues to morph and stay focused at the same time. First time I heard Newsong was in the mid '80s in Lousisana. They never disappoint.

The Mitchell Report and Table Top Vision

Wicked hearts abound. I am the chief. I am not talking about baseball players who cheat. I am talking about the court of public opinion. Now that it is about Roger Clemons instead of the evil one (according to most) Barry Bonds, we are in a bind. Why is it harder to hate on Roger than Barry? Listen closely in the days to come. Don't give me the answer that it is just because Barry has been hostile to the media. Check out Roger and his lawyer's disposition now. How nice will they be? Multiply intense interrogation for the next three years. Will Roger be nice then? What is the difference between the two?

Systemic racism. More dangerous, more subtle, then what went on in American back in the day. People who are racist and don't know it. God humbled me in Cincy. I would have never said that was me. Then came the Jesus Video Project in 1999 (African Americans questioned the European portrayal of Jesus). Then came the Cincy Race Riots in 2001 when Timothy Thomas, a 19 year old African American, was killed by Steven Roach an Anglo police officer. I learned how far I had to go. Some of my "real" feelings and attitudes came to the surface. Ugly.

Just that fact that I have raised the issue of Barry vs. Roger, will make this my most controversial blog ever. I would say more, but God is convicting me about me, as I write. So, maybe more will come in the days ahead. Not sure.

Yesterday in the Upstate. Jim Goodroe, Kermit (not easy being green) Morris, Art Fulks, Jonathan Everett, Ryan Bishop, Mike Morris, Tommy Vandiver, James Porter, Jimmy Duncan, Alex Sands, D.J Horton. Vision is best cast and caught in groups of 2's and 3's during informal conversations according to Hybels. What a great day of being with some of God's best. These leaders have put it all on the line. The next Purpose Driven Church book will not likely come out of this group. But for those of you far from God, there are some guys who love you, who are leaving it all on the field for you, along with their wives, and others around them. What makes them that way? Why bother? Why care? They are only playing a game . . . called Follow the Leader . . . their leader . . . Jesus (Luke 15).

This Just In - First Christmas was Not Perfect

All so warm and fuzzy . . . no dysfunction,no anxiety. A fairy tale. The first Christmas. Silent Night, Holy Night. O Little Town of Bethlehem. The First Noel.

USA Today recently featured an article, May Your Holiday Be Perfect, But Not Too Perfect. Craig Wilson, among other ideas, told of a new camera that doesn't snap the picture until everybody is smiling!

Terror, disappointment, selfishness, and the always present, messed up travel plans are a few obvious imperfections on or around the first Christmas. From smelly stables to a man named Zacharias, who lost his voice, the Christmas story was no perfect fairy tale.

Some people live their lives looking for the perfect party. They think it is out there somewhere (the party), they were just not invited, yet. Jesus entered space and time in an imperfect world, for imperfect people, who have imperfect Christmases. Kinda like you and me.

What high expectations are making life miserable for you today? What disappointments do you refuse to release? Where are you fixated? What are you manipulating? Let's make this, let it go, Thursday. You are missing some good things by trying to create a perfect world, with perfect, people who make perfect pictures.

Columbia yesterday. Coaching. Meetings. Office Party. Dexter Mitchell, Ronny Cox, Jessica Sullivan and more movement makers. Running after God. Spartanburg/Greenville today.

Open Doors, Open Windows

You can cut your risk of break-ins at your home by thirty percent! That is no over promise. Lock you doors, lock your windows. A recent study revealed that 30% of all home burglaries come by invitation, through unlocked doors and windows.

My down fall as a leader may be what you will never see. Could it be moral? Yep. Sure as we sit here by our computers, mine could be moral. Jesus and I, have been tempted in ALL points, just like you. Difference is Jesus has a better track record than me. Still an embarrassing thought, isn't it?

Even a greater threat to my work in the vineyards is underachieving. You may never see that. I may underachieve because of the parts of my life that I leave wide open. My greatest personal threat is to not try very hard, and not know it.

Often the evaluation of our own efforts is based on what people say. Other times we evaluate our efforts based on how tired we feel when we are down to our boxer briefs at night. Who was it that said, An unexamined life is not worth living? I don't remember. The 30 day rule is if we can find out who did, feel free to quote me.

Let's see, the point, er . . . uh, check your doors and windows. Have a neighbor check them, too. You can really be passionate about not being burglarized. But if you don't check your windows and doors, often, you are not trying very hard. Get it?

Senesi gets five year pen! At world headquarters yesterday, I along with many of my friends were recognized before the board for SCBC tenure. Mine was five years. Five years and three months to be exact. Talked about your upsets -- there was a greater chance for Appy State to beat Michigan in Ann Arbor than for me to stay here for 5.3 years. For the first six months, I didn't think I would be back the following Monday. But, we have talked about that, haven't we? Thought God was calling me here to work through me. He showed me, soon upon my arrival, He called me here to work in me. Kind of like a dentist visit that needed to happen. Ouch! I am better now. Thanks God for 5.3!

Bees Have Their Reasons

The coaching way is a bit of an obsession right now. Some things just make sense to me. I am talking about a coaching principle: people have perfectly good reasons for why they act the way they do. May not be all that profound to you. My anger index (if there is such a thing) goes down when I remember that.

Jerry Seinfeld made a convincing, highly motivated, Barry B. Benson in Bee Movie. Barry wanted to see what life was like outside the hive. Long story short, Barry, convinced a human (Renee Zellweger) of a terrible injustice. The injustice was humans using bees for their honey. A victorious class-action lawsuit follows. The results, however, is not what movie goers or Barry expected. Fun movie, if you like kids movies, and Seinfeld. I like both. Three stars out of five.

Our thinking is not always right. Neither are our actions. The vast majority of the time though, we have perfectly good reasons for doing what we do. My reasons may not make sense to you, but they do to me. My outcomes may be less than the best, but thinking I am stupid or calling me stupid does not help.

If you really want to help someone to the next level this week, first, spend time thinking about the perfectly good reasons they act the way they do. You will be surprised how that perspective lowers your anxiety and raises your empathy.

Fun weekend. Beautiful wedding. Fun games two nights in a row (New Yorker, Ruckus, and Taboo). Make your own pizza/sundae Saturday night with David, Krista, Owen, Aunt Mary Ann, Yvette, Anna, Abby, and me. Preached at Willow Sunday about a Scary, Merry Christmas and hung out at my favorite Sunday Night spot, Midtown Fellowship. Camden today plus World Headquarters. Big week, but, I can see land from here.

Shoe Swapping - Nashville Final

Somehow it was connected to a Holy Ground illustration. I didn't get it. Way too deep for me. Our leader Tuesday morning in Nashville ask us to take off our shoes. Nobody did because we did not think he was serious. When he told us to trade a shoe with the person sitting beside us we figured he wasn't joking.

My shoes were newer than Ken's. I got them at a Hilton Head outlet (Rockports) this summer. Not only did Ken's shoe not match mine, but I did not particularly care for his style (probably neither he, mine). I hoped the swap would not be a permanent swap. Ken's foot was bigger than mine. I am so glad there was no hole in my sock. I didn't check Ken's sock, too personal, too uncomfortable. I did shower that morning.

I am going to stop saying, If I were King for a Day. I used to say it all the time. We were not designed to take over another person's job and life for a day. If I wore either of Ken's shoes he would regret it. I would mess things up for Ken. Then, I could go back to being me and mess up my own stuff.

Accept your shoes today. Don't know what that means to you. Don't trade. You were only designed to wear your own. God may give you another pair, but until then, yours is probably more complicated than you can handle alone. Ken and I traded back. I am so glad. He is too, no doubt.

Nashville is finished. Better than I expected. Stetzer was in Lexington yesterday doing his Comeback Churches gig. Awesome. Preaching at Willow this weekend. Hanging out with the fam. Hopefully, we will see Alvin and the Chipmunks. I owe you info on Bee Movie.

Over Promises II - Is Santa Claus an American?

My dad was raised in a ethnically diverse (European) neighborhood in Olyphant, PA in the 30's. He had major issues with Santa. His dad died when he was five. His family had no money. Santa did not visit his house. He concluded that Santa must not like little Italian boys. Santa liked the German and Irish boys. My dad was pretty bitter at Santa for his prejudice.

Expectations kill Christmas. A simple, yet meaningful holiday can go down the toilet when your goal is perfection. The more we fluff Christmas up with stuff and expectations, the satisfaction level will go down. With disappointment comes anger (A Santa who doesn't like Italians) and dysfunction. We miss the real party.

Ellis Weiner wrote a new parody for the holidays called Santa Lives! Five Conclusive Arguments for the Existence of Santa Claus. USA Today did a brief review yesterday. Here is a funny quote from the book via USA Today: A loud fat man who barges into people's homes to flaunt his wealth by foisting upon them an array of unusually tacky, unnecessary commerical products -- how can Santa Claus not be an American?

The real party is no over promise . . . You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins (Matt. 2:21). Jesus loves little Italian boys. Pop learned that years later.

From Nashville. The airwaves are crowded. Enjoyed Stetzer, Lawless, and McNairy. Reminded me of a few realities and a few personal shortcomings. No profound ahas. I will be anxious to hear how Dr. Thom Rainer (Lifeway) and Dr. Geoff Hammond (NAMB) debrief today. Headed back to Columbia this afternoon. Here I come girls 'r' us! Yippee!

From Nashville - Over Promises, Over Promises

Four hours, forty-seven minutes to be exact. From Betsy (Elizabethton) to Nashville, Tennessee today. Went fast, with the exceptions of a few necessary stops. Commercials on Sirius reminded me of what men like.

You can lose weight in your sleep.

5000.00 a month part-time from your home.

Two fast acting pills under your tongue.

We still fall for over promises. You know, if it is too good to be true . . . Don't over promise this Christmas. Keep it simple. Here are five things you just can't do:

1. Go everywhere.
2. See every friend and family member.
3. Accept every invite.
4. Purchase, make, or bake something for everybody.
5. Go to every special church activity (opps, that slipped).

We had a great family discussion last week over dinner. I read my own blog, followed the advice, and let them help me keep Christ the focus. Great ideas. Decisions were made and owned on the spot. We decided on a concert, another couple of family projects, and what our Christmas night would look like. I think those conversations will continue.

In Nashville for the North American Mission Board and Lifeway partnership meeting. Had lunch with Stetzer today. Planters in process at River Springs in Columbia, under the leadership of our real rock star, Neal (Go Dawgs) McGlohon. Good stuff. Movement makers all around.

From Tennessee - Dino Can't Jump

The warm fuzzy lasted for only a nanosecond. My close friend, Joe Sorah, told me I was the subject of East Tennessee sports talk radio a few weeks ago. I played college baseball at Milligan College http://www.milliganbuffs.com/ in East Tennessee ('77-'81). I was a letterman for four years, got a few hits, but was by no means the star of my team.

I could only imagine what part of my game they were bragging about. Was it my rocket arm? I was actually a Designated Hitter. Was it my long home runs? I had seven of those in four years, but who's counting? I tied a record held by many, six runs in one game.

Dino Allen was truly a star basketball player in the late '80s. He is a member of the Milligan College Sports Hall of Fame. He was All-American in 1990. When someone heard the local talk show bragging about his apparent incredible jumping ability the confusion was over which Milligan, Dino, "star" athlete. My friend, Larry from Betsy, called in laughing, to set the record straight. I know Dino Senesi. You have to be talking about another Dino, because the one I know can't jump.

Some of us become famous for what we can do. Others of us (me) are more famous for what we can't do. Our stories will inspire people for different reasons. Maybe part of my story will serve as a warning to others.

Hey, talking about your stories. How about the Big Story? God's Story. I sung about it yesterday. I heard it talked about yesterday, from my friend, Joe Sorah. Enjoy the Big Story this Christmas. Remember when your little story become a part of God's Big Story? No matter the purpose of your life, that is what really matters.

East Tennessee this weekend. Nashville tomorrow. Planters are being trained in Columbia. My heart is there. Movement makers. Little Stories on a collision course with the Big Story. I will keep you posted.

Your Birthday On Christmas? Bummer!

My good friend Laura, from Texas, is having twin girls. The girls are due around Christmas. Laura was also a Christmas baby. I have never asked her, but I have always heard, about the frustration of being a Christmas baby. Looks like her daughters will know. Everybody running around, distracted by all kinds of pressures and obligations. Giving you an occasional wink, smile, and pat on the back.

Happy Birthday, kid. See ya later. Here's your little gift. You know I will get you something better, later. I am busy right now.

Jesus knows. His birthday was on Christmas. He gets an occasional wink and many promises for more attention later. The irreverent cable cartoon, South Park featured a deeply profound conversation. Jesus was battling Santa over who was going to get first billing on Christmas. A little boy walked up to Jesus and said, Jesus, your birthday is on Christmas? Bummer!

Part of the holiday anxiety is going to church and getting yelled at because of all the Christmas hype. Don't want to fall into that trap. So, consider this a gentle reminder, from a fellow struggler. Hear from a card carrying participant in the Shopocalypse.

Your coaching question of the day: What are some different ways you can connect with Christ during the next 30 days? Brainstorm this question with your family. Use your own yellow pad. Take notes. Be realistic. Narrow your focus to the first two on your list. Take action.

Long day at world headquarters yesterday. Interviews, interviews. All good. I am stunned at the high octane team God has placed around me in South Carolina. Dreamers, radicals, chronically discontent with the way things are. They are always pushing toward the way things ought to be. I feel like an old guy chasing the people I am supposed to lead around a race track. Just what I need at this phase of life, no kidding.

WWJB Part III - Cyber Monday

Black Friday, Green Monday, Cyber Monday. Help! Cyber Monday, according to USA today, is the Monday after Thanksgiving weekend. People return to work on Cyber Monday and use their high speed internet connections to shop. National retail federation estimates say 72 million people did that yesterday. Were you one of them? Green Monday is the biggest online shopping day. The second Monday in December is Green Monday. No explanation. Just fact.

What does all this mean? No prophetic word here. I am no Rev. Billy. Plan ahead, have fun, glorify the Lord. Keep it simple. Consider your time between now and January 2, 2008 a journey. Answer these questions:

What do you need to prepare for the journey?

How can you get the most out of the journey?

Where is God on the journey?

What is your destination or goal?

What do you need most?

Who can help you?

World Headquarters yesterday. Two great coaching conversations and a bunch of catch up because of time off. On a coaching retreat in Spartanburg today with movement makers. Saw Bee Movie this weekend. More on that later.

I Confess - WWJB Part Two

On Black Friday Abby and I went to Wal-Mart, Target, and Pets Mart. I bought two DVD's at Target (Batman Begins, The Goonies) and Corelle (Wal-Mart, made in the USA) for our home. I am part of the problem. Ten percent of all holiday sales take place Thanksgiving weekend. The National Retail Federation's official projections for holiday sales is 474.5 billion dollars. My contribution: $62.98.

Have fun during the holidays. Don't go totally secular on me, but don't be ridden with guilt. God is not glorified in my guilt. Free Indeed is not a phrase in a sales ad (John 8:36)! Here are a few ideas. Please feel free to add to the list. I need your help:

1. Avoid the Shopocalypse (see Friday's post).

2. Decide on a budget, now.

3. Choose two outreach projects as a family.

4. Give some money and gifts away.

5. Look for ways to connect with your neighbors.

6. Worship Jesus.

7. And . . . let God be glorified in your joy (Psalm 16:11).

The Vols and Saints won this weekend. My teams have proven they excel when I pull against them. My real teams have combined record of 12-3 since I switched sides a few weeks ago. Sympathy to the Gamecocks (talk about a crash and burn after ranking of 7th after the first third of the season). Congrats to Tommy Bowden and the Tigers. Did Tommy save his job? Stay tuned. BTW, go LSU Tigers and Tampa Bay Bucs!

Black Friday - What Would Jesus Buy?

You will hear a bunch about this new documentary. Rev. Billy is the leader of the movement http://www.wwjbmovie.com/ & http://www.revbilly.com/ . The target of the film, produced by Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me), is American consumers. We will spend at least 455 billion dollars this year between Black Friday and Christmas. The film claims 26 million people in America are addicted to shopping (I need to research this, I may be one of them).

Rev. Billy does not claim to be Christian. He is an actor with a choir. Together, they deliver an interesting backdrop for a film that intends to expose the Shopocalypse. I hope it makes it to Columbia.

No question, as you communicators plan your Christmas sermons, blogs, and inspirational moments, you will want to research these sites and be aware. Have some fun with this. Loosen up a little. Spurlock and Rev. Billy manages to take a swipe at we, the religious, as they take dead aim at we, the consumers. Sounds like tons to think about. More to come.

Back home in Columbia. Played a new birthday game with the fam last night. Anna won our first ever game of The New Yorker: Cartoon Caption Game. Hopefully, we will play more. Ate at Cracker Barrel. Shopped at Walmart and Big Lots as part of the Shopocalypse.

News Flash - Overwhelmed in West Cola

You were three times as likely to have had a house fire today. I didn't warn you. I am not co-dependent. I am not co-dependent. I am not co-dependent. Well, I wouldn't be co-dependent if there were not so many people to fix.

Once A Man Gets What He Wants . . .

We try hard to pray 30 seconds longer over the food. We work to find things that cause us to throw out a few thank yous. Most of the time it is really forced and phony. Why? Intuitively we know we are blessed people. We are not very comfortable or familiar with saying thank you.

One day a year is really not a solution. I read a quote last year from William Barclay that really influenced me. He was commenting on the ten lepers story and the one who turned back to say thank you. Barclay said, Once a man gets what he wants he seldom comes back and says thank you. I was bothered and inspired. If you were around me I talked about it, constantly.

I spent the year looking for ways to say thank you to the Lord and other people. I bought cards and put them in my desk. I bought candy bars from my children and gave them away. I used them to say thank you.

Did I do all I should have? Shut up. Of course not. Did I do more than the year before? Much more. And I was blessed. So I want to go higher next year. One day for me is phony and forced. I want to give credit where credit is due all year long. The more I practice, the better I will be at it. Before you know it, being thankful and saying sincere thank yous will be part of who I am. How about you? Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for thinking with me.

From Tennessee - 40 Days

If you are considering making changes January '08 start planning today.

Step One: Make one simple but significant change.

Step Two: Let someone talk through it with you.

Step Three: Ask yourself the right questions. From today you have 40 days to prepare.

• What resources do you need?
• Who needs to be informed that the change is coming?
• What research do you need to do to prepare?
• Who has successfully made/mastered the change you intend to make?
• Where does God fit in the change equation?

When God has enabled me to change (I have many pages to turn here) there has been a preparation process. Someone said, The same thinking that gets you into a hole will not get you out of the hole. Many things make us feel the discomfort of wanting something better. Change is difficult, however, because normally we have thought ourselves into a hole. We are attempting to land a plane in a dense fog. Change is a bigger deal than we make it.

Almost finished with Transformation. Bob Roberts is a quote machine. How about this one?

The message we take to transform the world is only as strong as the transformation that has first taken place within us.

Yesterday was a normal day away. Won't bore you with all the details. Great fun. Shrek III and part of Spidey III was on the agenda. Saying thank you tommorrow. One day a year.

Pagan's Nightmare Final - From Tn.

Tolstoy was quoted by Bob Roberts in Transformation: Everyone thinks of changing humanity, no one thinks of changing himself. Change is a common subject when I Think Out Loud. Every time something changes in me, I turn a page. But I am often overwhelmed by the list on the next page. Almost like football season. I celebrate the victories (for some of my teams they are precious and few) and realize there are other hills coming.

Final comments on Pagan's Nightmare . . . the subculture of the "redeemed" needs changing. BTW, there should be a subculture. Our lives, values, passions, and interests should be in processed of being transformed if we are Christ followers. No matter how cool, hip, and relevant we become, if we are real we will be different. But . . . are we being conformed to the image of Christ, or are we having our bodies and minds immersed in the shallow end of Christian subculture?

The bad part of Christian subculture is reading off of scripts that other people hand me, without experiencing a corresponding change of heart. Wearing a t-shirt (remember, Christian T's are not necessarily evil), speaking the language, or impressing my Christian peers does not mean I am being changed. Only a change of heart will catch the attention of those far away from God.

The unanswered question is left up to the reader in PN. Who were those people in the t-shirts like 'Enforcer of the Movement' and 'Religious Howdy' written on them? Who were those people who had 'Repent of Bingo' bumper stickers on their cars? My compelling question is, did those people even know who they were? Ah yes, right back to self-awareness. Uncomfortable, so very uncomfortable. My obsession to change the world, my neighbors included, must begin with letting God continually change me.

Good times yesterday in Tennessee. Great conversations, mind in neutral. No word from Blackston. I will keep trying.

Live From Tennessee - Pagan's Nightmare II

Why did you have to go? Why did you have to leave us? The man threw himself over a grave, at the local cemetery, racked with sorrow. A concerned person attempted to comfort him. When did your wife die? The weeping man replied, This is not my wife's grave, it is my wife's first husband!

I must confess, it took awhile. I was not very fond of South Carolina. Something inside me died when God directed me south from Cincinnati, Ohio in 2002. I flunked God's test big time. I grieved like a big baby. Now, the air smells differently, the food tastes better, and I am quite fond of the people. Nothing changed from 2002 . . . but me. Now S.C. is starting to feel like home. I get it. My apologies.

Rather be in Tennessee this morning though. Nothing personal to my people in S.C. The Vols, the lucky, lucky Vols won Saturday. A bunch of Clemson fans are laying over a grave today, sobbing. The B.C. lost was painful, even for me. Sorry that I pull for both Clemson and the Gamecocks. I call it the transplant advantage. I know throw up just came to the back of your throat if you are a real Gamecock or Tiger fan. Of all the places of lived, this rivalry is number one. Oh well, settle it on the field next week.

What is a Pagan's Nightmare (Blackston, see Friday's Post)? There is more than one, and so, as a accomplished writer Blackston offers several scenarios (hint). For Ned and Larry (the main pagans in the story), one nightmare is never knowing true relationship with genuine believers. Perception is reality for Ned and Larry. Every place they went, they soon figured it out. People were passing information about them, talking about them, and identifying them. Yet no one cared enough to talk to them, only about them. Ned and Larry had become the enemy.

I am guilty at times. I am having this great big, ongoing conversation, both publicly and privately about those people. You know, the ones that have never experienced God's grace. Those who are far from God. But when I am with them, I whisper to myself, Shhhh! Here comes one. I made progress in 2007. I will tell you more about that later. But as I look to that list of goals, there are many more places I want to go. How about you?

Went to Highland Fellowship's screen church in Johnson City, yesterday. More on that tomorrow, live from Tennessee. Will be here until Thursday.

Too Fun - Pagan's Nightmare

Your driving down the interstate and you see one of those God signs. You know, messages direct from heaven, signed at the bottom by God:

How Does It Feel To Be The Last One?

-God

You have entered the world of 12 cents a gallon gas prices for the redeemed, 6.66 a gallon for everyone else and McScriptures. The alleged believers have taken over in Ray Blackston's novel, A Pagan's Nightmare. The last two pagans on the planet (Larry and Ned) are chased down, shot at, and conspired against by the redeemed. Finally, they are arrested and taken to Cuba to be reformed.

I was spellbound by the last 50 pages Blackston's novel. Before you buy it, be sure you have patience and the ability to laugh at yourself. If not, you are wasting your money. The story is no where near as cynical and jaded as it seems at first glance. Sometimes I get tired of beating up on Christians who act like Christians. They have become too easy of a target to blame for lostness. Christian bumper stickers, although terribly confusing even for me at times, do not send people to hell.

Don't want to give it all away but the story behind the story is what makes PN rich. An agent named Larry, a nominal Bible Belt Christian, is considering a manuscript of a movie that is the the story told as A Pagan's Nightmare. His deeply committed wife thinks he should not even consider such a blasphemous concept. Larry sees it as a chance to make money. This part of the story seems insignificant at first, but keep your eye on it as the novel progresses (hint).

Subplots and discussion points for groups abound. I am not sure Blackston, a believer from Greenville, intended all of them. I will review more of the book next week. I have requested an interview with Blackston for the blog. I had fun reading it.

World Headquarters yesterday. Two great coaching conversations, annual performance review for me from super boss, Marshall. He has been a great friend, coach, mentor, with an occasional, well deserved kick in the dark side of me, thrown in. Off to Tennessee for 6 days. Hopefully will keep up with you from there.

Defining Moments III - Pink Post-Its

Twenty-five years ago, I heard the late Ron Dunn, make a simple but unforgettable statement: A man will only trust God when he has to.

Jesus predicted a spiritual train wreck for Peter. His prediction was correct. Jesus loved Peter through the wreck. Brokenness followed. Pain. Embarrassment. Peter grew deeper.

Failure. Inability to control outcomes. Disappointment. Predictions that blow up in our faces. We find God at that place. God defines us. We define God.

I will never forget the experience on that cold day in Ohio (Defining Moments I). We put every notable event in our lives on individual, yellow, Post-It notes. We put them in chronological order. Every event that represented pain, we transferred to pink Post-Its. I was amazed at the number of pinks. I was even more amazed at how God defined me through those pain experiences. I understood His desires for me more clearly. My passions made sense. I also learned I only trusted God when I had to. Another pink Post-It.

Newsong said it better in their song, Defining Moment. Singers get to the point faster than preachers:

When you believe He's all you need
that will be your defining moment
as you live your life walking in His light
trusting Him completely that will be,
that will be, your defining moment

Uneventful last day in Florence. If I mentioned all the movement makers I have been with the past few days you would get bored. World headquarters has trucked our operation back to Columbia. Enjoyed a stop at my new favorite place (besides Red Robin) in Camden, Carolina Cafe. Roger was a great waiter. He loves the Gamecocks. He is giddy about the upcoming basketball season. Bryan Plyler and Robbie Shivar met me there. Great conversation about being good neighbors and making friends. I need to work on both.

Defining Moments II - Making Predictions (100th Post)

Wow. I stumbled on to something. When I talk about God's desire, when I say He wants me to do this, go here, respond this way, I have become a spiritual weather man. I wonder if I take it seriously? I am predicting how things are supposed to work and adding God's name in the equation. Ouch.

I have been around Kingdom folks who are very smug about their predictions. They scare me. I scare myself when I am smug about my ability to prognosticate http://www.dictionary.com/.

Where does this leave us? Well, as I heard the old preacher say a long time ago, It is God's will to know His will. Makes sense. I believe that. But I wonder if, when God's will is too easy:

>Will I question 'God's Will' when the obedience part gets difficult?

>Will I use 'God's Will' as a defense mechanism that actually means, 'don't hold me accountable, I am on a mission from God'?

Bottom line, I should take my predictions for God seriously. I should always include, at least in my heart, and in my prayer life, If the Lord permits . . . or as the old folks used to say, If the Lord says the same. And the thing that should scare, no terrify me like a Friday The 13th movie, should be . . . to make a wrong prediction (Heb. 4:1).

UPDATE on Florence - Annual meeting of Southern Baptists from South Carolina. Old news to say the crowds are getting smaller and the participants are getting older, so I won't. I wonder if the smaller crowd has some potential. Less buzz, less politics.

Last night was as encouraging a session as I have ever attended anywhere. Mike Moody, our president, has the chance of a lifetime. Many of us dream of the opportunity to rant in front of the whole group. Instead he humbly defered to four movement makers. Three I did not know, one I did. From a motorcycle preacher, to a pastor determined to change his community, to a young pastor who is touching West Africa, it was awesome. D.J. Horton of Anderson Mill Road Church http://www.amrbc.org/ in Spartanburg (write that name down sports fans) hit cleanup and flat hit a tape measure shot for the Kingdom of God. I don't know if I was more impressed with Moody's humility or the replacements he chose, but, as long as guys like these are around there is hope for Southern Baptists' impact on the Kingdom.

BTW, milestone for me today. 100th post. Thanks for reading.

Defining Moments I

What value do they have? In Vineland, New Jersey, on Nov. 10, years ago, Newcomb Hospital, 10:53 p.m., I had one of those. On the big picture it was the first.

Are you in a fog about your future? Another defining moment for me was at a cold, snowy, northern Ohio retreat center in 1999. I was, as usual, being trained to help others, when God broke through. My journey made a new level of sense. God showed me what He had been doing in my life through history. I was led through a process of discovering defining moments. There were many more than I thought, some not so obvious at a glance. Some were happy moments, relationships, experiences. Others were deep, hurtful, and profound.

Often, when I am in a fog, my tendency is to want to look forward, at opportunities, obstacles, and people. Then, I try and predict what God wants me to do or how He wants me to respond. When you think about it, nothing could be tougher. Talk about the pressure of a psychic, prophet, circus freak, and stock broker rolled all in one!

Don't go Pharisee on me, now. I am not limiting the ability of God to speak to a person and say walk this way, respond that way, etc. I will say God is doing that barely 5% of the time that we actually try and invoke that Christian bullet proof vest.

When God reveals His will, both large and small, what will He use? There again, the powerful QBQ (Question behind the Question). For me on a snowy day in Ohio, I was liberated. I cried. I felt loved. The future became clear. Why? Because God put His arm around me and showed me what a lot of the stones in my past really meant. The fog lifted. A defining moment.

Florence yesterday. Great people. I really have moments, not all the time, I don't want to scare those who know me well. I call them big league moments . . . when I say, I get paid to do this? Normally it is when I spend the day on cell phones, in cars, and in restaurants with people who are passionate about God's Kingdom. Carl Martin, Art Fulks, Rob and Sandy White, Kermit Morris, Debbie McDowell, Gloria Shull, Chris and Susanne Reeder, and Frankie Melton were just a few. More today as World Headquarters moves operations to Florence for our annual meeting. Live reports are coming. I will suspend thinking totally out loud. Could be dangerous.

What Were You Doing 10:53 p.m. Saturday?

I was asleep in front of the Carolina-Florida football game. One of those somebody shot me type moments that I did not plan for. I slept through an annual event that we had celebrated, prematurely, the previous two days. My birthday.

What number you ask? Well, as the aging process continues I noticed the really bad birthdays affect the first number, not the second. So this was not one of those really bad ones. The first number remains a 4. The second number flipped to an 8 at 10:53 p.m. Saturday night, while drool drained from the side of my mouth, in front of the Carolina game. I slept right through it.

Abigail, my youngest daughter, got me thinking about deeper things on Saturday. She asked my the moment of my birth vs. the day of my birth. She gave me back a year, all day long.

Krista (oldest daughter) and Owen (grandson) came over. We did a make your own party, for the Ipod generation. We designed our own pizzas, then designed our own sundaes, and then opened my stuff. Great Gamecock t-shirt, Grisham book (Innocent Man 2006), an assortment of hot teas and much more.

Celebrating your birthday is considered pagan by some. Ah, the joys of paganism. Hey, wait just a Psalm 90 minute here! So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (12). A little, older, hopefully, a little wiser. More on defining moments, tomorrow.

World Headquarters moves to Florence, S.C. this week for the annual convention meeting of Southern Baptists. Meeting with some movement makers today on the way to Florence.

My football weekend was 50/50. The Saints laid and egg against the Rams. What a schizo year for all of college football and the Saints. When I pick the other team my winning percentage has dropped to 80% but I need to stay with success. So, I declare my allegiance to the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Houston Texans next weekend.

BAM! Must Reading Today!

www.jayhardwick.com Deadly Vipers Part 4: Scary

Long Way To Grow II

A man sitting in a movie theater noticed a bear sitting next to him. He asked, Aren't you a bear? The bear nods, so the man asked, So what are you doing at the movies? The bear answered, Well, I liked the book. (I think I would have asked, Have you ever mauled a man to death in a theater?)

Right question, wrong question . . . the right question is not, where did I finish? But the right question is, How will I determine success?

In the 17th Annual Spring Valley Presbyterian Bizarre Bazaar 5K last Saturday there were two groups of people. The ones who finished ahead of me (a bunch) were one group. The other group was the humiliated souls who finished behind me (a few). In front of me were the very young, the very old, women, etc. Let me set the record straight again though, no limping dogs or very old men with sticks finished in the group ahead. Behind me were people in every age group.

If I choose to focus on either group I have problems. The group of ahead . . . they are workout freaks who have wrong priorities. The group ahead can make me think I could never be like them so why try. The group behind makes me feel much better. Ah, the sweet taste of superiority. Nothing like it. Some behind me were athletic looking, younger, workout people, and I kicked their butt. Yeah! No need to fly any higher as long is someone is back there.

Don't want to sound like a humanist here. Man is not the measure of all things. God has certain Ten Commandment type standards that are the same for all of us, no matter what. See the truth is, there was no way to measure the heart Saturday in the Bizarre Bazaar 5K. No one knows how hard anyone was working out. No one knows the personal obstacles we each had to overcome to get there. No one has produced an accurate scale to measure personal giftedness.

So as Smokey Bear used to say, You and Only You (along with God Himself) know the level you should be performing. Don't be relieved or discourage by how you placed last Saturday. Only you and God knows what race is most important and whether you are in the right one. Only God can measure the heart (II Chronicles 16:9). He knows if you are underachieving or overachieving and where. So, my favorite, question . . . particularly for you . . . What is Your Next Step?

Spent most of the day yesterday in Spartanburg Cracker Barrel yesterday with movement makers Neal McGlohon, Larry Bateman, Kermit Morris, and the woman formerly know as Meredith Neal . . . now known as Poe. Awesome. Canada, Greer, and networks were just a few exciting things that God is doing. Don't deserve to be at that table, but, I am not going to excuse myself. We are all in the race and God knows where I was supposed to be there.

Off today with my sweetie. Birthday number . . . I think 48 but I haven't medicated yet this morning, comes for me I think tomorrow. I will check my drivers license and get back with you. Football, birthdays, and preaching at Willow this weekend. I will keep you posted.

I Have A Long Way To Grow

I really didn't finish 103 out of 100 in the 17th Annual Spring Valley Presbyterian Bizarre Bazaar 5K run this past Saturday. I thought it was really funny though. You know, what I said earlier about the very old man, with a walking stick and two stray dogs, one that walked with a limp who beat me.

The truth is, at 27 minutes and 14 seconds, I probably finished in the final third of the pack. I may never see the final race results. The obvious question is: Where did I finish? But, the all powerful QBQ is: What standard do I use for determining personal success? The question is tricky but important.

Two years ago I was a physical, emotional, and spiritual train wreck. Don't tell them at world headquarters. On the surface, I think most thought I was doing a decent job. I was grossly overweight and was taking all the 40 something medications that we normally take. I was deeply depressed and little use to my wife and family. I could barely make it to the mailbox and back without having to take a break for Diet Pepsi and Doritos.

I have experienced changes, more than many do in their 40's. God was in it all. Because, in Him, I live, and breathe, and have my being. Problem was, I was breathing in Him before, I just got out of breath a lot faster.

Where am I going here? Stay with me. A punch line to the heart is coming. Most of you are above average at something. So, is that good enough? Isn't running the race enough for me, considering my story? Why isn't experiencing some humble physical, emotional, and spiritual changes the finish line? If I set my standard of success by other people it would be.

My life is secure in Christ. Nothing can change my position with Him. 5K races, Diet Pepsi, Doritos and the likr do not cause me to gain or lose His grace. How I live, however, is an investment of the gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities He has given me. So, other people do not set my standard of success. I have a long way to grow. Finishing ahead of a few people is not enough. He has higher plans than that (Jeremiah 29:11). What will you do to help see His plans more clearly today? What is your growth plan? I think I want to talk more about that.

World Headquarters yesterday. I needed the day I did not think I would get. Off to Spartanburg with movement makers, those who create environments through which God can do landscaping. Coaching conversations, too. Life is good.

Thinking Outside the Litter Box

A picture of a real cat standing upright was featured in a cat litter ad. The cat seemed to really need a bathroom. Can you relate? The ad sold litter with supernatural odor killing capabilities. The caption was, It's hard to find your litter box if you can't smell it.

Will you go beyond the urgent today? How? What will stop today from being just another day to search for the nearest litter box? Here are some things to look for besides the most obvious:

1) A deeper conversation (instead of How you doing? . . . try, What are you thinking, reading, watching, learning, dreaming?) People have fascinating stories. Everybody has something they want to talk about, even the quiet ones. Usually their stories are the best.

2) A different kind of book or experience. I think I am losing it. I made myself listen to classical music on Sirius yesterday. At first, I was uncomfortable. Then, I started liking it. Then, I got really scared and went back to ESPN. I am still proud. For a moment in time I saw beyond the litter box.

3) A conversation with a coach. I am sorry. I am obsessing. A real coach, however, will help you think outside the litter box. He/she will encourage action, movement, progress, and page turning.

4) A God connection. Dare I say? What connects me with God today may be different than what connects you? We have spiritual warm spots. Some are can't misses. Beyond the obvious, scripture and prayer there are other warm spots. For me it is conversations with particular people. Another way is listening to certain songs. Also, reading few pages of certain devotional authors like Blackaby can be a warm spot.

Great visit to Aiken, yesterday. BTW, the two worst, I got really lost, experiences happened in Aiken. I admit, with sweaty palms, I drove back to confront my fears. All went well!

I am impressed with the courage of God's people. Hung out with my pastor, Bill Howard http://www.willowridgechurch.org/ for a few minutes yesterday morning. He gave me the gift of listening. He gives that to me often. Had time to hang out at world headquarters, too. Today, landscaping, and catch up in Columbia. Hope to see beyond the litter box. I will let you know.

Venting - As Controversial As It Will Get

People have said (I think they were joking), you need to make your blog more controversial, then more people would read it. There are many reasons why I don't. One is that I would get in trouble at world headquarters (I understand why). Another is that, believe it or not, I am just not that type of person. I am not in peoples' grill every day. I am capable, I have done it in the past, but day in day out, that is not who I am. When I do it, I lose ground most every time.

Today, through, I am going to address an increasing epidemic that may make this my most controversial entry ever (post #94). Another reason I don't call people out on my blog is that it is absolutely gutless. Using public media to act really smart about other peoples' lives and intentions shows no courage.

In fact, if you are criticising people without first attempting to address them, privately, then you are not following the book (Matt. 18) we preach and argue so passionately about. Get a spine and go to the people you are so bothered by. At least attempt to see them. Do you care enough to personally confront? Not only does that show a commitment to Biblical values, but there is an outside shot you might be right. Then, you are doing the compassionate thing, too.

We defend the Bible like rabid dogs, yet seldom live it. Particularly the hard parts. The parts that take courage to follow. Hey, I understand. Been there, done that. And will do it again.

God help us to be more personally accountable for our own behavior. It is not them, they need to, why do they? . . . Instead it should be, we, us, our, me. The QBQ. How will I live? Behave? Treat my family? Serve God in my church? Make a difference in the lives of my neighbors? You see, when it comes to personal accountability, it is ALL ABOUT ME.

Great visit to Camden yesterday to one of my new favorite spots (they need wireless - wait that was gutless, I will talk to them face to face), Carolina Cafe. Bill Drees, DoM in Kershaw County gets it, bottom line. Great coaching conversation and other stuff from world headquarters. Off to hang out with movement makers again today. Finished Spidey III last night. Enjoying Transformation by Bob Roberts, a last minute add in to the bag. Also, the novel, A Pagan's Nightmare. Funny book but the plot is taking too much time to develop. Opps, sorry, I need to tell that to Ray Blackston, the author. He lives in Greenville.

Flight of the Bumble Bee

Everyone, with the exception of the bumble bee himself, knows that a bumble bee can't fly. The wings, body-size, etc. does not permit flight. But wait, yes it does. Is that how you feel about yourself today? Your situation? Maybe a little wind draft from the plans, purposes, and power from God will get you going!

Fellowship of Praise reminds me of the bumble bee. This group of people from Santee, S.C. was a crew of well meaning Christ-followers. I met them first at a church and preached for them at a barbecue restaurant. I think there was around 25-30 people. Many life change stories later and almost four years . . . the bumble bee flys over Santee -- 150 people with great passion to make a difference for the Kingdom.

The River Church in Camden reminds me of the bumble bee. We were so close to giving up three years ago. I spoke to 150 people yesterday in Camden, most of them previously unchurched. It may not look pretty when you look at the picture. But there is always hope when God is involved. More is possible than you are thinking.

Since I have rooted for the other team my winning percentage of my real teams have soared to almost 90%. Another defeated, undefeated weekend. So I come out early for the Arkansas Razorbacks and St. Louis Rams. Evan Almighty and Spidey III was a part of my weekend. So were three wonderful ladies. More coming on those two movies. Both are keepers.

My time for the 5K in Spring Valley was 27.12. I came 103rd out of 100. It seems that a very old man with a walking stick, and two stray dogs, one who walked with a limp, got in the race without registering. Bummer. World headquarters today.

Confessions II - Things that Scare Me Worse Than Halloween

1. Churches that get warm fuzzies over who showed up on Sunday instead of those who did not . . . 77 % of South Carolina's residents will not be in church this Sunday.

2. The rapidly aging leadership base in many of our SBC churches in South Carolina. Could tomorrow for the SBC body of Christ be literally dying before our eyes?

3. Our sense of self-importance. We all suffer from momentary lapses. Bottom line, we are no where near as good as we would like to think. I remember that every time I get the courage to listen to my own sermon cd's.

4. The way we communicate. When 61% of our people are functionally illiterate why do we keep communicating in our churches like they are seminaries? I discovered another reason why some of our contemporary churches are doing so well - creative communication of the Gospel message. Slides, pictures, clips, stories, popular culture illustrations . . . Why? Because it is easier to understand for the common man.

5. None of us understand the QBQ (Question behind the Question) which is What am I going to do about it? I am part of the problem. I am part of the solution. I am personally responsible before God for this mess. Lord, bend me. Lord, bend the church, save the world!

Lexington Baptist deacons last night; Fellowship of Praise (great story btw) building dedication and a 5K run in the Northeast on Saturday; my friends at The River in Camden, Sunday. BTW since I have been cheering for the opposition, my teams have won 75% of their games. So . . . go Jags and Rajun Cajuns!

Ramblings of a Former Devil

Halloween doesn't scare me like it once did. I am not sure if that's good or bad. When I was a kid, growing up in East Tennessee, I was an avid trick-or-treat participant. My first costume I remember was of Old Slewfoot. Yeah, that's right, I dressed as the devil. I can't say for sure that an eight-year-old, future preacher, dressed like Satan, trying to intimidate the neighbors for candy, was harmless.

Yvette wonders if I have recovered. I still dig the old devil mask out to terrify her with my rants. I don't have my childhood mask. I am talking about the metaphorical mask www.dictionary.com/. I know that is a bit deep. I feel much better now that blog readers know my secret.

I took Abby and Owen (my two-year-old rock star grandson) trick-or-treating in my neighborhood last night. My favorite son-in-law, David was with us. Owen was dressed in an army uniform, Abby was a bat. I was dressed in Uncle Tom's Philadephia Eagles sweatshirt. Brian Plyler thought I would make a great Ghandi. I resisted his advice.

I understand the roots of Halloween. I have old sermon outlines that exposes the evil. I am different now. Krista (21) never went trick-or-treating much. Evil is nothing to be joked about. That is the way I felt then. My mind has not changed. I am not smarter. I just rank other forms of evil a greater problem.

Since the evil in our hearts is much more subtle, I think the damage can be far greater. I can bluff my way into places because I look like (generally speaking of course) a person, not a devil. I will walk right in the door of my home. I will walk in the office at work and no one will notice. I will blame others for my short comings and use my position to manipulate. I will hurt people, deeply, and not even know it. Even with my best intentions.

Self-awarness is a bit of a buzz term around me now. Are you? Self-aware? Do you know the damage you might cause today? The people you might hurt. Open the eyes of my heart Lord, I want to see me. Scary. Really Scary. Please Lord, may I walk with you and understand my potential for evil today. Remind me of the metaphorical devil mask in my heart.

Tough day in Columbia yesterday. Sinus infection. Too many rants from me and around me. Today will be better at world headquarters. Jim Slack will remind us of important things.

God is Not My Pet Rock

I admit that I get frustrated by it all sometimes. Some of you are way too young . . . well actually you are way too young, period. But you were not around in 1975. I was a sophomore at Hampton High School, Hampton, Tennessee.

An advertising exec from California went to a local bar for a few drinks. He came home with an idea that made him a millionaire. Gary Dahl created the Pet Rock craze. He marketed a pet (retail 3.95) rock that took no care and still gave its owner a few minutes of pleasure. Name it, train it, and put it on your desk. Talk about it.

No need to defend this pet to your spouse. No costly pet food or messy carpet "spills." The rock came complete with a training manual that was a step by step guide to having a happy relationship with your geological pet (Encyclopedia of Pop Culture). Google Pet Rock. You will chuckle and get an illustration that will speak to boomers.

Seven students, one from Clemson, six from USC died in a fire Sunday morning at Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. I have no explanation for why that happened. I enjoyed a great discussion with my group at world headquarters yesterday. We wrestled over the why. I am so glad we did. If I met any family members, I would not even try to explain. I would say something like I am so sorry, I will pray for you all (and have already).

God is not my Pet Rock. He was not thought up in a bar over a couple of drinks. He is not a six month fad. Although sometimes I feel so very uncomfortable about it all, I enjoy His vastness. He is big, really big. Apparent messes bubble up. Disagreements over Him, His purposes and His ways emerge after tsunamis, airplanes in buildings, and burning beach houses. He can take the heat.

Cynthia, you get an assist for this one. The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law (Deut. 29:29). Enough said.

Shower Curtains and Free Tacos

Conrad Hilton acquired his first hotel in 1919. Sixty years leader, the founder and owner of Hilton Hotels was on his death bed. He was asked if he had any words of wisdom. His answer to the world: Leave the shower curtain on the inside of the tub.

He also said something even more profound: Success seems to be connected to action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit.

Thinking out loud about discouragement. Courage is required to keep moving. Our enemy in life, or a tool of the enemy, is to remove our courage for some reason. What event, person, or attitude has removed your courage and stalled your forward movement? Keep moving. Talk through it with someone you trust.

Watch Jesus. The rhythm of his ministry and life was movement. The focus was people. Many of them stalled out, on the side of the road. Maybe your next movement will be toward someone stalled out. You will move and help them move.

Our NAMB partners gave us one of the greatest gifts one could ever receive yesterday. The gift of listening. All day long . . . and we are better for it. We committed to action at the end of the day. I hope it matters. A commitment to action usually does . . . Columbia today at world headquarters for meeting week. Oh well. The weekend is on the way!

Get a free taco today at Taco Bell. They are giving them away from 2-5 p.m. because someone stole a base in the World Series. Don't ever say this blog is worthless. Retail value: 77 cents.

We Interupt this Program for A Word from Our Sponsor

Death is an interruption. I spend the last four days reviewing Uncle Tom. His life, his friends, and his stuff were all a part of the review process. I have never experienced death this way. In every death there is a sense of sameness, but also a sense of uniqueness.

Uncle Tom retired at 52, not because he had struck it rich, but because he was fed up with being produce manager at a Vineland, N.J. grocery store. He loved the Philadelphia Eagles and people. He married my Aunt Maryann when she was 39 years old. Uncle Tom was a people machine. From the UPS guy to the employees of Winn Dixie, they all knew and loved him.

Except for Aunt Maryann, we all will just dig back in now. We really don't have a choice. Back to the grind, the roles, the responsibilities, the appointments, etc. For a few of us, an occasional thought in the midst of a busy day about Uncle Tom, will flash in our brains. A Philadelphia Eagles sweat shirt or a leaf blower will remind me of him.

Where do I go from here? Someone will go through my stuff one day. They will see a few books, a Saint' T-shirt, Weight Watcher journals, and baseball cards. They will laugh and tell stories. Why did he keep this? He was always obsessing on these things. Then they will move on. Sobering? Challenging? All of the above. Death is a commercial for important things. Things that will last for ever. People and God's will are two of those things. Pardon me now, while I dig in. I needed the interruption.

Columbia today with the North American Mission Board partners. Big week. Busy Week. More tomorrow.

Clearing the Air - Ocala, FLA

I feel much better now. My Aunt MaryAnn told me when I dropped the heavy wooden object on my sister's head (The Santa Affect), I told her it was an accident. Maybe Santa didn't give up on me after all.

Clearing up business in Ocala with my Aunt. I am not sure why God pauses our daily lives unexpectedly. I noticed this first in 1998 when my dad had by-pass. I know the relationship part of life becomes a priority during these pauses. That is a good thing. We are eating at Panera Bread in Ocala as we speak. I would be doing something else if Uncle Tom had not died last Saturday. I am not glad he died, but I am glad I am here right now.

Did you ever notice that Jesus valued relationships over roles and responsibilities? I know He was the Son of God, so He obviously did things I will/can never do. But the relationship thing was the delivery system for all His important business. Same way He works today. I need to work more like Him. Don't you? More Monday.

PFP - The Dream Behind The Dream

I am old enough now . . . not to be a threat to waitresses. When I ask them questions they don't think I'm trying to find love. One that inspires great next level conversation is, What is your dream? Most who serve you in a restaurant are on their way to somewhere else. Their dreams are bigger than Atlanta Bread or M's Asian Grill. Remember, everybody, even the quiet ones, have something they want to talk about.

Rick Dockery (Playing for Pizza) thought his dream was to make it big in professional football. His real search (Dream Behind The Dream) was meaningful relationships, significance, and a place to belong. He had an opportunity to bolt from Parma and his Panther team mid-season. A $400,000 contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL was his road closer to his apparent dream. A decent raise from the $36,000 he would make with the Parma Panthers awaited him up north. He said no.

My dream was to play professional baseball, specifically for the Cincinnati Reds. My other dream was to preach before large crowds. Neither happened, although my mother still thinks the scouts were stupid when they refused to offer me a contract. Thanks mom. The dream behind the dream was the same as Rick's though: meaningful relationships, significance, and a place to belong. God has given me all three . . . beyond what I could ask or think (Eph. 3:20). He knew all along what I really wanted.

Yesterday provided great conversations from Greenville to Columbia, Maryland to Tennessee, Spartanburg to Anderson . . . On the road today with my sister Debbie, my brother-in-law, Randy and my cell phone to Ocala, FLA. My Uncle Tom died last Saturday. My Aunt MaryAnn is all that and a bag of chips to my sister and me. She is pretty blue right now. I don't blame her. We are going to laugh, talk about old times and Uncle Tom. Unresolved stuff there. Like jazz music. Like Playing for Pizza.

PFP - Herbie Hancock Freebie

Nice surprise at Starbucks last week. Free I Tunes! An old Herbie Hancock Jazz recording promotion . . . I downloaded and enjoyed for about 30 seconds. I am going to make myself listen again. I am trying to branch out a bit. The problem is Jazz seems to go no where. Jazz has no beginning, no ending, and no real story line.

Grisham did not answer every question I had about the main characters in Playing for Pizza. Some things were resolved. Other things were not. Bummer. I want the stories to end, even if I don't particularly like the ending. I want resolve. Did quarterback Rick Dockery get another shot at the NFL . . . or maybe even the CFL? Did Lizzy find herself in Italy and reconcile with her parents? How did the Parma Panthers do the following season?

We earthlings love resolve. Problem is, the times life is resolved, we often are not satisfied. In the faith hall of fame chapter (Hebrews 11) we read of people who had great faith but did NOT receive what was promised (verse 39). Some times no resolve is the resolution. Peace comes in acceptance. With that, I am going to leave today's blog unresolved. Just not sure where that fits. You, the reader, will have to figure that out.

More thinking with Chris and Neal about landscaping yesterday. Also with Carl Martin and Steve Cloud thinking about a powerful tool of God for transformation . . . coaching. Greenville today with Larry Bateman. Also in Columbia having coaching fun and hanging out at SCBC world headquarters. More unresolve, tomorrow.