The Poetry of Deconstruction

I am not a poet nor an avid poetry reader, yet this one left a mark. We have talked in my circles about trying to make a living working on the wrecking crew. The deconstructionist feels and acts smart. We may even sound smart. The problem: the Kingdom is no better if we fail to build.

Anybody can wreck something with a sledge hammer. Maybe it is a thought, an effort, an intent, or a strategy. No intelligence or skill is needed. Just nothing better to do. Thanks to Tim Sanders, one of the unsung heroes of the church planting world, for finding this:

As I watched them tear a building down
A gang of men in a busy town
With a ho-heave-ho, and a lusty yell
They swung a beam and the side wall fell

I asked the foreman, “Are these men skilled,
And the men you’d hire if you wanted to build?”
He gave a laugh and said, “No, indeed,
Just common labor is all I need.”

“I can easily wreck in a day or two,
What builders have taken years to do.”

And I thought to myself, as I went my way
Which of these roles have I tried to play?

Am I a builder who works with care,
Measuring life by rule and square?
Am I shaping my work to a well-made plan
Patiently doing the best I can?

Or am I a wrecker who walks to town
Content with the labor of tearing down?
“O Lord let my life and my labors be
That which will build for eternity!”

Moon Sand

Abby introduced me to something that may make me famous (my secret personal agenda). I was looking for Play Doh (old school). She introduced me to Moon Sand (new school).

What is terrifying you today? Change the shape of it -- into a prayer. Go ahead. I tried. I liked it. Eugene Peterson's loose translation of a section of the Bible gave me the idea (Philippians 4:6-7). He introduced the concept of molding.

Do you ever handle anxiety this way? Do you go over an issue constantly in your mind, emotionally massaging scenarios, conversations, etc? There is a positive, prayerful way to convert this damaging habit. When you are going over the issue, mold it into a detailed prayer experience with the Lord. Use a little Moon Sand to help.

Fun II - Don't Go Cannibal on Me!

So, two cannibals were eating a clown. One said to the other, does this taste a little funny to you? Batta boom!

Okay, one cannibal said to the other, I don't like my mother-in-law. The other replied, so, eat your vegetables. Batta boom!

Jokes are a bit old school, but hey, I attend that school. I have for years. I love joke genres. But since the topic this week is fun maybe there is something deeper.

Eating people is no fun. Been there, done that, will do it again. If you are trying to make this week more fun than last, and someone offers you human flesh, just say no. Tell them you would prefer mashed potatoes. Sounds much more civilized to me.

Is Funner A Word? Random Thoughts on Fun

I read the following statement in Fast Company several years ago: If you are not having fun, you are probably not doing a good job.

Steve Jobs created a stir recently by describing the new iPod Touch as the funnest iPod ever. Apple has sold 160 million iPods since 2001. Now that is what I call fun.

Is funnest a word? Steve Jobs has made it one. According to Grammar Girl, fun can be used as an adjective, so for you grammar Pharisees, funnest is okay. It may not sound okay, but it is okay, so you ain't got no argument.

What is fun for you? When is the last time you had some? Now, don't break any rules. That is college stuff. That backfires. Have a giggle today on me. Give me one too, I could use it. Look for laughter. Enjoy a belly laugh. Come on. It's okay. Really Really.

Be Careful Today

I am not sure why something seemingly so trite and clithe' made an impression on me in 2004. No story behind the story is coming. Maybe it was because my heart was so broken at the time over certain events happening in my life.

My oldest living daughter, Krista, was a student at Grace Christian School. Her principal told a couple of kids, as they left the school, Be Careful. He looked at me and explained that he never tells young people good bye without including a reminder to Be Careful. He explained, You never know what might happen to them when they leave. You want to know you did your best to warn them.

So many places you could go with this. Anything from the power of informal conversations to the importance of paying close attention to your life and relationships. I do know that as Yvette, Anna, and Abby got in the car today, the last thing I told them was, Be Careful. You, too.

Yesterday's Exception - STOP FIRST

As I read my own blog (what egos we bloggers have!) and admired the content, I noticed an exception to my don't change yet approach. I stand by the principle, but the order of the action steps need alteration at times.

The Bible calls the exception sin. I don't mind using Bible words, but if you are not a Bible person the words can make things foggy. Sin is hurtful actions that are anti-God and anti-people (they are the same thing, you know). I am not angry about anybodies' sin but my own. But, I hate to see people damage God's plan (best intentions) and each other.

Whether it is a spray bottle for our cat, or an old fashion twisting of the ear for our children, some actions need to be stopped, NOW. What are they for you?

However, to stay stopped, permanently, you need to follow yesterday's steps. Your system, way of thinking, environment, and humanity, will suck you right back in if you don't. Prepare for change. Press. Run. Enjoy the marathon. You are not alone.

Last Word (Preparing for Change)

I used several props as I attempted to communicate the message of God yesterday. Because of time (the weekly issue for me, a stageoholic) I did not put the strongest hammer down in coherent fashion. I used numerous items needed for me to complete a long outdoor run. Shoes, gel, water, flashing light, and a medical ID were just a few of them. Collecting the right items, thus, preparation for the run, took time and research.

Change is hard but we approach it like it is a piece of cake. I roll out of bed each Monday with a long list of actions that will make me a better dad, husband, health nut, disciple, church planter strategist, friend, brother, son . . .

What I ignore is that significant change is not as simple as throwing a few new products in my grocery cart. Permanent change requires a complete overhaul of my personal system that created a habit, hang-up, or short-coming. Time, research, advice, support, etc., are all a part of the process.

Paul (the old apostle) spoke of life as a marathon run in progress. He explained how his value system was turned upside down since he met Christ. Although the first steps of his change was dramatic and fast, the second phase took a lifetime.

So, altogether now, what needs changing most in you today? Don't change yet. Begin the preparation phase for a long, ongoing race. What in your overall environment, and way of thinking, needs to change to prepare for change? The answer to this question should include a list of action points. This is more profound than you think. Get everything ready, then, with God's help press. Run. Watch what He does!

Beyond My Feet

After the Crooked Creek Park 5K Saturday, David and I stopped at Fleet Feet, a running store. Little did I know I was about to make a shocking discovery.

Okay, so I went through one of those high tech, what kind of running shoe you are supposed to wear, type experiences. The young guy knew his stuff. He was in no hurry. Video, barefoot on the treadmill, on the treadmill in shoes, measuring standing up, and measuring sitting down, was all a part of the whole enchilada.

The discovery: my running shoes were a full size too small. I was impressing myself with my pain. Part of life for an aspiring distance runner, right? I thought it was supposed to hurt that bad!

What did I learn? The pain I was experiencing was not a necessary part of the experience. Dog! I thought it was out of my control. I felt I was paying the price.

As Dr. Rahman might ask, Where does it hurt today? Your pain may be self-inflicted. I have discovered my self-inflicted pain goes far beyond my feet. Not part of the Father's plan, part of my uninformed choices and lack of true mirror gazing.

The Last Word - Throw the World a Curve Ball

When I talk in churches I struggle to keep within time boundaries. Having been on both sides (talker and listener) for the past ten years, I have learned this reality: talkers are a lot more passionate about talking, than listeners are passionate about listening and learning. So, although I don't want to finish my sermons, I know some people are cheering me on to the finish line from gun.

Almost every time I finish, there usually is one more thing I wish I would have said. I am going to use Mondays for The Last Word. Yesterday, I talked about the attitude of successful Christians. The attitude, featured in Philippians 2:5-11 could, not only help we insiders get along better (not that we don't uh . . . err . . .). The attitude could also be the kind of thing God uses to change the world.

Today's last word: Being a servant to others is not what they expect. What do they expect? They expect us to be angry and demanding. They expect love with strings (expectations) or got a return on investment. At the very least they know we love them to make ourselves look and feel good. When we serve out of who we are, God sends loud and clear messages about who He really is. Curveball! Strike!

Do you ever wonder what Jesus expected from Judas, His betrayer? Reformation? Conversion? A change of heart? A donation? Yet, Jesus washed his feet. Wow! Love without strings.

We are not natural born servants. We, in addition to having been Born To Be Wild, were also Born to Be Served. So I must do/be the unnatural. That requires Divine Intervention.