Comments for ministrygeek

Comment on We have the coolest Governor ever by Amanda

Amanda — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:27:13 +0000

Hilarious. Here’s the Colbert link, btw.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQNNEf8gGLg

Comment on The Master Enculturator by Christopher Eshelman

Christopher Eshelman — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:03:19 +0000

Amen Brother…

I am so stealing that insight…
with proper Turabian citation formatting of course…

Comment on The Master Enculturator by Amanda

Amanda — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 15:12:41 +0000

Heh. “Emergenty type thought.” For a second, I thought it said “emergency.”

Okay, on a more serious note, shockingly enough, I agree with you. It’s amazing how many pointless things we Christians can find to quibble over. Interestingly enough, the Jew vs. Gentile debate has been raging in my group of friends for a few years now. Some of my friends believe that, in order to Do It Right, Christians need to essentially become Messianic Jews: i. e. observing Old Testament festivals, etc. This is precisely the same argument the believers had back in Acts.

Comment on Trinity Tower for 19 June 2008 by Amanda

Amanda — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 15:06:52 +0000

Well, I’m clocking in at just under three years, so I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but one thing that’s helped me particularly is to view problems as the enemy, not the other person. This way, it’s Cheech And Me vs. The Problem as opposed to Cheech vs. Me. It’s not always foolproof (nothing is foolproof for a sufficiently talented fool), but it has helped me, anyway, remember that he and I are on the same team.

Also, flexibility and rolling with the punches are important. If someone had told me three years ago what my life would look like right now, I believe I would have pointed them to the nearest psych ward, but in fact, this is what my life looks like! God has a way better plan than we do (and also a peculiar sense of humor)! Keeping Him the center of our marriage, at least, as best we can, has made all the difference.

Comment on Yard House Tornado by Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 02:35:42 +0000

Well, that’s…disturbing. Glad you’re all okay!

Comment on Yard House Tornado by Bea

Bea — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:56:15 +0000

This is preposterous. My first (and last) experience at Yard House was disappointing. Now I have another reason to dislike that place and the people who manage it. Unbelievable!!!

Comment on Yard House Tornado by Kansas City Weather Podcast » Sunday June 15, 2008 - Kansas City Weather Forecast

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 03:37:51 +0000

[…] KCK restaurant knowingly forces patrons OUTSIDE during potential tornado […]

Comment on Yard House Tornado by website design

website design — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 17:13:35 +0000

That is utterly irresponsible. I was at the Sigur Ros show downtown at the Uptown Theater and they acknowledged the inclement severe weather threat, told us that the safest place to be was within The Hall, and therefore the show would go on.

Comment on Yard House Tornado by web design company

web design company — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 17:12:28 +0000

Comment on Yard House Tornado by Holly S

Holly S — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:28:20 +0000

WOW the story is amazing and i think the restraunt is pretty stupid for trying to make the people go outside during a tornado knowing that the customer lifes are in danger. WHAT A STUPID RESTAURANT!!!

Comment on Yard House Tornado by Dawn H.

Dawn H. — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 07:10:18 +0000

Know who else forces people out during tornados? WalMart. Their insurance doesn’t cover customers. It’s kind of funny watching people leave the store after they’re told, some walk out with what they were going to buy without paying.

Comment on Yard House Tornado by Kansas City Weather Podcast » Saturday June 14, 2008 - Kansas City Weather Forecast

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 04:16:59 +0000

[…] KCK restaurant knowingly forces patrons OUTSIDE during potential tornado […]

Comment on Yard House Tornado by Average Jane

Average Jane — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 02:58:31 +0000

Wow, that’s ridiculous. We ate at Granite City last night and just happened to leave on our own just as the clouds were getting ominous. I’d have been furious if they’d kicked us out into the storm.

Comment on Yard House Tornado by Ed Roberts

Ed Roberts — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 02:45:57 +0000

Holy smokes Jeff! That is the most unreal thing I have heard since they found people leaving their homes to take shelter under an overpass during the OK City tornado in 1999.

There IS a small part of me that understands the reasoning of “this building is not the safest.” Mobile home owners have the same need to travel outside to take shelter in a more secure facility, often far from their home. But the Yard House is a substantial structure, not an easily destroyed mobile home-like structure.

A business around here that identifies their shelter as a long walk OUTSIDE is not only poor planning, but you wonder if it’s an action out of fear of lawsuit if someone got hurt in their establishment. Like you said, it’s pretty obvious where their priorities lie (maybe knowing they needed to force you to leave… they had better collect first).

I’d be curious to know what the severe weather plans for the other stand-alone restaurants out at the Legends are. Oh yeah, that’s right. No other masses of people were forced into the parking lot to take shelter.

So glad that this didn’t end up as bad as it could have been. The circulation did indeed pass very near if not over the Legends last night.

Comment on Taking the Church Outside of the Doors by Evelyn

Evelyn — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:20:51 +0000

Thanks for your insightful comments. Why has it taken me so long to start reading your blog? Shame on me.

Comment on Trinity Tower for 22 May 2008 by Eldon Gray

Eldon Gray — Sat, 31 May 2008 22:05:04 +0000

Jeff
This is in reply to the Towers of May 29th. Two Queries:In Gen.7: 16 God / The Lord shut him in. Is there any significence to God closing the doors of the arc and Noah opening the doors after the flood in 8:13?? And two: In Gen. 8:21 God says for the inclination of the human heart is evil from YOUTH. Does this passage have any impact on the doctrine (if thats what it is) of original Sin??

Barbara and I enjoyed very much spending some time with you and Amy at Conference.

Grace and Peace
Eldon

Comment on Trinity Tower for 22 May 2008 by Eldon Gray

Eldon Gray — Sat, 31 May 2008 22:04:54 +0000

Barbara and I enjoyed very much spending some time with you and Amy at Conference.

Grace and Peace
Eldon

Comment on What’s that squeaking sound? by robin

robin — Tue, 13 May 2008 20:45:53 +0000

Well, now that you have a friend in the massage field to educate you, you have no excuse to not go find a good therapist to work on your circulation. I will commence to nag you incessantly.

Comment on Hip Story… um… Man… by What’s that squeaking sound?

What’s that squeaking sound? — Sun, 11 May 2008 00:09:29 +0000

[…] hip is recovering nicely from my December 30 fall… I still can’t believe that of all the people I’m in ministry with, it’s […]

Comment on Vending Machine Jesus by Staci

Staci — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:05:09 +0000

I thought these were too cool. Saint Anthony and Saint Juan Diego are riding around in my purse. I haven’t gotten a Jesus yet but it just goes to show that the cost of discipleship is high…

Comment on Taking the Church Outside of the Doors by Amanda

Amanda — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:50:13 +0000

Total word. I completely agree. The church should have organized missions, as you said, to set a good example, and also to encourage people who might not have a way on their own to get out and serve. But I believe that our jobs, our families, our friendships, everything we have is our mission. The church I attended growing up had a sign I liked very much; as you left the church building, a banner proclaimed “Now Entering The Mission Field.” I think that’s totally true.

Comment on Vending Machine Jesus by Angela

Angela — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:39:15 +0000

Wow, how lucky are you- (or maybe you were ‘chosen?’) !!?!?!?!?! Your very own little Jesus to carry around in your pocket!

Comment on Taking the Church Outside of the Doors by Muriel

Muriel — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:50:10 +0000

Thanks for addressing this very frustrating issue.

Comment on Mozambique Journal: Entry 5 by bobby

bobby — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 16:41:24 +0000

kmPysO Hi! Nice site! Where is a add to favorite button&
http://www.mysite.com

Comment on Trinity Tower for 17 Januaray 2008 by ministrygeek

ministrygeek — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 21:44:38 +0000

Jacque,

I still sympathize with you about how the greeting in worship doesn’t fit your own worship style very well. I’m glad to hear you sometimes slip into the sanctuary on a week day… Isn’t that a wonderful thing to do? I do it often myself, especially when I am in need. That sounds like a wonderful practice for you– one that others could learn from.

I’m going to “stick to my guns” about the greeting in worship on Sundays, though. It is one thing to have good fellowship before the service, but it is another thing entirely to lift that fellowship before God in a set-apart time of worship. The tradition of doing it actually dates back to the early church when worshipers would reconcile with their neighbors any sins they had committed before taking Communion. We don’t go quite that far in our service, but those are its roots.

Of course it is also important to be in a meditative, reverent spirit when entering worship… That is part of the idea behind the way we end the greeting– we greet each other before the prelude so that Linda’s music can help us calm our hearts.

Thanks for the great comment! As some church say during their greeting time, may God’s peace be with you!

Comment on Trinity Tower for 24 January 2008 by Andrew Conard

Andrew Conard — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:31:59 +0000

Jeff - Thanks for the reminder about depending on God. I appreciate the parallels and it is something which I need a continued reminder. At times I think that I can do things on my own, which is really not true.

Comment on Trinity Tower for 17 Januaray 2008 by Jacque Eaton

Jacque Eaton — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:11:33 +0000

Jeff, read your article in January 17th church bulletin and wanted to make some comments and maybe pose a question. I struggle with worship in church on Sundays. ( I have emailed you about this before) With so much activity, chatter, and socializing in the sanctuary before the service starts, I could not quiet my mind and commune with God in His house. (I do this every morning in my house) I have started slipping into the sanctuary during a week day. This has proven to be a wonderful thing. And, now I go to church on Sundays knowing my attendance is what I should do and still try to accept what appears to me to be a lack of reverance, holiness, and sacredness that should be shown and practiced in the sanctuary. Lest I stand on my soap box too long…. your comments in the article opened my mind a little to the other members needs for the fellowship. I would like to suggest however that the congregation is already carrying on conversations with each other and greeting friends and neighbors when they first enter the sanctuary. So, why couldn’t the church consider that our “greeting your neighbor”?Instead of getting everyone to quiet down when the acting minister starts the service, only then to instruct everyone to stand and become rowdy again?

Comment on Ouch by ministrygeek

ministrygeek — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 04:30:50 +0000

I hear ‘ya (both of ‘ya)… It’s just that when I read that it made me think about how fervently I read the tech news and how the stories of how many soldiers died today has been shoved so low in the news priorities that I rarely even come across numbers anymore.

There is a war going on, people are dying (military or otherwise– death is death), and I don’t care as much as I should. That’s the “ouch.”

Comment on Ouch by Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 04:04:37 +0000

I agree with Lucy. There’s no direct correlation between a Wii and bringing the troops home. I want the troops to come home, too, but not until their mission is accomplished. The military personnel I personally know believe in what they’re doing, and I figure as long as they believe in it, then that’s good enough for me.

Comment on Hip Story… um… Man… by Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 04:02:37 +0000

Yeah, you’d think there’d be an easier way to spend time with the woman you married than having an exceedingly rare and painful injury. You’d think.

Comment on Hip Story… um… Man… by Andrew Conard

Andrew Conard — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 04:41:40 +0000

Jeff - What a story. Thanks for sharing and my prayers for swift healing.

Comment on A Franscican Benediction by My Hip Story, Man | ministrygeek

My Hip Story, Man | ministrygeek — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 04:10:50 +0000

[…] it occurs to me with Andrew’s comment on my last post that many of my friends don’t know what I’ve been up to the past week. […]

Comment on A Franscican Benediction by Andrew Conard

Andrew Conard — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 02:14:05 +0000

Jeff - I am sorry to hear about your broken hip. Not good! You will be in my prayers.

Comment on Ouch by Lucy

Lucy — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 17:02:59 +0000

I found your sarcastic blogger’s comment interesting. I think his comment is a little unfair - I think if most people thought giving up their Wii would bring the troops home they would do it in a heart beat, particularly if they could see the direct cause and effect of their actions. I do think he is close to the real truth, though.

Unfortunately, giving up a Wii won’t bring the troops home - at least not directly. Most people feel there is nothing they can do as an individual to bring those troops home. Yet both the Wii and war both symbolize a cause and effect that is clearly outlined in the scriptures, and like so many other things the Lord gives us the solution to our problems if collectively as a society we would have the faith, trust, and patience to heed his words.

I’m referring to Malachi 3:7-12 - the law of the tithe. I always marvel at this passage, particularly this time of year as I rush to get all my tax deductions before the year closes. I have yet to meet a person obedient to this counsel who does not testify to it’s power, and that the Lord pours out blessing upon them for their faithfulness.

If just Christians in this country were all obedient to the law of the tithe - think of what this would mean: “And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 3:12 (KJV) If all nations were calling us blessed, we would have our service men and women home for Christmas. What a huge blessing for such a small sacrifice.

Comment on Jim O’Donnell - A Tribute by Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 01:59:47 +0000

Hello Mr. Slater,

I just happened to be searching for a favourite meterologist in Tupelo, MS, when I came across a familiar news station, KAKE, and an even more familiar name, Jim O’Donnell. He was one of my favourite meteorologists! My husband and I moved to Wichita back in 1986 (Boeing) and were only there two years, but my memories of the enjoyment I got out of watching Jim’s weather presentation will always be one of fond memories. He was tops in his field. I was saddened to hear of his passing. Thanks for the tribute to him.

If it was not for Mr. O’Donnell, I would have never learned what a trough was.

Lisa in Batesville, Arkansas

Comment on The Physics of Light and the Light of the World by Amy

Amy — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 19:57:24 +0000

As long as you know it, I don’t have to say a thing.

Comment on Happy, Happy Hermeneutics by Eldon Gray

Eldon Gray — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 02:37:44 +0000

Jeff
Right on!!! I’ve thought that since God is outside of time why would he not use “His Word” to bring us the insight he would have me/you/us understand for the time we occupy. Makes sense to me!!!
Grace and Peace
Eldon

Comment on Shinola and the Other Thing by Angela DeFisher

Angela DeFisher — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:50:21 +0000

I think we’re about the same age and I had never heard of Shinola either! Very interesting- and a bit racy, Rev. Slater! lol

Comment on Wife of the Equipping Minister by Angela DeFisher

Angela DeFisher — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:10:55 +0000

Where to begin? I don’t think I can do anything besides shake my head in sadness.

Comment on Trinity Tower for 18 October 2007 by Angela DeFisher

Angela DeFisher — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 19:59:06 +0000

Whoa! I can’t even imagine clean-cut Jeff with long hippy hair! You’re going to get the tongues of the little ole ladies wagging!

Comment on Trinity Tower for 18 October 2007 by Amanda

Amanda — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:46:12 +0000

You with long hair? I’m afraid I can’t picture it. I’ll need photos.

Comment on Wife of the Equipping Minister by Amy

Amy — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:58:13 +0000

“Besides, I love Chinese take-out!”

You’re so easy to please.

Comment on Postmodern Preaching: Finding the Experience of the Text? by Amanda

Amanda — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 21:45:12 +0000

Well, yes, but some of us are inconveniently located two states away.

Comment on Wife of the Equipping Minister by Amanda

Amanda — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 21:44:00 +0000

Exactly. The Proverbs 31 woman doesn’t sound like a full-time stay-at-home mom.

Comment on Wife of the Equipping Minister by ministrygeek

ministrygeek — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 21:06:38 +0000

heh, heh, heh…

To be clear, that truly is a calling for some people, women and men both. Just don’t imply Christianity demands it of ALL women…

Besides, I love Chinese take-out!

Comment on Wife of the Equipping Minister by Amy

Amy — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 20:58:28 +0000

With posts like this do you really WANT me to read your blog? Sadly, some of those classes actually do sound helpful. I’m more likely to go through a drive-through than whip up a casserole because I’m much more experienced at the former. *sigh*

Comment on Wife of the Equipping Minister by Amanda

Amanda — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 15:41:15 +0000

Yikes. I like the idea of creating such a gracious home that strangers take notice, which I try to do in my career as a part-time domestic goddess, but you certainly don’t need to go to college for that. As someone astutely pointed out in the comment section of that article, if you’re going to spend your life in an unpaid position, why waste the money to go to college? (The cynic in me believes this is a way to enable certain women to get their MRS degrees without majoring in something that requires mental activity).

I resent their implication that this is what ALL women are called to do. Certainly, some are, and more power to them. But some women are called to be surgeons, lawyers, musicians, politicians, and pastors. To say that all women must be stay-at-home wives and moms to fulfill their Christian duty is ridiculous, as is saying that all women must work outside the home to be fully empowered. True feminism is about choice.

Comment on Ten Things I Wish More United Methodists Knew About “Young People” (or Why “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors” Repels Young Adults) by Of Open Hearts and Polytheism | ministrygeek

Of Open Hearts and Polytheism | ministrygeek — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 05:22:00 +0000

[…] a good post over on gen-X Rising. I’ve posted before about my feelings on our UMC’s Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors campaign (with the usual […]

Comment on Jim O’Donnell - A Tribute by robin

robin — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:22:51 +0000

very well put. i’ve been lucky to see the many sides of jeff over the years…I can see how his influence has made you the jeff you are now. even though i didn’t get to work under jim…i feel like i got to experience a little bit by learning from you during my internship.

Comment on Jim O’Donnell - A Tribute by Mark Bogner

Mark Bogner — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 12:38:11 +0000

Jeff…

Very nice. Very well said. I was impressed with your composure and ministry at Jim’s funeral. It is the first funeral I have attended since my brother’s suicide and was a tough one. The soloist’s version of “Danny Boy” was especially moving. Good luck in your ministry and may Jim live on in many of us!

Mark

Comment on Jim O’Donnell - A Tribute by Amanda

Amanda — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:44:24 +0000

As you once said on one of my blog entries, I am a better person for having read that. That’s not really enough to say, but I can’t think of anything else at the moment.

Comment on Trinity Tower for 23 August 2007 by Marilyn

Marilyn — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 02:19:04 +0000

Isnt it irronic that we close up the doors to keep the “devil” out but only find ourselves suffering in the heat?? To be a living congregation we must open the doors and windows and allow both wind and heat to enter in order to let the cool air of the night come in. And what if it rains, we will miss the sweet smell and the cool refreshing breaze if we are closed in our neat little rooms.

Comment on Trinity Tower for 23 August 2007 by Thoughts of Resurrection Speedlinking «

Thoughts of Resurrection Speedlinking « — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 19:40:51 +0000

[…] spirit like a hot breeze - great thoughts from ministrygeek at this post. Posted in […]

Comment on Trinity Tower for 23 August 2007 by Andrew Conard

Andrew Conard — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 12:19:26 +0000

Jeff - Great post. Allowing movement of air and the spirit are important things. Thanks!

Comment on Trinity Tower for 19 July 2007 by ministrygeek

ministrygeek — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 05:03:21 +0000

Perhaps the “answer” (as if there was one) is humility… If someone is that intent on finding fault, then there’s nothing anyone could possibly do or say other than to accept that fault. Humility was certainly part of Jesus’ ministry, so must it be part of ours if we hope others will see Christ in us.

Our sin only sets back those who want to be set back, I think. I have great confidence in God’s ability to bring good out of our sin (otherwise, I’d be in terrible shape!)

Comment on Trinity Tower for 19 July 2007 by Jennifer

Jennifer — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 02:51:03 +0000

The hardest part for me is to get past the idea that Christians think they are perfect. Even if I try to explain that we are a church of broken people saved by grace, they look for me to fall and then discredit my faith. I suppose if people get to know me, maybe they will understand, but even then, I have some family members that might think that’s true of me, but they don’t want to go to church because it’s a group of people who think they are better than them. It could be that most people come to faith outside the church and then join– and hopefully stay long enough to learn to forgive and realize that we are on the journey together. We will never attain perfection. Church is really about God. It’s just hard because every time I sin, I know I set someone back.

Comment on The Simpsonizer by Amanda

Amanda — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 14:58:27 +0000

Ha ha.

Comment on The Simpsonizer by ministrygeek

ministrygeek — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 03:16:23 +0000

Yeah… You can’t change the height; that’s a major issue for me… Not so much for you, Amanda.

Comment on The Simpsonizer by Amanda

Amanda — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 17:53:18 +0000

Simpsonized you is too short; that’s the only way I can tell a difference.

Comment on Trinity Tower for 19 July 2007 by Amanda

Amanda — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 17:52:34 +0000

I agree. One of the things I have disliked about some methods of evangelism is the “just making sure you don’t go to hell when you die” evangelism. The Gospel is about so much more than where you’ll spend eternity, it’s about helping people have the abundant life Jesus promised.

Comment on Trinity Tower for 19 July 2007 by Andrew Conard

Andrew Conard — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:11:55 +0000

ministrygeek - I think that you have a great point here. Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is not best done when it is coming out of a mentality of scarcity or fear of dying. Thanks!

Comment on Ten Things I Wish More United Methodists Knew About “Young People” (or Why “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors” Repels Young Adults) by ministrygeek.net + an emerging audiovideopodcastblogthing

ministrygeek.net + an emerging audiovideopodcastblogthing — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 02:32:23 +0000

[…] A while back I blogged about a problem I see with the United Methodist slogan, “Open Hearts, Open Mind, Open Doors” (with respect to the good people of the UMC who maintain this campaign, of course). It generated a fair amount of heat both here and even more so at 7Villiages. […]

Comment on The Simpsonizer by Muriel

Muriel — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:58:35 +0000

This is real cute! Jeff - when I compare yours and Amy’s photographs to the Simpsonizer pictures Amy looks totally different, but I am having a problem telling the difference between your photo and the Simpsonizer picture. Love, MOM

Comment on Trinity Tower for 28 June 2007 by ministrygeek

ministrygeek — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:49:48 +0000

Woops… That’s what happens when you write a blog post at the end of one month (that starts with a ‘J’) about a holiday a few days later in another month (that also starts with a ‘J’). Duly noted and corrected… It now says 28 June 2007 as well it should’ve.

Nice to know someone’s reading; disturbing to know their reading closely…

Comment on Trinity Tower for 28 June 2007 by Nick

Nick — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:30:57 +0000

Wow, a blog post from the future… 28 July 2007

Comment on Trinity Tower for 24 May 2007 by Nancy

Nancy — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 19:16:25 +0000

Jeff, thank you to you and your pretty bride for sharing your honeymoon pictures with us. But, visiting a cemetery on the first day of your marriage?———-what a romantic!

Comment on We have good friends. by Robin

Robin — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 02:37:00 +0000

Congratulations! I’m sorry something happened that prevented me from being there on the Big Day. I hope, no, I KNOW it was beautiful!!! Can’t wait to see you in wichita.

YOU’RE MARRIED!!!

Comment on We have good friends. by Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:02:22 +0000

You couldn’t *possibly* mean *us,* could you? Surely not.

Comment on Trinity Tower for 24 May 2007 by Amy

Amy — Sat, 26 May 2007 18:26:08 +0000

Jeff,
I appreciate you reaching for a generous spirit. But I don’t think I can agree.
Though inspiring to thousands, Jerry Falwell was also a bigot. He publically said very hateful things and he said them on God’s behalf.

I think his kind of toxicity reqiures a little stronger response than “respectful disagreement.”
But I say so out of very respectful disagreement with you

Comment on Trinity Tower for 26 April 2007 by Al Warner

Al Warner — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:56:11 +0000

As an alum of Baker University in Baldwin, Ks, an exhibit similar to the Dead Sea Scrolls is the Quayle Bible Collection at Baker U.
It is not far from the Kansas City area and might be something you and Amy might want to visit. A full description is available by searching “Quayle Bibles”.
I grew up in Baldwin and this has always been a local attraction.

Comment on Ten Things I Wish More United Methodists Knew About “Young People” (or Why “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors” Repels Young Adults) by Amy

Amy — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 21:51:58 +0000

Amen! In response to #4 I totally agree… the only reason I got involved with contemporary worship wasn’t because it was exactly where I wanted to be, but it was better than where I was.

Comment on Theological Worldview Quiz by Lance Carrithers

Lance Carrithers — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 02:03:58 +0000

Imagine this: A cusp boomer born to WWII Striver parents who scores strongest in Emergent/Postmodern. Go figure. Thanks Jeff–I need the diversion.
–Lance

Emergent/Postmodern 79%
Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan 75%
Neo orthodox 71%
Roman Catholic 68%
Modern Liberal 57%
Charismatic/Pentecostal 39%
Reformed Evangelical 39%
Classical Liberal 36%
Fundamentalist 0%

Comment on Theological Worldview Quiz by Amanda

Amanda — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 21:56:05 +0000

Cheech just took this, and after remarking, “This test is stupid,” got some pretty interesting results, even more interesting than mine. He got 64% Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan, but then 57% in both Emergent/Post-Modern and Charismatic/Pentecostal. Weird stuff.

Comment on Theological Worldview Quiz by Amanda

Amanda — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 21:37:50 +0000

Wow. Yeah, I think that quiz is somewhat skewed, because I also scored highly in the Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan camp; actually, almost as strongly as you, with 81%. Egads!!! Of course, I also scored 75% in the Charismatic/Pentecostal camp, which sounds about right. Hmmm…maybe I didn’t understand some of the questions….???

Comment on Trinity Tower for 1 March 2007 by Amanda

Amanda — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 20:08:46 +0000

Praying for me has evolved over the years from me presenting God with a list of my requests to an actual conversation. God and I talk to each other much like friends do. He speaks, I respond, I speak, He responds. Learning to listen to God as well as talk to Him has changed my entire life.

Comment on Trinity Tower for 22 February 2007 by Nick@SPST

Nick@SPST — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 01:06:06 +0000

A couple of years ago I did a 6 week study on spiritual disciplines using Richard Foster’s book CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE. They thought that everything was great, except for fasting. They thought that fasting was a crazy idea that was not possible today. I even had one person say that we live a lot more active lives today than they did thousands of years ago. Don’t think too many people will be doing fasts in my congregation any time soon.

Comment on Trinity Tower for 15 February 2007 by Amanda

Amanda — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 15:34:06 +0000

This may or may not have much to do with your post, but I find it intriguing that you and Amy were evacuating while I was snowed in. We got an actual blizzard on Tuesday, and we were literally snowed in that day. It made me glad that I had bought groceries recently. Driving up here in the winter is also sometimes a dangerous undertaking; you have to have things like a winter survival kit, and no less than half a tank of gas or something so the fuel line doesn’t freeze. Quite different than where I come from. I believe one of the keys is preparedness. Obviously, not everyone has a place to go, not everyone has the resources to evacuate, and not everyone heeds warnings. But I think it’s up to each individual to determine what steps he or she can take to be ready for a disaster and do the best they can do. Then, it’s up to the rest of us to help them as best we can. One of the things I noticed yesterday as our neighborhood was digging out was that everyone was helping everyone else. Cheech was out in the blizzard on Tuesday digging stuck cars out of the snow (we had no fewer than 30 cars get stuck just within sight of our house), and there was a driveway shoveling party yesterday. Those who had plows attached to their cars were helping those who merely had shovels, and people with snowblowers were gladly lending a hand. This is something that you don’t see in the media, as hysteria sells papers, not the good in mankind coming through. I would be willing to bet that there was a lot more good going on in New Orleans than we heard about. This is not to minimize the distaster that took place, of course, and some horrible things did happen, but good things did as well. Those brave, heroic actions deserve far more than a footnote.

Comment on Towards a Theology of Creativity by Kathleen Hildenbrand

Kathleen Hildenbrand — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 03:16:01 +0000

Jeff, I like your way of expressing yourself. When you examine the creative process, it seems like it often is, in fact, a co-creative
process. As you read about writers and their inspirations for writing, they are greatly influenced by the political and social tenor of the times, and by other writers, and artists. They seem to ride on one of the various streams of creativity that are in the air. It seems that musicians and vocalists as well try out new techniques learned from contemporaries in their field.
In a similar way, teachers and parents learn from each other new ways of inspiring youth. There are always new contests, different activities, special interest courses which try to appeal
to evolving interests.
Steven Covey applies this co-creative concept to all spheres
of influence in his book The Eighth Habit. He explains that people should make a habit of finding their voice, expressing their ideas, be it in a business, a school, a hobby, or just an idea which might be of benefit to someone. If each one of us tries to find his or her voice, together, we can change in our world. Most of you familiar with his book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People realize that Mr. Covey is talking about leading an ethical life, one with God in our daily lives. Yet, he tells that creativity is a habit we must develop. Once we realize that creative acts are co-created with God’s and others’ inspiration, then we all become
agents of change.

Comment on Trinity Tower for 1 February 2007 by Kathleen Hildenbrand

Kathleen Hildenbrand — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 17:09:47 +0000

The image of a puzzle with each individual being only one piece of the puzzle describes well how the gospel message reaches out
to each of us individually. I will have a little fun with this idea by
saying that, on the one hand, one can pretend that this puzzle is an optic illusion. On the one hand, one might view the whole puzzle in blacks, whites, and greys. The vision may appear to be clear cut, but somber, solemn, and serious. Religions and faiths that represent a somber, harshly judgemental, and pessimistic view of reality see life spirituality largely in those three tones. On the other hand, one might view the global religions and faiths like Jacob’s many colored cloak. Just like a rainbow of light, these religions and faiths represent hope, creativity, and encouragement. As one belongs to any faith, they usually see their own one-sided view of the spiritual path. However, most adults usually accept the truths found in many
faiths. Many people intermarry and make friends with people
of various Christian and faith backgrounds.
One can also view puzzle as a satellite vision, made up of
the global population. As one zooms in on any continent, one
sees the individuals. If their own actions do not represent their
religion’s best set of ethics, the prism they view the world may
be muddied, overcast in darkened tones. Crimes commited
against other members of humanity mar the landscape of the
satellite vision, both in a microcosmic and a macrocosmic way.
The overall vision of the continents can become blurry views of murder and mayhem, no longer crystal clear cut visions to other continents. Communication and action are needed to clear
the global view.
This is the state of the world at present. Perhaps the Methodist Church should speak out as a global network. If so, some if our local church members might want to join in the effort to register once again their concerns for such issues as a commitment for world peace. This would take organization on
local, state, national, and world levels of the Church.

Comment on Trinity Tower for 1 February 2007 by Roy Dunn

Roy Dunn — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:59:13 +0000

I have your web up for the first time, and I will be looking forward to viewing each week. Good Idea!

Comment on Picture of a Covenant by Amanda

Amanda — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 03:39:35 +0000

Cool! You got a rainbow, and we got a monsoon. Seriously, we got over 3 inches of rain this afternoon. It was pretty ridiculous. We had a moat in the backyard for a while.

Comment on Let’s Be Naughty by ministrygeek

ministrygeek — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 22:32:11 +0000

Given the amazing Firefly/Serenity community on the web, I should say none of us are alone in our love of Joss’ ‘verse. In fact, the Browncoats just might be the next topic I take up; it realy is remarkable. We do need to talk more about what ’sin’ is, too.

Comment on Let’s Be Naughty by Shelly

Shelly — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 22:18:25 +0000

glad to know I am not alone in my love of Firefly/Serenity. I listened to the director’s commentary a few weeks ago and was moved in Joss’ description of sin. We need many more ways to talk and understand sin, because ultimately that is what we are struggling to overcome. good luck with the podcasting. out of sight