I realize that politics are taboo, and sometimes bills and amendments are a bit more muddy than we'll understand, but there is one thing that is crystal clear: Taking the lives of the innocent and defenseless simply cannot be justified. Our God is sovereign and He has declared mankind to be His prized creation, made in His image. It comes down to this: It's His choice. Not ours.
Hopefully things will change in America and a lot of much-needed healing will begin to take place.
John Piper's response to Barack Obama.
30 September, 2009
08 September, 2009
Public schools, taking risks & prayers for my son
I have no problems with home schooling. I have no problems with public schooling, either. I know the teachers that Jessica has worked with in the Mansfield ISD and they have ALL been incredible- no lie! They went to school for the very purpose of studying to become great teachers because they have a passion for teaching children. I would be excited for Hudson to have a teacher like any of them when he grows up. Not only that- but I feel like they all promote morality in their classrooms- in other words, their classrooms are not "Godless." So, here's a shout-out to all of Jessica's teacher-friends. THANK YOU!
And I think I would be fine if Jessica decided to home school- because I know she is a GREAT teacher. I am blogging about this because I have noticed that public schools have taken a HUGE hit lately. I hardly EVER hear anything good about public schools these days- especially from Christians. I told Jessica the other day that we have been closet-public-school-lovers for far too long. So- please hear me say that I have no problems with home schooling. For some children, it really may be what is best for them and their development. What I want to say is that I LOVE the idea of public schooling (for the most part) and I LOVE Mansfield ISD. That's my preface for what I want to say.
What I take issue with is when Christians want to home school because the public schools are not good at teaching their kids about God. My question- "Whose job is it to teach your kids about God?" I take issue with a mindset that says "It's too scary out there. Let's just play it safe." Why are we so insistent on running from darkness when God has told us to run to it with the Light?
I am praying BIG prayers for my son- that God would use him for His glory- that God would show Himself to be mighty on his behalf- that God would use Hudson to be a peace-bringer, joy-giver, loser-lover, defender of the weak, adventuresome boy with a voice that is as loud as it needs to be when the Gospel is silenced. Where the Gospel is squelched- that is where I want my son. I want him there so he can be a proud voice for his Loving Father and his Savior, Jesus Christ. After all, "How can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15
The following video helps explain how I feel about this culture of comfort I see in the DFW area.
And I think I would be fine if Jessica decided to home school- because I know she is a GREAT teacher. I am blogging about this because I have noticed that public schools have taken a HUGE hit lately. I hardly EVER hear anything good about public schools these days- especially from Christians. I told Jessica the other day that we have been closet-public-school-lovers for far too long. So- please hear me say that I have no problems with home schooling. For some children, it really may be what is best for them and their development. What I want to say is that I LOVE the idea of public schooling (for the most part) and I LOVE Mansfield ISD. That's my preface for what I want to say.
What I take issue with is when Christians want to home school because the public schools are not good at teaching their kids about God. My question- "Whose job is it to teach your kids about God?" I take issue with a mindset that says "It's too scary out there. Let's just play it safe." Why are we so insistent on running from darkness when God has told us to run to it with the Light?
I am praying BIG prayers for my son- that God would use him for His glory- that God would show Himself to be mighty on his behalf- that God would use Hudson to be a peace-bringer, joy-giver, loser-lover, defender of the weak, adventuresome boy with a voice that is as loud as it needs to be when the Gospel is silenced. Where the Gospel is squelched- that is where I want my son. I want him there so he can be a proud voice for his Loving Father and his Savior, Jesus Christ. After all, "How can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15
The following video helps explain how I feel about this culture of comfort I see in the DFW area.
10 August, 2009
Why I sometimes...
Why I sometimes hold my wife's hand during worship:
1. Because God has saved her too. Joy floods my heart when I think about God opening her eyes to see what He has done for her. I am happy to sing next to her because we both have been rescued by God's own hand. Sometimes I wrap my arm around her while we sing- I love to sing praises to God as a family. One of my most vivid corporate worship memories is when we were at Student Life Camp with 6000 teenagers, and Chris Tomlin was leading worship. We were both in the midst of despair, and though we couldn't understand why God had taken us to Florida, we proclaimed what we knew in our hearts to be true- together, gripping each other's hands so tightly, tears rolling down- "Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord . . . You are the Everlasting God . . . You do not faint, You won't grow weary. You're the defender of the weak, You comfort those in need, You lift us up on wings like eagles." Every time we sing that song now, we grip each other's hand tightly and sing that song with all our hearts- often in tears. It reminds us of God's saving arm and His provision for us in our history together.
2. It strengthens our love for each other. There is not a stronger bond than the one that is united by God.
- ps- Because I can see a teenager reading this post and thinking that I encourage doing this with your girlfriend or boyfriend during worship I feel led to share this: I used to hold my girlfriend's hand during worship when I was in high school. I did this for no other reason than to be close to her and, I think, to steal some of her praise to God. I don't recommend this show of affection among teenagers and many singles. The girl wants to be close. The guy wants to be physical. The problem comes down to this: an individualistic mindset versus a community mindset. I held her hand because it felt good to me and not for any other reason. It was a selfish act of self-worship.
Okay, I know this is kind of a weird post, but felt the need to share. Be sure to vote in the poll- What do you think about teenagers showing public displays of affection during times of worship?
More "Why I sometimes..." coming soon...
1. Because God has saved her too. Joy floods my heart when I think about God opening her eyes to see what He has done for her. I am happy to sing next to her because we both have been rescued by God's own hand. Sometimes I wrap my arm around her while we sing- I love to sing praises to God as a family. One of my most vivid corporate worship memories is when we were at Student Life Camp with 6000 teenagers, and Chris Tomlin was leading worship. We were both in the midst of despair, and though we couldn't understand why God had taken us to Florida, we proclaimed what we knew in our hearts to be true- together, gripping each other's hands so tightly, tears rolling down- "Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord . . . You are the Everlasting God . . . You do not faint, You won't grow weary. You're the defender of the weak, You comfort those in need, You lift us up on wings like eagles." Every time we sing that song now, we grip each other's hand tightly and sing that song with all our hearts- often in tears. It reminds us of God's saving arm and His provision for us in our history together.
2. It strengthens our love for each other. There is not a stronger bond than the one that is united by God.
- ps- Because I can see a teenager reading this post and thinking that I encourage doing this with your girlfriend or boyfriend during worship I feel led to share this: I used to hold my girlfriend's hand during worship when I was in high school. I did this for no other reason than to be close to her and, I think, to steal some of her praise to God. I don't recommend this show of affection among teenagers and many singles. The girl wants to be close. The guy wants to be physical. The problem comes down to this: an individualistic mindset versus a community mindset. I held her hand because it felt good to me and not for any other reason. It was a selfish act of self-worship.
Okay, I know this is kind of a weird post, but felt the need to share. Be sure to vote in the poll- What do you think about teenagers showing public displays of affection during times of worship?
More "Why I sometimes..." coming soon...
04 August, 2009
To tip or not to tip
I am torn. I cannot settle in my heart what I am supposed to do when the carhops come to deliver our food at Sonic. I have always thought it was kooky krazy that there's an assumption that customers are supposed to tip the carhops at Sonic. I have always thought that I was being very generous when I tip them 50 cents or a dollar. I know that they make minimum wage- but that's much better than waiters and waitresses make at restaurants. When I waited tables at Cracker Barrel I made $2.13/hour plus tips. Sonic peeps are making $7.25/hour (plus tips)!
I'm not opposed to tipping at Sonic. What I am opposed to is snippy Sonic carhops who get mad when they aren't tipped for delivering a Cherry Limeade. Pretend it costs $2.05 for a large drink. Carhops are hoping that you will tip them the change- a whopping 95 cents! That's a 25% tip... for walking a drink from inside Sonic to the car. I would rather pay them exact change so that my drink is a $2 drink instead of a $3 drink.
As I blog about this I am getting mad. I am typing really fast and loud right now. Okay, I've decided how I feel about this. My encouragement to you. Don't do it.
Am I crazy?
Sonic: To tip or not to tip?
btw-
I've been surveying people here at ABC coffee. Here are a few things I've heard so far:
"The lids are hardly ever on tightly and it always spills."
"There's always junk on the lid of my drink. It's always messy. I hate that!"
I asked one girl, "Do you tip Sonic carhops?" She said, "It depends on how close I park to the door."
Sonic: To tip or not to tip?
I'm not opposed to tipping at Sonic. What I am opposed to is snippy Sonic carhops who get mad when they aren't tipped for delivering a Cherry Limeade. Pretend it costs $2.05 for a large drink. Carhops are hoping that you will tip them the change- a whopping 95 cents! That's a 25% tip... for walking a drink from inside Sonic to the car. I would rather pay them exact change so that my drink is a $2 drink instead of a $3 drink.
As I blog about this I am getting mad. I am typing really fast and loud right now. Okay, I've decided how I feel about this. My encouragement to you. Don't do it.
Am I crazy?
Sonic: To tip or not to tip?
btw-
I've been surveying people here at ABC coffee. Here are a few things I've heard so far:
"The lids are hardly ever on tightly and it always spills."
"There's always junk on the lid of my drink. It's always messy. I hate that!"
I asked one girl, "Do you tip Sonic carhops?" She said, "It depends on how close I park to the door."
Sonic: To tip or not to tip?
20 July, 2009
Fools and their tricks...
Last week when my wife was out of town, I found myself on a screwy schedule. Dinner at 9 or 10 pm most nights, and then on Friday night I went to workout around 10 pm. I did some cardio and lifted weights and then ended the night with a little down-time shooting hoops in the gym. That was when I saw him.
"Hey man, you wanna git a game of 2 on 2 goin?" He was wearing Umbro-like shorts and some black, Keds-like, low-top, K-Swiss shoes. Weighing in at 5'10" 220 ("Ding!"). Approximately 20 years old.
I said "No thanks man. I can't. I'm not wearing my basketball shoes. I'm just gonna shoot around."
"So? What's wrong with the kicks your wearing?" he said. (I was wearing some Adidas running shoes). "Look at what I'm wearing- I wear these and they do just fine."
(From judging at his body type and his outfit I was betting he was right. He probably didn't push it too hard on the court. At his speed and skill level, Flip-flops would have probably worked just fine too.)
I said, "I need my basketball shoes because I broke my ankle not too long ago."
"How?"
"Playing basketball."
"Well," (as he spread out his arms and looked down at his body), "I've never broken anyting playin hoops."
I believed him.
He finally conceded and said, "Alright cool. You mind if I shoot around wit you?"
Though I was really looking forward to some down-time shooting hoops I said "Sure" and soon we were shooting hoops together.
Well, sort of...
As I was shooting, out of the corner of my eye I kept seeing him do these odd basketball tricks (like he was trying to do some And1 Streetball tricks). He was obviously making them up as he went along. He would pretend that he had someone guarding him and then he would do some "sweet" trick and then put up a 10-foot jumper. Airball. Over half of his jump-shots were airballs.
"I used to be a killer shooter," He told me. "I used to be able to make 8 shots in a row behind the 3 point line." (He looked at me for approval and a "wow" facial response.)
I said, "Well that's pretty good!"
"Yeah, but I ain't played in like, 2 years. So, that's why I ain't makin as many today."
"Cool." I said.
After about 20 minutes of shooting around I said, "Alright "Matt", it was good to meet you. I'm headed home. See you around." I started walking off the court.
"Hey man! Before you go," he said, "can I ask you one question?" He had a smirk on his face.
"Sure thing."
"Has anyone ever shown you a basketball trick?"
"O this is too good to be true!" I thought to myself. "No! Whatcha got?" I said.
"Check dis out."
He then proceeded to get down on the floor, with ball in hand, and tried doing some sort of crabwalk-flipparoo pass-the-ball-between-your-legs while on the floor spinning around like a drunken breakdancer, then getting back up on his feet and trying to kick the ball and cup it in his hand and then pivot move and fake pass. When he finished, he looked a bit dizzy and had a "what now?" stare and then he said "I used to do that move all the time win I played on da streets. It was crazy!"
I said, "Really? Wow. Did they not call you for a travel or a carry?"
He shook his head yes and then said, "Yeah, exactly." (With a very satisfactory look on his face.) He had no idea that a "travel" or a "carry" was a bad thing in the game of basketball. He was very proud of his move that he just pulled off. He thought he was the most incredible basketball player, but as I walked off the court it was clear to everyone else that he was a fool.
I know many people who claim to be Christians but their lifestyle doesn't fool anyone. They are clearly posers and nothing more. They don't need to become better, they need to be born again. They have no hope of improving their game unless they are given a new nature. Just like that kid's game betrayed his talk, there are too many people whose lifestyle betrays their confession. "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
"Hey man, you wanna git a game of 2 on 2 goin?" He was wearing Umbro-like shorts and some black, Keds-like, low-top, K-Swiss shoes. Weighing in at 5'10" 220 ("Ding!"). Approximately 20 years old.
I said "No thanks man. I can't. I'm not wearing my basketball shoes. I'm just gonna shoot around."
"So? What's wrong with the kicks your wearing?" he said. (I was wearing some Adidas running shoes). "Look at what I'm wearing- I wear these and they do just fine."
(From judging at his body type and his outfit I was betting he was right. He probably didn't push it too hard on the court. At his speed and skill level, Flip-flops would have probably worked just fine too.)
I said, "I need my basketball shoes because I broke my ankle not too long ago."
"How?"
"Playing basketball."
"Well," (as he spread out his arms and looked down at his body), "I've never broken anyting playin hoops."
I believed him.
He finally conceded and said, "Alright cool. You mind if I shoot around wit you?"
Though I was really looking forward to some down-time shooting hoops I said "Sure" and soon we were shooting hoops together.
Well, sort of...
As I was shooting, out of the corner of my eye I kept seeing him do these odd basketball tricks (like he was trying to do some And1 Streetball tricks). He was obviously making them up as he went along. He would pretend that he had someone guarding him and then he would do some "sweet" trick and then put up a 10-foot jumper. Airball. Over half of his jump-shots were airballs.
"I used to be a killer shooter," He told me. "I used to be able to make 8 shots in a row behind the 3 point line." (He looked at me for approval and a "wow" facial response.)
I said, "Well that's pretty good!"
"Yeah, but I ain't played in like, 2 years. So, that's why I ain't makin as many today."
"Cool." I said.
After about 20 minutes of shooting around I said, "Alright "Matt", it was good to meet you. I'm headed home. See you around." I started walking off the court.
"Hey man! Before you go," he said, "can I ask you one question?" He had a smirk on his face.
"Sure thing."
"Has anyone ever shown you a basketball trick?"
"O this is too good to be true!" I thought to myself. "No! Whatcha got?" I said.
"Check dis out."
He then proceeded to get down on the floor, with ball in hand, and tried doing some sort of crabwalk-flipparoo pass-the-ball-between-your-legs while on the floor spinning around like a drunken breakdancer, then getting back up on his feet and trying to kick the ball and cup it in his hand and then pivot move and fake pass. When he finished, he looked a bit dizzy and had a "what now?" stare and then he said "I used to do that move all the time win I played on da streets. It was crazy!"
I said, "Really? Wow. Did they not call you for a travel or a carry?"
He shook his head yes and then said, "Yeah, exactly." (With a very satisfactory look on his face.) He had no idea that a "travel" or a "carry" was a bad thing in the game of basketball. He was very proud of his move that he just pulled off. He thought he was the most incredible basketball player, but as I walked off the court it was clear to everyone else that he was a fool.
I know many people who claim to be Christians but their lifestyle doesn't fool anyone. They are clearly posers and nothing more. They don't need to become better, they need to be born again. They have no hope of improving their game unless they are given a new nature. Just like that kid's game betrayed his talk, there are too many people whose lifestyle betrays their confession. "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
01 July, 2009
How much will you allow the culture to shape you and your family?
Over the past few weeks I have asked the church this question: How much are you going to allow the culture to shape your family?
Last Sunday I cried (yeah, so!) when I talked about how I felt when I was at the gym and was watching a whole slew of tv's that were showing what to me appeared to be degrading. There was a heaviness and inner pressure I felt as I watched a music video of a former Disney Princess. It was a music video of Hillary Duff and I was saddened by how common it had become for everyone to see a woman singing and dancing suggestively in short shorts and in tight dresses (that's right- Hillary Duff!). I had a hard time explaining how it made me feel that everyone was on their own treadmill (going nowhere, mind you), watching entertainment that had zero redeeming qualities about it. I run the risk of seeming legalistic here, but we cannot settle for that to be normal in our lives!
I ran across this blog from John Piper, and I feel like here he is able to capture with ease what I was trying so hard to say on Sunday with tears.
I'll give you a short excerpt from it, and if you want to read it in its entirety, then go for it. You'll be better for it.
There are, perhaps, a few extraordinary men who can watch action-packed, suspenseful, sexually explicit films and come away more godly. But there are not many. And I am certainly not one of them.
I have a high tolerance for violence, high tolerance for bad language, and zero tolerance for nudity. There is a reason for these differences. The violence is make-believe. They don’t really mean those bad words. But that lady is really naked, and I am really watching. And somewhere she has a brokenhearted father...
To check out the rest of his blog, and to see why he has not owned a television in 40 years, click here.
Last Sunday I cried (yeah, so!) when I talked about how I felt when I was at the gym and was watching a whole slew of tv's that were showing what to me appeared to be degrading. There was a heaviness and inner pressure I felt as I watched a music video of a former Disney Princess. It was a music video of Hillary Duff and I was saddened by how common it had become for everyone to see a woman singing and dancing suggestively in short shorts and in tight dresses (that's right- Hillary Duff!). I had a hard time explaining how it made me feel that everyone was on their own treadmill (going nowhere, mind you), watching entertainment that had zero redeeming qualities about it. I run the risk of seeming legalistic here, but we cannot settle for that to be normal in our lives!
I ran across this blog from John Piper, and I feel like here he is able to capture with ease what I was trying so hard to say on Sunday with tears.
I'll give you a short excerpt from it, and if you want to read it in its entirety, then go for it. You'll be better for it.
There are, perhaps, a few extraordinary men who can watch action-packed, suspenseful, sexually explicit films and come away more godly. But there are not many. And I am certainly not one of them.
I have a high tolerance for violence, high tolerance for bad language, and zero tolerance for nudity. There is a reason for these differences. The violence is make-believe. They don’t really mean those bad words. But that lady is really naked, and I am really watching. And somewhere she has a brokenhearted father...
To check out the rest of his blog, and to see why he has not owned a television in 40 years, click here.
30 June, 2009
Pray for Will
I normally don't do this, but feel led to share this. I don't know the Herndon's, but I know that my God cares for them. Here's an email from his mom. Pray for Will.
Hi friends,
As many of you know, my 6 year-old son Will has experienced vision loss over the past several months attributed to what was thought to be a genetic form of juvenile macular degeneration.
We received some devastating news this week from our genetics visit last month that diagnoses him with Batten's Disease, a very rare neurologically disease that initially attacks the eyes and then moves to the brain. As you can imagine, we are in shock...and while we refuse to claim this diagnosis, based on our faith, we cannot deny the DNA tests, nor the progressiveness of this disease.
My Will is such a wonderful, kind, caring and loving child. To think this horrible disease affecting only 1000 children in the country will steal his vision, mind, mobility and life is unimaginable. Since there is no cure (yet), we will rely on faith and prayers to lead the way to a miraculous healing for our son and possibly sons, since all our boys are at risk and will be tested next weeks.
I ask you plainly, with your utmost passion, to pray for our Will. Please pray for him each day; please include him prayers groups, at churches, share his picture with friends and family of faith. All we have is prayers and faith in God, and I will take the possibility of his intervention over any medicine, any day. I believe in each of you and I thank you for taking the time to read this, thoughts for my family and the hope that you wonderful friends send our way.
I've attached a recent photo of our sweet Will as a visual reminder of who you are praying for. Many thanks to Jamie Werner for taking this awesome photo and capturing his beautiful face so perfectly!!
With love and a heartful of thanks,
Missy and Wayne Herndon
Hi friends,
As many of you know, my 6 year-old son Will has experienced vision loss over the past several months attributed to what was thought to be a genetic form of juvenile macular degeneration.
We received some devastating news this week from our genetics visit last month that diagnoses him with Batten's Disease, a very rare neurologically disease that initially attacks the eyes and then moves to the brain. As you can imagine, we are in shock...and while we refuse to claim this diagnosis, based on our faith, we cannot deny the DNA tests, nor the progressiveness of this disease.
My Will is such a wonderful, kind, caring and loving child. To think this horrible disease affecting only 1000 children in the country will steal his vision, mind, mobility and life is unimaginable. Since there is no cure (yet), we will rely on faith and prayers to lead the way to a miraculous healing for our son and possibly sons, since all our boys are at risk and will be tested next weeks.
I ask you plainly, with your utmost passion, to pray for our Will. Please pray for him each day; please include him prayers groups, at churches, share his picture with friends and family of faith. All we have is prayers and faith in God, and I will take the possibility of his intervention over any medicine, any day. I believe in each of you and I thank you for taking the time to read this, thoughts for my family and the hope that you wonderful friends send our way.
I've attached a recent photo of our sweet Will as a visual reminder of who you are praying for. Many thanks to Jamie Werner for taking this awesome photo and capturing his beautiful face so perfectly!!
With love and a heartful of thanks,
Missy and Wayne Herndon
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)