Category: Life & Learning

iMac, iShuffle, iPhone, iMourn

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I remember getting yelled for handing in a dotmatrix printed school report. I was told I MUST write in cursive because that is what I’d use in a job. I replied I hope to one day not have to write by hand because iStink at it.

One of my few memorable shopping experiences as a kid was with my dad visiting the store that sold Apples. My first was an Apple IIc. (For those of younger generations, it ran by putting in 5 1/2” floppy disks.) I remember the advent of the mouse and the creative fun that could result. I developed my love of writing & stories, and of design. In school they had the next best thing Apple produced, the Mac.

In high school I had the privilege of being on the technology committee, was the first to use CAD in design & architecture class via a Mac that had a whopping 2mb memory. My home Mac was a performa, while slower and less robust outperformed my PC beasts needed due to college. Lesson plans, study guides, school reports, and of course writing stories all done on a Mac. My college years with a PC, not scottish. Out of college, I went back to the Mac.

I remember the days when people said the Mac was dead. I also remember the days before the iPod and the iPhone. I loved watching keynotes because they were just awesome. They got me thinking about what I loved most, ministry.

Men love their tools, and my tool of choice is the Mac. It reminds me of the importance of substance & design, of creativity & usefulness. God designed us to create and to work. God designed within us an appreciation for design. Just gaze at sunsets and you’ll see what I mean.

I don’t always get God’s plan. Great minds are rare and each generation is lucky to have one or two. We appreciate the image of God in them, accept their flaws, and pray their soul matches their greatness. The thing about death, it points us to the hope of all things being new.

I appreciate Steve’s story. I appreciate the work he did that makes my job easier and more enjoyable. I thank God who gives us people unique abilities which keep life interesting.

Ok, iCal is telling me its time to get back to sermon prep….

Civility is a marathon and we’re out of breath

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On January 6th I wrote a blog piece on the need for civility: https://twoznek.com/2011/01/06/a-return-to-civility/ . It is my desire for my boyz to live in a world were ideas are discussed with proper respect and not vitriol. Given the shootings that occurred in Tuscon, AZ soon after the blog post I wrote this: https://twoznek.com/2011/01/11/civility-civility-where-art-thou/ . Civility isn’t easy. I appreciated the way President Obama put it when addressing those hurting in AZ:

“We should be civil because we want to live up to the example of public servants like John Roll and Gabby Giffords, who knew first and foremost that we are all Americans, and that we can question each other’s ideas without questioning each other’s love of country, and that our task, working together, is to constantly widen the circle of our concern so that we bequeath the American dream to future generations.”
~ President Obama.

Failing the Tea Party and the Unions
Statements by public officials and other leaders regarding the Tea Party are the furthest from the concept of what civil discourse is. Note: I am not defending, promoting the Tea Party, nor am I criticizing them in this post. The vitriol within statements regarding the Tea Party pales in comparison of the rhetoric that was scolded soon after the Tuscon shooting.  The rhetoric against the Tea Party is bigoted, caustic and beneath contempt for those holding office. It serves no greater purpose than feed hostilities. For those making such statements to promote or protect unions, it ultimately fails for it gives up the high ground

Beyond party
We see the lack of civility in both parties. President Obama wisely stated “If [the Tuscon shooting] tragedy prompts reflection and debate, as it should, let’s make sure it’s worthy of those we have lost. Let’s make sure it’s not on the usual plane of politics and point-scoring and pettiness that drifts away in the next news cycle.” Sadly we are currently failing in the area of civility. This isn’t a right vs left problem, it is a lack of discernment and wisdom by all of us. We the people are the problem.

The bottom line:
We need to catch our breath n the marathon that is civility. It is time for our leaders to reflect on the rhetoric they are using. They should exemplify civility. We the people should be careful with what we desire. Civility doesn’t mean being emotionless. It does mean we should accord even those we cannot stand proper respect whether deserved or not.

Book Review: Love Wins

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 Guest Post by H.H. Comings of http://more-than-tennis.blogspot.com/2011/08/book-review-love-wins.html?spref=tw

I would strongly recommend Rob Bell’s book, Love Wins, to anyone teaching a course on Christian worldview and philosophy. It would provide the class with three things. First, it is a book rich in worldview language such as story and imagination and dualismand the issue of a closed or open system of the cosmos. Second, it reveals how people who hold an orthodox view of doctrine are judged by those who do not and, on occasion, reveals things we do which exacerbate that judgment. Third, it reveals the convolution of thought which results from faulty presuppositions.
With regard to presuppositions, students would uncover and evaluate at least four which compete for primary-presupposition status.  There would be the proposition that the Scriptures are a trove of mystery messages with a preferred theme around which all those messages revolve. In this case, the theme is itself a proposition: namely that love is the overarching character of God and all other character qualities are malleable subsets. A companion proposition to these two would be the unspoken allegation that the author and his readers are capable of applying the proposition of love to the Scriptures and, thus, making an art form of adjusting defiant scriptures to fit the theme or else ignoring them altogether. Beyond that students would wrestle with the question of whether the human problem is rational misinformation, circumstantial confusion or treacherous rebellion and whether the answer to that problem has any bearing on the character of repentance.
Besides examining the consequences of faulty presuppositions, students would be exposed to twenty-first century expressions of Platonism, Gnosticism, Universalism and allegorical interpretation. They would also confront rhetorical reasoning fallacies such as circular reasoning seen in disparagement of people who think of themselves as being part of a self-righteous “in” group, a disparagement which puts them “outside” the author’s approved circle thus implying his own “in” group.
Other fallacies include but are not limited to:
  • Guilt by association (if you believe in the existence of hell you are one of those guys who berate people);
  • Straw men (if you believe separation from God is eternal you must believe if someone in hell begged for mercy God would say, ‘Sorry, too late’);
  • The excluded middle (the assertion that Paul’s reference to the rock in the wilderness in Israel’s story  as “Christ,” means other people may be worshiping Christ and not know it);
  • The appeal to antiquity (the statement that Origen held to this view and implies the student should accept the assertion that Origen is a great light in the church);
  • The appeal to sympathy (presenting anecdotes which call on the student to make a judgment based on insufficient information about the person or persons involved);
  • Appeal to the crowd (the fact that a lot of people are offended by those who believe in a literal and eternal hell or in the exclusivity of Jesus as one’s direct object of faith);
  • Faulty cause (people who believe in hell cause people to reject Christ);
  • Bifurcation (you cannot believe in an eternal hell and believe in a loving God); and,
  • False dilemma (seen in the rapid-fire sequence of questions at the beginning of the book – questions designed to break down resistance by implying dilemmas which cannot be explained).
Added to all of these learning opportunities, of special interest would be the author’s ability to dance a hermeneutical salsa with passages of Scripture until, as in the case of John 14:6, they say something completely different than the clear meaning the words convey based on simple laws of language.
In short, other than as a teaching tool, Love Wins translates to mean the Gospel, as set forth in Scripture, loses – not, in this case, because of the self-righteous demagoguery of those who misuse it, but because of the self-congratulatory twists and turns of someone who finds it easier to conform God to human specifications of love governed by human reasoning than to submit to God’s specifications of love governed by his revelation of holiness.

Book Review: Onward by Howard Schultz

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 “Starbucks never set out to be cool. We set out to be relevant!” p. 159

Starbucks always fascinated me. I picked up a book “The Starbucks Experience” and read about the amazing organization. Starbucks produces the perfect cup of what I call liquid love. I found Starbucks stores around the area did not follow what was written in the book. This took place at the start of Onward’s story. Onward is an excellent book on leadership. It offers a transformational plan of hope that doesn’t forget the human side of things.

The perfect cup
The book talks about the romance of coffee. While this may not seem to have anything to do with leadership, as you read you’ll see it has everything to do with it. For Starbucks coffee is the main thing. It is easy for organizations to get off the main thing. I picked the book up at Starbucks. As I read I found myself sipping my grande vanilla latte triple shot with whip cream, day dreaming about my first cup of Starbucks. In the business of life I forgot how much I enjoyed coffee. Organizations can forget the romance of what they’re about.

Growth can distract
One key thing I discovered is rapid growth can knock you off the main thing. Growth becomes the objective and not your core. Growth is a good thing. It’s key to many organizations. When growth dominates losing the main thing is very quick and subtle. I became stuck on good coffee after a month of drinking nothing but Starbucks. Coffee went from a drink to an experience. When I got back home, I put in the ‘current brand’ of I used at the time. I took a sip. I spat it out and visited my first Starbucks store. When an organization loses what’s core, it’s not palatable.

The right tools
A proverb my Grandpa often said: “If you want the job done right you need to give people the right tools.” Starbuck’s rapid growth masked a venti sized whole… infrastructure. The discussion on equipping people with the right tools and supporting the team was critical to Starbucks turn around. Infrastructure and the right tools places a foundation to sustain growth.

“The volume and duration of our partners’ jubilation exceeded anything we had heard or seen that day, providing proof of just how desperately our managers needed better resources and how hungry they were to do a better job.” p. 206

Humanity
The most refreshing thing about Onward is something so vitally missing from our culture: humanity. Howard Schultz should be commended for running a business that does not forget humanity over profit, humanity over difficult decisions and humanity over what’s best for each store. This stood out most in the discussion on why Starbucks offers healthcare to even part time employees. Howard’s love for his dad was evident. Never forget where you came from. It would be a different world if organizations helped people didn’t just use them.

The Abstract
Abstract aspects that detail number cruncher types cannot wrap their minds around came up often. I’m not criticizing these types of people, they’re important. It is difficult to lead the ‘numbers types’ when you’re a dreamer. Onward will help you greatly in navigating this challenge in building your team and organization.

The bottom line:
Onward by Howard Schultz is a must read leadership book. It combines all the essential elements for leadership. It also offers hope. Even when an organization loses its way, it can turn around and get back on target. And, in that turn around it, organizations can embrace humanity in the process.

We are free…

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235 years ago it was codified that we are free. While some revere our founding fathers, others look at them with disdain. The Declaration of Independence recognized the freedom of mankind. It was the thought and intent of our fathers. Like anytime we discover truth, it takes time to realize its full implications. We had slavery but as the country grew we moved beyond that. We had workers exploited, but we overcame that as well. We fought wars to relieve others from tyranny, unheard of in human history.

235 years ago we did not claim to be a perfect nation, only that we are free. America is down to Earth and at times arrogant, but the ideals she stands for are to be treasured and promoted. With all our ideals and all our faults, we are a blessed nation.

Happy Birthday America!

A new chapter

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I am humbled and excited about the next chapter of my life. Being a pastor is a noble and daunting task. I am eager to see where He desires the church to go and the man He wants me to be. But, right now my heart is filled with praise. God taught me a ton over the last year and a half and I wouldn’t trade those lessons for anything!

1 Praise the LORD ! Praise God in His sanctuary ; Praise Him in His mighty expanse.
2 Praise Him for His mighty deeds ; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
3 Praise Him with trumpet sound ; Praise Him with harp and lyre.
4 Praise Him with timbrel and dancing ; Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.
5 Praise Him with loud cymbals ; Praise Him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD !
~Psalm 150

Books or bits? A sentimental thought on books

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If I have a concern over ebooks I suppose it would be this…

I dream of my Boyz being able to use my library to God’s glory. There is an inheritance in physical books that shapes the mind like no other device. No legal issues. No copyright issues. The smell and feel of bound and printed pages that engaged one in the must human of virtues: thought.

While this may be old school and my quest futile to the onslaught of technological progress, I hope we lose not books to bits. I hope we do not rob out of today’s convenience tomorrow’s inheritance.

For sure there are massive advantages to ebooks. I plan on investing in an e-reader eventually. But, as I kindle this little nook of a discussion, I hope iPad a library with solid books worth having in printed form. For in marking, adding notes and forgotten items left in pages, books engage others in thought beyond the first reader.

Books are to thought what the wheel is to transportation. Perhaps when cars fly, I’ll drop my sentiment to the printed page. For sure we should be discerning in our use of technology and not afraid of it.

Looking for home…

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Greatness is forged in adversity and the only substance it cares about is character. Adversity purifies character. It makes it shine. This is the development of Christ likeness. We too often find ourselves in the “prosperity gospel.” It is a false notion that if things are going well, then God must be pleased. Life isn’t saved and easy, it’s saved and hard.

We too often forget there are brothers and sisters in Christ who daily wonder if today is the day they may earn the martyr’s crown. Are they any less godly from the persecution they endure? No. Nor are they any better. God developed a plan for us all. Like art, some of our lives are tragedy, others drama, action, mystery, and some comedy.

We too often forget that here is not our home.

All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God ; for He has prepared a city for them. ~Hebrews 11:13-16

When we meditate on stories of triumph or sacrifice we see heroes. They are not perfect people. They often have great flaws. God is in the process of shaping us. Just as He shaped them. In each of these stories we see the glimmer of the image of God. As God brings out that spark He as well as we look to the day when all things are made new.

I would suppose it is much easier to write this than to live it. I’m sure it’s much more engaging to read about it then to be in it. Perhaps we too often shy away from it. The pleasantness of here can cloud the future far greater than any discomfort can. This may not make sense, but life in a fallen world doesn’t. We look to the day when all things are new.

There are no silver bullets, no perfect formula’s, no quintessential programs. There is work, study and prayer. Such should result in a growing love for God and a passionate desire to love people. Often living godly in daily life and building opportunities to share the Gospel may seem unsexy, but there is no getting around work. We all want bling, but I find it ironic that it was in a gentle breeze that God’s presence was made known to Elijah.

There is a funny thing I’ve found about heroes. While we fawn over their stories- they are often reluctant to share them and are glad that it is over, wishing none to go through it. Still, character is evident in adversity and shows a pure product. One day the glimmer will shine brightest when we are in the City God made for us. That City will be home.

If you thirst for heaven, then its time to man up. When adversity hits you will see how far He has brought you and how far you have yet to go. Home is soon, but not yet.

Joy in victory over enemies

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1 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble ! May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high !
2 May He send you help from the sanctuary And support you from Zion !
3 May He remember all your meal offerings And find your burnt offering acceptable ! Selah.
4 May He grant you your heart’s desire And fulfill all your counsel !
5 We will sing for joy over your victory, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.
6 Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed ; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand.
7 Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God.
8 They have bowed down and fallen, But we have risen and stood upright.
9 Save, O LORD ; May the King answer us in the day we call.
~ Psalm 20 NASB

Some thoughts on yesterday…

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As Christians we struggle with the interplay of justice and hope of redemption. We struggle with the love of enemies and the requirements of justice. I do not believe it is poor judgment for people to fill time square and celebrate. I also believe it’s not poor judgment to be somber. Thousands have died in the War on Terror. It has been a costly war. President Bush said at the start that this would be a long and drawn our war spanning multiple presidents. Let’s pray that it can end soon. As we think of yesterday’s events I look forward to the new Heaven’s & Earth where Sin & death is abolished.

Posted thoughts on May 1st
On this day [May 1st] 66 years ago, Germany announced that Hitler was dead. Today, President Obama announces that Bin Laden is dead.

Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;
Rom 13:4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.

I’m saddened by loss of life, but comforted by justice served. There is evil in the world and ultimately it is a changed heart that is needed. Still, justice cannot be ignored- hence God ordains government. Life change must occur, so God ordained the church. And the message of the Gospel can be spread regardless of type of government or a political party in power or culture.

How I say that is the reality of Hell. I believe war & the death penalty are proper actions for a government to take (abuse of such not withstanding). My hope is for repentance, though reality is that will not always happen. The US Military served us well in bringing a terrorist to justice.

An evil man was… brought to justice. I’m comforted by that. Two crosses bore criminals. One repented and is in paradise. The other cross should sadden us even though justice was served. Ironically, Christ died to abolish sin & death.

President Bush said at the start that this would be a long and drawn our war spanning multiple presidents. Let’s pray that it can end soon.