Stale-Like a bag of opened chips.

I recently chided a good blogger friend about the state of his blog. It had not been updated in quite a while. His blog was crying out for some attention. And fortunately, he watered it with some excellent words. I, in my state of pridefulness, failed to realize that I was guilty of the same-said inattention. He rightly said that my blog was a little "stale." How correct he is. I have, over the last 4 weeks, been very busy and had a number of excellent ideas to blog on. But I failed in putting any of them in written form. And sure enough, I cannot remember a single topic that I found so scintillating. So before I decide, again, that I have nothing to say, I'll say the following.

I must be more conscious of doing now what I usually end up doing later or not at all. I am a procrastinator by nature and have not been doing a good job lately of "killing the old man." My intentions are the noblest and pure yet the results are unrecognizable and non-existent. I do that which I don't want to do and don't do what I ought. I recognize myself in the 7th chapter of Romans. Although we are talking about my blog, in reality we are skirting around the issues of my life.

Do you ever wish you were someone else? The one who is always on time, the one who is the best dresser, the one who's writing is flawless, the one who's life seems to be perfectly aligned with the world and God? That person is not me.

I know that I am flawed and unvarnished, a pot still on the Potter's wheel. Sometimes I wish that He would smash the pot and start again. I mean, can't he just add a little water and reshape me into a vessel for greater use? One who looks better and is more handsome? Does He really want to use me as I am?

While I know the answer, and so do you, this little bit of venting help me to see the perspective. He knows exactly what this vessel is made for, what it's uses are and what are it's strengths and limitations. And He still wants to use me. Amazing! It is I who must learn to be content in all things, I who must see the good in this vessel, I who must trust the purposes of the Master Potter. It is He who has made me and not me myself.

Does the pot say to the Potter, " Do you think it time for a Do-Over?"

I only get one shot in this lifetime. I must use what was given to me to the best of my abilities, and beyond with His abilities and Spirit. I must not complain, chafe at the bit in my mouth or allow my joy to be robbed. I can do all things in Him, who strengthens me.

Let the Spirit refresh your spirit and blow away any staleness. Keep your chin up! And your knees on the ground.

Watching for flying mud!
Traveler

Loyalty Beyond Reason

Its funny how one thing leads to another.

While doing some research for a college workbook I'm working on for a friend, I ran across a book that I found interesting for a variety of reasons. Only one of which I will elaborate on.
The name of the book is "Lovemarks: the future beyond brands" by Kevin Roberts. Now before you jump to the obvious conclusion concerning the title of the book, let me set you straight. It's not what you think. It has to do with well-known brands and the love they receive in being made and by consumers. Very interesting. Now what struck me.

The following is an excerpt from the book. Read it and I will explain at the end what struck me about it.

"If you believe in Mystery, clap your hands.

Peter Pan got it right. When Tinkerbell was clocking out because no one believed in her anymore, he asked the children of the world to revive her by clapping. Loudly. It worked. That is what Mystery needs, a surge of faith in its power.

The power of Mystery. You know it when you feel it. Marilyn Monroe had Mystery. Still does. Russell Crowe has got it-as a dangerous skinhead in Romper Stomper to Maximus to a reclusive mathematical genius.

The cloak of Mystery forces us to find our own meanings, our own sense of what is important in our lives. And it often does it through a revelation, a thunderbolt. What the French call coup de foudre. Everything changes. This is what made The Lord of the Rings, Chanel No. 5, and Red Bull into Lovemarks for their devotees.

Mystery opens up emotion. Mystery adds to the complexity of relationships and experiences. It lies in the stories, metaphors, and iconic characters that give a relationship its texture. Mystery is a key part of creating Loyalty Beyond Reason."

And just like that, I realized, once again, why I am so drawn to the liturgical style of worship. The Mystery of it all. The "smells and bells". The beautiful robes and incense and lofty phrases and prayers, speaking the way we spoke to God years ago. The stained glass and scent of holiness. The sense that He is Holy and Pure, Righteous and Just, Noble and True. The greater cause to which I want to, each Sunday, join anew.

I love the last three word of the above passage: Loyalty Beyond Reason. While these were printed in the context of inanimate articles for consumers, I felt the Spirit stirring me to, once again, cultivate Loyalty Beyond Reason for Him again. Because sometimes following Christ is not always reasonable and I don't always feel loyal. But the Liturgical style of worship encapsulates the Mystery that many Charismatics and Evangelicals lack in our corporate worship, that which we long for but cannot put our finger on, that which is missing in our daily devotionals. God has become our buddy, our pal, our good friend. Someone we "hang out with." But it has been a while since we have related to Him as Holy God, Righteous and Powerful and Awesome, the One in whos presence I cannot stand.

"Take off your shoes, for you are on holy ground."

I, like many of you, take Him for granted many times, especially in the busy-ness of my day. But Mystery in the liturgy draws me back in and reminds me of my place.

It is at His feet.

With ringing bells, stained glass and incense.
Traveler

Who's behind the Curtain?

Before I get to the salient points of this post, I must give credit to whom it is due. The point of this posting is due to a brilliant comment brought to light by my lovely and gracious wife. Credit given, point is now made.

The similarities between B. Hussein Obama and the Wizard of Oz is striking.

Think back to the scene where Dorothy and the Tin Man and the Lion and the Scarecrow are meeting with the Great and Mighty Oz. How they trembled and shook and even fell down before him! Powerful, Magnificent, Great of Wisdom, the Mighty Oz was! Smoke and Fire and Sound! As we watch the spectacle unfold, little Toto, the scruffy yet lovable mutt, runs off to the side and pulls on a curtain and exposes the secret of the Wizard. With a tug of cloth, The Wizard of Oz was revealed for who he really was. A small, frail huckster playing on the fears of innocent people, ruling by might and guile and fear.

Remember what the Wizard said when the curtain was pulled?

Wizard of Oz: Don't pay attention to the man behind the curtain.

Wizard of Oz: [speaking in a booming voice into microphone] I am the great and powerful...
[then, realizing that it is useless to continue his masquerade, moves away from microphone, speaks in a normal voice]
Wizard of Oz: ... Wizard of Oz.

Or how about another mythical metaphors:

It reminds me of being a kid at Easter. Remember getting a chocolate Easter Bunny, biting into it and it was empty and crumbled and only left you with a small taste of chocolate? Remember that feeling when you realized it is wasn't a solid chocolate Easter Bunny. That feeling of being gypped and ripped-off? Behind the facade that is Barak Obama, we find only empty space.

That is what people are discovering about his Holiness, Barak the Messiah. The deeper you go, the more you find out how hollow his platitudes are and how shallow and toothless his policies will be. Even the potential Republican Vice Presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, has more experience governing and legislating the does the main Presidential event on the ticket: The Great Black/White Hype!

I hope we, as a nation, don't wake up on the day after the election with a massive toothache from eating too much sugary candy and not enough Red (Republican) meat and potatoes!




Even ignorant canines got it figured out!

Making my appointment with the Dentist!
Traveler

Am I missing something?

This past couple of weeks, much time has been spent in watching both the Republican and Democrat National Conventions. I have listened to many pundits spew both wisdom and ignorance concerning both parties and all the candidates.

This is what I consider myself:
1. A Christian
2. A Conservative
3. A Republican

In that order.

As a staunch Republican, my Conservatism is a product of my Christian belief system and faith. I attempt to make all my decisions through the lens of my Christian belief system, not my Republicanism. I mean, what is being a Republican all about?
Is it about love of country or patriotism?
Is it about greater individual freedoms and restraints?
Does it concern the size of government or less taxes?
Is it about putting in judges who don't legislate from the bench?

Yes, it is about all these things and more. But true Republicanism is more about what it is based on. Where did the founding fathers get their ideas for this "noble experiment?"
Why the Bible, of course!
Not that you will hear that in any public school these days, but that is the truth of the matter. What we believe as Republicans is directly tied to the tenets found in the Scriptures. Yet, we seem to have lost our way, politically, morally and foundationaly. Rarely do you hear politicians of any stripe use the Bible as basis for any speech, piece of legislation, or position. We seem to have forgotten our roots, our place of birth, our cornerstone.
Some of us need to revisit the place of forging, where hammer and tongs created our great democracy.
A good starting place of refreshing is "The Light and The Glory" by Peter Marshall and David Manuel, followed up by the sequel "From Sea to Shining Sea." These two books help to reorient us to our national, biblical foundations, the whys and hows of this nation. The authors are Christian men who put pen to paper, less we forget. Dig the books up, share them with your children, less they forget.

Concerning the two demotivational pics at the top of the post: Having watched some of the Democratic National Convention, those two words ring loud and clear: Elitism and Cluelessness.
Both the leadership and the followers just don't get it. Hollow platitudes and pandering to special interests, the struggle for power and the willful deception of the masses seems to sum up my feelings about the DNC.
It reminds me of the saying, "If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with B.S."
Elitism comes screaming through at each campaign stop and Cluelessness is what is the masses exude. People are so desperate for leadership and truth, righteousness and honesty, they will grasp at any Hollywood-esqe attempt at genuineness. People are gullible and easily led astray. There is a reason the Bible calls people "sheep." "Sheeple!"

Fortunately, I am led by a Shepherd. I hear and know his voice. He calls me and I follow. He leads me to green pastures and cool water. He restores my soul.

Do you recognise His voice and leading? I pray that during this election season, His Word will be a guide to your voting process.

Hoping for no hanging chads!
Traveler

Promoting the Pride

August 13 is a day that will live in my mind in infamy. It is the day my daughter Lindsay turned 13. I officially became a Father of Two Teenagers! Me! I mean, was it not just yesterday that she was throwing up on my shoulder and watching Barney and sticking food in her hair! Yet despite me, she has turned out to be an incredible, Godly, funny young lady. (Did I forget to add beautiful?)
Watching her, surrounded by her friends and family, opening presents and crowding around the chocolate fountain made me somewhat wistful and pensive.

Over the years, other who have passed this way before me, have told me that these years pass so fast. Needless to say, I didn't really believe them. I do now. Where have the years gone? Have I been asleep at the wheel, lost in thought. While at first glance I feel like I missed out on so much, on second thought I realize that I was so close to the action that I was unable to see the bigger picture till now. I have I been so intertwined with her life that as she has grown I have been unable to see the forest for the tree.

I had always promised myself that I would not be like those other dads who miss so much of their children's lives because of work. And looking back, I think I can say that I have kept that promise to myself and my girls. I have been there for almost all of their birthdays, promotion nights in school, events and trips and holidays and all the other things I needed to be there for. I feel a sense of accomplishment in not being able to say "What if I had been there?" I was there and hopefully, always will be. Its the least I can do for my kids. I enjoyed her turning 13 and I hope to see her turn many more.

Still lighting the candles!
Traveler

Row, Row, Row Your Boat!

Speaking of flooding, we survived Tropical Storm Fay last weekend. This was our introduction to local Florida weather. We have lived in and through tornado country, earthquake country and now tropical storm/ hurricane country. Two solid days of rain, wind and staying home! No work! Yeah! We also had house guests. My sister and her two boys were on their way to the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas via Jacksonville. She wanted to see her relatives. We had planned only a dinner with her, but ended up hosting her for two days. All the flights were cancelled and they had no way to get to the land of sunshine, white sand beaches and waterslides. But, being the hospitable folks that we are, we made the best of a wet situation and had a very good time. Talking, playing games, eating and watching the Olympics (at least when the Direct TV worked, which was more often than I had initially thought).

Having not seen my sister in a couple of years, it was good to catch up and fill in the blanks from so much time that has passed under the bridge of my life. Rebuilding the past through conversation and from memory has the tendency to give one pause and play the "W\hat If?" mind game.

"What if I hadn't moved from California?"
" What if I had made a different career choice?"
"What if I had not gotten mad at God and decided to follow Him instead of following me and moving in a different direction?"
"What if Steve Bartman hadn't caught that foul ball and the Cubs made it to the World Series instead of imploding?"

What If?

I find that, more often than not, my backwards navel gazing only stirs up trouble and pain and usually provides me with no more insight than if I just continue to look forward. "Press towards the goal for the prize of the high call of God." Phil. 3:14. I mean, all the "What If's" in the world can't change where I have been, or what I have seen or what I have missed or who I could have been. Each day brings me more revelation of the mercy and grace of God in my life. Each day I am remided of my frailness and need for a greater portion of God in my everyday existance. How thankful I am that He has not forgotten me or cancelled my place in the heavenlies. Lord knows He would be justified in doing so.

Yet....

He is loving and paitent and kind and forgiving. He keeps no record of my wrongs or missteps. He always surrounds me with mercy and grace. He do not give up on me.

Flooding has a way of reminding us that He has a way of cleansing and refreshing and replenishing. "His mercies are new every morning." As I work my way through my Daily Office I am constantly reminded of all these things. His Word seem to cover so many areas of my life. The more I read, the more of Him I am priviliged to see.

So, Don't Look Back. While it is a great song by the band Boston and is OK to listen to , Dont Look Back on your past and say "What if?" Make the most of This Day!

Looking Forward (with tiny peeks back)
Traveler

Seven Days at the Links of Utopia

Last week, a friend of mine, Henry, gave me a little book to read called "Golf's Sacred Journey: Seven Days At The Links Of Utopia" by Dr. David L.Cook. My friend and his wife work together to help Dr. Cook promote his book. He oversees the the website and business aspects and she the promotions. Like a good friend, I said I would read the book. I mean, after all, it was free and I like to read, especially free books. Not a large book, this was. 157 pages to be exact. But what a brilliant little this book was. Brilliant, entertaining and profound. For many reasons and on many levels. I read it in almost one setting. It captured my attention, imagination and heart. It is primarily about golf, with some fishing, art and relationship mixed in. It is a fictional story about a fictional golfer who meets Johnny, a fictional golf course owner, a Renaissance man of sorts. One week at the Links of Utopia. Yet the implications for me, a real person, were profound and palatable.

At face value, it is a tome about golf, what it takes out of you and what you have to put in to become a great golfer and to find your game. Not just mechanically but intellectually and mentally. Learning to master the game instead of the game mastering you. But on a more profound level, this book is about the deeper truths of life and spirituality. That what you do in life matters, how you live life counts and who you serve reflects who you are. When we come to the end of ourselves, what will we find? As Johnny said, "What will your epitaph say?" I felt challenged and stirred, thrilled and chastised, humbled and blessed. It's funny what the written word on a page can do to you.

First about Golf. Although I don't do much golfing these days, I did play a lot a few years back. I related to the highs of the game and to it's lows. There is nothing quite like hitting the ball perfectly. The sound of the ball striking the club face, the song of the shaft as it whistles in the air, the effortlessness of the swing, the flight path to the green. The book says it like this, "Finding the sweet spot is akin to finding religion or the taste of an aged cabernet......that's what keeps us coming back....the sweet spot is an addictive force." One of the reasons I quit playing so much was because I hit a plateau, that place I just couldn't get over. I knew I was a better golfer than what I was playing or what my score indicated, but I just couldn't get over the hump. Maybe I'll pick up the sticks again and head to the course with much of this book in mind.

This next paragraph will be a little long but bear with me. Remember, this is my blog and I am king! One of the places in the book that just thrilled me to no end and made me laugh with joy was when they talked about Face-On putting. I know I risk a bit by telling you parts of the book, but for me it was the next logical step in my revelation about putting. It started a number of years ago when my dad gave me a nice Ping blade putter for Christmas. While I should have been thrilled, I felt very disappointed. I had been having lots of trouble with my putting and just couldn't seem to strike the ball well or control it. I had been wanting to try something different. I did not want this type of putter. Hoping to not offend my dad, I hesitantly asked him if he would be offended if I traded it for a different style of putter. I could not make the blade work. To my surprise, he had no objections and was not offended. He, being a lifelong golfer, said that the game was very personal and each player had different styles and needs. He gave me the receipt and said to pick out what I really wanted. I ended up with an Odyssey Rossie I, a mallet-style of putter. I really liked it and loved the way it struck the ball. While I want to say that the choice of putter dramatically helped my putting game, it didn't. Oh, it did help somewhat in my control but not enough to make a real or sustained difference. I needed something more.
One day, I happened to be watching the Skins Game, a golf tournament held, i think, around Thanksgiving in Palm Springs, CA. And up onto the green strode the great Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus. He got the lay of the green and sized up his putt. He then stepped to his ball. But instead of taking the normal putting position with his left side towards the hole and feet pointed away from the hole, he positioned his toes pointing directly at the hole and turned his body to face the hole. "What an awkward position," I thought. Then, using the standard putting grip, he, from the side of his body, struck the ball with a pendulum-type stroke and sank the putt. "Brilliant!" I exclaimed. "If it's good enough for the Bear on national TV, I determined to give it try. I felt desperate and was willing to try anything. It felt awkward at first, but soon I got the hang of it. It gave me the balance I had been missing and steadied my hands and swing. Surprise of surprises, it worked. I was able to sink many more putts than before. However, I did have to endure a lot of ribbing from my fellow golfers, because the stance is certainly unorthodox and goes against tradition. However, once I told my story and invoked the great Nicklaus name, the jibs and jabs largely stopped. But no one copied my style. This long winded passage brings me to this: the Face-On putting style. As I read this passage in the book, I was blown away! "Why hadn't I thought about that before!" This was major improvement on my style. It involves completely facing the hole and using a special putter, using a pendulum stoke to propel the ball to the hole. All while watching the hole with both eyes instead of out of the corner of one eye. Brilliant, absolutely Brilliant! I can't wait to get a hold of that putter and try it out for myself!

Secondly, back to the story. While the previous passage was long and winding and may not mean much to you, it was like revelation to me. Concrete answers to some of golf's mysteries. Yet the focus of the book, while it is about golf, was about playing on a bigger, more important course: Life. And playing in the Game of Life without The Giver of Life is like playing golf with broken clubs. It cannot be done well or successfully. This fictional tale struck a cord deep within me, all the way to the foundations of my life. Over the last 3or 4 years, the Lord has been rebuilding the foundations of my life, recasting the deep pillars on which my faith has rested. And like any building under construction, there is lots of reshaping, refinishing and rebuilding, sanding and chiseling and hammering. Lots of hammering!
Adding a wing here, taking down a wall there and this little book has served to sand off a few of the rough edges I still have and confirm that some of the pillars I have are still good and usable. I don't know what my life will look like 10 or 20 years down the road but I do know this: whatever it looks like or wherever I am, it will be because the Hand of The Almighty has seen fit to shape me and make me into vessel, fit for His service. Thanks, Henry, for getting into my hands a guide book for the front and back nine of life! You can check out the website, www.linksofutopia.com for information about this precious book and the ministry of Dr.David Cook.

Blessings,
Traveler