…in church one time

Well,

Joel and Nicki have suggested that I write about an event or two that happened in church here in Springfield. And I say that because, yes, there were moments in Cincinnati during church when I suppose I could have been killed as well… Ah yes, the memories are all coming back now. Daniel our sometimes erratic homeless guy, indoor campfires, church fires and electrocutions… I digress without even thinking of retreats.

It was October and we were doing a series on the book of James. We decided to talk about temptation. I remember the point very clearly. You can either fuel your temptations, or fight them. As Jeff and I were brainstorming ideas, naturally fire entered into my mind. Initially the thought was of a video that would show us walking around with the red gas cans and then approaching a campfire. Then, I remembered that I have kids and I want to live to see them.

So, I thought, what if we could do the ole hair spray and a lighter trick? Man, I have some great stories about that from when I was growing up. My dad actually used to mass produce potato guns and sell them at gun shows, so, the sweet and tangy scent of aqua net and potato goo was fresh in my memories. I could just feel in my memory the soft thump of a potato leaving the gun barrel and the kick from igniting hairspray…
We decided to go for it.

That morning I stopped by the Walgreens and pondered what hairspray to get. They were out of aqua net. Gun show must have been in town.

I grabbed a can and a lighter and headed to church.
Shannon warned me to test it out. I assured here that it would work and that there was no way I was testing it out right there in our house…

Well, I got to church, and got along with my Sunday morning routines… I set the items up on the stage for when I would need them and then as the time finally approached, I made my point and said, “You know it’s sort of like this… Our temptations are a lot like this flame… (I lit the lighter) and if we choose to fuel our temptations, it’s like adding hairspray to the mix (I notice wide eyes and horrified mothers in 2nd row to my left, but only for a moment because the hairspray blew out the flame.)

I tried and tried to get that hairspray to ignite, but it was just too wet. So, I started to burn the can with the lighter and people made for the doors.
Alas, I did not die. Nor even come close for that matter. I have better stories than this. Next post: How I was shot at when I was 7 in Joliet, Illinois.

How am I not already dead?

So, on my last trip to Colorado with jeff, we did some storytelling. I have lots of stories. I have done all sorts of odd things, jobs etc… He made the comment, “You know it is amazing that you are still alive.”

How true.

So, for a while, I am going to begin posting stories from my past. There are so many fun stories that might be worth telling. Some funny, some disturbing, and some outrageous. You might think I am lying…. unless you know me.

So, with that being said, I am taking suggestions for any memories or stories that you think i should tell.

books

Yesterday I read the book, Left to Tell by Imaculee Ilibageza. It was 14 years ago on April 7th that the Rwandan genocide began.  I remember 14 years ago on april 7th, I was contemplating breaking up with my girlfriend at the time. I don’t remember hearing much at all on the news of a genocide in Central Africa.

The book is a sobering reminder of the power of faith in the midst of horrific suffering.  It has also provided some good discussion between my wife and me.

 

I am also reading a book by Tim Keller: The Reason for God.

Here are some of the chapters:

Why does God allow suffering in the world?

How could a loving God send people to Hell?

Why isn’t Christianity more inclusive?

How can one religion be “right” and the others “wrong”?

Why have so many wars been fought in the name of God?

I have really enjoyed it so far.  One of the main premises of the book is that we all “believe” something. People exploring the claims of Christianity need to apply the same scrutiny to their own belief system that they apply to Christianity, if they want to be intellectually honest.  I highly recommend this book for those wrestling through questions or who are exploring Christianity before making a decision to follow Christ.

 

Externally Focused Church Conference

I am really excited to be going to the Externally Focused Church Conference in May.  Jeff and I are going together.  I am expecting to meet some people who are doing some very practical things their community that are making a difference.  I feel like our church is continuing to grow in its understanding of what it means to be a part of the community.  Having Jeff and I on the same page will really help a ton.  We work together really well and I think this will only help to cement that relationship.The book, Externally Focused Church is a great resource for churches wanting to expand their ministry beyond the walls of the church and into the community.  I found it to be pretty inspiring and practical.  I would recommend it to other people who are considering doing similar things in their church.  

Here’s the new home

Alright, for those of you who have tracked with me, thank you. I just couldn’t swing the bucks for a typepad account when there are all these free weblog services out there… So, here’s the new home.