Well, its been about 3 days since I last posted. That's not really that long of time, but its amazing how much can happen in 3 days! Since I last posted we have had 2 more Democratic primaries that delivered us our weekly dose of politics. On Wed, we crowned a new American Idol. It was one of the few times that I agreed with the outcome. The winner, David Cook, is actually someone I would listen too. Even bigger than that, one of my daughters turned 12 on Wed. In sports, the NBA conference finals have gotten underway. And don't forget about the Cardinals. I guess the experts aren't always on with their predictions. I could keep going on and on.

Who says life is uneventful? If we blink it seems that there is so much we could miss. And we don't want to miss a thing! But let's be honest; there is no way we could possibly take in everything that is happening in the world around us. I believe that this is how it is with God's blessings. God has so much to offer us, although we rarely realize it or believe it. How often do we seek after experiences that God has to offer? We don't want to miss a thing in the world, but does it matter when we miss time with God? How long do we go without reading a paper or watching TV to get caught up? Maybe a few hours or a few days? How does that measure up to the time with God?

Chris

Simple Things

Since the weather has gotten a little warmer, I've gotten back to doing something I enjoy: playing catch with my oldest son. Not that its anything elaborate. Its just simple. Enjoying the warmer weather, the sound of the ball when it settles in to the leather glove; its all good. And, of course, pretending you're in a game situation, whether its throwing a third strike or catching a fly ball and throwing the player out at the plate. Best of all, just hanging out with my son. What a good time!

Here's to enjoying the simple things in our lives. Often, these are the greatest things as well. May we all remember to enjoy them as often as possible.

Chris

God In Many Languages

Today was an awesome experience in worship. While the music was great as usual, we had an unique experience. At the end of my sermon on the Pentecost story from Acts 2, I had a group read John 1:1-14. What was cool was that it was done in 5 different languages: English, German, Spanish, Mandarin, and signed. It was incredible!

It only showed once again how beautiful and amazing we can be in our diversity. That is especially true wen we honor one another in our diversity, sharing our uniqueness. The next time you meet someone who looks different or talks different than you do, don't think about how different you are. Instead, maybe you could think about how you compliment one another. Maybe you can think about what you might learn from each other. Now that would be cool.

Chris

Share A Random Moment

My wife and I recently came across a painting that we both loved. Its actually a painting of two coffee cups and saucers sitting side by side. The picture has a very contemporary, rustic kind of look to it. It is painted imperfectly, which oddly enough, is why it is so beautiful. The painting also has a message painted on it: "Share A Random Moment." I can tell you that the painting is now hanging in our house.

Sharing random moments can be beautiful. Maybe its locking eyes with another briefly. Maybe its taking a moment to just look at someone you love. It might even be an interaction with someone you don't know, such as who is going to hold the door for who. Maybe its a random moment with God, such as when you look up at night an get lost in the stars. I could go on and on.

But there needs to be some intentionality on our parts. Are we open to allowing for a random moment? Do we experience them or do we have too much to do. As I sat to write this, my 3 year old son made his way on to my lap with a handful of toys. My initial inclination was to put him down so I could get on with what I was doing. But I paused and sat back. He proceeded to describe his toys and how he uses them. He asked about what was on my computer. There was nothing profound about it, but its a moment I will treasure. I know he won't always be this way. There will come a day when he no longer fits on my lap, nor will he want to be.

Moments will come with loved ones and others, they will come with God. Do we dismiss them or allow ourselves to experience them? Sharing a moment with you...

Chris

American Idol?

Ok, I have a confession to make. I just finished watching the end of American Idol. Yes, I even find it entertaining at times, although I definitely don't always agree with the results. On tonight's show they played clips of the contestant's trips back to their hometowns. Of course, they are treated like the champions of the city. Huge crowds turn out to cheer. Parades are held in their honor. Some even have streets or days named in their honor. People go crazy.

Maybe I'm missing something. These final 3 have no claim to fame other than being contestants on this show. I don't believe any of them have made some contribution that has changed the direction of society. But yet, they are treated as royalty. What does that say about us, generally speaking?

Maybe, just maybe, it highlights our deep need to believe in something or someone. People are so quick to see themselves in these contestants. They see a possibility of being something more. Maybe its just all of the media coverage. Whatever it is, people are quick to latch on. Anything that brings hope.

Of course, it begs the question to me: what does this say to the church? Or does it say anything at all? Maybe we should make to much of this phenomenon. Then again... What do you think?

Chris

More Storms

Once again this morning, the St Louis area got rained on with some intense little storms. More is predicted for this evening. that's the way it has been here lately, just one wave after another. One storm, one downpour, then seemingly another and another and...

Its interesting, the "storms" of life often seem to come this way. It seems that once things start going bad, they are hard to get going right again. It almost seems like a downward spiral. Its tough to find much to be positive about during these times. It also isn't exactly a time when you feel like praising God.

Casting Crowns has a song out that is entitled, "Praise You In This Storm." The song speaks about praising God in the very midst of a storm in our life. Its easy to praise and be thankful when the skies are blue. We can all see the sun when there aren't any clouds. But how well do we see the son when the skies are cloudy and the rain is falling?

Mother's Day

Just a quick post to send out a Happy Mother's Day wish! I think our mothers deserve to be celebrated, and not just once per year. But according to the greeting card industry, today is that day. As I commented this morning, Mother's Day should be a celebration of not only those who gave us birth, but also those who have been a "mother" to us. As nice as today is, let's remember that there are those who might not have children, some by choice, many others not by choice. Should their contributions go unrecognized? By no means! (Some may recognize the Paul reference)

So, here is to all of our mothers. To those who brought us in to the world. To those who have provided or nurtured us. And to every aunt, sister, friend, and other loving person who have been mothers to us. Best wishes and thanks!

Chris

Spinning Away

I have to admit, it wouldn't hurt my feelings one bit if all of the election campaigning was over and done with tomorrow. This past Tue we had yet another "crucial" round of primaries. This one, like the one before, and the one before that was supposed make things clear. I guess it depends on what you think is "clear." The saddest pasrt about this past Tue was that I actually tuned in to all of the commentary and stayed up to see who came out on top. I guess I'm just kind of sick that way.

Of course, the real fun has come in the moments and days after the Tue vote. Its amusing to all of the spin coming from the Clinton and Obama campaigns. Isn't funny and sad both at how we so often do that. People are so often just looking for an angle. Whatever happened with just standing up, looking somebody in the eye, and being straight with them? Why must there always be an angle? I would say we need to just stick to the truth, but it seems even that gets spun.

My word or theme of recent has been "authentic." I think that's what we need to be more of. We need to lead authentic lives. That means being open, straight-forward, and accountable. No pretense. Then again, maybe that's just my "spin" on things.

Chris

Walking In the Rain

Good morning! I woke up today, heard the rain and asked my wife, "Has Noah passed by yet?" Here in the St Louis area we have had so much rain, in the last couple of days and in the last couple of months. Needless to say, people have had about enough. Our yards look like ponds. It seems we rarely get a look at the son. If we didn't know better, it would seem like we'd all moved to Seattle! Of course, the ironic thing is that in a couple of months, when the temps are in the 90's and not a cloud is in sight, we will all be praying for the rain.

I for one enjoy the rain. There is something about it that I can't put into words. Yesterday, as I left my office and walked to my car, I slowed my steps and just let it fall on me. It may sound weird, but it was one of those God moments. It wasn't just that I was ok with the rain, I wanted to embrace the rain. I believe we all have moments like this, moments when something just connects. When it happens, it just can't be put fully into words. But its real nonetheless.

Chris

Some Things Never Change

Yesterday morning, I took my daughter Liz (nearly 12 yrs old) to school where she loaded a bus and headed to camp for a week. While she is gone, there are no phone calls or other contact, except for a possible letter. I have to admit, as I drove away I had some of that same feeling that was there her very first day of school. It was somewhat sad, somewhat anxious, and even a little lonely. I know she is fine, but I can't stop being her dad. I can't stop loving my children. She may drive me crazy sometimes, but I'll be glad when she is home.

Its moments like that when I wonder how it must be for God. How often do we go off and do our own thing? How often do we go days, weeks, months, or even years with out talking to God? Even still, God never stops being God. God never stops loving us. And, God can't wait until we get home. If that's sooner or later is up to us. God is always ready to welcome us back, wherever we may have been.

Chris

Thank Goodness For Sunday

I have to say how much I look forward to Sundays. Why? Because its the day we gather for worship of course? After a crazy and somewhat rough last few days, worship this morning was just what I needed. I thought One Voice did a great job. It was good to be with people as we gathered. We had a dramatic reading that was powerful. Today was also a communion Sunday. All in all, it was a great morning of worship. Too bad for those that missed it.

Our weekly worship is something that we all should look forward to. I think we tend to get a little casual in our thinking about worship. Sometimes we think, "If I go, Ok. If I don't go, ok." Sunday morning worship finds itself competing with weather that is too good and weather that is too bad to go out in. There is the call of Sunday morning brunch. But, honestly, its only a competetition if we fail to see how significant participating worship is for us.

Worship should not be something we go to out of obligation. Nor should it be another thing that we check off of our "To Do" lists. And it certainly shouldn't be something we do to keep up some image that we feel the need to convey. No, worship should be something that we come to with an expectation to experience God. Its something that is a part of a real relationshi with God. It is a time of meeting with God, of being inspired, convicted, equipped, and loved. It is a time that we can bring thanks and praise to God. Above all, worship is something that we should WANT to be a part of, something we HUNGER to be a part of. Our faith comes to life when we worship God with an authentic heart, an authentic openness to the Holy Spirit.

Alas, many of us are missing this weekly encounter. Is it lack of understanding? Are we more concerned with convenience? Or are we scared, scared of being in a real relationship with God?

Chris

One of Those Days

Yesterday I had one of those days that we all have from time to time. It began with me heading to a clergy training session about coaching. Just as I arrived, the battery on my phone died and I didn't have a charger. Not a good start! Then, the director of the session asked me to stay for an afternoon session that I hadn't even known about. She was pretty persistant, so I couldn't say no (I'm smarter than that). When the morning session at noon, I spent my entire lunch break driving around trying to finda charger for my phone. I found one with just enough time to get back for the afternoon session. That session was mostly a conversation amongst pastors of larger congregations (250+)about differing challenges facing us and our congregations. Needless to say, the day not go anything like I had planned. There was a great deal that I needed to get done that had to be pushed back. Its like I said, just one of those days.

But here is the great thing: it was still a good day. Amidst the panic over my phone (how can we live without our phones?), sitting through training, and losing a day of my planned work, I can hoenstly say it was a good day. I got to visit with some colleagues that I rarely see. I learned some things that I didn't know. I found myself challenged and stimulated by the teaching and conversations. I call that a good day.

How often do we miss something good that God has in store for us because it disrupts our lives, what we have planned? We all know the saying about making lemonade out of lemons. Maybe the lemons aren't lemons all the time. Maybe its God trying to get our attention. Maybe God already has the lemonade made andis just waiting for us to drink it. What do you think?

Chris