From the WSJ BOTW, Kerry is playing revisionist about his own Vietnam antics and statements.we have excerpts of Kerry's accusations and allegations that he threw around like hand grenades while trying to make a name for himself at the expense of his band of brothers:
and as the WSJ well-points out...these are indictments against the soldiers, not the leaders as he puports. He has slandered fine men, men of the likes of my own father, and now he has the audacity to slander my president, and call himself a patriot worthy of leading our nation.
Tomorrow morning is our first Sunday worship at North Forsyth High School. If you're in the area and want to see what its all about, come at 9 a.m. for donuts and coffee, a good SS discussion, and a great time of worship.
Presurfer also links to the interesting story of Outhouse Springs, the fictitious ad campaign that became so popular it went like a racehorse into reality.
Kaylyn has begun to receive and send email at school. We have access to her account and get to review everything that comes and goes. It's sweet to see her be able to have communication with family and friends. We appreciate all of you loved ones who have taken the time to let her know you're thinking of her.
I realize that I am treading potentially shark-infested waters, and that even by broaching the subject, I may be lacing up my meat-flavored swim trunks.
Even so, after reading some of the discussion going on at Thinklings and Jen's, I have to ask what constitutes anti-Semitism?
Some things are obvious, and I'm not discussing those matters.
Are the New Testament Gospel Accounts anti-Semitic simply because they tell of a Jewish mob moving in cooperation with a Roman government to execute an itinerant Rabbi, who by coincidence happens to be the Messiah of the Jewish people? Are the NT epistles Anti-Semitic simply because they exhort Christ-followers to witness first to the Jew and then to the Gentile (which too many Christ-followers aren't doing either of)? Is it anti-Semitic to ask this question?
Is it anti-Semitic to reason that Jews today who reject the Messiahship of Jesus from Nazareth could in fact be held responsible for that decision by God? Is it Anti-Semitic to reason that it is exactly this type of denial that fulfills the prophetic words of self-condemnation found in Matthew 27:25? Is it anti-Semitic to reason that this is possible?
Is it anti-Semitic to state that written in the Tenakh itself (in Nehemiah), Israel has in its history disagreed with, disobeyed, and even killed its own prophets -- and paid significant historic consequences for doing so? And if in fact that has occurred, it might be reasonable to think the same thing occurred most recently, most dramatically, and most consequentially with Jesus of Nazareth? Is it anti-Semitic to even consider those possibilities?
I'm not being a smart-aleck. I really am struggling with this. I read about this movie coming out that tells of the crucifixion of Jesus, and that Jewish people and anti-defamation groups are already in an uproar. At the same time, I see more Christian cooperation than ever before (in my short time on this earth), and in amidst at least the orthodox derivations, a genuine love and concern for Jewish people, and a desire to be sensitive to their long history of oppression without compromising the actual message of the cross. I recognize that a large part of the world is ardently and vociferously anti-Semitic. But an comparably large part is respectful and even reverent, recognizing common origins and similar desires to know God and follow Him.
Not terribly long ago, my denomination came under fire for being insensitive (which some could extend to mean "latent anti-Semitism") because of deliberate efforts to evangelize the Jewish person. Why does the Jewish person get to define this as anti-Semitism?
Why is that what is an intended expression of love and care being instead received as a message of hatred and intolerance?
Bad Money has lauded my tree marriage entry for having the "worst. puns. ever.*" I appreciate the recognition, and the visits of those who are basically guilty of the blogging equivalent of slowing down and gawking at a horrific road side accident. But you can stake this as the truth...I pine for your attention and I en-tree-t you to "stick" around.
*the actual term is "eye-gouging pile of tortuous pun misery," a quantifiable exclamation that I don't underestimate in its consideration.
They had parties where recruits were offered sex. Other young women were raped, allegedly, by recruits and players alike.
The program's a mess.
And the coach has the temerity to try to reduce it down to pettiness by saying Ms. Hnida was simply no good, awful (speaking of her football-kicking abilities, that is)?!?!
I remember thinking back when it was such a "big event" that she had made the team that nothing good would come from it. But I had no idea it would be this bad.
I am part of the 75 percent who are calling for Barnett's termination.
I already filled out one of these today for a student in one of my past church ministries, via my bride. And since I cannot sleep, I took the time to C&P Tony's list, that I saw at Jen's and elsewhere, and am replacing with my own answers that you surely will gloss over and quickly forget:
Name: Bryan
Nickname: Mac, Big Mac, Daddy, Mac Daddy, Daddy Mac, Bry, Byron, Guido, Toes (I grew up in a small town with lots of time on our hands)
Astrological sign: The Crustacean with the Big C
Age: 379 month old today!
Height: 74?
Level of Education: 95 U of Colorado, BA in English Writing; 98 Southwestern Seminary, MA in Religious Education
Occupation: Editor, Adult Mission Education, North American Mission Board
Birthplace: Wheatridge, CO
Marital status: married
How many children: 3
Do you drink (alcohol): No.
Do you smoke: No, unless properly ignited
Favorite outdoor activities: hunting the elusive wapiti, playing sports with the kids, walking with my bride
Everyone knows this, but because I long ago started it, I should report that Dean-o has fallen off just so it's in the record (thanks to Tony for my prompt). I think the outrage is that Fox News is reporting this event with the headline "And then there were two."
Dennis & The Rev. are still in this thing. And now that Kuci has a potential first lady, the Rev. can marry them to one another, and then pony up to be the VP. It's a ticket made in heaven, baby!
I'm sad to see Dr. Deanmento go. He was a sideshow, a car-wreck, and a freakish curiosity all rolled up into one screaming, irrational package of vitriol. Good times. Good memories. Maybe he and Nader can partner up and really rock the vote come November.
True Confession: I told Kelli tonight that if Edwards found a way to unseat Kerry, I would at least feel like the worst possible candidate didn't win. I am so amazed at Kerry's lack of conviction and three-decades-plus practice of playing prevailing-wind politics. In the most sincere typestrokes I can offer, I hope that Democrats cut through his smoke and mirrors deceptions and realize he is no more a servant of the people than is that butler dude from Joe Millionaire. To steal from Leno, my hope is that after Super Tuesday, people will be asking Kerry, "Why the long face?"
If you want to risk stomach cramps, nausea, and knowing who the mole is, keep reading.
Within the first fifteen minutes, Kelli and I vacillated so many times you would have thought we were doing John Kerry impersonations. We were Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, then we were piercing Rodman, then we had siliconnected the moley dots to Angie Everhart.
So, big surprise, I was clueless.
But I wasn't surprised.
The only one who would have surprised me would have been Rodman.
I was disappointed in their choice for mole, as it was the second consecutive dip into the supermodel mole pond. Watching this episode about all the clues missed and how Tracey Gold put herself out of the game reinforces why this show is so great.
Baldwin & Bernsen have to come back. They're staples, and they keep us in stitches!
Maybe next time, I'll actually pay close enough attention to actually try to do something other than guess wildly and randomly at who the saboteur might possibly be.
Again, I understand the concept of $P@/\/\, but this one baffled me. Under the tagline of "success:
I get it when a junk email appeals to the basic instincts of a person, but when you're attempting to entice a person to pursue your promise of success, shouldn't you do your best to come across like you are something other than Candie, the potty-trained chimp pounding away on a keyboard, who by the (falsely) darwinistic laws of averages has coincidentally hammered out something that is slightly comprehensible?
Is there a medical term for the irrational fear of pushing down too hard on the plastic lid as I cover a styrofoam cup, crushing the cup and splashing the hot coffee contained within it, thus scalding myself and anyone within a five-food radius?
If there is, please let me know, because I've got that.
Aaron created a castigatory blogopoly gamepiece for me.
I wasn't being derisive of the effort, I promise. In fact I thought it to be quite cool and clever. I just estimated myself to be unworthy of being included.
So in that regard, even though I am the embodiment of an offal receptacle, I appreciate the consideration and commemoration.
we caught a bit of the similarly-titled program last night for the first (and last) time. We were in agreement that this was not 'entertainment.' That the daughter would subject her family to this and that actors would be complicit in it is unconscionable. I understand that everyone has to sign off on the final product, but that only affirms its basal orientation, rather than contradicts it.
It is a shameful statement for what some people will do for the paltry sum of $1 million. The cost of their decisions will be much more expensive, in the long run.
For example, we saw where Jenna returned home from Survivor and her mom died 8 days later. I don't know Jenna. I've seen approximately 37 minutes of Survivor when you add it all up over all the seasons. But my simple question is, what price tag do you put on those days that they missed with one another and that she can never reclaim? I'm honestly not judging her, and glad she was able to spend a few days with her terminally-ill mother. I'm honestly asking.
It's a matter of priorities. I can't always says authoritatively that my priorities are what they should be. Idealogically, I put God first, family second, ministry third. Functionally speaking, though, there's been many times where I've asked my family to understand been temporarily placed lower to accomodate the demands of ministry. You can only do that so many times before the person/people who so graciously step down so the other priority can be lifted up just says, "you know what? i'm down here so often anyway, I'll just stay here so you don't have to quit making excuses." I'm thankful that hasn't happened in my own marriage/family life, but I know many others where it has.
Wow...didn't know I was going to go there. thanks for coming along with me! Anyway, back to TV, we don't watch Average Joe 2 simply because of these reasons. We don't find it entertaining to see the depths of what people will do to win money. At least on shows like The Apprentice and The Mole, people are being challenged and not degraded by the actual premise of the program.
By the way, resurrectionsong shares similar views about Reality TV.
I momentarily considered feeding my own ego by attempting a photoshop, but ultimately decided the vast majority of folks would respond with a resounding "who?"
I don't think I want to be that guy at the party who hangs on the fringe of the group of "cool people" and every once in a while tries to say something witty and relevant but only comes across even more sad and pathetic than everyone originally thought him to be.
Oh...and if you've contributed, I'm by no means suggesting that you are 'that guy.'
I'm talking about all the other sad and pathetic losers. But not you. Really.
Fact: There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar. If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar.
Point: There's lots of ways to accomplish the goal. You can also have lots of stuff without having the right stuff to accomplish the goal.
Here's a link to the confidentiality agreement that Gibson asked some pre-viewers to sign. Some in the media and liberal theological world are trying to make this a controversy.
Logic says: I'm going to let you take a look. If you like what you see, tell others. If you don't we'd ask that you wait until the final version comes out to see if what you didn't like was edited or cut.
So much for Diane's effort to get Mel to cry by reuniting him with Charlie.
We watched Ms. Sawyer's interview with the director last night, and thought Mel did phenomenally well. He was well spoken and transparent. He didn't try to hide that he was hurt by the criticism, and gave a great defense for his faith. I think he spoke more evangelistically in that 45 minutes (without commercials) than 80 percent of our North American Christians have in the last year.
Strong statements:
He confessed being a believer.
He said, of the Bible: You either believe every word of it, or you believe none of it.
He dismissed the criticism of heretic John Dominic Crossan*.
He thoughtfully and sincerely defended himself against charges of anti-semitism, saying, "it is a sin to be anti-semitic."
He declined to allow a line of questioning regarding his dad, and honored him by saying something along the lines of, "I'm tight with my dad. You can't drive a wedge between us. Let it go."
He steps to the front of the line to accept blame for Christ's execution, admitting his personal responsibility as a sinner.
The only thing I would like to have heard more about what his potentially-universalist stand when he said he was of the opinion that people of other faiths could find their way to heaven, but he just had it easier (as a Christian).
I respect Gibson (again, Mel not Charlie) because he showed that if you really believe in your project and your vision, you're going to take some heat for it. I admire him for his willingness to stand up against the world who would deny its culpability.
*the linked article presents just a glimpse of Crossan's mindset. In writing about Jesus, he can't even resist casting the whole discussion in terms of himself, holidng himself up as the moral example. If you aren't familiar with this self-described "scholar," a simple search reveals his proud relationship with The Jesus Seminar which seeks to deny the Christ his claim to the miraculous.
Today is Cotter's 5th birthday. We've an afternoon of baseball, basketball, soccer, and football lined up. If you'd like to send him a birthday wish, email it to me and I'll forward it along to him.
It's a little hard on his dad's heart to know he's already five. The time is blazing by, I tell ya.
Yesterday afternoon, Kelli and I watched Hawaii, the 1966 movie starring Max Von Sydow and Julie Andrews as the Rev. & Mrs. Hale, who were missionaries to the island. I don't know how accurate the movie was to the historical events of Christian missionary activity i Hawaii, but I was profoundly smacked upside the head by how much we (Christians) add to grace. Its as though we have forgotten that grace+anything=works. Even if the Rev. Hale was fictitious, his actions were representative of failed strategies taht are being repeated to this day.
At the same time, there was a message there regarding the intolerance of sin that we also seem to have lost. While he may have gone too far in his criticism and condemnation (but maybe not, who am I to say?), I saw a love for church, a love for holiness, and a respect for God's standards that seems increasingly on the wan in today's church.
Mrs. Hale was a wonderful picture of grace in this movie...bridging the gap between the harshness of the law of Rev. Hale and the ongoing sin of the Hawaiians. I need to watch this movie again.
Moreover, I need to spend more time with my Lord...learning more about Him, loving Him more.
Richard Milhouse Nixon and William Jefferson Clinton are the only two US presidents whose names contain all the letters from the word "criminal."
I don't know if this is coincidence or a harbinger of doom, but John Forbes Kerry's own name could anagrammatically foretell the outcome to the Democratic Candidacy:
Fact: Average life span of a major league baseball: seven pitches.
Point: You might be Bond's #73 or the ball that bounces off Canseco's head over the fence, but either way, you better make the most of your opportunties because life is short.
Granted, the inclusion of that little detail may dissuade some folks from receiving the obvious intent of the message, which is of course, never give up. I just thought I ought to at least provide that detail, because it probably is significant.
Actually, what Lincoln's story reveals to me is that a little success can overcome a lot of failure. Now, by no means am I suggesting that freeing the slaves was a little success. It was huge. But if you are just doing a sheer accounting where all successes are weighted evenly, Abe comes up on the short side of the ledger, honest!
That's not how life works, though. We don't give up in life, those of us with even a little tenacity, because we understand that for most folks, life is measured in its victories, rather than its defeats. Lincoln lost in seven elections, but he never lost the conviction that he had something to offer, that he was designed to be a contributor to the human experience. And once he got his shot, he made the most of it.
How many of us are content for so much less. We may have taken a courageous step at one point in life, only to get our hand slapped or our ego bruised. But unlike Lincoln, many of us never again venture into the unknown, taking a great risk to have the chance at experiencing a great reward.
The President also showed us insight to another secret about greatness. He is remembered because his largesse benefitted other people. He took great steps of faith, requiring tremendous personal sacrifice, because he recognized that failing to do so would perpetuate a great injustice and travesty to humanity. He understood that he alone had the power, the authority, the influence to initiate change, and that he would have to give an account for those blessings under his stewardship if he didn't act immediately and decisively.
How many of us are men and women of influence? Maybe not on the scale of Abraham Lincoln, but you influence somebody. Maybe it is your children. Maybe it is your parents. Maybe your friends, or neighbors, or co-workers. How many of you have an opportunity to enact change in the lives of someone else, and are being the given the chance to do so today -- quickly and decisively.
Each of us has an opportunity to positively impact the life of someone else. To give an encouraging word, to offer a message of hope. Each one of us can do something significant, even if the action itself doesn't seem terribly dramatic. It's just a matter of stepping out in faith, and doing it.
Okay, I'm back to being a marsupial, and i'm thinking it had to have been a tech glitch that caused me mammalian status, becaue I'm wayyyy down on the list, despite not having lost traffic.
This makes it easier to plug on toward the Spare Change launch.
When I was young, I was shocked and dismayed to learn that Rick Astley wasn't the tall black man from Detroit that I had pictured in my mind's eye. No, he was a scrawny pimply, white kid from England singing about love, loss, and broken hearts.
Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you go
Never gonna somethin' somethin', or hurt youoooOOooo....
I don't think my preconceived notions ever match the reality once the two are forced to reconcile. I mean, I actually believed that the meat of Taco Bell was hiqh quality beef product, and not the "Grade D: Edible" that it really is.
Things are no different with the work of my life. Each and every time, I think I've some decent idea of what to expect with each job I take, only to discover that the challenges, the opportunities, the frustrations, and the growth all occur differently than I had expected. When I pastored, the things I thought I'd dislike I grew to enjoy. In my current work, the parts that I was really looking forward to doing are the aspects that I have been shocked to discover are my least favorite.
So, my (in)ability to "picture this" is pretty well-established. Even so, I read words that tell me about the home in which I will one day dwell, and I cannot help but to start imagining how it will be:
This has been a relational exchange between Kelsi and myself or Kelli:
One of the Parents: Kelsi, get your finger out of your nose!
Kelsi (extending a finger with an emerald gem encrusted upon it): Here.
OotP: Thank you SO MUCH!
And I'm not alone, because a reader from Georgia writes, "Bryan, I couldn't agree more with your writing. It is clearly some of the most insightful on the internet. The blogosphere is better because of your efforts."
It's sure good that an unsolicited affirmation arrives just in time to share my dismay over such disgraceful acts of self-promotion.
She also wears thick-soled shoes, perfect for marching in front of corporate headquarters, and features the ever-clenched permafistTM to be raised in defiance to "Tha Man."
Boycott Barbie also wears with pride a tatoo on her left shoulder in a tastefully feminine design B+K TLA.
***
I did in fact send an email complaint to Mattel, though I suppose to no avail. My complaint has been registered, at least in my own insignificant way.
I noticed today that the blog has finally evolved into a large mammal. There's a good chance I'll probably slip back to my marsupial state since I'm barely hanging from the rung on the next step of this evolutionary ladder. Even so, I appreciate the increasing readership.
