Advancing

Blessed Are the Pacemakers

In 1954, at age 25, Roger Bannister accomplished what millions considered impossible.  To run a mile in under 4:00, experts speculated, would be the equivalent of a physiological suicide mission.  As we know Bannister would break the record, but not without a little help from his friends.

I just finished watching the new ESPN movie, Four Minutes.  What a great story.  Roger against the world, etc...  What stood out clearly to me as I watched, however, were the pacemakers.  Chris Brasher and Chris Chataway, two close friends, served as Bannister's windbreakers at Oxford.  Without them running in front of him the effort undoubtedly would have fallen short.  Roger's rival, John Landy, would have beaten him to the punch.  Fortunately the Englishman's carefully planned attempt was successful.  In the post-race interview Bannister credited Brasher and Chataway as major contributors to his accomplishment.

Blessed are the pacemakers!  Perhaps the challenges our friends are facing would prove manageable if, for a lap, we would brave the forces of wind and rain.  And should we be found stewards of God-sized dreams, Bannister's milestone reminds us to be gracious beneficiaries of those who have run before us. 

"Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed--that exhilarating finish in and with God--he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God."  Heb 12:2  The Message

My Name is John Daker

Please...Please...Please...for your personal health and the love of everything holy...DO NOT WATCH THIS VIDEO. 

We have Kevin Cawley to thank for taking us back to Peoria, Illinois for a very special recital recorded in the early 90s.  I plan on watching John and friends whenever I need a lift.  It's a bittersweet experience hearing these unforgettable renditions of "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" and "Amore."

Google Earth

OK...here's the deal.  Google Earth is absolutely amazing.  You'll be educated and entertained for hours as you literally "fly" from destination to destination via satellite images.  The "tilt" feature rocks as you descend to your target area.  Then you can turn 360 degrees in either direction as you enjoy the view.  The image above is not animated.  It's an actual view of Seahawk Stadium in Seattle, WA with my new toy, Google Earth.  Did I mention it's 100% FREE?

On a much more romantic note...Deea and I spent 30 minutes tonight roaming Maine's beautiful coastline.  What a blast!  Download Google Earth for free by clicking on the link.  You won't be disappointed.  Everyone I know who has spent a little time with it is blown away!  Virtually explore your world.

Ralph and Sam

Consummate professionals.  Fiercely competitive on the court.  Polite and cordial gentlemen off.  They would greet each other warmly before clocking in each day.  Then they would attempt to kill each other from 9-5, stopping for lunch, of course.  All over a herd of sheep?  Sounds like the work of the ministry!

I work in the internet department of our dealership with a really cool guy named Bobby.  Bobby and James.   Ralph and Sam.  Same looney tunes.  Different looney channel.  We say our good mornings, "clock-in," coffee, work, lunch, work, bathroom, work, "clock-out," say our good nights and go home.  Life passes at Road Runner speed.  As we lock up and walk to our cars each evening a familiar feeling washes over me.  I think it's called mortality.  "Night, Ralph."  "Night, Sam." 

Christian is a Switchfoot Word

It appears Switchfoot will be wearing the "Christian" label for years to come.  I see pros and cons.  It's great to see them shining their lights, respected in both secular and sacred markets as a Christian band.  I just wish Rolling Stone and others would retract the implied disclaimer when they review Christian artists:

ROLLING STONE DOES NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THE WORLDVIEW OF THIS BAND.  WE WOULD PREFER THEM TO WORSHIP SATAN AND EAT LIVE ANIMALS WHILE SINGING SUICIDAL SONGS OF HOPELESSNESS, DEATH, VIOLENCE AND SEX.     - THE EDITORS

Read the review via Justin Ross.

Steve McCoy on Alcohol

Steve McCoy was one of the main inspirations for me to take the leap into the blogosphere.  A Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) graduate, pastor, husband, and father of 4, Steve shares some great insights on the topic of beverage alcohol and how it interfaces with the Biblical doctrines of liberty and redemption.  Steve neither promotes the use of alcohol nor endorses the Southern Baptist's extra-biblical enforced covenant of abstinence. 

Here are some links for those interested in this topic:

1.  An SBTS audio featuring president Al Mohler sharing why Southern Baptists practice and enforce an extra-biblical covenant of complete abstinence.  It is an interesting discussion and a great place to start for those interested in exploring the subject.  I respectfully disagree with SBTS's position. 

2.  Steve McCoy's post responding to Mohler.(164 comments!)

3.  An open letter responding to the above audio written by Wade Burleson, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Enid, OK. (over 1,500 in regular attendance) and past president of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (2002-2004).

4.  Steve McCoy's second post on alcohol discussing abstention and redemption.(48 comments!)

5.  Steve McCoy's third post on alcohol discussing redemptive grace for the alcoholic.(62 comments!)

6.  Joe Thorn, pastor of Grace Baptist Church in IL. writes a thoughtful post responding to an article written by Dr. Jack Graham, a fellow Baptist pastor. which advocates abstention as the only wise choice for the Christian.  Also linked here are audio, pdf and book recommendations on alcohol.(65 comments!)

This post is not intended to encourage or endorse the drinking of beverage alcohol in any form.  My intention is to stimulate discussion on what I consider to be a seldomly addressed and often avoided issue.  In fact, alcohol isn't the issue at stake, IMHO.  At stake is the liberty and redemption Christ clearly offers through the cross.  For example, if you are a Southern Baptist minister who drinks alcohol in moderation, 99% of all doors of opportunity will be shut.  This is unbibical.   

UPDATE:  10/29/05  Steve McCoy just found this sad article siting Southern Baptist hurricane volunteers refusing to distribute bottled water to victims simply because of the "Anheuser Bush" labels.  To counterpoint I've been impressed with the denomination as a whole for their sacrificial response in the wake of natural disasters.

JC's Girls

You aren't going to believe this!  A new friend and blogger/musician, Carlos Whittaker, just published an incredible post about some courageous Christian women who attend his church in Riverside, CA. 

The leader of the group, Heather V., is an ex-stripper.  Under the covering of their pastor at Sandals Church these three ladies hit their local adult clubs offering $20 to meet with dancers one-on-one.  Once alone for what the stripper assumes to be a lap dance they turn the tables and begin lovingly sharing the gospel.  DOESN'T THAT ABSOLUTELY ROCK?  Watch this Current Affair feature story on JC's Girls. 

Lake Lenore

This is our 15 year old, Cassia (pronounced "kasha").  The two of us had a great time together yesterday afternoon at Lake Lenore Caves.  This pic was taken on the hike.  Check out the photo album!

Jurevicius Plays for His Late Son

How refreshing to see the Seahawks play well on the road against the team who seemed to have our number!  A sign that things are looking up for this franchise came in the 4th quarter when Holmgren called some aggressive pass plays with the lead and only a few minutes remaining.  The "smart" move was to run the ball using up the clock.  I think Holmgren was placing confidence in his multi-million dollar quarterback to put the game away.  I loved it even though it didn't work.  Seahawks win 37-31.

Here's a touching story regarding Seahawk receiver Joe Jurevicius, who came up big for the Seahawks with 9 receptions for 137 yards and 1 touchdown. 

 

Back to the Drawing Board

Alright ladies and gentlemen...cast your vote.  Is it banner #1 or#2 ?  I made the change based on constructive criticism from our 15 year old, Cassia, and Pastor Doug.  Both had difficulty distinguishing the chess pieces in the first picture.  I agreed and gave it another shot.  Any suggestions? 

UPDATE (9:00 p.m.):  The banner you see at top is now exhibit #3! 

King in Focus

My beautiful wife, Deea, decided it was time for a banner change.  She thought a "chess motif" might be fitting and I concurred.  We started with some pictures of a chess board.  I decided to attempt an action shot with the appearance of pawns "advancing."  Christopher helped with the lighting.  The girls walked by during the "shoot" and started cracking up.  We must have looked pretty silly.  The King is purposely in focus.  As you can see above, my pawns sacrificed noses and eyes to fit into the limited space.  Hard core soldiers!  Ah...noses and eyes are overrated anyway!

Thanks to everyone who has been visiting over the last few weeks!  Have a great weekend and tell Wallace & Gromit I said, "hi!"

Wallace and Gromit Impress Critics

The fellows at Aardman Animations have hit a homerun!  It's "The Curse of the Were-Rabbit....in theatres NOW! 

Gods of Seattle

There are more dogs than children in Seattle.  Pastor Mark Driscoll humorously speculates that if he were a sociologist 2000 years from now he would conclude that 21st century Seattle was ruled by dogs.  Humans were slaves, working 50-60 hours a week allowing their four-footed masters to rule the "dog house" undisturbed until the humans returned to walk them and pick up their poop. 

Mark knows his city.  Missiology, he feels, is vital to the missionary.  The missiologist decodes the culture allowing the missionary to make the most impact.  His role could be likened to Air Force laser painting; his findings marking a target for the missionary to lock in on.  Listen to Driscoll share the facts, statistics and demographics that are Seattle.  Even if you're not from the Pacific NW you'll be encouraged as I was to understand your own culture.

The Cost of Conservative

For the record, last week I praised Seattle for trimming the timidity from their playbook.  Unfortunately, the same lack of aggressiveness that almost cost them a game 2 weeks ago proved deadly in Sunday's 20-17 OT loss to the Washington Redskins.  With less than a minute and the sudden fortune of a Washington turnover the Hawks had the ball and the momentum at the Redskin's 33.  I think Mike Holmgren has lost two important things that make a man male.  John Elway had them.  Michael Jordan had them.  Jesus had them.  Of course, I'm talking about courage and a killer instinct.  I'll let Steve Kelly of the Seattle Times elaborate.  In the meantime let that picture burn real good.  It's Seattle football at it's chronic best:  bent over in a fetal-like postion wondering, "What happened?!!!"

Summer Falls

This is our 14 year old son, Christopher James.  Yesterday the two of us drove to Summer Falls, about 40 miles north of Moses Lake.  It's an old haunt for me; my parents took me when I was a boy.  We hiked and threw Christopher's frisbee enjoying the sunshine and cool air.  I'm extremely proud of this talented young man.  Thanks to Cassia for the use of her nice camera! 

Fuller on Culture

The Newsboys are in high stride.  The bands U2ish longevity combined with Fuller's (right) pastoral heart make this a band worthy of the genre "Christian."  Just got back from CWF in Wenatchee, WA with the Newsboys, Rebecca St. James and Salvador.  Jose Zayas was the host evangelist for the event and did a fantastic job preaching the Gospel.

But the evening belonged to Fuller who gave an excellent teaching (with musical accompaniment, of course!) on engaging culture without compromise.   

Unplug Me

Between Grace and Karma

Part of me wants to throw caution to the wind believing that Bono is God's man and Africa's champion.  The other part wants to write him off.  I can't stand showmen.  Perhaps they are so disdainful to me because I identify with them.  Bono has basked in the spotlight for so many years now.  How has it affected him?

Then I read articles like this that give me such hope in a redeeming Savior; the Gospel in modern day english wielded graciously by the poet of Ireland.  Is Bono, as The Exorcism of Emily Rose's writer/director Scott Derrickson puts it, "the gold standard for Christian engagement of culture?"

(HT:  DS)