New development...

In an interesting turn of events... I have been given the green light to circulate my personal information form and actively seek a call to parish ministry. I am so relieved.

Final assessment... check!

Thursday I went to Ft. Worth to meet with my presbytery committee for my final assessment. I passed but I won't be able to circulate my "Personal Information Form" until I am "certified" on December 13. Now I am going over "Church Information Forms" and waiting.

Last night... I got a little help

In Memory of Austin, Bob, and Bill.

The Day of the Dead (or the Día de los Muertos, in Spanish) is a holiday celebrated mainly in Mexico with variations observed in other Latin American countries and in other parts of the world. The Mexican celebration occurs on November 1 (All Saints' Day) and November 2 (All Souls' Day).

Though the subject matter may be considered morbid from the perspective of many western cultures, celebrants typically approach the Day of the Dead joyfully. Traditionally, the mood is bright and cheerful, with an emphasis on celebrating and honoring the lives of the deceased and celebrating the continuation of life. Death is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new stage in life.

Happy Reformation Day! Happy Halloween!

I will have my final assessment next Thursday in Dallas. Today I told a church that I have had an "informal conversation" with, that I did not feel a call to their congregation. It was a little surreal... after all, I have not been given the go ahead to have "call" discussions. They took the whole thing very well and I feel much better, having gotten that off my chest. I just never felt the connection with them that has been present in other conversations.

So here is something that popped into my head last year on this day... Let's throw a Reformation Party! We have 10 years before we celebrate the 500th anniversary. Let's plan on a reunion (of sorts) to take place October 31, 2017... Wittenburg, Germany. Call it continuing education. Who is with me?

Here are the 95 Theses Martin Luther nailed on the church door at Wittenburg.

1. When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, "Repent" (Matthew 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.

2. This word cannot be understood as referring to the sacrament of penance, that is, confession and satisfaction, as administered by the clergy.

3. Yet it does not mean solely inner repentance; such inner repentance is worthless unless it produces various outward mortification of the flesh.

4. The penalty of sin remains as long as the hatred of self (that is, true inner repentance), namely till our entrance into the kingdom of heaven.

5. The pope neither desires nor is able to remit any penalties except those imposed by his own authority or that of the canons.

6. The pope cannot remit any guilt, except by declaring and showing that it has been remitted by God; or, to be sure, by remitting guilt in cases reserved to his judgment. If his right to grant remission in these cases were disregarded, the guilt would certainly remain unforgiven.

7. God remits guilt to no one unless at the same time he humbles him in all things and makes him submissive to the vicar, the priest.

8. The penitential canons are imposed only on the living, and, according to the canons themselves, nothing should be imposed on the dying.

9. Therefore the Holy Spirit through the pope is kind to us insofar as the pope in his decrees always makes exception of the article of death and of necessity.

10. Those priests act ignorantly and wickedly who, in the case of the dying, reserve canonical penalties for purgatory.

11. Those tares of changing the canonical penalty to the penalty of purgatory were evidently sown while the bishops slept (Matthew 13:25).

12. In former times canonical penalties were imposed, not after, but before absolution, as tests of true contrition.

13. The dying are freed by death from all penalties, are already dead as far as the canon laws are concerned, and have a right to be released from them.

14. Imperfect piety or love on the part of the dying person necessarily brings with it great fear; and the smaller the love, the greater the fear.

15. This fear or horror is sufficient in itself, to say nothing of other things, to constitute the penalty of purgatory, since it is very near to the horror of despair.

16. Hell, purgatory, and heaven seem to differ the same as despair, fear, and assurance of salvation.

17. It seems as though for the souls in purgatory fear should necessarily decrease and love increase.

18. Furthermore, it does not seem proved, either by reason or by Scripture, that souls in purgatory are outside the state of merit, that is, unable to grow in love.

19. Nor does it seem proved that souls in purgatory, at least not all of them, are certain and assured of their own salvation, even if we ourselves may be entirely certain of it.

20. Therefore the pope, when he uses the words "plenary remission of all penalties," does not actually mean "all penalties," but only those imposed by himself.

21. Thus those indulgence preachers are in error who say that a man is absolved from every penalty and saved by papal indulgences.

22. As a matter of fact, the pope remits to souls in purgatory no penalty which, according to canon law, they should have paid in this life.

23. If remission of all penalties whatsoever could be granted to anyone at all, certainly it would be granted only to the most perfect, that is, to very few.

24. For this reason most people are necessarily deceived by that indiscriminate and high-sounding promise of release from penalty.

25. That power which the pope has in general over purgatory corresponds to the power which any bishop or curate has in a particular way in his own diocese and parish.

26. The pope does very well when he grants remission to souls in purgatory, not by the power of the keys, which he does not have, but by way of intercession for them.

27. They preach only human doctrines who say that as soon as the money clinks into the money chest, the soul flies out of purgatory.

28. It is certain that when money clinks in the money chest, greed and avarice can be increased; but when the church intercedes, the result is in the hands of God alone.

29. Who knows whether all souls in purgatory wish to be redeemed, since we have exceptions in St. Severinus and St. Paschal, as related in a legend.

30. No one is sure of the integrity of his own contrition, much less of having received plenary remission.

31. The man who actually buys indulgences is as rare as he who is really penitent; indeed, he is exceedingly rare.

32. Those who believe that they can be certain of their salvation because they have indulgence letters will be eternally damned, together with their teachers.

33. Men must especially be on guard against those who say that the pope's pardons are that inestimable gift of God by which man is reconciled to him.

34. For the graces of indulgences are concerned only with the penalties of sacramental satisfaction established by man.

35. They who teach that contrition is not necessary on the part of those who intend to buy souls out of purgatory or to buy confessional privileges preach unchristian doctrine.

36. Any truly repentant Christian has a right to full remission of penalty and guilt, even without indulgence letters.

37. Any true Christian, whether living or dead, participates in all the blessings of Christ and the church; and this is granted him by God, even without indulgence letters.

38. Nevertheless, papal remission and blessing are by no means to be disregarded, for they are, as I have said (Thesis 6), the proclamation of the divine remission.

39. It is very difficult, even for the most learned theologians, at one and the same time to commend to the people the bounty of indulgences and the need of true contrition.

40. A Christian who is truly contrite seeks and loves to pay penalties for his sins; the bounty of indulgences, however, relaxes penalties and causes men to hate them -- at least it furnishes occasion for hating them.

41. Papal indulgences must be preached with caution, lest people erroneously think that they are preferable to other good works of love.

42. Christians are to be taught that the pope does not intend that the buying of indulgences should in any way be compared with works of mercy.

43. Christians are to be taught that he who gives to the poor or lends to the needy does a better deed than he who buys indulgences.

44. Because love grows by works of love, man thereby becomes better. Man does not, however, become better by means of indulgences but is merely freed from penalties.

45. Christians are to be taught that he who sees a needy man and passes him by, yet gives his money for indulgences, does not buy papal indulgences but God's wrath.

46. Christians are to be taught that, unless they have more than they need, they must reserve enough for their family needs and by no means squander it on indulgences.

47. Christians are to be taught that they buying of indulgences is a matter of free choice, not commanded.

48. Christians are to be taught that the pope, in granting indulgences, needs and thus desires their devout prayer more than their money.

49. Christians are to be taught that papal indulgences are useful only if they do not put their trust in them, but very harmful if they lose their fear of God because of them.

50. Christians are to be taught that if the pope knew the exactions of the indulgence preachers, he would rather that the basilica of St. Peter were burned to ashes than built up with the skin, flesh, and bones of his sheep.

51. Christians are to be taught that the pope would and should wish to give of his own money, even though he had to sell the basilica of St. Peter, to many of those from whom certain hawkers of indulgences cajole money.

52. It is vain to trust in salvation by indulgence letters, even though the indulgence commissary, or even the pope, were to offer his soul as security.

53. They are the enemies of Christ and the pope who forbid altogether the preaching of the Word of God in some churches in order that indulgences may be preached in others.

54. Injury is done to the Word of God when, in the same sermon, an equal or larger amount of time is devoted to indulgences than to the Word.

55. It is certainly the pope's sentiment that if indulgences, which are a very insignificant thing, are celebrated with one bell, one procession, and one ceremony, then the gospel, which is the very greatest thing, should be preached with a hundred bells, a hundred processions, a hundred ceremonies.

56. The true treasures of the church, out of which the pope distributes indulgences, are not sufficiently discussed or known among the people of Christ.

57. That indulgences are not temporal treasures is certainly clear, for many indulgence sellers do not distribute them freely but only gather them.

58. Nor are they the merits of Christ and the saints, for, even without the pope, the latter always work grace for the inner man, and the cross, death, and hell for the outer man.

59. St. Lawrence said that the poor of the church were the treasures of the church, but he spoke according to the usage of the word in his own time.

60. Without want of consideration we say that the keys of the church, given by the merits of Christ, are that treasure.

61. For it is clear that the pope's power is of itself sufficient for the remission of penalties and cases reserved by himself.

62. The true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God.

63. But this treasure is naturally most odious, for it makes the first to be last (Matthew 20:16).

64. On the other hand, the treasure of indulgences is naturally most acceptable, for it makes the last to be first.

65. Therefore the treasures of the gospel are nets with which one formerly fished for men of wealth.

66. The treasures of indulgences are nets with which one now fishes for the wealth of men.

67. The indulgences which the demagogues acclaim as the greatest graces are actually understood to be such only insofar as they promote gain.

68. They are nevertheless in truth the most insignificant graces when compared with the grace of God and the piety of the cross.

69. Bishops and curates are bound to admit the commissaries of papal indulgences with all reverence.

70. But they are much more bound to strain their eyes and ears lest these men preach their own dreams instead of what the pope has commissioned.

71. Let him who speaks against the truth concerning papal indulgences be anathema and accursed.

72. But let him who guards against the lust and license of the indulgence preachers be blessed.

73. Just as the pope justly thunders against those who by any means whatever contrive harm to the sale of indulgences.

74. Much more does he intend to thunder against those who use indulgences as a pretext to contrive harm to holy love and truth.

75. To consider papal indulgences so great that they could absolve a man even if he had done the impossible and had violated the mother of God is madness.

76. We say on the contrary that papal indulgences cannot remove the very least of venial sins as far as guilt is concerned.

77. To say that even St. Peter if he were now pope, could not grant greater graces is blasphemy against St. Peter and the pope.

78. We say on the contrary that even the present pope, or any pope whatsoever, has greater graces at his disposal, that is, the gospel,spiritual powers, gifts of healing, etc., as it is written, 1 Corinthians 12:28).

79. To say that the cross emblazoned with the papal coat of arms, and set up by the indulgence preachers is equal in worth to the cross of Christ is blasphemy.

80. The bishops, curates, and theologians who permit such talk to be spread among the people will have to answer for this.

81. This unbridled preaching of indulgences makes it difficult even for learned men to rescue the reverence which is due the pope from slander or from the shrewd questions of the laity.

82. Such as: "Why does not the pope empty purgatory for the sake of holy love and the dire need of the souls that are there if he redeems an infinite number of souls for the sake of miserable money with which to build a church? The former reason would be most just; the latter is most trivial.

83. Again, "Why are funeral and anniversary masses for the dead continued and why does he not return or permit the withdrawal of the endowments founded for them, since it is wrong to pray for the redeemed?"

84. Again, "What is this new piety of God and the pope that for a consideration of money they permit a man who is impious and their enemy to buy out of purgatory the pious soul of a friend of God and do not rather, because of the need of that pious and beloved soul, free it for pure love's sake?"

85. Again, "Why are the penitential canons, long since abrogated and dead in actual fact and through disuse, now satisfied by the granting of indulgences as though they were still alive and in force?"

86. Again, "Why does not the pope, whose wealth is today greater than the wealth of the richest Crassus, build this one basilica of St. Peter with his own money rather than with the money of poor believers?"

87. Again, "What does the pope remit or grant to those who by perfect contrition already have a right to full remission and blessings?"

88. Again, "What greater blessing could come to the church than if the pope were to bestow these remissions and blessings on every believer a hundred times a day, as he now does but once?"

89. "Since the pope seeks the salvation of souls rather than money by his indulgences, why does he suspend the indulgences and pardons previously granted when they have equal efficacy?"

90. To repress these very sharp arguments of the laity by force alone, and not to resolve them by giving reasons, is to expose the church and the pope to the ridicule of their enemies and to make Christians unhappy.

91. If, therefore, indulgences were preached according to the spirit and intention of the pope, all these doubts would be readily resolved. Indeed, they would not exist.

92. Away, then, with all those prophets who say to the people of Christ, "Peace, peace," and there is no peace! (Jeremiah 6:14)

93. Blessed be all those prophets who say to the people of Christ, "Cross, cross," and there is no cross!

94. Christians should be exhorted to be diligent in following Christ, their Head, through penalties, death and hell.

95. And thus be confident of entering into heaven through many tribulations rather than through the false security of peace (Acts 14:22).

I passed my PC(USA) Ordination Exam

I passed! I don't know my scores... and I don't really care. I passed the (final) exam and now I can get back to work on figuring out this whole call process, where we will go, and what I will be called to do. Even in my joy and relief, I mourn the fact that many of my friends did not pass one or more of these exams. Some are contemplating the possibility of switching denominations, some are just preparing for the next go-round. My thoughts and prayers are with them all.

Lessons from an Interim Youth Director

1. Taking Sabbath time is probably the hardest part of the job.
2. You will quickly become attached.
3. You will know things... things that can only be spoken over PB&J.
4. Politics is just as operative in Jr. High as in international negotiations.
5. Youth need pastors just as much as grown ups do.
6. Everyone needs a buddy.
7. Email really can eat up a work day.
8. Recruiting help is dependent on calendars that you do not have access to.
9. There will be "history" that you will not be aware of.
10. Birthdays are big deals.
11. Today's youth are busy, busy, busy... but also starving for real relationships.
12. Pictures are important.
13. Maybe 20% of youth actually read their emails.
14. Everything is a matter of hurry up and wait.
15. Planning requires presence.
16. It is wonderful to see youth participate in all aspects of worship.
17. Budgets are only as good as your latest printout.
18. Never sit down.
19. Karaoke machines have too many instructions.
20. Guest speakers need a firm time limit... an exact stopping time.
21. Eating is often the main activity, no matter the program.
22. If there is not enough activity, clumping will occur.
23. The Holy Spirit really is involved... thank God!
24. Someone will always need to show up late or leave early.
25. It is always easy to get a volunteer when you ask face to face.
26. Making a list helps.
27. The mailing list is your friend.
28. You will never figure out where all the supplies are hidden.
29. The parents will have your cell phone number programed into their phones.
30. Your phone will therefore be viewed as community property.
--maybe more tomorrow

Sold...

We're expecting!

Baby number two is due Mid-April. Leigh has been having a rough first trimester. Celia can say "baby" and point to mommy's tummy. More later...

Doctor, doctor... give me some news, I've got a bad case of ...

Cervical Whiplash!

On Tuesday I, while I was out running some errands, a man rear-ended my car. I had been stopped at a light for about a minute when... BAM! I got out of the car and spoke with the driver. He had a lap full of cell phone and Ipod... and said he had been looking down at his phone. He followed me into a parking lot and I took down his information. About an hour later, I started feeling sore in my shoulder area. Two days later, I feel like someone hit me in the back with a baseball bat. I went to the doctor today. He said that I will be sore for a week or so and then I can see a chiropractor and massage therapist. Hopefully, I will not have any long-lasting symptoms. The moral of this story is... whiplash is real and it is not at all pleasant.

Does the body of Christ have a soul?

I spent the weekend at John Knox ranch, at the Main Event for Youth. We talked about community and being the body of Christ. Reflecting on that theme, I think we are all suffering from a poor self image or (at least) placing too much emphasis on what our body "looks like". So, what is the soul? The goal? The thing that illuminates us? This spark of life that comes from somewhere else?

You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body. -C.S. Lewis

Grieving

Dreams will not let me sleep tonight...
It has been eight years since my brother died.
The death of my father-in-law has brought some of that more distant loss to the surface... to mix with new loss.
I miss my brother's voice. I miss his warmth. I miss his hugs. I don't ever want those dreams I have, where I see him, to end.
I don't know what to do with his comic book collection. (Funny... but this has been an unresolved issue for way too long.)
Anyway, here is tonight's dream...

It's time to move. This isn't a change of domiciles in the manner that I am accustomed to. This is an abrupt, life preserving and strategic move... over the golden bridge.

Running full speed. Carrying nothing. There is danger on my heels. I know this place--know its contours and rhythm. It is much greener now than I remembered. My family will come later... after the area is secured and there may be a safe passage. Out of breath I turn the final corner and there is my brother. Bow in hand, he aims back toward the path I have just run. (I think: Don't shoot, my girls are back there! Then I realize that they are out of range anyway.) Practice points. Always practice points... signs of immaturity (I think) and then he lets the arrow fly.

The snake doesn't move. It was already dead and this shot is the fifth arrow to pierce that thin line in the grass. My brother has become a marksman, better than any I have ever seen. Practice points... but I can see he has put them to good use as I look back down the path.

I enter the house. It is in bad shape, neglected for too long. The floor has gaps that let in the cold. I bend down to survey the scene. Rats. I hate rats... and in an energized fury... the rat killing begins. I pick up a board and those maggot infested vermin and their filthy friends fly at the bite of my swing. The coast is clear (my yard is in order) and I begin preparing the new homestead. Where is my bro... Awake.

The Death of Drink

When did the word fall

From drink to dip

From sup this cup

To barbaric rip?

No more to share

The bounty there

at table o’ the King

instead to rip and dip

slip, trip, quip.

New Computer

So, my motherboard died. :(

I called Dell and they walked me through the process of removing cd drive, memory, hard drive, modem, wireless card, etc. The tech said... "sorry, the only thing left is the motherboard". To replace the motherboard for my inspiron 9100 would cost $150 for parts and about 500 in labor... add taxes, diagnostics, etc. and you can see how it quickly becomes a lost cause.

On Friday, I bought a new laptop (not a Dell) for about half the price I paid for the Dell. So far I am loving it. I am turning my old hard-drive into a 60 gig USB Drive.

Let the good times scroll

FYI

First aid for teeth that have been knocked out...

Find the tooth.
Put it in a glass of milk... really... a glass of milk!
If no milk is available, have the "owner" of the tooth spit in a cup and put the tooth in the spit.
Get the individual to the dentist/ER within an hour.

Teeth can be re-attached, but sometimes (like with my friend here) they will fall out again.

Chugga chugga choo chooooo!

I think I can, I think I can...

In my first two weeks as a youth and children's director I have...
sent out 60 emails
received 180 emails
attended 4 committee meetings
received first aid and CPR training
organized and attended two picnics
supervised the making and selling of 200 breakfast tacos
consumed 3 large, cold breakfast tacos
been given the "name test" (where a youth gives you a serious look and asks "Do you know my name?")
passed the "name test"
battled the printer, learned how to use a new printer
recruited Sunday School teachers
recruited Youth Advisors (aka Seminary Students)
prayed for youth undergoing surgery
coordinated a presbytery wide youth event with other Youth Directors
hung pictures, bulletin boards, etc.
moved furniture
mourned the loss of my laptop (motherboard failure)
signed up youth for a retreat, mailed in regestration
read Sunday School curriculums
organized a "first communion" class
scheduled childcare workers
learned some new games
been given a nickname by the youth (Big D)

I like what I am doing but look forward to more personal contact and less administrative work. Have I mentioned that I am supposed to be working part-time? Ha ha ha...

Gearing up...

This week I began my position at University Presbyterian Church as the Interim Director of Youth and Children's ministries. I am having a good time. I like the work.

Tuesday we watched this video entitled "Everyday Creativity". I recommend it.

Key Learning Points:

• Creativity is a matter of perspective.
• There's always more than one right answer.
• Don't be afraid to make mistakes.
• Learn to break the pattern.
• Reframe problems into opportunities.
• Train your technique.

In fond memory of Bob

My father-in-law passed away this morning. I really liked Bob and I am going to miss him. Life is short. Enjoy it.

Thank you God...
for time to play
for time to work
for time to read, learn, and inwardly digest
thank you for smiles
for dreams
for family
for friends
thank you for life
for love
and for laughter.

Invitation to Christ

I just ordered 100 free copies of this guide on the PCUSA website. The study has been available for some time but it has been flying under the radar. If you know Stan, you will see his work on every page. If you want a preview in PDF, click here.

I simpsonized myself

Want to try it? Click here.

What I have been doing for the past 2 months...

Packing
Moving
Painting
Unpacking
More Painting
Moving Friends
Swimming
Reading
Moving more stuff from storage
Cleaning
Reading
Shopping for a new (used) car
Going to the movies
Grilling in the backyard
Painting
Painting
Moving Friends
Saying Goodbye
Swimming
Reading
Playing with the Pink Princess
Eating ice cream
Playing in the rain
Temp Work
Temp Work
Cleaning
Eating
Sleeping
Starting to look at CIFs again
Planning for the fall (I will be interim director of youth and children's ministies at UPC)
Doing laundry
Doing Dishes
Etc.
Etc.
Etc.

May 20, 2007 Austin Seminary Graduation

I have my "Master of Divinity" degree. Here is the footage...

No longer living on campus

We moved. I'm tired. Finally have space to breathe. :)

Snow at the farm, day before Easter

We are staying here

At least now we know. Our plan is to stay here for (at least) the next six months. I have to start finding a new place to live.

Done!

I am finished! Done with all of my work. I am going to proofread tomorrow... but for all intents and purposes, I am done with all of my schoolwork.

Did I just hear what I think I heard?

What follows describes what is going on at the seminary this week... to tell the truth, I was one of those who was disturbed by what was said. There are certain words that (i believe) should not be uttered in worship... quoting someone else, or not. A congregation's pastor may take certain liberties--but that is only after establishing certain bonds. Those bonds are important... and they were not established between the speaker and those gathered on Tuesday. I am glad that we will be discussing these things on Wednesday. I am proud of the way this is now being handled. Any thoughts?

Sent: Friday, April 27, 2007 5:23:07 PM
To: #Admin_Faculty_Staff; #Student Email Users
Subject: A message from President Ted Wardlaw
Importance: High
Auto forwarded by a Rule



Dear Friends:



I am writing, here at the end of this week, to address a concern that is troubling many in the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary community. On Tuesday of this week, after a sermon preached by Monya Stubbs , Janet Maykus, the celebrant, extemporaneously shared a personal experience of grace and redemption as a reflection on Monya’s image of “going to Galilee” and as a part of her Invitation to the Lord’s Table. This story was confusing to some and disturbing to others, and employed a quotation from her father that included a derogatory word. Serious conversations have taken place across this seminary community since Tuesday, as people have discussed this event in small conversation groups; but now I believe it is time for us to have a community-wide forum about the collection of concerns sparked by these conversations. I am inviting all of you—students, staff and faculty—to come to Stotts Hall next Wednesday afternoon, May 2, at 3:30 p.m. Please come on Wednesday at 3:30 prepared to speak—and to hear—the truth in love.



Faithfully yours,



Ted

Hooray...

I have one paper left to finish. Really...only 4 pages left to write... then all of my work on my Master of Divinity degree will be finished. I am almost done with 4 years of theological education. Can I get an "amen"?

I'd buy that for a dollar!

Last week the seminary library had a book sale. I picked up the Hexapla for $1. It weighs about 10 lbs. I love the book sales... I am going to miss them.

The English "Hexapla" (from the root word "hex" meaning "six", such as a six-sided "hexagon") was printed in 1841 by Samuel Bagster and Sons of London, England. This wonderful resource of textual comparison is something no Christian's library should be without. The English Hexapla Parallel New Testament has been called "a Bible collection in one volume."

It contains the six most important English language translations of the New Testament, all arranged in parallel columns for easy textual comparison of any passage. Each left-hand page shows: The Wycliffe version of 1380 (the first English scripture), The Tyndale version of 1534-1536 (the first English printed scripture), and Cranmer's Great Bible of 1539 (the first Authorized English Bible). Continuing across each right-hand page is: The Geneva “1557” - translation actually completed in 1560, (the Bible of the Protestant Reformation), The Rheims 1582 (the first Roman Catholic English version), and the 1611 King James First Edition... all side-by-side, and also laid out so the passages roughly match-up top-to-bottom as well.

Rule #1: Don't sweat the small stuff

For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

In for an inch, in for a mile.

As I was standing in the street,
As quiet as could be,
A great big ugly man came up,
And tied his horse to me.

Is that a Book of Order in her hands?

Mother, may I go and swim?
Yes, my darling daughter.
Hang your clothes on yonder limb,
But don't go near the water.

The ultimate restraint

Do not move unless it is advantageous.
Do not execute unless it is effective.
Do not challenge unless it is critical.

An intense view is not a reason to launch an opposition.
An angry leader is not a reason to initiate a challenge.

If engagement brings advantage, move.
If not, stop.

Intensity can cycle back to fondness.
Anger can cycle back to satisfaction.
But an extinct organization cannot cycle back to survival.
And those who are destroyed cannot cycle back to life.

Thus a Brilliant Ruler is prudent;
A Good Leader is on guard.

Such is the way of a Stable Organization and a Complete Force.

-The Art of Strategy

Litany to the Holy Spirit

In the hour of my distress,
When temptations me oppress,
And when I my sins confess,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When I lie within my bed,
Sick in heart and sick in head,
And with doubts discomforted,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When the house doth sigh and weep,
And the world is drown'd in sleep,
Yet mine eyes the watch do keep,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When the passing bell doth toll,
And the Furies in a shoal
Come to fright a parting soul,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When the tapers now burn blue,
And the comforters are few,
And that number more than true,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When the priest his last hath pray'd,
And I nod to what is said,
'Cause my speech is now decay'd,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When, God knows, I'm tossed about
Either with despair or doubt;
Yet before the glass be out,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When the tempter me pursu'th
With the sins of all my youth,
And half damns me with untruth,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When the flames and hellish cries
Fright mine ears and fright mine eyes,
And all terrors me surprise,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When the Judgment is reveal'd,
And that open'd which was seal'd,
When to Thee I have appeal'd,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

-Robert Herrick

The Shepherd Boy sings in the Valley of Humiliation

He that is down needs fear no fall,
He that is low, no pride;
He that is humble ever shall
Have God to be his guide.

I am content with what I have,
Little be it or much:
And, Lord, contentment still I crave,
Because Thou savest such.

Fullness to such a burden is
That go on pilgrimage:
Here little, and hereafter bliss,
Is best from age to age.

-John Bunyan

Where My Books Go

All the words that I utter,
And all the words that I write,
Must spread out their wings untiring,
And never rest in their flight,
Till they come where your sad, sad heart is,
And sing to you in the night,
Beyond where the waters are moving,
Storm-darken'd or starry night.

-W. B. Yeats

Ouch!

That hurt.

On your mark... ... ...

If all things go well on Monday, it will set into motion a series of events that will enable me to start "officially" looking for a call around the middle of April. Here are the locations of the churches that are currently at the top of our list.

I just needed to get a good visual of where these places are. (If you click on the adjacent image, you will get a clearer picture.)

We have never lived outside of Texas. This may be quite an adventure!

Thanks, Google Earth!

PC(USA) Ordination Exam results will be released on Monday

There is no prayer in the Book of Common Worship that addresses seminary students waiting for Ordination exam results...
but there should be...

Almighty and merciful God,
I confess that I am anxious about Monday's results.
The knot in my stomach continues to grow.
I am afraid of the chaos that "not passing" this final test would create for my family
and I am uncertain how I could have possibly prepared any more than I did.
But I know that you are with me, and that my identity is not tied up in exams.
I know that it is not about me.
Thank you for teaching me humility, patience and perseverance over the past several months.
Thank you for waiting with me, comforting me, and sustaining me.
As the time comes near to recieve the exam results,
I thank you that, in our day, you are still claiming men and women
for special work within your church.
For all of those who wait... give us hope, courage, and renewed faith.
It is in the name of Jesus Christ we ask. Amen.

PC(USA) Candidates Seeking Placement

Please notice the new listing: "Other candidates seeking a call", in the adjacent column. If anyone knows of other institutional listings of this sort, please let me know. Here are the links I have found so far:

• at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
• at Columbia Theological Seminary
• at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
• at McCormick Theological Seminary
• at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
• at Princeton Theological Seminary
• at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary

And here are the ones I am missing:

Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary

San Francisco Theological Seminary

Union Theological Seminary

Spring Break

I'm still wearing the collar... until March 20th. I will feel liberated when I can "be in the presence of another human being" (our assignment/experiment in the entry into ministry class) without sporting this unique fashion plate. Here is some info on the clerical collar:

A clerical collar is a piece of clerical clothing that that buttons onto a clergy shirt, being fastened by two metal studs, one attached at the front and one at the back to hold the collar to the shirt. The collar closes at the back of the neck, presenting a seamless front. It is almost always white.

The clerical collar is a fairly modern invention (the detachable collar itself is supposed to have been invented in 1827). The practice of Anglican clergy wearing a detachable clerical collar was invented by a Rev Dr Donald McLeod and became more popular through the Oxford Movement.

In the Roman Catholic Church, the clerical collar is worn by all ranks of clergy, thus, bishops, priests, and deacons--normally transitional but occasionally permanent; often by seminarians who have been admitted to candidacy for the priesthood, as is the case in the Diocese of Rome; and by college and graduate level seminarians with their cassock during liturgical celebrations.
Collars are typically worn by clergy members of other Christian Churches such as Anglican and Lutheran Churches. Also many Methodist, Presbyterian, Apostolic, Oneness Pentecostals, Non-denominational, and other Christian ministers wear collars. In some churches or locales this practice is discouraged because collars are assumed to be associated with Roman Catholicism.

In the United Kingdom, clerical collars are sometimes informally called dog collars. The term "Roman collar" refers to a style and does not mean that the wearer is Roman Catholic.

I call "radical middle"

As I have been looking over many "Church Information Forms" (CIFs) recently, it has become exceedingly clear that we, human creatures, do like to choose sides. Some of us will end up choosing "the left", some "the right"...and as far as I can tell, such decisions DO make life easier...like using a template to aid in some work. (Easier doesn't necessarily mean better.)

Now, If I say that I am slightly left, or slightly right--then I become easily categorized, labeled, filed away, and pigeon-holed. But, through baptism (in death and rebirth), I claim option three... drawing on the best of "both" sides.

At the center of our true identity, we find the sacraments...which continually call us to Christ. It is in this invitation to Christ that we crash into God's good news.

Below you will find links to the web pages of several "movements" within the church. I invite you to be familiar with these templates...but know that these feel, to me, to be mirages in the desert.

Senior sermon finished, now the "senioritis" kicks in

I preached my "Senior sermon" on Monday. It went well, but looking at the video makes me realize that I still have a long way to go. This process, sermon writing, reminds me of the time in my life when I relied on a bicycle as my main means of transportation (during college) and was hired to teach swim lessons at an athletic club that was 6 miles away from my apartment. The first time I made that ride...I thought I was going to die. The next week I thought I was going to puke up a lung. Over the next few weeks, I thought I would never be able to walk normal again, my legs were so sore.

But after I had made that 12 mile round trip a few hundred times--the distance no longer took its toll on me. I could ride all day without being sore. I found that the conditioning allowed me to be able to ride 100 miles of rough trail in a day, and I often did. I hope that sermon preparation and delivery is something like that. I think I have hit the "my legs are so sore" stage, but I am also very excited about the next 100 miles. To watch Monday's chapel sermon, click here.

Happy Valentine's Day

Senior Sermon

In two weeks I will be preaching my "senior sermon" in chapel. I have chosen the Luke text which accounts the "temptation" in the desert.


Here are my initial thoughts...

Luke 4:1-13 illustrates three patterns of temptation which constantly threaten to corrupt the Christian life: self-dependence (a failure to trust in God’s provision), misplaced loyalty (the idolatry of putting sacred trust in false gods), and short-sighted faith (remaining true to the letter of God’s word while failing to embrace the spirit in which it is revealed, written, and proclaimed). In this pericope (Selected text), Jesus thwarts the devil’s endeavors to corrupt his faith, obedience, and authority by recalling scripture rooted in Israel’s wilderness journey. Consequently, he reveals what healthy faith is capable of and how we may appropriately respond to God’s grace.


Sermon Outline:

I. Introduction
What do we know about temptation? We often refer to temptation when we speak of that decadent dessert after dinner, the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, or some other guilty pleasure. In doing so, we try to put a great deal of distance between ourselves and those things that tempt us. If we have learned anything from Adam and Eve, it is that temptations open the door to sin. Temptations are not the same thing as sins—just the possibility—just the crack in the door. (Include an example here.)
II. Temptations
A. Making the connection between the text and real life.
Here in Luke we read of Jesus being tempted in the desert. The temptations are real, they are attractive, and they carry seemingly desirable outcomes. What makes them so relevant to us today is that they are common temptations to every man, woman, and child that walks the earth.
I know you are probably thinking “Not me; I haven’t been in the desert. I haven’t run into the devil.” That is what is so deceptive about these temptations—in looking at how Jesus experienced them, we often fail to see their universality.
B. Examining the deeper meanings. (3 parts)
The first one isn’t about turning rocks into bread. Let that sink in. This first temptation is not about using special power over nature in order to have something to eat for lunch. The temptation here is in being too self-dependant. The temptation is about relying so much on human ability, reason, talent—whatever, that we forget our dependence on God. Why were Adam and Eve exiled to the wilderness, except to re-consider their fallen nature and their dependence on God. Why did Moses lead God’s people in the desert for 40 years, except to ensure that there were generations who understood their ultimate dependence in God’s grace and provision. So, when Jesus quotes Deuteronomy, saying “One does not live by bread alone”, he is acknowledging that lesson that took 40 years of wandering the desert, eating the manna that God provided.
Likewise, the second temptation is not just about bowing down before the devil. This temptation also strikes much closer to home than it appears at first glance. It is about worshiping false gods, idolatry, and misplacing priorities. The temptation is so real to Jesus because it consists of all those things a messiah is supposed to have (power, prestige, the nations of the world handed over on a silver platter—only, the ends do not justify the means. Jesus again quotes Deuteronomy—“You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.” Idolatry comes in all shapes and sizes. We teach it to our children, we share it as a culture, we have replaced “house idols” of the past with other possessions—possessions we must be careful not to become enslaved to: a house in the “right” neighborhood, the “right” car, membership to the “right” club, whatever. American Idolatry runs rampant; we too often bow down to whatever neon god is the newest. In refusing the devil’s offer, Jesus gives us hope—and reminds us that we are not to replace our dependence on God with dependence in someone else. As Christians, it is God who defines us—not the things of the world.
Finally, a closer look into the third temptation helps us to understand, in greater detail, the appropriate response to God’s word to us. In this temptation, the devil tries to entice Jesus to test out his status as God’s son. The devil even uses scripture to make his argument. Jesus responds by saying, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Again, this is a quote from Deuteronomy. Jesus recalls that dependence on God is not something that is conditional, it is not a relationship based on bargains, and it does not rely on proofs or signs. Such a temptation addresses the human tendency to have short-sighted faith. When we can not see where God is leading us, we begin to question God’s guidance. At times, we become self destructive because we do not know how the situation will play out. For some, this turns into myopic inspection of God’s word—like scribes that miss the “spirit if the law” in their study of the “letter of the law.” Again, Jesus guides us through this difficult passage by reminding us that God makes the first move and reaches out to save us where we are. To test that grace by trial denies the faith founded in following God’s lead.
III. Jesus Christ as the unfailing example.
A. Strength in vulnerability.
Throughout all of these temptations, we have an example to follow in Jesus. In the end, it is the same solution for all three scenarios—it is our relationship with God (our total dependence in God’s grace) that strengthens us to be the people God intends us to be. Acknowledging our total and utter dependence on God strengthens us to remain true to God’s laws, commandments, and wishes. Here, what the world would call a failure is transformed into a strength. Power is made perfect in weakness.
B. Call to discipleship.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to remember those Old Testament lessons as well as the new covenant in his name. While none of us have been tempted by the devil in the desert, it is pretty safe to say that all of us have fallen short, at some time, in our attempt to give God our highest priority. Even in our failure, we have been lifted up with Christ—to revel in that relationship with God that is unblemished by such sins. That is the good news for us today. Jesus Christ, aware of the sorted history of God’s people, stood up to the worldly lures that were unfounded in God’s providence—and set the record straight. The repercussion of such an event shakes the “rule of the devil” as far back as the Garden of Eden—as it shakes our world today.
C. Our response to God’s grace.
What is our response to be? We are to follow in his footsteps—as best we can. We are to acknowledge that we can do nothing apart from the will of God. We are to ask ourselves (personally and as a community) where our priorities lie; in love of God and neighbor or in modern idols? And, we are to put our hope, dependence, direction, and faith in God’s hands—unconditionally. By following Jesus in these ways, we too make our way through the desert, guided by the Holy Spirit. We retrace the steps of God’s people, knowing that when we fall, God is always there to catch us in those trials and tribulations that are real and relevant to our everyday lives.
IV. Conclusion
The Christian life is not without challenge; it is most fully realized by living in response to God.

I have posted my résumé

Go ahead, take a look, you know you want to. It is the résumé you have been looking for.

In other news, I have been driving my wife crazy by paging through clergy robe catalogues and contemplating the clerical garb that I will wear for a whole month (starting February 20th). No wonder old Ben Kenobi ended up as a hermit.

In a class of its own...

The class list (showing graduating Presbyterian students) is up and running. Hooray! Take a look by clicking here.

I've been very busy...

First there were final papers to finish
then there was the cross country Christmas caravan
only to return home, to pack and travel to Sun City, AZ
Two weeks away from my girls :(
Home, Study, retake the Theology Ordination Exam
(I feel good about this one, results back March 26)
drove to Dallas, Preached,
back to Austin, finished paper for Sun City class
Mid winter lectures
Austin Seminary Alumni Assoc. luncheon (too long!)

Whew! Now it time to turn attention to the job search. If you are asking, "What does such a search look like?", then you will get a small taste by clicking here. Keep in mind that there are currently 71 open Associate Pastor positions for candidates looking for a "first call" ...these are the ones that are "in line" with what I am looking for. (71= first call and 0-2 years of experience)