I get asked by colleagues in ministry all the time about why I am connected to Twitter and Facebook and other forms of social media. A friend recently sent this video to me and I thought that I would share it with you. It is called Social Media Revolution:
You may not be an innovator (I'm not---I am usually an early adopter); you may actually be a late adopter...but my thought is this: Don't ignore this revolution!
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Friday, September 18, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Playtime with Bailey
Bailey and I had an opportunity to play just a little before mommy, aunt stephanie, and grandma Joyce got back from shopping and this is the little creation that we came up with for Mrs. Potato Head:
Its good to be 2!
Its good to be 2!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Bailey at Logan's Roadhouse
There is nothing more entertaining than to watch my two year old daughter eat. Yesterday, we took a little trip to Beaumont to go to Sam's and decided that we would eat while we were in town. We stopped at Logan's Roadhouse Diner and had a great meal. Bailey hoovered a couple of rolls, ate the bread off of her burger, a couple of fries, and more.
Her favorite part of the trip, I think, was getting to crack open and eat the peanuts. She would take a piece of the shell off and throw it right on the floor (I think we finally found the right dining establishment for her, since everything usually ends up on the floor anyway!). Here are some shots from the camera phone of her peanut adventures (sorry about the blurriness...she was quite fidgety!):
Ah the joys of being two!
Her favorite part of the trip, I think, was getting to crack open and eat the peanuts. She would take a piece of the shell off and throw it right on the floor (I think we finally found the right dining establishment for her, since everything usually ends up on the floor anyway!). Here are some shots from the camera phone of her peanut adventures (sorry about the blurriness...she was quite fidgety!):
Ah the joys of being two!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Sliding Solo
The Saturday before Easter this year, we went to First UMC in Canton, Texas to participate in their Easter festivities for children. There were eggs to hunt, stories to hear, crafts to make, food to eat, and of course slides to slide down (which Bailey insisted that she do herself!).
This little snippet just makes me smile!
This little snippet just makes me smile!
Friday, July 24, 2009
What I am doing now
In the United Methodist Church, the pastors are itinerant - that is, they serve under appointment of a bishop and are moved from place to place over the course of their pastoral careers.
On June 9th, Erica, Bailey, and I experienced our second move. Our first move took us from Houston to Edom (in East Texas). This latest move took us from Edom to Port Arthur (Southeast Texas).
So what is it exactly that I am doing now? It is a little complicated, but let me try and explain.
This is Aldersgate Trinity United Methodist Church:
3/4 of my appointment is to serve as the pastor of this church. This includes preaching, teaching, ordering the life of the church, visitation, administering the sacraments, etc...you know, normal preacher stuff.
This is the United Methodist Temple:
1/4 of my appointment is to serve as the associate pastor of this church. My main purpose here is to launch a new worship service and outreach ministry called Encounters (you can check Encounters out at their blog here and on Facebook here) and to assist the senior pastor in any way that I can.
So I am still serving a two point charge, I am just 240 miles south of where I was. I invite you to check out the related links on the right for more information about Aldersgate Trinity United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Temple, or Encounters.
We are really grateful for the welcome we have received since our arrival and are looking forward to what God has in store for us in this new appointment!
On June 9th, Erica, Bailey, and I experienced our second move. Our first move took us from Houston to Edom (in East Texas). This latest move took us from Edom to Port Arthur (Southeast Texas).
So what is it exactly that I am doing now? It is a little complicated, but let me try and explain.
This is Aldersgate Trinity United Methodist Church:
3/4 of my appointment is to serve as the pastor of this church. This includes preaching, teaching, ordering the life of the church, visitation, administering the sacraments, etc...you know, normal preacher stuff.
This is the United Methodist Temple:
1/4 of my appointment is to serve as the associate pastor of this church. My main purpose here is to launch a new worship service and outreach ministry called Encounters (you can check Encounters out at their blog here and on Facebook here) and to assist the senior pastor in any way that I can.
So I am still serving a two point charge, I am just 240 miles south of where I was. I invite you to check out the related links on the right for more information about Aldersgate Trinity United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Temple, or Encounters.
We are really grateful for the welcome we have received since our arrival and are looking forward to what God has in store for us in this new appointment!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Early 80's Flashback
My friend Jenni discovered an old picture from the early 80's of our Spanish class with Senorita Lemm.
Since I have been in a humorous mood this evening, I thought I would share a personal funny with you in the form of a picture (I am the goof on the far right with the glasses):
I owe Jenni big now!
Since I have been in a humorous mood this evening, I thought I would share a personal funny with you in the form of a picture (I am the goof on the far right with the glasses):
I owe Jenni big now!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
RIP Ray S. Anderson
It saddened me today to discover that Ray S. Anderson (Author and professor at Fuller Theological Seminary) passed away this Father's Day.
While I never had the opportunity to study under him in person, many of his works (Ministry on the Firing Line, The Shape of Practical Theology, and many more) have made me an advid student of his for the better part of a decade.
You can read more about Ray's life and ministry here, at Ben Myers blog entilted Faith and Theology.
Although we never met in person, his lectures, his books, and the legacy of ministry have shaped me and will continue to shape me...and for this I give thanks to our God!
Blessings and prayers to Ray's family and friends during this time.
While I never had the opportunity to study under him in person, many of his works (Ministry on the Firing Line, The Shape of Practical Theology, and many more) have made me an advid student of his for the better part of a decade.
You can read more about Ray's life and ministry here, at Ben Myers blog entilted Faith and Theology.
Although we never met in person, his lectures, his books, and the legacy of ministry have shaped me and will continue to shape me...and for this I give thanks to our God!
Blessings and prayers to Ray's family and friends during this time.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Reflections on the Past 4 Years - Part III
When thinking about the past 4 years, school and church life are of course at the forefront of the remembrances. The truth is, however, that there are far more memories, relationships and blessings that have happened outside of these two contexts. Here are just a few more of my final reflections about the past 4 years:
First, it was almost 22 months ago that our daughter was born. As I think about our time here, my memories are filled with late night awakenings, mid-afternoon naps (with Bailey sleeping on my chest), and tons of fun with the people of Edom as Bailey's area of exploration has grown over the past 22 months. They had warned us that drinking the water at the parsonage has caused more than one preaching family to leave this place with a larger family than what they had arrived with!
One of my greatest joys the last two years we have spent here has been serving on the volunteer fire department. There is nothing like going into a burning building to get the adrenaline pumping. In the two years of service to the department I have had the privilege of working hundreds of calls from medical crisis to structure fires, grass fires to motor vehicle accidents, downed power lines to high moving water rescues. It has been a part of me becoming more entrenched in the community. It has been an extension of my ministry---there is simply nothing like showing up on an accident scene and having the person ask you "aren't you that Methodist preacher?" and then them asking you to pray with them. I will definitely miss going on calls in my new appointment.
Other ministry has included working with the teenagers at Sundown Ranch. Sundown is a residential treatment and recovery center about 20 miles away from home that has its own school (to where kids don't lose out on their education while working their programs). I have spent numerous afternoons with young men processing their 5th steps. It has served to ground my own recovery and to continually allow me to give back in an area that I am passionate about.
The friendships that have been made here have transcended denominational lines. As such, I have had the opportunity to work with other pastors in their ministry settings as well. There are many friendships from outside the church that I will take with me into future years.
I am grateful for the relationships that I have built with city and county officials. It is funny that the JP that was elected when I first got here, I met because of a speeding ticket I received on the way to school one morning. The current JP is a fellow hunter and sojourner in ministry and is an amazing man. He is a great example of how ministry happens with the laity in any job and any situation. The current mayor has also been a blessing to my time here...it has not gone unnoticed that when there is a city event (like the Christmas tree lightings) that in spite of her attending another church, she has continued to invite me to do the invocations (that has been a real blessing).
I had an experience once where I was standing between the county constable and the JP and I just busted out laughing. They looked at me and wondered what was so funny and I told them that this is only the second time in 12 years that I have stood between a cop and a judge and not been in handcuffs (they both know about my past struggles with addiction). They laughed heartily...after all, it is the little things in life that are important!
A couple of years ago, I did something I hadn't done since high school...I performed a lead in a play at the community center. The play was A Sanders Family Christmas and was a hoot to do. Later that year, I received two awards for my performance (best actor and best newcomer)...I am still not sure that they were deserved, but I welcome them as it is probably as close as I will ever get to winning any other awards for my acting and singing (thank goodness the lead wasn't supposed to be able to carry a tune in a bucket...that was right up my alley!)
Of course we can't forget about all of the outdoor activities available here in the country. I have been no more than 10 minutes away from my hunting spots for the past 4 years. Trust me when I say that this will be incredibly missed. Some of my new best friends are hunters here in Edom. That reminds me, how many Edomites does it take to track down and pull a deer out of the woods? Apparently 3...the JP, the plumber and the preacher! One night I shot a deer with my bow and arrow and it was a good shot, but she ran 40 yards into the deep thicket of woods off of the hunting trail. It took us some time to track and find her and since it was after dark, my buddy Boyd and I (I had called him to help me out) called the JP to drive up to the road with his lights on so we could find our way back to the main trail...absolutely hilarious! I have been able to play golf on a couple of different courses. I have also been able to fish some of the local fishing holes. I have been blessed.
I am leaving here probably knowing as many people outside the church as I do inside the church. They have all touched my life in meaningful ways...and I pray in some small way, that I have been a blessing to their lives.
Thank you Edom. Thank you Sexton Chapel. Thank you Mt. Sylvan. Thank you for all the friendships, blessings and memories that are now a part of the fabric of my life.
First, it was almost 22 months ago that our daughter was born. As I think about our time here, my memories are filled with late night awakenings, mid-afternoon naps (with Bailey sleeping on my chest), and tons of fun with the people of Edom as Bailey's area of exploration has grown over the past 22 months. They had warned us that drinking the water at the parsonage has caused more than one preaching family to leave this place with a larger family than what they had arrived with!
One of my greatest joys the last two years we have spent here has been serving on the volunteer fire department. There is nothing like going into a burning building to get the adrenaline pumping. In the two years of service to the department I have had the privilege of working hundreds of calls from medical crisis to structure fires, grass fires to motor vehicle accidents, downed power lines to high moving water rescues. It has been a part of me becoming more entrenched in the community. It has been an extension of my ministry---there is simply nothing like showing up on an accident scene and having the person ask you "aren't you that Methodist preacher?" and then them asking you to pray with them. I will definitely miss going on calls in my new appointment.
Other ministry has included working with the teenagers at Sundown Ranch. Sundown is a residential treatment and recovery center about 20 miles away from home that has its own school (to where kids don't lose out on their education while working their programs). I have spent numerous afternoons with young men processing their 5th steps. It has served to ground my own recovery and to continually allow me to give back in an area that I am passionate about.
The friendships that have been made here have transcended denominational lines. As such, I have had the opportunity to work with other pastors in their ministry settings as well. There are many friendships from outside the church that I will take with me into future years.
I am grateful for the relationships that I have built with city and county officials. It is funny that the JP that was elected when I first got here, I met because of a speeding ticket I received on the way to school one morning. The current JP is a fellow hunter and sojourner in ministry and is an amazing man. He is a great example of how ministry happens with the laity in any job and any situation. The current mayor has also been a blessing to my time here...it has not gone unnoticed that when there is a city event (like the Christmas tree lightings) that in spite of her attending another church, she has continued to invite me to do the invocations (that has been a real blessing).
I had an experience once where I was standing between the county constable and the JP and I just busted out laughing. They looked at me and wondered what was so funny and I told them that this is only the second time in 12 years that I have stood between a cop and a judge and not been in handcuffs (they both know about my past struggles with addiction). They laughed heartily...after all, it is the little things in life that are important!
A couple of years ago, I did something I hadn't done since high school...I performed a lead in a play at the community center. The play was A Sanders Family Christmas and was a hoot to do. Later that year, I received two awards for my performance (best actor and best newcomer)...I am still not sure that they were deserved, but I welcome them as it is probably as close as I will ever get to winning any other awards for my acting and singing (thank goodness the lead wasn't supposed to be able to carry a tune in a bucket...that was right up my alley!)
Of course we can't forget about all of the outdoor activities available here in the country. I have been no more than 10 minutes away from my hunting spots for the past 4 years. Trust me when I say that this will be incredibly missed. Some of my new best friends are hunters here in Edom. That reminds me, how many Edomites does it take to track down and pull a deer out of the woods? Apparently 3...the JP, the plumber and the preacher! One night I shot a deer with my bow and arrow and it was a good shot, but she ran 40 yards into the deep thicket of woods off of the hunting trail. It took us some time to track and find her and since it was after dark, my buddy Boyd and I (I had called him to help me out) called the JP to drive up to the road with his lights on so we could find our way back to the main trail...absolutely hilarious! I have been able to play golf on a couple of different courses. I have also been able to fish some of the local fishing holes. I have been blessed.
I am leaving here probably knowing as many people outside the church as I do inside the church. They have all touched my life in meaningful ways...and I pray in some small way, that I have been a blessing to their lives.
Thank you Edom. Thank you Sexton Chapel. Thank you Mt. Sylvan. Thank you for all the friendships, blessings and memories that are now a part of the fabric of my life.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Graduation from Seminary
There is a lot going on in life right now. Illness, truck replacement, packing and fire calls have slowed my posting down a little, so I thought that I would do several posts to catch up.
Last Saturday was the culmination of more than 9 years of hard work. 9 years ago, I experienced a call to vocational/pastoral ministry. Within my denomination, a master's degree is required for ordination. Since I hadn't had any college, I had to start from scratch. So in the fall of 2000, I began my higher education career. I first graduated with an Associates in Arts degree from Houston Community College, then a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston, and finally with a Master's of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.
Here are some pictures of my and my friends celebrating along with several folks who have been supportive in so many ways these last 9 years (don't you just love those little hats!):
I have already determined that I will get a Doctorate of Ministry degree; though I will have to wait a couple of years to begin that one. Congratulations to all of my fellow graduates and to all those that will be graduating over the next couple of weeks from other schools across the country.
Last Saturday was the culmination of more than 9 years of hard work. 9 years ago, I experienced a call to vocational/pastoral ministry. Within my denomination, a master's degree is required for ordination. Since I hadn't had any college, I had to start from scratch. So in the fall of 2000, I began my higher education career. I first graduated with an Associates in Arts degree from Houston Community College, then a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston, and finally with a Master's of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.
Here are some pictures of my and my friends celebrating along with several folks who have been supportive in so many ways these last 9 years (don't you just love those little hats!):
I have already determined that I will get a Doctorate of Ministry degree; though I will have to wait a couple of years to begin that one. Congratulations to all of my fellow graduates and to all those that will be graduating over the next couple of weeks from other schools across the country.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day
I invite you to consider this anonymous poem. It is entitled Mother’s Love and to me it says a lot about moms:
A Mother's love is something that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it or take that love away...
It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking...
It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems...
It is far beyond defining, it defies all explanation,
and it still remains a secret like the mysteries of creation...
A many-splendored miracle man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence of God's tender guiding hand.
Happy Mother's Day
A Mother's love is something that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it or take that love away...
It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking...
It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems...
It is far beyond defining, it defies all explanation,
and it still remains a secret like the mysteries of creation...
A many-splendored miracle man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence of God's tender guiding hand.
Happy Mother's Day
Thursday, March 26, 2009
A Post of Thanksgiving
I tweeted (and consequently updated my Facebook status) recently with some good news. I thought that I would shoot off a brief post about the joys that we are celebrating in the Hall household.
First, I am thankful that after more than 8 continuous years of school, I will finally fulfill the minimum requirements for ordination in my denomination (more simply put, I will graduate with my MDiv degree). I think that Erica is even more thankful about this since I have been in school from the day that we met! It will be interesting to grow in our relationship without the school factor (at least for a couple of years until I begin my DMin degree!)
Second, I am thankful that I have been approved to be commissioned at our next Annual Conference in May. Who'd have thunk it!?!
Third, and this is new news for some (as it has just been made official in the last few days), Erica, Bailey, and I will be moving to Port Arthur somewhere between June 8th and 13th. My new appointment consists of 3/4 of my time as the pastor of Aldersgate Trinity UMC and 1/4 time as the associate of the United Methodist Temple. We are hopeful that during our time there we might be able to birth a Mercy Street type ministry that will permit me to work with others in recovery (and in need of recovery) from alcohol and drug addiction.
Finally, for all of the support, prayers, calls, notes, IMs, status comments, tweets, etc. that you all have sent, we are very thankful.
It seems as though someone somewhere must think I have been slacking off, because with all the celebration and change comes a ton of work the next two months. For those curious about what is coming down the pike, here is a glimpse:
This weekend will be relatively calm after more than 1000 miles traveled in the last five days.
Palm Sunday weekend we are having Shelly Wilson and Kerri Crocker in concert at our block party at Edom UMC on Saturday (April 4th) and then they will be leading worship for us on Palm Sunday (April 5th).
April 13th and 14th we will be hosting the Crafts as they come to see the community that they will be moving to in June (Jeff Craft will be Edom and Mt. Sylvan's new pastor).
April 18th and 19th will be the big April in Edom event that both the church and fire department take active roles in.
Erica, Bailey and I will be traveling and attempting to relax for a few days between April 19th and 24th.
I will be guest speaking/leading a retreat for the Chapelwood UMC singles group the evening of the 24th through Sunday the 26th.
I will be attending NCLI (boot camp for new church/ministry starts) from May 5th through 8th.
I will be graduating on the 16th.
I will be commissioned during the week of Memorial Day.
We will be moving sometime between the 8th and the 13th.
As you can see there is a lot ahead of us.
Now for you all to chime in:
Tell us what are you thankful for and what you are up to during the next couple of months.
First, I am thankful that after more than 8 continuous years of school, I will finally fulfill the minimum requirements for ordination in my denomination (more simply put, I will graduate with my MDiv degree). I think that Erica is even more thankful about this since I have been in school from the day that we met! It will be interesting to grow in our relationship without the school factor (at least for a couple of years until I begin my DMin degree!)
Second, I am thankful that I have been approved to be commissioned at our next Annual Conference in May. Who'd have thunk it!?!
Third, and this is new news for some (as it has just been made official in the last few days), Erica, Bailey, and I will be moving to Port Arthur somewhere between June 8th and 13th. My new appointment consists of 3/4 of my time as the pastor of Aldersgate Trinity UMC and 1/4 time as the associate of the United Methodist Temple. We are hopeful that during our time there we might be able to birth a Mercy Street type ministry that will permit me to work with others in recovery (and in need of recovery) from alcohol and drug addiction.
Finally, for all of the support, prayers, calls, notes, IMs, status comments, tweets, etc. that you all have sent, we are very thankful.
It seems as though someone somewhere must think I have been slacking off, because with all the celebration and change comes a ton of work the next two months. For those curious about what is coming down the pike, here is a glimpse:
This weekend will be relatively calm after more than 1000 miles traveled in the last five days.
Palm Sunday weekend we are having Shelly Wilson and Kerri Crocker in concert at our block party at Edom UMC on Saturday (April 4th) and then they will be leading worship for us on Palm Sunday (April 5th).
April 13th and 14th we will be hosting the Crafts as they come to see the community that they will be moving to in June (Jeff Craft will be Edom and Mt. Sylvan's new pastor).
April 18th and 19th will be the big April in Edom event that both the church and fire department take active roles in.
Erica, Bailey and I will be traveling and attempting to relax for a few days between April 19th and 24th.
I will be guest speaking/leading a retreat for the Chapelwood UMC singles group the evening of the 24th through Sunday the 26th.
I will be attending NCLI (boot camp for new church/ministry starts) from May 5th through 8th.
I will be graduating on the 16th.
I will be commissioned during the week of Memorial Day.
We will be moving sometime between the 8th and the 13th.
As you can see there is a lot ahead of us.
Now for you all to chime in:
Tell us what are you thankful for and what you are up to during the next couple of months.
Friday, March 20, 2009
General Update & Prayer Requests
This is just a crazy time in the life of this pastor. Perhaps it is because I am coming up to my final interview before commissioning. Perhaps it is because I am about to finish my MDiv degree and graduate. Perhaps it is because after this year at Annual Conference, I will no longer be considered a student pastor. Maybe it is because there has been an intense amount of administration that has had to be done in my ministry in the past few months (a land sale, a church merger, another land and church building sale). It might be because of the upcoming repairs that need to occur at my newest charge. It may just be because we are back into a season of illness with some members in our churches. There is also the added stress of having multiple deaths occurring in our community all in close proximity to one another. Oh yeah, and did I tell you about the great retreat we are leading at the end of April? Or the great concert and block party we have planned for April 4th? Or the incredible ladies we have leading worship on Palm Sunday?
The biggest change, however, is that there is going to definitely be a move in June. It will soon be time to pack, load, and haul our stuff from one place in the conference to another. As situations are still being discussed and finalized in cabinet and around the conference, it is too early to declare a landing place (that is, to let you know where we will be moving to), but as soon as the decisions are finalized, I will let you know where we will be located. It is an exciting time, but with all that is going on, there is a reasonable amount of anxiety and stress that goes along with all of these changes.
So until we can tell you more about our future home, I would ask that you keep our current churches, our future appointment, and our family in your prayers through this next couple of hectic months.
We would love to be praying for you, your family, your communities and your churches in the weeks to come. How can we be in prayer for these areas of your life?
Leave us a comment and let us know what's happening and how we can be praying!
Blessings,
Russell
The biggest change, however, is that there is going to definitely be a move in June. It will soon be time to pack, load, and haul our stuff from one place in the conference to another. As situations are still being discussed and finalized in cabinet and around the conference, it is too early to declare a landing place (that is, to let you know where we will be moving to), but as soon as the decisions are finalized, I will let you know where we will be located. It is an exciting time, but with all that is going on, there is a reasonable amount of anxiety and stress that goes along with all of these changes.
So until we can tell you more about our future home, I would ask that you keep our current churches, our future appointment, and our family in your prayers through this next couple of hectic months.
We would love to be praying for you, your family, your communities and your churches in the weeks to come. How can we be in prayer for these areas of your life?
Leave us a comment and let us know what's happening and how we can be praying!
Blessings,
Russell
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Asking Different Questions
A buddy and I have been having a long distance theological discussion...one that I thought I would share a little bit about with you all here on Radically Altered.
There is a question that comes up quite frequently in the circles that I run in. The basis of the question regards what God's will is for each of our lives. It comes to me in many different forms from what am I supposed to be doing with my life to what if I get it wrong. These questions often revolve around what we are (or are doing), where we are at or going, when we are supposed to this or that, or why this or that is or is not occurring in our lives.
It seems to me that we get wrapped up in determining and micromanaging the details and outcomes before we even give ourselves an opportunity to take the journey. I propose that the solution to this is to ask different questions. Instead of asking the what, when, where, and why type of questions that seem to permeate the pull ourselves up by the boot straps/do it ourselves mentality, perhaps we should begin by asking the who and the how questions first.
The who questions are all about who we are. It is not about the fact that I am a male in my late 30's of anglo descent. It is not about being an American or a Texan or anything else. At the heart of the who question is the realization that I am God's. It involves a regrounding of my identity not in worldly or cultural things, but rather it involves a firm grounding of my identity in God (the one who created me). The who I am questions can only be authentically answered in a community of sojourners seeking to understand, receive, and reflect the grace of God that forms their very identity (and we must remember that God is a member of that sojourning community). Deeply understanding who we are as sons and daughters, co-heirs of the kingdom of God (co-laborers too), brothers and sisters, a royal priesthood, a body, etc will radically alter the way that we perceive ourselves and others...and if we allow it to, it can dramatically open us to the person that God has called us to be. In this sacred space our priorities can be reordered and our wills can be brought into line with God's will.
The how questions have to do with the very core of our being. Having discovered who we are (our identities in Christ), how we are speaks to our spiritual fitness. These are the questions that ask about our relationship with God and with each other. They are tough questions. They are the places in my experience where the Holy Spirit shines a light and says, "Russell, let's take a look over here." They are places of work and transformation. These are the places where God has promised to meet us, but they are also the places that God refuses to leave us.
Another aspect of both of these lines of questions, a fruit from endeavoring down these paths, is that while these questions are about us, they are about us in relation to God and to others. As such, a journey down these paths requires that we develop skills of listening that are often under developed. If you are like me, then perhaps you have approached God and said in some way that this is who I am and this is how I see things and this is what I would like to do. It is so easy for us to think that we know ourselves and what's best for us and to just ask God to bless our efforts. It is much more difficult to travel the roads that these questions may take us down, to actually listen for and to God, and to move where God is moving in our lives rather than where we think we should be moving.
Additionally, to attempt to discern answers to the other questions (where, what, why, when) without first having answered these questions is kind of like putting the cart before the horse. When we realize that we are God's and our relationships with God and with others have been transformed, we begin to find that as long as these are maintained, the rest is relative and seems to have less of a choke hold on our lives. Does it matter if I am a teacher or a waiter? Does it matter if I make a lot of money or a little? Does it matter if I am known by many or by a few? I think that if we get these two lines of questioning right, then the rest is of little consequence. If we fully understand whose we are and how we are to be with one another and God, then we can be who we are and how we are supposed to be in any context.
This last thought does something dramatic...it takes God out of the either/or box. So many times we think that God either wants us to do one thing or the other. It is like God has placed his will for our lives in one hand and left the other hand empty. If we pick the correct hand, then we are living in God's will. This seems to limit God to an either/or entity. Really, I believe that with God, there are many times (but not all) when God is more likely both/and (otherwise, what's the point of free will---ah, but that's another post). We can be who we are and how we are called to be in any career (teacher, factory worker, accountant, public official, etc), any economic context, any situation whatsoever. At the end of our time here, I believe God is going to be more interested in who we were and how we were. If we live lives that reflect who we are called to be and how we are called to be, the choices we make about the what, when, where, and why will reflect our identities and our heart, no matter what those choices were. So in the end the what, when, where, why are of lesser significance than the who and the how.
When seeking God's will, it seems to me that Scripture makes some valuable statements about what the will of God might entail. Micah reminds us that "He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (6:8)." When asked about the greatest commandment Jesus says, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matt 22:37-40)" In the end, who we are and how we are shapes what we do, when we do it, where we do it and why we do it. To attempt to answer these latter questions without the foundation of who and how we are called to be, seems to risk making choices and acting in ways that are inconsistent with the will of God.
So in the end, I think it is about asking different questions in our journey towards God. If we are capable of asking better questions, perhaps we will be able to better discern what God wills for our lives.
I think that this covers one of our conversations in a nutshell (all be it a rather large nut shell!). I would be interested in continuing this dialog with you...please leave a comment and let us know your thoughts about aligning our wills with the will of God.
There is a question that comes up quite frequently in the circles that I run in. The basis of the question regards what God's will is for each of our lives. It comes to me in many different forms from what am I supposed to be doing with my life to what if I get it wrong. These questions often revolve around what we are (or are doing), where we are at or going, when we are supposed to this or that, or why this or that is or is not occurring in our lives.
It seems to me that we get wrapped up in determining and micromanaging the details and outcomes before we even give ourselves an opportunity to take the journey. I propose that the solution to this is to ask different questions. Instead of asking the what, when, where, and why type of questions that seem to permeate the pull ourselves up by the boot straps/do it ourselves mentality, perhaps we should begin by asking the who and the how questions first.
The who questions are all about who we are. It is not about the fact that I am a male in my late 30's of anglo descent. It is not about being an American or a Texan or anything else. At the heart of the who question is the realization that I am God's. It involves a regrounding of my identity not in worldly or cultural things, but rather it involves a firm grounding of my identity in God (the one who created me). The who I am questions can only be authentically answered in a community of sojourners seeking to understand, receive, and reflect the grace of God that forms their very identity (and we must remember that God is a member of that sojourning community). Deeply understanding who we are as sons and daughters, co-heirs of the kingdom of God (co-laborers too), brothers and sisters, a royal priesthood, a body, etc will radically alter the way that we perceive ourselves and others...and if we allow it to, it can dramatically open us to the person that God has called us to be. In this sacred space our priorities can be reordered and our wills can be brought into line with God's will.
The how questions have to do with the very core of our being. Having discovered who we are (our identities in Christ), how we are speaks to our spiritual fitness. These are the questions that ask about our relationship with God and with each other. They are tough questions. They are the places in my experience where the Holy Spirit shines a light and says, "Russell, let's take a look over here." They are places of work and transformation. These are the places where God has promised to meet us, but they are also the places that God refuses to leave us.
Another aspect of both of these lines of questions, a fruit from endeavoring down these paths, is that while these questions are about us, they are about us in relation to God and to others. As such, a journey down these paths requires that we develop skills of listening that are often under developed. If you are like me, then perhaps you have approached God and said in some way that this is who I am and this is how I see things and this is what I would like to do. It is so easy for us to think that we know ourselves and what's best for us and to just ask God to bless our efforts. It is much more difficult to travel the roads that these questions may take us down, to actually listen for and to God, and to move where God is moving in our lives rather than where we think we should be moving.
Additionally, to attempt to discern answers to the other questions (where, what, why, when) without first having answered these questions is kind of like putting the cart before the horse. When we realize that we are God's and our relationships with God and with others have been transformed, we begin to find that as long as these are maintained, the rest is relative and seems to have less of a choke hold on our lives. Does it matter if I am a teacher or a waiter? Does it matter if I make a lot of money or a little? Does it matter if I am known by many or by a few? I think that if we get these two lines of questioning right, then the rest is of little consequence. If we fully understand whose we are and how we are to be with one another and God, then we can be who we are and how we are supposed to be in any context.
This last thought does something dramatic...it takes God out of the either/or box. So many times we think that God either wants us to do one thing or the other. It is like God has placed his will for our lives in one hand and left the other hand empty. If we pick the correct hand, then we are living in God's will. This seems to limit God to an either/or entity. Really, I believe that with God, there are many times (but not all) when God is more likely both/and (otherwise, what's the point of free will---ah, but that's another post). We can be who we are and how we are called to be in any career (teacher, factory worker, accountant, public official, etc), any economic context, any situation whatsoever. At the end of our time here, I believe God is going to be more interested in who we were and how we were. If we live lives that reflect who we are called to be and how we are called to be, the choices we make about the what, when, where, and why will reflect our identities and our heart, no matter what those choices were. So in the end the what, when, where, why are of lesser significance than the who and the how.
When seeking God's will, it seems to me that Scripture makes some valuable statements about what the will of God might entail. Micah reminds us that "He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (6:8)." When asked about the greatest commandment Jesus says, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matt 22:37-40)" In the end, who we are and how we are shapes what we do, when we do it, where we do it and why we do it. To attempt to answer these latter questions without the foundation of who and how we are called to be, seems to risk making choices and acting in ways that are inconsistent with the will of God.
So in the end, I think it is about asking different questions in our journey towards God. If we are capable of asking better questions, perhaps we will be able to better discern what God wills for our lives.
I think that this covers one of our conversations in a nutshell (all be it a rather large nut shell!). I would be interested in continuing this dialog with you...please leave a comment and let us know your thoughts about aligning our wills with the will of God.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Communion with Dad - Overwhelming Gratitude
I have only been in church with my dad a few times in my life. The first one that I can remember was at mine and Erica's wedding. The others have been since I have been appointed here in Edom. He comes to visit and will stay over through Sunday morning and attend church with us here and hear me preach.
It is not a secret that my dad and I spent a number of years apart. Alcoholism, addiction and dysfunction all had parts in creating the gulf that stood between us all those years. Through numerous hunting and fishing trips, getting the families together and hanging out, our wedding, our time is worship together...all have been a part of the reconstruction of our relationship. Dad and I decided a number of years ago that our history was just that and that we had the opportunity and ability to rewrite our future...and we have.
This past weekend, although hectic, was yet another gift in this new found relationship that dad and I have together. This past Sunday was the first Sunday of Lent and also communion Sunday at the churches that I pastor.
As is usual, Bailey and Erica came to the later service at Edom and dad came along with them. The gift came at the end of the service when we consecrated the bread and juice and dad came forward to receive communion.
I looked him in the eyes as I handed him the broken bread and said, "Dad, this is the body of Christ broken for you." He received the juice from a lay person helping me serve and as he walked off to my right, he found himself a spot at the chancel rail and knelt down and prayed. I hesitated for what seemed like an eternity before continuing to serve the remaining folks in the communion line.
In that moment, there was a peace that is simply indescribable. It was the first time that dad and I celebrated communion together...It was the first time that I presided over communion and was able to serve him personally. It was an incredible gift...almost as if we have not only found ourselves within each other, but that we have found each other with and within God as well.
The only words I have for this experience are overwhelming gratitude, Thanks be to God!
It is not a secret that my dad and I spent a number of years apart. Alcoholism, addiction and dysfunction all had parts in creating the gulf that stood between us all those years. Through numerous hunting and fishing trips, getting the families together and hanging out, our wedding, our time is worship together...all have been a part of the reconstruction of our relationship. Dad and I decided a number of years ago that our history was just that and that we had the opportunity and ability to rewrite our future...and we have.
This past weekend, although hectic, was yet another gift in this new found relationship that dad and I have together. This past Sunday was the first Sunday of Lent and also communion Sunday at the churches that I pastor.
As is usual, Bailey and Erica came to the later service at Edom and dad came along with them. The gift came at the end of the service when we consecrated the bread and juice and dad came forward to receive communion.
I looked him in the eyes as I handed him the broken bread and said, "Dad, this is the body of Christ broken for you." He received the juice from a lay person helping me serve and as he walked off to my right, he found himself a spot at the chancel rail and knelt down and prayed. I hesitated for what seemed like an eternity before continuing to serve the remaining folks in the communion line.
In that moment, there was a peace that is simply indescribable. It was the first time that dad and I celebrated communion together...It was the first time that I presided over communion and was able to serve him personally. It was an incredible gift...almost as if we have not only found ourselves within each other, but that we have found each other with and within God as well.
The only words I have for this experience are overwhelming gratitude, Thanks be to God!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Happy Anniversary to My Beautiful Wife
During Advent 2000, I was at a party for my Sunday school class and as I was sitting and visiting with a friend, and she walked in. I knew from the moment that I saw her that I was going to be in trouble (of course, I was right)!
We went on our first date on January 5th, 2001 and were married on January 5th, 2002. The last 8 years of my life have been more joyful, more fulfilled, and a whole lot more fun because of Erica. God has truly blessed me!
I have been in school since Erica and I met. I have been more and more involved in ministry since that first meeting. To say that she is supportive of my calling would be an understatement. She is the most supportive person I know. And while she does not work shoulder to shoulder with me in the daily happenings of ministry, my ministry and my life would not be what they are today without her presence.
Almost 17 months ago, Erica and I embarked on a new adventure (as if school, work, and marriage wasn't enough!); we welcomed our little bundle of joy - Bailey Ann - into the world. There are no words to describe how wonderful she is as a mother. Again, God has truly blessed me.
On this day---the 7th anniversary of our marriage and 8th anniversary of being together---I just wanted to say how grateful I am for the gift that Erica is to my life.
Oh yeah, in case you haven't met them, here's Erica with Bailey:
Happy Anniversary Honey!
SHMILY!
We went on our first date on January 5th, 2001 and were married on January 5th, 2002. The last 8 years of my life have been more joyful, more fulfilled, and a whole lot more fun because of Erica. God has truly blessed me!
I have been in school since Erica and I met. I have been more and more involved in ministry since that first meeting. To say that she is supportive of my calling would be an understatement. She is the most supportive person I know. And while she does not work shoulder to shoulder with me in the daily happenings of ministry, my ministry and my life would not be what they are today without her presence.
Almost 17 months ago, Erica and I embarked on a new adventure (as if school, work, and marriage wasn't enough!); we welcomed our little bundle of joy - Bailey Ann - into the world. There are no words to describe how wonderful she is as a mother. Again, God has truly blessed me.
On this day---the 7th anniversary of our marriage and 8th anniversary of being together---I just wanted to say how grateful I am for the gift that Erica is to my life.
Oh yeah, in case you haven't met them, here's Erica with Bailey:
Happy Anniversary Honey!
SHMILY!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Catching up
I can't believe that it has been over a month since my last post. Here is what is going on in my world:
I am finishing my second to the last semester of school (doing my internship) to where I can graduate in May with a Masters of Divinity degree (no one told me there was going to be hundreds of pages of writing for the internship!)
I have completed my First Responders training and taken my National Registry Exam (which I passed) and am waiting on the state to send me my license.
I was able to utilize my recent training to help a stroke victim a few weeks ago...yeah God, he made a full recovery.
I have been to and participated/co-officiated a couple of funerals.
I have been traveling to Houston, Longview, South East Texas, Canton, Athens, and other places for work, fun, and school.
I have participated in Town Hall meetings as a clergy person within the United Methodist Church evaluating our new model of ministry in the Texas Annual Conference.
I am continuing my participation on the Apportionment Task Force---a group looking at our current apportionment model and making recommendations to CF & A (the finance committee) in regards to that formula.
I am attempting to get everything done to be eligible for commissioning (one step away from full ordination in my denomination) in May.
I have participated in a health fair, a women's retreat, a garage sale and other local church activities.
I have spent time with Bailey and Erica.
I have been working with 7 other churches on an outreach event called Rediscover Christmas that will occur on December 6th (for more information you can check out our website at www.rediscoverchristmas.org --- the site is under construction and new stuff is being added daily)
And the list goes on and on!
Now that I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I am trying to get back into a regular rhythm of blogging.
I hope that you will forgive the absence and that you will rejoin me on this journey of faith that radically alters us in Christ!
I am finishing my second to the last semester of school (doing my internship) to where I can graduate in May with a Masters of Divinity degree (no one told me there was going to be hundreds of pages of writing for the internship!)
I have completed my First Responders training and taken my National Registry Exam (which I passed) and am waiting on the state to send me my license.
I was able to utilize my recent training to help a stroke victim a few weeks ago...yeah God, he made a full recovery.
I have been to and participated/co-officiated a couple of funerals.
I have been traveling to Houston, Longview, South East Texas, Canton, Athens, and other places for work, fun, and school.
I have participated in Town Hall meetings as a clergy person within the United Methodist Church evaluating our new model of ministry in the Texas Annual Conference.
I am continuing my participation on the Apportionment Task Force---a group looking at our current apportionment model and making recommendations to CF & A (the finance committee) in regards to that formula.
I am attempting to get everything done to be eligible for commissioning (one step away from full ordination in my denomination) in May.
I have participated in a health fair, a women's retreat, a garage sale and other local church activities.
I have spent time with Bailey and Erica.
I have been working with 7 other churches on an outreach event called Rediscover Christmas that will occur on December 6th (for more information you can check out our website at www.rediscoverchristmas.org --- the site is under construction and new stuff is being added daily)
And the list goes on and on!
Now that I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I am trying to get back into a regular rhythm of blogging.
I hope that you will forgive the absence and that you will rejoin me on this journey of faith that radically alters us in Christ!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Chaos of Life
It has been 19 days since my last post to the blogosphere...what can I say, life happens.
In an attempt to get back into the grove of writing, I thought that I would just drop a note to update what has happened in the past 3 weeks.
In the school realm, my last year of seminary is in full swing. I am currently doing a 9 month internship at the larger of the two churches that I have served for the past 3 years. In addition to the folks that are participating on my internship committee from my church, there are 3 from a larger church in a nearby town (where my internship mentor is appointed). There are weekly papers and meetings in addition to full time ministry.
On the fire department front, I recently completed my 6 weeks of ECA/First Responder training and am waiting to take my National Registry test to complete the certification process. I am scheduled to test on October 1st and 12:15. This certification will permit me to run on medical calls even when there are no other medical personnel present. I will have completed all the necessary written and skills testing to perform CPR, oxygen administration, bandaging, splinting, etc. It is the lowest level of medical training (right under EMT Basic) but covers all of the Basic Life Saving techniques necessary for what we encounter in medical and trauma calls with the fire department. In addition to all of this, we have just held the grand opening (after many hours of work) for our new station 1.
On the church front, we have recently had a couple of people join the church (one by profession of faith), held our annual health fair, begun our fall Bible study, embarked on missions work with the youth to provide health kits to Southeast Texas suffering from the effects of Ike and school supplies to Christmas and surrounding islands, voted to approve our consultation report recommendations (and delegated the work to the appropriate groups/teams), voted on a new leadership structure to be implemented in January (more streamlined), and sold some land that we don't use to help solidify the finances of the church.
On the home front, Erica has begun her volunteer work with Alpha Chi Omega (and seems to be enjoying it). Bailey is really walking well now and eating with a fork (she is already growing up way too fast!). The dog and the cat are the normal obnoxiously loving and needy children that they have always been. While we didn't experience any effects of Ike, we did have a flood in our hallway this week from our AC unit...after a couple of phone calls and a bunch of wet towels, the AC man showed up and fixed all the problems.
So as you can see, there have been no catastrophes, just life...but there has been a lot of it in the last three weeks.
So what's going on in your world?
In an attempt to get back into the grove of writing, I thought that I would just drop a note to update what has happened in the past 3 weeks.
In the school realm, my last year of seminary is in full swing. I am currently doing a 9 month internship at the larger of the two churches that I have served for the past 3 years. In addition to the folks that are participating on my internship committee from my church, there are 3 from a larger church in a nearby town (where my internship mentor is appointed). There are weekly papers and meetings in addition to full time ministry.
On the fire department front, I recently completed my 6 weeks of ECA/First Responder training and am waiting to take my National Registry test to complete the certification process. I am scheduled to test on October 1st and 12:15. This certification will permit me to run on medical calls even when there are no other medical personnel present. I will have completed all the necessary written and skills testing to perform CPR, oxygen administration, bandaging, splinting, etc. It is the lowest level of medical training (right under EMT Basic) but covers all of the Basic Life Saving techniques necessary for what we encounter in medical and trauma calls with the fire department. In addition to all of this, we have just held the grand opening (after many hours of work) for our new station 1.
On the church front, we have recently had a couple of people join the church (one by profession of faith), held our annual health fair, begun our fall Bible study, embarked on missions work with the youth to provide health kits to Southeast Texas suffering from the effects of Ike and school supplies to Christmas and surrounding islands, voted to approve our consultation report recommendations (and delegated the work to the appropriate groups/teams), voted on a new leadership structure to be implemented in January (more streamlined), and sold some land that we don't use to help solidify the finances of the church.
On the home front, Erica has begun her volunteer work with Alpha Chi Omega (and seems to be enjoying it). Bailey is really walking well now and eating with a fork (she is already growing up way too fast!). The dog and the cat are the normal obnoxiously loving and needy children that they have always been. While we didn't experience any effects of Ike, we did have a flood in our hallway this week from our AC unit...after a couple of phone calls and a bunch of wet towels, the AC man showed up and fixed all the problems.
So as you can see, there have been no catastrophes, just life...but there has been a lot of it in the last three weeks.
So what's going on in your world?
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