A Long Hiatus

It is hard to believe I have not made a single post in 2008. I can honestly say that I have often thought to, only at an impossible time or in an inconvenient moment. But my heart has longed to write again. It is amazing how skills dull (in my case, my writing abilities and creative thinking) when you don't use them often.

I have found I need a place to process my world, even if no one reads - a place to simply formulate cohesive thoughts and to work through particular circumstances and ideas that I have been encountering. Writing, for me, brings clarity - something I am in high need of pretty much all the time. My prayer is that real clarity comes, that truth is discovered and embraced, and that somehow as I write I can experience and taste of the deep things of Jesus again and again.

Lost a Marble

I read today that Pat Robertson has official given his endorsement to Rudy Giuliani for the 2008 Presidential Race, which in my mind confirms that Robertson has, in fact, lost a marble. Giuliani has consistently shown his support for gay and abortion rights, which flies in the face of some of Robertson's core Christian values.

What this demonstrates (in my mind) is that Pat Robertson has become convinced that the definition of marriage and the sanctity of life are issues of less importance within the political realm, or at least of less importance to the presidential race. That he is willing to endorse a candidate that takes an opposing stance on these issues suggests that Robertson has other objectives in mind, that other issues are more important than these. What precisely are those issues? What does Robertson gain by supporting Giuliani?

I am a firm believer that the spiritual cannot be divorced from the political - they are intricately woven together. To surrender or acquiesce on issues of gay rights or abortion becomes a slippery slope. If we do indeed push aside these convictions for the sake of some political end, then what moral or ethic convictions should we stand on? Where do we draw the line and say, "We will not surrender or acquiesce on this moral issue."

Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott

A few weeks ago Adina and I attended a CCN simulcast at church on marriage mentoring that featured Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott. The simulcast was very informative and engaging, and I am beginning to delve deeper into other materials written by the Parrotts. They have some great ideas that have been challenging me both in my marriage and parenting. Their website is www.realrelationships.com. I would strongly encourage all my readers to check out their resources.

Facial Expressions

I am becoming seriously self-conscious of my facial expressions. Recently during our vacation to Pagosa Springs, my dad took several candid pictures of me (in the context of our family) in which I had horrible facial expressions – and, of course, cameras never lie. And on Halloween night we had a Fun Fall Frenzy for kids and their families at church, during which I played guitar for a time of worship. Adina told me I was making all kinds of interesting (I think she said “intense”) facial expressions while I was playing with the band, one of which looked as though I was highly upset or angry. I assured her that I was not upset or angry. What was going through my mind when I was making those faces?

Most of the time, I am not thinking about what facial expression I am making. But I have been told that I am very expressive with my face, and that it is difficult for me to hide how I am truly feeling. This notion is not comforting in the least. What is a guy to do to ensure that when he is NOT conscious of his facial expression, the one on his face is at least a pleasant one?

Confession: We're Addicted to 24

What to do? We have now officially finished watching all six seasons of “24” and season seven does not begin until January of 2008. And no matter how much we tried to prepare ourselves for a major cliffhanger at the end of season six (all previous seasons gave us fair warning), we are still caught in the overwhelming wonder of Jack Bauer’s fate.

Some have suggested that we make a leap to shows such as “House” or “Lost” or “Prison Break.” But I am worried that I will be significantly disappointed after a long stint (it took us a little over a year to work through all six seasons) of our favorite television program. I have heard that “Grey’s Anatomy” is also intelligent and engaging.

Maybe our newfound Jack Bauer absence is God’s way of saying we need to be more creative in our down time after the kids are in bed. Just maybe…