The Emotional Christian

Last Sunday at church our worship team played a song titled, “The Blarney Pilgrim,” which is a wonderful hymn put to an Irish tune (this hymn is also known as “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”). At the end of the song, the band continued to play for about a minute or two (i.e. no words just jam), and I for one thought it was great. Not only did it sound good, but it also had that festive feel to it that makes you want to dance. As a matter of fact, hand clapping and hip swaying did occur, which is saying a lot for a Presbyterian church. However, as I surveyed the room I quickly noticed that there were a significant number of people who seemed a little uncomfortable. Some people had that nervous smile on, which usually translates to, “I reaaaaally hope we stop this nonsense before Jesus comes back, and strikes us down,” while others simply looked peeved. Though I don’t believe I have the right to say which is right or wrong (i.e. different people deal with their emotions in a variety of ways), it did get me thinking about how the church deals with emotions in its worship, as well as in its teaching.

Though I would consider myself to be a strong opponent of making worship into a dramatic presentation or show, I don’t think it should be void of emotion. I would even go as far to say that, at times, it can be appropriate to include elements in our worship that may provoke emotions. I believe where the problem occurs is when the primary goal of the worship service is to provide an emotional experience, especially when it results in compromising the truth. Unfortunately, what many churches do to avoid this is go to the opposite extreme in order to prevent any creep of emotion into the worship. I find this to be quite sad, as I think something is lost here. I believe that one negative consequence of this is the creation of Christians who are either ignorant of their emotions, or simply don’t know how to deal with their emotions. In turn, this can cause irrational behavior on one side, and indifference on the other. I think that by understanding how and why we experience different emotions, especially in response to the truth, we can learn a lot about the penchants of our heart. I don’t mean to sound all “Orpahy” here, but it’s true. When we become defensive or upset upon hearing the truth, there’s a good chance that something exists in our life or our heart that shouldn’t be there, or at least needs a readjustment. On the flipside, experiencing joy upon hearing the truth can serve as a good indicator that we are in line with it, and can better respond in thanksgiving to God.

I recognize that at times the proper mood of our worship should be somber and calm, but I also believe it can be boisterous and joyful. Finally, though I know that we’re never going to get this 100% right in this life, I look forward to the day when, having been completely stripped of our pride, we are free to dance, sing, and cry out to our King who has set us free, without hesitation, and without regret.

Giving Thanks In Michigan

We just got back from a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with family in Michigan. Though we're tired, we had an excellent time. The kids traveled really well, and they had a blast with their cousins. We stayed with my Aunt Gina and Uncle Don, who have to be near the top of the "Sweetest and Most Loving People In the World List." We had our Thanksgiving meal at my cousin Debbie's place, and the combination of delicious fare and wonderful fellowship made the evening unforgettable. It was great seeing my cousins who I hadn't seen in over 7 years, and a couple of them I hadn't even met before then! Lizz and I are so grateful we had the opportunity to give thanks with them this year, and are very excited that they are only a few hours away...let this be a warning to you Michiganders :).

I've uploaded a slew of pictures and videos which can be viewed by clicking on the links to the right.

Back in the Kettle

Well, after about a year of leave from brewing, I’m back at it. As a matter of fact, within a week I’ve joined the AHA (American Homebrewers’s Association) and a local Homebrewer’s club (Bloatarian Brewing League), as well as started my very own batch. As I type, a 5 gallon batch of American Pale Ale is fermenting in my basement, which I’ve affectionately named: Blind Griffin Pale Ale. Hopefully it’ll turn out okay.

Skoal!

Tis The Season To Drink Grappa

For those of you who may be in the market for a good “winter warmer,” I highly recommend grappa, which has become a new favorite of mine. I’ve been hunting for it for quite some time, and I've just recently found it at the best store in greater Cincinnati (Jungle Jim’s).

Grappa (which means “grape stalk” in Italian) is a type of brandy made from pomace, which is basically the “leftovers” found in a wine press (from this I conclude that wine makers are excellent stewards of God’s wonderful gifts). Similar to most liquors, grappa can be served in a variety of fashions including as a nice companion to a good cigar, or simply as an elegant digestif after a hearty meal (hint hint for you Thanksgiving gluttons).

Salut!

Synod Van Dordrecht

On the wall above my home computer is a framed sketch of the Synod of Dort (similar to the one posted here). This particular synod was assembled by the Dutch Reformed Church exactly 389 years from today, with the purpose of addressing the spread of Arminianism (which, by the way, the church concluded was a heretical perversion of the Gospel of Christ). By far, this sketch is the geekiest item I own, although my John Calvin bobblehead does come in a close second. The comments that I receive regarding this sketch range from: “This is interesting….,” to: “What is this about?” However, the question I always dread is: “So why did you buy this?” I’m never quite sure how to respond. Do I go into a long account explaining what the Synod of Dort was and why it’s so important to me, or do I simply say that I was looking for a nice black-and-white for the office, and this one appealed to my tastes? In light of the Synod’s anniversary, I figured I’d take this opportunity to state the main reasons for making this purchase.

First off, I believe this sketch is an excellent representation of one of the many ways God has preserved His Holy Word throughout history. Beginning with the prophets, we have Scriptural records that document how Satan has placed false teachers among God’s people to distract them from the Gospel of Christ. With that said, I find it sad, not to mention dangerous, that we as the Church don’t pay more attention to the issues our ancestors faced. It amazes me how quickly we fall victim to the same heresies again and again. There’s not much that the church has not already dealt with, even though it may be called by a different name.

Second, I find this sketch to be very comforting as it depicts a group of church leaders who do not take false teaching lightly, and are literally engaged with upholding the truth of the Gospel. Although spending months and years discussing whether or not something is Biblically sound may seem frivolous to some, I for one am extremely grateful for church counsels.

Finally, when I look at this sketch I accept it as a charge. I believe that it is our responsibility, today and always, to seek to understand the truth revealed in God’s word, and to uphold this truth at all costs just as our ancestors did for us, by the grace, strength and wisdom of our Lord.

An Illiterate College Grad

Over the past couple of months I've been listening to a lecture series entitled, "God and His Word," by Dr. Micahael Williams of Covenant Theological Seminary (God and His Word). In one of his lectures, Dr. Williams mentions how many young generations today have lost the skill of reading, and how many colleges are graduating illiterate students. Now, being the prideful person I am, I immediately took offense, and categorized Dr. Williams as an old coot who's always complaining about today's "whipper snappers," and how we’ve gone astray. However, as I continued to listen to Dr. Williams, his criticism pierced through my pride and brought me to the realization that the person he was describing was me. Now, I don't want to discount my education nor my ability to read. I believe I’ve been taught and equipped with what I need to be an effective reader. Conversely, there's no doubt I’ve become a lazy reader.

One of Dr. Williams' points was how many people read as if they’re watching TV: as unengaged observers. Snap! Boy, did that hit home. Sure, I can easily put letters together to from words, but I’ve neglected to engage. I don't ask questions. I don't seek to understand the position of the writer or the context of the writing.

Now, this is probably a skill I should have signed up to in elementary school, yet since then I've become irresponsible in my reading. Nevertheless, since receiving Dr. William's chastisement I've made more of a conscious effort to engage in my reading. I can't say it's been easy since it's not yet a habit, but it's definitely rewarding. Not only has my understanding increased, but it has also renewed my joy of reading.

Latest Happenings

Good Morning Big Brother!



Colin @ Oktoberfest



Daddy's Lil' Girl

Happy Birthday Anna!

DIY Comics

This is great! There's a website called Strip Generator (www.stripgenerator.com), which allows you to create and manage your very own comic strip on-line. Great fun! Below is a link to a sample:

Super Zero

Yes, I'm a dork...but this is really cool!

I recently purchased a computer program called Starry Night, which allows you to enter in your location (by closest major city), and it shows you the things that you "should" be able to see, realtime, "from your own backyard." It's amazing! Not only can you get a good idea of what's up above your house, but, via the Hubble, the software allows you to zoom extremely close to differnt objects (to the point where you can practically kiss the craters on the moon). In addition, it allows you to capture and export images of the different things you see. Below is a short strip of the few items I was exploring last night and this morning.

Summer Fun

She's Walking!

New Vids

Silly Time with Mom...




Very Expressive Baby...

She's On The Move!

Happy Birthday Colin

Colin turned 3 today!

Always New

Have you ever been to a buffet where you inhaled so much wonderful food that you had trouble remembering exactly what you ate? In a weird way that's how I felt earlier this month when I attended the Ohio Valley Presbytery Men's' retreat. In less than two days I had listened to 5 hours worth of preaching/teaching by the following, wonderful men of God: Bryan Chapel, Zach Eswine, Dennis Hack, and John Sartelle. Even though it's been a few weeks since the retreat, I'm still digesting everything I heard. As a matter of fact, the presbytery recently uploaded the sessions to their website, and I'm currently go through them again. Over the next few weeks I intend to write a little more on what I've learned from these teachings. However, one thing that did become extremely clear to me at the conference was that when the Gospel of Christ is properly preached (and/or read), it is always new. Too often I come to the Word of God hoping that I will discover something new and exciting; something I've never read or thought about before; something that will spark an idea in my head that will initiate a solution to a problem. Unfortunately when I do this I often walk away from the Bible feeling unsatisfied. What these speakers at the retreat taught me (not necessarily intentionally), was that no matter how many times the Gospel is preached and heard, it is always refreshing to our souls. The Gospel of Christ is more than food for thought, it's a feast for the soul, and no matter how often we hear it, it is always new. Never stale or bland the, Gospel of Christ is to the soul as a king's feast is to a weary Pilgrim; refreshing and effectual.

May the Gospel of Christ nourish your soul and bring you nigh to God; today, tomorrow and forevermore.

Colin's Penmanship

Below is Colin's first attempt at writing his name. Not too shabby...

Anna Chuckles

I admit that this is unnecessarily long, but I just love baby laughs:

More Than A Tradition

Today my wife and I celebrated the baptism of our our daughter, Anna Elizabeth; an event I've been yearning for ever since her first breaths. Watching the pastor sprinkle water on her little head and pray for her, reminded Lizz and I of the wonderful love of our God, and the hope we have in the promises of His Son.

Although baptism is a tradition in the Christian church, it is not rooted in tradition but in the very Word of God, and although it is an outward sign, a spiritual element is involved as well. The Westminster Confession of Faith describes baptism as "a sacrament of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, not only for the solemn admission of the party baptized in to the visible Church; but also, to be unto him a sign and seal of the covenant of grace." Much more than a symbol, baptism is a sacrament ordained by Christ himself:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising then in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..." - Matt 28.19

Unfortunately, baptism is too often viewed as a sign of an individual's commitment to live a Holy life, versus a sign of the commitment of God to save and care for His children.

In regards to why Lizz and I have decided to baptize our children as infants, our convictions (once again) don't rest in tradition but in the Bible. First of all, we don't believe that the child is regenerated during baptism. In other words, we don't believe that baptism makes the child a Christian. Instead, we believe that baptism serves as an outward sign of the individual entering into the covenant community (i.e. visible Church).

In addition, we believe that there exists a strong link between the Old Testament sacrament of circumcision and the New Testament sacrament of baptism. As a matter of fact, we believe that baptism fulfills the sacrament of circumcision. As believing parents were instructed to have their sons circumcised in the Old Testament, believers are now called to baptize their children. In fact, there are several instances in the New Testament where all members of a believer's household are baptized (Acts 16.15, Act 16.33, 1Cor 1.16).

Finally, although baptism is, in part, a dedication, the basis of this dedication rests not in the ability of the parents, but in the promises of God. Although it is our responsibility to raise Colin and Anna "in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Eph 6.4), we realize that their salvation rests not in our dedicated effort, but in the love of our gracious Savior. This is where our hope lies, and this is what we are reminded of every time we witness a baptism.

Below is a clip of Anna being baptised. Before playing it, make sure your volume is turned up (high), and get comfy...it's a long 'un but a good 'un.

Monday Morning Musings: The Blessing of a Broken Heart

Below are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs. I'm very grateful that I have this on MP3, for I'm certain that a tape would be well worn, and a CD would be in scratches by now.

I Want A Broken Heart
words and music by Derek Webb

I’ve got faith in the bank and money in my heart

I’ve got a calloused place where your ring used to be, my love
I’ve traded naked and unashamed for a better place to hide

for a righteous mask, a suit of fig leaves and lies

I thought the cattle on a thousand hills was not enough to pay my bills and I fell in love with those who proved me wrong, and now I want a broken heart

Now there’s a great pad lock on the place where I was free, and I’m feeling bad from swallowing that key
Now I work real hard but I mostly call in sick of a broken back from the ground fighting back at me

I cannot look you in the eye so I check the knots on my disguise ‘cause I fell in love with fashion in the dark and now I want a broken heart

I’ve got alibis for every crime a substitute to do my time ‘cause Your heart breaks enough on both our parts so now I want a broken heart

now I want a broken heart

now I want a broken heart

Every time this song queues up on my player, I end up listening to it at least three times in a row. It's one of those songs I find to be simultaneously convicting and soothing. As I listen to the words, I'm reminded of how easy it is to worship the blessings I've received over the Giver of those blessings; how I've become infatuated with this world and work so hard to justify my greed; how quickly I forget the life and sacrifice which freed me from the bondages of sin and made me righteous. I'm so thankful for artists like Derek Webb who can so brilliantly put the truths of the Gospel into a beautiful song.

May the Lord continue to graciously chisel away the barnacles of sin from our calloused hearts, and pour in His holiness and love, conforming us more and more each day to His Son.

Anna's First Tooth

Well, teething has officially begun. A few days ago, Lizz noticed a tiny tooth popping up in the bottom of Anna's mouth. It'll just be a matter of time before she doesn't have to gum her peas and carrots anymore. I was unsuccessful at getting a picture of the intruder, so I decided to take one of Anna in her new hat...she has such great fashion sense, don't you think?

This Day In History (minus a week): Hampton Court Conference

In response to a document, know as the Millenary Petition, which was drafted by English Puritans and was an attempt at reforming the Church of England, King James I of England initiated the Hampton Court Conference (named for the location where it convened : the Hampton Court Palace). Convening in January of 1604, the conference consisted of three main meetings:

First Meeting: Basically involved James and his bishops hashing out the issues identified in the Millenary Petition.

Second Meeting: Served as an opportunity for the puritan representatives to voice their concerns to the King.

Third Meeting: Concluding the conference, the King made his final decisions in regards to what changes would or wouldn't be made.

Although many of the items in the Millenary Petition were rejected, one of the most significant and memorable consequences of the Hampton Court Conference was the decision to make a new translation of the Holy Scriptures into the English language. This version was published in 1611 and is known today as the King James Version.

May we all treasure the word of God, and seek to better understand His reveled will contained within, and may we find great comfort in knowing that His word has and will always be preserved.

"For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled." -Matt 5:18

Snow Day: Pt II

We had a blast! The weather was perfect: the temp was in the 40s and there was no wind. As a matter of fact, we had so much fun we ended up spending two hours playing, and we probably would've stayed out longer if we don't have to go in for dinner. Below are some snippets of our adventures:

Before we went out we made sure we were wearing the proper attire...

We decided to kick things off with a little snowball fight...we even made a mini bunker...

Then we made a snow man...his name is Wally...

And of course, we went sledding...dad started things off to make sure the hill was safe...



Then Colin and dad went for a ride...



What a great day!

Snow Day!

Wahoo! We finally received a "real" snow fall. The weather guy predicts at least a good 4 inches. I luuuuuuuv the snow! I even love driving in it (yes, I'm a freak). I find that snow forces me to slowdown and enjoy the beauty of creation (not just when I'm driving but also regarding life in general) . Below is a brief clip of our backyard being saturated with the gorgeous white fluff from heaven. Assuming that we get a chance to go out and play later this afternoon, I intend to take more vids/pics, so please stay tuned.

New Initiative

Being the sucker that I am, I recently let a friend from work talk me into playing lacrosse with him (a sport that I have little to no real experience with). Since the beginning of the year we've been spending most of our lunch breaks "playing catch", which I've found to be very valuable since my ability to catch and throw with a lax stick needs much improvement. As time (and my confidence) progressed, my buddy decided I was ready for some real experience. Before I knew it, I was out on the field with guys who have been playing since their parents exchanged their rattles with lax sticks. The good news was that I played in a pick-up game versus an actually league, so the intensity was not as high as it could've been. Aside from being quite tired (the game went from 10:30-11:30 PM!) and soar the next morning, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and look forward to the next game.


Besides some quirky rules I found the game play to be somewhat similar to hockey without skates (which bodes well with me since I was never a particularly great skater). One similarity to hockey is that your allowed to "check" your opponent (i.e. slam into them with you body). However, unlike hockey your also allowed to hit your opponent with your stick, which makes the game that much more enjoyable and exciting. Below is a picture of my fix lax war wound: a pretty bruise resulting from a stick check I received on my right arm (this is how guys help educate each other...words are a waste of time...beatings are much more effectual).



Just thought I'd share. Anyway, through this recent initiative I've been reminded how exciting trying new things can be. Hopefully I'll make it through this one alive so I can try others...

Hungry Baby

Monday Morning Musings: Ultimate Satisfaction

A few months ago I listened to a sermon series on Ecclesiastes by pastor Allistair Begg, and even though many days have passed since I've completed it, one of the many powerful things he said that has stuck with me and become a daily meditation of mine is:

"Every pleasure in life ultimately mocks us unless we have found our need of eternal life met in the Lord Jesus, and satisfied by God; unless the thirst of our lives has been quenched by the living water which Christ alone provides."

The truth of the matter is that this life and world do contain some amazing blessings that are right for us to seek out and enjoy. However, as Begg mentioned, if Christ isn't the Lord of our lives, these blessings, meant to point us to God, will instead become idols and mock us. They will deceive us into believing that our hope and joy rests in their existence, so when these pleasures are removed, our hope is shattered.

Friends, may the true God of this world awaken you to the only lasting satisfaction made available through His Son Jesus Christ, that you may possess real and lasting joy, and be able to take delight in His many blessings.

Intense Conditioning

Lizz has recently stepped-up the intensity of Colin's potty training by having him do "pee pee drills." This involves him acting as though he's playing when all of sudden he's "gotta go." He announces this by saying, "Mama, I have to go to the potty," and then runs to the bathroom. Below is a clip of Colin practicing:

Wake Up Call

This morning I had the opportunity of having the trumpet of Spurgeon blown in my face, awakening my weary soul, and calling me to draw near to Christ. Below is an excerpt from this morning's Morning and Evening devotional.

"He who does not long to know more of Christ, knows nothing of Him yet. Whoever hath sipped this wine will thirst for more, for although Christ doth satisfy, yet it is such a satisfaction, that the appetite is not cloyed, but whetted. If you know the love of Jesus—as the hart panteth for the water-brooks, so will you pant after deeper draughts of His love. If you do not desire to know Him better, then you love Him not, for love always cries, "Nearer, nearer." Absence from Christ is hell; but the presence of Jesus is heaven. Rest not then content without an increasing acquaintance with Jesus. Seek to know more of Him in His divine nature, in His human relationship, in His finished work, in His death, in His resurrection, in His present glorious intercession, and in His future royal advent. Abide hard by the Cross, and search the mystery of His wounds. An increase of love to Jesus, and a more perfect apprehension of His love to us is one of the best tests of growth in grace."

May we all constantly seek to draw nearer to Christ, and know Him better.

The Wonders of Modern Technology

Last night I had the honor of meeting the daughter of one of my good friends. Although I couldn't hold and kiss her, I was able to see her beautiful face and hear her precious baby coos through a web-cam, headset, and a web-site called Skype (http://www.skype.com/). Isabella was born on December 21, 2006 to her blessed parents, Jim and Jess, who have to be some of the most God fearing, faithful people I know. It was just a few months ago that Jim had returned from a deployment with the Marines, and then felt a calling to go into the the mission field. After much research and prayer, Jim and Jess hooked up with an organization called Corporacion Dios es Amor (CDA/"God is Love"). So, Jim having just returned from overseas, and Jess being about seven months pregnant, this faithful family answered the call to love the world, left their comfortable lives in Jacksonville, FL and moved to Bogota, Columbia. For the next few years, Jim and Jess will be serving in Tenjo, Columbia at an orphanage for girls with abused backgrounds. The faith that this family has been blessed with and exhibited, is truly awe inspiring. I am grateful to have friends like them and am excited about what God is doing in their lives. To learn more about their adventures (and to see more pictures of their gorgeous girl), please visit their blog: Through A Glass Darkly.

Anna's First Attempt With "Real Food"

Masterpiece

One of Colin's Christmas gifts this past year was an easel that holds a chalkboard on one side, a dry erase board on the opposite, and a paper roll between the two. Being the proud papa I am, I thought I'd unveil his first masterpiece. I cal it...Streaks and Blobs: