Writer's Block

I would like to apologize for the lack of updating on the blog.
I miss it!
I had a bit of ... writer's block.
It takes a bit of time to type with a splint on a finger.
I decided to take some time off.
So, I thought during the lull that some inspirational and witty thoughts would develope.
Nope.
Nothing.
I went to go see the new Harry Potter - Goblet of Fire movie.
I enjoyed it! I am not a die-hard Harry Potter fan. I haven't even seen the third movie! (anyone have a dvd I can borrow!)
It is interesting to me, the initial resistance to the Potter fad. The use of wizardry and witchcraft in the series brought about a lot of concern. I can't say that I disagree. I was intitially skeptical.
However, after seeing several of the movies, and becomming slightly interested in the story, I have learned a few things about the series and the controversy that surrounds Harry Potter.
I can agree that promoting any kind of witchcraft and black-magic to a younger audience is dangerous. I have not found that to be the case with Harry Potter. There is a definate boundary between good and evil, right and wrong, hero and villian.
The story is set in a fantasy realm where magic (like the Force) surrounds, and affects everything.
The problem I have, is that many make a premature judgement. I am not one to look down on over-caution, but if one is going to make a decision, it is best to do one's homework.
For example, Potter uses magic, Batman uses fear and manipulation (not to mention cool cars and nifty gadgets!). If I were a parent, I would think the more dangerous - not to mention more realistic - threat to my child is the obvious theme of fear and using this to manipulate and overtake an enemy.
I own three of the Batman movies in my DVD collection. I am currently watching the Potter series. No, I don't believe myself to be a hypocrit, just simply doing my homework.

Michael Keaton was the best Bruce Wayne/Batman.

M@

What am I thankful for...

We have had a great time in the youth group.
This past Sunday we studied "Gratitude and Grace". I am aware that each one of these could easily provide a month's worth of curriculum, but youth tend to get bored.
I asked several questions to the youth group:
"What is the coolest gift you ever received?"
"Have you ever realized how good something was once it was taken from you?"
"What are you grateful for?"
I mentioned how I was grateful for carpet upon my return from a mission trip to Honduras in the summer of 1998.
Now I am grateful for my ring finger on my right hand. No, I didn't lose it; I broke it.
This has been an interesting month.
A guy hit a line shot to the outfield, I was sure it would fall.
It kept screaming towards me in the air, I realized I had a shot to make a play and catch it. I reverted back to fundamentals using two hands to catch the ball. By the time I was in the path of the ball, I realized the ball wasn't spinning, giving it a knuckling effect. I made the catch but misjudged the ball, and the ball smashed into my throwing hand then into my glove.
So, I am thankful for my ring finger of my right hand. It has already taken my an hour to type this out, and my video game career is put on hold.

At least until Tuesday...
M@

Am I lazy or what?

I love Wednesday nights.
There is a time in my life where I wouldn't have made such a comment.
Even when I was working for other churches, I would sometimes dread Wednesdays.
I haven't taught Wednesday night class in about 2 months. My philosphy of ministry has been to eventually work myself out of a job. I want to build a ministry that survives with or without me. I feel like we are doing that at Lake Cities.
The youth ministry has been blessed by classes led by the youth. We have studied the Gift of God (Zeke Morgan), Stress (Alex Wasner), How We Look to God (Abbie Waldron and Karin Wasner), The Cross (Zack Morgan); we have been blessed by a worship service from Chris Black and Laura Quile.
To see the heart that my kids have for Christ is so refreshing. If you feel like you have lost the face of Christ, I recommend that you sneak into a youth service - with permission - and listen to what is on the hearts of our youth. Watch them as they share what God has done in their life. See them relay their faith even as they struggle with speaking infront of their peers.
I don't like, however, that it is November and the high was 88!
I long for those cold and rainy days where I can dress in sweats and curl up at home with my wife and watch a movie, or Sporstcenter (when she falls asleep!).
I didn't like the weather until we were outside the church building, throwing the football around for an hour after class. A cold and rainy day would have prevented us from enjoying time outside, laughing when someone dropped a pass or putting ice down the back of someone's shirt. I was sad to see my kids leave.
I love Wednesdays.
I sat on the hill behind our basketball goal and watched our kids laughing, throwing ice cubes and footballs, chasing each other...
I just sat there, enjoying it.
All of it.
Am I lazy or what?
M@

I once was lost, but now I'm found!

I received a call today.
They found my truck.
It has been a week almost to the hour that my truck was stolen. I had several people tell me that if we find it at all we will be fortunate. Luckily it is still in one piece, but I have to go and get it. The problem is, is that I might have to take a few days off of work to go and get it.
Where is it that it would take more than a day to go get it?
San Antonio.
My truck turned up in San Antonio.
Sounds like a country song huh? Stephen Bailey and I already have the rights for the idea and are in the developmental stages of the song. Look for the album to hit store shelves next fall.
Ironically, I have received the same reaction to finding it, that I did when it was stolen!
Comments like...
"You're kidding."
"Are you serious?"
I feel like I am as shocked it was recovered as I was when it was stolen! Maybe that has to do with the fact that Kevin Wasner sent me an email describing a television program sponsored by an insurance company featuring car thieves. In the program, these "professionals" stripped a car down in 8mins and 43secs. From off the lot, into every available part that could be sold or taken off of the vehicle.
Kyla and I had broken up with the truck. We had buried it. And now, it is like Tom Hanks returning from his island, dead but now alive. Yet we are reserved. This is the first time anyone has driven the truck outside of Kyla's family and mine, since it left the lot. We don't know where it has been, how it was driven what might be hidden inside.
What a great analogy for the concept of redemption!
There is a devo in here somewhere...

Oh, Dodge you left me alone.
Were on your way to San Anton'.
Now there's no gas left in your tank.
Whoever took you, I hope they don't stank.

If you bought this truck, and paid with cash.
I hope you didn't hide coke in my dash.
Arrests were made, you won't be missed.
If you sold my iPod, I'm gon' be ....uh..... mad.

M@