Sunday, August 31, 2008

State Market Cafe

Papa took us to the State Market Cafe at the State Fairgrounds in Montgomery. It was country cooking, and nearly everyone in there was kind to the children on their way out, stopping to speak to them.

Dalraida Baptist Church

The sermon today was on Joshua 6, and it was great. This is the church where Mr. and Mrs. Long, Amanda's grandparents, and Keven and Carmen attend regularly. The worship was awesome, too.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Go Biscuits!

The Montgomery Biscuits lost in the 11th inning 9-6, but the fireworks were great! We had an awesome outing. Pictured L to R are Amanda's parents (holding Ava-Grace), Amanda's grandparents, Amanda, her sister Carmen and husband Keven.

Biscuits game

4 generations

Friday, August 29, 2008

Inauguration Star

This star on the Alabama State Capitol at Montgomery marks the spot on which Jefferson Davis took the oath of office as the first president of the Provisional Government of the Confederate States of America.

Can you see my reflection in the star taking the picture?

We also toured the First White House of the Confederacy across the street from the Capitol.

Confederate monument Montgomery

Ava-Grace this morning

Ava-Grace in June


Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Charles Wesley's diary code cracked

Charles Wesley, John's brother, had an encrypted diary in which he kept his personal notes. Now an Anglican priest at Liverpool Hope University has cracked Charles' code, and it reveals his anger with his brother John Wesley and his opposition to separation from the C of E.

Rachel's camera smile

Sunday, August 24, 2008

For the first time in a long time, I'm excited about going to church. I can't tell you how good it feels.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

My 3 yo set me straight AGAIN

Luke is three and a half, and he is too smart for me already. Tonight we were eating popsicles together at the table (you know, those frozen flavored water ones in the clear plastic wrapper that you push up). I began to tease him.

"Luke, are you a little monkey?"

"Yep." Then he thought a minute. "I'm just being silly, Daddy."

"Do you like bananas?"

"Yessir."

"And you like to climb on things?"

"Yep."

"Then you must be a little monkey."

"No, I'm not a monkey. I'm one of the boy children who are eating popsicles."

"Oh, OK." I chuckled and kissed him on the forehead. "I'm just being funny with you, Luke."

Luke was quiet a minute. "Daddy, it's not being funny when it's ugly." Then he cut his eyes around at me and gave me a 'Gotcha!' grin.

Umph! Right through the heart. How many times have I told him exactly that. Whoops! Well, I didn't have enough sense to leave him alone.

"Luke, are you going to eat the rest of your popsicle? I think that you might be eating my popsicle. Are you going to eat that last piece of my popsicle?"

Luke didn't say a word except to smile, turn his popsicle up in the air, suck the last of the ice out of it, and say, "Umm Ummmmm."

We both had a long and good laugh.

World's Youngest Preacher

Friday, August 22, 2008

Multi-tasking or marijuana?

Christine Rosen in The Toronto Star (2 July 2008: "Can You Finish This Story Without Being Interrupted?") says multi-tasking is undermining our ability to concentrate, pay attention and decide whether or not information is worthy of our undivided focus. Following are a few of her findings with my commentary in italics.
(Pictured: A sufferer of MTS -- Multi-tasking syndrome.)
  • A British study showed people constantly interrupted by e-mails and instant messages did worse in a controlled test than those intoxicated by marijuana. The author said: "The IQ loss…is temporary. Remove the multi-tasking requirement, and test scores jump back to normal." Now think about a teenager (or yourself for that matter) driving, checking messages, adjusting the satellite radio, reading the GPS, and eating breakfast in rush hour traffic. Might as well be high on mari . . . well, we won't go there.
  • Rene Marois at Vanderbilt, exploring the consequences of multi-tasking on the efficiency of the brain, suggests that the more we jump from task to task, the more energy our brains waste. Maybe that's why I'm so tired .
  • UCLA's Russell Poldrack's research found that distraction causes a physiological learning deficiency. Multi-tasking causes the part of our brains used for storing and recalling information to slow down. Does that explain since we got toddlers why I haven't been able to remember bojackdiddly (a vocabulary word I learned from Bruce Ashford's sermon this week)?
The bottom line? For our minds, more is less. Focus and concentration have immense value and are essential for a person to think clearly and work efficiently. That means quiet. Remember quiet? Quite a concept.

The upshot? Multi-tasking is a permanent temptation in today's workplace, but leaders doing too much at once will drain their brains and drag down productivity.

Just a minute. I can't think about productivity and focus and quiet and all that. Too much multi-tasking. The kids are whining, someone just skyped me, the microwave is going off, the cell phone is ringing, I'm trying to finish this post so I can get to my appointment on time, and the UPS man is at the door.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

A Laurens County rare book


Last night I was on books.google.com looking for Bible Commentaries and South Carolina histories to add to my online library when I ran across a little known book by John Leland, principal of the Laurensville Female Academy in Laurens, SC.

Entitled A Voice from South Carolina, it tells the shocking story of what happened in Laurens County, SC, during Reconstruction, and it is some of the most fascinating and little known history of the area.

I referenced this little book in my college honors paper. It is a witty, insightful, clearly-written, humorous, and sometimes disgusting look at the personal vendettas that fueled Reconstruction politics in South Carolina.

If you have an interest in upstate South Carolina, let me recommend you read it online or better, download it.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

VBS Pictures

Pictures from Amis Chapel's Vacation Bible School June 22-26, 2008

Amanda, Luke, Rachel, Troy, and Tracy Beers at singing time.

Rachel and Mrs. Sally

Ava-Grace

L to R - Mrs. Lori and Hunter, Luke, Eli, Rachel and Ms. Chantel's class at singing time.

Clarence Ayers helps Rachel and Troy with bubbles.

Sally Brewer holds Ava-Grace

Rachel is dressed for the islands.

Luke and Eli have a snack at the shelter.

Ava-Grace sleeps.

Our awesome VBS Director, Jo Anne Brewer with her grandson Troy Beers. She conducted a VBS of a quality seen at large churches.

Rachel with her VBS teacher whom she loves intently, Mrs. Marion Pritchard.

Luke winds up a great bubble swing.

Luke and Rachel play with the bubbles.

Monday, August 18, 2008

The girls

Here's Rachel Friday at the mall. Mommy had the kids out of the house so I could finish writing a paper.
Ava-Grace on Sunday afternoon swinging.

Mayor says even 'ugly women' have a chance

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- Life can get a little lonely for bachelors in the Australian Outback mining town of Mount Isa, Queensland. So the mayor has offered up a solution: recruit ugly women.

Mayor John Molony found himself under attack Monday over comments he made to a local newspaper that read: "May I suggest if there are five blokes to every girl, we should find out where there are beauty-disadvantaged women and ask them to proceed to Mount Isa. Often those who are beauty-disadvantaged are unhappy with their lot,' he said. Some need to proceed to Mount Isa where happiness awaits.
The mayor added that many women who already live in the remote Queensland state town seem quite happy. "Quite often you will see walking down the street a lass who is not so attractive with a wide smile on her face," he continued. "Whether it is recollection of something previous or anticipation for the next evening, there is a degree of happiness."

The quotes, published Saturday in the Townsville Bulletin, sparked outrage among the town's female population, led to furious online debates and drew criticism from the local chamber of commerce, which is headed by a woman. Women may find a gem there, though. Greg Norman and tennis player Pat Rafter were born in the town.
Molony declined to elaborate on his comments when reached by telephone Monday by the Associated Press, saying that what he said was being "twisted and warped." "I've been shredded," he added, before hanging up the phone.

Several local women said there aren't a lot of gems to be found among Mount Isa's men, either.
"We've got a saying up here that the odds are good, but the goods are odd," 27-year-old Anna Warrick told The Brisbane Times.
Source: CNN, Daily Mail
"We have been silent witnesses of evil deeds; we have been drenched by many storms; we have learnt the arts of equivocation and pretence; experience has made us suspicious of others and kept us from being truthful and open; intolerable conflicts have worn us down and even made us cynical. Are we still of any use? . . . Will our inward power of resistance be strong enough, and our honesty with ourselves remorseless enough, for us to find our way back to simplicity and straightforwardness?"

Deitrich Bonhoeffer wrote the above about the Nazis in the winter of 1942-43 to fellow-conspirators. It made me think about deacons meetings.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Where's Rachel?

This afternoon after we got everyone home from church, Rachel got missing and quiet.

Where's Rachel?

Amanda found her snuggling with Ava-Grace on our bed, sharing a blanket.
Here she is -- caught snuggling with her sister.

Friday, August 15, 2008

The Top 5

I don't know it means about you or me . . . but here are the current most accessed posts on Sunday in the South according to blogflux.com. I would have never guessed them.

THE TOP FIVE

1- The Importance of Family (Psalm 127-128)
Views: 493 -- 5% of all accesses
This post is accessed worldwide, but mostly outside the West. Hmm. Wonder what that tells us.

2- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Water from the Rock
Views: 314 -- 3% of all accesses

3- Exodus 15:22-27 -- Marah and Elim
Views: 232 -- 2% of all accesses

4- Keep the Fire Burning -- Leviticus 6:8-13
Views: 228 -- 2% of all accesses

5- Elvis Presley Age Progression
Views: 215 -- 2& of all accesses
I don't even want to think about what that might tell us.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Olympic China arrests pastor

While you're enjoying the Olympics, remember that our Christian brothers and sisters in China are enduring harsh persecution as China strives to make everything look "great" for the world.

Two days before the opening ceremonies in Beijing, Chinese Public Security Bureau police picked up Pastor Zhang "Bike" Mingxuan, president of the Chinese House Church Alliance, who has pedaled his bike more than 10,000 miles, visiting 24 Chinese provinces to introduce nonbelievers to Jesus Christ.

Pastor Bike

Pastor Bike was the inspiration for the recent partnership between The Voice of the Martyrs and China Aid Association to create the Olympic Prayer Band. Learn More about the Olympic Prayer Band here

Pastor Asks for Prayer Band
Earlier this year, Pastor Bike pleaded with VOM ask Christians to pray for persecuted Christians in China during the Olympics. The pastor voluntarily preaches the gospel openly in China despite being persecuted. He has asked for his identity to be revealed to bring continued attention to the persecution of Christians in Communist China.

Thanks to Pastor Bike’s inspiration and the commitment of concerned Christians across the United States, more than 800,000 prayer bands have been circulated, including one to President Bush.

On Aug. 6, Pastor Bike was arrested while trying to deliver medicine to his ailing wife. His wife and another pastor were also arrested. VOM also learned this week that Chinese officials are opening a full investigation of the Olympic Prayer Bands that were distributed to house church members within China. Despite this increased pressure from Chinese authorities, Chinese Christians continue to ask for prayer and to make their plight known.

Source: Voice of the Martyrs

Lakeland Outpoured

The fat has hit the fire in Lakeland, FL.

Those with long-time red flags can say, "I told ya so."

The Todd Bentley revival meetings have taken a discouraging turn and might take some reputations down with it.

The best commentary with some common sense questions was written by my friend Lee Grady.

And Peter Wagner is back-pedaling like a cat at a dam-break.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Wondering about being a missionary?

Explore Pathways To Missions
Are you wondering if becoming a missionary is for you? Then check out this tool that will help you find out if you are. Explore is a set of learning experiences designed for people who are exploring the possibility of missionary service. This tool will:

-Clarify God's will for one’s life

- Teach what it takes to become His servant on the field

- Strengthen gifts and skills for ministry

- Help one discover the requirements of a missionary lifestyle

- Encourage you to work through the material with a mentor

One on Luke

We were sitting at supper the other night. In a profound tone, Luke, who is 3 1/2, stopped everyone and solemnly stated,

"Mommy, I'm deeply disappointed in your behavior today."

Then with a twinkle in his eyes, cut them both around to her to see her reaction. We all fell out laughing.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Death of the church bulletin

Tim Schraeder talks about how they stopped the insanity of weekly bulletins at Park Community Church and switched to a monthly. He says, "Today I have some sad news to report…

June 22 was a sad day at Park Community Church, we lost a dearly beloved friend… our weekly program.

What is often the bane of all communications people, church secretaries, and grammar police… the weekly program… passed away."

Michael Buckingham agrees.

"The choice might not fit every church to throw out the bulletin, but the exercise they went through to come up with the decision would be good for any church. Often we do things for one simple reason--that's what we've always done. By taking a closer look at the people that make up Park Community Church and the pros and cons of the bulletin, the team at Park realized there was a better way. They didn't just get rid of the bulletin, it was replaced with something that worked better for the church. "

Thursday, August 07, 2008

A 24-hour sermon

And nobody wanted to be out by 12?

If you worry about your Sunday sermons running a bit long, don’t despair. Last week an English vicar set a new world record for the longest outdoor message when he spoke from the pulpit for 24 hours. The Rev. Eric Delve of St. Luke’s Church in Kent County, England, held the marathon preaching session to kick off the Detling Summer Conference, an annual Christian camp that this year coincided with a town river festival. “It’s quite exciting doing this in the open air and in a busy town,” Delve said. “It leaves you free to be heckled, which to be honest, I quite enjoy, as you get to think on your feet and at speed.” Interestingly enough, Delve was inspired to take on the preaching feat after a friend set the world record for the longest indoor sermon. [kentnews.co.uk, 7/25/08; ryeandbattleobserver.co.uk, 7/29/08]

Liberia at Wake Crossroads

Last Sunday we went to a new church, a fairly large and influential church in north Raleigh, Wake Crossroads Baptist Church. I was feeling a little down about church in general and sorry for myself in particular. On our way out , we passed a board for ministry opportunities, and I was instantly struck by the picture of a little girl on a brochure hanging on the board.

I recognized her. I called Amanda over, and her mouth dropped open. She recognized her, too. She is a Liberian girl at Mama Feeta's orphanage, Rainbow Town.

It was a brochure for Touch the World Ministries in Morganton, NC, led by Pastor Homer Murdock, and the picture was indeed of the Liberian orphans he came to see in 2004.

The organization I was working for, Samaritan's Purse, had decided against doing very much at the time for this group of orphans, but my supervisor, John Freyler, contacted another ministry which might invest in them. I met with part of TTW's board in May of 2004, and pleaded with them to come, telling them stories of these incredible women and children who had survived torture, near murder numerous times, and starvation, deprivation, and homelessness.

In June 2004, Homer came to Liberia to look into helping Mama Feeta's orphanage, and we took them to Barclayville to meet Mama Feeta, Jackson, and the children, then on to Gbarnga to see the 50 acres of orphan land that might be useful as a home and farm for them.

The rest is history. Rainbow Town is the site of Touch the World's two-year commitment to Mama Feeta's orphans. TTW built two dormitories based off an initial design I drew up in 2004. (I'm not an architect, but I slept in a Holiday Inn Express last night.)

In partnership with TTW, Samaritan's Purse invested thousands of US dollars there as well as Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church in Laurens, SC, our family's home church. Others have also joined the vision to provide for these 100 children, such as a family in Oklahoma whose daughter, Lauren Selmon, interned with us in Liberia in 2004.

There we were, standing in north Raleigh in Wake Crossroads Baptist Church in 2008, looking at the effects of the small connecting work the Lord did through us in 2004 and 5.

Amanda said, "Do you see? That's God's encouragement for us."

While scores milled around us in the church foyer, we stood there about to shout in gratitude for how the Lord honors our small, pitiful offerings of life and heart.

Below are pictures from that June 2004 trip in which Homer met Mama Feeta and her kids, and we saw the orphan land that would become Rainbow Town.

June 2004: Loading the truck at ELWA to head to upcountry. You can see Homer in the cap in the middle. Others waiting are Samaritan's Purse interns and friends from the Beechee Mennonite orphan ministry along with Terry Harmon from Samaritan's Purse. Dennis Aggrey is securing the tarp on top.
Homer Murdock (center) discusses orphans with Jackson Quinesear (R) and Dennis Aggrey (L).

Homer presents Mama Feeta a ground hog he bought just down the road for her and the children. Mama Feeta said, "Sweet meat!"
Behind them stands one of the older orphans named Genesis.

Home talks to the children and gets footage for his church. John Freyler and I look on.

A shower of rain comes, but Homer keeps enjoying the kids along with Lauren Selmon, a Samaritan's Purse summer intern.

Homer shows the children digital images of themselves.

The "Orphan Land," 50 acres for sale for US$25 an acre. This soccer field you see is the front field area of Rainbow Town. John Freyler and Dennis Aggrey talk while I point up the hill to where the orphanage and school are located today.

This is the approximate location of the Rainbow Town fish ponds and the rice mill barn that Chestnut Ridge built and Hopewell Baptist Church finished with metal siding.

This is the path we took through the bush to get to the soccer field. The path now comes out at the corner of the metal rice mill barn.