My wife wrote an excellent blog on our adoption blog, The Road to Ethiopia. I wanted to share it with other readers and those on Facebook. There is a mission before us to take the Gospel to a lost and dying world, to love people who aren't easy to love and serve people in difficult places. Read through Karen's post and consider how you and your church are carrying Jesus' message and love because you know the objective reality of Christ's love and grace.
One year ago today, we had just submitted our online application to America World Adoption with the non-refundable $250. We were waiting to hear if we had been approved into the Ethiopian Adoption Program. Here we are today, 366 days later & all in at about $25,000 thus far & waiting. We’ve done a lot of waiting over the past year….not just waiting in line for popcorn at the movies or waiting in a really long line to pay a toll booth fee (neither of us miss the traffic aspect of Chicago).
This past year has been filled with HIGHLY stressful waiting…big, big WAITING….and right now, we are again waiting. I feel like I've had some real experiences with waiting prior to our adoption, and most of them centered around my education. I waited to hear about grad school applications...waited to hear about my residency placement....waited to hear if i passed the national licensure exam (very stressful)...waited 9 years for a degree and a real job. I'd describe all of those experiences as difficult and stressful. But I’d much rather do any of that type of waiting all over again than do this kind of waiting… the lack of 100% assurance is indescribably difficult. Don’t get me wrong… He IS our son. Even if the most horrifically awful thing occurred, and Ethiopia closed their borders for international adoption, and if we were not allowed to adopt him… HE IS OUR SON. I’m guessing at that juncture John Mark would initiate some commando/rambo-like operation to get him ….
MY point is the lack of assurance is so difficult. At times if I allow my thoughts to wander, it's quite unbearable. But, our thoughts are guarded and our assurance and our peace are grounded in Jesus. I know that sounds cheesy or real "Sunday School-ish," but honestly our thoughts really are and have been focused throughout this entire journey on God's sovereignty and HIS plan for our lives & our family. I'm not sure how anyone could navigate this experience without faith, trust, and assurance that God is on the THRONE. However, even with faith & trust, it’s still really hard...REALLY hard, but then again we never expected & certainly weren’t promised anything different.
I think John Mark & I have learned quite a bit from our multiple times of waiting this year. I know we’re both stronger in our walk with the Lord, and I know our hearts are even more burdened for orphans & for people who do not know Jesus as Savior and brother. We’ve become even more aware of the fact that OUR LIFE IS NOT OUR OWN, and that the materialistic things (which I definitely placed value in during portions of my life) are so incomprehensibly pointless when compared to providing a hope and a future for a child without a mother and father. Personally, I’ve learned that everyone isn’t passionate or burdened for orphans or the priority for Christian families to advocate for adoption in some form or fashion. That’s been a very difficult lesson for me. To be quite honest, I’m still working on this one, and it's really hard for me. I think for most people, Christianity is so very easy ~ especially in middle class America. We buy our multiple SUVs for one family, sport our 7 jeans, and have all of the latest electronics. Then, maybe we give a little here and there to the church or maybe twice a year give a little to missions (if your church even provides an outlet to give to missions or educates its members on the importance of giving to missions for the Kingdom of Christ)....all the while most churches struggle to pay bills and there are 147 million orphans in the world, and there are people dying every day who don't know Jesus. I heard or read somewhere recently a statistic that there is some ridiculously large amount of missionaries wanting to go & serve, but they are unable to go & proclaim His glory among the nations because there isn't enough funding. That's sick....
From a clinical perspective, I think a variation of the social psychology term “social loafing” applies to most American Christians. Social loafing theory describes a tendency related to group dynamics and performance. For this example a group would be the overarching group of Christianity along with the smaller grouping of a local church. Social loafing theory suggests (with years of empirically supported data) that there is an overarching tendency or phenomena for people to make less effort to achieve a goal or contribute less effort when working in a group. In other words it’s the tendency for people in a group to simply rely on others to “get things done.” Social loafing is seen as one of the main reasons groups are sometimes less productive than the combined performance of their members working as individuals.
Yikes…that’s a pretty scary idea for the church when it comes to tithing, giving, supporting missions and orphan care, and all around giving for the Kingdom of Christ. It's also pretty scary when it comes to serving, evangelism, and discipleship. But, I think it’s a very important theory /notion, particularly for the church since our American society is so extreme with egocentrism, entitlement, materialism, and decreased Christ-centered uses of His money. Yes, I said it. I said that something not only from secular psychology but SECULAR SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY has really important implications for the church! Blam…there it is…I said it, and I stand by it.
People aren’t giving, going, or placing Christ at the REAL center of their lives because we expect others to do it. "Group members" are not teaching children on Sunday mornings or helping disciple teenagers because "well, someone else will do it... good ol' jimmy, he's always helping out with those loud teenagers on Wednesday nights; he'll do it." Those of us that profess Christ as Savior and Brother, are all in this group of Christianity and hopefully we're in the subgrouping of church. But, the majority of us are stuck expecting other people to get the job done. I wish more of us would see there is so much more…. I pray that I will see in bigger, deeper ways that there is SO MUCH MORE. I’m learning adoption & orphan care isn’t going to be everyone’s “thing,” but I really believe all Christians need to have their “thing.” Don’t be a loafer…. Pray about it! Find it!! Get passionate! Be passionate!! Stay passionate!!!
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Further News
There have been several news stories about the merger of St. Paul's Missionary Baptist Church and Shively Heights Baptist Church. Check out this story from Baptist Press regarding the merger.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Seeing the Gospel
Sunday Karen and I travelled to Louisville for a highly anticipated worship service. I had formerly served as youth pastor at Shively Heights Baptist Church. In June I ran into Mark Payton, the pastor, and he told me about the exciting way God was working. I was excited to hear that Shively Heights Baptist Church and St. Paul's Missionary Baptist Church were merging together. On Sunday, St. Paul's Missionary Baptist Church and Shively Heights Baptist Church celebrated their first gathering in worship as one body. The church merger glorifies God as people unite around His message and His name.
What makes this church merger so noticeable is the make up of the individual churches. Shively Heights Baptist Church was a church of older, white people while St. Paul's was a church of black people. The new assembly of people is now led by Rev. Lincoln Bingham and Rev. Mark Payton. These two men have been friends for over 25 years. Together they have always worked towards racial reconciliation. This merger is a crowning mark of their lives sharing the Gospel and seeing people united in Christ's love.
The two pastors are united in their common mission to share Jesus Christ with people in the community and around the world. "We hope we can get to the point where we no longer say, black church, white church but the church. We’re just fulfilling the prayer of Jesus that we would be one and he and the father are one. He wasn't just talking to his 12 disciples. He was talking to the future church and future different nationalities and races of people, wanting us to be one," said Mark Payton.
"I don't like the term colorblind. I think this diversity of color, variety of color, racial ethnicity is the way God designed it. Respect color but see us as equals," said Pastor Bingham. In the inaugural message of the St. Paul's at Shively Heights, Bingham let people know there would be hurdles to overcome and that things will be done differently. He noted the things that God has blessed the church with in facilities, gifted musicians and talented singers, but the church has to be a church that lifts up Jesus as God and Savior. He encouraged unity around the Gospel message throughout his sermon.
Fifty-five years ago a black family moved into a house in Shively. Shots were fired in the house and a bomb was set off under the home. Racism is still a real thing in the hearts of men and women. Today, however, it is much more subtle and cunning. I thank God for His grace and mercy to reconcile people to Himself. His grace goes out to all people, and we take His message of love to ALL people. Not only do we take the message, but we live in love and unity WITH people. St. Paul's Baptist Church at Shively Heights is a testimony of God's love in a community that has been marked by hatred. When the Gospel is heard this is a picture of what the Gospel looks like.
What makes this church merger so noticeable is the make up of the individual churches. Shively Heights Baptist Church was a church of older, white people while St. Paul's was a church of black people. The new assembly of people is now led by Rev. Lincoln Bingham and Rev. Mark Payton. These two men have been friends for over 25 years. Together they have always worked towards racial reconciliation. This merger is a crowning mark of their lives sharing the Gospel and seeing people united in Christ's love.
The two pastors are united in their common mission to share Jesus Christ with people in the community and around the world. "We hope we can get to the point where we no longer say, black church, white church but the church. We’re just fulfilling the prayer of Jesus that we would be one and he and the father are one. He wasn't just talking to his 12 disciples. He was talking to the future church and future different nationalities and races of people, wanting us to be one," said Mark Payton.
"I don't like the term colorblind. I think this diversity of color, variety of color, racial ethnicity is the way God designed it. Respect color but see us as equals," said Pastor Bingham. In the inaugural message of the St. Paul's at Shively Heights, Bingham let people know there would be hurdles to overcome and that things will be done differently. He noted the things that God has blessed the church with in facilities, gifted musicians and talented singers, but the church has to be a church that lifts up Jesus as God and Savior. He encouraged unity around the Gospel message throughout his sermon.
Fifty-five years ago a black family moved into a house in Shively. Shots were fired in the house and a bomb was set off under the home. Racism is still a real thing in the hearts of men and women. Today, however, it is much more subtle and cunning. I thank God for His grace and mercy to reconcile people to Himself. His grace goes out to all people, and we take His message of love to ALL people. Not only do we take the message, but we live in love and unity WITH people. St. Paul's Baptist Church at Shively Heights is a testimony of God's love in a community that has been marked by hatred. When the Gospel is heard this is a picture of what the Gospel looks like.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Thursday, August 06, 2009
The Name of God
I read on Justin Taylor's blog that Sovereign Grace is releaseing their third album of the summer entitled "Sons & Daughters". Sovereign Grace's album focuses entirely on the grace of adoption. J. I. Packer writes in Knowing God on just how integral understanding adoption is for Christians.
If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God's child, and having God as his Father. If this is not the thought that prompts and controls his worship and prayers and his whole outlook on life, it means that he does not understand Christianity very well at all. For everything that Christ taught, everything that makes the New Testament new, and better than the Old, everything that is distinctively Christian as opposed to merely Jewish, is summed up in the knowledge of the Fatherhood of God. "Father" is the Christian name for God. … Our understanding of Christianity cannot be better than our grasp of adoption. (pp. 201—202)
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Giving for the Gospel
My cousin Michael York posted a blog last week about the International Mission Board and our role in giving so that the Gospel can go to people that need Jesus Christ. The Gospel shapes our entire life either we are impacted and changed by it totally or there is simply a cognitive recognition of what the Gospel is. It's easy to have a "relationship with Jesus" when the most pressing worries about our future have to do with the size of our retirement fund. With eternity in view, our treasure will never run dry. Give for the Gospel.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Vick Returns
Michael Vick has been reinstated to the NFL. I've been a Vick fan since his Virginia Tech days. Since then you could count me on the Vick band wagon. When his arrest and crimes were brought to the public's eye I like most people were horrified. However, Vick has served his punishment.
The part of Vick's reinstatement and his life that I am most excited about, which is not on his athletic skills, is that Tony Dungee is his mentor. My prayer is that Michael Vick will claim Christ and his entire life will be devoted to the glory of God.
The part of Vick's reinstatement and his life that I am most excited about, which is not on his athletic skills, is that Tony Dungee is his mentor. My prayer is that Michael Vick will claim Christ and his entire life will be devoted to the glory of God.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
250
My life has taken an unexpected turn as of last week. I'm slowly realizing the surprises of aging. While I'm not "old" my body isn't the same as it once was. Balding showed it's ugly head a few years ago. Stretching is an absolute must before and after working out or my body screams relentlessly at me. Now the biggest mark of my body age's came from my doctor. For our adoption Karen and I had to get a physical (No, I'm not that old, yet). We have to get various tests documented for our home study. Karen called to inform me of bad news related to my medical report. The first thing I thought of were potential problems this could cause for our adoption, but I noticed in Karen's voice a subtle jubilation. She's smiling while about to tell me bad news.
Karen had hoped this news would come two and a half years earlier. She had been strongly encouraging me to get my cholesterol checked since we were married. Before we moved to Chicago, I did get checked so that I might calm her fears and worries stemming from my family history and my poor eating habits. To her surprise and disappointment, I was in great shape with a level of 182. Her response, "you're joking me?"
Her good news and my bad news was finally here - 250. The shock didn't set in until Karen and I had lunch after our doctor's appointment. We're in line at Subway and I have to figure out what kind of sauce I can get on my sandwich - definitely no chipotle sauce. As I stood there, I looked at all the people around me in disgust secretly judging my health against theirs. Alas, it doesn't matter one slice of butter if I could out run the three obnoxious women in front of me or lateral toss the tattooed and pieced twenty-somethings sitting to my left. All that mattered was the end of the line. When I stepped down to the end of the line, I declared mustard.
This decision was the first of many decisions I am now making. I can't answer what's going to happen when friends and family come to visit and want to eat the forbidden buffet at Moonlight. I don't know what every meal is going to look like, but I'm well on my way to being a healthy father and husband. There is one goal in focus - loving my family. I can't stop aging, but I can age wisely on matters within my control. I'll say good-bye to butter and welcome leafy greens. May I never eat butter again so that I might love my children and my wife, and may God grant me a long life with which to love them.
Karen had hoped this news would come two and a half years earlier. She had been strongly encouraging me to get my cholesterol checked since we were married. Before we moved to Chicago, I did get checked so that I might calm her fears and worries stemming from my family history and my poor eating habits. To her surprise and disappointment, I was in great shape with a level of 182. Her response, "you're joking me?"
Her good news and my bad news was finally here - 250. The shock didn't set in until Karen and I had lunch after our doctor's appointment. We're in line at Subway and I have to figure out what kind of sauce I can get on my sandwich - definitely no chipotle sauce. As I stood there, I looked at all the people around me in disgust secretly judging my health against theirs. Alas, it doesn't matter one slice of butter if I could out run the three obnoxious women in front of me or lateral toss the tattooed and pieced twenty-somethings sitting to my left. All that mattered was the end of the line. When I stepped down to the end of the line, I declared mustard.
This decision was the first of many decisions I am now making. I can't answer what's going to happen when friends and family come to visit and want to eat the forbidden buffet at Moonlight. I don't know what every meal is going to look like, but I'm well on my way to being a healthy father and husband. There is one goal in focus - loving my family. I can't stop aging, but I can age wisely on matters within my control. I'll say good-bye to butter and welcome leafy greens. May I never eat butter again so that I might love my children and my wife, and may God grant me a long life with which to love them.
Friday, January 09, 2009
According to what?
Yesterday marked fifty-three years since Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and Ed Mcully were killed in Ecuador by the Waodoni tribe. Their desire was to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a people known to be hostile and dangerous to all outsiders. Despite potential danger, these men, their wives and children moved to South America with the intent to establish relationships with the Wadoni tribe and see them live for Christ.
However, the warnings about these people proved fatal for the three men. They died making contact with the tribe. Of all the ways these men could have lived a life of ministry they chose something extremely dangerous knowing they could leave their family husbandless and fatherless.
What makes such a lifestyle choice acceptable and rational? Clearly these gifted men could have been missionaries in many other areas where people had never heard about Jesus Christ and been faithful to Christ as well as possibly seeing people accept the Gospel. But they chose to follow a calling that many people, even in the church, may say is unreasonable. I don't recall their friends' and families' response to their move and mission so I am merely bringing this topic up to encourage people to think about the values with which they seek to live their lives. Is the love of Christ the constraining power driving you? Or is natural reason or selfish motives driving your decisions?
Jim Elliot said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." May the love of Christ and His call to love move us beyond human rationality to godly wisdom.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Monday, November 10, 2008
We're having a baby (actually two)!
Karen and I have begun the process of adopting two children from Ethiopia through America World Adoption. We have a blog that details our journey of adoption. However, the blog is private. If you would like to follow our blog email me at johnmark20@gmail.com so I can send you an invitation.
Here is a post that I wrote which describes some of our reasoning and desire to adopt:
Adopting in Our Family
Karen and I talked about adopting from the beginning of our relationship. Once we moved to Owensboro and God provided both of us with stable jobs, adoption became a reality rather than just a desire. Over the past few weeks and days, Karen & I have fielded many questions regarding the adoption process, the costs, and at the bottom of it all, the why.
When you read the statistics listed on Karen's previous blog post, and on the right side of our blog about the desperate situation for adoption in Ethiopia and in other countries, it's easy to cognitively recognize the need. Karen and I feel the call to adopt children in this desperate situation--not only because of the need, but because of our faith.
We are tremendously excited about starting our family by adoption and raising up children for God's glory. There are many things that I do differently--that's for sure! I ride my bike rather than drive a car. I drink hot coffee by the pool in the summertime. I would rather read a good book on a Friday night than go to a movie. American food is not my favorite food. If given the choice, we'd both chose anything but American food. But adopting children from Ethiopia before trying to have biological children, that's not what most people think is natural. Karen and I do not operate by natural thinking. Even so, I would agree; it's not natural. It is so much more. One might even say supernatural.
God has done something that is unthinkable by our standards. While I was far away from Him, a foreigner, his enemy, God brought me to His family. I call Him Father because His son, Jesus, paid for my adoption with a much greater cost than our AWAA fees- His blood. By the blood of my brother, I am not a stranger anymore; I am a son of God. The strangest part of God adopting me is that I did nothing to make this adoption possible. I was the ugly, estranged person that had nothing to give back. But God being rich in mercy and love brought me out of darkness and made me His son. I don't deserve the riches that God has given me, but I know whom my heavenly Father is and what He has done for me. It's not natural by any measure at all.
Here is a post that I wrote which describes some of our reasoning and desire to adopt:
Adopting in Our Family
Karen and I talked about adopting from the beginning of our relationship. Once we moved to Owensboro and God provided both of us with stable jobs, adoption became a reality rather than just a desire. Over the past few weeks and days, Karen & I have fielded many questions regarding the adoption process, the costs, and at the bottom of it all, the why.
When you read the statistics listed on Karen's previous blog post, and on the right side of our blog about the desperate situation for adoption in Ethiopia and in other countries, it's easy to cognitively recognize the need. Karen and I feel the call to adopt children in this desperate situation--not only because of the need, but because of our faith.
We are tremendously excited about starting our family by adoption and raising up children for God's glory. There are many things that I do differently--that's for sure! I ride my bike rather than drive a car. I drink hot coffee by the pool in the summertime. I would rather read a good book on a Friday night than go to a movie. American food is not my favorite food. If given the choice, we'd both chose anything but American food. But adopting children from Ethiopia before trying to have biological children, that's not what most people think is natural. Karen and I do not operate by natural thinking. Even so, I would agree; it's not natural. It is so much more. One might even say supernatural.
God has done something that is unthinkable by our standards. While I was far away from Him, a foreigner, his enemy, God brought me to His family. I call Him Father because His son, Jesus, paid for my adoption with a much greater cost than our AWAA fees- His blood. By the blood of my brother, I am not a stranger anymore; I am a son of God. The strangest part of God adopting me is that I did nothing to make this adoption possible. I was the ugly, estranged person that had nothing to give back. But God being rich in mercy and love brought me out of darkness and made me His son. I don't deserve the riches that God has given me, but I know whom my heavenly Father is and what He has done for me. It's not natural by any measure at all.
Ridin' & Killin'
From Bike Monkey:
I always considered pepper spray products such as Halt! to be the ultimate weapon in the battle against bicycle-chasing dogs.
The former mayor of Seven Mile, Ohio, trumps that with a .357 Magnum handgun.
"The man was bicycling through the small southwestern Ohio town with his wife when a 10-pound mixed terrier named "Precious" chased down the couple, knocked the mayor from his bicycle and attacked him.
He told police that he feared for his life and shot at the dog five times before killing it.
The Oxford Press reports that the former mayor said he is a former police officer and permitted to carry an unconcealed weapon.
I always considered pepper spray products such as Halt! to be the ultimate weapon in the battle against bicycle-chasing dogs.
The former mayor of Seven Mile, Ohio, trumps that with a .357 Magnum handgun.
"The man was bicycling through the small southwestern Ohio town with his wife when a 10-pound mixed terrier named "Precious" chased down the couple, knocked the mayor from his bicycle and attacked him.
He told police that he feared for his life and shot at the dog five times before killing it.
The Oxford Press reports that the former mayor said he is a former police officer and permitted to carry an unconcealed weapon.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Apple Fest 2008
Cindy and Preston came to Owensboro for a visit today. We enjoyed a great time at Reid's Apple Festival. Despite hating seasonal allergies that I was temporarily liberated from when we lived in Chicago, the Apple Festival was a wonderful event. Cindy and Karen both claim the Apple Fest no only rivals Princeton's Black Patch Festival but is far superior. I am not willing to go that far whatsoever. (Maybe I need to make a call to the general, David Amoss)
Karen and I had enjoyed Reid's orchard already on an earlier visited one Sunday afternoon after church at Pellville Baptist Church. But there was far more at the Orchard than apples. Let me go on the record that I LOVE fair food, which you can see for yourself in some of the pictures. It was all there: funnel cakes, apple cider, BBQ, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, polish sausage, fudge, pie and even deep fried candy bars and oreos. I call myself Templeton after the gluttonous rat in Charlotte's Web. I know, very self-flattering.
Besides the food, it was fabulous watching Preston have such a great time on the rides and with the snake. He had no fear at all touching the snake or handling it. Cindy and Karen thought at one point he was trying to kiss the snake. I know better; he was trying to bite its head off.
The rest of today, I'm going to enjoy some apple cider and pumpkin roll.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
First Grade!!!
A friend of mine posted this video on his facebook. It's from the House church in Chicago. Check out this boy dancing!!! I'm still waiting on my gift of break dancing.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Saturday, August 02, 2008
New blog
I'd like to highlight a new blog that was just brought to my attention - insidetheparsonage.blogspot.com. Amy Cooper is the author of this newly created blog. She is married to Paul Cooper who is coming to visit the city for his 30th birthday next week! Paul and Amy are two of my favorite people on this earth. Paul is an awesome preacher at Marshall Baptist Church in Marshall, Il. Listen to him here
Monday, July 21, 2008
Dog Sitting
Last week Karen & I enjoyed dog sitting our friends, Lauren & Jonathan's french bull dog - Mr. Thomas Jefferson. Bosworth & Jefferson enjoyed many walks, laying in the sun, chasing tennis balls, and their favorite - tug of war. Enjoy a couple of highlights from the week.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Happy Birthday to John Mark- Almost
John Mark re-read through the Chronicles of Narnia last year, and I remember his child-like excitement as he finished each book and was so eager to begin the next book in the series. I loved to listen to him talk about the books and the image of God C.S. Lewis so thoroughly depicted through Aslan.
I was so very excited to learn about one of my super fly coworkers, Sally Hale, who is not only a great and talented therapist, but come to find out is an awesome and famous artist! She created this picture of Aslan, and gave me a great deal on one of her prints! I gave it to JM for his 30th birthday (early-because I'm not GOOD AT ALL with keeping presents) I'm so excited for this print to be in our home, and I'm more excited to be able to share with people who may not know Jesus why in the world we have a huge painting of a Lion in our living room! And, of course I'm so very excited for my husband's 30th birthday! I love that I have my husband--in all of his wonderful and precious qualities! ~~~ such a wonderful gift from a Gracious and powerful God!
Here is an excerpt from Sally's Homepage Check out her website;she's quite fantastic: This painting is a further exploration of the character Aslan from C.S. Lewis' series "The Chronicles of Narnia", a lion who is an allegorical figure of God. According to Lewis, Aslan is "not safe, but good". This touches on the universal question "how can a completely good and all-powerful God exist with all of the evil and suffering that is in the world?" To express Aslan's un-tame nature, I painted the mane as wildly as I could; throwing paint on the canvas, scraping away parts of it with huge palette knives, etc. The morning after I finished, I took it with me to church and after awhile an acquaintance came up to me and pointed out a lamb in the mane. Once I saw it, it was unmistakable. I was perplexed, and wondered at its meaning. I looked and found in Revelation chapter five that Christ is announced as "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah", but in the next moment appears as a "Lamb that looks as though it had been slain." I believe that the lamb appeared to bring me, and others who would see the painting, comfort and faith. For though the presence of evil still confounds me and many others, the lamb reminds us that despite our lack of understanding, God IS loving. The fact that He was willing to sacrifice his own life to make ours infinitely better proves it.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Dr. Karen Hutcheson
This past weekend I had the privilege to witness years of work, frustration, and difficulty come to fruition when my wife attended her graduation at Spalding University. As a young woman who has attended school year round since she was 14 in order to graduate high school and college early, she has completed her academic studies finishing with a Doctorate of Psychology.
It was a wonderful time for all of our family to get together and celebrate Karen. Karen's parents, brother Kevin, his 18 month old daughter, Karlie came in from Texas along with my parents and host of family drove from all over Kentucky to recognize Karen's accomplishment. On Friday night we celebrated dinner at Lynn's Paradise Cafe. We entertained the idea of eating at Maido, but didn't think even with this great celebration we could rally the troops for an evening of sushi. Afterwards we indulged ourselves at the new Homemade Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen on Bardstown Road. On Saturday, Karen dressed in her regalia walked through the ceremony to receive her completed degree of Doctorate of Psychology. Her dissertation was "Integrating Developmental Theories to Enhance Child and Youth Ministry: A Developmentally Based Approach for Training Individuals to Teach Children and Adolescents Concepts for Christianity."
I am grateful to be on the end of Karen's path through her tumultuous road in the academic world of psychology. It has been a wonderful experience for me as a husband, man, and pastor to see the formation of this woman, my wife, and psychologist through such a roller coaster experience. As a writer, I would do injustice to the battles my wife waged as she stood for the Truth of Jesus Christ in such a dark place. Let me settle to say my wife's faith has only grown as she stood for God in her diligence to share what God has commanded His children to carry out in the Great Commission.
I would like to encourage those in the church to rely on resources such as my wife to be an aid for parents, teacher development, and horrible situations that lay outside the areas of expertise of pastors such as child molestation, rape, difficult cases of behavior that we could label in numerous ways depending on one's perspective of such issues.
Karen has accomplished a tremendous amount of goals and accolades throughout her academic career. I am extremely privileged to be a part of her life to witness the tail end of what see has done. While she is an outstanding thinker, public speaker, psychologist, she is an athlete; she has run marathons and finished a half-Ironman (70.3 miles). Her talents outnumber my vocabulary. She is nonetheless extraordinarily talented and beautiful. I can only speak in a small and finite way to describe how beautiful Karen is. I still find myself repeating that she is great and wonderful which don't speak much in description, but my opinion is that she epitomizes these words. I often tell her she is the most beautiful woman in all of time. Sorry gents, she is the one.
God has blessed me with an amazing woman. May God bless me to love her as Christ loves the church. God bless her as she loves such a sinner.
Cubs Game
Karen & I went to a Cubs game a couple of weeks ago. Neither one of us are big baseball fans, but we enjoyed chatting away the game with the friends we went with. Enjoy a few pictures from the game.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Bicycles & Me
It all started with a tandem bike. Don’t misunderstand me, it was the first bicycle I ever rode, but my feet weren't touching the peddles. I was on the handlebars of our family’s yellow, tandem bike. Cindy & I would take turns riding with Dad. He would place us on the handlebars & peddle us around the driveway. We might as well been riding to the moon.
Eventually I learned to ride a bicycle, somewhere around six years old. After watching ET, I was determined to learn myself. I’m pretty sure I just picked us my bicycle with a Dennis the Menace fly wheel and rode off into the sunset.
When we lived in our old house, I didn’t ride my bike too much because there was little road space to ride. During our transition to building my parent’s current home, we lived in apartment on West Main Street above a dentist office. I know I was riding a BMX style bike but not sure what kind it was. It was my second bike and I loved riding it around town. As much as I tried, I never did a wheelie or jump over curbs. The bicycle must have weighed 200 lbs because I could never lift it over an inch off the ground. Any elevation and every curb was one more possibility. There were plenty of turn-arounds for me to try one more time over what I thought was the perfect jump site. After my huge heave and muscle strain, my wheels stayed on the ground. I still haven’t figured out the catch.
I didn’t have very many wrecks either, at least that I remember. I don’t recall any war story wrecks, but the lack of scars is proof that I didn’t have traumatic wrecks. My wrecks and scars have come much later in life; I’d say all of them have been post 21.
My mother didn’t rely on the safety of a small town to provide a watching eye over me while I rode. She diligently laid out boundaries about 3 blocks west & 5 blocks east. Despite my requests to ride all over town, her motherly care constrained me to these markers. I am thankful that helmets weren’t pushed as much as they are now, or I’m sure I would have had a helmet back then.
Sometime soon after we moved to our new house and I moved into the sixth grade, Grandmother entered a raffle at the grocery store. The prize was a brand new 10 speed bicycle. Her name was drawn, but I was the winner. I can’t tell you much about this lightning bolt except it was maroon, made of steel, and all mine.
In those days, I spent my days riding my bike or shooting a basketball. Some might remember me as a rough, Bill Lambeer-esque player, but in my middle school days I was lucky for the ball not to punch me in the face when I dribbled. Every ride was a ride of freedom into the unknown. True I had a road bike and I wasn’t quite in the wilderness, but at the time I felt like a pioneer exploring new terrain riding through fields barely a mile from my house. I have no idea how the bike held up over all those years.
Riding in Cincinnati was an entirely different monster. It didn’t matter where I was riding, there were enormous hills in every direction. One Christmas Mom gave me an insignificant present at the time – my helmet. It was a joke. I knew I wasn’t going to wear a helmet, but I still didn’t grasp the term “motherly,” and I’m sure Mom would say I never will understand how much she loves me. I know that is a good and marvelous gift. I will always be her son regardless of how old I am. As one attempting to be a young man in my early twenties, I still didn’t come close to grasping that truth.
Cincinnati is a mean city to ride a bike through, but it was there I found my first taste of speed. Riding past cars and faster than traffic on downhill slopes only fueled my love for cycling.
My mountain bike moved with me to Louisville and carried me through the streets of St. Matthews and the Highlands until it was taken from me – stolen in the middle of the night. Although my car was stolen nearly a year earlier from the same location on Broadway.
In 2004, I purchased a road bike, a KHS Flight 300. Years earlier I had seen Ironman competitions but simply wrote them off as an impossible dream. With a little encouragement from a friend, I was now set on becoming an Ironman.
Louisville is a great city to ride a bike - riding downtown, through Cherokee and Senaca park, or through Jefferson County at large. Before turning 16, the only thing a teenager can think about is getting a license so he can drive. After being trapped in a cage for all these years as a necessity to get from point A to point B, the freedom to ride 40, 50, or 100 miles by your own power is truly invigorating. The hills and curves of Kentucky provide beautiful scenery for long rides. I love riding River road’s flat terrain out to Oldham County. Past River Road the ride becomes more wooded and much steeper. Riding through the country past horse farms, magnificent houses, and patches of forest makes a great ride.
I was able to put a lot of mileage on my KHS for races, and I even bought another bike for racing, a Fuji – Team Super Light. Karen inherited the KHS, and we enjoy riding together (more about family riding later). I still had one more bicycle dream come true in Louisville and that was becoming a bicycle messenger. I know, lofty dream. I remember watching Quicksilver and being enamored with cycling in the city. To make a long story short, for three and a half days I was a bike messenger. I thought I had lived my dream never to return. However, my dream would be relived here in Chicago. I’m cycling away five days a week and still counting.
The bottom line is that I love to ride a bike. Getting on a bike for pleasure, fitness, or travel is fun. During the day I am working as a courier, but here's the catch - I'M RIDING MY BIKE. There is something freeing about propelling yourself around on two wheels. Feel the wind and sun on your face. Take a relaxing ride with you wife or husband. Speed through traffic. Race down the road and hit 50 mph. Park your car.
I encourage everyone who reads this to treat yourself to a ride. Shoot, treat yourself to several rides.
Eventually I learned to ride a bicycle, somewhere around six years old. After watching ET, I was determined to learn myself. I’m pretty sure I just picked us my bicycle with a Dennis the Menace fly wheel and rode off into the sunset.
When we lived in our old house, I didn’t ride my bike too much because there was little road space to ride. During our transition to building my parent’s current home, we lived in apartment on West Main Street above a dentist office. I know I was riding a BMX style bike but not sure what kind it was. It was my second bike and I loved riding it around town. As much as I tried, I never did a wheelie or jump over curbs. The bicycle must have weighed 200 lbs because I could never lift it over an inch off the ground. Any elevation and every curb was one more possibility. There were plenty of turn-arounds for me to try one more time over what I thought was the perfect jump site. After my huge heave and muscle strain, my wheels stayed on the ground. I still haven’t figured out the catch.
I didn’t have very many wrecks either, at least that I remember. I don’t recall any war story wrecks, but the lack of scars is proof that I didn’t have traumatic wrecks. My wrecks and scars have come much later in life; I’d say all of them have been post 21.
My mother didn’t rely on the safety of a small town to provide a watching eye over me while I rode. She diligently laid out boundaries about 3 blocks west & 5 blocks east. Despite my requests to ride all over town, her motherly care constrained me to these markers. I am thankful that helmets weren’t pushed as much as they are now, or I’m sure I would have had a helmet back then.
Sometime soon after we moved to our new house and I moved into the sixth grade, Grandmother entered a raffle at the grocery store. The prize was a brand new 10 speed bicycle. Her name was drawn, but I was the winner. I can’t tell you much about this lightning bolt except it was maroon, made of steel, and all mine.
In those days, I spent my days riding my bike or shooting a basketball. Some might remember me as a rough, Bill Lambeer-esque player, but in my middle school days I was lucky for the ball not to punch me in the face when I dribbled. Every ride was a ride of freedom into the unknown. True I had a road bike and I wasn’t quite in the wilderness, but at the time I felt like a pioneer exploring new terrain riding through fields barely a mile from my house. I have no idea how the bike held up over all those years.
Riding in Cincinnati was an entirely different monster. It didn’t matter where I was riding, there were enormous hills in every direction. One Christmas Mom gave me an insignificant present at the time – my helmet. It was a joke. I knew I wasn’t going to wear a helmet, but I still didn’t grasp the term “motherly,” and I’m sure Mom would say I never will understand how much she loves me. I know that is a good and marvelous gift. I will always be her son regardless of how old I am. As one attempting to be a young man in my early twenties, I still didn’t come close to grasping that truth.
Cincinnati is a mean city to ride a bike through, but it was there I found my first taste of speed. Riding past cars and faster than traffic on downhill slopes only fueled my love for cycling.
My mountain bike moved with me to Louisville and carried me through the streets of St. Matthews and the Highlands until it was taken from me – stolen in the middle of the night. Although my car was stolen nearly a year earlier from the same location on Broadway.
In 2004, I purchased a road bike, a KHS Flight 300. Years earlier I had seen Ironman competitions but simply wrote them off as an impossible dream. With a little encouragement from a friend, I was now set on becoming an Ironman.
Louisville is a great city to ride a bike - riding downtown, through Cherokee and Senaca park, or through Jefferson County at large. Before turning 16, the only thing a teenager can think about is getting a license so he can drive. After being trapped in a cage for all these years as a necessity to get from point A to point B, the freedom to ride 40, 50, or 100 miles by your own power is truly invigorating. The hills and curves of Kentucky provide beautiful scenery for long rides. I love riding River road’s flat terrain out to Oldham County. Past River Road the ride becomes more wooded and much steeper. Riding through the country past horse farms, magnificent houses, and patches of forest makes a great ride.
I was able to put a lot of mileage on my KHS for races, and I even bought another bike for racing, a Fuji – Team Super Light. Karen inherited the KHS, and we enjoy riding together (more about family riding later). I still had one more bicycle dream come true in Louisville and that was becoming a bicycle messenger. I know, lofty dream. I remember watching Quicksilver and being enamored with cycling in the city. To make a long story short, for three and a half days I was a bike messenger. I thought I had lived my dream never to return. However, my dream would be relived here in Chicago. I’m cycling away five days a week and still counting.
The bottom line is that I love to ride a bike. Getting on a bike for pleasure, fitness, or travel is fun. During the day I am working as a courier, but here's the catch - I'M RIDING MY BIKE. There is something freeing about propelling yourself around on two wheels. Feel the wind and sun on your face. Take a relaxing ride with you wife or husband. Speed through traffic. Race down the road and hit 50 mph. Park your car.
I encourage everyone who reads this to treat yourself to a ride. Shoot, treat yourself to several rides.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Cycling through Chicago
Three weeks ago I set out to find employment as a bicycle messenger. Some of you may remember my short career at the Bike Depot in Louisville, KY as a messenger. However, I spoke with Karen about this possibility in Chicago and she responded, "At this point, you can pedal until your heart's content." Those words were immediately emblazoned in my mind (Although Karen does question the authenticity of her statement).
As of April 28, I began my employment as a bicycle messenger with Standard Courier. My first day was a harrowing experience. Chicago welcomed me with brutal wind, rain, and cold temperatures. At the end of the day, I was soaked, freezing, shivering, and sore. But it was grand.
Since then, my hands and seat have adjusted to the posture of a cyclist. In the beginning, every morning was agonizing when I mounted up for the first pedal stroke. At first I was riding an old Panasonic, but have since changed to riding my KHS. Changing bikes was a total transformation for riding; it's smoother, faster, and much more comfortable. But at the end of my third week, I am thankful for the rest and relaxation of the weekends. The physical demands of the job have been relatively easy to adjust to. Don't misunderstand me though. When I get home, I'm worthless.
Riding through the city is an adventure! Surviving the obstacles of traffic, potholes, cabs, BUSES, and masses of people create many intense challenges. Chicago is very friendly toward bikers. Buses and people seem to create the biggest challenges for me. Squirming through the throngs of people at crosswalks can be difficult but dodging merging buses is scary yet at the same time thrilling. At this point, I'm not going into great detail about such experiences for my loved one's piece of mind.
I have made deliveries to some interesting places, mostly to law firms, marketing agencies, banks, and notably to Oprah's company, Harpo. I wasn't hypnotized, but I did notice several Oprah shrines and people begging for alms in the name of Oprah.
Here are a couple of other pictures from my day.
Chicago is a beautiful city. While this job is short term, I'm thankful for this opportunity to ride my bike all day, everyday. I look forward to serving as a pastor, but for now I will keep on peddling.
As of April 28, I began my employment as a bicycle messenger with Standard Courier. My first day was a harrowing experience. Chicago welcomed me with brutal wind, rain, and cold temperatures. At the end of the day, I was soaked, freezing, shivering, and sore. But it was grand.
Since then, my hands and seat have adjusted to the posture of a cyclist. In the beginning, every morning was agonizing when I mounted up for the first pedal stroke. At first I was riding an old Panasonic, but have since changed to riding my KHS. Changing bikes was a total transformation for riding; it's smoother, faster, and much more comfortable. But at the end of my third week, I am thankful for the rest and relaxation of the weekends. The physical demands of the job have been relatively easy to adjust to. Don't misunderstand me though. When I get home, I'm worthless.
Riding through the city is an adventure! Surviving the obstacles of traffic, potholes, cabs, BUSES, and masses of people create many intense challenges. Chicago is very friendly toward bikers. Buses and people seem to create the biggest challenges for me. Squirming through the throngs of people at crosswalks can be difficult but dodging merging buses is scary yet at the same time thrilling. At this point, I'm not going into great detail about such experiences for my loved one's piece of mind.
I have made deliveries to some interesting places, mostly to law firms, marketing agencies, banks, and notably to Oprah's company, Harpo. I wasn't hypnotized, but I did notice several Oprah shrines and people begging for alms in the name of Oprah.
Here are a couple of other pictures from my day.
Chicago is a beautiful city. While this job is short term, I'm thankful for this opportunity to ride my bike all day, everyday. I look forward to serving as a pastor, but for now I will keep on peddling.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Praying for the Lost
Listen to Augustine's words about his mother's prayers and his journey to salvation (Book III):
We have many friends and family members that do not know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us be diligent in praying for them to know Christ as well as taking every opportunity to share the Gospel with them.
My mother, your faithful servant, was weeping for me to you, weeping more than mothers weep for the bodily deaths of their sons. For she, by that faith and spirit which she had from you, saw the death in which I lay, and you, Lord, heard her prayer. . . . For nearly nine years after this I wallowed in the mud of the pit and in the darkness of falsehood, often trying to rise and then being plunged back again all the more violently. Yet all thsi time that chaste widow, holy and sober (such as you love), though she had now more hope to cheer her, never slackened in her weeping and her lamentations, never ceased in all hours of her prayer to weep to you about me, and her prayers entered into your presence, and yet you still allowed me to roll over and over in that darkness.
We have many friends and family members that do not know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us be diligent in praying for them to know Christ as well as taking every opportunity to share the Gospel with them.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Running the Race
In December I suggested to my parents that they run the Derby half-marathon in Louisville, Kentucky. To my surprise, the suggestion was met with a slight optimism rather than an immediate dismissal. Little more was said after this initial conversation. Then my father, who is the editor of the Times Leader newspaper, committed to the race IN PRINT. Just so you understand, he not only committed himself but also committed his wife to the race. When I brought up the race as a possibility, he didn't say yes or no, simply nodded his head in contemplation. The next thing my mother reads in his editorial is that THEY are going to run 13.1 miles. I can't tell you how interesting it was to hear the conversation between mom and dad after the paper was out. Dad just laughed and laughed.
Needless to say, what seemed like a whimsical decision was the beginning of tenacious training. Up to this point in their middle ages, mom has always been a speed walker, and dad was a golfer. However, they began training and never looked back despite cold weather, physical pain, and old age. Mom and Dad were determined to finish the race. Mom even said the only way she was stopping for dad is if he dropped dead with a heart attack.
Race day came and everyone was confident, plus nervous, cold, as well as extreme confusion as to why in the world they were about to run 13.1 miles. Originally, I had planned to run the full marathon, but decided instead to run the half so I could see mom and dad finish their first half-marathon. I can't tell you how excited and joyful I was to see them turning the final corner at 7th and Market. Mom came to the finished in 2:38. I ran with mom during the last 100 yards or so of her race. I yelled encouragements to her that she had finished! She said, "I'm going to throw up when I cross the finish line." Although mom may have felt like throwing up, she crossed the finish line with no problems. Dad finished in 2:50. I was waiting for him in the same place and encouraged him in the same way telling him he had finished about 100 yards before the finish line. He was quick to say "I haven't finished yet." There was still enough stamina to carry him across the finish line.
The best thing about mom and dad running the half-marathon was listening to them tell others why they were running the race. Throughout their training and after the race, they continually said they did it because they love me and their daughter-in-law. Its true that Karen and I asked them to run with us. Throughout my life my parents told me how much they loved me and now into my adult life, they continue to tell Karen & I they love us and will do anything for us. I never imagined that would entail running 13.1 miles, but I'm sure they never did either.
Needless to say, what seemed like a whimsical decision was the beginning of tenacious training. Up to this point in their middle ages, mom has always been a speed walker, and dad was a golfer. However, they began training and never looked back despite cold weather, physical pain, and old age. Mom and Dad were determined to finish the race. Mom even said the only way she was stopping for dad is if he dropped dead with a heart attack.
Race day came and everyone was confident, plus nervous, cold, as well as extreme confusion as to why in the world they were about to run 13.1 miles. Originally, I had planned to run the full marathon, but decided instead to run the half so I could see mom and dad finish their first half-marathon. I can't tell you how excited and joyful I was to see them turning the final corner at 7th and Market. Mom came to the finished in 2:38. I ran with mom during the last 100 yards or so of her race. I yelled encouragements to her that she had finished! She said, "I'm going to throw up when I cross the finish line." Although mom may have felt like throwing up, she crossed the finish line with no problems. Dad finished in 2:50. I was waiting for him in the same place and encouraged him in the same way telling him he had finished about 100 yards before the finish line. He was quick to say "I haven't finished yet." There was still enough stamina to carry him across the finish line.
The best thing about mom and dad running the half-marathon was listening to them tell others why they were running the race. Throughout their training and after the race, they continually said they did it because they love me and their daughter-in-law. Its true that Karen and I asked them to run with us. Throughout my life my parents told me how much they loved me and now into my adult life, they continue to tell Karen & I they love us and will do anything for us. I never imagined that would entail running 13.1 miles, but I'm sure they never did either.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
India video
This is one of my favorite videos from my India trip. These children are part of the Mercy Home at RIMI's Bible school in Warangal.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Check This Out
I want to welcome my sister, Cindy, back to the blogosphere. She is not the only one to enter into the blogosphere recently. When Cindy decided to put some new posts on her blog, she also suggested to the cousins that we get together for a cousin blog. We have a great family, and I am thankful for each one of them.
Friday, April 04, 2008
In the US
Traveling through India was a fantastic opportunity. I landed in the southern state of Kerla and traveled to Salem, Warangal, Raipur, and ended in Nagpur. Everyone I encountered was kind to me. The food was extraordinary, and yes, there were cows roaming freely.
I went with Saji Lukos and Earnest Mall. The reason we went was to encourage leaders and pastors working to advance God's Kingdom. We visited some Bible schools and churches to meet with pastors and missionaries. They expressed their needs as well as informed us what was happening through their work. Overall, I was amazed at how religious Indians are. The majority of people are either Muslim or Hindu, and many people are very willing to engage conversation about God.
In Hinduism, the lowest and most despised part of the body are the feet. The lowest class of people in the caste system represent feet in their spiritual view. Braham priests represent the head; business men represent the belly; the lowest class represent the feet. A former brahman told me he would roll down the steps of a Hindu temple and crawl on his knees to the alter in order not to disgrace these gods. Then with joy, he told me, "but the Bible says, 'how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.'"
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
RIMI
The church Karen and I joined has brought several answered prayers. The most life impacting change that has come from Uptown is an opportunity for me to join a missions organization, Reaching Indian Ministries International.
RIMI is a church planting, missions organization. Spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the number one priority of RIMI. However, my involvement with RIMI does not include a permanent move to India. The strategy of RIMI is to train Indians in leadership development and church planting strategies. There are 24 Bible Training Schools in various states, but the main training ground is in Nagpur, a 32 acre seminary, Mission India Theological Seminary. Through these facilities there are currenly over 1,200 missionaries and 4,000 house churches. RIMI also provides aide to the impoverished children throughout India with Mercy Homes.
Saji Lukos founded this missions organization 15 years ago because of the burden he felt for his homeland. God has given him a great vision and blessed him in many ways as he has followed the call to fulfill such a great task of taking the Gospel where there is no witness and strengthening those in need of suport. I am thankful to serve with this man and take part in what God is doing through him and this organization.
As a minister associate with RIMI, I have the opportunity to speak at churches and missions conferences to share what is going on through RIMI and describe how people can get involved. I even have the opportunity to go to India in two weeks. I will cover a lot of land during my two week trip beginning in Kerala on the southwest side of India and working my way to Nagpur in Central India.
Living in Chicago has not been as easy as I would have liked, but God continues to bless. I thank God for the way that He continues to provide grace in my life. Joining a missions organization and traveling to India was definitely not in my game plan or Karen's game plan. At the same time, we praise God for the way that He provides for us. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. I look forward to talking to many of you and sharing what God is doing in our lives.
RIMI is a church planting, missions organization. Spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the number one priority of RIMI. However, my involvement with RIMI does not include a permanent move to India. The strategy of RIMI is to train Indians in leadership development and church planting strategies. There are 24 Bible Training Schools in various states, but the main training ground is in Nagpur, a 32 acre seminary, Mission India Theological Seminary. Through these facilities there are currenly over 1,200 missionaries and 4,000 house churches. RIMI also provides aide to the impoverished children throughout India with Mercy Homes.
Saji Lukos founded this missions organization 15 years ago because of the burden he felt for his homeland. God has given him a great vision and blessed him in many ways as he has followed the call to fulfill such a great task of taking the Gospel where there is no witness and strengthening those in need of suport. I am thankful to serve with this man and take part in what God is doing through him and this organization.
As a minister associate with RIMI, I have the opportunity to speak at churches and missions conferences to share what is going on through RIMI and describe how people can get involved. I even have the opportunity to go to India in two weeks. I will cover a lot of land during my two week trip beginning in Kerala on the southwest side of India and working my way to Nagpur in Central India.
Living in Chicago has not been as easy as I would have liked, but God continues to bless. I thank God for the way that He continues to provide grace in my life. Joining a missions organization and traveling to India was definitely not in my game plan or Karen's game plan. At the same time, we praise God for the way that He provides for us. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. I look forward to talking to many of you and sharing what God is doing in our lives.
Monday, February 25, 2008
When can I run?
Before winter set in, our dog Bosworth was in the best shape of his life. Once this bitter winter iced over Chicago, Bosworth has been one sad pup.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Avant What?
On Monday afternoon I took advantage of a sunny day in the punishing Chicago winter and made my way to the Art Institute of Chicago to take advantage of their Free February days. I enjoyed my brush with art walking through various exhibits such as American, Modern, Contemporary, European of various years, and Impressionism.
As I looked at various pieces reflecting on the work, the historical period of the time of composition, and the overall meaning, I was sure of myself as cultured.
Then I came to Sunday on la Grande Jatte. When I looked at the painting, I didn't think about the strokes, the lighting, themes, or any type meaning. Rather what came to my mind was, "hey, I've seen this before, almost like I've been in this exact spot before. It was in that movie . . . oh yeah, Ferris Beullar's Day Off."
I laughed out loud, then left.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Football Season's End
Last night's game concluded my favorite sport's season - football. At the same time, Karen feels no remorse for this season's magnanimous ending. Her excitement for the last game has been hilarious. I've enjoyed Karen's jokes for the past two weeks about the Super Bowl. She aimed her jokes in conversation to Bosworth telling our dog, "we're going to watch the 'Stupid Bowl.'" I laughed everytime she started her routine.
Even so, Karen watched the it with me and cheered throughout the game. However, we were cheering for opposite teams. I cheered for history to happen - the Patriots,19-0, the Perfect Season. She riled against New England and their controversies from Spygate to restraining orders. Moreso, she cheered for the young Manning to emerge as a great quarterback and lead his team to victory.
Football season is officially over, and sports goes into a slight hibernation for me. Karen, on the other hand couldn't care less about the season's end. But there's more excitement for next season. Prior to this season, I loved to simply watch the game. Now I love watching football with my wife. I must say that's been a typical discovery; I love to spend time with Karen (even if that means no football!). I'm thankful God has blessed me with such an amazing woman.
Even so, Karen watched the it with me and cheered throughout the game. However, we were cheering for opposite teams. I cheered for history to happen - the Patriots,19-0, the Perfect Season. She riled against New England and their controversies from Spygate to restraining orders. Moreso, she cheered for the young Manning to emerge as a great quarterback and lead his team to victory.
Football season is officially over, and sports goes into a slight hibernation for me. Karen, on the other hand couldn't care less about the season's end. But there's more excitement for next season. Prior to this season, I loved to simply watch the game. Now I love watching football with my wife. I must say that's been a typical discovery; I love to spend time with Karen (even if that means no football!). I'm thankful God has blessed me with such an amazing woman.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Uptown Baptist Church
Karen & I are thrilled about our new church. After moving to Chicago from such an awesome church in Louisville where we enjoyed a phenomenal Sunday School group, it has been tough looking for a church. We visited several churches in the city and found Uptown Baptist Church. Both of us are excited about our new church family. It is a vibrant church with diversity that we have longed to be a part of. Pastor Michael Allen says it's practicing for heaven ("every tongue, tribe, & nation") Check out the website uptownbaptistchurch.org
And just recently, the pastor's sermons have been added onto the website. Listen and grow in God's blessings.
And just recently, the pastor's sermons have been added onto the website. Listen and grow in God's blessings.
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Votes are in
I noticed there were several odd things happening in my life that seemed too far fetched to be true. One item I did not include was my parents RUNNING three miles in 35 minutes. We're not just talking about a New Year's resolution either; they are committed to the Derby half-marathon in Louisville, KY. I am exuberant about my parents running this race. Karen and I are going to run the marathon so it is truly a family event. Thankfully, we inherited a treadmill from our previous living situation (thank you Hershael & Tanya!!!). If we didn't have it, there is no way we would be training for a marathon in Chicago. Although I love winter, it is unbelievably cold.
As for my parents, last week they were in Nicaragua. They travel every year to the National Newspaper Association meeting that is held in various cities, but this year was slated to be in Nicaragua due to the current NNA president's choice. Mom & Dad had a great time, but I don't believe they have any plans for a future vacation in Nicaragua. Jen, thank you for your vote, but it was true.
Hands down I thought it would be a landslide vote for Karen and football. Those of you that know Karen know her feelings on football, and they are not kind ("Football is the root of all sin and evil." Said slightly in jest.) This year was very different on Saturdays and Sundays during football season. Not only did Karen often encourage me to turn on a football game, she would sit down with me and watch the games. These kind acts over the course of weeks shows how wonderful my wife is. Not only did she encourage me to watch the games but she sat down with me engrossed in the many SEC overtime games as well as watching flamboyant, prima donna NFL players. I am thankful for her giving to me in so many little, loving ways. Thus, John Mark T., you guessed well, but wrong.
That means I did not meet Steve Martin. Great job Shelly! I have enjoyed Steve Martin since I was little. The past few years I have enjoyed reading his books. Born Standing Up, his latest release was superb, but my favorite is The Pleasures of My Company. I laughed out loud throughout this book. While Martin's humor has always had a philosophical bent to it, even today his writes from an existensial framework. His humor isn't for everyone, such as my sister and brother-in-law. Neither one of them cracked a smile after reading "Renegade Cows" from Cruel Shoes. I would love to spend time with Steve Martin, which is true but the reality hasn't happened yet.
Thanks for playing.
As for my parents, last week they were in Nicaragua. They travel every year to the National Newspaper Association meeting that is held in various cities, but this year was slated to be in Nicaragua due to the current NNA president's choice. Mom & Dad had a great time, but I don't believe they have any plans for a future vacation in Nicaragua. Jen, thank you for your vote, but it was true.
Hands down I thought it would be a landslide vote for Karen and football. Those of you that know Karen know her feelings on football, and they are not kind ("Football is the root of all sin and evil." Said slightly in jest.) This year was very different on Saturdays and Sundays during football season. Not only did Karen often encourage me to turn on a football game, she would sit down with me and watch the games. These kind acts over the course of weeks shows how wonderful my wife is. Not only did she encourage me to watch the games but she sat down with me engrossed in the many SEC overtime games as well as watching flamboyant, prima donna NFL players. I am thankful for her giving to me in so many little, loving ways. Thus, John Mark T., you guessed well, but wrong.
That means I did not meet Steve Martin. Great job Shelly! I have enjoyed Steve Martin since I was little. The past few years I have enjoyed reading his books. Born Standing Up, his latest release was superb, but my favorite is The Pleasures of My Company. I laughed out loud throughout this book. While Martin's humor has always had a philosophical bent to it, even today his writes from an existensial framework. His humor isn't for everyone, such as my sister and brother-in-law. Neither one of them cracked a smile after reading "Renegade Cows" from Cruel Shoes. I would love to spend time with Steve Martin, which is true but the reality hasn't happened yet.
Thanks for playing.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Please Comment
1. I met Steve Martin
2. Karen, my wife, cheers during football games.
3. Chip and Karen Hutcheson, my parents, are in Nicaragua.
Of the three statements, which one do you believe is false?
2. Karen, my wife, cheers during football games.
3. Chip and Karen Hutcheson, my parents, are in Nicaragua.
Of the three statements, which one do you believe is false?
Friday, January 04, 2008
Friday, December 14, 2007
I Have the Power!
There was no greater toy in childhood than Masters of the Universe. Who could trump He-Man? G.I. Joe, Thundercats, and Transformers had nothing compared to the Master. Those same words and thoughts were the parental controversy that I was somewhat unaware of playing with my action figures. In my mind He-Man was the best, but in conservative minds, He-Man was competing with God's sovereignty.
I realize my previous post about the Golden Compass was similar to the same arguments opponents voiced about He-Man, Harry Potter, and now the Golden Compass. Parents have been encouraged to flee from fictional stories that run opposed to God and His salvation. Magic, Witches, protectors of the universe, jedi force (oh wait, Star Wars gets a pass from Christians since it only promotes Pantheism) To set the record straight, I loved He-Man; I enjoyed Harry Potter; I looked forward to seeing Golden Compass. When I discovered the worldview behind this movie was antitheistic, to the point that a child kills the god-character in the final book, I was disappointed. It is imperative that Christians engage movies like the Golden Compass but that does not mean removing ourselves from the discussion by stating our moral objections. Every storyline has a gospel. Our point of engagement is finding out what makes the story in view a "happy" ending. How can we relate that happy ending to reality and forming a worldview? What makes the wrong worldview a disappointing, happy ending? If we are serious about talking to people that do not have a relationship with the Creator of the Universe, then let's engage people through every means possible. Sometimes we see "bad" movies, hang out in bars, and be friends with people totally different than ourselves. Why? In order to give them the true, fairy tale, the real magic - the grace of Jesus Christ.
I remember my mother telling me He-Man was only a toy, just something to play with. I never asked Mom if He-Man would forgive my sins, never crossed my mind. She did tell me about a man who really is Master of the Universe, and one day His kingdom will crush Snake Mountain totally and finally with one, fatal stomp.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
The Golden Compass Misdirection
Check Out Pastor Coop
Paul Cooper and I attended Southern Seminary together. I can't say enough good things about Paul. Mainly, he is a great preacher, wonderful friend, and godly man. Although, I don't get to hear him preach enough, I'm still waiting for the podcast from his church. Check out his new blog site here since he has moved from Muncie, IN as the Baptist Collegiate Minister to pastoring in Marshall, IL.
Rap Video
I just watched this on Hershael York's blog, and I thought it was worthwhile to post Jim Scott Orrick rapping on my blog. Enjoy! What's your weltenshuang?
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Tony Dungy's Quiet Strength
My father recently gave me a copy of Tony Dungy's new biography Quiet Strength. I think it's difficult not to like Dungy, Payton Manning, and the Indianapolis Colts. After reading this book, I'm a fan of the Colts.
The book recounts Dungy's childhood, parents, and of course, football. Dungy astounded me with his continual emphasis to put God first. Let's be honest, for Dungy that means putting God first in football coaching. Page after page, though, I realized that he was aware of the low value that football has, but even so, God is the God of all things and demands glory in all things. Dungy exemplifies this truth in the way he leads his life.
In a day that sports presents so much drama, one may question whether or not a ESPN is a soap opera or a news network. This man brings integrity and character to the areana in a much needed way. Many football players and coaches do many great things in their community like purchasing homes for single mothers (Warrick Dunn), the Indianapolis Colts' head coach spearheaded the organization All Pro Dad; "All Pro Dad is Family First's innovative program helping men to be better fathers." His coaching imperatives to his players and coaching staff consist in telling them to spend time with their families.
The striking characteristic that is on every page of the book is Dungy's dependence on God. This dependence was never more needed when his son committed suicide two seasons ago. I can't imagine hearing those words as a father. He asserts that while he'll never move out of the grieving cycle, but he knows that God is working for the good of those that love Him. At the same time, he's not asking why, rather he's asking what does God want Him to learn from this and how can he help others.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through Dungy's life and am thankful to the Lord for the way that He has used him and will continue to use him. Even so, I'm thankful for my dad who passed this book onto me and who continues to love me and bless me through his words and actions everyday of my adult life.
The book recounts Dungy's childhood, parents, and of course, football. Dungy astounded me with his continual emphasis to put God first. Let's be honest, for Dungy that means putting God first in football coaching. Page after page, though, I realized that he was aware of the low value that football has, but even so, God is the God of all things and demands glory in all things. Dungy exemplifies this truth in the way he leads his life.
In a day that sports presents so much drama, one may question whether or not a ESPN is a soap opera or a news network. This man brings integrity and character to the areana in a much needed way. Many football players and coaches do many great things in their community like purchasing homes for single mothers (Warrick Dunn), the Indianapolis Colts' head coach spearheaded the organization All Pro Dad; "All Pro Dad is Family First's innovative program helping men to be better fathers." His coaching imperatives to his players and coaching staff consist in telling them to spend time with their families.
The striking characteristic that is on every page of the book is Dungy's dependence on God. This dependence was never more needed when his son committed suicide two seasons ago. I can't imagine hearing those words as a father. He asserts that while he'll never move out of the grieving cycle, but he knows that God is working for the good of those that love Him. At the same time, he's not asking why, rather he's asking what does God want Him to learn from this and how can he help others.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through Dungy's life and am thankful to the Lord for the way that He has used him and will continue to use him. Even so, I'm thankful for my dad who passed this book onto me and who continues to love me and bless me through his words and actions everyday of my adult life.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Wedding in Lexington
We got to spend a good deal of time with my family in Lexington this past weekend at my cousin, Caroline's wedding. Here are some fun pictures and videos from the entire day. Enjoy :)
This video is a historic moment. I can't stress enough how awesome it was to see my grandparents on the dance floor!!! Those who know them can appreciate it's significance.
Here is a video that seems to now be a tradition for our family at weddings.
This video is a historic moment. I can't stress enough how awesome it was to see my grandparents on the dance floor!!! Those who know them can appreciate it's significance.
Here is a video that seems to now be a tradition for our family at weddings.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Forever Changed
In John Feinstein's book, The Punch, he takes us back to December 9, 1977. This night marks the most violent moment in the history of sports. Regardless that the L. A. Lakers went on to defeat the Houston Rockets, the memory etched forever into sports history is Kermit Washington's devastating blow to Rudy Tomjanovich.
Feinstein begins with the infamous night then starts over with each man's life growing up in different but still tough circumstances. Both men had a voracious work ethic that brought them into the NBA and one that continued as the impact of the punch played out in their lives.
After reading the book, it is tempting to think that Feinstein skewed a favorable light on Kermit Washington. But testimony after testimony gave creedance to Washington's character. The Punch thrown that night is a horrific sight. The only type of man that would do such a thing is a monster, a man bent towards horrid violence. At least that's what you'd think after watching it.
Washington and Tomjanovich have spent their entire lives getting over the impact of The Punch. Those aren't my words. Those are their lives speaking out on every page of Feinstein's book. Their connection is gripping. More so, it is remarkable as they each disclose to Feinstein how connected they are twenty some years afterwards.
Washington remarked, "I feel like I've been married to him for twenty-four years." In the end, Tomjanovich wished Washington well not because they've been married but "because we're brothers".
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Desperate Cries
My life is easy. Compared to most of the world I am a rich, rich man. Not only do I have a bed, food, and a roof over my head, I have a thermostat, which is quite possibly the world's greatest invention. Mankind has been dreaming of such a device since creation. Imagine every man, woman, and child bundling up in the bed wishing it was just a little warmer. On the other hand, think of those sweating restlessly as they try to sleep. Finally, we can change the weather by a simple stroke of a finger.
My life has been good: college, seminary, and MARRIAGE. God has blessed me with great opportunities that I am very thankful for, but in recent days, there has been great cause for sadness. Both sets of Karen's grandparents have health issues, and my grandmother has heart trouble. Cindy, my sister, has been undergoing radiation treatment for melanoma. The radiation finally began last week, which was a long time coming. First, she underwent surgery to remove as much of the tumor on her vertebrae as possible. This surgery was a huge success. The neurosurgeon removed a great deal of the tumor, more than he had anticipated. Due to the second tumor in her left scapula, the surgeon did not do the more invasive surgery as originally planned. Thus, Cindy is now going through her second week of radiation. After her treatment is complete, she will have a CAT scan to see if all the cancer has been wiped out. If not, she will begin immuno-therapy. This treatment is comparable to chemotherapy, but I don't understand the similarities and differences.
Karen and I are (have) moving to Chicago for her to complete her Doctorate of Psychology at the Cornerstone Counseling Agency through the Chicago Area Christian Training Consortium. We are tremendously excited about this opportunity for a multitude of reasons. Karen is so talented and gifted. Rather than spending her energy battling a naturalistic worldview, she will be fully able to direct children and families to Christ and truth. God answered many prayers with this residency placement. I can't tell you how excited I am for my wife to finish her degree in this way. God has gifted her in many ways, and I long to see the great ways that she will bear fruit for Him.
Nearly two weeks ago another couple along with Karen and I shared a moving truck and moved to Chicago. After unloading two households and a few days of unpacking, Karen drove back to Louisville where she is still serving out the last few days of her job. The plan was for me to stay in Chicago and work for Sprint.
Our blow came last Tuesday when I almost began a job with Sprint. I did not receive the job due to a technicality on the application. The news blindsided us and has left me in a tight spot trying to find employment in a short amount of time.
With all of this being said, I know that God is good and He desires me to long for Him, to depend on Him. People often know this fact, but living it out is difficult. After the news broke of my unemployment, I sat in a parking lot in a foreign land with no clue where I was and no where to go. I called our friends Uche and Melissa, who had moved with us. I stayed with them Tuesday and afterwards called them repeatedly with other needs. I kept thinking that I had to call someone else, but there was no one else. On Thursday my dad drove to Chicago to be with me and help me look for a job. He and I cranked out a few hours of work together, but I can't tell you how much it meant to me having my father with me in my time of need. Not only was his presence a great comfort, but he brought financial help. Here I am, a 29 years old husband who should be providing on his own at this point, but I am still so needy. I have been greatly humbled in these days.
This humbling has been driving me to depend on God. A dependence that is constantly praising God for how powerful and magnificient of a God He is. I truly have to take Him at His Word that He will provide for all of my needs, He will complete the work He began in me, and that He has blessed me with all spiritual blessings in Christ.
It was hard for me to accept my majestic father driving to Chicago to deal with my problems. The reality is that he desired to be with me because he loves me. In the same way God came to this world to take care of all my problems because He loves me. My father is a great man that loves me and loves me and loves me. I am so thankful for Him as he lives out such a biblical picture of fatherly love.
This time in my life has been difficult. I do ask that you pray for my sister to be healed 100% of all her cancer and limited arm mobility. May God be glorified by this miraculous work. Pray for our grandparents to be healed. May God be glorified in the same way. Pray that I will find employment and sooner rather than later. May God be glorified as I seek Him in these times to provide for all of my needs and my family's needs.
My life has been good: college, seminary, and MARRIAGE. God has blessed me with great opportunities that I am very thankful for, but in recent days, there has been great cause for sadness. Both sets of Karen's grandparents have health issues, and my grandmother has heart trouble. Cindy, my sister, has been undergoing radiation treatment for melanoma. The radiation finally began last week, which was a long time coming. First, she underwent surgery to remove as much of the tumor on her vertebrae as possible. This surgery was a huge success. The neurosurgeon removed a great deal of the tumor, more than he had anticipated. Due to the second tumor in her left scapula, the surgeon did not do the more invasive surgery as originally planned. Thus, Cindy is now going through her second week of radiation. After her treatment is complete, she will have a CAT scan to see if all the cancer has been wiped out. If not, she will begin immuno-therapy. This treatment is comparable to chemotherapy, but I don't understand the similarities and differences.
Karen and I are (have) moving to Chicago for her to complete her Doctorate of Psychology at the Cornerstone Counseling Agency through the Chicago Area Christian Training Consortium. We are tremendously excited about this opportunity for a multitude of reasons. Karen is so talented and gifted. Rather than spending her energy battling a naturalistic worldview, she will be fully able to direct children and families to Christ and truth. God answered many prayers with this residency placement. I can't tell you how excited I am for my wife to finish her degree in this way. God has gifted her in many ways, and I long to see the great ways that she will bear fruit for Him.
Nearly two weeks ago another couple along with Karen and I shared a moving truck and moved to Chicago. After unloading two households and a few days of unpacking, Karen drove back to Louisville where she is still serving out the last few days of her job. The plan was for me to stay in Chicago and work for Sprint.
Our blow came last Tuesday when I almost began a job with Sprint. I did not receive the job due to a technicality on the application. The news blindsided us and has left me in a tight spot trying to find employment in a short amount of time.
With all of this being said, I know that God is good and He desires me to long for Him, to depend on Him. People often know this fact, but living it out is difficult. After the news broke of my unemployment, I sat in a parking lot in a foreign land with no clue where I was and no where to go. I called our friends Uche and Melissa, who had moved with us. I stayed with them Tuesday and afterwards called them repeatedly with other needs. I kept thinking that I had to call someone else, but there was no one else. On Thursday my dad drove to Chicago to be with me and help me look for a job. He and I cranked out a few hours of work together, but I can't tell you how much it meant to me having my father with me in my time of need. Not only was his presence a great comfort, but he brought financial help. Here I am, a 29 years old husband who should be providing on his own at this point, but I am still so needy. I have been greatly humbled in these days.
This humbling has been driving me to depend on God. A dependence that is constantly praising God for how powerful and magnificient of a God He is. I truly have to take Him at His Word that He will provide for all of my needs, He will complete the work He began in me, and that He has blessed me with all spiritual blessings in Christ.
It was hard for me to accept my majestic father driving to Chicago to deal with my problems. The reality is that he desired to be with me because he loves me. In the same way God came to this world to take care of all my problems because He loves me. My father is a great man that loves me and loves me and loves me. I am so thankful for Him as he lives out such a biblical picture of fatherly love.
This time in my life has been difficult. I do ask that you pray for my sister to be healed 100% of all her cancer and limited arm mobility. May God be glorified by this miraculous work. Pray for our grandparents to be healed. May God be glorified in the same way. Pray that I will find employment and sooner rather than later. May God be glorified as I seek Him in these times to provide for all of my needs and my family's needs.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Homesick
When I moved to Kentucky 5 years & 3 months ago, I did not know one single person. I left the great state of Texas to start graduate school, and heaven only knows how or why I landed in Louisville, Kentucky. I've grown to despise, detest, and utterly loathe my graduate school and everything its philosophical foundations stand for, or rather I loathe the fact that this graduate program doesn't stand for anything other than standing for everything. However, as usual God knew exactly what he was doing when I was rejected from Baylor's Psy.D. program and accepted here in Kentucky. God had my sweet, awesome, hottie man of my dreams waiting for me here in Kentucky. Well, I don't think he was actually waiting for me 5 years ago, but I'm quite certain his heart was longing for me! I met a 4 wonderful friends my first few years in Kentucky, but I did not every really feel at home in Louisville until I met my John Mark.
John Mark & I celebrated our 2 year anniversary last week, and words cannot express how grateful I am for my husband. He's incredible, and his love for me is a wonderful testimony of Jesus' love for his church. My husband put his career goals and probably many opportunities to be in the ministry on hold to wait for me as I finished my doctorate. My husband worked 60 hours a week for several months at several tedious jobs so that I could finish my doctorate. My husband cleaned floors, coffee machines, and bathrooms; he cut down trees, picked up leaves, and ground stumps and sticks....all so that we could move to Chicago, and I could complete my internship/residency.
We moved John Mark to Chicago this weekend, and he is in Chicago, and I am in Louisville for 3 very long weeks. Again, he's graciously and humbling placing his career on hold so that I can finish school and start my career. While we have 2 great friends about 45 minutes away from John Mark in Chicago, he is by himself, and as many of you know this week & the past few months have had plenty of ups & downs within our immediate families. I was only in our place in Chicago for a few days this weekend, but I'm terribly homesick & miss my husband dearly. I do, however, pray & trust God will provide during this seemingly bleak time. Miss you baby...
John Mark & I celebrated our 2 year anniversary last week, and words cannot express how grateful I am for my husband. He's incredible, and his love for me is a wonderful testimony of Jesus' love for his church. My husband put his career goals and probably many opportunities to be in the ministry on hold to wait for me as I finished my doctorate. My husband worked 60 hours a week for several months at several tedious jobs so that I could finish my doctorate. My husband cleaned floors, coffee machines, and bathrooms; he cut down trees, picked up leaves, and ground stumps and sticks....all so that we could move to Chicago, and I could complete my internship/residency.
We moved John Mark to Chicago this weekend, and he is in Chicago, and I am in Louisville for 3 very long weeks. Again, he's graciously and humbling placing his career on hold so that I can finish school and start my career. While we have 2 great friends about 45 minutes away from John Mark in Chicago, he is by himself, and as many of you know this week & the past few months have had plenty of ups & downs within our immediate families. I was only in our place in Chicago for a few days this weekend, but I'm terribly homesick & miss my husband dearly. I do, however, pray & trust God will provide during this seemingly bleak time. Miss you baby...
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Preston's Big Birthday
We celebrated Preston's first birthday a little early. The day was grand, and he was THE center of attention. While Preston was digging into his birthday cake, everyone was vying for the best photo. No one went away without a picture of Preston, even the party favor was a picture of the Birthday Boy.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Isn't she lovely?
Karen and I were watching a movie preview that pulled me in. After the preview for No Vacancy finished, I was onboard to see the movie, but I reassured her that I would be willing to watch it alone knowing her position on horror movies.
Throughout our relationship, I have grown and fall deeper in love with Karen as she always handles herself with such dignity, wisdom, and beauty. Right after I voiced my opinion of the Spring Thriller, Karen said, "I'm not saying you're in this category, but I don't understand how people that love Jesus would want to see things that revolve around horror, torture, and evil."
We just laughed after she said commented, and Karen reassured me I wasn't in that camp.
Little moments like these make me so thankful that Karen is my wife. I love her mind and the clarity of thought she has in only a glimpse of a moment. As I spend more time with her the wisest thing I can often do is keep quiet, and allow Karen to reflect on the situation. Then I can simply agree with her, not to be passive. Rather, I want to see Karen's beauty shine.
God has blessed me with a wife that desires holiness, a desire to walk with God, a desire to see her husband walk closely with God. I am thankful for my wife who is there in kindness with oil for my head when I desire to eat of the world's delicacies (Ps. 141:4-5).
Throughout our relationship, I have grown and fall deeper in love with Karen as she always handles herself with such dignity, wisdom, and beauty. Right after I voiced my opinion of the Spring Thriller, Karen said, "I'm not saying you're in this category, but I don't understand how people that love Jesus would want to see things that revolve around horror, torture, and evil."
We just laughed after she said commented, and Karen reassured me I wasn't in that camp.
Little moments like these make me so thankful that Karen is my wife. I love her mind and the clarity of thought she has in only a glimpse of a moment. As I spend more time with her the wisest thing I can often do is keep quiet, and allow Karen to reflect on the situation. Then I can simply agree with her, not to be passive. Rather, I want to see Karen's beauty shine.
God has blessed me with a wife that desires holiness, a desire to walk with God, a desire to see her husband walk closely with God. I am thankful for my wife who is there in kindness with oil for my head when I desire to eat of the world's delicacies (Ps. 141:4-5).
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Knocked Out
Eye of the Tiger could be my life theme song. I've ran the steps in Philadelphia. I own all of the Rocky movies. But Rocky Balboa could be the worst movie ever made!
There were vast scores of "great" movie reviews that pulled me in for the one-two sucker punch, knock out. Rocky Balboa was awful on so many counts it would be futile to name them all. However, just to name a few - disgusting acting, painstaking slow plot, horrible dialogue, and most notably, Sylvester Stallone! Someone please cut him off from plastic surgery and arrest whoever is still selling him HGH/steriods/whatever.
Part of what makes Rocky movies is the training shows his transformation of being and becoming a fighter. He is a fighter, a warrior. Training follows this revolution. At this point, Stallone knows there is nothing to transform; there is nothing to train.
In the ring, Stallone might as well been fighting Barbara Streisand for the world's worst movie award. At this point in the movie, I was on the edge of my seat, thinking, "Please, oh please, let this end!? Soon!"
Rocky Balboa is a great example to end while people love you. Don't burn out slowly. While he did reel in the money, at what cost did it come?
For anyone who thinks this is a good movie, I have nothing to say.
There were vast scores of "great" movie reviews that pulled me in for the one-two sucker punch, knock out. Rocky Balboa was awful on so many counts it would be futile to name them all. However, just to name a few - disgusting acting, painstaking slow plot, horrible dialogue, and most notably, Sylvester Stallone! Someone please cut him off from plastic surgery and arrest whoever is still selling him HGH/steriods/whatever.
Part of what makes Rocky movies is the training shows his transformation of being and becoming a fighter. He is a fighter, a warrior. Training follows this revolution. At this point, Stallone knows there is nothing to transform; there is nothing to train.
In the ring, Stallone might as well been fighting Barbara Streisand for the world's worst movie award. At this point in the movie, I was on the edge of my seat, thinking, "Please, oh please, let this end!? Soon!"
Rocky Balboa is a great example to end while people love you. Don't burn out slowly. While he did reel in the money, at what cost did it come?
For anyone who thinks this is a good movie, I have nothing to say.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Buried in Mud & Water under the Earth
Louisville news has been saturated with the story of a cemetery in Madison, IN. Families suffered heartache once again dealing with the death of family members. To their dismay burial plans had not been carried through. Instead of burial in an airtight, vault underground, the deceased were found in water-filled mudholes.
Needless to say, families were shocked and horrified to learn of this present circumstance. Funerals are difficult enough to manage through as families make decisions and undertake the costs of the entire process (if not previously managed). For a husband, mother, son, or daughter to awaken to false handlings of such a delicate situation is disheartening and sorrowful.
The good news is that the grave is not our final resting place. Death is final, but burial is not the end. The local news closed this story by focusing on a tombstone that had etched in Jesus' words, "Come ye all that are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest," Matthew 11:28
Whereever one dies, it is not the end. However death comes it is not the end of the body or soul. We long for a much better place and Jesus promises a much better place, but it is not in an airtight catacomb, luxury suite, or any place. Our Rest is be found in Jesus because He is our Rest. Jesus said, "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself that where I am there you may be also."
Needless to say, families were shocked and horrified to learn of this present circumstance. Funerals are difficult enough to manage through as families make decisions and undertake the costs of the entire process (if not previously managed). For a husband, mother, son, or daughter to awaken to false handlings of such a delicate situation is disheartening and sorrowful.
The good news is that the grave is not our final resting place. Death is final, but burial is not the end. The local news closed this story by focusing on a tombstone that had etched in Jesus' words, "Come ye all that are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest," Matthew 11:28
Whereever one dies, it is not the end. However death comes it is not the end of the body or soul. We long for a much better place and Jesus promises a much better place, but it is not in an airtight catacomb, luxury suite, or any place. Our Rest is be found in Jesus because He is our Rest. Jesus said, "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself that where I am there you may be also."
Friday, March 02, 2007
Check it Out!!!
After quite some time away from the blogging, I would like to highlight a new comer to blogosphere - my sister, Cindy.
There are many wonderful things to say about Cindy. First and foremost, add her to your list of blogs to read. She's relatively new with only a few posts, but her posts are warm and loving that center on her family.
I love hearing Cindy talk about her baby (ies). Listening to this new mother, MY SISTER, is so amazing that one whom I grew up with is now speaking so caringly, so maturely, so lovingly. God is so good and I praise Him for blessing Cindy with a great husband, Ivan and with their son, Preston.
Finally, I want to give Cindy a shout out that reaches all the way back to her senior year of high school. For some extra credit in her government class, Cindy turned in a speech for the VFW contest - Voices of Democracy. Let there be no doubt that her writing skills launched past regional speeches and triumphed over all state competitors that finally elevated her to the national level. Her speech continued to gather attention at the national level that took her on two trips to Washington D. C. and Las Vegas. She had the opportunity to rub elbows with Hershael Walker, Whoopi Goldberg, Harrison Ford, and Francis Ford Coppula. Cindy was excited about possibly meeting Oprah who was rumored to be there but didn't get the opportunity (yet!).
I would like to say that Cindy wrote the nation's best speech that year, but I can't. I knew at such a young age that something was sour about the judges. Recently my suspicions were recently confirmed. The judges have been implicated as Communists selling Human Growth Hormone and other performance inhancing drugs. There is no word yet as to the crown going to the rightful winner.
Nonetheless, enjoy Cindy's blog.
There are many wonderful things to say about Cindy. First and foremost, add her to your list of blogs to read. She's relatively new with only a few posts, but her posts are warm and loving that center on her family.
I love hearing Cindy talk about her baby (ies). Listening to this new mother, MY SISTER, is so amazing that one whom I grew up with is now speaking so caringly, so maturely, so lovingly. God is so good and I praise Him for blessing Cindy with a great husband, Ivan and with their son, Preston.
Finally, I want to give Cindy a shout out that reaches all the way back to her senior year of high school. For some extra credit in her government class, Cindy turned in a speech for the VFW contest - Voices of Democracy. Let there be no doubt that her writing skills launched past regional speeches and triumphed over all state competitors that finally elevated her to the national level. Her speech continued to gather attention at the national level that took her on two trips to Washington D. C. and Las Vegas. She had the opportunity to rub elbows with Hershael Walker, Whoopi Goldberg, Harrison Ford, and Francis Ford Coppula. Cindy was excited about possibly meeting Oprah who was rumored to be there but didn't get the opportunity (yet!).
I would like to say that Cindy wrote the nation's best speech that year, but I can't. I knew at such a young age that something was sour about the judges. Recently my suspicions were recently confirmed. The judges have been implicated as Communists selling Human Growth Hormone and other performance inhancing drugs. There is no word yet as to the crown going to the rightful winner.
Nonetheless, enjoy Cindy's blog.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Reality Check
I'm not sure what type of music those who read this blog listen to, but I'd like to share with readers a billboard hit, Grillz by Nelly. The first time I heard Grillz I couldn't help but laugh. Check out Grillz . . .
Grillz Nelly lyrics
Artist: Nelly
Album: Sweatsuit
Year: 2005
Title: Grillz
(feat. Paul Wall, Ali, Gipp)
Rob the jewelry store and tell 'em make me a grill.
Dirrty, R&B.
Add da whole top diamond and the bottom Row's gold.
[J.D.]
Yo we bout to start a epidemic wit dis one
Ya'll know what dis is... So So Def
[Nelly]
Got 30 down at the bottom, 30 mo at the top
All invisible set in little ice cube blocks
If I could call it a drink, call it a smile on da rocks
If I could call out a price, let's say I call out a lot
I got like platinum and white gold, traditional gold
I'm changin grillz errday, like Jay change clothes,
I might be grilled out nicely (oh) In my white tee (oh),
On South beach (oh) in my wife beat.
V V and studded you can tell when they cut it
Ya see my granmama hate it, but my lil mama love it
Cuz when I...
[Woman]
Open up ya mouth, ya grill gleamin (say what)
Eyes stay low from da cheifin'
[Nelly]
I got a grill I call penny candy you know what that means,
It look like Now n Laters, gum drops, jelly beans
I wouldn't leave it for nothin only a crazy man would
So if you catch me in ya city, somewhere out in ya hood just say
[Chorus:]
Smile fo me daddy
(What you lookin at)
Let me see ya grill
(Let you see my what)
Ya, ya grill ya, ya, ya grill
(Rob da jewelry store and tell 'em make me a grill)
Smile fo me daddy
(What you lookin at)
I want to see your grill
(You wanna see my what)
Ya, ya grill ya, ya, ya grill
(Had a whole top diamonds and da bottom Row's gold)
[Paul Wall]
What it do baby
It's da ice man Paul Wall
I got my mouth lookin somethin like a disco ball
I got da diamonds and da ice all hand set
I might cause a cold front if I take a deep breath
My teeth gleaming like I'm chewin on aluminum foil
Smilein showin off my diamonds sippin on some Pinot Noir
I put my money where my mouth is and bought a grill
20 carrots 30 stacks let 'em know im so fo real
My motivation is them 30 pointers V VS the furniture my mouth
Piece simply symbolize success
I got da wrist wear and neck wear dats captivatin
But it's my smile dats got these on-lookers spectatin
My mouth piece simply certified a total package
Open up my mouth and you see mo carrots than a salad
My teeth are mind blowin givin everybody chillz
Call me George Foreman cuz I'm sellin everybody grillz
[Chorus]
[Gipp]
Gipp got dem yellows, got dem purples, got dem reds
Lights gon hit ya and make you woozie in ya head
You can catch me in my 2 short drop
Mouth got colors like a fruit loop box
[Ali]
Dis what it do when da lou
Ice grill Country Grammar
Where da hustlas move bricks
and da gangsta's bang hamma's
Where I got em you can spot them
On da top in da bottom
Gotta bill in my mouth like im Hillary Rodham
[Gipp]
I ain't dissin no body but lets bring it to da lite
Gipp was da first wit my mouth bright white
Yeah deez hos can't focus cuz they eyesight blurry
Tippin on some 4's you can see my mouth jewelry
[Ali]
I got fo different sets its a fabolous thang
1 white, 1 yellow, like Fabolous chain
and da otha set is same got my name in da mold
(Had a whole top diamonds and da bottom Row's gold)
[Chorus]
[Woman]
Boy how you get grill that way and
How much did you pay
Every time I see you
Tha first thing I'm gon' say hey.....
[Chorus]
Still I laugh when I hear this song. But on the other side of things it points to a sad, sad reality of so many people looking to a world of materialism to bring joy and satisfaction.
Grillz Nelly lyrics
Artist: Nelly
Album: Sweatsuit
Year: 2005
Title: Grillz
(feat. Paul Wall, Ali, Gipp)
Rob the jewelry store and tell 'em make me a grill.
Dirrty, R&B.
Add da whole top diamond and the bottom Row's gold.
[J.D.]
Yo we bout to start a epidemic wit dis one
Ya'll know what dis is... So So Def
[Nelly]
Got 30 down at the bottom, 30 mo at the top
All invisible set in little ice cube blocks
If I could call it a drink, call it a smile on da rocks
If I could call out a price, let's say I call out a lot
I got like platinum and white gold, traditional gold
I'm changin grillz errday, like Jay change clothes,
I might be grilled out nicely (oh) In my white tee (oh),
On South beach (oh) in my wife beat.
V V and studded you can tell when they cut it
Ya see my granmama hate it, but my lil mama love it
Cuz when I...
[Woman]
Open up ya mouth, ya grill gleamin (say what)
Eyes stay low from da cheifin'
[Nelly]
I got a grill I call penny candy you know what that means,
It look like Now n Laters, gum drops, jelly beans
I wouldn't leave it for nothin only a crazy man would
So if you catch me in ya city, somewhere out in ya hood just say
[Chorus:]
Smile fo me daddy
(What you lookin at)
Let me see ya grill
(Let you see my what)
Ya, ya grill ya, ya, ya grill
(Rob da jewelry store and tell 'em make me a grill)
Smile fo me daddy
(What you lookin at)
I want to see your grill
(You wanna see my what)
Ya, ya grill ya, ya, ya grill
(Had a whole top diamonds and da bottom Row's gold)
[Paul Wall]
What it do baby
It's da ice man Paul Wall
I got my mouth lookin somethin like a disco ball
I got da diamonds and da ice all hand set
I might cause a cold front if I take a deep breath
My teeth gleaming like I'm chewin on aluminum foil
Smilein showin off my diamonds sippin on some Pinot Noir
I put my money where my mouth is and bought a grill
20 carrots 30 stacks let 'em know im so fo real
My motivation is them 30 pointers V VS the furniture my mouth
Piece simply symbolize success
I got da wrist wear and neck wear dats captivatin
But it's my smile dats got these on-lookers spectatin
My mouth piece simply certified a total package
Open up my mouth and you see mo carrots than a salad
My teeth are mind blowin givin everybody chillz
Call me George Foreman cuz I'm sellin everybody grillz
[Chorus]
[Gipp]
Gipp got dem yellows, got dem purples, got dem reds
Lights gon hit ya and make you woozie in ya head
You can catch me in my 2 short drop
Mouth got colors like a fruit loop box
[Ali]
Dis what it do when da lou
Ice grill Country Grammar
Where da hustlas move bricks
and da gangsta's bang hamma's
Where I got em you can spot them
On da top in da bottom
Gotta bill in my mouth like im Hillary Rodham
[Gipp]
I ain't dissin no body but lets bring it to da lite
Gipp was da first wit my mouth bright white
Yeah deez hos can't focus cuz they eyesight blurry
Tippin on some 4's you can see my mouth jewelry
[Ali]
I got fo different sets its a fabolous thang
1 white, 1 yellow, like Fabolous chain
and da otha set is same got my name in da mold
(Had a whole top diamonds and da bottom Row's gold)
[Chorus]
[Woman]
Boy how you get grill that way and
How much did you pay
Every time I see you
Tha first thing I'm gon' say hey.....
[Chorus]
Still I laugh when I hear this song. But on the other side of things it points to a sad, sad reality of so many people looking to a world of materialism to bring joy and satisfaction.
Monday, September 18, 2006
What's New
There are many new and exciting adventures the Hutcheson's are traveling through these days. While these adventures carry too much time for this blog, let me tell you about the latest small pleasure that has come into our lives, though, my wife would say my life.
A NEW IPOD! Not just any ipod, it's a video pod. The question that immediately comes to mind is, "why in the world do you need a video pod?" You don't, but let me tell you the enjoyment I have with this sucker.
Overall, the iTunes world is one you must invest in, period. You can freely subscribe to a vast range of podcasts. Podcasting is simply a way to receive broadcasts from ESPN, CNN, NPR and many others. If you miss Dan Patrick's radio show, you can simply listen to your podcast. I know, simply amazing.
The iPod world has been the title wave that has consumed me in the information age. The blogosphere is endless, and I attempt to read many blogs, but the depth of iTunes in its infantile beginning is immense. Now there are many podcasts to keep listening to regularly. Read the New York Times story on Apple's plans for iPod.
What makes the internet and iTunes so great is the accessibility of sermons. Right now you can go to certain sites like Desiring God or individual church websites like Buck Run Baptist Church, but iTunes is providing accessibility to so much in one place. Right now not every church is linked to be podcasted but many are such as Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, KY.
It is necessary for believers to surround themselves with sound biblical teaching and music throughout their week. These podcasts are free and provide just this exact necessity. As with any smogusboard, there are many poor items to search through just as in bookstores that exist for the church there are many poor, horrid books, iTunes has tasteless, "Christian" podcasts and music.
Currently, I subscribe to The Village from Dallas, TX, Mars Hill in Seattle, Southern Seminary's chapel sermons, Resurgence (video), Denny Burk (teacher at Criswell College), and Mars Hill music. I can't recommend Matt Chandler, pastor of The Village, enough, and there is much to say about Mark Driscoll check out his blog here here here
The a-spiritual podcasts I have are National Geographic (video), Blue Man Group (video), Multisport Video Podcasts, AtomFilms To Go, ESPN radio with Dan Patrick and Keith Obermann, and 60-second science.
That's it for now. Stay tuned for blogs on world religion/paganism and egg harvesting.
A NEW IPOD! Not just any ipod, it's a video pod. The question that immediately comes to mind is, "why in the world do you need a video pod?" You don't, but let me tell you the enjoyment I have with this sucker.
Overall, the iTunes world is one you must invest in, period. You can freely subscribe to a vast range of podcasts. Podcasting is simply a way to receive broadcasts from ESPN, CNN, NPR and many others. If you miss Dan Patrick's radio show, you can simply listen to your podcast. I know, simply amazing.
The iPod world has been the title wave that has consumed me in the information age. The blogosphere is endless, and I attempt to read many blogs, but the depth of iTunes in its infantile beginning is immense. Now there are many podcasts to keep listening to regularly. Read the New York Times story on Apple's plans for iPod.
What makes the internet and iTunes so great is the accessibility of sermons. Right now you can go to certain sites like Desiring God or individual church websites like Buck Run Baptist Church, but iTunes is providing accessibility to so much in one place. Right now not every church is linked to be podcasted but many are such as Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, KY.
It is necessary for believers to surround themselves with sound biblical teaching and music throughout their week. These podcasts are free and provide just this exact necessity. As with any smogusboard, there are many poor items to search through just as in bookstores that exist for the church there are many poor, horrid books, iTunes has tasteless, "Christian" podcasts and music.
Currently, I subscribe to The Village from Dallas, TX, Mars Hill in Seattle, Southern Seminary's chapel sermons, Resurgence (video), Denny Burk (teacher at Criswell College), and Mars Hill music. I can't recommend Matt Chandler, pastor of The Village, enough, and there is much to say about Mark Driscoll check out his blog here here here
The a-spiritual podcasts I have are National Geographic (video), Blue Man Group (video), Multisport Video Podcasts, AtomFilms To Go, ESPN radio with Dan Patrick and Keith Obermann, and 60-second science.
That's it for now. Stay tuned for blogs on world religion/paganism and egg harvesting.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Left overs
There have been few postings over the past month, however, that does not mean I am out of the blogosphere. Keep checking for updates. I will be posting more thoughts and reflections over the next few weeks.
A few short notes . . .
Spam has infected blog notes as evidenced by the gambling invitations below.
Pluto is not a planet! The new definition of what constitues a planet excludes Pluto and the recently discovered Zena.
Steve Irwin is dead! Irwin said in his show, "I want to be remembered for passion and enthusiasm." There is no doubt that anyone would discredit Irwin of either two descriptions. This untimely death reminds us all that no matter our expertise, health, or strength, life is temporary and out of our control. Thank God for His grace to humanity and that God is in control.
Louisiana is stripping Bastrop High School of the 5A football state championship due to illegal recruiting! Dan Patrick, sports commentator, brought this news to my ears crying foul toward the Louisiana Athletic Board. Katrina devastated schools, homes, and sports. Athletes were told they could transfer to any school and play. Coaches from Bastrop recruited two players providing housing to them and their families. These football coaches did not provide material items to nonfootball players. Now the whistle has been blown and everyone including Dan Patrick says there is no harm done even if wrong/violation was done. I only bring write this as an illustration of our society. Even when wrong is done, individuals in this society claim no wrong, no sin. I am not belittling what Katrina did, but I am condemning coaches who took advantage of the situation, and now expect the violations they knowingly committed to be dismissed. What is done in the dark will be brought to the light.
If you love the guitar, buy all you can of Leo Kottke!
A few short notes . . .
Spam has infected blog notes as evidenced by the gambling invitations below.
Pluto is not a planet! The new definition of what constitues a planet excludes Pluto and the recently discovered Zena.
Steve Irwin is dead! Irwin said in his show, "I want to be remembered for passion and enthusiasm." There is no doubt that anyone would discredit Irwin of either two descriptions. This untimely death reminds us all that no matter our expertise, health, or strength, life is temporary and out of our control. Thank God for His grace to humanity and that God is in control.
Louisiana is stripping Bastrop High School of the 5A football state championship due to illegal recruiting! Dan Patrick, sports commentator, brought this news to my ears crying foul toward the Louisiana Athletic Board. Katrina devastated schools, homes, and sports. Athletes were told they could transfer to any school and play. Coaches from Bastrop recruited two players providing housing to them and their families. These football coaches did not provide material items to nonfootball players. Now the whistle has been blown and everyone including Dan Patrick says there is no harm done even if wrong/violation was done. I only bring write this as an illustration of our society. Even when wrong is done, individuals in this society claim no wrong, no sin. I am not belittling what Katrina did, but I am condemning coaches who took advantage of the situation, and now expect the violations they knowingly committed to be dismissed. What is done in the dark will be brought to the light.
If you love the guitar, buy all you can of Leo Kottke!
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