south florida confessions

Pain Management

2011-10-18T09:55:00.001-04:00

The day my dog Buffy died, I shut down.

It was a summer afternoon and I was playing in the front yard. My dog had decided a few weeks before that he would be able to catch a car tire if he tried hard enough. He was persistent even though we yelled at him. I'm pretty sure he would not have known what to do with it if he caught it.

A teenage guy in a jeep hit him. I looked up as Buff flew through the air and then I ran over screaming as my dog lay in the middle of the road. He was taking his last few breaths as he died in my arms. I cried really hard. It still hurts to think about it.

I don't remember ever wanting a dog again. Even now, as my son is getting older, I think about him having a dog. Every little boy needs a dog. But I don't want him to have one because I don't want him to experience his dog dying. I want to shelter him from the pain of losing something he loves. So if I can shelter him...and me...from ever loving, then I can shelter him from the pain of losing.

That sounds healthy enough doesn't it? Don't engage in relationships because if you do, you might get hurt.

In my current life, I am planting a church. I hear from smart people that this kind of thing is a strain on relationships. "People who start with you don't stay with you," they always say. I begin to posture so that when it happens, I can be numb to the pain. It feels like getting a dog.

I need hope in the gospel so that I am free to invest in people in spite of the pain and disappointment.

And I think we need a dog.

Waving At The Bus

2011-06-07T11:57:00.000-04:00

Now that I am a dad, I can appreciate the fact that as my son gets older, I will become more and more of a dork.

In Utah, one dad is taking "dork" to a completely new level. His 16 year old son's school bus comes back by their house every morning. So Dale decided to stand outside one morning and dressed up in a San Diego Chargers jersey and helmet. Each morning of this school year, he has been creative in waving at his son and his friends.

You can read about the rest here.

(via Mark Ostreicher)

Jesus Storybook Bible

2011-05-10T12:07:00.000-04:00

Bradens's bedtime routine is one of my favorite times of the day. After he gets a cup of milk and his blanket, he climbs into our bed for a story from the Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones. This is a tremendous resource for parents. Every story from OT and NT whispers Jesus' name and points to Him as the hero of the BIG STORY. I highly recommend it as a parent who has been reading it to him from before he was born.

You can look at a sample of the book here.

You can get it HERE.

Healing and Restoration

2011-05-09T23:40:00.000-04:00

The tornadoes that went across the southeast on April 27th were some of the most destructive in over 50 years.

Here is a story in the New York Times today about Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams. I am proud to have worked with some of these folks following Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Good people doing good work and partnering with organizations to bring restoration to hurting people.

You can give to their efforts here.

I'm Back

2011-04-19T11:55:00.000-04:00

After some time hanging out with the folks over at typepad, I decided to come back to my blogger account. That may or may not have to do with the fact that my church was paying for the blog over there and I am not going to pay for a blog myself.

I actually am looking forward to writing again.

A Day In The Courthouse...

2006-09-29T00:45:00.000-04:00

Last week I was thinking a lot about the area in which we live and the opportunities we have to live missional, loving lives around people who hurt. To be honest, South Florida is a place where people live who 1) are getting away from something or 2) think that they have no other option for opportunity and a better life. It makes it hard because if you aren't fluent in "crazy" you have a hard time making it through many conversations.

I met this guy Sunday who was going through a lot. He was facing a court hearing the next day and was scared of the outcome. He is a young black man with a wife and 3 kids (with one on the way). As he sat in my office coming to grips that Jesus was all he had, he began to ask me if I could make sure that someone looked after his family if something happened to him. Did you catch that. Here is a guy who blindly asked the church (defined here as a local gathering of Jesus followers) if they would sacrificially live in such a way that the least of these would be loved and cared for.

I'm not sure about everyone else, but some things take me a while. Although there are endless possibilities to show love, it seems that this one actually came to sit with his family and ask me point blank, "will you love us."

Trust me...I am a selfish person and I still spent time fighting the idea, but this is one that I couldn't pass up. I sat with the man and his wife for about 5 hours on Monday while we waited for his case to come up...together. It was pushed back for a few weeks, so for now, he is sitting at home with his family.

And I am sitting here convinced that those 5 hours of sitting on Monday were the best days of "real ministry" that I have experienced in a long time.

A Simple Apology

2006-09-16T00:05:00.000-04:00

No really...I'm positive that all the pope needs to do is a simple "I'm sorry." I mean, does this look like a group that holds a grudge.

Note to Pope...you might not want to do it in person. These peaceful demonstrators might just rip you a new one.

Things I Miss...

2006-09-09T15:25:00.000-04:00

There have been so many things that I have been considering over the past few weeks about the geopgraphy of ministry and what role family plays in it. Many mentors of mine would be quick to call me to a life of leaving (home, parents, friends) for the sake of the gospel and planting ourselves in a new place...which we have done these past 3 years. But most of those people live in the same town that they grew up in. I do find it odd that even Jesus had his family very close as he was calling his disciples to follow while leaving all others behind.

Please understand, these thoughts are coming from a very shallow motivation. This comes as I am sitting here watching Alabama football today in a quiet house. I called my brother, my dad and some of my friends and they all are hanging out in tailgating situations and I have to say it...this time of year, I miss being in Alabama.

But that isn't gonna stop me. I do have my good friends James Westfall and Dr. Kenneth Noisewater with me and I will do my part to pull the TIDE past Vandy.

ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!

Loving and Ready

2006-08-26T14:10:00.000-04:00

Mark 12:29-31 - Jesus says that the greatest commandment is to love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength (I think that I kept that one about 15 minutes today).

The second greatest commandment is to love people (I think that one was much less).
I think that there is a link from the greatest to the next greatest.

I was thinking this morning of the times that I helped someone out. A couple of those were when I was driving down the road and saw someone with a flat tire and a look on their face that tells me that they have never changed a tire before. I have pulled over and tried to beat my personal best time in changing said tire and beating my personal best time (just under 4 minutes). A few other times I have helped someone move out of a house when they have just been evicted. I have even helped a couple of old ladies out now and then. One of the things that these have in common is that they are spontaneous acts that arise out of a perceived need.
And the problem is...these are the only things that come to mind.

This might sound funny coming from a pastor (or par for the course depending on your perspective). But most of the serving that I do is planned. Planned or not, giving and serving is THE life of a Jesus follower. I love being involved in planned acts of service. Whether it is a mission project, larger social action or teaching others about the same, they are acts of grace that we show to the world because of the grace given to us.

But I want more of the unplanned things. There is no doubt that there is need everywhere. I do not want to be so self consumed or agenda driven that I miss the God moments. I don't want to be like Jacob (the guy in Genesis) that woke one morning and had that sinking feeling that God was there the whole time and he didn't even know it.

I don't want love to be something that I plan to do, but I want love to be the driving force behind all I do, which causes me to be led by a love agenda.

Love Wins....

Baptists and Beer...or sipping saints

2006-08-22T00:19:00.000-04:00

The outgoing president of the Southern Baptist Convention got a chance to write a farwell letter in a paper called the SBC LIFE. It gets put in my mailbox at the office every month, so I glance at it to see what category I am getting associated with currently. So you can imagine the look on my face to see the tone of this letter. Of all the things in the world that could be a problem...notice the theme. (The bold emphasis is mine...as well as the parenthetical comments).

A Word From Our Former President
June 27, 2006

Dear Southern Baptists!
Thank you a million times a million for the unspeakable privilege of serving you the last two years as president of the Southern Baptist Convention. While I earnestly plead for your continual prayers, please, please begin now to pray long and hard for our new president, Dr. Frank Page.

Recently I've been asked several questions from across the Convention which, in a fashion, summarizes these days.

"What came out of this year's meeting at Greensboro?"

While the Convention dealt with a number of important issues and items, it most definitely had several defining conclusions. There was a spirit of oneness and a unity of purpose as the Convention did, in fact, very enthusiastically reconfirm that the Great Commission and soul-winning evangelism are still the main thing for the SBC and that the Cooperative Program is the best way to collectively finance the cost of world evangelism.
Additionally, the Convention voted almost unanimously (actually...it was about 85 %) that they wanted pastors and people who are leading them not to be persons blinded by a theology that encourages and promotes drinking alcoholic beverages of any kind.

"Were there any surprises at the Convention?"

Oh yes! Undoubtedly, the greatest surprise to almost everyone was that several Southern Baptist pastors actually came to a microphone and publicly promoted the drinking of alcoholic beverages and wanted the SBC to do the same! Actually, I never thought I would see that take place, and it is not only a surprise but an outrage! My father was addicted to alcohol, which contributed to his early death. He advised me that if I would never take the first drink I would never end up like he did. I did not, and he was correct! (sounds like the problem was abuse...not use)

I understand one pastor's blog site indicates he believes his drinking assists him in soul-winning! What a pathetic joke! These blogging Baptist pastors just blew their collective cork! (terrible attempt at sarcasm)

From my vantage point, as presiding officer of the Convention, I took a slow and deliberate look at the number of ballots raised in support of such foolishness and comparatively, there was hardly anyone who was in favor of encouraging the use or promotion of the use of alcoholic beverages. In fact, the overwhelming voice and raised ballot vote made it clear that Southern Baptists do not want leaders that use or promote the use of any type of alcohol.
We have many outstanding young pastors and others on their way to leading this Convention to its greatest days, and they are smart enough to know they will not do it as "sipping saints," but as sober soul winners! (my only hope is to be as clever with my words) God help us to never, ever elect a user or promoter of the use of alcoholic beverages to any leadership position, and I am personally sorry and ashamed if we have any in those positions now! (are we all convinced that Jesus would have been able to be elected to a position in the SBC)

The next three months of our attempt to witness, win, and baptize one million is of large interest to many. Accelerate — Accelerate — Accelerate! Just as I urged on page 13 of the Convention program, we need to do a number of things to go all out these last three months: Have a revival, do another associational baptism rally, have a local one-day Crossover, conclude this church year with a major event centered upon reaching the lost and baptizing. In short, "Do all you can with all you have where you are ... NOW!"

The other most-asked question is, "What will Bobby Welch do after being president of the SBC and 'retiring' as pastor of First Baptist Church, Daytona Beach?"

My deep commitment to the Lord is to give the best of the rest of my life to multiplying soul winners to reach the world through the SBC. My quest is to see the Convention do MORE then ever before — MORE going and MORE giving! I plan to do this by encouraging MORE going and giving through state conventions, pastor's conferences, evangelism conferences, local churches, and association-wide meetings. Already a number of these are scheduled, and I am preparing to do all of these meetings I possibly can in the future.
By the work of Christ, you of the Southern Baptist Convention can win this world now!
To that end ...

With You In His Certain Victory!
Bobby Welch

I don't really care what your stance on alcohol is. I just wonder if there could be better, more encouraging use of an article that is going out to hundereds of thousands of people. I really think that it could have spent more time majoring on the majors. This sounds entirely self righteous...but then again, I guess I do too....

Welcome to another episode of adventures in missing the point.

And Sam...be nice.

Brad

What A Whore!!!!

2006-08-17T22:25:00.000-04:00

Wow…that word makes me shudder. I think I like prostitute better. With that, I can put the object of the title somewhere in a dark alley in a city that I may never see with a heroin habit that is the root of her street walking. I like things that way because it makes me feel safer as look out my window at the golf course below. I try to avoid things that make me that uncomfortable. Yeah, no doubt, I like prostitute better. Or maybe even “loose living.” That is a better way.

But not whore. It is too dirty even for the streets, much less for my mind. The only people who use this word today are morons that you might see on an old Springer re-run or currently on any “who’s the daddy” episode of Maury (you would think we could expect more from Connie Chung’s other half). I am not sure where they even get these people, although I thought I have recognized them from time to time (maybe from family reunions…hope I didn’t hit on any of them).

But back on point, I don’t think that I am the only person that would quickly grab a thesaurus to find an alternative for “whore.” I don’t think that it would ever cross my mind to ever say it even if it was true.

This is how I usually think.

But something is different right now in my head. Sometime recently, this word began to mean something to me. When I look at it or say it, quietly, to myself, I feel something else. I am still uncomfortable with it, but I feel like it is more about me. It is like an identity that I don’t want to have or an identity that I don’t want others to know about me, but, it just feels right. Honestly, I sell myself a lot. Whoever and whatever will love me, pleasure me or satisfy me for a moment will get my attention. I have this feeling that I have been a whore for a long time and that maybe I am just realizing how dirty I really am.

For some time now, I have been enamored by a story in the Bible. It is about a guy named Hosea. God told Hosea to do something that seems really awkward at best. God told Hosea to marry a whore, love her no matter how much of a whore she is and then have a little whore family with her and spend their little whore lives together. And the crazy thing was, God wanted him to do this because He wanted Hosea to know what it was like to love someone who cheated on him all the time.

As I read this, I see me in the lines. I am a cheater. I cheat on God a lot. I am turned around and turned on by the things that promise much but pay little. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. Why is it that we are satisfied by too little?

“When infinite joy is offered us, [we are] like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in the slums because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." – C.S. Lewis

It Starts At 9:30

2006-08-14T10:57:00.000-04:00

A few weeks back, on a Friday morning at 8:00, I got a call from a parent of a student. This makes me nervous because it usually involves a critique of plans and questions about how I plan to continue to raise their kids from the perspective of a thriving youth ministry. This one was different. This mom was just checking in on the activities of the day for the students. Then she mentioned something that she was encouraged about. Her daughter asked her if she could go to Mass on Sunday at First Baptist. In case you are not sure about this, Mass is a predominant catholic phrase that you don’t hear in protestant churches. As she said this, the same thing came to my mind that always does… “sorry lady, its worship service or gathering…not Mass.”
Let me interpret. I would like to think that I am don’t major on the minors but I still do. Just like this situation, I am 28. I think of myself as a part of the rebellion against ridiculous traditionalism and pharisaical ideology. Yet, to a degree, I still think like a Bible-belt fundamentalist. So when this woman, from her own tradition calls our worship service “Mass” then my first thought is, “sorry ma’am.”
But today, I see it differently. So here is my schedule for this week: Tuesday Night – Mars Hill High School; Wednesday Night – Mars Hill Middle School…

And Mass starts at 9:30...

That Florida Rain...

2006-08-13T23:50:00.000-04:00

Tonight I am listening to a thunderstorm in the distance and soft raindrops on my window. I know that tomorrow, I will wake to the usual sunny skies and 90% humidity, but for now, I will take the soggy weather. It makes me feel like something new is happening.
This morning, I had the chance to teach (many call preach) at our gathering at First Baptist. I love it when pastor throws me a bone. I am the youth guy so most people view what I say through that lens. That means that I get away with things that most “pastors” would not. The feel of the talk was about JUSTIFICATION. That is a big word that basically means that somehow, through this thing called faith, God declares us not guilty in spite of all of our sinful rebellion. That is something that I have thought a lot about over the past few years. I am not sure what “system” of thought and theology that I fit in now. But I am really pumped about 2 Corinthians 5:21 – For God made Christ who knew no sin, to become sin for us, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God. Basically, Christ gets my rebellious sin and I get all his righteousness and that is the basis for God accepting me. There is more…let me know if you are interested.

It was good seeing my brother this week. He is starting law school at Samford (Cumberland) this week. I think that he is going to make us all proud.

I hope things get back to normal in a few days. Summers as a youth guy are going to kill me.

A Terrible Game

2006-06-23T10:18:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I went with Brian Haring, Dwayne Mellor, Steve Saliba and a couple of other folks to Biddy Early (a brit pub/restaurant) to watch the US and Ghana play in their last game of the first round of the World Cup. Mind you, I have never really liked soccer except when I was in college and would go to the games at the University of Mobile. It was fun when I followed it all the time and I knew the people playing.

Over the past few weeks during the World Cup, I have watched a bit more now that ever. I love sports so it would be fun to see the international competition. But I was wrong.
After watching 2 games that the US played, I realizd that there was way too much hype about this team and the time is no where near soon when they will be able to compete on an international level. Not that they are totally terrible...they just have a few things against them. I will mention a few of my observations. Remember, as you read this, I do not claim to know hardly anything about the game.

First, they do not seem to be as athletic (faster to the ball) or aggressive about their play. This might be because the teams that they play are in danger of losing their lives if they lose the game. For America, a loss just means that they go home, for Ghana...they might be shot. Second, they cannot finish when they get in the box. Landon Donovan is supposed to the the great white hope and he hasn't scored in almost 20 games. That wouldn't be so bad in a game like soccer...unless that is what your position on the field required. Third, America gets up after a tackle. Unless they are truly injured, they will get back up. I saw 4 guys from Ghana being taken off of the field on stretchers. The problem was, 2 of them were never touched...they were just stopping play as time was running so that they could get the win.

I can deal with the low scoring...I can deal with the fact that that it seems impossible to move the ball and that there seems to be little strategy in the game that actually happens on the field during live ball action. What I cannot deal with is the fact that the game is so corrupt that what is happening on the field doesn't matter. I don't think that the US got a fair shake...but to some degree, I expect it. Yesterday, I didn't see a game of talent. I saw a game of whining, taking dives, crying, and a penalty shot that took a team out of a match.

Bottom line...it is a terrible game and I cannot believe that I spent 90 precious minutes to watch it. I can't wait till college football begins.

What I am trying NOT to be...

2006-05-17T16:01:00.000-04:00

The caption to this picture in the SBC LIFE, is, "SBC president, Bobby Welch recreates the tortured scream from the rich man in hell as recorded in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 16."

Do you really have to be a cynic (like myself) to see that out of all the things that could have been printed with pictures, this get's front page?

In the article, he is quoted as saying, "(the current evangelism campaign) represent my heart's desire and soul-deep conviction that Southern Baptists everywhere, not only in North Carolina, must awaken to the Kingdom priorities of sharing the Gospel and baptizing believers as members of local Southern Baptist churches."

Isn't that called "landmarkism"?

Synopsis: a wealthy, white, megachurch pastor uses dramatic visual arts (wearing a great suit by the way) in his sermon that somehow must resemble hell and makes landmark staments that are loaded with "better-than-you" words and somehow...he is a hero to all conservative.

I don't know Bobby Welch. I am sure that he is a great guy. I don't understand how you can be so tied to a specific denomination that you equate "kingdom work" with ONLY Southern Baptist work. I might disagree with my methodist/presbyterian/etc friends on a few issues, but I constantly see these groups participate in kingdom work.

just my humble opinion though...

brad

P.S. For those of you that read this in its original form, I apologize for sounding so bitter.

Small Town vs South Florida

2006-04-20T12:00:00.000-04:00

I remember when I lived in a small town and always complained that nothing ever happened and it was boring. Now I wake every morning and turn on the national news and hear stories like THIS on a daily basis. Welcome to South Florida...

Apparently, the guy has been going around posing as a doctor and gives "free breast exams" to women. After he tried to give a little more to one of the women, she thought, "this guy might be lying." I don't know what would make her think that though. I mean, if this guy came to my house and wanted to know if he could give me a free prostate exam, I would let him.

Note to all my female friends. I will NOT feel sorry for you if you fall for this.

I don't know who is more of a moron...the guy or the 3 women.

brad

Finished

2006-03-19T22:58:00.000-05:00

This morning, we finished our Discipleship weekend with our students at FBC. We had 81 middle school and high school students that spent the weekend with us. They spent several hours in teaching and conversation about what God requires from His people when it comes to social action and justice in light of the gospel.

As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, Sam Davidson was the speaker and he was a phenom. He is one of those guys who really understands the language gap between the traditional evangelical church, the emerging church and the culture in which we are called to exist and love. I appreciate his heart and it was good for me to be able to ask questions and learn.

I think that this was one of the best events that we have done in a while and I really did see that our students learned some truths that will be with them for a long time.

I recommend Sam for any event in which the focus is to educate people to the injustice and oppression around the world and what we are to do about it.

brad

Old People

2006-03-17T23:11:00.000-05:00

Today I was talking with a couple of people about the phenom of old people in South Florida in the winter. This is really amazing. I mean that average age skyrockets in November and then plummets in the spring.

I do have to be careful though. I already had one episode this winter when an old man got out of his car and was yelling in my window...to which I got out and whipped his....kidding, I just got out and started calling him a crazy old man (which meant nothing because he only spoke Italian). Yesterday, I was at the gas pump and had walked away from a pump as it was running (I set that little lever that lets you pump without having to hold it...I hate it when pumps don't have that little thing). As I am on the phone, some old guy starts honking at me to tell me to move. I politely walked back to his car to let him know that I was making use of the handy little lever and was waiting on my tank to fill. At that point, he locked his car...real bold dude...honk and then lock your door so you don't have to actually deal with confrontation (or have me de-spiral that comb-over that you have spun on your melon). Anyway, I will be glad when he and his buddies go back to Pennsylvania/New York/Quebec/some other state that isn't good enough for them half of the year.

I think I might start a ministry to lovingly tell the combover guys that...well...we know... and so does Jesus and he loves them no matter what...

I am going to bed before I begin to sound bitter.

brad

Losing my mind......

2006-03-15T23:37:00.000-05:00

The truth is, I might be accused of this several times before this weekend is over. It isn't the first time, but this is a little more dramatic.

As a pastor to students, I am always walking the fine line between programming for the traditional evangelical church and the calling that I have to be somewhat of a prophet in a culture that God has called me to minister within. The people pleaser in me wants to do things all nice and neat, but the progressive in me wants to push things over the edge. Of course, the latter wins out most of the time and I find myself in a place where I cannot compare what we do to anything else because it hasn't been done before...at least not successful enough to write a Christian bestseller about.

So I am 2 days away from the weirdest discipleship weekend that has ever been done in the history of a Southern Baptist Church. It is a weekend that will focus on God's calling for His people to care about social injustice and oppression....I mean real widows and orphans kind of stuff. Through small group and large groups sessions, we are going to study the ancient scriptures to see what it is that we are missing and what God calls us toward in action and love.

My leaders are shaken up, my kids do not have a clue, and I think that my new friend (and speaker for the weekend) Sam Davidson is a bit excited about the craziness of it all. We might crash and burn over this, but I have an idea that this is the type of "revival" that churches like ours have been looking for all this time. I am expecting HUGE things.

I will give updates on what happens.

Brad

Dog vs Porcupine

2006-02-23T10:57:00.000-05:00

I mean for real...this is the most painful thing that I have ever seen...

Stupid dog...

Winter Olympics

2006-02-11T21:44:00.000-05:00

I heard someone last week say that long before there were "reality TV" shows, there was the Olympics on TV. Even if you are not a sports fan, just watch the lead in stories that NBC runs before any sporting event. If you are like me, you watch a heartfelt story about some girl from a small town in Iowa who was raised by gophers and overcame bad eating habits and now is part of the "greatest downhill doubles curling luge team ever. "

A few minutes ago, Mandi and I finished eating chinese food and sat down to watch the Games from Turino, Italy. Next up was the "pairs short program" in figure skating (I don't know much about it, but I was glad that the word short was in it so we could get to the really technical events...like doubles luge). Mandi asked me, "aren't you a big figure skating fan." As I gave her the courtesy laugh for the Saturday night attempt at sarcasm, I saw that she wasn't kidding and was immediately in a panic that she might have said something like this to people that we know (I do watch SOME chick flicks, but even I draw the line).

Anyway, the first pair that was up was the American team. Before they began, they did this huge buildup of something that the team was going to attempt called a "throw triple axle" in which the guy tosses the girl and she spins (I'm guessing 3 times) in the air before she lands. Part of the buildup was a video of them crashing several times in practice and then telling us that they hit this thing about 20% of the time. That works ok in baseball, but crap, not exactly the A-game that you want to bring to the Olympics.

Needless to say, I had to stay in it just to see if they could pull this thing off (constantly reminding myself that it is the "short program"). So about a minute into this thing, here it comes...

They go into it...SCORE...huge landing...great form...so much grace...

I'm standing up...arms in the air...screaming "they did it"...

crap...I'm cheering out loud for figure skating...

Tomorrow night I am buying a case of beer and painting my body red/white/blue for the long program...

brad

Global Warming

2006-02-10T00:35:00.000-05:00

I read several articles about many evangelicals signing a petition on supporting efforts to curb global warming. To be honest, I can't tell if all the talk about global warming is about a real problem, or if it is about partisan politics. But I do have to say that if there is any chance that it is a real issue that needs addressing, then I want to be on the side of caring for the environment and therefore caring for the people who are in it.

I am a little bothered about the fact that many evangelicals have come out with rebuttals to the support for research and reversal of this "problem." Even if they believe that Al Gore cooked this one up, it seems that they would be able to give an answer to why they do believe it.

Then again, it might be because I get my news from the local fish wrapper which tends to lean way left.

brad

Politics.....aaagh

2006-02-07T23:50:00.000-05:00

This was on DRUDGE tonight:

"Today's memorial service for civil rights activist Coretta Scott King -- billed as a "celebration" of her life -- turned suddenly political as one former president took a swipe at the current president, who was also lashed by an outspoken black pastor! The outspoken Rev. Joseph Lowery, co-founder of Southern Christian Leadership Conference, ripped into President Bush during his short speech, ostensibly about the wife of Martin Luther King Jr. "She extended Martin's message against poverty, racism and war. She deplored the terror inflicted by our smart bombs on missions way afar. We know now that there were no weapons of mass destruction over there," Lowery said.
The mostly black crowd applauded, then rose to its feet and cheered in a two-minute-long standing ovation.A closed-circuit television in the mega-church outside Atlanta showed the president smiling uncomfortably."But Coretta knew, and we know," Lowery continued, "That there are weapons of misdirection right down here," he said, nodding his head toward the row of presidents past and present. "For war, billions more, but no more for the poor!"
The crowd again cheered wildly.Former President Jimmy Carter later swung at Bush as well, not once but twice. As he talked about the Kings, he said: "It was difficult for them then personally with the civil liberties of both husband and wife violated as they became the target of secret government wiretaps."
The crowd cheered as Bush, under fire for a secret wiretapping program he ordered after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, again smiled weakly. Later, Carter said Hurricane Katrina showed that all are not yet equal in America. "This commerative cermony this morning, this afternoon, is not only to acknowledge the great contributions of Coretta and Martin, but to remind us that the struggle for equal rights is not over. We only have to recall the color of the faces of those in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi," Carter said, the rest of his sentence drowned out by loud applause. "Those who were most devastated by [Hurricane] Katrina know that there are not yet equal opportunities for all Americans. It is our responsibility to continue their crusade."

I am having such a hard time with politics right now. I have no problem with constructive criticism and I have no problem with people calling our president, congress or courts into question.

I DO have a problem with constant headlines for cheap shots. Coming from a "National Baptist" and a "Southern Baptist" (who actually has been considered one of the most useless Presidents in the history of our nation) this was too cheap and the standing ovations were ridiculous and not in the spirit of the moment in which respect was supposed to be directed to a great lady.

I am really irritated about this - "In a stunning act of moral and political betrayal, committed for the most expedient of reasons, the Bush administration State Department has suddenly decided that Darfur isn't the site of genocide after all."

But I want to do something about it...not just call the president out for political gain only when I have an audience. That is hypocrisy at it's finest.

Democrats are the party of no ideas and Republicans are the party of bad ideas...and the only thing worse than this is when these two work together. - Lewis Black

A Fan's Perspective

2006-02-06T21:58:00.000-05:00

A Good Read

2006-01-22T22:19:00.000-05:00

I just finished a book called "Under the Overpass" by Mike Yankoski. It was recommended to me by one of my students and I thought that it was challenging and very insightful. I know that I am another person that, even as a part of the church, I am still spending a great deal of time not caring about the poor, broken, addicted and hurting.

The book follows Mike and his friend Sam through the streets of several major American cities as they learn about God, themselves, addicts, survival and hope. I am considering bringing this guy to South Florida to challenge our people.

brad

Hurting Already

2006-01-17T20:10:00.000-05:00

Season 5 of American Idol and I am already embarrassed. Some of these floks are really horrible.

I am one of those guys that feels things and when they are singing horribly in front of the judges, I feel like I am there...and I am hurting.

The only thing better than this is the national spelling bee.

brad

Sightings

2006-01-14T18:00:00.000-05:00

Last night, Mandi and I went to dinner with some friends. We went to a Greek restaurant and it was VERY Greek. Beyond the authentic food, there was dancing on the tables, napkins being thrown by the dozens and music that was so loud, I thought my ears were bleeding.

After it was over, the night was young, so we wanted to go find a quieter place. You know, one of those with soft music where we could just chill and talk. As we set out to find a place, Mandi looked over and said, "hey, that place looks good." It was a random restaurant that was located in a store front. We pulled over to check it out and went in.

About 3 minutes after we got there, my buddy Scott said, "hey, Steve Tyler is sitting over there." I am NOT an Aerosmith fan, but...that's pretty cool...random, but cool.

So after a little while, he came through and was about to leave, so we went out to meet him. We got the handshake. It isn't as great as meeting President G Dubya, but good times anyway.

You never know who you might run into here. Living in a normal part of the world, the closest I ever came to seeing someone famous was when I saw Tom Green in an airport (oh yeah...and seeing Coolio in the ski rental shop in Park City Utah...which, come to think of it, should have been mentioned before Tom Green).

brad

A Vick-tim

2006-01-07T02:15:00.000-05:00

From the AP:
"Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick was dismissed from the team Friday, the result of numerous legal transgressions and his unsportsmanlike conduct in the Gator Bowl. "

Now he says that he will "take his game to the next level." I am sure that he will sue the school for defamation and there is no doubt that he will play the part of the victim.

Good for Virginia Tech. When leadership takes charge, it might mean more athletes not demanding their entitlements.

brad

High and Lifted Up

2006-01-05T11:38:00.000-05:00

I have something that I am a little bothered about so hang with me. I think that somehow we got Isaiah 6 wrong. It seems that our tendency is to take the things that are meant for God (such as exaltation and praise) and actually begin to reflect those things onto people...and even do it while claiming that it is praise. When someone does something really great and they are a follower of Jesus we "give glory to God" by giving huge "pats on the back" and "good jobs" to the point that the line really gets drawn as to whether we really give much credit to God at all.

I am sure that you have seen things like this too, probably on things that do not matter.

But what about this scenario:

A couple who has been married for years begins to have marital problems. They actually go through a painful divorce. At some point, one actually asks the other to go with them to a church...as a friend, nothing more. They join a "Bible study" and begin to develop friendships. Along the way they rediscover each other and the church encourages them as they decide to re-marry. The church even goes to the point of having them on stage in front of 500 people telling their story and inviting the church to come as they renew their vows.

Sounds great doesn't it...

But what happens when, after all the applause and friendly handshakes (and smugness that we did our job in getting 2 people back together), their marriage falls on hard times again? What happens when they can't seem to do it alone and we not only aren't there for them, but they have the memories of sitting on stage staring into the eyes of people with expectations? How do they make it when they can't tell any of these "perfect people" that their life is a wreck? Where are we then?

We are probably somewhere else, praising another of the elite among us.

I hate when we screw these things up.

Brad

PENN STATE vs FSU

2006-01-04T01:11:00.000-05:00

I just finished watching one of the best football games I have ever seen between Penn State and FSU. A matchup between two coaches with a combined age of 155 years. They were brilliant as coaches and I have to say, as much as I was pulling for Penn State (sorry Scott), I gained a lot of respect for Coach Bowden. He was a pretty classy guy as he came and shook hands with Joe Pa.

After Coach Paterno's past couple of seasons, I am glad that he got this one. It was ugly at the end, but exciting and things ended as they should have. Should see this one on ESPN classic sometime.

And Penn State pulls it off in triple OT.

By the way, I am sticking with my prediction that USC is going down tomorrow night.

brad

It's Still Real To Me....

2006-01-02T21:22:00.000-05:00

This is a clip that my brother showed me a few nights ago. Just imagine that you are in a small town high school gymnasium at a press conference for "professional wrestling". That is what this is and we are sure that these old timers had at least one fan.

Here it is...

Hat tip to justin for this one...

SNL

2005-12-21T22:01:00.000-05:00

If you didn't see SNL this past week, here is one of the skits from it. It is one of the best I have ever seen. Truly a laugh out loud moment.

brad

A Felony Ring of 10 Year Olds....

2005-12-19T10:17:00.000-05:00

Did you see THIS ? I didn't even have a computer in 4th grade. How do kids do this. I still haven't found out all the functions on my ipod and these guys are making money...literally.

brad

Turning Into A Liberal.....

2005-12-19T09:44:00.000-05:00

No, I'm not turning into an American Political Liberal. Let me see if I can explain. A few days ago, I was reading in Hosea (an Old Testament Prophet) and I came across on of those places where God is talking about how His people are always turning from Him and prostituting themselves with other things that His love. As it goes on, I see that there is a place where God is making things right and turning the hearts of the people back. What gets me it that I saw a description of what is happening in the person whom God changes...

"I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the LORD." (Hosea 2:19-20)

What I keep seeing is righteousness, love and compassion (evangelical conservative values) and then, once more, I see the value that is so common in Christian liberal circles and a value of scripture...JUSTICE.

Then I wake this morning and read this article about what TIME magazine said about Bono and Bill and Melinda Gates.
"For being shrewd about doing good, for rewiring politics and re-engineering justice, for making mercy smarter and hope strategic and then daring the rest of us to follow, Bill and Melinda Gates and Bono are Time's Persons of the Year...."

I am not on a talking point about how an "evangelical" should have been on the cover of TIME, but I observe...what if some follower of Jesus "let their light shine before men so that they could see the good works and glorify God in heaven?"

Again, I am reminded about how I have dropped the ball and seem to care about things that are oppossed to the things that Jesus loved. If being honest about social justice means that I am an evangelical liberal...ok.

brad

Has to be a white kid...

2005-12-17T16:41:00.000-05:00

THIS STORY has to be about a white kid in the suburbs. My mom and dad didn't want me to fail but I don't remember ever being this scared to bring a report card home.

I don't know what is better birth control...working with teenagers personally, or reading stories like this.

brad

Remembering Mike

2005-12-05T23:33:00.000-05:00

Today I was re-reading parts of Mike Yaconelli's book "Dangerous Wonder." Every time I read anything by that man, I am challenged.

In the introduction, he talked about meeting the guy who started Compassion International. He described the guy as a long haired, quiet, seemingly gentle guy who at some point had his life ruined by Jesus and he has never gotten over it.

You see, that seems to be my story and that word (ruined) always gets my attention. Central to my faith is this idea that somewhere along the way, my life intersected with this Jesus and he completely ruined everything so that I could not survive without Him and I have spent several years now trying to shake him.

I mean really, if you have experienced this too....you actually spend a lot of time trying other things. If it were a marriage, it would be something like adultry. And yet, even after turning to lovers less wild, we are welcomed back by a Jesus who loves, forgives and even calls us pure and spotless.

And so it goes...day after day...a prostitute...loved...accepted....declared beautiful.

So the way to describe this life intersection with Jesus is wild, dangerous, fearful, compelling, doubtful, crazy, and extremely messy.

brad

Me and Jeb

2005-11-28T17:41:00.000-05:00

This is a picture taken after Hurricane Wilma. Governor Jeb and President Bush came and made an appearance. I didn't get a chance to have a close up with the president, but president elect 2012 is pretty great.

brad

My Wish Came True

2005-10-23T17:01:00.000-04:00

I think that Fulmer really did get fat.

Although it was one of the most boring games of the century (just under the FAU/ARK State game) it was a great W for the home team. The TIDE didn't roll (it was more like a limp) over the Tennessee Volunteers, but they stayed undefeated and killed a huge winning streak.

This showed me that Fulmer and the Vols cannot beat Alabama on pure football alone as much as they have over the past 10 years. This was the first season that Alabama hasn't still been hurting from the NCAA probation and lack of recruiting opportunities in 5 or 6 years. I just feel like this is the beginning of some great things. If you don't know what I am talking about HERE is something you should read.

Enough to say, many fans feel like this is the beginning of justice (I am still out on this one considering Darfur is still a bit weak in the justice area).

As for the DREAMLAND sauce...it was good....just not great....and certainly not DREAMLAND. But it was good. I think that there are a few things I can do to tweak it.
brad

I'M GIDDY

2005-10-22T11:38:00.000-04:00

Only a few hours until the Alabama vs Tennessee kickoff. Tennessee is the college football equivelant to the Yankees. I hope Coach Fulmer gets fat.

I got a recipe for "Dreamland Barbecue Sauce" off the internet. I hope that it tastes something like it.

I will let you know.

brad

You Must Be Kidding

2005-10-22T11:21:00.000-04:00

That seems to be the statement made by everyone in South Florida when we get word of another hurricane heading our way.

The fact is, I'm from Alabama. So, like everyone else in the country (besides the good people on the coast) I heard of hurricanes every once in a while. For instance, I remember Hugo, Andrew and maybe a couple of others if I hear their names mentioned.

But even living in South Florida, I hear locals all the time say things like..."I've never seen anything like this." Which for me is a little odd because since I got here in 2003, it has seemed to be a nonstop hurricane season. I think that we had 4 or 5 that we were dodging in 04 and now have had 4 or 5 in 05. This is nuts.

So for those of you wondering what it is like to be in a place that has hurricanes all the time...it is strange. However, people here know what is going on and they prepare as they need to. OUR governor is not an idiot, like some others, and state and local authorities are prepared so thousands of people are not stuck in the AA Arena. Although some things are scary at times (such as water, ice and gas not being available readily to all of us who are weak and dependent on such things) for the most part I never see re-enactments of the movie "ALIVE". The guys from Florida Power get shot at sometimes, but nothing major (shout out to JC).

And one more thing. People here actually laugh at National Cable News outlets. Most of the time, national news, comes with a presence of superiority to local affiliates. However, in times of hurricanes, national news is sooooooo much more dramatic that things actually happen. I know that this has to do with reporting things in a manner to which people will watch, but crap, they overdo it a bit. I think the worst is FOX NEWS. That Shepard Smith is one dramatic guy. Our local 7 news reports a thunderstorm accurately and while sitting during that same storm watching Smith, you would think that all the "Left Behind" books are true (implying I have my doubts).

And what this all means is that I can actually write a blog about weather. Which makes me a retard.

brad

10-13-05

2005-10-13T00:34:00.000-04:00

Actually, it is just a few minutes past my 28th birthday, making me officially in my late 20s. It has been a good one, and I just wanted to post about a few things that have been on my mind this week.

I friend of mine led me to THIS SITE a few nights ago and I thought it was a must for all of you that, like me, hate to get painted with the same broad brush as someone like this. Who would have thought it was as easy as $48.

Tomorrow we are starting our small groups again. This is going to be great because I am getting a chance to meet with a lot of guys who are just asking questions about faith. I love talking with people who have never been exposed to anything. I actually get a kick out of hearing responses to my faith based on what people see on the "Simpsons" or as I heard recently "The Office." It is just fun to see their faces when they see that being in a Jesus community is really nothing like that at all. Which brings me back to the idea that when a group of people really just cares about the things that Jesus cares about, we really do bring heaven to earth (and isn't that what Jesus prayed for us to do?)

One final thought...I have been hit pretty hard from Yankee fans about the Red Sox getting swept by Chicago. And I have to say, they got me there. It was ugly and it was short. By the way, who are the Yankees playing tonight..........?

By the way...I love being a pastor to students. Tonight reaffirmed that. Even with all the crap, it still is the best job ever. I love it.

brad

Makings of a Great Weekend

2005-10-03T12:03:00.000-04:00

I am very thankful to travelocity.com for the opportunity to fly to Alabama from Ft. Lauderdale for $83. It gave me a chance to see the fam, expecially some "hang out" time with my bro.

Through his really great job that pushes him over the edge of sanity, we got tickets to the Alabama/Florida game on Saturday. SOOOOOO incredible. I have never spent so much time hugging 50 year old men (well, there was that one time). There is just a common bond between guys that love their football team that much.

My throat still hurts, I think I yelled things that were a bit edgy (is that how you spell that word) and more than that, I saw one of the greatest games of my life. Happy times.

ON A SIDE NOTE....

I was very disappointed that the Yankees (still hate em) won the penant. But I am happy that the Sox (Red) got the wild card. I would rather them play the White Sox anyway.

And I am really excited about Bill Simmons new book. I'm getting it soon.

Are you kidding me........

2005-09-23T01:37:00.000-04:00

Listen...I know that things like this can cause a frenzy, but all of you be honest...
"NEW YORK (AP) - Lil' Kim rose to fame as a tough, raunchy gangsta girl, the Queen Bee of female rappers with rhymes that cast her as a powerful figure - a female Don in the male-dominated world of rap.
Now, as she prepares to release her latest album Tuesday while behind bars, the diminutive diva has added a new element to her persona - victim. In Kim's eyes, she's been preyed on by an overzealous government trying to punish hip-hop and jealous former friends who ratted her out in the courtroom.

"There's no reason why I should be going to jail. There's no reason why. There's no reason. I didn't shoot anyone, I didn't do anything wrong the way they would say," she told The Associated Press in her waning days of freedom. "It's not as bad as it could have been, but do I think it was fair? No."
Kim reported to a federal detention center in Philadelphia on Monday to serve 366 days for lying to a grand jury investigating a 2001 shootout involving members of her entourage and a clique loyal to her archenemy, rapper Foxy Brown.

On her new album, ironically titled "The Naked Truth," Kim casts herself as a scapegoat of a government bent on cracking down on gangsta rap through investigations and prosecutions. In recent years, the "government against hip-hop" theme has become a rap mantra, as reports of police surveillance of rappers have surfaced and prominent rap figures have gone to jail or been indicted for various crimes.

"Unfortunately, me as a woman, I had to take one for the team, and when I say for the team I say hip-hop, because I was the poster child for the federal government, for their investigations," she said, curled up on a couch in a posh Manhattan hotel suite, enjoying one of the last comforts of celebrity life before heading to prison.

Let's get some things lined up here...I don't like hip hop music. However, I think that like every other art form, there are some great things and there are some horrible things. It is capitalism at its best.

But, if you are intelligent at all, you have to agree with me

IF YOU ARE INVOLVE IN A SHOOTOUT IN THE CIVILIZED WORLD OF 2005, YOU DESERVE TO BE IN JAIL...AND IF YOU CONTINUE TO SAY STUPID THINGS...just sit the next couple of plays out (HT - Chet).

She's probably a Yankee (I HATE THEM) fan.........

brad

I Hate The Devil Rays Too

2005-09-21T23:49:00.000-04:00

OK...most of you know that I am a Red Sox fan. To be honest, my affinity towards the Sox grew out of my complete and total loathing of the New York Yankees. What sealed the deal for me was the Aaron Boone (yes, the same Aaron Boone who cried when he was traded from the Mariners) home run off of Tim Wakefield in the 2003 ALCS series. I announced to all in the room that I was officially a Boston Red Sox fan and began what will I know be a lifelong romance with the team that will spend most of the time "breakin ya haat".

Although I knew all of these things, I had no idea that I would simply get so wrapped up in this thing emotionally. I mean, I am meeting perfect strangers in the parking lots of South Florida and we are sharing moments like brothers. I was even a part of several conversations in 04 as old crusty Bostonians would give me the ever quoted, "this is ah yeaa!!!" Praise God they were right.

But as of tonight, I am remembering a team that kept my stomach in knots and my mood swings in high gear from the 2004 ALCS. I was watching as Wakefield pitched through most of 8 innings and then the bullpen blowing the rest as Tampa Bay comes back in the bottom of the 8th.

This brings me to my point.

I HATE THE TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are several reasons..........

First off...Lou Piniella is a waste of oxygen and one of the worst managers of all time. He is a big dope that sits on his backside, gets fatter by the minute, manages a horrible team, and looks like a total idiot as he is cursing umpires and kicking his hat (or throwing 1st base). What a retard........

Second...here is the Devil Rays home-page....notice that you don't find the standings that you do on other baseball teams sites. The reason is...THEY ARE IN LAST PLACE...THEY ARE HORRIBLE...AND NO ONE CARES IF THEY WERE GONE TOMORROW.......

Yes, they beat the RED SOX tonight and combined with the Yankees (I HATE THEM) win, puts the Yankees (I HATE THEM) up by a half a game.

What kills me is to see the celebration. YOU ARE GOING HOME NEXT WEEK. No one cares about you. Jonny Gomez hit a triple to bat in his 50th RBI of the year. I will concede that it was good hitting, but your talk on camera needs to be matched with actual consistent play. No...I couldn't hit the measley 50 RBIs a year but I am not getting paid $10 mill a year to do so.

Basically, I am looking for Karma here (that Carson Daily is really smart). I am really upset because it might be me. I mean, the Sox still had a lead before I started watching. Maybe I need to do something nice tomorrow so that....ah whatever...I still hate the devil rays.......and the yankees (I HATE THEM)!!!!!!

Chet...the obscure references are for you. I am trying to get as good as Bill Simmons.

brad

Velvet Elvis

2005-09-12T21:54:00.000-04:00

I told you guys a few weeks ago that I was reading a book by Rob Bell. I think that it is a pretty good book. There are a lot of things that he says in it that I have heard in sermons. I am pretty impressed with the fact that the guy is a thinker and that he looks at biblical ideas as they come out of an actual place and an actual time.

Of course, because he is not a staunch "fundamentalist," I am not sure that many people will like him. But for me, I don't agree with his entire stance on theology and doctrine, but for the most part, he has something to say. I have a link to the book somewhere a few "blog entries" ago.

A Cause To Get Behind

2005-08-15T18:28:00.000-04:00

For those of you who have had your head in...well...a hole somewhere, Terrell Owens was the cause of a lot of press for the last several weeks by being a huge baby with the Philly Eagles. Wanting more money in his contract and then chalking up his whining to "wanting to feed my family," I think that he is a doofus and I personally hope that the Eagles lose every game for eternity.

How is this for a little perspective....

I love sarcasm.........
brad

Willow Creek Leadership Summit

2005-08-11T23:02:00.000-04:00

This morning, I went with some of the team that I work with at FBC Pompano to check out the Willow Creek Church Leadership Summit in Boca Raton. I came away with some thoughts.

One of the tough things for me is that I have spent some of my formative years in ministry around people who didn't like Bill Hybels (pastor at Willow Creek) and Rick Warren (pastor at Saddleback Church). Both of these guys spoke this morning and I really took to heart what they said because I needed it.

Bill Hybels cleverly brought to our minds the old cartoon "Popeye" who, when pushed beyond his limit would blow up and exclaim, "I've had all I can stands, I can't stands no more!!!!"

He then took us through the story of Moses who, in Exodus 20, finally had all he could stand with the Egyptian beating up the Hebrew and Moses killed the Egyptian. The point was, Moses hit his breaking point and said in essence..."I can't stands no more!!!"

As he developed this, the idea arose about leaders whose vision often comes because they see something that drives them crazy and they want to change it. Great leaders have a "holy discontentment" and instead of wallowing in cynicism, they channel that to change things for the better.

So what is it that I can't "stands" no more...

brad

Things you haven't seen since little league...

2005-08-11T00:02:00.000-04:00

If I didn't like the Marlins, I would be screaming something about Mike Lowell not being a true athlete and someone who can't get it together as a baseball player so he has to resort to "sneaky plays."

But I DO like the Marlins...so THIS was a GREAT play!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Book

2005-08-10T23:59:00.000-04:00

For those of you who don't know, I am currently intrigued with a pastor named Rob Bell. There is no doubt that this guys is controversial at best...at least for staunch conservatives (biblical, not political). I listen to every sermon that he preaches and have watched a series of teachings called NOOMA that are made by his team from Mars Hill Bible Church in Michigan.

For that matter, Rob Bell is the inspiration behind the whole Mars Hill idea that we are using in the student ministry at First Baptist Church in Pompano (well he and Mark Driscoll, the pastor of Mars Hill Church - no connection - in Seattle).

I picked up Rob's new book called "Velvet Elvis" (Zondervan) today. I read through the first chapter today and I think that it is good and thought provoking. People like Bell catch my attention, because I am one of those people who, well after college, still sit and dream of something more to this thing that we call "Christianity" or the process of living out what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

So far I recommend it. I will comment later on what else I learn from it.

brad

T.O is a moron...

2005-08-10T23:13:00.000-04:00

So the saga continues. It looks like T.O. was booted from training camp. It would be really great if management took the hit and just let him go...that way they got rid of him and his manager, Rosenhaus.

Crap like this..."Owens is unhappy the Eagles have refused to redo his contract as he enters the second season of a seven-year, $48.97 million deal. He hired Rosenhaus and threatened to skip camp completely. Instead, Owens reported, then injured his groin last Thursday"...is what I am talking about

This is one of the several reasons that I hope the Eagles fail completely.

MANNY SPEAKS..........

2005-07-31T16:00:00.000-04:00

FROM BOSTON (AP) -
Boston Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez broke his silence on the trade talks surrounding him, interrupting the manager's Sunday morning press briefing to say, "I want to be with this team and win another World Series."

He stays...I feel better....

And for what it is worth...AJ Burnett is staying with the Marlins. That is good for the home team.

brad

ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-07-31T01:01:00.000-04:00

Alabama vs MTSU on September 3rd...34 days to go

Manny May Be Out In Boston...

2005-07-31T00:58:00.000-04:00

FROM BOSTON (AP) -
"Boston Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez got the night off to clear his head while the team attempts to trade him and shed his salary. He will also miss Sunday's game, manager Terry Francona said, meaning the World Series MVP wouldn't take the field again until after the trading deadline passes."

Me: I guess we will know by 4:30 pm tomorrow. It just won't be the same without him.

Something that you might have seen...

2005-07-28T00:19:00.000-04:00

A few weeks back I saw this letter, but it is hilarious. It is an actual letter sent to an airline. (For those of you with sensitive eyes, there are a couple of words in this that can be found in your King James Bible referring to "donkeys." Tip of the hat to Kevin Jetton for the story on his blog kevinjetton.typepad.com/blog)

Here are some Napolean Dynamite Figurines that every home should not be without.

C'mon, he's just havin a little fun with the ladies...

Just a little pre-bedtime reading

brad

Fast Food and Sunday Afternoon

2005-07-26T23:40:00.000-04:00

Here is an article posted on a blog of a guy I know. I think that it is an amazing story. This is the reason that most of the people that I meet don't hate God, but they sure are turned off by church people.

I don't know how many times that my college friends would tell me that the most horrible shift to work as a server was not during the Saturday night drunk rush, but it was during the 12:00 "after church" rush on Sunday. If the people weren't just completely rude and bitter, then they would leave those little "witness tracts" that looked like $20 bills. That is sure to get their attention.

I really love the church. The fact is, real Jesus followers are not this arrogant. I just wish that there wasn't an entire subculture that thought that this woman was standing for something wonderful and that God was going to reward her for her rude arrogant behavior.

I guess that is why I want to be a leader in the change...

brad

Satan Coach

2005-07-16T14:06:00.000-04:00

I don't care how bad people get, some things never cease to amaze me. This guy is a horrible human being.

Church Thoughts

2005-06-20T23:33:00.000-04:00

I am having trouble getting things straight in my head, so maybe someone can help me with it.

I work at a church. Ideally this means my work is ministry and that means that I get to spend my days leading people to live out what it means to be followers of Jesus and I get to invest all of my resources into this. Realistically, that means that I work for a western, bureaucratic, capitalistic machine that values perfection, well balanced budgets and "the bottom line."

I know that there is nothing different in my frustration. I am sure that all over the country there are several people with the same questions.

Actually, I just want to meet all of the people that I should be afraid of. People keep telling me about them. "They will not like it..., they might get upset..., they are going to question this..., they will have you fired...,etc..."

Oh well, I am going to keep doing this and if I philosophically disagree with "them" then...well, ok.

brad

Now I present the awkwardness.......LIVE from the Spelling Bee

2005-06-14T23:35:00.000-04:00

How about this...once again, the spelling bee comes through!!!!

I am not sure whether to laugh with him or at him.

brad

tip of the hat to Justin

Social Awkwardness In The Spotlight

2005-05-24T21:21:00.000-04:00

Only 8 more days until the greatest spectator event of the year. On June 1st and 2nd, ESPN will put the most socially regressed children alive on display in the annual National Spelling Bee.

Popcorn and soda at my house while we watch it in HD.

brad

Politics

2005-05-23T23:22:00.000-04:00

Most people that know me understand that I am not a "Christian" who equates my faith with a Republican vote. As a matter of fact, I really do not understand why conservatives in the church are selling out for things that are not "kingdom values". It seems that many in the church are willing to overlook hypocrisy and games in Washington simply because the Republican party is assumed to be the lesser of two evils.

That said, I want to be clear that my rant here is not at all affiliated with those who "worship with their vote."

But crap, the people on the left are bitter. Far left democrats are consistently spewing hatred and inconsistent crap that their followers take in without question. Here is a challenge to anyone on the far left. Please be intellectually honest. See politics for what it is and understand...politicians are politicians. They are going to be dishonest and they are going to make many decisions that are best for them, not for you. It is ok to say it.

Here is my take...the deal that was just cut with the judicial nominees and the filibusters...the left will continue to block.

The Dukes of Hazzard

2005-05-22T23:51:00.000-04:00

One of the funny things that I have noticed about working with teenagers in 2005 is that they think the "Dukes of Hazzard" is a new idea. The problem though, is that they can't tell why a cast would be made up of Johnny Knoxville (Luke Duke), Sean Williams Scott (Bo Duke), Jessica Simpson (Daisy Duke), Willie Nelson (Uncle Jesse) and Burt Reynolds (Boss Hogg). When I asked my small group if they had ever seen the "Dukes," they said..."no, it hasn't come out yet."

I am sitting here with Mandi watching the original second season. It is hilarious. Some of the best acting (Roscoe P. Coletrain) I have ever seen. I think I am going to boycott the EMMY'S this year as a protest to the entire oversight of the greatest acting of the 20th Century.

If you get a chance, you need to check out any of the fine episodes at a 53 inch widescreen near you.

brad

What a cool state!!!!!!!!!!

2005-05-11T00:40:00.000-04:00

OK, I know that Florida might have it's issues. But one thing is for sure...the driving system here is a joke...and I love it.

About 3 months ago, I got a ticket going through a school zone. Now it was a bit high, but they really make it so easy to either get out of completely or offer really retarded classes for their version of "driving school."

I just got through with 4 hours of online crap and all I did was set my computer up to run out the time and then took the test (I missed 3). So I will have the certificate tomorrow and that is that.

What a state. Once again, just a little cash and you can get anything you want. Reminds me of a Baptist Church.

brad

Bill Kamal

2005-05-10T00:24:00.000-04:00

I know that it is so typical, but I am one of those people who will stay up for the 11:00 news so that I can get the scoop on someone's life. I am guessing that I am one of the many.
Tonight, Mandi and I stayed up to watch part 2 of 4 of channel 10's exclusive interview with Bill Kamal. For those of you not in the know, Bill Kamal was the famous face of the channel 7 weather team who many people turned to during the 2004 hurrican season. He was one of the most recognized people on tv in south Florida.
Last October, he was arrested for soliciting sex from a young boy and was caught in a sting. He pleaded guilty and is now serving 5 years in a federal pen.

What got me about the whole interview is that I was one of those people who look at him and say, "ok this guy is a sicko, but I think that he might be telling the truth and was just a guy caught in the wrong place at the wrong time." He says that all of the evidence is just circumstance and that he didn't plan on having sex with the kid, just help him in a tough situation. The problem is, when he has explicit sexual dialogue on the internet with the "kid" it makes the feds really look at you closely.

By the way, the "kid" was actually an overweight cop running a sting operation.

I of all people would love to give this guy the benefit of the doubt. I cannot imagine what would draw someone to a 12 year old boy in a sexual manner. I just can't see how he would go through his sexual prime and never be involved in something like this (as far as we know) and then become a sexual predator at the age of 48. But dang, there is just too much stacked against this guy. I guess that is was the feds thought too.

Have no fear, I am going to try to be right here on my sofa to hear tomorrows portion of the interview. Stay tuned..

brad

Important Things

2005-05-09T14:30:00.000-04:00

As most of you know, there are several things in life that I have no clue about. One of those things is computers. I can turn one on and I can maneuver through some programs, but it takes the real intellectuals to actually make the digital revolution work for them.

And that is where my brother comes in. Thanks for showing me the ropes and letting me see that there is something more to the information superhighway. If you guys check out the links to the right, you will see some of the things that I deem important in life.

more later...
brad

Updates

2005-05-06T12:02:00.000-04:00

I'm working on making this blog as user-friendly as possible. I've just added Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.
Feel free to leave comments...

Brad

2005-03-06T22:23:00.000-05:00

Jesus' story is one of grace, as is mine. The difference is that I receive and He gives. I am convinced through the ancient scriptures that it is right, but I am trying to see how it works in my everyday.
Some of the things that I am learning right now are centered on this fact. God has been gracious to me by taking my sin and rebellion and giving it to Jesus ("For God made Him who knew no sin to become sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God"). I am connected with God forever because Jesus became sin for me. He got my sin and therefore my punishment and I got his perfection. God really looks on me and sees Jesus. Good or bad, God sees right and perfect...and that causes me to become more like Jesus as He continually fixes the broken things in me.

2005-02-10T15:24:00.000-05:00

I have this thought (or maybe "I have a dream") . It is some thing that I can say is a dream that has existed for some time now. It seems that I cannot always put into words what is happeing in my head (the results of Adult ADD), but I am going to try.

In Acts 17 of the Bible, the apostle Paul went to Athens, Greece, where he spent some time teaching in the Jewish synagogue and also talking with philosophers.

While he was there teaching, he was taken before the Areopagus, which was court outside of town on Mars Hill. While he was in the middle of philosophers, religious teachers and thinkers, he began to tell them about "the unknown God" (referring to a monument to an unknown god among the other monuments to the gods they worshipped).

If you want to see the rest of the story and what Paul told them, you can read it in Acts 17. What I want to point out is the symbolism and what it can mean for the community that we are in now (as a church gathering in south Florda).

Paul is in the middle of ongoing discussions by the people of Athens about life, spirituality, God, meaning, beauty, truth. It is a culture that is poly-theistic (a representation of many gods). They were really into talking about things that were new philosophies and new ideas (Acts 17:21). But on this hill outside of athens known as Mars Hill (or the Areopagus) Paul tells the people about God the creator of all things, God the giver of life, the God who is not served by human hands, the God who is near and the God who raised Jesus from the dead (vs 31).

The symbolism to south Florida and the community that we want to be is that we are like Mars Hill. It is a place where many ideas and philosophies emerge and yet, there rises a community that talks about a God who is reconciling all things to himself (or putting back together what is broken) in the person of Jesus. We love the scriptures because they are the story of God. We trust Jesus with our lives because we desire to be a part of God's story of love, mercy and reconciliation all for His glory. We are satisfied in Him so that He is glorified in our lives.

Maybe we too are Mars Hill: A Missional Jesus Community

2005-02-10T15:12:00.000-05:00

I love the church. There is something about being a part of a community of people who have Christ in common. This community has a long history that spans a couple of thousand years (some of those beautiful and some that are not so much).

Here is a thought from Mars Hill a gathering in Michigan:

"We see ourselves in a long line of generations taking part in the endless conversation between God and people. We believe the Bible to be the voices of many who have come before us, inspired by God to pass along their poems, stories, accounts, and letters of response and relationship with each other and (most importantly) the living God. To know where we're going, we have to know where we've been.

I have this dream that the community of people in the church will value the things that are talked about in the ancient scriptures and that we will see the glory of God shine out because of it.

Brad

2004-12-27T23:55:00.000-05:00

This week, as Mandi and I have visited our families during Christmas, we have had several opportunities to talk about some things. As a youth minister, most of the conversation about us revolves around what I do and what my passions are. I am sure that this is simply because I am selfish and desire to talk about things only as they pertain to me. I pray that this is not the case but I feel that it often is.

But one thing that came up this week as we have driven these many hours is that I have the tendancy to be very cynical and often critical about the church. For some reason I have acted like a passive aggressive person with something to prove. It has become really easy for me to criticize the things that I see the church doing that I consider a waste of time or at least not good use of time.

I could spend several days on the things that I believe are not the main thing, but I will just leave you with the vague notion that this happens almost every day.

But one thing that I have really seen this week is that God has given me a heart that is not satisfied with complacency and I really want to find so much joy in God that the whole of my life is affected.

On the other hand, I have seen that I must be patient and eager to show grace while the church goes through the changes that will come over the next several years of the current culture shift.

For the most part, the church has the opportunity to really affect the heart of the culture with right doctrine and joy in Christ. I know that this is something that I am called to be a part of and I really believe that God is going to allow me to see fruit from this great calling.

Praise be to God for a wife that has the compassion for unbelievers and even the church that is still struggling to understand the call of God on us. Mandi truly gets the fact that whatever God leads us to do, He will be faithful to complete. For me lately it has been theory and for her, it is a chance to exercise her faith.

I love you Mandi.

Brad

2004-12-15T11:24:00.000-05:00

Before you read this, you need to see my last blog to see that I have been wondering why the evangelical church actually thinks that the world will be brought back to Jesus now that President Bush is elected. I am confused at the thought process of some and more than that, I am a bit disturbed at the laziness and lack of faith in the power of the gospel to changes lives.

Here is an article from my brother's blogspot. His site is:
www.justinjones.blogspot.com

"Michael Cromartie, vice president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center...says that religious conservatives insisting on immediate social change have misread Bush. “They are in a crisis of patience,” he says, “and are likely to be disappointed.' "This is the most poignant passage of an article I just read about Bush's faith. I dont think that I have done a very thorough job with my past postings about the role of evangelicals in the political process. Granted, I have told you what irks me, but have not offered what I feel to be the correct position on the matter; partly because I simply dont have the time and partly because it is a very complicated matter to explain. But I will give a few thoughts:First, read the link: In sum, this article simply says that though Bush holds his faith as very dear to him, he does not see his faith playing as central of a role as most evangelicals would like to believe. I've thought for some time now that evangelicals have given far too much credit for Bush in the faith department. Don't get me wrong, I love the man! And I love the fact that he talks about his salvation experience, but the man has unduly been treated like John the Baptist preparing the way for "the Sunrise above" (read: Zechariah's Benedictus).Bush is a great man, but far from what Evangelicals think, he has yet to wear his religion on his sleeve. As the article above implies, his references to God are far from Christ-centered. AKA, any Orthodox Jew should be just as proud. Come to think of it, any theist at all should be comfortable with Bush's Godward references. And that's okay.Obviously, I'm out of the norm of most evangelicals when I consider Bush's newfound "mandate" to cure the world of all its sin. Keep in mind, though evangelicals can scream that they put him back in the White House, they only made up something like 12% of the voters for Bush. That means that he certainly will not feel as though he owes us something; well over 75% weren't thinking evangelically in the voting booth. Which tells me that abortion isnt just an evangelical/ Biblical issue. It also tells me that gay marriage and terrorism and stem cell researcg aren't just evangelical issues. They are traditional American values issues...and this is mostly how Bush thinks. (at least that's what I think)I'm saying all of this to reiterate once again, that evangelicals have to be less political in their campaign to win America for Jesus. Just because most people don't want gay marriage certainly doesnt mean that revival is beginning in America. As I've said before, the way to "win hearts for Jesus" is not found in amending the Constitution or in legislating a ban on abortion...it's preaching the Gospel, plain and simple. And while we are on the subject of abortion, let me burst another evangelical bubble - Republican elected officials dont want to touch this subject with a ten-foot pole! In reality, if Roe v. Wade is overturned, all Hell will break loose in politics and GOP leaders, including Bush know it. You will find very few recent quotes from leaders talking about the evils of abortion...very few. Why? Because right now, they are garnering tons of women voters on the whole, "we protect better" mantra. And, like it or not, Republicans will lose a lot of votes of abortion is killed (pun intended).Anyway, like I was saying, most evangelicals think that having Bush in the White House is step one over the next four years in bringing God back to the public square. All I am saying is don't be so sure. Is Bush the right man for the job? You better believe it. Is he interested in turning hearts back to God from the oval office? Hardly. Sadly enough church leaders are, once again, trying to do things the easy way: "Forget preaching your guts out from the pulpit and energizing Christians to glory daily in the cross (which is where real change will come from), let's try starting another evangelical PAC and make sure that Bill Frist stays in office." I love Bill Frist, but like everyone else, he would treat religion like the plague, if he felt that he could get reelected without it.So, lets not be so enamored with the Bush view of God. He's great but he's no theocrat. As for evangelical leaders and laymen, here's my advice: continue to work your butts off in Washington trying shape policy - that's what I would do. But, as you work, remember that real revival starts in the hearts of men, not on the Senate floor.

Alrighty then? Alrighty then.
Justin

2004-12-09T11:37:00.000-05:00

It has been some time since I wrote. Like any journal of mine that frequently is abandoned, this is one more.

This morning, I read an article by Charles Colson, who I think that many conservatives agree with and like. It was in the Southern Baptist newsletter and I really hope that all of those people who would not ordain the reading of any other material, catch the message and the spirit of the article.

First let me say that as a Christian and a conservative (both theologically and politically), I appreciate the heritage that we have in this country. As I see the news over the past few days, I notice that there is more from the left that really stinks of complete nonsense. From the story about the teacher who cannot teach from the Declaration of Independence because there are references to God and the older argument that the phrases "In God We Trust" and "One nation Under God" should be revoked from any public viewing, there is an obvious thread to push not only God, but the person of Christ out of the American picture. This is something that Europe has faced for years.

So as one who has raised the banner of "conservative Christianity" please understand that I see what is happening and really believe that we are in a culture crisis and because of that, a moral crisis.

This past year more than ever, I was caught up in the politics of our nation. I watched both party (Democrat and Republican) conventions. I watched every debate or listened to them on my trusty XM radio. More that all of this, I even went to President Bush's rally in the Office Depot Center. So I was caught up in it. Halfway through however, I became increasingly disturbed by what I saw from the "Christian conservatives." That was the increasing desire to fight secular society on their terms. It was like the only hope for our faith was the re-election of President Bush. With that I disagreed. The fact is, throughout Europe, Africa and the middle/far east, there are remnants of the church that are thriving under persecution. To believe that America is the anointed institution and all of our efforts of the gospel must be through political means is complete nonsense. I see many believers who truly think that there is no other way to advance the gospel and it seems that they are not advancing the actual "gospel" at all.
It truly hurts my heart to see that many evangelicals tie their faith in Christ with a "republican" vote. To tell the truth, in my short years of ministry, I have heard many people in evangelical churches say that they are "moral conservatives" and yet they stand in public holding signs to push their aganda and never having a loving, earnest conversation with the lost people that they are trying to convince...did you catch that...lost people...people with a heart that is so depraved by sin that they make sinful decisions. I also have heard people say that they are "fiscal conservatives" who believe that social programs should be the church's responsibility and not the government. I agree with that...but where are they. Where are all the people who really believe that God calls us to care for the widow and the orphan. From my perspective, they are having the widow and the orphan kicked off the church property because we don't want "their kind" hanging around to damage our image of a "family church." Besides that, we have taken a biblical comment of "if a man doesn't work he doesn't eat" to such an extreme that we look down our cosmetically reconstructed noses at someone who is having a hard time financially.
By now, writing any more would just make me a cynic, so I will stop there.

My original point was actually to say that the article by Chuck Colson was right on. The re-election of George Bush, in my opinion, makes us safer, makes us stronger and will uphold a moral agenda that is consistent with our 200 years of history.

But where would we be if he didn't win and now that he did, why has the church settled back into complacency? If the people holding signs would enter a conversation with someone who doesn't know Jesus, would love win?

I think so.

2004-08-29T21:39:00.000-04:00

Risk. That is something that I have thought about quite a bit lately. The fact is, all of my life, I have not been a person that has lived life on the edge. Most of the time I spend my life sitting far away from the edge admiring (or jealous of) the person who is standing there with some of their feet hanging off. But as I get older (and maybe a bit braver) I have seen myself as someone who is so captivated by the danger of walking near the edge.

In 2 Samuel 10, Joab, the commander of the army of Israel was facing an army at the front (Ammonites) and at the back (Syrians). He takes one front and sets his brother at the other. What gets me about this story is what He says in verse 12. He tells his brother, "Be of good courage and let us be courageous for our people and for the cities of our God, AND MAY THE LORD DO WHAT SEEMS GOOD TO HIM."

I see it. That is the thing that I see and admire and wonder if I could ever do it. Can I really look at the tough things in front of me and say, I will make the best decision I know how, but no matter what, let the LORD do what seems good to Him. I want to be a leader, but more than that, I want to be a risk taker and see what the LORD will do.

Grace

2004-06-03T21:06:00.000-04:00

Here is the group photo

2004-06-03T21:00:00.000-04:00

Wedding Pictures...

2004-06-03T20:58:00.000-04:00

Wedding Pictures....

2004-06-03T20:52:00.000-04:00

Beautiful Wedding Pictures

2004-03-11T03:46:00.000-05:00

This disciple thing is tough. I guess that is what Jesus meant when he told the twelve guys that if they would follow, they had to "take up their cross." It is really a life of abandonment like no other. It just seems that I would be better at it than I really am. Due to my job and new role of "spiritual leader" in a house, I am really hoping that I do get better.
More than anything, I am just so incredibly taken aback that I am living in grace. God looks at me and all my junk and sees Jesus.

One more day that I am living in awareness of God.