Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Acts 29 and the SBC--let's get real for a minute

I've recently read a number of articles concerning a document written by a Missouri man and submitted to the Missouri chapter of the SBC, asking them to stop financially supporting any churches within the Acts 29 Church Planting Network. The Missiouri chapter agreed.

From what I've read, Moran attacks the emerging church movement, Acts 29, and Mark Driscoll.

Here's an article I found interesting about this subject. I especially like the comments section.

http://www.abpnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4151&Itemid=53

Because I am part of an SBC and ACTS 29 church, and have also learned a great deal from Mark Driscoll, I wanted to comment a moment on this issue--namely, I want to defend Acts 29 and Pastor Driscoll. While he is more than capable of answering for himself, it never hurts to support a good man, right?

Mr. Moran accuses Acts 29 of cultural liberalism--the idea that living out the gospel changes as cultural changes--namely because many Acts 29 people drink alcohol without apology. The above article states, "Moran says in attempting to re-invent the image of evangelical Christianity, the emergent church often compromises beliefs such as the SBC's traditional opposition to use of beverage alcohol".

He sees cultural and theological liberalism as conjoined twins and equally evil, while most with the Acts 29 network would see them as vastly different, and only theological liberalism as dangerous and damaging.

And while many leaders (such as Brian McClaren and Rob Bell) within the "emerging church" preach a gospel of malleable theology that does hold steadfast through history and will continue to change in the future, Mark Driscoll does not and has spoken against these men's teaching. Driscoll sees theology as steadfast and unchanging, rooted in God's infallible word and in the Cross, but he sees living out the gospel and the christian life as ever changing from culture to culture to best represent Christ to those who do not know Him. Pastor Driscoll's "cultural liberalism" is for the sake of God's renown, to which I shout AMEN. And while those within Acts 29 might throw back a pint of ale with their non-believing friends, Driscoll never promotes drunkeness or debauchery, never ever.

For more on Driscoll's unpacking of the emerging church, please listen to the sermon link below from Southeastern Seminary's Convergent Conference in Oct, 2007.

http://www.sebts.edu/news-resources/multimedia.aspx

To make my point about cultural liberalism, allow me an example.

Paul commands we greet each other with a holy kiss. This conveyed hospitality, welcome, and love--all Christian values, right?

Do we ever do this in the US? I don't think so. I'd like to see Roger Moran be greeted by a brother with a holy kiss. I'm sure he'd write a scathing article about it.

Instead, to convey welcome, hospitality, and love, we shake hands. Not Paul's exact command, but culturally relevant and the idea remains the same. We're all about the holy handshake.

People like Moran what to live Christianity like we did in the 1950's. They might say they want to do it like during biblical times, but they aren't kissing people now are they? And honesty, I'm pretty sure some of those biblical characters shared a glass of wine with their friends. Jesus certainly did.

Unfortunately for Mr. Moran, I think people like Pastor Driscoll have growing churches and 1000s of examples of lives changed by Christ to defend their cultural liberalism. I'd like to know how big Moran's church has grown? I'd like to know how many people he's shared Christ with whose lives where changed for the better. I think if he spent as much time loving his neighbor as he does hating his brothers, he might have a change of heart.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

my life soundtrack's newest edition

Often I hear songs that strike me and I think, "This would be part of the soundtrack," to the movie of my life. Whether it has some great meaning or just a pretty tune, I keep a mental list. The musicians and artists involved in the songs usually become some of my favorites anyway, probably because I listen to their song or songs over and over. I'm a chronic re-listener, without apologies.

Through God's gift to the internet called Pandora, I heard this British musician named Kate Rusby that I'm loving and can't get out of my head. I love the richness of her voice, and I love that she's dedicated to traditional folk music, and I love her hair.

I'd love to share my favorite of her songs with you. Thank you youtube.com for providing this great video.



Let me know what you think. This song is best enjoyed with a cup of tea, late in the day, with a few candles on the side.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

A Second Engagement

I remember when Chris asked me to marry him. So many plans, so many lists, so many thoughts. I had to call the caterer (yeah Danny's BBQ), the flower people, the band, the guests, the preacher (also named Danny), the dress shops. We had to address invites and stuff envelops and pick music and choose vows and figure out who was going to sit where. All this while I was trying to manage nursing school and church and friends and family too. Needless to say, I had a lot on my plate.

Despite the chaos, the one thing I remember thinking over and over was, "I just want to get married." Even a few months before the wedding, I remember being over the dress and flowers and place settings and menu. That was fun stuff and it made our wedding pretty freaking cool, but I didn't need those things to get married. Hey baby lets go to Vegas became my personal theme song. Not because I hated wedding planning...that wasn't it at all. I just wanted to be married and not have to wait another day. Unfortunately I had to wait 4 months. God was gracious and helped me not convince Chris that elopement was a viable options, but it required lots of prayer and petition.

Of course, it was worth the wait, and all the planning that went into the wedding made it the most special day for us ever. I wouldn't trade it for the world...

But now I find myself in a similar situation--a second engagement, if you will. Don't worry, Chris and I are doing great and I don't want to remarry him or anyone else. But that same anticipation I felt during our engagement has resurfaced--in the form of wanting to be a mom.

Now this has not always been my desire. In fact, Chris and I talked endlessly before we got married about kids because I didn't really want them. Even after our wedding, I still was unsure. I liked my life--I had a good job, finally, and a good husband, finally. Those desires of my heart were met (thank you Jesus). Why should some little being come and ruin those things, interrupting my nice life?

Thankfully, my heart changed, almost overnight. The Lord convicted me of my selfishness, and opened my eyes to the opportunity of bringing a child into this world and raising them to know Him and to experience the great things He has done here. Chris was relieved, that's for sure, and my excitement about feeling this way only added to the desire.

The problem lies in my 2 year contract with the hospital. While I love my job, I don't want to have to work full time with a baby. Chris reminds me of this regularly as I try to convince him that we could make it work, really we could, so lets start trying now. He gently tells me to trust God and be patient...that now isn't the time, just like when we were engaged. We could have gotten married right away, but the months the went into preparations only added to our experience entering into marriage.

I hope that the time between now and when we start trying to have babies will, also, only add to the experience. But for those of you who are praying people, please pray for me. Its just as hard to hear that my friends are having babies as it was to hear they were getting married when I was single. Pray for patience and for wisdom. We would so appreciate it.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Chap 2-3

Here's some more of the book. Please let me know your thoughts.

Chapter 2—Finding Home

Anna spent her first few days in O'Kelly keeping a low profile, which is no simple feat with a scary looking Doberman at her side and out of town tags. She looked for a place to live and work, walking past old memories remembered. Taft's General Store still dominated Main Street and flooded Anna with memories, like agonizing over which piece of candy she should choose and of old men sitting around playing checkers on the back porch. The Merry Dairy flanked Taft's, and it still looked like everyone's favorite ice cream in town. Anna wondered if Mr. Taft had ever declared his love for Miss Georgina Merry. Wow, she thought, that is so small town cute, and mildly nauseating. Donnegan's also remained where the town congregated most evenings for food, music, and drink. Anna recalled how her mother rarely visited Donnegan's despite its popularity, and wondered if she could even remember what Mr. Donnegan looked like.

A few new store names stood out—Boone Brother's Outfitters for one, Snaps, which looked like a good place for quick dinner, and Shag, a hippish kind of salon where the stylists wore all black and served bottled water and wine to their clients. Anna would have to find out what happened to Ms. Wanda, who owned the former salon in town, the Do or Dye.

Anna knew she had to buy into the life of this little town in order to survive and, hopefully, discover its secrets. She wondered how she could pull it off and yet keep her roots hidden. She didn't want her plans going up in smoke.

In only three days, Anna found the perfect place to live and set up her shop. The realtor's eyes widened when Anna paid cash for prime O'Kelly real estate. She replied simply to his look with just one word. That seemed to placate him.

She stepped into the living space above the soon to be bakery and immediately called her mother. “Oh Mama, its so great—its small and warm and the walls aren't egg shell.” She said joyously.

“I'm just so glad you have a roof over your head, a good, safe roof. That will have to be your refuge. Well, there and the hills, right?”

“Well of course. I already have a few trips planned out. Its just so beautiful here. How did you ever leave?” Anna couldn't help but pry a little.

“You never stop looking for answers do you darling? You know how I left—in a car, with you at my side, very quickly.” Anna knew that's all she would get from her mother. “How's the town treating you?” Meaghan turned the tables.

“Well, I haven't met anyone, except the realtor.” Anna heard her mother exhale.

“Oh Anna, I'm so nervous for you. You have to be careful.” She paused, “But, of course, they will want to know all about you, with your new shop and pretty face. So, as your mother, I'm giving your permission to lie. Lie lie lie.” They both laughed, yet Anna sensed her mother's effort to hide the fear in her voice.

“Mama, I love you. Thank you for supporting this, even though I know you hate it.”

“That I do, Anna, but I've reconciled myself to the outcome.”

While she easily transitioned into the upstairs house over an afternoon, the downstairs would need some serious help in order to become the bakery Anna pictured. The previous business rented the place, then up and moved to Asheville, stripping it bare—a simple, empty room with white walls, save the small kitchen through a door in the back. Buying the space helped solidify Anna's level of commitment, and she hoped it kept the seller a little quieter. She did not need the whole town knowing about the new girl just yet.

Hiding in her room, she searched and ordered everything she'd need for the shop--mixers and ovens and warmers and display cases, tables and chairs and silverware and mugs too. Definitely lots of mugs, and tea, and coffee. This was, after all, the mountains of North Carolina. Also on order, a sign to adorn the front of the shop.

Then, with Sig at her side, she drove out of town, keeping her eyes straight ahead, but aware of a few people watching. For three days she hiked and camped—places she vaguely remembered from childhood. Constantly tingling with fear and anxiety about this venture, Anna prayed for peace and wisdom. This town ran her mother out 15 years ago, and now they had no idea who was moving into the corner building—or so she hoped.


Chap 3—Meeting the Neighbors

The building next to the future bakery housed a small law firm—Hanson & Hanson, the former a rich, ancient hermit whose only legal contributions for the last 20 years was advice over the phone to his son, the other Hanson. Anna saw the younger Mr. Hanson's not so new black Mercedes parked on the street the morning she arrived back from her time in the hills. He'd driven the same car when she was younger, and then he stepped out the front door.

She tried to quickly unlock her front door while juggling her pack, dog, and keys. Anna had to fight her surprise at how much he'd aged over the years. Maybe those rumors of questionable scruples were true of the Hanson family, or perhaps it was the rumpled clothes. She hoped she'd changed even more, recalling how often this man visited her mother's shop when she was younger. What if he recognized her? Sig turned toward him quietly.

“Need a hand there missy?” Mr. Hanson asked with a gruffness in his voice that belied the early hour.

“No thank you, I got it.” Anna replied, just as her water bottle dropped to the sidewalk and rolled away.

He caught it with his foot and bent to pick it up. “You're new here.” It was not a question. Sig growled a little as the man stepped closer.

Anna place a hand on Sig's head and quietly regained herself. With resolution she looked to her neighbor, but spoke to her dog. “Sig, that's enough.” She took the water bottle with a smile. “Yes I am. Anna Matthison, pleased to meet you.” She shook his hand like her mother taught her, firm and with enthusiasm. Thankfully she'd remembered her contacts before coming back into town. She could easily see his face, friendly but also searching for information.

“Jacob Hanson. Welcome to O'Kelly. Where abouts you from?” He eyed the nose ring.

“Grew up south of here, but spent the last few years out west.” Anna didn't love dishonesty, even with her mother's permission. The old bakery was south of Main Street. “These mountains put a tie on someone, and its hard to be gone for too long, so I came back east—a new start in an old place.” She thought that was just enough information to satisfy Jacob Hanson, to make her seem local enough. She realized how easily she dropped into her old, hill billy accent.

He looked at her for a moment longer, then gestured towards the shop, “And this place—what do you intend?”

“A bakery, hopefully. They seemed full up of bakeries down in Asheville and over in Boone, so I landed here, in O'Kelly. Should be opening in a month or so, just in time for summer.” She flashed another smile, as warm as she could manage, almost certain it would win him over, “You'll have to come by for a treat, on the house, but don't tell anyone. I'd go broke feeding all the neighbors, but you're the first I've met.” She surprised herself with honest enthusiasm.

Jacob replied, after a moment, “Well, now that'd sure be nice.” He stared at her a second longer, almost looking friendly. “Alright Miss Anna. Looks like you have a lot of work to do, and so do I. We'll be seeing you.” He headed back in to his office as Anna watched from her door. Sig barked softly, breaking her thought. She pushed the door open and headed inside.

Painting dominated Anna's day as she covered the bare white walls of the bakery into the colors of the surrounding hills. Green on one wall, blue on the next, brown on the next, purple on the last for the periwinkles and sunrise. Old time music played through her iPod as she covered each wall, interrupted only once by a loud knock on the door. Anna peered around her headphones to see a pointed face peaking through the window. Glancing at Sig, who came to her side, she quickly answered the knock, still holding her paintbrush. “Hello. Can I help you?” She asked.

“Yes, yes, I'm Sylvia, Sylvia Johnson. I have that clothing shop up the street, that one there.” Sylvia pointed to Buttons and Berets. “I, I, I wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood. Jacob Hanson told me this shop had a new owner. So here I am, and I brought you these.” She held up a basket of muffins and a pitcher of tea. “Would, would you like to take a break. There's a bench out here, but you'll have to provided the glasses. I thought, I thought we could get to know each other.”

Anna smiled to herself a little. Oh Sylvia, I know you already. Your false timidity, your stutter, your outrageously overpriced clothes that my mother never bought. But do you know me? Do you remember? I guess there's just one way to find out. I hope God heard Mama's prayers. “Only if that's sweet tea.”

A confused look crossed Sylvia's wrinkling brow, “Is there any other kind?”

“Give me just a minute Ms. Sylvia,” Anna gestured to the bench and shut the door behind her.

Putting down the brush and wiping off her hands, Anna breathed a moment. She quickly rehearsed her story and ventured outside to sit with Sylvia. Sig followed, of course. Muffin in hand, Sylvia looked concerned. She stared at Anna, but tried not to. “Uh, well, why did you, did you come to O'Kelly? Jacob said to start a bakery?” She sort of toasted her muffin towards Anna with great seriousness.

“That's right. I hope to open by the summer.”

Sylvia took a long drink of tea. “And you've bought the place then? How did such a young woman come upon such funds?” Sweet tea apparently eroded away Sylvia's timidity. Knowing something of this town prepared Anna for such questions, however, she wasn't prepared for Sylvia's intense scrutiny. Please don't recognize me. Please don't...

She looked down at her hands, “A gift from someone.”

“Pfffftt. That's quite a gift there. Someone must've thought you were something special. You're parents perhaps?”

Man, she's going after it. “No, not my parents. They don't have that kind of money—at least as far as I know.” She followed with, “They actually owe me money. Can you believe that?” Anna hoped that might shut her up on the subject.

“Well I never!” The older woman did look flabbergasted.

Anna took advantage of the pause in conversation. “How long have you lived in O'Kelly?”

She asked. “Um, I, well I was born here. What about your parents--where do they...” Sylvia started to ask, but Anna was already on to the next question, “Would you mind telling me something interesting about yourself?” Sylvia eyed her, finally silent. Anna continued, “Just trying to get to know you Sylvia. Surely there's something you'd want to share. Like, what did you do this morning?” The older woman recovered.

“Uh, yes, yes sure. L, Let's see. This morning, oh dear, this morning w, w, was quite the adventure. I have a garden, you see, and the squirrels have eaten it to pieces. To stop them, I put netting all around the trees the devils live in, and they get caught. Then I, I, I take care of them.” Sylvia's voice rose to an almost fevered pitch.

“What does taking care of them entail, Sylvia?” Anna wondered, concerned with what the answer might be.

Sylvia sobered herself, sitting up and folding her hands in her lap. “Well, Anna, I beat them with a broom handle. Little buggers.”

Before finding an appropriate response, Sig jumped up and lay his head on Anna's knee. “Oh, Sylvia, shoot. I'd love to talk more but its time to walk Sig, and I wanted to head up the twins before it gets dark.” She pointed towards Sophie Rock and Siobhan Rock--two peaks that bent towards each other, supposedly named for a twin sisters.

“So you, you've already picked up on some local lingo. That's how all the outdoorsy folks around here talk.”

Dangit Anna, you got to pay attention to that stuff. “Yeah, I read it in my “Appalachians on an Empty Wallet” book. Thought it might help me fit in a little more quickly. They recommend the twins as a great place to hike.” Ok, not too bad.

Sylvia nodded, “I haven't read that one, but I have a lovely collection of Danielle Steele if you need some other reading.” Geez Sylvia, not Danielle Steele. “And Anna, you, you should check...well, you've got to look in a mirror before answering the door next time.”

“Uh, ok, I will. Thanks Sylvia.” She shut the door behind her and looked down at her clothes. Sure, they were covered in paint, but what did Sylvia expect? Her zipper was up, her bra straps weren't showing. What was Sylvia's problem? Anna ran upstairs to the bathroom for a better look. “Oh Anna, no wonder.” The various colors of paint splattered and striped her face and neck from top to bottom. She looked diseased. Dangit. Oh, what will Sylvia think of me? She washed it off quickly and thoroughly.

Thankfully, Anna made an effort to keep her face paint free as eleven other neighboring business and residents wanted to know all about the new girl in O'Kelly over the next few days. By the end of her fourth night in the shop, she had every wall painted and trimmed, ovens and equipment installed, and a fridge full of goodies in tupperware brought by everyone who stopped by. Anna glanced in the mirror while eating homemade mac and cheese, wondering where her fear of recognition came from. No one knew her, and truly, how could they. Fifteen years later, with an amazing haircut and contacts, she almost fooled herself.

Monday, June 1, 2009

80/98

So after 3 hours and 37 minutes, I finished the Over the Mountain Triathlon on Saturday, May 30. It was brutal, and several times I thought I might just quit, or puke. I finished 80th out of 98 other women. While that seems pretty close to last, honestly, I was just happy to finish.

This was my first big tri, at this distance. I wasn't in it to win, only to finish, and to do it with a smile on my face.

For over 3.5 hours, I was alone, in the water, on the bike, during the run. Sure, there were people around me, but no one I knew. Chris and his parents were at my various transition points, but I wasn't up for conversation. I had to move, you know?

So what did I do? Where was my mind for those hours? On several things...

One, Jesus. I prayed so much, for my self, for my legs, for my brain, for my fellow competitors, for safety, for my family, my friends, our church...anything I could think of, I prayed for. I had time...and I really wanted to rely on Him to finish this race. I didn't want to do it in my own strength. I don't think I had enough. I surely didnt' have enough to smile at the end.

Two, the book. Also a subject of prayer, and also of thought. I am trying to figure out how to fit everything together in this story that is pulled from my brain. What's going to happen (I do know that much)...its the "how's it going to get there?" that still remains a little gray. But I love to think about it and let my imagination get a little workout, especially while on the bike. Its pretty monotonous on the road...pedal pedal pedal, gear change, pedal, breath, pedal, breath, pedal, gear change. You get the idea. So I spent some time thinking on the book. Anyone want to read it yet? 15 chapters needing some advice :)

Three, how much I love my wetsuit. This was mostly during the swim, but that wetsuit was so amazing that it stuck with me for the rest of the day, and even now. I can't wait to swim again with it. Its like a body tight float that gave me just enough help to prevent panic. The swim was probably my favorite part of the race.

Funny enough, however, was the other thing on my mind during the swim. I think I've watched too many episodes of Bones, the Closer, and CSI b/c I kept imagining seeing some body part in the water below me while I was swimming. CREEPY! Another moment of prayer...please God, no hands or skulls or feet please, please, please. And don't let me freak out right now thinking about it. That was only for a moment, but it was weird. I think I should watch some Office and 30 Rock. No dead bodies.

Four, how great Chris and his parents were. They cheered me on, took pics, got up early for the start, endured almost 4 hours for the finish, and loved me despite my cussing and sweating and exhaustion. They were the best fan club ever, and I felt so blessed to have them there.

So that's pretty much my thoughts during the race...I did manage to finish with a smile, and I can't wait to do it again. Anyone want to come along?