Owner: LittlePastor URL:http://littlepastor.blogspot.com Join Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2006 09:53:40 -0500 Rating:1 Site Description: Random musings and observations from an unimportant pastor. Yes, a pastor. A very unimportant pastor. One could say I was a LittlePastor. Site statistics:Click here
Ice is Dangerous 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Of course a wreck like this can only come from the city with this Doughnut Shop in it.
LittlePastor Family 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Pretending like my readers care.... here's my family in action! LOST IN LAUNDRYMy wife has begun the task of blogging about life in our house. Quite terrifying, actually when you think about it. Read more:Family
Vortex of my Memories 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Do you know what Athazagoraphobia means? (If you do then please read another blog, because you're way to smart to be reading this!)Athazagoraphobia is the fear of forgetting. Now I don't claim to have a real-life clinical phobia; but I do deal with this fear every day. Have you ever thought about all the things you've forgotten? You remember details about the biggest days of your life, good or bad, but the more years between your present and that big day the more you forget. I have moments when I actually think to myself, "Don't Forget this, you'll always want to remember!" Some examples of things I so desperately DO NOT want to forget...What it's like to hold all three of my kids at the same time and watch cartoons. (I actually am quite scared I'll forget this feeling, because I'm not that far away from this being a distant memory.)What it's like to be thought of as the greatest fixer of all things. (I think my kids still think I can make it stop raining.)How my daught Read more:Vortex
Doughnuts with Daddy 1970-01-01 00:59:59 This morning at my 4-year olds school it was the official "Daddy
& Doughnuts
" day. I've heard about this day for months, and Ryan has been asking incessantly if it was the day for doughnuts with daddy. Well, today was the day. First thing this morning, Ryan crawls in bed with me and cuddles up, and says, "Happy Father's Day! I Love You Daddy!" Of course everyone knows that Father's day is in June, but who cares? Ryan has been secretly making things to give me on this special morning. Of course he thinks they are a secret, but daddy always knows. So this morning I sat with him and all the other dads and ate up all the doughnuts and chocolate milk we could. When we were finished he gave me a really cool frame with his picture inside. It was presented to me as if it were the greatest work of art I had ever seen; and yes, of course it was Great!Knowing that Ryan was having his Daddy and doughnuts day at school on Thursday morning, I got up early Wednesday morning and took my 3-
Book Review: This Beautiful Mess 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Recently finished This Beautiful
Mess by Rick McKinley. For those who have read Blue Like Jazz, Rick McKinley is the 'Pastor Rick' that Don Miller refers to. Rick McKinley pastors Imago Dei Community Church in Portland, Oregon. I've never listened to his podcast, nor visited his church; but did recently hear an interview that he did on the Catalyst Podcast in December.This Beautiful Mess is a great look at living in the Kingdom of God. The 'Kingdom' has always been an interesting thought to me. Is it here now? Is it to come? What does this kingdom really look like? Rick McKinley tackles these issues and it is truly fascinating. Rick is a much different pastor than most pastors I have read and it was very refreshing to hear a pastor speak honestly and openly about the Kingdom of Heaven.Already Not Yet When Jesus announced, "the kingdom of God is at hand," what did He mean? Uncover the reality of the kingdom of God and what it might look like if followers of Christ practice
What did you say? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Some quotes I've gathered over the past few weeks; just so I can have an excuse to post something today.Work like it depends on you. Pray like it depends on God.The opposite of me isn't you; it's us.Ask the grandparents in your church: how many of you would lay down your life for your grandchildren? Every grandparent will raise their hand. Then ask them: how many of you would lay down your musical preferences for your grandchildren?Sometimes God is more active in the world than he is in the church. Who's had more impact alleviating suffering in the world: your church or Bono?
Famous Last Words 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I've always been fascinated with the "Famous
Last Word's" phenomenon. In my estimation there are two varieties when it comes to famous last words (FLW). The first variety are death related. These are the things that are said harmlessly, but eventually end up being the last thing ever uttered by said person. Check these examples out:"I think I can make that jump.""These oysters aren't bad for you.""Give me that gun, it's not loaded.""Hey butthead, Bring it On!""Trust me, this bungee cord is the perfect length."There is another variety of FLW's, and they are the kind that makes you wish you had never said anything. They go something like this:"That IKEA furniture shouldn't take me more than an hour to build.""Hi honey, did you shower today?""Who cares if we lost the instructions? I don't need them.""This used car is really priced cheap!"Throughout my day, I often hear things that people say in meetings and out in public; and I think... that sounds like a FLW. From time to tim Read more:Words
, Famous Last Words
Doggie Danger 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Before I share this opinion, let me say that I am a friend of the puppy dog. I have always been around dogs, and I am a fierce supporter of dogs around the world (whatever that means...)However after reading this story today it has me asking an important question.Man Strangles Pit Bull During AttackWhy do people own such beasts? I know that not all dogs attack innocent people, but why would any sane person want an animal in their possession that has the potential of turning and killing you? And is this man freaking awesome or what? He's a 65 year old truck driver, and he wrestled and strangled a pit bull to death! I run in my neighborhood quite often, and I have always wondered what I would do if attacked by a beast like this. Maybe I can get this grandpa to come along? Read more:Danger
, Doggie
Super Bowl Sundays 1970-01-01 00:59:59 In honor of the Super
Bowl, I wanted to post my favorite scene from the Simpson's. Unfortunately I couldn't find it anywhere. In the scene the Reverend LoveJoy is welcoming everyone to a special Sunday night service at the church, and there is hardly anyone there. He says that he is glad that on Super Bowl
Sunday a few people could make it. Upon hearing this, a man on the front row jumps up and screams, "It's Super Bowl Sunday!?! I forgot!" Then he runs out of the church as fast as he can. High Comedy, and yes... you'd have to see it to appreciate it.Since I can't find the Simpson's video, I'm posting a great 'rub salt in the wounds' video on THE most famous Dallas Cowboys holder in team history, Tony Romo. Read more:Sundays
FLW's for the Kiddos 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Famous Last Words as they relate to having children:This Benadryl will make her sleep.He can't possibly throw-up any more.For explanation of the FLW phenomenon see THIS previous post.
The Subway Diet 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I'm at Subway
last night, and there are these two men in front of me. Both of them are mildly overweight (I'm being nice). They proclaim to me, the Subway Sandwich artist, and the rest of the store that they are on the Subway Diet. These guys tell everyone that they are both on day #2 of eating Subway for lunch and dinner, and nothing else. "Gonna lose these bellies!" he proclaims.One of the gentlemen orders a Double Meat, Double Cheese Turkey foot long which is then covered with Mayonnaise and exactly two tomato slices. The next guy teases and says that's way too much fat for the subway diet and proceeds to order a BLT. Sounds nice, right? Nope, he asks for double meat. The lady explains that the BLT doesn't have meat. (It's Bacon Lettuce, and Tomato.) He then explains that he wants triple bacon on his BLT! No kidding there had to have been 15 slices of bacon on the sandwich.When I saw this, I accidentally laughed out loud. This fella looks at me, and I said, "I don't
Married for a Night 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Here's a little weekend humor:MARRIED FOR A NIGHT A man and a woman, who have never met before, but are both married to other people, found themselves assigned to the same sleeping room on a transcontinental train. Though initially embarrassed and uneasy over sharing a room, they were both very tired and fell asleep quickly... he in the upper bunk and she in the lower. At 1:00 AM, the man leaned over and gently woke the woman saying, "Ma'am, I'm sorry to bother you, but would you be willing to reach into the closet to get me a second blanket? I'm awfully cold." "I have a better idea," she replied. "Just for tonight, let's pretend that we're married." "Wow! That's a great idea!" he exclaimed. "Good," she replied. "Get your own blanket!" After a moment of silence, he farted. Read more:Night
To Own a Dragon 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Just finished To Own a Dragon
by Donald Miller. Interesting book, much in the same kind of writing that made Blue Like Jazz such a pleasure to read. I'm always leery of books where the authors name is bigger on the cover than the title of the book; but To Own a Dragon was excellent. Reading Donald Miller is comforting, and reminds me of having lunch with an old college friend.To Own a Dragon is about Miller growing up without a father in his life, and how it affects the various aspects of life. From education to spirituality to authority. Even though I did have a father growing up, reading Miller's perspective was fascinating. The book is clearly written to the fatherless boy. It could be read by any persuasion, but Miller makes no apologies in the forward; when he says the book is written from his perspective of growing up without a father for those of the same perspective.It's not a sad commentary on missing fathers, but rather the journey of one fatherless boy to find his
Labels Schmabels 1970-01-01 00:59:59 During a conversation today, I realized that I was trying to shake some labels that had been attributed to me. This happens quite often in my 'line of work'; and I find it extremely frustrating. I work in a church, a pretty normal church. Some would say that we are cutting edge and non-traditional, while still others might find us bland and super traditional. When people find out what I do they assume things about me that aren't necessarily true. They try and fit me in a box, and put a label on who they think I am. For instance, because I work in a church does NOT make me like everyone else you've ever met that worked in a church. I am not your grandpa's minister. I listen to all kinds of music, I appreciate the arts, I read books, and I do many other things that I think make me not 'churchy.' In fact, I rarely let others know that I even work at a church; because of the assumptions that come along with it. (And yes, most of the things you make fun of on Christian TV, I also mak Read more:Labels
Love, True Love. 1970-01-01 00:59:59 In the spirit of the complicated Valentines holiday; here are some quotes on loving and being loved.You have to walk carefully in the beginning of love; the running across fields into your lover's arms can only come later when you're sure they won't laugh if you trip. ~Jonathan CarrollIf love is blind, why is lingerie so popular? ~Author UnknownThere is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread. ~Mother TeresaThe only gift is a portion of thyself. ~Ralph Waldo EmersonNobody will ever win the battle of the sexes. There's too much fraternizing with the enemy. ~Henry KissingerWe find rest in those we love, and we provide a resting place in ourselves for those who love us. ~Saint Bernard of ClairvauxLove is a smoke made with the fume of sighs. ~William ShakespeareI love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach. ~Elizabeth Barrett BrowningAnd my favorite quote on this the most Valentiney of all days:"Many are the starrs I see, but in Read more:True Love
Money Preachers 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Got this great teaching from John Piper yesterday. My past history in churches has consisted of much prosperity teaching. Now, I do believe that God wants the best for his children, and that we should expect to be blessed financially if we are good workers and faithful givers. Where I differ from most prosperity preachers is that I believe strongly that I'm being blessed so I can be a blessing to those around me. Let me link to this article by John Piper, he explains many of my feelings in a much more eloquent manner.Prosperity Preaching: Deceitful and DeadlyThe great tragedy of prosperity-preaching is that a person does not have to be spiritually awakened in order to embrace it; one needs only to be greedy. Read more:Money
, Preachers
Disagreeing vs. Being Disagreeable 1970-01-01 00:59:59 In the news recently former NBA player John Amechi has gone public with his homosexuality. (Interestingly enought it comes along with a book he's selling; and ESPN is the publisher.) This has created a barnstorm of conversation in newspapers and blogs worldwide about the homosexual professional athlete; and whether we will ever see a male homosexual athlete come out and be public while playing. Some current athletes have said it doesn't matter, others have stated some concern to showering with a homosexual teammate, and then yesterday the not-so-great Tim Hardaway comes out with this wonderful statement,"You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known," Hardaway said. "I don't like gay people and I don't like to be around gay people. I am homophobic. I don't like it. It shouldn't be in the world or in the United States."So in the midst of all this chatter I stumble upon this article on ESPN.com by Chris Broussard. Chris Broussard is a Christian. Chris Broussard and myse
Perspective 1970-01-01 00:59:59 A little perspective today. Working in a church, I attend many funerals. Most funerals I attend are for older people who have lived mostly full lives. Today was different.One of our mid-week musicians at the church I work at was killed this weekend in an auto accident. He was 35, married for two years and just had a baby boy a few months ago. I did not know this person well, but I knew his face. We might say hello to each other, but never knew him very well. However, I do know the people that knew him well. For that I grieve and mourn for their loss.I have not sat in a funeral service where so many were overcome with grief and sadness, in a very long time. Just a terribly, terribly sad thing.A little perspective today. Read more:Perspective
Never Ceases to Amaze Me 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Ever heard of Pastor Randall Radic? This pastor admits to fleecing his flock, but a twist gets him released early.From God's house to the Big House *CNN Video*And if he can almost pull off a heist like this; just think of the other skeletons in his closet. Of course for all the skeletons, you can read about it in the book idea he's peddling, and on his blog. Read more:Amaze
To Read or Not to Read 1970-01-01 00:59:59 "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." -Dr SeussI think that a person who doesn't read, is a person lacking intelligence, ambition, and discipline. There I said it. I finally got it off my chest. Let the terrible emails begin piling up in my inbox. Let the littlepastor haters tell me that they're too busy to read, that they can't afford books, and that reading makes them sleepy. I'm ready for the insults, so go ahead and send them. But first, let me give you some ammunition to fight against me with.Reading is so incredibly valuable to adding to your intelligence. You may ask, "Who cares if I'm smart?" Well, you should care. Everyone should always be on the lookout to gain wisdom here or knowledge there. And quite honestly, you're stupid if you don't! What kind of person doesn't want to increase their knowledge of the world around them? Probably the same person who tells me that they don't ne
Creative Church Conference 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I'm headed to the 2007 C3 Conference at Fellowship Church
Thursday and Friday. One of the great things about living in Dallas, is the close access I have to some great leadership resources. This year two of my favorite Christian speakers are doing sessions, Craig Groeschel and Mark Driscoll. One of the great things about conferences, and it cannot be underestimated, is getting away from the office for a few days. It's hard getting to place that I can leave for two days, but it is so worth the extra effort! I'll post a review as soon as I can...
C3 Recap #1 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Spent the first day at the C3 Creative Church Conference at Fellowship Church. Great, great, great event; It's a really simple format with some really impressive speakers. Here's some highlights from Day 1:The First Session Speaker was Ed Young:"Delegation is the Catalyst to Creativity.""When Pride walks on the stage, God walks off!""Delegation without Investigation is Relegation.""Delegation is not to exile a task to another, it's entrusting others with the What If's."The Second Session speaker was Craig Groeschel:"God uses the insecure, risk taking, pain enduring idiots.""We often say it's all Him, but we believe it's all us."He had three great questions for all leaders:In what area of Ministry have I become dangerously secure in my knowledge and abilities?What Faith risk is God calling me to take?What painful decision have I been avoiding?The Third Session speaker was Mark Driscoll:"Without the Gospel, all life is vanity.""The 1st two ten commandments are the key to the oth Read more:Recap
C3 Recap #2 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I returned this afternoon from the second and last day of the C3 Creative Church Conference. I've been to alot of conferences in my life, and honestly I don't like most of them. This one is unique to the conferences I've been too, and I hope I get a chance to attend next year. Here's some highlights from day #2:The 5th Session Speaker was the Bishop T.D. Jakes. Bishop Jakes was quite different from the other speakers, but what he brought to the conference was heavy! He carries such wisdom on leadership, and he really left the crowd stunned with his message.He used Exodus 4:1-12 as his text, and spoke about Moses being called by God.4 Points, comparing Moses with a Leader today:The Shepherd's Source: God called out the leadership already within Moses. God has equipped each of us to do exactly what he means for us to do.The Shepherd's Spirit: God has created a unique, focused, and clear vision within Moses, and he planted it upon Moses' life.The Shepherd's Staff: What's in Read more:Recap
Hockey Night in Texas 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Last Friday night I went to a Dallas Stars hockey game with some friends. One old friend, and one kinda new friend.In tribute to this great night with friends I share this video. Of course if this had happened in Dallas I know that all three of us would have been screaming, "Fight, Fight, Fight!"You think just because I'm a pastor that I wouldn't condone hockey fighting? Pay special attention to the smiling goalie, Ray Emery. Read more:Night
, Texas
Change is Good, Change is Bad 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Sorry for the lack of postings this week. It's been a crazy week, and it's only Wednesday! There is so much I'd like to write about this week, that I can't in this forum. In the next couple of weeks I'll play catchup, I promise.Here are some great thoughts on change.It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power. -Alan CohenIt doesn't work to leap a twenty-foot chasm in two ten-foot jumps. -American ProverbThey say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself. -Andy WarholIt is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. -Charles DarwinIf you have always done it that way, it is probably wrong. -Charles Kettering Read more:Change
Cool Cats Road to the Championship 2007-03-02 03:33:00 This year I've volunteered to coach my son's under-6 soccer team. Last season, I kept the fact that I know a whole lot about soccer a BIG secret. I didn't want to seem bossy, and didn't feel like I had the time to commit to coaching full-time. Well I don't know that much has changed, but I'm coaching this season.The Cool Cats (I didn't pick this name) had their first practice tonight. Me and 7 kindergartners running in circles and kicking balls everywhere. My goals this season, besides having fun, are to learn which direction to run with the ball, and what the out of bounds line is. Our team had some problems with that pesky chalk line last year. I'll be bringing you regular updates on our dream season Spring 2007!
Don't Judge Me 2007-03-02 03:21:00 Here in Dallas county, where I currently live, the populous pretty much voted straight Democrat in the last November election. I can remember hearing the possibility being raised back then that if voters upset with Republican leadership walked in and voted a straight Democrat party ticket, that it would mean bad things for some of the district courts. By bad things I mean, the Democrat candidates were inexperienced and some were not exactly ideal judicial candidates. This was not true in every location, but in many locations the Republican judge had been in place for years and most tenured and qualified Democrats wouldn't get in a political race with these long-time incumbents. Therefore leaving many of the Democrat candidates seriously lacking judicial credentials.Well the following story perfectly illustrates the danger of placing inexperienced people as judges in our county courts.Motion for summary judgement denied because pleadings weren't in SpanishThese kind of things alwa Read more:Judge
I Ain't your Momma! 2007-03-01 16:54:00 My oldest son, Ryan, was down with a fever for a few days earlier this week. It was just a fever, not much else, and after a few days he was back to normal again. He missed school on Tuesday and got to spend the day sitting in my bed or on the couch watching 'his TV' and getting pampered by his mommy. I think the last few days have taught him a thing to to about getting what you want.Last night, when he's supposed to be sleeping, he gets up and tells me in the saddest face possible, "Daddy, my tummy hurts." Being the genius daddy that I am, I know he's just trying to get something from me. I ask him a few dozen questions to see what's really wrong, and finally I just decided he was hungry. I gave him a slice of bread and told him to sit on the couch and eat. After a few minutes he says to me in that little kid whimper,"Daddy, when I tell mommy that my tummy hurts she gets me food and a drink, and lays beside me, and let's me watch my TV."Needless to say, I'm not his mommy Read more:Momma
A Man of his Word 2007-03-01 16:45:00 I heard this story yesterday, and it is so interesting. It's about a judge that regularly had addicts in his court; and the challenge he puts out to see them get cleaned up.District Court Judge Hugh Lewis has a standing pledge that if they do 90 meetings in 90 days, he will do cartwheels in front of everyone. Lewis says he will make a fool of himself and wallow on the floor for anyone who needs inspiration and motivation to become clean and sober. I know it's not that big of a deal for someone to do cartwheels, but I think it's a big deal that this judge is willing to follow through on his word. It also tells me that he doesn't just throw this stuff out in his courtroom to sound funny, he really means it!VIDEO & ARTICLE
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