In My Life

Generational Blessings

2009-01-08T14:27:00.004-05:00

While we hear a lot about "generational curses" in pop theology, we rarely hear much about "generational blessings". It seems to me that Scripture has much more to say about the latter! While the ultimate act of blessing is the work of God, it is a fact that the patriarchs (and I would say matriarchs as well) made much of blessing the next generation and therefore the generations to come.

Though I have some room in my theology for generational curses which are supernatural by nature (demonic in origin), I have more room for "curses" which are brought on the the next generation through bad choices, poor modeling and sinful lifestyles of the elders, mostly the works of the flesh or worldly aspirations. In a similar way, the next generation, and those after can be blessed through right choices, good and intentional modeling and godly (and healthy) lifestyles.

I recently read a quote from "The Great Law of The Iroquois Confederacy" ((oddly enough, I read it on a detergent bottle!): "In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations."

If I consider the impact of my decisions with that kind of sobriety, not only will my children be blessed but so will theirs and those for at least seven generations to come.

Is this not something of what it means to live a life of holiness?

So...I'm Still Alive

2008-11-24T13:32:00.005-05:00

Okay. I realize it's been forever. Actually, I didn't realize just how long it had been till I took a look today! There's a lot of water under the bridge since I posted last: a national election, a Seminary board meeting, many, many meetings at school, horse shows, Eddie James' services, preaching and singing in Crab Orchard and...I've been to Kansas City, Pittsburgh and Helsinki, Finland! No wonder I haven't posted!!

The last post ("Guess Where I've Been") was of pictures from my reconnaissance mission for the Society for Pentecostal Studies. The 2010 meeting (for which I will be Program Chair) will be hosted by North Central University in Minneapolis, MN. So, yes, the pix are of Minneapolis. David Roebuck (Dixon Pentecostal Research Center and SPS Director) and I traveled to Minneapolis at the end of September in order to see the North Central facilities and to secure a conference hotel. North Central is a very nice campus and we were warmly welcomed. The president, Gordon Anderson, is actually a blues guitarist so we were off to the races! Dr. Glen Menzies, New Testament prof there, is the on-sight coordinator for the 2010 meeting. He had done lots of legwork and made the trip fairly easy. Long story short (as Groucho would say, "Too late!"), the facilities at North Central are great and we secured The Radisson Hotel for the conference. It is their flagship hotel and is really beautiful. And, yes, we went to a Twins game! (That was David's idea.)

The Pittsburgh trip was for an Association of Theological Schools meeting for Women in Leadership. I thoroughly enjoyed it and gained a lot of valuable insights into how theological education is functioning in the US and Canada. In addition, the conference was very helpful for women who are becoming leaders in what is traditionally a "man's world" (and where isn't that the case??)

Every Fall, I attend a meeting of scholars and pastors from the Wesleyan-Pentecostal traditions in Kansas City. This meeting is funded by the Louisville Institute and meets at Nazarene Theological Seminary. It is organized and nurtured by the man who first had the vision for it, Hal Knight. Next year is our final year meeting and I will miss the conversation.

And I just got back from Helsinki! I left November 14 and arrived home on this past Saturday (the 22nd). This was a meeting called the Joint Consultative Group sponsored by the World Council of Churches. It is a week-long conversation between representatives from WCC churches (Lutheran, Orthodox, Baptist, Reformed, etc) and representatives from Pentecostal non-member churches. We stayed at an Orthodox conference center called Sofia on the Baltic Sea. It was a lovely place and reminded me very much of Maine. The fellowship was really good and I enjoyed getting to know these pastors and teachers from various traditions. The Pentecostal team was made up of theologians and academics from the US, Finland, Holland, Zambia, South Africa, Malaysia and India. The Body of Christ is so diverse, yet there is an essential unity in the Spirit.

So...that's the catching up post! I've been so busy that the holiday season might even be a real relaxing time for me!!

Guess Where I've Been

2008-09-27T14:43:00.002-05:00

The Fruit of Our Lips

2008-09-12T21:34:00.004-05:00

For several weeks I have been contemplating the idea of Christian speech. I mean here the character of the Christian's speech. (For an excellent, and long, discussion written over fifty years ago by a Mennonite follow this link)

A few months ago I listened to a person speak on pacifism. I greatly admire this person, and agreed with virtually everything he said. However, the more adamant he became about peace, the angrier he became and the more violent his epithets became. Unfortunately, in many ways, his violence was more remembered than his pacifism. (Fortunately, I took notes on the rest of what he said!) It occurred to me then that in a moment one's words could undo a lot of good said otherwise.

Perhaps I am particularly sensitive to this issue because angry, sarcastic speech can be a besetting sin for me. As Corky has said often, the angrier I get the more lucid my speech! It's exhilarating! I am logical, and have a great memory, so I can be murderous in an argument! And that is just the point: I can kill with my tongue.

If I am to bear witness, then a large part of my public personae is my speech. And as the saying goes, "my speech betrays me". Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." My Nigerian friend, Ayo, told me about an African proverb which says that you can't blame the ugly speech of a drunk man on the drink; the drink only brings out what is inside. So, if my speech is unfruitful, I am not bearing witness to Jesus.

I am bothered by my brothers and sisters in the Religious Right who have adopted the rhetoric (both in content and style) of the Extreme Republican Right. There should be a marked difference between the speech of the Christian Conservative and the non-Christian Conservative. The Christian's speech, it seems to me, should be marked by truth and grace. It is possible to be prophetic, to rebuke and to challenge in a way that bears witness to Jesus or reflects Him. In a graceless age, my first obligation is to point the way to grace.

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer."

Emma Singing at "The Call", Washington, D.C.

2008-08-18T10:21:00.003-05:00

So exciting! Emma sang with Eddie James on stage at The Call in D.C. on Saturday, August 16.

Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D

2008-07-21T10:21:00.011-05:00

Of course we wanted to see Batman, a.k.a. The Dark Knight. And we plan to. But that's the problem. We didn't plan ahead. Somehow that takes the spontaneity out of the whole thing! Buying tickets way in advance. Anyway. We are getting old and it's not the priority it used to be. I fondly remember going to see the first Batman movie (appropriately titled "Batman") at a midnight "pre-showing", on Thursday before it opened on Friday while we lived in Atlanta. And I've seen all the others. And will see this one...probably soon.

Anyway, we went to see the new "Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D" at the Imax because we figured the crowds would be down and everyone would be waiting in line for "The Dark Knight". We were right.

"Journey" is great fun. It builds on the original but with great special effects and those in 3D! Lots of prehistoric dangerous plants and animals, cave experiences, and a reasonable and non-embarrassing romance.

Happily, one element that was left out was the "greedy old-man load" character. This archetype is best remembered as the terribly annoying professor in "Lost in Space". They are selfish, generally older men, who look out for themselves and then get into scrapes or have heart attacks which require the rest of the team to put themselves in jeapordy in order to save "The Load". (I am indebted to MST3K for this nomenclature utilized in their commentary on "The Mole People".) I believe the original "Journey" had one of these figures who loaded up with jewels, thus increasing his weight, etc. Anyway, that element is handled differently in this one and I'm thankful for it. Though, come to think of it, inclusion of "The Load" probably makes the whole thing more realistic and believable. Alas, "The Load" is a cultural universal (and a church universal). Can you name "Loads" in literature, movies, etc?

2008-06-25T20:06:00.001-05:00

My "Various" Life

2008-06-25T19:25:00.019-05:00

One of my favorite Mark Twain quotes comes from Huck Finn (I believe) when Huck and Jim don't enter a room because "it looked too various in there". [something like that! Anyway...that's the spirit of it!] That's the way this week feels!

It started with a great youth service at LH, thanks to Josh and Hope (and the youth). After the service Sunday night, Leslie, Lex and I made our way to Saluda, NC, where my sister and her daughter (Michele and Hannah) have rented a cabin for the week. My parents had come up from Rock Hill for the night and Monday....so they could see Lex! On Monday the 4 "girls" went tubing on the Green River [that's not us tubing...but it is the Green River]. Mom/Dad kept Lex on the bank and he got to wade in the river with his water shoes. He thought this hysterical since he's not supposed to get his shoes wet! The trip down river was about 3.5 hours (a bargain at $7!) and had moderate rapids (enough for kayaking) and still water to float in. It was wonderful and great fun! I hadn't tubed in years and loved all of it except drifting into the bank and overhanging spider-y tree limbs! I never fell out but at the very end when we were supposed to "de-river" so we could be picked up by the short bus, I went in over my head! Some guy who was fishing on the shore said it was only about 3 ft. deep there, and I was moving pretty swiftly away from the shore so I jumped out and in over my head! But the Mary Kay make-up stayed in place!! Leslie fell out once and scraped her back but still had a blast!

This morning, Leslie and I headed west to Shelbyville, Tennessee and the Celebration Grounds for the State 4-H Show. She races tomorrow (barrels and poles). She's at the pizza party and dance tonight and then camping out there. Meanwhile, I'm staying in a dorm room with Corky, who is completing his 2 week Fuller D.Miss. cohort at Lipscomb University. Beginning tomorrow night they are hosting the Christian Scholar's Conference with keynote speakers Sen. Bill Frist, Jim Wallis (yes...on the same program!) and lots of other sessions, including presentations by William J. Abraham (Methodist scholar from SMU) and the producer of "Amazing Grace". The theme is "The Christian Faith, Life of the Mind and the Public Square". There will also be a screening of the film.

So who said life is boring or dull? Tiring, yes; dull, never.

Moral Courage

2008-06-05T17:02:00.002-05:00

Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality of those who seek to change a world which yields most painfully to change.

- Robert F. Kennedy, in a speech in Capetown, South Africa, June 6, 1966. Today is the 40th anniversary of his assassination. (Source: Wikiquote )

Cecil the Carrot and Lex

2008-06-01T14:17:00.007-05:00

Since Corky posted the Lex the Bee I thought I would post a few more pix of Lex of late. I am particularly fond of the Cecil the Carrot pose because of one of our long-time friends from NC, Cecil Chambers, a friend through thick and thin. Lex isn't too sure about the carrot. The "playhouse sessions" photos were taken at the church playground.

I have been quite amused at Corky and I as we've found ourselves just watching Lex run and play, laughing at him and looking at each other in great Adoration of the Grandson. We could do that for hours and be totally content and entertained. We are getting old. And it's all good.

Emma's Home

2008-05-28T07:35:00.003-05:00

Emma got home yesterday! She came in bearing gifts, stories and about 500 pictures. From all indications, her trip was a great success. They held medical clinics and worship services in 3 cities in Uruguay and Argentina. No one got sick, always a blessing on a missions trip! The American team (Patrick, Darien and 4 twenty-year olds) were joined by a team from a church in Argentina which included the pastor, some staff and several other 20-year olds. Emma sang and testified, checked vital signs and assisted Dr. Silvina Gonzalez and, it appears, was the life of the party. God is so good...they even came upon an Argentine folk dancing class and Emma joined in the dance!

This morning I am thankful to God that he kept her safe, that he broadened her experience and worldview and I am thankful for my church, the Church of God, without which this experience couldn't have happened. I need to remember that in this Assembly year when it's easy to remember and meditate on a lot of other things about my denomination!

Emma and the Away Team

2008-05-19T11:02:00.002-05:00

Finally, this morning, we had news from Emma. Dr. Silvina Gonzalez sent pictures of her assisting with medical work and with the group. Silvina reports that Emma gave her testimony in the service in Artigas and sang with the team. Darien Fox, another former student, also on the trip, reported this morning that Emma is "the life of the party" and sent pictures of her eating to prove it! He also sent the picture here of the whole team. It was great to wake up to news and to hear how well things are going! Keep praying!

Pray for Emma in South America!

2008-05-14T18:27:00.006-05:00

Our second-born, Emma, is flying to Uruguay at this moment. Last night she finished her job at the local elementary school where she had been teaching dance in an after-school program. They presented an end-of-the-year program featuring dances from the decades of the 30s through the 90s, ending with the show-stopper, "Party Like It's 1999"!

Today she joins a team of others, led by Dr. Patrick Jensen on a medical missions trip. They will work with Dr. Silvina Gonzalez in Uruguay and Argentina for approximately 2 weeks. Medical treatment will be given during the day and worship/evangelistic services will be held at night. Both Patrick and Silvina are graduates of the seminary and both are gifted worship leaders. Several of the others going are musicians as well. So, this trip is right up her alley! Nursing, singing and worship!

They will return on May 27! Please keep her in your prayers.

Dottie Rambo 1934-2008

2008-05-12T09:54:00.008-05:00

My dad sent me an email with the sad news that Dottie Rambo had been killed in an accident in her tour bus early Sunday morning. Dottie was one of the earliest influences on me as a gospel singer. When I was very young, my dad brought the Rambos to Rock Hill, SC (my hometown) for a concert. I was mesmerized by this tiny woman with the huge voice, who could tear up an electric guitar, and, though I didn't recognize it, sang under an anointing of the Holy Ghost[she was UPC]. I do remember her shouting and dancing all over the stage, and shouting as my Dad's group, The Chordsmen, sang. I saw her a number of times in concert after that.

She was a prolific songwriter, writing over 3500 songs, recorded by numerous artists, even outside of gospel music, including Whitney Houston ("I Go to the Rock"). Some of her best-known songs, most of which I've sang at some time or other, are "He Looked Beyond My Fault", "We Shall Behold Him", "I Will Glory in the Cross", "Sheltered in the Arms of God", "If That Isn't Love", "Too Much to Gain to Lose" and "Remind Me, Dear Lord".

Dottie could be categorized as country-gospel, I suppose (her ex-husband, Buck, certainly could be), but Dottie had soul. I didn't like every phase she went through, and by no means, followed everything she did. Actually, I never owned that many of her albums, but her influence on me is undeniable.

Here's Dottie singing "I Will Glory in the Cross" in the early 1980s. I only regret I couldn't find a video of her playing lightening fast guitar as well!

Leslie's Saturday Barrel Run

2008-05-12T09:14:00.002-05:00

Have You Seen My Grandson?

2008-05-08T14:31:00.004-05:00

Lex is coming home tonight! He's been at my parents' (his great-grandparents) house since the family reunion. Mom and Dad are bringing him home tonight "on their way" to Pigeon Forge. Dad just sent me these pictures of Lex "riding" the rocking horse I had when I was his age!

More Family Togetherness

2008-05-04T19:30:00.004-05:00

This week-end we traveled to my hometown, Rock Hill, SC for the reunion of the Newton side of my family. My mom's brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Lil Newton, have taken the responsibility for the last few years of organizing this early summer event. This year there were four generations present (Lex representing the 4th). Most of my family are in the ministry (pastors, teachers, worship leaders, missionaries) so we have a lot in common beyond just blood. In spite of the holiness background, we did have fun dancing this year: YMCA, Macarina, Hokey-Pokey and Square Dancing. Few of us have any real talent in that area. Maybe, being holiness, we missed the moment in learning because the "young people" present all seem to be able to move! Of course, we dance in church, but that tends to be less-choreographed in our tradition!! Anyway, it was all great fun.

The hi-lite was having my Uncle Wayne officiate at the baby dedication for his young grandson, Christian Taylor Newton. Christian is the son of my first cousin Chip and his wife, Jennifer. This was both a dedication and a celebration of Chip's healing. About 7 years ago, Chip was diagnosed with testicular cancer, undergoing both radical surgery and radiation therapy. A newlywed at the time, he was told unequivocally he would not be able to father children. But the Great Physician saw the prognosis differently! Chip and Jennifer are now the parents of two beautiful children, Anna Grace (appropriately named!) and Christian Taylor! I know Mamaw and Papaw Newton were shoutin' and rejoicing with their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids yesterday!!

Recent Outings

2008-05-01T14:48:00.003-05:00

Corky and I just returned from a week in Arizona. It was primarily a research trip for him (Navajo Contextual Theology/Practice and Disabilities Services) and a reconnaissance mission for my Aunt Margaret and Uncle Don Whichard (she will probably do a women's conference on the Navajo Rez next year). The picture was taken as we hiked 275 ft. down into Canyon de Chelly.

The other picture is of our family and Georgia family (Jill, Joel and Katie Libramento) and friends (Pete, Kristen and Katie) in Atlanta when we went to see the The Lion King.

Christmas in April: Of Lions, Onion Rings and Family

2008-04-21T13:02:00.002-05:00

On Saturday the Tennessee Alexanders (Corky, Kim, 3 girls, son-in-law, grandson) drove to Atlanta to meet the Atlanta Libramentos (Jill, Joel, Katie and friends) to see the Lion King at the Civic Center (see Corky's blog for the trailer). This was our Christmas present to our family and Jill and Steave's to theirs. It was too wonderful for words...so I won't try. Afterwards, we had chili-cheeseburgers, onion rings, fries, peach and apple pies and Frosted Oranges at the Varsity. Again...too wonderful for words. Sometimes its nice to spread the festivities out--even over months!

The Weather....Again

2008-04-15T22:05:00.001-05:00

It may drop to freezing tonight (it's 37 F right now) and the Meteorologist is on the weather porch again.

Arts and Entertainment

2008-04-14T21:01:00.003-05:00

Does anyone out there remember when A&E actually featured art? I have a vague recollection of ballet, opera, etc. as well as quality programming, sort of BBC/PBS style. Obviously, something has happened. But this is not a post about a television network.

This is about the value of art, the beauty of music and the glory of God. That's pretty lofty. It may be a post in process, saved, only to be completed later.

I began thinking/feeling this yesterday morning at church (a good thing, right?) when I our choir was privileged to sing and lead worship with the Lee University Symphonic Band, directed by Dr. Mark Bailey. We had been asked to sing 2 songs with them, "Unto the Lamb" and "Thou, O Lord". So, I was in great anticipation of how wonderful this experience would be for our choir, but also for me. There is no comparison between singing with live music and singing to a track, no matter how well-produced the track. Music is as much felt as heard. And live music, whether orchestral or produced by a 3 piece band, shakes me to the core. So I was ready...I thought.

But the anticipation was only shadow of what I experienced.

The songs stand on their own. They are beautiful songs of worship. Sharon Ballinger, our director, sang the solo (beautifully) on "Unto the Lamb" at the request of Dr. Bailey. The band, of course, presented the music, covering all the musical bases: highs, lows and in-betweens. Because we were singing with live music, our choir "opened their mouths and sang"! Subconsciously, or consciously, when you are surrounded by music, you push and sing, in order to be heard or in order to be a part of it all.

But it was more than just technically correct. The music, the singing, the songs were united in worship and in return were anointed by the Spirit who breathes life and beauty. And being caught up in that synthesis is other-worldly, and I believe, literally "sitting in heavenly places". Without rationalizing what was happening, or even verbalizing my prayers, I experienced the healing power of God through Art.

"Whatsoever things are good, true and beautiful....think on these things."

BBC's Planet Earth

2008-04-14T07:12:00.003-05:00

How cool is that photography??

Don't Miss This...

2008-03-24T08:49:00.001-05:00

Easter 2008

2008-03-24T08:42:00.003-05:00

Leslie, Emma, Hannah (my niece), Hope with Lex the Sailor Boy

Sabbatical So Far: Pros and Cons (Mostly Pros!)

2008-03-05T13:31:00.006-05:00

What a wonderful way to make a living! I told my Dean last week that I was considering writing an essay on the healing power of the sabbatical. Later....

For now, let me list a few pros and cons.

On the positive side:

I direct my days. That means the alarm clock is not a threat!
My mind is being refreshed by the input of both theological writings and great literature.
I am more rested than I've been in years. Since I am now experiencing the torment of menopausal insomnia/hot flashes, I rarely get an uninterrupted two hours of sleep, let alone 8! But the relaxed schedule allows me to sleep later (say 8:30 or so) and to go at a much more sane pace during the day.
I get all my work-outs in! And, related to this, my daily wardrobe is very comfortable: long-sleeve t-shirts and work-out pants!
I see my kids at times other than early in the morning and late at night.
Since Corky doesn't usually have to go to work till mid-morning, I get to spend some time with him in the mornings and not just after 9 pm.
I occasionally get to see Lex during the day!
I'm saving lots of money on gas and I have no need to buy any "professional clothes" for Spring!

On the negative side:

I constantly see all the things wrong with my house. The remedy: I just try not to look.
I have developed tendonitis in my left hand (thumb) from holding back the pages of too many books! (Notice how the woman in the Renoir painting is holding the book and imagine the injury she sustained from the repetitive motion of holding the pages in place with her left thumb!) And most people think that the life of an academic has no risk of work-related injury! The remedy: I'm wearing a wrist splint and taking lots of ibuprofen, trying to avoid getting a cortisone shot.
I have more opportunity to "snack" during the day and I'm finding it harder to maintain my weight. The remedy: I'm recording all my calorie intake on a free website called Fitday.

The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity

2008-03-04T21:11:00.005-05:00

I've spent the better part of the evening finishing this book. It was recommended by both Steve Land and Cheryl Johns, and being the good student, I always read what my teachers recommend! They've never led me astray!

William P. Young's novel uses the story of one man's confrontation with his own demons to teach us what it means to be authentically human (hint: it doesn't have anything to do with self-sufficiency!). It is a story that encompasses every parents' nightmare, every theologian's speculations and every follower's questions.

Young's own story (found on the book website) may be intertwined in Mack's but so is yours and so is mine. Eugene Peterson has called this the Pilgrim's Progress for our time". I was reminded more of Hinds' Feet on High Places, but as Papa says to Mack, "Stories about a person willing to exchange their life for another are a golden thread in your world, revealing both your need and my heart."

Blog of Note

2008-03-03T22:05:00.003-05:00

What's it like to be a young Methodist campus pastor who is the son of a Muslim father, a Christian mother and married to a woman who is one-half Jewish? Read the stories posted on Firstborn Son and begin to imagine.

Weather Panic

2008-02-27T09:42:00.007-05:00

Well, the meteorologists (a.k.a. "Severe Weather Team") are hard at work this morning. Apparently they've been up since before the crack of dawn, measuring barometric pressure, temperature, relative humidity and making predictions about snow accumulation in East Tennessee. They've all donned their Northface parkas and Thinsulate gloves and ventured out into the medians of the highways, dodging traffic and camped out on the back porches of the studios to warn us about bad road conditions and slick steps.

They are disappointed, I know, that this is not a repeat of the infamous Blizzard of '93. Though I was living in RI at that time (where winter weather is never really news), I understand that some of the news and weathercasters never left the studios, not bathing or grooming during the blizzard and aftermath! Such dedication is rarely found in this day and age.

This morning, though there is almost no accumulation to speak of, they've pre-empted the network morning shows to zoom around the East Tennessee region, showing various degrees of winter weather. School closings are scrolling across the screen. People are calling in from all points in the viewing area talking about the person they saw sliding on the highway and the dusting of snow on the windshield. We even had one video clip of a truck sliding about 10 feet.

I'm sure there is no bread or milk to be had in any grocery store in the area. I guess snowy weather brings about an insatiable desire in many people for "milktoast", whatever that is.

This year (where there has not been so much as a 1/2 inch accumulation of snow or ice where I live), I've learned some new weather vocabulary in these frantic reports. This morning I heard a weathercaster talking about "heavy flurries", which seems to me to be an oxymoron. A few weeks ago, when we had an unexpected freeze (catching the meteorologists off-guard apparently), one weatherman was asked if what we were seeing was "sleet or freezing rain". His reply was, "Neither. What we are seeing is really ice fragments." I guess someone or something was shattering a glacier hovering far above us and the fragments were falling to earth. Maybe it was Johnny Depp, a.k.a. Edward Scissorhands creating an ice sculpture! Of course the fallback position is to label it all a "wintry mix".

Right now I am seeing a picture on the weather report of snow in a place called Petros (pronounced pee-tros), Tennessee. This brings me to another oddity of winter weather reporting: we learn about obscure places, which are apparently blanketed like a winter wonderland and we often get to see obscure people, with the appropriate hillbilly accent, offering commentary. Last night, for instance, the news featured a rotund grocery store employee predicting there would be no snow or bad weather. This prophecy was based on the lack of sensation in his bad knee. Thank God for his obesity, without which we would not have a weather forecast or a news story! Unfortunately, this morning they replayed his forecast and proved him wrong. So much for folk-meteorology.

I'm going to go enjoy the "heavy flurries".

Things I Learned at Shabbach

2008-02-20T12:05:00.007-05:00

I did the unimaginable this week-end: I chaperoned a youth group trip! First time ever! After raising 2 daughters to adulthood without being a chaperone on one of their trips I finally bit the bullet. Hope and Josh (Student Ministers) needed chaperones for the trip to Shabbach and I like Eddie James who did the music so I thought I'd give it a whirl. Overall it was a great experience but....I learned some things.

1. I am a lot older than I thought.

2. Not all kids (i.e.- teen-age girls) are snipey and mean. Many are actually supportive of each other and sweet. This has not necessarily been the experience of my daughters in all youth groups and was not my experience while teaching middle and high schoolers.

3. My daughters are not the only messy kids on earth.

4. My daughters have actually learned some things about basic housekeeping.

5. There are more kids in serious trouble (cutting, suicide, addictions) than I (or most adults) want to believe or imagine. Thankfully, I saw scores of kids getting help and praying through to repentance.

6. Young people will worship without restraint when given the space and encouragement to do so.

7. We have come some distance with regard to race. This was truly an interracial gathering of 3000 people, mostly youth. They all worshiped together; they had traveled together and were in effect living together for 3 days. For me, it was a wonder to see this happening in SC. That would have been impossible in the SC I grew up in.

8. It is possible to have a large gathering that is predominantly COG without politics and commercials.

9. God is still moving; the Pentecostal Movement is still very much alive. Our kids will be okay. But will they be in the church/denomination they grew up in? The jury's still out.

Reflection and/or Relaxation?

2008-02-05T15:08:00.001-05:00

Most of you know: I'm on sabbatical. For someone who is task-oriented, routine-driven as well as guilt-driven, time spent in reflection, reading, studying often feels like "wasting time". It's hard being the oldest daughter of Builder Generation Parents! I didn't struggle as much with this guilt when I was in England, as I was paying good money to go there to further my education. Anyway, my retired pastor friend, Lowell Brannen, must feel the same way. Here's a poem he recently wrote and posted on his blog:

The Sighs of a Sluggard

The day has come, the day has gone,
And here I sit. I’m all alone.
The day was short, and not so kind,
I could not satisfy my mind.

Were you out there? I should have known.
You did not speak. Then you were gone.
But then I thought, Why should you care,
About my plight, or my despair.

I had the day just like you did,
And all day long, My face I hid.
I could have called, or visited,
But here is what I did instead:

I sat me down upon my chair,
And focused only on the air.
I only thought of me myself,
And all my dreams upon the shelf.

I viewed them over in my mind,
And knew that they were left behind.
What a wise man I’d have been,
If I had only let you in.

Time and time and time again,
I know you tried to be my friend,
But I refused to let it be,
Because of my concern for me.

Why, oh why did I do wrong,
By doing nothing for so long?
Now, it’s gone. My days are spent.
And for this sin, I now repent.

— Lowell A. Brannen

Also enjoying.....

2008-01-07T00:41:00.001-05:00

This is Tom Jones

Gift

2008-01-03T21:29:00.001-05:00

It is possible that the gift I will appreciate longest was given to me by Corky, who knows me well. (Ironically, I had already purchased it for Hope!) The gift was Caroline Kennedy's A Family Christmas. Kennedy has collected many well-known and some lesser known readings on Christmas including Scripture, familiar stories such as "The Gift of the Magi" and "The Night Before Christmas", letters ("Yes, Virginia....", her letter to Santa from 1961, JFK's letter to a young girl about Christmas and the Missile Crisis) and other genre by writers including Twain, Keillor and Elliot. One of the most enlightening is the 2006 instructions to those employed by Macy's to portray Santa. Kennedy's introduction is wonderful as she reminisces about her mother's traditions. I look forward to enjoying this beautiful work for years to come.

Christmas Memories 2007

2008-01-02T10:28:00.001-05:00

My friend Mike McMullen posted recently with the title "I Just Sat Down". I concur. This has been one of the busiest holiday seasons ever. And we weren't pastors! I was, however, along with Hope, Josh and Emma, in "The Christmas Post", the Lovell Heights Christmas musical; the girls were also in the a youth cantata. Both were very successful and beautiful. There was a horse show in December and a total of 9 parties, only one of which I was unable to attend. Leslie had a chorus concert; Emma worked her "part-time" job at Bath & Body Works every day. Corky preached last Sunday at LH. I attended a taping of an event at TL's Global Ministry Center. Then there were final exams and papers to grade, and I had to prepare for my sabbatical (!!) by packing all the books and files I could possibly need for six months.

I got some of my decorating finished, but not all. I did no baking after creating a buche de noel last year! Both of those things were discouraging to me.

We had good trips to Virginia and SC for Christmas week, though Josh was sick. Lots of loot, games and food. Our traditions include a game and appetizer party at my sister's, taco soup on Christmas Eve for lunch, lasagna for dinner, Christmas morning brunch and a more traditional turkey-dressings-ham dinner for Christmas night. Our baked goods traditions are fudge, cookies, cheese wafers, peanut brittle, seven-layer cookies, homemade Chex Party Mix. Added this year were several other decadent things including some great mincemeat bars and those wonderful chocolate covered peanut butter Ritz crackers!

Perhaps the thing that added the most to the "busyness" was that I "crafted" for Christmas gifts this year, something I haven't done in decades. I made a huge scrapbook for my sister, Michele. Lots of fun, lots of work, lots of emotion! Going through all the old pictures was nostalgiac and brought up lots of memories. Then I decided to re-upholster my old rocking chair for Lex. My dad and mom had fixed it for Hope when she was a baby. I haven't sewn in years and was thrilled to find out that my sewing machine (which was my mom's) still worked after sitting in the garage for years. It was well worth it, as Lex loved sitting in the rocker, like a big boy!

Now, I have to take down the tree, organize my home office (thanks to my thoughtful husband, Corky, for a desk chair!), set a new budget, and get back on some sort of sensible eating plan!

Healthcare

2007-12-11T11:55:00.000-05:00

I read a post by Jim Wallis on his blog in which he reflected on a recent and anxious trip with his young son to the emergency room. He ponders the situation of those who do not have adequate healthcare provision and how their fears must be multiplied. This is my comment to hs post.

I just took my 20-year old daughter to the emergency room for similar symptoms last week (only my 3rd trip in 26 years of parenting!) and was so grateful for health insurance. But I couldn't help remembering the times when we were without health coverage. We were church planters in Rhode Island fifteen years ago, literally living by faith, with a 10 year old, a 5 year old and a newborn baby. I remember my husband trying to find a plan we could afford. We finally found one (a minimalist one) and the salesman came to our tiny home to discuss the plan. The thing I remember most about it was that it only covered emergency room visits which were the result of accidents. He joked, "If your husband is having a heart attack, hit him over the head and get him to the ER!". I didn't laugh. I asked what I was to do if my infant or any of my children spiked a high fever, went into convulsions, etc. in the middle of the night or on a week-end. He responded: "Call your doctor and have him meet you at his office." I asked if he had a list of these doctors who would meet you at the office in the midnight hours. Of course, he didn't respond. The great irony of this is that all of this was occurring at the time the Clintons were proposing their healthcare plan. And I remember my boss, a good Christian woman, laughing scornfully at the Clinton plan. Of course, she was a bookstore owner, with a good insurance plan, and a husband with good retirement from the military industrial complex.

I am so grateful that the Seminary where I teach provides healthcare (a very expensive plan) for my family but I cannot forget the fear and anxiety of being a "have not". God help us.

Giving Thanks

2007-11-23T18:34:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Hope, Josh and Lex for hosting our family feast!

The Screenwriters' Strike (by Jim Wallis)

2007-11-12T09:29:00.001-05:00

Friday, November 09, 2007
The 'Desperate' Consequences of the Writers' Strike (by Jim Wallis)

The evening news has been filled with tragic reminders of our broken world: continued violence in Iraq, bombings in Afghanistan, and political unrest in Pakistan.

But the most devastating news of all?

Due to Hollywood's ongoing screenwriters strike, Desperate Housewives may have to go into reruns this season. Terrible news, I know. My issue is not with the screenwriters themselves (I sympathize with their efforts to get an equitable share of corporate profits). As to the content of our media culture—now that's another story.

So what will be the consequences of our nation's restricted access to Housewives? Brace yourselves. This could get ugly.

America's appetite for the scandalous, seductive, and scintillating may have to be put on hold for a time. Adultery as entertainment may have to give way to long meals around the family dinner table. On cold, dark evenings we may have to fill the void reading books in front of the warm glow of fireplaces instead of catching up on Eva Longoria's most recent escapades with her pool boy. And rather than lying in bed channel surfing the for the latest television infidelity, we married couples may actually have to turn to one another and engage in meaningful conversations (or even in committed, marital sex).

What terrible, horrible, utterly rotten, no-good news indeed.

Politics Makes Strange Bedfellows

2007-11-09T00:14:00.000-05:00

Pat Robertson has endorsed Rudy Guilliani (divorced twice, married thrice, supporter of abortion rights and gay marriage)

Bob Jones III (Fundamentalist Baptist) has endorsed Mitt Romney (Mormon)

James Dobson wanted to endorse Newt Gingrich.

Movie Review: Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee

2007-11-05T21:23:00.000-05:00

We rented and watched the HBO production Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee Sunday evening. The opening sequence which quickly leads to the Battle of Little Big Horn held much promise as a helicopter moved from Sitting Bull's called encampment of thousands of Native Americans across the hills to the battlefield where an arrogant Custer led his hungry and somewhat naive soldiers to their deaths.

I agree with most of the reviews I read (after last night's viewing): the movie tries to cover too much difficult to understand, little-known, carefully nuanced epic history in too little time. I felt that characters were not carefully developed and there was simply too much assumption that the audience knew the history. In fact, I'm fairly sure that the "artistic license" taken by the producers distorted history. For instance, there was an attempt to show a connection between the arrest and killing of Sitting Bull and the Wounded Knee massacre; this connection is, no doubt, direct. However, the events are morphed into one with no real time lapse between them.

What is most missed by this Impressionistic view, is the pitiful plight of the poor, sick, starving Ghost Dancers at Wounded Knee and their fatally ill leader, Bigfoot, suffering from tuberculosis, leading from a reclining position in a wagon. The emphasis on Dawes' project and the Washington politics surrounding the events strip the story of its pathos and its spirituality.

Once again, a lack of communication between two cultures has resulted in another failed attempt at reconciliation.

I can't help but feel that what is called for is an act of contrition and repentance on the part of the White offenders. Movies, art, music, even stories, may set the stage, raise awareness and even provoke but repentance is not an artistic act. It is an act of the will and the heart of a people. And of its leaders.

The Next Generation

2007-11-05T20:59:00.000-05:00

Friday night, at the Kindred Spirit Ministries Fall Retreat, I had the great privilege of singing back-up with my second cousins, John Mark and Moriah Whichard. John Mark is ten and he sang the lead vocal on "Through the Fire". He has a great voice and is already powerfully anointed by the Spirit. It was a joy both to hear him and to see him used of God. The whole church responded as they recognized God's anointing on him.

One of the greatest aspects of Pentecostal worship is its egalitarian nature. There are no barriers of gender, race or even age in Spirit-led worship and a "son or daughter" is just as likely to prophesy in word or in song as a person of an older age or of more experience.

As long as the next generation is willing to be used of God, the Spirit of Pentecost will move on them and use them. The question is, will those of us who are older give Him room to move?

Watching: PBR Finals

2007-10-28T21:26:00.000-05:00

The first week-end of the PBR Final is complete. The Brazilian Guilherme Marchi has moved to the number one position over the "bad boy" Justin McBride (2005 World Champion). I'm happy for McBride to slip in the standings. In all fairness, he is a great bullrider and has dominated all season. But too much is made of him and I get tired of the hype. The Finals will continue next week-end, beginning on Thursday and culminating with two events on Sunday. Watching the Finals is an annual family event. We tend to favor the Brazilians and/or the underdogs. Marchi has come close to winning in the last two years. Last year was a highlight with Adriano Moraes winning his third world title.

Doesn't Get Any Sweeter Than This

2007-10-28T21:12:00.000-05:00

How cute is that?

On Radiohead and Keith Green and the Church

2007-10-10T20:37:00.001-05:00

Radiohead's highly anticipated album "In Rainbows" was available for download this morning. I've seen no figures yet as to how successful the download was. This is being hailed as a groundbreaking, as a major artist/band is thumbing their nose at the industry.

Corky has already posted something on this but I couldn't help reflect this morning about Keith Green's break with his friends at his record label, Sparrow Records. His convictions would no longer allow him to charge for the gospel and the album, released in 1980, was available for "whatever you could pay", both in concerts and by mail. Keith joked that it was the "worst selling album of all time". According to Wikipedia, by 1982, 200,000 units had "sold".

Alas, to my knowledge, none of Keith's friends in the industry followed suit and Contemporary Christian Music became an industry.

Though Radiohead's motives aren't as "sanctified", I have to wonder if the church, rarely at the forefront of social change, will be reminded of the prophetic voice it heard in 1980 and be challenged once again to offer the gospel at no charge.

What I'm Missing Right Now

2007-10-07T19:59:00.000-05:00

Fall in New England. Even though this is a picture of New Hampshire, it is very close to what we saw on a regular basis this time of year while living in RI. Honestly, the water of the bay was that blue, the buildings that picturesque, the leaves that beautiful. I can remember rounding one particular bend where you could see the bay, a stone fence, brightly colored fall leaves in the trees and a pumpkin patch! Living in Rhode Island in the Fall of the year was one of God's greatest gifts to our family.

2 Things on My Female Brain

2007-09-25T07:55:00.000-05:00

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First, this unrelenting heat!!

Secondly, it's premier week for several of my favorite TV shows. I guess this is one of my annual fall rituals (though I don't tape the show if I'm not at home....I'm not that addicted!). I can remember, though, as a child getting excited about the premier of new shows: cartoons on Saturday morning, sit-coms at night. Remember, we only had 3 channels and maybe a UHF and/or PBS one. Now the premiers are staggered throughout the year, but I'm still a major network person (a holdover from modernity). Last night was "CSI: Miami" which is not my favorite. My assessment of the series: more detective, less science; too many goofy, dramatic one-liners by David Caruso as he is exiting a crime scene. Last night was no exception to the rule. Still, I usually watch it. But if I have an 8:00 the next morning, I probably won't stay up for it. Tonight is "Law and Order: SVU", a favorite, but I'm afraid they "jumped the shark" last year with the near-romance of Elliot and Olivia. One of the reasons I have loved "Law and Order" through the years is that it has not focused on personal lives of the detectives or lawyers as much. Oh well. What we all really look forward to is the CSI premier on Thursday night, though we may be getting too involved in the personal lives of Grissom and Sarah. By the way, she is my least favorite character on the show.

Female-Brained

2007-09-21T22:34:00.001-05:00

Your Brain is 67% Female, 33% Male

Your brain leans female
You think with your heart, not your head
Sweet and considerate, you are a giver
But you're tough enough not to let anyone take advantage of you!

What Gender Is Your Brain?

On Racisim, Naivete and School Boards

2007-09-20T22:31:00.001-05:00

At a high school assembly on Aug. 30, 2006, a black freshman asked the assistant principal whether African-Americans could sit under a tree that had traditionally been used only by whites.

The school official replied, "You can sit anywhere you want."

The next morning, students arrived at classes to find the nooses -- two black, one gold, the official school colours. After learning three white students were responsible, Scott Windham, the principal, recommended they be expelled for the year.

A school board committee ruled the incident was a prank without racial overtones and reduced the punishment to an in-school suspension. (National Post)

God made the Idiot for practice, and then He made the School Board. (Mark Twain)

Wonderful Week-end, Wonderful Family

2007-09-17T10:33:00.000-05:00

I am blessed to be the Matriarch (that makes me sound sound really old!) of a wonderful, loving and fun family with a great sense of humor (yes the family has a sense of humor!). We enjoy similar jokes and stories so it's a collective sense of humor.

On Friday, Leslie's birthday, we had a family dinner at home with cheese and chocolate fondue and salad. Lots of fun! Afterward, we watched "The Empire Strikes Back" because Leslie has not been exposed to the Star Wars trilogy before last week-end when we watched "Star Wars".

Saturday was spent in Harriman at an National Barrel Horshe Association show. The weather was wonderful, cooler and breezy. I actually had to wear a denim jacket! Leslie and Sweetie did great. Their times were better than ever!

Sunday was church day, of course. Corky and I taught on the Reformation which seemed well-received by the class. Pastor Travis preached a great and prophetic sermon. Dinner was a fundraising dinner provided by the Student Ministries. Corky and I took Lex for a nap at his home afterward then returned to church for choir practice and the evening service. After church we ate leftover fundraiser food at Hope and Josh's and the final installment "Return of the Jedi". I must admit I fell asleep, not from boredom but from exhaustion. Lex enjoyed playing in the floor with all his new birthday toys.

I don't use the term wonderful loosely. I am filled with wonder that I've been so blessed!

Dame Anita Roddick: 1942-2007

2007-09-12T21:27:00.001-05:00

NY Times Obituary for Anita Roddick, Body Shop founder.
Early this morning, while driving to the Seminary, I heard the news of Roddick's death.
I first read of Roddick while studying in England and was impressed with her approach to doing business. The Body Shop was one of my favorite diversions while in England; there seem to be Body Shops on every high street (just as there are Starbuck's shops now).

Here's to one woman who fought for what she believed in and made women all over the world aware.

Lex is One!

2007-09-10T21:29:00.001-05:00

A Tribute to Laborers

2007-09-03T15:00:00.001-05:00

PSALM OF THOSE WHO GO FORTH BEFORE DAYLIGHT

The policeman buys shoes slow and careful; the teamster buys gloves slow and careful; they take care of their feet and hands; they live on their feet and hands.

The milkman never argues; he works alone and no one speaks to him; the city is asleep when he is on the job; he puts a bottle on six hundred porches and calls it a day's work; he climbs two hundred wooden stairways; two horses are company for him; he never argues.

The rolling-mill men and the sheet-steel men are brothers of cinders; they empty cinders out of their shoes after the day's work; they ask their wives to fix burnt holes in the knees of their trousers; their necks and ears are covered with a smut; they scour their necks and ears; they are brothers of cinders.
(Carl Sandburg)

My mother's father was employed by TVA in the construction of the Fontana Dam. I only knew him years later, as my Papaw Newton, a Church of God pastor in North Carolina. But the work ethic which made him a great minister was partially developed in those days as a welder for TVA.

"The workers put in seven-day weeks. They labored around the clock to get the job done, three shifts a day. Those on the night shift worked under floodlights. Even if they had time off, there wasn’t much to do with it. Gas rationing meant that most workers stayed on the site for months on end, although few had cars anyway. Fontana was so remote that commuting was impossible."

I am blessed to be paid to do what I am gifted to do: research, writing and teaching; but I recognize that I would not be where I am without the men and women who labor for long hours, doing physically challenging work. On Labor Day, I am reminded to pay homage to them.

Life in Tennessee

2007-09-02T17:35:00.000-05:00

As indicated earlier, my school year has begun. This week was exhausting; the first week always is: early classes (Wed. and Thurs. 8:00's), long evenings preparing, meeting and greeting students in addition to all regular duties.

The week-end has been complicated (and enhanced) with two All-American projects: 1) the family embarked on a DIY project and 2) Corky and I began teaching a new Sunday School class at Lovell Heights. We have entered into both projects with some trepidation.

First, the DIY project. We are re-doing the basement floor. Friday we pulled up the old carpet and Saturday began a chemical process of dissolving the remaining coating of yellow, jute-impressed, carpet glue. This removal project is continuing even as I write. Next, the floor will be given an epoxy-coating. Of course, it is more involved than first imagined. And, most of you know this about us, we are not DIY-ers. Thanks to Hope, Josh and Justin for volunteering their services to help the residents of 154 Holt Drive in Loudon.

Then, there's the new SS class. Lovell Heights is doing a kind of 3-month electives cycle of SS offerings. This is the second quarter. Corky and I are teaching a class called "Great Awakenings", a survey of revival movements. We have great hopes and ideals. Somewhere in the early part of my introduction this morning, I realized I am teaching the Sanctuary Class, an institution. Enough said.

First Day of School

2007-08-28T07:46:00.000-05:00

Seminary classes begin today. I know all of you COGTS grads are envious! Go ahead admit it...you're feeling a little sentimental right now!

I have Community of Faith on Tuesdays and the course Women in Pentecostalism meets at 5:30 or so (I get confused with the new time schedule!). Tomorrow morning Divine Healing meets at 8:00 and interestingly it is my largest class this year! Thursday morning Historical Theology 1 meets at 8:00.

Tell you about my day when I get home!

The Blame Game

2007-08-24T10:15:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's sorry news out of Utah:

The operator of the Crandall Canyon coal mine says no one will be going back into the tunnels where six men have been trapped since Aug. 6.

That means the bodies of the miners may never be recovered.

"I told (the Mine Safety and Health Administration) it is an evil mountain, it is alive, and I will never go back there," Robert Murray said today.

How like humans to place the blame on something else, anything or anyone else other than themselves! By saying the mountain is evil, by placing the blame on it, Murry escapes the responsibility, and the awful truth, that it is his greed that has caused the deaths of three, probably nine workers and rescuers. Under his [and the Mine Company's] orders, the mine was being mined for the last remaining coal in the pillars supporting the ceiling of the room being mined, a method called retreat mining. According to one mine safety official, "...the reason the practice is used is that it pays off: The last bit of coal taken from pillars is pure profit. Plus, if someone violates rules during pillar removal and there is a collapse, the evidence of rule violations are gone."

The mountain isn't evil. In this case, greed goeth before a fall.

Truth is Stranger Than Fiction...and Scarier

2007-08-21T15:48:00.000-05:00

The following is a press release from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary:
‘Homemaking is Noble,’ Patterson says on Fox News
By Staff
August 13, 2007

Paige Patterson, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, endorsed the College at Southwestern’s new Homemaking Concentration on Fox News’ morning program, Fox & Friends, Aug. 13.

“If a woman chooses to stay home, and she chooses to devote her full energies to her husband and to her children and to the development of her home then that is noble and not ignoble,” Patterson said.

The interview took place after recent media interest in Southwestern’s new 23-hour Homemaking Concentration in the College at Southwestern’s Bachelor of Arts in Humanities degree.

When asked if Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary believed all women should stay at home and take care of their children, Patterson responded, “We believe that every person is free, as Baptists, to do anything they want to do,” but also added, “We do believe she ought to have that opportunity.”

This interview came just before the start of a new semester as Southwestern plans to continue one of its founding purposes of training women for all aspects of ministry. In 1909, the seminary’s catalog reveals classes in domestic sciences including cooking, housekeeping, and sewing. In the fall of 2007, the almost-one-hundred-year-old-seminary will again offer these classes as part of its Homemaking Concentration—one of the seminary’s several programs in Women’s Studies. In addition to these classes, women will study classic Greek and read the classic literature of the western world.

According to the seminary’s Web site, the program “endeavors to prepare women to model the characteristics of the godly woman as outlined in Scripture.”

“The apostle Paul admonished women to “learn” (1 Tim. 2:11) because he expected women to be grounded in the Word of God,” Terri Stovall, dean for women’s programs, wrote on the Web site. “Our Lord Himself praised Mary for sitting at His feet to listen and learn (Lk. 10:42). Women in this generation need women teachers who are not only committed to the importance of studying God’s Word but who are also formally trained to do biblical exposition. Woman-to-woman teaching is the biblical method of choice (Tit. 2:3-5).”

Modeled after a similar program at The Master’s College in Santa Clarita, California, Southwestern’s Homemaking Concentration provides “practical experiences for skill development for the most important job a woman may have: the nurture and care of the family.”

The Web site describes further the intentional design of the Homemaking Concentration stating that, “It is unique in that we recognize the need to challenge women both intellectually and practically. It is our mission to equip a woman to impact women and families for Christ.”

As Patterson told the Fox & Friends interviewer, “Society will do better when the home is placed in a prominent position, and I do believe that any society is endangered whenever the home is not given the importance that it has in its biblical context.”

Of course, none of this should surprise me. After all, this is the Seminary that offers an M.Div. in Women's Studies (for women only) and substitutes a "Communication of the Text" course for the required preaching course and requires courses in women's ministries in the local church, biblical models of womanhood, etc. How about Patterson's comment: “We believe that every person is free, as Baptists, to do anything they want to do..." What does that mean? Every person is free as a Baptist to do what they want? Does being a Baptist somehow alter the free will of women so that all they will really want to do is cook, sew and clean? Apparently so. And of course what is even more depressing is that once a Baptist, always a Baptist! Women will never have another choice once they cross that line! I have to stop.

Annual Faculty Retreat

2007-08-15T18:10:00.000-05:00

I've just returned from a three days/two nights at Fall Creek Falls. The Seminary faculty gathers every year in August for a time of retreat, which normally consists of a lot of planning and assessment, from morning till night. This year we actually did some retreating! Our time together focused on vocational identity and call. This conversation was stimulated by a viewing of the film "Freedom Writers" (which I highly recommend).

It is our custom to have a time of worship which involves a celebration of the sacraments of communion and footwashing. This year, that aspect of the retreat was planned for Tuesday evening. But it was delayed by the Holy Ghost. Rickie Moore came to share with us and say good-bye, and we had a time of blessing and anointing for him. It was a very moving time for all and especially emotional for me as Rick was used by the Lord in a very direct way to call me to theological study (see my blog for a post on that) in 1983. This worship service was visited by the Holy Spirit in a powerful way and, in true Pentecostal fashion, we changed the liturgy. Communion and footwashing became our final act of worship together this morning.

Fall Creek Falls State Park is a lovely place which I had only visited once, several years ago with Corky and the girls. Jackie and Cheryl Johns and I took a very long walk to the Falls. We were disappointed in that due to drought conditions, the Falls were rather shallow, not at all like the picture, here, of the Falls in Summer. But I always enjoy being in the mountains and considered this entire retreat to be a time well spent with many of the people I'm closest to in all the world.

Adriano Moraes' Autobiography

2007-08-09T22:50:00.001-05:00

During a very recent event in the city of São Paulo in Brazil, the Saraiva book store in Shopping Center Norte was the site of the launching of this autobiographical book, “A minha missão é montar” - História de Vida do peão de rodeio Adriano Moraes” (Riding is my mission – History of professional bull rider Adriano Moraes), not yet available in English). The event was a huge success and counted with the presence of many of his fans and journalists and representatives from more than 20 different media organizations.

Adriano, the only three-time professional World Bull riding champion from the Professional Bull Riders’ tour has dazzled the world with his ability and his faith. He paid a special visit to his home country on July 30th to launch the book published by the Canção Nova Press. Motivated by his faith and convinced that God is always by his side, he has made his life's mission in professional bullriding. Adriano knows that his riding means much more than just giving a good show to the crowd and the prizes and titles that he conquered. A convicted Christian devoted in the New Song Catholic Community, Adriano has made the art of riding into a testimony of his tireless journey to know God.

Read the full story.

No Global Warming, huh?

2007-08-08T22:15:00.000-05:00

It's 90 degrees at ten o'clock tonight and there are tornado watches in effect for New York City.

New Friends

2007-08-08T21:56:00.000-05:00

Chances are good that without the blogosphere I would have never had any ongoing communication with people in Australia. It is possible that I would have met someone here, or even there, but ongoing communication? Probably not! But one day I stumbled into a blog called "The Batcave". I can't remember how I found it. But the blogger, Glen O'Brien, is a Wesleyan pastor who teaches Church History at a Christian college in Australia. I commented on a post or two and lo and behold, I found out that he had been to the SPS/WTS meeting in Cleveland about eight years ago! He actually did research on the origins of the COG in Australia...at the Dixon Center! Since that first comment, I've read that article he was researching. A few weeks ago, through The Batcave I found a link to another blog belonging to another Aussie, James Garth. We've had a rather lively discussion going between James, Glen, a few others and myself about the nature of Pentecostal spirituality.

I'm really grateful for the opportunity to hear from others and of course to share my opinion!

I'm sure they wouldn't mind if you dropped in; after all, how often are you in the Australian neighborhood??

Being Marmie

2007-08-07T10:55:00.000-05:00

For the last two days we've had the ultimate grandparent experiencee: keeping the grandson overnight! What a joy! Hope and Josh have taken the youth group to King's Island in Ohio. Emma is with them. And we have Lex (and Charlotte, the dalmatian). He slept pretty well last night, though of course I woke up with every turn he made. Just like the old days (speaking of old...I was a lot younger then).

25 Years Ago

2007-07-30T14:42:00.001-05:00

Twenty-five years ago Corky and I were adjusting to the news that Keith Green had been killed in a plane crash. The news rocked us. We were in the middle of adjusting to life as new parents, and to the joy of having brought Hope home from the hospital (miraculously healed!) about two months before. In fact, we had taken Hope on a trip to Stone Mountain, Georgia to see her Aunt Judy and Uncle Jerry and her cousins, Todd, Troy and Trent. We woke up hearing the terrible news via a phone call.

There was no greater influence on us and our ministry than Keith Green. We never saw him in person but eagerly waited each month for the Last Days Newsletter and knew and sang each of his songs. Keith and the Last Days team paraphrased and printed articles written in the 19th century by Generals William and Catherine Booth, Samuel Logan Brengle and Charles Finney. They published current sermons by David Wilkerson and Leonard Ravenhill (their neighbors in Lindale, Texas).

More than anything, I was influenced by Keith's prophetic passion for the Kingdom of God. His songs are still my "First Love Music", always drawing me back to a more consecrated life for God. I will never forget worshiping in chapel at St. John's in England and singing with the congregation, "There Is a Redeemer". For me, it was a moment of true worship in the Hollis Gause sense: rapture, rapport, proleptic.

I've often thought that had Keith Green lived, he would have been so consumed with zeal for the Lord that he wouldn't be able to exist. The present state of the church in America is so far from the Holy Church for which Keith Green interceded.

'My eyes ard dry, my faith is old
My heart is hard, my prayers are cold
And I know how I ought to be
Alive to You and dead to me!

So what can be done for an old heart like mine?
Soften it up with oil and wine.
The oil is You, Your Spirit of Love
Please wash me anew in the wine of Your Blood."

Summer Reading

2007-07-28T09:13:00.002-05:00

Reading is my life. Reading is my ministry. Reading is my career. I actually get paid to read and talk about it.

When I was a child I was a bookworm. My sister (who is now an avid reader) and I would have the dilemma of what we were going to play for the day: Barbie, school, with babydolls, a game or reading. At some point we came up with the lottery approach. We would write all the choices on slips of paper and draw them out of a hat. When "reading" was drawn out, my sister was always suspicious...as she should have been. It probably meant I had stuffed the ballot box with many slips which said "reading".

Now, because reading is what I do professionally, I have to ration out my own reading of fiction and novels. Reading fiction is reserved for holidays and summer. I get so enrossed in a novel that I can't put it down and everything else is neglected.(By the way, that is the only clue I've ever had to the "evil" of Harry Potter. If children are reading 800 pages, without stopping, in one day, it may mean there's something supernatural going on there! Or it could be it's just great writing!)

So, this summer, though it's been amazingly busy with horse shows, reunions and trips I've been able to do a little reading (not as much as I'd have liked). I started out by going to McKay's and buying two other Kingsolver novels, as I'd enjoyed The Poisonwood Bible so much. Alas, I've only been able to read one of those: Pigs in Heaven. The other (can't remember the name of it) was loaned to the daughter of Leslie's barrel racing trainer who had read The Poisonwood Bible in Honors English at her high school and I've not gotten it back. I enjoyed Pigs in Heaven but in no way does it compare to The Poisonwood Bible. Kingsolver has definitely matured as a writer. By the way, I recommended Poisonwood to my colleague Ayo Adewuya a Nigerian. He read it on his trip to the Philippines and quite enjoyed it, seeing it as a hyperbolic, but fairly accurate description of the Congo at the time of its independence from Belgium.

In honor of the NY trip, I read The Devil Wears Prada, borrowed from my mom. Fun but shallow and a little bit disturbing.

In England, while I was studying, often I was alone at night, without television or any other form of entertainment. I always bought last year's Grisham bestseller (because paperbacks pack lighter) and a few others. I used to read all of Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta novels, though they sometimes are too sordid. (When you're alone in a foreign country you don't won't to dwell on the depths of human deptrivation). After I'd read those, I'd scramble to find something to read in the weeks left! The library there was a theological one but had some fiction. I read quite a few Father Caedfel mysteries (a medieval monk who is also a sleuth) which I found at St. John's. Then I'd often buy a magazine which would be packaged with a "summer reading" novel. I also read some Dorothy Rendel novels while there and some Dorothy Sayers ones.

Anyway...fiction is escape but also like travel for me. It takes my mind to places I can't go physically.

I've learned about people and cultures through the creations of novelists and you'd be surprised at how often that has been helpful to me. For instance, England was fairly easy for me to navigate partially because I had read all the Miss Marpel novels and people still live in that fairly simple way in many parts of England. I never stumbled upon a dead body however.

As we near the beginning of the semester, I get excited and can't wait for Fall and cooler weather. But I also grieve a little because I know I can't just sit around and read about ordinary (but generally glamorous) people who find themselves in suspenseful or extraordinary situations. That will have to wait till Christmas break.

Historical Theology

2007-07-25T16:40:00.000-05:00

For the last two weeks, I've been back in the classroom and back in the office. It's definitely a comfort zone for me. I can navigate this. I know where things are (most of the time...though I could use some help with filing right now!). I know what comes next in the course I'm teaching. I know what to say.

But history, and historical theology, is not about routine and predictability. History is made by those who are adventurous and take risks and by those who are brave enough (or naive enough) to say things that need to be said.

Today, we talked a little about John Chrysostom, who was called a great preacher, but was exiled for it! Sound familiar? Nevertheless, it's Chrysostom I'm reading about today, not the Emperor and Empress who exiled him. He was "rehabilitated" and given the title "Doctor of the Church" but only after he and his accusers were dead.

I've been contemplating John 17 of late. How does the church's unity prove that Jesus is the Son of God? I think it has to do with community in God and community in the church as a witness of that.

Many of us, including my students this week, are concerned about disunity and compromise. Some seem to be able to laugh off the junk we see and the political moves we hear about or witness (or are victim to) but I've been placed in a particular setting within the Kingdom and so I believe it must all be taken seriously. So did Chrysostom.

At least the next generation apologized.

"Do you wish to honour the body of Christ? Do not ignore him when he is naked. Do not pay him homage in the temple clad in silk, only then to neglect him outside where he is cold and ill-clad. He who said: "This is my body" is the same who said: "You saw me hungry and you gave me no food", and "Whatever you did to the least of my brothers you did also to me"... What good is it if the Eucharistic table is overloaded with golden chalices when your brother is dying of hunger? Start by satisfying his hunger and then with what is left you may adorn the altar as well."

A Tennesseean in New York

2007-07-16T21:43:00.000-05:00

We're home, back in Tennessee; so "home" that I began teaching my summer class today.

What we saw and did:

1. Rode the train round-trip from Charlotte, NC to Penn Station, NYC.
2. Walked across the Brooklyn Bridge at night, ate at Grimaldi's Pizzaria and Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.
3. Shopped till we dropped: Sak's, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Ralph Lauren, Tiffany's (actually, you can't call it shopping, just browsing).
4. Saw Rachel Ray in Herald Square.
5. Drank lots of Starbuck's (iced and hot).
6. Afternoon tea at Tavern on the Green.
7. Sat in Bryant Park.
8. Saw "Mary Poppins" on Broadway and got autographs and pictures of the stars.
9. Did Grayline tours of uptown, downtown, Brooklyn and a tour of the city at night.
10. Paid homage at Strawberry Fields in Central Park.
11. Went to the top of the Empire State Building, or at least as far up as the $20 admission allows (the 86th floor).
12. Rode the ferry to Liberty Island.
13. Ate cheesecake at Junior's in Brooklyn.
14. Really shopped on Canal Street (fake purses).
15. Ate a canoli in Little Italy.
16. Ate Chinese in Chinatown.
17. Went in the Trump Tower (not that impressive).
18. Bought make-up at Sephora.
19. Took pictures in the 2-story Barbie House in Toys-r-Us.
20. Bought "Wilbur" for Lex at F. A. O. Schwartz.
21. Ate a giant red-velvet cupcake in Central Park.
22. Shopped at Century 21 and Daffy's.
23. Visited St. Paul's Chapel at Ground Zero.
24. Got caught in the rain on top of a double-decker bus.
25. Bought cheese, bread and fruit at Chelsea Market.
26. Ate unbelievable pasta at Carmine's on the upper west side.
27. Tasted a bagel from Tal.
28. Walked and walked and walked.
29. Navigated the subway system.
30. Sang "You're Just Too Good to Be True" with a singing waiter at "Ellen's Stardust Diner".
31. Watched New York movies in New York: "An Affair to Remember"; "Moonstruck"

Thanks to Leslie for the photos!

2007-07-10T13:33:00.000-05:00

Greetings from NYC. Most of you know that my sister Michele and I have brought our daughters, Hannah, Emma and Leslie, to New York for a vacation. I didn't bring a camera so I won't be able to post pictures till the girls, out of the goodness of their hearts, email some of theirs to me.

We traveled by train from Charlotte (12 hours). This was my first long distance train trip in the US. The experience was pretty good other than the fact that it was delayed by over an hour. The seats were very comfortable, fairly wide with leg rests that could be extended and plenty of leg room between seats (an improvement over an airplane!). The bathrooms were gross as the train had traveled from New Orleans before arriving in Charlotte. We ate lunch in the dining car which was fair.

We're staying at the Wingate Inn on 35th which is very nice. Sunday night we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and ate a Grimaldi's Pizzaria (possibly the best I've ever had) and Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. Delicious and guilt free considering the long, long walk. The skyline at night was out of this world.

Yesterday was a shopping day. Toys R Us with a ferris wheel and 2-story Barbie house; Sephora cosmetics; MTV store (just t-shirts); Saks; H&M; Battery Park for knock-off purses; Century 21. We ate lunch at Ellen's Stardust with singing waiters. When the waiter came to our table singing "You're Just Too Good To Be True", we dazzled him with our harmony!

Last night we watched "An Affair to Remember" (ohhh!) in anticipation of going to the top of the Empire State Building today.

Vote for Corky's Band

2007-07-03T21:02:00.000-05:00

Click on the banner above and vote for Corky's band to play with Eric Clapton!!

Listen to the 2 tracks and click on "vote" below.

We all know Corky is Eric Clapton so he should at least be able to open for him in Chicago at the Crossroads Festival.

Thanks!

July Calendar

2007-06-30T21:51:00.000-05:00

July 1-3 Alexander-Butcher family at Camp Cherokee on Lake Ocoee with Bradley Cleveland Developmental Services.

July 8-14 New York vacation with Emma and Leslie and my sister, Michele and her daughter, Hannah,

July 16-27 Historical Theology 1 July Intensive at the Seminary.

July 18-21 Becoming Champions Rodeo Camp, Rarity Bay, Loudon County, Tennessee

July 30 Leslie has oral surgery (4 12-year molars extracted)

At least my life is not dull!

30 Years!

2007-06-28T23:15:00.000-05:00

Last week-end Corky and I attended my high school reunion in Rock Hill, SC. I graduated from Northwestern High School in 1977. Many of the people in my graduating class actually were in Kindergarten with me, so for some of us it was a Kindergarten reunion! These friends and acquaintances were in and out of my life for 13 years, and then suddenly, for the most part, they were gone! Or I was. Because I went to college in my home town, a few of these same folk were there (some of those pictured) but we rarely saw each other. It's sobering to think about how quickly what seems very stable can change.

In SC it is the law that you dance the Shag to beach music! Literally! The Shag is the "state dance". I had no idea that my friends were learning this dance at some point in their childhood but by the time we got to high school many of them were experts at it! And they haven't forgotten how! Corky was amazed at how well they could dance and how many of them could! Even though we graduated during the disco and stadium rock era, and that is what everyone listened to, the moment beach music is played, they all hit the dance floor! Being raised in the Holiness church, of course, I didn't learn the dance, by the way. Still don't know it.

Anyway, it was great seeing everyone again. I have a kind of incomplete feeling, however. I had very few full conversations and I'm left with lots of unanswered questions. Maybe I'll find out in five or ten years!

Is This My Inner Child?

2007-06-25T21:37:00.000-05:00

Your Inner Child Is Sad

You're a very sensitive soul.
You haven't grown that thick skin that most adults have.
Easily hurt, you tend to retreat to your comfort zone.
You don't let many people in - unless you've trusted them for a long time.

How Is Your Inner Child?

Grace

2007-06-18T22:50:00.000-05:00

Don Henley asked, "How can love survive in such a graceless age?" Billy and Ruth must have found that answer.

The truth is, this age, though it is passing away, is not graceless. God extends grace, but we must respond. Apparently these two responded to God's grace, over and over again.

If we look, we can see signs of that grace everywhere. The Grahams are that kind of sign.

"Pardon me while I have a strange interlude..."

2007-06-17T17:28:00.000-05:00

That's how I sometimes feel about the direction my life is taking: it's a strange interlude! I never dreamed that I would be shopping for horse tack (right now I'm looking for a breast-collar and tie-down as well as barrel-racing bumper spurs); riding in trucks with other barrel-racing mother-daughter duos; stepping in so much horse poop; and sitting in the sun for hours waiting for my youngest daughter to race around poles and barrels on a large sorrel mare. It's not anything I prepared for in any way. But, like most things I encounter, I approach it academically, researching, reading, studying and trying my hand at it! I did this earlier in my life with less dangerous crafts/arts such as cooking and gardening. Oh well! Here I am, a rodeo-mom (sort of like a stage-mom...which I was for Hope and Emma). Mothers do what they have to do.

By the way, the photo and quote in the title are from one of my favorite Groucho scenes in "Animal Crackers".

The Banana Split Gang

2007-06-15T18:25:00.000-05:00

This is for those nostalgiac for old kids' tv shows. I was a member of the Banana Split Gang fan club! Don't remember much more about it, just getting the kit in the mail!

27th Wedding Anniversary

2007-06-14T09:38:00.000-05:00

Things We Said Today

You say you will love me
If I have to go.
You'll be thinking of me,
Somehow I will know.
Someday when I'm lonely,
Wishing you weren't so far away,
Then I will remember
Things we said today.
You say you'll be mine, girl,[boy]
'Til the end of time.
These days such a kind girl[boy]
Seems so hard to find.
Someday when we're dreaming,
Deep in love, not a lot to say.
Then we will remember
Things we said today.
Me, I'm just the lucky kind.
Love to hear you say that love is luck.
And, though we may be blind,
Love is here to stay. And that's enough
To make you mine, girl,[boy]
Be the only one.
Love me all the time, girl.[boy]
We'll go on and on.
Someday when we're dreaming,
Deep in love, not a lot to say.
Then we will remember
Things we said today.
Me, I'm just the lucky kind.
Love to hear you say that love is luck.
And, though we may be blind,
Love is here to stay. And that's enough
To make you mine, girl,[boy]
Be the only one
Love me all the time, girl.[boy]
We'll go on and on.
Someday when we're dreaming,
Deep in love, not a lot to say.
Then we will remember
Things we said today.

Happy Anniversary, Corky!

Family, Again

2007-06-09T22:32:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Leslie competed in the East Tennessee Regional 4-H show at Roane State in Harriman. She competed in senior barrels and senior poles. Just before her barrel run, one of the competitors' horses went crazy (that's the language the horse people used!) and ran wildly around the arena, very fast, scraping himself and the rider against the concrete wall, finally knocking the rider's father down, running over him and running out of the arena. Leslie witnessed all but the man being knocked down, as well as the rider beating the horse in the head. The tension and fear in the arena were deafening. Leslie rode, knocking over 2 barrels, a 10 point penalty. She was shaken up, lost her concentration and then beat herself up for it. It was really difficult. After a break, and some coaching from Carol and Bria, her trainers, she got it together and made a good, steady pole bending run, placing fourth. She's normally placed higher but it was important for her to do a flawless run, even if she wasn't pushing Sweetie to run as fast as she can.

I've never been much of a competitor and certainly not an athlete. But this whole enterprise has taught Leslie a lot about working hard, trying your best, focusing and being a champion. I'm extremely proud of her. We go to State competition in 1 1/2 weeks.

On a lighter note, today Corky, Emma, Hope, Josh, LEX and I went on a picnic at a park in Farragut (or Concord?) by the lake. It was great fun and Lex was in a great and playful mood. We had fun watching ducks, observed (at a safe distance) a moccasin in the lake and many other picnic-ers who should NOT have been dressed so scantily (too much winter food storage still in view).

We are a truly blessed family!

How Many of These Quirky Landmarks Have You Seen?

2007-06-05T20:29:00.000-05:00

Who knew that every state had a landmark as interesting as the Big Chicken in Marietta? Take the tour! How many have you seen? I've seen SC, RI, MS, GA, ME, OH, NC, LA and maybe PA. Can't believe I haven't seen TN! And by the way...which came first the AL landmark or the one just like it in SC??

Now Reading: The Poisonwood Bible

2007-06-01T00:03:00.001-05:00

I'm about halfway through this very disturbing book. I'll write my reflections on it when I'm through. In the meantime, see Dr. Howard Snyder's review.

Too Much of the Good Stuff?

2007-05-31T23:40:00.001-05:00

This has been an incredibly busy week: there was an attempted family picnic on Memorial Day, the Seminary board is meeting so there was a dinner on Wednesday night; I sang for the dedication celebration of the T. L. Lowery Global Foundation; Corky has had multiple out-of-town trips to make for the Agency; Emma is in Florida; Leslie has been shuttled back and forth between home, church, Hope's and the farm to ride Sweetie. Tomorrow night is Honors Night at the Seminary; Saturday morning is graduation. And in the midst of all this busy-ness...I've been grading final (and late, I might add) papers, trying to find reasonable airfares for Corky's trip to Pasadena, figuring out how to pay tuition for Emma and what to do about our car which needs an engine (to fix or not to fix?)

Maybe it's mid-life, maybe it's the end of the school term but I find myself longing for a simpler, quieter life. I LOVE and believe in all that I do, feel I'm called to most of it, but sometimes we keep such an exhausting pace....so, I become weary in well doing.

As Corky says, "No wonder old people get up early. They need the peace and quiet it offers and it's the only time they can get it!"

"Is this heaven?" "No. It's Iowa"

2007-05-19T17:52:00.000-05:00

After many mix-ups and long layovers yesterday, Corky and I arrived in Des Moines, Iowa last night. This morning we did a seminar for pastoral couples. Interestingly enough, it was mostly about education!

This afternoon we ate at a wonderful place called "The Machine Shed"...a kind of "country cooking extrordinaire" place with, what else, a farm theme.

We are staying in Pella, a Dutch settled community where Pella windows are manufactured. It is really beautiful. The farmlands all around are beautiful and green right now and very well-kept. They've just been through flooding, so there are some places which still have floodwaters around but they looks like lakes to me!

Tomorrow we minister in two churches.

Oddly, enough, the church where the seminar was held, a new church plant in a mall (Three Lakes Church) is pastored by a guy whose mother and sister's family now attend Woodward!

Mother's Day and Girls' Night at the Movies: A Review

2007-05-14T19:39:00.000-05:00

I celebrated Mother's Day with my family...all but Corky, who was shoutin' at Al Green's church in Memphis. I'm not bitter. We went to church where my pastor, Travis Ballinger, preached a great message, "10 Things My Mother Taught Me". I don't like Mother's Day sermons, as a rule. I don't like any church service which focuses on civic or Hallmark holidays. But Travis managed to preach a real Pentecostal sermon, with stories about his mother's prayers, faith and giving.

After church, Hope, Josh and Lex came home with Emma and Leslie and I. I cooked. I hate holiday crowds at restaurants. I also baked a cherry pound cake (the part not eaten yesterday was promptly frozen this morning!). I took a nap with Lex which was the best gift of all.

The girls and I watched "Dream Girls" and "The Queen". Two very different movies, I know. But both focus on the stories of two very strong women. My thoughts on each:

"Dream Girls" is most noteworthy for its music and kickin' singing, of course. That Jennifer Hudson can flat-out sing. And Beyonce nailed it as well. The film does a good job of showing the rise of the Motown sound, even if it is a loose interpretation. What is said in a subtle way is that the music had to be "whitewashed" in order to market it. And it had to have visual sex appeal. The character that the story turns on, Effie, is a strong, proud African-American woman, with real talent. So, its a story of Black Power (gaining position and status so as to effectuate change, which Deana does) and Black Pride (Effie). And did I mention the great music??

"The Queen" is a remarkable telling of a true story of not so long ago. Like "Dream Girls" it is the story of a societal paradigm shift. How does an institution of a bygone era (the Monarchy), with its protocol and image-bearing, survive and become relevant in an age of "reality TV" and "casual Fridays"? She's an amazing woman, doing what she knows to do, but for whom I have little sympathy. She's held her finger in the dike for so long, surrounded by playboys and elitist socialite women, that she cannot imagine removing it, even though its arthritic.

Thanks, Hope, Emma and Leslie for a wonderful day!

All Things Familiar: Andy Griffith

2007-05-12T16:57:00.000-05:00

I heard an interview with Andy Griffith this morning. He has a supporting role in the new movie "Waitress" (which sounds interesting). Griffith, being a NC native, feels like family to me, though, of course, I've never met him. I've had several near misses however. My aunt and uncle, Don and Margaret Whichard, pastored in Mt. Airy, NC (his hometown; the town on which Mayberry is based). My cousin, Johnathan, married a Mt. Airy native, Kristi, whose uncle owns the barber shop on which Floyd's shop was based. Then, a couple of years ago, when Hope and Josh lived in OBX, we ate in Manteo, AG's present home town. Of course we rode around, trying to find his house. Andy is a UNC alum who played in "The Lost Colony" while in college.

He seems to be a fine person. He provided laptops for all the school children in Manteo recently.

Most are familiar with "The AG Show" but a lot of people haven't heard his stand-up routines from his earliest career. We used to have an audio tape which, though priceless, somehow got lost. Here's an audio clip of one of his most famous routines: "What It Was Was Football". Here's a link to a site where you can purchase this CD with this, "Romeo and Juliet", "Swan Lake", et al. I intend to purchase it right away!!

My Visual DNA

2007-05-10T07:42:00.001-05:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

2 Degrees of Separation

2007-05-07T13:09:00.000-05:00

Kim to Gary Stacey (his father, my student) to Phil

Not an AI fan but given this performance, seems he should've stayed!

Past, Present and Future

2007-05-06T22:27:00.000-05:00

I've just returned from a whirlwind week-end in which I participated in a so-called retreat (which was as much a high-octane energetic Pentecostal tear-down as I've ever been involved in!), a family reunion and a worship service at the church I attended as a little girl. As it turned out, I saw nearly every cousin, aunt and uncle I have on both sides of my family. In addition, I got to see and spend time with Doug and Anna Phillips, two of my dearest friends in ministry.

Within a matter of a few days I have reflected on my heritage, enjoyed my present and rejoiced over the future and especially over that of my children (both Emma and Leslie received amazing prophecies about their future ministries). I looked at a lot of old photographs of my grandparents lives and ministry (I'll post some of those later) and talked with cousins about where they are ministering now.

It was, in many ways, an encapsulated picture of my life. I'll be sorting out the insights for weeks to come!

And, as is always true of reunion times....I ate some great food!!

I Am Outraged

2007-04-25T08:51:00.000-05:00

Yesterday as I was about to meet Corky for dinner I heard the horrible statistic: 1 out of 3 Native American or Alaskan Native women will be raped in her lifetime. Thse rapes are most often committed by outsiders, not Native men living on the reservations. And they are unbelievably brutal. The report from Amnesty International includes the following:

"Over the past decade, federal government studies have consistently shown that American Indian and Alaska Native women experience much higher levels of sexual violence than other women in the USA. Data gathered by the US Department of Justice indicates that Native American and Alaska Native women are more than 2.5 times more likely to be raped or sexually assaulted than women in the USA in general. A US Department of Justice study on violence against women concluded that 34.1 per cent of American Indian and Alaska Native women – or more than one in three – will be raped during their lifetime; the comparable figure for the USA as a whole is less than one in five. Shocking though these statistics are, it is widely believed that they do not accurately portray the extent of sexual violence against Native American and Alaska Native women."

The NPR story interviewed women from three regions: Oklahoma, Alaska, South Dakota. The problems are multiplied by the lack of police and FBI attention given to the rapes.

The awful truth is that these women are "dehumanized" by both the rapists and by the system. And the end result is, as one social worker reported, rape has become a part of the despair for these women; it is almost expected.

This radio story followed a day in which I heard story after story about church squabbles over building programs, music, bulletin board placement.

Native women are being raped and brutalized at an astonishing rate and the church is fighting over bulletin boards.

God have mercy upon us.

Light For The Nations

2007-04-22T21:25:00.000-05:00

We were privileged today to attend the inaugural service of a new church plant in Chattanooga, TN. "Light For the Nations" is pastored by Ana and Andres Miranda. The services are bilingual and non-traditional. The church meets on Sunday afternoons at 4:30 at the Friendship Community Church at 7 Tuxedo Ave., just off Brainerd.

Ana and Andres have four beautiful daughters, who are all involved in the church's ministry. Ana, as a marriage and family therapist, has special insight into the issues facing families who are trying to merge two cultures. Andres, editor of Spanish-language publications for the COG, comes with a rich heritage in Pentecostal ministry. His father was a pastor in Uraguay. Ironically, Andres' father passed away eleven years ago today.

Poet Nikki Giovanni's Speech at Virginia Tech

2007-04-19T21:31:00.000-05:00

“We are Virginia Tech. We are sad today and we will be sad for quite awhile. WE are not moving on, we are embracing our mourning. We are Virginia Tech. We are strong enough to know when to cry and sad enough to know we must laugh again. We are Virginia Tech. We do not understand this tragedy. We know we did not deserve it but neither does a child in Africa dying of AIDS, but neither do the invisible children walking the night to avoid being captured by a rogue army. Neither does the baby elephant watching his community be devastated for ivory; neither does the Appalachian infant in the killed in the middle of the night in his crib in the home his father built with his own hands being run over by a boulder because the land was destabilized. No one deserves a tragedy. We are Virginia Tech. The Hokier Nation embraces our own with open heart and hands to those who offer their hearts and minds. We are strong and brave and innocent and unafraid. We are better than we think, not quite what we want to be. We are alive to the imagination and the possibility we will continue to invent the future through our blood and tears, through all this sadness. We are the Hokies. We will prevail, we will prevail. We are Virginia Tech. "

I studied Giovanni in high school. I had one of those radical English teachers, Ms. Gulledge, who taught us about the Harlem Renaissance and later African-American poets, including Giovanni. The teachers who made the most impact on me, when I was "growing up" were those, like Giovanni, who were tough, inspiring and creative. So, in light of this week, this tragedy, and this senseless loss of so many human lives...I pay tribute to my teachers. To Ms. Gulledge, Ms. Wilson, Ms. Jennings, Ms. Wheeles, Mr. Souther: thank you for being tough enough to keep the classroom a creative environment, but one where we were safe and free to learn.

It Was 25 Years Ago Today

2007-04-15T21:16:00.000-05:00

The day began as I thought it would...contractions; there followed what I thought was a normal Lamaze delivery; it ended with what felt like a nightmare. Hope was born and whisked out of the delivery room, with her heartrate dropping; a doctor whom Corky went to high school with managed to get the three-branched ventilator tubes through her little mouth, down her throat. The nurse came to the recovery room to tell me and Corky: she may not live.

These unexpected and terrifying words began what was an intense twenty-eight day journey of faith. And it was not just our faith, but we were sustained, and Hope was healed through the power of the prayers of our community of faith: family, friends in ministry and newly converted Romnichel (Gypsies) who were attending our church
On the eighth day, Jesus walked into the Neonatal Care Unity and removed the ventilator tubes, and Hope breathed on her own. Twenty days later, she left Moses Cone Hospital, completely healed.

And those who heard her sing today with the church choir ("The Comforter Has Come"!!) would never suspect there had been anything wrong with her lungs. She can sing just about anything but I love to hear her sing (especially with her sister Emma): "This is the air I breathe...Your Very Presence Living in me!" It is the breath of God, the Holy Spirit, who gave resurrection life to her nearly a quarter of a century ago.

Happy Birthday Hope!

Easter Blessings!

2007-04-08T20:41:00.000-05:00

In spite of a week of high pollen and the resulting allergies and a plunge in temperature of about forty degrees, we were able to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and newness of life! Josh and Hope worked hard to make the church events and celebrations come off in great fashion. The choir sang great under the direction of our awesome director, Sharon Ballenger (I did my best in spite of a profusion of mucous!); Travis preached a great sermon on resurrection life illustrated (thanks to Josh, with video testimonies of those in the congregation who've been brought out of darkness into His marvelous light!

I tried a new Paula Deen lemon cake recipe, which tasted great but did NOT look like the picture. Even my mom the food stylist couldn't make it look like it! The recipe probably won't make it in the permanent file. We had honey glazed ham, mom's potato salad, pistachio/Watergate salad, seven-layer salad (peas, other veg, cheese, bacon, ranch dressing), various breads.

New dresses for all the girls. A tradition I hope I can always keep.

And speaking of newness of life: there's Lex! Proof of the Resurrection of Jesus. Hope was healed through Resurrection Life; Josh was resurrected out of a life of darkness, death and despair. And now Lex lives!

He is risen indeed!

The Fun Part of Being in My Late Forties

2007-04-02T21:45:00.000-05:00

Though there are aches and pains (of both the physical and mental variety) associated with being my age....most of it is very, very good. I have one daughter "raised" and doing well in her new role as minister, wife, mother; one is completing her first year of college and making us proud; one is in high school, becoming a champion in the world of western barrel racing. Corky is loving his new field of ministry ("pure religion"). I'm extremely busy, but fulfilled in my role at the Seminary. And then there's LEX! What a sweetie! He sings with me in church, he waves bye-bye, he babbles out loud...and he cries sometimes but that's okay! I LOVE being a grandmother and look forward to seeing what this little boy is going to be like. I predict: strong opinions, creativity, talent and stubbornness! He'll fit right in!

Don't Forget!

2007-03-30T10:14:00.000-05:00

Readers and bloggers: Don't forget about my Historical Theology blog! I invite your comments!

Giving Honor

2007-03-30T09:48:00.000-05:00

This week I've been involved in honoring someone who has been a major influence in my life, Dr. Hollis Gause. Many of you who read my blog (and there aren't that many!) have also been a student in Dr. Gause's classes. How blessed we've all been to have 'sat at his feet'! The faculty at the seminary have been presenting papers in his honor this week. These papers will be collected and published in a fetschrift
in his honor, titled 'Passover, Pentecost and Parousia'. I presented a paper which re-evaluated spirit baptism in light of the early testimonies of the experience. I was asked to write a bibliographic essay on his writings, which I presented last night. It was an overwhelming experience for me. Dr. Gause seemed gratified by what I'd written and by entire week. Of course, he also blessed us with Gausian humor. He told us if he were to write an autobiography he would title it A Funny Thing Happened On The Way From Genesis to Revelation. This was followed by humorous interpretations of several biblical narratives. Great stuff.

Honoring Dr. Gause was, in Wesleyan fashion, a means of grace (albeit prudential) for me and for all of the faculty. The assignment "forced us" to do what we are gifted to do! So many times we are distracted, doing good things, needful things, but not necessarily the best thing, which is where we find the grace of God. I think grace is in the other events as well, but it's not necessarily an impartation of grace...just grace to go through.

For those of you who are interested in the scholarship of it all, here are the hi-lites: JCT on the mark of the beast, RDM on Ezekiel, LRM on Judges (of course), SJL on 'Holiness or Hell', AA on 'Cruicifixion in Galatians', KA on Gause's hermeneutic, CJ on women in ministry ('Spirited Vestments'), Bowers on Pentecostal practices, Han on atonement, JJ on polity, DR on centralized govt in COG, TJohns on Pent. Ethics, OMc on suffering in the Spirit, RW on Trinitarian Mission, DS on marriage etc., etc.

Newsweek Religion Quiz

2007-03-22T09:03:00.000-05:00

Take this quiz! (this is the link) I made a B+ (missed two questions: one on Buddhism, one on the Sunni/Shiite distinction). The link is

Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson (1939-2007)

2007-03-21T22:29:00.000-05:00

Scariest Thing I've Seen in a Long Time

2007-03-21T09:45:00.000-05:00

Follow this link if you dare!

ORU-Jetson's Campus

2007-03-18T15:52:00.000-05:00

Corky's picture of the spaceship house on Signal Mtn. reminded me of the ORU campus. Thought I'd share a few pictures so those of you who've never been there can see what I mean by the Jetson's reference on the 'Pop Pop Culture' blog.

Writing For the Academy

2007-03-15T05:54:00.001-05:00

Society for Pentecostal Studies Meeting

2007-03-11T17:11:00.000-05:00

It's Sunday following the annual meeting of the
Society for Pentecostal Studies. This meeting is always exhausting but this year, because we met at Lee University in Cleveland, I commuted back and forth, and back and forth, and back and forth! Breakfast at 7 am with the Wesleyan-Pentecostal Consultation group, sessions beginning at 8:30 and ending at 9 pm, "breaks" which are really mini-meetings with scholars from around the world!! All wonderful and enriching but tiring. And it was a time-change week-end! This is appropriate, however, because it meant Corky and I were spending the Saturday night of a Spring "losing one hour" time-change with Chris Thomas, something that has happened numerous times in the past! This year, I began my term as History Interest Group Chair, which increased the workload for me but also widened my circle of acquaintances. Professor Allan Anderson, my external examiner for my PhD attended the meeting (he usually does) and presented a plenary on early Pentecostal missions. It was great to see and hear from him again. I also enjoy visiting with the veterans who've done so much to pave the way for my work: Cecil "Mel" Robeck, Frank Macchia, Bill Faupel, to name a few. So...lots of input, lots of people, lots of new insights. But very tired feet!

I'm an excellent cook!

2007-03-05T20:44:00.000-05:00

You Are an Excellent Cook

You're a top cook, but you weren't born that way. It's taken a lot of practice, a lot of experimenting, and a lot of learning.
It's likely that you have what it takes to be a top chef, should you have the desire...

Are You A Good Cook?

A Consuming Passion

2007-03-04T08:45:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we went to see the movie "Amazing Grace". It was Corky's birthday and my parents were in for the week-end. Hope, Josh, and Lex came as well. And Leslie, of course. Emma was working. I had been eagerly anticipating seeing the movie, having read a lot about it and Wilberforce of late. It did not disappoint. Wilberforce struggles between activism and working for the Lord and is advised that he can do both. As Steve Land would say, "It's a false choice."

What most impressed me, or provoked me, was how all-consuming his long fight became, eventually making him ill. To be consumed with a cause of justice, haunted by it is a "gift" which is not to be envied. But it is these people who change the world. And Wilberforce did. I was also stirred by the parallels between the politicizing of issues then and recent events, the challenges that those who engaged in the fight for abolition faced with regard to their loyalty to their country.

I won't spoil it one but the most moving portions involve John Newton (possibly my uncle...my Mom was a Newton!) and his recollection of being a slave-trader.

It is rare that a movie which has historical value, a wonderful story, and important values but is also so timely makes it to the bigscreen.

And Bless Us All With Peace

2007-02-25T20:01:00.000-05:00

We now of fleets and armies vaunt,
And ships and men prepare;
But men like Moses most we want,
To save the state by prayer.

Yet, Lord, we hope thou hast prepared
A hidden few today;
(The nation’s secret strength and guard)
To weep, and mourn, and pray.

O hear their prayers and grant us aid,
Bid war and discord cease;
Heal the sad breach which sin has made,
And bless us all with peace.

John Newton
Feb. 12, 1778

Week-end

2007-02-18T23:20:00.000-05:00

I love week-ends. Always have. Basically, my body clock operates on an academic schedule; I mean, an elementary school schedule. I'm ready for week-ends at about 3 on Fridays; I'm ready for a break in mid-Fall and mid-Spring; I think everyone has a 2 week break at Christmas and everyone should have the summer off! That's just how I think and order my life.

So, week-ends rarely disappoint. This one was no exception. Nice Friday night at home; great day out on Saturday with Corky (dinner, movie, bookstores!); and Sunday was great: good service at church with an added surprise of getting to spend the afternoon with Hope, Josh, LEX and my "theology son", Nic. Lex feels bad with his little stuffy nose so I got to hold him and comfort him a lot. A perfect day for a grandmother!

By the way...I've been having lots of thought lately about getting to make cupcakes for Lex! (So, I gave him a little bite of cake icing today....grandmothers can do that!)