The Home of Aimless Muser

Prepared to Receive

2012-01-24T07:39:00.003-06:00

When life comes down to the nuts and bolts (and a few loose screws) of being a Christian, it seems that I often lean into a dangerous default of unpreparedness. I watch a lot of people. Not creepy watching! Just watching as in observing behaviors and tendencies. I watch myself too, so I can compare my behaviors and tendencies against others. There is an interesting psychology, I expect, behind our abilities to prepare to respond.

Commonly, we are better prepared to receive welcome news from God. We are inclined to want to receive good news and so it makes sense that we would be better at receiving it. News of a new job, a new birth, cancer-free diagnosis, someone's decision to follow Christ, a reconciled marriage, or just groceries in the refrigerator during lean times all come with pretty normal, excited responses of gratitude, joy, and praise because in the back of our mind, that is the outcome we wanted anyway. We had time to consider the outcome and the response was a natural outcome, but not always. I chuckle at people who are overly (awkwardly) humble when they receive a gift. Like they just can't bring themselves to accept such a gift without a lot of deflecting words. I imagine those people will be received into Heaven, but will stop Peter and say, "No, you shouldn't have, not me, no way! You shouldn't go out of your way for me." If you are reading this and have that personality, just know, I chuckle. How do you respond to welcome news from God?

Commonly still, we are not prepared to receive unwelcome news from God. Perhaps it catches us off guard, or we chose to ignore the reality of what was building around us, or worse yet, we believed the lie that God could not allow such a bad thing as this to happen to me. Where does that come from? Francis Chan, in Crazy Love, throws a high heater at us to consider - when we forget that we were made for God's purpose, not the other way around, we are destined to be frustrated. What do you do with that reality? Reject Him? Tolerate Him? Wallow in the fact that you are not the author of your life? Or, do you embrace the promise that your eternal destination is sealed and get on with it?

In both instances, good news or bad, we would do well to decide now (right now) how we will respond to God. Some might call this intentional living. I call it setting yourself up to succeed. In my career, I am constantly setting the table. This is no ordinary table. It is a wicked, conveyor belt table that is always on the move at variable speeds. Some place settings are put down right in front of me for a quick task, but that is rare. Most of my effort is setting the table down the line so that when I need it for a conversation, new employee, project, or client, the table is prepared. This skill is sometimes called "vision" and it is undervalued. This is vision is common in my marriage as well. I have to work hard to set us up to succeed in a conversation, a big decision, or a sacrificial choice by doing the legwork days, weeks, and sometimes years in advance. We both do. This is why integrity is so important. Expecting someone to "go with the flow" is a recipe for discouragement, inefficiency, and unforeseen consequences. I know. I've been the cause far too many times.

Joshua 24:14 gives us an epic personal and communal challenge - "Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness." Choosing to serve "with all faithfulness" requires a bit of decision making right now. It requires us to decide right now how we will respond when God gives us welcome news. We must immediately follow that with how we will respond to unwelcome news. Do not expect yourself to hit it out of the park, if you haven't stepped foot in the batting cage. Set yourself up to success. Remember that we are made for God's purpose. Though our eternity is sealed when we accept Christ as our Savior, our daily living will look more like Six Flags over Crazy Town. And that is okay. Just be prepared to receive welcome and unwelcome news as an equal gift from God.

How have you responded poorly to unwelcome news? Do you wish you had been better prepared to receive it? Would that have changed your reaction?

Momentum - 12/2/2011 Summary

2012-01-10T21:15:00.002-06:00

I've been blessed countless times since joining ECrew in 2011 and am excited about what is yet to come. Here is the summary I provided about our last Momentum gathering of 2011.

On December 2, 2011 we squeezed in the last Momentum of the year. The topic - BIG PLANS...as in God’s Plans...as in Unbelievable Plans...as in Visionary Plans for our Ministries and the next steps for Heartlands Church. Want to know where we are headed?!?

Take home messages -
-Heartlands is a launching pad for ministries AND churches!!
-We are not about cultivating and maintaining the status quo. It will prematurely kill us.
-Bold Ministry Plans are required. Don’t be afraid to extend yourself!!
-Be intentional about how you will develop more ministry leaders.
-Your Plan is the vehicle to get people plugged into ministry.

It was a great night of sharing some BIG things God could do through our ministries, but we all had a sense that we had no idea how BIG. All we know is that we want to be a part of it and to do so requires our ACTION!

Watch and take advantage of more great opportunities to build MOMENTUM in 2012! If you did not complete your ministry plan, it is not too late. Please prayerful complete it as soon as possible.

Additional detail about the 12/2 meeting is below, including some amazing video of what God recently did as a result of a Bold Ministry Plan.

________________________________________

How crazy BIG are you willing to let God be? Do you see your ministry as “as good as it is going to get”...the status quo? Maybe you don’t see it that way, but are you acting that way? Are others inspired by what God has challenged your ministry to achieve? Do they even know what God has challenged your ministry to achieve? Would you know how to engage the next leaders if they were to show up on Sunday and ask you? Kick status quo to the curb!!!!!

At Momentum, we watched the Associated Press video of the prime time, center field, pre-game prayer at the Nebraska - Penn State football game. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can here http://vimeo.com/32160882. It is impossible to capture the essence of how amazing that MOMENT was to shine the light of Christ on a horrible time in our culture. We talked about our response to that short clip and were inspired by what God did through Ron Brown...but that was not all...

MOMENTS like that do not simply happen. How would you even begin to orchestrate such a moment? Only God could! But, we can prevent an opportunity like that from happening, by not being prepared to capture it when it does come along. Ron Brown has built a long track record of intentional, spiritual development of men to become the leaders God designed them to be. Through Freedmen Nebraska, their MINISTRY PLAN has set the course to capitalize on individual ministry opportunities....opportunities like that game.

Watch the post-game interview where Ron describes the days leading up to the game and how a BOLD MINISTRY PLAN gave rise to one of the single most Christ-centered collegiate athletics moments shared on national television. The video is about 8 minutes and can be viewed here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuIOReiCmEo&feature=youtu.be

Take a moment and imagine the unimaginable. What is the most unbelievable thing God could accomplish through your Ministry? Now think even bigger. THINK - quieting 110,000 people at a sporting event with national television audience watching through prayer beseeching God’s grace in Jesus’ name - BIG. If you don’t think something HUGE can happen through your ministry, how will anyone else? Don’t expect a certain outcome, but create a BOLD Ministry plan in order to capture opportunities when they do arise.

Here’s to an AMAZING 2012 with all the wonderful Ministry Leaders and Connectors at Heartlands! We are looking forward to all the unbelievable things God will be doing through you this year!!

U.S. Earnings Gap - Searching for Meaning

2011-02-21T12:54:00.004-06:00

Depending on your sources, you'll read that today's CEOs make around 250 times the average salary of the average American. I listen to the forked tonged saber rattling that pipes over the airwaves in utter disgust. I'm not disgusted about the amount of money these people make. I find it to be the most ridiculous convention concocted by the contentious political machine that any one's earnings and with holdings should be anything resembling a political talking point. On one side, you'll hear that this disparity of earnings have gotten completely out of hand and that we need to take more from the rich and remove this disparity. Further, it makes us look bad to the rest of the world. On the other side, you'll be persuaded with words like "American Dream" and "Free Market Society" or "Capitalism is what keeps these fine folks employed with a job in the first place, now they want to bite the hand that feeds them...ungrateful swine!" I don't know what side of the fence you stand on. Maybe you ride it (doubtful). I'm an average American so put me somewhere between "pragmatism" and "grubby materialism" to reference David Brooks and I'm okay with you being wherever you are. (See me being all passive on you...even though you will try to tell me I'm trying to be all persuasive...)

So, the thought I recently had as tax time approaches (I itemize), is that surely in America, when one's salary goes up, so does - the sexy and most velvety of terms - "philanthropic giving." Side thought, I wonder if the salary of someone responsible for landing large philanthropic gifts to major institutions and "causes" would be considered average. What kind of degree does one get to master that craft? I imagine it's a cut throat industry...like Valentino's and Runza box boys at Husker home football games...sure those chaps (and sometimes gals) show civility to each other while running the stairs, but I imagine some type of Westside story confrontation under the stadium after the game that starts innocently enough with - "you stole my customer in Section 212 "Box Boy"" to which the response might be"what's it to you "Pizza Face" my skills are off the hizzy so you best be gettin bizzy!" Slapping and box smashing ensues until the volunteer boyscout section ambassadors come to break up the scene. Yeah, I bet philanthropic giving is a lot like that...wait..where was I?

Oh, so I had hoped that by doing some independent research (i.e. not Fox, MSNBC, CNN or Nick at Night) I would turn up the answer to my thought. It turns out the jury is still out, but the initial answer isn't good. At least according to the foremost website dedicated to tracking annual philanthropic giving The Chronicle of Philanthropy. It would appear that 2010 was the lowest year on record since 2000 for the top donors although the promises overflow that with a stemmed economy more and bigger is the future trend. The last four years have seen a noticeable downward trend. This shoots a hole in my wishful theory. Even so, my theory is on hold as I see the best in any situation.

I'm not likely to start up a political blog. This is just another aimless thought I had to write down. Prediction: The social unrest and government takeovers by the people in the Middle (Oil Rich) East will cause a dramatic uptick in oil prices which is the large ts component of the cost of food. Ergo the food prices worldwide (including the U.S) will bound to unprecedented levels completely derailing the current progress being seen in the U.S. economy. In other words, Democrats better find some cheap oil, a good foreign relations facilitator, and answer to labor unrest or your stadium pizza is going to be served by unemployed 42 year old government employees down on their luck.

Happy President's Day

Garage Door

2010-11-11T22:40:00.003-06:00

Last weekend was another home improvement weekend. A lot of my projects tend to linger for days (dishwasher), weeks (fence), months (upstairs bathroom), and sometimes years (basement). The project du jour was to replace the old wood garage door. With winter just around the corner, I knew this was a project that could not simmer to perfection. It had to be "rapid boiled."

I love home improvement projects, but I don't love being rushed. I like to watch it unfold and enjoy each savory morsel of learning experience. It may though be painful to others in the house, those who might find themselves parking outside a perfectly good two car garage during the first frosts of a late, late fall. I guess roughing it is under appreciated for the domesticated.
With my trusty friends four by my side, we knocked it out in an afternoon. With a hitch in the bottom panel, it was Heather who found my bottom brackets to be flip-switched. Way to go Heather. Enjoy your new door!

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Epic October Day

2010-11-03T22:30:00.001-05:00

It feels like stealing when you get to enjoy an extra late Fall day without bundling up or at least taking along a jacket just in case. Here it is November and we walkes to the park tonight. Jos seems to understand there is a different pace in nature. Two weekends ago, I stole her away to Pioneer Park for an "Adventure." We explored lots of neat bridges and trails, saw huge barn owls (which she identified on her own), and talked about the grasses. There was no urgency to move on to the next thing. I loved that. I long for the next great Adventure and I hope it involves all if us.

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First Mobile Post

2010-08-13T07:10:00.001-05:00

This is a test of the mobile broadcast system. This is only a test. If this were an actual blog post, whit and whimsy would follow. Thank you and have a great day!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.1

Sunecho - More Observations About the Sun

2010-06-18T20:55:00.004-05:00

Recently I dug into a passage of scripture that should be the touchstone of anyone wondering what it should look like to be a Christian. There are a lot of folks out there claiming to be one, some louder than others. If you want the litmus test to determine if the form fits the function, you might start with an honest read of II Corinthians 5:14-21. In 14 there is amazing imagery about how the love of Christ controls us. Stop and think about that for a while. Don't read on until you have thought about that for a while. I'm not kidding. Stop and think about that verse. Okay, now ask yourself if you think there is any room for living for self in that equation? I'm not going to answer that for you, but I suggest you decide now what your answer is as it will impact the next steps you take.

I said I wasn't going to answer that for you (and I won't), but if you read 15, you would have to work hard to interpret it differently than me. "and He died for all (love that word), that they who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf." You simply can't grasp the rest of this passage until you come to peace with this aspect of a new life in Christ. It just isn't the same. In fact it is a 180 degree change. If you aren't comfortable with this, I'd suggest stopping here because it doesn't get any easier.

Well, the passage continues on from describing Control Issues and laying out our lifestyle choices in regard to that relationship with Christ to confronting our ongoing struggle as humans to be accountable to a moral authority. I find it to be one of the most persuasive charges against the condition of the human experience found in the New Testament of the Bible. In 16 we read just how to recognize man, "...recognize no man according to the flesh...". We love to judge others. The only way we find it possible to act as judge is by recognizing man according to the flesh. That leaves us with judging by our own standard though. If we were righteous enough to live a perfect life, we would be righteous enough to judge according to the perfect standard, but there was only one perfect individual who gained that authority and even Christ did not come to judge (don't believe me? i didn't either at first. check out John 3:16&17).

For additional clarification, perhaps it would help to refer here to John 3:19-21. We now know why we can't righteously judge others' condition and Christ did not come to earth to judge, yet judgment must come from somewhere or there would be no purpose of us being aware of sin. So what is it? I think it comes back to Sunecho and how our position in relation to Christ is controlled. John writes that, "this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil." In other words, just as the earth is illuminated because of what the sun is, so also our unrighteous deeds come to light because of who Christ is. The sun doesn't have to do anything other than be the sun for us to experience a thriving environment on earth. Christ just is and that is all we need to experience a thriving life unless we run away from Him. Since human nature doesn't care to have its sins judged by anyone or anything, we run away from the light.

Many may reject Christ and Christianity because they opinion He is too restrictive for our lifestyle choices. To borrow from a cultural expression these days, "don't hate the player, hate the game." You may find yourself feeling uncomfortable about all this. If so, why? Feel free to blast away on this post. I haven't filled in all my logic in hopes that readers would provide arguments against my assertions. In the next post, I'll finish the section of scripture with some solid application of practical perspective Christians should hold when considering ministry of any kind. I'm excited about it because it validates why I feel strongly about my commitment to prison ministry.

PFM 2.0

2010-06-11T07:29:00.000-05:00

Things I've learned about prison ministry by doing prison ministry so far.

1. I have found my mission field. Heather can attest that I've always kicked myself for not going on a short term mission before finishing school, then before getting married, then before getting a real job, then before being saddled with a house, then before Josalyn was born, then before.... you get the point. Those missions never pulled at me like this anyway and now I have a peace that it's fine. I've found a place where I can contribute and grow anywhere in the world, but most importantly, right where God has me. As any missionary would do when entering their mission field, I must learn everything I can about the culture and people I am going to encounter. It sounds odd. I'm not going to Bangladesh or the Philippines or another country so what could there be to learn. That brings me to lesson #2.

2. Every word used and action made inside prison must be chosen purposefully. The time with these individuals is short. The impression I make and will leave with them matters and is lasting. My time with them may represent the entirety of their experience with real people (as opposed to television) from outside the walls other than prison employees for long periods of time. A poorly chosen word or lazy use of the time can have negative results for both of us. The culture, social norms, and the language within prison are equally important to understand as it would be for a missionary going to another country. To not learn these things would be irresponsible and produce little benefit in the mission field.

3. Not every interaction with prisoners will be about spreading the gospel message from the Bible. Rather, I sense that many prisoners have developed a way of perceiving their situation (unique in many ways to each of them) that allows them to accept their experience. This perception causes them to take on certain characteristics and decision making processes that have negative consequences for themselves and their families on the outside. My challenge will be to hear what they are saying and help them mentally take that though or action to its logical conclusion in hopes they will decide to make a wise choice to begin with. That conversation will rarely happen like a Sunday morning church service. For this reason, many religious people will not understand or support what I am doing. For this reason alone, many churches and people within my own church will not support what I am doing.

4. Prison is scary, but not in the ways I expected. I'm not afraid of the prisoners. Some are rough and some are rougher than others, but I'm no threat to them. Is there a personal risk? Sure, but the risk to them and their families for me not being there is even greater because we're talking about their eternity. Here is what I'm afraid of. The politics, institutions, and the criminal justice system that has caused the United States to be the most incarcerated country in the world and a recidivism rate that tops 60-80% depending on the state. This culture of incarceration has a life of its own and it snowballs into families, generations, communities, and our entire culture. It is not my place to change that other than on an individual basis, but it does concern me. I pray God is working on hearts to lead that reform effort. Programs like Justice Fellowship, InnerChange Freedom Initiative, and Out4Life seem to be addressing the issue if anyone is interested in looking them up on-line through Prison Fellowship.

Sunecho - Control Issues

2010-06-07T12:37:00.000-05:00

The first lesson on Biblical Justice is in the bag. I'd like to say first, thank you to Heather for helping me get the jumbled thoughts in my head straight. I have an awesome help mate.

There is enough material from the first lesson, that I'll release it over a few posts. The first one is based on the opening verse we examined, II Corinthians 5:14-20. The NASB version gives us these words of Paul, "For the love of Christ controls us..." There are two things that strike me about this part of the verse.

First, it is "the love of Christ" that controls us. It is not the same to say that "our love for Christ" controls us. If that were the case, our level of commitment would wake and wain with our spiritual feelings. Paul says, no. This life we have chosen (i.e. Christianity) is not easy but thankfully there is a standard set outside of ourselves that is consistent so that we will have the opportunity to remain consistent as well. I want to go off on a tangent to talk about marriage, but won't here. Save to say that if it is Christ's love that controls us, then we will have no choice but to be in His perfect will.

Second, and this is just amazing, Paul may or may not have intended to give us a beautiful word picture by using the specific word that he did here. My Key Word reference Bible provided this background information. The word used by Paul for "control" is Sunecho (with a little line over the o). The root word here is where we get the word for sun. Who says the Bible has nothing to do with physics? Paul says, in essence with mild interpretation, as the sun controls the rotation of the planets around it, so also the love of Christ controls the rotation of our nature around Him.

Now get this image in your head, think about what you know about the Earth in relation to the sun and the rest of the planets in our solar system. The Earth is the only planet positioned to thrive with life in relation to the sun. Closer or further, we do not see the massive amount of flora and fauna, or the balance of water, ice, and vapor all necessary for life as we know it. In the same way, real Christians are controlled by Christ's love in a way that allows them to truly thrive. In another scripture, these could be referred to as the fruits of the Spirit. Even more so, as I'll share in another post, thriving looks like being an active part in the restoration process God calls us to.

Another really cool thing about this word picture is that, the Earth doesn't have to do anything to enjoy this thriving relationship with the sun. It just has the physical makeup (density, size, weight, atmosphere, etc.) that works with the sun's pull to put it and keep it where it needs to be. It is supposed to be the same for us. I see Christians often flopping around like fish out of water trying to find "where God wants me" and I cringe. It shouldn't be that hard. Step back and assess what is out of wack. Look at where God's moving and get in the flow. One step will lead to the next. Believe me, the opportunities to restore relationships to God are abundant. You'll see.

Choice - Biblical Justice

2010-05-25T13:32:00.000-05:00

This Sunday, I get to start leading a new three part series with the adults at church. It kinda feels like amateur hour at the improve compared to the other great teachers at church, but I have been given something that really needs to be said. I'm excited to do it and hope that it will be one more step in mobilizing people for a true ministry at Heartlands.

Here is the opening thought for the first lesson on Biblical Justice: The Root of the Problem.

You are free to make your choices

You are not free to not make choices

You are not free to choose the consequences of your choices

PFM 1.4

2010-04-29T20:44:00.000-05:00

This is the last post in Series 1.0. Today I'm starting a new chapter in this journey by participating in the InsideOut Dad mentoring program offered by Christian Heritage. All morning, I've been trying to squeltch nerves by reading through the volunteer guide of do's and don't's. Here are a few simple observations of this experience so far.
1. God doesn't care too much about what you think you are qualified for (see Moses also).
2. I am a convicted criminal in God's righteous judgement system and am utterly humbled by grace.
3. There are people truely gifted in this area of ministry, but ultimately there are too few workers.
4. Biblical justice looks nothing like our criminal justice system and I'm pretty sure it is the church's fault (mostly).
5. Apart from Christ, I can do nothing. If this is an epic failure and I do my best, it is all God's. If I find any shred of success and I do my best, it is still all God's.

For those of you so inclined, please keep me in your prayers. Right now, I'm just focused on learning the rythem and flow of this ministry while trying hard not to make any mistakes. Also, the fundraising effort for SKIP Camp continues. I'm looking for 50 church partners and I still have a long way to go.

PFM 1.3

2010-03-16T22:19:00.000-05:00

From InsideOut Magazine, 3/8/10:

"Criminogenic Needs" - Major risk factors highly associated with criminal conduct. Research consistently lists these major risk factors:

1. Antisocial values and beliefs (entitlement, self justification, blaming others, unrealistic perceptions of reality, and taking on a "victim stance")

2. Antisocial peers (friends involved in criminal behavior; companions may actually be the greatest predictor of criminal behavior; yet, admitting this would remove their sense of autonomy)

3. Personality traits (pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others)

4. Family dysfunction (family, or lack thereof, provides the ultimate context for attitudes, values, behaviors)

5. Low self-control (impulsive, risk-taking behavior led by people or environment)

6. Substance abuse (addicts and dabblers alike face higher risk to varying degrees of criminal behavior)

What does research find is not a major factor?

1. Low self-esteem
2. Mental-health issues
3. Low education status
4. Lack of employment options

Interestingly, these are the kind of factors that many reentry programs target. (mostly job-related) Without focus on the criminogenic needs as well, such programs show minimal success of reducing recidivism.

It is worth noting that Chuck talked at length last week about how much value LCC places on programs that encourage inmates to work through the issues behind their criminal behavior. In Chuck's office, I sat in the same seat as a man who had beat both of his parent to death while high on meth. The inmate felt remorse for what he did and knew that it was wrong, yet protested that his sentence was too strict because in his altered mental condition, he could not have known what he was doing. This is not allowed to pass with Chuck. Accountability is required on every action. True personal reformation can not take place until this is accomplished. If allowed, the released inmate would be affirmed to continue the self deceiving behavior pattern outside.

Subnote: I wanted to use the phrase "the real world" instead of "outside." This would simply compound the misperception we on the outside have of prison. The prison experience is just as real as our life experience. Perhaps it is even deeper because for those with family on the outside, the inmate and the family have to work through two distinct versions of reality.

PFM 1.2

2010-03-13T11:02:00.000-06:00

My paperwork and orientation are now complete and I am an approved volunteer with the Nebraska Department of Corrections. Friday I was given a tour of the Lincoln Correctional Center facility and got to know the spiritual coordinator (Chuck). This tour started in the non-secure administrative wing and moved into the secured pentagon stucture where I learned about the facility and my responsibilities and risks as a volunteer.

I arrived at the facility five minutes early which is typical for me. The administrative area was empty. I had been there three years ago to try (unfruitfully) to distribute information about SKIP Camp to visistors. At that time, I saw first hand how difficult it is for families to connect to the inmates. The check-in process was long, extensive, inefficient, and no one seemed to be in a good mood about any of it. I never saw the actual visiting area, but I could tell that if the families had to go to this much trouble, it certainly wasn't helping to promote strong relationships. When I arrived today, the mood of the front end was very somber. Very little emotion. No eye contact. Everything routine for Friday morning. I tried to smile as the bag screener looked through a spreadsheet. No response. Customer service is not their job. I get that. I waited patiently which is also typical for me. A different guard came to the front desk and asked who I was here to see. When I said Chuck, the whole mood in the room changed. She was happy to page him for me. Good sign.

Chuck arrived after a while and was so casual about everything and seemed to put everyone there at ease. He even made a joke after my pat down to the screening guard that, he was fine if I brought in that machine gun. The screening guard smiled and recommended a sawed off shot-gun next time. Hey, I'm all for humor, but I'm nervous and really trying to make a good impression; you know, not do something that will get me thrown out. I won't be making any such jokes today.

It took about a half hour to tour all the parts of the facility that I was able to see. The ameneties include a library, school room, kitchen, gym, barber shop and lots of plain cream colored walls. Some inmates are able to provide services inside as custodians. The place is basically spotless. I was shown the area for protective custody (PC), general population offenders, sex offenders, drug and mental illness related offenders, but I was not able to see the isolation cells. Through the hallway windows I could see the yard where inmates had some room to roam, work out, socialize. There is a yard for the inmates in isolation. A good description would be a outdoor dog kennel on steroids. These inmates get one hour a day outside. I saw one man in this labrynth walking around the concrete track. That is another image that won't go away soon.

Everything else during my orientation was pretty routine. A powerpoint, some questions, a bit of discussion and my signature providing a waiver of liability. Not all liability, but I place a lot of responsibility on myself as a volunteer to avoid problems. Rule 1: Do not take anything out of the room on behalf of the prisoner. Rule 2: Prisoners are very convincing, don't forget Rule 1. Rule 3: No physical contact other than a handshake. Rule 4: Be natural. I had only brief interactions with inmates during the tour. It will take time to accomplish Rule 4.

My next step is to contact Bill H. about working with his group of PF volunteers on Thursday nights. I think my plan will be to participate the first and third Thursday of the month for now. There are other opportunities as well if that isn't quite right. Chuck reminded me of a ministry I had looked at from the suggestion of Jason N. Christian Heritage http://www.chne.org/ works with fathers who want to be involved in thier kids' lives. It is a different program than PF, but is definately in my sphere of interest. We'll see where this all leads. I'm just putting one foot in front of the other.

PFM Entry 1.1

2010-03-09T21:46:00.000-06:00

This is my first entry to journal my work with Prison Fellowship Ministry. Prison Fellowship is an national organization serving the incarcerated population with the truth and love of God's word (www.prisonfellowship.org). This is not something I want to do because I think it would be neat or that I'd even be good at it. I have been involved with SKIP (Support for Kids of Incarcerated Parents) in Nebraska for seven years and our family facilitated the Angel Tree program this year for 40 Nebraska children. I have felt the need to understand the situation that the prisoner parents are in so that I can better minister to the kids' young hearts. I've avoided it or put it off for too long.

This Friday morning (3/12) I will meet with the spiritual coordinator at Lincoln Correctional Center to take part in an orientation. I know one person (John B.) who served time in that facility and he described what it looked like on the inside. He gave me a first hand confirmation of the value this ministry has for those inside the prison walls. He said it means the world to them that someone would give up their freedom to spend time with someone who has none to give up. I needed that as I'm fairly anxious about what I'm walking into.

My three goals for this ministry effort:
1. Faithfully administer scripture that says in Matthew 25:36, "I was in prison and you came to visit me"
2. Determine if this is a ministry that I should do short term or long term
3. Gain first hand experience with real social justice

Aware, Available, Capable

Street Survey

2009-04-28T23:17:00.000-05:00

Surveyor: "May I ask you three simple questions?"
Me: "Sure, but I'm not a local if that matters at all."

Surveyor: "Great. What is the first thing you notice about me?"
Me: "I don't know...(I'm looking directly at his Scientology jacket)...you're wearing glasses."

Surveyor: "Okay. Do you believe that people are working harder today than 50 years ago?"
Me: "No."

Surveyor: "How do you think Barack is doing?"
Me: "Barack who?"

Surveyor: "Brack Obama."
Me: "I don't know."

Surveyor: "Thank you."

How would you answer these questions? I'm sure I didn't help his scientific research survey.

Some Random Things About Me

2009-01-30T13:30:00.000-06:00

Here are a few things that may help you get to know me better.

1. I still get that tingly feeling in my stomach when I hold Heather's hand (we've been married seven years).
2. I can fall asleep in less than three minutes 97/100 times.
3. I justify buying new tools by doing home improvement projects myself.
4. I'm praying for you.
5. I'm living up to my potential, but not meeting my expectations.
6. My childhood sports hero was Dan Mario.
7. I believe the United States will be a stronger country when we value our families more.
8. I don't know of anything that my body is alergic to.
9. I regularly feel like I'm missing something that everyone else understands.
10. I will walk an inordinate amount of distance before paying to park my car and vallet parking seems insane to me.
11. I believe society can not regulate morality, but society has a moral obligation to create regulations for certain behaviors that are morally objectionable which is quite a pinch.
12. I think Rock, Paper, Scissors is dumb because paper has no shot to beat rocks. Don't even!
13. I don't own an i-anything.
14. I have no problem speaking in front of any size crowd.
15. I agonize over the right words to use in written sentences. Simple notes take forever to write.
16. I like college football better than professional football and think a playoff will ruin college football.
17. I believe the US Senate should have impossed term-limits a long time ago.
18. If I had ten free dinners at any resturant, I would choose ten new resturants and meals.
19. I am consistently inconsistant, but if I say I will be somewhere, you can count on me being five minutes early.
20. I'm related to Merriweather Lewis (Lewis and Clark) and the Hatfields (Hatfields and McCoys).
21. I have a fairly addictive personality trait that causes me some trouble.
22. I have one daughter, Josalyn, who was born on the 4th of July (five weeks premature).
23. I have hiked in the wilderness.
24. I regret not going to a game at the old Yankee Stadium before it was closed.
25. I will live with more integrity during the second thirty years of my life than the first thirty.

No Skills for Old Men

2008-12-10T19:39:00.000-06:00

It has been a while since my last musing. Sorry about that. Busy days and sleepless nights have kept me away. Tonight I'm home with Josaln who is a perfect angel, listening to Christmas music. We've gotten to hang out two nights in a row now!! What fun...except for one small problem. The task that used to keep me in the game was feeding. While Heather was in the hospital and even during the late night feedings while we were home, I got to give Josalyn the bottle. I was SO good at it. I loved it. It was such a thrill to watch her take a half ounce in the first days feedings and work her way up to two each feeding.

Fast forward four and a half months. Now I'm home alone with her and she will not take a bottle. She just gums it like a pacifier or her fist and looks at me like I'm nuts!!! (which I may be.)

So, here's to mommy!!! You're doing a great job! Once you get Josalyn on solid foods, I guess I'll be able to help again. For now, we're looking at the Christmas tree lights and talking about the economy.

Appropriate For Viewing By All Ages

2008-10-15T17:18:00.000-05:00

For those of us with undiagnosed ADD, who are venturing into the realm of parenthood, hey look, a squirrel!

Just kidding! But seriously now, there is a pressing issue that we must face as parents. How much external stimulation is necessary/desirable/enough for a developing child? Rather, how much is the lack of said stimulation appropriate? From the time we were old enough to open our eyes, people have been pushing stuff in our faces, expecting that it will help form important neural connections that will one day equate to the thinking processes of a Ivy League graduate. We now have, at our fingertips, products created for the Baby Einstein in our family. What peace of mind that must give us! Are you going to try and tell me that Mr. Einstein used his namesake toys and, in fact, we would have no idea how relative things are if he had not?

Some stimulation is fine and obviously enjoyable, but....

I'm not a psychologist, or a teacher, and this is only my first trip around the carrousel so what do I really know. Would we be doing our childeren a better service by providing a reasonable amount of stimulation combined with appropriate doses of quiet time so that one day they may be able to think for themselves? To me (or is it just me?), creative thought almost seems impossible while information is constantly being crammed down our cranium!

Careful What You Eat

2008-09-19T23:09:00.001-05:00

Babies eat a lot. Not just a lot of food, but a lot of the time. It suprises me that they don't get tired of the same food all the time. I eat a reasonable amount and I still get bored with the same foods when I eat them too often. I need variety in my meals. I began to wonder how a baby must feel eating milk for every meal?

Babies can't eat anything else because if you try, their tounge just pushes it back out the hatch. The guys had a hang-out night and I brought over bbq wings and the baby (to give mama a break). Sure enough, we tried this experiment and there was no interest in the wings. No one seemed to upset because it left more wings for the rest of us. I understand that this reflex slowly goes away when babies are ready for solid foods and that is how you know it's time to switch. They can't take solids until their bodies are ready for them. Ingenius! Maybe she will be interested in wings later on. They were good!

Today I asked God why we don't have this reflex as adults. I told Him that it seemed logical for us to have an internal mechnism that would kick stuff back out that we weren't made to swallow; like sin. Instead of food , I told God that I wanted one for the sinful thoughts that bombard my mind every day. As soon as they started creeping in, BOOM, BAM, ZOINK, the internal army boot would kick it right back out. He said it doesn't really work that way. So, I guess I'm stuck with self-control. "Be careful little ears what you hear."

Multi Tasking With Baby

2008-09-18T20:33:00.001-05:00

Awhile back it hit me that life is busy, often packed with more to-do's that anyone can accomplish in a reasonable amout of time. It isn't a secret that life is busy. Many wise individuals are making lots of money by helping us with our busy life. Some of my favorites are drive-thru pharmacies, direct deposit (and automatic withdrawl), Youtube, and super stores where you can purchase watermelon, plasma televisions, get your oil changed and deposit your recycleables in one stop. Anything that makes life easier and faster is out there for us to enjoy. The problem is that with our free time, we just pack more stuff into our day so we end up feeling just as tired when the day is all said and done.

It's not a problem that life is busy, in my opinion. Rather, my realization was that, once Josalyn was born, something was going to have to give way in our busy schedules. Many things have gone by the wayside over the past 11 weeks. Somethings, we've found, are just not important and don't get done. Other things are important and are just done with less intensity. And then we find that good-old fashion multi-tasking can help squeeze a few more to-do's off the list. Take washing the baby for instance.

Now, a baby needs bathed about every three days. I've heard of people bathing/showering a baby with you to cut some time out, but the physics of soap and water and naked baby makes me nervous. Try to stay focused on one thing at a time when it involves your baby and water just to be safe. If there is laundry to be done though, there is no reason not to get baby involved in the fun.

Be creative in your multi-tasking with baby. It just may open up the joy of chores to your newborn. Now if I could only get her to clean the inside of my car's windshield...

Buckle Up

2008-09-17T20:36:00.000-05:00

I don't know how many people have told me that when they had babies back in the day, that it was common practice just hold your newborn on your lap when you came home from the hospital for the first time. My father indicated that he actually took the safety precaution of tying us down in the back seat with some old pieces of rope. Funny, but I'm sure there was some element of truth to that. For considerate new parents, I came across the following illustration of the proper way to buckle up your new baby when traveling in a vehicle.

Securing your baby is very important to the well being of your new child. It is so important, in fact, that the hospital staff now informs folks that they may not transport their new child home unless an approved car seat has been installed and checked. To whit, my good friend Michael responded, what if we take the bus home?!?

After 16 days in the hospital, we were able to bring a healthy baby Josalyn home in an approved safety seat. Some day I'm sure she will appreciate knowing that we took all prudent and reasonable precautions for her safety even though we did have some old rope in the trunk.

Don't Let Her Sleep!!

2008-09-04T03:22:00.000-05:00

Keeping Josalyn awake according to the Babywise plan is often a difficult proposition. Grandma and Grandpa Poore have been hard pressed this week to rise up to the challenge, albeit a masterful tag team approach has proven quite successful. They've been fueled along by some adorable smiles and heavenly cuddles! We're curious as to the amount of extra space in Grandma's luggage this trip. There may be a covert operation underway to take their granddaughter back to Washington with them.

I've got my eye on you, Grandma Brynne!

Hinterland

2008-08-23T08:56:00.000-05:00

About two months ago, I mentioned that there was a road trip out west planned. I had hoped to take a unique trip that challenged me to unplug, look inside myself, blow out the cobwebs, adjust the mirrors and reset the odometer as I prepared to enter fatherhood. Western Nebraska was a great choice and I thank GiGi Poore for having such foresight to get the family event planned so far in advance. Michael Farrel recently published discriptions of this (and similar) area as "Hinterlands" (http://www.prairiefirenewspaper.com/2008/08/hinterlands). "I go to these places to stop and take a look. Full stop—long look." Spot on! I look forward to going to see his exhibit soon.

I have to take one exception to your article, Michael. You see, I thought it would be a good idea to head into the Wilderness as a way to disconnect from everything. WHAT AN INCREADIBLE HIKE! I saw at least 20 different types of birds that had no concern for me or my sufferable sketchings. So imperceptible was the trail at times that I'm sure I was making it up as I went along. One deer tried to serve as my guide. She adjusted her position three times as I continued on my way; the third time cutting back behind me at a sauntering pace giving me quite the stern look. A half hour later I litterally came within two verticle inches from stepping on what was likely her precious child. That babe took off like a bullet and I my heart jumped out of my chest and back about as fast. A guide would have been helpful at that time because I was lost.

How fun!

What do you do when you are lost? As with my current mental struggles, all you can do to keep your pride is to keep moving. So for an hour, forward I moved, then back, and over, then across, through and back until I decided I could not find the trail...I could not find my trail. Time to find a new trail (so true). Another trail was supposedly located over a ridge to my right. I'd hike over top, take in the view with a bit of trail mix, catch the other trail and march on to camp. I only saw one snake. Would someone please bolt my heart down to my rib cage?!? The visual candy from top of the ridge was amazing. God's creation is enchanting from such a height. I could not believe what happend next.

Bzz Bzz Bzz Bzz Bzz Bzz

How in the world can we call this place Hinterlands when I get cell phone calls in the middle of the wilderness? Unbelievable!!! I got a phone call from Heather who stayed home to avoid stress on the baby. I was greatful to talk with her. She described her extreme fatigue, new swelling, and trouble focusing her eyes. "Take it easy, hun. You're pushing yourself pretty hard." Looking back now, I understand those symptoms to be the first signs of eclampsia. So I've found there is cell coverage in the darndest places!

The rest of the trip back to camp was pretty uneventful. I don't know if I accomplished what I set out to do. I've camped in the wilderness; survived outside civilization (minus a 10 minute phone call) for a day. That is something, but I still have a lot of searching to do.

Morning Exercises

2008-08-16T08:02:00.000-05:00

After her first morning meal, Josalyn likes to do a little workout.

Here she is spending time on her tummy and pushing herself up.

She sticks her tongue out when she concentrates real hard just like mom!

Happy Birthday Daddy

2008-07-11T14:30:00.000-05:00

Well she didn't sing to me, but she sure looks
happy about her daddy turning 30 today.

First Impressions

2008-07-05T11:39:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of the first few images of our newest family memeber.
This beautiful girl is Josalyn (Jos sounds like Floss) Ilene Poore.
Here she is at 5 pounds and 3 ounces; strong and healthy.

Preview to an Adventure

2008-06-26T22:09:00.000-05:00

The family is starting their engines (and yacks) to set off for our annual reunion. This year we are converging on Fort Robinson. In case you don't know, that is near Crawford, Nebraska. In case you don't know, that is near the Wyoming/South Dakota boarder. In the past, the Fort served the Red Cloud Indian Agency, as a cavalry remount station, K-9 dog training center, POW camp and beef research station. It is the site where Cheyenne Indian legend, Crazy Horse, died too.

I'm excited to take "the long way", the back roads, the scenic route along Highway 2 through the Sandhills. I'm going without my precious wife who is eight months pregnant (more posts about that to come I'm sure). I'll journal my experience and post photos and thoughts about the four day trip when I get back. There will be a stop a the Nebraska National Forest (did you know we had one?), Carhenge, Soldier Creek Wilderness Area, Toadstool National Park, Oglala National Grassland, and of course Fort Robinson. See you in a few days!

So Close, Yet So Far

2008-04-22T07:11:00.000-05:00

If you see these two people, give them a hug for me. I miss them!!!

Happy Easter

2008-03-22T11:58:00.000-05:00

This has long been a weekend of reflection for me. It started back in high school. A teacher that brought German exchange students to Scottsbluff and stayed with us asked my family about our Easter traditions. I can't say what we told him exactly, but it must not have been too impressive. A convicted Herr Pirkell took the time to share his family traditions and engaged us on an "Easter Walk" which he would be missing that year. After a long blustery winter - besides celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ - Easter weekend is a time to renew your appreciation for the creation around you and the countless opportunities that will be provided in the coming months. Reflection - if done with focus and intention - provides each of us with an awareness to embrace opportunities that will spring up before us. Without reflection, opportunities will pass each of us by as a stranger on a busy street.

Take a walk - Reflect on your blessings - Set your mind to see

Happy Easter!!

New Dad In The Making

2008-02-22T22:09:00.000-06:00

In case you didn't know yet, we're expecting to have a baby in August. I say expecting, but what I really mean is the expectation that we would have a baby when everything was in order has finally become reality. Good thing, because our parents were beginning to wonder if we knew what we were doing!?! I'll keep everyone up to date on our progress the best I can. Feel free to send me and Heather a note when you have time. Your thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement are always appreciated...