Eulogy of a Snack now gone

Whenever Carrie wanted to treat me (and they were on sale) she would pick up Munch ‘ems (preferably Cheddar flavored). This snack was like leaven for me. They were back crackers and were devoid of the grease of chips or the flakiness of crackers. The Keebler elves hand made every one with love.

But one day the day came. The local Food City Keebler representative informed Carrie that there would be no more Munch ‘ems. She was getting the last box this store would ever see. No more snacking during sporting events. No more reliving my cravings late at night. No more crispity crunchy goodness. The life of the Munch ‘em had been taken far too early. But I have my memories. I have my cholesterol. And I have one box that I am saving for a special moment, perhaps by 50th anniversary.

Tell me of your favorite memory of Munch ‘ems. Let us commiserate together.

The Tri-Universe and the Trinity

Consider space, matter, and time in turn. Since matter is linked to space and time, they form a tri-universe. The universe as a whole is a space-matter-time continuum. Space is length, breadth, and depth. Time is future, present, and past. And matter is cause, event, and consequence. Throughout the universe we see this recurring relationship of source, manifestation, and meaning. And this same relationship can shed light onto the Trinity.

Thus, the basic laws of nature, and the triune dimensionality of natural processes, rather than discrediting God and His primeval creation, emphatically witness to the fact of creation and the nature of the Creator. God is Father in generation, Son in declaration, Spirit in appropriation.

Morris does admit that this does not prove that the Creator of this Tri-universe is a triune God, but with all these worldwide reflections on the triune nature of the Godhead, he thinks that men should not stumble over the “Biblical revelation” of a Triune God. Though the word “Trinity” is not used in Bible, and though the formulaic “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” comes more from early creeds than the Bible, there is probably enough evidence to support such a theology. I suppose I have held a modal type of understanding of the Trinity, which may fit in well with his definition of the Trinity. I see the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as different manifestations of the same God, and leave the logistics of how it all happens to others.

I guess what intrigued me the most was this fresh view on the Trinity. Though I have considered this paradox of 3 in 1 for many years, it was never quite satisfactory in my mind. I have heard the analogies—the egg with three parts, etc.—but those just didn’t quite do it for me. So I appreciate this new way of looking at things. Let me know what you think or if this has been helpful at all.

Take a close look at the picture. I have found it quite insightful.

The Tri-universe chart

The Tri-universe: Time and Matter

Time
It is wonderful to realize that time consists of future time, present time, and past time. All time has been future and will be past. The future is the unseen and unexperienced source of all time. It is made visible and manifest, moment by moment, in the present. It then moves into the past, into the realm of experienced time. Man’s consciousness of time pertains only to the present, but this does not lessen the reality or significance of both the past and the future in his experience and understanding. He is enabled to understand the present, and even to some extent the future, in terms of the past. But both his recollection of past time and his anticipation of future time are visualized in terms of his consciousness of present time.

And again all these relationships and functions are closely parallel to those of the persons in the Godhead. The Father is the unseen source. From Him proceeds the Son, in who He is visibly revealed. From the Son in turn proceeds the Holy Spirit, who interprets and makes meaningful the actual experience in the Son and the Father.

Matter
Matter can only be understood and considered in relation to that portion of space it occupies and that duration of time when it functions. Every manifestation of matter in the universe takes place in time and space. Matter and energy may be synonymous and include light, heat, sound, electricity, radiation, and all other manifestations of energizing phenomena, capable of producing motion and accomplishing work. The very presence of energy is necessarily manifest in motion. If energy is present, it will beget motion. It accomplishes work. Thus, there is energy (matter) that is unseen but powerful which begets and manifests itself in motion, and is finally experienced in terms of a phenomenon that is produced. Matter invariably is equivalent to energy, and energy is invariably manifested in motion, and motion invariably produces phenomena.

One may liken this concept to the Trinity by equating Energy to God, the manifestation of that energy (motion) to Christ, and the resulting phenomena to the Spirit.

I find these ideas fascinating even if the are stretched. Tomorrow will sort of review and summarize and hopefully put some flesh on these abstract ideas.

The Tri-Universe: Space

While I was at Carrie’s parents house, her dad read me portions from a book called The Biblical Basis for Modern Science by Henry M. Morris. Though most of what he is doing is setting up an argument for God using nature (also against evolution which I don’t have a stake in), he made some awesome analogies about God and the Trinity from nature that I wanted to share. I have edited his stuff to make it shorter and more readable. So, if it sounds intelligent, he wrote it. If not, attribute it to me. The first is a bit long, but the next two will be shorter.

Space

As far as space is concerned, the universe contains 3 dimensions, no more and no less. Reality requires space, and space is three-dimensional. Each dimension is infinite and each occupies the whole of space. If only one dimension existed, it would be impossible to even comprehend or visualize what this would be like. Indeed, “No man has ever seen a line.” No matter how thin a line is, it will always have width, and this ceases to be a line. Thus, the existence of one dimension can only be demonstrated by a construct in two dimensions. The second dimension must be demonstrated in order for the first to be revealed.

The “two-dimensional” method of representing physical reality is universally used and, in fact, is far easier to visualize things in two dimensions than in three. Pictures are painted in two dimensions, construction plans are drawn in two dimensions, and so for nearly all representations of physical reality. Though it is easy enough to visualize one dimension, it is essentially impossible to represent any reality by only one dimension. The two-dimensional representation is necessary and sufficient for the perception of both one dimension and three dimensions.

Space is “identified” in terms of one dimension, “seen” in two dimensions, “experienced” in three dimensions. In the same way the Godhead is identified in the Father, seen in the Son, experienced in the Holy Spirit. The reality of both the eternal Father, and of the ever present Spirit of God is demonstrated and represented visibly by the incarnate Word, the Son of God, the Second Person.

Nevertheless, the experiential reality of the Godhead requires more than the recognition of the true existence of the Father as revealed in and by the Son. There must also be experienced the real presence of God by the Holy Spirit. As Paul writes, “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ” (Romans 8:9). Ephesians 2:18 also states such a progression when it comes to our relationship with God: “For through him (Jesus) we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”

Finally, it should be noted that space is measured in terms of volume, obtained by multiplying the three dimensions together. Thus, the “sum” of the Trinity is not 1+1+1=1 (which would be a contradiction) but 1x1x1=1, which is profoundly true.

Tomorrow I will tackle Time and Matter. But you are welcome to comment on Space and its comparisons to the Trinity.

The Mêlée

I had something else planned for today, and even posted it for a short while. But, I couldn't get the following off my mind. So here it goes.

I sat down Friday to watch a nice, competitive basketball game between the Pistons and the Pacers. As the game came to a close, I thought that I had already witnessed the travesty—the Piston’s play. But no, the now infamous brawl was yet to come.

I have heard a lot of coverage on this sort of thing. Some people say that it represents a break down in the social morays of our culture. Some say it is another testament to the thugary that is the Detroit fan base. Some say it is an inevitable event when you combine the emotions of sports players and fans.

And a lot of those comments may be true, but I am just pissed about the whole thing. I don’t have a stake in keeping the NBA “pure” but I have a stake in humanity. I look at it and wonder, why must people be such idiots? Why can’t people control themselves? Why must we just resort to violence when we can’t control our anger?

There is plenty of blame to go around.

Ben Wallace—have some self-restraint. You may have been upset because it was a little bit of a dirty foul, but I guarantee if you had been winning you would have been fine.

Ron Artest—be a man. A real man can control himself. A real man does not walk away from a real threat (seen here by the beast Ben Wallace) and then finds some pencil necked geek with glasses to cold cock. A real man can take an offense whether it be a punch to the throat or a cup of liquid dropped on you and walk away. Well Ron, you asked for some time off. Now you’ve got it. Heal from injuries. Promote your Rap album. But for God’s sakes, get some help.

Pacers Bench—be peacemakers. Go into the stands and pull your guy back on the court. Don’t go in with punches flying.

And last but not least, Pistons fans—have you ever heard of civility. When you buy a ticket you earn the right to cheer and even to boo. You don’t earn the right to do things that are misdemeanors or criminal offenses. Throwing things at people, whether beer or punches is illegal. Your $30 ticket does not change that!

Maybe it does show a breakdown in society. I don’t know, but it does show that the human race still has a long way to go.

The new issue of "The Holy Observer" is out. If you have never checked out this satirical jab at Christianity and the world, you should support my friend Marcus and check it out at www.holyobserver.com. You will laugh, guranteed, or your money back.

One more photo to round out the week. Next week we'll get more serious and talk about the Trinity. But for today, let us enjoy the hilarity of children. Captions are optional, but appreciated. If you can't tell, this is Little Larry demolishing his birthday cake.

Long Family Picture (Wileys too)

Well, here we all are at last week's big party for Little Larry. Quite a good looking group.

Anyway, I thought it might be fun, based on Shannon's success at the GLCC forum, to pick out a character, and write a clever caption of what they might be thinking or saying. Best caption wins an autographed copy. (PS - you might want to enlarge the photo for a good look at facial espressions)

The Imitation of Christ Part 3

I think that there are two major aspects of Christ’s life that should be imitated. The first was discussed yesterday—showing love to all. The second has to do with holiness and purity. As Thomas à Kempis writes: “This ought to be our purpose, then: to conquer self, to become stronger each day, to advance in virtue.” When you talk to many people about what it means to be a Christian, they go right to virtue—“I’m a good person.” But even good people have bad in them, and do not reflect Jesus’ commitment to holiness. Sure, they don’t sleep around, get drunk, or carouse with those who do. But, what about the lesser sins of gossip or anger?

Even when we conquer those, I wonder if we fall into a different trap—pride. We see what we have accomplished and take great comfort in it, all the while ignoring God’s call to go deeper. Check out another quote: “Do not be ashamed to serve others for the love of Jesus Christ and to seem poor in this world. Do not be self-sufficient but place your trust in God. Do what lies in your power and God will aid your good will. Put no trust in your own learning nor in the cunning of any man, but rather in the grace of God Who helps the humble and humbles the proud.”

Often times I think that long-time Christians struggle with unfaithfulness. Not so much an act of will against the desires of God but a lack of true faith in God and a recognition of His prominence. That one line, “Do not be self-sufficient but place your trust in God” hits far too close to home for me. I struggle far too much with making sure things go right, and improving the condition of the church I serve by my own power. Where is God in it? Where is the faith in His power to move? Though I should be proactive and do things, I often forget the second part: “God will aid your good will.” If I neglect God’s role in this world and do not put my faith in Him, I will never be like Christ who, despite his doubts, put his whole trust in the plan of the Father.

The Imitation of Christ Part 2

In chapter 3 of “The Imitation of Christ,” Thomas à Kempis comes down really hard on those who elevate learning over doing. As he states, “Many often err and accomplish little or nothing because they try to become learned rather than to live well.” As one who has devoted his last 10 years to higher learning, I had to stop and reflect upon what he was getting at. Do I elevate the accumulation of knowledge over acts of grace, charity, and love? No, I think that I do well to balance the two. Although, I am sure that opportunities to serve have been overlooked during these last few years because of my “busy schedule” or low income.

But then, Thomas had to go and get personal. He said, “If men used as much care in uprooting vices and implanting virtues as they do in discussing problems, there would not be so much evil and scandal in the world, or such laxity in religious organizations.” How often do I just discuss problems without working towards resolving them? How often do I sit in meetings and complain as well as hear complaints about the church without seeing action? How often do I focus on everyone else’s downfalls while ignoring the glaring problems in my own life?

This chapter was a call to action. The church has been doing too much talking. It is time to act. It is time to stop brainstorming, and start storming the walls of hatred and oppression that exist in our world. Active Loving is an imitation of Christ.

A Redemption Story

My Great Aunt Roberta died this week. She was a wonderful woman. We stayed with her whenever we visited my mom's family in Ohio. She always had glazed donuts to eat. Her funeral was on Friday. I couldn't make it because I was in Kalkaska. The rest of the family couldn't make it either because of the 1st birthday party for Larry. I have to say, I was very sad that I couldn't pay respects to this great woman.

But then I got thinking. Redemption is a lot like that. Life is not easy. Life requires pain, and at times, even death to be fulfilling. Women go through excruciating pain to bring life forth. And when I think of what Austin and Erin went through to bring Larry into the world, I can't help but be in awe at God's providence.

Our family couldn't make the funeral to celebrate the life of this great woman. We couldn't be involved in her death. Instead, we will rejoice at the new life and the hope of life that we see in little Larry. Redemption involves pain. But the joy that comes makes the pain worth it.

The Imitation of Christ Part 1

I began reading “The Imitation of Christ” but Thomas à Kempis. From the outset, he targets the main problem of Christianity—a lack of action.

“Now, there are many who hear the Gospel often but care little for it because they have not the spirit of Christ. Yet whoever wishes to understand fully the words of Christ must try to pattern his whole life on that of Christ.”

Clearly, we all know churchgoers guilty of this, and are probably prone to it ourselves. We attend church out of habit or guilt, refusing to see real change come from it.

This past Sunday, the worship service was structured to lead people to respond with their gifts—tithes and talents to serve the church. At the beginning we handed out service surveys for people to sign up for various ministry opportunities. I just happened to be standing at the front door where they were being handed out, when I man I only saw on Sunday mornings came in. The greeter handed him a bulletin, and said, “Make sure you get a service survey (from the other greeter).” Taking offense at such a suggestion, he replied, “Survey? What do I need that for?” The answer of, “To help God’s work for the kingdom in this church” would probably not have helped so I let it go.

But that attitude is so prevalent, and I wonder what can be done to change it? What can we do to encourage ourselves and our congregations to imitate Christ through action? All the education and the ministry opportunities are worthless if people don’t want to actually become like Christ. I suppose this sums up my frustration with myself and the church I serve.

Thomas à Kempis encourages us to, “turn your heart from the love of things visible and bring yourself to things invisible.” I suppose this is a good starting point. Get people focused on Christ, but even that seems so theoretical. So, I offer it up to you, my faithful readers. Before Thomas tells me how to do it, let me know what you think.

Big Vacation

Just for those who are wondering, I am in Michigan to visit Carrie's parents as well as attend the big 1st Birthday party for Little Larry (Trey). Internet is super slow in Kalkaska, so I am not sure if I can post or not. But, I have been reading some good stuff that I hope to comment about soon. Stay tuned.

Decision 2004

You may have come here seeking my thoughts on the election. But you will not get them...today. Because even with all the questions about voting that have plagued America for the last few weeks and months, I have had a bigger decision on my mind. My cable costs have gone up $30 in 3 years. That is unacceptable. But what are my other options? Rabbit ears or the Dish. So we went for it. We “cut the chord” as they say. We dumped Charter Cable for DISH Network Satellite. Now we get approximately the same service for $10 cheaper a month. Let me list the good and the bad. First the good:

Cheaper, and cost effective-we can use the $120/year on diapers or some other expense.
Way cooler than cable-we got a DVR, which is beyond awesome. No more crappy video tapes.
Higher-quality reception means higher quality video capture for me.
Picture in Picture-Finally! I can keep an eye on my sports while Carrie watches her “Murder She Wrote”
Easy Channel Navigation
No Hidden Fees screwing me each month.

Bad:
Annoyingly big dish on the deck (see picture) marring our wonderful view. We thought it was going to be a small dish on the roof, but because we wanted local channels we were stuck with the pictured dish.
We lost TechTV (my geek station) and FitTV (Carrie’s geek station)
Another Remote (I don’t care as much as Carrie does)
We have to learn all new channel numbers

Carrie is a little hesitant, but I am already a big fan. She will come around. Will I watch more or less TV? We will have to wait and see. Either way, I believe we made the right decision. Now if I can only justify it by using it in ministry in some way.

Birthday Sentiments

Today, November 2nd, is indeed Election Day. Today the American public will decide the course that the country will take for the next 4 years. And though I have an interest in the outcome, my thoughts will be elsewhere today. For today, I will spend the day with my soul mate, Carrie. She turns 27 today. We will celebrate her birth, which the consequences and blessings I have felt in the past and continue to feel.

She has been with me through all of my rantings, my impatience, my arrogance, my selfishness, and all my other faults. She has been with me through my calling to ministry, through my desire to attend seminary, and through my last semester where I was taking 15 hours, writing a thesis, and working many hours at the church.

She has blessed me lately with our son Elijah. He has brought all kids of new joy to our lives. But before that, she was willing to suffer morning sickness, drastic changes in body shape, fatigue, discomfort, pain, and she knows what else. All just to help complete our family.

Carrie, though I spend too much time on these stupid blogs, though I waste too much time playing games, though I don’t spend enough quality time with you, and though I don’t say “I love you enough,” words and blogs can’t express what you mean to me. Thanks for being there for me. Thanks for loving me.

Trunk or Treat

Well, Elijah's first Halloween has come and gone. He seemed to enjoy it. Although, I think everyone else enjoyed seeing him all dressed up. Carrie made a costume to make him look like the very hungry caterpillar. You should see him. He is so cute. But that is not why I started this entry. If you look below you will see two carved pumpkins. Both were entered into a pumpkin carving contest at our annual "Trunk or Treat" at the church. Ideally they were anonymous, but everyone knew that the little one was "Elijah's Pumpkin." As a result, Carrie won the contest and my awesome castle got screwed out of the victory. Ah well. There is always next year.

My Pumpkin that should have won 

Carrie's Award winning Pumpkin