Imagery - Day 27

Since the Labor Day trip to Glorieta and seeing Josh's artwork (cyber-artwork, I suppose, since I viewed it on his Mac) I continue to be amazed and delighted. I can't draw a conclusion - and he makes stuff out of nothing. Josh recently posted a small painting that looked familiar. Then I remembered I had sent some Glorieta pics his way, as well as some family photos taken around the house here in Abilene.

Surprise.

It has been a reminder that we're all works-of-art in progress. In the hands of a master. Continually bringing color, and texture, and context to life.

Thanks Josh.

Thanks God.

The Road Not Taken - Day 26

Today's "surprise" came in the form of a disappointment. Not a huge disappointment, but a disappointment nonetheless. This was the day I was to drive to Fort Worth (about 2.5 hours) and see John (my nephew) and his band in concert. They're playing tonight at "The Aardvark." Why didn't I go? The timing didn't work out for this weekend. Fortunately, Krista and I will be able to catch the band next weekend in Oklahoma City (we'll be there on a "grandparents" visit). So, all in all, not a bad deal. But I missed seeing John. And I missed hearing the band.

See you next week guys!

Nothin' - Day 25

Ever have one of those Thursdays when nothing happened? That was today. I mean, obviously something happened - in fact several things. Just nothing that seems noteworthy. Or "surprise" worthy. Or blog worthy.

I did meet a new friend. "Brenda" came by the office to get some information about an upcoming out-of-state retreat. After a short visit, she's paid up and ready to go.

Summing up . . .

• uneventful day.
• good day.
• new friend.
• "Surprise me, God."

Drinking - Day 24

On Wednesday mornings I'm usually the one to take Jacob to daycare. Before we leave he'll have a morning meal and Krista will make sure his shirt, shorts, and shoes are appropriately color coordinated. Today Jacob wasn't quite finished with his milk so Krista took off for work and he and I stayed behind. This is when things began to change. This morning he decided it was time to climb up into an adult-sized kitchen chair to enjoy the remainder of his "refreshing beverage." There he sat, like a big boy, right beside daddy and his coffee.

I would take a drink.
He would take a drink.
I would let out a satisfied "aaaahhhhh."
He would let out an equally satisfied "aaaahhhhh."
I would laugh at our synchronized sighing.
He would laugh . . . probably at daddy.

Father and son. One leading. One mimicking. Both smiling.

Jacob, thank you for teaching me about how a son should keep his eye on the father, follow his example, and thoroughly enjoy the experience.

Oh, and don't forget the satisfied "aaaahhhhh."

Pigeons - Day 23

The roof on top of our church is, well, not pretty. For the last 15 years pigeons have made this their home. And their outhouse. If you could harness their "output" into some useful energy by-product . . . oil crisis solved. Alas, it is not to be. And not only is the roof an eyesore, it leaks. When it rains you really don't want to sit and contemplate the toxic ooze falling gently on your knee. All of that is to say - we're getting a new roof!

Today a host of workers were placing shingle after shingle as they covered the freshly placed wood decking. In a day or two the whole roof will be sparkling and new. And then the pigeons will return.

My first thought was, "What a shame. Just when all finally looks new, the same old problem will return." But on second thought, I'm realizing that's not quite true. For years the roof will look (and be) so much better than it has been. And beneath, where it really counts, no more leaks. No more buckets strategically placed to catch the inner drizzle. No more toxic ooze.

My personal prayer today: "God, strip away my old 'shingles.' Repair my imperfections. Make me a vessel void of toxic ooze. And help me trust you when I see pigeons on the horizon."

Brody - Day 22

I saw pictures of a baby today. Pictures of a baby who, four months ago, wasn't expected to live four weeks. He's home. He's healthy.

What a smile.

What a surprise.

What a blessing.

Justin, that's a beautiful grandson.

Reflections - Day 21

Only 10 days left in my 30 day "surprise reprise." Some reflections so far:

• The days seem to be passing by more quickly . . .
• And more slowly.
• There has been a constant battle within not to revisit former "surprises" (Yes, I know that makes no sense. But you try this for 60 days, then get back to me).
• So much of my mental relating to God is anthropomorphic (I hope that's a word - mom and dad spent a lot of money on grad school).
• God surprises me daily when I look into my son's eyes.
• Josh can paint.
• Europe, wait'll 2008.

Empty Cup - Day 20

Somethings I enjoy a little. Other things I enjoy a lot. And if anticipation heightens the experience, even better. Every two years U.S. golfers face off against European golfers in the Ryder Cup. This event - I enjoy a lot.

And today (as well as yesterday) the U.S. team has had their . . . back-sides handed to them. AAAAGGGGghhhhhh . . . after two years of waiting, here we go again.

I know there's a parallel to be had here. Something about God waiting on us, hoping (is that the right word when applied to God?) for better things to come. Day after day, year after year, finally exploding with AAAAGGGGghhhhh . . .

But I don't feel like spirituallizing . . . or "parallelling."

I just feel like screaming . . .

Pretty in Pink - Day 19

It didn't take long to discover one surprise for today. Krista woke up with "pink eye." Shouldn't this be Jacob's affliction? This makes two occurances for Krista over the last 3 months. Her ailment aside, she trekked off to work and had a productive, if not comfortable, work day.

Thinking about "mom" getting the ailment that the child should get has made me recall the many times my own parents would say something like, "If I could take this (pain, illness, hurt, etc.) away, I would." I know they always meant it. And, though she had no choice, if Krista could bear this "pink eye" instead of Jacob, she would without hesitation.

So why would I ever doubt the love of God and his willingness to "take it all" on our (my) behalf? A loving father, stepping in for a hurting child. As the old hymn says, Jesus really did "pay it all."

Thanks.

Shared Experience - Day 18

Krista and I attended a concert tonight. Two groups we like and wanted to hear. One, we've never of. All three were entertaining. Along the way we met up with three friends. What is it about a concert . . . or movie . . . or late night coffee house that makes sharing the experience so much more, well, more? The concert was no different than if we'd been by ourselves. There's just something about the common experience that "ups the amps" - at least for me.

Recently, where I worship, we've been looking through Jesus' teachings concerning his followers as "a body." It seems there is something powerful about the "group" that extends beyond the "me" and Jesus didn't want them, or us, to miss it.

I wonder if he and the twelve were standers, sitters, or out-of-control screamers at concerts?

Priceless - Day 17

I had a "good news" email awaiting me this morning. My friend Josh wrote to say that several of his paintings have sold (see day 12, or just click here). You could hear his excitement even through the written/digital word. That was cool to hear. I like his work, but then again, I don't purchase the work. So . . . congratulations Josh!

In keeping with this theme, I think it's about time I put my son to work. I'm sure he's up to the task and I KNOW he's got talent. Let me know what you think. All originals are available for a standard fee (be advised: you'll be bidding against proud grand parents in two states).

We call this one "buttons." It is crayon on construction paper . . . with buttons.

Peace and love.

Last Thought - Day 16

Tonight our home team met. That's the small group of friends who meet in our home every Tuesday to "do life together." We've been studying in the area of discovering God's will. It's been an interesting few weeks. One thing I've appreciated about the study is that the material doesn't try to give the reader/hearer a 1-2-3 approach to this very personal, intimate journey. At the same time, it's not so "whatever works" that it loses all value. I'm enjoying this study.

Just my last thought of the evening. Nothing more, nothing less.

1/2 - Day 15

This marks the halfway point for my "surprise reprise" experiment. Once again, what seemed to be so far in the distance (the 30th day) now seems suprisingly near. I can't say that I've experienced any life-changing surprises to this point. Then again I'm not so sure I want that large of a surprise. Am I living out a "chicken" faith? Fearful that the God who has given me life and sustains the universe might actually surprise in a way to harm? I don't believe that. But then again, actions speak louder than . . .

Let It Rain - Day 14

Did I mention there was a "cool" in the air? Let's change that to cats and dogs. As in rain. And lots of it. It began during mid-morning and continued well into the afternoon. This gave Jacob and I an opportunity not to be missed . . . running through the rain, literally soaking it all in. His somewhat high-pitched squeal let me know this was a hit! I love doing things with Jacob for the first time. Or the "first time at one-year-old," the "first time at 18 months," etc.

That same "daddy perspective" tells me God surely must enjoy time with his children. Doing things with them for the first time. Even at 49 . . . or 89 . . . or 18 months.

Send your rain, oh Lord.

Boo Hoo - Day 13

I've not written much about being a football fan. Particularly, an Oklahoma Sooners football fan. Today, this was not an easy thing to be. Oregon outplayed, outcoached, and outscored the boys from Norman. Ouch.

On the bright side, the summer warmth is beginning to fade and cool is in the air. The end of summer heat brings fond memories of childhood and seemingly endless evenings playing hide-and-seek with my brother and neighborhood friends. Summer would never end. But, of course, it always did. And Fall and school and Big-Chief tablets would occupy my attention. And Oklahoma football.

Seasons change. Teams win . . . and lose. And now I await my sons journeys through summer . . . and school . . . and favorite teams.

Not surprising. Just my thoughts on a Saturday night.

Boomer Sooner

Discovery - Day 12

Have you ever known someone for a long time then, out of the blue, learned something completely new about them? Something interesting? Something good that made you think, "how did I not know that?" That happened to me recently. I have a friend who I was aware dabbled in sketching, drawing, etc. But I had no idea the extent of this passion/talent. He showed me some of his work and it was a pure pleasure to see. If you would like to see a few pieces, please click here for his website, my painting a day. Oh, yeah . . . and that's his picture on Day 1, September 4th.

Finding out something new and interesting about a friend has brought a smile to my face. It's also made me consider that my relationship with God is eternal and, hopefully, ever developing. Each day is a new opportunity to discover something fresh about him. And if my temporal relationships can surprise me out-of-the-blue, how much more this relationship with the eternal one?

Togetherness - Day 11

Thursday was a big day around our house. For some the big days are Christmas (and it's eve), birthdays, and the first day of vacation. Those are wonderful days. But they're not THE day. Today was THE day - the season premier of "Survivor." Sorry, we're (I'm) just that shallow.

I was once told that english class would come in handy one day. Maybe this is it. Let's write-off the above as hyperbole.

Nevertheless, a number of people joined us between 7:00 and 8:00 tonight to watch, discuss, yell, eat, and laugh together. Whatever the occasion, I'm convinced this is a good thing. Community in action. "The body" as one. Unanimity in diversity. Brought together by "Survivor."

Surprise.

Meetings - Day 10

Meetings, meetings, meetings. Nothing wrong with meetings. However, I usually feel I could be doing something more productive. Not always true, but that's what I tell myself when the subject veers from my area of immediate interest. Despite the above comments, I have to admit today's meetings were productive.

The topic of one particularly long conference was our new building, currently under construction. I'm not a builder, not a "sub," not even a replacement player. But I was invited to attend so I did (this matter is definitely in my "area of immediate interest"). As an outsider, the amazing thing to observe was the vast amount of coordination it takes to pull off such a project. I get that on a small scale, but the curtain was pulled back today and I could see a bit of the bigger picture. Deadlines, instructions, content from previous meetings - take nothing for granted. And if it's not written down - and written down by the right person . . . at the right time . . . in the right format - don't assume it's in the plans. And how does ANYBODY successfully coordinate such a project with so many cooks (and pseudo-cooks, like myself) messing with the recipe?

I learned much by listening today. And, as for "surprise," I was reminded of some things as well.

God, the creator of all. In complete control of a vast project beyond any comprehension. Daily I join millions of pseudo-cooks suggesting additions/corrections to his recipe - to fit my tastes. And all along he continues to say "I've sent the right person . . . at the right time . . . in the right format. Don't assume. Listen. Let go. Let me."

The Zone - Day 9

I'm into week two of my 30 day journey, "surprise reprise." I'm finding it to be a challenge not to simply repeat bits of part one. Not that God's surprises are always the same (in my head that last sentence fragment makes sense) but I'm finding it a challenge to allow myself to look fresh directions, seek further understanding, stand amazed anew in the presence of God. I like my comfort zone. That's why it's MY comfort zone. That's why it's my COMFORT zone. That's why it's my comfort ZONE - here's the box, the outline, the parameters - please God, don't shove me outside the zone.

Twenty-one days remain. This ought to be interesting . . .

Service Call - Day 8

Monday morning began by dropping off Jacob at daycare, then attending a weekly meeting for planning/evaluating our Sunday service, the gathering. Jerris, Brad, and I used this time to plan for our next meeting as we look at "the body of Christ in service." We were stumped (this says volumes about our biblical acumen) when trying to recall examples of "the body of Christ," his church, serving those outside the body.

I know. Right now you're thinking of several instances/passages and calling us dufusses (du-fi?). Let's just say, "you had to be there."

Anyway, I'm looking forward to exploring this facet of body life over the next week. Surprises ahead . . .

Surprises Abound - Day 7

Today the air was cool and crisp in Abilene. In my opinion, this makes for a good Sunday morning. After a prayer of "surprise me, God," it was off to church and the day ahead.

Surprises today:

• meeting several first time guests at bible study.
• reaquainting with a friend I had not seen recently.
• Jacob's runny nose (not that it was runny, but that it was that runny).
• several meaningful, and unplanned for, testimonials about how God was moving in the lives of people.
• my parents sharing they had been in an auto accident (everyone is fine, thank you).
• a beautiful song sung with passion.

Me - Day 6

It's Saturday, or as I like to call it, the day after the sleep study. All went well. Krista slept, they recorded, we'll get the results (whatever that means) sometime during this "surprise" season. I'll pass along anything of significance. But secretely, please, no surprises.

I finalized my thoughts for Sunday's message. It's not often I think about worship in the context of "the body of Christ." I should. I just don't. I most often treat worship in the singular. "How should I worship?" "What leads me to worship?" "What elements do I prefer in worship?" Me, I, Joe, etc, barf. How do I let something so "other-centered" (God) become about me?

God, may I look upward and not inward in order to give praise to You.

Worship - Day 5

This is Friday and for me, often, this is a day off. Today was one of those days. I took some time to visit "The Bean Counter" in the morning for some good coffee and a bagel. Also, there was opportunity to study/prepare for Sunday's teaching concerning worship.

Note to self: don't just talk about worship, allow yourself and others to experience it.

It's late now on Friday. Krista has left for a "sleep study." Me? I recieved my masters degree in sleep long ago - no need to study. It's lonelier tonight without her pitter-patter, smile, and sweet voice. I miss her and it's only been a few hours.

God, do I miss you when I've "gone without" for only a few hours? There's something I think you're showing me about worship even as I'm typing. I'll be quiet now and listen . . .

Full - Day 4

Today's first surprise came when I looked in my daytimer and realized I had a morning appointment with the dentist. Just a six-month check up, but still . . .

Kristin came by for guitar lessons. This is a regular Thursday visit and Krista and I enjoy sharing our very slight guitar prowess with an energetic learner. I think part of the joy is seeing someone enjoy something that could last (enjoyment-wise speaking) for a lifetime.

Anyone got a thesaurus . . .

I spoke with another friend on the phone at length. Health problems have invaded his (and his wife's) world through extended family.

Ups and downs. Joy and the unknown. This is a reminder that life is full and that "full" includes many things - both good and worrisome. Thank you God for being the God of full.

Simple Pleasures - Day 3

Oops, I did it again. Maybe not original, but true. I started my day with a cup of coffee, some cereal, and no "three word prayer." I'm committing now to do better (I guess that means "better than 2 out of 3") as I look back at the events of today.

Wednesday was routine. There was some catching up to do in the office, a staff meeting, and preparation for the weekend. One hi-lite was lunch where several of my co-workers and I sat around a table and talked about family, vacations, and bringing up children. Did I say "hi-lite?" How times have changed.

God, thank you for the simple pleasures and the chance to learn from those who have gone before.

Ooh, Ooh, That Smell - Day 2

This is day two of "round two" of my surprise faith experiment. I'm wondering what I'll find similar to my last month of posts (last february thru march) and what I'll find completely different. I suppose I should see that as part of the surprise but for now it seems only like "the unknown." Again, maybe those two (surprise and unknown) are redundant. However, today, they seem uncomfortably dissimilar. We'll see . . .

Krista and I both experienced the unexpected upon our return from Glorieta. There was an unmistakably foul air about the house. A brief inspection revealed a water leak under our bedroom carpet - maybe 3.5 feet square. What's the source? We don't know. A roof-guy declared our roof is not leaking. And we can't find any obvious source . . . yet. In the meantime, it's fans on high and Febreze at the ready.

Mildewed carpet and unwelcome water . . . not what we'd hoped for.

Some surprises just stink.

Surprise Reprise - Day 1

It's late on Monday evening and I've just returned to Abilene, Texas from Glorieta, New Mexico after a 10.5 hour drive. Glorieta was the location for our Single Adult Labor Day Conference. It was a good weekend but I'm glad to be home . . . although I'll miss the "tree-vee."

A word or two about the weekend. Shaun Groves was our speaker and led an eye-opening study of the beatitudes (from Matthew 5 in the bible). Thanks, Shaun. Josh Cassidy led us nightly into worship through music. Josh, "thanks" to you as well.

During one of our breakout sessions I encouraged any that would like to take their "faith" journey online to do so - and I'm joining in. Over the next 30 days I'll be looking for God's surprises - small, large, and in-between. May I be faithful, watchful, and honest as I do so.

"Surprise me, God."