The Insomnia Chronicles

The Basement Olympics

Late, last night I watched a little bit of of the Olympic's coverage of Table Tennis - who are they kidding - we know it's called "Ping-Pong"!! As I watched, I thought, "well sure it's easy to play that game in a huge gym with 100 ft. ceilings - if they want to be challenged, try playing in a small, dark basement, with a  7 ft. ceiling and walls extremely close to the table (which has atleast one wobbly leg)" - yeah, now that would be a challenge and much more like the game we played growing up!!

Hmmm, maybe I'll host my own "Games" ... I could call them the BASEMENT OLYMPICS! We would adorn our unique venue with wood-panel walls, long orange shag carpet (over slopping floor with drain), various junk in the corners, a huge freezer, and pull-cord light bulbs hangin' from exposed beam ceiling (with spiderwebs)...

And here's a list of a few of the games that would be perfect for this venue:

• Ping-Pong (uneven net & lop-sided ball)
• Foosball (at least 2 broken men)
• Air-Hockey (various places air doesn't flow)
• Dome-Hockey (only plays USA's anthem)
  
• Darts (a few bent tips & missing tails a must)
• Twister (no mixed competition)
• Pool (w/ 2 walls so close a 1ft. cue is needed)
• Bumper Pool (w/ at least one bad bumper)
• Various Card Games (Rook, euchre & go fish)
• Atari (classics: centipede, dig-dug, & defender)

So, what do you think?  Feel like training for this competition?  For an extra challenge (perhaps during the 'medal round'), we will flood the basement with 12-18" of sewer water. 

What games or decor would you add to these games?

We may be on to something...

An Olympic Attitude.

I have really been enjoying the Olympics this week!  I'm already mourning the thought of them being over... and, having to wait until the summer of 2012 for their return... ugh.

I think the thing that I have really enjoyed is how our country (and hopefully your country - wherever you're reading this from) has come together to cheer with ONE voice.  With all of the political drama in our country and even in my city, it's refreshing to see unilateral patriotism. No other agendas, angles or motives - just cheering for our athletes to do their best on this global platform.  We've laid down our 'party-lines' and reveled in the joys of excellence, triumph and teamwork.  We're focused on doing our best, winning the gold, being good representatives of our country.  You don't see athletes interviewed about their political affiliations, thoughts on the upcoming elections or evaluations of the war... no, we're interested in their personal stories that brought them to this moment in their lives.

Here's a thought, what IF we had such an 'Olympic attitude' in our approach to serving Christ and cheering on the soldiers of our Faith?!  Maybe we could stop allowing theological differences or worship styles to divide us.  Maybe we would be less worried about the church down the street and more focused on the lost across the ocean.  Maybe we would be less concerned about church carpet color or building design and more involved in ending world famine and debt.  Maybe we would stop being defined by terminology like emergent, missional, postmodern, traditional, or contemporary and become known by our service, love, consistency and hope! Maybe we could start cheering for the successes of other churches or leaders and stop with all the sarcastic, cynical, and woefully insecure comments.  Maybe we could ALL be focused on WINNING - yeah, defeating the devil - not the church down the street.  Maybe our gold-medal goal could be to see Jesus Christ, our Savior, King & Lord, exalted anywhere, proclaimed everywhere, and lived out all-the-time with passion & purpose... Hmmm.

One more:  maybe our over-priced conferences (more & more every year) would be less about patting each other on the back and more about kicking each other in the butt. And, that our newest ideas & strategies would come from praying more not paying more...

So, yeah, this is my Olympic dream... for our country, churches, friendships and callings. And, you know what? I think this dream is one of the devil's nightmares! 

Your Turn:

• what's been your favorite Olympic moment this week?
• are you surprised by the patriotism that has awakened?
• do you sense 'unity' above politics, economy or war?
• could this happen in the church or is my 'dream' just fantasy?
• what could/should we do, to regain our joy & focus?

livin' the Olympic'tude, Chilly

hmmm... 3

Ok, first of all, in order to follow all of this 'randomness,' you might want to read the previous three posts (hmmm..., hmmm...2, and my anthem). I've enjoyed emptying out the closets of my heart & mind - I've also really appreciated all of your comments.  It's been a fun string of posts.  And, yeah, there may still be more after this... we'll see.

the book ban

~ as many of you know, last year I read over 60 books - a lot of the postmodern, emerging stuff by all of the 'big names'... it became excruciating by the end.  So, God led me into 2008 by instructing me to ONLY read the Bible (or books that directly helped me study the Word - like commentaries). It's been awesome!  I've learned so much and I hope that those that I know or those that read my blog / check out my podcast have seen greater depth & insight.  Well, this week, I felt God release me to pick up a few books ... so, I'm carefully looking at a few titles.  You may notice this in the "I READ" section of my blog >>
       - I'm excited about adding insight into my life. 
       - What are you reading right now?

toothless tigers

~ I'm a fan of our Detroit Tigers... but, I'm so sick & tired of watching our team put up big numbers and shutdown the opposing teams bats ONLY to bring in some noodle-armed relief pitcher who gives up the lead and eventually, the win. I've said for 2 years that we need to can the pitching coach - but, no one seems to see that... oh well. Football season is upon us now ... go Steelers!

my label: Love

~ people desperately want to figure out what & who you are.  so, they use little words or phrases to describe you, sum you up and explain you to others. I don't like such labels. I'm discovering that my blatant avoidance of such titles has actually frustrated and angered people.  I deliberately refuse to be described by relevant words (emergent, postmodern, missional, etc) and I also refuse to align myself with any one person or school of thought (driscoll, bell, mclaren, wright, etc).  Looking for a label?  I like LOVE. I'm living a real love from a real God in a real world... authentic... period.

the 3rd place

~ what's happened with Starbucks?  yeah, I still love to drop in for a white mocha, iced double-shot, doppio con panna or a refreshing vivanno; but I don't like hangin' out there like I used to.  it was, for a season (or more), my 'mobile office' but now, I'm just not feelin' it...  maybe it's the head-phones all the barista's wear, maybe the inconsistent music or the overall lack of pride (worker & customer alike) that used to be there. Howard Shultz envisioned local outlets as a "third place" (beside home and work) to spend time, and store design is intended to achieve this. It was working... not anymore. Destroyed by their own ambition, greed and ________ (fill in blank) - they lost their focus - and all of the sudden paying double for a cup a coffee (that you can't get in small, medium or large) seems less desirable.  I hope that they can save themselves but it isn't looking good... stores are closing all over the place.  People can get a drink at McDonald's (any size) for $1. Ouch.
       - what are your thoughts about Starbucks?

hmmm... 4?

~ I'm still ready & willing to vent more... ha!  What are some topics or subjects that  you'd like to hear my take on? 

until then... peace.

hmmm... 2

I think there's still more locked in the back room of my brain that is itchin' to come out.  Thanks for taking time to read this blatantly honest leap into the abyss of cyberland.  It's very therapeutic.

bubble boy

~ why is it that the church thinks that they can protect others from the dangers of 'the world' by creating a safe environment from all 'the snares'?  you know, create a list of everything wrong or dangerous - like r-rated movies, addictive substances, secular music, and of course, all non-Christians - then impose strict guidelines of how to avoid such menaces and SHAZAM, you're holy!  What?!!  Aren't we supposed to make the devil flee? "So give yourselves completely to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you" James 4:7.
... notice that those creating the bubble never add to the list 'sins' like:  debt, greed, gluttony, adultery or gossip... ugh.

brett favre

~ yeah, obviously, there's no rhyme or reason for the order of these random thoughts - ha! 

A note to the president of the Packers...  LET BRETT PLAY!  yes, he said he was done... yes, you said Rogers is now the #1 QB... who cares?!  Perhaps the greatest QB in NFL history, who by the way had an incredible season last year, changed his mind. You should be as giddy as a little school-girl!  But, your pride (and the fact that you're a pencil-necked, insecure millionaire that was picked last in every kickball game you ever attempted to play) won't allow you to let the legendary QB back in your good graces. Did I mention that in 13 straight seasons he never missed a game?  Ok, I'm done... Go Steelers!

planter's itch

~ tonight I met with a large group of young adults - 24/7 - for a night of Bible study, cultural discussion and vision casting.  this kind of stuff really pumps me up (especially with a little chocolate & coke zero)! I really feel like we're on the verge of adding another Real Church campus!  Woo-Hoo!  It will require crazy work, incredible faith and huge miracles - in other words, it can't be done without God - COOL! that's how we roll...  "If the Lord doesn't build the house, the builders are working for nothing" Psalm 127:1.

it's late

~ yep!  I need to get some sleep, get up & pray, then sleep some more.  Are you an Insomniac like me? Let's see...  IF you read this and leave a comment by or before 5am, I will send you a special (cool) gift! So, you've got 2 hours... the first one to comment in this time frame wins!

... by the way, I'm still not done venting.

 so, look for "hmmm...3" soon!

redwings,

So, I stepped into my room, after a really cool service, just in time to see the final seconds of our redwings clinching the championship! I'm pumped - it's so good for our city. And now, time to get back to making Detroit more aware of the championship won by Christ! Even better for our city. Looking for wins, chilly

Manchester, Moscow & Memories...

I don't like soccer.  I never have and probably never will. 

But I do love football - no, not just the American NFL football but the football embraced by most other nations - yeah, 'we' call it soccer, but it's not...  not even close.  Our version is sissy-like, annoying and involves words like: minivans, soccer moms and grass stains.  Their version is tough, rowdy and involves words like: hooligans, anthems and blood.  Our version annoys our nation, their version unites their's.

Yesterday, much of the world gathered around televisions to watch the epic battle for the europeon championship. It was contested by the same two English clubs that competed for the Premier League title. Their battle for the  Champions League title took place in Moscow, Russia and resulted with the same team winning in both matches: Manchester United (Chelsea finished 2nd, twice...).  Ultimately, this makes ManU the best team on the planet.  They're the ONLY team I know or like.

superGod sunday

the super bowl is on... my house is filled with people... big screen tv... lots of food & snacks... and, all I can think about is this morning's service at Real Church. we were packed with people hungry for more of God and so full of joy & expectation.  as our 40DAZE of prayer & fasting continues, we are seeing a steady increase in hope, salvations, miracles and holiness.  Jesus is so real to us.

today, we looked at the forty days after the resurrection of Christ, and the promise of the Holy Spirit. a message entitled, "Worth it's 'WAIT' in GO" is available on iTunes via podcast (just click title).  I think it will shed some encouraging light on a, far too often, debated subject in many churches today...

I love God.

maybe the giants will pull out a win - that would be cool... but, whatever the outcome, I feel like a winner - God WON today... big time!

               

        * I, obviously, simplified the look of this blog - it was too busy.

*?

Tonight, Barry Bonds passed Hank Aaron as the all-time home run leader for Major League Baseball.  He hit #756 off of Washington Nationals pitcher, Mike Bacsik (who?)... absent from witnessing the big hit were: Commissioner Bud Selig and Hank Aaron himself.  Not absent, is the on-going speculation about Barry's use of steroids and other banned substances throughout the latter portion of his career.

Hmmm...  * ??
Does he deserve an asterisk in the record book?

Do we? I know, you're thinking, "what do I have to do with his illegal use of performance enhancing drugs?" Have you achieved victories or success in ministry while: "faking" the anointing, exaggerating your prayer & devotional life, or using someone else's material like it's your own??

Should there be an asterisk on that  altar call, amazing sermon, incredible testimony or recent blog?  It's easy to be cynical about a sports entertainer but what about something on a much more serious note: God's Work.

I guess what I'm saying is, we need to be very careful & cautious about the way we conduct our lives & ministry.  We are given a guideline of how to live our lives, in Titus, chapter 1:  "For an overseer,as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,  but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.  He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party.  They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach."   (v. 7-11) ... there's a lot of areas where I have been less than pure or perfect (worthy of an asterisk). 

Yet, we have a gracious and forgiving God who is willing to remove the blemish from our shady records, in Colossians 2, it says:  "And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross." (v. 13-14) - whew!

I don't want to waste one minute debating about Barry Bonds records -- that's silly.  It's a sport, a game, entertainment...  character and integrity walked out the door of those categories long ago.  We have life and death to be concerned with...

a good friend of mine, Pastor Edgar Cabello, once taught: "the anointing is God's gift to you, character is your gift to God." - that's a true challenge that goes far beyond sports.  I accept this righteous dare...

and, I ain't playin',
Chilly

poser or player?

I'm intrigued with the draw of sports on our American culture.  What an amazing business - billions and billions of dollars are spent on stadiums, players, advertising, television commercials, etc...

Perhaps the funniest phenomenon of professional sports is the fans.  They will spend hundreds of dollars on jerseys, tickets, hats and foam “number one” hands!  They get so emotionally worked up that they begin to believe that they’re actually playing.  And in the era of free agency and insane salaries, there’s no doubt that fans are more loyal to the team than the players themselves.  But, be certain of this:  there is a difference between players and posers.  Wearing a player’s jersey doesn't’t make you a player; but only a poser.

In my opinion, this same paradoxical contrast can be seen in Christianity: there are players and there are posers.

The players are those people who are actively involved in the game. They are constantly serving in various ministries, filling themselves up with Bible studies, and courageously telling unbelievers of the Good News that Jesus Christ has to offer.

While the posers, on the other hand, are passively sitting on the sideline watching all of the action as the game is being played. These people attend church (wear the “jersey”) and may even be involved in a Bible study; however, they simply feel like they have nothing to offer the team. They are constantly comparing themselves to those people who are players and every time they do, they fall short. Sadly, too many Christians fall into the poser category. They join the family of God and yet do not get involved in Kingdom work because they feel that they aren't as good of a speaker as someone else, or they haven't gone to four years of Bible College so they don't have the appropriate knowledge that is needed to get involved.

By doing so, the poser robs himself/herself of the joy that is found by getting into the game. The posers of the world need to realize one thing: Jesus uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Without Jesus, Peter and John would have been nothing more than two fisherman.

We forget that God has always taken great delight in using the ordinary to do the extraordinary. "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were ordinary, unschooled men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13

Why? They relied upon the power of Jesus Christ, rather than their own power.  They chose to keep their eyes on the game and not on the scoreboard. They trusted the Play-book and the Coach explicitly.

Posers: the fact of the matter is that Jesus will use you to do extraordinary things for the Kingdom of God. The question is are you going to get off the bench and get in the game to allow him to do so?  It's not too late!

                                                     "I'm open, I'm open... throw me the ball!" ~ Chilly

holy competition

sports life in detroit is pretty cool these days.

last night i was up cheering in my living room as our pistons came from behind to take game one in the eastern championship - then today, i'll sit in my usual seat in commerica park, at 7:05, to see our american league champion tigers battle the l.a. angels - i'll rush out of the ballpark back to my house to catch game six of the western championship between our redwings and the ducks.  even our 2006 world champion detroit shock (wnba) are off to an undefeated start...   crazy, huh?

now, understand, i don't live for sports.  i enjoy them.  and, i'm a big fan of WINNING.

we tend to shy away from the subject of competition & winning when it pertains to our thoughts about church & Christianity.  but should we?  when you see all the numbers mentioned in the book of Acts, doesn't it kind of seem like Luke has been authorized by the Holy Spirit to "keep score"?  it's human nature to ask questions like: how many are you running?  how big is the youth group?  how many showed up for your conference? etc...

You know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. So run to win! All those who compete in the games use self-control so they can win a crown. That crown is an earthly thing that lasts only a short time, but our crown will never be destroyed. So I do not run without a goal. I fight like a boxer who is hitting something -- not just the air. I treat my body hard and make it my slave so that I myself will not be disqualified after I have preached to others.  1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Does that sound like we shouldn't challenge each-other - including other churches, pastors, leaders - with the concept of competition... winning... goals?  Or, how about this verse:  I did this so that Satan would not win anything from us, because we know very well what Satan's plans are. 2 Corinthians 2:11 ... or, a repeated familiar text of Acts, numbers were added daily.  Sounds like a big W to me!

what if we came home at night and had ESPN analyzing, criticizing & commenting on our "ministry performance"? or our character?  or our numbers? would we make their "ultimate highlight" feature or would we be found in the "bloopers"?

why are we afraid to challenge our friends?  to ask tough, provoking questions?  to make heart-felt critiques or rebukes?  is it because we don't want them doing it to us? 

is it because we're not trying to win but simply to survive?  do we convince ourselves that we're ok by pointing out those that are really losing?  are we hiding in the dugout or at the end of the bench?

I WANT TO WIN.  i understand that i'm not competing against other churches: Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world's darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world. Ephesians 6:12
- this does not excuse me, however, from striving to be better and better and better.  to find those really winning and compete against my own mediocrity and the church's complacency in order to be the BEST that i can possibly be.

winning people and churches are always gossiped about:  "they count hands not heads" or "we're not into numbers like them, we're into discipleship" or "if we had their resources we would be winning too" or  " they think they're better than us"  ...  sad, pathetic comments made by others not included in the post-season.

i'm going to reevaluate my motives, my heart and my ministry.  i'm going to stay competitive and strive for more and more wins.  to live Paul's challenge: be strong in the Lord and in his great power.

well, now i'm off to the tigers game...  i pray that every sporting event, that i see or participate in, will remind me of God's call  &  purpose for my life.

IN IT 2 WIN IT, chilly

by the way, don't worry about us getting prideful in detroit with all our winning teams -  thankfully, we still have the lions to keep us humble.