"Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes into hours?"--From Gordon Lightfoot's "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"

Michelle and I were riding in the Explorer today when Lightfoot's song "Sundown" came on the radio. I started thinking about his anthem "Fitzgerald", which tells a narrative of the shipwreck. I especially started thinking about the above line, which questions God's existence. One topic many non-believers often raise is the problem of evil, with evil being defined as "innocent suffering". These people often ask why, if God exists, would God allow innocent people to suffer. I have read mnay philosophers and theologians give various explanations for this, and so far, I have not come across one that I can believe. So, I am working on one myself. When I finish it, I will let you know.

Peace,

Chris

This is so freaky, I just had to buy the album. This might just be the funniest thing I have ever seen!

This past weekend can only be summed up with a "WOW!".

We rolled to Clarksville on Friday, and it was exciting to be going back home. We hung out at my grandparents' house for a while, until my grandmother and Michelle started talking about going to Hobby Lobby. I knew I had to get out of there, so I went over to my parents' house. When I got there, my dad was setting up his latest toy. His new sub-woofer produces enough bass to make the neighbors think Ft. Campbell is shooting artillery. My mom seriously thinks the foundation of the house is going to crack...LOL.

Anyway, I Steve played my guitar for a while, and I enjoyed watching him. He is becoming a maestro. Mike Clark had begged me to umpire a single game on Friday night, and a double-header on Saturday. So, after hanging out for a while, I headed over to Heritage Park and worked an uneventful game. After the game, I picked up Michelle and we went to Johnny's to satisfy our jones.

Saturday morning, I worked my two games while Michelle literally was "showered" with baby gifts. We have so much stuff now, it is insane. The Clarksville church and Mt. Denson, under the direction of my mother and grandmother, threw her an incredible shower. Oh my. I was hoping to come by towards the end to say hello to everyone, but my games ran long so I missed almost everyone.

While we were cleaning up, Mike called me to ask if there was any way I could run over to Richview and umpire another game. There had been a mix-up due to a team scheduling a game without calling him to get umpires. Mike was already about to go out of his mind, having to schedule over 70 games that weekend. There just aren't enough umpires to cover that many games, but somehow he got it done. Another example of why we have one the best associations anywhere.

Speaking of umpires, we heard over the weekend that Jordan Ferrell got a job in the minor leagues. We are so proud of him. I remember talking to Mike about Jordan several years ago, and we both said he would go as far as he wanted to. We enjoyed working with him, helping him get get started. We certainly wish him all the best.

I also heard that Jessica Hester's Auburn University JROTC team recently won a prestigious competition. She is on a full ride scholarship, with a Marine Corps option. She will be a great Marine, and will serve the country well.

We rolled back to Memphis Saturday night, and were exhausted by the time we got here. Michelle woke up at 3:30 AM Sunday morning with her hips and knees hurting. She was still in pain later in the morning, so I went to church alone. I informed the congregation that I would be leaving after Easter Sunday. Everyone wished us well. It will be tough leaving them.

I went by Crossroads today, and moved some of my office things. My new office is amazing! I should be able to get a lot of work done in there. It's a great enviornment. The church secretary, Martha, informed me that some of the youth have already come by and given their stamp of approval. Apparently, they really like the couch...LOL. I have still got some more stuff to move in, but it won't take long.

I hope everyone is doing well. Peace...

I changed the "Music" section of the blog to reflect the songs and artists that I have recently listened to, instead of links to artists' web sites. This will give anyone who happens to care a better glimpse into the music that is in current rotation in my world.

Michelle and I are eagerly awaiting the journey to Clarksville tomorrow. We are looking forward to a fun weekend. Normally, I write my sermon for the week on Friday, but since we are travelling tommorrow, I will do that today.

There is a luncheon for Cumberland Presbyterians at seminary today. Once again, whoever said there was no such thing as a free lunch must not have known me...LOL. The other day, I was walking somewhere on campus and a woman I do not know stopped me and said, "Hey, aren't you the new student that is a Cumberland Presbyterian?" I continue to be singled out as if I were the chosen one...LOL. It kind of disturbs me; I do not want any special attention, I just want to do my work and move along. I guess since the seminary is sponsored by the CP church, and there are not actually too many CP's around, they want to make a big deal of the few that are there. Whatever.

I also have some reading to do for tonight's class, so I am going to get on that.

We ate breakfast a while ago, so it is now getting to the baby. He is really moving around, and we can see Michelle's belly shifting as he moves. This is so cool! He really likes to eat, and gets active afterward. Today marks the beginning of week 27. This is the last week of the second trimester. Time is really moving along fast. June 28 will be here before we know. And probably before we are ready.

I hope everyone is doing well. Peace...

I have a meeting later this morning with the professor of my Interchurch Relations class. The class is a class on ecumenism, which is the movement that promotes unity among the world's Christian churches. We will be meeting in order to discuss my semester project (each student is required to do a project of some kind). My project will be a furthering of a project I first did a couple of years ago. My project will be based on a Powerpoint presentation, showing pictures that tell the story of the Church's treatment of Native Americans. The slides are set to the music of The Eagles' "The Last Resort". After the slideshow, I will talk for about 45 minutes or so, then take questions. I have been working really hard on this, and I think it will go well. The presentation is not until April 23; Today's meeting is just so I can show the professor my progress.

I also have a short response paper I need to write for my research class today. I am going to do that after my meeting.

I hope everyone is doing well. Peace...

Michelle was having some serious pains Saturday morning, so called the doctor and were told to go to the E.R. So, after spending a few hours there, we were sent home with an apparent U.T.I. I know she was miserable, and in a lot of pain. A funny thing happened on the way home, and it gave us a chuckle.

We dropped her prescriptions off at Walgreens, and then went to Sonic so she could take care of her corn dog jones (this week's craving). After we ordered, and while we were waiting for the food, I kind of almost dozed off. When the waitress came with the food, I was about 30 seconds from being fully asleep. So, I did not have a tip ready, and didn't think about it until a few minutes later. That was about the same time that I realized I had not ordered anything to drink, so I made a second order for a drink. A different person brought my drink to me, and I gave him a tip, and money for the first waitress. I asked him if he would give that part to her. He said sure. A couple of minutes later, the original waitress came outside, and kind of peered around the corner of our car. She was completely freaked out. I lowered the window, and although she did not come real close, she was within hearing range. She said something to the effect of "Uh, what's up? Why did you give me money via that other guy?" So, I told her I had been half-asleep and wanted to make sure I tipped her. She had a quizzical look on her face, and was just freaked out. I think maybe since she was about 15, she thought a greasy old man was trying to hit on her. Idunno. It was hilarious.

Today, we interviewed a childcare provider for the baby, and we came to an agreement with her. So, that is exciting. She keeps just a few kids, in her home in Germantown. We are really comfortable with her. She lives about 10 minutes from CrossRoads, so that will be convenient. After we spoke with her, we went by the church so Michelle could see the inside. I showed her around, and she met the church staff. I think she is really going to like it there. We are both excited.

It looks like I am going to have a meeting with the parents of the youth this Sunday, and probably start working full-speed the week after Easter. I have been busy getting some ideas together, and trying to formulate a plan. I remember when I started at Mount Denson, I had absolutely no experience, no materials, and no plan. It all seemed to work out, though. LOL. This time, I would like to have a plan, though.

We joined Blockbuster video's online program back a few weeks ago, and are really enjoying it. We have watched several really good movies that we ordinarily would not have had time to see in the theatre. Last night, we watched "Fast Food Nation". While some of it hyberbole, for sure, it makes me sick to think of what goes on in the meat industry. Special interest groups purchase the lawmakers in this country (on behalf of ALL industries), so it should not be too surprising to know that the rules are set up in order for corporations to make the quickest buck possible, regardless of the consequences. When it comes to the meat we eat, I will always remember how my biology teacher in high school told us that after taking a bacteriology class in college, she ate no meat for several years. I have enjoyed cutting back on my own meat consumption; I just feel better.

I hope everyone is doing well. Peace...

Do these two albums look similar? Sure they do. I heard that 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Patti Smith's album "Horses" has been a big influence on KT Tunstall. Tunstall's song "Suddenly I See" was reportedly directly inspired by Smith. Cool.

Michelle and I just found out that there was a shooting at a restaurant that I had once eaten in. When I went there, sometime last summer, neither of us had ever been there, and we didn't know what it was about. I quickly found out. I walked in, and soon observed someone asleep on the pool table. As I was eating, the phone rang, and someone brought it to him and woke him up to take the call. He never sat up, just mumbled into the phone for a few minutes and then went back to sleep. Typical Memphis.

I hope everyone is doing well. Peace...

When I saw this car a couple of weeks ago, I almost freaked. This is a 1976 Ford LTD. Back in the day, my dad had a car almost exactly like this. I think his may have been a 1977, and I remember it being either silver or light grey. Ah, the memories.

The last couple of days have been insane. I essentially locked myself in a hole in order to study for my Theology mid-term last night. Unfortunately, I am not sure it did much good. Anyway, I am glad it's Friday. Today, I am going to do some reading for my exegesis paper, then enjoy the Friday. I'm planning on watching some of the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational this afternoon. I also need to write my sermon for Sunday. I already kind of have it in my head, so I just need to get it down on paper.

Tuesday night, I got a call from Crossroads Church, and I was offered the position of Director of Youth Ministries. I immediately accepted. This is an incredibly exciting time for me, and Michelle, too. I am working out an exit strategy with the Potts Camp church, but it looks like I will start at Crossroads the week after Easter. I am going by there this morning to fill out paperwork and stuff, and to meet the office staff. Oh, boy. I am so excited. I think this will be a great opportunity.

Michelle and I are looking foward to being in Clarksville next weekend for the baby shower. I was originally going to umpire some baseball games, but I decided just to chill with my friends and family instead. It will be nice to be back home.

Last night, we went to Babies R Us, and ordered a crib. It was kind of exciting to do that. I look forward to putting it together. I hear a lot of dads complaining about how they do not like to put stuff together on Christmas Eve, (The "Some assembly required" label being a bane of society) but I look forward to that. Those opportunites seem to be some of the fun parts of being a dad.

I hope everyone is doing well. Peace...

Today has been essentially worthless. I got up at about 4:30 this morning, and read for a while. Then I watched the movie "Crash", which was really good. After that, Michelle and I went to the grocery store to re-stock. We looked like we were preparing for Y2K when we walked out...LOL. Since then, we have just kind of lain around all day. I have class at 5:30, so I imagine I will get a burst of energy in a while.

Speaking of imagining, I read today where there is a tribute album to be released soon, featuring various artists covering the songs of John Lennon. The proceeds from the album will benefit Amnesty International's campaign to end the Darfur genocide. Willie Nelson is doing "Imagine", so there is the connection. Michelle and I drive each other crazy making wild jumps in our conversations without announcing the connections...LOL.

Anyway, speaking of music, tonight the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's class of 2007 will be inducted. We were able to visit the Hall in 2004, and it was great. However, until Kiss, Rush, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Yes, Deep Purple, Alice Cooper, Styx, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest are ALL elected, the Hall is a bit of a fraud and carries with it a tremendous defiecientcy. There are probably some other artists that have also been snubbed, but those are the ones I can name off the top of my head. Are The Police in? Sting as a solo artist? They should be.

Michelle and I were greatly saddened over the weekend to learn of the death of Brad Delp, the lead singer for the band Boston. Boston is one of our favorite bands, and Delp's passing came as a shock to us. Boston was supposed to release a new album soon, with a summer tour this year. That would have been a great show.

My second interview with Crossroads Church yesterday went quite well. It was a grueling interview, as I had questions being fired at me from about 12 different people. It was tough, but I thought all the questions were relevant and fair. So, I left encouraged. I should hear something back from them by tomorrow.

Michelle and I were watching a show about newborn babies on TV earlier today, and the grandfather of one said that he had made an investment in his own son, and being able to hold the grandson was the dividend. That was tremendous. I know my parents made a tremendous investment in me, so I am glad that will also see a return on that investment. I know that there are many returns on such an investment, but having a grandchild must be one of the better ones.

We were wondering earlier today how the grandparents will act when they get the word that we are heading to the hospital for the delivery. We both felt that all of the grandparents would probably jump right into their cars and hit the road. If that's how it works out, that would certainly be great. We want to share our excitement with everyone, that's for sure. But, if people cannot make it into town for a while, that's cool too. We'll see how things work out.

When we were on our way to church yesterday, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Michelle was rubbing her belly. I smiled and asked her if it seems surreal to have a living creature moving around inside her. She started laughing and said it certainly does. I know it seems surreal to me just to think about her having a baby inside her.

Lazing around on a Saturday morning...

Michelle and I are going to Babies R US later for the gear and gadgets special. It should be a lot of fun.

The ink cartridge in our printer went dry, and it's been a big inconvienience. I didn't realize how much I used the printer until now. We gotta get a new cartridge.

We have a mound of laundry that could block the view of Manute Bol. Gotta get on that today.

Last night, we enjoyed a wonderful night out. We went to dinner at a nicer-than-normal place, and it was cool that we had a buy-one-get-one-free coupon. Whoever said there is no such thing as a free lunch didn't know me. Anyway, it was great. It was nice to dress up a bit. Afterward, we went to Build-A-Bear, and made a bear for the baby. We dressed him in a baseball uniform, and he looks great. He even has a fielder's glove, ball, and a bat. LOL.

Michelle noticed that one of the brake lights in the Explorer is out, so I am going to replace both of them today.

I hope everyone is doing well. Peace...

You have probably noticed that I have made some changes to the blog. It's a work in progress.

I am the library today, working on my Theology mid-term. The great thing about being at the library on Fridays is that, since there are no classes all day, the library is a ghost-town. Library etiquette has completely gone away (at least in my own experience), so trying to get any work done during the week can be an exercise in futility. But, on Fridays, it is joyfully silent.

Michelle is baby-sitting the younger boy that she used to nanny for. I am going to meet them around lunch time; it will be neat to see him.

I read an article in USA Today yesterday about a new book titled Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know--and Doesn't by Stephen Prothero. Prothero is the chair of the religion department at Boston University. In his book, Prothero points out that the vast majority of Americans hold a stunningly low level of knowledge about the world's religions. He reminds us that being ignorant of these matters prevents us from truly understanding many of the world's events, and argues that a religiously knowledgeable society is a better one.

Included in the book is a 15-question quiz, which he says his students fail every year. Michelle and I took it, and we did "OK". Which is to say that we passed.

If you like, take it and see how you do. Check your answers here. Add up your total points, then multiply by two for your final score (as a percentage of 100).

1 point each: Name the Four Christian Gospels.



1 point: Name a sacred text of Hinduism



1 point: What is the name of the holy book of Islam?



1 point: Where according to the Bible was Jesus born?



1 point: President George W. Bush spoke in his first inaugural address of the Jericho road. What Bible story was he invoking?



1 point each: What are the first five books of the Hebrew Bible or the Christian Old Testament?



1 point: What is the Golden Rule?



2 points: "God helps those who help themselves." Is this in the Bible? If so, where?



2 points: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God." Does this appear in the Bible?



10 points: Name the Ten Commandments.


4 points: Name the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism.



7 points: What are the Seven Sacraments of Catholicism?



1 point each: The First Amendment says two things about religion, each in its own "clause." What are its two religion clauses?



2 points: What is Ramadan? In what religion is it celebrated?



7 points: Match the Bible characters with the stories in which they appear. Some characters may be matched with more than one story or vice versa.

CHARACTERS:

Adam and Eve

Noah

Paul

Moses

Jesus

Abraham

Serpent


STORIES:

Exodus

Binding of Isaac

Olive Branch

Garden of Eden

Parting of the Red Sea

Road to Damascus

Garden of Gethsemane

Last week, I got a welcome package from the Alumni Association. It consisted of an ink pen, a lapel pin, a window sticker, and my membership card. It still feels weird to see the "University of Memphis Alumni" sticker on the car. Makes me proud. One day, I might have a "Memphis Theological Seminary Alumni" sticker on the car. Or, one that says "clergy". That will be REAL weird.

I keep threatening to "out" Michelle's whereabouts to the Austin Peay Alumni Association, but I don't think she would ever forgive me. She cannot stand that place.

This morning, Greg Walker was featured on the ESPN radio show, "Mike and Mike in the Morning". Greg's epic radio broadcast of the last few seconds of Austin Peay's loss Saturday to Eastern Illinois has drawn national attention. Absolutely epic.

Peace...

Last night at about 9:30, I got a call from the head of the Staff Parish Relations Committee from Crossroads Church, saying that the full committee wants to meet with me this Sunday afternoon. It sounds like I made a really good impression on the sub-committee that I met with this past Sunday. So, I spent a night in restless quasi-sleep, wondering what is going to happen. If the church calls me to the position, I still do not know if I will accept it. It's all so strange and surreal. I inquired about this position long before I had even heard about Lebanon Church, and at that time I was VERY excited about it. I did not hear anything from Crossroads for several weeks, and by that time I had preached at Potts Camp for a couple of weeks and fallen in love with it. I really feel a strong calling there, so I just do not know what I am going to do.

I say that, but maybe that's not really true. Michelle pointed out last night that if it is weighing this heavily on my heart, then it must be what I truly in my heart want to do. Idunno. I'm going to stay in prayer over it all week, and hopefully I will figure out the direction I am supposed to move in. Trying to discern God's will is a difficult task, indeed.

Mike Clark keeps talking about how Lily will still not sleep through the night, and how that is driving him crazy. I am hoping that our little one does better, but I doubt it...LOL.

I am studying for my New Testament mid-term tonight, and just got kicked out of the library. It closes every day at 11:00 for chapel services. So, I am going to go to chapel, and then come back and get some work done.

I hope everyone is doing well. Peace...

Michelle and I met with a pediatrician this morning, and we both were impressed. So, we decided to go with this one. We are also in the process of choosing a nursery, so we should have a decision made on that in the next week or two.

My interview at Crossroads church yesterday went very well. I was told that a decision was going to be made in the next couple of days, and that I should expect a phone call Tuesday night to let me know of their decision. If they call me, I will have a big decision to make. Still do not know what I would do.

There is an interesting summer class being offered at MTS. It is a two-week intensive course entitled, "Gonna Change My Way of Thinking": Bob Dylan on the Bible, Sin & Virtue. "Intensive" means that it meets every day, for about 4 hours each session.

The course description is:

"The course proposes to look at how Dylan used Biblical references in his lyrics as an artist, his vision of sin, and his understanding of virtue. Special consideration will be given to his "Christian albums" for their soteriological content. A multimedia approach will be taken, utilizing musical recordings, documentaries, and taped interviews. Class participants will also be encouraged to prepare musical performances of Dylan's works."

Michelle is encouraging me to take it, although it will be during the last two weeks before the baby is due. I cannot imagine being able to concentrate during that time. Registration is at the end of this month, so I still have some time to think about it.

I need to finish a powerpoint presentation that I will be giving in my Interchurch Relations class tonight. I only have about 4-5 more slides to go, so it is almost done. I also have a mid-term in New Testament class tomorrow night. I am almost ready for that.

I hope everyone is doing well. Peace...

So much is going on these days, it's crazy. But I embrace the insanity. Most of the time. LOL.

I had a job interview with Cingular Wireless earlier this week, and it went really well. I was told to expect a second interview, so I am awaiting that call. I also have an interview this Sunday afternoon at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Collierville, which is looking for a Youth Minister. I applied for that position before I had even heard of the church at Potts Camp. I have really come to think of myself as being called to the church at Potts Camp, so if I am offered the position at Crossroads, I don't know what I am going to do. There are also a couple of other things that I am looking into that would allow me to continue preaching at Potts Camp.

My first mid-term exam (New Testament class) is next Tuesday, so I am getting ready for that. It counts for 40% of the grade, so I need to do well.

Due to me taking on more work, I decided to drop my Church History class. This will allow me to maintain my sanity.

On Wednesday, I went to the dentist for a cleaning, and ended up having two teeth pulled. So, my mouth has been sore the last couple of days, but it feels better this morning. I am going to try to resume eating normal food today.

We toured a day-care center yesterday, and today we are looking at another one. We also have an appointment with the OB. Tonight, we are baby-sitting. So, it will be a full day today.

I hope everyone is doing well. Peace...