Chunk meets Jack

I loved the Goonies and I love Jack Bauer. What more could I want?

Stuff Sickness

Sometimes I get sick because of stuff. Not literally, but my values get thrown off. Last night we were on the way home from Paige's birthday party (Sherri's sister's 2 year old) and Hannah stated that she felt sick and was going to throw up and next thing we knew, she was puking in the van. It was all over her clothes, her seat, the floor, the back of Sherri's seat, and then the smell started wafting my way. Sherri had turned around and was trying to comfort a balling Hannah and I was boiling on the inside. I was thinking about how much work it would be to get the puke out of the carpet in the van, the likely long night we had ahead of us, and how put out I was because of the stink that was invading my nostrils. We got home much more quickly than I would have anticipated (someone throwing up in the car tends to encourage one to go slightly over the speed limit), and got Hannah into the bathtub and I began cleaning out the car and throwing stuff away. As I cleaned I got more upset. We have a nice van and now there is puke all over it. As I muttered some choice words under my breath Sherri came out and we finished cleaning together.

Later, I came to my senses, and I started thinking about how I react in situations where my stuff is wronged. I get upset because I feel wronged and usually, it's not really that big of deal. The thing is, I often get confused about my place in this world (slight Michael W. Smith reference, sorry). I see myself as the owner rather than the steward. When that happens, the value on that which is in my life becomes skewed. Suddenly, the van that I own, which is not going to last very long anyway, momentarily displaces my daughter who is infinitely more valuable. God's design for me is that I am his steward, he is the owner. Of course I've known this, actually, I've preached this, but in the moment, I forget this.

When things are focused, and I remember my place things change. I am no longer as concerned about my stuff that I "own." It becomes about investing in what matters as a steward. What's more valuable of investment -- the van or Hannah? Obvious answer.

Last night, take two... Last night, as we were coming home from Paige's birthday party, Hannah got sick in the car and threw up all over God's van. We raced home and got Hannah cleaned up and then Sherri and I, as God's stewards, cleaned up His van.

Funny that Sticks

I recently finished a new book called Made to Stick. It's written be brothers who wanted to explain why some things are memorable and some things are not. The great thing about this book is that it will help anyone who likes to or needs to communicate a message. It was a fun book to listen to and easily kept my attention. Some great stories and the principles are easy to catch.

Speaking of sticky, on Sunday night we went with our friends, Lemkes and Gambees, to see Jim Gaffigan in Saginaw. If you have never heard him before, you must... I think he is the funniest man in the universe. I literally laughed for about an hour and a half... my stomach muscles are still a little sore from laughing! I love Jim Gaffigan! So, watching Gaffigan was not only entertaining, but make me think about preaching. As I looked on stage, all I saw was a stool, a water bottle, and a mic on a mic stand. That's it. And then I laughed for the next 90 minutes. He had me at "hello". Think of the average church service and message, how long does the pastor preach... 25 minutes, 40 minutes, an hour? And how much of that message are you actually listening to? Did he have you at "hello" or did he ever have you at all? What if pastors only had a stool and a mic? Would churches be empty? It seems that the message of Jesus and growth in Him is infinitely more important than a brilliant comedy routine. I went to Gaffigan expecting to laugh out loud. Is is any different to go to church expecting to be challenged and captivated by what the pastor shares regardless of his visuals and set-up? It may not be as black and white as this, but I do think that there is something of value here.

Jamaica!

Well, Sherri and I just got back from Jamaica. We took 27 students from Southfield Christian (where I work) and 4 adults and spent a week working and serving children in orphanages and schools. I, not being big on children other than my own, was challenged just being there. If you want to see some video of what we did, you can check out cjwebber.blogspot.com. Chris is one of my students and friends who shot some video of our trip. We also shot our own version of a nooma (teaching videos made by Rob Bell). Hopefully, we can get it uploaded to the net and my blog. It is pretty funny and my one attempt of seeming like I am important.