Thanks!

Underwoods & Luke 6-24-06
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

Gary's parents - Jack and Rita Underwood - were here for a couple of days to celebrate Allie's birthday. Here they are, kicking it with Luke at the park. Dad is a big fan of 24, and mom enjoys Sudoku. This couple is all about keeping it real.

Extreme Racing 2026...

allie driving car in park
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

On Saturday morning, Allie was off to the races. At Mingo Park here in Delaware, we had a great time chasing Allie around the slides, the swings, and the sweet ride.

Good Times

Gary & Allie 62406
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

I had a blast opening gifts with Allie and taking pictures of her. She loved opening presents and especially loved the doll house we got her.

Finally figures it out....

allie cake 62206
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

Now that Allie understands what a Camera does, she poses for it. With a piece of chocolate cake... Most of the time, she looks more like Jennie. With this pose, Daddy is extremely proud.

Cake Suprise...

allie cake and luke
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

For a couple weeks, Allie has been singing the Happy Birthday song just because she likes it. On Thursday, it actually was HER birthday, and she seemed thrilled with the surprise. While we do think she is advanced for her age, it's doubtful that she had circled June 22 on her calendar.

Already TWO?

2nd birthday cake
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

Here's Allies' birthday cake. Mom made a wonderful chocolate cake, fully-equipped with our favorite bear, Winnie the Pooh.

Great. Another book review??

Today, I finished reading "It Takes a Church to Raise a Christian" by Tod Bolsinger. Mutterings' "On the Scene" columnist Fake Guy sat down again with Gary to get his thoughts on another interesting read about Christianity and the Church... Here are some highlights from that interview:

FG: Dude, not another book review.

GU: Hey, you're the one who contacted me for this blog entry. I just share whatever you ask about.

FG: Well, basically, people are tired of book reviews and want to hear about Allie on the eve of her second birthday.

GU: Yeah, it was a little emotional at the Underwood abode tonight. Allie's last day as a 1-year old. Tomorrow, she turns 2. She is not quite "terrible" yet, but she is showing all the usual signs. Lots of whining.

FG: What are some of the funny things she says?

GU: Well, she takes her toy cow, sits him down, and tells him to "stop whining. stop whining. stop whining." She is already learning how to discipline her children.

FG: Nice. Even her whining is cute, though, right?

GU: That's what she thinks.

FG: Does she whine as much as the Dallas Mavericks?

GU: Funny.

FG: I thought so.

GU: I actually hoped they would win until game five. Sure, the game and refs didn't go their way, but their actions were really childish. I had to look at the television and say the same thing that we say to Allie - "stop whining."

FG: Did the Mavericks hear you?

GU: Apparently yes, cause game seven they seemed more civilized. But they clearly were not the better team in this series.

FG: So, what else is new?

GU: Well, summer is here in full swing. The garden is planted out back. Our church is searching for a full-time youth pastor. I am reading a lot. Praying about starting some more Home Groups. Trying not to eat food after 8:00pm. The usual stuff.

FG: No food after 8pm - are you trying to celebrate Ramadan?

GU: Actually, I'm not. I am not really into Islam. I'm more of a Christ-follower.

FG: Ah, I should have known by your choice of reading material.

GU: It takes a Church to Grow a Christian.

FG: Didn't Hilary Clinton say that?

GU: Well, in a less religious sort of way...

FG: Oh.

GU: For whoever cares, the book has some good insights on the real purposes for worship and the Bible's role in our church and faith. We should view worship as something other than being personally inspired wherever we happen to be. God commands us to worship Him together, in public, and with the family of God.

FG: So, when I'm at the beach watching the sunset, I'm not worshipping?

GU: Well, not in the fullest sense - God intends for worship to happen in community - in a place where believers are gathered to offer God a service-sacrifice of praise. My parents did attend a church worship service on the beach in Hawaii, so that might count.

FG: What about the Koran? Can we read the Koran in our worship?

GU: Man, you are really into Islam stuff tonight, aren't you....

FG: Well, I'm about to watch Syriana, starring George Clooney, so I have been pondering the religious side of the middle east.

GU: How can you ponder stuff? You don't even exist!

FG: True, but you're an only child, so you make up false people and post blogs about conversations that never happen.

GU: Touche'. So, are you really going to watch Syriana?

FG: I don't know. It's gotta be better than reruns of LOST.

Reading the Revolution...

Yesterday, I read through another book for my upcoming class on Spiritual Formation. This one, a team-written book by Dallas Willard and Don Simpson, is called The Revolution of Character: Discovering Christ's pattern for Spiritual Transformation.

Overall, I felt the book was easy to read, informative, and gave good ideas and tips for how to grow spiritually. It's also nice to be reading books that will help with my personal relationship with God AND influence my teaching at the church.

Here's the summary of the book from Navpress...

Heart, mind, body, social life, and soul. God is ready to transform every aspect of your life. Perhaps your spiritual life is not all you want it to be. Your sporadic successes, plateaus, and dry spells only lead to more frustration.
Dallas Willard believes the main reason we fail in our spiritual life is that we don't examine carefully the roles played by all five elements of our person: heart, mind, body, social life, and soul. Real change comes when we give each element thoughtful and prayerful exposure to God's transforming work.

In Revolution of Character, Dr. Willard enables you to dwell meditatively on each of the five elements, understand its role, train it in new patterns, and seek God's transforming power. This powerful, holistic approach will produce new ways of responding to life and will result in profoundly changed character.

I liked the book, and I thought the comments on social life and body were unique and helpful. It's one of those books that you wish you had time to go through the exercises at the end of each chapter. Several were great. This book even recommends itself for use on a spiritual one-day retreat or vacation.

Ironically, the next book I'm reading seems to take a shot at books like Revolution with commends like, "who has time for a spiritual retreat these days?"

True.

But I'd recommend Revolution of Character maybe for a small group to read through and discuss together, quite possibly in a group with new believers. However, if you are looking for a book that will be a little more engaging or challenging on Godly Character, click here.

Only 775 pages to go...

Soul Mutterings...

Today, I finished another book for my upcoming Denver Seminary class on Spiritual Formation. The following is an imaginary interview I am giving myself regarding Dr. Demarest's book, Satisfy Your Soul. My comments will follow the "GU" for "Gary Underwood," and the imaginary interviewer will be represented by the initials "FG" for "Fake Guy." The following is the transcript of this imaginary conversation.

FG: Gar, it's great to catch you on a Saturday night. Shouldn't you be at the church practicing your sermon or something?

GU: Yeah, that's actually what I'm doing right now, but this is a quick break. Let's get to the discussion...

FG: All righty then. So, you just finished Bruce Demarest's Satisfy Your Soul. The title seems a little selfish. Is it about making yourself happy?

GU: I'll put it like this. If you want to be good at something, you put some effort into it. You have a plan to develop and grow in that area of your life. This book is about how to build a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ.

FG: Nice.

GU: Yeah, that's what the entire class I'm taking is about. Each class requires 2,000 pages of reading, and this is one of the required texts.

FG: 2,000 pages? Are you serious?

GU: Yeah, but I have 6 months to read them. Of course I procrastinate and have enough on my plate, so I am down to 1,100 pages in the next four weeks. This book was a great overview of spiritual growth, prayer, reading, meditation, contemplation, and looking at how godly men and women have cultivated a life with God in the past.

FG: Did you say "meditation"? Are you becoming a Buddhist or something? Will you have to do Yoga?

GU: Nah, none of that. Meditation is just focused thought and reading of Scripture. Letting it soak into your mind and heart. Reading repeatedly and thoughtfully.

FG: Why does a pastor need to take a class on having a relationship with God?

GU: Well, if anyone hopes to be a spiritual leader, he (or she) must take care of his own heart. Feed his own soul. Make sure he takes time to know God, experience God, and serve God.

FG: So, would you recommend that book to someone else?

GU: Overall, I liked the book and found it helpful. Lots of good exercises with each chapter that would help you find spiritual renewal and deepen your walk with God. But the book is long, sometimes laborious, and -

FG: Dude, you just said "laborious."

GU: Sorry. It's the only word I could think of. There were times I was excited to read and learn from this book, and other times where I just had to "press on" and finish the chapter. The best chapters were about Scripture reading, meditation, and contemplation.

FG: Did you learn anything that will help you in your own relationship with God?

GU: I'm sorry, could you ask that question again?

FG: If you'd turn down the Hootie and the Blowfish, you could hear me better.

GU: Good idea. Okay. Ask that question again...

FG: Did you learn anything from the book that might help your relationship with God?

GU: I would take away three pretty good thoughts. First, the book makes me want to read about other men who loved God deeply and journaled or wrote about their prayer life. I am talking about Thomas A Kempis, Augustine, Teresa of Avila, and probably Bernard of Clairvaux. Their writings are inspiring, deep, and memorable.

Second, I know I need to carve out regular blocks of time to get alone with God. Go to a park or something. Do that a couple of times a month. Get away from the distractions, quiet my heart, and really focus on God.

Third, I see the value and need for stronger meditation on Scripture through personal reading and journaling. I know how crucial that is, but this book just emphasized that more powerfully than I've felt in a while. It was a good reminder.

FG: Our time is almost up. What's next on your reading list?

GU: Well, for the class, we're looking at Revolution of Character by Dallas Willard and The Shaping of Things to Come by Frost and Hirsch.

FG: Well, happy reading Wailer.

GU: Wait, while we're talking, can I take a moment to tell people that I made some great salsa today, but sliced my thumb in the process.

FG: Sure, but I don't think we have time to discuss your thoughts about the performance of Team USA in soccer's World Cup today.

GU: You mean about how we're supposed to consider a 1-1 tie with Italy some sort of accomplishment?

FG: No, I mean the part about how silly it is to play for 93 minutes and only score 2 total points.

GU: Actually, I don't feel that way.

FG: Yes you do.

GU: Okay, I guess you're right. But I have friends who like soccer, and I want to respect their passion for the game.

FG: How nice of you.

GU: Thanks.

FG: So, do you make up characters like me - this "fake guy" - as part of your ongoing "only child" syndrome?

GU: Buddy, you know I could easily replace you with a real person. I wouldn't press your luck.

FG: Right. Whatever.

GU: Exactly.

NBA FINALS: A few thoughts on Game One.

Well, game 2 starts in just a few minutes. I wanted to mutter for a minute about game one the other night. If you're not a basketball fan - you might want to scroll down to the next posts - good pics of Allie.

On a personal note, I can't believe I stayed up till midnight to watch the game till the end. Why do they start these games at 9pm? It can't be good for the ratings, or for the future of the league. ESPN Classic is playing a marathon of all the NBA finals games from the last 15 or 20 years, and I remember seeing many of them. Guys I admired as a kid - Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley - back when I played basketball... Anyhow, most of those games were played in the afternoon or early evening.

Now, with games starting at 9PM, and at least one hour of commercials throughout... it's all happening way too late. It's one thing if time zones are an issue, but this is Dallas vs. Miami.

The other night, Miami lost for a variety of reasons. They forgot to guard Jason Terry. Their bench, full of hall of famers like Gary Payton and Alonzo Mourning, forgot to play with any intensity. And, lest I forget, Shaquille O'Neal made ONE out of NINE free throws. I haven't played hoops in over two years, and I bet I could do better with my eyes closed. Seriously. And it's the talk about Shaq every year.

He's one of the most dominant basketball players of all time, yet he cannot make a free shot just fifteen feet from the basket.

So Dallas took game one, and I was rooting for them anyway. I want to see a great series, and these teams are capable of it. If you're a basketball fan, you might enjoy reading the blog of Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. He's hilarious, intense, and controversial. Cuban blogs regularly, and sometimes during games. He's good for a few laughs, especially if you're a hoop fan. If you're not a hoop fan, thanks for humoring me and actually finishing this post...

Can't help myself...

dews on floor
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

The photo shoot in their football outfits was cuter than we dreamed. The grandparents will be pleased.

The New Do

allie pigtails
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

Just an experiment, what do you think?

Kisses....

allie kisses
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

Allie reaches down for a kiss, and Luke... falls asleep?

Bottoms up?

behinds
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

Same outfit, different teams. Same result: Cute.

Surprise, Suprise...

luke in swing
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

Luke likes the baby swing too! Tonight he was jumping around and laughing in it. Some great smiles and laughs from our big fella.

Joy.

bro and sis
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

The picture says it all.

Reason to smile...

445
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

Like most Green Bay fans, Allie Underwood was thrilled to hear that the Packers drafted A.J. Hawk, the all-American linebacker from Ohio State. We also happen to think Allie is an All-American.

Noise.

Throughout the day, life is full of noise.

Sure, there's the obvious noise - people, media, machines...

But there's also the noise inside - thoughts, to-do lists, expectations...

Every now and then, I need a break from the noise. I need a space where I can just BE.

Unwind, unplug, de-stress.

Yesterday morning, our 5-month old wonderboy Luke woke us up around 5AM. It was one of those mornings where you're supposed to let him cry until his normal wake-up time. Anyway, after an hour of trying not to hear him cry, I went for a walk.

Even though I left my iPod shuffle at church on accident, I still went for a walk.

A 50-minute walk.

It was great. Just to walk. Just to think. Just to talk to God and not feel rushed about it. Or just think about God and ask Him what He wants me to do this week.

Our lives are so programmed by the schedule, the pressures, and the noise. When was the last time you just went for a walk?

The Life I've Always Wanted?

Yeah, I just finished reading The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg.

A terrific and easy-to-read book that challenged me on the heart, mindset, and freedom of the spiritual life. My desire and pursuit of God was really encouraged here. It wasn't a book about how often to read my Bible or a new prayer formula. It was more about these lesser-known (but just as important) commitments...

Things like...

Learning to slow down the pace of your life.

Focusing on being a better servant.

Seeking right-living instead of mere "balance."

The value of honest confession.

I have to say it was an awesome book. I read 220 pages in three days, something I rarely do anymore. It was collateral reading for a class I'm taking at Denver Seminary, I chose to read it. And I would read it again.

Ortberg is engaging, passionate, colorful, and honest. He is a teacher, writer, and Christian I greatly admire - and he's not full of himself. The book is full of grace. Have you seen it?

New Identity...

Tomorrow, I’m starting a study series on Philippians. Here’s how that letter starts:

“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons…”

Here are two groups of people who are living under a new identity. For a great reason, a great cause, and a tremendous God, these have been transformed.

Paul and Timothy are now “servants of Christ Jesus.”

People in Philippi are now “saints in Christ Jesus.”

Without God, most people are left to serve themselves. Paul is now a servant of Christ Jesus.

Without God, the people in Philippi would have continued in human pride, just glad to be Romans in a proud city. Because of the Cross, they are now “saints.”

A saint is….

holy.

set apart.

chosen by God.

called out of the general population for the purpose of investing in eternity.

dearly loved.

forgiven.

made pure, released from the bondage of the sin-stained life.

The “old” identity was drowning in sin, pride, and deceit. The “new” identity is defined as “saint.”

- Is that me? Is that you?
- Why do we so often prefer the “old” identity?
- Why do we let our jobs, our friends, our finances define us instead of Christ?
- What would it look like for me to realize and act upon the reality that I’m a “saint” in God’s eyes?
- Why does it often seem like a downer to think of being a “servant” of the most High God? We all serve something or someone anyway…

Just a few thoughts… thoughts from a saint struggling to grasp his new identity.