"No Comment."

Wow. To quote Jerry Maguire impersonating the "great" Frank Cushman, "No comment."

That's what happens when I post a blog. Nobody comments.

You would think that would discourage me. That I'd be disheartened and stop blogging for a couple of weeks.

My own parents rarely check this blog, even when I tell them there are new pictures on here! Then again, I haven't put new pictures on here lately.

The "no comments" thing, though... might be good.

If nobody's reading, then maybe I could turn this into a real journal. Just me and my thoughts. Or better yet, me and my prayers.

Or just a place to dump my thoughts and keep a record of the important things in life. Milestones. Things I'm learning. Books I've read. Lebron contract updates.

You know?

I'd like to give a shout out to any Lake friends who are reading - Koe, Pull, Ward, Buck, Bowers, and Chadd. C'mon, Chadd - we know you went to Lake - admit it.

I'd like to give a shout out to any Michigan friends who are reading - the Walta clan, Ackermans, Newcastle, and MooDine. You guys rock.

I'd like to give a shout out to the Delaware homeys reading my stuff - Jennie, Frank, and maybe that's it. Well, a shout out to the Younkins and Josiah, who also read once in a while.

Chapel guys (Smith, Hardy, Derr, Kunk, Barton) - and this includes Chapel alumni like Ostovic, Robertson, Megilligan, Bales, Clark, Kober, Arnold, Bowser, Barrett, Delaney... I'll move on. As if those guys are reading my blog anyway.

Grace guys - Honus, Jeaoure, Danny, Oberbrunner, Larned, Feather, Jones, Rhett, and of course, Roger Peugh... You guys rule too.

Green guys... like Smokin Dan and Coop and Chadd. Wait a minute - is Chadd a Chapel guy, Green guy, or Lake guy?

um. no comment.

Back from Denver yet?

Well, if you've been checking my blog to find out, you wouldn't know. I haven't posted since July 26. Unreal. Do I even like to write anymore?

I mean, lots has happened in the last three weeks.

- Luke turned 8 months old.

- Gary made more homemade salsa.

- Jennie and I celebrated 6 years of marriage and ate dinner out at Bun's restaurant in downtown Delaware.

- Rhett Edwards, our new youth director, moved to Delaware.

- Um, I returned from Denver.

- Pastor Darrell Anderson found out he needs triple-heart bypass surgery tomorrow (please pray!)

- We celebrated the opening of a new Free Store in Delaware.

- I went to the Willow Creek Leadership Summit via satellite in Akron, Ohio.

- I ate lunch at the Akron Family Restaurant with an old friend.

- Pancho's served us several NINE-LAYER DIPS.

- Jennie and I read through the book of Acts.

- The Browns lost their All-Pro Center, LeCharles Bentley, to a season-ending injury.

- The Cavs signed Drew Gooden.

- The Indians lost a ton of games.

- I had lunch with Frank Sturges.

- I sent several text messages to a few guys, trying to figure out how to use that interesting "toy" (of text messaging).

- I enjoyed speaking a few more times from Philippians.

- Luke is cute, making more creative noises, and about ready to crawl.

- Dairy Depot served me several orange-vanilla twist cones.

- You decided to post a comment after this message.

The Denver "mid-week" Mutter

Yeah, I'm having a burger at Buffalo Wild Wings here in Denver. Checking email, cause they have the free wifi. Can't forget the basket of wedges with ranch.

Class?
- The class is going very well, and it's great to rub shoulders with full-time pastors and missionaries like this. Exchanging ideas, stories, insights, frustrations... it's all very good. I'm enjoying dialogue with Tom from Indianapolis, James from Colorado Springs, and Matt from Denver.
- We also have people in our class from New Zealand, Hong Kong, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Canada. That reminds me, we had a couple visit our church for the first time on Sunday, said they were from Canada, and the best I could muster up was, "Um, do you know Steve Nash?" I can crack myself up while not being funny.
- One of our speakers has been Alan Andrews, president of the Navigators. Great heart for people and for leading them to spiritual maturity in Christ.
- We had a retreat all day in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Didn't feel the altitude. Did have a coke float. Didn't get much alone time with God like I had hoped for. Did have a full class schedule while in the mountains. Didn't get to talk much to Jeff, another young guy who probably likes football. Did get to ride up with several new friends. Didn't get any homework assignments. Did get to see a two-minute rainstorm on the east side of the mountains.

Food?
- Here's the score, followed with some HOT and NOT comments....
- Mega Wraps: 2 (HOT: Steak Fajita Wrap. NOT: Eating too much horseradish).
- Jamba Juice: 2 (HOT: The Berry-Lime Sublime. NOT: The Strawberry Nirvana (too milky).
- Buffalo Wild Wings: 1 (HOT: Great burgers. NOT: Playing video trivia by yourself.)
- South Beach Diet Bars: 2 (HOT: Getting them for cheap at Wal-Mart. NOT: Having one melt in your car all day).

Jennie and the kids were in Big Rapids with her parents for a couple of days. I love how cell phones are so clear and keep us together even when we're apart. Only three more days...

Props to my Prof, Bruce Demarest. Missionary in Africa for about ten years, studied under the renowned F.F. Bruce in England, and taught Theology for 25 years. Now he teaches spiritual formation and discipleship, while still teaching and writing about theology, bible, and the spiritual disciplines. It's truly an honor to sit under a guy like this. And to see how humble, warm, friendly, and servant-hearted... Yeah, it's really a privilege. Here's to two more great days of class.

Next week in Denver...

Yeah, I haven't blogged in two weeks.

Yeah, I'm holding out on some recent pics of Allie and Luke.

Yeah, I'm going to Denver this week, for a class on Christian Spiritual Formation... It's my third class in Denver in two years. I suppose I will have spent as much time in Denver as I have in Akron over the last 13 months. Weird. The class has been great so far, with lots of good reading about spiritual growth, prayer, and helping people grow in the church.

Since I am often into lists, here you go - with the TOP TEN things I'm really looking forward to about being in Denver...

(10) Like three minutes from the Seminary is this plaza... The plaza itself has Champp's Restaurant, Qdoba, The Apple Store, and Panera (wireless internet). You can sit out on the Panera porch and watch the sun set over the Rocky Mountains in incredible colors... unbelievable.

(9) The Next Level Church. Tuesday night @ 7pm.

(8) Having a class with Bruce Demarest. Dude has written at least three books that I have read and enjoyed (Soul Guide, Satisfy Your Soul, and Integrative Theology). Having recently read Satisfy Your Soul, I admire Dr. Demarest for his thoughffulness and perspective on Christianity. Apparently, he's also an avid outdoorsman and hiker.

(7) Seeing the Seminary again. Great people, great facility, great culture and passion for training Christian leaders. It's just an inspiring place to be. I also feel the same about this place.

(6) Possibly visiting The Garden of the Gods and Adam's Moutain Cafe' on Friday... Home of the best burrito I've ever had in my life.

(5) Eating at least once at Mega Wraps. It's right next to the Jamba Juice, and

(4) Our one-day spiritual retreat into the mountains on Wednesday, July 26. Led by Alan Andrews, leader of the Navigators... it wouldn't suprise me if he takes us to Glen Eyrie retreat center near Colorado Springs.

(3) Jamba Juice. No explanation needed.

(2) Seeing the Rocky Mountains. They are amazing. I love the drive on 285 West as I'm coming toward the Seminary from the airport. You're going down the hill and you see the mountains sprawling out in front of you - and above you. Awesome. I'll get some footage.

(1) Getting a great deal of alone time with God. That's the point of the whole week this time. The point of the class. The retreat - the whole week should be terrific.

And, so you all remember it's not REALLY like a vacation, here are the TOP TEN things I'm NOT looking forward to about being in Denver....

(10) Well, it's my first Denver trip since Tim & Suzanne Cooper have moved to Michigan. It's not going to be the same without seeing them. Seriously - it was always awesome seeing them there. Maybe I'll see if Coop will go to some Jamba Juice in Detroit and we can talk on cell.

(9) While I'm sure the class will be great... but, like, I'll be in class for 30+ hours this week... you know...

(8) Missing the Father-Son baseball game outing at our church. Granted, the "sons" are supposed to be age 5 and up, but - did you know - I'm a pastor? Just like Billy Zane, Pastors make their own luck.

(7) Without Cooper, how I am I supposed to find the ESPN Zone restaurant downtown?

(6) For those of you who like to travel, or eat out, or go to school, or stay at different places... as usual, this ain't free.

(5) Being away from our church for a week. I do love it and I will miss seeing people all week. I'll be back Sunday, though!

(4) Did I mention that I'll really miss seeing Tim Cooper?

(3) Being away from Luke for a week

(2) Being away from Allie for a week. Tonight, I got to pray with her and tuck her in bed. She is an absolute blast, and so cute. Her new thing is putting blankets all over me and giving me her doggie, as if she's putting me to bed.

(1) Being apart from Jennie for a week. It's never a good thing. Thank God for Sprint's free nights and weekends.

Thanks, Big Guy!

Today, Lebron James announced that he will stay with Cleveland for five more years..

Being from Akron, I knew of Lebron by his freshman year of high school. Jennie and I got to see him play a whole bunch of times at the JAR Arena at Akron U. I was the wide-eyed homer telling my friends from Grace and parts unknown about this high school kid from Akron who would one day be the best basketball player in the world.

Six or seven years later, Lebron is runner up for the NBA's Most Valuable Player. He's the All-Star MVP. He leads a lifeless franchise from obscurity to playoff victory. He is the first player since Oscar Robertson to average so many assists, points, and rebounds per game in one season.

He's giving back to the community. Investing in schools in Akron and Cleveland. Throwing charity basketball tournaments. Visiting hospitals, starting scholarships for kids... Keeping his life, attitude, words, and actions clean.

Finally... a hero Cleveland can be proud of. Finally, a hero who stays. Finally, a hometown hero that pretty much the whole world knows about.

And yes, he's only 21 years old.

(Disclaimer: Yes, I know he's merely human and makes mistakes. Yes, I know the Cavs have not won the championship yet. Yes, he will be a free agent in 2013 or whatever, and could leave Cleveland then.)

Today, he signed a contract extension that will keep him in Cleveland till about 2013. Can't wait to see what the next six years of Cleveland sports holds!

For fun, here's my TOP TEN CLEVELAND SPORTS HEROES of my lifetime...

10. Eric Snow. Cavs point guard who showed up with big-time defense and clutch play in the playoffs. He came to Cleveland way past his prime, but those-who-know-me are aware of my affinity for Snow. He's from near my stomping grounds in Canton... I played on his team at a junior high basketball camp in 1987. These are the ties that bind, people. Snow is one of my all-time favorite basketball players. To see him and Lebron on the court together, beating the Pistons in three consecutive playoff games... has to be one of my all-time sports highs.

9. Omar Vizquel. One of the best shortstops in baseball for the last fifteen years, most of which was spent in Cleveland. I lost count of his gold gloves, clutch hits, hilarious jokes, stolen bases, and surprise homers. Seems like sheer foolishness that the Indians didn't re-sign him a year or two ago. He's flirting with .300 again, playing incredible defense... and he's probably like 45 years old. Props to John Hart, who acquired Vizquel from Seattle for the legendary Felix Fermin.

7. (tie) Jim Thome. This slugging third baseman grew up in the Indians farm system, and became one of the most prolific hitters in all of baseball. Thome was huge on both Indians World Series teams, and now plays for some team in Chicago. Several years ago, Thome spurned Cleveland to play for Philadelphia for much more money than the Indians could afford. After several disappointing years in Philly, Indians fans were relieved we didn't spend to keep him. Still a much-loved legend by the Lake.

7. Earnest Byner. The heart, soul, and spirit of the Browns in the late 1980's. An undrafted rookie out of who knows where, he became a 1,000 yard rusher in the NFL. Unfortunately, he's remembered for one fumble in Denver in 1988. A tremendous player who many felt embodied the heart and soul of Cleveland, I met Byner at a baseball card show on Arlington Road. He's now an assistant coach for Washington.

6. Kenny Lofton. Yes, the 1990's Indians were tremendous. Lofton is still playing... but in Cleveland, he was the best leadoff hitter in baseball for several years. I got his autograph with Honus in 1995.

5. Mike Hargrove. Indians manager to two World Series appearances. But I got my first exposure to Grover as a five year old at old Cleveland stadium. Got his autograph. He was the "human rain delay" with all of his pre-at-bat rituals. I associate him both with the old era of losing baseball, and the more recent 1990's era of great Cleveland baseball.

4. Albert Belle. In 1994, this guy was the heart of the most feared lineup in baseball, and his power, nasty attitude, and sheer athleticism were unique to most any baseball player in Cleveland history. Some amazing memories with him in 1995, when I spent the summer at home and scalped tickets to a bunch of games. Tremendous clutch hitter. His life since baseball has taken a turn for the worse, but dude was amazing in left field for the Tribe.

3. Bernie Kosar. Yeah, his hair and his game were somewhat strange. But he was the face of the Browns in the late 80's, when they went to the AFC Championship three times. Count me as part of the generation that grew up on the Dawg Pound in C-town, and Kosar was at the helm. He was clutch. For the Wikipedia entry on Kosar, click here.

2. Mark Price. Shorter than me, an All-NBA point guard, leading some terrific Cavs teams, now a coach in Australia. Oh, and he went to my home church and interviewed the Wailer on his radio program.

1. Lebron James. Let's just get it over with right now. Isn't it obvious? He's from Akron. Like this shirt. Saw him at Outback Steakhouse in March, 2003. Dude is nice.


Honorable Mentions: Charles Nagy, Manny Ramirez, Brad Daugherty, Romeo Crennel, Larry Nance, Shawn Kemp, Terrell Brandon, World B. Free, John Hart, Orel Hershiser, Jose Mesa, Frank Minnifield, Hanford Dixon, Chip Banks, Webster Slaughter, Bob Wickman, Travis Hafner, Grady Sizemore, Chuck Kyle, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Craig Ehlo, Ron Harper, Tom Cousineau, Joe Tait.

Discipline is Good.

Well, here's a terrific book about the history, value, and heart behind those spiritual exercises that will help you grow spiritually. Dallas Willard writes with a heart for all that is beautiful, personal, and incarnational (Christ-in-us) about the Christian faith.

Yet another book I'm reading for my class in Denver in a few weeks. I picked this one, mostly because I've heard lots of great things about Dallas Willard, and haven't read much of his stuff. Some of the highlights - or most important thoughts I "downloaded" from this book....

- How churches have focused on the front end of the Great Commission ("Go and make disciples") and have not emphasized really a key part of discipleship, the back end of the Great Commission ("teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you."). Unfortunately, we may have a lot of people who believe Jesus, but aren't really much like Him in their character and lifestyle.

- Jesus himself practiced spiritual disciplines of fasting, prayer, solitude, retreat, Bible Study, servanthood.... Why do we think we can just "choose to act like Jesus" in certain moments in life when we really do not train ourselves to be godly (1 Timothy 4:7-8)? Jesus (and Paul, and Moses, and Joshua, and Peter, and the disciples, and....) entered a life of spiritual exercise, commitment, and discipline.

- Solitude has incredible value for spiritual life, prayer, and reflection. Our world (pace, noise, to-do lists) crowds out our ability to connect with God. We must go to "the desert" or to the "closet" and get private space with God apart from the noise.

- These spiritual exercises (or "disciplines") will look different in each person. There are tons to choose from, and we must work at the ones where we are weak.

- I was constanly challenged and impressed by this thought - the disciplines are those things that help me train my body, mind, and soul to belong first and foremost to God. Our culture trains us to do what feels good, and that lifestyle cannot deliver what it promises. Life in God delivers far greater than we think, but most of us have not tried to really live the Christian life.

Overall, this was a great book. Some thoughts and chapters were difficult to wade through, but well worth it. An interesting chapter on poverty is included, discussing if a life of poverty is a spiritual discipline. Some books you read for entertainment or because a friend recommended them. This one could powerfully enrich my life and faith. After I'm done with the class, I'd consider reading it again.

Ted Ginn

Are you kidding me?

Bear sighting!

Dude on the right (Jeremy Bear) was caught bowling with some friends in Southern California recently, wearing a shirt designed by Dude.

What are the odds?

One cat is from CVCA, the other is from CVCA.

I know another cat from CVCA.

What is the world coming to?

Since I must, here is yet another cat from CVCA.

Small world isn't it?

Yikes. I'm a link dropper.

Finally!

Today, at last, I finished Dan Brown's "other" book, Angels & Demons. Since I am a guy who likes to make lists, here are the top five reasons I finished the book today....

#5 - "Every now and then, I like a good fiction that gets my "reading juices" going" - Usually at least one a summer. In previous years, authors like John Grisham, Michael Crichton, and... well.. John Grisham. But Dan Brown's the "hot author" to read, and I liked his other book. What's it called again?

#4 - "I really enjoy spiritual thriller mysteries" - The Da Vinci Code, The Testament (Grisham), Mothman Prophecies, Signs, K-Pax, Dragonfly... these are all spiritual thrillers. Unbreakable. The Sixth Sense. I guess it's my favorite type of story, and I anticipated that from this book. Dan Brown again takes aim at the Catholic church. Actually, he doesn't. That's one of the reasons I like the book, you end up seeing both sides of the story and have a lot to think about.

#3 - "Well, see, I've been reading it for over a year now." - Sometime ago, I bought a paperback copy of Angels & Demons, read 150 pages of it, and then lost it. Yep, I lost it. The new paperback copy (thanks, Amazon.com) sat on my shelf for a few months, and it was just time to pick it up. You'll see why in the following reasons...

#2 - "I simply could not put the book down." - Once I got going again, it was quite a page turner. Small pages, fast action, easy dialogue, suspense. I had no plans to finish the book this weekend. Just the next chapter. Just the next couple pages. Just the next paragraph. Robert Langdon (main character) again takes us all over Europe on a scientific symbology chase with world-shattering ramifications. It was good. There were honestly parts that were not good (violence), making this a tough movie to make. But I hear it is in the works. Not sure I'll want to see it.

#1 - "I was actually sick the last couple of days." - Strep throat. Actually, the doctor said it's probably strep, and he'll call me soon. Seriously? Believe it. So I've been bedridden for three days, with a sick throat. Doctor's first words when shining that light in my mouth were, "Wow, that's ugly." Sore throat, fever, headaches, cold sweats, stomach symptoms (need I be graphic here?), and soreness all over. The fever hit a high of 102.6 early Thursday morning. (I'm not bluffing.)

Finished the book on Saturday morning. Fever's gone. Strep's not. Throat feels sharp. Book ended well. Sentences are short. Blog is done.

(Wait a minute - did Gary just "review" a book without giving a final recommendation?)

Actually, I'd read The Da Vinci Code first. If you like that, and feel like reading another suspense spiritual thriller mystery adventure puzzle maze, then read Angels & Demons. I'm not sure which one was better...

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.