God doesn't really talk to us...right? I can tell you that so far, in my many years of life on this planet, I can't recall a time I heard the voice of God - that is - how I assume God would audibly speak. How does God sound? Is his voice thunderous? Does he speak in whispers? Does he speak English?

I was working yesterday behind the computer screens on my desk. Knee deep in excel spreadsheets, formulas, ridiculous amounts of data, busy office, multiple conversations around me, my trusty Bose Soundlink Mini playing something amazing I'm sure and amidst it all - like a hot knife through butter, a thought entered my mind so clearly. The thought was simple, yet so strong, I must stop everything and consider it. The thought was simply of a friend traveling on a business trip and nothing more - except as I lingered in thinking on him, his name, his face, our last conversation, etc - I became overwhelmed with emotion and deep longing for his well being, his victory, his protection, his light giving all at once.

I'm not a mushy guy. I know guys who are extremely spiritual. I know guys who are deeply charismatic in their theology. I dig those guys, but I'm not one. This moment however, when it came was so powerful that I remember telling myself "Just go there." I didn't fight it. I didn't question it. I couldn't. So for maybe 4 minutes I remained in this place. And I relished this moment of clarity of a brother and interceding for him.

I don't know why this happened, or how. Did God speak his name to me? I don't know. But if you experience undeniable power that stops you dead in your tracks, I hope you linger there for as long as you need to and embrace it.

Word

I was mad at the Oscars - How dumb is that?

I realized this week that I was literally mad at the Academy Awards. How dumb is that?

The Oscars have been around for 80 years (I'm not good at math, so don't check it). So for all inclusive purposes let's confirm the Oscars have been around for a long time. Here's a tidbit from the L.A. Times on Feb 23, 2015 "The first ceremony made the Los Angeles Times’ front page under the headline “Film-Merit Trophies Awarded.” Coverage was all of one photograph and two paragraphs. Since then, the Academy Awards have become an event watched around the world." My question is: Why are the Academy Awards so celebrated, popular and watched all around the world?

I happen to drag myself to the gym during the week. Lately I've been confined to the treadmill. This is my effort to pound my knee in a less abusive way that will hopefully allow me to continue to not be a fatso, and continue to help my knee heal. The point is, that while I have been running lately, there are TV shows playing. (I take a lot of pleasure in watching the closed captions mistakes). As the Oscars were closer and closer to airing, more TV shows focused on the upcoming event. The unique thing, was that the majority of the air time wasn't about the quality of acting, but about the "stardome" of it all.

The line that totally pushed me over the edge is this: (and I'll paraphrase, but I'm not making this up) Please use your best radio announcer voice: "Last year Ellen took a selfie with Brad Pitt, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence! How will they top it this year!?" -- What?! Who cares how they will top it this year? Well, apparently thousands (maybe millions) care. They care a lot.

The moment I heard this, I found myself completely and utterly sad. Not that the average Joe and Jane care about acting. Acting is an art that can be beautiful and powerful and life changing. I found myself completely and utterly sad that the focus of so many of the shows promoting the Oscars were about "What will she wear on the red carpet?", "Who's gonna be in this year's selfie?" or just that us average Joe's and Jane's might look upon these people and the fantasy of their lives with such awe.... (and perhaps envy, and celebration.)

I desire for the average Joe to look upon his own family and love to take a photo with them and gaze at that photo with the realization of: "This is my life. This is real. This is good." Even if you have less money than you want. Even if your child has cancer. Even if you just did a horrible thing and everyone knows it. Don't look past your life to the glory of others. Those actors and actresses are real people. (And I believe) They are made by God the creator. And as a person, they are of infinite worth. But get this: You are of infinite worth.

I love movies. I always wanted to be an actor. I acted in college and think I still might win an Oscar one day. If I do, I'll want you to celebrate me then. I kid. I kid. (Sort of.) I give props to the actors who revel in their gifts and inspire and impact us. That's a unique gift to be used and celebrated. But don't overlook your own amazing story going on right now, to gaze upon a room full of A listers with the awe that belongs to better subjects.

Let Your Voice be Heard

Recently I received an email from the President of our company, Jimmy Rane, explaining his support of Chick-fil-A. You may have heard recent discussions regarding the support of Chick-fil-A especially on June 1 - Show your support for Chick-fil-A day. His email was stirring and convicting and made me proud to work for an organization like Great Southern Wood Preserving. I hope you will read his email below and decide to support Chick-fil-A as well.

Begin email:

 As you no doubt have heard, Chick-fil-A became embroiled in a highly visible controversy last week when the company’s president, Dan Cathy, spoke candidly about the company and its approach to doing business.

The resulting backlash against Cathy personally and against Chick-fil-A from those who don’t share their values has sent shockwaves to freedom-loving Americans throughout the nation.  

Why?  Because one of our most precious freedoms in America is our right to free speech, and the tactics that have been used by those who oppose Cathy’s point of view to rob Cathy and his organization of this precious right to be heard have sounded the alarm throughout America.

Since the founding of our nation, Americans have made incredible sacrifices to protect this right and we, as Americans, have to continue to defend and protect our freedoms if we are to remain a free nation.  Surrendering any American’s right to free expression, whether we agree with their point of view or not,simply is not an option that a free and civil society can afford.

I’m planning to support Chick-fil-A and their right to free speech by participating in Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day this Wednesday, August 1^st, and I hope you’ll join me.  Take time to stop at a local Chick-fil-A for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Or, buy someone a Chick-fil-A gift card.  

To further support our Constitutional rights of free speech, I’m asking our General Managers to provide lunch from Chick-fil-A at the plant on Wednesday to any of our employees who want to participate.  I’m also authorizing our GM’s to work with our Outside Sales Reps to treat any of our customers who want to join us in this effort to a meal from Chick-fil-A or a $10 gift card to the restaurant.

I’m also offering our Departmental Managers the opportunity to provide lunch from Chick Fil-A on Wednesday to any of your team that would like to participate.  Or, you can provide a $10 Chick Fil-A gift card instead if you prefer that option.  I’ll pick up the tab.

It’s time to take a stand in opposition to those who would trample our Constitutional rights to free speech.  Won’t you join me and make your voice heard?

No One Makes a Good Island

I once lived in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It's one of the largest countries in Central Asia. There were no children in our family at the time and my wife and I learned at least one thousand things while living there. Some were easy, some hard, but all were extremely valuable and wonderful. One thing we learned was the value of community.

Did you know the word community is derived from the Latin word communitas (cum, "with/together" + munus, "gift")? I didn't know that...you didn't either.

Kazakhstan is almost exactly half way around the world from where I live. As far as I know half way around the world is the farthest I can be before coming closer to where I am. (I'm not good at math, so my smart friends will let me know about physics and dimensions I'm not thinking of.) But that's not the point. The point is I was really far away from all the comfort of what I had grown to be familiar with: smells, sights, languages, culture, manners, cuisine...and people.

I remember being in a local home for a family dinner one night. We ate something I wasn't familiar with. We listened to music I wasn't familiar with. In fact, most of the conversations were in a language I barely understood, so that was unfamiliar too. But after the meal, we crammed in the small den and sat around with full bellies and something was very familiar. It was community. (With + Together + Gift.)

Just three weeks ago we moved to a new town. We didn't move for a job. We didn't move for a better climate. We moved for community. We moved because my bride is happy and healthy when she is in community. I am safer and supported in community. We moved because my children will ask me "Daddy why did we move here?" And I will have an excellent answer for them.

We have community here. I guess we could have it anywhere, but we are here and so is our community. Our together. Our with. Our gift. There was this guy named John Donne and he said: No man is an island, entirely to himself. I think John was telling me: Steven, you cannot (nor were you designed) to thrive while being isolated from others. I know, because I've had life with community, and life without.

It's not often in life that you find really good friends. I'm not old, but I know people who are, and they tell me that good friends are hard to find. I believe them. I'm almost positive if I ever experience a "death bed" I may have some regrets, that's only human. But I don't think I'll ever regret investing in community. Investing in the with+together+gift.

Ye old songs of Christmas - Why they're so cool.

Out of all my favorite Christmas memories, perhaps my favorite memory isn't one specific moment but a consistent theme connected with all my Christmas memories: Christmas music.

This year, I have been overwhelmed by old Christmas songs. I'm referencing the classics, not so much "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree", even though I like that song a lot. I want to focus on not only the songs themselves, but the idea that they are widely accepted and even celebrated in our culture. If you think about it, that is extremely noteworthy.

Let me give you an example: The First Noel, (originally The First Nowell - The word Noel comes from the French word Noël meaning "Christmas", from the Latin word natalis ("birth"). Granted this song may be heard in churches, cantatas and other ceremonial holiday events but even in a living room, around a campfire or a Christmas party, most everyone who hears it accepts it, and perhaps celebrates the spirit of the song. (Or at least what our culture has transformed the spirit of this song and many others to mean.)

The last sentence I just typed, is crucial to understand my point. Regardless of beliefs or opinions - it would be hard to argue that Christmas in our culture is surrounded with commercialism. And I also tend to believe that should an artist today pen a song concerning a pregnant teenager who was rumored of giving birth to Jesus in a barn, it would most likely not be accepted or celebrated now or later.

I know, it's not fair to say that as fact, because we can't predict the future and I guess it very well could happen, but I admit I'm skeptical. Why? Because almost anything publicized connected with Jesus is scrutinized heavily today. It's offensive or unconstitutional. Stick with me for just a second. Can you imagine Taylor Swift (I beg your mercy...but I have to make a point) coming out with a well written song that details a historical event about the story of Jesus being born, some elements of why sources explain that he had to come to earth, and perhaps even some biblical opinions of the consequences of his life and death here on earth? She could kiss her career goodbye. (tears streaming)

Perhaps the most unique, (and supernatural in my opinion), thing is that these old Christmas songs are still wildly popular today. They still make money galore. People buy CD's, iTunes music etc with songs that have a whole lot to do with spiritual things regarding the birth of Jesus.

I'm so glad Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a poem called "Christmas Bells" during the harsh civil war even when his world was crumbling, because we now have a song called I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. In the 18th Century we got The First Nowell. Again in 1833 Sandys published God Rest You Merry Gentlemen. In 1710 Psalteriolum Cantionum Catholicarum, Köln published O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. If it weren't for these people we simply wouldn't experience Christmas as we know it. And years from now, no one else would have songs like them to enjoy either...because no one can, or will write them today and no one can, or will publish them today. It's a remarkable thing. Or at least it is for me.

Maybe when you hear O Come all ye Faithful, or Silent Night, or Joy to the World this year you'll hear remarkable music, rich history and a mysterious wonderful sound that has been alive for many years and will live for many more.

More than just a song

A few weeks back, I spent the weekend at a lake cabin with some friends. The original idea was to rally twenty or so old school friends with the hope of remembering some really great things that have happened in recent years. As it turns out, there were less of us than I planned and it was just about perfect.

It's important to know when the dynamic is: fire, lake cabin, spittoon, and drink - it would take the strength of several full grown southern men to stop me from picking up the guitar and encouraging anyone who has musical talent to join in the fun. And it just so happens that after yapping for an hour or two, we all had instruments in hand, whisky poured, recorder rolling and some homegrown music. (I'll post a tune or two next week.)

We are by no means professional musicians, writers or singers - but I have full confidence we could hold our own in most any bar/campfire setting you might dream up. There was an old-Hank, bluegrass, folk smell in the air. After a few well known classics, an original song would often emerge; some complete but most still works in progress.

Original songs may or may not be attractive to any given listener, but there is something true in a song that has meaning to its author. Most of these songs will never be heard by many and they are often sung with shaky voices. They are authentic and pure. I am convinced that out of the millions of songs penned by the unknowns there are masterpieces in that large haystack that would stir the hardest of hearts.

There was such a song that night at the cabin. I hate that I do not have it to upload here in this post, but I do hope it shows itself soon. I'm not certain of the title, but I will share a bit of the lyrics with you:

The wind blows where she wants to
She's like my woman, with a mind of her own
But if you listen, with her there's rhythm
Words of wisdom roll of her tongue

I wonder what inspires us to write? Songs. Poems. Blogs. Letters. etc

For me it's so many things. The most recent is a photo of my bride picking a yellow leaf during a walk we took on Thanksgiving with our children.

So keep your ears peeled and there just may be a song or two here in the near future. Or send me yours and we'll post it to...unless it's really bad, then probably not.

Find something that is beautiful. Something inspiring. Something pure and good. Something horrible that makes you angry. A bitter memory or whenever you buried someone you love. There's a quote that I love and a good friend shared it with me when he was following his dream:

"Most people die with their music inside them."

Don't let it be you. I won't either. 

A battle of the manlies

First, let me shout quickly that I plan to post on ye ol' blog weekly, however I was distracted last week with nasal surgery (deviated septum) and although the thought did cross my mind that others would enjoy the details, I managed to detain myself from writing or posting photos. Since I'm still on the mend, you will be forced to have somewhat of a Tomfoolery post this week. Next week I will return with more of the goods.

Now everyone knows that riding a bike is manly. The sheer thought of straddling anything uncomfortable is close to impossible to resist. But when you add motion and exercise it's off the chart irresistible. (Similar to anything on the grill during football season.)

I've been teaching (and by teaching I mean something similar to teaching) my oldest to ride a bike. It's a workout all by itself. If you've been there, you know it's fun, frustrating, exciting, hard but so good when they 'get it.'

In the process of doing something similar to teaching, I decided to give an example of how the laws of gravity, balance and muscle activity which I had just explained practically play out. So how better to do that then on said bike for which my child was learning to ride. AKA The Barbie Bike.

Long story short: my wife captured the event and posted it on her blog. (Sweet) Well, numerous friends thought it was funny and since then one particular Dad has put forth efforts in which to match...dare I say, one up me. So I thought it only fair to compare / contrast the two examples for a very objective evaluation.

Pictured from left to right: Me, then him (for the sake of illustration let's say his name is "Justin".) And if we must wear labels, Me shall be referred to as Super Dad. Obviously the first observation would be that Super Dad is riding solo, where as "Justin" is accompanied by a child. I can only assume this is a deliberate attempt to show that he may posses superior strength or super-human powers or perhaps that he may have laser vision or fly around the world so that it results in time moving backward. Friends, this is not true. In fact, were I to wrestle this "Justin" clearly I would win in approximately 2:41 seconds in which it would all end in a move known in Greco Roman wrestling as "The Grapevine." 

It's not hard to see that Super Dad is focused, with one goal, striving, working and moving in a singular vision..."Justin" looks to be casually strolling, as without purpose - which not surprisingly will be noticed by the young child he embraces and will result in countless hours of discipline in the teenage years. Aside from other notable differences such as Super Dad's superior build, strong beard and Jesus sandals, it also appears that "Justin" is indeed still in training wheels.

I find it sad, that this man, this, "Justin" would stoop to this level to try and compete with what clearly is an area beyond his expertise. But alas, there is grace my friends. And because of this I recant. Well done "Justin" you are on your way to being a Super Man. May you unfurl your sails to the isle of Bikini.