Are conservatives better educated?

The work of one of President Obama's leading intellectual influences, Reinhold Niebuhr, isn't even part of most university curriculum anywhere. He is considered too conservative or is simply unknown, though he was labeled the "Greatest Theologian of the 20th Century in America," by Time magazine, of all places. He actually had a tremendous influence over one of his students, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well.

This is a sign of our time, Why is it so hard for a liberal person to receive a well-rounded education today? Listen


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God loves babies #34

Why does God love babies so much? Maybe, like us, it's the little things...


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love is necessary

Why is love the key ingredient to any relationship? What exactly is Christian love?

Dana's sermon series based on "Lovevolution" (room1228.com)


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Is Either/Or Thinking Wise?

How do we treat people we disagree with? The wisdom of the Bible comes through, for example, applied to the same-sex marriage debate.


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Tough Guys

What is God calling you to do in your life? Rather than waiting around until you receive a clear "sign," why not get going and keep going until He tells you to stop?

Thanks to Erwin McManus for insight on this topic.


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Self Forgetfulness: Key to healthy life

The greatest freedom for us to be the person God designs us to be begins with self-forgetfulness. What is it and how do I get it?

Paul gets it (1 Corinthians 3:21-4:7) and author Timothy Keller gives excellent insight. Listen in...


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Recess best time for learning? DH Show #28

The latest brain research shows children's learning, relationship skills, and emotional maturity grow best in unorganized, unsupervised play. In other words, opposite of the organized adult-led, adult-organized, adult-supervised life most of us have created for them.
Learning to get out of the way...


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Talking to kids about Jesus: On giving offering DH Show #27

How do we learn how to be generous in giving to God? If you have little kids, they learn the same way as everything else, by watching you. What does your offering teach your kids about your God?

God- "Yes, I do mean everything"

A stewardship sermon based on events in the life of Benaiah, King Solomon's hitman.
Facing our insecurity by jumping right into the pit.

Christians don't just dial it in-podcast

LIFEhouse leader, T.C. Christopher, teaches on what it means to live out your faith in all of your life!

Facing our fears- podcast

What is holding you back from doing what you sense God is calling you to do?
Based on the events in Gideon's life with a thanks to the lifechurch.tv "Fearless" series

Talking to kids about Jesus: Where is Jesus? DH Show #24

When we talk to young kids about Jesus in a way that is helpful and true, that prepares them for expanding their viewpoint as they get older, we do them a great service. It's also not as easy as you think.

This is the first in a series of examples of how you can talk about key teachings of the Christian faith with young children.

Christianity: The Source of Radical Equality- podcast

All people who hate hatred, abhor bigotry, and demand justice, have a worldview that is birthed in the Christian Bible and practiced first by the early Christians.

Jesus is the radical model of gracious equality.

The Good News of Jesus- Pure and Simple- podcast

When you boil the gospel down to its essence, you are startled by the beauty and love. Listen...

First World Problems- DH Show #23

So much of what we worry about and complain about is simply non-existent in a large part of the world. Listen to some of these "first world problems."

How to Hear from God- podcast

Do you want to get closer to God? The Holy Spirit leads the way.

Is God Losing? sermon podcast

The world needs Christians living out their faith more than ever.

Dallas Willard: My friend DH Show #22

My dear friend, Dallas Willard died this morning and receives his hero's welcome in the heavenly dimension. Sharing initial thoughts, especially what a delight it is to just hang with someone totally at peace within himself, immersed in the "trinitarian reality, " he might say...

First Days: What if it's true?

The End of the World. Armageddon. The End of Days. The Apocalypse. These all sound so ominous and there are always people willing to be hyper-focused on these as a theme for their lives.

I like to obsess on The First Days. The New Creation. Restoration. Join me on a little walk...

Why Cinco de Mayo ought to be a major American holiday

Did you know Cinco de Mayo is much more than just a celebration "manufactured" by beer companies? Actually, May 5, 1862 may well have been a pivotal day in the history of the United States of America. Listen in...

My Take on the Jason Collins Announcement- DH Show #20

Is Jason Collins "heroic" for announcing he is gay, and is Chris Brousshard wrong for what he said?
Listen in...

Extreme Makeover: God Edition

Easter is the first day of the new creation. What does this mean for us in a practical way? You'll want to hear this. It's good news!

Taking a "stand" against evil- DH show #19

What do you do when evil shows up? Run away?Run towards? Resist? Recent horrific events in Boston and Houston provide a contrast in response.

Skeptical of Christianity? Pt. 2-DH Show#18

Do you consider yourself progressive and lean a bit to the left when it comes to politics? Are you an active Christian? If not, you may need to reconsider.

After all, most of your key values come straight out of the model and teachings of Jesus. This might be the time to examine or reexamine Jesus and consider following him. Why wouldn't you?

Skeptical of Christianity? Not so fast...DH Show#17

Some key insights about why you might want to reconsider your attitude towards Christianity, especially if you are a modern enlightened "progressive." I review great booklet by Tim Keller, "The Skeptical Student."

Discipleship and Rick Pitino? Dana Hanson Show #16

The new NCAA Basketball champions, Louisville, are coached by Rick Pitino. He is an amazing coach and you will be surprised to learn what he can teach us about discipleship. Listen in...

Are your best days ahead?

God molds us into people who seek the good of others and enjoy this expanding of our graciousness. If we let him in.

Sermon based on the rich man and Lazarus

When are you old? The Dana Hanson Show #15

When are you considering yourself old? How about thinking about it in terms of your mind, body, and spirit? The answers might surprise you...

Overview of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter

What's going on at Christian worship on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter? Listen to my take...

There is no retirement in the Bible- Dana Hanson Show #13

The new Pope is 76 years old. This makes me pause and reflect on opportunities of influence and potency as we get older. What does the Bible say about all of this "aging" stuff?

spiritual mercenaries raising your kids?

What is the biblical model of parenting? If you don't beat them they'll grow up to be brats? Send them to Christian School, Sunday School and Youth Groups and that will take care of their faith nurturing?
There's a lot of confusion of what it means to raise your children God's way?
Actually it's very simple to understand...
Dana Hanson Show #11

We are God's Masterpiece

Why don't we let God love us the way He wants to? He's there to meet us on the highway to His way.

Is it wrong to praise our kids? pt. 2- Dana Hanson Show #9

Part 2 of why lavish, overpraise of our children, especially as they get older is actually quite harmful. Not praise itself, but how it is given and received.

Learn why the "self-esteem" movement is not receiving any esteem in the actual followup research.

Is it wrong to praise our kids? pt.3- Dana Hanson Show #10

As our kids get older, overpraising them in a generalized and lavish way actually does much more harm than good. Praise that is specific and truthful; praise that emphasizes effort and perseverance- now, your talking!

We are the net, Jesus is the fisherman- sermon

When Jesus says, "I will make you fishers of men (people)," we know it is Jesus working through us that connects with people. So, what if we are meant to be the net?

Sharing the good news, "Jesus style."

Is it wrong to praise our kids?- Dana Hanson Show #8

According to the latest brain research on how kids learn, the challenge is not if we should praise them(yes!), but how.

Listen in on why telling your kids they're smart might not be too smart.

"Tell me a Jesus story": sharing His story with kids

Listen in as I share the gospel with preschoolers. What do preschool age children know about Jesus? Actually, we decide. It's what we tell them through our lives, our joys, and our play, as we share His story.

Dana Hanson Show w/ Olu Olubunmi and James Coffman pt. 2

I interview Olu Olubunmi (okayhouseunlimited.com), from Nigeria and
James Coffman, from Minneapolis, and we talk about the spread of the gospel in the early church as it relates today. Continue to listen to this fascinating conversation...

Dana Hanson Show w/ Olu Olubunmi and James Coffman pt. 1

I interview Olu Olubunmi (okayhouseunlimited.com), from Nigeria and James Coffman, from Minneapolis, and we talk about the spread of the gospel in the early church as it relates today. Listen in on a fascinating conversation...

Dana Hanson Show w/ Olu Olubunmi and James Coffman pt. 2

I interview Olu Olubunmi (okayhouseunlimited.com), from Nigeria and
James Coffman, from Minneapolis, and we talk about the spread of the gospel in the early church as it relates today. Continue to listen to this fascinating conversation...

Dana Hanson Show w/ Olu Olubunmi and James Coffman pt. 1

I interview Olu Olubunmi (okayhouseunlimited.com), from Nigeria and James Coffman, from Minneapolis, and we talk about the spread of the gospel in the early church as it relates today. Listen in on a fascinating conversation...

What is this season we call "Lent"?

Is Lent outdated for disciples of Jesus? Listen in.

Grandpa in the Stands...

What's it like to watch your grandkids grow up on the hardwood courts? Listen to one grandfather talk about his granddaughters...It's way more than just a game

Everyday Life for a Christian- podcast

The world sees God through you.

The Power of Worship- podcast

At the intersection of heaven and earth

Friends of "Those People"

If you follow Jesus you end up being where he wants to be. Neighborhoods, public schools...How to be the anti-Jonah

The Church On The Move

The Church is not contained in temples and buildings. It is the people of God on the move being the place where God resides to rescue the world.

What does it mean to fight for what is right?

King David is worshipper and warrior and becomes a leader because God's purposes are ultimate.

When God Seems Distant, It's Not Distance

Pray Listen= Prayer
Hannah is a hero!

American Idols: What Gets in God's Way?

There are good things and not so good things that we value more than God. At least we act that way. What are our "Golden Calves"?

Freedom and New Life For You

Again and again, God is the God of rescue and new life. Out of Egypt with God's people...

Growing in Forgiveness, Growing in Power

The events in the life of Joseph provide insight into how God expands our power to do His work.

On Being All In- podcast

Abraham and Sarah left everything behind and moved forward on a promise. You have the same promise. Are you ready to move?

Are men better than women?- podcast

What do the events of the lives of Adam and Eve tell us about ourselves?
What do they tell us about God?

Death of John the Baptist- podcast

What is the death of John the Baptist really all about?

The Key to Happiness? podcast

Do the Danes really have the answer to happiness?

God rids fear from our lives- podcast

Living without fear is God's design for us.

Jesus and Physics...Really? podcast

The "discovery" of the Higgs boson and confirmation of the Higgs field has interesting connections to Jesus. What are they? Let's find out...

In God's Way, Weak is Strong...Why? podcast

When we are at our weakest in human terms, it is clear to everyone that it is God who shows up in order to do what He wants.

making peace with your father- podcast

A father's day message of hope and grace

the blessings keep coming- podcast

God blesses us from the beginning through the new beginning through...ever

Loving Your Neighbor: Capital Investment- podcast

Third part of our "Loving Your Neighbor" series. "Capital" is what we have to invest in our neighbor. Author, Mike Breen, speaks of 5 capitals. What are they?

Loving Your Neighbor: Person of Peace- podcast

Second in a series on loving our neighbor. This week we consider the way Jesus designed for us to connect with others: The person of peace.

Loving Your Neighbor: Making a Friend- podcast

You choose who your neighbor is going to be. Make a friend...First in the series on "Loving Your Neighbor."

Abide: Living How We are Wired- podcast

From John 15, we see how we are wired to live according tho God's ways, and the Holy Spirit makes it possible.

Faith 5: Prayer- podcast

Listen to Kjell Austad preach on Faith 5: Prayer as part of our Faith 5 series.

Character is Non-Negotiable- Podcast

Looking at the topic of "character." Thanks to the Wayfarer guys for your session in "Elemental" for background.

Faith Five:Blessing- podcast

The last of a series on faith practices. Blessing is how God transforms us to be an influence on the transformation of others.

Faith Five:Read- Easter podcast!

"Faith comes through hearing." Well, "Christ is risen!" sounds pretty good to me.
Blessed Easter!!

Faith Five:Share- podcast

Sharing life together connects us at all levels when we listen...What does God say about this?

The Temptation of Affirmation- podcast

A three week series based on "Live Fast," by Wayfarers ministry. Satan
uses three types of temptation on Jesus. Not any different for us.
This week we look at the final temptation, the desire for "Affirmation."

The Temptation of Ambition- podcast

A three week series based on "Live Fast," by Wayfarers ministry. Satan
uses three types of temptation on Jesus. Not any different for us.
This week we look at the subtle competitions in our lives. "Ambition."

The Temptation of Appetite- podcast

A three week series based on "Live Fast," by Wayfarers ministry. Satan uses three types of temptation on Jesus. Not any different for us. This week we look at the physical, "Appetite."

"Stretch Marks"...podcast

Sermon Jan 29 2012 by Pastor Dana Listen on Posterous

When you follow Jesus and open yourself to His leading, He will certainly stretch you and take you to places you never thought you would go.

Living In Unity Is Possible...podcast

Sermon Jan 22 2012 by Pastor Dana Listen on Posterous

Acts 14:1-4 inspires a message of hope on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

Everyone Has a Story....podcast

Sermon January 15 2012 by Pastor Dana Listen on Posterous

For some, we can't remember when we didn't know Jesus. For others, He 
rescued us out of the middle of our brokenness. The story continues...

Living in Unity is Possible...podcast

Sermon Jan 22 2012 by Pastor Dana Listen on Posterous

Acts 14:1-4 gives a message of hope on this Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

Instead of Changing the Baby, The Baby Changes You!- podcast

The painting, "Saint Joseph and the Infant Christ," by Baciccio, tells a story of transformation available for all.

Sermon January 8 2012 by Pastor Dana Listen on Posterous

Can a Happy New Year Be Happy?- podcast

Sermon January 01 2012 by Pastor Dana Listen on Posterous

A practical New Year sermon on how happiness is biblical and possible!

Christmas is God's Story- podcast

Sermon December 25 2011 - Christmas Day.mp3 Listen on Posterous

Christmas Day sermon

The Greatest Light in The Universe- Christmas Eve podcast

Sermon Dec 24 2011 - Late Service (1).mp3 Listen on Posterous

The light of Jesus shining through you is unstoppable!

A Battle on The Golf Course?

We show up at the first tee, getting ready to spend a great day together. I am playing golf with David and our friend, Kevin. We are walking the course, rather than taking carts, when there we are on the first tee and a guy comes rolling up in a cart. 

For non-golfers, if you don't have four people in your group, they will add more people. You end up playing with strangers quite frequently. It's usually great for an extrovert like myself. Well, it's an older gentleman, we'll call him, "James." He introduces himself to me and then walks up to the boys at the tee.

"Hi, I'm James. I'm 88 years old and this is the first f-ing year I have to take one of these f-ing carts."

I'm thinking, "Whoa, hold on there, gramps, we don't need the "F" bombs dropping because you, somehow, think this is necessary to connect to these young men." 

Instead, I take David aside, and say, "I'll find an opportunity very quickly to nip that talk in the bud." 

Then, David tees off, and doesn't hit it that well. 

"Son, let me tell you something my teacher, Ben Hogan, taught me. Watch the club hit the ball."

Here we go. Now, one of the sacred rules of golf is you don't give advise unless you are asked, in particular if you are a stranger. Then dropping the "Ben Hogan" line, one of the most famous golfers and teachers of the game, ever, well kind of a bragging thing for James to offer right off the bat, but at least intriguing. And James could hit the ball, well. Amazing, really for his age.I think I'm gonna get the chance to at least ask him something about Hogan during the next 4 hours, and maybe ask him for a few pointers.

David and I are walking down the fairway now, and he looks at me with this "who the heck is this guy look" and I say,

"David, think about it. Your 88 years old, you're still a really good golfer, and you show up in the middle of the morning to play alone. This dude must have burnt a lot of bridges over the years. We probably haven't seen anything, yet." 

I didn't realize how quickly that prediction will come true. On the third hole, after we had putted out, James jumps in his cart and says, "O.K. fellows, I 'll see you later," and that was it.

I looked at the guys and said, "Huh?" It's not as if we were playing bad; actually we were playing pretty good.

Then, Kevin tells us why James might have left.

It seems James and Kevin were having their own conversation as they were coming down the fairway. James asked Kevin how old he was. Kevin told him he was 21. Then Kevin tells us, James says this:

"When I was your age I was haivng a good time on Omaha Beach."

Kevin says, " O ya, is it a nice place?"

(Now, let's pause here.  "Omaha Beach" doesn't necessarily register with younger folks, especially if they haven't had a history class for awhile. For me and those older than me, of course, we would instantly know what James meant.)

James says in a huff, "No, it wasn't a nice place. If it hadn't been for guys like me, you wouldn't be here enjoying your freedom right now."

Kevin doesn't know what to say to this. So he replies.

"Look, I'm just here to have fun and play some golf."

After hearing this story from Kevin, David and I goofed on him, for a little while. After all, I know pretty much all there is to know about D-Day and the Normany Invasion. Actually, as a child, it was a little confusing, because I thought "D-Day" was short for "Dana Day." You see, my birthday is, you guessed it, June 6th!

For David the situation is also a "no-brainer." He went through four years of NJROTC, and is actually excellent at military history. But, we weren't too hard on Kevin.

Here is what I know. First of all, James probably set Kevin up with the whole "Omaha Beach" thing. Why did he have to bring this up, out of the blue? Might have been similar to dropping the "Ben Hogan" line. To tell you the truth, many veterans I have known over the years don't want to talk at all about their service. Especially, the battles and bloodshed. If one does speak of this, that's fine, but be gracious enough to cut the kid a little slack.

Come to think of it, Kevin's dad, my good friend, Ray, served in Vietnam, and my hunch is he didn't get the same type of response as Joe did when he came home. I'm just saying...

Kevin handled the situation admirably, as he could have responded in a lot of different ways. So, let me do the same.

James, whoever you are, and wherever you are, I am going to cast this situation in the best of light and assume, you simply were in more of a hurry than us and didn't want to wait for three walkers to play the round with you, as you had a cart. If you jumped ahead of us because you were perturbed, however, well, that has way more to do with you, than anything else. God bless you, my friend. 

 

 

 

Angel Calling- podcast

Sermon Dec 18 2011.mp3 Listen on Posterous

Mary receives a visit and a calling...

Line Cutter

David and I spent the day at the Rose Bowl yesterday. Spur of the moment decision. Figured it's time the boys experienced a Badger game live. Greg had to work, so David and I went by ourselves.

Here's how it works for a Meyers Briggs NP. Decide to go to the game at 1:15. Game starts at 2. Called Kristina at her home in Burbank and asked her to drop us off. No $40 parking. Jumped in the car and drove to Burbank.

"David, you drive while I surf Stubhub." It's 1:45 and two seats on Wisconsin side by the end zone are going for half price. 200 tickets left, so hit buy. Got 'em.

Arrive at Sean and Kris's, 1:50. Hit Pasadena at 2. Jump on shuttle, see on ESPN app- Wisconsin scores!

Make it to the front gate, find StubHub will call, and we are in our seats by 9 minutes in the 1st quarter. Won't say much about the game (we lost), but at least David got to experience his first Badger Rose Bowl (my 3rd Wis. RB live). We got to "jump around" after the 3rd quarter. Badger fans know what I am talking about. Actually, I jumped up and down with my feet firmly planted.

"Dad, don't jump, you'll fall!"

Got to listen to your kid, once in awhile.

Well, games over and we get into line to take the shuttle bus. About 40 minute wait, and then back to Old Town where Kristina picks us up curbside.

A great day with my boy...Not every boy had that experience.

Some people cut into our "cattle line," as we are waiting for the bus. Shouts of "Line cutters!" filled the air. The worst "cutter" is a dad, with two young boys. People are screaming at the guy, he's cussing back, and David and I are the audience of this debacle in fatherhood.

The two sons have their eyes down in shame. One of them, at one point, actually tries to get dad to leave line. Dad's face is beet red, and he's not moving.

David turns to me and says, "There's a man unhappy with his life."

Yep, but not as unhappy as those two boys who have this moral giant guiding them. Hopefully, this will go down as a "not gonna be like my dad in that category" moment for the sons.

One can only hope...

Is Marriage on the Way Out? Not With Our Baby Girl!

Here we go again. Another report of the decline of marriage. Only 51 percent of Americans adults 18 or older are married. This is different than the 72% in 1960. A sharp decline, but is that the whole picture? Let's see.

70% of adults are married now or have been at some time. 

86% of single adults say they want to be married someday.

What about daughters, age 22?

Well, one left the 86% who want to be married someday. Kristina was married Saturday to Sean Herman. A great guy and at least she gets to keep her last initial the same. 

Congratulations to Sean and Kristina with all our love...

Dad

God is for Everyone!- podcast

The "third Pentecost" as the Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit. A sermon based on Acts 10:9-48.

God_is_for_Everyone-_podcast.m4a Listen on Posterous

He Knows Your Name- Podcast

God is not far from those who seek him. A sermon based on Acts 10:1-8.

You Shall Not Pass!!

Despicable. 

Oh, we watch skinned knees and broken hearts from a bit of distance. It hurts us to the core to see our precious sons and daughters suffer, but we realize there are times it is part of growing in character and confidence that we allow them to stretch in their lives and relationships. But, when it comes to our children's souls, the core of who they are, a father protects his sons and daughters from all evil. Whatever threatens their very souls, the core of who they are, a loving father stands like Gandolf, and cries out,

"You shall not pass!"

This is not just the role of dad.

Any man worth his Y chromosomes is going to be father protector in the extened family.

Older brother.

Grandpa.

Uncle.

And any man who is given the privilege of spending time in a father's role in someone else's son's or daughter's life, the echo against evil remains.

"You shall not pass!"

Friend.

Babysitter.

Teacher.

COACH...

 

"Deliver us from evil."

Any man worth being called a man, answers to the call:

"Deliverer!"

Evil? Horror?

"You shall not pass!"

My fingers are burning right now. I don't want to short out your screens while you are reading this, so I will finish.

Fathers...Protectors...

Men...

These are our sons and daughters...

 

evil one...

and those who would follow your vile touch on their own lives...

...In the name of God,

YOU SHALL NOT PASS!!

Practical Actions on Living the Life- podcast

How does the model of Jesus inform my actions?

Confirmation Sunday 2011

Live_the_Life.m4a Listen on Posterous

Where's Dad??

Sharing your faith with your son is not complicated. It doesn't take huge quantities of time. Sharing your faith with your son is about frequency and consistency. 

Even before we begin with the process, however, we need to understand a huge error in thinking for many fathers, that is based on the poor teaching and modeling they received, in particular in American culture. It's kind of like our dirty little secret. Here is the formula.

Spiritual= Women

Let me be more specific and say fathers in American society who identify as "Christian," fall into this trap all the time. These dads (you, who are reading this right now, may be one of them ) pray, pray at meals, acknowledge faith in Jesus, may participate in some faith practices at home, and may occasionally attend church activities. Yet, even among these dads, nurturing the faith of their children is considered mom's responsibility. 

If there are any faith practices in the home they are almost always initiated and led my mom. Bedtime prayers- mom-led. On the rare occasion that children are brought to church activities (4% of people in their 20's/ 15% of people in their 30's are regularly connected to faith communities, today in America), they are most often brought by their mothers alone. 

If you are an active part of a Christian community you have seen "spiritual widows"- women who are active in a church community without their husbands, carrying out their faith nurturing role alone. On the one hand, you admire their efforts, on the other, you ask yourself, "Where's dad?"

Getting Ready to Change the World- podcast

Paul's preparation.m4a Listen on Posterous

Paul is one of the greatest figures in world history whose influence transformed the globe. How did he begin the process? A sermon based on Acts 9.

Jesus and Paul: World-changers- podcast

Saul's Conversion- A sermon based on Acts 9

Blinded_by_the_Light...podcast.m4a Listen on Posterous

10 Calories Make Me a Man?

Dr Pepper was first sold in 1885, one year earlier than Coca Cola. Like similar drinks, it was originally marketed as a brain tonic and energy drink, first served at a drug store in Waco, Texas. Touting 23 different ingredients, one of them always rumored to be prune juice.

Well, like all products these days, Dr Pepper has to have variety. There are nine Dr Pepper drinks currently being sold in the United States. The latest version is “Dr Pepper 10.” “Ten Bold Calories” it says right on the 16 ounce plastic bottle. Except that it is ten calories per 8 ounce serving, so the honest name ought to be “Dr Pepper 20.” Or “Dr Pepper 15” for a 12 ounce can. But, I digress.

Dr Pepper 10 is being marketed as a “man’s drink.” “It’s only 10 manly calories, but with all 23 flavors of Dr Pepper.“ Apparently, Diet Dr Pepper doesn't have all the ingredients, besides just not having corn syrup for a sweetner? But, “it’s what guys want.”  O.K., I’m getting thirsty just thinking about this. It makes me want to punch somebody in the gut. I didn’t realize I was such a wuss for drinking Diet Dr Pepper, which I actually like, but with those extra calories, I can finally own up to my manhood. 

“Dr Pepper 10. It’s not for women.”

This is this the world our sons are born into. With so much emphasis on the equality of the sexes, and all the “trans,” as it were: -vestite,  -sexual, -gender, in my lifetime, we have finally found the distinct difference: 10 calories. 

Except, we fathers create the reality of what it means to be a man with our sons. Imitation being as strong as it is, there are alternatives.

Smoking cigars, drinking beer, and watching MMA? Nope, mom can do this to. 

How about treating our wives as precious? This is a good place to start. A real manly man adores his wife and makes no qualms about it.

Why?

How?

Friday.

 

Getting the Message Out to the Frontier- podcast

getting the message to the frontier.m4a Listen on Posterous

In Acts 8:4-25, we see how Philip brings the message of good news to enemy territory and it sticks! The Samaritans are open to receive...

God Doesn't Eat Linguini

This is bizarre. I am watching ESPN Sports Center Monday morning and they have a segment that is taped in the Raiders locker room after the game Sunday. Let me set the scene. 

Al Davis died over the weekend, and for the Raiders, the game against the Texans is seen as the classic “win one for the Gipper” scenario. Someone beloved dies and the football team goes out and plays their hearts out in honor of the deceased. Well, the Raiders did just that. They won a close game. They followed their coaches instructions to “win one for Al.”  So, why is this so strange?

It’s not the game itself, but the locker room team meeting afterward. The players are surrounding the coach, Hue Jackson, who is teary-eyed and emotionally spent. Jackson says, “Let’s have a moment of silence.” The players are all bowing their heads in prayer. Except this moment of silence isn’t a moment of silence, because Jackson immediately starts talking! What does he say? A prayer. Nothing unusual about this, except he begins praying to Al Davis!

He proceeds to tell Al that they miss him and they won the game for him, and such. The players surrounding him are still in prayer mode as Jackson gives his tribute to his boss and hero, all in the form of a prayer.

Two things.

1. A moment of silence, the politically correct term we use now for prayer, well, if you invoke it, then be silent.

2. Don’t pray to Al Davis. Pray to God about Al Davis. Don’t pray to Al Davis because he is not God. He was a great football mind. A great innovator. But, he is not the Almighty. I know this, because I met Al Davis. 

He was eating alone at the table next to us in Matteo's in LA, back in the 80’s. Dining alone on a Sunday night after a Raider’s game. Wrinkled old clothes and wearing the patented Raider’s jacket. Mr. Davis seemed sad and lonely, but I won’t speculate. 

What I do know is God is a non-physical being, and as such, does not eat food. This is why I am confident that Al Davis is not God. God does not eat pasta and that is what Al is dining on that night!

Heartfelt sentiment Coach Jackson, but let’s remember who really is the Big Coach in the Sky shall we?

God Is Always Ahead of Us as He Uses Us to Expand His KIngdom- podcast

missional community.m4a Listen on Posterous

In Acts 8, we see how God uses the persecution of believers to spread the good news beyond Jerusalem, into Judea, and even beyond into hostile territory, Samaria. The Christians don't go alone. They go together in the power of the Holy Spirit, mainly organized into extended families, or oikos, as Scripture records. What might oikos look like today? We don't have to ask, it's already happening...

Time: The Critical Investment Every Father Needs to Make: #4-Toddlers: Part 4- Turn off the camera!

It never really stops with the kids!

How much time do you spend electronically recording your son's life?

I have an HD video camera on my phone. Also takes beautiful digital photos. Chances are, you have the same capabilities on your phone. I also have a thin HD video camera, about the size of a credit card, and waterproof. Great for video and photos at the beach and underwater snorkeling. Obviously, no film, no cassette; only a micro SD card. 

Now, when our kids were little, Nancy had a big Canon camera with special lenses and real 35 mm film. When Kristina was born, I had a VHS video camera that needed to be rested on my shoulder with the cassette player in a separate bag. Later, with the boys, I had a micro-cassette recorder. Still heavy, but I didn't need to be lugging around an extra 4 pounds!

Today, we have tons of photo albums sitting around in various storage areas around the house. Just looked through them. I do that every couple of years. Also, we have bags of cassettes, both VHS, micro-cassette, and DV cassettes. I have no idea what is on all of those. Want to transfer them someday.  

I think of all the time I could have spent behind the view finder of those cameras long ago, and I realize now that I am fortunate the video cameras were cumbersome, and with the film cameras, you had to be judicious with your photos because you actually could run out of film, along with the fact that  you had to have the film developed! But, I really wasn't good at taking pictures and movies anyway. My loud running commentaries are funny in small doses, but get a bit obnoxious after awhile. Having an extrovert behind the viewfinder is always a video challenge. With still photos, my hands always shake, so the best pictures are from Nancy anyway. She is an excellent photographer. 

Here's the thing. Dads, today I realize how tempting it is to spend your whole time filming your little guy because he is just about the cutest, most talented child on the planet. With today's technology, you can take as many photos, and shoot as much video footage, as you want. Actually unlimited access.  So, here are a few reminders.

1. You don't want your son growing up and imprinting on you with a camera in front of your face. If this gets burned into his brain circuitry, he will have a father who is half man/ half camera. No one wants to be raised by a cyborg...yet. So, make sure you frequently give it a rest.

2. I will look at your photos from time to time, but I can take about 30 seconds of your videos. Don't think you are doing me a favor recording your son's whole life for my sake, or for the sake of others (OK, a bit more for grandparents).

3. When you are actively playing, you can't take photos and videos anyway. Does you son want action time with daddy or does he want to hear, “Ready...Action!”?

4. Your son really does exist and he really is living his life, whether you are recording it or not.

5. Video and photography are not a substitute for a father actually practicing some parenting once in a while. Yes, dad, you know who you are!

6. The precedent is set from the beginning. When your son is performing or competing in an event, let your pure joy come out by just giving your whole attention as a member of the audience or a spectator. Again, once in awhile, give the camera a rest.

Please Support Me in My Walk To End Poverty!

I am walking this Saturday, October 8th, for the LSS Community Care Center Walk To End Poverty! Go here for more information and to sponsor me. Thank you!

"Blackberry Bush Course: God the Father"

A Blackberry bush is a great metaphor for the entanglements of our lives. It's growth is rapid and eventually it seems out of control. If you are in the middle of it, no one comes out unscathed. On the Blackberry Bush Course, we discover a new way to live life. We search together to discover how God can set us free.

 All are invited to experience this freedom!

 When: Thursday Nights, beginning October 6th

6-8 p.m. Dinner included.

Where: The Hanson's (Dana and Nancy)

October 6

Session One: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

October 13

Session Two: Why is It So Hard to Get Good at Praying?

(This course is developed by Dave Housholder, author, pastor, and radio personality on "The Bottom Line with Roger Marsh & Dave Householder," Monday-Friday 3-5 p.m. on KBRT AM740. Have a listen!)

A Memorable Birthday

Greg and David just celebrated their 20^th birthday yesterday. We started Saturday night at Cheesecake Factory, and then back home for cake. Every year, more candles (thank you, Captain Obvious), and with twins, 20 makes 40 (thank you, Captain Arithmetic).

Sunday, the official day, the boys wake up and we exchange hugs and happy birthdays.  Then we recall the morning of their 18^th birthday. Memorable for two reasons...

The first thing we remember is that I wake up before everyone else, and go to the gym. After working out, I get in my Ford Explorer. There is a BMW rich man’s car parked next to me. It is half parked next to my spot and half in the spot behind him. So, when I pull out and turn right, I cut it too close and clip his front bumper!

Not a scratch on the Explorer, of course, but there is a small dent in the front panel of the Beemer. I leave a note on his car.

“People are watching me write this and they think I am leaving you my personal information. But, actually I am writing to say that’s what you get for taking up two spots for your fancy car.”

Only kidding. I tell the owner to go visit the front desk.

So, it’s back to the gym, giving the guy at the front desk all my information. There is actually a prewritten form for just this situation. What did I learn? Two things.

1.  My driving skills are suspect when I can get in an accident from a dead stop in a parking lot.

2. When you are driving an 80/ 90K car, your front bumper getting dinged costs more than 10K to fix. I know, because I saw our insurance premiums go up after that. Now it’s been two years, so I think we are back to normal. 

The second memorable thing for the boys about their 18^th birthday, is when I greeted Greg with a punch in the sternum. He looks at me with his “what the heck” stare. I say one word.

“Misdemeanor.”

As in, “You have just turned 18 and now if I hit you it will no longer be felony child abuse, but only a misdemeanor.”

We laugh about this, but I really don’t hit my kids. Really. Do not take this as evidence that I strike the boys. Actually, they used to hit me once in a while. Parental abuse. But, it was only in the arm because they are playing that stupid “Slug Bug” game. You know where you punch someone in the arm when you see a Volkswagen Beetle.  “Slug Bug yellow!”

We don’t play this anymore because when I stopped participating, I was getting hit all the time. That’s a perfect game for sons to play with their father. They get to hit you, knowing you won’t hit them back. I guess it’s a good substitute for patricide, but I don’t want any part of it. It’s time to stop.

Instead of hitting them myself to make them stop, I give them my “mean dad” Bruce Willis-scowl. This proves sufficient. No more “Slug Bug” as far as I am concerned. But, there might come a day when I resurrect the game, if only once. I’ll scream, “Slug Bug blue!” and haul off and coldcock one of them.

That’ll teach ‘em...

(Now, really, you know I am not going to do this, right? I don't hit the boys nor advocate this kind of violent behavior.)