There’s a story about Dr. Harold C. Urey, a Nobel Prize-winning Chemist, who was walking along one day at the university, when he bumped into another professor friend. The two had a nice chat, made some small talk, and shared a couple of inside jokes about the university. Once they deemed it was time to be on their separate ways, Dr. Urey said to the other professor, “John, which way was I walking when I bumped into you?” “That way,” said the other, pointing in a particular direction. “Oh good,” said Dr. Urey, as he went on his way, “That means I’ve already had my lunch. Have a pleasant afternoon.” Do you ever suddenly stop and think to yourself, “What exactly am I doing with my life?” Sometimes it’s a surprising comment from a child [...]

Though I’ve gotten better over the years, I can be a tough person to travel with. I don’t like stopping or slowing down. If I’m traveling 70mph and have to stop for a 15-minute break, then that means in the time I spent stopping, I could have been a little over 17 miles closer to my destination. Plus, if the stop involves a drink, it may well mean I’ll have to stop again later, which means more time “lost” that keeps me from getting wherever I’m going. I’m definitely influenced by our fast-paced culture. Recently, I’ve been reading C.S. Lewis’ Surprised By Joy, which is a sort of spiritual autobiography of his life. He has caused me to rethink my travel strategies. His assessment of modern transportation is that it annihilates space, “One of the [...]

“I just can’t do it, Doc,” said Frank, “It doesn’t fit into my schedule.  I’ve got to get to the office early if I want to get anything done.  While I’m at work, it’s one constant rush.  Most afternoons, my kids have ball practice, and on the other days, they have piano lessons.  If we have time, my wife makes dinner, but most days we just have to get fast food.  I don’t like to miss the news, and by the time we get the kids down to sleep, I’m lucky to catch some of the late night talk shows.  There’s just no room in my schedule.”  The doctor replied, “Frank, let me put it like this: Would it fit your schedule better for you to exercise one hour per day, or for you to [...]

Last weekend about 30 of us had a really exciting trip where we learned about some people who have been really important to the Restoration Movement.  We took a tour of Mt. Olivet Cemetery, where we stopped by ten grave sites in particular.  Later, we went to the Disciples of Christ Historical Society and had a tour and presentation of some of the help they are able to offer to people wanting to learn about anything pertaining to churches of Christ and the Restoration Movement. If you were not able to go with us, but are still interested in learning about some of the people we discussed, you can download the handout here: http://www.box.net/shared/g01xrjjr0p Coming soon, we are going to make a trip to Cane Ridge, Kentucky to a very important location in the history [...]

Donald Miller made a post on his blog recently where he highlighted the type of questions that Americans typically ask about things in our world.  We are consumed with the question of “How”. “How can I lose weight fast?” “How can I make more money?” “How can I manage to afford that bigger house?” “How can I take on more debt, even if I haven’t paid for what I’ve already got?” “How can I get my kids into Harvard?” The question “How” tends to assume that I know what’s best for me, and I know what it is that I want.  It is a question of means, so that I can eliminate the gap between what I want and what I have. Miller’s observation–with which I agree–is that the Bible can be a frustrating book [...]

Church camp is coming up soon!  July 25-30th are the dates for our annual week of fun and fellowship in Fall Creek Falls State Park. If you need an application, you can download it here. Applications and payment are due July 11, 2010. Hope to see you there! Mark

Thanks so much to everyone who participated in our annual Vacation Bible School.  There were lots of smiles and laughs every day.  I had the privilege of talking with the kids at the end of each evening, asking what they had learned, and based on the quantity and qualities of answers I received, I think the answer to my question was, “A lot!” VBS would not be possible without all the wonderful volunteers who give up so much time and effort to make it great.  Saturday was lots of fun especially, with a petting zoo and pony rides.  And who could forget Crazy Uncle Jon’s songs every night?  I’m sure he’ll find his way back again. As VBS director, I just wanted to express my deep appreciation for everyone who helped us out.  We’ll look [...]

Have you ever pondered the gravity of the words you pray?  Do you ever think about what a frightening statement it really is to say to God, “Make me a better person”?  Or “Help me to do your will in my life”?  Or “Help me to grow in my faith”?  Have you ever had any growing experience that didn’t involve hurting somewhere along the way? Let’s not forget Daniel.  He was a good man.  If he were here, we would love for him to go to our church. Daniel prayed three times a day while looking out his window.  Then suddenly, prayer to anyone but King Darius was illegal.  But when government makes rules against righteousness, then Godly people have to break the law.  Do you realize that it was for praying that Daniel was [...]

How comfortable are your feet right now?  When I ask this, do you suddenly become aware of them?  At any given moment, we can feel our feet, but if we’re not thinking about them, we don’t really notice how they feel.  Perhaps even as I say this, you suddenly pause and realize the need to adjust a sock or tighten a shoelace.  Your feet have always been there, haven’t they?  But just before you read this, you weren’t thinking about them.  Awareness is everything. Once in chapel at the Harding Graduate School, a man got up to lead our prayer.  He was from Africa, and he could pray unlike anyone I’ve ever heard.  He spoke with a booming voice and a thick accent.  The first half of his prayer he spent simply acknowledging the majesty [...]

I am already getting excited about Old Hickory Bible Camp in 2010! Our theme for this year is going to be “That We May Be One.”  We will focus on our unity with God, and our unity as Christians.  Jesus said that it was through our unity and love for each other that the world will really know we are Christians. Our theme for this year is “Out of Style.”  I want to see who can come up with the tackiest, most outdated clothing they can find.  (Let’s be sure to keep it modest)  I plan to be amazed at some of the clothing that will show up.  Of course, for some of us, to be out of style all we’ll need to do is wear what we would be wearing anyway! Ha! Be sure [...]