Christianity is being hijacked

Ask a surfer about the movie "Blue Crush" and you'll get an earful on how it was so unrealistic.

Ask a professional driver about the Fast & Furious movies and you'll hear over and over that drifting like that doesn't quite work like that. (Not to mention F&F6 required a runway 10 times longer than the longest runway in the world.)

Ask a politician about the show "House of Cards" or "Scandal" and…well…President Obama cleared that up.

Their lives were hijacked by Hollywood.

And that's exactly what I believe is happening to Christianity.

It's being hijacked by the people who either have no clue what it is to begin with or have stopped following God's word for their own version of what they believe it should be. I feel I am being misrepresented. And that's what's more frustrating in the larger play of things.

During an argument, one of the most frustrating things is when we feel we are not being heard, that our voice is drowned out by the other persons' inability to truly listen. Or even worse, when somebody stands up to address our case and we feel we are misrepresented. Our society is filled with so many opinions from so many places that now there are is an over-abundance of voices screaming for attention, and inevitably, people aren't truly heard or listened to. There is no unity, there is no one clear voice, and from that matter, we cannot be heard. Not that this one blog post will do that, but instead of shouting about one thing or another trying to argue the point at hand, I want to get to the heart of the matter.

Let's take some key components currently dictating "virtual water cooler talk" in the Christian community.

1) Noah (the movie)

2) Hobby Lobby

3) World Vision

(If you don't understand what these three mean, a quick google news search will help get you up to speed from here.)

1) Noah was previewed and discussed in a 3-person panel recently at the International Christian Media Convention by the National Religious Broadcasters about how the film both uses Biblical truth and diverts away from it, as well. That discussion led to the current NRB President & CEO's request to Paramount to add a disclaimer with the movie. Noah is now being promoted as a "fictional story based off the Biblical story." Typically, anything in hollywood that's based off of a real-life story, there's bound to be creative licenses. 

The issue at hand was that Christians felt the film was being misrepresented as truth, or an accurate depiction of the Biblical story.

2) Hobby Lobby. This has been a widely-addressed and publicized lawsuit. It's also been one of the biggest stories that I've seen journalistic integrity go out the window. It has been publicized that the owners of the company desire to cease providing birth control in their insurance. That is by far not the case. If whatever journalists had actually read the lawsuit, or even dug just a half an inch in, they'd find that the only forms of "birth control" they'd like to keep off their insurance policies are two controversial forms of "birth control": 1) the morning-after pill and 2) abortions. Both of which are not necessarily known as "birth control." Hobby Lobby at this current day provides birth control on their insurance policies, and they are open to any who needs them, including for reasons of hormonal imbalances.

Again, their case in the media is being misrepresented and by those who also don't take the time to look into the basic facts of the case and inadvertently spread falsehoods.

3) World Vision. This has been one heck of a week for them and for the entire Christian community in a story that's made national headlines.

Take out the homosexuality debate and you get to the heart of the matter. Conservative Christians were concerned that World Vision, (who is a big name nationally, especially amongst evangelical Christians) had made a decision that misrepresented Biblical truth. Because in the conservative's view, Word Vision had taken a major step aside from Biblical truth and they struggled to support an organization who was not committed to the Gospel and solid Biblical teachings. (More on how that applies later.)

Right now, I feel like my religion, the truth of God, is being misrepresented and not heard. And I'd like to discuss a bit more in detail of the importance of the World Vision debacle.

First, let me pose the question, why is homosexuality such a hot-topic issue?

I believe it's because it's such a personal thing for many people. For those who've made that discovery of homosexuality, it's a very deep and personal issue. And if you were told that you were going to hell because of who you believe you are, you would probably be very very hurt. So for those of us living the Christian life and are against homosexuality, we have to be so very sensitive to this. 

There are two major sides in this issue that splits evangelical Christians - "How To Love Homosexuals."

Some say that the sensitivity we need to have is "love" - that love they are talking about is a love that simply accepts them for who they are and can get behind the homosexual lifestyle. It's believed that it's engrained in who they are, they are born this way, so we must love them where they're at. I believe this is a false love, the kind that reels you in for a falsified truth. 

The Bible, the breath and bread of Christianity, tells us that the love we need to have has to come from Christ. This love needs to be patient and kind. It shouldn't be boastful and arrogant, self-seeking, nor dishonor others, keep a record of wrongs against us (harboring grudges). BUT, Love does NOT rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. It is a balancing act those must face, for it must embody love by giving grace, being patient and kind, yet being firm in instruction, even when it hurts...just like a parent must tell their child when they're doing something wrong to correct the behavior, yet still holds their arms open and says "I love you. I want the best for you. If you listen to my instructions, the best is going to come." 

I am close with many mothers. Sometimes the best way a child responds to correction is by kind words suggesting another approach, and encouraging good behavior. Sometimes they must use discipline as a discouragement from bad behavior. I believe both are good methods! 

Many Christians are getting bad raps because our correction isn't coming from a place of encouragement towards good but of condemnation of the bad. 

But many Christians like myself feel our "parenting" (if you will) is being misrepresented by those who encourage the bad behavior because they are afraid or unwilling to help correct the bad behavior in a positive way.

Some may argue - why this sin? What's so different about this versus someone who lies? I don't know if there's an answer if we're looking at the specific sin. Homosexuality is a major red-flag in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, but what's that compared to murder? I can't speak for God. And perhaps there's a theological answer I'm missing.

But I believe the difference begins with the heart.

It had been said by some that the entire Gospel is at stake in this debate. Though it says nowhere in scripture to my knowledge that "homosexuals can't be saved" it has more to do with that very heart of the issue of true salvation. 

The issue with homosexual Christians is that the act is an overt act of defiance against God's word. It is saying either "I'm claiming to love God and follow Him, but this part that He's saying is sin really isn't, so it's okay." or "I'm claiming to love God and follow Him, but I don't care if it is a sin, because this is who I am." It is either taking God's truth and twisting it to say "it's okay" or it's taking God's truth and ignoring his instruction. And in both cases, it's a claim to ignore God's love. It's on purpose, can't be ignored sin.

Does this mean that homosexuals can't go to heaven, even if they were saved Christians before? I don't know, honestly. That's a meaty chunk of theology that I haven't delved into yet. 

But I do believe that if you are truly saved, your heart develops over time to be more like Christ. And if you're ignoring the Holy Spirit on this issue (or any issue for that matter) I'd say that's a matter of attitude and the heart. Who are you willing to serve. Christ said you must DENY YOURSELF and FOLLOW ME if you want to be a Christian - a Christ follower. So what is it?

I believe if we stop throwing out hurtful words at each other as Christians and begin to look at the qualities and teachings of Jesus Christ - from birth through death and resurrection - we'll find where that stable ground is. I hope that's where the definition of Christian can start coming from again. Because until then, there will always be misrepresented Christians who feel like our voices aren't being heard.

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The Driving Force

In 1940, Martin Nodell and Bill Finger introduced the world to DC Comic's newest hero, The Green Lantern. Though it's gone through a series of hiatuses, the comic has ultimately produced 5 volumes, which are still being produced today.

In volume 4, after a controversial editorial decision, Hal Jordan, our hero-turned-villain-turned-hero again faces his demon - a parasitic embodiment of fear.

That volume and volume 5 were later used as the plotline for the latest Green Lantern movie, starring Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan. In this movie, Hal, who is the symbol of will, is summoned as the next Green Lantern and must fight fear itself to save Earth from destruction. In the end, a battle between will and fear will prove that fear is not the stronger motivators of the two.

As I've pondered lately at my life's choices - my actions, my decisions, my failures - I've come to the conclusion that there are either two forces in the world that help us make them.

One comes out of fear. A fear of failure, a fear of rejection, a fear of love lost, a fear of discipline when I need it, a fear of hatred and ill-words towards me. Fear is a very strong motivator. The problem with fear is that in entraps you in a web of lies, keeping you from moving forward.

Another comes out of love. A realization that my failures don't predict the amount of love I lose. A realization that my accomplishments don't predict the amount of love I gain. A realization that God loves me. Period. Nothing I do can change the amount of love he gives me. And there is a great, great freedom that comes from that knowledge an acceptance of that love.

Nearly four years ago, I moved 1500 miles away for an internship. It was during that time I fell in love with the people at Emmaus - a church group of young adults who made it a point to share our brokenness, our mistakes, our failures. We didn't wallow in them. No, instead, we lifted them up to the light and showered each other in love and grace. For the first time, I felt what it meant to let go of the fear of showing my failures drive me and allow the love of Christ to cover me.

Our driving force should never be out of fear - I believe fear is the tool of the Devil to keep us from showing Christ in any way. He wants to keep us from showing our failures. Christ wants us to take them to Him so they may be shown in the glory and reflection of His love, mercy, and grace.

Love wins. Love always wins.

Let that be your driving force.

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Real Life, Real Mugs

Life with my favorite mug, compliments of my girl Ashley. #cariboucoffee #MinnesotaGirl

We have a favorite saying at the church office that goes "real life, real mugs." Basically, we believe real life demands a real mug. There's something soothing about holding a warm mug, gently sipping life away. Along with the real mugs comes the real life.
Unfortunately, our lives aren't the pinteresty, instagrammed or tweet-worthy moments all the time.

My life has changed quite drastically over the last couple months. I've gone through some major life shifts and I am constantly feeling like I'm battling a world that wants to let out the ground beneath me. Because of this shifting, I've been spending a lot of time doing some serious introspection, journaling, praying, and just generally thinking about my changing situations and expectations (and the ones that don't change).

I headed to our weekly game night and a friend who noticed my tone that night asked me about how I was doing. In general, I stated "I've just been thinking a lot." She said back to me, "You're over thinking it."

I thought to myself "She doesn't understand - she's just not being sympathetic. I'm not over-thinking this, I'm just praying a lot."

But the more I thought about it that week, the more I realized that I was over-thinking it. I was over-thinking it to the point of worrying and stressing, and that wasn't healthy. I had become so self-centered by simply spinning my own issues over and over and over in my head that I had shut out the needs and blessings of others around me.

Last night I had an event I was to go to.

Instead, half an hour post-event-start, I am sipping tea with my roommate in our real mugs and talking about our real life struggles.

It reminded me that I needed to get outside of my own head and my own problems. Because others have theirs. And if you can look outside of your own current problems and spend more time looking at how to bless others, you'll gain perspective on your own issues without being told "There are starving children in Africa who have life worse than you."

So meet up with a friend, grab a couple real mugs, fill them up with your favorite warm beverages of choice, and share life, asking how you can bless one another.

If you ask me, that sounds like a better way to do real life.

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You know you're a pastor's kid when

You know you're a pastor's kid when....

1. You or your siblings are frequently an illustration point in the sermon.
2. You are frequently "asked" to read scripture, sing, play piano, harmonica, or the recorder for every special service, as well as most offertories.
3. Basically everyone in the church knows you by name.
4. Your family is the 1st to arrive at church and the last to leave after what seemed like 40 hours of "goodbyes."
5. After you move away and begin being a pastor's kid at some other church, you go back to the other church and feel slightly out of place.
6. You have more family than anyone you know, because those churches have become your aunts and uncles, siblings, parents and grandparents, and even great-grandparents that care for you just as if you were part of their own family. This also includes punishment as if you were part of their own family.
7. You are used to getting birthday and Christmas gifts to "the family" from members of the church.
8. You had major speaking roles in every Christmas pageant.
9. You grow up and realize that normal people have these things called "weekends" where sometimes they go on a short trip.
10. Private. Christian. School.
11. You weren't allowed to be in any traveling sports teams or go to any NFL football games because they conflicted with church.
12. Holidays weren't vacation days.
13. You're used to your house being a revolving place where members of the church stop by to chat.
14. You're used to cleaning and decorating the house for church parties.
15. You were either pegged as the "good kid" or the "rebel kid."
16. You felt an inordinate amount of pressure to be "the good kid" - otherwise known as "perfect."
17. Two Words: Church Camp.
18. The church was secretly another facility for birthday parties and you used the church ovens to make Thanksgiving dinner because they were big enough.
19. Pastor's appreciation month was your favorite month because you were usually included in the small gifts the congregation gives.
20. You end up doing something ministry-related as an adult, because you realize that there's no other job in the world quite like it and you've already got a lifetime of experience.

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f a v o r i t e s

BOOK: Wiser than Serpents by Susan May Warren.

PLACE IN THE HOUSE: The blue striped couch in our living room, in front of the fireplace and our beautiful 

french doors to our back yard.

PLACE TO CREATE: In a coffee shop.

WAY TO HEAL: journaling, walking and praying.

FORM OF RELAXATION: Drinking tea while being completely absorbed in a good book.

PLACE IN THE WORLD: In the woods, on the lake in Northern Minnesota.

FOOD: Chocolate

TOOL: a drill (my dad would be so proud)

FORM OF TRANSPORTATION: Driving. Driving to nowhere. Just driving.

HOUSEHOLD CHORE: Making dinner/dishes

MORNING BEVERAGE: Tea

EARTH ELEMENT: Water

TIME OF DAY: At night, when it gets quiet and still

SEASON: Winter. I love the snow.

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Christ is Here! Finally!

Outside the snow has added a fresh layer to the corners of the window. My tea warms my hands as I curl up on the couch, listening to my favorite Christmas album. My family's Christmas tree sits before me, miraculously holding up the pounds of ornaments that adorn its branches.

It's Christmastime in the Midwest and I am beside myself with joy and contentment. There's something about coming home, holding family tight and celebrating the birth of our savior.

Into my adulthood, I've realized that while digging into Christ's story and His character, I learn so much. It seems that each Christmas season there's one new thing God is teaching me throughout my favorite time of year.

Last year was my first Christmas season away from family and away from the Midwest. Moving to California changed how I had to see Christmas. It didn't need to be about the snow, the traditions I had made years before but now couldn't be a part of, or even being with family. God stripped away those things last year to make room for Him, to clear away the clutter so that I could focus on what Christmas really is all about - Christ.

This year God has me focused on a different aspect of the Christmas Story: the fulfillment of the prophecy.
It's been incredible as I've been doing my devotionals to look at the Christmas story and go to the corresponding Old Testament references to that part of the story. For instance, Hosea 11:1 predicted that Joseph would take Mary and Joseph out of the country to Egypt after His birth (at this point, now 3 or so years after) because of Herod.
That is just one example out of many. There are countless other Old Testament verses that indicate certain things in Jesus' birth story.

After reading all the Old Testament references, I couldn't help but wonder what it might have been like to live before His birth, anticipating this day, and the joy that fell upon them learning of His birth.

For so long, the scriptures, their heritage, their teachings said that one day a savior would come. That he'd be born of a virgin in Bethlehem, and that Shepherds and Kings would come to worship Him. And that later they'd flee the country fearing for their lives, then return...and that He would be the Son of God and called Lord. They knew it was coming. They anticipated that day, I'm sure.

Then it happened. Exactly as the scriptures indicated, God gave his Son to this earth. He who would become our savior. And they worshiped him, for they were filled with unspeakable joy that, in fact, God hadn't abandoned him. For, you see, Immanuel was prophesied by Isaiah to come - that name means "God with us." All of those years, waiting, hoping, praying for His coming, and they finally had Him. It was, in fact, the greatest gift, for he represented Hope. Hope for a future filled with peace, joy, love.

And those who came to see him fell upon their knees in awe, in joy, in gladness, in thankfulness, in worship to Christ, their Lord. I would imagine tears streamed upon their faces as they sang praises to God. The heavenly hosts sang "Glory to God in the Highest! And on earth, Peace among men with whom He is pleased."

Tonight, as I stood next to my family and hundreds of other families at the Christmas eve service, singing hymns praising his birth, I began to cry. (I usually don't admit this, but in the past couple years, I've become way more of a crier than ever before.) I began to cry, imagining bowing down before my Lord, in awe and wonder that He is with us, just as was prophesied hundreds of years before He was born. And just as was prophesied, we were given Immanuel - for the gift of Christ was given.

          "O, Come let us adore him! Christ, The Lord!"

"Shepherds, why this jubilee?

Why your joyous strains prolong?

What the gladsome tidings be

Which inspire your heavenly song?

GLORIA, IN EXCELSIS DEO (glory to God in the highest)!"

"Fall on your knees - Oh hear, the angel's voices! Oh, night when Christ was born!"

These songs carry such weight and emotion in them - can't you hear it in the words and the melody? What joy must have been that night! Everything they'd hoped and prayed for was in front of them, there, in the flesh.

And that couldn't embody the truest meaning of Christmas more: God giving His son to us, our savior, our Lord and King.

I hope you take some time to consider the Old Testament prophecies and how they bring so much depth to the Christmas story this season. But mostly, I hope you celebrate the birth of our savior, and what joy comes with accepting his grace and love.
Merry Christmas to you, from snowy South Dakota!

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It's Christmastime in The Cottage!

One of my favorite traditions during Christmas-time is all the Christmas decorating. Who doesn't love staring at lights, tinsel, garland, and, now that I live in Southern California, *fake snow?

A couple nights ago, my roommate and I went to go get our Christmas Tree, which we later affectionately dubbed "Alfalfa," for he has a funny cowlick of a branch in the back. He smells like a great Christmas tree and oftentimes I will walk up to the tree just to close my eyes and take a whiff of the pine.

Though the majority of our Christmas tree is filled with round shiny ornaments, there are several that have cute meanings behind them - Kim and her love affair with owls, plus a Hello Kitty arrangement that she bought upon her engagement with Wes...me and a few I handmade recently.

In addition to the obligatory wrapping-selves in lights and sipping hot cocoa while dancing around to Jingle Bell Rock, we also decked our halls in garland, poinsettias, tinsel, stockings, and more lights.

There is something so calming and soothing about just sitting and staring at the lights in silence late in the night. The peace that fills my soul as I sit and sip on a cup of tea, getting lost in a daze of memories and dreams.

Christmas time is my favorite time of the year. And though I still have no (real) snow, I am truly enjoying the advent of our Lord Jesus Christ and celebrating the season with friends that are family.

Soon this house will be busting with people, eating and chatting and having a grand time. Now its time to get baking and prepping!

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