Home of the jester in the court of the ragtag soldiers.
Archive for September, 2009
The Ill-Advisability Of Isolation
Sep 30th
Ofttimes in music, fans hear only the end result and not the predecessors of and the influences on the artists they love. An excellent example of this is Led Zeppelin.
When I first heard them back in the days of my youth I thought they were the be-all and end-all of their style. It wasn’t until I started exploring the blues and English folk that was at the core of their sound, later on augmented by assorted Middle Eastern (specifically from Morocco) flavorings on songs such as “Kashmir,” that I caught on to what they were about.
Understanding this didn’t give cause for being any less a fan or appreciating them any less. It provided perspective; a reference point from which to work. Having this provided the basis for a more honest, knowledgeable view of Messrs. Page, Plant, Bonham and Jones.
Looking back, at the beginning of listening to Led Zeppelin I was in a state of isolation. I didn’t know their influences. Therefore, as far as I knew they had single-handedly invented this amazing music. Certainly the hordes of bands who slavishly copied their every shade and nuance acted as if they had, in the process adding nothing to the genre. How could they? As a result of their own isolation, all they were capable of was parroting Page, Plant and company. It was all they knew.
One of the greatest dangers of isolation is intellectual malnutrition from repeatedly consuming the same information. Our bodies require a balanced diet to fulfill all needs. You can’t eat just one thing and expect to cover all the bases. Basic Nutrition 101.
So why should we believe our minds, hearts and souls are any different?
But wait, you might think. Isn’t Jesus all we need? “I am the Way, Truth and Light” and all that? Isn’t He the final answer? The only true answer? The Alpha and Omega, first and last?
Yes.
And no.
Something that’s often overlooked in Christianity is how woven throughout Scripture there is a tremendous sense of practicality. Fire from the heavens and manna from the skies aren’t the rule. They are the exception.
Consider how during His earthly ministry Christ Himself would separate Himself from the crowds and even the disciples in order to spent private time in prayer with His Father. Note how Paul told Timothy to drink a little wine to help with his stomach discomfort and other health issues. Taking these examples into the contemporary, a comparative would be how far more often than not when we pray “Lord, I’m so tired — give me strength to carry on” the answer is “have you thought about getting some sleep, maybe?” Or the response to “Lord, please cure me of this headache” being “no problem — provided you go take a couple of aspirin.” None of us are so indispensable that God can’t get along without us for a few hours. Or require a unique miracle when the blessing of His creation is more than sufficient.
This element of practicality dovetails into the need to feed ourselves properly in mind, heart and soul as well as body. Let’s focus on the mind first.
If you are pursuing a particular career requiring specific knowledge, Jesus isn’t the answer. Oh, He’s still at the center of your heart as your Lord and Savior, hopefully. But when the question is something along the lines of which HTML command is required to position a specific item on your web page where it’s supposed to go, Jesus isn’t the answer. Giver of life so you can find the answer to the particular question, yes. But not the answer to the question.
God gave you a brain for a purpose. Use it. Feed your mind. Nourish your intellect. Knowledge is power. Never fear learning. Take advantage of the gift we’ve been given: the ability to see things through the eyes of faith and the wisdom of Scripture.
Share what you’ve been given with the world. As Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you.” As He also said, “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.”
Fellowship is good, wonderful and absolutely necessary in the life of every believer if they want to grow. But it’s not the be-all and end-all of life in Christ. Go out into the world, confident in Christ and unafraid to engage others. As Paul wrote, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” You can’t be wise in the way you act toward outsiders if you never encounter them.
Don’t starve yourself. Don’t isolate yourself. Ever.
If it was good enough for Led Zeppelin it’s more than good enough for you!
How To Be A Twitter Fail Whale Even When Twitter Is Working
Sep 29th
I’m not into keeping score of how many people follow me on Twitter. Hardly an item of importance, y’know?
As far as who I follow, my general rule of thumb is to not follow anyone who doesn’t follow me. Social media is of little use if one party is antisocial.
I also have a few personal guidelines about what will guarantee me either not following you in the first place or quietly dropping me from the list of those I follow:
- Use the words “life coach” or “financial planner” anywhere in your bio. Thanks, but I already have a life coach. You know, the Author and Giver of life? As far as financial planning, I need no help being broke.
- Rattle off twenty-five tweets in twenty or fewer minutes, all on the same topic. Even if I agree with you, I’m not into being browbeaten. No one is.
- Screaming calls to action. No, I don’t want to be yelled at that I’m a banana slug because I don’t write and call my congressperson and/or senator every five minutes about the current cause du jour. Especially in my case. I’m a conservative. My representative is Barbara Lee. My senators are Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein. Somehow I doubt they, or to be more accurate their staff members who handle their mail, are going to give much credence to anything I have to say on any given topic. Does the expression “never attempt to teach a pig to fly” mean anything to you?
- Be part of a clique. My Dad had a saying: “The Vanderbilts speak only to the Rockefellers, and the Rockefellers speak only to themselves.” If you’re rampaging around acting like you are someone because you’re on this online show and attending this mutual admiration society session disguised as a conference, and you can’t bother to talk to me as an equal with something to say, you are sadly mistaken if you think I’m not worth your time. ‘Tis the other way ’round.
- Try to sell me anything, recommend any kind of service, or do any other kind of unsolicited plug for something not directly connected with something you’ve personally done or personally use.
- Play an online game that updates your status for all to see. No, I don’t care that you just picked up fifty-seven bonus points in Mafia Farmer by buying Machine Gun Flossie.
And the absolute guarantee you either won’t be followed in the first place or immediately unfollowed:
- Any variation on “Look at me — SQUEE!”
Those who applaud themselves have no need of me in the audience.
Making Tents
Sep 28th
I ofttimes wonder if the apostle Paul, when he was writing Romans 7:15 (“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do”) paused and smiled to himself.
It’s not that there’s anything amusing in the verse itself or in the topic it discusses, namely the struggle a believer faces in wishing to live for Christ but frustrated in their effort to do so by the built-in insistance shared by all of us to remain stubbornly human. Rather, the cause for mild mirth would be looking at the verse and saying to oneself, “Gee. Sounds like the day job.”
Sometimes it’s overlooked that Paul had a day job: he was a journeyman tent maker. Given that tent making was hardly the most streamlined process in his day, no doubt there was many a moment when he was stitching or cutting or what have you when Paul thought, “You know, I’d rather be preaching right now. Or writing one of the churches a letter. Except Corinth. I’ve already had to rip them a new one twice. Enough of that already!”
Most all of us who believe — I suspect more like all of us — except for those in full-time ministry have had those moments at the office or the factory or the store or the farm or the classroom or wherever when we’ve sighed, “This bites. I want to be out ministering right now. Not shuffling papers or working machinery or stocking shelves or nursing the crop or trying to stay awake either listening to or giving a lecture.”
Which is a good thing, really.
To have a heart for God means you’re going to face times of frustration when you’re doing anything but something directly for Him. Yeah, sure, Colossians 3:23-24, with verse 22 thrown in for good measure as you contemplate your allowance… er, paycheck. But that doesn’t quench the fire.
So don’t.
Learn to savor every moment you’re able to directly minister. They are precious and never to be taken for granted.
And they give you something to look forward to while in the meantime you’re making tents.
I’m Trying Very Hard Lately…
Sep 27th
… not to be bitter, spiteful, and all that.
It’s not working very well.
You see, I poured my guts into the book. It was more than a personal act of returning to my first love. It was a statement about the artists. Their music matters. Their ministry matters. But above all else, they matter.
I knew throughout it’d be a tough one to sell. No money for advertising or promotional campaigns. I would have to rely on social media and word of mouth, working them hard. I also knew I would have to do my utmost to try and make the rounds of radio and television talking about the book.
I’ve done so.
And in the course of doing so rediscovered something I should have known, but stupid little naive me deluded himself into believing wouldn’t happen this time.
The polite version is how Paul put it in Philippians: “For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.”
The not-so polite version is that with very, very few exceptions (God bless you Mike Rimmer and Rich Buhler) the powers that be in any channel of media — print, radio, television, online — who freely claim allegiance to Christ as part of their persona fundamentally don’t give a shit about anyone or anything that doesn’t line their pocketbook while furthering their agenda.
Which is how much can they be in the limelight.
And how many tongue baths they can get from their followers.
Oh, they talk a great game. “Look at me! I’m the champion of the little guy!”
They’re especially fond of the “look at me” part while mouthing how they champion the little guy.
Well, I’m the little guy.
Who wants to bring attention to followers of Jesus who spent years putting the whole of their heart and soul into obeying His command to them by making music and ministering… with the reward of being repeatedly kicked in the teeth by the very ones who should have been completely supporting them.
Guess what?
They’re still kicking them in the teeth.
And I don’t like it.
These people are fat ass flaming hypocrites. They claim to be doing the Lord’s work while in fact they serve nothing but their own self-interests and no one but themselves.
Champion the little guy? Oh hell no. They can’t be bothered.
Hey, ignore me all you want. I’m used to it. Don’t like it, but I deal with it. I know I’m not welcome in your circles because I don’t play the mutual admiration society game. No sense in me complaining about it. Better to do the right thing and be shunned for it than any possible alternative.
But read the book and be humbled by the presence of true servants of Jesus.
And if you can spare ten seconds from pushing your latest piece of piffle, mind mentioning my book so people can be genuinely blessed?
Silly question. Of course you mind. It’s not about you. It’s about Jesus.
Which, if you think about it, is the truth.
It’s not about you.
It’s about Jesus.
Okay, I’m done ranting now.
Today’s Little Slice Of Stupidity Brought To You By The Fallen Planet
Sep 26th
There’s nothing amusing in this story. Only questions.
Like what level of moron is it that thinks attacking someone because you don’t like their performance in karaoke.
And at the risk of stirring it up, oh look the attackers are all black and the victim is Hispanic.
I’m sure that had nothing to do with it. /sarcasm off
STAMFORD, Conn. — Forget about the hook, one woman who apparently put on a less-than-stellar karaoke performance Wednesday night received a brutal beat down by six underage girls, Stamford police said.
The victim, described as a 25-year-old Hispanic from Port Chester, N.Y, suffered a chipped tooth and numerous bruises. She was taken to Stamford Hospital where she was treated and released.
According to police spokesman Lt. Sean Cooney, the violent ordeal occurred around 11:30 p.m at Bobby Valentine’s Sports Gallery Café on Main Street.
As the victim was singing a Spanish song, six girls were apparently heckling her and one is even accused of shouting derogatory remarks regarding her poor performance.
The victim reportedly fired back at the girls, shouting: “if you don’t like it, you can leave.”
The six girls then allegedly proceeded to rush the stage, knock the victim to the floor, and repeatedly punch her and pull her hair.
The victim’s husband managed to pull the girls off his wife and push them out the door. Several witnesses spotted the suspects walking along a nearby road and alerted authorities.
The girls — 20-year-old Kiana Strickland. 19-year-old Martisa Chambers, 19-year-old Danielle Swanson, 19-year-old Deja Hines, 19-year-old Michelle Rosedom and 20-year-old Chaniel McRae — were all charged with assault in the third-degree, conspiracy to commit assault in the third-degree and breach of peace.
They were all released on $500 bond and are slated to go before a judge Oct. 5.
Sources tell PIX News, that the Spanish song that prompted the brawl was “A Dios Le Pido” by Colombian singer Juanes.
It’s A Triple Shot Weekend… Or Something Like That
Sep 25th
A triple shot of tunes with which to start your weekend.
This one… because it pretty much sums up where I’m at these days:
[video http://www.diecast-dude.com/gac/jackson_browne_running_on_empty.flv nolink]
This one… because it pretty much sums up where the conservative movement is these days:
[video http://www.diecast-dude.com/gac/billy_squier_the_stroke.flv nolink]
And this one… because it reminds us all that even in this world there are certain constants. Like Kate Bush making bizarre videos.
[video http://www.diecast-dude.com/gac/kate_bush_king_of_the_mountain.flv nolink]
Anything But Down
Sep 24th
I think tonight’s Examiner post came out fairly well. Not that the people who need to read it will, but it needed to be said nevertheless.
Avoiding the downers
One would not customarily think of Sheryl Crow as a source of evangelical edification. No offense to Ms. Crow, but in philosophy and lifestyle she hasn’t exactly embodied what’s accepted as standard operational procedure in this area. Nevertheless, she is just as much a child of God created in His image as the most straitlaced believer, and He does speak through her with His gift of music.
Back in the late ’90s Crow released an album named The Globe Sessions which included a song titled “Anything But Down.” In its first person narrative, Crow details the lament of someone in a one-sided relationship who does all the giving, bringing this and that to their partner who in return, as it says in the chorus, “but you don’t bring me anything but down.” It’s very much the counterpart to the 77s song “This Is The Way Love Is” which is found on the band’s Sticks And Stones album. In its case, the first person narrative details someone who repeatedly fails to hold up their end of a relationship while their partner carries on. As its chorus notes, “This is the way love is / When it’s a one-sided double-minded mirror with no reflection.”
Very few among us have never been in a relationship where one party carried a disproportionate part of the load. In a Biblically-based relationship, while men love to quote the verses referring to the woman being submissive to the man they somehow neglect to mention the part where the man is commanded to love the woman! If you genuinely love someone, you don’t lord over them. You nurture them, protect them, care for them and place their needs above your own. Not a lot of room for strutting your non-existent stuff in such an arrangement.
Let’s take a more expansive view of this in terms of the relationship between a believer and fellow believers; i.e. the church. No one who has been a Christian for more than ten minutes can testify they have never been hurt or let down by another believer. Conversely, not one of us can say in complete honesty we have never hurt or let down another believer. It comes with each of us insisting on being as stubbornly human as everyone else.
With this in mind, it’s well nigh impossible to understand the attitude of some believers who devote their energy to looking down on other believers. Based on what? Their superiority? Yeah sure.
These people are spiritual vampires, draining the life from others while contributing nothing themselves toward the well-being of others. Oh, they firmly believe they’re all about enlightening the brethren as they endlessly rail against the shortcomings of others, always with the underlying theme of how much better everyone would be if “they” did everything the way “we” do it. They gather in little clusters of mutual admiration societies, stroking each other as they assure one another they’re the only ones in the right.
But of course.
How does crushing negativity benefit anyone? How can endlessly lambasting fellow believers you’re unwilling to admit are so much as fellow believers because they don’t see every little theological and/or political permutation you hold dear your way add anything good to anyone’s life? This isn’t speaking the truth in love. This is you blowing your own horn while pretending to be speaking God’s language.
There is no room for ego trips in walking with Christ. To go on one assures only one thing: you tripping over yourself. And that makes you superior how?
The genuine walk with Christ is done in humility and confidence in Him, not ourselves. The true walk is always undertaken with an outstretched hand, helping and being helped by other believers. Christianity is not a solo exercise in self-delusions about how great I art. It’s how great Thou art.
Don’t be a downer. Give love even as it has been given to you.
And get over yourself.
God Help The Outcasts
Sep 23rd
The Walt Disney Family Museum opens in San Francisco this weekend for the hardcore Disneyphiles who belong to D23 and to the general public on October 1st. I am SO looking forward to seeing it!
To get ready for same, my two favorite Disney songs. Guaranteed Kleenex requirers both.
Assorted Random Thoughts
Sep 22nd
- A solution to Hollywood’s lament over diminishing box office returns: the ultimate date movie… a chick flick starring Megan Fox. Win-win.
- Second memo to Hollywood: the secret to reversing the downward trend in DVD sales? Make more movies worth the price of purchase.
- To the “gentleman” on my morning commute who as a matter of course greatly inconveniences everyone else on or attempting to board the train by doing whatever is necessary in positioning himself to be the first one off the train at his stop: We. All. Get. There. At. The. Same. Time.
- I bought a pair of noise-canceling headphones the other day. They work great. I tuned into a Top 40 station and for the next three hours didn’t hear a thing.
Why Rifqa Bary Matters
Sep 21st
I’ve written a lot at the Examiner about Rifqa Bary. Why?
Because there are absolutes in this world.
Jesus is the Son of God. Absolute.
Jesus is Lord. Absolute.
No one comes to the Father except through Him. Absolute. And before someone get riled up over this statement: hey, His words. Not mine. Don’t like it? Go argue with Him. Let me know how that works out for you.
Believers are commanded to love and care for fellow believers. Absolute.
A fellow believer should be allowed to worship Christ in peace without fearing for their life because of their belief. Absolute.
Islam is as much a religion of peace as Barack Obama is a fiscal conservative. Absolute.
I hope that explains why today’s Examiner post was about Rifqa.
Still no resolution in Rifqa Bary case as legal proceedings continue
Rifqa Bary
The continuing story of Rifqa Bary, the Ohio teen who ran away from home out of fear his devout Muslin parents would kill her due to her becoming a Christian, added another chapter today in Florida and Ohio courtrooms. For now, Rifqa will remain with her court appointed foster family in Florida. How long this will be the case is unknown.
The legal wrangling today included a statement by Shayan Elahi, the attorney for Rifqa’s parents, that he has filed a complaint with both Orlando police and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement against Blake and Beverly Lorenz, the ministerial couple who took Rifqa in after she ran away. A spokesperson for the OPD stated it had not received a complaint and that the Lorenz’s were not under investigation by the department.
Orange County Circuit Judge Daniel Dawson stated he would talk with his Ohio counterpart to determine jurisdiction in the case now that legal proceedings are transpiring in both states. Rifqa’s parents, who did not attend the session in Orlando today except via conference call, are pursuing a legal strategy in Ohio of having Rifqa placed in foster care there by having their daughter declared incorrigible by dint of being repeatedly disobedient. Rifqa’s guardian ad litem Krista Bartholomew stated “grave concerns” that should Rifqa be returned to Ohio the legal proceedings there would be swiftly discontinued, thus leaving her with no legal protection against her parents.
In Florida, a mediation hearing is set for October 9th, with the next session in juvenile court scheduled for October 13th.
All believers are asked to continue in prayer that Rifqa be allowed to worship Christ in peace and safety.
