My Favorite Status Posts on Facebook during December
7 January 2013
1. Santa saw your Facebook. He is getting you clothes and a dictionary for Christmas.
2. Had the Mayans been any good at predicting the end of the world they would have seen the Spanish coming.
3. I can never make it to the end of the alphabet. I don’t know Y.
4. My doctor told me I'd live to be 54. I said, "I am 54." He said, "See, I was right."
5. An ironworker calmly walked the narrow beam 15 floors above the city street. Even with heavy winds blowing and a driving rain falling, he showed no fear and never hesitated. When he came down to ground level a man who had been watching asked, "How did you ever get a job like that?"
"Well," replied the ironworker, "I used to drive a school bus, but my nerves gave out."
Happy New Year!
07 January 2013
06 January 2013
Sin Is More than a Problem
6 January 2013
“Sin is the dare of God’s justice, the rape of his mercy, the jeer of his patience, and the contempt of his love.”
“Sin is the dare of God’s justice, the rape of his mercy, the jeer of his patience, and the contempt of his love.”
John Bunyan
05 January 2013
Photographers & Weddings
5 January 2013
Photographers make me nervous. It is not because I am afraid to have my picture taken or anything like that. It is a particular circumstance that they get to me. It is at weddings. Oh, the places they will go...
I know that what I am about to describe is not true for all photographers. In fact, most do well. Increasingly, though, I find the photographer intruding on the ceremony with so much action that I wonder where the audience's focus is supposed to be.
I was reminded of this again this past Saturday when I was at a wedding in the beautiful small town of Hornell. I was just a guest, mind you, but I was tempted to get up during the ceremony and grab the photographer by the hair and drag her out. I don't think that would have went over well. It is good that I exercise self-control in such situations!
So, let me humbly offer some suggestions for photographers during weddings (especially church weddings):
1. Know who is in charge and cooperate with them.
Depending on the situation, either the pastor or the wedding coordinator will give you directions of what you may or may not do and where you can and cannot go. Please cooperate.
One time, I had a photographer attempt to come up on stage after I told him that he was not allowed there. I stopped and stared him down. It was an awkward silence as he realized everyone was waiting on him to move back to where he belonged.
I blacklisted photographers who did not cooperate. That cannot be good for business.
2. Know your purpose.
The photographer is there to capture a moment of time and preserve it for the future. This is important, but not essential for the success of the marriage. See number three.
3. Realize that the images of the past cannot replace the importance of the present moment.
One of my first weddings was marked by a photographer coming around behind the wedding party onto the stage and tripping and dropping equipment all over the place, thus making a huge commotion, just as we were about to enter into doing the vows. It was embarrassing for all that were involved.
It happened because there was an over-value placed on capturing the moment in time, and forgetting how important that moment in time was!
4. Weddings are fundamentally a sacred act.
If this is a church wedding, or being done by clergy, the religious beliefs should be honored as they are being done in such way to bring honor to God. It is my view that wedding ceremonies are essentially acts of worship. When a photographer brings attention to him/herself, they are focusing the attention away from God and to what is being said over to what they are doing.
5. Do not block the view of the audience (especially the parents).
Yes, this is why I wanted to grab the photographer's hair and pull her out. She stood in front of the groom's parents, fully blocking their view of the exchange of rings. C'mon man!
The audience is invited to be witnesses of the vows. So let them hear and see them.
6. Be invisible.
The best photographers are unseen and unheard. They are not a distraction.
Now, if I have been offensive, I guess that is the way it goes. But don't think I am at the end of the stories of photographers gone wild!
Photographers make me nervous. It is not because I am afraid to have my picture taken or anything like that. It is a particular circumstance that they get to me. It is at weddings. Oh, the places they will go...
I know that what I am about to describe is not true for all photographers. In fact, most do well. Increasingly, though, I find the photographer intruding on the ceremony with so much action that I wonder where the audience's focus is supposed to be.
I was reminded of this again this past Saturday when I was at a wedding in the beautiful small town of Hornell. I was just a guest, mind you, but I was tempted to get up during the ceremony and grab the photographer by the hair and drag her out. I don't think that would have went over well. It is good that I exercise self-control in such situations!
So, let me humbly offer some suggestions for photographers during weddings (especially church weddings):
1. Know who is in charge and cooperate with them.
Depending on the situation, either the pastor or the wedding coordinator will give you directions of what you may or may not do and where you can and cannot go. Please cooperate.
One time, I had a photographer attempt to come up on stage after I told him that he was not allowed there. I stopped and stared him down. It was an awkward silence as he realized everyone was waiting on him to move back to where he belonged.
I blacklisted photographers who did not cooperate. That cannot be good for business.
2. Know your purpose.
The photographer is there to capture a moment of time and preserve it for the future. This is important, but not essential for the success of the marriage. See number three.
3. Realize that the images of the past cannot replace the importance of the present moment.
One of my first weddings was marked by a photographer coming around behind the wedding party onto the stage and tripping and dropping equipment all over the place, thus making a huge commotion, just as we were about to enter into doing the vows. It was embarrassing for all that were involved.
It happened because there was an over-value placed on capturing the moment in time, and forgetting how important that moment in time was!
4. Weddings are fundamentally a sacred act.
If this is a church wedding, or being done by clergy, the religious beliefs should be honored as they are being done in such way to bring honor to God. It is my view that wedding ceremonies are essentially acts of worship. When a photographer brings attention to him/herself, they are focusing the attention away from God and to what is being said over to what they are doing.
5. Do not block the view of the audience (especially the parents).
Yes, this is why I wanted to grab the photographer's hair and pull her out. She stood in front of the groom's parents, fully blocking their view of the exchange of rings. C'mon man!
The audience is invited to be witnesses of the vows. So let them hear and see them.
6. Be invisible.
The best photographers are unseen and unheard. They are not a distraction.
Now, if I have been offensive, I guess that is the way it goes. But don't think I am at the end of the stories of photographers gone wild!
28 December 2012
Don't Lose This Tradition!
Christmas Caroling
28 December 2012
We had surprise visitors almost ten days ago. Many of our friends from our former church came by to sing Christmas carols.
I know the main purpose of it was to be an encouragement to my mom. It truly was. She was delighted. She sang along with a big smile on her face. It was especially meaningful for her, as this is our first Christmas without my dad.
But I admit, I was encouraged too. It may have only lasted for 15 minutes, but it was a glorious 15 minutes. It was powerful, because we declared truth together with joy. We communicated to one another the hope that we share.
I am not a big tradition guy. I never really have been. But there are some traditions that are worth keeping and I think Christmas Caroling is one of them. I wish I would see more of it, but I fear it is waning. Let it not be so!
There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
28 December 2012
We had surprise visitors almost ten days ago. Many of our friends from our former church came by to sing Christmas carols.
I know the main purpose of it was to be an encouragement to my mom. It truly was. She was delighted. She sang along with a big smile on her face. It was especially meaningful for her, as this is our first Christmas without my dad.
But I admit, I was encouraged too. It may have only lasted for 15 minutes, but it was a glorious 15 minutes. It was powerful, because we declared truth together with joy. We communicated to one another the hope that we share.
I am not a big tradition guy. I never really have been. But there are some traditions that are worth keeping and I think Christmas Caroling is one of them. I wish I would see more of it, but I fear it is waning. Let it not be so!
There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
Luke 2:8-14 (The Message)
09 December 2012
The Biggest Hands (They Matched His Heart)
In Memoriam: Ernie Warlick
9 December 2012
Occasionally, when I am asked who is the most famous person I know, my answer has been Ernie Warlick. Unless you are from Buffalo, though, it may not be a name you recognize.
Ernie Warlick played tight end for the Buffalo Bills for four years (1962-1965). He was a pioneer as he was known for his receiving ability more than his blocking ability. He averaged more than 17 yards per catch and was an AFL All-Star the four years he played in Buffalo.
What I remember about my friend Ernie is his huge hands. I could fit four of my hands in his one. It is no wonder he was a receiver. I often thought he could not help but catch the ball with those hands.
I was privileged to shake the hands of Ernie often. You see, he called me his pastor for 12 years. And it was my privilege to call him my friend. His large hands were matched by his large heart. He was the type of person that was all class, and was generous almost to a fault.
One of my favorite memories is when I used him as an illustrative prop during a message I gave at Randall. He had no idea it was going to happen (but I did get permission from his lovely wife, Louise). I was doing a first-person message at Christmas acting as a shepherd to whom the angels have just announced the good news of Jesus' birth. As I was running about the sanctuary, I spot Ernie and ask him stand up. Obviously, I am in awe of his size, and I ask him if he is a Philistine. He smiles and laughs generously. He plays well with my unexpected interruption.
Ernie left his earthly body on November 24. But it is hardly the end of Ernie. He was welcomed with even larger hands owned by His Savior, Lord and Friend.
Psalm 31.5 (ESV) - Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
9 December 2012
Occasionally, when I am asked who is the most famous person I know, my answer has been Ernie Warlick. Unless you are from Buffalo, though, it may not be a name you recognize.
Ernie Warlick played tight end for the Buffalo Bills for four years (1962-1965). He was a pioneer as he was known for his receiving ability more than his blocking ability. He averaged more than 17 yards per catch and was an AFL All-Star the four years he played in Buffalo.
What I remember about my friend Ernie is his huge hands. I could fit four of my hands in his one. It is no wonder he was a receiver. I often thought he could not help but catch the ball with those hands.
I was privileged to shake the hands of Ernie often. You see, he called me his pastor for 12 years. And it was my privilege to call him my friend. His large hands were matched by his large heart. He was the type of person that was all class, and was generous almost to a fault.
One of my favorite memories is when I used him as an illustrative prop during a message I gave at Randall. He had no idea it was going to happen (but I did get permission from his lovely wife, Louise). I was doing a first-person message at Christmas acting as a shepherd to whom the angels have just announced the good news of Jesus' birth. As I was running about the sanctuary, I spot Ernie and ask him stand up. Obviously, I am in awe of his size, and I ask him if he is a Philistine. He smiles and laughs generously. He plays well with my unexpected interruption.
Ernie left his earthly body on November 24. But it is hardly the end of Ernie. He was welcomed with even larger hands owned by His Savior, Lord and Friend.
Psalm 31.5 (ESV) - Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
05 December 2012
The Difference Between Men and Boys
A Message for All My Daughters
5 December 2012
Boys play house.
Men make homes.
5 December 2012
Boys play house.
Men make homes.
03 December 2012
Magnificent Monday
My Favorite Posts on Facebook During November
3
December 2012
- Instruments Stolen! Authorities Warn that Suspects May Be Prone to Violins.
- George W. Bush: "These stories about my intellectual capacity really get under my skin. You know, for a while I even thought my staff believed it. There on my schedule - first thing every morning - it said 'Intelligence Briefing'."
- I used to have a fear of hurdles, but I got over it.
- Seen in an Advertisement: Auto Repair Service. Free pick-up and delivery. Try us once, you'll never go anywhere again.
- Abraham Lincoln referring to a lawyer: "He can compress the most words into the smallest ideas better than any man I ever met."
- After the dedication of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, "That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, but I want to stay with you guys."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)