Yesterday, just before 7am, I was approaching the
office and I was wonderfully greeted by a rich rose
and orange-tinted glow radiating from the ruins of
the ancient cathedral nearby. I was stopped in my
tracks, and I tried to soak in the soothing warmth of
the brilliant colors. All I could think and feel and ex-
claim was 'glory!'
I was stunned and in awe, and I quickly gave up any
intention of getting right to work. I soon made my
way to the nearby bluffs overlooking the North Sea.
It's a special, wonderful place of refuge for me. For
three years now I have found it to be a place of refresh-
ment and rest, especially when I am trying to craft
just the right way to turn a phrase for my writing. I
find delight breathing in the refreshing and invigor-
ating air, gazing upon the birds as they glide and
hover on the air currents above, and watching as
storm-tossed waves batter the pier below.
But yesterday it was not any of those things that
caught my attention. I was transfixed by the bril-
liant sunrise; it immediately captured my attention
and took my breath away. When I first got to the
bluffs, the sun was still below the horizon but the sky
low on the eastern horizon was lit up with radiating,
brilliant pinks, reds, and oranges. In a short time a
small portion of a bright yellow splotch broke the hori-
zon's edge. Ever so steadily the splotch grew increas-
ingly large, and bright red and orange-tinted colors
exploded along the the thin line where sky and sea
meet and kiss and become united as one.
As the golden globe rose ever higher, I noticed how
its radiant colors energized the world around me:
the blues of the sky and sea were the bluest that I
had ever seen, the greens the greenest, the golds
the most golden, and the browns the brownest. The
earth seemed to be hushed in holiness. Even the ever-
active birds did not take to flight, but remained
grounded as if pondering what was happening. The
only people I was aware of were two fishermen in a
small boat just off shore. They saw the spectacular
sunrise and paused momentarily from their labor to
gaze on the sight. The air seemed to be gently cares-
sing my face. The calm, placid sea soothed my often
restless soul. It seemed all of creation was drinking in
the amazing beauty of the rising sun and adoring the
glorious Creator. I just stood there, rapt in attention,
unable to think or do a single thing other than focus
on the beauty and splendor of the rising sun.
All that I could think and feel and exclaim was 'glory!'
And then it was time to get to work, and I was ready.
Shalom, Jeff T.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Sunday, September 24, 2006
An Incovenient Truth
Just this past weekend I viewed the recently releas-
ed movie 'An Inconvenient Truth'. The documentary
film, produced in the USA, chronicles Al 'the man
who used to be the next American president' Gore's
traveling roadshow concerning the inconvenient
truth of climate change and global warming.
Gore has been sounding the warning since the late
1980s, but does not come across as being alarmist.
He provides a steady flow of statistics, charts, maps,
and other visuals that help the viewer to take in and
digest what could be an overwhelming amount of
facts and figures. He has a folksy and winsome way
of guiding his audience through some pretty com-
plicated and scary material. He is serious about the
issue, but he offers the datum in a passionate, yet
convincing way.
Because Gore presents serious material in a winsome
and clear way, I did not feel overwhelmed or discour-
aged. He makes clear that there already exist the
means to address these issues. But he contends that
what has been lacking is the political will, especially
on the part of the USA, to deal with this truth. I left
the cinema hopeful, challenged, and considering ways
that I can do even more to confront these issues.
Not only is 'An Inconvenient Truth' one of the better
movies I've seen in years, it is certainly one of the
most important films I have ever seen.
ed movie 'An Inconvenient Truth'. The documentary
film, produced in the USA, chronicles Al 'the man
who used to be the next American president' Gore's
traveling roadshow concerning the inconvenient
truth of climate change and global warming.
Gore has been sounding the warning since the late
1980s, but does not come across as being alarmist.
He provides a steady flow of statistics, charts, maps,
and other visuals that help the viewer to take in and
digest what could be an overwhelming amount of
facts and figures. He has a folksy and winsome way
of guiding his audience through some pretty com-
plicated and scary material. He is serious about the
issue, but he offers the datum in a passionate, yet
convincing way.
Because Gore presents serious material in a winsome
and clear way, I did not feel overwhelmed or discour-
aged. He makes clear that there already exist the
means to address these issues. But he contends that
what has been lacking is the political will, especially
on the part of the USA, to deal with this truth. I left
the cinema hopeful, challenged, and considering ways
that I can do even more to confront these issues.
Not only is 'An Inconvenient Truth' one of the better
movies I've seen in years, it is certainly one of the
most important films I have ever seen.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Enriched by Friends.
Yesterday I spent a wonderful afternoon and
evening with a friend and his wife. He's an Amer-
ican scholar and intellectual who taught for over
thirty years at a nearby Scottish university. His
wife of thirty four years is a charming and delight-
ful woman who solidly engages and confronts her
husband's far ranging intellect. It is fun to watch
the two interact with one another in sharp conver-
sation. It is clearly evident how much they love one
another, and yet that doesn't stifle their sparring
with each other.
Out at their place I soaked up the radiant sun and
the peacefulness of the gentle country village. The
sun's light brought out the rich textures and colors
of the Scottish landscape. I marveled at the graz-
ing cattle, the emerald green grass, baled hay in the
fields, rolling hills, the woods, and quaint houses of
the village. It was a beautiful day in a beautiful set-
ting with two people I am fond of. What more could
I ask for?
We two men went for a stroll through the woods
and meadows. I took pleasure in the landscape
and delighted in the conversation. We talked about
all kinds of things: of history, contemporary events,
and culture. My friend has a probing and brilliant
mind and he is engaging in conversation. There
came a point when he stopped and unexpectedly
shared from a deep place in his life. It seemed to
me a sacred and precious moment, and all I could
do was listen and hold what he shared close to my
heart.
The day was capped off with wonderful food and
conversation around the dinner table. All three of
us had opportunities to share and to listen to one
another. Both of them have intentionally lived their
whole lives as if God does not exist whereas I hold
firm to Jesus who loves me and gave his life for
me. Yet we share a profound respect for one anoth-
er and honor each other. Getting home I felt bless-
ed and satisfied with wonderful food, a refreshing
walk in the countryside, engaging conversation, and
delightful friends. What more could I ask for?
I have been remembering the friends in my life,
both here and far away, now and through the
years. I feel so blessed by them, women and men.
Rarely did I seek friendship with them, and yet
it came about. It has always seemed to me to be
totally undeserved and totally unexpected, purely
an act of God's grace and mercy. Friends are some
of what I treasure the most in life. I ponder the
friends God has given me, and I give God thanks.
Shalom, JT
evening with a friend and his wife. He's an Amer-
ican scholar and intellectual who taught for over
thirty years at a nearby Scottish university. His
wife of thirty four years is a charming and delight-
ful woman who solidly engages and confronts her
husband's far ranging intellect. It is fun to watch
the two interact with one another in sharp conver-
sation. It is clearly evident how much they love one
another, and yet that doesn't stifle their sparring
with each other.
Out at their place I soaked up the radiant sun and
the peacefulness of the gentle country village. The
sun's light brought out the rich textures and colors
of the Scottish landscape. I marveled at the graz-
ing cattle, the emerald green grass, baled hay in the
fields, rolling hills, the woods, and quaint houses of
the village. It was a beautiful day in a beautiful set-
ting with two people I am fond of. What more could
I ask for?
We two men went for a stroll through the woods
and meadows. I took pleasure in the landscape
and delighted in the conversation. We talked about
all kinds of things: of history, contemporary events,
and culture. My friend has a probing and brilliant
mind and he is engaging in conversation. There
came a point when he stopped and unexpectedly
shared from a deep place in his life. It seemed to
me a sacred and precious moment, and all I could
do was listen and hold what he shared close to my
heart.
The day was capped off with wonderful food and
conversation around the dinner table. All three of
us had opportunities to share and to listen to one
another. Both of them have intentionally lived their
whole lives as if God does not exist whereas I hold
firm to Jesus who loves me and gave his life for
me. Yet we share a profound respect for one anoth-
er and honor each other. Getting home I felt bless-
ed and satisfied with wonderful food, a refreshing
walk in the countryside, engaging conversation, and
delightful friends. What more could I ask for?
I have been remembering the friends in my life,
both here and far away, now and through the
years. I feel so blessed by them, women and men.
Rarely did I seek friendship with them, and yet
it came about. It has always seemed to me to be
totally undeserved and totally unexpected, purely
an act of God's grace and mercy. Friends are some
of what I treasure the most in life. I ponder the
friends God has given me, and I give God thanks.
Shalom, JT
Thursday, September 14, 2006
'Trainspotting' and Choosing Life
I recently watched the movie 'Trainspotting'. It's a
brutally honest film that follows the misguided ad-
ventures of a motley gang of male friends who are
heroin addicts in Edinburgh. Whenever I think of
Scotland and movies, I remember 'Braveheart' and
'Trainspotting'. The two films present two quite
contrasting views of this marvelous country and her
people.
The energetic visuals, music, and voice layover of
the opening scene quickly grabbed my attention.
The voice of the main character (seen running
from a failed shoplifting attempt while being chase-
ed by security guards) reflects on the concern of
many to choose life. He lists all that he would gain
by 'choosing life', but ends the dramatic monologue
by boldly declaring that he had chosen not to
choose life. I could only conclude that he saw
through the vanity of the popular views of life that
he saw in the people around him.
Soon the movie ushers us into the presence of friends
shooting themselves up with heroin. They have chos-
en not to choose life. They have chosen heroin, and
they say there is no real reason why. But the viewer
learns that heroin gives immeasurably more pleas-
ure than anything else. According to our narrator
with heroin all worries fall away and nothing else
really matters. Why feel the emptiness and pain of
life when you can experience the ecstatic pleasure
of heroin?
The fragmented manner of the film reflects the
increasingly fragmented lives of the friends. There
is an element of brutal truth that is communi-
cated with considerable wit and humor. Other-
wise I don't think most people could bear to watch
other people slowly perish. Many times I felt like I
was watching people settle in a land of the living
dead. The movie deeply affected me, and I still car-
ry a sense of being heart broken and grieved by
what I encountered in it. The reckless, self-destruc-
tive, fragmented, and chaotic lifestyles of people
really got to me. I feel sad by what I saw.
I realized again in a fresh way that the Gospel of
Jesus Christ is about choosing life, God's type of
life. It excites me to ponder again the riches of
grace that we have in the life, death, and resur-
rection of our Lord. But it also saddens me to
be reminded of how easily we continually choose
not to choose life.
My prayer for you this day, my friends, is that
we would choose life.
Shalom, JT
brutally honest film that follows the misguided ad-
ventures of a motley gang of male friends who are
heroin addicts in Edinburgh. Whenever I think of
Scotland and movies, I remember 'Braveheart' and
'Trainspotting'. The two films present two quite
contrasting views of this marvelous country and her
people.
The energetic visuals, music, and voice layover of
the opening scene quickly grabbed my attention.
The voice of the main character (seen running
from a failed shoplifting attempt while being chase-
ed by security guards) reflects on the concern of
many to choose life. He lists all that he would gain
by 'choosing life', but ends the dramatic monologue
by boldly declaring that he had chosen not to
choose life. I could only conclude that he saw
through the vanity of the popular views of life that
he saw in the people around him.
Soon the movie ushers us into the presence of friends
shooting themselves up with heroin. They have chos-
en not to choose life. They have chosen heroin, and
they say there is no real reason why. But the viewer
learns that heroin gives immeasurably more pleas-
ure than anything else. According to our narrator
with heroin all worries fall away and nothing else
really matters. Why feel the emptiness and pain of
life when you can experience the ecstatic pleasure
of heroin?
The fragmented manner of the film reflects the
increasingly fragmented lives of the friends. There
is an element of brutal truth that is communi-
cated with considerable wit and humor. Other-
wise I don't think most people could bear to watch
other people slowly perish. Many times I felt like I
was watching people settle in a land of the living
dead. The movie deeply affected me, and I still car-
ry a sense of being heart broken and grieved by
what I encountered in it. The reckless, self-destruc-
tive, fragmented, and chaotic lifestyles of people
really got to me. I feel sad by what I saw.
I realized again in a fresh way that the Gospel of
Jesus Christ is about choosing life, God's type of
life. It excites me to ponder again the riches of
grace that we have in the life, death, and resur-
rection of our Lord. But it also saddens me to
be reminded of how easily we continually choose
not to choose life.
My prayer for you this day, my friends, is that
we would choose life.
Shalom, JT
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Sabbath Remembrance
There are a few times when I am surprised by God's
unexpected graciousness at work in my life. On Sun-
day after church I was chatting with a friend about
weekend activities and plans. I asked her about a de-
cision she had to be making soon, and she gave me
a brief update.
Then she asked about me and what I was going to do
with the rest of the day. I had planned to go to the
office and spend some time working on the disserta-
tion. I told her I tried to keep Sundays as Sabbath,
but that I felt pressure to get a lot of writing done
during the next few weeks because I didn't know
what the future had in store for me.
In a very gentle and wise way she directed words of
life right into my heart. Probably without realizing it,
she sensitively addressed my tendency to overwork
and do things as if everything depended on me. The
Sabbath, she said, was meant to remind us that we
are entirely dependent on God in all we do. God is
the Lord of time.
Her words struck deeply into my heart. I had known
that for such a long time. Yet I find my heart --my-
self-- wandering away from what gives life, and the
Sabbath was given to bring us life and to call us back
to the Lord of the Sabbath. I was especially reminded
that I often find it hard to trust God. Her good words
sank deep into my heart, and there really was nothing
that I could do except ponder them, her lifegiving
words. They slowly sank deep into my life and started
doing their life-enhancing work in me.
I didn't go into the office; but I enjoyed wonderful
table companionship with some good friends, deli-
cious food, enjoyable conversation, a refreshing walk,
and uplifting worship and teaching in the evening.
Whenever I gave any consideration to going to the of-
fice to write, I felt uneasy and conflicted. Yesterday
truly was a day of life for me; trusting in God, glori-
fying God, and enjoying God are what are truly im-
portant. Nothing could be better.
My disordered heart was put right and again I was
reminded to see life from God's perspective. I was
given life once again.
Shalom, Jeff
unexpected graciousness at work in my life. On Sun-
day after church I was chatting with a friend about
weekend activities and plans. I asked her about a de-
cision she had to be making soon, and she gave me
a brief update.
Then she asked about me and what I was going to do
with the rest of the day. I had planned to go to the
office and spend some time working on the disserta-
tion. I told her I tried to keep Sundays as Sabbath,
but that I felt pressure to get a lot of writing done
during the next few weeks because I didn't know
what the future had in store for me.
In a very gentle and wise way she directed words of
life right into my heart. Probably without realizing it,
she sensitively addressed my tendency to overwork
and do things as if everything depended on me. The
Sabbath, she said, was meant to remind us that we
are entirely dependent on God in all we do. God is
the Lord of time.
Her words struck deeply into my heart. I had known
that for such a long time. Yet I find my heart --my-
self-- wandering away from what gives life, and the
Sabbath was given to bring us life and to call us back
to the Lord of the Sabbath. I was especially reminded
that I often find it hard to trust God. Her good words
sank deep into my heart, and there really was nothing
that I could do except ponder them, her lifegiving
words. They slowly sank deep into my life and started
doing their life-enhancing work in me.
I didn't go into the office; but I enjoyed wonderful
table companionship with some good friends, deli-
cious food, enjoyable conversation, a refreshing walk,
and uplifting worship and teaching in the evening.
Whenever I gave any consideration to going to the of-
fice to write, I felt uneasy and conflicted. Yesterday
truly was a day of life for me; trusting in God, glori-
fying God, and enjoying God are what are truly im-
portant. Nothing could be better.
My disordered heart was put right and again I was
reminded to see life from God's perspective. I was
given life once again.
Shalom, Jeff
Friday, September 08, 2006
Taming a Wild Heart
Sometimes when I am at a quiet place in my life, the first
three petitions of the Lord's Prayer confront me. I sadly
realize that even though I am calling for God's Name to be
honored, God's Kingdom to come, and God's Will to be
done, under my breath I am actually praying that my
name would be honored, my kingdom established, and
my will done.
Despite years, even decades, of great Bible study, wonderful
times of prayer, and marvelous worship, I still want to live
the Christian life my way. But despite all the stubborn and
off track and rebellious choices I have made all these years,
I still recognize the Lord's steady Hand transforming my
way of death into God's way of life. I see glimpses now and
again of the honor due God's Name, the coming of God's
Kingdom, and the beauty of God's Will being done. I keep
having to learn over and over again that in seeking above
all the honor of God's Name, seeking first God's Kingdom,
and doing God's Will above my will, that is life to me. And
may it be so for you, too, my friends. JT
three petitions of the Lord's Prayer confront me. I sadly
realize that even though I am calling for God's Name to be
honored, God's Kingdom to come, and God's Will to be
done, under my breath I am actually praying that my
name would be honored, my kingdom established, and
my will done.
Despite years, even decades, of great Bible study, wonderful
times of prayer, and marvelous worship, I still want to live
the Christian life my way. But despite all the stubborn and
off track and rebellious choices I have made all these years,
I still recognize the Lord's steady Hand transforming my
way of death into God's way of life. I see glimpses now and
again of the honor due God's Name, the coming of God's
Kingdom, and the beauty of God's Will being done. I keep
having to learn over and over again that in seeking above
all the honor of God's Name, seeking first God's Kingdom,
and doing God's Will above my will, that is life to me. And
may it be so for you, too, my friends. JT
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Book Tag
Amber recently gave me a book tag challenge, and being
a brand new bloggie, I feel I'm up for the challenge. Here
is my list:
1). One book that changed my life: Abraham Heschel's
The Sabbath. The book is a rich and profound essay on
time and space that is meant to be savored and enjoyed.
2). One book that I have read more than once: C.S. Lewis's
The Narnian Chronicles. I do not read books that I have
read before; the only exception is this series of books that
grabs the attention, interest, and imagination of the little
boy in me in a way nothing else does. I may be close to
saying the same thing about Tolkien's Lord of the Rings,
but give me just a bit more time to make my way through
the series the first time.
3). One book I'd want on a desert island: It would be a
great time to finish reading the Tolkien trilogy. But I
would struggle to choose between Tolkien and Hans Urs
von Baltasar's seven volume series on prayer, The Glory
of the Lord: A Theological Aesthetic. Regardless of which
series I chose, the desert island would become a dessert
island for me!
4). One book that made me laugh: I thought that real
Christians didn't smile or laugh. Just kidding! Another
series has had me doing both: McCall Smith's The No. 1
Ladies Detective Agency series. A lot of fun!
5). One book that made me cry: I thought that real men
don't cry. Well, I do a lot. One book that struck me deeply
and made me cry has been Sheldon Vanauken's A Severe
Mercy. It is a true story full of romance, adventure, the
pain of losing a lover, and the deep pain of grief. Plus there
are letters from C.S. Lewis on grief. It really touched me
deeply and I did cry.
6). One book I wish had been written: the second and third
volumes on the theology of contextual evangelization by
Orlando E. Costas. He was working on the first of three
volumes, but died from cancer in 1987, just before he
was to complete it. The first volume was completed for
publication by a colleague and by his widow. My disser-
tation is on his theology of contextual evangelization be-
cause I believe he had a lot to share with the broader
Church. Even though he wrote a lot and I have a lot to
work with, I would really have appreciated the oppor-
tunity to read his mature thinking about mission in
today's world.
l7). One book that I wish had never been written: again,
it is not one book but a lot of books and pamphlets that
reflect and promote the views of the health and wealth
school, also called the Prosperity Gospel or the Faith
Movement. I see it as nothing but aberrant Christianity,
even a different gospel. As a pastor I am concerned about
what the theology expressed through this material does
to the spiritual health of Christians. I wish it had never
been written.
8). One book I am currently reading: I find it difficult to
read one book only, so I always have a number that I am
working on. At this time they include: The DaVinci Code
(Dan Brown), Constants in Context: A Theology of Mis-
sion for Today ( S. Bevans and R. Schroeder), Mission in
the New Testament ( W. Larkin and J. Williams, eds), The
Recovery of Mission (V. Ramachandra), and Christianity
Rediscovered: An Epistle from the Masai ( V. Donovan).
9). One book that I want to read: That book is H. Melville's
Moby Dick. But I also must complete Tolkien's Ring trilogy
and read more of George MacDonald. If I do that I will be
a happy, clappy sort of guy.
I've enjoyed reading the lists of other people. I hope my list
is interesting, too. Jeff T.
a brand new bloggie, I feel I'm up for the challenge. Here
is my list:
1). One book that changed my life: Abraham Heschel's
The Sabbath. The book is a rich and profound essay on
time and space that is meant to be savored and enjoyed.
2). One book that I have read more than once: C.S. Lewis's
The Narnian Chronicles. I do not read books that I have
read before; the only exception is this series of books that
grabs the attention, interest, and imagination of the little
boy in me in a way nothing else does. I may be close to
saying the same thing about Tolkien's Lord of the Rings,
but give me just a bit more time to make my way through
the series the first time.
3). One book I'd want on a desert island: It would be a
great time to finish reading the Tolkien trilogy. But I
would struggle to choose between Tolkien and Hans Urs
von Baltasar's seven volume series on prayer, The Glory
of the Lord: A Theological Aesthetic. Regardless of which
series I chose, the desert island would become a dessert
island for me!
4). One book that made me laugh: I thought that real
Christians didn't smile or laugh. Just kidding! Another
series has had me doing both: McCall Smith's The No. 1
Ladies Detective Agency series. A lot of fun!
5). One book that made me cry: I thought that real men
don't cry. Well, I do a lot. One book that struck me deeply
and made me cry has been Sheldon Vanauken's A Severe
Mercy. It is a true story full of romance, adventure, the
pain of losing a lover, and the deep pain of grief. Plus there
are letters from C.S. Lewis on grief. It really touched me
deeply and I did cry.
6). One book I wish had been written: the second and third
volumes on the theology of contextual evangelization by
Orlando E. Costas. He was working on the first of three
volumes, but died from cancer in 1987, just before he
was to complete it. The first volume was completed for
publication by a colleague and by his widow. My disser-
tation is on his theology of contextual evangelization be-
cause I believe he had a lot to share with the broader
Church. Even though he wrote a lot and I have a lot to
work with, I would really have appreciated the oppor-
tunity to read his mature thinking about mission in
today's world.
l7). One book that I wish had never been written: again,
it is not one book but a lot of books and pamphlets that
reflect and promote the views of the health and wealth
school, also called the Prosperity Gospel or the Faith
Movement. I see it as nothing but aberrant Christianity,
even a different gospel. As a pastor I am concerned about
what the theology expressed through this material does
to the spiritual health of Christians. I wish it had never
been written.
8). One book I am currently reading: I find it difficult to
read one book only, so I always have a number that I am
working on. At this time they include: The DaVinci Code
(Dan Brown), Constants in Context: A Theology of Mis-
sion for Today ( S. Bevans and R. Schroeder), Mission in
the New Testament ( W. Larkin and J. Williams, eds), The
Recovery of Mission (V. Ramachandra), and Christianity
Rediscovered: An Epistle from the Masai ( V. Donovan).
9). One book that I want to read: That book is H. Melville's
Moby Dick. But I also must complete Tolkien's Ring trilogy
and read more of George MacDonald. If I do that I will be
a happy, clappy sort of guy.
I've enjoyed reading the lists of other people. I hope my list
is interesting, too. Jeff T.
Hello Out There!
Here is my first entry on a blog of my own. Thanks to Paul and Amber, Meg, Ryan, Daniel, Miriam, and others for the inspiration to do this. I have really enjoyed reading blogs of other people I know. I am having fun imagining all kinds of things I can do on this blog.
Stay tuned for my list of book titles in response to questions going around. It has been fun hearing of some of the titles you have selected in answering the questions.
Until later, JT
Stay tuned for my list of book titles in response to questions going around. It has been fun hearing of some of the titles you have selected in answering the questions.
Until later, JT
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