A Cartoon Thanksgiving

“I’m not an artist. I’m a cartoonist.”

I’ve said these words more than I can count…and I’m thankful for it.

For as long as I can remember, I have been able to draw cartoons. That’s it. Cartoons. Sure, I can maybe fudge my way around a watercolor when I have to, but in the end…I’m still just a cartoonist.

The first time I remember really realizing this—and garnering the attention you can receive from drawing funny pictures—was in kindergarten. This was in 1966 and the Batman TV series was at the height of its popularity. It was at this time that (during playtime) I would take some crayons and construction paper and draw Batman. After I’d finish one, I’d give it to one of the kids watching over my shoulder. I have to admit; my little 6 year old heart and head loved having that crowd of classmates around me—oooing and aahing as I colored the Caped Crusader.

I was hooked.

I quickly learned the fastest way to break the social ice and make friends in school was to draw funny pictures, and it really helped me when we moved away from my hometown for two years and had to start anew in different schools. Then, it REALLY helped in high school where I honed my ability to do caricatures. Getting sent to Principal Sater’s office for caricaturizing him as Frankenstein’s monster was one of my personal highlights.

And I thought I was the luckiest guy in the world when I got to be a cartoonist for a living. Out of college, I worked my way through a handful of newspapers before landing my dream job: Editorial cartoonist for The Dallas Times Herald—a Pulitzer Prize winning major daily newspaper. Things got a little heady when my cartoons started regularly appearing in Newsweek, The New York Times and, The Washington Post. And just like little 6 year Danny in kindergarten, I loved the attention (and respect) garnered from having my work published nationally.

A little TOO much.

I began obsessing over this—landing in Newsweek. I would run to the nearest newsstand each Monday, rifling through the latest Newsweek—heart pounding—hoping…wishing…even praying that one of my cartoons had made it on to their Perspectives page. And when one of my cartoons did…it was like a drug! A huge rush! I would walk back to the newspaper, head swirling in ego…then pretending like it wasn’t a big deal to everyone else.

But it WAS a big deal to me.

Deep down…in that dark and secret place of my heart…it was a huge deal! It somehow validated me. Getting reprinted nationally became my idol…and I would have done anything to appease it. Which is one of the main reasons why it hurt so badly when The Dallas Times Herald closed its doors in 1991—ending my career as an editorial cartoonist.

I thought it was the end of the world, but in reality…it was the beginning of something new…and healthy…and right. The closing of the Times Herald doors marks the opening of my heart to God.

Since that fateful day in December of 1991, God has continued to pick away at that dark and secret place in my heart…and do a mighty work. He has painstakingly walked me through my own “valley of the shadow of death” and helped me kill that greedy, lusting part of my life that had become an all-consuming, unquenchable fire of ego. Honestly. I wouldn’t have done it on my own. Left up to me, I would still be craving and lusting after that attention.

Which brings me to another school and another time.

Last week I was in Kabul, Afghanistan with a team of men from Flatirons visiting our partner organization. We were asked to paint the walls of the cafeteria at the new school—a haven for the street kids of Kabul. Someone suggested that I draw some cartoons to decorate the walls; fun pictures for the kids to enjoy as they ate their free lunch.

As I worked on these pictures (painting side-by-side with one of the school’s leaders) I was struck by the difference a few years can make. 

I am still able to make friends and break the ice with a funny picture, but God has taken this odd, little gift He’s given me and allowed me to use it for His purposes. He had redeemed the brokenness in my heart and made it new…and healthy…and right.

Paul writes in Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." 

I used to question God about my fatal career as an editorial cartoonist. I doubted His goodness when The Dallas Times Herald closed down, and I often wondered what the heck He was doing (or NOT doing) with this gift He’d given me.

But sitting on that dirty school floor last week in Kabul…next to my fellow Afghan cartoonist…decorating walls for kids who might never see or meet me…I was humbled and grateful. Grateful that all things DO work for the good…according to His purpose.

So, in this week of Thanksgiving, I am grateful that Crayola pictures of Batman in kindergarten led to…caricatures of Mr. Sater in high school…which led to President Bush in The Dallas Times Herald and Newsweek…which eventually led to a school basement in Kabul.

And I love God all the more for it. Happy Thanksgiving!  

        

—Dan   

Team Players

Wednesday, November 20, 2013 - Kabul, Afghanistan

There is a given with any Flatirons trip to visit one of our partner organizations: Every team has its own personality. You take a group of people, each with their own personalities, quirks, desires, and way of connecting...put them together for several days and the group takes on a life of its own.

As a whole, this 2013 men's team is a VERY fun group of guys. One of the group put it this way, "I don't think I've ever laughed this much...when beer wasn't involved!"  It's true. There's been more laughing and cutting up with this trip than any trip I've taken...in Colorado or Texas.

We've got seven guys on this men's trip to Afghanistan and I can't help but categorize them, like America did with The Beatles in the 60s (John is the "smart one", Paul the "cute one", etc.). Here's how I've broken down this team down in alphabetical order:

Bob is our wise and gentle leader...

Brad is our deep thinker...

David is our well-traveled, grizzled vet...

Jake and Jim are our young, wide-eyed first timers...

...and Zeke is our prankster.

Of course, each of these men are so much more, but it gives you a quick idea of their personalities and how they might play into the team dynamics.

So, each morning we've been getting up and going through a devotion centering the life of Abraham--the key (and common) Bible character in the 3 main world religions: Judaism, Islam and Christianity. This morning we started by answering the question, "Have you ever had God speak to you?"

Now, this team was put together half a year ago. We've gone through several trainings and prep meetings, and we've done a handful of social get togethers too. So, when Zeke answered, "Yeah, about 10 years ago when I kicked meth" and tried to continue, I blurted out, "Whoa! Whoa! Hold on there cowboy! You're going to have to explain that one!"

Zeke went on to share his story of being addicted to meth...of trying to get help and getting no answer from 8 clinics and a, "We're full, but good luck getting help" from another...and then, of his dream, where Jesus sat next to Zeke and told him he needed to change. Zeke finished by telling us he kicked meth the next day...with no help from anyone...except Jesus.

Some of the guys already heard Zeke's story the night before, but the old farts (yours truly) who went to bed early missed it...and sat there with our mouths hanging open...amazed at his story...and the way God works. As I already wrote, this team of 7 (now sitting in a living room in Kabul) had been picked 6 months ago...from a pool of about 20 men who were interested in joining us in Afghanistan and we interviewed.

And the devotion we were doing this morning...dealing with how God speaks to us...was prepared and written and printed almost 2 months ago...long before any of us knew anything about Zeke's story. And I was struck by these two truths:

God is always SO far ahead of us; orchestrating every step we make and piecing together our lives...like little, brightly colored tiles into one, big, beautiful mosaic.
God is at work in lives of the people in this church we call Flatirons like I have never experienced before...and a lot of times, I get a front row seat to it!

I know God can do anything and that He is in the redeeming business, I just never saw it as blatantly and in-your-face before as I do at Flatirons now. Maybe it's because I wasn't looking hard enough before or maybe it's because people are SO much more open and honest about their past mistakes here.

I don't know. All I really know is this, I love it!

And I love that God was WAY out ahead of us, planning, preparing and orchestrating the paths of:

- a BMW repair shop owner
- a charter school CPA
- a former editorial cartoonist
- a world-traveling engineer
- two best buds since childhood and...
- a former meth head

Working in the lives of each of us and putting us all together to do His will in Kabul, Afghanistan. No one could ever (or would ever) even think of doing things this way except God...and I am forever humbled and thankful.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."   Isaiah 55:8-9

Dan

Map

Tuesday, November 19, 2013 - Kabul, Afghanistan

We went to Istalif today--a beautiful little village north of Kabul known for its vineyards and pottery. Me? I think, more the clay pots, it should be known for its kabobs.

Our 2012 men's team traveled up to Istalif in April to visit the clinic our partner established and supported. We also ate kabobs by the river and...hands down...kabobs by the river was (and is) one of my top 5...maybe top 2...favorite meals of all time.

Istalif, this (now) idyllic community, was a place completely devastated and destroyed by the Taliban during the war in the 90s. The Taliban took a slash-and-burn approach when they seized control of Istalif, cutting down or burning almost every tree and grapevine in town. But over the last 15 years the people of Istalif have slowly rebuilt this area into the small, thriving community it is today.

And all it took was a map.

Sitting there by the river today, waiting for these delicious lamb kabobs, cooked by a local vendor over a small wood grill about the size of a computer keyboard, we were told the story of the rebuilding of Istalif--and the turning point in its reconstruction. Our host explained that after the war the community of Istalif was fractured and unable to unite and help each other. There was infighting and distrust which stopped any chance of rebuilding.

Then, someone got the idea to draw up a map--one showing each of the various neighborhoods in Istalif. The map ended up serving as a great tool in showing this war-torn, fractured community where each person fit into the community as a whole--giving everyone in Istalif a "big picture" look of their home...and of their neighbor's homes.

Map = Community.

A map is really just a diagram. A diagram of the many parts that make up the whole...and the best way to see where you are...and how to get to where you want to go. I couldn't quit thinking today that it's the same with the church. The church is just a picture of a body of many parts--the Body of Christ. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:12, "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ."

And just like those folks in Istalif, if we don't look at the big picture to see where each of us fits into the whole...we're in trouble. We will miss our connection with each other (called "community") and we miss our connection with Christ. What would those people of Istalif have done if they hadn't seen that map...the big picture...and started helping each other? They would have continued to flounder and struggle...and eventually...their community would have collapsed in ruin. Likewise, if we, as part of a church called: Flatirons, don't draw together in community...we will eventually struggle, and without any support, we will also collapse in ruin.

A sobering thought.

One of the best things that happens on these men's trips is the connection (and community) that is built. The 7 of us have already bonded as a group of men from Flatirons with a connection that I know will carry on long after we have returned home, and this trip is a mere memory. I mean, spend 10 solid days together traveling, laughing, eating and doing life together...and you've got something. Paul called it a body of many parts. We call it church.

And a church can be anywhere. It can be at 355 W. South Boulder Road in Lafayette, CO...and it can also be along a river side in Istalif, Afghanistan. Each one a holy place where you can bump into Jesus.

Dan

Dust

Monday, November 18, 2013 - Kabul, Afghanistan

Flying from Dubai into Kabul is jarring. One city, an oasis in the desert...the epitome of wealth, modernity and opulence. The other, the polar opposite...a dust-covered throwback to a hard time pre-dating the gas engine and indoor plumbing.

As we descended over the jagged, snow covered, ridges of the Hindu Kush Mountains, Kabul came into view. First, the sight of thousands of small brick and mud homes...the perimeter of each home encased by a mud and brick privacy wall. Huge industrial lots filled with cargo containers stacked upon cargo containers. Then, as the jet engines revved and the landing gear dropped, we could see, sitting in a haloed cloud of dust and exhaust fumes, the center of Kabul.

And it was beautiful.

Like everyone else I know who has visited Kabul, I fell in love with this place when I came here a year ago in April with a team of men from Flatirons. It is a noisy, frenetic, busy place clogged with trucks and cars and boys on bicycles. The streets are lined with men in shop doorways...and women covered in burkas...and children running, dodging the traffic...and soldiers at checkpoints. As we dart back and forth through the (insanely hard to describe) rush hour traffic we can see stores and shops and businesses that seem to repeat themselves again and again: a produce stand, a naan bakery, a butcher, a rug dealer, a parts shop, a produce stand, a butcher, a naan bakery...and so on.  

We were warmly greeted at the guest house (our home for the next several days) by our friends--the staff from our partner, based in Kabul. It was a time (for some of us) to get reacquainted with our old friends...and a time (for others) to meet these amazing people and start relationships that with leave indelible marks on their hearts and souls...the same way our hearts have been marked.

Then we ate...and we ate...and we ate because they feed us (and treat us) like kings here.

After a sound night's sleep, we spent the morning in discussion, and debrief, and in devotion. We're going to look at the life of Abraham on this trip--a man called "God's Friend" and a main character in the story of the three main religions of the world: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Then, we ate...again before heading out to the little village of Barek Aub, a community of displaced Afghans that Flatirons has been trying to support and help for over 7 years. As we made the hour drive from Kabul to Barek Aub, I was struck by the amount of dust everywhere. It hung in the air all the way from Kabul out to the tiny community of Barek Aub.

Dust. Dust everywhere, reminding me of what the world was like when Jesus walked it. It had to be worse back then. Walking everywhere. Heads, beards, feet...covered in dust and dirt. Feet that needed to be washed...by a Savior...a lesson to be learned in what's expected as a follower of Him.

There's an old Jewish saying that goes like this, "May you be covered by the dust of your rabbi." Meaning this, may you be so closely connected and involved in the life and work of your rabbi that you are completely covered in his dust. I know that each of us on this trip wants to be as closely connected as possible to our rabbi and Savior, Jesus. Walking through Barek Aub, it's so evident that the followers of Jesus who call themselves Flatirons Community Church have had a great impact on the lives of these Afghans collected on the side of this mountain. The well. The school. The clinic. All evidence of our faith...lived out through generous giving.

But the thing that keeps gnawing at me...standing on the dusty streets of Barek Aub, driving the dusty Afghan roads, and sitting here...staring out the dust covered windows of the guest house is this: Am I covered by dust too?

And the answer hurts.

I wish I could say that the dust of Jesus covers me, but the truth is, most of the time, I'm covered in my own dust--dirt from my own selfish interests and self pursuits...more interested in my own comfort, than my character...which can only be honed by closely following Jesus.

I hope and pray that when we come home from this beautiful, dirty, dusty land...and once we've washed the dust of Afghanistan from our clothes...that each of us remains dusty and dirty...

...and that we're completely covered in the dust of our Rabbi.

Dan

Wrecked

Saturday, November 16, 2013 - Dubai, UAE

"Your second trip into Afghanistan is always the hardest."

I have heard this over and over again as our 2013 Flatirons Men's Team has prepared for the trip to visit our partner in Kabul. I know these aren't empty words because the warnings have come from people I love and trust...people who have made multiple trips into this beautiful, exotic part of the world...and people who know firsthand what to expect. 

So, I know this has to be true.

Even so, I don't know what really to do with this...or how to prepare for its inevitable reality. I guess it's going to be a hard trip. Period.

Still, it feels very much like the last trip I took here: 

The packing...

The re-packing...

The sudden realization that I forgot something (at least THIS time it wasn't my underwear!)...

The multiple flights and connections...and the seemingly endless lines of customs and security...where I have quickly learned that humorless, bureaucratic, desk jockies are all the same whether they're in the good, old U.S. of A. or on foreign soil.

But the main thing that feels the most familiar about this trip to Afghanistan is that I am (once again) joined by another great group of guys from Flatirons Community Church...and partnered up to lead again with my good friend Bob Tunnell -- one of the kindest, most generous men I've ever come across.

I don't know why the second time around in Afghanistan is so hard on folks. I've heard it explained this way; it has to do with the eventual comparison with your first, life-altering trip here. One good friend told me, "In your second trip, you experience a whole new level of Afghanistan, one that was almost hidden your first go-around. The first time, you're taking everything in, but the second time, you're seeing smaller details...and it wrecks you."

This surprises me because I feel like my first trip here wrecked me. When I came home from Kabul a year and a half ago from our 2012 Men's Team trip, I was dazed...amazed...confused...in awe...and anxious to return.

Now, laying here in our hotel in Dubai...I am anxiously waiting to get on the plane for Kabul tomorrow to get "wrecked" again. I can't wait to re-connect with our friends in Afghanistan...to eat with them...to laugh together...to share...and to continue the hard work of building a bridge of relationship; a bridge between the hopeless...and the hopeful.

Whatever happens on this trip...on this team...and in Afghanistan over the next several days, I pray that God will bless it...use it...and wreck us all...for His glory.

Dan

More Than We Can Handle

Here's some good stuff from our friend Kevin Vannorsdel. Check it out.

-Dan

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“More Than We Can Handle”

Recently I was in a discussion where someone mentioned that “God wouldn't give us more than we can handle”.  It seems like this idea surfaces every now and then and often I am unsure exactly how to respond.  I thought given the recent events here in Colorado, it would be good to examine the idea just briefly.

The use (or mis-use) of certain Bible verses in today’s culture is one of my favorite topics [1].  It turns out that the notion that God won’t give us more than we can handle falls squarely into this category.  The Bible simply doesn't make this claim.

So where does the idea come from?  I am actually not sure, the closest verse that I can find is in 1 Corinthians [2]:

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Of course it is plain to see that here Paul is talking about temptation specifically and not “hard times” in general. 

So what does the Bible say about protection from suffering?  Unfortunately in my view, not much!  In fact it seems that suffering is a very integral part of life as a Christian.  All of us in the ultimate sense, will eventually die from something that is greater than “we can bear” [3]. Take a look at the book of Job, consider the life of Jesus himself, have a look at the lives of those in the early church (Acts).   Suffering seems to be an integral part of the Christian experience.  I’m not exactly happy about it but I am not defeated by it either.

Numerous passages discuss how we are to be “Joyful” in the face of sufferings.  These passages at first glance can be extremely hard to stomach and may seem nearly impossible to make real in our lives.  Perhaps someday I can share with you some about my journey through these concepts.  Suffice it to say that there are some VERY real reasons that we indeed can be joyful when suffering comes our way [4].

One of my favorite passages in this regard is 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.   I've written a bit about this previously here:  http://flatironsmen.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-desert-song_26.html  .   I noticed that Trent has referenced some of these passages in his blog posts as well.

The bottom line is this:  God never promised to protect us from suffering in this life.   In fact, just the opposite seems to be true [5].  We certainly all will experience hard times that are “more than we can handle”.  God does ask us to depend upon him during these times.  He promises to ride with us through them, to help us learn from them, and to use them in our lives for good.  Frankly, I wish things were different, but I’ve decided that God knows more about this than I do.  I hope you have too!

-Kevin

[1] See “The Most Misused Verses in the Bible” by Eric Bargerhuff for some interesting reading on the topic.

[2] Jim actually referenced this verse last weekend in his sermon.  Of course he used it properly!

[3] Unless Jesus returns first!

[4] Some of these reasons are not so obvious but are indeed satisfying.

[5] I highly recommend a book by RC Sproul entitled “Surprised by Suffering”.

Our good friend Trent Culver has some wise words for us--a great "Me Too" addition to the Men's Blog. Enjoy.

--Dan Foote

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“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

We resist adversity. Should we? God uses adversity in our lives to create character and wisdom and to draw us and others to His light.

"His light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:5

  

Perhaps I'm too thick headed, stubborn or stupid to seek God in good circumstances. 

Why is it easier to contemplate and consider God when I'm off center and otherwise out of balance?

Is this indicative of the human condition?

Christ died while we were still sinners. He didn't come for the healthy, he came for the sick. It is much harder, perhaps impossible, to acknowledge my utter dependence on Christ when I perceive myself healthy.

On a base understanding of God, this makes no sense. This world, by itself, offers nothing of eternal significance.  

"Every good and perfect gift comes from above" (James 1:17).

God brings eternal significance to our lives. Without Him, we are nothing. Our lives and relationships carry no lasting meaning without Christ. Our earthly circumstances, good or bad, are irrelevant when related to eternity.

-- Trent Culver

Remembering Jack

“I’ve never really told him what a good dad he was, but I hope he knew.” This is what my wife Amy said yesterday (through tears) after returning home from Florida—having spent most of last week with her parents.

You may have already noticed that she spoke of her dad, Jack, in the past tense. No, Amy’s dad isn’t dead, but he is most definitely passing away from us…daily. It’s the insidious part of Alzheimer’s disease—the slow, methodical robbing of memory and a life once lived—a good life…lived by a good man, a good husband, and a good father.    

In many ways my father-in-law, Jack Hysell, has lived a very normal and un-extraordinary life—much like most of the men from his generation. He was born in 1929 in Columbus, OH. He grew up there—a very quiet boy. He loved to play baseball—and was an ace pitcher in his day. He learned to drive…and learned to love cars. He graduated from high school and went into the service…where he just missed the Korean War. He did his time in the army. He got out and got married…and married well. Over time, he grew to be a very quiet man with a very quick wit. He got a job at a print shop and helped raise four kids on a printer’s salary. He bought a house. He took his family on vacations in Florida. He went to church and was trusted enough to help count the offering. He got older. He golfed. He took care of his cars. He lost most of his hair. He retired and eventually moved to Florida—where he and his wife, Marty, live to this day.

And in-between all of that, Jack lived his life and made his memories. But that’s not unusual, is it? We all live our lives and make our memories. A lot of Jack’s memories came long before I was even part of his life…and there’s been a lot more memories made since I married his youngest daughter and moved her hundreds and hundreds of miles from their home. But if I know anything, I know this: most of Jack Hysell’s life (and his memories) revolve around his family; his wife, his kids, and his grandkids.

And not all of those memories are necessarily good ones.    

There’s been a lot of death and struggle and hurt and pain intermingled with all the rest of his life; everything from…a father who abandoned him at birth…to a son who has battled drug and alcohol addiction most of his life. When you spend as many years walking the earth as Jack has…you’re going to see your fair share of troubles. It’s just as Jesus promises in John 16:33, “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world…”

And now, in his Twilight Years, Jack is dealing with another form of “trouble” that the world has to offer: Alzheimer’s. I picked up Amy from the airport yesterday, but it wasn’t until we got home that the tears finally came. We sat on our bed as she talked through her visit with her folks—the sad, and painful, reality of a life with someone who has Alzheimer’s: The day-to-day routine with someone who must be constantly reminded what his day-to-day routine is…the patience of a wife who must now treat her husband…her lover and protector…the same way she used to treat the preschoolers that once filled their home years ago…and the continual march of the disease…the deliberate, cancerous erasing of memory.  

But along with all the sad and sobering news from Florida, Amy also told me how, in the midst of all the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s, her dad hasn’t lost his quick wit. Jack’s always been a funny man and quite a teaser. One time last week, when Marty was talking about her own medication issues…and how, if she takes one certain pill, it will knock her out for an hour…Jack slyly responded, “Then, why don’t you go ahead and take three?”  

And that’s when Amy broke down and said, “He’s a great dad. I’ve never really told him what a good dad he was, but I hope he knew.” I assured her that he knew…and even though he may not have recognized her through most of their visit last week, I told Amy I was sure her dad knew that she loved him…and that she thought he was the best dad in the world. That was clear to me the day I first shook hands with him and saw how Amy acted around her father. I knew immediately, I had my work cut out for me…if I was ever going to steal her heart from him.  

Now, I know that a lot of our stories may not have started out with such a good dad—much like Jack’s own story. Some of you out there had abusive or dismissive or angry or flat-out missing dads. But some of us had great dads…dads that were there when we needed them…dads who cut an easy trail for us to follow. And then, there are some of you who had (or have) a dad that falls somewhere in between.

Either way, God makes it clear how important the role a father has in this life. I know you’ve heard it said that a son learns what kind of husband he should be by watching his father…and likewise…a daughter learns what kind of husband to long for by watching her father. Paul makes it crystal clear in Ephesians 6:4 when he writes: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

There is a specific role a father plays in the lives of his children…and in the tone and the environment of the home. Not that his role is any more important than the role of a mother…it’s just that the weight and bearing and imprint that a father can leave on his family can either bring nurturing, long-term benefits…or it can leave a destructive path that is hard to overcome. For lots of us, that’s our story: either a lifetime of long-term benefits or a life-path littered in devastation.   

I had a very sobering discussion with my own son several weeks ago in my office, talking through some of (the many) mistakes I made as a father—some of which we recorded…leaving the damning evidence of video as a continual reminder!

Ben was preparing for a talk he was giving in Student Ministries for their series titled: Daddy Issues. It was VERY humbling to sit and listen to my adult son recount how I had exasperated him growing up…and emotionally scarring him. It was hard for me to hear, but I think it was equally instructive for Ben to come to grips with the fact that no one gets out of childhood unscathed (especially as he nears the onset of fatherhood himself with the birth of his first child). In the end, we all walk away from childhood…into adulthood…carrying some of the wounds and baggage of imperfect parenting. The question is: Will we allow those scars to define us or to chart the courses of our future? I hope not.

So, I guess the takeaway from all my rambling is twofold:

(1) The Trail, our Men's Bible Study and discussion time is coming to an end at 7PM on Thursday night, June 13th. Jesse DeYoung's going to talk about a lot of this stuff in a message titled, "Am I Good Enough?". Don't miss it. We'll have a Santiago's burrito waiting for you (while supplies last).

(2) It’s almost Father’s Day, so let’s use our time wisely with our dads. Let’s do our best to bring peace and healing to our broken relationships…as far as it depends on us (Romans 12:18). Let’s visit (or at least call or Skype) our dads to tell them how much they mean to us and how much they’re appreciated. Let’s say the things we need to say…before it’s too late.

And, if you’re a dad, no matter how old your kids are, let’s try to be the kinds of dads that will make our kids cry—in a good way…the way Amy cried yesterday… remembering a good dad…who can no longer remember her.      

—Dan

Her Name Is Emery

Her name is Emery, and I can't wait to meet her, but I'll get to that in a second.

First, I wanted to write about Shirley. She’s my mother—and the mother of my other three brothers. That’s right. Four boys. She was the only woman in a house full of men, but make no mistake…she was (and still is) a formidable woman to deal with. I will admit, she was not a perfect mother, but she was perfect for us. Raising four snotty, burping, farting, cantankerous boys into four (semi) functional, burping, farting men is no easy task, yet she seemed to do it with joy…and honor…and (yes) maybe even some pleasure—on a few of the days, at least. And while I know my mom will cry when she reads this, she will always hold that special place in my heart (and in my brother’s hearts too) that only a mom can hold...and her laugh…her beautiful, infectious, full-bodied laugh…is still one of the sweetest sounds I’ve ever heard on earth.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.  

Secondly, I wanted to write about Amy, my wife, and the mother of our two kids, Ben and Katie. I got to be there for both of their births—a front row seat. I stood there next to the hospital bed like an idiot as Amy passed a proverbial “bowling ball through a straw”. My only participation—aside from the obvious one 9 months earlier—was holding Amy’s hand and squishing her head into the pillow. It was the only thing that felt good to her during childbirth. Amy was (and still is) the loving, softer, nurturing side of our parental duo. I call it being “good cop” to my “bad cop”. She calls it being a mom. And while I know Amy will cry when she reads this, she is not a perfect mom, but she loves both our kids (and their spouses) with an immeasurable passion that always puts me to wonder.    

Happy Mother’s Day, Amy.  

And then there’s Ali, my daughter-in-law—the wife of my son Ben. Ali walked into our living room in Texas 7 years ago and life has never been the same since. This pretty, little waif-of-a-girl not only captured Ben’s heart…she captured all of our hearts…and their wedding day will always be one of the happiest days of my life. Fast forward to a Broncos game shortly before Christmas when Ali stepped in front of the TV set holding her 3 month old nephew Jonah. Ali told the family that Jonah had an announcement to make. None of us caught it at first, but Jonah was wearing a homemade t-shirt that read: “Big Cousin”.

Pregnancy becomes Ali. It’s been so fun watching her grow—this tiny little woman with the ever-expanding belly—growing into a mother. And even though she’s concerned that her baby bump gets in the way of her dental hygienist duties by colliding with patients’ heads, she’s got nothing to worry about. No one could ever be bothered by her. I mean, she’s so cute she makes your cheeks hurt!

And while she might cry when she reads this (I mean, she IS pregnant!), it is SO obvious that Ali is going to be a great mom. She already has a passion and a love for this baby that also puts me to wonder. God has been preparing Ali for this her whole life. She won’t do it perfectly (no one ever has or ever will), but she will be perfect for this little girl…her daughter…my granddaughter.

Happy Mother’s Day, Ali.

Her name is Emery and I can’t wait to meet her. She’s almost here, only 7 more weeks until I can hold her. I’ve seen her (sort of) as she’s moved silently across Ali’s tummy—doing somersaults in preparation for her delivery. The 3D ultrasound last week has only increased my anticipation (See Below).  

I look at that ultrasound image of Emery and can’t help but think about what David wrote in Psalms:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:13-17)

And in this broken, fallen world, where it seems like evil is prevailing, I find hope in knowing that whatever is in store for Emery (the good AND the bad) has already passed through the hands of God. All the kisses and hugs...all the coughs and colds...all her sleepless nights and all her birthdays...all her friendships and fights...and sleepovers and skinned knees…and broken hearts and broken bones…in all of these...God is already there.

I pray that He will etch this truth on Ben and Ali’s hearts—and on my heart too.

—Dan   

Sin

Following Jim Burgen's message this past weekend (“Full of It” – April 6/7, 2013), our good buddy Trent Culver wrote the following blog to share. Very thought provoking...and convicting.

—Dan

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There are two things common to all people: All have sinned—all fall short of the glory of God and God has placed eternity in the hearts of men.

Our world is broken. Satan opposes God and all that He loves. As a result, satan opposes humanity. He calls our attention to the things of this world. Materialism, power, distorted sexuality, substance abuse and un-numbered other distractions all fight for the love of God. Pride is our coping mechanism. At our core, we know that we are flawed and finite. Pride covers up and numbs us to our sin and sense of eternity.

In pride we deny God's truth and in doing so, we deny God.

As Christians, we live in the light. We are strangers in this world. As such, we should expect opposition from it. When done right, Christianity's roots are grace and truth. Humanity's adversary hates both. He is a destructive liar bent on preserving the chaos, confusion and disorder of this world. His lies are so effective that many people accept them as truth. As a result, many of the lies are written into our cultural fabric. When general acceptance of these lies is combined with human pride and insecurity, intolerance is born. The results are polarizing. As a result, people desperately in need of both grace and truth are duped to believe that they need neither.

The level of opposition that Christianity receives from the mainstream provides evidence of two truths: Satan has powerful influence in this world and Jesus Christ is truth. I know of no other belief system that is opposed by the world in the way that Christianity is.

To preserve worldly chaos and humanity's detachment from the divine, satan strives to keep those lost in darkness. Satan's tactic with the believer is similar. With us, he also exploits our insecurity and fills us with pride. In observing the sin of this world, our error is to target the sin and sinner and forget about our enemy who is the real source of the problem. 

The pride and self righteousness of Christians and Christian religion has done immeasurable damage to the cause of Christ. As believers, we have to be different. Because we know Christ and have received His spirit it is up to us to greet the cold intolerance and opposition of this world with grace and love. If we are to be like Christ, we have to be willing to "turn the other cheek", to be spat upon by the world and love the spitter just the same.

As Christians, we will be opposed by this world.

—Trent

A Holy Moment

So, I am what you’d call a “processor”. Meaning: It takes me awhile to process through major events and situations in my life. I’m GREAT at quickly processing everyone else’s stuff…but slow on the uptake when it comes to my own life. Case in point: my recent trip in February to South Sudan with the Flatirons missions team. Even though I’ve been back home for over a month now…I’m still working through what I experienced over there…especially my “Holy Moment”.

I’ll get to that in a second.  

The entire trip to Africa was amazing. It was amazingly far away. It was amazingly exotic and beautiful. And it was an amazingly difficult trip…emphasis on “difficult”! Our team of eleven (9 men and 2 women) also got along amazingly! We got to know each other in ways we never foresaw or expected. I guess that’s what happens when ALL semblance of privacy gets chucked out the window and you experience some stuff with friends that you’ve never experienced with your own wife! I mean, Amy and I have been married for almost 32 years, but I’ve never “dropped a deuce” side-by-side with her…like I had to with my buddy Andy Wineman!

No. That was NOT my Holy Moment.   

No…the real revelation from the trip was this: The Bible simply came alive to me! It was almost immediate. Watching the sheep, goats and cattle—led by the village shepherd boys—roaming in…through…and around us made it obvious that the culture and living conditions of Maper are much more like EVERYTHING we read in the Bible than ANYTHING we can ever experience here in 21^st Century America.

It was easy for me to envision the story of Jacob...who worked 7 years for Laban as a shepherd....payment for the chance to wed Rachel (Genesis 29). Then, after being tricked (and given Laban’s other daughter Leah) Jacob then worked another 7 years as a shepherd for Laban. And listening to Jim Burgen teach through Jesus’ Three Lost Parables (The Parable of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Son—Luke 15), I could see each and every one of those parables being lived out in this tiny African village.

But the culmination of all this came at the end of our stay in South Sudan. As a symbol of gratitude and generosity, the leaders in Maper gifted our team with a lamb to take home. Needless to say, we couldn’t really take it back to the States, but we did throw it in the back of the van on Saturday and drove it the 2 ½ hours back to Rumbek—where it became Sunday night dinner.

And this was my Holy Moment. I had the privilege of slaughtering the lamb.

Slaughtering the Lamb in Rumbek, South Sudan

I know how weird, creepy and harsh that may sound, but it doesn’t make it any less true. I was asked if I would do the honor of slaughtering the lamb for dinner…and I agreed to do it. And at that moment…that Holy Moment…when I somberly took the knife to do what I’d been asked to do…all of scripture came flooding over me.

The blood sacrifice is such an integral part of the Bible, and the centerpiece of all we believe, culminating in the blood sacrifice of Jesus—the Lamb of God (John1:36). And as I slaughtered this lamb…this gift…this sacrifice…I was overwhelmed by the sacrificial imagery God has given us in the Bible…and I was filled with gratitude for what Jesus has done for us…through His body and His blood. It was a Holy Moment.

Now, I know we can’t all experience what I got to experience in South Sudan, but one thing I do know for sure: All of us, as believers in Jesus, will one day all get together in Heaven to thank Him face-to-face for what He’s done. For His grace… His mercy…and His sacrifice…paid for with His blood.

And I know I will be joined by my friends in Maper...and it will be the greatest of Holy Moments.

—Dan

Small Is Better

Whether we like it or not, small groups really are the best answer to building a strong community here at Flatirons—and making this place seem just a wee bit smaller. I heard someone say years ago that Christianity is an “eyeball to eyeball” religion; meaning that it’s relational…that through Jesus we live in relationship with God, and in relationship with others.

That being said, small groups probably aren’t everyone’s first choice. Am I right? I mean, let’s face it…small groups can be awkward…periodically intrusive…and, yes, maybe even a little threatening. I’m only being honest here. Walking in…sitting down with a group of strangers…and opening up about your life with Jesus can be just a little unsettling.

But that’s exactly what I did last week. I dropped in on one of our (many) men’s small groups we have meeting every week for The Trail. After sitting down, I realized I only knew 2 of the 8 guys who were meeting there, so I felt a bit like an outsider at first. It wasn’t long before the group’s conversation found its way to Jim Burgen’s message from the weekend before (www.flatironschurch.com/messages: Seeing Is Believing. Or Is It? March 2-3, 2013). The guys specifically got to the topic of faith.    

And here’s why I love the small group format: these guys all sat around this conference table that night and shared their struggles, their victories, and their questions of faith. It was real. It was honest. And it was inspiring. C.S. Lewis was fond of saying, “We read to know we’re not alone.” I’d like to amend that for this and say, “We meet in small groups to know we’re not alone.” I know I wasn’t the only one around that table who felt LESS alone because I was spending time and listening to some other guys walking through the same stuff I am. And where, in a place like Flatirons, are you going to have a better chance to connect with some other guys who are walking through the same stuff you are? That’s why we have The Trail small groups…and Flatirons On Tap…and the numerous groups posted up on FlatironsList.

So, if you’re looking to connect and build some relationships around here, I can only say one thing: “Small is better.” And when was the last time you heard that?!

--Dan

Redemption

I've got another great blog post to share with you from our buddy Trent Culver. Hope you enjoy.

--Dan

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“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten." Joel 2: 25 25

A healthy rose bush has to be pruned. A healthy forest requires periodic burns. In order to thrive, life requires adversity. God, like a caring gardner uses adversity to shape and mold us. A forest fire is ugly, violent and destructive but vital to the prolonged health of the forest and the species that call it home. Death begets life. Similarly, our excesses are vetted in the fires of life. In the aftermath of destruction, God creates and God restores.

A forest fire causes seeds to germinate and returns nutrients to the soil. The new life born after the burn is far healthier. In the same way, our losses and pains provide the canvas on which God paints a masterpiece. In Christ a damaged marriage can be restored to a place of unknown beauty. In Christ, new value can be found in the midst of financial crisis. In Christ, previously conquered addictions give hope to the those still enslaved. Disease and death are the gateway to heaven. All of creation groans as in the pains of childbirth. This life, this world with all of its evil is a process towards an end, a re-birth.

It seems, our God builds and creates out of destruction. Our sun is a violent, unlivable and powerfully destructive place. However, at 93 million miles, its energy makes all life on earth possible.

The Bible is full of stories of redemption and restoration. Christ's birth, life, death and resurrection has given me new life and is the ultimate example of how our God functions.

Isn't the whole Bible a story of our redemption? Upon the fall of man, God could have hit reset, wiped the slate clean and started all over again. This however, is not God's way. Ever since the fall, God has been at the work of restoration. God is at work right now creating our eternal home.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 

The Camel and the Eye of the Needle

So, I’ve heard about Trent Culver for awhile—especially about his knack for fly fishing and deep insights on life with Jesus…which he like to write down and share with his friends. Trent and I met over coffee a few weeks back and talked about life, fly fishing and his writing. It was good coffee... and great conversation. Trent’s a guy like any other guy who’s chasing after Jesus. He’s got all the struggles and ups and downs that we all go through…except he works out a lot of his stuff on paper…and we get to benefit. Trent’s been kind enough to share some of his thoughts with us.

It’s REALLY, REALLY good stuff. Enjoy!

—Dan

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“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:23-26

This verse is really scary if you stop reading too early. To gain perspective, we need to understand the context of the whole verse. This verse corresponds to the questions of a rich young man who wants to know how HE can gain access to heaven. Jesus tells His disciples, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Isn't that the whole essence of Christianity…God doing for us what we are unable to do for ourselves?

Thank God for this because we live in the most affluent society that this world has ever known. If it were otherwise, I'd be doomed to hell.

I'm rich. I've never known hunger. I've always had a roof over my head and a comfortable bed. I take these seemingly simple items for granted. The fact that I've never even questioned them is ridiculous when you consider the economic condition of humanity now—and throughout history. I don't consider things like proper healthcare, a solid retirement plan or braces and college education for my kids as luxuries. I consider them necessities. This considered…I fall into the top 1% of all the people that have ever lived on this planet. Thank you, Jesus, that despite my comfort in this life, you haven't denied me heaven. Forgive me for forgetting to acknowledge your abundant blessings.

Solomon, Nebuchadnezzar, David, Joseph, and Job. These were all rich and powerful men. Despite their human flaws, God used them in incredible ways. Wealth isn't wrong, Money is neutral; neither good nor evil. It can however be used by Satan in very damaging ways.

What is the biggest lie in money? It promises self sufficiency. We are led to believe that we don't need God. We become greedy and selfish. Wealth frequently brings out the ugly in people.

Without exception, all of the wealthy men of the bible wrestled with demons; pride being the biggest one. Here's what Nebuchadnezzar had to say after spending 7 years in the wilderness being humbled by God:

“’At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.’” Daniel 4:36-37

--Trent