Encountering Authenticity

In a world in which we encounter lots of hype and phoniness, AUTHENTICITY can actually make some people feel uncomfortable.  Here’s an insightful thought on the matter: “When you and I stop pretending, we expose the pretending of everyone else.” ~Mike Yaconelli.

How Does Rachel Prepare For Trunk Or Treat?

Since my story earlier this week—the one about Rachel’s Trunk or Treat costume—calls, letters, and e-mails have been pouring in from all over the country.  (President Obama sent a couple of text messages and Vladimir Putin called 4 times begging for photographs and further information!)

The question on everyone’s mind is this: “Dan, how does Rachel prepare for Trunk or Treat?”

It’s an excellent question—right up there with “What is the purpose of life?” or “Where’s Waldo?”  Well, fortunately, it’s actually a very simple process and I was able to document it, firsthand, as it unfolded last night.

Step 1, began with a trip, early in the evening, to Taco Bell.  I suppose this step almost goes without saying.  EVERYONE knows that a person needs to be properly nourished in order to participate in the fun and energy-burning excitement of Trunk or Treat.  And, the perfect place to nourish the body is Taco Bell.  The Bell is well known for its life-giving, high-octane health benefits.  (Going to Taco Bell is almost like going to a health food store.)

After Rachel’s nutritious Taco Bell supper, it was straight back to the Rachel International Headquarters where her mysterious team of Hollywood designers, simply known as “La Nadia”, stood waiting to begin the costuming process.

That leads to Step 2 in the Rachel Trunk or Treat preparations, putting on the clown clothing.  This is quick and easy.  Rachel’s designers had her dressed in a few moments.  Her clown outfit was specially designed by Vera Wang for Walmart.  (I know absolutely nothing about fashion—you can tell, right?—but I thought it would be fun to see “Vera Wang” and “Walmart” used in the same sentence.)

Step 3 is the bright red hairspray.  Unfortunately, this led to a slight snafu in the evening’s costuming prep.  We had 1 can of bright red hairspray.  That’s because we assumed that we only needed 1 can of bright red hairspray.  But as we applied the bright red hairspray it became apparent that 1 can would not be enough.  To make Rachel’s hair truly bright red it appeared that we needed about 3 cans of bright red hairspray. 

When the can of hair spray ran out, Rachel’s design team, “La Nadia”, determined that 1 can would have to be sufficient.

I said, “But, hold on, her hair isn’t really bright red!”

Rachel’s design team, “La Nadia”, said, “It’s good enough.  Besides she has a hat.”

And you know what?  That ended the discussion regarding the matter of the bright red hair.  So, Rachel’s clown hair ended up being brown with red highlights.

You say, “But Dan, clowns don’t have brown hair with red highlights!”

To that comment I respond: “It’s good enough.  Besides she has a hat.”  And I’m confident that’s the right answer because that’s what Rachel’s design team told me.

The final step in Rachel’s Trunk or Treat preparation involves the application of the clown make-up.  This is where the artistry comes in.  The way that a clown makes up her face is her trademark.  It creates the essence of the clown persona.  The design of the clown make-up is part of the magic the clown brings to her adoring audience.

But the Rachel design team had never applied clown make-up before.  How do you do this?  What’s the procedure?  What kind of clown persona should be created?  Where would the make-up artist even begin?

I posed these questions out loud and the room became silent.  Only the soft crunching of a few leftover nachos could be heard.  Now what?  What do we do?  I quickly moved to the computer to research the matter.  [That means searching on Google.]  While I did that, Rachel’s design team “La Nadia” just dove in and began putting white stuff on her face.  By the time I developed a comprehensive make-up plan based on sound geometric principles and rigorous research, the design team had already transformed Rachel into…Raquel Le Clowne!  (Clowns are always just a little bit scarier if they’re French.)

You say, “Wow, Dan!  Did all that effort pay off?”

Well, a person has to be philosophical about such a question.  When we speak of the effort expended and the pay off received it’s important to carefully consider all the variables, being sure to enter this factor into the equation:  “Chocolate”.

We made a pretty good haul of chocolate last night.  So, does that make it worth the effort?  Oh yes.  In fact, I’m chuckling at the question, even as I type these words.

“Does chocolate make it worth it?”  Ba ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!

Of course it does!  After all…it’s chocolate!  Chocolate definitely makes it worth the effort.

Now, excuse me, Raquel Le Clowne has a sack containing a few Snickers bars. 

Au Revoir!

[*NOTE:  That’s “good bye” in French.]

*We're still not sure who these people
are.  They frightened us and, yet, we
felt strangely comforted by them at
at the same time.  Hmm, strange.
.

God's Love Makes Forgiveness Possible

Genuine Godly love creates a powerful capacity in us for forgiveness.  This does not involve a blind unwillingness to confront the reality of wrong-doing, or its consequences. This does not mean that we pretend we haven’t been hurt, when we have been hurt. But real love fills the heart in such a way that true forgiveness becomes possible. “…Love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1Peter4:8(b)

A Question That Matters

Once a person seriously considers a question like, “what’s the point of my existence?”, it’s very hard for that person to ever go back to living as if the answer to that question does not matter.

Audio Message Titled: "Prayer For Wisdom And Understanding"

For audio message ....  Click Here!


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Interested In Others

Arrogance and pride are destructive to genuine loving relationships. Part of the reason for this is that authentic concern for others is rare in the hearts of those whose pride has them entirely wrapped up in their own selfish interests.  Love involves being truly interested in others and concerned about their well-being.

God Has Given Us Imagination

We are made in the image of God and that means, among other things, that we have the capability of seeing things in our minds.  Sometimes, even, things that don’t yet exist.  God has given us imagination.  “…Far more than any other power, imagination is what sets human beings apart from every other species on earth.” ~Ken Robinson.

Caring, Constructive Discipline Is An Act Of Love

The one who is being disciplined may interpret discipline as a form of punishment by someone who is being mean.  But the truth is that constructive discipline is generally administered only by those who honestly care about us.  We know from the Bible that God’s discipline is a manifestation of His love for us. “The Lord disciplines those he loves…” Heb.12:6

E-Flash From Dan -- Costume Edition

Dear E-Flash Friends;

Tonight, Rachel gave Nadia and I permission to buy her a new Trunk or Treat costume.  That sure was nice of her, wasn’t it?

So after supper, we drove to the local Walmart and checked out the Halloween department.  It was crowded.  I guess that’s bound to be the case on the week of Halloween.  In fact, at one point, a couple of kids began chasing each other around with some kind of spray-on Halloween make up and I was almost caught in the crossfire.  I barely escaped with my usual lustrous hue.

In the meantime, Nadia and Rachel soberly considered several different costumes.  Rachel has gotten a little too big for the “girls” costumes but many of the “women’s” costumes are…well… they’re a bit racy.  (The “racy” ones were NOT up for consideration.)  So, some time was spent looking and deliberating. 

To be properly outfitted for Trunk or Treat requires careful analysis, you know.  But it finally came down to a decision between some Fairy-type character and a clown outfit.  The fairy costume included wings and that’s a definite attraction.  But there’s a costume spray that temporarily turns your hair a bright red color and I think that may have helped cinch it for the clown outfit.

Come on, when it comes to making an impact with an outfit, bright red hair is hard to resist!  We all know that, right?

As we walked to the check out counter, I told Rachel, “Hey, I might use some of the red hair coloring, myself.  That would be fun, huh?”

She said, “No.”

I said, “Just for a joke.  You know, just to get a few laughs.  It washes out.”

Now Rachel…AND Nadia both said, “No!”

I said, “People have a good time with that kind of joking around.”

Then they pointed off behind me and acted like they saw someone we know.  I turned around and no one was there.  When I turned back, they were gone.

This happens two or three times a week.  I always find them…after I walk home.

Sheesh, why can’t a guy have a little fun, once in a while?

(*NOTE to readers:  Shhh, don’t mention this, but I’m usually out the door early on Sunday mornings before they can stop me, so, you never know.  Imagine the spiritual impact that can be had when a guy is preaching with bright red hair.  To be honest, I’m surprised Billy Graham never tried it.)

So folks…don’t forget: Friday night, 7pm, Trunk or Treat!  It’s going to be a ball!  (It’s fun, even if you have your regular hair color.)

Also, don’t forget:  Sunday morning 9 and 11 am.  The message is titled:  “Rescued From The Kingdom of Darkness” (I didn’t even think about the fact that Sunday is Halloween day when I came up with the title of the message a couple of months ago.)  It’s based on Colossians 1:13&14.

See you then.  Hope you have a great week!

Blessings,

Dan Marler

* To have the "E-Flash" sent directly to your e-mail, send an e-mail message to:  cog111st@aol.com and type:  "Send me the E-Flash" in the "subject" field.

There's A Difference Between What God ALLOWS And What He APPROVES

Because He has given us free will, God sometimes ALLOWS things that he doesn’t actually APPROVE of.  So, be careful not to let the fact that God is allowing us to do something automatically lead to the assumption that it is good, or that He approves.  What God ultimately desires and approves of is our obedience to Him.  I’m hoping to have that down pat, any day now.

Genuine Love Is Therapeutic For Our Hearts

“It has often been noted that most, if not all, problems brought to therapists are issues of love. It makes sense then that the cure is also love.” [Thomas Moore]  This quote reminds us that love is a critical part of having the emotional and spiritual foundation of our lives in order.  Think of it like this: Genuine love is therapeutic for our hearts, minds, and souls.

What Kind of Battle? A Cookie Battle

It was the aroma that I noticed first.  The smell of something baking is…well …let’s see… would “scrumptiously wonderful” be an appropriate phrase?

I had determined after a fairly early supper that I was not going to eat anything else for the rest of the night.  “That’s it!  I’m done eating for today!” I declared with a tenacious willpower and confidence that would, frankly, frighten the average man.

But, I was sitting innocently in the living room, reading one of my books and minding my own business when the aforementioned “smell of something baking” came and hit me on the side of the head.  I wasn’t hurting anyone.  I wasn’t looking for trouble.  The aroma came pushing and shoving and talking-trash, and started it up with me.

I stood and walked into the kitchen to see Nadia placing freshly baked chocolate chip cookies on a cooling rack.  “What’s the occasion?” I asked.

“Nothing.  No occasion, I’m just baking some cookies,” Nadia said.

Well, here I was, faced with a challenge.  My earlier comment—that I was not going to eat anything else for the rest of the night—was being tested.  It’s one thing to decide not to eat any thing else for the evening when all the food has been put away and the entrance to the kitchen has been sealed off with large plastic sheets and duct tape.  (That’s what we typically do after supper, like most normal families.)

But it’s something else—boy, is it something else—to resist eating when fresh chocolate chip cookies are being taken out of the oven.

Fortunately, I have an ability—cultivated earlier in my life during my martial arts training—to focus my mind powerfully on endeavors, like the passages within a book that I’m reading, and exclude other thoughts from my mind.  It’s a form of strict mental discipline that has served me well.  And I promptly put this concentrated focus to work in order to resist the impulse toward the chocolate cookies.

This discipline lasted…oh…approximately 1 minute and 28 seconds…which is pretty close to being a record if you consider the fact that my olfactory senses were being ruthlessly assaulted by fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie aroma.

You say, “Ha, ha, ha!  Dan, you caved in and ate a chocolate chip cookie, didn’t you?”

No, I can honestly say that I did not cave in and eat a chocolate chip cookie.  Really.  I did not eat “A” chocolate chip cookie.

Has anyone seen my bottle of TUMS, lately?

God Will Help Us To Know Him

If you want to know if Jesus is real—if you want to know that faith in God is real—God will help you.  We come to God in faith.  It’s important to understand that Christianity definitely involves faith.  But it’s a reasonable faith.  Even if you have doubts and times of uncertainty, be assured that God loves you and if you’re serious about knowing Him, you will find Him.

Yes The Banquet Is Important But So Is The Dessert

I was the emcee, last night, at a fundraising banquet for the Southside Pregnancy Center, a wonderful ministry that provides numerous helpful services to people dealing with crisis pregnancy situations.

When I arrived at the event, I did a visual survey of the room and tried to get a feel for the mood, the ambience, the tone of things.  This type of analysis is purely instinctual, it’s not a science, it’s a feeling.  I quickly realized that a couple of my pre-planned jokes would not work. 

You say, “How do you know such a thing?”

I could tell.  Many years of experience have honed these instincts. The setting wasn’t right for my silly sense of humor.  The feel wasn’t right.  It wasn’t an issue with the people who were present, it was me and my goofiness.  I needed to make a couple of changes.

So, I reached into my pocket and then rapidly into one pocket after another and discovered something rare and bothersome.  I did not have a pen with me.  This was rare and bothersome because I ALWAYS have at least 2 or 3 pens with me…always!  Virtually everywhere I go, I have several pens with me.  It’s an old, faithful habit.  I feel strange—I feel naked—without a pen.  In fact, I typically have a pen with me even in the shower.  (In case I need to carve an important note into a bar of soap.)

For instance, a note like this:  GLAD I HAVE A PEN WITH ME

There I am at a banquet—with several hundred people in attendance—I have to take the platform in a few minutes, but I need to make some changes to my emcee notes, and I don’t have a pen.  That’s not good.

Fortunately, I was able to improvise a couple of jokes on the spot.  I know that sounds scary and frightening to some, but I’ve done this numerous times.

“How did the jokes go over?” you ask.

Nevermind.  Let’s get to the rest of the story.

At one point, later in the evening, I was on the platform doing my emceeing duties while the dessert trays were being passed around.  From my position on the platform, I could see that the desserts were being served and eaten while I was making my remarks. 

You might be thinking, “That sounds tragic, Dan.  Desserts are being gobbled up while you are on the platform!”

You are absolutely correct.  Fortunately, this is where, once again, years of experience at these types of functions become critical.  I shortened my remarks.  I improvised quicker jokes and I got off the platform as rapidly as possible.  But when I got back to the table I saw the dessert platter sitting on the table, empty.  A few random puffs of powdered sugar were spread about as a reminder of the treats that once filled the tray.

I had tried.  I moved quickly and efficiently.  I streamlined my remarks, literally editing on my feet, but I didn’t make it in time.  The desserts were gone and I hung my head thinking of what could have been.  I suspect some of you may be wiping away a tear, even as you read this.  Don’t be embarrassed.

But that’s when my daughter, Rachel, called out to me and held out one of the dessert cookies in the palm of her hand, with a big smile on her face.

“For me?” I asked, looking at Rachel’s face.  “You saved that one for me?”

She nodded her head.

My improvised jokes didn’t exactly bring the house down…but I got the dessert.  So, all in all, it was a good night.

By the way, one of the highlights of the evening was the talk by our speaker, Lila Rose.  Lila is an intelligent, beautiful, courageous, articulate, accomplished young Christian woman, who is doing incredible work as a Pro-Life activist.  If you don’t know who she is, I encourage you to do a Google search on her name and/or check out her web site:   http://liveaction.org/

Lila has already accomplished some remarkable and impressive things, at the age of 22!  (I was still trying to figure out how to tie my shoes when I was 22!  ….Now I’ve solved that problem by wearing slip-ons.)

Rachel was thrilled that we gave Lila a ride back to her hotel.  Rachel and Lila are pictured together below.

Audio Message: Faith And Love Which Come From Hope

Go ahead take a listen.  You'll like it.

           Click Here.

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Rescued From Our Worst Problem

What’s the WORST problem that we will ever have in the course of our lives? Answer: The most terrible problem is that our sin has separated us from God. This is the problem with the most severe & most lasting consequences. When God loved us & reached out to give us genuine help, He was rescuing us from the worst problem that we will ever have. This reveals God’s compassion.

Do Something Terrific, Image-Bearer Of God

Because we are made in the image of God, human beings have capabilities and capacities and potential far beyond that of any other creatures.  As image-bearers of the Almighty, we have inherent dignity and value.  So, I’m just saying…go out and do something TERRIFIC today!

It Is Part of God's Design: We Need Each Other

Sometimes it surprises me how much we all need love and support and affirmation from each other.  It shouldn’t surprise me, though, we were created by God to need Him and to be unfulfilled without Him.  And we were created by God to need each other. This is not a design flaw. It is an intentional aspect of our design by our Heavenly Father who desires that we experience true community.

Knowing The Truth...AND Living The Truth

It’s possible to “know” all kinds of theological teachings and intellectual facts about spiritual matters and yet not walk very closely or obediently with Christ.  “I warn you—do not become one of those who has a head full of ‘the right’ Christian doctrines while failing to go on by working truth into everyday practice.” ~ Bernard of Clairvaux.

How's That Attention Span Doing, These Days?

My attention span is getting very short.  How about yours?

I’ve been noticing this when I’m watching short video clips on-line.  Yesterday, I watched a video clip that was 3:26 in length.  And it was too long for me.  As it played, I kept thinking, “Come on, come on, come on, get to the point!”  It was 3 minutes and 26 seconds!!!  And it was too boring and lengthy for me.

Someone sent me a recommendation for another video clip and I didn’t even bother because I noticed that it was 4:38.  “Uh uh.  No way.” I thought, “I’m not watching something that’s 4:38.  Are you kidding?  Do you think I’ve got all day?!?”

Is it just me or is everybody’s attention span getting shorter?

(I know, you’re probably saying, “I haven’t been paying attention…and by the way, who are you?”  Okay, I’ll grant you, that’s a good one.)

I read a lot of books and I watch very little TV, so, somehow, in my mind, I think my attention span wouldn’t be negatively affected.  But it is.

…Now, let’s see, what was I talking about?  Oh yeah, attention spans.

Last night I had another indication that my attention span is decreasing.  Rachel and I were watching “The Hulk”.  But I was also reading a biography of Jesus, during the commercials and the slow parts of the movie.  (That’s an interesting combination.  Try it sometime.  Try to simultaneously digest, mentally:  a troubled man who turns into a raging, big green monster; and the life of the Lord Jesus.)

But here’s the amazing part.  At one point, the movie was playing, I was reading the book and my mind started to wander.  The next thing I know, I began sending a text message to my son, Taylor, who had just returned to college from a weekend trip home.

So, now, there I was watching a movie, reading a book and text messaging all at the same time!  And, quite frankly, I was starting to get just a little bit bored so I reached for some headphones to listen to a little music, too.

Did I mention that I was doing all this while I was driving on icy, winding mountain roads in the fog?!? 

Okay, I’m kidding about that part, I wasn’t driving.  But sheesh!  Do you see what I mean?  Our attention spans are shot! …You know?....Hello?....Is anyone reading this any longer?....Hello?...Are you there?...Anyone?...

Oh boy, I’m going to have to start making these short notes just a little bit shorter.

Love Increases As We Extend It To Others

We cannot run out of love.  The people we love may exhaust our patience to the point that we become irritated or angry and we wind up behaving in unlovely ways.  That’s not running out of love, though, that’s running out of patience.  True Godly love does not run out, in fact, it has the unique quality of increasing as we extend it to others.

We Need The Dreamers

Sometimes, “head-in-the-clouds” dreamers are unrealistic, foolish and unwilling to face the realities of life.  But we need those dreamers.  The dreamers are the ones who help us see possibilities that would have never even occurred to hard-core, practical realists.  Also, we don’t want to forget that sometimes those crazy dreams have come from God.

Life In God's Kingdom Involves People

Check out this audio message...

Click here for message.

Scripture:  Colossians 3:15-17

Rejoicing In The Successes Of Others

Jealousy happens when pride and unhealthy desires lead us to make comparisons that are not helpful or necessary. Sometimes we may even feel a stirring of jealousy or secret displeasure at the successes of others. Have you ever been there? We know that we are maturing in God’s love when we genuinely rejoice in the victories and blessings of others.

What Happens When A Non-Techno Guy Starts Tweeting?

I walked down into the legendary lair this evening to find out what was going on.  I knew something interesting had to be brewing because Taylor is home for the weekend with his good friend—and our good friend—Josh Powell.

As I reached the bottom of the steps I noticed that all the guys in the lair were furiously pounding away on computers.

“What are you guys doing?” I asked.

“We’re setting up Twitter accounts,” they replied.

Ah, yes, Twitter.  The magical lure of Twitter had to happen sooner or later, didn’t it?  I chuckled, knowingly, at how prone these young people are to the technological fads of the moment.

“How’s that going?” I asked.

“I’m still trying to figure it out,” Taylor told me.

Well, as you might guess, after several minutes of watching this activity, my brain began to race, my pulse started to quicken, and the excitement of the moment got the best of me.  I’m very predictable, in this way.  So, I ran upstairs grabbed my trusty laptop and ran back down into the lair.  Now there were four people on-line, Wi-Fi-ing our way onto the new and exciting frontier of Twitter…and I was one of them!

And I can happily report to you that I now have a Twitter account!!!

Yep, you read that properly.  I’m a Twitterer.  A Tweeter?  A Twitterite?  Whatever.  In fact, this was the content of my very first tweet…

“Okay, I'm on Twitter! Wow! This is cool! I'm on Twitter and I'm tweeting! Whoo hoo!!! .....Um...now what happens?”

It brings a tear to your eye, huh?

You say, “Dan, this is awesome!  This is fantastic!  How do we follow you on Twitter?”

I don’t know.  I still haven’t figured out what to do with it or what value it is.  In fact, judging from an error message that I received, there’s a slight possibility that I unintentionally messed up some type of functionality for several thousand other fellow Twitterers.  I’m hoping that’s not true.  But I have received several caustic mobile messages from Twitter users containing strong and, frankly, somewhat objectionable language.

[Note To Self:  Hmm, perhaps I should withhold my e-mail and mobile access until I actually know what I’m doing, huh?  ….Nah, that’s no fun.]

Nevertheless, I’m pretty sure that I successfully sent out a few tweets.

I know, I know, my grasp of this new social networking technology is an impressive thing to behold. 

Anyhow, I’m on my way!  And, I’m slightly confused, but, as best as I can tell at this point, I can be found on Twitter here:

http://twitter.com/danmarler

Becoming More Like Christ

When we are growing spiritually, our attitudes, our actions, our way of relating with others, our desires, even our perceptions of reality are becoming more like Christ. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

E-Flash From Dan, CORRECTION To Message Sent Earlier Today, 10/14/10

Dear E-Flash Friends;

It has been brought to my attention…by several eagle-eyed readers, that I made an error in my E-Flash message sent earlier today, 10/14/10.  (The good thing is this proved to me that people actually read these messages.)  I wrote that the Oktoberfest and the Trunk Or Treat events are happening on back-to-back weekends.  That is incorrect.

This is what happens when you read a calendar with the lights off, following a dosage of Nyquil.  So, I apologize for the incorrect information. 

Actually, there is a weekend in between the Oktoberfest and the Trunk or Treat event.  Oktoberfest is Sunday, October 17^th, and Trunk or Treat is Friday, October 29^th.  I was wrong about the “back-to-back weekends” part of the earlier E-Flash, but all the other stuff about the events—the fact that they’re fun and worthwhile and exciting—still holds.  And you are still cordially invited to the new series on the New Testament book of Colossians which begins this Sunday, October 17^th.

Again, I’m sorry for the confusion.  Please know that I have been properly chastised for my mistake by the “proper chastisers”.  And, frankly, this is just another indication that I need a little more sleep.  So, I’m taking away my television privileges, as punishment for my error, and I’m sending myself to bed without dessert.

Your humbled pastor,

Dan

E-Flash From Dan, October 14, 2010

Dear E-Flash Friends;

“Yodel-lay-hee-hoo!”

I’m practicing my yodeling because most of us typically do a good bit of yodeling at an Oktoberfest, right? 

[ I’ll take your quiet indifference to be a hearty “yes”! ]

We’re doing something crazy, and wacky, and out there!  Our church doesn’t normally do 2 big events on back-to-back weekends.  After all, some of us need a series of long daily naps after just one big event.  But we’re indomitable, we’re fired up, and we’re going for broke!

That’s right, we are going to do 2 big events in a row!  First, this weekend, Sunday, October 17^th, we’re going to be having our annual, all-church Oktoberfest.  It will be a lot of fun.  Food, games, music, braided hair…it will all be happening, this Sunday, immediately following the 11 o’clock service.

You say, “Dan, what does “braided hair” have to do with it?”

I have no idea.  I just threw that in to see if you were paying attention.

I cordially invite you to come to the 9 or 11 am service and then to the Oktoberfest, this Sunday.

And then, the very next weekend, as if we were a gigantic mega-church that could pull off huge events as easily as rolling out of bed, we will be having our world famous TRUNK OR TREAT.  Trunk or Treat is one of the biggest outreach events our church does each year.  We’re expecting somewhere close to *10,000 kids to attend this year’s Trunk or Treat!

[*Again, just seeing if you’re paying attention.]

At Trunk or Treat, we fill the trunk of our cars with candy and then we park the cars in the church parking lot and we turn the kids loose!  Then the kids “trick or treat” from trunk-to-trunk…thus the name: Trunk or Treat!  (The copyright on that name is still pending but we’re pretty sure it was invented at our church.)

Throughout the night there are also games for kids and the youth maze and other fun things, too.  Trunk or Treat happens Friday, October 29^th, at 7p.m.

You say, “Dan, how can we do all this?!?  It’s incredible!”

It’s because we pray.

…A LOT!!!

Oh, you know what?  I should mention this, too, since we’re chatting.  We’re starting a brand new series this Sunday (10/17) titled:  To Defeat A Lie, We Lift Him High!  This is a series based on the New Testament book of Colossians.  I believe you will be blessed, if you come.  I’m really excited about the first message in the series, it’s going to be powerful.  Maybe you could even invite someone.

And check out that series title, again.  Did you notice?  Yeah, I’ve finally come up with a series title that rhymes!  So, for that reason alone you should make an effort to be here.

I’m doing some push-ups, squats, and deep breathing exercises right now, to get myself ready for the next two weeks.  It’s going to be fun.  I invite you, once again, to be a part of these terrific times of fellowship.

Hope you’re having a great week.

Love and blessings,

Dan

*NOTE:  If you would like to have the E-Flash From Dan sent directly to your e-mail, send an e-mail message to: cog111st@aol.com; and write, “Please send me the E-Flash” in the “subject” field.

Loving God First And Foremost

We were created to love God first and foremost and above everything else. When we don’t love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, we are living contrary to our created purpose and it results in trouble. For example, if we love money more than God the result will be negative. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” 1Tim.6:10.  I hope you love God… A LOT today!

Who Has Permission To Speak The Truth To You?

There are things that we “don’t know” and we don’t even know that we don’t know them.  We often discover those things that “we don’t know that we don’t know” through others.  (Did you follow that?  Good, because I’m not sure I did.)  Here’s the question:  Are there any people who have permission to speak wisdom, correction, truth and help into your life?

Prayer Can Involve "Being Quiet"

Many years ago, my prayer life improved when I realized that prayer did not require me to talk non-stop the entire time I was engaged with God.  Prayer does involve talking to God, of course, but it can also involve simply being quiet and still and alert to God’s presence and His love.

"Popularity" Doesn't Make Something True

“Fallacies do not cease to be fallacies because they become fashions.” ~G.K. Chesterton.  It’s easy to become swayed by the popularity of an idea or behavior, but its popularity does not mean that it is true or good or right.

What's A Guy Like Me Doing At The Jr. Youth Lock-In?

From my house, I could see that there was some interesting activity happening over at the church.  So, even though it was already way past my bedtime, I decided to do something bold.  At 10:45 at night, I decided to go see what was happening at the “Jr. Youth Lock-In”.

I know, you’re probably saying, “Wow, that Dan is reckless, wild, slightly crazy and ready to try anything!”

Yep.

Just moments after I walked in the door, it was announced that we would be playing Hide & Seek.  Well, I must admit, it’s been a long time since I’ve played Hide & Seek.  In fact, the last time I played Hide & Seek was probably close to 60 years ago.  I’m a 52 year old minister, and as you can probably guess, we rarely play Hide & Seek at ministers’ meetings.  But everyone seemed to assume that I was there to participate, so, I thought, “Okay.  Sure.  Why not?”

[Don’t try to do the math from that previous paragraph, it will only confuse things further.]

In the first round of Hide & Seek, I quickly ran to my hiding spot but within half a minute, or so, four other students were crowded into the same hiding spot with me.

I said, “Hey, this is my hiding spot.  Go find another place.”

But, they didn’t listen to me.

Well, it was tricky, but making a strategic move—with the stealth of a ninja—I quickly located another spot and guess what?  I was the last person to be found.  Really.  I was the last one to be found, which made me the winner of round one and the recipient of…let’s see…well…I received…um…uh.

Well, anyhow, it made me the winner of round one!  Impressive, huh?

One round of Hide & Seek had been played and I had already established myself as a force to be reckoned with in this Jr. Youth Lock-In!

A little later, as the third round was getting underway, one of the adults noticed that we had already broken some type of shelf at the church.  Suddenly, the lights were turned on and the students were gathered together around the scene of the accident and it was pointed out that, yes, in fact, something had been broken and a mess had been made.

I’m not sure—because these things are tricky to prove—but I think several people were tilting their heads in my direction or inconspicuously crossing their arms and secretly pointing my way.  Then, before I knew it, there was some talk among the chaperones of calling Nadia and having her come to pick me up!

“Hey, what’s going on?!?” I thought.  I think I’m being framed!

Listening to the chaperones discuss the situation further, from my vantage point in the “Time Out” chair, I could tell that, once again, I was in trouble.  “How is this happening?” I wondered.  I didn’t remember breaking that shelf.  So, during a minor distraction, I slipped out a side door and headed back home.

And now, here I sit, typing.  It’s well past midnight and I’m tired.  This is very late for me, but, I must say, it sure was fun while it lasted.  For 45 minutes, or so, tonight, it was like I went back in time.  For that brief time, this evening, it was…oh…[wistfully] it was as if I was a kid in the youth group again.

Well, I suppose I better get going.  I still have a paper to write for English and I have an early morning test in Biology!  I’d hate to put those things off till the last minute.

Love Involves Risk

Many things in life that are valuable, worthwhile, and important require us to take a risk.  Love involves risk.  When we love, we risk being vulnerable; love makes us vulnerable to hurt or rejection.  But those who desire to “play it safe” and attempt risk-free living never LOVE fully and as a result, they never LIVE fully.

How Would You Like To Enroll In The Rachel School Of Career Development?

As we pulled the car into the garage, Rachel and I were talking about a young person in our neighborhood and Rachel asked me, “Where is Kristen going to college?”

I said, “I don’t know.  I don’t think she’s going to college.”

Rachel said, “You have to go to college.”

I said, “No.  Everybody doesn’t go to college.”

Now, with a little bit of irritation in her voice she reiterated, “You have to go to college.”

I told her, “Some people don’t go to college, they do something different like getting a job after high school.”

She was quiet for a few moments, pondering that reality, and then she said, “I’m going to college.”

I like to push her buttons, sometimes, so I said, “No, I think you need to get a job.  Isn’t it time for you to go out and earn a living?”

She said, “No way.  Uh uh.  Nice try, dad.”

“Yeah, I think you need to get a job,” I pushed it a little more.

She said, “No, I’m going to go to college and play video games.” 

I laughed.  She said it as if that was her final career destination.  I was amused by the certainty and assurance with which she made this statement.  “So that’s your plans for the future, huh,” I asked, “go to college and play video games?”

And as she walked into the house through the basement, she pulled the door closed and said, “Yep!” leaving me standing in the garage by myself.  I thought, “Well, at least she didn’t turn off the light on me.”  And then, of course, the light switched off.

Hmm, if she actually figures out a way to play video games for a living, there will be lots and lots of young people enrolled in the “Rachel School” of career development.

These are the tools of the trade at the Rachel 

School of career development.

What Will Delight God?

As we grow in spiritual maturity our goals move beyond “what will God ALLOW me to get away with?”  And they move increasingly toward “what will DELIGHT God?”

Culture Does Not Dictate Reality...God Dictates Reality

Audio message titled:  "Culture Does Not Dictate Reality...God Dictates Reality"
Jeremiah 17:5-8

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Sometimes Love Will Involve A Bit More Maturity

Is it possible that loving certain people in our lives will take time?  Yes it is, because to love certain people may require a pretty good measure of maturity, and maturity takes time.  But this is not a justification for being unloving, rather, it is a reminder and a word of encouragement for pursuing a mature faith in Christ.

The Social Network Movie

In the last scene of The Social Network, an attractive attorney who is working on Mark Zuckerberg’s case, has to turn down an offer to go grab something to eat with him and he is left sitting alone in an office conference room.  He’s the lonely young billionaire.

I find Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook, and the main character in The Social Network, to be a fascinating fellow—at least as he’s played in the movie.  He doesn’t always come across as likeable in the movie, but he is always interesting.  Zuckerberg is one of those people who is absolutely brilliant and yet he is socially awkward.  It might even be fair to describe him as, socially, somewhat unaware.

Most of us have known someone who was frighteningly smart in terms of basic intelligence and yet the person didn’t know how to get along very well with other people.  Right?  It’s the person with the genius IQ who has trouble having an ordinary conversation involving small talk.  That’s Zuckerberg.

This is established in the very first scene of the movie.  In this scene, Zuckerberg and his girlfriend, Erica, are sitting in a bar on the campus of Harvard University and after he bothers, annoys, and, even, insults her, she tells us him that she is going to her dorm to study and that she is no longer his girlfriend.

That’s not a great way to end the evening.

The scene unfolds with some snappy dialogue that involves Erica telling Mark that dating him is “exhausting” because, she says, “going out with you is like dating a Stairmaster.”

Their exchange ends with Erica delivering this zinger: “Listen, you’re going to be successful and rich.  But you’re going to go through life thinking that girls don’t like you because you’re a tech geek.  And I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, that that won’t be true.  It’ll be because you’re an… #x@*&!” 

This movie was interesting to me because of the Mark Zuckerberg character, in addition to that, the creation of Facebook is an interesting story.  In fact, the whole phenomenon of Facebook is fascinating to me.  Why do certain things catch on?  Facebook started at Harvard University and initially was opened selectively to various other universities.  At every university where it was made available thousands of students signed up within days.  Why is that the case?

Social networks already existed prior to Facebook, it was not a new concept.  Even the exclusivity of Facebook, which is highlighted in the movie as an important ingredient to its success, wasn’t a new concept.  So, why did it catch on so effectively and ultimately bypass other social networks, like MySpace, which had a great head start?

[If you know the answers to those questions, by the way, you might be “billionaire” material.]

I found the story of Facebook to be told in a compelling way in The Social Network.  And, believe me, it’s amazing that I’ve used the word “compelling” about a movie that does not contain a single explosion.  In fact, at no time during the movie was the word “kung fu” ever mentioned, and I still liked it.  Maybe I’m growing up, huh?  [Oh wait…what was I thinking?  That can’t be it.]

Ultimately, though, there was a sort of sad irony to the movie.  Mark creates the world’s most successful online social networking site allowing millions of people to be connected and, yet, he winds up being sued by the friends that he makes along the way, including his best friend.

At the end of the movie some follow-up type of information about several characters was provided in text on the screen.  The last bit of this follow-up information stated that Mark Zuckerberg is the world’s youngest billionaire.  And we’re reminded that a person can be very rich and still be lonely, in which case we have to wonder: Are you really rich?

Dan Marler

Oak Lawn, IL

Do Our Expectations Affect Our Experience?

What do we really expect God to do?  Do we EXPECT Him to be active and involved in our lives?  Do we expect Him to transform us into the likeness of Christ?  Do we expect Him to empower us and give life through His Holy Spirit?  Is it possible that our expectations, or lack of expectations, may have some impact on what we actually experience?

Healthy Connections To Others Are Important

Real love binds us to others—particularly, others in the body of Christ.  So, if we are living an isolated life it’s very possible that we are not connected in a healthy way to the body of Christ and it’s possible that love is not operative in our life the way Christ designed it to be.  “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Col.3:14

Engaging The Head And The Heart

“When the intellect engages with a fact, the fact is stored as truth, and belief results. In contrast, the heart believes only what it experiences.…We’re created to establish belief through two pathways—cognitive and experiential...only when both pathways are engaged does belief become complete.” ~Judith Hougen.  For TRUE belief, we need to engage both the “head” and the “heart”.

You Were Wondering If Wilson Is Orange Yet?

I wrote a story a while back [Sept. 17^th] about a pumpkin—we named him “Wilson”—that began growing in our yard after Nadia threw out the remains of an old pumpkin by some bushes after Halloween, last year.  Nadia wasn’t cultivating pumpkin plants on purpose.  There was nothing intentional about this, Wilson just began growing on his own.  Back in September when I wrote the original story about Wilson he was completely green, as you can see from the picture that accompanied that story.  And we wondered if he would ever turn orange.  Come on, who ever heard of a green pumpkin?

Well, Nadia did some research [that means she typed some key words into Google] and she read that when a pumpkin is picked from the vine it will turn to the orange color that we’re all familiar with.

Yesterday, someone asked me, “Hey, how is Wilson doing?  Is he turning orange, yet?”

Those questions got me thinking that I should probably provide an update.  So, I took a picture of Wilson earlier today—it’s now early October—and you can see that, yes, he is slowly, gradually becoming more orange.  I don’t know how the ripening process happens, but Wilson is starting to look like the kind of pumpkins that we all know and love.  He’s got a ways to go still, sure, but he’s getting there.

Now, I had no idea when I took the photo earlier today, that I was in for quite a surprise.  But later this afternoon, something happened. 

I accidentally walked into the bathroom without knocking on the door, and my jaw hit the floor.  I discovered that Wilson hadn’t been turning orange, naturally.  I caught Wilson with some of Nadia’s make-up and other cosmetics.  That’s right, Wilson was turning orange…but it was all being done artificially!  It was Orange-In-A-Bottle!

I had heard that pumpkins do this kind of thing, sometimes, but I never guessed…that…well…Wilson?  Really?  Wilson is using Orange-In-A-Bottle?

Boy, am I stunned!

But you know what?  I have to admit.  I keep going outside to peek at him and the truth is, ….he’s actually looking pretty good!

So, I’ve got to get running.  I’m going to Walgreens to get some…well, never mind…I’m not telling.  But I’ve got a feeling that soon I’m going to be looking a lot better.

Life In God's Kingdom Involves Serving Others

Hey!  Here's your chance to listen to an audio message.  Really.  I'm not kidding.  This must be your lucky day!  It's titled:  "Life In God's Kingdom Involves Serving Others".

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The Personal Nature of Real Love

God calls us to love everyone but that doesn’t mean we will have the same kind of love or the same intensity of loving feelings for everyone.  This reality does not represent a flaw in love, rather it reflects the nuance, beauty and personal nature of real love.