the corridor

Tebow: "All He Does Is Win"

2011-12-15T16:38:00.000-06:00

Classic. Thanks Conrad.

insert catchy title here

2011-10-19T15:47:00.000-05:00

Last weekend Ashley ran a half marathon in Des Moines. She is only 5 months removed from having her first kid. What a rockstar. I, of course, was more than willing to wheel Kota around in her stroller while sipping on a warm cup of coffee and trying to figure out whether the race day map that I was given was in fact of downtown Des Moines. It was, and we were able to see mom cruise the homestretch, receive a crappy little medal, and steal dad a few Myoplex protein drinks before all was said and done. After processing the day in her right mind, I think that Ashley concluded that running 13.1 miles was in fact the easy part. It was getting up at the crack of dawn, driving to Des Moines, finding a place to park, feeding the baby, and getting a good pre-race pee in that proved difficult. Like so many of the sages will tell you (and tell you, and tell you), "having kids changes everything." Thank you dear sages.

Meanwhile, back at Veritas, there were 5 people who were about to get baptized. Each one of these stories is so unique, so authentic, so compelling. God is at work.

Baptisms - Oct 16th 2011 from Veritas Church on Vimeo.

One of these stories is Raquel's. Pretty sure it's worth 10 minutes of your time.

This is my God story - Raquel from Veritas Church on Vimeo.

in case you missed it

2011-09-29T10:54:00.000-05:00

Here are two videos from the greater Veritas/Salt community. 1 has purpose. And 1 has...well...less purpose. Or does it? You be the judge.

Adoleo - Waiting for You. from Gabriel Noll on Vimeo.

N. O. B. L. E. from Veritas Church on Vimeo.

Veritas's 1st year

2011-09-13T16:25:00.000-05:00

After a lengthy hiatus, I have returned to the blogosphere. And...

I am conflicted about this post. As usual my friend, colleague, brother, Mark Arant has beat me to the punch on this (btw, he is a much better blogger than I am - metropuritan.blogspot.com/); but I digress.

Last Sunday Veritas turned 1 year old. It's hard to believe; even harder to quantify all that God has done. But "strangers have joined us...they have attached themselves to the house of Jacob" (Isaiah 14); and we have been privileged to be a part of it.

Here's a glimpse at what we've seen:

One Year Anniversary of Veritas Church from Veritas Church on Vimeo.

Makes us all wonder: what will God do next?

Confessions (1)

2011-06-17T13:15:00.000-05:00

A few nights ago I had a very hard conversation with my wife. It went something like this:

"Ashley, I have something I need to tell you," I said.

"I hate it when you start a conversation like that, it makes me nervous," Ashley replied. "Do I really want to know? What is it?"

The pit in my stomach was formidable now.

"I'm not sure how to say this to you," I continued. "But...it's something you need to know."

"Just tell me Jeff!"

There was no turning back now. It was time to come clean.

"Okay...I've been listening to Country music," I admitted.

The look was one of utter disgust. And to be honest, I deserved it. I'd been the Saul of 'Country' my entire life. Dismissing it, disparaging it, persecuting all who listened to it. How could people enjoy this!?!? It was so simple, so corny, so lame!!!

And then (seemingly overnight) - 1) I had a kid - 2) and looked at the world - 3) and became a hypocrite.

(Back to the conversation)

"WHY!?!? Why would you do something like that? What are your reasons?" Ashley demanded.

Here's why - and believe me this reasoning is riddled with holes. But I started to imagine family vacations, working in the garage with the radio on, taking Kota to soccer practice - and the content of the music that very well may end up shaping her life (our lives). And here's what I've come to realize...

Observation #1:
Country music's primary audience - it's intended audience - is people who are in loving, committed, monogamous relationships. That's what they're singing about, that's what they're working toward, that's the goal.

Hip Hop's primary audience - it's intended audience - is people who are in casual, non-committed, 'loose' relationships. Hence the multiple references to 'booty', 'hoes', and 'creeping in the club' (holy crap I sound old).

All I'm saying is that I would take my daughter to a Kenny Chesney concert; but I'd never take her to a Ludacris concert. I've been to one of those.

Observation #2:
Country music produces happy thoughts, pictures, emotions in me. There remains a real, a simple, a true innocence about life (and all that comes with it). Of course this does include some major "cheese" - which my cynicism pounces on like a pack of cheetahs on a baby gazelle. But more often than not I find myself carefree, buoyant, thankful when listening to it.

I remember often ridiculing my college buddies for their small-town naivety (they of course loved Country). Maybe the truth was that I wanted to see the world like they did all along.

It seems to me that the only genre that does as much (or more) to inspire this outlook - is worship music. And don't get feisty, I'm not giving these the same value - but they may be just a few of the influences that my dad would throw into the 'edification' bag.

Now I could be wrong, but listening to bands, artists, performers - exalting their libido, rattling off their sexual exploits, talking about their cash-money-records - these may not fit into that bag. But...those beats are hott (and yeah I used two t's). Kota just rolled her eyes at me (and she's only a month old).

Observation #3:
Country music (prepare now your exasperated cringe) - Country music tells great stories. I remember driving Tim Aalsma's Chevy Blazer to class when I was a freshman at Northwestern - making sure the windows were rolled up tight as I put Kenny Rogers "The Greatest" single into the CD player. It tells of a little boy whose unyielding optimism - takes his ongoing failure - and turns it into his greatest success.

Life is a collection of stories - ones we move in, breath in, exist in (someone write that down). I suppose that I'd like my little girl living in the chapters of a Country song - with family and chivalry and romance - rather than in the pages of Pop - with skin and sin and weekend benders.

I'm not really sure how to end this post. I don't think I see myself wearing wranglers, or watching rodeo, or even searching Rascal Flatts on i-tunes (can't stand those dudes). And so maybe Country music is just a mark, a symbol, a sign - one that points to the reality of being a father - and wanting a safer, a softer, a more innocent world for my daughter to live in. Or...maybe I'm just a big puss.

highjacking real forgiveness (Salt blog June 2nd)

2011-06-03T16:26:00.000-05:00

“I’ll forgive, but I’ll never forget”

I’m not sure where this phrase, this idea, this sentiment comes from – but I’m quite sure it isn’t Biblical.

In Matthew, Chapter 18, Peter (the official spokesman of the 12) asks Jesus a rather pointed question: “Lord” he says, “how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?

There are a few things that sort of ‘stand out’ – in the way that Peter phrases this inquiry:

1) He clearly makes a very sharp (and self-righteous) distinction between him and the offending party. How so? First, by his ‘ordering’ of the sentence. Second, by his contrasting of specific behaviors, patterns, character. Look at it again:

“How often shall my brother sin against me….AND…how often shall I forgive him”

2) Immediately following this simple but leading question – Peter gives his own response: “Up to seven times?”

Translation: “Check it one time JC – your boy is killing it. He goes above and beyond what most would consider ‘righteous’. Am I right?!?! Now, give me some love – let it be known who’s setting the tone for your followers.”

3) Why does Peter settle on 7? Why not 5 – 13 – 29? Simple – 7 represented accomplishment, completion, perfection. This harkens back to Genesis and the creation of the world. 7 is God’s number right? Peter is just preempting Jesus’ response with the right, the Sunday School, the gold-star answer.

Jesus’ reply, response, standard – like we’ve seen throughout Matthew’s gospel – raises the proverbial bar…exponentially: “I do not say to you, up to seven times…but up to seventy times seven.”

BOOM!!! “Peter…I love you bro, but you’re a Christian Butthead!” (Okay, maybe that’s more Mark Arant than Jesus).

Jesus (gracious, patient, calculating) gives an answer that raises up and chews up and swallows Peter’s answer whole – and then he colors it in via story. A king, a slave, an exceptional debt. No means to repay it. And looming consequences.

But wait. This king – he offers compassion, release – he forgives the debt.

This slave, this pardon, this second chance. Certainly he will go out rejoicing – it will change his life forever – he will pay it forward – right?

And yet…it doesn’t – he doesn’t.

On the other side of the same situation - he is harsh and stubborn and unwilling to forgive. Only (and here’s the rub) this isn’t the same situation at all.

This evil slave owed the king Ten Thousand Talents. Check the margins of your Study Bible people – just One Talent adds up to more than FIFTEEN YEARS of wages.

Verse 28 says, “But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him A Hundred Denarii; and seized him and began to choke him saying, ‘Pay back what you owe.’”

A Hundred Denarii adds up to – get this - One Day’s wages!

Of course in Jesus’ story – God is the compassionate king – the One who, when dishonored and devalued and wronged…immeasurably – chooses to forgive…immeasurably.

And we (His sinful, His debt-incurring, His helpless slaves) must do the same - even though, it will never be the same. A Hundred Denarii simply can’t compare to Ten Thousand Talents

Jesus’ last statement of this chapter is sobering. He says, “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”

‘From your heart’ is more than telling. To say that you’ve ‘forgiven’ – but that you will ‘never forget’ - what does that communicate about the condition of your heart?

The king forgives, and then he forgets, and so must we – seventy times seven.

Jesus, Satan, and my homeys (Summer Salt Blog - May 31st)

2011-06-02T14:15:00.000-05:00

In Matthew 16 - in the span of just minutes - Peter (the apostle, the rock, one of the ‘Sons of Thunder) - moves from receiving one of the greatest encouragements of all time - to receiving one of the most outstanding rebukes of all time. Both…come from Jesus.

After posing a question about His identity (to His boys, His inner circle, the Twelve) - Jesus praises Peter for his response: ”You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

“Blessed are you Simon” replies Jesus. Upon YOU…I will build my church. To YOU…I give the keys to the kingdom. Peter must have worked hard to hide his blush, his grin, his delight in these affirmations from his Lord

So it must have been shocking later, as he pulled Jesus aside to help Him restate some of His future intentions, to get straight up kicked in the teeth (at least verbally). ”Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me.”

“No…but wait a second Lord. It’s me! It’s Simon. It’s Peter. The Blessed One, the Rock, the Key-Master.”

Of course this harkens back to the days leading up to the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. After His baptism, after His Father praised His obedience and said “this is My beloved So, in whom I am well-pleased.”

Do you remember the next chapter of the story? Jesus, led by the Spirit, goes out into the wilderness. And it’s there - isolated, vulnerable, alone - it’s there…that He is tempted by Satan. Again and again Satan tries to distract and distort and disrupt God’s purpose for Jesus. ”You don’t have to submit! You’re an equal of God’s. Just step outside of His will for You…and receive ALL OF THIS!” Sound familiar?

I love that Jesus doesn’t spare Peter this rebuke. He could have easily been softer, gentler, more understanding. I mean it wasn’t like Peter was acting intentionally, like Satan was - trying to maliciously thwart God’s plan of salvation for the world . Peter was just ignorant.

But Jesus doesn’t hold back. ”This is what God has for me! This is what God has for us! Don’t you dare get in the way of that!”

Of course Peter would ‘get it’ soon enough. He would ‘get it’ - and he would give his life for it. But he might not have had Jesus not been loving enough to help him reorient his minds-eye. ”For you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” How Peter must have replayed that, over and over again.

There are a number of very relevant life applications to process here. Certainly one of them has to be: are there people getting in the way of God’s purpose(s) for you?; are they your family?; your friends?; your inner circle?

And…how are you responding? Is God’s will for your life enough…to call someone ‘Satan’? Definitely something to chew on.

Oh and by the way, just for the sake of clarity, don’t really call them Satan - probably not going to be very effective. Only realize, that unbeknownst to them, Satan may be using them to distract and distort and disrupt God’s purpose for you.

girls, photos, drama

2011-05-29T19:55:00.000-05:00

On Kota's 11th day of life, she had a PHOTO SHOOT! Girls will be girls right?

Ashley's friend Sarah Nebel is a very talented artist who has her very own studio in Riverside, Iowa - the self-proclaimed future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk (one more reason the rest of the nation is making fun of Iowa).

We took outfits, we took accessories, we took diapers - and Kota struck a pose - poses even. But it took a while. Babies don't seem to care a whole lot about your 'timetable'.

God help me, I've just realized I have a girl! Dresses, and frills, and calculating frowns will turn into school dances and credit cards and little Justin Beiber's - where's my shotgun honey? And the emotions! I've seen a few meltdowns in my day (probably caused a few if I'm honest). Oh the luxury of stepping aside, shrugging it off, walking away. I remember standing next to my college football coach in the gymnasium one day as a female basketball player ran past us balling. And she was 22. He turned to me and said, "that's why I don't coach girls. I don't know what to do with that." Neither do I coach.

Okay, so I'm a little ahead of myself. Currently, Kota remains an infant.

So maybe my prayer life becomes a healthy balance of the woman I want her to be - and the women I want her to avoid. God have mercy - give me the grace to raise a woman of character - and not a high maintenance drama queen with a pierced navel (no offense to anyone with a pierced navel). I digress.

Kota's 'professional' shots will be done soon. Until then, here are some of her dad's:

Check out www.sarahnebelphotography.com/ - she's got crazy skills

"Can I get a little couch space please?"

"Ahhhhh!!!"

"Thinking about my next move"

"Milk is good"

"I can see your heart Mom"

"Already working dad over"

baby kota

2011-05-18T22:44:00.000-05:00

How many transitions in life are there? 100's? 1,000's even? Often times, somewhere in the middle of the 'big ones', I've found myself thinking (saying), "Am I really here right now? Is this really my life?"

Well, I've found myself there again. On Tuesday, May 17th, at 3:42a.m., Kota Ryan Thune was born. She's beautiful! My brother Bob, after rebuking me via Facebook for not posting any pictures, asked me how I was doing - how I was feeling? I'm still trying to figure out how to respond. This space, this moment, it's just so surreal. I'm a father now. How did that happen (that's a rhetorical question - feel free to rescue your mind from the gutter)?

Transitions turn into realities, and the same is true in this case. But I think this one may take awhile. My wife was an absolute rock star, receiving no drugs, no epidural, delivering her first child 'all naturale'. But we both agree, that prideful hearts are of little concern. God was ahead of us, in the room with us, sovereign over it all.

So...am I really here right now? Is this really my life? I hope so.

Here are just a few pics Bob. More to Kota's first full day in this world. Enjoy.

Yes I know she's upside down

The Thune girls

Jarryd Cole and Kota - they have a special bond

And...Big Joe. Only question...which one is cuter?

Grandma Dubbs. I know, I know, how can she possibly be a grandma.

Happy Valentine's Day Baby

2011-02-14T16:03:00.001-06:00

The above photo is from Ashley's 20 week ultrasound. She is about 25 weeks now. Crazy how the time flies when you're not doing any of the work. I have been observing the process though. A few things that stand out thus far:

My wife's belly! Thing is huge! And growing everyday.
Notice the bicep on this kid! Not bad. Not bad at all.
I came home today - and found a "Baby Einstein - Musical Motion Activity Jumper". DANG IT!!! My kid is already spoiled, and it isn't even born yet.
Ever heard of a "doula"? Are you serious! So much I don't know.
We are just a few months out, and I've yet to read one 'expecting father' book - CRAP!!!

holiday pics

2011-01-09T22:38:00.000-06:00

Christmas 2011 - the child hasn't even arrived - but Baby Thune is already raking it in

Luke's scooter post-Thanksgiving Break --- struggling

New Year's Resolution - keep a tidy office. Mark is on it

'Stache' on the Tree - thank you Jenelle Muse

Keith Green - the early years

Just lost a lot of respect for Barnes and Noble

Chris Huenink - ugliest sweater winner!!!

My first official painting---ever! It now hangs in the Veritas/Salt offices (319 is the area code of the I.C.)

christmas 2010

2010-12-26T15:49:00.000-06:00

Ashley, her family (Jerald, Lisa, Jordan and Landon) and I shot this during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. My folks (Bob and Ruthie) spent the holidays in Indio, California. This was our attempt to bring them to Iowa City - and Christmas 2010. Mommy and Daddy T - we love you, we miss you, we wish you were here! Can you hear that? The Midwest is calling you home for Christmas 2011!!! Do not stand her up - she a mean ole' sucker when she is spurned. Hahaha!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Veritas/Salt Company - 2010

2010-12-23T10:19:00.000-06:00

The Veritas / Salt Year-End Recap :: Dec 2010 from Veritas Church on Vimeo.

Just a glimpse at what God is doing here in Iowa City.

A God-Story

2010-12-14T17:08:00.000-06:00

The Hill Family - How God has been with us from Veritas Church on Vimeo.

This is just one of the many stories that God is writing in our midst.

What a privilege to watch Him move.

Veritas' First Baptisms

2010-11-15T14:37:00.000-06:00

Veritas Baptisms from Veritas Church on Vimeo.

Veritas baptized its first 7 people yesterday - Sharon, Jeremy, Kurt, Lindsey, Megan, Kelly, and Frank.

We got to hear their stories during our Sunday morning service - they were amazing!

Then, as a church, we walked down to the local Rec. Center - and lined the edges of the pool - as our brothers and sisters made an obedient 'proclamation' of WHO it is - that they're living for.

We praise God for all that He's doing among us!

"Saaabbbiiinnnooo"

2010-11-11T14:30:00.000-06:00

Sabino on the Dance Floor from Veritas Church on Vimeo.

Mark Arant - metropuritan.blogspot.com/ - has already posted this.

But let's be honest - it's worth a second look. YEAH BOY!!!

The Gentlemen's Academy - I.C.

2010-11-05T00:07:00.000-05:00

Greetings to our brethren in Lincoln.

"Each man a gentleman."

the last month - a few choice pics

2010-10-21T20:02:00.000-05:00

Making room for the worship screen @ Salt

The Rec Center Shower (before I used it)

"the ruckus" - recognize!

Our offices are adjacent to a beauty salon. This lonely extension was in the parking lot

Ashley's dessert 'spread' at our first Connection Group

Spaid's toe - a casualty of Salt set-up

Mark and I chartered our own plane to get to Ames for a church planters get together (more on that later)

The I.C. as we rise to 6,000 feet

The picture-perfect cup of coffee - care of Paradise Lights

Our plane. We got lucky - hitched a ride with the boys from Calvary (Muscatine)

a different bar

2010-10-08T22:41:00.000-05:00

I want to preface this - with a bit of an admission: I am a slacking blogger. I see it, I admit it, I repent of it. Shoot, even this post is over a week old. So - please - forgive my inconsistency, or complete absence rather. Now then, let's move on.

The New Venue - Salt Company (I.C.) started out meeting in the Blue Moose Tap House; and what a great venue! It was downtown, well-known, accessible. However, "the Moose" is also one of the most sought after locations for well-known bands on the Midwest leg of their tour. That being said, some weeks (depending on what 'show's have been promoted) we end up getting bumped.

So...where to? We'd been asking God that same question for well over a month. Finally, after door upon door swung shut - we circled back to a place called "The Fiield House". As one of the barmaids from the Blue Moose explained to us - The Moose and The Field House are essentially both bars. But the difference is the atmosphere and cliental. The Moose - with so many on tap - serves primarily beer. The Field House, on the other hand, is much more of a club - base-thumping music, dancing, and shots. It just feels darker.

As we moved in lighting and gear last Tuesday - we were all given to pause. How is this going to turn out? Will people show up? Will God show up? Can the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ really conquer a place like this? We hit our knees on the sticky, black-light lit floor - and prayed that God would reign in that place. Then Mark suggested that the 8 of us - sing "Holy, Holy, Holy" over the place. The verse, "Holy, Holy, Holy, though the darkness hide Thee - though the eyes of sinful man Thy Glory may not see," seemed rather pertinent. The sound of our voices echoed through that place, almost as a sign of what was to come. It was as if God was calming our hearts for what He was going to do there. And - sure enough - He showed up. People came, His Spirit came, something happened.

It's still amazing to me how God draws people. God draws people, and then, as the Gospel is preached - as Christ is exalted - His Spirit moves in and moves on people's hearts and lives. And yes, that's what 'happened'. As our guys stepped away from the mic during "From the Inside Out" (Hillsong United) - that entire place (that entire bar) was filled with voices just praising Jesus Christ. Even if they didn't know Him - they were drawn into something so full of life.

Of course, there are many, sort of 'side-stories' - worthy of being mentioned here: like the bartender getting caught up in the Truth of God's Word; or the hurting students who came back to receive prayer; or even the barmaids from the Blue Moose, coming over because they didn't want to miss Salt.

All of us - who've ever been in full-time ministry (whatever that means) - we've all spent a good amount of time being "evaluators" - I think I want to spend more time simply being a participant.

For the praise of His Glory.

Our 1st 'Church' Service

2010-09-23T13:01:00.000-05:00

First Veritas service recap from Veritas Church on Vimeo.

1st Salt Video

2010-09-09T11:33:00.000-05:00

I promised more was coming...here it is. God moved, we followed, this is a taste of what went down. Thanks so much for thinking of us, praying for us, supporting what God's doing.

(This is a Lance Allgood production - awesome job Lance!)

The First Salt Company in Iowa City from Veritas Church on Vimeo.

what is sin?

2010-09-09T11:06:00.000-05:00

We shot this for a series we're doing @ Salt that centers on the fundamentals of the gospel. I thought some of the responses we got were interesting.

The Daily Iowan

2010-09-02T14:12:00.002-05:00

Alicia Kramme writes about Salt Company I.C.

Check out the link below:

http://www.dailyiowan.com/2010/09/02/Metro/18532.html

Mold, Potlucks, and Junior High

2010-08-30T22:04:00.001-05:00

R to L - Mark Oestreicher, Jeff Thune, and Mark Arant. "MarkO" was Mark and my Junior High pastor. It was awesome to reconnect - find out all that God is doing in and through him - and allow Mark (Arant) to repent for being such a punk in Junior High - seriously!

Our 3rd (or 4th potluck) @ City Park - "Veritas" Church officially launches in 2 weeks, which is good - there's not as much luck in the pot as there used to be. But dang was that homemade mac n' cheese good!

Duvick gets friendly with the mold covering the Arant Family belongings

And yes, Duvick disinfects the deep freeze - the work of an intern is never done

Ryan, Jenee, and 'Sammy' Harmon - headed to Madrid later this year

The 'side' pony (spotted at Whitey's) - never really out-of-style

The 1st

2010-08-27T12:13:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, August 25th was the very first Salt Company - Iowa City. As expected, it is nearly impossible to consolidate everything that went down in a concise, well-articulated blog post. Well, maybe it's not - my good friend and ministry partner Mark Arant has actually done it quite well - I can't stand that guy! To visit his blog, go to http://metropuritan.blogspot.com/

Here are a few of my reflections from "The 1st":

1) God drew people. From Iowa City, from Cedar Rapids, even from Ames (we had a fair share of supporters from Cornerstone there - very cool). I received an email on Monday of this week from a mom in Arizona. Her son is a freshman at the University of Iowa this year. She so desperately wanted him to connect with a community who exalts and proclaims Christ. Spaid and I had coffee with him on Tuesday, and he was at Salt on Wednesday - thrilled to have found a place to 'connect'. God's drawing people is a remarkable thing!

2) The Blue Moose Tap House. It's pretty crazy to do 'church' in a bar and have the bartenders and barmaids coming back, and standing in the doorway just to see exactly WHAT-IT-IS that's going on. This venue has big 'shows'(concerts) all the time, but even it's employees were ducking their heads in to see this "worship of the King".

3) Prayer. There are times when you hear people say things like "I knew - I FELT that people were praying for me." In this case, it was so very true. We had asked people to be praying, we knew people were praying, and we FELT God responding to those prayers. Thank you for hitting your knees on our behalf!

4) Connections. This is hard to describe but let me try to give you a quick snapshot. At the end of the night, we had our Connection Group Leaders standing in the back, attempting to meet, greet, invite people to their Connection Groups (think small groups with a sexier name). In the back corner of the room, I saw one of our young leaders (who had been to China on a short-term missions trip this summer) surrounded by Asians. God had not only softened his heart toward internationals this summer, He was now BRINGING them to him. I had to chuckle inside - amazing!

5) Authentic Worship. This little phrase gets thrown around a lot - but it remains difficult to find. We have some extremely talented musicians, writers, leaders here - but more than that they are 'worshippers'. This, in many ways, is a product of Mark Arant's influence. To watch him jumping around, hands raised, so alive and at home worshipping his God - I was so thankful.

6) Servants. Mark already eluded to this in his latest post, but it's worth repeating. God has brought us an amazing crew of get'r'done boys (and girls). Of course Clint already has them working like a well oiled machine, but they honor Christ and challenge us, with their hearts and hands and spirit.

I wanted to give 7 reflections - primarily because 7 is God's number (according to my 2nd grade Sunday School teacher). But this is a blog post, not a short story, and I've got a cluttered garage to organize - Dang It!!!

August 25, 2010 - Salt Company Iowa City

2010-08-26T15:01:00.000-05:00

First Salt in the Blue Moose - How He Loves from Veritas Church on Vimeo.

Here's a quick look at "Salt - I.C" @ the Blue Moose Tap House.

Don't forget to turn up your volume! --- More to come very soon!

T-Shirt Snobbery

2010-08-07T16:51:00.000-05:00

I have known many men who, at the offer of a free t-shirt, come running - I am not one of those men. There are simply too many unknowns: 1) In what must I participate in order to receive it? - 2) Doesn't "free" really mean "crappy"? - 3) Is it a "one-size-fits-all" offer? (which generally means Double XL's all the way around). I don't want any more "free" t-shirts, they never make it out of my closet. I've thought through this more than I should, and I have my conclusions.

First and foremost, being mildly selective when purchasing (or receiving) a t-shirt - is more than just okay, it's necessary. The push-back, of course, comes from those clinging to the ideal strong and silent type of yesteryear - the man's man who wore whatever his wife set out for him because 'being fashionable' just wasn't on his radar. After all, that kind of talk belongs in the sitting room with the woman folk. However (I would contend) that kind of man worked in the factory for 30-40 plus years and didn't have access to the killer graphic T's that we do! Am I right, or am I right?!?! Seriously friends, and hear me on this: I am in no way condoning a metrosexual worldview, just a healthy balance between all things "Affliction", and old-school Wrangler denim.

Second, and practically just as important, you need a system. How to quickly and painlessly decide whether or not a particular t-shirt warrants your further consideration. There is no fail-safe methodology here - but here are a few non-bulleted bullet points that may help:

1) Look at the BRAND - if the tag says Gildan, Jerzees, or Hanes Beefy T...walk away. Alternative and/or American Apparel are considered slightly trendy, but are recommended nonetheless.

2) Consider the LENGTH - a) of the shirt itself - and b) of it's sleeves. The shirt itself should sit just barely above the crotch, at least halfway down your backside (depending on the sag of your jeans and the scope of your buttocks). The sleeves should come to rest no more than an inch or two above the elbow. Again balance is the key - finding a happy space somewhere between Smedium and G-Unit is advised. NEWS-FLASH: If you're still rocking Hollister or anything with a white seagull cresting your left breast, do us all a favor: go home, take it off, and burn it - then burn the closet or drawer where it used to come to rest. This brand violates both of these - and yes, it's time to let go.

3) Examine the FIT - Someone, somewhere once said, "no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace by those who have been trained by it". Sketchy use of Scripture I know, but here's my point: I hate fitting rooms just as much as (or more than) the next guy. I always feel like I'm in a prison cell - a prison cell with full length mirrors and a really helpful guard who just wants to get me the right size. However, this momentary inconvenience has a huge payoff - I know the shirt works before I walk out of the store with it. There should be fitting rooms for hair-cuts.

Of course there are other factors to consider (i.e. "is this me" is often overlooked but of central importance) - but a simple awareness that you don't have to wear just any t-shirt is a doorway to freedom. May you run blissfully through it pulling along others as you go!

vlog 1 (covenant)

2010-08-01T13:40:00.000-05:00

Scentsy?

2010-08-01T13:14:00.000-05:00

Please tell me you've heard of "Scentsy"? What about Scentsy parties? I realize that I'm lagging behind this growing phenomenon of warm and inviting living spaces everywhere - BUT - I'd like to think that it has something to do with a still lingering masculinity and a fear of accumulating needless trinkets.

"Scentsy" are flameless, sootless, wickless candles. THANK GOD right!?!? I know, I know - I hear stories all the time of houses and businesses and quaint little cottages that have burned down due to the senseless wicks and flames of the outdated "Yankee" candles of yesteryear. Needless tragedies!

Scentsy has travel tins, and hanging fresheners, and room sprays, and aromatic bricks and bars - but their real claim to fame is "Scentsy Parties" (think Pampered Chef). You can host a Scentsy party simply by having a passion for wickless candles and then contacting an Authentic Scentsy Consultant (or becoming one yourself). There's a Scentsy Party in your area, and they aren't hard to find - my wife found one. Twenty five bucks later we are fully equipped with echo, vanilla suede, and clove and cinnamon candle inserts - well-suited for a variety of social gatherings. And I cannot tell you how excited I am!

Thank you Scentsy! Thank you for changing my life!

The Progressive Sanctification of Taste-Buds

2010-07-28T13:45:00.001-05:00

Random Musings - PART 1

Is it possible that the accuracy of our taste-buds is enhanced over time? Here's why I ask: Have you ever stood behind an elderly woman at the deli counter?

"Now...the maple-roasted turkey - exactly what kind of maple syrup is used in that?"

IMPLICATION: "I WILL be able to distinguish the quality and character of the syrup used!"

So, is this a superpower? Perhaps not, but there are some telling evidences that may lend credence to it. Here are three:

1) The diversification of a palette as one grows and matures (i.e. I hated broccoli as a kid and now I love it). Adults don't typically eat mashed carrots from Gerber foods.

2) At some point - usually post-college - the priority shifts from QUANTITY (i.e. heaps of inexpensive preservative-laden cuisines such as pizza, mac-n-cheese, and Ramen noodles) to QUALITY (i.e. pre-determined portions of fresh vegetables, fine cuts of meat, natural grains). "But doesn't this have much to do with one's life chapter and socioeconomic status," you ask. Yes. But I would contend that there are plenty of trust fund snobs, living in the condo that daddy bought for their undergrad, who are eating Totino's pizza rolls tonight.

3) Chefs - most are on the other side of middle age. There's no culinary Mozart - no renowned child prodigy of nutrition - no food critique that isn't capable of DRIVING to the opening of the latest, greatest eatery.

Of course the "taste of food" could simply be a value that increases over time :)

Why the 80's matter

2010-07-15T22:50:00.037-05:00

I'm not sure exactly why I'm still drawn to 80's movies, I just know that I am. The music, the simple but fun-loving plot-lines, the recurring nostalgia - maybe its a combination of factors. The other night, I forced Ashley to sit through the majority of "Sixteen Candles" - Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Jake "the hottie". It's not that Ashley didn't enjoy it, but 'enjoy' is so subjective with someone who genuinely fancies life. She'd much rather tune into House Hunters, or Nine By Design, or any other exceptionally lame but potentially addictive piece of programming birthed by HGTV.

This frustrates me for a litany of reasons, but perhaps the one that stands out from the rest is the lack of imagination it takes to enter into these home improvement, home renovation, home design realities. The characters are so normal. They're your friends, your co-workers, your neighbors. They wear khakis, and drive Camry's, and talk about budgets. They're anything but eccentric. The only thing that really distinguishes them is that they're joined by some television personality - fresh from the make-up, the hair, the wardrobe trailer - who once worked at a Lowe's or at Pier One Imports before they were 'discovered', which gives them loads of credibility and makes them an ideal fit to host the program. And all of a sudden, everybody's so excited about the new color scheme, the accented throw pillows, the Artesian-influenced backsplash. Well not me. I know how this ends up, I've seen it before, the story-line never changes.

I want to be inspired: to feel nervous about Donald Miller's attempt to be cool ("Can't Buy Me Love" - 1987), to sing along to Maverick and Goose's rendition of You've Lost that Loving Feeling ("Top Gun" - 1986), to joyfully exhale when George McFly's fist connects with Biff's chin, thus changing the course of history ("Back to the Future"- 1985). I want to be inspired and I honestly believe that everyone else should want to be too.

Of course, I've made this mistake before - projecting my affinity for skinny ties, pegged jeans, and the Brat Pack on people who either don't share the same sentiments, or are entirely indifferent. During one summer in college, my buddy and I decided that a few girls we knew, desperately needed to experience the cinematic genius of "The Karate Kid". "How could they have never been exposed to Danielson, Miaggi, and the Cobra Kai?" Surely our little gathering would open eyes, make memories, create fans. Only it didn't. Our fail-safe plan somehow bombed. The girls smiled, laughed, thanked us for the evening. But it was undoubtedly forced - sympathetic charity at best. And it took us all a while to recover. Things got a bit awkward for a minute. How are people supposed to respond when you talk something up as life-changing - and then it doesn't change their lives?

The harsh reality in all of this, is that you can't always cast your passion upon others. Sometimes it just doesn't take, even when it should.

Live on Jeff Spicoli - Live on Duckie Dale - Live on Ferris!