Author: Addis Andy

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Mission Improbable

As a professional member of the clergy (I get mail addressed to Reverend Addis… it’s still funny to me) I have developed some mad skills at conference attending.

It’s a little known fact that there are varying levels of ability, not just among those on the platform presenting, but those of us who are skilled, invested and experienced professional listeners. Let me just outline a few for you:

1) Appearing Interested – while every session is good for someone, not every session is good for you. So, to keep from being rude by distracting others with accelerated, involuntary nostril emanations (AKA snoring), a skill set of forced eye contact, meaningful head nods and well placed nonverbal affirmations are essential.

2) Ninja Texting/Surfing – everyone knows you’re not reading your Bible on YouVersion, or taking notes for future references… you’re Tweeting, Facebooking, or looking for ‘Epic Fail’ pics to replace your profile photo. It’s ok, just learn the art of secretive cell phone use. Under the desk, inside the conference program, pushed into a coat or sweater on your lap are all good camouflage techniques for hiding the phone. Just remember, if you are in a darkened seating area, your face will glow no matter how well hidden the phone is, so, use at your own risk.

3) Tactical Seating Selection – there are several things to keep in mind here, but just start with these: aisle seating for fictitious bathroom breaks (limit 2 per daypart), outlet access for midday phone charging (let’s be honest, you’ll drain it before they drain you), support beam seating (usually sitting behind a pole is non-desireable, but the right seat behind the right pole can help you to lean one way for engagement and the other for disengagement).

There is much more that I could share, but I think you get the idea (maybe I should hold a conference on how to develop these skills… maybe not).

But, what’s the point?

A common question that I hear at Continue reading “Mission Improbable”

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Remembering

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Remembering is a significant part of our faith. Remembering uses our past keep us from stumbling, refocuses us in the present, and gives us faith for the future.

Here is a roadside audio recording I offer as a moment to remember.

I offer it for two reasons. First, the thought behind this audio blog seemed simply profound to me. Second, I wanted to see if I could capture, edit, upload and post with nothing but an iPad and 3G… Oh, yeah.

Deuteronomy 4:9 Don’t forget anything of what you’ve seen. Don’t let your heart wander off. Stay vigilant as long as you live. Teach what you’ve seen and heard to your children and grandchildren.

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Can you feel the love

Special Thanks The Hutchinson News for Publishing this article in February of 2012.

 

Welcome to the season of love!

February is the time for heart-shaped cards, cheesy pickup lines, stale candy and crowded restaurants filled with dating dreams.

Yet, far too often “love” leaves us anything but happy. We’re a culture of the depressed, detached and desperate.

I remember Sunday School teaching that we are supposed to love with “JOY” – JESUS first, OTHERS second, YOURSELF last.

So if we got the order right, we’d be all right.

So, how’s that working out for you?

Maybe the key to love isn’t putting God first.

Maybe it’s loving Him, only.

Genesis 29 contains one of the saddest love stories in human history. Let me compress the background for you:

* Jacob loved Rachel.

* Rachel loved Jacob.

* Leah was Rachel’s not-so-pretty older sister.

* Laban (Rachel and Leah’s dad) tricked Jacob into marrying Leah.

* Jacob decided to put up with his unwanted bride if he could marry her sister, too.

So here’s the love triangle: two sisters married to the same man, but the man only loves one of them. We’ve got more drama here than a high school cafeteria!

Leah was unloved, yet love Continue reading “Can you feel the love”

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Jesus-lite

I’ve been drinking diet pop for a long time (that’s soda for you northerners, and the non descriptive, uber generic ‘Coke’ for you in the south).

I’ve been drinking it for so long, it not only tastes good, it tastes better than regular pop. I understand that the previous sentence is probably the single most controversial statement I have ever posted on this blog, but you will just need to deal with it.

It’s kind of a pattern for chronic dieters like myself:

  • You make the decision to go lite
  • You endure the transition
  • You get used to it
  • You get comfortable with it
  • It becomes normal

You can do this with almost any habit, whether its food, drink, entertainment, political affiliation and unfortunately…even faith.

Yep, you can choose to go lite. It may feel awkward at first, but you’ll get used to it. If you try “Jesus-lite” it will eventually become normal.

Jesus-lite has become the new rage all around the world. All the love with none of the conviction. You can enjoy 100% of your daily requirement of feel good, with none of that commitment aftertaste.

Harvard University is a sterling example of embracing the Jesus-lite lifestyle.

The school motto is “Veritas,” the latin word for Continue reading “Jesus-lite”

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So, what’s with the Old Testament

It’s been one of those months. Everything I read, listen to and talk about seems to have a common theme.

I should be excited, because when that happens it’s almost always God trying to speak.

I guess it’s time to listen (c’mon McFly… McFly!).

Although there is a bit more depth to it than this, the nutshell idea from the Lord is simply this… it’s more about Jesus than you think.

Colossians 1:27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

My first conversation with a CrossPointer back in the states (vacation in Costa Rica, awesome, by the way) was Continue reading “So, what’s with the Old Testament”

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Pardon me Lord may I have this seat

G.K. Beale has said, “Whatever your heart clings to or relies on for ultimate security is your object of worship.”

Most of my fellow churchgoers would not argue with this definition of worship. In fact, I have personally defined worship as anything that captures your attentions and affections.

What strikes me most though is the verb “clings” used by Beale. In my mind I can picture myself latching onto the thought of having a girlfriend in the 7th grade… I knew what I was worshiping.

I can vividly recall my almost sociopathic pursuit of great grades and accolades through high school… bowing low at the altar of achievement.

There’s no denying the idolatry of my early 20s when, even in ministry, I was worried about

Continue reading “Pardon me Lord may I have this seat”

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The biggest moon ever

Have you ever been stopped in your tracks by an incredible moon rise, or moon set?

You know, one of those moments when your breath is taken away by the hugeness of the moon hanging low in the sky. You may have even thought, or said something like, “The moon is huge tonight!”

You might find it disturbing to know that your eyes are playing tricks on you. It’s still a beautiful moon and totally worthy of your pause and admiration of its Creator, but just so that you know… you’re wrong.

Wow, quit being so sensitive. I’m just trying to teach you something.

The truth is that what you see when the moon is “so big” is really an optical illusion in fact, the moon is always the same size in the sky. Let me give you a few Continue reading “The biggest moon ever”

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Don’t kill time, it’s innocent

I heard a phrase last week that I haven’t heard in a long while… think tank.

I know that if you’re invited to be part of a think tank it is a compliment to your intelligence, experience or abilities. But, personally, I can’t think of much else I’d rather not do.

The thought of thinking about thoughts while discussing other peoples thoughts on their thoughts and your thoughts… wow… I think I could find other things to do. Maybe like doing, er, anything.

Don’t get uptight, I know there are a very legitimate and real needs for a think posse, and they probably accomplish much more than you and I could ever really appreciate. But, it’s definitely not a job for me.

Processing, thinking, mulling over, contemplating are all necessary, but I’m more of a “let’s get on it” guy. In fact here’s a few of my favorite phrases:

  • Just do it
  • Pull the trigger
  • Time to fish or cut bait
  • Get off the pot
  • Trial and error has begun!
  • It’s go time
  • Worth a shot
  • I’ll call you from the finish line

If think tanks represent one end of the spectrum (over processing), I find myself just as frustrated with the other end of the spectrum where some ignore/deny the issue (under processing).

If you are prone to the latter, you probably have apps on your phone that are great ‘time killers.’

Why would you even want to do that?

Don’t kill your time, release your parental rights, I’ll adopt it.

Maybe I  start a foundation for unwanted time, or at least write a book: “A Convenient Truth: You have the time”

Think tanks can represent active avoidance and denial can represent passive avoidance. I just want to get rid of the “avoi,” let’s “dance.”

Again, if your a thinker and love to process, many blessings on you.

If you love to loligag and your favorite sport is dodgeball, feel the love.

But, personally I’m the guy who’s leg is bouncing under the table just waiting for someone to say, “Ok, let’s give it a shot.”

Even though I really appreciate action I have to admit, sometimes taking steps is difficult.

In the book of Revelation, John sees multiple visions of things to come and in one small instance he is asked to do something odd.

Revelation 10:9 So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. And he said to me, “Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.”

While there are lots of possible applications for this verse related to John’s personal ministry, end times theology and all kinds of stuff I don’t understand (maybe I should start a think tank to figure it out), there is a simple, practical thought that blesses me.

Often it tastes good to learn something, but using it can be a foul experience.

Learning about the character of God in a Bible Study or worship experience is far from practicing the faith in real life. Making plans and dreaming about the future may be a sweet experience, but we feel the burn when the rubber hits the road.

Resolving to lose weight and workout, planning to get your budget under control, pledging to work out the relationship kinks are all fantastic thoughts. But, once you hit the gym, shut of the cable, and talk about/to the inlaws, things can start to leave a bitter taste in your mouth.

Still, this is what needs to happen.

Ideas are sweet, but application is good (but nasty) medicine.

So, whatever you have decided to do, do it. It will never get any easier and there will never be a better time.

The sweetness of the original idea may dissolve into some bitter disciplines, but have no fear.

Eat what’s on your plate. It’s good for you.

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My Christmas List

It was a first for me. It was gentle, it was loving, it was sweet pillow talk, but it was definitely my very first Christmas scolding.

After a great night with my family filling our home, eating way too much (my wife can really rock the holiday turkey), and watching the kids tear into the presents, we collapsed into bed. That’s when the loving reprimand came my way.

“You haven’t told me anything you want for Christmas,” she said.

“I told you I wanted a harmonica,” I responded.

It’s at this point I can’t blog what happened next, I can’t even really describe it in person, but let’s just say my wife has learned to roll her eyes even when they’re closed.

It’s pretty impressive.

The problem is, she’s totally right. I have racked my brain trying to answer her question for weeks. There is just nothing that I want, let alone need, that I could put Continue reading “My Christmas List”

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Twas the night…

 

Twas the night before Christmas and the service begun

     The church was all decked out, for holiday fun!

Church members were nestled all snug in their pew

     With wreaths and lights and poinsettias in view

 

The auditorium was warm to instill Christmas cheer

     And singers were ready with carols near and dear

Then up at the front with sermon notes handy

     A Christmas message, for sure, from old Pastor Andy

 

The music was great and the message…okay

     But everyone’s thoughts were for the breaking of day

For morning would come with presents and joy

     Mom getting clothes and Dad, of course, toys

 

When out on the parking lot there arose such a clatter

     We sprang from our seats to see what’s the matter

Running out through the foyer and down the long hall

     We stood in the doorway to watch, one and all

 

A few feet away was a broken down car

     Dented and scratched, an eye-sore for sure

Then out stepped a man from this beat up ole caddy

     And three youngsters inside, they each called him “Daddy!” Continue reading “Twas the night…”