Rainey Days

There is an old Saturday Night Live skit where Chevy Chase dresses in a big shark costume and rings the doorbells of unsuspecting women. Once they answer, he attacks them as a "landshark." Naturally, some people are more savvy and don't answer, so he is forced to claim he is a delivery person or a girl scout selling cookies, until they answer. [Scene: A New York apartment. Someone knocks on the door.] Woman: [not opening the door] Yes? Voice: (mumbling) Mrs. Arlsburgerhhh? Woman: What? Voice: (mumbling) Mrs. Johannesburrrr? Woman: Who is it? Voice: [pause] Flowers. Woman: Flowers for whom? Voice: [long pause] Plumber, ma'am. Woman: I don't need a plumber. You're that clever shark, aren't you? Voice: [pause] Candygram . Woman: Candygram, my foot. You get out of here before I call the police. You're the shark, and you know it. Voice: Wait. I-I'm only a dolphin , ma'am. Woman: A dolphin? Well...okay. [opens door] [Huge...

Can you imagine what the Bible would be like without the Psalms? I've been reading The Message lately, and I particularly enjoy the unique take on the Psalms. I was thinking recently that the Psalms have probably become my favorite book of the Bible over the last few years. I used to prefer the poetic imagery of Isaiah; then, I found the straightforward exhortation of James to be practical. I typically read Acts at least once a year, the Gospels frequently, and Leviticus--well, only if I have to. But no other book is like the Psalms. Whole portions of the Bible are narrative, dogmatic, or prophetic, but very little of the Bible is man's own response to God. David and the other psalmists expressed every human emotion openly and authentically to God in music. Anger, bitterness, fear, frustration, desperation, and disappointment--these line up right along with joy, gratitude, forgiveness, comfort, confidence, peace, and praise. If all the rest of the Bible describes God...

Lately, I've been amazed by the ways that God blesses me. I try to be obedient to the Lord, and then stay out of His way, because He often does things that I would never anticipate. This week I've been pretty busy, because I'm currently working two jobs! Severn River Church has hired me to work part time for them this summer, working on outreach and evangelism. So far, that has kept me busy on the internet. As I keep getting into it, it presents more decisions and questions, so it's definitely interesting. I'm very excited about it. My second job is delivering flowers for A Blooming Basket (located on Veteran's Highway). My sister works there already, and through a friendship with the owners, they've offered me temp work - first, working at the mall kiosk selling flowers, and then as a delivery person when the regular delivery man has some medical leave. So, I'm one of the "pink people" driving around town in a pink delivery van in my pi...

Sorry that I've been incommunicado lately. Last Sunday - I preached for a minister friend on vacation. I drove to Winchester afterward for District Council Monday - I was at District Council, where Larry Hickey reminded us that we ministers need to quit whining. Tuesday - District Council presents me more food for thought: being "cool" is the new idol of the Church Wednesday - Driving home from Winchester put me into the local area just in time to go to my favorite temp job--working at the mall at a kiosk. Thursday - People watching at the mall always gives me something that amuses me, something that shocks me, and lots of friends to visit with. Friday - I had a job interview in Clinton, MD which isn't over yet. I still have to pass the "practical" French test on a conference call with a native French speaker (I hope he'll call this weekend). My week has been pretty busy, and it's not over yet. I'll be back at the computer posting regularly t...