Friday, August 31, 2007
Help Request
I don't know the cost, if any, for sending email from Mexico. Would someone with tmobile service check to see if there is any cost involved and email me back at ulysesc@tmail.com? Thanks.
Ulyses
Ulyses
New Day
For a change of pace I decided to switch to the construction team. We're working with Mexicans who lost all of their belongings in a recent mudslide. Together wer'e building furniture to furnish their new dwelling. Beutiful, hard working people anxious to get to know their northern neighbors.
We were a little short on tools becuase there were so many of us. I talked one of the mexican leaders into going out and trying to find a place where we could purchase more supplies. In the midst of this impoverished community, what do we come across: a Home Depot. Lord, I love my country. We bought 2 drills for about $20 each. God bless the exchange rate.
I'm blogging from my phone because the wireless connection is down at the place we're staying. When it comes back up I'll post pictures.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Living On The Edge
I'm translating for Doug Meier, my long time friend, at the eye clinic. We're seeing Mexicans whose range in age is 10 to 81. We saw a 16 year child with a 2 month old daughter.... 41 year old diabetic who is almost blind whose husband just left her. The ones who really tear me up are the old women who are so grateful for our visit they're almost in tears. Living on the edge trying not to go over the emotional cliff.
Ulyses
Ulyses
Safe Arrival
Settling in... Listening to Saul, the director of Armonia (the Mexican
ministry we team up with) giving us the schedule for the next 6 days
along with a short devotion. I leave you with this quote from Saul: "The
proclamation of the gospel should go hand in hand with a demonstration
of the gospel".
Ulyses
ministry we team up with) giving us the schedule for the next 6 days
along with a short devotion. I leave you with this quote from Saul: "The
proclamation of the gospel should go hand in hand with a demonstration
of the gospel".
Ulyses
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Is It Enough
Every year I visit Mexico
The answer is no.
The answer is no.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Influences
Over the years there have been many people who have guided me in my walk as a pilgrim.
My mom stands out as the most important influence in my walk. She was instrumental in teaching me the basics of the faith as a young man and for her daily prayers on my behalf. The second person that comes to mind is a pastor I had when I was living in Pennsylvania. His name was Pastor John Herb. His sermons on reformed theology and the sovereignty of God came to be the foundation of my young faith. Finally, there was John Reuther. John was a young seminary student who I worked with. We used to meet at lunchtime and we would study theological books together. His gentle and patient spirit carefully guided me through the many questions I had in regards to the sovereignty of God, election, the depravity of man, baptism and other topics.
There are two other people, whom I have never met, that I would add to those who have influenced my journey. Their names are Larry Norman and Mike Warnke.
Larry Norman is considered by many the father of Christian rock 'n roll. He started in the late 60s and was branded a heretic by those in the faith at the time. His long blond hair and unorthodox lyrics created waves in the church at the time. The year was 1977 and I came across a song entitled "Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music". Well, I had never heard anything quite like that and immediately became a big fan. I started collecting his music and came across a 1972 album called Only Visiting This Planet.
The album was a masterpiece. Every single song, without exception, was a classic. We went to see him in concert a number of times and was even more impressed with his stage presence. He was witty, his lyrics were powerful and most of all he was probably one of the most sincere people I'd seen on stage.
The most important thing I learned from Larry Norman was the freedom to be yourself. I came to see that God does not require all his people to look the same on the outside, act the same way or think the same. Paul was nothing like Peter who had little in common with James who was nothing like Ezekiel who was not like Isaiah who was different than David who was very much different than the talking jackass in Numbers 22. My point is that God can use us all (even a jackass) to further his Kingdom and we don't have to be cut from the same cloth. God is not in the business of making cookie cutter pilgrims. At the time I attended a church that didn't appreciate this truth (can I get an amen from former Baptists).
Mike Warnke called himself a Christian comedian and, like Larry Norman, was free to be himself. He had an amazing insight into the human condition, great stories and an honest critic of expected behavior from pilgrims. I have three or four of his albums and I'm in the process of making them digital. I'll have to post clips from his "concerts". They are hilarious.
Anyway, this blog was named in honor of those two guys.
My mom stands out as the most important influence in my walk. She was instrumental in teaching me the basics of the faith as a young man and for her daily prayers on my behalf. The second person that comes to mind is a pastor I had when I was living in Pennsylvania. His name was Pastor John Herb. His sermons on reformed theology and the sovereignty of God came to be the foundation of my young faith. Finally, there was John Reuther. John was a young seminary student who I worked with. We used to meet at lunchtime and we would study theological books together. His gentle and patient spirit carefully guided me through the many questions I had in regards to the sovereignty of God, election, the depravity of man, baptism and other topics.
There are two other people, whom I have never met, that I would add to those who have influenced my journey. Their names are Larry Norman and Mike Warnke.
Larry Norman is considered by many the father of Christian rock 'n roll. He started in the late 60s and was branded a heretic by those in the faith at the time. His long blond hair and unorthodox lyrics created waves in the church at the time. The year was 1977 and I came across a song entitled "Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music". Well, I had never heard anything quite like that and immediately became a big fan. I started collecting his music and came across a 1972 album called Only Visiting This Planet.
The album was a masterpiece. Every single song, without exception, was a classic. We went to see him in concert a number of times and was even more impressed with his stage presence. He was witty, his lyrics were powerful and most of all he was probably one of the most sincere people I'd seen on stage.
The most important thing I learned from Larry Norman was the freedom to be yourself. I came to see that God does not require all his people to look the same on the outside, act the same way or think the same. Paul was nothing like Peter who had little in common with James who was nothing like Ezekiel who was not like Isaiah who was different than David who was very much different than the talking jackass in Numbers 22. My point is that God can use us all (even a jackass) to further his Kingdom and we don't have to be cut from the same cloth. God is not in the business of making cookie cutter pilgrims. At the time I attended a church that didn't appreciate this truth (can I get an amen from former Baptists).
Mike Warnke called himself a Christian comedian and, like Larry Norman, was free to be himself. He had an amazing insight into the human condition, great stories and an honest critic of expected behavior from pilgrims. I have three or four of his albums and I'm in the process of making them digital. I'll have to post clips from his "concerts". They are hilarious.
Anyway, this blog was named in honor of those two guys.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Saturday, August 25, 2007
No You Don't
I'm sorry but this just warms my heart. From FoxNews
When the men climbed into a pickup truck outside, 26-year-old Gurmukh Singh used the bat to break out its windows and continued to chase them on foot, according to police and witness accounts.
Singh told police he became suspicious when two men wearing hooded sweatshirts entered his store shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday when temperatures had already reached the 80s.
A store security video shows that when one of the men pulled a gun, Singh grabbed a baseball bat from behind the counter and swung it at him. When the men fled, Singh pursued them with the bat.
Police reports said that Singh shouted at the men: "I'm not letting you go. Go ahead and shoot me." The gun was later found to be a BB gun.
The men ran to the back of the store and got into a truck, but Singh kept swinging.
"He took the same bat and busted out their windows," said his wife, Niki Phagura. "They got out of the truck and started running."
One of the men threatened Singh with a knife before running, police said.
Friends and neighbors joined the chase and helped corner one of the men until police arrived and arrested him. The other man later surrendered to officers. The two 18-year-old men were booked into Marion County Jail on preliminary charges of robbery.
Indiana Shop Owner Chases Would-be Robbers With Baseball Bat
INDIANAPOLIS — A bat-wielding shop owner chased would-be robbers out of his convenience store and kept them from escaping until police officers arrived.When the men climbed into a pickup truck outside, 26-year-old Gurmukh Singh used the bat to break out its windows and continued to chase them on foot, according to police and witness accounts.
Singh told police he became suspicious when two men wearing hooded sweatshirts entered his store shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday when temperatures had already reached the 80s.
A store security video shows that when one of the men pulled a gun, Singh grabbed a baseball bat from behind the counter and swung it at him. When the men fled, Singh pursued them with the bat.
Police reports said that Singh shouted at the men: "I'm not letting you go. Go ahead and shoot me." The gun was later found to be a BB gun.
The men ran to the back of the store and got into a truck, but Singh kept swinging.
"He took the same bat and busted out their windows," said his wife, Niki Phagura. "They got out of the truck and started running."
One of the men threatened Singh with a knife before running, police said.
Friends and neighbors joined the chase and helped corner one of the men until police arrived and arrested him. The other man later surrendered to officers. The two 18-year-old men were booked into Marion County Jail on preliminary charges of robbery.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Stripping it all away
A friend recently recalled how great of an experience it was to see Tiger Woods in person. He almost described as a religious experience: Tiger the Messiah.
It got me to thinking how we come to almost idolize certain professions/people in our culture and ignore, or at least belittle, others. On lists that come up on a yearly basis you're more likely to find actors, athletes, politicians, models, people in the music industry (I’d call them musicians but nowadays most of them don't even play an instrument) then you are doctors, clergy, teachers or scientists. When you think about it, what do these people really do that merit the kind of adulation or awe they receive from us?
Professional Athletes
When you strip away all the hype, these athletes are known for hitting a small ball into a cup, throwing/kicking a ball more accurate and or faster/farther than anyone else, running faster or riding a bike/automobile faster than anyone else. At the end of their lives, for the most part, they will be remembered for playing a game better than anyone else.
Actors
Take away the PR machine, the magazines, entertainment shows and what are you left with? You have individuals whose calling in life is trying to act like somebody else. But wait. Can they act like whomever they choose? No, no, no. They are handed a script and told who they must act like for this role. Then they are told what to say, how to dress and we are to stand. And if they do it wrong they must do it again and again and again until they got it right. It's no wonder these people are always telling others what to do. They have so little control over their own lives. I’m not trying to minimize what they do. I just don't think entertainers should be placed so high on a pedestal. Save the pedestal for teachers, doctors, scientists, writers, parents and people who lead you into the kingdom of God.
At the end of my life I do not want to be remembered for playing a game or entertaining people, no matter how good I am at it. I'd like to be remembered as a pilgrim who loved his maker with all his heart, mind, and soul. I'm not there yet but I'm keeping my eye on the prize. In the meantime I'd like to take as many people with me. What greater gift is there than sharing your bread with a fellow beggar and pointing him toward the bakery. Let the others play their games, entertain and chase the wind.
This place is not our home. We’re just passing through. Make your life count.
It got me to thinking how we come to almost idolize certain professions/people in our culture and ignore, or at least belittle, others. On lists that come up on a yearly basis you're more likely to find actors, athletes, politicians, models, people in the music industry (I’d call them musicians but nowadays most of them don't even play an instrument) then you are doctors, clergy, teachers or scientists. When you think about it, what do these people really do that merit the kind of adulation or awe they receive from us?
Professional Athletes
When you strip away all the hype, these athletes are known for hitting a small ball into a cup, throwing/kicking a ball more accurate and or faster/farther than anyone else, running faster or riding a bike/automobile faster than anyone else. At the end of their lives, for the most part, they will be remembered for playing a game better than anyone else.
Actors
Take away the PR machine, the magazines, entertainment shows and what are you left with? You have individuals whose calling in life is trying to act like somebody else. But wait. Can they act like whomever they choose? No, no, no. They are handed a script and told who they must act like for this role. Then they are told what to say, how to dress and we are to stand. And if they do it wrong they must do it again and again and again until they got it right. It's no wonder these people are always telling others what to do. They have so little control over their own lives. I’m not trying to minimize what they do. I just don't think entertainers should be placed so high on a pedestal. Save the pedestal for teachers, doctors, scientists, writers, parents and people who lead you into the kingdom of God.
At the end of my life I do not want to be remembered for playing a game or entertaining people, no matter how good I am at it. I'd like to be remembered as a pilgrim who loved his maker with all his heart, mind, and soul. I'm not there yet but I'm keeping my eye on the prize. In the meantime I'd like to take as many people with me. What greater gift is there than sharing your bread with a fellow beggar and pointing him toward the bakery. Let the others play their games, entertain and chase the wind.
This place is not our home. We’re just passing through. Make your life count.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Influences
Over the years there have been many people who have guided me in my walk as a pilgrim.
My mom stands out as the most important influence in my walk. She was instrumental in teaching me the basics of the faith as a young man and for her daily prayers on my behalf. The second person that comes to mind is a pastor I had when I was living in Pennsylvania. His name was Pastor John Herb. His sermons on reformed theology and the sovereignty of God came to be the foundation of my young faith. Finally, there was John Reuther. John was a young seminary student who I worked with. We used to meet at lunchtime and we would study theological books together. His gentle and patient spirit carefully guided me through the many questions I had in regards to the sovereignty of God, election, the depravity of man, baptism and other topics.
There are two other people, whom I have never met, that I would add to those who have influenced my journey. Their names are Larry Norman and Mike Warnke.
Larry Norman is considered by many the father of Christian rock 'n roll. He started in the late 60s and was branded a heretic by those in the faith at the time. His long blond hair and un-orthodox lyrics drove them nuts. The year was 1977 and I came across a song entitled "Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music". Well, I had never heard anything quite like that and immediately became a big fan. I started collecting his music and came across a 1972 album called Only Visiting This Planet.
The album was a masterpiece. Every single song, without exception, was a classic. We went to see him in concert a number of times and was even more impressed with his stage presence. He was witty, his lyrics were powerful and most of all he was probably one of the most sincere people I'd seen on stage.
The most important thing I learned from Larry Norman was the freedom to be yourself. I came to see that God does not require all his people to look the same on the outside, act the same way or think the same. Paul was nothing like Peter who had little in common with James who was nothing like Ezekiel who was not like Isaiah who was different than David who was very much different than the talking jackass in Numbers 22. My point is that God can use us all (even a jackass) to further his Kingdom and we don't have to be cut from the same cloth. God is not in the business of making cookie cutter pilgrims. At the time I attended a church that didn't appreciate this truth (can I get an amen from former Baptists).
Mike Warnke called himself a Christian comedian and, like Larry Norman, was free to be himself. He had an amazing insight into the human condition, great stories and an honest critic of expected behavior from pilgrims. I have three or four of his albums and I'm in the process of making them digital. I'll have to post clips from his "concerts". They are hilarious.
Anyway, this blog was named in honor of those two guys.
My mom stands out as the most important influence in my walk. She was instrumental in teaching me the basics of the faith as a young man and for her daily prayers on my behalf. The second person that comes to mind is a pastor I had when I was living in Pennsylvania. His name was Pastor John Herb. His sermons on reformed theology and the sovereignty of God came to be the foundation of my young faith. Finally, there was John Reuther. John was a young seminary student who I worked with. We used to meet at lunchtime and we would study theological books together. His gentle and patient spirit carefully guided me through the many questions I had in regards to the sovereignty of God, election, the depravity of man, baptism and other topics.
There are two other people, whom I have never met, that I would add to those who have influenced my journey. Their names are Larry Norman and Mike Warnke.
Larry Norman is considered by many the father of Christian rock 'n roll. He started in the late 60s and was branded a heretic by those in the faith at the time. His long blond hair and un-orthodox lyrics drove them nuts. The year was 1977 and I came across a song entitled "Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music". Well, I had never heard anything quite like that and immediately became a big fan. I started collecting his music and came across a 1972 album called Only Visiting This Planet.
The album was a masterpiece. Every single song, without exception, was a classic. We went to see him in concert a number of times and was even more impressed with his stage presence. He was witty, his lyrics were powerful and most of all he was probably one of the most sincere people I'd seen on stage.
The most important thing I learned from Larry Norman was the freedom to be yourself. I came to see that God does not require all his people to look the same on the outside, act the same way or think the same. Paul was nothing like Peter who had little in common with James who was nothing like Ezekiel who was not like Isaiah who was different than David who was very much different than the talking jackass in Numbers 22. My point is that God can use us all (even a jackass) to further his Kingdom and we don't have to be cut from the same cloth. God is not in the business of making cookie cutter pilgrims. At the time I attended a church that didn't appreciate this truth (can I get an amen from former Baptists).
Mike Warnke called himself a Christian comedian and, like Larry Norman, was free to be himself. He had an amazing insight into the human condition, great stories and an honest critic of expected behavior from pilgrims. I have three or four of his albums and I'm in the process of making them digital. I'll have to post clips from his "concerts". They are hilarious.
Anyway, this blog was named in honor of those two guys.
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