I just started reading Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris. One of Harris’ purposes for writing the book is to convince people to study doctrine and theology. While he believes doctrine is important, it seems like most Christians, or at least younger ones, do not believe it is important. For many, doctrine is boring, does not apply to real life, and is something better left for pastors and old men. I agree with Harris; doctrine is important and relevant.
In the first two chapters, Harris explains the purpose of studying theology. Theology provides the foundation for our lives. In the biblical story, mostly taught to children, Jesus explained that the wise man built his house upon the rock and the foolish man built his house upon the sand. Often we think the foolish man is the non-Christian and the Christian is the wise man. However, the passage (Luke 4:46-49) begins with Jesus asking, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do what I tell you?” The audience was composed of people who were, at least at that time, following Jesus. They were at least somewhat religious. Furthermore, the foolish man is described as the “one who hears and does not do [the words of Jesus].” Harris concludes, “He’s talking to people who claim to believe in God.” Even a religious person can still be foolish by not building upon the rock. So, if you want to be the wise man, you will build upon the rock, a solid foundation. You build upon the rock by accepting the truth of Jesus and applying it to your life. When problems and trials come (the flood in the parable), you will survive because you have the rock as your foundation.
Harris follows this explanation with some examples of why the foundation is important. These examples prompted me to remember the storm that Sandy and I experienced this fall, and in some ways are still experiencing. In October, Sandy was 20 weeks pregnant and we had a miscarriage. It is impossible for me to explain all of my emotions and thoughts since then. The best way I can explain it is “DEVASTATING”. I don’t know how else to explain it. I experienced incredible hurt; more hurt than I have ever experienced. I did not, and still do not, understand anything. It was impossible to read the Bible or pray. While I felt lost, I never felt completely lost. It is hard to explain. While I felt like a ship being thrown around in the sea, the anchor held. Even without a lot of Bible reading, I still knew the truth. While the facts seem cold at times, I still knew the facts. I knew that God is in control of all things. I knew that God still loves me. I knew that God has a purpose for this tragedy. I knew that God had not abandoned us. I knew these facts, but I did not “feel” them. My emotions were out of whack, but the facts kept me anchored. I did not “feel” the truth, but I always knew the truth. In troubled times, Harris says, “There’s nothing more important, more precious, more life securing than knowing and living by God’s truth.”
After living this nightmare, I understand how someone can leave their faith in God. A firm foundation is the key to surviving such a tragedy. Correct, deep doctrine and theology are the anchor. I have not left the faith because of my strong foundation. Everyone needs a strong foundation in doctrine and theology. Tough times are going to come. Without the anchor of doctrine and theology, a shipwreck is bound to occur. With a strong anchor of doctrine and theology, you can ride out the storm and still be afloat when the winds become calm, the seas become peaceful and the sun rises.
I am reminded of Psalm 1. The blessed man is like a tree planted by streams of water. The water allows the tree to have a deep and strong root system. When the difficult times come, the tree continues to stand because of the deep and strong root system. The “leaf does not wither”. What is the key to being such a strong tree? “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” This is doctrine. This is theology. Delight in the law of the Lord. Meditate on it. Study it. Know it. With it, your leaf will not wither.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
A Fine Line
Saturday, February 20th, was the day that our unborn baby, Julia, was due to be born. We lost her in October, so Saturday was a very sad day. I still sit on the couch wishing that I was holding a baby. I miss the opportunity to be in the hospital during her birth and visiting Julia and Sandy at the hospital. I want to take my other kids to see their new sister. I want to buy another outfit for the baby's trip home. I want to hold and feed Julia.
Such thoughts can get me very depressed. I know it is not healthy for me to live in a depressed state. God does not want me to live a depressed life. My family, church, and clients cannot have me live a depressed life.
In order to avoid depression, it almost seems as if I should just try to forget about Julia. If I forget her and never think about her, then it is easier to avoid the depression.
But, forgetting about her does not seem right. She is a child of mine. In fact, I have three other children who are also already in heaven. I don't think I should just forget about them. If one of the children who presently live in my home died, I would never forget them. So, how can I forget my other children. This brings me full circle; if I don't forget about them, then I am sad and likely to be depressed.
I am struggling to find the fine line between remembering and not being depressed. In order to help, I decided that our family would have a "Family Memorial Day" on February 20th. On that day, we will remember the four children who are already in heaven. I bought little presents for my wife and my four children living in my home. We went out to a restaurant for pizza. The trip included a stop at Build-A-Bear so my little one could get an outfit for her new bear (this was her present). Hopefully, this will cause us to remember our children at least once a year without being controlled by the memories and sadness.
Such thoughts can get me very depressed. I know it is not healthy for me to live in a depressed state. God does not want me to live a depressed life. My family, church, and clients cannot have me live a depressed life.
In order to avoid depression, it almost seems as if I should just try to forget about Julia. If I forget her and never think about her, then it is easier to avoid the depression.
But, forgetting about her does not seem right. She is a child of mine. In fact, I have three other children who are also already in heaven. I don't think I should just forget about them. If one of the children who presently live in my home died, I would never forget them. So, how can I forget my other children. This brings me full circle; if I don't forget about them, then I am sad and likely to be depressed.
I am struggling to find the fine line between remembering and not being depressed. In order to help, I decided that our family would have a "Family Memorial Day" on February 20th. On that day, we will remember the four children who are already in heaven. I bought little presents for my wife and my four children living in my home. We went out to a restaurant for pizza. The trip included a stop at Build-A-Bear so my little one could get an outfit for her new bear (this was her present). Hopefully, this will cause us to remember our children at least once a year without being controlled by the memories and sadness.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Our Christmas Song Game
We don't listen to a lot of radio, choosing instead to listen to our commercial free, talk free ipods. However, during the Christmas season, we will turn the car radio to B101, which plays only Christmas songs. When a song begins, each person tries to be the first person to name the artist. Each person only gets one guess. The person with the most correct, wins.
At this point, it is mostly a competition between my wife and I. Sometimes our kids chip in. Yesterday, our 8 year old son knew that Bing Crosby sang "White Christmas", but he said it was Bill Cosby.
On one hand, it should be easy because we hear the same songs every year. On the other hand, it can be very challenging. The variety of artists is amazing. At what other time of the year can you hear songs sung by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole, Dean Martin, The Jackson Five, Amy Grant, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Gene Autry, Andy Williams, the Carpenters, Taylor Swift, and others? It is a fun game, but can be frustrating when you have heard the song a million times, the name is on the tip of your tongue, but you just can't think of it.
At this point, it is mostly a competition between my wife and I. Sometimes our kids chip in. Yesterday, our 8 year old son knew that Bing Crosby sang "White Christmas", but he said it was Bill Cosby.
On one hand, it should be easy because we hear the same songs every year. On the other hand, it can be very challenging. The variety of artists is amazing. At what other time of the year can you hear songs sung by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole, Dean Martin, The Jackson Five, Amy Grant, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Gene Autry, Andy Williams, the Carpenters, Taylor Swift, and others? It is a fun game, but can be frustrating when you have heard the song a million times, the name is on the tip of your tongue, but you just can't think of it.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Thoughts on Tiger Woods
The topic of Tiger Woods has been talked to death in the last week. I only have a couple of extra things to say.
First, I am amazed at how this scandal started. Minor traffic accidents happen all the time. It seems to me that this should have been pretty easy to sweep under the rug. People like Tiger. Tiger wins, so people will overlook his secrets. A minor car accident in the middle of the night should have meant nothing. But this little accident exposed a lot of secrets. Initially, reports surfaced of one other woman. And, then another. And, then another. The story keeps growing. Amazingly, all of these secrets were exposed from just a minor car accident in the middle of the night.
Second, the words of Proverbs 5 are so true. For example, "her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as wormwood . . . her feet go down to death" and "The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in cords of his sin."
First, I am amazed at how this scandal started. Minor traffic accidents happen all the time. It seems to me that this should have been pretty easy to sweep under the rug. People like Tiger. Tiger wins, so people will overlook his secrets. A minor car accident in the middle of the night should have meant nothing. But this little accident exposed a lot of secrets. Initially, reports surfaced of one other woman. And, then another. And, then another. The story keeps growing. Amazingly, all of these secrets were exposed from just a minor car accident in the middle of the night.
Second, the words of Proverbs 5 are so true. For example, "her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as wormwood . . . her feet go down to death" and "The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in cords of his sin."
Monday, November 30, 2009
Finally, a chance to play Rook
During my college years, I played a lot of Rook. I mean a lot of Rook. Pretty much every night until about 2:00 a.m. Since graduating in 1989, I have played very little Rook. It is hard to get a game because few people know how to play and my wife refuses to play with me.
The other day, I was thinking that 3 of my kids might be old enough to understand and play the game. So, on Saturday, I broke out the cards. It took a while but my two oldest daughters and my son learned how to play. After many practice hands, we played our first real game. But, we could not finish it. The kids got carried away with bidding and kept failing to make their bids. It got too late, so we finally said that whoever wins the next hand wins the game. I took the bid and won.
The next day, we played a couple of complete games. The kids are learning more about making realistic bids and how to play their cards. After 20 years, I finally get a chance to play Rook. I am looking forward to many games in the future.
The other day, I was thinking that 3 of my kids might be old enough to understand and play the game. So, on Saturday, I broke out the cards. It took a while but my two oldest daughters and my son learned how to play. After many practice hands, we played our first real game. But, we could not finish it. The kids got carried away with bidding and kept failing to make their bids. It got too late, so we finally said that whoever wins the next hand wins the game. I took the bid and won.
The next day, we played a couple of complete games. The kids are learning more about making realistic bids and how to play their cards. After 20 years, I finally get a chance to play Rook. I am looking forward to many games in the future.
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