Lessons from Dr. Seuss

Over the weekend I came across this quote from the one and only, Dr. Seuss:

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

I love this. How many times do we look back "at the good ol' days" in ways that robs today of being all it can be? I think it's totally healthy to look back and enjoy the places you've been (to quote one of the finest Dr. Suess books, in my book). But we should do it in a way that puts a smile on our heart, not a frown on our face.

Chalk this down to another great lesson I've learned over my lifetime from Dr. Seuss. A few others:

1) Try new things. I mean if Sam's friend can FINALLY get around to giving the green eggs and ham a shot, shouldn't I be open to trying new things?

2) Sometimes things don't work out. I always loved the part in Oh The Places You'll Go...when it gets really real. It says you're going to conquer the world...nothing's going to slow you down...everything's gonna work out your way...EXCEPT sometimes it's not. So brilliant. So true.

3) Take a bet...and make it fun. Dr. Seuss's publisher, wagered $50 that Seuss could not write a book using only fifty different words. The result of the bet? Suess wrote Green Eggs and Ham using just fifty different words, 49 of which are monosyllabic. Oh, and it became the 4th most popular children's book of all time. No confirmation on whether his publisher paid off the bet or not. I would hope so.

And the most important...

4) Watch out for the nupboards in the cupboards.

Anne Rice on Faith

Anne Rice is the best-selling author of 27 books, including "The Vampire Chronicles" and "Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt."
Here is an interesting column where she discusses her trust in the Lord.

Rice, after becoming a Christian a few years back, began writing a fictional series based on the life of Christ rather than continue writing the vampire novels she became known for. She makes some fantastic points in this article. I found this one especially profound:

"Don’t ever succumb to the fear that evil is winning in this world, no matter how bad things may appear. Don’t ever succumb to the fear that He does not witness our struggles, that He is not with every single soul."

An excellent point to remember in these days of endless wars, skyrocketting costs of living, and a culture built on consumerism and cynicism.

You can read an excerpt of her latest book, "Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana" here.

Good Read, Good Rock, etc.

Hope you had an awesome Easter. Some randomness I enjoyed over the long weekend...

• Sweet 16! My Easter treat came when Ramar Smith made amends for being benched earlier and banked in a shot to put away Butler, sending the Vols to the Sweet 16. If I didn't bleed Orange though, I would totally be a Butler fan. I mean, they practice in the same gym that the film Hooisers was shot in. How could you not be down with that?!? I'm just trying to pinpoint the exact moment that UT became a basketball, not a football school. Sweeeet!!!

• Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller.

Donald Miller has preached at Rob Bell's church and been called "Anne Lamott with testosterone." Good enough for me. This is the first book of his that I've read, and it is outstanding. It's a memoir-style account of his journey into a life of faith. And Miller has had quite a journey. He lived in the woods for a month with hippies, attended a University (Reed) known for it's "pagan festivals" and grew up having met his dad only a handful of times. As the back cover says, "For anyone wondering if the Christian faith is still relevant in a post-modern culture, this is a must read." Here's a sample, and one of my favorite paragraphs in the book. Miller is commenting on our celebrity-obsessed culture, after a friend of his mentioned she "loved" the actor Ethan Hawke, but couldn't comment on any of Hawke's beliefs:

"Thing thing I have to work on in myself is this issue of belief. Gandhi believed Jesus when He said to turn the other cheek. Gandhi brought down the British Empire, deeply injured the caste system, and changed the world. Mother Teresa believed Jesus when He said everybody was priceless, even the ugly ones, the smelly ones, and Mother Teresa changed the world by showing them that a human being can be selfless. Peter finally believed the gospel after he got yelled at by Paul. Peter and Paul changed the world by starting small churches in godless towns. Eminem believes he is a better rapper than other rappers. Profound. Let's all follow Eninem."

• And while we're on the topic of Detroit musicians...I don't know if it's just because I bumped into him at a salad bar recently...but I'm digging the video for Kid Rock's new single...Amen. Some good messages. Who'da thunk it?

What's so Good about Good Friday?

As Easter approaches, I was recently reminded of one of the better sermons I've ever heard. The church I grew up in had an awesome tradition of holding Easter sunrise services at a beautiful lake in Nashville. To make it, we had to be up at like 4 a.m., or as one of my sisters so eloquently puts it, "the butt-crack of dawn." But after that initial shock to my system, I was always glad to be there.

Especially one year, when the preacher built a sermon around this thought: "If you wanted to condense the entire Bible into one question, it could be 'What do you think about the Resurrection?'

That pretty much says it all. We face so many questions in life, but none more important than this one.

Do you believe Jesus was raised from the dead? Becuase, if so, that changes everything.

And if not, that changes everything, too.

To paraphrase CS Lewis,there are really only 4 options for what you can do with Jesus: you either call him a Legend, a Lunatic, a Liar or Lord.

To call him a Legend means you don't really believe he ever existed. I read once where there are more historical references in books besides the Bible about Jesus than there are about Julius Caesar. I never hear people debating whether or not Julius Caesar existed, or becoming "Caesar atheisists." Why is that? Combine that with the fact that we are still debating the life and impact of Jesus 2,000 years later, and it just seems to me to be a greater leap of faith to say that Jesus never lived than to say He did.

To call him a Lunatic is to say that you believe he lived on this earth, it's just that he was completely nuts. While many of his teachings are hard to grasp, many of them are so profoundly brilliant, I just can't buy that a delusional mind would come up with them. I mean, if everyone in our society were to practice Jesus' teachings about grace, forgiveness and loving our neighbors, what would our world be like? So who's really the crazy ones?

To call him a Liar is to believe that he lived, and maybe even that he was a prophet or an exceptional human...just not the Son of God. I feel like a lot of people probably fall into this category. I know I certainly have at different points in my life. This is where faith comes in. Can we trust that God would love us just the way we are...but provide a perfect plan to make sure we don't stay that way? In other words, can we accept that God offers us immeasurable grace for all the things we fall short on? Do we believe that Jesus boldly and emphatically stared death in the eye and said that it shall not overcome us. Ever.

To those of us who choose to call him Lord, we are chosing to believe that this world is not all there is. We believe that we are only renters here on Earth. That as difficult and confusing as it can be to be a disciple of Jesus, any hardships are just speedbumps on the route to eternal joy in Heaven.

And to believe all that is what makes Good Friday all good.

Happy Easter.

Kid Rock Loves Krutons!

So I met Kid Rock at a salad bar in Kingsport, Tennessee yesterday. For reals.

I think I'll file that one away under the "most surreal sentences I've ever typed" category.

Here's what happened. My friend Craig and I were heading down to Kingsport to cover the Food City Family Race nights event for work (Food City is one of our clients). Basically, it's a chance for NASCAR fans to meet and greet some of their favorite drivers. We go down and interview people in the crowd. I know next to nothing about NASCAR, but for some reason I'm the "on air interviewer." Hilarity usually ensues, at my expense.

Anyways, we got to the event about an hour before the show started. We hadn't had lunch, so we headed down to the convention center's restaurant. There was literally no one in there. Or so I thought.

Our waitress tells us we can order from the menu, or check out the salad bar. I go to do that. Once I'm up there, I look to my left and standing next to me is Kid Rock. Mr. "Baw-wit-tha-Baw." Mr. "I've been married to Pamela Anderson and punched out Tommy Lee."

He was putting krutons on his salad and went with ranch instead of raspberry vinagerette.

Like I said surreal.

So I go back to the table and tell Craig that, um, I think that's Kid Rock. He goes up and confirms that, um, yes it is. We have our video camera and immediately start planning how we can get him to "give us a shout out" for our little program we're filming. We also begin texting and calling our friends to tell them how cool we are.

I think it's important to note here, that I'm not even a fan of Kid Rock or his music. So I'm not sure why I was getting so caught up. But I was.

We hang out as long as we can, but Kid never comes back for seconds at the salad bar. (Don't Rock Stars like to eat?) So we go out to the convention floor to start our interviews. We're bummed that we couldn't get him on camera, But then...

About 10 minutes later we learn that the Kid and his crew are sitting outside in a private courtyard! Then things started to get real Spinal Tappy. We approach his Kid-ness, with our camera in hand, asking him if we could get him to say a few things. He's sitting in a rocking chair, smoking a cigar with a toboggin on his head. (How could I make this stuff up?) He never really acknowledges our question: instead he squints at the sun and says, to no one in particular, "I can't see anything without my glasses."

I immediately think of Velma from Scooby Doo.

His manager, a 300+ pound Samoian (again, I COULD NOT make this stuff up) appears out of nowhere and places Kid's glasses on his face. Kid has not moved from his rocking chair, and continues smoking his cigar. He also continues not to acknowledge that we're there. But then...

Another girl helping us with the event remembers that Kid is a big Dale Jerrett fan. Dale is retiring from racing this year, and was being honored in a special ceremony at the event later that afternoon. Kid's eyes (behind his shades) light up, and he agrees to let us film him giving props to his boy Dale. Good enough for us.

Kid's manager (the 300+ pound Samoian) then waddles over to Craig and I, and says, in a voice deeper than Barry White's:

Don't nobody turn on that camera until I get Mr. Rock's hat.

Um. Yes sir.

As we are waiting with Kid and his crew on the manager to retrieve "Mr. Rock's" hat from who knows where, several thoughts ran through my mind:

1) A Rock Star manager's job is never done. Already I've witnessed this guy put on Kid Rock's glasses for him. Now he's retrieving his hat. It's like being the mother to a 5 year old.

2) The corralation between vampires and rock stars is a good one. Kid and everyone in his band are all pasty white and look as if being out in the sun pains them. Kid is still wearing a toboggain in 70 degree weather. They all look unhealthy and like they could use a hug.

3) Despite the fact that I don't really like his music, I realize that I am in the middle of a story that I will throw out at dinner parties for years to come.

So Kid's manager returns, and like the sunglasses, puts the hat on his head for him. Seriously. Kid has not moved an inch from his rocking chair the whole time. He perks up a bit, and asks us what we want him to say. He gives a plug to Dale Jerrett, which we play for Dale and a crowd of NASCAR fans later in the evening.

The crowd roared in approval. Dale Jerrett himself said from the stage "That's awesomel...I need a copy of that so my kids will think I'm cool." And to think, it all started at the salad bar.

We're editing a video together of all the fun. I'll post a link once we have it on the YouTubes.

Rock on!

The Spirituality of U2

Beliefnet.com has posted a great article on Finding Faith in the Words of U2 and Bono. It includes an interview with Bono, review of the new U2-3D movie, and a cool picture gallery from the movie with spiritual quotes/lyrics from the band. Although they left out a couple of my favorites:


"I wasn't looking for Grace. But luckily, Grace was looking for me."
- Bono (As quoted in Rolling Stone Magazine)

And I like how Bono said this quote (from Bono's intro to "A Love Supreme", John Coltrain autobiography) better than how they have it phrased in the article:

"Religion is what happened when God, like Elvis, has left the building."

Awesome stuff regardless. Check it out!

My Argument With His Argument

I'm a huge fan of The Office. So I was thrilled when I received my new copy of Best Life magazine, to see it had an article with Ricky Gervais, creator of the original BBC version of the show.

I became even more interested when I saw the title of his article: "My Argument With God: How I went from Jesus-loving Christian to fun-loving infidel...in one afternoon."

Hmmm....this should be good.

So here's his story: Gervis starts by saying: "I loved Jesus. He was my hero." Gervais grew up in a poor, working-class district outside of London. One day, when he was 8 years old he says was drawing a crucifixion scene as part of his Bible-studies homework. His 19 year old brother, Bob, walked in and said "Why do you believe in God?"

Gervais says that he could sense his mom panic and say "Bob!" in a tone meant for Bob to keep quiet. He says that he realized that his brother didn't believe, and deep down, his mother didn't either. He says he thought about it and "within an hour" he was an atheist.

Wow. Is this all it took?

The most important decision of his life. Made in an hour. At the ripe age of 8.

This has to be the most questionable "reason" for turning into an an atheist that I've ever heard. It's certainly the laziest. I couldn't help but think that I doubt Mr. Gervais has been this non-chalant in any other area of his life.

He's an award-winning comic and started one of the funniest TV shows ever. But would he have "given it all up" if his brother had asked him why he wanted to be a writer?

I can just see him, working on his first treatment of The Office in his college dorm room, when his brother Bob calls up:

Ricky: Hello?

Bob: Hey, Ric...whatcha doing?

Ricky: Not much, bro. Just finishing up a manuscript...

Bob: Why do you wanna be a writer, Ric?

Ricky: AAAAAAAAARRrRrrrrrrrrrggggghhhhh! That's IT! I quit!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously. Is this all it took? I have no idea if Mr. Gervais is in a long-term relationship, but let's just say he's been dating the girl of his dreams, when they have "The talk."

You know the one. The "Where is this relationship going?" talk.

Girl of Dreams: I had a great time tonight.

Ricky: So did I.

Girl of Dreams: Ricky...We need to talk about us...

Ricky: AAAAAAAAARRrRrrrrrrrrrggggghhhhh! That's IT! I quit!!!!!!!!!!!

I understand that people can face trials and tribulations that shake their faith to the core, or cause them to abandon it completely. An abusive spouse. The death of a loved one, or God forbid, the death of a child. Addicitions in all shapes and sizes. A horrible event like the holoucaust or 9/11. There are tons of burdens that I can't imagine bearing.

I also truly believe that it's not only ok to question God, but he wants us to do so. It's ok for us to have doubts and wrestle with God - not accepting what others tell us hook, line and sinker.

But frankly, I don't buy that either was the case in Mr. Gervais' conversion to atheism. Sounds like while he grew up working-class, he had a mom and dad that provided, and had him interested in faith. Then he bought into some peer pressure from his brother and just made a lazy, short-sighted decision. His brother wasn't doing it, so neither should he. At the age of 8, you're not really prepared to make those kind of long-term decisions, so I can see why his mom interveined.

The real problem I have is not that he made that choice then, but why would he still be ok with than now as a middle aged man?

He says in the article:"I no longer needed a reason for my existence, just a reason to live. And imagination, free will, love, humor, fun, music, sports, beer and pizza are all good enough reasons for living."

Huh?

Don't get me wrong: I LOVE all those things. (My wife might say the sports/beer/pizza thing a little TOO much.) but I don't think any or all those things are truly a "reason to live." I mean, have you ever seen someone's tombstone say "Here lies a true pizza lover..." or a person dies and they leave their estate to....beer?.

No, it's the humans that do those things, that create those things, that love and build those relationships that matter. So my question to Mr. Gervais is: where does THAT come from? All the things he listed as "reasons for living" are fun. I love them all myself. But I'd just like to ask Mr. Gervais, what happens when all the fun comes to an end? Which it will. There just has to be more to existence than sports scores, pizza or even really, really funny sit-coms.

A few other points from his essay spoke volumes. The fact that he included the description "fun-loving infidel" in the title and ended by saying "I hope I haven't offended anyone with this article. Okay, that's a lie." especially.

You haven't offended this Christian, Mr. Gervais. Just proven yourself to have given up way too easily. Your loss.

Normal Watches

Two off the coolest kids I know just started an awesome company: Normal Watches.

They are selling "designer watches for silly prices." As in less than $20! Their first line of 4 watches are out now, and they should have 15 designs by the end of the year. So now you can save money, make a stylish statement, and profess your love of "The Golden Girls" (don't deny!) Check 'em out, yo!

As for me, I'm rolling with the red tribute to the King of Pop. Because this IS thriller...

Psalm 118:24

"This is the day the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24

This has always been one of my all-time favorite Psalms because it's so positive, grateful (and easy to remember). It always reminds me of the epic video P.O.D. did for "Alive" a few years back. The song/concept/execution on this video is simply beyond awesome. Enjoy + rejoice!

Psalm 19:1

"The heavens tell of the Glory of God."
Psalm 19: 1

I think of Psalm 19:1 as God's business card. Anyone can take a look at it to see what God can do.

Or rather look up. Or look all around. The heavens, the changing seasons, all that's delicate, intricate and breathtaking about this beautiful planet we live on has God's fingerprints all over it.

I think that's what has always bugged me when people say things like "I wish God would speak...like he did in the Old Testament." To that I suggest, maybe God IS speaking all the time. It's just that we aren't listening. Just because it isn't an audible "Voice of God" from the clouds doesn't mean he doesn't have a lot to say. Our challenge is learning to hear.

Take nature alone. Who hasn't hasn't been inspired by a beautiful sunrise or sunset? I live near the Smoky Mountains, so a drive through them in the fall when the leaves are changing is very much a spiritual journey. I've never been to the Grand Canyon, but my wife and I once took a morning train through the Swiss Alps. Un-be-lievable! The sheer enormity and beauty of that creation can still overpower me when I think about it. I've only seen a shooting star once. I was 12 and was spending the night with a friend. It was so surreal. It still puts a smile on my face to think of how awesome that was to see.

There are a billion other intricate details about this fantastic place we call home that to me are as awe-inspiring as they are mind-boggling.

Our globe's weight has been estimated at SIX SEXTILLION TONS! Yet, it is precisely tilted at 23 degrees. A degree or two the other way and bye-bye life on this planet. Our globe is constantly spinning at a rate of one-thousand miles per hour. Yet all of us remain grounded. Literally speaking, of course.

Every square yard of the Sun is constantly emitting the equivalent of 450 eight-cylinder automobile engines. At a distance of 93 million miles away from our earth. Yet, as powerful as our Sun is, it is but one minor star in the 100 BILLION orbs that make up our Milky Way Galaxy.

Everyone's favorite astro physicist, Stephen Hawking says that we live on "a minor planet of a very average star in the outer suburb of one of a hundred billion galaxies." In light of all that, maybe our day to day problems really aren't that big. But our God, who made it all, certainly is.