Where does our help come from...

http://www.mlive.com/grpress/slideshows/070526buck_slideshow/index.html

A single light in the darkness shines

Make your way over to my friend, Josh's blog to read his latest post. www.joshuacase.net

and visit www.lightamillioncandles.com

when you take me out to the ballgame

That's right! I was able to push the KC Royals to a tie ballgame in the 6th inning that eventually led to a 4-3 win over the Cleveland Indians. It was "T-Shirt Tuesday". My hot dog(Relish) won the "Hot Dog Run" and Sweeney hit a home run giving all in attendance a free ice cream sundae from Sheridan's. What a great night at the "K". Good friends, good food, good pics for memories.

trade

Kevin Kline plays a cop who helps a teenager on a journey to rescue his younger sister who has been kidnapped by sex traffickers. The movie is set to open on Sept. 7. Watch the trailer.

tradethemovie.com

A Tale of Three Kings

A friend of mine recently sent me a book. It was one that I had already read, but I gave my copy away and was glad to have another one on my shelf. The book is "A Tale of Three Kings". It is one of my favorites. The author closes in on the relationship between Saul, David and Absalom of the Bible. Three different leaders. Three different kings and three very different responses to authority, power, and God. This quick read is great for anyone who might feel the spears being thrown at you, or maybe considering throwing some spears yourself. ***** (those are my 5 stars).

Once Upon A Time...

My four year old was playing today with her dolls, Cinderella and Snow White. I couldn't help but overhear her unusual fairytale. I have scripted it out for you below:

(scene - Snow White and Cinderella are chatting with each other before the ball.)

Snow White: Hello Cinderella, how are you?
Cinderella: I'm fine. And what do you think sin is?
Snow White: Sin is when you do something that Jesus doesn't want you to and it makes him sad.
Cinderella: That's right! Good job!

The End

(Prince Charming is in for a big suprise.)

Thank you to THE OOZE for the post

THE OOZE was kind enough to post a poem that I wrote entitled "Wake Up To Change". It's a great site with some good stuff to check out. So check it out. www.theooze.com

"you're gonna be somebody" part 3

"No man is an island, entire of itself" - John Donne
"Living together is an art." - William Pickens
"When he[Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." -Matthew 9:36

I have been thinking lately about my role as a Christian as it pertains to those around me. I am not an island. My choices matter to my relationships. When we talk about being the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world", the primary responsibility is often placed on an individual's ability to recruit followers. I wonder how that looks different in the context of a community today.

What does it mean to "share your faith"?

In the seventh grade I shared the Gospel of Christ to a boy in my English class using an evangelistic tool called "The Answer". He obliged and allowed me to make my presentation. The Answer used verses out of the book, Romans often referred to as "The Roman Road". It eventually unfolded into the shape of a cross with a short prayer at the end for the person to recite in order to receive salvation. My friend decided he would be okay saying this prayer with me. I was so excited and couldn't wait to share the experience with my youth pastor. It wasn't long before a film crew arrived at my church on a Wednesday night and interviewed myself and my youth pastor regarding the effectiveness of "The Answer". The video was then played at a state youth conference in Dallas where I also received an award for "Outstanding Evangelism".
As I reflect on this experience I am saddened by the fact that my friend was not interviewed in the video, nor did he receive any type of award. He didn't even attend the event. In fact, he never even came to our church.
I would say that both of us in that moment were operating out of a sincere heart. He was a good friend of mine. We sat next to each other in almost every class because of our last names. We even got "swats" together in that same English class(on a different day of course). I believe that I valued our relationship, but I felt this tremendous pressure that I would fail as a Christian if I didn't give him "The Answer". It took a long time before I realized that it really wasn't supposed to be about me.

You're gonna be somebody, but who?

It's on our Front Lawns

Over the weekend the Kansas City Star ran a story about a sex trafficking ring that was busted here in the area. The paper listed all of the businesses(massage parlors and ice cream parlors) that were fronts for the operation. I looked up the businesses and was surprised to find one of them located right across the street from our home.
I recently visited Cambodia to learn more about the issue of human trafficking. Our group met with several organizations that are working in different areas to stop this horrible crime. We were reminded that the problem was not merely contained in third world countries, but the stain of slavery is still not removed from the US.
A few months ago I noticed a massage parlor opened up in a strip mall across the street from our neighborhood. I am ashamed to admit that I internally dismissed it as anything improper. I said what I think so many people say to themselves, "Surely not here in this place?" I am glad that the people have been apprehended and legal action has been taken regarding the victims.
I am just so amazed at how this issue is continually being brought to my attention. I wanted to use this post to remind anyone reading this that Human slavery is alive and well today. People are being bought and sold all over the world (even here in America). If something doesn't look right to you, it probably isn't. Investigate, advocate, and use any resource you have to bring attention to Human Trafficking. People should not be bought and sold. Visit these links to learn more about how you can Stop the Traffik!

stopthetraffik.org
worldhope.org
humantrafficking.org
notforsalecampaign.org

Four charged with bringing women from China to be prostitutes here

By MARK MORRIS

The Kansas City Star

MIKE RANSDELL | The Kansas City

John F. Wood, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, described Friday how four Chinese nationals moved across international boundaries with intent to engage in prostitution.

Federal prosecutors today charged four people with transporting Asian women from the east and west coasts to Johnson County to engage in prostitution.

The charges came after a high-profile series of raids Thursday in which 15 women were rescued from 12 massage parlors.

According to federal courts records, authorities received tips that some of those charged today “were coercing, enticing and exploiting Chinese women to reap a fortune for themselves.”

Another tip stated that the women were smuggled from China and rotated out of Johnson County through San Francisco every 20 days.

Those charged today:

•Ling Xu, Zhong Yan Liu and Cheng Tang, who operate two Johnson County shops, China Rose Massage and China Villa, both in Overland Park, and a home that authorities believe was used both for prostitution and to house the women who worked for them.

•Hongmei Madole, who owns Asian Touch Massage in Olathe.

Each is charged with a violation of the Mann Act, a federal law that prohibits the transportation of a woman across state lines for prostitution or other illegal sexual crimes.

Forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors...

In the Bible it says they asked Jesus how many times you should forgive, and he said 70 times 7. Well, I want you all to know that I'm keeping a chart.
-- Hillary Rodham Clinton:

Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.
-- John F. Kennedy

Forgive, O Lord, my little jokes on Thee
And I'll forgive Thy great big one on me
-- Robert Frost

We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies -- it is the first law of nature.
-- Voltaire.

It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend.
-- William Blake

I would build a bridge a hundred meters long,
To see the other side of what I did wrong,
Well you say you don't hate me, but I guess that I'm scared,
That with a river between us, you'll no longer care.
-- Marc Gunn, The Bridge.

Words have the power to both destroy and heal. When words are both true and kind, they can change our world.
-- Buddha.

4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
-- Ephesians, 4:31-4:32.

What you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing; it also depends on what sort of person you are.
-- C. S. Lewis.

You cannot antagonize and influence at the same time.
-- J. S. Knox.

We have to have a deep, patient compassion for the fears of men and irrational mania of those who hate or condemn us.
-- Thomas Merton.

Every adult was once a child free from prejudice.
-- Mother Teresa.

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
-- Mahatma Gandhi.

Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heal that has crushed it.
-- Mark Twain.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
-- Aesop.

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.
-- Martin Luther King, Jr.

We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.
-- Albert Einstein.

Mr. Gorbatchev, tear down this wall!
-- Ronald Reagan.

Another reason not to go to prison...

(a scene from NBC's The Office - "The Convict")

Jim: What'd you do, Prison Mike?

Prison Mike: I stole. ... And I robbed. And I kidnapped... the... president's son. And held him for ransom.

Jim: That is... quite the rap sheet, Prison Mike.

Prison Mike: And I nevah got caught, neither.

Jim: Well, you're... in... prison, but, mmhmm.

Pam: Prison Mike? What was the food like in prison?

Prison Mike: Gruel. Sandwiches. Gruel omelettes. Nothing but gruel. Plus, you can eat your own hair.

Andy: Wow. Prison sounds horrible.

Prison Mike: Yeah. Yeah. Well, thank you, Andy. Tanks.

Dwight: Prison Mike. What's the very very worst thing about prison?

Angela: Don't encourage him, Dwight.

Prison Mike: The worst thing about prison was the... was the Dementors. They... were flying all over the place, and they were scary. And they'd come down, and they'd suck the soul out of your body, and it hurt!

Karen: Demen-Dementors like in Harry Potter?

Prison Mike: No, not Harry Potter. ... There are no movies in prison. This is my point! You guys got it soft, and cushy! This place is freaking awesome! The people are awesome! Your boss is nice! Everyone seems to get along! People are tolerant! People who... have jumped to conclusions can redeem themselves! I hope that this scared you. And from me, Prison Mike, to you, I just wanna thank you for listening to me. Letting me be a part of your life today. 'Cause you got a good life! YOu got a good life. A good life. [turns around, takes bandanna off]

Christian vs. Atheist Debate to air on ABC's Nightline

article by Becky Garrison:

"On Saturday, May 5, I attended the taping for the first-ever Nightline Face Off. In this premiere episode, taped at Calvary Baptist Church in New York City, The Way of the Masterco-hosts Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort debated the existence of God with theRational Response Squad (RSS), founders of The Blasphemy Challenge. (See “The New Atheists Blasphemy Challenge” for my earlier coverage of this venture.)"

Read More of this article here.

the custodian

the custodian
by jeff semple (Dec. 2004)

Underneath my thoughts there lies a greater dream.
Surrounding my body are movements yet unseen.
Inside the well of my soul dwells a deeper stream.
All powers of the Almighty are available to me.
And though I know these things exist in reality,
The only way to move from knowledge to belief
Is to trust in the One who sees what I have not seen.
To love the One who is love and first loved me.
To pray with ears that hear words I cannot speak.
To consider others better than me.
Holding nothing in my hands and taking the time to breathe,
Laughing at something and finding a good book to read,
Taking pictures that last and to remember there's no delete.
Making my way up to the top floor and walking through the CEO's door,
I look across the desk with a sigh of relief.
The man in the chair with a blank stare is not me.
So I pick up my broom and begin to sweep.
Keeping this place clean is what God is teaching me.

"Christian" in all sorts, colors, and practices

Make your way over to my friend, Josh Case's blog and read his thoughts on being a Christian in the world today...

'Christian' in all sorts, colors, and practices - Joshua Case

new beginnings

Last night we spent some good time with good friends. Darin and Autumn are easy like Sunday morning. We laughed and ate and listened to Darin and my wife interact in seminarian dialect. It was good.
Darin and Autumn(like us) are possibly moving soon to begin full-time ministry in a church.
So I decided I would call attention to this great moment. I proposed a toast with our good friends, a toast to New Beginnings. We didn't have glasses. Instead, we raised our ice cream bowls. They laughed at me, but humored my need to encapsulate the evening.

I enjoy good conversation with good friends. I enjoy a good laugh, even at myself. I enjoy a good meal with good ice cream to follow. I enjoy watching others enjoy the moment. I enjoy transparency. I enjoy my wife's ability to knock me off any kind of platform I think I need to get on.
I enjoy sharing life and living in the context of community. I enjoy this.

So I toast to New Beginnings...whatever that means for you.

come to love

come to love
by jeff semple

come now is the time for the healing
come now is the time for the rest
come now is the time for the giving
a blessing forever blessed

in the song that i don't know
in the words i wouldn't have chose
i hear you whispering
come now, unto me

come to love
come to love waiting
come to mercy

"you're gonna be somebody" part 2

"you're gonna be somebody" part 2
How will we respond when the significance we have been comfortable with is no longer there?
Will we simply rely on our current achievements and successes as a down payment for a "job well done"?
What does retirement mean for you?

A pastor at our church was reprimanding some kids who were calling the pastors on staff by their first name instead of using the title "Pastor". This particular Rev. has retired from the ministry in the traditional "full-time" role, but continues to serve in the church under various forms of pastoral care duties. I was very disappointed in his message to the children. I think respect is important and certainly pastors deserve to be treated with respect. What I saw and heard was a man wanting what he feels has already gone. The title represents an idea that he is holding onto with both hands. Significance.

I had a good friend, a great friend. His name was Bick. Bick passed away June 16, 2004. I will never forget that day. Bick was and has been the most significant spiritual mentor in my life. He was 83 when he died.
Bick was retired. He was a retired war vet. A retired professor. A retired Pentagon employee. A retired minister. He was not a retired soul. Bick kept his mornings full with appointments to pray with pastors in the community. He didn't just pray with the pastor of his church, but any pastor that invited him. He also met with younger guys, like myself. He put up with our arrogance and our ignorance. He loved to "take us to the wood shed" where he would bring us back down to reality. Bick acquired many titles along the journey of his life. Among them were Dr., Rev., Prof., and Lieutenant Colonel. Titles were not part of his significance. He lived in a way that made his relationship with God significant. He refused to let his life simply fall to "garage projects" and Suduko.

You're gonna be somebody, but who?

mini lover

My next door neighbor, Sebastian just bought himself a Mini Cooper. He took me for a spin and now I am hooked. I'm a Mini Lover! And you know...I didn't feel miniature while riding inside of this small automobile. I felt magnificent! This particular Mini hails from Norway (or was it The Netherlands). Covet I will not. Borrow from time to time from grocery runs...I think so! Actually, it's a stick and (save all the machismo comments) I don't know how to drive a non-automatic. So I will just have to settle for riding "Shotgun".

what is a hero?

ode to hiro

Ode to Hiro
by Jeff Semple

You travel through time and space
To save the earth from danger
Ando is Tonto
and you are the Lone Ranger
The sword you stole from Linderman
gives you the power that you need
now close your eyes hard Hiro
it's time to flee

Flying man cannot help you
Mr. I-sak is dead
You must kill Sylar
before he cuts off your head
Future Hiro has warned you
you know what to do
your hair must be longer
and you need a fu man chu

We applaud you Hiro
you are loved and adored
the world is in your hands
you and your sword
Mondays we're watching
to see where you will go
Peter saved the cheerleader
now you must save the world