Here is one place to read a translation
I am in the process of reading this- mostly because I can not get enough information about the Messiah, but also because it is controversial; and I LOVE controversy!
I will be back with thoughts... (It is a somewhat difficult read, eclectic and fragmented, so try it bit by bit- maybe just search for the reference to the birth of Jesus)
-J
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Merry Christmas
Wishing you all the love, joy, and peace that Jesus brings..at Christmas and throughout the new year!
With love, the Vogels
Monday, December 19, 2005
Velvet Elvis
I just finished reading this book, and it was wonderful!
I had not heard of Rob Bell, Mars Hill church, or Nooma, so this is not a biased review. Actually, I do not expect anyone to read it, so I guess it really has no bias at all.
My good friend Lance recommended this book to me, and I always listen to Lance!
When I first started to read it, I was caught a bit off guard (I believe intentionally). What I learned was that my faith is flexible- no matter what anyone can throw at it!
Chapter two- I never thought Jewish history could be so enlightening. I learned what being 'unequally yoked' means. I read that learning comes from wrestling with, debating, and questioning what is going on in the scriptures. Finally, I see that I am not alone in that I never accept anything at face value- I always wrestle with a topic before I can wrap my mind around it.
Chapter three- Realizing that truth is everywhere. Simple as that may seem, I often get caught on this one. Rob Bell provides some insight into truth, and the strangest places you might expect it to popup. I wont clarify for fear it would spoil your reading experience.
Chapter four- This chapter really got my attention. You will read about a pastor of a 10,000 member church who wrestles with depression, purpose, and meaning.
Chapter five- I think of this chapter as 'the life and times of biblical Jews'. Rob explains context for the disciples and how they came to be disciples. I left this chapter humbled by the love and grace God shows to us.
Chapter six- Were you ever wronged by holier-than-thou religious zealots? Have you ever cringed at the hypocrisy, and felt condemed for being 'broken', 'bad', or 'worthless'? Rob takes us through what the Bible says, applies it contextually, and we leave understanding that God loves us- every aspect of us- as we are, and desires to be close to us. It is the ultimate love of a Father for His children- unconditional.
Chapter seven- I leave for you te read and discuss. Of course I, God willing, will be here to listen when you are ready.
With Love,
John
I had not heard of Rob Bell, Mars Hill church, or Nooma, so this is not a biased review. Actually, I do not expect anyone to read it, so I guess it really has no bias at all.
My good friend Lance recommended this book to me, and I always listen to Lance!
When I first started to read it, I was caught a bit off guard (I believe intentionally). What I learned was that my faith is flexible- no matter what anyone can throw at it!
Chapter two- I never thought Jewish history could be so enlightening. I learned what being 'unequally yoked' means. I read that learning comes from wrestling with, debating, and questioning what is going on in the scriptures. Finally, I see that I am not alone in that I never accept anything at face value- I always wrestle with a topic before I can wrap my mind around it.
Chapter three- Realizing that truth is everywhere. Simple as that may seem, I often get caught on this one. Rob Bell provides some insight into truth, and the strangest places you might expect it to popup. I wont clarify for fear it would spoil your reading experience.
Chapter four- This chapter really got my attention. You will read about a pastor of a 10,000 member church who wrestles with depression, purpose, and meaning.
Chapter five- I think of this chapter as 'the life and times of biblical Jews'. Rob explains context for the disciples and how they came to be disciples. I left this chapter humbled by the love and grace God shows to us.
Chapter six- Were you ever wronged by holier-than-thou religious zealots? Have you ever cringed at the hypocrisy, and felt condemed for being 'broken', 'bad', or 'worthless'? Rob takes us through what the Bible says, applies it contextually, and we leave understanding that God loves us- every aspect of us- as we are, and desires to be close to us. It is the ultimate love of a Father for His children- unconditional.
Chapter seven- I leave for you te read and discuss. Of course I, God willing, will be here to listen when you are ready.
With Love,
John
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!!
Dear Friends, We've been mighty homesick for all of you!! Your video talked us into it... http://www.lancebradley.com/assets/video/christmaseve_commercial.mov So, we're coming home for Christmas!!! Can't wait to see you on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning!!
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Thinking again....
The following are lyrics to a Casting Crowns song: Stained Glass Masquerade. They've been speaking to my heart all week. I pray they do the same for you. Too many times in my life I have witnessed the stained glass masquerade and the pain and confusion it has caused to myself and others.... We are all imperfect wretches, looking for the One who can free us from the chains that bind us. And when we can close the curtain on the stained glass masquerade, not only do we find freedom through the One who gives life in abundance, but the veil is torn down so that others can see Him as well.
Is there anyone that fails? Is there anyone that falls? Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small? Cause when I take a look around everybody seems so strong, I know they'll soon discover that I don't belong.
So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay. If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too. So with a painted grin, I play the part again, so everyone will see me the way that I see them.
Are we happy plastic people under shiny plastic steeples, with walls around our weakness and smiles to hide our pain? But if the invitation's open to every heart that has been broken, maybe then we close the curtain on our stained glass masquerade.
Is there anyone who's been there? Are there any hands to raise? Am I the only one who's traded in the altar for a stage? The performance is convincing and we know every line by heart, only when no one is watching can we really fall apart.
But would it set me free if I dared to let you see the truth behind the person that you imagine me to be? Would your arms be open or would you walk away? Would the love of Jesus be enough to make you stay?
Or are we happy plastic people under shiny plastic steeples, with walls around our weakness and smiles to hide our pain?
My friends, the invitation IS open to EVERY heart that has been broken! So let us close the curtain on our stained glass masquerade. Blessings, KV
Is there anyone that fails? Is there anyone that falls? Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small? Cause when I take a look around everybody seems so strong, I know they'll soon discover that I don't belong.
So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay. If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too. So with a painted grin, I play the part again, so everyone will see me the way that I see them.
Are we happy plastic people under shiny plastic steeples, with walls around our weakness and smiles to hide our pain? But if the invitation's open to every heart that has been broken, maybe then we close the curtain on our stained glass masquerade.
Is there anyone who's been there? Are there any hands to raise? Am I the only one who's traded in the altar for a stage? The performance is convincing and we know every line by heart, only when no one is watching can we really fall apart.
But would it set me free if I dared to let you see the truth behind the person that you imagine me to be? Would your arms be open or would you walk away? Would the love of Jesus be enough to make you stay?
Or are we happy plastic people under shiny plastic steeples, with walls around our weakness and smiles to hide our pain?
My friends, the invitation IS open to EVERY heart that has been broken! So let us close the curtain on our stained glass masquerade. Blessings, KV
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Empty Rituals
The following editorial is written by John, and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the Vogel Family
What is an empty ritual? I have been thinking about this lately, and when I get to thinking, the topic consumes every part of me, until I can solve the puzzle, get the answer, or identify purpose. Well, I finally got it...
The problem with empty rituals is that they, by definition, do not have a purpose.
Have you ever heard someone say "that's just the way we have always done it"? AAAGH! When I hear that I just want to slap the speaker... But I don't.
Maybe my parents ruined me by teaching me that "I don't know" is not an acceptable reason for doing something.
Remember when:
"Why did you pour 27 gallons of water on the floor?" ..."I don't know"
"Why did you leave the bread bag open?" ..."I don't know"
"Why are there 13 empty twinkie wrappers under your bed?" ..."I don't know"
"Why are the Police at the door?"
... You get the point.
Empty rituals are cop-outs. They serve absolutely no purpose. So why do we do them? Good question; one I have been pondering. :^)
Empty Rituals start out as a good practice, one with a purpose. I am reminded of the story about ham, perhaps you have heard it:
Once there was a young lady who cooked a ham at every Christmas. Every year the Christmas ham was prepared in the exact same fashion. The young lady would get her roasting pan, put in the ham and sprinkle the ham with spices such as cinnamon and brown sugar and honey. She would then cut both ends off the ham and place it carefully into her roasting pan and put it in the oven to bake.
One Christmas morning, the young lady's husband was excitedly watching his busy wife prepare the ham for the noon meal. Suddenly on a whim, the man said, "Honey, I understand everything about the process of the preparation of the ham except one thing. Why do you cut the ends off of the ham?" To which she quickly replied, " Because that is the way my mother taught me. I will call her and ask her why."
The young lady called her mother and asked the question, " Mother, why do you cut the ends off the Christmas ham?" To which the mother replied, " Because my mother did. I have always prepared it that way. I will call Grams and ask her."
The mother called her mother, Grams and asked, " Grams why do we cut the ends off the Christmas ham?" To which Grams replied, " I don't know why you girls do, but I do it because my pan is too small for the ham."
Gram' had a purpose, the daughter's were empty rituals. The ideas start out fine, then somewhere down the line, we lose the meaning- we become like mindless puppets performing rituals for no other reason than "I don't know"
So, are empty rituals harmful? I think they are. When our actions are dictated my mindless habits, we become reliant on others for direction and lose our creative abilities. Let me cite some examples to explain:
What is an empty ritual? I have been thinking about this lately, and when I get to thinking, the topic consumes every part of me, until I can solve the puzzle, get the answer, or identify purpose. Well, I finally got it...
The problem with empty rituals is that they, by definition, do not have a purpose.
Have you ever heard someone say "that's just the way we have always done it"? AAAGH! When I hear that I just want to slap the speaker... But I don't.
Maybe my parents ruined me by teaching me that "I don't know" is not an acceptable reason for doing something.
Remember when:
"Why did you pour 27 gallons of water on the floor?" ..."I don't know"
"Why did you leave the bread bag open?" ..."I don't know"
"Why are there 13 empty twinkie wrappers under your bed?" ..."I don't know"
"Why are the Police at the door?"
... You get the point.
Empty rituals are cop-outs. They serve absolutely no purpose. So why do we do them? Good question; one I have been pondering. :^)
Empty Rituals start out as a good practice, one with a purpose. I am reminded of the story about ham, perhaps you have heard it:
Once there was a young lady who cooked a ham at every Christmas. Every year the Christmas ham was prepared in the exact same fashion. The young lady would get her roasting pan, put in the ham and sprinkle the ham with spices such as cinnamon and brown sugar and honey. She would then cut both ends off the ham and place it carefully into her roasting pan and put it in the oven to bake.
One Christmas morning, the young lady's husband was excitedly watching his busy wife prepare the ham for the noon meal. Suddenly on a whim, the man said, "Honey, I understand everything about the process of the preparation of the ham except one thing. Why do you cut the ends off of the ham?" To which she quickly replied, " Because that is the way my mother taught me. I will call her and ask her why."
The young lady called her mother and asked the question, " Mother, why do you cut the ends off the Christmas ham?" To which the mother replied, " Because my mother did. I have always prepared it that way. I will call Grams and ask her."
The mother called her mother, Grams and asked, " Grams why do we cut the ends off the Christmas ham?" To which Grams replied, " I don't know why you girls do, but I do it because my pan is too small for the ham."
Gram' had a purpose, the daughter's were empty rituals. The ideas start out fine, then somewhere down the line, we lose the meaning- we become like mindless puppets performing rituals for no other reason than "I don't know"
So, are empty rituals harmful? I think they are. When our actions are dictated my mindless habits, we become reliant on others for direction and lose our creative abilities. Let me cite some examples to explain:
- Give a child an outline of a flower to color, and tell them that they are only allowed to color it red. If they do not challenge that idea (they stick with the empty ritual), not only will they miss out on the joy of coloring with the full box of crayons, they will have a difficult time recognizing the beauty in a Picasso, Dali, or Warhol. How Sad.
- Poems need to rhyme. Again, joy is dictated by an empty ritual, not allowing for many more facets of poetry. How sad.
- Have you heard someone ask "How are you?" when they really did not mean it? It becomes harmful because that relationship is no more than superficial, and will never grow. How sad.
- Know anyone who goes to church on Sunday? Did you know that Adults who attended church regularly as a child are nearly three times as likely to be attending a church today as are their peers who avoided the church during childhood (61% to 22%, respectively). They go because they were taught to-but many do it for that reason only- an empty ritual. How sad.
No, that does not mean that red roses, rhymes, polite people, and attending church are intrinsically bad- the empty rituals they can become are.
Look at yourself. Ask "why?" for anything you do.
Why do you put salt on food before tasting it to see if it even needs salt?
Why do you shut the door to the bathroom when no one is home?
Why do you say "God bless you" or "Gezuntight" when someone sneezes?
Why do you cross yourself when you pray?
Why do you go to church?
Why do you say "amen" after you pray?
Jesus said it best:
So, do you get the point? If so you would ask why I wrote this. What is the purpose? Is challenging something a ritual in itself?
I do know, just ask me.
:^)
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