Pastor Jim Bradford is finishing up a great sermon series titled, Engaging Faith Questions. Along with his messages, he suggested reading The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism.

I’ve really enjoyed this series and I think you will too. You can listen online:

1. Is There a God?
2. Is the Bible True?
3. Is Jesus the Only Way to God?
4. Would a Loving God Send People to Hell?
5. What About the Injustices of the Church?
6. Isn’t All Truth Relative?
7. Doesn’t Science Disapprove Christianity?
8. How Could a Good God Allow Evil and Suffering?
9. Where Does Faith Fit In?

Here’s a slide show documenting our Thanksgiving day celebration. I’ll be updating it through out the day and I might actually come back and write something worth reading later.

I asked her, “Sarah did you just salute?”
“Yes.”
“Who did you salute?”
“God.”
“You saluted God?! Why?”
“Just to be nice.”
“Um… OK.”

She walked to the fridge, got a drink out of her “HOOAH! It’s an Army Thing” water bottle, took a bite of Poptart then pranced back to her bedroom to play.

I’m enjoying a freshly roasted Sumatran this morning. After my last post, I realized that random tea bags are not for me. I contacted a local coffee roaster friend and Joel lovingly drove to Nixa and picked up a few pounds of green coffee beans. Thanks Joel and Ed!

The coffee tastes great… but I wonder if my taste buds can fully appreciate it. I am SO sick! I have been since the OJ trial… no not that one, the one in October of this year. OK maybe it was the first one. It seems like a long time anyway.

In today’s coffee photo you’ll see my beloved two pound bag of Sumatran coffee and the new Central Assembly mug. I’m using the Central mug because I’m very sad to miss service this morning.

I’m afraid my incessant coughing might distract the congregation, and I’d hate to infect hundreds of elderly ‘heroes of the faith.’ [Seriously, half of em were missionaries in Africa for 50 years... the other half knew Paul and Timothy personally.... or at least E.N. Bell.]

So, I’m too sick to go to church. Which wouldn’t be a big deal except for the fact that I was looking forward to the sermon, the prayer time, the worship music, and sitting by my friends… The sermon will be on the podcast but the rest, I’m totally missing out on.

Speaking of sermons… I preached last Tuesday night for Central’s Enabled group.

Enabled
“An equipped, empowered, and enabled ministry for people with disabilities” that meets in the chapel on 3rd Tuesdays @ 7:00–9:00pm.

At first I thought I was being asked to “share a devotion” with a “small group.” Actually they wanted a 20 minute sermon for around 60 people at a special Thanksgiving celebration. I had so much fun! Enabled is a really diverse group: kids, young adults, elderly, physically disabled, mentally disabled, and their families. I could tell they all love each other so much.

That was officially my first sermon. [The others don't really count because they were class assignments.] I found out on Friday that I had to preach on thankfulness… I wrote my sermon on the back of a napkin at Golden Corral on Military Appreciation Day. [Mmm... free food... I was thankful!] I spoke on Psalm 107. The sermon went really well. I didn’t need any notes and I didn’t get nervous. I couldn’t be nervous, they’re such a great group of people.

Well, my coffee is getting cold and my family just left for church. I suppose I should take a shower or clean the house or do homework… or maybe turn on some music and take a nap. Yeh, it is a day of rest isn’t it?

[Could it be? Two Morning Cup posts in a row? It's true, you're not dreaming... and I'll even throw in a Tech Tangents post later just for my loyal longtime readers.]

Last Christmas I got a Sweet Maria’s gift certificate and bought 8 pounds of green coffee beans. I’ve enjoyed roasting them all year long. Ahh… but it’s all gone.

So tell me, frugal friends, is 42 dollars too much to spend on 11 months of perfect coffee? I haven’t decided yet. I might just start drinking tea. I have a drawer full of random tea bags. Or maybe I’ll barter with a local coffee roaster.

So it’s time for an update.

Joel: He’s working at Ft. Leonard Wood with the National Guard. It’s nice to have money again. I hate that he has to drive so far… but the security is nice it makes me feel… more… secure. Joel is also in a graduate studies program at Evangel University.

Joel just found out that his friend died in Afghanistan. It’s pretty sad.

Jeremiah: Jer loves school. They give him really hard spelling words for a second grader though… words like envelope, knowledge, foreign, and doubt… He’s doing pretty well, but we definitely have to study now!

Sarah: Of course Sarah is loving Kindergarten. I think art is her favorite class. Sarah is very very interesting… she’s very girly but along with pink glitter she loves Hot Wheels and Light sabers.

Me: I enjoy my classes and my practicum. I’m pretty worried about my history professor though. Dr. McGee is in the hospital in critical condition. Please pray for him, he’s a favorite professor at AGTS. We all love him so much.

Recent Events: We went to Tamara’s wedding last week. She got married in Georgia. It was a beautiful, cold outdoor November wedding. I really enjoyed seeing her and her family again.

While we were on that side of the Mississippi, we saw Rachel too. I got to go to her ultrasound. She’s having a girl!

We also saw Joel’s mom. Though not for long enough. We’ll have to go back and see them again in January. The kids love seeing their grandparents.

And that wraps up the monthly we’re still alive post. I know I still owe you a post or two about depression. I’m workin’ on it. But as a teaser: I went to a counselor. I got diagnosed. [akkk a label] I’m doing much better. [Though this week is a little challenging.]

A few factors have led to my exit from the blogosphere.

1. Facebook: I post all of my stuff there now. Photos, links etc.

2. The ubiquitous nature of blogging: I know it’s not a good reason… but blogging isn’t cool anymore. When I got my own domain name almost 9 and a half years ago, having a website was unusual, unique. Now it’s normal and boring, and well… so what you have a blog everyone has a blog.

3. I’m busy: You knew that already though didn’t you? Well maybe not since I never write.

4. Friends: I used to tell gentlewhisper.com all of my stuff. Now I tell people at school or on the phone. Sorry. It doesn’t mean I don’t love you all. I just get it out of my system and forget to write.

5. Complicated topics: The stuff I want to write about seems like it would take a long time to write. I don’t have time to research and write a good post… so I don’t write at all. Sorry bout that!

So there are my reasons/excuses. I’m sure in different phases of my life I’ll feel I have more to write about … I guess I do right now, I just forgot to write.

A few hours later I received an email promoting Francis Chan’s new book, Crazy Love. The email said,

“Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn’t working harder at a list of do’s and don’ts-it’s falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same. Because when you’re wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.”

I followed the link and soon downloaded the first chapter and watched a few videos at crazylovebook.com. The timing seemed like more than a mere coincidence. Within a couple days, I drove to the book store and bought a copy for myself. I didn’t want to wait for Amazon to ship it.

I really loved this book and the videos that go with each chapter. I’m not sure if it’s really as wonderful as I think, or if it was just perfect timing. Maybe I’ll read it again just to double check. Read it with me.

When we got home, Jeremiah saw the pictures and said he wanted to go too.  Since I kept my receipt, I got to take Jer for free.  Sarah and I took our time, looked at everything, took tons of photos.  Jeremiah and I practically ran through the garden.  It was getting dark so we didn’t get a lot of pictures.  But we did have fun!

I just roasted a batch of coffee and made an excellent breakfast… which was even more excellent because my super awesome husband drove across town and went to Sams just to buy me good salsa.  Now that’s love!  [Yes, this sentence confirms the sterotype that bloggers just like to tell people what they had for breakfast.]

And while I’m on the topic of super awesomeness, my husband also went to the grocery store late last night just to buy me Crunch n Munch…. and some soy sourcream.  What a man!

I’m writing a paper about Soren Kierkegaard’s Attack Upon “Christendom.”  It’s just a three page paper, it’s not supposed to have footnotes.  But I have four books I want to quote… it’s exciting stuff actually.

Kid updates:
I found it nearly impossible to get angry at Sarah for using chewing gum to fix the entertainment center when she couldn’t find the missing screw.  She’s so awesome. 

Jeremiah’s teacher finally caught on to him.  She sent him home with 4th grade spelling words this week. Now we actually have to study! SpellingCity.com is a pretty cool resource we found.

I’m co-leading a small group for spouses of deployed service members… it’s on Wednesday nights in Springfield, Mo.  Comment if you want more info.

I’d write more but the Kierkegaard paper is due in a few short hours.  

[Notice how I just start acting like I'm a blogger without any explanation as to why I stopped writing anything of value for months?  I missed you too.]

I got to speak with CH Richardson for a few minutes after the banquet.  When he found out I’m an Army Chaplain Candidate he said he had to “coin” me.  Awesome!  He had his wife get the coin out of her purse.  He’s a great guy.  My fellow Assemblies of God chaplains should be really proud of him.  Air Force chaplains are blessed to have him leading them.

 I haven’t felt like blogging lately.  I’ve been doing this for over a decade… I guess I get tired of it on occasion.  Sometimes I start to write a post but then I can’t think of anything to write so I leave it for another day.

I want to write more about depression.  I started a series on that a couple of months ago.  I could also share some exciting stories from my internship at Central Assembly.  

Today though, I’m taking the day off.  I’m not feeling so well.  I think I’ll make another cup of tea and read for a while.  I’ve fallen a bit behind in my reading for one of my classes.

Here are a few of the books I’m reading this week:

The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating the Missional Church by Alan Hirsch.

The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog by James W. Sire

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan

I just finished reading The Radical Wesley and Patterns for Church Renewal by Howard Snyder.

I loved this book!  Not only does it tell the exciting story of John Wesley, but it gives a model of church renewal.  Snyder convincingly argues that Christian fellowship or community are essential elements in renewal. He says, “A personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior must be tied to a covenant commitment to the body of Christ.  Believers must be ready to take some agreed responsibility for their own lives and for the lives of their sisters and brothers in the faith.”

Beside the unfortunate tea stains, the pages of my book are covered in scribbled notes and underlines.  In my excitement, my comments didn’t remain in written form.  While reading, I actually heard myself proclaim, “Hooah! Wesley!”  This book makes me want to read a Wesley biography or two, start a small group, feed the poor and live a holy life.  That’s not bad for a church history reading assignment.

I was also able to fix my old digital camera, so she had that surprise yesterday.

Thanks so much to those who were concerned.

A few minutes later a family member called and offered to send us $1,000.  We hadn’t told her of our need, she just called and insisted on helping.  Thank You!

Not long after that call, Joel received another.  He had orders to deploy to Louisiana with the Missouri National Guard.  He left that night.  Within less than an hour, God had dramatically answered our prayers.

The next day I checked the mail and found 465 dollars worth of payments for our business.  Later, I heard rumor that someone intended to send me some money for school…

On Wednesday afternoon, I came home with three small garden tomatoes given to me when I stopped by the church that day.  Sarah saw the produce and beamed with joy.  She said, “Oh mommy I’m so happy for you!  You wanted tomatoes!”  She was right.  I had been wanting tomatoes for several days but hadn’t wanted to spend the money on them.  Sarah and Jeremiah were so excited about God’s provision.

I asked them if God heard their prayers on Monday night.  They assured me that he had.  They stood in the living room hopping up and down telling me how he had answered.  They listed things off one by one… the thousand dollars, the deployment, the checks, the tomatoes… My kids had been watching and noticing as God quickly answered their prayers.  They’re excitement was worth more than any paycheck.

No, I’ve not forgotten you, I’m just really busy.  I do have some posts coming soon though.

This is what’s going on:

• Joel has deployed to Louisiana with the National Guard.
• God keeps answering our prayers… My kids are getting excited.
• I’m loving my classes.
• I met the staff at Central Assembly yesterday and I’m going to start working with the Connections team today!
• I’m really excited about Sarah Palin.
• I’m proud of my twin sister.
• My younger sister just had a beautiful baby girl!
• I love this song: Chris Tomlin - Holy is the Lord.  It has been stuck in my head for at least six months… probably longer.

My classes:
Christianity in modern & postmodern eras
Communicating Christian faith in a pluralistic society
Practicum in Pastoral Ministry - With Pastor Loralie at Central Assembly of God

I’m really excited about this semester.

Jeremiah and Sarah started school yesterday. Joel starts a grad program on Thursday.

Sarah walked into the room when I still had this on my mind. I know how much of a mama’s girl she is and how much she missed her daddy when he was deployed. I asked her, “Sarah, are you mad about me being a Chaplain?” She said no. I asked, “Are you excited about it?” Her reply, “Yes!” “What if I go to war?” I asked. She quickly answered, “Then I’d like to stay with daddy.” I asked if she’d write me letters every day and send me Rice Krispies treats. She smiled, promising to send me dairy free treats. She climbed up onto my lap. She hugged me and asked, “But what if you die?” “Well, then I’ll see you in heaven” I said as I kissed her forehead. “You are going to be there aren’t you?” She smiled and said yes. I told her, “Don’t worry, chaplains don’t usually die. None have died in the Iraq or Afghanistan wars.” She looked a bit relieved and said, “Really? I didn’t know that. Why?” I told her they try to keep us safe cause we’re so important. She laughed and ran off to play.

It was a light-hearted conversation about a serious topic. My little girl. To her, nothing is worse than a day without hugs from mom… and yet she bravely looks toward tomorrow knowing I’ll probably be deployed in a few years. She’s not just some kindergartner who doesn’t understand… her daddy just came home from Afghanistan. She knows how what it means.

I asked her why she wanted me to be a chaplain if she doesn’t want me to go away. I expected some sort of answer about telling soldiers about Jesus. Instead she said I need to go to war “to keep the soldiers safe.” I asked her how I am supposed to do that. She whispered, “Tell them to try to stay alive.”

The comment reminded me of my friend Matt’s recent post:
One Issue Voting « From the Straight and Narrow

I’ve been really busy. I had four papers to write for a class I got an incomplete in last semester. [Finished! I got a B. Oh well.]

I also had to prepare for my Assemblies of God minister credential test and interview.
[Done! I did well.]

I’ve got a week of summer left. I’ll spend that time getting all four of us ready to go back to school. I’m trying to get ahead on my reading and maybe even write a couple of my papers before the semester starts. I have to make a Web site for CCFG too….

I’m going to start spending a lot more time working at the church this semester and I’m doing a pastoral ministry practicum there too.

Someday soon I’ll come back to gentlewhisper.com and write more on the topic of depression. I was starting a series.

Zach was a 23 year old Marine who recently returned from Iraq. He was also one of my favorite kids when Joel and I taught a 3rd and 4th grade Sunday School class in Dalhart, TX. We got to counsel him at church camp. Some of the grownups thought he was a trouble maker but I absolutely loved that little boy. I still do. After I moved away for college he would write to me and tell me about how much he loved Jesus. I’ve not seen him for over a decade, but I actually talk about him often. I think I was telling Rachel about him just a couple weeks ago.

I love his mama too and my heart aches for her tonight.

—

While talking to someone about Zach, I found out that another longtime friend has a brain aneurysm… we’re waiting on new from the doctors.

—

Another phone call brought more heartbreaking news: Good friends facing terrible marriage troubles. Of course I can’t share the details, but I’m still crying for them.

—

And then the election results. Chief lost the Greene County Sheriff primary. I’m pretty sure Sarah Steelman won’t be our next governor.

I think I’ll go to sleep. Maybe tomorrow will work out better.