This week I’m telling that slightly lesser known Christmas story in Revelation 12. What, after all, is Christmas without a dragon?
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Someone made the comment yesterday that he’s afraid many are trading one form of fundamentalism for another. I agree! The problem is a fundamental problem with fundamentalism itself.
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I’ve said this before here: but how do you single parents do it? How do you work, manage the house, run the car pool, shuttle between band practices and ball games, make it to church, and still get a Christmas tree up? How do you make the money last to the end of the month? How do you endure when you’re lonely?
Seriously. Hats off to the single parents. But even more than that — how can we make your life easier? How can we help you endure? How can we assist with your children? What encouragement do you need in your spiritual journey (on those rare moments when you can even pause to think about it!)?
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What do you get for that person who already has everything? My little pals, the Moore boys (whose parents were part of the Jinja mission team we love), had these thoughts a couple years ago. Shot right there in a Target store.
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I’ve been dove and quail hunting the past couple years, but it’s been three years since I’ve been able to go sandhill crane hunting — until this week when a buddy and I went out. (Thanks, JW!) I got my limit, which is three. It’s thrilling to be lying on the ground, listening to the songs of the coyotes, watching the ducks, and then anticipating the flocks of cranes. We probably saw 500.
And what do you DO with a sandhill crane, you ask? Answer: fajitas. Sandhill crane fajitas. If you think the meat is a bit strong, then you slap on a double amount of guacamole.
These are big birds . . .
You are looking kinda John Wayneish.
DU
That picture makes me sad beyond words. I’m an avid bird-WATCHER.
Ok. Photo gone.
You didn’t have to take it out, Mike. Maybe there are others who would like to see that. At least I now know what a sand-crane (sort of) looks like!
No, I think you’re right. I like to go bird hunting. But that’s not everyone’s thing.
But please . . . check out the youtube clip I’ve linked today.
Mike - have you ever met the Duck Commander? http://www.duckcommander.com - his motto is “Arise, Kill, and Eat”
He’s an elder at the White’s Ferry Road Church in West Monroe, La. - where I grew up.
There was one night where we all camped out with the Robertsons and had to eat whatever was killed.
I’ve never had sand crane fajitas - but I’ve had a black bird on a stick - it’s not worth describing and double guacamole wouldn’t improve it very much.
Ask any scholar; animals were not created to be eaten. And guacamole will not save you.
Mike, I’ve approached/preached the Christmas message from the Revelation 12 angle before. It’s certainly a different and sobering twist regarding what’s going on behind the scenes. Scary “Lord of the Rings” type stuff that you’ll not likely ever see on a Christmas card. : )
much grace to all
That video is great! Thanks for sharing it….
In order,
Can hardly wait for Revelation’s Dragon Christmas story.
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Bah! humbug on fundamentalism itself.
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Seriously. Hats off to the single parents. But even more than that — how can we make your life easier? How can we help you endure? How can we assist with your children? What encouragement do you need in your spiritual journey (on those rare moments when you can even pause to think about it!)?
The most apt solution comes when the problem has been identified. All single parents, or almost all, are short of three things; time, money and energy. So in this case, just do it. All we have to do is pick one shortage, come alongside single parents and fill that need. Simple? Yeah, but time consuming. Are we willing to invest our time, money and energy in these families? You can’t imagine what it would mean to them. Been there, done that.
You can grieve with the single mom who once said, “I’m never more lonely anywhere than at church.”
We can lift the load from all single parents. We can fill these needs, but it does take effort.
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the film clip is precious and Sooooo true. What do you give those that have everything? Nothing! And what do you give those that have nothing? Everything! [note the comments about single parents]
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I just can’t imagine YOU with a gun in your hands. Let me clarify, I’m a firm believer in gun ownership, just can’t imagine YOU, my pastor/preacher/teacher with a gun, shooting at a living creature of any kind. I’ll have to dwell on that image a bit to see if my heart’s mind will accept it.
Looking forward to Sunday!!
Wish I could of seen the pic. But I am a sensitive person, and I understand. My husband and 3 boys go dove hunting. Nothing better than bacon wraped dove on a grill. My step dad used to dove hunt and taught me to clean them. He use to appease my conscience by telling me they only live 9 months and dove season was right at the end of the nine. Never did look that up. Thought it safer not to.
I have two boys, 13 and 9. My husband is in Iraq, and will be until October of next year, so I guess I’m a de facto single parent.
I have trouble asking for help (which is a problem I’m working on) so it’s always nice when people offer to help. I just wish they would offer SPECIFIC things, like leaves raked or rides for the boys.
And sometimes ask how *I’m* doing, not just my husband. (Which I appreciate, don’t get me wrong.)
That video makes you think… but I am always struck by what to do after I think??? Not give Christmas presents? Because most are not needed. I mean does anyone, even the poorest child, really NEED a Tickle Me Elmo? I don’t want to stop giving Christmas presents.
Should we send all the money we would spend on Christmas to some charity and trust that they spend it rightly while telling all our friends and family “Sorry but we didn’t think you needed anything this year.” That should go over well??? That seems so Scrooge-like.
I’m not sure I know someone who has everything or someone who has nothing. Seems like most people are either in the “too much” or “too little” category.
ANYWAY I guess my point is, videos like that, while thought provoking and down right precious, leave me with more questions than answers… Maybe that was the point?
How could you kill one of God’s innocent creatures? How could you???
You insensitive, right-wing, gun-toting, bloodthirsty nutjob!!!
There are the oddest people on this blog.
Mike Rev 12!!!! For Christmas.. That is it I am moving to Abilene!
Seriously post it on podcast ASAP!!!
I think Sandhill cranes are protected in Florida.
I’m with you on Revelation 12 for Sunday. I’m having Luke 2:1-20 read and then preaching on Revelation 12. It’s one of those, you’ve always thought of the birth of Jesus as a glorious and serene event, but when the curtains are drawn back, here’s what is seen from a heavenly perspective.
I’m toying around with the title just now and the powerpoint. I guess I will end up with something like “Heaven’s View of the Nativity” or maybe a “Heavenly Nativity”–doesn’t that sort of rhyme? Or what about “Mangers and Magi or Angels and Dragons”. Or even “Michael Busts up the Satanic Dragon and his Army on Christmas” . . . I digress . . .
Any suggestions?
I certainly like Peterson’s take in Reversed Thunder.
Peace.
so much for peace on earth
glad I saw the photo before it was gone! I was thinking…this guy listens to public radio and goes bird hunting…interesting. I just impressed. You even have boots on. But good to take it down, bad for the image! And for the record those were scary big!
Great video - highly recommend it.
Video was great. Thanks to you & D.Underwood for suggesting to Blog World to view it. The Moore boys are cutie patooties.
And, to both of you for steering us toward the purchase of Mvule trees to be planted in Uganda. Now that’s a gift for the guy/girl who has everything!
How are you defining “fundamentalism”?
One of the best bumper stickers I ever saw –
People Eating Tasty Animals
If we’re not sposta eat’em, why do we have canine teeth etc?
All things in moderation please.
Michael
just don’t be afraid to intrude…its better than feeling invisible at times
How very true, Beverly, how true!!!
Some people have a fundamental problem with liberals, both religious and political.
Jeff,
Growing up in Louisiana & having lots of connections with WFR I know of Phil and have heard him speak and met him. He’s awesome!
His beard scares the crap out of me though!
You are so right about single parents!! My husband travels for his work just enough for me to marvel at single parents and/or deployed spouses. It is an unbelievable undertaking! I, like Kathy, have heard many single parents comment that they don’t “fit in” at church — and that grieves my heart. Thank you for asking what can be done — and reminding us all to look to see what can be done.
Sandhill crane fajitas? hmmmm… I’m about to have a freezer FULL of venison, and that’s about as “wild game” as I want to get!
Even harder to identify and help are the single parents who are married…to the mentally ill, disengaged, or unlovely. I hope the trend of small groups and increased intimacy within the family of
God takes us into radical proclamation of needs matched by sacrificial mercies and tenderness to all.
The best part of Rev. 12—The accuser no longer has an audience with God. Our preacher Butch Rogers preached on “Singing Angels” last
Sunday and used Rev. 12.
Mike,
I have hunted sandhill crane and have a great recipe for them. Let me share. Clean crane. Soak the meat in saltwater for about 12 hours. Drain it, then soak it in orange juice and tomato juice for another 6-12 hours. (Overnight is fine). On a wooden cutting board take crane meat and lay it out. Season the meat on board with salt, pepper, cilantro and parsley. (Salt to taste!!!) Next, throw away crane meat and eat the cutting board. It is more tasty and more tender.
Lisa Shields, I second your comment from 11:57 a.m.
…but wait, I’m afraid I’m one of the regulars at this (coffee house) blog.
I love hunting and fishing as well.
As a kid my dad took us all hunting. We hunted everything though. Along with the usual dove,duck,quail,deer and other “normal” prey, we hunted armadillos, field larks, and just about anything else that had meat on it. We also raised and ate pigs, chickens and pigeons. Some of those things are tricky to clean and you need a good recipe to make them palitable. My mom was a great cook.
Kathy,
I cried when I read your comments on how to reach out to single parents. I have to be honest and say that I have never felt more lonely than I have felt lately at church.I have had several times now people stand in front of me and make lunch plans with others. It has really opened my eyes as to how to deal with someone that I know is hurting. Not only am I separated right now at holiday time but we have had to deal with some pretty intense things in other areas and I feel so alone sometimes. I went out to Nelson Park in the dark the other night crying out to my God as I paced back and forth around that lake. I ran 4 miles last night pleading for wisdom and strength to get through all this. You are so right when you said that it just takes doing something, lightning one load so the single parent can deal with all the other balls dropping. I woke up one sat. morning to someone mowing my lawn. This was it, exactly what I needed and I wept. It was so precious. Just thank you for your words. Its filling a gas tank ..its bringing by a casserole and saying you don’t know what to say…its calling the kids to check on them…its simple things that mean so much. hmmm..maybe I will write a book after its all said and done.
God bless you for your insight and for making me feel noticed…
Don’t get me wrong, my God is everpresent that I feel that but it has surprised me how the church really does not know what to do with me. Mike, thank you for bringing this subject up. I love and admire you , brother!
What to do for the single parent…hmmm…I was hoping that as a single parent for more than 15 years, I would have a succinct and compelling response. Tips to assist a single parent:
Talk with us. Include us. Sit by us at church. Speak with our children. Take interest in our children. Pray for us, the Spirit is faithful to bring to your mind our needs.
Tips for the single parent:
1. Never speak negatively of the other parent in front of your children, and choose wisely those to whom you vent, if you must. There are Bible verses to support this.
2. Don’t do things out of bitterness, rage or lack of sel-control that you will regret later. Good advice for everyone not just single parents.
3. Place your children around Godly families.
4. Go to church, even when it hurts. Find another congregation if you must, but go to church.
5. Try not to take things personally. When people speak of divorce or single parent families, they are speaking in general, not about you. Also, although it seems like you are all alone and no one considers your needs, they are not forgetting you personally, they are just not aware of you. Be present, be involved, and they will likely become more perceptive.
6. Try to go to Bible class or a small group. The intimacy in smaller numbers sometimes provides opportunities to bless others by your presence and for them to bless you in your need.
7. Admit to your children when you are exhausted, whether emotionally, physically, or financially. They need to know that you are not being rational; remember, there is no other parent to step in and give you space. Plus, who better than your children to lift you up in prayer when you are in need? Ask them to pray for you, and when you have taken your time-out, pray with them.
8. Ask God to fill the needs you have. He created you. He knows how He made you, and He, alone, has the resources to heal, comfort, and support you and your children.
9. Stay in the word. It keeps things in perspective. Just as Isaiah was not the only faithful one, neither are you all alone. God bless you.
Mike, don’t be intimidated. Anyone who does not believe animals are for eating hasn’t read much of the old testament. Never tried sandhill cranes but have hunted plenty of dove, quail, deer, and elk. I never really liked dove so used to trade for quail with a hunting buddy. Always thought I got the best deal on that one. My dad loved hunting so much hunting season was about the only time he overcame his quiet nature and talked. Though have’nt been lately it still has a fond place in my heart.
On being a single parent, we have lots of those here who are single again for a year at a time while their spouse is deployed. Many had just returned this past Sunday. Talk about a joyous crowd! It is amazing what people sacrifice for the love of their country. The chapel men’s group has had in place for a while a program to help the spouses called operation handiman. We go out in twos or more and move things, paint, mow, change the oil…, whatever they might be wishing their spouse were here to do around the house. Other churches might consider something like this for their single mothers.
I am an avid hunter, I eat game birds, squirrel, rabbit, hog, deer, and other meat that can be harvested legally in the field. The majestic Sandhill crane may be taken during some whacky season in your area, but I would NEVER shoot a sandhill crane with anything else than a slr camera sir. I think you are hunter that has put ignorance before good stewardship. My city is named after the “call of the Sandhill crane” by native Americans. I wonder if you have respect for that.
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How any true hunter can put down the preferences of another hunter is beyond me. Genesis 9:3 “Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything”. This is not God telling us that we “must” eat animals but He is certainly giving us permission so lets keep our preferences to ourselves.
Phil, according Cherokee histories, the animals (other than the ground squirrel) declared war on man for eating them. No special reverence was held for the animals. Prayers were uttered to keep Little Deer from following you home and making you ill in the night. Plants are another can of worms. I cannot speak outside of my own background here, but most of the belief stuctures of the south eastern indigenous peoples revolved around balance. Hunting some animals and not others does nothing to promote balance in the environment. It sounds like you think that he is ignorant because you think that the sandhill crane is majestic. I think that deer are majestic, which is kind of a trait shared by the lion’s share of creation in one way or another. I still hunt deer (cranes too). Good stewardship is based on balance. Through harmony with the world that we live in, we can follow passage cited by Brent. Respect is fundamental to balance. Respect for Mike, Brent, God, your quarry, and those who have differing views on the matter at hand will go a long way toward understanding both them and yourself.