Messy Car

I live a messy life. There is no better evidence of this than my 1996 Chevy Corsica. It's not much, but it's paid for and reliable - what more could I ask for (praise the Lord!). But, our car has more wear and tear than a bar stool in an Irish pub on St. Patrick's day. Yeah, that bad. There are two month-old water bottles floating atop of various stains and spills. Apple Jacks are ground into the back seat. A sticky substance graces every handle. Warning, don't ask for a ride.
I desire order, neatness, and cleanliness, but I have so many other priorities that my car is often forgotten. It has been an unsightly sore for me lately. I am quite embarrassed at gas stations and drive-thrus. However, I have found some peace in this thought: my car reflects my humility. I say that in the most humble manner. My car is not an idol. It is not a symbol of social stature. It does not take my time away from more important matters. It does it's job, and we treat it to an oil change every 3,000 miles or so. The Lord knows that I have enough things in my life to be arrogant about, a nice car is not one of them. I am thankful for that, and I have found peace in my messiness. My car is a reflection of who I am: Late model, messy, not flashy, yet able to catch attention due to the mess. I am a messy car.

A Conversation Between a Messy Car and a Clean Car
a poem by Adam Wolfgang

The clean car says, "I am the expectation."
The messy car says, "I am reality."

The clean car says, "I am a necessity."
The messy car says, "I am a privilege."

The clean car says, "I am an obsession."
The messy car says, "I am part of the family."

The clean car says, "I am beautiful."
The messy car says, "I have character."

The clean car says, "I am lonely."
The messy car says, "I am loved."

Hope in "Extreme Makeover"

I believe our world is constantly distracted by the "car crash" syndrome. We are attracted to disasters. When ever there is an accident on the freeway, no matter what lane or direction the accident is in, the entire community of vehicles is slowed to a crawl until they are past the car crash. Again, it doesn't matter if the crash is in your lane, or even on your side of the freeway, everyone stops to look. We seemed to be amazed by the possibility of destruction. Will I get to see a dead person? How thrashed are the cars? Oh, look is that bio-hazardous waste seeping into the ground? COOL!!! I see this most tangibly manifested in the types of reality tv shows that the networks put on. "Nanny 911", "The Biggest Loser", and "The Swan" are all marketing to people with this syndrome.

I am saddened by this perspective on life. At times I too come down with a 24 hour version of this syndrome. I feel as if the world may come to an end at any moment. When I pay attention to the car crash I loose sight of the police men, fire men, and pedestrians that have all sacrificed to aid in reconciling the situation. I long to be disinterested in car crashes, and riveted by good Samaritans. That is why I find hope in the tv show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition".
This show does show a car crash, usually a family in dire need of humanitarian help. Most have experienced great tragedy. ABC then swoops in, gives the family a week long vacation, and remodels, or rebuilds their house. The show focuses not on the car crash, but on the road to healing, while encouraging viewers to learn about life through a families tragedies.

I LOVE IT. I nearly cry every time I see the show. For me it is a triumphal Jesus, dancing on pessimistic tendencies of sinful nature. At times I feel bogged down by the pessimistic attitude the devil tries to tempt us with. But, after watching this show I am renewed with a sense of optimism: car crashes are the exception - good Samaritans are the standard.

Pictures

I have a friend who stirs thought and promotes happieness when he creates pictures. He is a painter and sculpter. The art he creates takes on new life when he is done; moving people to smile, or cry, or jump for reasons he may not have intended. I too share in this hobby. However, the pictures I create are not formed with paint or clay, but with words and music. I enjoy creating word pictures. Some of my word pictures become poems, some become sermons, some become conversations, and some become songs (the songs are not recorded, if you want to hear them ask me, I'll sing them to you), here are a couple I have been working on:

Our Story
Wandering...wandering for forty years - blind,
Searching for a way.
Wondering...wondering if we will have the sight,
To see you here today.

You look like clouds in the day, and fire at night.
Oh, what a story about following the guide.
You took us to the promise land, you did see us through.
That's why I long to see you as a cloud in day, and a fire at night.

Overcast
It's raining, it's pouring.
Can you hear the whole world calling,
For the sun to burn away,
the clouds, the rain, and all the gray.

It's raining, it's pouring.
Will you tell your hopeful story,
About a man who came one day,
He gave his life so he could take away - This rainy day

Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants!

I think you should get rid of your TV!!!!

Isaac and Andrew each picked out a new book at the book fair at their school tonight. Andrew chose the Captain Underpants book. This evening after the busyness of our crisies had subsided, I realized it was rather quite considering the boys were playing unattended. I thought I would inquire as to what they were doing, usually the combination of the two of them and quiet means trouble. To my amazement I found them reading TOGETHER!! Isaac (2nd grade, 4th grade reading level - we learned of this tonight!) was reading Captain Underpants to Andrew. This from the kids who two months ago couldn't say one sentance without uttering something of video games or tv shows. I am still astonished at this feat. We have been without any form of tv for about two weeks (technical difficulties), and without an actual television for about two months (we got a tv tuner for our computer). At first mention of this idea both Isaac and Andrew were heart broken. Not only would there be no tv or vcr, but also no video games. We thought this would be a difficult transition for us, mainly Isaac and Andrew. What we have found is the incredible blessing of forgetfulness. We don't even remember (at least not often) that we have no tv. We are choosing to spend our time and energy on more productive activities, like reading Captain Underpants. Get rid of your tv and expect to be blessed.

I will never forget that book - Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants.


Oh, and by the way, Isaac and Andrew have a blog now. I don't know how long they will stay interested, but they have one and Sarah doesn't, I think that is saying something.

Theme Songs

I was listening to a local radio station tonight, 106.7 KLITE. They are playing 24/7 Christmas music already, I really enjoy it. However, they have the worst production team I have ever heard. The promo songs are like a car crash, they are so bad I can't not listen. Each radio personality or host seems to have thier own theme jingle, "Happy Hollidays, Happy Hollidays...from Delilah!" Of course they are sung by swanky jazz backround singers. These jingles are also attrocious.
I got to thinking about how cool it is to have a personal theme jingle. I think mine would say: "Careful, listen, like him or not, he's got something to say...here's Adam!" What would your theme jingle say?

Affinity for Elf Culture?

I am so ready for the Christmas season. I have an affinity for elf culture. I love decorations, lights, and the tree. But the thing I have missed the most is the caroling. Does anyone go caroling any more? I can't remember the last time I went caroling, maybe it was in high school. Oh I have been to many Christmas eve services but it is not the same. We need to get all bundled up carry our cups of hot cocoa, and walk around the PUMP neighborhood spreading good cheer. Because "the best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear!"

Do you have a mission?

I was talking to a friend this week about having a personal mission statement regarding my role in church. I wonder if we all had a clear self defined purpose for going to the church we choose to go to it might give us a reason to stay at our churches instead of falling victim to the "grass is always greener" bug. Our churches would be far more effective too. Most churches have a mission statement, but it seems impersonal too me. I know what my churches mission statement is, but what does that mean for me? How do I fit in with that statement? I think I will develop my own ministry goal for PUMP that coincides with the mission statement at PUMP. Would this exercise give us all more of an investment in our church?

Mexico Here We Come!

We are planning a survey trip to Mexico in May/June of 2006. Yes, all of us are going, even Hannah. We will be heading to Cuernavaca for a two week language learning immersion program. We will have class from 8 till 2, Monday through Friday. We will be staying in a homestay with a Mexican family, learning what life in Mexico is like. Then we will (hopefully) heading to Puebla, a large city south east of Mexico city. In Puebla we hope to work with the church there. They are the only self-sustaining church in Mexico, so I've been told. I don't know what work we will be doing, or what things we will learn in Mexico, but we feel called to check it out even if only for a change in worldview. Pray for us as we put together our trip. More information as we uncover it! Buenos Dias!

Family of Artisans

We have become a family of artists! Not a day goes by that Andrew is not creating some type of art work. Sometimes it's painting or drawing, other times sculptures or jewelry. He always sees the creative angle. Isaac is playing the role of "Wintrop" in the Reynold's High School production of "The Music Man." He is a fantastic actor. It seems to come very naturally to him. Hannah loves music. She sings and dances every chance she gets. I feel truly blessed by my three lovely children. Soon the whole world will know their art!