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“You are going to feel like hell if you never write the stuff that is tugging on the sleeves of your heart — your stories, visions, memories, visions and songs. Your truth, your version of things, your own voice. That is really all you have to offer us. And that’s also why you were born.”
Anne Lamott

“You are going to feel like hell if you never write the stuff that is tugging on the sleeves of your heart — your stories, visions, memories, visions and songs. Your truth, your version of things, your own voice. That is really all you have to offer us. And that’s also why you were born.”
Anne Lamott

The Internet Monk

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For the past few years I have been an ardent reader and listener to the Internet Monk (Michael Spencer). Even though I never met him, he has had profound impact on my journey. Sadly, he died of brain cancer on Monday. I will miss him and look forward to some great conversations when we finally meet.

In Memoriam

It is thus, if there is any rule, that we ought to die–neither as victim nor as fanatic, but as the seafarer who can greet with an equal eye the deep that he is entering, and the shore that he must leave.” — E. M. Forster

Dennis Michael Spencer of Oneida, Kentucky died at home on April 5, 2010 after a four-month struggle with cancer. He was 53.

Spencer was born September 16, 1956 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. He graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, Kentucky and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. Spencer served as youth minister and pastor in several Kentucky Baptist churches before becoming the Campus Minister at Oneida Baptist Institute in 1992, where he ministered the past 17 years.

Spencer was also widely known in evangelical Christian circles for his web site, “Internet Monk: Dispatches From the Post Evangelical Wilderness” (www.internetmonk.com). The site was also home to his podcast, Internet Monk Radio. His book, Mere Churchianity: Finding Your Way Back to Jesus-Shaped Spirituality, will be published in September by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Spencer was preceded in death by his parents, S.L. and Dorothy Atherton Spencer of Owensboro and a sister, Peggy Spencer Head, also of Owensboro. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Denise Day Spencer; his children, Noel Spencer Cordle of Oneida and Clay Spencer of Lexington; and a brother, Dr. B.E. Spencer of Louisville.

A memorial service will be held at the Oneida Baptist Institute chapel on Saturday, April 10 at 2:30 p.m. with visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m. the same day. The family asks that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to Oneida Baptist Institute, P.O. Box 67, Oneida, Kentucky 40972, (606) 847-4111.

Thoughts on Sanctification

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I don’t hear the term sanctification much today. In fact, the word sanctification has been largely absent in most of my Christian experience. Having taken some time to investigate sanctification, it became apparent to me that sanctification is and has been a large part of my spiritual journey. For what ever reason, the word sanctification has been replaced by a whole host of phrases and words that I commonly hear and use. Here are few words I believe are synonymous with sanctification: holiness … perfection … transformation … purity … eternal life … saint, et al.

Here are some phrases that seem to be synonymous: … being Jesus in the world, …living out the kingdom of God on this earth, … following Jesus, … living for Jesus, … being a Godly person, … living a life that pleases God, … living a Christ-like life,  et al.

Perhaps the word sanctification is too theological for our post-modern age with its tendency to more casual and familiar relationships with God, I am not sure. But I am certain, sanctification is a big deal and I need to understand it more deeply. A significant part of my journey is the “fleshing out” of those words and terms above. For example, the idea of “being Jesus in the world” is the focus of much prayer and study and many conversations. I am convinced that a more truthful and deeper understanding of sanctification will implicitly give clarity to what “being Jesus in the world” looks like when it is lived out. The point is not that I need to use the word sanctification but that I need to immerse myself in the reality of God’s action in our lives as his redeemed children.

It’s Lacey’s Birthday

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It seems as if it was only yesterday that I was wishing Lacey happy birthday and here it is again. Lacey is our “Extreme” granddaughter. Her Facebook profile picture says it all. This gal is always looking for a challenge and is fearless. I am proud of her and look for her to make her special place in this world.

I hope you had a wonderful day. Happy Birthday.

Congratulations Jerod & WJMS Academic Team

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2010 Governor’s Cup State Finals
Middle Grades
Quick Recall

Rank
Team
1
Pikeville High School
2
West Jessamine Middle School
3
Johnson County Middle School
4
Belfry Middle School

We attended the Governor’s Cup Academic State Championships in Louisville Sunday and Monday. Jerod is a member of the West Jessamine Middle School Academic Team. They finished 2nd in the state. Jerod also qualified for testing competition in Language Arts. Great job!

Thoughts on Life as a Journey

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Here are some thoughts I put together about life as a journey for a recent correspondence.

I believe our lives are a journey. A healthy life is characterized by growth and change. Each day holds the prospect of adventure and discovery. Life is not defined by seeking a safe place and hunkering down insulated and protected from the world around us. Each of us possesses a deep longing to go home. To find our way to that place that we were created for. The pathway we take is not always pleasant and there are dangers to be dealt with. But, there are many beautiful experiences along the way. Wonderful relationships with people. Beautiful sights and sounds and smells.

We do not travel alone. Our creator leads us and watches over us. He gives all that we need for our journey. We meet many people along the way. Some of them join us our journey. Some we encounter briefly. Some encourage us and offer provision of our journey. Others do not understand and become enemies bent on disrupting our pilgrimage. No matter what happens to us along the way, we continue to travel toward our destination because we trust our creator who loves us and will not abandon us on our journey. He has promised us life.