Busted Bracket

What a weekend! My bracket is really messed up. Iowa and North Carolina losing was a surprise. I had Carolina in my Final Four (and Ohio State, another loser -- I didn't feel good about penciling them in there in the first place). I still have ten teams left in the Sweet Sixteen. At least we got to see some good games over the weekend.

NCAA -- Day One

I didn't do too bad yesterday. I was 12-4 on my picks. My losers were Oklahoma, Nevada, Syracuse, and NC-Wilmington (and that was an exciting OT game).

I wanted to watch the Hoosiers, but the game didn't start until 10:30. I heard that they won on a buzzer-beater.

I'm glad that Mrs. Soren loves basketball!

March Madness

I'm not a very good bracketologist, but my Final Four picks are:
Duke
UCLA
North Carolina
Ohio State

Bjorn's Bjroke

I was reading a story on Christianity Today's website about Swedish tennis great Bjorn Borg will auction off his five Wimbledon trophies and two of his rackets to achieve financial security.
Borg, the only player to win five consecutive Wimbledon titles, will put his trophies on the block at the Bonhams auction house in London on June 21. Kinda sad.

Mawwiage!

Our church hosted a Marriage Retreat this weekend. It was excellent. Kurt & Kristen Sauder from Southeast Christian Church were our guests. There were about 20 couples from Cedar Creek in atendance (from newlyweds to those who have been married nearly 40 years). Most of the stuff was pretty basic, but that's the stuff we need to hear again & again.

I preached on the subject today as part of my Extreme Home Makeover series.

Kirby Puckett

I was stunned when I heard that Kirby Puckett passed away. Especially since he was only five years older than me. I used to love to watch that guy play. He only played one way: full out. And he always looked like he was having fun doing it.

More Soda Flavors

How many more new flavors can they come up with?

Academy Awards

Watched the Oscars last night. YAWN! Jon Stewart was so unfunny. Plus, I have not seen most of the movies. And what was with the HUGE bow on Charlize Theron's dress? Don't they have mirrors in Hollywood?. She should punch the person who told her that was a good look. And what about the Ben Stiller "green suit" bit? What a dork. I'm just glad that the gay cowboy flick didn't win best picture. I read somewhere that the March of the Penquins was seen by more people than the five movies in contention for Best Picture. Go figure.

4th & 5th Grade Retreat

Heading up to Lake James Christian Assembly tonight. Expecting about 50-60 4th & 5th graders. The teen "Pulse Band" from Cedar Creek will be playing for worship. I'll be speaking at at Campfire time and serving as "dorm dad" for the night.

Pizza and pop at 9:00pm (please let there be no Mountain Dew!).

The Mole Hunter

I went to the Home & Garden show at the Coliseum today to hear a guy who calls himself The Mole Hunter. The room was packed. Apparently there are a lot of people who want to kill those pesky varmints. I bought the Mole Hunter Combo Pack, complete with six mole traps , a booklet and a DVD (yes, a DVD). Now some might say that I'm making a mountain out of a molehill, but this year my yard is going to be mole free. DIE YOU BLASTED MOLE!!!!!

Afterwards, I picked up my daughter from school. I told her about the Mole Hunter. She had a look of incredulity on her face and said, "You actually went to hear a guy speak for an hour about killing moles?" Yep, I sure do lead one exciting life.

Feel Good Story of the Week

By now, perhaps you've heard of the unlikely hero from Greece, N.Y., Jason McElwain, an autistic basketball player/team manager who opened people's eyes and ears to reality from the 3-point line.

Last week, the 17-year-old senior scored 20 points in four minutes and was carried off the court in his first and only varsity game.

Check out the video clip here.

Audio A says "Adios"

I guess this news is about a month old, but I just found out today. Audio Adrenaline (a group to whom I have "rocked out" since their first album) is calling it quits because Mark Stuart's vocal chords can't take it anymore (no surprise there -- that guy has a voice that was made for rock & roll). I think I own all but one or two of their albums. They will be missed.

The Sermon on the Amount

I am very pleased with the response to the Take God at His Word series that we just completed. I think I have received more positive comments and encouraging words about this series than any other I have preached at Cedar Creek – a series about stewardship!

God is so good! Here's what He did at Cedar Creek during the month of February:

• We had eight additions to the church family during the month.
• During the first three weeks, our attendance increased each week.
• On the fourth week, we received the largest offering of the year.
• At the conclusion of Sunday’s service, 70 people/families turned in “commitment cards” indicating an increased or renewed commitment to honoring God with their finances.

25 indicated that they are tithing and will continue to give 10% of their income to God’s work.

16 indicated that they have been tithing and they have decided to increase their giving.

9 indicated that they will continue to give beyond the 10% level.

15 indicated that they have made the commitment to begin tithing for the very first time.

5 requested prayer in making this decision.

Is that awesome or what?

Upward Basketball

My son has been playing Upward Basketball. It's a great program, especially for kids who are not the ultra-aggressive "super-jock" type. He's having fun and learning a great game, in a Christ-honoring environment. You can't beat that.

Third Day Rocks

Mrs. Soren and I went to Muncie, IN last night (Ball State University) to hear Third Day and the David Crowder Band. It was awesome. I've heard Third Day three times. They don't disappoint. And Crowder was very high-energy.
The auditorium was fairly small and the acoustics were fantastic. It was a great night of worship.

Preaching

Today I'm going to Great Lakes Christian College, my alma mater. I'll be speaking to the Advanced Homiletics class. The Prof. wants me to talk about my preaching style; how I write sermons; where I get illustrations, etc. I hope I can communicate well.

I've been told that sometimes the chapel speakers come in and talk about all the pressures and pains of ministry. Like the preachers-to-be need to hear that! But I want to tell them that there is nothing as exhilarating in this world as being a spokesman for the Lord God of the Universe! We are commissioned to speak forth the Word of God, partnering with the Holy Spirit to change lives for eternity! How awesome is that? You can't blast me out of the local church. I've been doing this for 20 years and it still lights my jets.

"Hey, God spoke through a jackass once. He's using me. And there's hope for you guys too!"

Race Day

I've tried to get into it, but I just don't understand the appeal (except for the occasional crash). I lived in the south for 12 years, but I guess I didn't get NASCAR in my blood. For the second year in a row, I've tried to watch the Daytona 500. Two hours later... when I woke up, they were still doing the same thing they were doing when I nodded off.

Continued From Yesterday

Women Drivers

So I’m at Wal-Mart getting my wife’s car serviced today. As I was getting ready to pay, the woman at the front of the line was telling the clerk about her car, what she wanted done, etc. One of the workers said, “Can I have your keys?” She said, “They are in the car.” He returned a few minutes later and said, “Do you have another set of keys?” Yep, she had locked them in the car. To make matters worse, her car was blocking the lane for other cars to enter the place. Nice.

The incident reminded of the time when we had car trouble in West Virginia. We had to spend the night in Beckley and wait until the service station opened in the morning. The next day, while we were waiting for our car to get repaired, a mechanic came into the waiting area and said to a women, “Ma’am, the only thing we could find wrong with your car is that it is out of gas.” She said, “I had to spend the night in a hotel last night. I’m missing work. Can’t you break something and then fix it? Because my husband will kill me if he finds out I was only out of gas.”

47 Days and Counting!

Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training today. Just 47 days until Opening Day. Could this be the year for my Cubs?

Tonja Rose

Tonight we're going to NW Ohio to hear an old friend sing. Ward and Tonja Rose, and their son Chuck spent a couple of days with us. We got to know them when we were living in Virginia. They moved to Nashville several years ago to pursue a career in singing and songwriting. Tonja is the real deal. Tonight's performance is at a church. It's a "songwriter's night." Kind of a coffee house type of thing. We're all looking forward to it.

Valentine's Day Tips

Valentine's Day is just a few days away. Take it from Ol' Uncle Soren -- you DON'T want to blow it on February 14! Check out these tips, courtesy of Mikey's Funnies.

Here's a list of what NOT to give her for Valentines Day:

• A box of chocolates, clumsily rearranged in an attempt to hide the factyou ate all the caramel ones.
• Any food item with the words "diet","light", or "high fiber" on the label.
• Flowers from a hospital's gift shop--or worse, a mortuary's.
• Anything you ever gave another woman, including your mother.
• Any clothing item with the words"push-up" or "slim-down" on the label.
• Any household appliance, power tool or other item from the harder side of Sears.
• A gift certificate.
• Cash.
• Lingerie that you think will look almost as good on her as on the Victoria's Secret model.
• Anything you could have bought at the gas station mini-mart on the way over, even if you didn't.
• An apologetic look and the words "That was today?"

That's Gotta Hurt!

LeadershipNext

Just started reading Eddie Gibbs' book LeadershipNext. So far, so good.

This quote really busted my chops:

I confess to a growing disquiet about the time-honored term evangelism. When we refer to the good news of Jesus Christ as an ism, we are in danger of reducing it to an ideology. The heart of the gospel comprises news to be proclaimed and received rather than abstract propositions to be affirmed.

So much of contemporary evangelism has consisted in bringing individuals to a point of decision -- turning to Jesus as the Savior, who secures forgiveness of our sins and assures us of a place in heaven. While the gospel includes these important truths, it embraces so much more. It is as much concerned with how we live our lives before death as with after death.

Take God at His Word

Started a new series today. Based on Dr. Kregg Hood's book Take God at His Word.
We are encouraging all of our members to read a chapter a week. I will preach for four Sundays about stewardship and giving. Some people shy away from this topic, but I have found that people usually appreciate a forthright explanation of biblical giving.

So Long, Grandpa Munster

Al Lewis, Dead at 95.

Why? M C A

So I’m at the YMCA today. And after working out, I headed for the showers. They were unusually crowded (probably 7 or 8 guys in there). So instead of being able to observe the“courtesy empty shower head” rule, I had to take a spot right next to some old dude. Next thing I know, everyone else had cleared out and it’s just me & him. Totally empty shower room, except two guys right next to each other. I felt like I was in the middle of weird Seinfeld episode. And I got out of there in a hurry!

Speaking of the YMCA... Over the years I have observed “Murphy’s Law of the Locker Room.” It is this: No matter which locker you choose, and even if the locker room is nearly empty, as soon as you pick a locker, someone will come in and his stuff will be in the one right next to you. This must happen at least 80% of the time. Or I'll come back to my locker after working out or showering and somebody will be right there. What's up with that?

State of the Union

Nice speech, I guess. I respect President Bush, but every time he speaks of Islam as a "noble faith," it really honks me off. I realize that political correctness will not allow him to call it a "damnable, hellish, misguided faith that will lead to eternity in hell," but as a "Christian" why does he have to kiss up to them?

And did anyone catch the "Democratic Response"? What's up with Governor Kaine's eyebrows?

Hill Street Blues

I just read that the first season of Hill Street Blues is being released on DVD today. Has it really been 25 years since that show first aired? My friend Mark Christian and I used to watch it while working security when we were in college. Good times.

The Emerging Church

I've been reading Dan Kimball's book, The Emerging Church. Even though I was born one year too late to qualify as a "Baby Boomer", my education and upbringing and worldview is decidedly "modern." I'm one of those logical, linear thinkers who believes in absolute truth. So I'm having a hard time getting a handle on the postmodern way of thinking. Yes, I've read McLaren and Len Sweet, but for some reason Kimball's book has been my "wake up call." This world is changing. What a challenge for the church and especially for those of us who proclaim the timeless Gospel of Christ.

My Weekend

We had our annual Men's Retreat at Lake James Christian Assembly. It was very good. The speaker was Don Green, from Lincoln Christian College and Seminary. Don did an excellent job teaching about Shaping the Heart. It was a reminder that I have a long way to go in the areas of spiritual disciplines and becoming like Jesus. He used a lot of Willard/Foster/Nouwen/Ortberg type of stuff. Very challenging. He also preached this morning at the Creek.

Does Fast Food Make You Fat?

Refining Your Style

I just finished reading Dave Stone’s Refining Your Style. It is a wonderful little book for preachers and anyone who communicates regularly. He examines a number of different communication styles, such as: The Creative Storyteller, The Engaging Humorist, The Practical Applicator, The Unorthodox Artist, The Inspiring Orator, The Scholarly Analytic, etc.

He features 13 styles, accompanied by an interview with a person who epitomizes each particular style. The book comes with a CD featuring audio clips of many of the speakers.

Those of you who know me will not be surprised to hear that my style is what he calls The Direct Spokesperson. Stone writes, You Might be a Direct Spokesperson if…
It’s music to your ears when someone says you “tell it like it is.”
The term politically correct isn’t in your vocabulary.
Opposition inspires you rather than threatens you.
You seldom beat around the bush.
On a regular basis your friends sarcastically say to you, “Tell us how you really feel!”

I think he's right.

Sign of the Day

24

Is 24 the best show ever or what? We've been cathcing up on the seasons through Netflix.
Just about to wrap-up Season Three. But we made the mistake of watching the first few episodes of the new season (Five).

Lunch with A Legend

My friend Ron Otto invited several preachers to a luncheon with Wayne B. Smith today. Wayne ministered for 40 years with the Southland Christian Church in Lexington, KY. He has a heart for ministers. It was a real treat to hang with him for awhile, listening to war stories, and being encouraged by an old soldier of the cross. Wayne is one of a kind.

Superbowl XL

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks! Who woulda thunk it?
Hard to pick a winner. Both teams are playing great. But I think I'll go with the Steelers.
Did anyone catch the John Madden spoof during halftime of the NFC Championship? It was hilarious!

The Barbarian Way

I spoke to the Men's Group at my church this morning. Shared several thoughts from Erwin McManus' The Barbarian Way. Basically this was "part two" of the talk I gave last month, which could have been called, "You don't have to be a girlie man to be a godly man."

I posted on this subject several months ago (click here to read).

I also shared several lines from the Internet Monk's post on "prissy Christianity."

It seemed to resonate with the guys.

Martina's Review

The concert was excellent. During the first part, she did several of the songs off of her new album (which are timeless country classics). I wasn't quite so excited about that, mainly because I wasn't familiar with too many of them. But during the second part, she did all of her hits. Closed with my two favorites:
Fave #1: Broken Wing
Fave # 2: Independence Day
(I like these primarily because they showcase her fabulous voice.)

Encored with an acapella version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Internet Monk

I just discoved this guy. Don't know much about him, but I have read a few of his posts that have really challenged my thinking. Especially this one.

Going to Hear Martina

Taking Mrs. Soren to the Martina McBride concert tomorrow night (a late Christmas present).
That gal has some golden pipes on her. Looking forward to it.

You Tell 'Em John!

With apologies to all my Virginia Tech friends, I thought John Feinstein's article about Marcus Vick (and other spoiled-brat athletes) was right on target.

That'll Preach!

Mark Beeson over at Granger Community Church recently did a message called The Five Most Irritating Things About Christians (don't ask me why there are seven listed). I think ol' Mark has been around a few irritating brethren in his time.

• Christians who think everyone else should be just like them.
• Christians who are lousy tippers.
• Christians who don't move their faith one measly foot.
• Christians who major on the minors.
• Christians who think everything can be explained with a trite phrase or a simple slogan.
• Christians who use "God told me" as a silver bullet.
• Christians who explain God by saying of God what God never said of Himself.

You Say You Want a Revolution

I haven't read Barna's new book yet, but some of my friends have given it less-than-stellar reviews. Keith Drury and his colleagues leave no doubt about what they think of Barna's "heresy." Interesting.

Netflix? Huh?

You know how sometimes it's funny listening to one side of a telephone conversation? Listening to my nearly 70 year old father-in-law trying to explain Netflix to his 86 year old mother-in-law was a hoot.

Learning from Some Seasoned Vets

Last week I went to the Blueprint Tour with my staff and a couple of elders. Rick Atchley and Dick Alexander were the featured speakers.

Some memorable lines:

"If the ground opened up and swallowed your church, would the community even realize that you were gone?"

"The primacy of mercy is the interpretive key to understanding God and Scripture."

"Our world will be changed more by 'go' than by 'come'."

"The church is like Noah's Ark. If it weren't for the storm on the outside, you couldn't stand the stench on the inside." (Tony Evans)

"Almost every day God reminds us that He is alive and well, but almost every day Satan reminds us that he has not retired."

"Short-term missions is one of the best ways to combat short-sighted legalism."

"The Pharisees majored in Bible, but failed the exam."

Atchley is a "preacher's preacher." He combines stellar exegesis with relevant application. He's the kind of preacher I want to be when I grow up.

Signs Your Church Has Sold Out to Corporate Sponsors

15 Signs Your Church Has Sold Out To Corporate Sponsors
Props to Ian's Messy Desk for this one!
1. Nike "swoosh" on the cross
2. Communion now sponsored by Welch's Grape Juice
3. In Christmas play, Joseph seen with a pack of Marlboros
4. Statue of Mary seen holding keys to a Jeep
5. The 12 disciples replaced by Disney characters
6. Greeters all dressed like Mr. Goodwrench
7. Scripture verses brought to you by Microsoft
8. The baptistery is filled with Perrier
9. Offering envelopes say, "Weekly expenses, $6,200, projection unit for Sunday School, $1,400, Basketball hoop for the gym, $250, regular tithing, priceless.
10. Handicap parking sponsored by the Family Medical Group, LLC
11. Bulletin has coupon section
12. Wednesday night suppers sponsored by KFC
13. Church bell chimes to the tune of the NBC chimes
14. Choir robes with the Lands' End logo on the front
15. Church flag football team sponsored by the NFL

Improving Church Attendance in 2006

Okay, I've heard your whining and complaining about not having your Sorensblog fix. So I'll give you something I got from someone else.

TOP TEN WAYS TO IMPROVE CHURCH ATTENDANCE IN 2006
by Dave Tippett
10. Watch Aslan the Lion take down a gazelle, live on the platform
9. More "open mic" opportunities during worship service
8. One of those fake shark fins in baptismal
7. Floating sermon points dance in front of your eyes via cool 3-D PowerPoint slides
6. Spiritual tech support guys will tell you not to just "re-boot your soul" every time you call
5. Sermon series: "Thomas Kincaid; the soft lighting Disciple"
4. Wi-Fi access for wireless hearing aides
3. Tazer the Sleeping Sound Booth Guy Day
2. Will start accepting coupons from non-tithing churches
1. Ability to TiVo the sermon
Copyright 2005 Dave Tippett (djtippHA@yahoo.com). Permission is granted to send this to others, with attribution, but not for commercial purposes.

Yep, I'm Still Here

Sorry I haven't posted for awhile. I've been kinda busy (including a quick trip to Iowa).

Will blog again soon.