It's that time of year again...the time to send out our earth-friendly Christmas card via the World Wide Web. Enjoy!
*note: the video is about 9 minutes long so... although it may be earth-friendly it may not be time-friendly...depending on your relation to the family.
Whiskerino is a beard event that began on November 1st and ends on February 29th. I joined about 400 other testosterone laden men for one hairy adventure. Kirsten is very patient with my sometimes odd lifestyle.
The image on the left if what I looked like on November 1st. The image on the right is the bearded me.
We have been working with our eldest on using the toilet for some of the unmentionable bodily functions. We have finally seen some success this week. The video below reveals some of the excitement.
To see the video in Windows Media from our FOB web site - click here and then click on "success."
It's that time again...Click the images below to WIN!
Modern Parables is "an original Bible study curriculum designed for people who like movies. It is the first in a planned series of film-driven studies on the parables. The films are uniquely designed to parallel the original parable and thereby drive the viewer back toward the Biblical text. The 12-lesson study (with 6 additional lessons on cinema and theology) uses short dramatic films that explain Jesus' parables using the particular strength of the cinematic medium. In other words, just watching the films helps teach the historical, grammatical, contextual and interpretive elements in the parables." They are ideal for Bible studies, youth groups, homeschool curriculum, church libraries, and so on.
Does that sound interesting? You could win one of the following prizes
First prize: Modern Parables box set which includes all the DVDs, a member book and a leader book, six movie posters (one for each parable...posters measure 11"x17") and ten student books (a value of over $250!).
Second prize: Modern Parables box set and six movie posters.
Third Prize: Modern Parables box set.
Simply click any of the images above to enter your name to WIN!
The headlines and one-liners of the local newspaper make me smile. Below are a few excerpts from the sports pages.
M-L-S defense locks down Ray
The M**** High School gym could have just as well been a penitentiary Tuesday.
Honkers pressure halts Maroons
Pressure, pressure and more pressure.
Coyotes get the worm
M**** High School held its annual Early Bird Wrestling Tournament Saturday...
This morning I read through the letter to the saints in Ephesus. I did quite a bit of underlining and note-taking but two words stood out to me this morning that haven't normally caught my eye. In Ephesians 3 Paul says -Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (3:20-21)
He is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask. I understand this because I don't ask God for much because I expect too little of him. He is able to do far more abundantly than all that we think. I can think of quite a bit. At times my mind runs wild. He is able to do far more abundantly than anything I can think. I was convicted of two things this morning. First, I don't expect much from God so I don't ask. Secondly, and to my shame, I don't think much of God. He is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think - according to the power at work within us - so to HIM be the GLORY! Forever! Amen.
Today I am taking my family to the capital city! It will be a fun outing. I will get a Yellow Fever vaccination. If that doesn't say "Happy Thanksgiving!" I don't know what does.
I have been reading D.A. Carson's book The Cross and Christian Ministry: Leadership Lessons from 1 Corinthians. If you are or have been involved in ministry in a church, this is a must-read.
In the section on 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Carson asks, "What then does it mean today to resolve "to know nothing...except Jesus Christ and him crucified"? How do we apply this in our churches. He gives a few examples but the one below caused me to think about our own church.
We have become so performance-oriented that it is hard to see how compromised we are. Consider one small example. In many of our churches, prayers in morning services now function, large measure, as the time to change the set in the sanctuary. The people of the congregation bow their heads and close their eyes and when they look up a minute later, why, the singers are in place or the drama group is ready to perform. It is all so smooth. It is also profane. Nominally we are in prayer together addressing the King of heaven, the sovereign Lord. In reality, some of us are doing that while others are rushing on tiptoes around the "stage" and others, with their eyes closed, are busy wondering what new and happy configuration will confront them when it is time to take a peek.Does this resonate with you and your
Has the smoothness of the performance become more important to us than the fear of the Lord?...Have professional competence and smooth showmanship become more valuable than sober reckoning over what it means to focus on Christ crucified?
I posted information about this last month and if I did not believe in the sovereignty of God I would say I was lucky because - I won! Well, it's a new month and that means a new giveaway.
So here are the prizes...
First prize: One copy of The ESV Listener's Bible on CD (as read by Max McLean) and one copy of Classics of the Christian Faith CD collection. The retail value of this prize is over $150.
Second prize: One copy of Classics of the Christian Faith CD collection.
Third Prize: One copy of Classics of the Christian Faith CD collection.
When we returned from our mt. vacation a large box was waiting for me in my office. I opened the box and was pleasantly surprised to see the loot from the Challies give-away. I handed out several at church yesterday and plan to give out many more. I believe I will keep the Phillips book. After I read it I may loan it out. I have many books to give away and I am checking the list to see who has been naughty and who has been nice.
Many thanks to Tim Challies for having the draw and for Ligonier Ministries for supplying the books.
Whiskerino began on November 1st, 2007. What is Whiskerino? That's a good question. It is a beard contest in which the participants must start with a clean slate. Images are uploaded each day to show the progress of the beard. At the end of each day points are tallied and a "king" is chosen. The event ends on February 28th. If you would like to visit the site click here. If you would like to add points to my total click on the 3 crowns below my picture. There are over 300 entries. My name for the contest is "blackbeard." To go directly to my page click here. Enjoy. May the beard growing begin!...or continue.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4Today we traveled to Yellowstone National Park. I believe that is a traditional Halloween outing. The bears were dressed in elk costumes. They didn't get any treats for their tricks. Enjoy the scenery from our trip.
The eldest boys at the Lower Falls.
The Family of Blacks above the Yellowstone Grand Canyon.
My smokin' hot wife at the Lower Falls.
Ezra holding snow - the most important aspect of the trip to YNP.
The Lower Falls.
Daddy, Asher and Ezra (the men)
Snow-covered trees
Obed enjoying his first trip to Yellowstone National Park.This morning we awoke to rain that turned into snow. What a great day to be in the mountains.
We approached the mountains of Montana yesterday morning and reached our destination yesterday afternoon. Today the boys wanted to go hiking and when we came upon this river we could not help but throw a few rocks. Boys + mountains + rocks + water = good times. We will be here for several days and we look forward to many more rock-throwing adventures.
I really appreciate when people write the things I am thinking. Jim Elliff writes about The Value of Hanging Out. Here are a few tips from the article that I found very helpful. I have seen great value in many of these practices.
1. Find a hanging out place, or several, in your area. This will be easier for some than others. I've even spent some time in the local hamburger place. For most this will have to be early in the morning before work, but others may be able to invest a bit more. The morning usually attracts the "regulars" that you will be best able to connect with.
2. Learn the names of the people you meet. It is good to jot their names down somewhere for reference.
3. Take your Bible and spend time reading it, writing notes in your notebook, or reading a good Christian book while out.
4. Keep a friendly, approachable look about you. Speak to people. Introduce yourself and find out about them. Focus much of your talk on them. They'll also be curious about you.
5. Seek to get to the layer of philosophical talk. What do these new friends believe about important issues of life and death? This makes for deeper and more significant relationships.
6. You will find that they will be curious about you and your beliefs also. Talk freely about what you believe and how you approach life.
7. Make friends, real friends, who will be important to you no matter what their spiritual preferences are. Love them for who they are.
8. If you have read something interesting that you can pass on, by all means do so, especially if it has something to do with the true love of your life, Jesus Christ.
9. Expect God to do something. Christians make a difference! You might help a fellow believer or a person who does not have a spiritual bone in his body. You never know what God may be doing. The world reacts and responds to "lighted" Christians.
Read the entire article here.
It is that time of year...ahhh. The leaves are changing colors and falling. The morning air is crisp. Wool socks and sweaters appear from hibernation. The appeal of hot apple cider has been renewed...and in the distance a witch smashed into a telephone pole, Kleenex ghost hanging from trees and fake spider webs strewn across jack-o-lanterns. Ahhh...it's that time of year. What's this, what's this? I can't believe my eyes. Here comes Halloween!
So, what are your thoughts? Is October 31st a day to avoid like the plague? If you are a believer in Jesus, is this a day to speak against? If you have children, do you pull them from school parties and ban them from walking near "those aisles" at Target or Wal-Mart? Do you celebrate Halloween under the guise of "Harvest Party?" If so, what is your reasoning? I would like to hear your thoughts. How should we discern what is right? What does the bible say about Halloween?
A friend of mine lists several questions to help us in our biblical approach to discernment. You can find those questions here.
*edited 10.23.07 - if you take offense at the use of "Kleenex" please understand that one could also use Puffs, Puffs Plus, Puffs with a Scent of Vicks, Puffs Ultra, Puffs Basic, or Puffs to Go*
This weekend has been a weekend of bodily fluids and little sleep. Our eldest son has been projecting from both ends (we thank God for hardwood floors). Our youngest son has the gift of missing his diaper. My wife has had little sleep due to never-ending feedings. Our middle son runs around like a crazy man in his diaper yelling "ne-nee" (naked). I have been wiping up floors (and other things), fetching clean clothes, and trying to make sure that we stay clear of stitches and knocked out teeth.
All of that to say - we are thankful for the newly-introduced Starbucks IV. Just when you thought they had thought of everything...ahhh.
I am amazed! I have never won anything in my life and now I win 41 books from the Great October Giveaway. I am amazed and thankful! I will enjoy giving away book after book of R.C. Sproul's The Truth of the Cross. What a privilege! Sorry, but I am keeping the copy of Jesus the Evangelist. I have been wanting to read that book for a while but have not gotten around to purchasing it.
Many thanks to Tim Challies.
***Edited 10.20.07***
I have received many inquiries about sharing my books. I would really like to share all of my books with people who are asking for a copy. Please remember that I live in Nearly, Canada and shipping to anywhere is expensive. Also remember that the grand prize was a case of books only. Not a case of books plus a $400 gift card to the United States Postal Service. Thank you for all of your congratulations and inquiries about gifts. To those who are interested I will send you one free e-voucher for an e-photo of the case of books when they arrive.
I have a friend (yes, shocking) who has just switched from Blogger to Wordpress. I have thought about doing the same thing but wanted some advice. What are your thoughts? Blogger or Wordpress? Why? I want to know if I should switch. Come on, sell it to me. Act as if you work for the company. Why would I want to use your product?
*On a side note - not all of my Blogger blog names are available at Wordpress. That would mean I would have to change the place and possibly the name of my blog.
Mr. and Mrs. Phirrups celebrated their 1 year anniversary on October 7th. Congratulations to the both of you and may you have many more joined efforts in pumpkin carving!
The Family of Blacks enjoys Autumn! Last week we harvested our first home-grown pumpkin but the sub-freezing temperatures didn't help its longevity. As soon as I see the witch flying into the tree we will know that the seasons are changing and the best pagan holiday of the year is just around the corner.
The leaves change a bit more quickly in Nearly, Canada. Our days are getting shorter. This evening Ezra and Asher enjoyed a run through the fallen leaves. Ahhh...for our enjoyment and for His glory.
Obed is already addicted to a legal drug. It's a cheap drug and it's yummy. There are more pictures Obed (and his brothers) at the Family of Blacks web site.
Obed Elijah BlackTuesday morning we are going to the hospital to induce labor. Hopefully we will have a baby by the end of the day. It's a good thing we are going tomorrow because we have some questions to ask the doctor about a rash Kirsten has obtained over the last few days.
The rash started on Saturday evening as two blotchy places on the upper abdomen. 
Sunday morning Kirsten awoke with the same blotchy places and a large ring around her entire abdomen. 
Tonight the rash is quite dark and resembles something quite familiar. I don't know if it is a sign of something to come or if it is just a rash. We will keep you posted here at Pot Calling Kettle or at FOB.
Today is my mommy's birthday. She was hoping that our third son would be born on her birthday. So far, he has not been birthed but we still have a few hours. Happy Birthday Mom!
I am still reading through The Cross of Christ. It is a brilliant book!
Praise Him!The biblical gospel of atonement is of God satisfying himself by substituting himself for us. The concept of substitution may be said, then, to lie at the heart of both sin and salvation. For the essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man. Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be; God sacrifices himself for man and puts himself where only man deserves to be. Man claims prerogatives which belong to God alone; God accepts penalties which belong to man alone.
If you have been in the church very long the content in this video will not be shocking to you. I post this not because the actual video clips are humorous (in fact they are sad) but because the commentary is humorous. I am posting this with some hesitation and because of that I will not make any comments or provide any disclaimers. Watch at your own theological discretion.
Has anyone else noticed that there is a great deal of the above going on in design these days. I don't understand it. Can someone help me?
I have a friend who lives in a Muslim area of the world. Recently he posted something to his blog about the dangers of alcohol. He did it jokingly in reference to the man who was eaten by a bear at a beer fest. The comments to this post have been interesting. I have posted the entire string below. The names and places have been changed to protect the ones who may or may not be wrong or right. David is the author of the blog. Goliath is the other commenter. What say ye?
While there are many reasons that alcohol does not have a place on my menu (especially living in a Mslim country), still the biggest reasons tend to be practical. It’s just plain nice to know, as best you can, what is going on around you. If you don’t understand, maybe the article below can draw you a picture. (Bears Eat Man)
Comment #1 - So, David, are you against drinking alcohol or against drunkenness? Are you setting aside your rights to drinking, for the sake of the gospel (ala 1 Cor 8-10), or do you agree with your Muslim neighbors that there is inherent evil in drinking alcohol?
Also, being drunk is not the only reason one would jump into a bear cage. What about Anchorman Ron Burgundy? He jumped into the bear pit to save the woman with whom he used to have familiar relations.
Comment # 2 - Goliath, I have a difficult time knowing when I’ve had enough to eat, let alone worrying about my choice of beverage.
But, for clarification. I am against drunkenness, not necessarily alcohol. I haven’t been able to come to any other conculsion Biblically. And, yes, ala 1 Cor 8, I set my freedom aside for the sake of the gospel. The best I can understand from my Muslim friends is that the evil in drinking comes from drunkenness. If drunkenness is evil, it’s easiest to avoid drunkenness by avoiding alcohol altogether.
Also, it’s an obvious choice to leap to the bears over a woman. Anyone would do that. But, the issue is being able to have that choice.
Comment # 3 - I’d jump into the bear pit for the woman with whom I have familiar relations …probably.
Well, let me press the point a bit further then. You said you have a difficult time knowing when you’ve had too much to eat. So, do you not eat? I know I’m being antagonistic, here, but this is a hot-button issue in my church and it really bugs me. The statement, “If drunkenness is evil, it’s easiest to avoid drunkenness by avoiding alcohol altogether,” is exactly what many at my church say, and it smacks of legalism to me.
Where does that trail end? It just seems that to be consistent to this principle, you also need to say, “Sex can be done sinfully, so I abstain from sex. Also, there are sinful things on TV and in movies, so I abstain from those things. Watching sports can lead to gambling, so I abstain from sports too. And there are naughty magazines in gas stations, so I don’t go into gas stations…” It bugs me that Christians have picked out this one thing to be legalistic about.
Sorry, I took a mainly light-hearted post and made it all serious and stuff. What a jerk.
Comment # 4 - to my friend, the jerk,
Pt pressed. First the above quoted statement is from my Muslim friends, not from me. That said, it is only legalism when dictated to others. When it is a personal conviction, can’t it just be wisdom?
The trail … While I don’t disagree with you too much, I think your examples aren’t quite fair. Sex is needed (and enjoyed) within a God-centered, healthy marriage. Food is necessary for a healthy life. Alcohol is not necessary for anything but pleasure. If I’m watching sinful things on TV or in movies, wisdom says to avoid them. If I struggle with sports gambling, wisdom says to avoid sports. If I struggle with naughty magazines, and they are available in gas stations I frequent, wisdom says find another gas station or don’t go into them (pay at the pump?). Don’t these fit into the eye gauging / hand chopping admonition of Jesus?
OK. I agree that in dictating conviction where Scripture seems to give freedom, you are bringing legalism into the church. But, for an individual to abstain from something to avoid personal sin, shouldn’t that be encouraged?
I don’t think Christians everywhere have picked this issue. It seems to be an American church issue. Here, it doesn’t seem to be an issue. But, everyone knows if you find a liqour shop in X, it’s probably ‘christian’ owned. That’s a little embarrassing too.
What say ye?
Last Saturday we had a boys-day-out at the zoo. We saw several different types of animals. We saw flamingos, bears, lions, giraffes, penguins and monkeys. Later that day Ezra turned to me in a very serious way and asked "Daddy, we don't have dinosaurs at our zoo do we?" My response was simple but true - "no." Then we continued playing with his dump truck.
Many of you know I worked for the Man for 5 years. During my time there I was able to purchase stock at a discounted rate. We still have the stock and plan to keep it to pay for the education of our offspring.
Our boys really enjoy having coffee in the mornings. I know that sounds strange but they really do enjoy it. We have told them it may stunt their growth. They don't seem to care. We limit their intake of coffee to about once a week. They enjoy it but it may be because they know that, to some extent, what they are drinking will pay for their college. They have a purpose for drinking coffee.
Maybe you like to rock out to the oldies while you sit in traffic. Maybe you like to listen to one-sided political jabs from egotistical radio personalities. Let me suggest something different. 9 Marks Ministries interviews pastors, theologians and authors about various topics. The audio interviews are posted to 9 Marks web site and are free!
This month Mark Dever interviews David Wells and asks him about "going against culture, contextualization, postmodernism, how to do theology as preachers, urban ministry, and more." I have enjoyed listening to these interviews during my 7 minute commute. Download the latest interview here.
*As a teaser...if you attended the Desiring God National Conference in October 2006 you will be interested in this interview. Dever asks Wells his opinion on Keller, Driscoll and Piper. Are they similar in approach to the culture or not?
It's a long story but...we get TIME magazine free. I wouldn't ever pay for the magazine but since it comes to our mailbox once a week I look at the pictures and skim some of the articles. The most recent TIME magazine has Billy Graham on the cover. Look at the cover. Do you see anything interesting about it? Do you think the layout team is using subliMinal messaging?
I'm just sayin.'
Last week I began reading The Cross of Christ. This book has been recommended by many. I have heard several pastors recommend this book as one of the top books in their library. I have had the book for several years and have never cracked it open. I began reading this book during one of my first "Q days" (Stott called his one day a month quiet day a "Q day"). I read 120 pages in one sitting. Stott has the ability to grab your theological mind just in time to slap you with the pastoral beat-down of application. For instance, after spending a few pages discussing details about the Roman soldiers and Pilate's role in Christ's last days Stott says,
It is easy to condemn Pilate and overlook our own equally devious behaviour. Anxious to avoid the pain of a whole-hearted commitment to Christ, we too search for convenient subterfuges. We either leave the decision to somebody else, or opt for a half-hearted compromise, or seek to honour Jesus for the wrong reason (e.g. as teacher instead of as Lord), or even make a public affirmation of loyalty while at the same time denying him in our hearts.
I love our boys. Kirsten and I have had an increased love for them over the past few weeks. I don't know why that happens at times but every now and again we are struck with an overwhelming love for them.
This year we planted some vegetables and we are calling it a garden. We planted 4 different types of peppers, two types of tomatoes, onions, green beans, zucchini, sweet corn, and pumpkin. We have been pleasantly surprised by the sizable amount of fruit we have received from the little amount of work we have put into it. My goal for the summer was to be able to make salsa from our garden. Today it happened. Our boys waited around the table in anticipation of this great event. It's yummy.
Yes, those are both smiles.
Ezra trying it out. He liked it but the onions made him cry. 
Welcome to this world O.S.W. McWhite. We are glad you are with us on this side of the womb. Congrats Bryan and Leslie! Boys are great!
I have been re-thinking my Christian Cheese blog. Recently I have had some conversations with a friend about what should be posted on blogs. I believe we have both agreed that bashing others is easy to do but probably not most edifying thing to do on a blog. I have wondered if this bashing was taking place on my Christian Cheese blog. I don't mean harm by the blog but I do mean to question the motives and the efficacy of such Christian Cheese. Rick seems to like the format of the blog in that I typically try to leave my opinion out. What do you think?
Once again we have added to the files of bedhead pictures. Asher is joining the ranks of bedhead fame. Do you think you have bad beadhead? Compare it to this!
Again - I don't remember this photo being taken. This is definitely an action shot and I was not posing. I don't know who is uploading all of these photos of me but they are on Google Images so they must be of me.
