When commentators conflict, or Why I went to seminary

I get to preach this week for Palm Sunday and I generally enjoy the thinking and reading that goes into sermon preparation. The difficult thing is when I'm working on the sermon and there is a portion of the passage which doesn't make sense and I can't find clear answers as to what it means. I've been working on the passage for this Sunday (from Zechariah) and the two parts I have questions on are addressed in various commentaries, but the various scholars don't agree. They translate the verses differently and have somewhat different interpretations as well. It is kinda intimidating when there are these various intelligent people who come down on different sides of the issue and I need decide what I think best represents the intention of the author. So, pray that God would lead me to understand his word and communicate what he desires. Preaching is always somewhat of a an adventure there are just times when you feel it more and I am definitely feeling it this week.

a spectacular weekend

This is a picture of our teens garbed in super hero costumes and posing on the rocky beach just North of Cape Cod, MA. We arrived Friday and returned Sunday from a wonderful youth retreat. God honored the prayers and preparations and blessed us with his presence on the weekend. We had a blast living in this amazing 3 story house with 10 bedrooms and 6.5 baths. There was a wood burning stove in the living room and fireplace in the dinning room, both of which helped keep the house nice and cozy. We spent time playing games, hanging out, cooking meals, swimming (yes, I know it was crazy) and enjoying each other's company. The speaker for the wekend was a good friend of mine from seminary and he did an excellent job. We met for worship and teaching 4 times through the weekend, concluding our time together with a worship service Sunday morning. If you happen to be on facebook you'll see all sorts of pictures connected to this retreat. Hillary was a huge help as she worked hard in a variety of ways despite being 32 weeks pregnant - Wow - she is a trooper! In this final picture you can see some of those gathered together for Sunday morning worship.

Francis of Asissi

While this painting doesn't look to cheery, Francis of Assisi seems like an interesting guy. I read a short biography a few years ago and as I was working on my sermon for church this Sunday I remembered a quote of his. It goes like this
"While I was in sin it seemed too bitter a thing for me to see lepers. But the Lord himself led me among them, and I showed compassion to them. And when I left them, what at first seemed so bitter to me was changed into sweetness of body and soul."
This is a wonderful picture of what God can do in and through us. God has definitely provided for us as we're in the final stretch of three very busy weeks. We've completed two baby showers and head to Cape Cod for a Youth Retreat this weekend. I was able to get my sermon for this Sunday generally done before Hillary' sister came into town, so I was able to play with her girls and help get ready for the shower. It is great when it works out that way.

the embarassment begins

From what I hear your child tends to embarrass you. Maybe it is through throwing a tantrum at the grocery store or repeating something you regret saying, but our first born is off to a quick start. This Saturday we had our first baby shower in NJ with my side of the family. We got to hang out with my sister and her family for Thursday afternoon and Friday, then everyone came over on Saturday. We got lots of great stuff (Hillary could give you more details), but as presents were unwrapped my aunt took all the bows and ribbons and attached them to a paper plate to make a hat. I think this is some sort of tradition at bridal or baby showers, but my understanding is that Hillary should have ended up with the hat. My family thought it would be more appropriate, however, if I wore the hat and Hillary readily agreed. Thus, many pictures and silly comments, especially from my sister, as I don a hat of bows and ribbons. In the background I still hear my sister, "Do it for the baby - hahahahahaha." I know that this is only the beginning...

two good looking guys

Two Christmases ago Hillary's Dad gave me an extra Saab jacket that he had. This year was the first time we were caught wearing them together and who could resist such a photo opportunity. Hillary joked that we are two peas in a pod, but I prefer to think of us as two fashionable men. The next two weeks we're going to spend time with both sides of our family as we have a baby shower in NJ this weekend and NY next weekend. I think I'm going to be making room for all sorts of new stuff in our home - yikes. I'll let you know how it all goes.