breakfast

I believe it is possible that the Egg McMuffin may have been sent down to this earth by the very hand of God Almighty. Like eggs benedict "to-go," but without the hollandaise sauce (because that would be far too messy and therefore not able to be "to-go"). Its goodness is a favorite for many. The egg quite nearly smiles at you and beckons you to arise from your slumber for an early morning rendezvous. It is delicious. Simply delicious.



The only thing that could remotely compare to the delectable goodness of the McMuffin is the McGriddle. Like little superheroes (the PowerPuff Girls of breakfast, some may say) with tiny capes of cheese, these breakfast sandwiches swooped in on the scene to save fast-food breakfast from succumbing to the fate of being replaced by hack rip-offs purchased at convenience stores or in the grocer's freezer section. Now, McGriddle is the upstart... the new kid on the block, if you will... but it has undoubtedly left an indelible mark upon the fast-paced world of breakfast sandwiches. Not to mention the fact that it has left an indelible mark upon my physique.



Yet there is one other item that has won favor in this man's eyes. Yes, another menu item... the Deluxe Big Breakfast. The DBB, as I call it, is not for any ol' day. NO! The DBB should be reserved for truly special occasions such as a road trip to see family in Indiana, or the celebration of your favorite team winning a game, or a Festivus celebration, or Wednesday- I think you get the point. DBB is special and deserves to be treated as such.

I know, I know... you're asking,

"Gregg, where does it all end? Is there any end to this madness?"

I say to you, "Dear friends, countrymen, fellow early-eaters of this great land- Yes, there is an end to this madness. There is an end to the revelling in morning delights. There is an end to the Hot Cakes yummy goodness in my tum-tum tummy. That end is at approximately 10:30 AM every day with no exceptions."

Sorrow washes over this great land at 10:30. Sorrow and pain... and hunger, which may be a pain by-product.

some things are too cute

I don't like cats. I don't.
I'm allergic to the little creatures and I have a laundry list of other reasons that I am simply a dog guy. Cats and Gregg do not mix. Not any way, not any how.
However, I did come across this video that I could not resist. This may be, in fact, the only acceptable cat in this whole world.
You'll see why.



Who wouldn't love this?

on prayer

"It is not enough for the believer to begin to pray, nor to pray correctly; nor is it enough to continue for a time to pray. We must patiently, believingly continue in prayer until we obtain an answer. Further, we have not only to continue in prayer until the end, but we have also to believe that God does hear us and will answer our prayers. Most frequently we fail in not continuing in prayer until the blessing is obtained, and in not expecting the blessing. Those who are disciples of the Lord Jesus should labor with all their might in the work of God as if everything depended upon their own endeavors. Yet, having done so, they should not in the least trust in their labor and efforts, nor in the means that they use for the spread of the truth, but in God alone; and they should with all earnestness seek the blessing of God in persevering, patient, and believing prayer. Here is the great secret of success, my Christian reader. Work with all your might, but never trust in your work. Pray with all your might for the blessing in God, but work at the same time with all diligence, with all patience, with all perseverance. Pray, then, and work. Work and pray. And still again pray, and then work. And so on, all the days of your life. The result will surely be abundant blessing. Whether you see much fruit or little fruit, such kind of service will be blessed."

George Mueller

book tag

Tag…I’m it

Margaret Feinberg tagged me.

Here it goes…

One book that has changed your life:

The Bible by: God

This is the only book that has changed my life. Others have challenged my thinking. Others have prompted self-examination. Still others have altered my mood. Only one has changed my life.

One book that you have read more than once:

A Violent Grace by: Michael Card

I think this book flew under the radar of many people, but it has become one of my yearly “must-read” books. Michael reinforces the notion that God’s grace is certainly not cheap, but rather came at the greatest price.

One book that you would want on a desert island (besides the Bible):

Survive On a Desert Island by: Claire Llewellyn

I haven’t read it, but I’m guessing that it would come in handy on a desert island.

Great book to remind me that I can make it off this stupid island:

the Pursuit of God by: A.W. Tozer

No other author has helped me see and understand that all things are possible in Christ, than Tozer. When we chase God, we see Him as He desires us to.

One book that made me laugh:

Falling Into Love by: Ned Erickson

Ned’s accounts of the lessons he’s learned of life and love are a riot. He writes with wit, warmth, and charm. Not your standard book on relationships. (And that’s a good thing!)

If you’ve seen the movie or play, the book is hilarious:

The Princess Bride by: William Goldman

Goldman is a brilliant story-weaver. The movie is my all-time favorite and the book takes my delight into overdrive. This is the first book I ever laughed out-loud to. I can’t think about it without smiling.

One book that made me cry:

Of Mice and Men by: John Steinbeck

This is simply an American classic. I remember seeing a film adaptation of this story that troubled me to the core. I asked my 7th grade English teacher to explain it to me- she recommended that I read the book. I’m glad she did.

One book that I wish had been written:

(I took some liberty on this one... here are 3 I wish someone would write. Margaret, feel free to use these ideas as a springboard for use on any future projects!)

the Zero Calorie Deep-fried Foods Cookbook
Or
Zzzzz to $$$$$: An Idiot’s Guide to Making Money While You Sleep
Or
Women: A Manual (w/participant’s guides for group study)

One book I wish had never been written:

I’m not sure. I don’t doubt there are many out there, but I’m just drawing a blank at the moment. Sorry.

One book I’m currently reading:

Recliaming God's Original Intent For the Chruch by: Roberts and Marshall

Roberts and Marshall raise some very thought-provoking matters for consideration. I think this is a great book for anyone in church leadership to read and discuss.

Awesome book that is empowering me:

Radical Reformission by: Mark Driscoll

Mark is far from being the least controversial pastor in America. He doesn’t pull any punches. This book is no exception. It has aided me in my personal process of becoming a new generation leader.

One book I’ve been meaning to read:

A Hunger for God: Desiring God Through Fasting and Prayer by: John Piper

I love the writings of John Piper and I want to devour a good book on fasting. Selecting a book becomes a no-brainer when based on such criteria, right?

And now I tag: Wes, Beth, Dave, Kim and Jennifer.

If I didn't mention you... it doesn't mean you're exempt from commenting.

communication

As a point of information, if you are having a difficult time posting a comment on my blog please send me your comments at gregg@windschurch.org

I have updated my blog to the beta version of blogger and not everything is compatible yet. Sorry for the inconvenience.

I remember

God be with all who still grieve the loss of loved ones in the attacks of September 11, 2001.

still crazy, I guess...

I really don't know why I posted that last entry on my blog. I view it as kind of a cry out into the wild cyber yonder.

Please bear with me as I wrestle through some of these matters via blog entry. This is a little self-therapy session for Gregg.

My emotions have been a yo-yo as I bounce between utter contentment with just me and God and absolute loneliness even if in His presence. To some measure I think I'm personally starting to come to terms with who I even am at this time. I've realized that I'm a different guy than I was in high school or in college or in one church or in another church or at this workplace or at that workplace...
What I've been realizing is that I can't remember a time when I've had the feeling of being me. There weren't many times where I have felt at ease in my own skin. There are times and moments, but they have been fleeting. There have been times when I've felt more "me" than other times, but there hasn't always been a wholeness of being.

Really, since I've been here in St. Louis I have to come to know myself better than I have before. For a time I had slipped into attitudes and behaviors that I lived with before I was even a Christian. I found myself shocked at... myself. It was then that I realized that the old man that has lived within me continues to rear his head to cause me great pains in life. Sometimes I feel as if I have been clothed in Christ, but not entirely changed by him.

I am at this time speaking in terms of what I've been feeling. In this case I can see a definite exaggeration of the truth as I know that I truly have been changed by Christ in many ways. I also know that every step of the way I have been becoming different and more than I was before. This is simply the work of God in me. I know all of these things, but I would be remiss if I didn't admit to my feelings.

Now, I am experiencing a transformation like none I've experienced before. I am in leadership of a ministry like I've only dreamed of previously. We talk about and experience the power of God to heal us physically, emotionally, and in all other ways. We openly confess our faults and seek to support one another in the face of opportunities others might use for judgment or condemnation. This is a messy ministry- just like me.

I have come to realize that I will probably never be a graduate of a world-renowned seminary and that I am not the same guy who once thought he needed that to be my most effective in ministering to God's people. Now I understand that I don't have to put on the "pastor smile" and use the "pastor voice" and whatever else I used to do because I thought I needed to in order to be a "good" pastor. (Okay, I'll stop using the quotations so liberally- sorry.) Most of my time, for the first time in my life as a believer, is spent with people who don't know God. Since I've been here, I've heard and learned things that I couldn't really fathom before... some good, but mostly bad. But these are the stark realities of life.

I say all of this to state that I am now coming to realize the sort of man God has been making me to be. It's exciting for me, but is often also very trying. I have been stretched beyond what I thought I could handle... it seems as if I will continue to be stretched as long as God is in control of my life.

As I learn more about who God has made me, I am finding that I also have to re-examine what I thought I wanted (needed) in a wife. For so long I have been concerned with making sure that this woman was called to be a pastor's wife. I've had this full set of expectations, standards, and rules that seemed to match exactly what the books for Christian singles told me I should have. Now, I am realizing that God has something else in mind. There are obviously aspects that remain unchanging in this all, but I am finding that it is time for me to set my mind, soul, and heart free from the burden of trying to connect all of these cosmic dots in my life.

Quite simply, I'm learning how to better "Let Go and Let God."

I'm sure that this may seem like the ranting of a madman, but I assure you that I am writing this with sound mind. It's odd really, that in God's process of refining me He saw fit to make my edges rougher…

i think i've gone crazy

So I'm looking for some feedback here...

I'm really curious to hear what your responses will be to this question.

What is the best way for a guy to meet and start a relationship with a gal?

Seriously... it seems to me as if I missed whatever class, Bible Study, or conference that this matter was discussed in detail. Was there some breakout session at Catalyst or Promise Keepers that I didn't see? Am I missing a hidden interpretation of Solomon's Song that holds the key to this vast mystery of life?

Admittedly, my heavy involvement in ministry has not permitted a great deal of time lately to meet anyone new, let alone start any sort of relationship with someone. For the record, I have set better boundaries and have created more personal time in my schedule... I just need to know what to do with it!

Please let me know what you think.

a gentleman's game

FOOOOOOOOOOOOOTBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!

I think this image is just flat-out cool.

Thank you Scott Mutter for this inventive use of photosurrationalism.

I am a HUGE football fan. HUGE. I love the Bengals. Carson, Chad, Justin, Rudi, T.J., Deltha, Marvin and the whole gang. The kickoff of the NFL regular season is tonight. Long months of waiting through basketball, baseball, and whatever else... the Men of the Gridiron are back.

Excited. I'm excited. FOOTBALL!

I can't really express this any more clearly. However, I'm clearly excited.

On with the games!

end of an era

I will be the first to admit that I wasn't a massive fan of Steve Irwin, but I will also admit that I was disappointed to hear of his passing. The Crocidille Hunter was one of the great characters of the last decade who has left his mark on the world of environmetalism and entertainment. Spread the word and give up a big Croc "Crikey" in his honor this Labor Day.

"She's a beauty... gorgeous!"

just get it out

Okay, I'm just going to put this out there. I'm not ashamed to speak of it. There's no reason to keep this hidden any longer. In fact, those who know me best has long known this morsel of information about me.

I love musicals.

There is is. I love musicals. Whether it's Rodgers and Hammerstein or Sondheim. Schwartz or Kern. Larson or Lloyd Webber. Porgy or Bess... wait. Well, you get the point. I can't get enough of the stuff.

I was looking at upcoming shows at a St. Louis Performing Arts Center and I was thrilled with the lineup. They have scheduled "The Lion King", "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee", "The Light in the Piazza", "SPAMalot", and more. I am jazzed!

Here are a couple of other tasty morsels about my interest in musicals... my favorite musical is "Godspell." The musical I haven't been able to get out of my head is "Wicked." (Both musical are by Stephen Schwartz... interesting.)

Some of my favorite male performers: Donny Osmond, Mandy Patinkin, Victor Garber, and Norbert Leo Butz.

Favorite leading ladies: Kristen Chenoweth (my heart is racing... hold on... okay), Idina Menzel, Linda Eder, and the incomparable Julie Andrews.

I'm done. I just wanted to get that out there.
To those who might criticize musical theater... don't knock it 'til you've tried it.