Kopp Disclosure
(John 3:19-21)
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While there are a few folks in our family of faith who require a little more understanding than others, most of 'em really love Jesus and pray and labor to love like Him.
Sure, we've got our posers who prove tough times do not build character but rather expose it; but, much more than less, most of our folks make up for some of our folks who are total pains in the aspirations of Biblically Christocentric life and ministry.
So, yeah, I'm keepin' my head above the cesspools of life in our modern world and church.
@#$%
Of course, people are more POed about more stuff than ever before.
My favorite devotional writer in Oklahoma wrote yesterday, "Never have I seen so many people stressed, troubled, and seeking answers as I am seeing lately. It would seem as though hell itself has come against many of us. Doubt, confusion, fear, and anxiety can cloud our minds, leaving us to feel as though we are groping in the dark."
Yep.
That's an accurate diagnosis as far as I can see.
@#$%
A former student of mine, the best preacher to ever pass through (aka survive) one of my classes as well as penetrate then persuade my noodle, wrote to me, "As you know, I definitely felt led of the Lord to come out here. Lately, however, I have seriously believed He is telling me to pack my bags. There is one family that has caused me a fair amount of grief. There is nothing unusual about that because you warned us that it's a problem inherent with the pastorate...Their charges: I eat in fancy restaurants. I tell them being a Christian is more important than being a Nazarene..."
A dear friend and recently retired pastor and college president wrote, "I'm glad I'm getting out. All people do in the church today is bitch, bitch, bitch. The bitchiness of the world has poisoned the church and nobody has the guts to do anything about it. I've served on ministerial committees for years and pastors are always blamed and end up paying the emotional cost at least...I've never seen a member held responsible for anything; and it's getting worse...I'll tell you, Bob, I'm glad I'm getting out."
Playing golf with one of my three or four closest friends last week, he admitted he'd get out if he could like 75% of all clergy who would quit today if they could.
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I think things have gotten progressively much worse since 9/11/01; and if you've already forgotten what happened then, it ain't gonna be any help tryin' to bring you up to speed 'cause you're already too far down the wrong road.
Anyone with any modicum of discernment knows the anxieties attached to that event coupled with an unabated global war led by religious nutballs (aka Islamists), fainting economies, vocational insecurities, distrust in government, and all of the below inhibit life in today's world from being a hot fudge sundae and have caused an unraveling of personal and corporate strong calm sanity.
People are POed, freaked out, and looking for somebody to dump on to make 'em feel better about how awful they feel.
Even churchgoers who should know better are acting uncharacteristically these days; contradicting the peace, unity, and purity of intimacy with Him and transferring their pejorative pathologies to others to assuage/avoid personal pain.
Even people who say they love and trust Jesus are acting like any connection between them and Him is coincidental; coming unglued at the slightest sense of insensitivity to their preoccupations and divorcing themselves from other "believers" when service above self, a hallmark of discipleship, loses out to rationalized infidelities masquerading as fidelities.
Or something like that.
@#$%
Maybe those hyper-Calvinists are right and we're just all so totally depraved since the garden despite Jesus that the only sanctuary is, uh, Jesus.
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Getting back to my buddy on the links last week, I asked him for some thoughts on this increasing POedness in our world and church.
He wrote,
I think one of the reasons people are so crabby and out of
sorts these days is that we have lost the equilibrium of our
younger days.
The answer to everything now is to do more, do it longer,
do it harder, and do it better than anyone else.
It times of economic fear, especially after people worked
so hard..., our only response seems to be to either work harder
or give up and bitch about it.
It's my observation that people were less bitchy when I
was growing up...
Why were people less bitchy back then?
I think it is because we have fallen away from the way
God has made us. We are made to live in cycles,
and sometimes even in ruts or routines if you like...
seedtime and harvest...the Sabbath rest...
We have pushed ourselves into believing that we can
overcome and improve God's way of living by doing
more and working harder; when all we end up doing
is making ourselves tired and miserable.
So what should we do?
Instead of making school years longer,...let's make
them shorter; returning to a real summer vacation that
lasts from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Let's make
evenings times of rest; rather than running off to
one more meeting at the church...Let's make
weekends a time for family labors, fun, service
to the community, worship, and nothing else.
Let's refuse to cram our calendars with one more
game, meeting, obligation, errand...Let's take our
days off and our vacations, and really be off
and vacated.
If we do so, there is more time to recover the
equilibrium we have lost...We will save personal
energy that can be put in reserve for being patient
with crabby people who won't choose to do so.
And along the way, maybe we'll save our
families, our schools, our churches, our nation,
and our sanity.
Selah.
BTW, the corpus of his comments will appear in my book about biker culture as metaphor and challenge to the church; which I expect to finish later this summer.
@#$%
Getting back to my favorite devotional writer, she offered His cure after her diagnosis: "He is as close to you as He has ever been!...Even in the midst of all these dark clouds that rage against you, He is there!"
Specifically, "Trust Him! Take your cares and concerns to Him. And, even in the struggle, let your faith give you the quiet assurance that you can trust His heart. Rest your tired, confused, anxious heart on His breast. He is still with you and is still completely trustworthy. Trust His heart! You will find quiet strength and hope rebounding that you need so desperately."
She explained why: "Even when you can't see His face, you can still trust His heart...His heart towards you is tender and compassionate. Your concerns are His concerns. He is your wise, faithful Father who promised to never forsake you."
Instead of pulling away from Him and His during tough moments, it's time to move closer.
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
Visit www.koppdisclosure.com for a rest.
KDs are designed/developed/inspired/mused/auto-suggested/indigested to make folks think; an especially uncommon experience among Democrats, Republicans, and jingoistic mainline denominationalists who continue to discourage dissent with their ever-threatening thought police.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
June 25, 2009
Kopp Disclosure
(John 3:19-21)
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I met Harry in my first church as an ordained pastor.
Though that was a long time ago when I was a tad more Like a Rock, I often return to our confrontation, my fears about it, and how the outcome has proven to be a tonic over the years as I recall it for pastors in distress or even me when I'm, uh, distressed.
Be that as it is because of how it was and will usually be, Harry was the biggest giver in the church and made sure we knew it, president of the trustees who thought they/he not the session or even God was in charge, and had a spiritually nauseating way of reminding everyone of how important he was to the survival of the church and how we'd never get along without him which he threatened so regularly whenever anyone questioned him or dared propose something that he hadn't thought of first.
And people bought it until...
@#$%
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Whenever I'm feelin' down and almost out or wantin' out, I retrieve an old recording of Martin Luther King, Jr. preaching on The Drum Major Instinct (2/4/68, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia) and my pastoral equilibrium is restored; especially when I'm lamenting a vocation that has become more like ecclesiastical babysitting than discipling over the course of a denominational/religious culture that has enabled anyone's word as good as anybody else's word on any subject without reference to education, expertise, experience, or beruf.
It's based on Mark 10:35ff.
Not long after introducing the text, he said, "There is, deep down within all of us, an instinct. It's a kind of drum major instinct - a desire to be out front, a desire to lead the parade, a desire to be first."
And then, as I listen to that scratchy old cassette - and you won't believe it until you listen to it yourself - a baby can be heard as she/he started crying as MLK started getting into it, "And you know, we begin early to ask life to put us first. Our first cry as a baby was a bid for attention...Children ask life to grant them first place. They are a little bundle of ego...Now in adult life, we still have it...We like to be praised for it."
I'm gonna use italics when quoting MLK's sermon the rest of the way.
@#$%
Session voted to restore the sidewalk on the east side of the sanctuary with cement not long after I arrived.
The vote was unanimous.
But not long after that, a city work crew showed up and started blacktopping the sidewalk.
I rushed out: "What are you doing?"
Answer: "Well, Harry told us to blacktop your sidewalks because we've got some leftovers from patching the streets."
Moi: "You can't do that because session voted to use cement."
Answer: "Listen, boy, when Harry tells us to do something, we do it. That's the way it is around here."
@#$%
Nobody is unhappy when they are praised, even if they know they don't deserve it, and even if they don't believe it. The only unhappy people about praise is when that praise is going too much toward somebody else...
If this instinct is not harnessed, it becomes very dangerous, pernicious...really...[becoming]...sickening because they just sit up all the time talking about themselves. And they just boast, and boast, and...it causes one to engage ultimately in activities that are merely used to get attention...leads to snobbish exclusivism...
I've known churches get in that bind sometimes...
@#$%
I went back into the church and called my EP (akin to a bishop no matter what anyone says) who said after I dumped the dirty details, "You go back out there right now and tell them that session not Harry makes decisions in your church."
I asked, "Can you repeat that?"
He did; then I did.
They stopped.
Harry came storming into the church in less than ten minutes, pointed his finger in my face, and screamed, "I don't care what you or that session or your book of something says. We're blacktopping the sidewalk."
"Harry," I said while trying not to appear as afraid as I was, "I don't run this church and you don't run this church. Session makes decisions and I make sure they're followed. If you tell them to blacktop the sidewalk, I will have to call the police."
Not long after that, Harry left the church.
@#$%
Oh, I see you want to be first...You want to be significant. Well, you ought to be. If you're going to be...[His]...disciple, you must be...
Yes, don't give up this instinct. It's a good instinct if you use it right. It's a good instinct if you don't distort it and pervert it. Don't give it up. Keep feeling the need for being important. Keep feeling the need for being first...
But I want you to be first in love. I want you to be first in moral excellence. I want you to be first in generosity...
@#$%
Harry's two sons who were on the session at the time called for a special meeting.
I started updating my dossier.
I was so afraid.
I opened with an incoherent prayer; and the oldest of the two sons said, "Thank you, pastor, for reminding our father that the church was here before he came and will be here after he leaves. Thank you for reminding us that the church is about a people working together for the Lord and not about persons getting their own way. I wasn't sure you were the right pastor for us until now."
@#$%
Yes, Jesus, I want to be on your right side or your left, not for any selfish reason...
I just want to be there in love and in justice and in truth and in commitment to others, so that we can make of this old world a new world.
@#$%
I heard Harry's boys picked him up during a Christmas Day family meal, carried him outside, and threw him into a pile of snow.
I thought that was funny, then sad, and then funny again...and then really, really, really sad.
As for the church, it grew and grew and grew; and we never had $ problems again.
@#$%
@#$%
I'm headin' off to the hospital to visit a friend before surgery in a few minutes.
I'm going to listen to MLK's last sermon on 4/3/68 (Masonic Temple, Memphis, Tennessee) on the way.
I think that time has come if you know what I mean.
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
Visit www.koppdisclosure.com for the faith/fun of whatever!
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
@#$%
I met Harry in my first church as an ordained pastor.
Though that was a long time ago when I was a tad more Like a Rock, I often return to our confrontation, my fears about it, and how the outcome has proven to be a tonic over the years as I recall it for pastors in distress or even me when I'm, uh, distressed.
Be that as it is because of how it was and will usually be, Harry was the biggest giver in the church and made sure we knew it, president of the trustees who thought they/he not the session or even God was in charge, and had a spiritually nauseating way of reminding everyone of how important he was to the survival of the church and how we'd never get along without him which he threatened so regularly whenever anyone questioned him or dared propose something that he hadn't thought of first.
And people bought it until...
@#$%
@#$%
Whenever I'm feelin' down and almost out or wantin' out, I retrieve an old recording of Martin Luther King, Jr. preaching on The Drum Major Instinct (2/4/68, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia) and my pastoral equilibrium is restored; especially when I'm lamenting a vocation that has become more like ecclesiastical babysitting than discipling over the course of a denominational/religious culture that has enabled anyone's word as good as anybody else's word on any subject without reference to education, expertise, experience, or beruf.
It's based on Mark 10:35ff.
Not long after introducing the text, he said, "There is, deep down within all of us, an instinct. It's a kind of drum major instinct - a desire to be out front, a desire to lead the parade, a desire to be first."
And then, as I listen to that scratchy old cassette - and you won't believe it until you listen to it yourself - a baby can be heard as she/he started crying as MLK started getting into it, "And you know, we begin early to ask life to put us first. Our first cry as a baby was a bid for attention...Children ask life to grant them first place. They are a little bundle of ego...Now in adult life, we still have it...We like to be praised for it."
I'm gonna use italics when quoting MLK's sermon the rest of the way.
@#$%
Session voted to restore the sidewalk on the east side of the sanctuary with cement not long after I arrived.
The vote was unanimous.
But not long after that, a city work crew showed up and started blacktopping the sidewalk.
I rushed out: "What are you doing?"
Answer: "Well, Harry told us to blacktop your sidewalks because we've got some leftovers from patching the streets."
Moi: "You can't do that because session voted to use cement."
Answer: "Listen, boy, when Harry tells us to do something, we do it. That's the way it is around here."
@#$%
Nobody is unhappy when they are praised, even if they know they don't deserve it, and even if they don't believe it. The only unhappy people about praise is when that praise is going too much toward somebody else...
If this instinct is not harnessed, it becomes very dangerous, pernicious...really...[becoming]...sickening because they just sit up all the time talking about themselves. And they just boast, and boast, and...it causes one to engage ultimately in activities that are merely used to get attention...leads to snobbish exclusivism...
I've known churches get in that bind sometimes...
@#$%
I went back into the church and called my EP (akin to a bishop no matter what anyone says) who said after I dumped the dirty details, "You go back out there right now and tell them that session not Harry makes decisions in your church."
I asked, "Can you repeat that?"
He did; then I did.
They stopped.
Harry came storming into the church in less than ten minutes, pointed his finger in my face, and screamed, "I don't care what you or that session or your book of something says. We're blacktopping the sidewalk."
"Harry," I said while trying not to appear as afraid as I was, "I don't run this church and you don't run this church. Session makes decisions and I make sure they're followed. If you tell them to blacktop the sidewalk, I will have to call the police."
Not long after that, Harry left the church.
@#$%
Oh, I see you want to be first...You want to be significant. Well, you ought to be. If you're going to be...[His]...disciple, you must be...
Yes, don't give up this instinct. It's a good instinct if you use it right. It's a good instinct if you don't distort it and pervert it. Don't give it up. Keep feeling the need for being important. Keep feeling the need for being first...
But I want you to be first in love. I want you to be first in moral excellence. I want you to be first in generosity...
@#$%
Harry's two sons who were on the session at the time called for a special meeting.
I started updating my dossier.
I was so afraid.
I opened with an incoherent prayer; and the oldest of the two sons said, "Thank you, pastor, for reminding our father that the church was here before he came and will be here after he leaves. Thank you for reminding us that the church is about a people working together for the Lord and not about persons getting their own way. I wasn't sure you were the right pastor for us until now."
@#$%
Yes, Jesus, I want to be on your right side or your left, not for any selfish reason...
I just want to be there in love and in justice and in truth and in commitment to others, so that we can make of this old world a new world.
@#$%
I heard Harry's boys picked him up during a Christmas Day family meal, carried him outside, and threw him into a pile of snow.
I thought that was funny, then sad, and then funny again...and then really, really, really sad.
As for the church, it grew and grew and grew; and we never had $ problems again.
@#$%
@#$%
I'm headin' off to the hospital to visit a friend before surgery in a few minutes.
I'm going to listen to MLK's last sermon on 4/3/68 (Masonic Temple, Memphis, Tennessee) on the way.
I think that time has come if you know what I mean.
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
Visit www.koppdisclosure.com for the faith/fun of whatever!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
June 23, 2009
Kopp Disclosure
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
I'll never forget shopping for a cross about 30 years ago in a big mall jewelry store near Edison, New Jersey.
When I asked the salesguy if he'd let me see the store's stock of crosses, he asked, "Do you want one with or without the little man on it?"
Hmm.
I've been thinking about that question ever since.
@#$%
I used to scoff at seminarians who wore such big and heavy crosses that they slumped over while strolling to Greek classes on early Monday mornings.
Truth is my generation of guys has never been big on jewelry; primarily because we've got so many "image" hang-ups if you know what I mean.
But when I found myself slipping into sin more often than not, I decided to start wearing some highly symbolic jewelry to remind myself of who I want to be rather than to ward off...
@#$%
@#$%
I wear two rings.
The wedding band is a no-brainer.
The other was crafted and purchased in a small jewelry store just outside of the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem, Israel. The band symbolizes the Western Wall of the Temple to remind me of my roots in Judaism and to caution Americans about Biblical prophecies related to countries that forget that bond. It also has a gold inlay of the Ten Commandments; because, well, uh, you know how easy it is to...
@#$%
Until last night when I lost 'em, I wore two crosses.
One was made of nails by a local craftsman and presbyter to remind me of what He did for me and what I must do for Him to prove faith's veracity.
The other was given to me at ordination by, uh, me. It was so beautiful. It was the cross that was used as the symbol for my old franchise; which was replaced by the ridiculous-fixed-in-faddish-time-looking one when my "Presbyterian" franchise in the North got back together with their "Presbyterian" franchise in the South in the early 80s: a prominent Celtic cross surrounded by porcelain inlays of other symbols highlighting God's sovereignty, Holy Spirit, Biblical revelation, and mission.
The porcelain had chipped over the years.
Like me.
I can replace the nail cross; and, actually, I already have with the one that I wear on Sundays that was made by the same craftsman and peer. It's as big and heavy and obnoxious-looking-when-worn-in-public as those crosses that used to draw my derision back in seminary; and it's causing me to slump over even more than what time, I mean pastoral ministry, has already done pour moi.
I cannot replace the other one.
Hmm.
I cannot seem to replace what happened to that franchise either.
@#$%
KD's 6/15 edition (scroll down) caught the attention of subscribers from Ohio, Florida, and New Jersey:
Ohio: "Tithes and offerings are recession proof. If the members of your church were tithers, there would be plenty of money to pay expenses, care for the poor, send missionaries, and build an addition. Too many are blaming the recession for what is really a tithing problem."
Ouch.
Florida: "I liked your approach. I liked it so much that I'm stealing part of it for my own 'OMG Ain't It Awful!" letter. Why didn't you tell them that the national church has already laid off tons of folks and has cut way back on just about everything? Your problem is mirrored throughout the country as people are clutching on to what they fear the socialists in D.C. are gonna take from them anyway. Bob, it's a widespread reality. No one is crying wolf. The wolf is at the door."
Tough times don't build character. They expose it. We're not responsible for what they say and do - my lost franchise cross (metaphor, silly) comes to mind - but rather we're only absolutely responsible for what we say and do. I don't know why, but I'm thinking of a few lines from Mark Driscoll about now: "If you die as a non-Christian, this life will be as close to heaven as you will ever experience, and nothing but hell awaits you. But if you die as a Christian, this life will be as close to hell as you will ever experience, and nothing but heaven awaits you."
New Jersey: "This was a beautiful, heartfelt letter, which, of course, made me cry: 'Until He comes or calls me home, we trust in the Lord!'"
Amen.
@#$%
I don't believe in chance.
Yeah, I am responsible for my choices; buuuuuuut I don't believe in chance.
I lost the little crosses for a reason.
I've got to wear this heavy one now.
@#$%
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
Click on www.koppdisclosure.com before you lose it!
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
I'll never forget shopping for a cross about 30 years ago in a big mall jewelry store near Edison, New Jersey.
When I asked the salesguy if he'd let me see the store's stock of crosses, he asked, "Do you want one with or without the little man on it?"
Hmm.
I've been thinking about that question ever since.
@#$%
I used to scoff at seminarians who wore such big and heavy crosses that they slumped over while strolling to Greek classes on early Monday mornings.
Truth is my generation of guys has never been big on jewelry; primarily because we've got so many "image" hang-ups if you know what I mean.
But when I found myself slipping into sin more often than not, I decided to start wearing some highly symbolic jewelry to remind myself of who I want to be rather than to ward off...
@#$%
@#$%
I wear two rings.
The wedding band is a no-brainer.
The other was crafted and purchased in a small jewelry store just outside of the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem, Israel. The band symbolizes the Western Wall of the Temple to remind me of my roots in Judaism and to caution Americans about Biblical prophecies related to countries that forget that bond. It also has a gold inlay of the Ten Commandments; because, well, uh, you know how easy it is to...
@#$%
Until last night when I lost 'em, I wore two crosses.
One was made of nails by a local craftsman and presbyter to remind me of what He did for me and what I must do for Him to prove faith's veracity.
The other was given to me at ordination by, uh, me. It was so beautiful. It was the cross that was used as the symbol for my old franchise; which was replaced by the ridiculous-fixed-in-faddish-time-looking one when my "Presbyterian" franchise in the North got back together with their "Presbyterian" franchise in the South in the early 80s: a prominent Celtic cross surrounded by porcelain inlays of other symbols highlighting God's sovereignty, Holy Spirit, Biblical revelation, and mission.
The porcelain had chipped over the years.
Like me.
I can replace the nail cross; and, actually, I already have with the one that I wear on Sundays that was made by the same craftsman and peer. It's as big and heavy and obnoxious-looking-when-worn-in-public as those crosses that used to draw my derision back in seminary; and it's causing me to slump over even more than what time, I mean pastoral ministry, has already done pour moi.
I cannot replace the other one.
Hmm.
I cannot seem to replace what happened to that franchise either.
@#$%
KD's 6/15 edition (scroll down) caught the attention of subscribers from Ohio, Florida, and New Jersey:
Ohio: "Tithes and offerings are recession proof. If the members of your church were tithers, there would be plenty of money to pay expenses, care for the poor, send missionaries, and build an addition. Too many are blaming the recession for what is really a tithing problem."
Ouch.
Florida: "I liked your approach. I liked it so much that I'm stealing part of it for my own 'OMG Ain't It Awful!" letter. Why didn't you tell them that the national church has already laid off tons of folks and has cut way back on just about everything? Your problem is mirrored throughout the country as people are clutching on to what they fear the socialists in D.C. are gonna take from them anyway. Bob, it's a widespread reality. No one is crying wolf. The wolf is at the door."
Tough times don't build character. They expose it. We're not responsible for what they say and do - my lost franchise cross (metaphor, silly) comes to mind - but rather we're only absolutely responsible for what we say and do. I don't know why, but I'm thinking of a few lines from Mark Driscoll about now: "If you die as a non-Christian, this life will be as close to heaven as you will ever experience, and nothing but hell awaits you. But if you die as a Christian, this life will be as close to hell as you will ever experience, and nothing but heaven awaits you."
New Jersey: "This was a beautiful, heartfelt letter, which, of course, made me cry: 'Until He comes or calls me home, we trust in the Lord!'"
Amen.
@#$%
I don't believe in chance.
Yeah, I am responsible for my choices; buuuuuuut I don't believe in chance.
I lost the little crosses for a reason.
I've got to wear this heavy one now.
@#$%
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
Click on www.koppdisclosure.com before you lose it!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
June 20, 2009
Kopp Disclosure
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
@#$%
While not holding the undeniably universal gravitas of its gender unequal, tomorrow is Father's Day.
I've got one; and I'm thankful for him.
I'm one; and I've tried to...
Well, if you're one, you know what I mean; though that HC song above really, uh, discloses the truth about all dads.
@#$%
@#$%
PBHO is a dad; though his, uh, uh, uh, policies representing an undetected ideology/theology have often prevented a lot of unborns from ever having one in time.
I think of a letter sent to me about 25 years ago that was framed by my secretary at the time (Betty) and hangs in my study - I'm looking at it right now! - to remind me of her, them, and especially my Father:
Dear Dr. Kopp, it's a little late, but I loved last week's sermon.
My mom almost stood up on the pew and screamed, "Amen!"
Thanks for giving her a heart attack!
George (I'm 12 yrs. old)
P.S. You didn't give her a heart attack, but I'm glad you
spoke against abortion because I'm adopted.
As I've said many times before to the ire of subscribers on the right, I like PBHO on a personal level; even though I cannot detect the leanings of his soul.
But knowing he's a dad and I'm a dad and we've gotta share some of the above/below, I think there's hope; even though he's takin' control of cars, cyberspace, fast food, MDs, CEO's $ - I haven't seen/sensed/experienced such control needs since presiding at my last wedding! Bride: "I don't know what to do!" Me: "Just walk down the aisle, stand at the altar, and we'll sing a hymn!" Her: "Oh, I get it! Aisle. Altar. Hymn!" Just being serious! - and just about anything else to accelerate our slide to statism/socialism.
So I just keep praying every day for him to succeed according to God's intentions as incarnated in Jesus and instructed in Holy Scripture.
@#$%
It's important to know who you are.
That finally dawned on me when I first heard these lyrics from Edie Brickell back in 1986:
I'm not aware of too many things.
I know what I know if you what I mean.
What I am is what I am.
Are you what you are or what?
I was still one of the boy wonders of the PCUSA when I heard that; climbing to the top of the ecclesiastical ladder of success only to discover I was leaning against the wrong building with a hole in my heart as big as the open borders of the USA.
I'm not saying I've got it all figured out yet; but I'm prayin' and workin' on it; and tomorrow's message and the second chapter of my forthcoming book on biker culture as metaphor and challenge to the church takes a shot at it.
Psst.
Whenever anyone pretends to have arrived, you know they haven't begun.
Selah.
@#$%
I've been called many things over time: boy wonder, mature beyond my years, ___hole, saint, ___, brilliant, stupid, schismatic, jingoist, loyalist, anarchist, traditionalist, revolutionary, and so many other demonizing and lionizing things that I've come to realize I'm not as good as my mommy says nor as bad as my antagonists advertise.
I'm, uh, human; and I've decided not to pretend I'm more than that like, uh, some of my unpeers because He has a way of pulling down our pants when we ride a little too high in the saddle.
So I don't pay too much attention to anybody these days except my family, covenant/accountability buddies, a few staff members and churchgoers who have earned the right to undress me because they know they're not as good as their mommies or they say nor as bad as their antagonists and other churchgoers advertise, and Him.
I like being called dad; though it's a tough assignment and I've failed so many times at it that I don't own a copy of HC's song and only listen to it when it comes on the radio as some kinda predestined moment.
An older son and my youngest sobered me up about it in the last few days.
An older one said all he wants/wanted from me is candor and a man-to-man relationship like I've given to churchgoers for over three decades.
Ouch.
When the power went out for about 12 hours in my neighborhood yesterday as it always does with any atmospheric burp, my youngest and I sat together for hours reading with an occasional conversational interruption; and he said at bedtime, "I love you, dad; and I want us to do more of that even if the power's on."
Yeah.
Happy Father's Day!
@#$%
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
@#$%
While not holding the undeniably universal gravitas of its gender unequal, tomorrow is Father's Day.
I've got one; and I'm thankful for him.
I'm one; and I've tried to...
Well, if you're one, you know what I mean; though that HC song above really, uh, discloses the truth about all dads.
@#$%
@#$%
PBHO is a dad; though his, uh, uh, uh, policies representing an undetected ideology/theology have often prevented a lot of unborns from ever having one in time.
I think of a letter sent to me about 25 years ago that was framed by my secretary at the time (Betty) and hangs in my study - I'm looking at it right now! - to remind me of her, them, and especially my Father:
Dear Dr. Kopp, it's a little late, but I loved last week's sermon.
My mom almost stood up on the pew and screamed, "Amen!"
Thanks for giving her a heart attack!
George (I'm 12 yrs. old)
P.S. You didn't give her a heart attack, but I'm glad you
spoke against abortion because I'm adopted.
As I've said many times before to the ire of subscribers on the right, I like PBHO on a personal level; even though I cannot detect the leanings of his soul.
But knowing he's a dad and I'm a dad and we've gotta share some of the above/below, I think there's hope; even though he's takin' control of cars, cyberspace, fast food, MDs, CEO's $ - I haven't seen/sensed/experienced such control needs since presiding at my last wedding! Bride: "I don't know what to do!" Me: "Just walk down the aisle, stand at the altar, and we'll sing a hymn!" Her: "Oh, I get it! Aisle. Altar. Hymn!" Just being serious! - and just about anything else to accelerate our slide to statism/socialism.
So I just keep praying every day for him to succeed according to God's intentions as incarnated in Jesus and instructed in Holy Scripture.
@#$%
It's important to know who you are.
That finally dawned on me when I first heard these lyrics from Edie Brickell back in 1986:
I'm not aware of too many things.
I know what I know if you what I mean.
What I am is what I am.
Are you what you are or what?
I was still one of the boy wonders of the PCUSA when I heard that; climbing to the top of the ecclesiastical ladder of success only to discover I was leaning against the wrong building with a hole in my heart as big as the open borders of the USA.
I'm not saying I've got it all figured out yet; but I'm prayin' and workin' on it; and tomorrow's message and the second chapter of my forthcoming book on biker culture as metaphor and challenge to the church takes a shot at it.
Psst.
Whenever anyone pretends to have arrived, you know they haven't begun.
Selah.
@#$%
I've been called many things over time: boy wonder, mature beyond my years, ___hole, saint, ___, brilliant, stupid, schismatic, jingoist, loyalist, anarchist, traditionalist, revolutionary, and so many other demonizing and lionizing things that I've come to realize I'm not as good as my mommy says nor as bad as my antagonists advertise.
I'm, uh, human; and I've decided not to pretend I'm more than that like, uh, some of my unpeers because He has a way of pulling down our pants when we ride a little too high in the saddle.
So I don't pay too much attention to anybody these days except my family, covenant/accountability buddies, a few staff members and churchgoers who have earned the right to undress me because they know they're not as good as their mommies or they say nor as bad as their antagonists and other churchgoers advertise, and Him.
I like being called dad; though it's a tough assignment and I've failed so many times at it that I don't own a copy of HC's song and only listen to it when it comes on the radio as some kinda predestined moment.
An older son and my youngest sobered me up about it in the last few days.
An older one said all he wants/wanted from me is candor and a man-to-man relationship like I've given to churchgoers for over three decades.
Ouch.
When the power went out for about 12 hours in my neighborhood yesterday as it always does with any atmospheric burp, my youngest and I sat together for hours reading with an occasional conversational interruption; and he said at bedtime, "I love you, dad; and I want us to do more of that even if the power's on."
Yeah.
Happy Father's Day!
@#$%
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
Monday, June 15, 2009
June 15, 2009
Kopp Disclosure
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
@#$%
I wrote a really, really, really candid congregational letter earlier today.
Whenever I do something like that - as a part of individual discipline or congregational care - I pass it by a few folks who hold me accountable for what I say and do.
One of 'em from Oklahoma wrote: "Very, very, well said. Oh, my friend, so many are feeling the pinch; and it shows in the giving. If this letter doesn't touch the hearts, minds, and spirits of the 'haves,' then they simply have hardened their hearts against compassion, mercy, and grace. I believe we will see God's grace covering us during these hard times, and our little will become more than enough when placed in God's hands. As I read your letter, my spirit simply cried out for the Body of Christ and for the portals of heaven to open for the faithful and needy. Your letter needs to go to EVERY pastor and EVERY church; for you have expressed the cries of the church and the hearts of the pastors."
O.K.
I'll take that as a word...
@#$%
I'm into metaphors in a parabolical kinda way.
Maybe that's why two Cyndi Lauper songs kept swirling through the noodle while writing earlier today.
So while you're reading, you may want to listen too.
Hmm.
Get it?
@#$%
Anyway, here's the letter and you can fill in the blanks and paraphrase as applicable:
Beloved,
These are tough times.
Even people who trust Jesus in all things at all times in all places
with all people are not immune to the stresses of global war,
fainting economies, vocational insecurities, distrust in
government, and all of the other stuff that inhibit every day
from being a hot fudge sundae.
Even people who trust Jesus are acting uncharacteristically
these days; contradicting the peace, unity, and purity of
intimacy with Him and transferring their pejorative pathologies
to others to assuage/avoid personal pain.
Even people who say they trust Jesus are acting like any
connection between them and Him is coincidental; coming
unglued at the slightest sense of insensitivity to their
preoccupations and divorcing themselves from the body -
family of faith - when service above self, a hallmark of
discipleship, loses out to rationalized fidelities.
Or something like that.
Again, these are tough times.
Our church, county, and community are not immune
either; and with a local unemployment rate approaching
15%, so many of our family members and folks related
to ___ are increasingly desperate just to put food on the
table.
Our family of faith, for example, which has depended upon
an endowment for nearly three decades to balance the
budget, pay salaries, enable missions, and the like
has been hit significantly; and coupled with the
giving patterns of the past that haven't always grown
with faith, we're in a heap of trouble.
While we're praying those who "have" will recognize the
needs and dig deeper to "share" in these difficult times,
noting we have many family members and friends who
are already stretching for Him and His, many members
of ___ have lost their jobs, lost big chunks of their
retirements and investments, and don't have a lot of
confidence in what's around the corner for our world,
country, state, county, and community.
To be even more specific, some of the most generous
members of our family of faith have said they cannot
meet their pledges for current expenses or the expansion;
and, again, this means those who have will have to ask
the Lord for the will and wherewithal to step up in these
tough times for those who have not.
While my personal income does not match our family
expenses, forcing my wife to re-enter the work force
with gusto for the first time in our marriage and ministry
together, which we do with gladness in light of these
tough times and respect for those in the same
predicament, I have resisted other offers because of
a passionate call to our family of faith that continues
to grow, deepen, and root despite all of the
aforementioned. I am also writing a book that I
pray will honor Jesus, lead people to Him, and
generate enough $ to meet personal/corporate
expenses, enable expansion, and spread love.
With all of this in mind and prayer, our Mission
Committee and I have reoriented our approach to
"home missions" for this kairos moment. Our
monthly hunger offering as well as "Mission of the
Month" will be reserved and used to provide immediate
relief to members and friends of our family of faith who
are in financial distress and material deprivation.
Certainly, we pray those who have will step up and
make up the differences; and we pray the economic
trends do not continue to inhibit our life and ministry
together to the point that we must cut back even more
and lay off staff members like many sister congregations.
But, again, these are tough times; and waiting for others
to do what our Lord is compelling you to do right now
as you read this will not help.
When I fell in love with our family of faith at ___ nearly
seven years ago - you can ask me about that at a
___ or gathering of ___ - I knew this was it for me. I
knew I would resist more lucrative opportunities that
I did not resist in the past and rely upon Him for all of
our family's needs. I knew I would have very painful
days because of salty discipling postponements that
I inherited but were necessary for ___ to build upon
the best of the past for a more obedient future. I knew
the stream would be coming in even as I would weep
over the trickles out. All of those discernments and
so many more that await their time for apocalypse
have been confirmed in manifold ways.
One more thing; and this is very personal and
confessional.
I'm not up to it.
I don't have the time or energies for the increasing
demands upon me. I am being pulled in so many ways
by immediate, important, incidental, major, minor,
myopic, and other needs. There doesn't seem to be
enough of me to go around these days.
While my gifts of discernment are a blessing and
curse if you know what I mean, I have never been
able to read minds; so if you need something from
me, please do not rely upon my guesswork! And
please be patient with me in these times of triage.
I do believe He will provide the time and energies for
what He wants me to do: "I can do all things through
Him who strengthens me."
As always, I will be in the hospitals with you when I
know you're there and I will always make time if you
need to sit down and chat over a cup of coffee or
something else that doesn't add to my waistline.
These are tough times.
It is our responsibility to be at His best and
most gracious as others shy, sly, or slither
away from His best and most gracious because
the burdens have become to heavy for them to
bear.
Depending upon His grace, we will!
Blessings and Love,
RRK
@#$%
@#$%
Adding to the excitement, Kopper and the Kopps are headed to obedience school next week.
Actually, I'm not sure who is taking whom.
Just like the rest of this KD, I guess we'll just, uh, see.
@#$%
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
@#$%
I wrote a really, really, really candid congregational letter earlier today.
Whenever I do something like that - as a part of individual discipline or congregational care - I pass it by a few folks who hold me accountable for what I say and do.
One of 'em from Oklahoma wrote: "Very, very, well said. Oh, my friend, so many are feeling the pinch; and it shows in the giving. If this letter doesn't touch the hearts, minds, and spirits of the 'haves,' then they simply have hardened their hearts against compassion, mercy, and grace. I believe we will see God's grace covering us during these hard times, and our little will become more than enough when placed in God's hands. As I read your letter, my spirit simply cried out for the Body of Christ and for the portals of heaven to open for the faithful and needy. Your letter needs to go to EVERY pastor and EVERY church; for you have expressed the cries of the church and the hearts of the pastors."
O.K.
I'll take that as a word...
@#$%
I'm into metaphors in a parabolical kinda way.
Maybe that's why two Cyndi Lauper songs kept swirling through the noodle while writing earlier today.
So while you're reading, you may want to listen too.
Hmm.
Get it?
@#$%
Anyway, here's the letter and you can fill in the blanks and paraphrase as applicable:
Beloved,
These are tough times.
Even people who trust Jesus in all things at all times in all places
with all people are not immune to the stresses of global war,
fainting economies, vocational insecurities, distrust in
government, and all of the other stuff that inhibit every day
from being a hot fudge sundae.
Even people who trust Jesus are acting uncharacteristically
these days; contradicting the peace, unity, and purity of
intimacy with Him and transferring their pejorative pathologies
to others to assuage/avoid personal pain.
Even people who say they trust Jesus are acting like any
connection between them and Him is coincidental; coming
unglued at the slightest sense of insensitivity to their
preoccupations and divorcing themselves from the body -
family of faith - when service above self, a hallmark of
discipleship, loses out to rationalized fidelities.
Or something like that.
Again, these are tough times.
Our church, county, and community are not immune
either; and with a local unemployment rate approaching
15%, so many of our family members and folks related
to ___ are increasingly desperate just to put food on the
table.
Our family of faith, for example, which has depended upon
an endowment for nearly three decades to balance the
budget, pay salaries, enable missions, and the like
has been hit significantly; and coupled with the
giving patterns of the past that haven't always grown
with faith, we're in a heap of trouble.
While we're praying those who "have" will recognize the
needs and dig deeper to "share" in these difficult times,
noting we have many family members and friends who
are already stretching for Him and His, many members
of ___ have lost their jobs, lost big chunks of their
retirements and investments, and don't have a lot of
confidence in what's around the corner for our world,
country, state, county, and community.
To be even more specific, some of the most generous
members of our family of faith have said they cannot
meet their pledges for current expenses or the expansion;
and, again, this means those who have will have to ask
the Lord for the will and wherewithal to step up in these
tough times for those who have not.
While my personal income does not match our family
expenses, forcing my wife to re-enter the work force
with gusto for the first time in our marriage and ministry
together, which we do with gladness in light of these
tough times and respect for those in the same
predicament, I have resisted other offers because of
a passionate call to our family of faith that continues
to grow, deepen, and root despite all of the
aforementioned. I am also writing a book that I
pray will honor Jesus, lead people to Him, and
generate enough $ to meet personal/corporate
expenses, enable expansion, and spread love.
With all of this in mind and prayer, our Mission
Committee and I have reoriented our approach to
"home missions" for this kairos moment. Our
monthly hunger offering as well as "Mission of the
Month" will be reserved and used to provide immediate
relief to members and friends of our family of faith who
are in financial distress and material deprivation.
Certainly, we pray those who have will step up and
make up the differences; and we pray the economic
trends do not continue to inhibit our life and ministry
together to the point that we must cut back even more
and lay off staff members like many sister congregations.
But, again, these are tough times; and waiting for others
to do what our Lord is compelling you to do right now
as you read this will not help.
When I fell in love with our family of faith at ___ nearly
seven years ago - you can ask me about that at a
___ or gathering of ___ - I knew this was it for me. I
knew I would resist more lucrative opportunities that
I did not resist in the past and rely upon Him for all of
our family's needs. I knew I would have very painful
days because of salty discipling postponements that
I inherited but were necessary for ___ to build upon
the best of the past for a more obedient future. I knew
the stream would be coming in even as I would weep
over the trickles out. All of those discernments and
so many more that await their time for apocalypse
have been confirmed in manifold ways.
One more thing; and this is very personal and
confessional.
I'm not up to it.
I don't have the time or energies for the increasing
demands upon me. I am being pulled in so many ways
by immediate, important, incidental, major, minor,
myopic, and other needs. There doesn't seem to be
enough of me to go around these days.
While my gifts of discernment are a blessing and
curse if you know what I mean, I have never been
able to read minds; so if you need something from
me, please do not rely upon my guesswork! And
please be patient with me in these times of triage.
I do believe He will provide the time and energies for
what He wants me to do: "I can do all things through
Him who strengthens me."
As always, I will be in the hospitals with you when I
know you're there and I will always make time if you
need to sit down and chat over a cup of coffee or
something else that doesn't add to my waistline.
These are tough times.
It is our responsibility to be at His best and
most gracious as others shy, sly, or slither
away from His best and most gracious because
the burdens have become to heavy for them to
bear.
Depending upon His grace, we will!
Blessings and Love,
RRK
@#$%
@#$%
Adding to the excitement, Kopper and the Kopps are headed to obedience school next week.
Actually, I'm not sure who is taking whom.
Just like the rest of this KD, I guess we'll just, uh, see.
@#$%
Dissing Your Dog - watch more funny videos
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
June 11, 2009
Kopp Disclosure
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
I am deep, deep, deep into writing a book about biker culture as metaphor and challenge to the church; and I am preaching a summer summary series on it beginning this Sunday.
The messages (aka sermons) will summarize the chapters; for the chapters are much, much, much deeper and expanded than could be tolerated in one holy hour.
I hope golfers, bowlers, tennis players, bridge and poker players, and softballers of all kinds join bikers for the series because it's a transferable metaphor.
@#$%
@#$%
Of course, if you're reading this somewhere over 50 miles from Belvidere, Illinois, you'll just have to wait for the book; or call 815-544-6402 and order audio copies of what happens throughout the series.
Naturally, I'm already catchin' it from folks who loathe bikers for reasons that I'll cite during the message/chapter called "Curses" (8/16/09); and if you'd like to get the summer summary series schedule, go to www.belvpresbyterian.org.
It's kinda like the guy who always says this when he doesn't like a scheduled visiting preacher or some special Sunday event: "I guess I'll just go to Heartland...[an emerging church in the area that's so what's-happening-now that it's 'a different way to do church']...that Sunday."
Geez.
@#$%
@#$%
Kathie, KD's webmaster and contributing muse who also handles www.belvpresbyterian.org, designed the bulletin cover for this Sunday (^); and I'll bet in a Christian kinda way that a cover like it has never appeared in a church in any universe related to us.
Bikers will frame it.
Non-bikers will, uh, whatever...
@#$%
@#$%
I have written six books - five published with no threats to the sales of Rick Warren and Joel What'shisname.
I haven't felt this "inspired" since the one dedicated to my dad.
I know you don't know what book I'm talkin' 'bout; for if you did, I would have at least one bestseller by now.
Silly!
@#$%
Getting to subjects that will never be a big part of any book that I write, Dwight and Tiller (scroll down to the previous two KDs) have prompted some pretty intense reader responses:
From a pastor in my franchise: "Whoever 'Dwight' is, KD, he seems to have forgotten - or maybe never knew - the universal law that God has written into His universe: what you sow is what you will reap. Too many people don't want to believe that's true...Live by the sword, die by the sword...Sow to the wind, reap the whirlwind. The positive is true as well: cast your bread upon the waters, and after many days, it will return to you...When people like Tiller kill human beings at will, his supporters/family/conspirators should not be surprised that he is killed at will."
From another pastor in my franchise: "I got the point that 'Dwight' missed, but methinks you dissed him a little too hard. I am reminded that as we grade ordination exams, we are careful to criticize in the third person not the first. If I were him, I would be exhibiting emotions not conducive to our Christianity regardless of how much 'ass' I may have shown in commenting to you. You pretty much kicked him in the balls in front of all of us and then said, 'Serves you right.' Maybe it did, but I don't think it really served you right nor Jesus."
From another pastor in my franchise: "You seem uncharacteristically surprised or at least given to pause by 'Dwight's' umbrage. Did you seriously expect pro-abortion advocates to think critically or even, frankly, to think? It is all about reaction in that camp. The murderer of Dr. Tiller and Dr. Tiller himself were both in absolute disobedience and rejection of the Decalogue - and not just that whole 'don't murder' thing. In no manner can their acts be reconciled with Godly belief and practice - ever...You cannot speak criticism of the activities of Tiller without offending the sensibilities of the humanists sojourning among the faithful. For them and their ilk, abortion on demand has become the only sacramental act in their belief system. But hey, this is a free country, and Comrade BHO has reminded us ad nauseum - not a Christian one at that."
From a non-pastor who ain't in our franchise: "The left is making a martyr out of Dr. Tiller...Abortion isn't really my hot-button issue...But to perform such third-trimester elective procedures in bulk as he did requires so selective of a conscience that I wouldn't want to entrust a hangnail to somebody like him...As to the shooter, yes, he should get the full measure of justice due. I'm told Kansas has reinstituted the death penalty, and so I say verify through trial that he did it and then strap him in and send him on his way. What a stupid thing to do - a premeditated shooting in a public place without considering the sympathetic backlash; not to mention leaving vengeance to the Lord for performing purely legal - even if morally repugnant - acts. That won't advance the debate on the morality of abortion on demand, even of the type that Dr. Tiller performed, and certainly won't add to the list of persuasive arguments against it."
Whoa.
Even when KD's balls are being kicked in by the second respondent in front of everybody, KD is grateful for folks who are still thinking.
@#$%
@#$%
I just wanna ride.
That's a metaphor related to the above.
It's also a hint about the summer summary series on biker culture as metaphor and challenge to the church.
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
You gotta go to www.koppdisclosure.com to see Kathie's cool cover!
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
I am deep, deep, deep into writing a book about biker culture as metaphor and challenge to the church; and I am preaching a summer summary series on it beginning this Sunday.
The messages (aka sermons) will summarize the chapters; for the chapters are much, much, much deeper and expanded than could be tolerated in one holy hour.
I hope golfers, bowlers, tennis players, bridge and poker players, and softballers of all kinds join bikers for the series because it's a transferable metaphor.
@#$%
@#$%
Of course, if you're reading this somewhere over 50 miles from Belvidere, Illinois, you'll just have to wait for the book; or call 815-544-6402 and order audio copies of what happens throughout the series.
Naturally, I'm already catchin' it from folks who loathe bikers for reasons that I'll cite during the message/chapter called "Curses" (8/16/09); and if you'd like to get the summer summary series schedule, go to www.belvpresbyterian.org.
It's kinda like the guy who always says this when he doesn't like a scheduled visiting preacher or some special Sunday event: "I guess I'll just go to Heartland...[an emerging church in the area that's so what's-happening-now that it's 'a different way to do church']...that Sunday."
Geez.
@#$%
@#$%
Kathie, KD's webmaster and contributing muse who also handles www.belvpresbyterian.org, designed the bulletin cover for this Sunday (^); and I'll bet in a Christian kinda way that a cover like it has never appeared in a church in any universe related to us.
Bikers will frame it.
Non-bikers will, uh, whatever...
@#$%
@#$%
I have written six books - five published with no threats to the sales of Rick Warren and Joel What'shisname.
I haven't felt this "inspired" since the one dedicated to my dad.
I know you don't know what book I'm talkin' 'bout; for if you did, I would have at least one bestseller by now.
Silly!
@#$%
Getting to subjects that will never be a big part of any book that I write, Dwight and Tiller (scroll down to the previous two KDs) have prompted some pretty intense reader responses:
From a pastor in my franchise: "Whoever 'Dwight' is, KD, he seems to have forgotten - or maybe never knew - the universal law that God has written into His universe: what you sow is what you will reap. Too many people don't want to believe that's true...Live by the sword, die by the sword...Sow to the wind, reap the whirlwind. The positive is true as well: cast your bread upon the waters, and after many days, it will return to you...When people like Tiller kill human beings at will, his supporters/family/conspirators should not be surprised that he is killed at will."
From another pastor in my franchise: "I got the point that 'Dwight' missed, but methinks you dissed him a little too hard. I am reminded that as we grade ordination exams, we are careful to criticize in the third person not the first. If I were him, I would be exhibiting emotions not conducive to our Christianity regardless of how much 'ass' I may have shown in commenting to you. You pretty much kicked him in the balls in front of all of us and then said, 'Serves you right.' Maybe it did, but I don't think it really served you right nor Jesus."
From another pastor in my franchise: "You seem uncharacteristically surprised or at least given to pause by 'Dwight's' umbrage. Did you seriously expect pro-abortion advocates to think critically or even, frankly, to think? It is all about reaction in that camp. The murderer of Dr. Tiller and Dr. Tiller himself were both in absolute disobedience and rejection of the Decalogue - and not just that whole 'don't murder' thing. In no manner can their acts be reconciled with Godly belief and practice - ever...You cannot speak criticism of the activities of Tiller without offending the sensibilities of the humanists sojourning among the faithful. For them and their ilk, abortion on demand has become the only sacramental act in their belief system. But hey, this is a free country, and Comrade BHO has reminded us ad nauseum - not a Christian one at that."
From a non-pastor who ain't in our franchise: "The left is making a martyr out of Dr. Tiller...Abortion isn't really my hot-button issue...But to perform such third-trimester elective procedures in bulk as he did requires so selective of a conscience that I wouldn't want to entrust a hangnail to somebody like him...As to the shooter, yes, he should get the full measure of justice due. I'm told Kansas has reinstituted the death penalty, and so I say verify through trial that he did it and then strap him in and send him on his way. What a stupid thing to do - a premeditated shooting in a public place without considering the sympathetic backlash; not to mention leaving vengeance to the Lord for performing purely legal - even if morally repugnant - acts. That won't advance the debate on the morality of abortion on demand, even of the type that Dr. Tiller performed, and certainly won't add to the list of persuasive arguments against it."
Whoa.
Even when KD's balls are being kicked in by the second respondent in front of everybody, KD is grateful for folks who are still thinking.
@#$%
@#$%
I just wanna ride.
That's a metaphor related to the above.
It's also a hint about the summer summary series on biker culture as metaphor and challenge to the church.
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
You gotta go to www.koppdisclosure.com to see Kathie's cool cover!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
June 9, 2009
Kopp Disclosure
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
An 83 year old friend and I went to see the White Sox play Detroit last night.
The White Sox won; but I really didn't care.
I wore my Yankees hat; which didn't make me real popular in Section 143, Row 12, Seat 10.
I recalled something that I almost forgot.
Arriving at his new "home" at 2:00 p.m., he greeted me: "Bob is going with us to the game tonight."
Uh, I'm Bob.
It happens just about every time that we're together anymore - at least once a week.
The door of the elevator will often open to the floor of his new home, I'll step out, and someone will shout, "My son has come to see me!"
It's hard to explain to a 90 year old woman on that floor that I'm not her son; so I just try to talk and act like her son and hope she doesn't ask my name.
I get to hug a lot of moms and dads when I go to visit my friend; and sometimes I get to be a dad.
I haven't been mistaken for a mom yet.
Whew.
Actually, my friend said we were gonna meet his dad at the game; and after the game, he said, "I guess dad forgot."
I said, "No, don't you remember? He came just after Thome hit a homer. We had a great time!"
"Oh, yeah," he replied, "I remember now. We had a great time!"
Yes, we did.
It was midnight.
@#$%
@#$%
Not sticking with sports, Danica (Indy car racing), like Anna (tennis) and Natalie (golf) before her, has decided she's much better advertising other attributes than her athletic ability.
She's upsetting peers.
Responding to Danica's latest, uh, spreads for rags and "Go Daddy" commercials, Bobbie Jean Wall, another racer of the same gender, snapped, "I think they're kind of degrading to a point. I think she's a good person, and I like the way she races. But I don't think I'd do a 'Go Daddy' commercial, especially that shower one."
I saw a picture of Bobbie; and I think she's gonna get some offers.
Anyway, Cheryl Hryn, another racer of the same gender, got really, uh, down: "I know she's doing it for her sponsors, but what is she saying, that us girls have to take our shirts off to be the better person? What ground rules is she setting for any girl or woman who wants to be a race car driver?"
Stacy Kelley, another racer of the same gender, grinded: "I've seen the commercials and I'm not a big fan. I think she's a great race car driver, but the way she portrays herself sometimes, I don't think it makes us look good as women in racing. If she's a racer, be a racer."
Rita Fields, another racer of the same gender, unbuttoned the morality of it all: "I don't know as much that it's bad taste, but that stuff is aired during prime time, during the day, when small children can see it. I think they should pull it back a little bit for that."
Crystalyn Sehr, another racer of the same gender, flashed, "I don't think it gives women in racing a very good name. I think we have to portray a better, more respectable image. I'm personally not a fan of her because of that."
Cher Powell, another racer of the same gender, had another, uh, suggestion: "Any publicity is great publicity...All she does is unzip and has a shirt on that says, 'Go Daddy.' If I had her body..."
Peers.
@#$%
Staying with peers if not sports, Dwight left a comment for me related to the last KD (scroll down): "Apparently, you believe Tiller got his due? What comes around goes around. That karma bit was cute but I'll remind myself not to take seriously a thing you say that has moral import again. Thanks."
First thought: "___!"
Second thought: "Geez."
Response:
Dear Dwight,
Thanks for your comment.
Actually, what you inferred and what was intended were two
different things.
I just wanna get folks to think.
Have you ever heard of the real definition of assume?
Obviously, you did not, uh, integrate the context or
you would have never assumed moi of being cute.
Gotta get the context, dude!
Better luck next time.
Blessings and Love!
Third thought: "Scroll down to the KD about humor."
@#$%
@#$%
Another word about Tiller from Ohio: "I cannot believe there is a truly Christian congregation in the world that would have him as a member - not without practicing some form of discipline on his grossly immoral and unbiblical behavior - his open and blatant and profitable sin."
He goes on, "Do I condone Tiller's murder? No! Should the shooter face the legal consequences of his choice to end the Kansas holocaust in this manner? Certainly!"
Then a final note - Can you hear me now, Dwight? - with no attempt at humor: "I regret this great American nation has lost its common sense of civil decency; becoming a cesspool of immorality with our Constitution turned into a vehicle that promotes license rather than liberties as it is twisted into a suicide pact by those intent on destroying our union."
Whoa.
That's heavy.
I'd like guys/gals like Dwight to think about that for a while with me.
No laughing matter!
@#$%
Here's what I remembered when I was with my older friend.
Morality isn't always as black and white as some folks pretend.
Did I lie to him about some things?
I'm not sure.
But I know he felt loved.
I felt pretty good too; especially after Dwight's snotty note.
Midnight.
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
Better go to www.koppdisclosure.com or you'll miss stuff now that we've discovered
our ISP doesn't export all first editions!
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
An 83 year old friend and I went to see the White Sox play Detroit last night.
The White Sox won; but I really didn't care.
I wore my Yankees hat; which didn't make me real popular in Section 143, Row 12, Seat 10.
I recalled something that I almost forgot.
Arriving at his new "home" at 2:00 p.m., he greeted me: "Bob is going with us to the game tonight."
Uh, I'm Bob.
It happens just about every time that we're together anymore - at least once a week.
The door of the elevator will often open to the floor of his new home, I'll step out, and someone will shout, "My son has come to see me!"
It's hard to explain to a 90 year old woman on that floor that I'm not her son; so I just try to talk and act like her son and hope she doesn't ask my name.
I get to hug a lot of moms and dads when I go to visit my friend; and sometimes I get to be a dad.
I haven't been mistaken for a mom yet.
Whew.
Actually, my friend said we were gonna meet his dad at the game; and after the game, he said, "I guess dad forgot."
I said, "No, don't you remember? He came just after Thome hit a homer. We had a great time!"
"Oh, yeah," he replied, "I remember now. We had a great time!"
Yes, we did.
It was midnight.
@#$%
@#$%
Not sticking with sports, Danica (Indy car racing), like Anna (tennis) and Natalie (golf) before her, has decided she's much better advertising other attributes than her athletic ability.
She's upsetting peers.
Responding to Danica's latest, uh, spreads for rags and "Go Daddy" commercials, Bobbie Jean Wall, another racer of the same gender, snapped, "I think they're kind of degrading to a point. I think she's a good person, and I like the way she races. But I don't think I'd do a 'Go Daddy' commercial, especially that shower one."
I saw a picture of Bobbie; and I think she's gonna get some offers.
Anyway, Cheryl Hryn, another racer of the same gender, got really, uh, down: "I know she's doing it for her sponsors, but what is she saying, that us girls have to take our shirts off to be the better person? What ground rules is she setting for any girl or woman who wants to be a race car driver?"
Stacy Kelley, another racer of the same gender, grinded: "I've seen the commercials and I'm not a big fan. I think she's a great race car driver, but the way she portrays herself sometimes, I don't think it makes us look good as women in racing. If she's a racer, be a racer."
Rita Fields, another racer of the same gender, unbuttoned the morality of it all: "I don't know as much that it's bad taste, but that stuff is aired during prime time, during the day, when small children can see it. I think they should pull it back a little bit for that."
Crystalyn Sehr, another racer of the same gender, flashed, "I don't think it gives women in racing a very good name. I think we have to portray a better, more respectable image. I'm personally not a fan of her because of that."
Cher Powell, another racer of the same gender, had another, uh, suggestion: "Any publicity is great publicity...All she does is unzip and has a shirt on that says, 'Go Daddy.' If I had her body..."
Peers.
@#$%
Staying with peers if not sports, Dwight left a comment for me related to the last KD (scroll down): "Apparently, you believe Tiller got his due? What comes around goes around. That karma bit was cute but I'll remind myself not to take seriously a thing you say that has moral import again. Thanks."
First thought: "___!"
Second thought: "Geez."
Response:
Dear Dwight,
Thanks for your comment.
Actually, what you inferred and what was intended were two
different things.
I just wanna get folks to think.
Have you ever heard of the real definition of assume?
Obviously, you did not, uh, integrate the context or
you would have never assumed moi of being cute.
Gotta get the context, dude!
Better luck next time.
Blessings and Love!
Third thought: "Scroll down to the KD about humor."
@#$%
@#$%
Another word about Tiller from Ohio: "I cannot believe there is a truly Christian congregation in the world that would have him as a member - not without practicing some form of discipline on his grossly immoral and unbiblical behavior - his open and blatant and profitable sin."
He goes on, "Do I condone Tiller's murder? No! Should the shooter face the legal consequences of his choice to end the Kansas holocaust in this manner? Certainly!"
Then a final note - Can you hear me now, Dwight? - with no attempt at humor: "I regret this great American nation has lost its common sense of civil decency; becoming a cesspool of immorality with our Constitution turned into a vehicle that promotes license rather than liberties as it is twisted into a suicide pact by those intent on destroying our union."
Whoa.
That's heavy.
I'd like guys/gals like Dwight to think about that for a while with me.
No laughing matter!
@#$%
Here's what I remembered when I was with my older friend.
Morality isn't always as black and white as some folks pretend.
Did I lie to him about some things?
I'm not sure.
But I know he felt loved.
I felt pretty good too; especially after Dwight's snotty note.
Midnight.
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
Better go to www.koppdisclosure.com or you'll miss stuff now that we've discovered
our ISP doesn't export all first editions!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
June 5, 2009
Kopp Disclosure
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
@#$%
Rainmakers don't have to mount mules to change the weather.
It started raining as soon as the chrome pigeon landed in Allentown on my way to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania which isn't far from Scranton which is not JB's home.
Though Belvidere and Boone County, Illinois is - Collective subject, dude/dudettes! - home 'til death do us part, which seems increasingly imminent with the increasing marginalization/criminalization of Biblical Christianity and anyone who thinks freedom isn't just another word for nothin' left to lose, I like to go back to "The Valley" every now and then to see my parents, hack around with dad, sigh at the old sites where ___ and I, uh, well, uh, and eat real pizza.
We got 18 in between drops with some old friends.
I sighed a bit; and then ate three large pizzas with a few dozen chasers (aka Pepcids) in two days to assuage the...
@#$%
@#$%
My dad asked about my cholesterol.
After I sided with my sister on something political, he said more than asked, "Is that so, fatso?"
My mom comforted: "No, Bobby, you're not fat; but I think you've added a little around..."
Yes, it felt like home.
@#$%
Dang, I hope nobody missed the metaphor in the last word of the last section juxtaposed to the third paragraph of the second section.
Puzzled?
If you're a pastor, you're not.
@#$%
@#$%
My mom, dad, and wife have something in common aside from being related to me.
They insist on sneaking decaf into my cup.
So I end up sneaking off to Dunkin' Donuts before my parents get up for 24 ounces of the real thing with a reduced fat blueberry muffin akin to being at, uh, home when I supplement the low-octane with three Stoks that I buy for my wife because she doesn't use 'em and I'll need 'em to drink what she's brewing pour moi without any wicked intentions.
@#$%
Speaking of deceptions, I wish PBHO would stop trying to mollify Muslims by saying how cool they are when they aren't; though I really like how he saunters up to the podium.
Am I the only one who's gettin' tired of our #1 citizen trashing us around the globe?
I still like him.
Or maybe I'm just starting to get brainwashed by his daily press conferences, speeches, and appearances that make Jesse Jackson look like a hermit monk.
It's gettin' kinda Orwellian.
It won't be long before he'll be on the big screen at WalMart to greet us or talkin' about how he's gonna take care of our car warranties or...
Oops.
@#$%
Continuing with deceptions, I guess mass-murdering-late-term abortionist Tiller proves, as one of my favorite junior tackle football coaches likes to say, "What goes around comes around."
While Keith Ubermacht, Rachel Maddening, and other mainlining types are already recommending him for sainthood, it would be, uh, nice if somebody would show what he did for a living.
I feel badly for his family and friends; and the guy(s) who shot him is/are as guilty of murder as he was/is.
I'm not as selective about the 6th of the big 10 as so many righties and lefties.
Be that as it is, a subscriber from California wrote to me about it while I was eating pizza in Pennsylvania: "O.K., I was shocked. I thought shooting abortionists was behind us. Guess I was wrong. But I was more shocked to see he was shot in a church. Tiller, who was one of the less than handful who would shred pre-borns up to and beyond 21 weeks of gestation, was welcomed in that church...I wonder if baby rattles will be thrown into his coffin. I wonder if broken baby dolls will be thrown in front of his hearse as they drive away from the church. I wonder if someone will bring a CD player to his service with sounds of babies crying..."
Whoa.
Be that as it won't be because the mainlined MSM really digs/dug him, I remember the grandson of Holocaust victims saying this after being criticized for supporting an associate pastor of mine in KC who was spotted picketing an abortion mill: "I wish someone would have picketed as my grandparents were trained to the ovens of..."
Make no mistake about it.
The abortionist was/is no hero.
His murderer is no hero.
If you can't figure that out, it's because you're one of those folks who have rationalized too many exceptions to the 6th of the 10.
@#$%
The following clip is a clue for the curious about Rainmakers.
@#$%
@#$%
Let it rain.
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
If you don't go to
www.koppdisclosure.com,
you're won't see...
(John 3:19-21)
@#$%
@#$%
Rainmakers don't have to mount mules to change the weather.
It started raining as soon as the chrome pigeon landed in Allentown on my way to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania which isn't far from Scranton which is not JB's home.
Though Belvidere and Boone County, Illinois is - Collective subject, dude/dudettes! - home 'til death do us part, which seems increasingly imminent with the increasing marginalization/criminalization of Biblical Christianity and anyone who thinks freedom isn't just another word for nothin' left to lose, I like to go back to "The Valley" every now and then to see my parents, hack around with dad, sigh at the old sites where ___ and I, uh, well, uh, and eat real pizza.
We got 18 in between drops with some old friends.
I sighed a bit; and then ate three large pizzas with a few dozen chasers (aka Pepcids) in two days to assuage the...
@#$%
@#$%
My dad asked about my cholesterol.
After I sided with my sister on something political, he said more than asked, "Is that so, fatso?"
My mom comforted: "No, Bobby, you're not fat; but I think you've added a little around..."
Yes, it felt like home.
@#$%
Dang, I hope nobody missed the metaphor in the last word of the last section juxtaposed to the third paragraph of the second section.
Puzzled?
If you're a pastor, you're not.
@#$%
@#$%
My mom, dad, and wife have something in common aside from being related to me.
They insist on sneaking decaf into my cup.
So I end up sneaking off to Dunkin' Donuts before my parents get up for 24 ounces of the real thing with a reduced fat blueberry muffin akin to being at, uh, home when I supplement the low-octane with three Stoks that I buy for my wife because she doesn't use 'em and I'll need 'em to drink what she's brewing pour moi without any wicked intentions.
@#$%
Speaking of deceptions, I wish PBHO would stop trying to mollify Muslims by saying how cool they are when they aren't; though I really like how he saunters up to the podium.
Am I the only one who's gettin' tired of our #1 citizen trashing us around the globe?
I still like him.
Or maybe I'm just starting to get brainwashed by his daily press conferences, speeches, and appearances that make Jesse Jackson look like a hermit monk.
It's gettin' kinda Orwellian.
It won't be long before he'll be on the big screen at WalMart to greet us or talkin' about how he's gonna take care of our car warranties or...
Oops.
@#$%
Continuing with deceptions, I guess mass-murdering-late-term abortionist Tiller proves, as one of my favorite junior tackle football coaches likes to say, "What goes around comes around."
While Keith Ubermacht, Rachel Maddening, and other mainlining types are already recommending him for sainthood, it would be, uh, nice if somebody would show what he did for a living.
I feel badly for his family and friends; and the guy(s) who shot him is/are as guilty of murder as he was/is.
I'm not as selective about the 6th of the big 10 as so many righties and lefties.
Be that as it is, a subscriber from California wrote to me about it while I was eating pizza in Pennsylvania: "O.K., I was shocked. I thought shooting abortionists was behind us. Guess I was wrong. But I was more shocked to see he was shot in a church. Tiller, who was one of the less than handful who would shred pre-borns up to and beyond 21 weeks of gestation, was welcomed in that church...I wonder if baby rattles will be thrown into his coffin. I wonder if broken baby dolls will be thrown in front of his hearse as they drive away from the church. I wonder if someone will bring a CD player to his service with sounds of babies crying..."
Whoa.
Be that as it won't be because the mainlined MSM really digs/dug him, I remember the grandson of Holocaust victims saying this after being criticized for supporting an associate pastor of mine in KC who was spotted picketing an abortion mill: "I wish someone would have picketed as my grandparents were trained to the ovens of..."
Make no mistake about it.
The abortionist was/is no hero.
His murderer is no hero.
If you can't figure that out, it's because you're one of those folks who have rationalized too many exceptions to the 6th of the 10.
@#$%
The following clip is a clue for the curious about Rainmakers.
@#$%
@#$%
Let it rain.
@#$%
Blessings and Love!
If you don't go to
www.koppdisclosure.com,
you're won't see...
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