Death before Change

I heard an interesting and disturbing statistic this week. I heard that more than 600,000 people have open heart surgery (CABG) each year in the United States. Of those 600,000 people, 90% make little or no lifestyle changes and end up right back on the operating table or dead within two years. Those who smoke continue to smoke. Those who are over weight and out of shape continue to live and eat just like they always have.
I work in the Cardiac Cath Lab at Maury Regional Hospital. I meet these people every day. Many of our patients are return customers. I see the disbelief, fear, and dread in their eyes when the doctor comes in and tells them that their arteries have clogged back up again. They say, “How could this be?” “How could I let this happen again?”
A heart attack is a major life changing event – it is literally life or death - do or die. If you are blessed enough to survive the first one you had better make the necessary changes in your lifestyle to prevent the second one. Everyone knows that. Everyone understands that. But the sad fact is that less than 10% do anything about it.
Is it because we fear change worse than we fear death? No, I don’t think so. I’m convinced that the 90% desire changes more than anything – but they are incapable of change. It is like pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps. They don’t know how to live any other way.
What would it take to change your lifestyle? We all think that we are above all of this foolishness – I did. I told myself that I was much too smart and well educated to fall into that trap. But fall I did. (Proverbs 16:18)
I had my Heart Cath back in June. While there were no blockages, there was significant Coronary Artery Disease (arterial sclerosis). I admit that since June I have made no changes in my lifestyle. I have actually gained 5 more lbs. I am the 90%

Empty Nest?

Here is a sure fire way to avoid the "Empty Nest Syndrome" that most couples our age experience. Simply fill your house up with Grand kids. (it really helps to have a built in babysitter like Krysi)


Tyler and Emily Klair spent the night with us Friday night. We enjoyed playing around a campfire, riding the Four Wheeler, and going out for ice cream. Early the next morning Kinsley and Karlie came over to join in the fun. We went to soccer games and out for Happy Meals. It was quite a weekend.

At this rate Ma and I will probably be living in a nursing home before we ever experience that "Empty Nest Thing." Here is one more picture that I couldn't resist posting. Emily Klair took this one of Granny late Friday night. It looks like Granny has had about all of the fun she can handle. :)

Follow up to Counting the Cost

So what does all this mean and what does it have to do with me?
Well, the elderly couple in the previous article are my parents. I have told the story before about how I was disowned and disfellowshiped by my parents because of my "liberal" religious views. It has been six years this month since my parents have spoken to me or my children. I feel guilty about comparing their religious zeal to that of a radical extremist, but I must admit the concept is really similar.

I suppose after six years I should be over it - in many ways I am - in many ways I'm not. I still stuggle with how I am suppose to feel about all of this.

Please understand, I think my parents ideas and action are simple, misguided and cult-like. But I do not think of them as bad people. They are not bad - They are just the opposite. If you ever got the chance to meet them you would love them too.

I have come to accept the fact that nothing in this life will ever change this situation. I had a conversation recently with one of my parent's old freinds. They were talking about how sad the situation was. I assured them that I would change it if I could. They sadly agreed that there was nothing that could be done.

I know that I will not be welcome at their funerals. Perhaps I should just have my own little service for them and move on.

Counting the Cost - How much is too much?

The headlines were the same today as they have been for the past several years: “Six Killed in Suicide Bomb Blast.” It happens so often now that it seems we are becoming immune to it. The details of such tragedies are only deemed news worthy now if they happen close to home on American soil.
Have you ever wondered what would cause someone to go to such extremes? What could possibly motivate a person to strap a bomb to their own body, walk into a crowd of innocent people, and push the detonator? We use words like Radical Extremist to define these people. We tend to think of them as sick, twisted, disturbed, evil or insane. They would prefer that we used words like loyal, brave, servants, soldiers and Martyrs.
I admit that I know nothing about the Koran. I have never read it. I have however heard a few “Moderate Muslims” on The Fox News Channel claiming that the Muslim religion is really a religion of peace. They claim the Koran does not teach or promote such radical hatred and martyrdom. They claim that these “extremist” who are bent on killing themselves and everyone else are misguided and do not know their scriptures. But many readers and followers of the Koran obviously disagree with this view.
Is there such a thing as a Christian Radical Extremist? What does one look like?
I know an elderly couple who used to be members of a 1000+ member Church. What set this couple apart was their belief that passages like I Corinthians chapter 5 should be taken very literally. (Do not fellowship with immoral brothers, do not associate with or even eat with Christians who sin) Over time and through much study and reinforcement they came to identify and lump into this category of “sinners” anyone who happened to disagreed with their traditional religious views.
To make a long painful story shorter – Over time, while being loyal to their conviction, they have slowly disassociated themselves from most everyone they know. Friends and family were not immune to this strong doctrinal stance. As a mater of fact this couple has disowned and has no contact with two of their own children and several of their grand and great grand children. They have disassociated themselves into a very small corner. They now worship in a small congregation of 30 – 40 people
So, what is the point? On the one hand such loyalty and willingness to obey at any cost must be commendable. To sacrifice even fellowship with your own children to hold true to your convictions must be a grand virtue. Didn’t Jesus say that anyone who loves their father and mother, son or daughter more than me is unworthy of me? Surely one who is willing to sacrifice his own life for his cause or his God must be held in high esteem.
So when does religious fervor, dedication and commitment end and radical extremism start? How much is too much? How far is too far? I’m sure that the exact line is debatable. But I think it can most easily be defined by the victims. True religion should have no victims.
Matthew 22:37-40 Ecclesiastes 7:16

Sorting it all out

It has been awhile since I’ve written anything. I could blame my absence on a mixture of excuses. I could blame it on a critical lack of time, a sad lack of inspiration, or just plain laziness. But, to be quite honest, and maybe a little too revealing, I’ve been in sort of a funk lately – a mood that is very hard to define. I am quite certain that if I can somehow manage to get my heart around the exact thoughts and feelings that are causing this funk I will be able to talk myself out of it.
If you are one of those blessed people who never gets down then go ahead and skip this page. If you however are like most of us, and struggle with a dip in your joy meter every once in a while, then read on. And by all means please offer some comments, encouragements, and suggestions. Perhaps we can help each other.

The following thoughts and ideas are just my way of trying to sort it all out.

How could a life filled with so many blessings and so many reasons for thankfulness, happiness and joy sometimes feel so mundane and joyless? (I feel guilty even writing this question)
Intellectually I know the answer. My mind knows the story and the thoughts of King Solomon found in the book of Ecclesiastes but apparently my heart and soul have not yet grasped the concept.

Contentment vs. Complacency
I know that the Bible teaches that true happiness is found in contentment. (I Timothy 6:6-8, Philippians 4; 12, Proverbs 19:13, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) However, does striving for self improvement physically, intellectually, or financially signal discontentment? Should I feel guilty when I long for self improvement? Is my desire for physical improvement just vanity? Could my desire for some financial stability be considered greed?

Again, intellectually I know the answer. Godliness and a Fear of the Lord must proceed and far outweigh all else. (Mark 6:33) Honestly, when it comes to text book answers, my head is a lot smarter than my heart – but my heart always wins. (Or perhaps, my trouble is just the opposite)
What do you think?

Our Little Beauty Queen

I just couldn't resist showing off our new little beauty Queen. Emily Klair was 1st Runner up in the Maury County Little Miss Pageant. We have enjoyed this precious smile for the past 4 years. I knew it was only a matter of time before the rest of the world noticed it. Great Job Emily Klair! We love you!

High School Football in Middle Tennessee

We went to the Columbia Central vs. Spring Hill high school football game Friday night. It was small town USA at it's finest. It raised my opinion of mankind in general, and it actually helped to soften my cynical attitude a little.

It was a prefect night for Football. There was a cool breeze and a big orange moon in the sky. (not UT orange)

The first thing that got my attention was watching and listening as the CHS Band marched on to the field to play the National Anthem. There was thunderous applause and cheers - most of it coming from the kids in the Spring Hill Band! Great Rivals cheering for each other - what's this world coming to?

The National Anthem always gets me. As the Colors were marched to the middle of the field there were many who didn't need to be told to stand. I looked around and there were many older men, veterans I suppose, who were already on their feet standing at attention. The heartfelt devotion and respect for the symbol of our country is alive and well here in Middle Tennessee.

The game was rather one sided but it didn't really matter. These young athletes were awesome and I would have been proud to have been sitting on either side of the arena.

Next was the half time show. Spring Hill's Band went first with a great oldies medley from the Beatles Magical Mystical Tour Album. The many hot hours of practice and the hard work these young people put into this show was evident. I loved it.

Central's half time show started with a short audio clip of a speech by John F Kennedy talking about the senselessness of violence. As if that wasn't moving enough - they played a beautiful rendition of the old hymn, "When Peace Like a River" (It is Well With My Soul). I was blown away.

As my wife and I were walking out after the game I got one more very moving surprise. I looked back on to the field to see a very large group of people huddled on the 50 yard line. The group was made up all of the coaches, athletes and cheer leaders from both schools. I noticed that there were even a few Officials and some parents in the group. They were all on their knees praying together.

I believe that many wars and acts of terrorism could be avoided if we would just invite the world to come and enjoy High School Football in Middle Tennessee. It just doesn't get any better than this.