The Random Thoughts of RevKev

Soulprint leaves a Big Imprint

2011-04-04T10:17:00.002-05:00

As a fan of Mark Batterson, I couldn't wait to read his new book, Soulprint. He didn't let me down. With a similar feel to In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Batterson weaves through a story in the Bible drawing great parallels to today's life situations. In "Soulprint" the subject is David - the ultimate and greatest Old Testament example of living for God (even in the face of great failure). His writing style is very conversational which makes it very easy to read and understand what might have been going through David's mind. Batterson also uses modern illustrations so that the average scholar can understand David's times and methods (i.e. Batterson talks about newspaper headlines and uses modern slang to illustration life in David's time).
Ultimately this book is a great encouragement and source of wisdom for a generation that has lost their drive to figure our their place in God's design for humanity. A must read for the theologian, the pastor, the deacon, and the lay person. Soulprint leaves a big imprint on the reader.

Greetings Holy Ground Homies

2010-12-28T12:11:00.000-06:00

I really enjoy video making. Can you tell? This website is really awesome and easy to use. Check it out. xtranormal.com

Technology's Family

2010-12-13T20:55:00.001-06:00

Blogging: Twitter's big daddy. Am I right?

Wednesday

2010-09-29T13:25:00.001-05:00

It is Wednesday today. But if you are not reading this on Wednesday, it is whatever day you are reading this - possibly Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Just FYI.

A Random Thought, imagine that

2010-09-13T09:30:00.002-05:00

So I had a great thought for today but I was typing the Title and the beginning of this blog, the thought slipped through the cracks in my brain, out my ear, down my neck, over my torso, through the leg hair, and into my sock. Sorry, but then again, you are the one who took time to read all this.

Young Love

2010-09-08T20:23:00.003-05:00

So I found out today that my oldest son, who has been in Kindergarten for less than a month, has a girl who thinks he is cute. At first I thought this was weird, but then I remembered that at that same age a girl had given me her school picture with the words, "I think you're cute" written on the back. Maybe that was first grade and not kindergarten, but I forgot that love starts young ... at least for girls. At that age, I just wanted to chase girls around the playground (because they were cute, but I would never have told them that, and if any of you tell...). Anyway, have a nice night.

Foosball is Dead

2010-09-02T14:55:00.004-05:00

Foosball is dead. And we have killed it. If you don't believe that, drive around trying to purchase a foosball. It is sad (but a blessing) that I finally obtained answers at a small engine dealer. Thanks Deb! I will now make another trek across the vast expanse of ... Omaha. The quest for the Holy Foosball continues yet.

It has been a while, I know ...

2010-08-25T11:08:00.004-05:00

I know it has been a while since I blogged, but I had writer's cramp, my dog ate my keyboard, and i was crying over spilled milk. Anywho, thought I would share a montage video i created for our youth group. I just finished week 2 of my series "Heroes" and used this to set the stage, so to speak. The series is all about being the hero to those who need one. Being the person who heroically points people to the Hero, Jesus Christ. Enjoy!

OK

2009-03-25T13:13:00.002-05:00

I was showing my beautiful wife this beautiful blog one day and she pointed out to me, after scanning through my entries, that I start 99% of my entries with the word, "OK." You have no idea hard it was to start this entry without the word, "OK." I think it stems from my desire for this blog to be a conversational blog. I like to write how I talk, it is, like, totally how I do my best, like, work. If you were to read through my sermon outlines, you would see that I even write in some, "Well," or "So you see," transitional statements that normally flow naturally, but for some reason I am compelled to write/type them in. So if my use of the word, "OK" to start of my blogs has bugged you, I apologize. It is because I start my thoughts thinking, "OK, here is what is on my mind..." It's like we both just sat down and I am starting the conversation. Please understand that I did not intend to annoy, be predictable, or whatever. OK?

Darwin and Evolution

2009-03-04T11:05:00.008-06:00

OK, so I know it has been awhile, so I apologize. I recently signed up for a little test run with the National Geographic magazine. I wanted to see if I could stomach them, after all, it had been a while since I read one of their magazines.

Well, the first issue to arrive had a title article of "Darwin's First Clues." They make no mention of the fact the Darwin put forth a theory. It was almost like reading one of David's Psalms of praise to God. But I got past that and really was curious to see how Darwin started his theory. Was he out to disprove God or was he just curious about life (I mean, he was studying to be a priest/pastor before his famous exploration of South America)? I really want to understand Darwin and not all the "science" that has followed his theory of evolution. So i guess I need to go and pick up "The Origin of Species" and see for myself - hoping that I don't get stoned by people in my church.

Aside from Darwin's reasons and aim, we know that he postulated Natural Selection as the explanation of changes within species. Evolutionists choose to have faith (oops, I mean that they know) in Natural Selection rather than a God or guiding intelligence in nature's changes. The only thing I don't get is this: how does nature choose? Wouldn't nature have to be somewhat intelligent in order to orchestrate life on this planet to where we are today? How could randomness create the complexities of life? To call it "Natural Selection" means that something has to select one thing over another, right? How has randomness managed to get us this far? How did nature know that opposable thumbs would get us this far? It seems to me that there has to be some guiding intelligence to life.

The problem with the theory of evolution (should I be using the singular "problem"?) is that it raises way more questions than it answers. Intelligent Design provides answers. And it isn't a cop-out, to me. The more we dig, the more we see intelligence in who we are as a species.

One last issue I take up with the theory of evolution is directed at Richard Dawkins, atheist, ardent evolutionist, and author of "The God Delusion." I watched Ben Stein interview Dawkins in the movie "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed". Stein kept pushing the question, "But how did life begin?" Finally, Dawkins spews out something along these lines, "Well, I suppose some alien being could have come along and spread its seed on the earth, starting life." So, Mr. Dawkins, let me get this right: There is no God. There is no Intelligent Design to life. However, aliens came to earth and started life. Hmmm. It seems to me that one theory leads to more (crazy) theories. And also, isn't that some form of intelligent design? An intelligent being starting life?

Why believe in theories?

Press Conferences

2009-02-11T11:33:00.005-06:00

OK, so I know that I am late in speaking/writing about President Obama's first presidential press conference, but alas, here we are.

So I watched most of the press conference (waiting for another installment of 24, praying it would be aired) and was unimpressed with ..... the reporters. I thought the president spoke ..... uh....well (except for .... uh.... the .... uhs). I didn't comment on things he didn't have concrete answers for which is wise. It was the reporters that were the let down for me. No question was specific - at least no question that mattered. The questions were general enough so as to get a general answer. No reporter flat out asked the question I was waiting for, "How does $400 million for the National Endowment of the Arts stimulate the economy? How does that help out all the "Joe The Plumbers" out there?"

So when the next press conference hits, will someone please ask the direct questions that Americans are asking? Will the media stop worshipping the president and start asking questions?

By the way, the photo is from Evan Vucci of the AP. I found it on the Washington Post's website, but could not figure out how to link to their website.

Making Sense of Senseless Killings

2009-01-29T09:29:00.000-06:00

OK, anyone that recognizes that title, knows that it is from Superman: The Movie. It was Lois Lane's attempt at getting a banner headline in the Daily Planet newspaper. I do not intend to write about murders or senseless killings (as if any killing made sense), I just wanted to get your attention.

But since I am on the topic of Lois Lane and Superman, I feel I must make some comment about the re-birthed Superman franchise. I enjoyed Superman Returns, but there just seemed to be something innocent missing, and I think it was Christopher Reeve's portrayal of Superman playing Clark Kent. Mr. Reeve never played Clark Kent; he played Superman playing Clark Kent. It made the character much more fun and believable as a double identity. Maybe Brandon Routh attempted that as well, but Clark Kent was barely on screen (so if he did, I applaud him and scorn the writers and editors). If they ever do make another Superman movie, there needs to be ample Clark Kent screen time because it just makes everything more fun and enjoyable, in my opinion.

The Balanced Media

2009-01-21T09:56:00.001-06:00

OK, so congrats to Barack Obama on his inauguration. Although I may not have voted for him, I believe in supporting the Office of the President of the United States. So, as John McCain has said, "He is my president."

That being said, I am wondering when the honeymoon is going to end with the media. There is no doubt that they have crowned him King of Perfection. I just wish they would stop denying and come and say, "Hey we are left-wing and we worship Barack."

Back in they day, the media was admittedly biased. You had your Republican newspapers and your Democrat newspapers (you also had your socialist, communist, independent, etc.). Why don't we just go back to that? The Republicans have Fox News and the Democrats have everyone else. Instead of complaining about the "liberal media", why not go back to the days of a balanced media? Rather than being upset at our local papers that lean leftward, just start a conservative paper! Rather than blog your complaints about a liberal media, start balancing it out.

I don't want to bash just the lazy Republicans. To the people at Fox News, stop portraying your self as "Fair and Balanced." You obviously have a right-leaning slant. Admit it and move on.

Kind of on the subject, I heard that Barack Obama's approval rating is at 70%. How? He hasn't been in office for 24 hours yet! Why would is Left-worshipping media reporting that? Why even take the pole in the first place?

All this to say: I think America would be better off with a balanced media - equal bias.

Retreating

2009-01-13T14:32:00.000-06:00

So I am at a retreat this week. What a funny word, retreat. It makes me think of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. "Run away! Run away!" But really that is not it at all - at least in this instance. To retreat is not to run away from battle, but to step back, evaluate, regroup, and then return. To surrender is to run away from battle.

So let me say that this has been a great time. Retreating and just spending time worshipping the God I love. Retreating and connecting with other warriors who have been in the war for a lot longer than I have (for those who haven't looked or haven't guessed by the name RevKev, I am a youth pastor).

So if you are struggling in your battle, in your war called life, take some time to retreat. Fall back and spend some time with the ultimate strategist (if that is a word, spell check will tell me). Read over Luke 11:1-13 and hear Jesus' words: "Ask, seek, and knock."

What is the Point?

2008-12-22T21:32:00.000-06:00

OK, so I spent 11 hours in the car yesterday and for a portion of that drive I was driving through the north central portion of a state that will remain nameless. I was heading to Minnesota from the south (you may have figured out the nameless state by now) and this state had obviously invested tons of money in wind energy. Now the weather yesterday was one of the windiest days I've experienced in a long while. Do you know how many windmills were spinning their little hearts out, producing gobs of clean, oil-fee energy? ZERO! So why would a state invest roughly $600,000 a turbine, have a day with awesome, strong winds, and face the turbines in the wrong direction?

Maybe it was too cold for the turbines (the wind chill was below zero)? Never mind the fact that you are placing the turbines in the flat plains of America where there is nothing to stop the wind from driving the weather well below zero. Never mind the fact that some studies are showing that colder weather may help produce more energy (air density - pushing more air makes the generator work harder - more energy) (http://www.hindawi.com/). Why should you be prepared to run turbines in cold weather?

I don't know the reasons; I am not a scientist. I do however despise wasted taxpayer and energy customer money. When I see a whole "wind farm" sitting as quiet as a cemetery in the middle of a high-wind storm, I am troubled. I am all for alternate fuel and cutting foreign dependency, but good-night. If you are going to invest in something, use it! I don't buy a car to let it sit in my garage (if I owned a garage!). And I certainly don't invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in wind turbines and point them in the opposite direction of the wind!

OK, I feel better now.

RevKev

How do you blog?

2008-12-12T16:52:00.000-06:00

OK, so I have had a blog for around a week now and I intended to have entries every day, but I cannot think of stuff everyday. I just sit and stare at the blank entry field and my mind goes just as blank. How has this thing caught on? How do you regular, famous bloggers think of stuff to write? I have thought about blogging my sermons each week - maybe that would work. If anyone has any insight for me, I would appreciate it.

Hey, I had enough questions to blog! I wrote another blog!

I guess it isn't that hard after all. You just have to get started - that is the hard part. I suppose, just like in Creative Writing in high school, I just need to start typing and let the thoughts just pour forth from my brain.

I did want to share a story about my boys, now that my brain is functioning. So, if you have seen "Monty Python's Holy Grail", you will understand this. There is a prince in that movie who wants to have nothing to do with running a castle; he just wants to sing! Well, this morning my boys didn't want to play with toys and they barely wanted to watch cartoons. It was all about dancing! "Daddy, I want to dance!" says my 4 year old. "Doggy!" says my 1.5 year old as he bounces up and down (he can't quite get "daddy" right, yet). So being the good doggy that I am, I pumped the Christmas dance music by KJ-52 and we danced! What a morning!

RevKev

A Typical Day

2008-12-10T13:30:00.000-06:00

So I was driving into work today and I saw a moose on the side of the road in Omaha, NE. OK, so I didn't see that. I just felt like saying that. Typically, my drives in are uneventful. I drive for 25-30 minutes and then come to my office and either write a sermon or think about the next sermon or think and write the next sermon. Sometimes I do some video editing. I am sure that all the many followers of my blog (all zero thus far) really wanted to know these intricate details of my life so that is why I am spelling this out for you.

OK, so I just got really distracted by a horrible Christmas song. I don't want to bash the compilation CD or the particular band, but good night! If you are a goth, scary, metal-esque band and someone approaches you about making an Extreme Christmas CD, just say no, please.

Hey, this is why it is called Random Thoughts of RevKev...

Why Tax Hikes Never Work

2008-12-02T16:22:00.000-06:00

Okay, I think I figured it out! I finally realized why tax hikes will never help out an economy or decrease a deficit. I was at a favorite coffee place and doing some studying when from out of the blue it hit me. WHAM.

OK, so in business, you don't raise the price of your product to increase profit. That would be a horrible way to treat the consumer. Instead you make cuts - be it jobs (I am not advocating this, just stating how corporations do it - I think this is horrible) or budgets. So instead you stick it to the employees.

In the case of government, raising taxes is a horrible way to treat your constituents (consumers). So the best way to decrease a deficit (increase profit) is to make cuts! Cut jobs, cut budgets, cut government in general. I think we would all agree that less bureaucracy is a good thing.

Now some of you may be saying, "RevKev ... duh!" To that I say, "Hey, I never took an economics class or anything like it." For some reason, while I was enjoying my peppermint mocha and studying prophecies about the birth of Christ the thought of economics came to me.

This just makes logical sense to me. Anyone else? Anyone? Anyone?

First Entry - John Madden or Harry Carey?

2008-11-30T21:01:00.000-06:00

So I am watching football on a Sunday night (guess which channel) and John Madden is commentating. I find myself pondering, "Who is more crazy John Madden or Harry Carey?" Both say/said the most obvious (sometimes dumb) stuff and both go/went through fits of slurred speech. You wonder, "Who will go down in history as more famous - John Madden or Harry Carey?"