Ben Franklin Smiles

You have probably noticed all the changes in US currency. Different colors and offset images help prevent counterfeiting. But Robert Schafrik, who led this year's National Research Council study on currency, says within the next 5 to 10 years
software will allow the average person to use their printer to counterfiet money. So the committee is looking to nanotechnology, which manipulates molecules, to save paper curency. Nanotechnology will allow the use of strong molecules that feels and acts like paper but can't be cut with scissors. The test becomes easy, can you cut the bill. Other applications allow dynamic images. Squeeze Ben Franklin's face and he'll smile or turn purple, or wink. I can't wait to see Ben smile! These are the days my friend.
Jim "Train"

James Cameron and his Titanic Claim

James Cameron the movie director who made the enormously successful film “Titanic”, has now produced a Discovery Channel special on the discovery of Jesus’ tomb, ossuary, bones, and that of his mother, brothers, wife, and his child Jude as well! The show will air on March 4th. This is a titanic claim! It of course would mean that Jesus never physically arose from the grave. Titanic indeed! However, remember this...the Apostles and early followers of Jesus followed Him because they saw Him alive! They didn't believe He would rise from the dead. It wasn't until He appeared to the disciples that they believed. The resurrection was the central message they proclaimed, even to the point of their own deaths. Now there's no doubt you could find an ossuary with the name Jesus on it. The names Joseph and Joshua (Jesus) were two of the most common names in all of early Judaism. So was Mary. Indeed both Jesus’ mother and her sister were named Mary. This is the ancient equivalent of finding adjacent tombs with the names Smith and Jones. No big deal. So get ready to her about James Cameron claim, but it's a titanic conjecture. These are the days my friend.
Jim "Train"

Tough Times in Toledo

At 11:00 am today in Toledo, the funeral for Detective Keith Dressel begins. But the funeral will not end the pain and suffering for a family without a husband and father, killed in the line of duty last week. Det. Dressel's killer is Robert Jobe. He is 15 years old. This is tough. It twists my gut. What is a 15 year old boy doing on the streets of Toledo at 2 am. during a school week? We have found out that Robert Jobe's dad died in 2002 at the age of 52. Once again we see the possible consequences of growing up without dad. With that said, it doesn't make an excuse for Jobe's behavior. But where did we fail this kid? Where did I fail this kid? Robert Jobe's been in trouble before. Where did we as adults fail? My focus isn't going to be on the government's failure, but on the Christian communities failure. Did mom try and connect her son with a church or parachurch group? Did anyone in the faith based community know about this troubled son? Did anyone pray for this young man? Now we wish something would have been done, but now it's to late. If nothing else, stop what you're doing and pray for the youth of our community. If you know names, pray for them by name. Do it right now! Excuse me while I wipe a tear while watching Detective Dressel's funeral and as I pray for a community that is going through a tough time. These are the days my friend.
Jim "Train"

Reimagining Evangelism

I just finished reading "Reimagining Evangelism - Inviting Friends on a Spiritual Journey" by Rick Richardson. I especially liked the image he used of dating and marriage in engaging people to think about having a relationship with Jesus. Salvation in Jesus uses the phrase "union with Christ." It's about relationship. Invite people to "date" Jesus. Get to know Him. As the relationship progresses you eventually pop the question, "Will you "marry" Jesus? Then He becomes your one true love. Rick Richardson also said we should be talking not only about our conversion stories, but also our transforming stories. How has Jesus transformed your life? In fact, if you don't have any transforming stories, are you really converted? Pick up a copy of this book. It'll be worth a read. These are the days my friend.
Jim "Train"

Mountain Locator Unit

Three mountain climbers and a Labrador retriever, were rescued Monday morning on Mt. Hood in Oregon. The two women and one man got caught in a storm at 7400 feet up the 11,239 foot mountain. What helped save their lives was a mountain locator unit. The 50 person rescue team knew where the stranded group was because of the electronic signal that emitted from the locator unit. In a similar way we have our own locator unit. Psalm 139:7 says, "Where can I flee from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?" No matter where we are, in good times and bad, He knows where we are and comes to us. When we find ourselves in really difficult, blizzard situations, He is there! So make sure you're connected to the God of the universe. He'll always find you. These are the days my friend.
Jim "Train"

Amazing Grace Sunday

Tomorrow, Sunday February 18th, has been designated "Amazing Grace Sunday" in prepartion for the 200th year anniversary marking the end of slavery in the British Empire on Febraury 23rd, 1807. The film "Amazing Grace" is scheduled to hit theaters on Friday. The story Amazing Grace focuses on the ex slave captain John Newton, the composer of the song "Amazing Grace" and William Willberforce, the member of Parliament, who fought for 20 years to abolish the slave trade. It is also a reminder to pray and act in ending the slave trade today. The slave trade today is estimated to be larger than in the 1800's. From boy soldiers to little girls sold in the sex market, millions are forced against their wills to do unspeakable acts. May you be prompted to pray and do your part in ending slavery today. Also, go with a friend and see the film "Amazing Grace" next weekend. These are the days my friend.
Jim "Train"

Church in China

It's amazing how Jesus works. Christianity is banned in China. Years ago, foreign missionaries were kicked out of China. Yet, the number of Christians in China has grown dramatically. It used to be thought (especially by the Chineses Communist party) that there were only 16 million Christians in China. A recent survey shows there are 40 million followers of Jesus and most are of a young age, 16 to 39 year olds. Why the growth? Several reasons may explian the growth. First, you really have to want to be a Christian, as it's illegal. So your commitment level is going to be high. Then the house church movement seems to create strong communities. Also I think there's a lot to be said for nationals doing ministry for their own people. You are more likely to listen to a fellow kinsman vs. an outsider. The Church is alive and well throughout the world! These are the days my friend.
Jim "Train"

Valentines Day

I hope you gave your sweetie or friends, or family a Valentine treat. I gave Pat a Valentine card and the CD "Amore" by Andrea Bocelli. Sunday evening we're going to have a romantic getaway in Toledo. History is not certain whether the story of St. Valentine is true, but here's how it goes...
The story of St. Valentine. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.
According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.
So there you have it. May you share your love today and always. These are the days my friend.
Jim "Train"

Blizzard

It was quite the snowtorm we had yesterday. Meteorologists called it a blizzard due to snow with 35 mph winds sustained over 3 hours. So here we are, many of us inside our homes with schools and businesses closed. But the snow reminds me of the Lord and His awesome power. There is a section in the Biblical book of Job where God gives the man Job a reminder of His power. God even speaks of snow - "Have you entered the treasuries of the snow..." (Job 38:22a Amplified Translation.)
We might have a difficult time measuring how much snow fell due to all the wind, but the Lord of the snow knows. So if the Lord knows how many snowflakes fell, He certainly knows our circumstances and needs. Converse with Him today. He is powerful to work us through any situation. Now, where's my snow shovel? It's time to start digging my car out of a snow bank. These are the days my friend.
Jim "Train"

William & Mary, Anna Nicole Smith, and the Cross of Christ

"For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." -1 Corinthians 1:18
The cross of Christ. I just saw a picture of Anna Nicole Smith (clothed by the way)in U.S. News & World Report, reporting like everyone else, about her sudden and unexplained death. The photo shows Anna wearing a cross necklace. I often wonder what people who wear cross necklaces think about the cross. Is it just a fashionable piece of jewelry or is it a statement of faith? The College of William and Mary recently removed the cross from their chapel so it wouldn't offend non-Christians. What's up with that? What's a chapel for? Virginia Delegate Robert Marshall said, "This is not intimidating. Only Dracula would shrink from it." I think Mr. Marshall is right. If anything, young people in our culture are willing to hear faith stories ( no matter what religion) and see its symbols. But then again, as the Apostle Paul reminds us, "the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing." These are the days my friend.
Jim "Train"

Super Bowl Ads a Week Later

Two of the Super Bowl ads have gotten into trouble. The Snickers ad with two men sharing a Snickers then touching lips, was loudly condemned by gay groups, and has been pulled from television networks. The other ad is the one by GM that shows a yellow robot contemplating suicide. Several suicide prevention groups have expressed concern and have asked that ad not to be shown anymore. They think the ad could provoke a suicidal person to action. A interesting side note, 3 of the top 6 Super Bowl ads which boosted viewers opinion of brands,were conceived by amateurs. It seems that the average consumer seems to know a few things about making ads that resonate with fellow consumers. The three ads were, Doritos checkout girl gets excited (#3), NFL fans mourn end of seaon (#4), and Doritos where the guy and girl show Dorito qualities (#6). I think this works on a couple of levels. First, some companies realize the bent of the culture to participate. The ads allowed someone outside the corporation to participate in creation of ads for their product. The other factor is people watch ads with the view of why they shouldn't be persuaded to buy a product because it comes from a corporate marketing department. When an ad comes from consumers, they are more likely to be viewed as credible. Madison Avenue admakers must be trembling in their boots just a little bit with this development. These are the days my friend.
Jim "Train"

Chicken Wings

I like chicken wings! Last week I had some delicious boneless chicken wings at Outback. (Do boneless wings really count as chicken wings?) My favorite wings at Fricker's are the naked Little Kicker wings. I get them naked, meaning no breading, to watch my waistline. At Buffalo Wild Wings, I like the Teriyaki wings. However, liking chicken wings the way I do will not allow me to compete in the annual Philadelphia Wing Bowl. This year's winner ate 182 chicken wings to win the Wing Bowl. "I love to eat," said Joey Chestnut, 23, of San Jose, California. "Today I was swallowing wings, swallowing bones, whatever it took." Sounds to me like Joey might need some Tums. For me, I'll splurge eating ten at a time. These are the days my friend.
Jim "Train"

College Football Signing Day

I so miss college football already. At least we can get a glimpse into the future with yesterday's college football signing day. Since I'm a huge Michigan fan, it was good to see that Bobby Burton of Rivals.com ranks the Wolverines as the 10th best recruiting class in the nation. No other Big Ten team was in the top 10. Here's some of the top recruits for the Maize and Blue...
Ryan Mallett , the quarterback of the future, is getting a jump-start on his career. Mallett already has enrolled and will participate in spring practice.
 "He understands part of the advantage for him coming here is the fact he can spend a year watching Chad Henne and being around Chad Henne," U-M coach Lloyd Carr said.
The intention is to not redshirt Mallett.
Defensive back Artis Chambers , fullback Vince Helmuth and linebacker Austin Panter also are enrolled.The real deal is defensive back Donovan Warren,rated a five-star player by rivals.com, is expected to play immediately.
"Donovan Warren is the real deal," Carr said. "He impressed me as a guy that was really goal-oriented, a guy that was not afraid of competition."
College football signing day is like having a spring day in winter and we sure could use one this week. Brrr it's cold outside! These are the days my friend. Go Blue!
Jim "Train"

Mr. Deity

Here's an interesting take on God's relationship to the Super Bowl. Enjoy Mr. Deity Superbowl Extra: the Press Conference. These are the days my friend.
Jim "Train"

My Left Brain Hurts

I'm currently reading "A Whole New Mind" by Daniel Pink. The author makes a case due to abudance (most people can buy quality products at a very reasonable price), Asia (more and more tech type work is being done by Asians at a cheaper price than USA; it's called outsourcing), and automation (computers can do it faster that humans), that the left brain is still needed for analytical thought, but more than ever the right brain needs to be developed. The right side of the brain is the creative, designer part of the brain. It's the design of the product that now captures people's attention. Look at how new sports facilities and building now aren't built just with function in mind but also with aesthetic qualities. For the most part, schools test right brain function. But this is already or about to change.
This has ramifications not only for products but in how you do ministry. What does your environment look like? How many of the senses can you employ? What experiences will you leave with people? I love the challenge to be creative and use the right side of my brain. When you use both the left and the right sides of the brain you have a "whole new mind." These are the days my friend.
Jim "Train"

Top 3 Super Bowl Ads

I find the Super Bowl ads as entertaining as the football game. Here's my top three advertisements...
#3 Blockbuster for the animals in the pet shop clicking and dragging a mouse.
#2 Budweiser with the muddy dog getting hugged by the parade queen.
#1 Doritos for the husband and wife team that created an ad for only $12! The car wreck with the woman running to the accident is so clever. Hope this young 20 something couple get hired by an advertising firm.
Honorable Mention for the Budweiser axe wielding hitchhiker and since Snickers is my favorite candybar, two men sharing the same Snickers and "kissing." How many little kids will be pretending to pull out chest hair this week in school? These are the days my friend.
Jim "Train"

World Hot Spots

Sunday evening at Connections we were challenged to pray for the world. Today my mind is flooded with potential hot spots found in the world. The countries that come to mind are either potential war zones or severely persecute followers of Christ. As I pray, I am reminded of the words of Jesus found in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." So pray with me...
Iraq
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
Iran
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
North Korea
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
Israel
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
Lebanon
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
Syria
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
These are the countries that fill my soul today. Amen.
These are the days my friend.
Jim "Train"