Here's video proof that Sharon is real snowboarder....
Monday, March 01, 2010
Third Time's the Charm...
After two aborted attempts, we finally went on our snowboarding trip. Snowstorms have prevented us from going the first two times, but this last weekend we finally made it to WV's Snowshoe Mtn Resort to go snowboarding. What a blast! With at least a foot of snow from the previous two days, the conditions were awesome!We had a great day riding - nothing like falling into 16" of powder in some places. Sharon did great - she picked up right where she left off last March (Sugarloaf, ME) and finished the day by going down a black diamond run twice.
A Blizzard in Va Beach! [?]
We had a substantial snowfall at the end of January 2010. We are finally now digging out and getting electricity restored, which is why I'm just now writing about it. [ok, not really.]
The 7 or 8 inches we got was quite a bit for this area - it kept Va Beach's 2 snow plows busy for a week trying to clear it all. School was cancelled for about 3 days!
The bummer was that the snowstorm hammered the entire state, so we weren't able to go on our snowboarding trip. The snow kept us from snowboarding... hmmm... that's ironic!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Announcing... Mr. & Mrs. Kaessner
Well, since I haven't posted a picture of Sharon and I since our wedding (almost 2 years ago!) I thought maybe it was about time. We snapped a picture on our patio earlier this week... here it is! Enjoy!
I am Seasonally Challenged
Yes, folks, it's official: I have been diagnosed as 'Seasonally Challenged.' It's a new disorder, though more and more people are being diagnosed with it. Basically it means that I'm a Grinch and didn't want a Christmas tree.
Thanks to Ellie Leuthy, I now have one lovely 4 ft tree resting comfortably in my living room (thanks Ellie!). This beautiful artificial tree boasts one string of lights, a red bow, an angel gracing the upper boughs, and shiny/glittery red sparkle thingies hanging all over. Compliments to Sharon for her arduous efforts at setting up this tree and decorating.
The best part is that our gracious benefactor has agreed to take upon herself the storage and upkeep liability for this beautiful tree. When the season is over (in 5 days!!) we will take down the tree and return it to it's original owner for storage. What a deal, huh! (Again, thanks Ellie!!)
If you are interested, scroll down to see what we did LAST YEAR for a Christmas tree...
Thursday, November 26, 2009
The Dregs of Fundamentalism
Ok, so here are my top 5 things (in no particular order) to abandon with regard to fundamentalism. I'm not a fundamentalist hater; I think I probably am a fundamentalist. All that to say, there are DEFINITELY eye-sores in the neighborhood that must go if fundamentalism has any future:
#1. The KJV-Only position. This position has ravaged fundamentalism for long enough. It's time to quit measuring our spirituality by our commitment to a particular English version or Hebrew/Greek Textual tradition. The major problem with this position is that the truth is obscured (either in Elizabethan English or because people focus on the version instead of the Bible's message) and people's lives remain untouched by the truth.
#2. Egotism and Kingdom Building. Do I really need to explain this one? How can men who claim to be 'so right' demonstrate the antithesis of the fruit of the Spirit as they seek to demonstrate their 'rightness'? Besides, Christ promised to build HIS kingdom, not ours. 'Nuff said.
#3. Anti-intellectualism. From a fear of higher education to the withdrawal from society, this one needs to go. If we are going to maintain any kind of interaction with society, we don't need to be afraid of using our brains. We can't abandon our commitments to Christ and to the Word in the process, but we have a very reasonable faith, and investigating the truth claims of the Bible and the world shouldn't scare us.
#4. Separatism. Too long have fundamentalists been called 'fightin'-fundies.' Separation is not the rubric by which to describe ALL of Christianity - there are a few more nuances than simply 'separation.' If 'separation' describes everything, than it effectually describes nothing. We should be looking for ways to AVOID this word if possible.
#5. Eschatology Dogmatism. Come on - do we really have to avoid anyone who isn't a radical pre-millennialist? Maybe a little humility is in order, especially since these events haven't happened yet. Let's investigate the text, hold our own position with conviction, but not dogmatism... especially since there has been so much disagreement over this area. It's not that it isn't important, but again, are we treating this with the appropriate balance? Throw away the charts, "set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ," and start living in the here and now. Eschatology changes how I live today - but I will live today with the same humility and gentleness as Christ did.
#1. The KJV-Only position. This position has ravaged fundamentalism for long enough. It's time to quit measuring our spirituality by our commitment to a particular English version or Hebrew/Greek Textual tradition. The major problem with this position is that the truth is obscured (either in Elizabethan English or because people focus on the version instead of the Bible's message) and people's lives remain untouched by the truth.
#2. Egotism and Kingdom Building. Do I really need to explain this one? How can men who claim to be 'so right' demonstrate the antithesis of the fruit of the Spirit as they seek to demonstrate their 'rightness'? Besides, Christ promised to build HIS kingdom, not ours. 'Nuff said.
#3. Anti-intellectualism. From a fear of higher education to the withdrawal from society, this one needs to go. If we are going to maintain any kind of interaction with society, we don't need to be afraid of using our brains. We can't abandon our commitments to Christ and to the Word in the process, but we have a very reasonable faith, and investigating the truth claims of the Bible and the world shouldn't scare us.
#4. Separatism. Too long have fundamentalists been called 'fightin'-fundies.' Separation is not the rubric by which to describe ALL of Christianity - there are a few more nuances than simply 'separation.' If 'separation' describes everything, than it effectually describes nothing. We should be looking for ways to AVOID this word if possible.
#5. Eschatology Dogmatism. Come on - do we really have to avoid anyone who isn't a radical pre-millennialist? Maybe a little humility is in order, especially since these events haven't happened yet. Let's investigate the text, hold our own position with conviction, but not dogmatism... especially since there has been so much disagreement over this area. It's not that it isn't important, but again, are we treating this with the appropriate balance? Throw away the charts, "set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ," and start living in the here and now. Eschatology changes how I live today - but I will live today with the same humility and gentleness as Christ did.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Wild, Wonderful Wyoming
Our little convoy was making good time in the 20 degree winter weather. We were cruising down the country road, going 45 mph through the falling snow as we made our way towards the metropolis of Torrington, WY [pop 5,000 and change] for our Sunday AM service. And then we met a snowplow.
The truck and the SUV slipped and slid a bit as they turned to avoid the snowplow, but the minivan didn’t do so well. The slight turn to the side initiated a slide that left the minivan off the road and down a slight bank. 25 minutes later, the minivan emerged onto the road again, newly adorned with chains for traction. At this point, an executive decision was reached: the roads were very slick and retreat was sounded. All three cars negotiated u-turns in the middle of the icy road and started back. The entire trip took 2 hours, and we went nowhere! This was our experience of wild, wonderful Wyoming.
Our guest house near Prairie Center, WY is pretty much at the outer fringe of civilization. No internet or email, and only the AT&T cell phones get coverage here. But it’s a refreshing place. It’s great to be in the middle of nowhere, and look for miles without seeing but one house, a clump of trees in the distance, and nothing else man-made except for fences. It is good for the soul. It feels like the soul can expand and relax. The Lord is truly good to allow us these times to refresh and re-tool. There is much waiting for me when I return to Virginia Beach – but for now, I’m enjoying the wind, the drifting snow, and the time with my family. My God, please receive my thanks for this gift.
The truck and the SUV slipped and slid a bit as they turned to avoid the snowplow, but the minivan didn’t do so well. The slight turn to the side initiated a slide that left the minivan off the road and down a slight bank. 25 minutes later, the minivan emerged onto the road again, newly adorned with chains for traction. At this point, an executive decision was reached: the roads were very slick and retreat was sounded. All three cars negotiated u-turns in the middle of the icy road and started back. The entire trip took 2 hours, and we went nowhere! This was our experience of wild, wonderful Wyoming.
Our guest house near Prairie Center, WY is pretty much at the outer fringe of civilization. No internet or email, and only the AT&T cell phones get coverage here. But it’s a refreshing place. It’s great to be in the middle of nowhere, and look for miles without seeing but one house, a clump of trees in the distance, and nothing else man-made except for fences. It is good for the soul. It feels like the soul can expand and relax. The Lord is truly good to allow us these times to refresh and re-tool. There is much waiting for me when I return to Virginia Beach – but for now, I’m enjoying the wind, the drifting snow, and the time with my family. My God, please receive my thanks for this gift.
The Granby St. Loading Zone
[from October 7, 2009]
The Granby St. loading zone, between City Hall Ave and Plume Ave, in the heart of downtown Norfolk, VA, is kind of an oasis in the desert for me. If I take a break during my work for FedEx, I can usually park in this loading zone that stretches for the entire block. It becomes my spot of quiet solitude in the midst of traffic lights, blaring horns, and bustling pedestrians. Sometimes I walk to the store and get a snack. Sometimes I sit and read or think. A week or so ago, I prepared my sermon on Romans 12:3-5. But today, I wasn't doing any of the above. I was crying as I thought about finding joy in the midst of suffering.
I was crying, thinking about how to find joy as I say good-bye to my sister Beth for (possibly) two years. Her plan is to leave this month for Central Asia. Of course, it's sad to say good-bye. Of course I will miss one of my best friends greatly. But what really weighs me down is the desire for joy in the midst of this departure. How can I be joyless, when Christ found joy in going to the cross? I have such a high view of myself, and such a low view of God's glory, that I am generally joyless. And joy cannot be manufactured! I pray that God helps me to get my eyes off myself, and onto his glory, so that I can rejoice in the fact that Beth can go to Central Asia for the glory of His name. So even though it is a sad time, I pray that in Christ I can find joy in the midst of tears. I also pray that God's glory and reputation become so GREAT in my sight that I can willingly 'offer up' Beth for his service - joyfully. 1 Peter 1:13
The Granby St. loading zone, between City Hall Ave and Plume Ave, in the heart of downtown Norfolk, VA, is kind of an oasis in the desert for me. If I take a break during my work for FedEx, I can usually park in this loading zone that stretches for the entire block. It becomes my spot of quiet solitude in the midst of traffic lights, blaring horns, and bustling pedestrians. Sometimes I walk to the store and get a snack. Sometimes I sit and read or think. A week or so ago, I prepared my sermon on Romans 12:3-5. But today, I wasn't doing any of the above. I was crying as I thought about finding joy in the midst of suffering.
I was crying, thinking about how to find joy as I say good-bye to my sister Beth for (possibly) two years. Her plan is to leave this month for Central Asia. Of course, it's sad to say good-bye. Of course I will miss one of my best friends greatly. But what really weighs me down is the desire for joy in the midst of this departure. How can I be joyless, when Christ found joy in going to the cross? I have such a high view of myself, and such a low view of God's glory, that I am generally joyless. And joy cannot be manufactured! I pray that God helps me to get my eyes off myself, and onto his glory, so that I can rejoice in the fact that Beth can go to Central Asia for the glory of His name. So even though it is a sad time, I pray that in Christ I can find joy in the midst of tears. I also pray that God's glory and reputation become so GREAT in my sight that I can willingly 'offer up' Beth for his service - joyfully. 1 Peter 1:13
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
What do you get when you put two newlyweds in a small apartment with no ornaments at Christmas time? You get a Christmas tree decorated with Hershey's Kisses! It's the greatest idea - why didn't I think of this earlier? I don't have to store the decorations all year round and I get chocolate out of the deal - Sweet!!
Yeah, so I'm not exactly the Grinch, but Christmas to me is so over-worked and over-hyped that I tend to be a little 'un-festive' for some people. After working at OfficeMax for 3 years and now at FedEx for two years, Christmas can tend to just mean a lot of work and stress. I'm thankful that I can still enjoy a day off from all of it, celebrating Christ's birth with my family and friends, but it still means that I find many of the Christmas trappings to be just 'stupid.' Even the title of this post reminds me that we have stupid songs that we sing about the silly trees we put up for a month and then throw away when they become a fire hazard. I guess I'm just a bit of a minimalist - I enjoy the season for what it really is about but HATE the season for all that it has become. Here's to a simple, merry Christmas - May you see Christ's glory for what it is and the tinsel on the tree for what it is.
Yeah, so I'm not exactly the Grinch, but Christmas to me is so over-worked and over-hyped that I tend to be a little 'un-festive' for some people. After working at OfficeMax for 3 years and now at FedEx for two years, Christmas can tend to just mean a lot of work and stress. I'm thankful that I can still enjoy a day off from all of it, celebrating Christ's birth with my family and friends, but it still means that I find many of the Christmas trappings to be just 'stupid.' Even the title of this post reminds me that we have stupid songs that we sing about the silly trees we put up for a month and then throw away when they become a fire hazard. I guess I'm just a bit of a minimalist - I enjoy the season for what it really is about but HATE the season for all that it has become. Here's to a simple, merry Christmas - May you see Christ's glory for what it is and the tinsel on the tree for what it is.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Wytheville '08
Wytheville, VA played host for the J3 Kaessners' Wytheville 'o8 Conference. On location at the scenic and beautiful Slater Bed & Breakfast (Thanks Steve & Kit!), Sharon and I were able to take 3 days to do absolutely nothing. It was a great break from a crazy busy schedule and we enjoyed just talking, eating, and in general doing nothing. If I had had my camera, I would have a picture or two, as the changing leaves made for some beautiful scenery. But alas, someone has my camera on the other side of the world so I don't have any pictures.
Here's Wytheville '08 by the numbers: 1 black lab, 2 frozen pizzas, 6 hrs driving (each way), NO tunnel traffic, 1 1/2 football games, 7804 Wytheville residents, 3 Scrabble games, and 2 books.
Get your reservations in now for Wytheville '09!
Here's Wytheville '08 by the numbers: 1 black lab, 2 frozen pizzas, 6 hrs driving (each way), NO tunnel traffic, 1 1/2 football games, 7804 Wytheville residents, 3 Scrabble games, and 2 books.
Get your reservations in now for Wytheville '09!
Monday, September 08, 2008
Right in my own eyes
I was challenged by a message I heard this weekend about the book of Judges. The pastor spoke on the book of Judges and how the message of the book points to fact that the Israelites during this time period were doing what was 'right in their own eyes.' The word 'right' means just, upright, or straight: it means more than that they were simply doing whatever they felt like. They were doing what to them appeared to be righteous - and the sad thing is they didn't realize that God had declared it to be 'evil' in his sight. In their eyes, it was right; in God's eyes, it was wrong. Why didn't they see it?
They had rejected the authority of God in their lives and had set themselves up as their own authority, reserving the right for themselves to make the decision about what was acceptable to God and what would be considered 'righteousness'. This can be seen through the last statement of the book, "In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." Judges 21:25
Isn't this so like our own context of Christianity? Aren't we just like this? Our Christian songs, books, and media have the nutritional content of a marshmellow; We approach God's word as if it were a buffet that allows us to eat only the things we like; and we can't stand to actually think through the thoughts we are presented from the Text. We don't know God, so we make our own god that allows us to have things the way we like it. Let us repent and return to our Creator - who loves us and desires to actually relate to us.
Click here [Overview of Judges] or here [Life of Sampson] to listen to these sermons on the book of Judges: I was the speaker.
They had rejected the authority of God in their lives and had set themselves up as their own authority, reserving the right for themselves to make the decision about what was acceptable to God and what would be considered 'righteousness'. This can be seen through the last statement of the book, "In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." Judges 21:25
Isn't this so like our own context of Christianity? Aren't we just like this? Our Christian songs, books, and media have the nutritional content of a marshmellow; We approach God's word as if it were a buffet that allows us to eat only the things we like; and we can't stand to actually think through the thoughts we are presented from the Text. We don't know God, so we make our own god that allows us to have things the way we like it. Let us repent and return to our Creator - who loves us and desires to actually relate to us.
Click here [Overview of Judges] or here [Life of Sampson] to listen to these sermons on the book of Judges: I was the speaker.
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