Daran Lemon

3 Days

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:54:37 -0400

Numbers.

We live by numbers. Time. Distance. Money. Measurements.

I just finished recording for my endocrinologist my glucose readings for the past two weeks. As a type 1 diabetic, I have another number to worry about…every time I eat.

I’m not the skinny kid I once was, that couldn’t gain a pound if I literally ate a horse. So from time to time I record calories eaten for the day with the help from an iPhone app. Trust me this no attempt at vanity.

I run a few times a week. Guess what? There’s an app for that! I track my distance, pace, and time.

I’m an itinerating missionary. Everyday starts with the question, “What percentage of our budget is raised?”

Those are a just a few ways I live by numbers.

On that day when Jesus was crucificed and he cried out “It is finished!,” (http://bible.us/john19.30.nlt) his closest followers thought they were finished too. Sometimes I wish we didn’t know the end of the story. Despite a hint from Jesus, they had no idea that in three days death would be forever be defeated.

Sunday meant nothing. The day after tomorrow was just another day. Time and money were an afterthought becuase Jesus their friend was dead. The one they knew was the Messiah, well, maybe they were wrong. There were no numbers or apps to measure their grief. No hope that Sunday would change EVERYTHING.

Numbers tell us information. On this Good Friday, I don’t want more information. I know the resurrection happened. I need to feel the emotion again that Christ died for me.

“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” Romans 5:6 (http://bible.us/rom5.6.nlt)

Authentic Follower of Christ

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:16:34 -0500

Authentic Follower of Christ:

I had just finished watching a video on authenticity as a leader - then thanks to a friends facebook feed saw this article and video on CNN. Watch the video. Powerful and challenging for all followers of Christ.

The Grace of God by Andy Stanley - Book Review

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:42:25 -0500

I’ve been a Christian all my life. In fact, I’m a missionary. I tell you that to give you perspective. I thought I could explain the theme and concept of grace through the Bible as well as anybody. Andy Stanley’s thorough yet very easy to read, “The Grace of God” not only defines grace simply but take reader deeper through the story of grace weaved in Scripture. Instead of ignoring any apparent discrepancies of an Old Testament God vs the New Testament God, Andy tackles the tough topic like a middle linebacker meeting the running back in the hole on 4th and inches. What you come away with is not an explaining away but reassurance that even in the Old Testament full of laws and bloodshed “don’t stand in contrast to grace; they are introduced within the story of God’s grace.”

As a former youth pastor and missionary, I’ve seen too many people slip into rule based Christianity. I wish every one of them could read chapter four, “Redeemed by Grace.” The law is put into perspective. Andy points out that our modern mindset is to jump to the “thou shall nots”, “simply stated: obedience gets you in, disobedience keeps you out.” Grace is a subject that I believe too many Christians take for granted and don’t have complete freedom because of a lack of receiving the fullness of God’s grace.

I would have given “The Grace of God” a perfect rating but for a few times when Andy seems to want the reader to use his imagination to make a point instead of letting the Scripture speak for itself. Though I do believe our imagination can be used by God, it’s difficult to make that jump for it to form our theology. Overall though, this is minor.

Get the book, and allow the Spirit of God to teach you about grace all over again. You will not regret it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

There's nothing wrong with having a plan

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:39:42 -0500

There's nothing wrong with having a plan:

In a church/ministry context there are lots of plans for everything. The plans always seem reactionary, addressing something. How about sticking to the mission?

Even though I was barely one at the time, as a baseball fan...

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:56:11 -0400

Even though I was barely one at the time, as a baseball fan growing up this I remember seeing this highlight innumerable times. Pretty exciting stuff and I’m NO Red Sox fan. But yes, I did my own reenactments in the back yard.

This year I am hoping for a Cardinals moment that can get at least close to the thrill represented here and win the Series.

siphotos:

On this day in 1975, Red Sox catcher Carton Fisk hit one of the most dramatic home runs in baseball history. In the bottom of the 12th inning of Game 6 of the World Series, Fisk hit a long drive that appeared to be heading to foul territory. As he ran to first base, the catcher jumped and waved at the ball to remain fair. The ball obliged, hitting the foul pole and giving the Red Sox a memorable win. Unfortunately for Boston fans, the Reds went onto win the Series, four games to three. (AP)

VERDUCCI: LaRussa, Pujols stumble as Rangers beat Cardinals
REITER: Rangers rediscover their identity just in time
VIDEO: Game Highlights | Both managers under microscope

Simple & Stunning video/song form John Mark McMillan.

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:12:42 -0400

Simple & Stunning video/song form John Mark McMillan.

"No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And..."

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:57:34 -0400

“No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share.”

- Steve Jobs - Stanford 2005 Commencement Address

The girls found Winnie the Pooh at the library. (Taken with...

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 21:09:12 -0400

The girls found Winnie the Pooh at the library. (Taken with instagram)

Steve Jobs Resigns As CEO Of Apple

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:26 -0400

Steve Jobs Resigns As CEO Of Apple:

parislemon:

Headline says it all. Sad day, but it was always going to happen sometime. The fact that Jobs is staying on as Chairman of the Board seems like a good sign.

And yes, it was always going to be Tim Cook as the next CEO. There will be a lot of volatility surrounding Apple news over the next few days and weeks. But it’s hard to imagine a better successor.

Not surprised, really. But over the next few years we’ll see just deep Steve Job’s values are Apple’s. I’d say pretty deep right now. Hope the hit’s keep on coming.

Advantage of 3 kids (or more)

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:58:22 -0400

We can now stage our own melodramas to our night time Bible reading. Fun times.

Powerful Story from my friend KC

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:56:06 -0400

Powerful Story from my friend KC:

Check out this new book from my friend KC, great guy, great story, just don’t go running with him, he doesn’t stop!

Noreen's Thoughts: Are you praying for the bad symptom to go away or the good symptom to come in?

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:27:01 -0400

Noreen's Thoughts: Are you praying for the bad symptom to go away or the good symptom to come in?:

noreenlemon:

I was spending my time with God this morning and was pondering my prayer list for my children. I wanted a more consistent way of praying for them where I wasn’t just praying for their issues to stop. I often would pray for them to stop yelling, stop hitting, stop being so shy, etc. I realized that…

Love my wife

Time-Lapse Video Featuring Eight Years of 9/11 Memorial Construction

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:20:12 -0400

Time-Lapse Video Featuring Eight Years of 9/11 Memorial Construction:

Amazing footage.

Christianity Shouldn't be Cool

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:00:44 -0400

Christianity Shouldn't be Cool:

Why making faith the “next big thing” misses the mark.

Ring around the Rosie w Adalynn, Gideon, and an un-named stuffed...

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 16:25:05 -0400

Ring around the Rosie w Adalynn, Gideon, and an un-named stuffed dog (Taken with instagram)

Surprisingly Analiese was able to find a ride at the park way...

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 19:38:37 -0400

Surprisingly Analiese was able to find a ride at the park way too small. She sure is cute though. (Taken with instagram)

Somewhere behind that cascade of water is Ayden (Taken with...

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 19:28:30 -0400

Somewhere behind that cascade of water is Ayden (Taken with instagram)

Park time fun for the girls. (Taken with instagram)

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 21:02:52 -0400

Park time fun for the girls. (Taken with instagram)

Summer Fun

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 00:15:10 -0400

Summer Fun

michaelmaschmeyer: Great video by Francis Chan on the topic of...

Tue, 24 May 2011 00:29:04 -0400

michaelmaschmeyer:

Great video by Francis Chan on the topic of hell.

Yep, it’ll be interesting to see what conclusions he does make in the book.