tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61016092011-04-21T13:06:05.193-05:00Weekly Words on the WebRambling thoughts by Garry BrantleyGarry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.comBlogger1071100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-89975361414784656732009-05-29T08:58:00.003-05:002009-05-29T09:32:35.929-05:00The True Source of OptimismThe Enlightenment assumption of invevitable progress rooted in the perceived human ability to, through rationality and increased technology, free humanity from the vulnerabilities of nature, is collapsing. The postmodern critique has been relentless and, quite frankly, legitimate in many ways. Tthe "hermeneutic of suspicion" that is taking an ever-increasing grip on theGarry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-37021090747821755282009-05-08T10:44:00.006-05:002009-05-08T12:34:23.240-05:00The Continuing Memory of EasterWilliam Willimon, Professor of Christian Ministry at Duke University, relates a personal experience that is particularly relevant to the continuing truth of Easter. Traveling in the South of England, Willimon’s car broke down. While waiting for repairs, he wandered through the yard of the nearby village church. Eventually, he found himself in the cemetery Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-63051839404186949012009-03-25T13:57:00.006-05:002009-03-27T08:33:15.907-05:00Apocalypse 2012I have to confess. I'm a talk show junky. It doesn't matter much about the content of the conversation; I simply enjoy hearing people discuss topics. Verbal bantering over a subject primarily is entertaining to me, and sometimes it can be informative about social subcultures and philosophies.While driving home late one evening, I was listening to an esoteric talk show that Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-48585851795791434512009-03-17T10:47:00.001-05:002009-03-17T10:50:28.552-05:00The Nature of Ministry In his book, What’s So Amazing About Grace, Philip Yancey argues that grace is the church’s single most important contribution to our broken world. One need not be a Christian, Yancey correctly contends, to do wonderful humanitarian acts, i.e., feed the hungry, build houses, heal the sick. There is one thing the world cannot effectively do—it cannot offer grace.Building on Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-33332755631642923752009-02-26T11:05:00.002-06:002009-02-26T11:37:25.666-06:00The World's Funniest JokeWith all the doom and gloom we're dealing with these days, I thought considering the world's funniest joke might be a good distraction. I even threw in the world's second funniest joke to help ease the blahs of our current situation.A little background about the "World's Funniest Joke." In 2002, Richard Wiseman of the University of Hertfordshire conducted research to Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-45359303391646904252009-02-06T08:19:00.007-06:002009-02-06T15:35:20.514-06:00A Kingdom Response to the Current CrisisAs I pen these words, U.S. senators are attempting to hammer out a bi-partisan, stimulus bill whose prayerful purpose is to cure, or at least mitigate, our economic woes. Most economic and political pundits believe that a package will pass, but its actual content is still uncertain. Talking heads on either end of the political spectrum have labeled the Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-65618163334551553112009-01-30T08:18:00.001-06:002009-01-30T08:22:51.780-06:00A Divine Makeover: Becoming Our True SelvesYou’ve probably seen some of those “before” and “after” pictures of people who, through the magic of modern cosmetology, are transformed from antiquated “plain Joe’s” to GQ potential. To boost self-esteem or to create a new persona for themselves, literally millions are spent on makeovers annually. While some attempt a physical renovation through the Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-84777886982599559242009-01-23T08:10:00.003-06:002009-01-23T08:30:04.154-06:00Living Through The UnexpectedIn 2003, this unusual story appeared in a Paris publication (Reuters):A French hunter was shot by his dog after he left a loaded shotgun in the trunk of his car with two dogs and one of the animals accidentally stepped on the trigger, police said Wednesday.The man, from the village of Espelette in the Basque region, was admitted to a hospital in the nearby town of Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-84565869563869756792009-01-09T09:47:00.004-06:002009-01-09T10:12:30.489-06:00Christmas LightChristmas is over. Admittedly, I often experience a let-down after the Christmas holidays. The lights that once illuminated darkened streets, and garnished houses have been packed away for another year. No more "naughty food" that increases the belt size, and clogs the arteries. No more lazily sitting around table, laughing with family and friends. It's time to get back to "normal.Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-5417996672702209232009-01-02T10:08:00.002-06:002009-01-02T10:34:51.825-06:00New Year's ResolutionsThis is the time of year where New Year' s Resolutions abound. We tend to make large statements about what "we're gonna do this year" and "really mean it this time." The list can be quite impressive and we set out to accomplish our resolutions. At least for a period of time.Well, I know I haven't posted a blog since the summer of 2006. So, obviously, my New Year's resolutionGarry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1153272572351608622006-07-18T20:13:00.000-05:002006-07-18T20:40:01.360-05:00A Lesson In CommunityThis past weekend, I, along with several other adults (including Carol, my wife) had the distinct privlege of chaperoning our annual Youth Beach Retreat at Laguna Beach near Panama City, Florida. This is the second consecutive year that I've made this trip and, each time I've been moved by watching our teens.There are a number of memories I carry with me from this trip: a Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1139275761054635922006-02-06T19:03:00.000-06:002006-02-06T19:31:01.616-06:00Acappella in Concert: A Night to RememberI'm beginning to realize that I must be among a small minority of 30 to 40 somethings who grew up in the Church of Christ tradition who never heard Acappella in concert. Until last Wednesday, I never have had the privilege of hearing this amazing group of guys live and in concert.Now, I must admit that there was one compelling reason why I made every Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1138231955417769792006-01-25T17:24:00.000-06:002006-01-25T17:33:15.910-06:00Time For A New BlogO.K. I know that my last blog had to do with Christmas and Christmas is now weeks past. Sheila, a good friend, reminded me of that fact in her latest comments. Honestly, I just haven't really felt like blogging lately. It's not that I'm tired of this whole blog thing or that I haven't had anything to say. Perhaps it's a touch of the post-Christmas blues that seems to grip me Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1133560055123573982005-12-02T15:42:00.000-06:002005-12-02T15:54:29.496-06:00The Arrival of JesusIn his introduction to The Message, a popular translation of the New Testament, Eugene Peterson made the following observation.The arrival of Jesus signaled the beginning of a new era. God entered history in a personal way, and made it unmistakably clear that he is on our side, doing everything possible to save us. It was all presented and worked out in the life, death, and Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1132626333680795962005-11-21T20:19:00.000-06:002005-11-21T20:25:33.693-06:00Community Thanksgiving ServiceLast evening was the third time that CrossBridge has participated in an interdenominational Thanksgiving Service. Each time I experience this service, I'm reminded about how much Christians have in common. I'm grateful that God is opening my eyes to see His larger kingdom. I'm always prayerful that His Spirit will create unity in the body of Christ so that "the worldGarry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1130448273816898202005-10-27T13:49:00.000-05:002005-11-02T21:21:04.100-06:00Back From the Pit: Dependent on HimWell, I've experienced the Grand Canyon--or at least a small piece of it--once again. This year, my 10 year old daughter, Miranda, traveled with me to Arizona to plunge into the pit with her old dad. While she did not hike to the river with me, she did hike a total of 9 miles in one day--from the Bright Angel Trailhead to Indian Garden and back. My sister, VickiGarry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1129171983442920482005-10-12T21:40:00.000-05:002005-10-12T21:53:03.450-05:00Into the Pit...AgainTomorrow is a big day. My youngest daughter, Miranda, and I will fly out of Birmingham to Phoenix, Arizona. There, we will meet my sister and her husband and drive to the Grand Canyon where my mom and dad await us. This is the third consecutive year that I've gone to the Grand Canyon for the grueling trek to the river and back in one day...and I can't wait to go!I'm especiallyGarry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1128229873868564342005-10-01T23:44:00.000-05:002005-10-02T00:23:20.350-05:00The Woman; My DaughterLast Sunday, September 25, is a day that I won't soon forget. It's missions month at CrossBridge: a time we take to inform our folks of our domestic and foreign mission points. We further invite other ministries in our area to share with us how God is touching folks through their work.On this past Sunday, The King's Ranch and Hannah Homes ministry (with whom we partner) was Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1127968748554620112005-09-28T22:56:00.000-05:002005-09-29T07:45:27.030-05:00What Caused the Storms?There's another storm brewing in Alabama. While this one is of the political/theological variety, it does have to do with the hurricanes that recently ravaged the Gulf Coast. Senator Hank Erwin (R-Montevallo) publicly has stated, and written, that these storms were God's punishment for the rampant sin--especially gambling--associated with Mississippi and New Orleans. Prior Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1127323800864934482005-09-21T11:32:00.000-05:002005-09-21T12:30:00.926-05:00The Dirty Grays of CompassionI ran accross this most descriptive phrase while reading an article giving a fresh--and provocative--look at the abortion issue from a evangelical Christian perspective. In a nutshell, the article articulated a prophetic vision for this admitted societal blight. For years, it seems that pro-life ministries have focused on the unborn child, marshalling compelling Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1127186873309926672005-09-19T21:55:00.000-05:002005-09-19T22:27:53.346-05:00In His Presence: It's Reward EnoughWhat will heaven be like? There likely are as many answers to that question as their are inquirers. Biblical writers used imagery familiar to their day to capture the essence of the eschaton. City with no gates. Transparent gold streets. No tears. No death.One's station in life tends to influence one's perspective of heaven. Many hymns that extol the opulence ofGarry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1124823491811495322005-08-23T10:37:00.000-05:002005-08-23T13:58:11.866-05:00Send Your Rain, O Lord...Just Not When I'm PaintingThe temperature in the Southeast over the last few weeks has been stifling hot. While the actual temperature has been in the 90's, the heat index pushed the virtual mercury well over 100. Leaving the mechanically cooled air of inside facilities, it has felt as if you've strolled into a convection oven.Many have been the days when I've prayed for Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1124381405700762382005-08-18T09:02:00.000-05:002005-08-18T15:19:00.126-05:00WWJD: Beyond the BraceletFor centuries, Christians have excelled in iconography as a means to remind them of their core beliefs, express their faith, and motivate them to a faithful walk with God. Crosses. Fish. IHS. Various symbols and monograms have been used in association with the Christian faith. These icons have both positive and negative potential. On the positive side, they can accomplishGarry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1123640717619657722005-08-09T20:48:00.000-05:002005-08-09T21:25:17.646-05:005 People in a Tent for 4Tomorrow, our kids return to school. It always feels as if summer flies by. This year, it seemed to break the sound barrier. This was one of those summers whose frenetic schedule prohibited a vacation for the Brantley family. And, I'm really not complaining. Trying to find time for a trip is a problem that most people in the world never face. So, we're blessed beyond Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1122935325677134302005-08-01T16:58:00.000-05:002005-08-01T17:29:27.866-05:00The Wilderness: A Place of RefocusingI haven’t posted a blog in quite some time. While I could blame this blogging lacuna on mere lack of creativity, I know there was a deeper reason for it. I simply haven’t had the spiritual energy to produce much worth reading—as if I ever have!The past several months have been particularly difficult on me. The death of my beloved father-in-law in March, along Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1117211442427047532005-05-27T11:09:00.000-05:002005-05-27T11:30:42.443-05:00Embracing the StormI haven't posted a blog in a couple of months. This personal blogging lacuna was the result of a number of things. Strangley, though a minister's occupation evolves largely around words, sometimes its difficult to put two of them together to make a sensible thought. For some, difficult circumstances provide verbal fodder for some. For others, it tends to shut down the creative Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1112727978868711372005-04-05T13:45:00.000-05:002005-04-05T14:07:15.676-05:00Be Exalted, O, LordIf I were to be categorized religiously, I supposed I'd find myself within the broad boundaries of evangelical Christianity. Of course, within that category are many, and varied, subcategories. From this Protestant perspective then, I suppose what I'm about to say might sound strange. I've found myself drawn repeatedly to the media's coverage of Pope John Paul II's death and Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1111609127149705422005-03-23T13:34:00.000-06:002005-03-23T14:21:36.666-06:00Why Are You Weeping?I read an article by Steve Fry, pastor of the Belmont Church in Nashville, that spoke deeply to my heart during this special Christian season. The power of the thought emerged from the current circumstances of my life. I continue to grieve the death of my dear father-in-law. Moments of an overwhelming sense of loss continue to surprise me at unexpected moments. Normal sights Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1110401628231860072005-03-09T14:26:00.000-06:002005-03-09T14:53:48.233-06:00Back to "Normal"As I indicated in my previous post, my father-in-law died last Friday. His funeral and interment were on Monday--a sad day framed in hope. I was so proud of my children and dear wife on that day. Allen spoke powerful, though tender, words about his grandfather. Amber and Zach both read with eloquence some of their Poppa's favorite Scriptures. All three of these older children of Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1110174960608117862005-03-06T23:35:00.000-06:002005-03-06T23:57:51.336-06:00Present With The LordThe last few days have been some of the most difficult ones of my life. I've watched my beloved father-in-law, whom I affectionately called, Poopa, slip into the arms of God. During this process, I hurt for my dear wife, Carol. An only child, her daddy loved her deeply, and she love him with equal devotion.I witnessed her struggle of faith--she didn't want her daddy to die, Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1108704104347860632005-02-17T22:45:00.000-06:002005-02-18T10:15:40.396-06:00Waiting Room TheodicyAs Greg Miles has posted on the LifeSong Notes blog site, my father-in-law, Howard Allen has been in the hospital for three weeks. This past week, he was in ICU due to complications from a procedure that nearly took him from this life.While in the waiting rooms of these critical areas, you see and hear a lot of things. I overheard one particular conversation in which two men Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1104422589296613702004-12-30T09:23:00.000-06:002005-01-14T23:19:23.306-06:00Putting Herod back into Christmas
I realize that Christmas is over. Lights are being removed from yards. Discarded trees litter the streets. People are getting back to "normal." Yet, Christmas isn't merely a day; it's a new reality. Jesus has come...and remains.
The following article, written by Joy Carrol Wallis, an Anglican Priest, was sent to me by Jan King, a good friend and reflective Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1103812842082831602004-12-23T08:28:00.000-06:002004-12-23T08:40:42.083-06:00It's Been A While
I haven't posted a blog in a month. This is due in part to the busyness associated with the Christmas season, but primarily because I simply didn't have much to say. "Blogger's Block," I suppose. Before Christmas, however, I wanted to share some things about the implications of the incarnation.
Last evening, we held our annual candlelight service, which is always moving for meGarry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1101245533940808262004-11-23T15:20:00.000-06:002004-11-23T15:34:22.386-06:00Coming Together
This past Sunday (November 21), CrossBridge participated in a community-wide Thanksgiving Service. Several different churches came together to express our thanksgiving to God for His unspeakable gift.
The New Hope Church (A Cumberland Presbyterian fellowship), under the leadership of Donny Acton, hosted the event. Along with the praise band at New Hope, Donny and his wife led usGarry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1100190645393192362004-11-11T08:30:00.000-06:002004-11-13T11:40:58.700-06:00Love: Beyond Language
As I wrote in an earlier blog, my son, Zach, and I hiked from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River and back in one day. We did this along with my sister, brother-in-law, and my dad. There were so many memorable sights, experiences, and conversations that I'm still processing them all. As I was meditating this morning, while looking at a picture of Zach Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1099950941057800902004-11-08T15:21:00.000-06:002004-11-08T15:55:41.056-06:00"I Owe You An Apology"
At some level, and in some fashion, all of us have felt the sting of negativity. It might be a "teeth bared" diatribe or the more insidious compliment followed by a "but..." Regardless of its expression, negativity takes its toll on our spirits.
Last Sunday, I approached a sweet lady who I knew used our building for a birthday party the day before. After our usual embraceGarry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1098731136788866482004-10-25T13:57:00.000-05:002004-10-25T14:05:36.786-05:00Back from the Pit
No, this isn't a blog about a recent spiritual struggle from which God rescued me in psalmist fashion. Last weekend Zach, my 13 year old son, and I traveled to the Grand Canyon for what appears to be becoming an annual pilgrimage for the Brantleys. We met up with my mom and dad, and sister and brother-in-law at this historic site. Everyone but my mom (she has the brains in the Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1097250356041618372004-10-08T10:21:00.000-05:002004-10-08T16:37:42.116-05:00Blue Like Jazz
Last weekend, I had the privilege to experience once again the ZOE worship conference. Greg Miles wrote his typically articulate thoughts about this great event. The theme Desperate captured in many ways the status of our postmodern culture. It appears that many worship leaders, as evinced by the Worship Leaders' track, are acknowledging this desperation, not only in our culture Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1095952405798402782004-09-23T09:52:00.000-05:002004-09-23T10:13:25.796-05:00Tenacity of Faith
Someone has described a pessimist as “a person who’s seasick for the whole voyage of life.” With such an attitudinal posture, mole hills become mountains and every obstacle is insurmountable. I must admit, walking by faith, not by sight, is extremely difficult to do. I feel much more confident in God when I can see the apparent victorious end in sight. The difficulty for me is Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1095104324482775102004-09-13T14:04:00.000-05:002004-09-13T15:22:48.643-05:00The Fluffy Bunny
This past weekend I had the distinct privilege of going with our youth group on a rafting trip down the Ocoee, a beautiful river in East Tennesse known for its rapids. The first time (of only two times in my life) I rafted down this river was pretty uneventful. No one in my raft fell out, and we navigated all the rapids with relative ease.
Remembering that first experience, I Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1094671973668969912004-09-08T14:30:00.000-05:002004-09-08T14:32:53.726-05:00Extreme Makeovers
You’ve probably seen some of those “before” and “after” pictures of people who, through the magic of modern cosmetology, are transformed from antiquated “plain Joe’s” to GQ potential. To boost self-esteem or to create a new persona for themselves, literally millions are spent on makeovers annually. While some attempt a physical renovation through the latest cosmetological Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1094580703724865052004-09-07T13:08:00.000-05:002004-09-07T13:12:31.586-05:00Handing Over the Reins
With his keen ability to find humor in the most unexpected things, Gary Larson made us laugh, caused us to blush and, perhaps more often than we’d like to admit, left us puzzled over the esoteric meaning of his satirical Far Side cartoons. Whether or not Larson intended them, I have on occasions found profound spiritual meaning from the Far Side. Consider this one, for Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1094524903277962762004-09-06T21:16:00.000-05:002004-09-07T08:38:15.486-05:00"Shut Up And Hit Somebody"
Depending on one's perspective, this past Saturday was either one of the best or worst days of the year. The college football season kicked off (pun intended). Brian and Jessica Balentine, a wonderful couple at CrossBridge, invited us over to watch the Alabama vs. Utah State game on pay per view. Since we've resisted even having cable all these years (did I hear a Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1094254262295580282004-09-03T17:56:00.001-05:002004-09-04T12:40:44.596-05:00Inadequate for the Task
Most of us--if not all--have at times felt completely inadequate for the tasks we are called to accomplish. It matters not what our profession, or vocation, might be. There are occasions when we simply are not up to the challenge of life's demands. Deadlines. Bills. Teenagers. Sickness. Relational tensions. Monotony of life. Whatever the demand, our human resources fall Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1094051464957237762004-09-01T08:54:00.000-05:002004-09-01T10:11:04.956-05:00Casting Our Crowns
The Olympics gave us plenty of drama. Close races, scoring controversies, doping scandals. For the most part, however, the Olympics went off without a hitch. Praise God that no act of terror disrupted this international display of peaceful atheletic competition.
One story that continues to unfold surrounds Paul Hamm, an American gymnist who won the gold medal in the all Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1093985982197860852004-08-31T15:42:00.000-05:002004-08-31T16:00:05.323-05:00A Good Read
Much has been said about our postmodern, pluralistic, relativistic society. We definitely are living in the midst of a seismic paradigm shift without any clear idea where our culture ultimately is heading. Deconstructionists loathe even the slightest idea of metanarratives, or some overarching story by which reality is interpreted. The deconstructionists' programme is to expose the Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1093886049040690042004-08-30T11:51:00.000-05:002004-08-30T12:17:29.066-05:00Great to be Home
This past Wednesday evening, I had the distinct privilege of speaking at the Campus Church in Atlanta, Georgia, where Matt Elliot is the worship leader. I was so blessed to be among this community. I really enjoyed sitting down with Matt over a latte at a nearby Starbucks to reminisce about mutual friends and experiences. At one time, I served as the associate minister for the Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1093297931200202522004-08-23T16:27:00.000-05:002004-08-23T16:59:34.353-05:00Oklahoma, More Than A Musical
As I begin this blog, I'm sitting at gate C-7 in the Will Rogers International Airport near Oklahoma City, OK. Carol and I have just successfully navigated through the varioius layers of airport security--security for which I'm very appreciative. Carol has just stepped away, and I'm here in my seat, surrounded by our baggage, overlooking the tarmac. Actually, I'm Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1092784287822089922004-08-17T17:58:00.000-05:002004-08-18T13:24:51.656-05:00I Hope He Loses His Grip
As far back as I can remember, the summer Olympics have always captivated me. I thoroughly enjoy watching these world class atheletes go head to head. Monday evening was no different.
I was really into the men's team gymnastics finals Monday night, especially when only .128 points separated third place from first place going into the final rotation. That the United Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1092690643353206452004-08-16T15:47:00.000-05:002004-08-16T16:10:43.353-05:00Blogged Down...I Thought
Yesterday (Sunday, August 15) was one of those days that I will never forget. As usual, LifeSong, led by Greg Miles, ushered me into the transforming presence of God. Lynn Gurganus, Dustin Marchan, and Clark Ogle contributed to this holy experience by their words.
Several folks asked prayers from their brothers and sisters, and Victoria Gargiulo was baptized by her dad,Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1092233072479532392004-08-11T08:30:00.000-05:002004-08-11T09:04:32.480-05:00Theodicy and Saving Private Ryan
Believers have struggled with the centuries-long problem of theodicy--the question of how to harmonize the simulaneous existence of a benevolent, sovereign God and gratuitious evil, pain and suffering. Since 9/11, this question has tragically forced its way to the forefront of conversations once again. And, in typical fashion, a variety of competing responses Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1092168410070794802004-08-10T14:56:00.000-05:002004-08-10T15:07:51.510-05:00Things I Learned at the Beach
Carol, all four kids, and I enjoyed an unprecedented 7 nights stay in Seagrove Beach the last week of July. For some reason, I kept telling folks that we were going to stay at Seaside. Well it was Seagrove. Seaside was a whopping 5 miles away! Anyway, the trip really was relaxing. Sitting on the beach one evening around sunset made me miss my growing up days in Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1092113083097679892004-08-09T23:34:00.000-05:002004-08-10T14:25:41.310-05:00Will You Jump?
I ran across an article while surfing various news-oriented websites. One title that caught my eye irresistibly tempted me to read its contents: "Skydiving: Question to Ask Before You Jump."
Rather than a singular interrogative, the article actually listed several questions to ponder before taking the plunge. I realize that the first president Bush celebrated his 80th birthday byGarry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1091809668189793782004-08-06T11:16:00.000-05:002004-08-06T11:29:59.020-05:00Seeking His Face
Over the past several years, I’ve appreciated the change in nomenclature among folks in my Christian tribe. As a child, I don’t recall hearing phrases like, “Holy Spirit Reign” or “Praise Jesus,” or “We want to know You,” or “Guide us with Your Spirit.” Perhaps these were basic thoughts among the community, and I simply failed to grasp them. What I do recall is much talk about “Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1091739794329664232004-08-05T15:28:00.000-05:002004-08-05T20:21:52.396-05:00A Unique Guy
I missed two successive Sundays at CrossBridge, and I mean I really missed them. I know there are wonderful communities of faith all over the globe, both in and out of my particular tradition. For me, at least, there's no place like [my] home [church]. I haven't always been able to say that, eventhough I've been the preacher at "my home church" since 1985.
There are many reasons Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1091721080104371802004-08-05T09:46:00.000-05:002004-08-05T10:53:32.110-05:00In Need of Eyes to See
Political pundits these days are ubiquitous. It's a presidential election year and the rhetoric is heating up, not only from the particular candidates, but from the analysts as well. I've heard several talking heads make the apparently correct observation that partisan politics is at an all time high. That might be an overstatement. I'm sure there have been occasions in Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1091639271937812282004-08-04T10:55:00.000-05:002004-08-06T19:07:58.350-05:00Community of the Cross
This morning, I enjoyed an early breakfast with Wes McCannell, a relatively new member at CrossBridge. Over the past few months, my appreciation for Wes has grown in direct proportion to my increased knowledge of him. He's a reflective type who enjoys good conversation about theology and culture as much as I do.
After my conversation with Wes over grits, eggs, sausage andGarry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1091561807231505562004-08-03T14:32:00.000-05:002004-08-03T14:36:47.233-05:00All Linked Up
It probably matters very little to you veteren bloggers who have mastered html, but I figured out how to recreate my links! I'm pretty pumped about this. Also, if you've posted a comment and received an undeliverable email message, I've fixed that too...I hope. I can now rest a little easier knowing that I'm all linked up! Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1091540165033847472004-08-03T08:02:00.000-05:002004-08-03T08:36:05.033-05:00HTML and Christian Linguistics
I've been blogging for several months now, and have enjoyed this casual format for posting--and reading--rambling thoughts. Having become more relaxed with posting blogs, I ventured into the untested waters of html (which, I think, stands for hyper text markup language--or something like that). I set sail into this linguistic deep because I wanted to add additionalGarry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1091401565644994772004-08-01T17:53:00.000-05:002004-08-01T18:06:05.646-05:00I'm Back
My family and I just returned from a wonderful week at Seaside beach, an idyllic setting near Destin, Florida. Thanks to everyone at CrossBridge who made this trip a possibility. To Zane Tarence and Adam Ellis, who preached on July 25 and Aug. 1 respectively, I am eternally grateful. Thanks to H.C. Johnson, Jim Lovell, and Lynn Gurganus who covered my teaching responsibilities at Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1090596512276807202004-07-23T09:30:00.000-05:002004-07-23T10:31:16.033-05:00Longing for There...Fully Present Here
The past two weeks have been especially difficult for me. The difficulty arises, not from the stresses of ministry, but from an increasing longing to depart. Over a month ago, Carol, my wife, and I made reservations for a 7 nights stay on Florida's emerald coast. We've never been away for such an extended period strictly for recreational purposes, and in Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1090273990429100062004-07-19T16:31:00.000-05:002004-07-23T09:29:14.416-05:00Honduras Bound
This evening, 16 of our folks from CrossBridge will begin the trek to Tegucagalpa, Honduras for a week-long mission effort. Though I won't be making the trip to Central America, I am driving a portion of the group to Nashville. There, they will join another church group and fly to Tegucagalpa via Miami.
My heart will be in Honduras with them. The people in this region are Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1090204859612300502004-07-18T20:50:00.000-05:002004-07-19T09:09:59.820-05:00Figs and Faith
Today I attempted to preach on Mark's account of Jesus' cursing the fig tree (Mark 11:12-25). I'm not sure where I heard or read the phrase "Optic Parable," but Mark appears to use them generously. An "optic parable" as I use it, is where Mark presents a historical miracle, which utlimately refers to some spiritual reality. The blind man, for instance, who was incrementally Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-109008612246402602004-07-17T11:56:00.000-05:002004-07-17T12:42:02.463-05:00An Epiphany at the Feet of Jesus
On Tuesday of next week, a team from CrossBridge will travel to Tegucagalpa, Honduras for its annual mission trip to that region. Unlike the past several years, and due to a conflicting schedule, I will not be able to make the trip this year. As I've been reflecting on this trip, though, I remember an epipahny I had last year while working among the poor in thisGarry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1089938728762521632004-07-15T19:30:00.000-05:002004-07-15T19:45:28.763-05:00Volleyball Theology
Once again, I've been playing on a recreational coed volleyball league this season. Our team consists of women and men from CrossBridge. So far, we've won a few and lost just as many. But, we've had a blast--at least I have. Those with a more serious competitive--and capable--edge might not be happy with our season. It's been fun, though, as a minister to get to know my Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1089728244686598092004-07-13T09:07:00.000-05:002004-07-13T09:19:01.006-05:00A Humurous Tale; A Somber Reminder
I received the following email from a friend. I--and likely many of you--have seen a version of this story. I was reminded again of how Christians are all-too willing to shed blood over nuanced differences in church polity.
I was walking across a bridge one day, and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. I ran over to him and said, "Stop! Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1089666494094508562004-07-12T14:37:00.000-05:002004-07-12T22:53:04.373-05:00Guess What Happened in Church Today?
Depending on one's perspective, this question could be negative or positive. Too often, I've been on the receiving end of such a question, only to hear the querist describe an "uncomfortable situation" he or she experienced. On the other hand, I've also heard this interrogative remark followed by a moving depiction of God at work in an assembly.
CrossBridge Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1089319449376217282004-07-08T15:34:00.000-05:002004-07-08T15:44:09.376-05:00At Peace In The Storm
Have you ever had one of those days when everything—absolutely everything—went, not only as you planned, but exceeded your wildest imagination of the most perfect day? The kids woke up on their own, dressed themselves, and brought you breakfast in bed before they walked to the bus stop? Your presentation resulted in a promotion, 100% pay raise, and won you company-wide Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1089217023795242282004-07-07T10:43:00.000-05:002004-07-07T11:17:03.796-05:00Leading as a Bondservant
I've been leading a men's class on Tuesday nights based on a book by Steve Arterburn and Fred Stoeker titled "Every Woman's Desire." Though I've been the one facilitating our conversations, I've been the benefactor of great insights from the men in this class.
The past couple of classes dealt specifically with biblical leadership, and what that actually looks like. Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1089083592481350622004-07-05T21:45:00.001-05:002004-07-07T10:43:03.326-05:00Oh, Say Can You See?
Reflections on Independence Day
As I pen these words, July 4th already has passed into the mist of human memory. Since July 4 fell on Sunday this year (thanks to LifeSong for such a memorable worship experience), Monday was the official day off for most folk. Such was the case for me, at least.
The day was filled with very little activity really. It seemed to lazily drag Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1087611121796380952004-06-18T20:44:00.000-05:002004-06-18T21:12:01.796-05:00World's Greatest Dad: More a Challenge Than a Description
As I write these words, we are barely over a day away from Father's Day. This day always conjures up a mixture of emotions within a community. Some grieve the loss of a dad, either to death, desertion, or estrangement. Others celebrate a wonderful--and continued--relationship with this special guy. I'm one of the fortunate ones in this Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1087306177161658102004-06-15T07:53:00.000-05:002004-06-15T08:35:47.186-05:00An Ancient-Future Message
Yes, I admit the title of this blog derives from Robert Webber's book Ancient-Future Faith in which Webber challenges many assumptions about "doing church" in today's postmodern culture. There appears to be fresh winds blowing over the landscape of our Western culture that threatens many of our ecclesial presuppositions. For some, these winds are devastating, stressing Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1086271089119967902004-06-03T08:41:00.000-05:002004-06-03T08:59:30.480-05:00Books Worth Reading
I've recently read, and re-read, a couple of books by Gregory Boyd: God at War and Satan and the Problem of Evil. While at times, it's easy to get bogged down in Boyd's philosophical discussions, the book is a refreshing--and fascinating--read.
Basically Boyd writes from an Arminian perspective, but does so with sensitivity to Calvinistic leanings. He argues against the Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1083535758310657962004-05-02T17:09:00.000-05:002004-05-02T17:13:40.013-05:00The Power of Grace
Grace. It’s a word that elicits any number of competing ideas. For some, its merely what you say before a meal. For others, its something you work hard to earn. For yet others, it’s tantamount to the soft leniency of a super-sentimental grandfather.
Biblically, it appears, that grace provides both pardon and power. It is that expression of a loving God that extends mercy to Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1083096129196395862004-04-27T15:02:00.000-05:002004-04-27T15:08:41.576-05:00There's Got to be a Lesson in This Somewhere
LONDON — A puppy that swallowed a kitchen knife nearly the length of his body is back to his playful self after an operation to remove it.
The baffled owners of 12-week-old Jake took him to the vet when they noticed him vomiting and trying to keep his body in a straight line.
X-rays revealed why the puppy was so reluctant to curl up: A kitchen Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1083095686619619882004-04-27T14:54:00.000-05:002004-04-27T14:59:00.716-05:00Vengeance: Human and Divine
It's now been nearly seven years ago that Judge Hiller B. Zobel made a decision that sparked both anger and relief.
On October 30, 1997, Louise Woodward was convicted by a jury of second degree murder in the death of 8-month-old Matthew Eappen. Arguing that it was time to bring a “compassionate conclusion” to the British au pair murder trial, Zobel reduced Woodward’Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1082472133587464442004-04-20T09:42:00.000-05:002004-04-20T09:52:44.246-05:00Easter and the Christus Victor
As I write these words, our military continues to struggle Iraq. Over a year ago, we were given a near front row seat of coalition operations by means of news personnel embedded within military divisions. If you are anything like me, it was hard not to be glued to the TV or radio, listening for any new developments that might signal a quick and decisive end to the Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1080661887269833182004-03-30T09:51:00.000-06:002004-03-30T09:55:02.936-06:00Out of Gas?
A number of years ago, a beautiful float in the Tournament of Roses parade suddenly sputtered and quit. Frantic technicians scurried about to see what was wrong. No one could be sure. It appeared that all mechanisms where properly connected, and there was no perceptible reason why the motorized cart should not move the float. It was a mystery...until. Until someone asked the obvious;Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1079990128165394812004-03-22T15:15:00.000-06:002004-03-22T15:18:53.403-06:00Living On Purpose
In one of his Far Side cartoons, Gary Larson depicts a chalkboard, two thirds of which is filled with a long, complex mathematical equation complete with Greek letters, plenty of parentheses, and a healthy number of brackets. The sum total of this contorted symbolic expression is a big fat “zero.” Two middle-aged, “nerdish” scientists are looking at their joint effort with Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1079490451506466142004-03-16T20:27:00.000-06:002004-03-16T20:31:45.106-06:00Humilty and Self-Love: Mutually Exclusive or Mutually Essential?
I don’t know whom they were talking about, but it was obvious that he was in deep trouble. Apparently, this guy had been a real “jerk” to one of them, and these teenage girls wanted his head on a platter.
I observed this scene while at a mall in Georgia where I used to live. They were huddled together, hands on hips, making those Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1079035444046134822004-03-11T14:04:00.000-06:002004-03-11T14:09:19.246-06:00Don't Waddle When You Can Fly
Soren Kierkegaard, a prominent theologian of the 20th Century, tells a parable of a community of ducks waddling off to duck church to hear the duck preacher.
The duck preacher was in rare form as he quacked eloquently—and compellingly—of how God had given the ducks wings with which to fly. “With our amazing wings,” the duck preacher quacked with conviction, “there Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1077833130613522992004-02-26T16:05:00.000-06:002004-02-26T16:08:21.750-06:00The Passion of the Christ
I just returned from experiencing the Passion of the Christ, the film by Mel Gibson. This is much more than a film. Typical movies are about the susension of disbelief. The only disbelief to suspend in this film is the extent to which Jesus loved--and suffered--for (and because of) all of us--Jew and Gentile. The movie makes the point, in excruciating detail, how far Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1077048631095414262004-02-17T14:10:00.000-06:002004-02-17T14:13:09.670-06:00Ancient Future Worship
In the January/February issue of Worship Leader, Robert Webber, well-known for his work in thinking about worship in our postmodern culture, described his experience at Mars Hill Bible Church, a megachurch that engages in "Ancient-Future worship." The following is what Webber considers to be the difference between an ancient-future service and a Boomer contemporary serviceGarry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1076954614756854152004-02-16T12:03:00.000-06:002004-02-16T12:06:11.936-06:00The Music Won't Last
As we struggle with the fast-pace of our over scheduled lives, perhaps we all need to re-think our priorities. The following poem Titled Slow Dance (author unknown), powerfully demonstrates how our frenetic life styles can distract us from the true joys of life.
Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round
Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1076954273637124772004-02-16T11:57:00.000-06:002004-02-16T12:01:48.983-06:00Worship Here And Now
Last evening, February 15, LifeSong, the music ministry at CrossBridge, debuted its third CD. While the evening celebrated the culmination of months of work, its ultimate purpose was to usher people into the presence of God. And, that's exactly what occurred.
Under the gifted leadership of Greg Miles, all of the LifeSong singers, in choir fashion, lead us in moving worship.Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1076619066883377232004-02-12T14:51:00.000-06:002004-02-12T14:53:38.043-06:00My day’s schedule was all arranged. My wife, kids and I were taking a trip to North Carolina to visit a good friend in the hosptial. Before I could make the trip, I had several deadlines, and a few appointments to meet. Since our older two kids had to be at the office at 6:00 a.m. Thursday to leave on the youth trip to Six Flags, I took that as an opportunity to get an early start on my day.
Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1076618265100769892004-02-12T14:37:00.000-06:002004-02-12T14:40:16.420-06:00The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership
I just completed reading a book whose title appears at the head of this blog. Written in conversational tone, this book offers compelling insights about effective leadership. Unlike typical treatises on managment philosophy, this books shoots right at the heart of the leader. In short, James Hunter, author of the book, presents a Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1076448817912170962004-02-10T15:33:00.000-06:002004-02-10T15:36:06.700-06:00Tangle With A Treadmill
Treadmill. For me, the word itself sounds uninviting at best, torturous a worst. Someone with a sadistic streak must have invented this miserable device. No matter how long you walk or run, you never go anywhere. And, you never really can win when doing battle with a treadmill. It has too many speeds and can outlast the Energizer bunny!
Sometimes treadmills can be just Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1075169789571110872004-01-26T20:16:00.000-06:002004-01-26T20:20:47.263-06:00Extreme Makeover
You’ve probably seen some of those “before” and “after” pictures of people who, through the magic of modern cosmetology, are transformed from antiquated “plain Joe’s” to GQ potential. One of the current popular reality shows is Extreme Makeovers in which people deemed to be deserving are treated to plastic surgery, the latest cosmetics, wardrobes and spas, to transition them Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1074544653707033682004-01-19T14:37:00.000-06:002004-01-19T14:39:32.000-06:00Give Us Eyes To See
This old Hassidic tale summarizes much of what the world—and our churches—need so desperately today.
The Rabbi asks his students, “How can we determine the hour of dawn, when the night ends and the day begins?”
One student suggests, “When, from a distance, you can distinguish between a dog and a sheep?”
“No,” the Rabbi answers.
“Is it when you can distinguish between a fig Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1074006451508096872004-01-13T09:07:00.000-06:002004-01-13T09:09:21.763-06:00Be Still...And Let God Work:
A New Year’s Resolution
With his keen ability to find humor in the most unexpected things, Gary Larson made us laugh, caused us to blush and, perhaps more often than we’d like to admit, left us puzzled over the esoteric meaning of his satirical Far Side cartoons. Whether or not Larson intended them, I have on occasions found profound spiritual meaning from the Far Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1073401317745823522004-01-06T09:01:00.000-06:002004-01-06T09:02:35.330-06:00The Continuing Privilege of Christmas
In his introduction to The Message, a popular translation of the New Testament, Eugene Peterson made the following observation.
The arrival of Jesus signaled the beginning of a new era. God entered history in a personal way, and made it unmistakably clear that he is on our side, doing everything possible to save us. It was all presented and worked out in Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1071585907722495882003-12-16T08:45:00.000-06:002003-12-16T08:45:21.193-06:00Storming the Gates
In his highly acclaimed book, What’s So Amazing About Grace, Philip Yancey argues that grace is the church’s single most important contribution to our broken world. One need not be a Christian, Yancey correctly contends, to do wonderful humanitarian acts, i.e., feed the hungry, build houses, heal the sick. There is one thing the world cannot effectively do—it cannot offer Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1071500904591278582003-12-15T09:08:00.000-06:002003-12-15T09:08:38.296-06:00Financial Peace at Crossbridge
My wife, Carol, and I, along with about 20 other couples just completed Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, a thirteen lesson series dealing with appropriate money management. It was hosted by two of our couples at CrossBridge whose personal experience and understanding added to the overall benefit of the class.
Ramsey argues compellingly--and passionately--Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1071076249498609012003-12-10T11:10:00.000-06:002003-12-11T15:41:32.683-06:00And a Child Shall Lead them
In our current climate of ubiquitous self-orientation, a refreshing story of selfless integrity has emerged. Nate Haasis, a 17 year old quaterback for Southeast High, a Springfield Ill. school, demonstrated true character when he had his Central State Eight conference career passing record wiped from the books.
Nate's team was losing to Cahokia High 36-20 with 22 Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1070978677182159302003-12-09T08:04:00.000-06:002003-12-09T08:04:49.356-06:00The following is the last of three articles that were inspired by my trip to the Grand Canyon this past October.
God and the Grand Canyon 3
Surprisingly, I didn’t sleep very well that night. I guess I was just too exhausted, too sore from the long day’s journey. Just before daylight, my sore legs dragged my aching body to the nearby lodge for a cup of coffee. I got it to go. I was lured to the Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1070553063164394402003-12-04T09:51:00.000-06:002003-12-04T09:51:14.226-06:00Down in the River to Pray
The subject of baptism tends to be a lightning rod for theological controversy. We fuss about the mode, meaning, and appropriate subjects for baptism. I've just received, and read the opening chapters of, a new book by John Mark Hicks and Greg Taylor titled: Down in the River to Pray: Revisioning Baptism as God's Transforming Work.
What appears to be the overarching Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1070289119022174282003-12-01T08:31:00.000-06:002003-12-01T08:32:08.916-06:00Here is the second article that was inspired by my experience at the Grand Canyon in October of this year.
God and the Grand Canyon 2
I typically dread the sickening sound of an alarm clock jarring me to consciousness. Not this day. In fact, I welcomed, even anticipated, its annoying beeping. For, this day, I was going to do something I had never done—we were hiking from the South rim of the Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1069773676757034632003-11-25T09:21:00.000-06:002003-11-25T09:24:11.856-06:00Longing for Unity
A friend recently reminded me of a humurous story that has a somber point. A man, as the story goes, was stranded all alone on a deserted island. This mound of sand, and a smattering of vegetation was his home for a number of years. One day, and to his astonished delight, he saw a ship on the horizon speeding in his direction. The crew spotted his signal, and sent a small boat Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101609.post-1069686479211916702003-11-24T09:07:00.000-06:002003-11-25T09:28:38.900-06:00The Iron Bowl: It's More Than a Game
Having grown up in Pensacola, Florida, the Alabama/Auburn (or is it Auburn/Alabama?) rivalry wasn't that huge of an affair. Don't get me wrong. Though I haven't conducted a scientific survey, per capita, there probably are as many Alabama or Auburn fans in Pensacola as their are Florida or Florida State fans. However, since moving to the state of Alabama in Garry Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00330422445633642688noreply@blogger.com0