Family Roots

Trailer: A Thousand Dollars and Back from Town Square Television on Vimeo.

Some time ago I posted an entry on my father's side of the family on this blog which is available here.  The above video builds upon that knowledge.

The Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans in Minnesota (HORA) along with The Romanian Genealogical Society and Town Square Television have partnered to tell the story of Romanians who settled in Minnesota in the early 20th century.  The film will have its premier  later this month. Featured in the film are some of my own relatives whom I personally know.  In the above trailer photos of my grandfather can be found around the 3:00 mark.

I wish that I would be able to attend the premier and interact with those who will be in attendance. Hopefully this project will spur others to come forward with photos and stories to help fill in the gaps of our heritage.

Dr. Mike Horton on the City of God and the City of Man

Recently I was preaching on the Hebrews 12:18-29 and the concept that believers are “receiving a kingdom” (v. 28) and the fact that all the kingdoms of this age will be shaken (vv. 26-27).  In his work The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims On the Way, Dr. Mike Horton offers an important and helpful insight about life in this present age.  Tucked into a section exploring biblical metaphors for the church he writes this as he discusses the metaphor of “city” as it is found in various places in Scripture:

“As the paradigmatic City of God, Eden was to expand outward from the garden itself until the glory of God filled the whole earth.  This was humanity’s commission in Adam…Eden, Like Adam and Eve themselves, was an earthly image of the heavenly reality, an analogue of God’s home and of God’s own triune communion…The fall shattered this unity of cult and culture: humanity now lived east of Eden, as the cherubim guarded the tree of life, barring reentry from all directions with a flaming sword (Gen. 3:24).  Living under a common curse, creation also shares in God’s common grace, which preserves all that God has made, even those who will not finally be preserved from God’s wrath on the last day.  The pseudo-temple of apostate civilization symbolized by Babel from Genesis 11 to Revelation 18 and 19 would be overthrown…

The goal of all biblical eschatology is that God’s dwelling would be with humanity.  After the fall, the cultural and cultic activities diverge into two distinct cities, with Cain’s line and Seth’s line, respectively.  Cain builds a city recognized for its cultural achievements (Gen. 4:17-24), while of Seth’s line we read, ‘At that time people began to call on the name of the LORD’ (v. 26).  The interaction between these two cities becomes the theater for the repeated showdowns between Yahweh and his covenant people (‘the seed of the woman’) on the one hand and Lucifer and his allies (‘the seed of the serpent’) on the other. 

Given the fact that cultural activity was part of the holy work of the cultural mandate in creation, building cities and civilizations is not inherently evil.  Rather, it is the corruption of the fallen heart that erects violent, oppressive, unrighteous, and idolatrous cities that are not only properly distinct from but rivals to the City of God.  Incapable of creating, Satan can only distort that which God makes, imitating God’s city-building while also using his antichurch as a means of destroying the true church.  We see this contest at the Tower of Babel with its sacred skyscraper attempting to conquer heaven as well as in the rivalry between Yahweh and Satan represented by Moses and Pharaoh, and in the conquest of Canaan with its holy wars in anticipation of the last judgment.  Of course, this trial reaches its apogee on Good Friday, and its outcome is secured on Easter morning, yet skirmishes continue to the end of the age.  Only on the last day will the cities of this world be made the City of God."   Pilgrims on the Way, pp. 727-728.

What I like about this quote is how Horton explains the City of Man, ruled by Satan, is a rival to the City of God.  Properly understood, this makes me wonder about common phrases like "redeeming the culture" or "redeeming the city" which are tossed around in reformed circles.  If the City of Man is at war with the City of God and is trying to supplant it, why do we go to such pains to get cozy with the culture?  Why do we look for church-planters who are good at contextualizing the Gospel instead of men who understand this tension and antithesis?  

I also like Horton's description of Satan's antichurch - false churches that wage war against the true church.  This puts into perspective the long list of churches that have gone astray.  They were infiltrated by the enemy and over time he has brought them down.  Some of them have fallen so far that they persecute those who preach God's Word.  This ought to be a stern warning for those who believe that it couldn't happen to them or to their denomination. 

Remembering Steve Bridges - Friend of the White Horse Inn

Two weeks ago we learned about the death of presidential impersonator Steve Bridges, at the age of 48.  I had heard of him and saw him on TV a few times.  What I didn't know was that he was a Christian, and personal friend of Dr. Mike Horton.

At the White Horse Inn they have posted a nice tribute in honor of Steve Bridges.  They have also included an MP3 file of Bridges impersonating various callers to the White Horse Inn including President Bill Clinton, Pat Robertson, James Dobson, and Benny Hinn.  Very funny.  There are also some links to video clips of his impersonations.  One of the best is his impersonation is of President George Bush at the White House Press Corps Dinner done side-by-side with President Bush.


Horton honors his friend and college roommate with these words:

More important than everything else that can be said about Steve is that he loved God because God first loved him–he knew, embraced, and celebrated the gospel of Christ and this hope fueled his life and vocation. 

The Last Train Home

Watch the full episode. See more POV.

Last evening I watched a fascinating program on PBS entitled The Last Train Home.  It is the story of a Chinese family who are migrant workers in their own country.  They chose to leave their small, rural community to find work in a larger city.  This is not unusual for there are at least 130 million Chinese residents who do the same. 

The story highlights many contrasts: rural vs. urban, poor vs. rich, uneducated vs. educated, young vs. old.  Though this is a story about Chinese nationals living in their own country the parallels to the immigrant waves that came to this country cannot be missed.  In the struggles of this family I saw shades of what my great-grandparents and grandparents experienced during their lifetimes. 

I encourage you to watch the trailer, visit the link, and check your local listings.  I also encourage you to watch the film and pray for those you see.  In particular pray that the Gospel would reach these far-flung places and that the church in China would flourish. 

One other note: watch the film as an American and take note that we ought to be looking over our shoulder.  Unless we get our act together China will surpass us economically, militarily, and in just about every other imaginable way. 

Out of Pocket

Posts will be sparse for the next few days.  I'll write more when I get the chance.

The Loss of a Friend

On Father's Day we learned of the loss of a close family friend.  Leroy Housley had my dad's best friend since the 9th grade.  He died suddenly on Sunday.  His wife Mary Lee was very close to my mother as well.  She died a few years back and Leroy remarried since then. 

My parents have lots of stories about things they did together as young married couples.  During my growing up years our families were almost inseparable.  To me and my brothers Leroy was always "Uncle Leroy."  He and my dad spent a lot of time fishing or hunting together and working on various projects.  I have memories of them dividing up their catch of northern pike and walleye.  I also remember the time they crushed grapes and made wine in our basement.  Leroy had a quick wit and he employed it well.  He was the master of the one-liner always said with a straight face.  He was a true Minnesotan, through and through.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Housley family at this time of loss.

Postscript: For those familiar with professional hockey there is a connection - Leroy is the father of Phil Housley.

Problems with Blogger

Over the last few days I've tried to post some things I've been reading.  No success.  At first I attributed it to my lack of technological information.  Now I've learned that others are having problems. 

For now I will patiently wait to see if this resolves itself.  For a while I've been growing weary with Blogger and a change to WordPress might be in the works.  Time will tell.

The tragic story behind Mother's Day

A few days ago an elderly member of my church asked me about the origin of Mother's Day. I admitted that I honestly didn't have a clue. Now I know.

Mother’s Day, which falls this year on May 8, is meant to be a joyous event, but the story behind this greeting-card occasion is actually quite tragic.


The concept dates back to the 1600s in England. Taking place on the fourth Sunday of Lent, “Mothering Sunday” was an annual opportunity for Christians to visit their hometown church. It slowly evolved, as children working far away as domestic servants came back home to spend time with their mothers and family.


The modern version of Mother’s Day took form in the early 20th century, thanks to Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis and her daughter Anna.


Born in 1832 in Virginia, Ann Marie was a social activist whose goal was to improve health and sanitary conditions inside community households. Her Mother’s Day Work Clubs raised money for medicine and hired help for moms suffering from tuberculosis. During the American Civil War, Ann Marie lost four of her children to disease; in total, eight of her 12 offspring died before reaching adulthood. Despite her personal tragedies, Ann Marie never stopped her community service.


Ann Marie died on the second Sunday in May of 1905. After she passed away, her daughter Anna made it her mission to make Mother’s Day a holiday – not only to honour her mother, but all mothers.


On the second Sunday in May of 1907, Anna held a small memorial service for her mother at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, Va. The mourners present received a white carnation, which had been Ann Marie’s favourite flower. Anna organized another one a year later, and this service is generally accepted as the first official Mother’s Day event.

You can read the rest of the story here: The tragic story behind Mother's Day - World - CBC News

How and when and why the church got on board with this holiday is still unclear to me.  For the record our church does not alter its liturgy on this occasion though we do not hold Christian Education or evening worship since so many people travel to see loved ones.

One-Legged Wrestler Wins NCAA Title

While the world watched unfolding events in Libya and Japan, and while most sports fans were concerned about the NCAA Basketball Tournament, the feel good story of the weekend came from an unlikely place: Philadelphia. 

I happened to be out with my wife for a meal and saw an incredible wrestling match for the NCAA Title in the 125 lb class.  The match featured defending national champion, Matt McDonough, a sophomore from Iowa, and Arizona State senior, Anthony Robles, who was born without a right leg.  Robles turned in an overwhelming performance and won the match 7-1.

If you missed this match check out the links below.  If you're prone to whining see what determination will help you achieve. 

Wall Street Journal

One-Legged Wrestler Wins NCAA Title

Go here to get ESPN's take. 

On the run

I've been on the run for the last couple of weeks due to the unexpectedly death of my mother-in-law.  My running will continue as I complete two classes in the next three weeks.  Blog posts will be sporadic. 

It's been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon...

Here's a heart-warming story about a small town in Minnesota.  Merry Christmas!

The Loss of a Friend

Last week was kind of tough around here - our family lost a neighbor and friend whom we've known and grown to love for nearly twelve years.  About two weeks earlier his health had taken a turn for the worse and the family let us know of his condition. 

"Bud" was a member of the Greatest Generation.  Born near a small town here in central Michigan his family never knew riches or wealth.  He grew up on a farm and learned to work with his hands.  He could fix just about anything.  He was a hard worker who up to the end still heated his home with firewood that he cut, split and hauled.  He loved to garden and tend to his fruit trees - in fact, he was out plowing the garden a couple of days before he died.  Often he would share some of his bounty with us: asparagus, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, melon, sweet corn, and raspberries. He also gave of his time and energy to help our family clear downed trees after a severe windstorm, trace an electrical problem in our house, and occasionally care for our pets when we were away.  You couldn't ask for a nicer neighbor. 

Over the years we learned some things about his life.  He didn't have much of a church background and at one stage actually turned his back on the church due to the behavior of those in the church.  He was known to say something like, "I don't have anything against religion but I don't have much use for the church.  There's too many hypocrites in it."  But even with that as his stated opinion he wanted me to do his funeral. 

Bud was a WW II veteran who spoke sparingly about his service to our country.  On one occasion he told me that he was attached to an armored unit and did reconnaissance (I had been reading Citizen Soldiers by Stephen Ambrose and asked a few questions).  One of his most vivid memories was losing two comrades on Christmas Eve 1944 when their jeep hit a mine.  Their unit was trying to find shelter for the night and Bud's jeep was in the lead.  For some reason the mine didn't detonate when his jeep passed over that spot and much to his shock and dismay his friends were killed.  I think that he was haunted by that memory for the rest of his life.

When his obituary was published I learned a few more specifics about his military service.  I learned that he served with the 712 Tank Battalion attached to the 90th Infantry Division (Tough 'Ombres under General Patton).  His first day in combat was July 3rd, 1944.  Here is an account of that day July 3, 1944 712th Tank Battalion World War II.  I'm pretty sure that the sergeant from San Mateo, California who was killed by mortar fire was Bud's sergeant -- he specifically told me about losing a sergeant to mortar fire (direct hit).  He served with that unit until the end of the war.  Though he was wounded two or three times by shrapnel he declined receiving the Purple Heart.  You can get an idea of what he experienced by visiting this site and reading what another soldier wrote that chronicles the same time period, Letters From the Front - Morse Johnson, 712th Tank Battalion [Archive]. 

At the funeral I preached from John 11 and the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.  I explained what made Jesus weep (11:35) and made it clear that death was not normal nor God's original intent for humanity.  I went on to explain the seven "I am" statements from John's Gospel and ended with Matthew's words, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest " (Matthew 11:28-30).  

As I reflect on our friend I am reminded of the brevity of life.  Moses said it well when he wrote, "For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh.  The years of our life are seventy or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly way...So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:9-10, 12).

The 'Teacher' of Ecclesiastes also has much to say as well:  "Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth.  Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes,  But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment" (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10).

"The end of the matter; all has been heard.  Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.  For God will bring very deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

Watching God “Roll the Stone Away” in Haiti

Steve Igo is an Orthodox Presbyterian Minister, from Hudsonville, Michigan. He was in Haiti serving on a short term mission trip when the earthquake struck. He has been heavily involved in the rescue efforts. Read his firsthand account here of helping rescue ten school girls trapped in the ruins of their school:

Watching God "Roll the Stone Away"

It goes without saying that we need to continue to pray.

As We Begin a New Year

This was my sermon title yesterday as I preached from Psalm 39.  This psalm took on particular meaning for me when I discovered that it plays a significant role in the funeral liturgy of The Book of Common Prayer.  Here is the text of that entire psalm:
As Jesus said, "Let him who has ears to ear, hear."

"I said, 'I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence.' I was mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse.  My heart became hot within me.  As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:

"O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!  Behold you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you.  Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!  Surely a man goes about as a shadow!  Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!"

"And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?  My hope is in you.  Deliver me from all my transgressions.  Do not make me the scorn of the fool!  I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it.  Remove your stroke from me; I am spent by the hostility of your hand.  When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin, you consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath!"

"Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears!  For I am a  sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers.  Look away from me, that I may smile again, before I depart and am no more!"

Nicolae Elena Ceausescu executed

Twenty years ago on Christmas Day Romania received a gift it would never forget. It was on that day when deposed leader Nicolae Cesusescu and his wife Elena were tried, convicted and executed.

For weeks our family had followed developments in eastern Europe when communism was collapsing. Romania was one of the last countries to throw off its shackles. When Ceausescu fled we feared that he'd receive political asylum in another country and continue to exert influence upon Romania. In the end he got what he deserved.

Merry Christmas, Romania!

A Few Pics...

Here are a few photos from our summer...

Elk in velvet

Bison (bull)

Bison herd. 

Notice the two white calves in foreground (very rare).

Grey wolves

Monarch and Mackinac Bridge

Arch on Mackinac Island

Sadie at ten weeks.

Sadie at thirteen weeks.

Seems Like Yesterday...

Thirty years ago I was a college freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. I was a student in the College of Natural Resources planning to make a career working out of doors. Our curriculum was multi-disciplinary so all students in the college had to take a core of classes in forestry, wildlife management, soils and water resources regardless of one's chosen major. Additionally, a six week summer session of field classes held in a national forest in northern Wisconsin were also required. I began my studies certain that I was in the right place, though life in the dorms wasn't the best -- deafening music, beer cans so deep you could shovel them with a snow shovel, someone dealing drugs on our floor, others spending their nights and weekends doing bongs.

About two weeks into my freshman year, right about this time, I came to a fork in the road that changed everything. One night while waiting in line for supper someone stuck a short survey in my hand. It was a rather innocuous survey with five harmless religious questions like, Do you believe in God? Who is Jesus Christ? Would you like more information about a personal relationship with God? A few days later I received a phone call from someone who reviewed my survey and wanted to follow up. Little did I know who initiated the survey (Campus Crusade for Christ) or who I agreed to meet (their campus director).

At the appointed time Glen showed up with another staff member, Dan, and we talked about the survey and then he brought out the Four Spiritual Laws. Having been raised in church I pretty much knew the first three laws (God's love, I was a sinner, Christ died to atone for sin) but I had never heard the fourth law -- I needed to personally receive Christ's atoning work and ask God to apply it to my account. I was stunned -- here, right before me in this little booklet, seemed to be the answer to my many questions about who I was and where I was going. Though there was an offer to pray with me at that point I declined -- I simply needed to think more about this matter.

So, thirty years ago, close to this date, I knelt beside my bed one night in Room 120 Baldwin Hall, and prayed the following prayer:


"Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be."


Thus began a new chapter in my life that is still being written. Though I spent the next 4 1/2 years pursuing that degree in natural resources I don't think I could've foreseen where I am today -- serving as the pastor of a church. Nothing in my family history pointed me in this direction and believe me, more than a few eyebrows have been raised. Yet, I have no regrets. The words of Martin Luther from his hymn, A Mighty Fortress, ring true -- "Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also."

I close with these words from Scripture which offer great encouragement...

"So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." Hebrews 13:12-14

Of Life and Loss: The Polish Photographs of Roman Vishniac and Jeffrey Gusky « Photography

Yesterday seemed like just another day but then I saw a headline that WW II started 70 years ago. Stayed up late last night watching a documentary about it on the Military Channel.

Earlier this summer our family had hoped to go camping but 60 degree weather with lots of rain forced us to change plans (we tent camp). So instead of going up north we went to Detroit -- yes I can hear the questions of unbelief. We haven't done much in that part of Michigan so we spent the day at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

One of the exhibits we viewed was Of Life and Loss: The Polish Photographs of Roman Vishniac and Jeffrey Gusky « Photography It has left Detroit but if you get a chance to see it please do. In a nutshell, during the winter of 1938 Jews were being oppressed throughout Poland. A photographer (Roman Vishniac) was hired to chronicle the Jewish communities of that country. Done in black and white the photos are haunting because we know how the story ended. Sixty years later Jeffrey Gusky visited the same places and photographed what he saw.

When WW II broke out there were 3.5 million Jews living in Poland. Today there are barely 20,000. Anti-semitism remains high. One of Gusky's photographs showed a home that was once owned by Jews having been converted to a public restroom. Another sad account was that of Jewish headstones being taken from their cemeteries and then being used to form the foundations of barns. One man has dedicated his life to retrieving those stones and returning them to their appropriate cemetery. I left there wondering to myself, "Haven't these people suffered enough? Can't their graves be left in peace?" Of course I also thought about the theology of Romans 9-11.

NOTE: check out the Unreached Peoples link for today. Interesting coincidence, er, bit of providence.

The Importance of Character - The Acton Institute

To the right I have a link to the Acton Institute. If you've never visited the site, you should. Acton is devoted to free-market thinking and economic policy as informed by Judeo-Christian ethics and worldview. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan it draws people from many different Christan traditions who write, think, lecture and teach about the nexus between faith and free-market economics.

Recently I was sent a link to an important lecture: The Importance of Character in a Free Society, by my friend, Dr. Lawrence W. Reed. Given the current economic turmoil of our nation it is easy to speculate about what went wrong and who is to blame. Watch this lecture and then take a look in the mirror: the answer might be closer than you think.

Video Archives - The Acton Institute

God's Perspective on our Service - Luke 17:7-10

"Will any of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and recline at table?' Will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty."

The word for unworthy, 'achreioi' in the Greek comes from the word, 'chreioi' meaning useful. The prefix, 'a' added to it signifies the opposite of useful: useless or worthless. Some translate the word to mean 'unprofitable.'

Think of that for a moment: the God who owns all things and has need of nothing, calls us to himself and then sends us out into the world to serve Him. But as we serve Him even the best of our efforts are useless, worthless and unprofitable. Quite literally, by enlisting us to serve Him, God, operates His kingdom at a loss.

Think of it this way: He could've chosen a more efficient and profitable means of getting the job done. Yet, He has chosen to use people like you and me, to be His servants. Paul describes us as jars of clay -- cracked earthen vessels (II Corinthians 4) into which God has poured His treasures.

As you go forth into the world keep these thoughts in mind. Some are tempted to exaggerate their own importance in the Kingdom of God. Deep down they think that God is happy to have them on his team; that He is glad for their gifts and contributions to His kingdom. But the Scriptures prove otherwise. Though He has employed us as His servants He could've quite easily created a more efficient way of getting the job done. By utilizing fallen people like ourselves he operates His kingdom at a loss.

"For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever! Amen." Romans 11:34-36.