"Just A Smidge" - Corey's Blog

Author:	corey	Created:	3/2/2008 8:02 AM
Corey, here. Welcome to my blog! Here I will be thinking out loud about some things that are big to me. Drop in anytime to keep me on your radar. Click the RSS icon to the right to subscribe to this Feed.

I have counted 15 bites. Cindy has at least 54. We’re back home from an amazing family vacation in the Blue Ridge mountains - and we have the chigger bites to prove it! What is a “chigger”? To quote the dictionary, “A tiny mite whose parasitic larvae live on or under the skin of warm blooded animals where they cause irritation . . . ” I’ll stop there. It doesn’t get any prettier.

Freedom Revisited

By corey on 7/9/2009 5:40 PM

I’m still singin’ the song of freedom this week after last Sunday’s worship service. How about you? To keep the message of freedom alive in our hearts, I’ve referenced two verses not included in Sunday’s sermon, along with a quote that was from Milton Vincent. I’ve also given the lyrics to Sunday’s closing song written by our friends Adam & Nikki Greenfield and Todd & Michelle Twining . . . Enjoy and live out your freedom, you saints!

Beware of Progress

By corey on 6/27/2009 12:37 PM

I admit it. I love my iphone. And I think Twitter is pretty cool. Like most Americans, I’ve imbibed the intoxicating potion of “progress” and technological advance. But there is "the dark side" (to steal a sci-fi line from Star Wars) . . .

Thunderstruck

By corey on 6/15/2009 6:37 PM

We just sent our children to bed, again. They may be back out here in the living room in a moment or two. The flashes of lightning are awakening the night. The tempest has made a swamp out of our backyard. Only several minutes ago, the ear-piercing crack of lightening was heard in our neighborhood (or was it our closet?) sending our children flying out of their coops – and into our laps . . . I love thunderstorms.

Feasting on the Word

By corey on 6/10/2009 5:55 AM

Several people have commented or asked for my closing quote from last Sunday’s sermon – “Feasting on the Words of Christ”. Since the message wasn’t recorded and the quote wasn’t in my notes, I thought I’d post the entire quote here. It comes from Donald Whitney’s book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. . .

Dr. Ralph Winter (1925-2009)

By corey on 5/30/2009 10:01 AM

On May 20, 2009, Ralph Winter died at age 84. I don’t recall if I actually ever met Dr. Winter in person – but I feel like I knew him through his writings and speaking. He was my mentor – under whose leadership I studied and became enthralled with world missions and evangelization - and the task yet to be done . . .

Next is Here

By corey on 5/22/2009 8:02 AM

Tomorrow is Next. The Next Conference, that is. Not just any conference but probably my favorite conference of the year: Sovereign Grace Ministries’ annual singles/young marrieds conference over Memorial Day weekend . . .

Mother's Day Survey

By corey on 5/9/2009 6:23 PM

I just finished our 5th annual scientific Mother’s Day survey (margin of error: 0%). Each year I survey our four children regarding their mommy – her likes, dislikes & motherly prowess. But part of my madness is also to penetrate my children’s pysche with well-crafted, scholarly questions such as . . ..

Well-Wishing

By corey on 5/2/2009 3:13 PM

To tweak the famous opening line of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, will never ask for directions – nor help.” . . .

Ouch!

By corey on 4/25/2009 2:58 PM

I hate it when my feet go numb. Personally, I want to feel my toes. Of course, there have been times when I have jammed my toe on a chair that I wish I had no feeling at all! But to have no sensation of pain is to be paralyzed – or to be leper. (Neither are these are necessarily desireable options in my book.) To be insulated from pain isn’t quite as attractive as it may sometimes seem . . . even during an economic recession.

Website Arise!

By corey on 4/11/2009 7:13 AM

Our website has been resurrected! (Just in time for Easter) After two weeks in the cyberspace grave and many prayers & beating of chests, we’re back. (Thank you Nathan!) . . .

The Parable of the Orange Tree

By corey on 3/21/2009 12:05 PM

Last week we made the “big” purchase. After years of strict enforcement, the citrus ban in South Florida has finally been lifted. Citrus canker has been eliminated (or at least adequately contained.) And we bought our first orange tree . . .

Singleness

By corey on 3/14/2009 2:17 PM

I still remember making the transition from college to the Singles’ Ministry at my home church 87 years ago (or something like that). The first day I walked into the Singles/Career class I felt like I had landed on a different planet. The barren landscape, depleted oxygen, and diminished testosterone nearly choked the life out of me. Was this my future? Is this what I will look like and talk like in several years? It was all rather alien-like and spooky. I didn’t want to be there. . .

Below Average?

By corey on 3/3/2009 1:40 PM

“You can be anything you want to be. You just gotta believe in yourself.” We’ve all heard such rhetoric from an accomplished athlete, actress, or acolyte. May I just say, “It’s a lie!!” (Ok, I feel much better now.) And in the words of Charles Murray, our educational system is living that same lie . . .

Winter Wonderland

By corey on 2/20/2009 11:25 AM

The first morning we woke up to -8 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures. I did what any father of native Floridian children would do – I had my children go outside on the patio without any hat, gloves, or jacket to greet the chill of dawn and test their mettle and endurance. They passed the test – and I eventually let them back into the house with my video camera in hand.

“Children, we’re not in Florida anymore!” (As if the towering mountains and foot of fresh snow hadn’t tipped them off.) So started our glorious vacation . . . and first day.

California dreamin'

By corey on 2/7/2009 3:22 PM

“Go west, young (ok, middle-aged) man!” That’s where I’ll be going this coming week with my family, celebrating my fortieth birthday. We’re headed to California for vacation. I’m headed back “home” to the snowy slopes of the Sierra Nevadas . . .

Materialism Unmasked

By corey on 1/31/2009 2:28 PM

How do you know if you are materialistic? It’s kind of like asking the proverbial fish what it feels like to be wet. Living in our culture and day and age, do I even know what’s it’s like not be materialistic? That’s the question I’ve been wrestling through this week . . .

Ask, Seek, and Knock

By corey on 1/23/2009 2:46 PM

I’m currently reading through the book of Acts (which many have suggested could be called, “Acts of the Holy Spirit”). I love reading about the Apostle Paul but I must confess that I can often relate to the Paul of the epistles (his letters) more than I can the Paul in Acts. Oh, he’s one and the same. It’s just that no one has yet mistaken me for God or attempted to offer me sacrifices (Acts 14) . . .

Maranatha!

By corey on 1/17/2009 9:52 AM

Maranatha! (“Our Lord, come!”) was the heart-wrenching and eager cry of the early church. It hasn’t been mine much of my life. If I were to give voice to my usual thoughts, they would go something like this: “Lord, I’m glad you are coming back but I’m kinda glad it’s not right now. There is still much I’d like to do and see …” Where’s the urgency and eager anticipation that I see in Scripture (Hebrews 9:28, 1 Cor. 1:7, Titus 2:13, Jude 21)? . . .

Did you say "fasting"?

By corey on 1/10/2009 11:04 AM

“Quick. What do people who fast look like? What kinds of people come to your mind? Do they appear a bit strange? Are they John the Baptists types? Legalists? Health nuts?” So begins Donald Whitney’s chapter on fasting from his excellent book, Spiritual Discipines for the Christian Life. And with that thought, begins this blog . . .

New Year's Resolutions

By corey on 1/3/2009 11:38 AM

It’s amazing what a little extra sleep, coffee, and the Holy Spirt can do. On New Year’s day I grabbed a cup of coffee at Starbucks, looked at my 2009 calendar, and I was inspired! I was a list-generating, goal-making machine . . .

Forty

By corey on 12/30/2008 6:21 PM

Today I turned the Big 4-0. So what’s the big deal with these round numbers other than the fact that my life (statistically speaking) is half over? I think it may be true to say that I hit my “mid-life crisis” just about two week prior to my big birthday. My past was running away from me and the future was yawning at me. But thank God for my wife and friends . . .

Costly Comparison

By corey on 12/19/2008 1:43 PM

“When I look at the Bible, I get really convicted to change my lifestyle. But then I look around at all the other Christians who live like I do and I end up saying, ‘It must be okay—everybody else lives this way too’”… Can your relate?

My Spiritual Family

By corey on 12/13/2008 8:24 AM

I sank my teeth into a juicy cheeseburger and thought, “This is scandalous!” I get paid to be here at this restaurant and have lunch with my closest friends! I’m speaking about those in the church whom I have the opportunity to co-labor with, counsel, and encourage. Far from being a “job”, I have the joy of meeting with my “family” each and every day as a pastor . . .

Date night

By corey on 12/5/2008 2:59 PM

I’m going out on a date with my wife tonight. I can’t wait to catch up on our day apart, grab a bite to eat . . . and yes, do a little Christmas shopping.

The Race Has Begun!

By corey on 11/29/2008 9:35 AM

It’s official. The race to Christmas has begun. It started out as it always does with a mad dash on “black Friday”. As usual, people were up before dawn plotting their Christmas race strategies and shopping till they drop. And once again, I’m here to say – “I’m not running this race!” Of course, I make that vow every year only to get caught up in the tide (or tsunami?) of Christmas parties, traditions, and festivities...

God-shrinkage

By corey on 11/22/2008 12:57 PM

“I believe that one reason why the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church (Charles Spurgeon)." Ouch! . . .

Rat Trap

By corey on 11/16/2008 7:36 PM

I went to bed last night searching for an opening illustration to my sermon. Little did I know that I would wake up to my illustration: a dead rat in our kitchen. Mind you, this is a rat that had foiled our previous attempts to capture it. After munching on our papayas, onions, and cereal with impunity, I had little hope that our rat trap would work. (Up to this point we were 0-for-5 years in capturing these critters through such conventional methods). This morning was different. Trap loaded. Trap snapped. Rat dead. Caught in its own peanut butter thievery . . .

Hope Deferred

By corey on 11/8/2008 1:04 PM

I’m doing what I silently vowed I wouldn’t do on this blog: Talk about presidential politics. Perhaps I’m just a little afraid to talk about it. Is that tactical wisdom or just the fear of man? Well, if you are reading this blog, you’ve most likely already read a bevy of blogs this week regarding the election of our next President, Barak Obama . . .

To Complement or Compliment?

By corey on 11/1/2008 3:23 PM

My heart is full. I have just returned from our long anticipated marriage seminar. Our friend Wayne Brooks did an outstanding job as he walked us through God’s design for marriage and our roles in marriage. Here’s the thought dancing in my head: God is so wise in giving me a spouse so different than me. And I am a knucklehead for not cherishing and communicating this to my wife more often! I feel the wonderful grace of conviction even as I type . . .

Holy Spirit Come

By corey on 10/25/2008 7:14 AM

Does the Holy Spirit sometimes seem like an “it” rather than a “he”? A non-personal entity that exists somewhere in the cosmos but rarely intervenes in your life? Perhaps your experience with the Holy Spirit is more like that of the British butler in a Sherlock Holmes novel who is always (mysteriously) nearby but rarely seen or heard unless called upon. He’s around, but not really part of the family . . .

Joy and Sacrifice

By corey on 10/18/2008 2:13 PM

What a glorious two days! My romantic one-night getaway with my wife (to celebrate her birthday) was simply outstanding. The blue sky, beachside breezes, and relaxed pace was perfect as we shared conversation, laughter, and memories together. And then we came home . . .

Wealthy Wisdom

By corey on 10/11/2008 9:39 AM

Let's face it. King Solomon was filthy rich. Neither the Sultan of Brunei nor the Mogul of Microsoft (a.k.a. Bill Gates) have anything on King Solomon. Just read 1 Kings 10. Solomon had wealth, military might, and a mercantile trade racket going that would make any imperialist blush . . .

Pink Coffins

By corey on 10/4/2008 7:51 AM

Want to be "born again"? Supposedly it only takes 1 1/2 minutes in Thailand. All you need is a pink coffin, a Buddhist monk, and a few bucks. You too can feign your death, be mourned by a funeral dirge, and arise from the coffin with a "resurrected" life - out with the bad karma and in with the good! . . .

Childhood Wisdom

By corey on 9/27/2008 2:26 PM

I'm just about dying to go home. It has been a l-o-n-g day! I can feel the semi-permanent creases on my forehead from staring at the computer. At times like this, I remember what my son once said. We were climbing a mountain (ok, a steep hill) and the wear and tear of the ascent was taking its toll on all of us. Amidst the groans and a few tears, my son piped up, "Sometimes you have to suffer to have fun, dad!" . . .

Groans and Glory, Part 2

By corey on 9/19/2008 9:12 AM

Sometimes a blog turns into a sermon. Such is the case this Sunday. I always need to preach to myself - and sometimes others even benefit from hearing me! That is my prayer as I take the pulpit on Sunday and preach on "Groans & Glory" from Romans 8:18-25 . . .

Groans and Glory

By corey on 9/14/2008 4:53 PM

Tropical Storm Hanna, Hurricane Gustav, and now Hurricane Ike. Haiti is groaning, Cuba is groaning, or so is the Texas coast as I write. Our friends, the George’s, are groaning this morning with the news of their son’s spinal tumor. My mom aches in chronic pain. My heart is sobered. All of creation (the land and its inhabitants) is groaning! At times like these we tend to hear the groaning a little more loudly . . .

Worthy of Celebration

By corey on 9/5/2008 5:53 AM

I always wondered who those crazy people were who would pay to go to a football game in the freezing cold, sport their pasty white, bare (or painted) chests, and hoot and holler like a madman . . . then I “met” my father-in-law. Actually, I never had an opportunity to meet him before he passed away, but I somehow feel like I know him (and really like him). Dick was was a Washington Redskins season ticket holder and sports enthusiast par excellence. There’s much in him I can relate to, minus the Redskins' headress and trumpet! . . .

French fry reality

By corey on 8/27/2008 7:26 AM

The Beijing Olympic (illusions?) are now complete. It was entertaining, engaging … but was it real? "Is it live or is it Memorex?" to quote the memorable commercial of ages past. If we are to believe what was reported, we were treated to fake fireworks, fake buildings, fake voices, fake gymnast id's? (just asking). No, I'm not bitter nor am I into paranoiac conspiracy theories. But I am into reality . . .

Olympic Musings

By corey on 8/16/2008 5:25 PM

Ok, that was truly amazing! Last night I watched with countless others in disbelief as Michael Phelps came from behind and won the 100 meter butterfly by 1/100th of a second. How do you measure that? (Upon protest, the photographs were reviewed down to 1/1000th of second to confirm Phelp’s 7th gold medal of the games)…

Wedding Meditations (A view from the altar)

By corey on 8/9/2008 6:53 AM

In a few hours I’ll have the privilege of officiating a wedding of two godly single parents in our church. (It’s our third wedding in three weeks here at PVCC – how good is that?) My favorite part of the wedding (other than the pronouncement) is the very beginning when the music crescendos, the congregrants rise, and the bride strolls down the aisle in all her (veiled) glory. Hopefully it’s a really long aisle! Watch the expression on the groom’s face (sorry, Matthew, no pressure today) as his bride comes to meet him. I love it.

Our Vacation

By corey on 7/30/2008 7:20 AM

I didn't get much reading done. I didn't even get much sleep. But that's not the point of family vacations with with four little ones. (I can now say that with joy, not resignation!). We've just returned from a fabulous vacation to Virginia to spend time with family and friends . . .

Seated at His Table

By corey on 7/12/2008 2:21 PM

It's that last line of the chorus that gets me every time! "Your blood has washed away my sin / Jesus Thank You / The Father's wrath completely satisfied / Jesus Thank You / Once Your enemy now seated at Your table / Jesus Thank You." (lyrics from the song, Jesus, Thank You) …..

Freedom

By corey on 7/6/2008 5:18 AM

It was yeas ago. I had recently watched the movie, Midnight Express, a dark and chilling story drug trafficking and incarceration in a Turkish prison. Little did I know after I watched that movie that it would be me facing arrest by Turkish authorities, not for drug possession, but for "proselytizing" and "subversive" activities….

Tool Time

By corey on 6/28/2008 12:25 PM

It's good to be home. It's a whirr of activity. Our four boys (and a neighborhood friend) are on our living room floor racing their Hotwheel cars. Our daughter (and church friend) are feigning a slight interest in their boyish pursuits, soon to go back to their dress up clothes (. . . and there they go just as I type!) Cindy is away at a bridal shower. It's me, six children, and the future…

Golf Madness

By corey on 6/21/2008 1:44 PM

Yep. Turned down a golf game today. What was I thinking? With each passing year I enjoy this game more. After watching the US Open last week, I'm even more jazzed about golf. The epic playoff battle between the Titan Tiger with a bum knee and busted leg versus the aged underdog, "Rocky" Rocco, was a script made for Hollywood . . .

Stop Signs

By corey on 6/17/2008 2:46 PM

Things have changed in my neighborhood since we first moved there. To my knowledge, there are roughly the same amount of people and the same number of houses. However, there has been a 2 1/2 fold increase in the number of stop signs on our quiet roads (but who's counting?). Just to get out of my neighborhood, a driver must heed 5 stop signs (and a stoplight). I've noticed this trend in other neighborhoods as well. We are a stop-sign, octagon-happy people!