The Amusement Park Known as CCM

Denny Burk links to a funny and sad story of Meghan O’Gieblyn's experience with CCM--the contemporary Christian music scene--in the 1980's. Those years are fond memories for me because at that time I worked in a music store and hosted a Sunday radio show that played CCM.

Here's my prayer for those who relate to Meghan's story...

The Kingdom of heaven on earth is sometimes like treasure hidden in a field. When CCM found it, they hid it again, and built upon the land a corny amusement park--complete with CDs, concerts, costumes, and consumerism.

Tons of teens enjoyed the carnival atmosphere, but in-authenticity and edgier competition eventually put the park out of business.

Years later, a woman--wearied by the glitzy culture's hollow center--stopped by the abandoned amusement park. She laughed at all the old memories, but was taken aback to one particular moment when she saw an old shovel. She recalled the words of one of the carnival workers. This one spoke like he genuinely believed the message he proclaimed--"Inside this park is buried treasure!"

Taking the shovel, she began to dig. After a few moments, much to her surprise, deep in the dirt, there it was--the hidden treasure.

When she found it, she hid it again, and then in her joy went and sold all she had, and bought that field.

Japan: Before and After Pictures

Pray for Japan as they strive to recover from their recent earthquake and tsunami. The damage is sobering, as seen in these before and after pictures.

Grand Story of the Bible Seminar

If you or someone you know is a senior adult, I want to invite you to join me in an exploration of the Bible's Grand Story seminar that I'm going to be leading for the next three Saturdays.

Registration through Kansas University's Osher Institute is available here.

From 2:00-4:00pm, on Saturdays, March 5, 12, and 19, I'll be at Mennonite Manor in South Hutchinson sharing the Bible's entire story through my innovative 12 C's approach.

This will be the second time I've taught this seminar through the Osher Institute. I'm really looking forward to meeting new students!

Little River Census Stats

Kansas data from the latest 2010 census is now available. Here's how my town of Little River ranks within the state:

14th in poverty--25.8%. 279th out of 286 in median household income--$27,404. I knew our community's need were great, but ranking so high out of nearly 300 towns surprised me.

263rd in median home value--$39,600. Many homes were built shortly after WW2. Today, many have severe maintenance needs. 2.6% are mobile homes. 4.7% are unoccupied (I can't imagine where they are). No homes in Little River are valued over $1 million. Kansas City suburbs Leawood and Mission Hills each have over 450.

84.4% of our citizens have graduated from high school. 9.2% graduated from college.

In 51.7% of our families, both husband and wife work. The average commute time is 22.2 miles. 37% start their commute before 7:00am. This includes our house.

13.7% of our citizens are veterans. We have a very active local American Legion.

Little River ranks #15 in single men per single women--238 single men for every 100 women.

Only .05% of people in our community speak Spanish.

Advice For When You Go Home

Here's some good advice from football coach Jim Zorn on what to do during the holidays:

“When you go home to your families today don’t walk in the room and say, ‘Here I am!’ You need to walk into the room this afternoon and say, ‘There you are.’”

Be other-centered, not self-centered.

The Secret Power of Time

Check out this fascinating talk by Professor Philip Zimbardoon on time.

Time is influenced by culture, geography, religion. And our perspective toward time affects our moods, behavior, and our brain.

What he says about the impact of technology on time is eye-opening and scary.

Republican First District Primary Candidates

With Jerry Moran vacating his congressional seat in order to run for the Senate, Republican voters in the Kansas first district will choose a new congressional candidate in the primary election on August 3.

In alphabetical order, here are the candidates:

• Jim Barnett

• Sue Boldra
  

• Marck Cobb

• Tim Huelskamp
  

• Tracey Mann

• Rob Wasinger

Check out each of the candidate's websites and exam their take on the issues.

If fund raising is an indicator, it looks like Barnett, Huelscamp, Wasinger, and Mann have the best chance of winning.