My Hat

Like a little Christmas blessing. My stocking cap showed up on my front porch a couple of days before Christmas. It was a little anti-climatic, though. There was no note, no demands, no damage done to the hat. I still don't know who committed the crime. But I'm glad to have it back. I look just as good as I did before in my Patriots hat.

I'm a friend with a thief

My Patriots hat that I was proudly wearing a few posts ago was stolen from me at a Christmas party over a week ago. It must be that Indiana people have never seen a patriots hat in person, so someone must have been so filled with desire that they couldn't help themselves.

Anyway, this is day 9 and still no one has confessed to stealing my hat. I have a premonition that it will show up under my tree or will be delivered to my house wrapped up with a bow on it.

. . . i have never thought this much about a missing hat in my life. I guess I had a problem with being overly attached to this possession of mine. Maybe my iPhone will disappear next.

We Three Krings

Check out my latest project. Special thanks to Carl Frost, Bob Thompson and Dan Bruggeman for their music and video expertise.

Merry Krunkmas!



You might be able to better view it here.

The Burning Babe

I read this poem on Don Follis' Blog. It is called The Burning Babe and it was written by Robert Southwell (1561-1595). As Follis says, "Southwell was a Jesuit priest during the time of intense religious-political conflict in England. He was martyred in 1595. Most of his poems were written from prison. This poem is an strange, extended metaphor in which the baby Jesus is likened to a smelting furnace."

As I in hoary Winter’s night stood shivering in the snow,
Surprised I was with sudden heat, which made my heart to glow;
And lifting up a fearful eye, to view what fire was near,
A pretty Babe all burning bright did in the air appear;
Who scorched with excessive heat, such floods of tears did shed,
As though his floods should quench his flames, which with his tears were bred:
Alas (quoth he) but newly born, in fiery heats I fry,
Yet none approach to warm their hearts or feel my fire, but I;
My faultless breast the furnace is, the fuel wounding thorns:
Love is the fire, and sighs the smoke, the ashes, shames and scorns;
The fuel Justice layeth on, and Mercy blows the coals,
The metal in this furnace wrought, are men’s defiled souls:
For which, as now on fire I am to work them to their good,
So will I melt into a bath, to wash them in my blood.
With this he vanished out of sight, and swiftly shrunk away,
And straight I called unto mind, that it was Christmas day.

Here's a link about two tragic shootins in Colorado today where the targets were believers:Jesus Creed » Pray for Colorado

The Anti-Fan

Okay, okay. I'm not a big football fan. But, I delight in rooting against certain teams. In my past it was always Purdue, Notre Dame, The Pistons, the Knicks and the Patriots. Over the last year and a half I have delighted in rooting against the Colts. Why you might ask? Well probably because I live in Indiana and it makes people angry with me. I rooted for the Colts for the better part of my life. I always had such high hopes, only to see those hopes dashed to the ground in the playoffs (at least over the past couple of years). Because I'm not a huge sports fan, it was very easy for me to stop rooting for them and start rooting against them. The year I stopped rooting for the Colts, they went to the Superbowl, and won it! Okay, I see the irony. But I continue to enjoy rooting against them, and I really do enjoy it. I tried to root for the Colts one Sunday earlier in the season when I was by myself watching the game , and I couldn't do it. I have become a real anti-Colts Fan. I even bought a Patriots stocking cap to wear around. It feels liberating to not get sucked into the Blue and White tide that swirls around me. I've seen more than a few people shake their heads at me when I walk into a store with my hat on. One of my good friends took my hat off and threw it in the snow. I picked it up, brushed it off and said, "It's undaunted. Just like the Patriots, still undefeated."

A psychologist would likely analyze me and tell me that I'm trying to protect myself from disappointment by not rooting for any team. And they could be right. But I do get kind of sad when the Colts win, so I'm not completely dysfunctional . . . am I?

On another note. We just recorded the music for a Neil Kring Cole music video that will be released next week - We Three Krings . . . stay tuned for more. If you want to check out the project we worked on last Christmas you can find it here: Neil Kring Cole.

Babies aren't Eco-Friendly!

Sometimes you find things that are just too unbelievable. Here's a story of a couple of women who . . . you're just going to have to read this one: Meet the women who won't have babies because they're not eco-friendly.

S.A.D.

This is the time of year, when even though all of the outward symbols are screaming out joy and happiness and peace on earth, I start feeling sad. I've realized over the last many years that I must have seasonal affective disorder. Looking out my bedroom window at the grey skies and the trees sans leaves makes me feel . . . blah. That has become a descriptive feeling for me me lately.

I have sought some help over the years and here is a summary of the things that (when I've done them) have kept me from slipping into a spiral of depression during this season.

1. Exercise - which is usually the last thing I want to do this time of year.
2. Be Outside - which is always the last thing I want to do this time of year.
3. Identify things that might be making me feel anxious. - which is any little thing this time of year.

I told a friend that I want to exercise every day between Thanksgiving and New Year. And I have exercised twice in the past week and a half. Blah. Quite a difference between knowing the things that I should do that would promote health and a positive lifestyle and actually doing them.

. . . this year is going to suck if I don't do these things.

Okay, What's Wrong With Me?

As I was driving home from our office today, I was flipping through radio stations and I foolishly paused on our local Christian radio station. I say foolishly, because, inevitably it makes me angry. I don't know if you've ever heard a dramatized-for-radio conversation between a Bible-Believing Born-Again Christian and an Unbeliever. If you haven't you're really missing something special. It seems that often when I stop on the Christian Radio Station, I'm hearing these. To put it mildly, they upset me. To state it plainly, they make me want to embark on a mission to end Christian Radio altogether (I'm sure ours is the only local radio station that is bad).

The conversation usually goes like this:
Unbeliever: "I am having such a hard time in life."
Christian: "Oh really? I'm so sorry."
Unbeliever: (This is the one I heard today) "My finances are a mess, and I'm so stressed out."
Christian: "I know what you mean. I have cancer."
Unbeliever: "Really, I didn't know. You seem so happy and at peace. I feel guilty for being so superficial and worrying about my money, when you're dealing with life and death issues."
Christian: "Don't minimize you're problems. They're real to you. And my problems used to be real to me." (that was my added sarcasm)
Unbeliever: "How do you deal with having cancer now?"
Christian: "I know that God is all-powerful, and he gives me peace. I know that whatever happens, He is in control. I'm not scared, anxious, worried, upset, discouraged, disillusioned or ever have a negative thought because I believe in Jesus" (oops my sarcasm slipped in again)
Unbeliever: "Wow, you have something I want. Maybe after this movie you can talk to me and tell me all about this Jesus you speak about."
Christian: "I knew there was a reason God brought our paths together."

Okay, it was even worse than that, crammed with more trite phrases and fake sincerity about over simplistic solutions to difficult problems in life. I find it interesting in Christian dramatizations how quickly unbelievers are ready to turn to Jesus when they hear a few pat answers and some Christian lingo thrown their way (I've noticed this same trend in Christian skits). I don't find this to be my experience. People who aren't Christians are more . . . I guess real is the right word, and not so easily persuaded by overly-simplistic solutions to their problems.

Maybe it's me. Maybe, I don't use enough trite phrases. Maybe I don't listen to enough Christian radio. Maybe I think too highly of authenticity, honesty, and reality . . . I don't know.

It was the first time I laughed out loud for a while, by myself in my car. Then I became angry as I thought about the possibility that anyone would be inspired by that dramatization. And if someone was, what kind of people must be listening to this radio station, wait a minute, I was listening to this radio station . . . I changed it and vowed to never listen to it again.

I know I will. I'm drawn to it for the same reason I'm drawn to Christian Television - I am drawn to the ridiculous.

A Sad "Reality"

I read this sad but interesting article about the suicide of Megan Meier. It is messed up on so many levels. It poses some questions about who is responsible, who is too young, how safe is it, how dependent a person can become on an online community.

My Venture into the World of Painting

My family has decided to fast from television and entertainment for the past two weeks, along with many from our church family who are doing the same (you can read some of the comments from those who are participating here). Among many other things that have happened during this time, it has given me more time to do things like this. This is a painting, I've wanted to complete for the past couple of years since we saw a traveling Dada Exhibit at The National Gallery of Art. I was inspired when I saw it a couple of years ago and bought all of the supplies to make this painting, but never did anything about it. Moral of the story: You can make all sorts of strange things when you turn off the Television.

Easy Reading

You'll be happy to know that I figured out the reading level of this blog . . .



I'm going to start interjecting some big words, to raise my reading level. In fact, I'm going to become sesquipedalian.

You can test your blog's readability here.

whiny idealism

I heard this quote at church this Sunday . . .

"This generation can be a whiny bunch of idealists getting together in small groups to complain about megachurches and the religious right rather than doing something." - Mark Driscoll

I agree with his assessment. But I have to sheepishly admit that I just finished reading a book called Jim and Casper Go to Church (which is a book written to criticizing some of the more well-known megachurches - probably meant for use in small group discussions).

How to know if know you're appreciated . . .

I got this present for pastor appreciation month . . .

Unbelievable Outreach Strategy

Be sure to read the testimonials.

Wildfires in Southern California

I have some friends in Southern California who are close to the wildfires, and are experiencing their effects. Here is a post from a friend's blog about their experience and some pictures: click me.

Let's remember to pray for those in need and those in danger and those who are Christ's hands and feet to those people.

Most Americans take Bible Stories Literally

Interestingly, over 2/3 of Americans take many bible stories literally . . .

the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
Moses’ parting of the Red Sea
Peter walking on water
God creating the universe in six days
Daniel surviving his time in the lion’s den
David killing Goliath with stones and a sling shot

Original article from the Barna Group.

I'm not sure how that translates into the faith of 2/3 of the American population . . .

Excellent Book

I have been reading a book with our staff team, that has made me pump my fist in excitement and exclamation more than anything I have read for a long time. It is called Evangelism after Christendom: The Theology and Practice of Christian Witness by Bryan Stone. I am only about a third of the way through the book, but I have enjoyed the historical look at Jesus and his teachings combined with a church-focused imperative for missions. So far it has challenged many of our current notions of success, and questioning our current evangelistic strategies, as well as drawing us back to a realistic dependence on Jesus' teachings as our mission defined. We've also had some powerful discussions that are leading the way to greater actions as a church community. Be warned, it is not for theologically the faint of heart - it is a very slow read, but a very fulfilling one if you can hack it.

exerpt . . .
Because of the new order present in Jesus and because of the social, political, and subversive dimensions of that new order, "believing in Jesus" is not a private mental assent to a set of propositions about his nature, an individual experience of his person, or a legalistic performance of his teachings. Apostolic evangelism is an invitation to be formed socially by the Holy Spirit into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus through incorporation into his body. Anything less can never be a full "offer" of Christ.

when the world comes together

check this out, I found it posted on a blog talking about how the people in the world "get" the kingdom of God even if they don't "believe" in it. . .

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=et994A6chtM]

Where the World is in Pain . . .

I spoke on justice this past week at The Revolution. Here's a good example of kinds of injustices we as the people of God should find ways to stand against: thousands slaughtered

RADIOHEAD without a label . . .

Maybe I'm the last one to hear about this, but yesterday I heard on NPR about Radiohead selling their next album on their website without a record label. Since bands don't make a ton of money on albums anyway, Radiohead, it seems, has decided to cut out the record company all together. They're offering their album for whatever price you want to pay for it off of their own website. Here's the address if you want to pre-order a copy: click me

I always like to see someone sticking it to the man, and this is a bold (but very smart) move for a band that has had it's last few albums on the Billboards.

I've ranted on and on about this before, but back in the day that is how Keith Green (top Christian recording artist in the 70s) sold his music - pay whatever you can or whatever you want. The recording labels and the Christian Bookstores were pissed because he was one of the most popular musicians of the time. They put alot of pressure on him to "do it like everyone else" was doing - selling it at bookstores for a predetermined amount of money. But he felt that he should just sell it for whatever someone could pay, or give it away. Too bad more Christian musicians today don't see their music as a ministry and a service in the same way.

good blog

If you're looking for a good, sarcastic, thoughtful, blog about American Christian culture and much of it's absurdity, you should check this one out: Letters From Kamp Krusty

WWJMD

Okay on Sunday Kelly and I were talking about James Mitchell and how much weight he has lost, and the discipline he must have to do that. Somewhere in the conversation, I tell Kelly that I should get him to be my personal weight loss trainer. So, yesterday I'm eating a piece of sugar cream pie, and after finishing one piece I look at the rest of that lonely little pie sitting on the counter, and I think, "I should eat another one." And as I get the first bite in my mouth, Kelly says, "Neil, what would James Mitchell do?" I said, "He probably wouldn't have eaten the first one, so big deal about the second." . . . WWJMD. I guess I should make myself a bracelet so I can remember that one.

For The Thrifty at Heart

For all of you money savers out there, you will definitely want to read this one . . . The Cheapest Days to Buy Certain Items

The Razor's Edge . . .

I have been reading this book off and on this summer based on a recommendation that someone gave me, and I can honestly say that I have no idea what the point of this book is. I'm almost finished with it, and I like it enough to keep reading until the end, but I have no idea whether it will make sense to me or whether it will leave me disappointed and frustrated enough to never pick up another Somerset Maugham book again.

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Who Is This . . .

Last Friday I drove down to Indianapolis and went to the Museum of Art for the afternoon. I am one of those nerds who reads the information next to the paintings, mostly because I rarely see what's going on in the painting. While looking through a section of the museum devoted to religious art, I found a painting from "the School of Hieronymus Bosch." It is a depiction of Jesus entering Purgatory, an idea to which I do not ascribe, but I found the painting very interesting. Jesus was entering into the torments and tormentors of purgatory with a bright light shining all around him. On the description next to the painting, I found this quote from an ancient text dating back to the 13th Century:

"Who is this then, who comes to our gates so boldly, and not only has no fear of our torments, but also frees others from our chains." - Jacobus de Voragino about 1260 The Golden Legend

I was really struck this week by this idea of Jesus entering into the world at it's worst, and not only having no fear of it, but also freeing us from that same fear and pain. As we all have, I've been reflecting on the Virginia Tech shooting this week. Those are the kinds of tragedies that instill fear in the hearts of people, and then I remembered reading this quote last Friday - Jesus is not only unafraid, but also frees people from the fears and torments of the world at its worst by giving hope and comfort and victory.

We have a sister chuch at Virgina Tech, one which we started a Leadership Training Program with last summer. They could use our prayers and support! Here is their website if you're interesed in reading some of their updates: nlcf.

Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?

Here is a message I recently listened to recently called "Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?" delivered around Easter time this year at Roanoke College in VA by NT Wright (The Bishop of Durham in the Anglican Church). I think it will engage both your intellect and your soul:

[audio:Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead.mp3]

The Grapes of Wrath

Sometimes I read a book, and I forget about it hours after I have finished it. Other times I read books that affect me deeply. . . I think about them, reflect upon them, reorder my world according to different paradigms. That is what reading the Grapes of Wrath was like for me. It was a difficult book for me to finish because it touched upon some of the areas in my life where I have the greatest fears - being able to provide for my family, anxieties about the unknown, natural disasters that alter the course of real life. It was a profound book, but it has made me think twice about fully enjoying this consumeristic culture we live in. It has made me hesitant to feel as secure as I could feel, while living out the "American Dream." I don't know how I went as long as I did, never having even heard the plot of the book. It's time to read an uplifting book now. I just read the Catcher in the Rye before that one. These books don't help with seasonal depression. I'm trying to stick with the classics . . . any suggestions?

i made it back alive!!!

i got to go skiing with a couple of friends right next to Mount Rainier in Washington. I had no camera, only my cellphone (i should stick to my cell phone). . .

We only skied for two days, but that was enough for my old, sore, inexperienced skiing body. One of my friends lives in Seattle, so we got to see the sights in the evenings. The Pacific Northwest is the coolest part of our country. . . werrd!

Taste of Christmas Magic

I recorded my first album this Christmas. Here's one of the tracks from it:

[audio:Carol.mp3]

A few more tracks can be found at myspace.com/neilkringcole

finding myself in the aftermath of the journey of weirdness

okay, so now that i finished reliving the Scientology Story that only took me about 8 months to tell, i can focus my efforts on writing other deep insights that i've been pondering over the past year . . .

ah, maybe next year . . .

in the meantime, here's a picture of what some delinquent youths did to my car a couple of weeks ago. I was praying fervently over at the student center with some brothers from the church while some from that same group who should have been there praying with us were burying my car . . .

and you'll never guess who was behind it all, yes one of the brothers who, with a knife concealed in his sleeve, prayed arm in arm together with me during our prayer meeting that night.

yep you guessed it. Fellow staff member Carl Frost . . . write something incriminating on his blog site because he has lots of important people who read his, and they think he's a nice respectable young man.

i'm glad the snow is melting. here's a winter haiku for you.

snow withering days
melting away the prozac
inducing some hope