Pondering Christ

As I was reading The Imitation of Christ (Thomas Kempis) this morning, it was impressed upon me the seriousness of discipleship in likeness of Christ. Kempis writes, "Whoever wishes to understand fully the words of Christ must try to pattern his whole life on that of Christ." The writing of Kempis, while familiar, struck me because I am also rereading The Politics of Jesus (John Howard Yoder). Yoder makes the same claim, although more forcefully (I think). As a Christian, do I really consider both Jesus' life and his teachings to be the norm for my life? According to Yoder, truly following Jesus will lead us into a life of suffering, servanthood, and possibly death: "To follow after Christ is not simply to learn from him, but also to share his destiny," and "Servanthood replaces dominion, forgiveness absorbs hostility. Thus - and only thus - are we bound by New Testament thought 'to be like Jesus.'" So, am I following Jesus and his example of faith, discipleship, servanthood, and suffering, or am I blending what I think discipleship should be with what feels comfortable and what is acceptable by most?

A Landmark Event

Today, as I wiped a tear from my eye, I mailed the final copy of my thesis to Trinity. What am I going to do with all my free time? I was thinking of taking up the art of Lucha Libre (see Nacho Libre for further information). I need a good name, though. Any ideas? I have selected my mask, which is pictured above.

Quote of the Day

"The humanity of Jesus is a revelation of the purpose of God for a man who wills to do His will." - John Howard Yoder

Thankgiving Videos

Happy Thanksgiving to Laci! See them here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6ICVn91sjU and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9diZV8zQUk

Cornerstone Wesleyan

For those of you who have never seen our church, here it is (I took this photo for our phone directory). Not bad, huh?

Quote of the Day

"What matters is the quality of the life to which the disciple is called. The answer is that to be a disciple is to share in that style of life of which the cross is the culmination." - John Howard Yoder

Liquored-Up Dogs?

Sunshine and Midnight could barely contain themselves as we passed by the liquor store.

Stupid Church Signs

Two more signs to add to the collection.

Quote(s) of the Day

"It has yet to be demonstrated that history can be moved in the direction in which one claims the duty to cause it to go." - John Howard Yoder

"Whoever said that laughter is the best medicine never had gonorrhea." - Christian Slater on My Name is Earl

Stupid Church Signs

I am fascinated with stupid church signs. I will be posting various church signs that I run across that I deem 'stupid.' Unfortunately this is probably the first of many such postings. Feel free to contribute pictures of any stupid signs that you run across.

Blogging Commencement

Welcome to the inaugural posting of the Hampsher Family blog! This is indeed an exciting event (if you don't have anything better to do). As you see, included is a picture of us (with Sunshine and Midnight) at a dog park in Chicago at the beginning of the month.