Merry Christmas!

Brightest Holiday Wishes from all of us here at Soulscape. And by "all of us," I mean me. At any rate, I wanted to let you know that I will be resuming the new blog schedule after the first of the year. If your life is anything like mine, from Christmas Eve until New Years Day remains pretty hectic, with visits and cleaning and such. So on the first or second of January, I'll pick up with the new blog schedule.

I pray that you continue to enjoy this season of Christmas, and never forget the true meaning of Christmas, and that the spirit of the season needs to be alive in all of us all year round. God bless!

As an added bonus, this entry is not copyrighted (but just this one). Merry Christmas.

It's All About Prayer

Ephesians 6:18-20

18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-- 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

When it comes to our Christian duties, one duty seems to get less attention, even though it is one of the most important: prayer. We want to be “doing something,” working, making sure our efforts are being seen, that they are tangible. But in most cases, prayer can’t be seen, both doing it and witnessing its results.

My grandfather told a story about a time (several times, actually) when he was a pastor, and I have experienced this in some forms as well. As he would be studying and praying in his office prior to services, someone would knock on the door or simply walk in. Seeing nothing in front of him but a Bible, or just watching him sit at his desk, they would walk in and say, “Good, you’re not doing anything. I need . . .”

These people had no idea that he was actually engaged in the most serious activity in which any pastor can be: prayer. We have a tendency to think that prayer is something you do just in you’re in trouble, before you eat, or at various times during a worship service. But prayer is much more.

Paul is instructing us to keep praying, but not with empty words. We are to pray with purpose, and with the determination to see results. The only way this can be accomplished is to pray in the Holy Spirit, to let our prayer time be used as “private time” with just us and the Lord. And we need to be praying for all the saints. Too often we concern ourselves with only ourselves, or with our friends, with those close to us. But we need to be praying for every child of God in every part of the world. We may be going through a time when we are struggling with a brother or sister in the Lord. We must still pray for them, for in the praying, we put first what is truly important, and lay aside those things which divide us.

We also need to be praying for one another, that we would not be afraid to do what the Lord would have us do. It is very easy for even the strongest of Christians to be intimidated by their fear, by their Christian duty. Pastors are also not immune. It is not easy to confront sin, to possibly hurt feelings or even make enemies by standing up and telling the truth. But in the final analysis, standing up for the Lord and His way is more important than personal feelings, more important than us. It’s a matter of survival, eternal survival, and therefore we need boldness.

We ought to be doing this, because we do not belong to ourselves. We were bought with a price; we belong to the Lord, for Jesus purchased us on Calvary. If He made it (which we know He did), and He lives within us, then we too can make it. It may not always be easy, the road might not always be smooth, but we have a Companion with us, to help us in our boldness of word and deed.

What is it that you have not yet done for the Lord? Are you guilty of not praying faithfully enough, of not praying for others, of not standing up for what the Lord expects? It is not too late to change. Life itself is a learning and growing experience, and each day we learn more about what it means to be a child of God. Now that we have this advice, it is time to put it into practice. Use this as your next stepping-stone of growth in the Lord. We don’t now how many more opportunities we have, so make every day count. Dedicate yourself to prayer, true Spiritual prayer, and let the Lord reveal Himself in and through your life.

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by leaving a comment (with your request) which will be forwarded to Chris Keeton. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

Ecclesiastes Chapter 1

Thanks to user “susanlee” who asked that the book of Ecclesiastes be studied. I will not go as in-depth as I am prone to do, so that other topics can also be covered; but for this particular Tuesday Targeted Study Series, I plan on making observations on a chapter-by-chapter basis. So, if the plan remains, this will be the first of 12 entries in this study. For my own purposes, I use the New King James Version of the Bible, but your favored translation may also be used.

Solomon, son of David, king of Israel, a man gifted by the Lord with unparalleled wisdom, looks back on a life that has seen its ups and downs, and the downs of that life were caused not by external forces, but by personal choices. The book of Ecclesiastes records Solomon’s observations of life, and without understanding the life of Solomon, the book itself doesn’t make sense; or, if it does make sense, it seems quite depressing.

One must remember that wisdom doesn’t always mean perfection and peace. Allow me to explain. Biblically speaking, knowledge is intelligence, and can go so far as to include knowing right from wrong. True godly wisdom is knowing right from wrong, and choosing right. But for all the wisdom in the world, we still have the power of choice. No matter what choice we make, whether right or wrong, wisdom puts into sharp relief that which is right. For the person who knows what they should do, yet intentionally makes the wrong choice, it is far worse than an accidental transgression. Your own wisdom and knowledge condemn you. This was the case with Solomon.

Solomon had allowed the things of this world take the place of his devotion to God, yet he retained the human wisdom with which God had blessed him. Therefore the peace he once possessed had left him. Now, at an advanced stage of life, looking back, all he could do was lament his choices, and think about what “could have been.” He had given himself to the pleasures of this world, marrying wives who worshiped other gods, going so far as to build temples for their gods and worshiping those god alongside his wives. What a mighty fall for the wisest man who ever lived (aside from Christ, of course!)

The first chapter of Ecclesiastes sets the tone for the mindset of Solomon, as well as for the remainder of the book. “The words of the Preacher,” the phrase we see in verse one, indicates one who addresses a group of people. Words from the king were always special, official, carrying the weight of law and power. Therefore these words would be considered by those who read them to be more than just a “man-on-the-street” speaking, but from someone who “knew what he was talking about.”

The word “vanity” that we see repeated throughout this book means “emptiness” or “unsatisfactory,” giving us the idea that all the worldly pursuits of life never give us the fulfillment we desire. There may be pleasure and peace to be found, but it is all temporary satisfaction. Verses 3 and 4 vividly illustrate this point. All that is done by one person, one generation, one day comes to an end, and someone else, another generation, takes the place of the former. One must question, “What is the point of life if it is temporary?”

All of us have asked that question of ourselves at some point in life, perhaps in many different ways. What difference can I make? Is any of this going to matter? Does anyone care? Why should I even bother? Am I doing any good at all? Humankind has wrestled for thousands of years with these questions, and will continue to do so as long as this world survives. We see people come and go; after the funeral of a loved one, we go back to our daily lives, and as they say, “Life goes on.” So what is the point?

Solomon was asking valid questions, and because of his life was making accurate assessments. When he says that, “The earth abides forever,” he was saying that people come and go, but life does go on, so what is the point of life? Verses 5-7 further expound on this thought of the cycle of life. The sun rises and sets and rises again, the wind blows every which way, and then again and again. He even describes the water cycle: rivers run to the sea, the water evaporates, makes clouds, clouds drop rain, fill the rivers, which run to the sea. Since life continues no matter what seems to happen, what is the life of one man, of one generation, in the great tapestry of time?

There is never true satisfaction, as verse 8 alludes. No matter what we see or hear, it never makes us complete. Verses 9-11 show the attitude of Solomon, and the reality of this life on earth. We may see advances in technology, so-called progress in quality of life, but on the most basic levels, man has remained the same; nothing has changed, nor will it. When I read these verses, I am reminded of a cemetery, of so many headstones, from ornate and lavish to small and simple. I can take you to the graves of friends and family, of ancestors, but eventually personal memory will fade. I can show you the grave of my great-great-great grandfather, but to me, all he is is a name and date on a piece of marble. In some way, I am here today because of him, but I never knew him, and everyone who did know him have joined him in death. One day, that will happen with me as well.

Not a very exciting prospect, but it is part of the facts of life. We are born, we traverse this world for a time, and then we pass into eternity. We remember some names, some events, some pivotal moments of history, but even for the greatest people who have ever lived their time came and went. This is the nature of life. Everything is temporary on this side of the grave. Solomon, approaching his own appointment with death with each passing day, realized that the pursuits of earthly things were as fleeting as this life itself. When approached in this way, things don’t look so great.

Verses 12 and 13 again reveal Solomon as the ruler of a nation and a possessor of the gift of wisdom. He calls it “burdensome,” which it is; it is man’s job to discover what is right and wrong (within the guiding hand of God) and choose to do it. Yet when we look at our life as Solomon did, we find that many of those things we held so dear, those pursuits in which we expended so much time and energy and resources, were as fruitful as trying to catch the wind: much effort expended and nothing to show for it.

Verse 15 is Solomon’s way of telling us that what is cannot be changed. We can try, but there are some things simply beyond our control. We think of technology prolonging life, but all of the machines and medicines available cannot change the fact that when our time comes, we must leave this life behind. It is one appointment we must and will keep.

Verses 16 and 17 are Solomon’s admission of pride, that he had the gift of wisdom, and it did come in handy. But that wisdom also pointed out the follies of life, and while he recognized those follies, he did nothing to avoid them. And yet for all his vast knowledge and wisdom, Solomon realized something we all should come to realize: the more we learn and know, the more we discover how much more we have to learn and know. Complete understanding, wisdom and knowledge are impossible in this life, in these bodies and with these minds. Sometimes we think we know everything, from teenagers to the elderly, but the reality is far different: no matter how much we know, we still have a lot to learn.

Verse 18 closes this chapter with a very poignant thought: “For in much wisdom is much grief, And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” Having knowledge and wisdom can in some aspects be more of a curse than a blessing. For instance, when a parent looks at their child as he or she experiences their first heartbreak, that parent knew it was inevitable, but was powerless to stop it. It hurts all the more knowing the reality. Doctors, nurses, even pastors can many times see death approaching, and while the family holds out for that glimmer of hope, the knowledge of what is coming is painful.

A teacher of mine from years ago told me, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” God gave Solomon wisdom, and God expected Solomon to use it wisely. But Solomon was wise enough to know how poorly he’d used it. Think of it this way: which is worse, thinking you may have some disease, or knowing it for sure? Solomon wasn’t looking at his life now, or his past, and saying, “I don’t know if I made the wrong choices.” He knew he had, and it made the feeling even worse.

Solomon is warning us that even the greatest among us, if we lose our focus and desire to live the life the Lord wants, will have a great fall. Failure is the toughest pill to swallow, and Solomon recognized that he’d wasted his life, and the blessings of God. Every day, before every decision, we should ask ourselves if we are living for the “here and now,” or the “there and then,” meaning eternity. We should ask if we are living for ourselves, or for the Lord. We should ask if we are trying to grasp the wind, or trying to grasp our Savior. With this warning, we can avoid the pitfalls of Solomon, but only if we heed it.

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by leaving a comment (with your request) which will be forwarded to Chris Keeton. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

A Christmas Wish

With Christmas fast approaching it is easy to get caught up in our own little world of chaos. We have presents to buy, meals to prepare, hustle and bustle on every hand, and as Christians we do our best to remember the true meaning of the season. But there’s one thing we tend to overlook, one group that seems to slip through the cracks. They are the ones who are hurting, those lost in despair.

Their reasons may be varied, but no less significant than any other person’s may be. It may be the absence of a loved one, a lack of the basic necessities, or feelings of inadequacy in providing for those around them. Whatever the cause, it is the duty of every Christian to share the meaning of Christmas.

What is that meaning? It is hope.

Jesus came into this world to bring light to the darkness, to drive away emptiness and fear and replace them with the promise of a brighter day. During the commercialized Christmas holiday, so much emphasis is placed on material things that spiritual and emotional concerns seem to go unnoticed. This should not be the case. At all times of the year, especially at Christmas, we should pay special care to those in need.

This requires that we have an open heart and open eyes, and sometimes a closed mouth. We get so caught up in our plans and schedules and lists that we push the needs of others to the side. We have every good intention of “getting back to them” as soon as we find a more convenient time. Still, our good intentions do not go far in bringing comfort to that one who needs it most.

I encourage you during this special time of year to take a moment to offer a word of encouragement to someone. It doesn’t have to be through a Christmas card or an ornately-wrapped gift. It can be through a phone call, perhaps just saying, “I’m thinking about you, and want you to know that the I and the Lord are here for you.”

Many speak of a sense of loneliness at this time of year, a time when you go to the stores and are surrounded by more people than at any other season. The reason is that we tend to draw into ourselves. But the Christmas message, the true Christmas spirit, is about giving, sharing, and offering hope to those who least expect or even deserve it. Christ came unto His own, and they did not receive Him. His own family, His own people denied Him. We may be guilty of the same attitudes toward our fellow man; those who need us the most are shunned and ignored.

Let us therefore resolve to give a little more of ourselves this Christmas season. There is still good in the world, there is still hope to be found in Christ. People are searching for that peace and grace and hope. Let us show them the way toward it. Give the gift of Jesus this Christmas season, and throughout the year. We sing of that “Silent Night” so long ago, but silence is the last thing we need right now. Share your faith, give the gift that was given to you, the gift of Christ, and learn what Christmas is truly all about.

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by leaving a comment (with your request) which will be forwarded to Chris Keeton. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

New Schedule and Structure

There needs to be a balance of spontaneity and structure, in all areas of life. Time management is probably one of the most difficult things we have to juggle in the ever-increasing hectic-ness of existence. Just when you think you couldn’t be pulled in any more directions, you find out otherwise. I know personally that reaching the end of the day and knowing that you got everything done you wanted to do is usually a rarity rather than a common occurrence.

So, I am attempting some schedule restructuring of my own, in a hopefully realistic attempt to balance my job, my family (and the responsibilities commensurate with each), my hobbies, my writing, and my own spiritual health.

How does this concern you, the reader here at Soulscape? Well, I want to share with you my planned schedule for future postings. Those of you who are frequently here (or who know me personally) are aware that I am not usually described as ‘brief.’ So when I write blog entries for Soulscape, I am usually involved for an extended period of time. With my current schedule, I don’t usually have that kind of time, but with my new plan, I should have several opportunities to write.

Many of you have said that these entries have helped you in some way, and I feel a great desire (or even need) to continue in this path of writing. So, I have decided to aim for at least three new entries per week. If this doesn’t work, I will amend the schedule, but for the moment, here’s what I hope to do:

MONDAY – “Freestyle.” For these entries, I will take whatever topic of
interest I feel led to comment about, whether it be current events, what I’m
feeling at the moment, topics addressed in church the previous day,
whatever.

TUESDAY – “Targeted Study.” Tuesdays will be
dedicated to a particular Bible Study. It will more than likely be an
extended series on a particular book, chapter, or general topic. Someone
recently suggested a study on Ecclesiastes, so Tuesdays will be set aside to
discuss this book. Once this study is completed, a new subject will be
chosen.

THURSDAY – “Phelps Board Studies.” My plan for each
Thursday is to take one of the Daily Bible Study Scripture selections from the
David Phelps Message Board and do an extended entry for it. I will go back
through the previous seven days of topics and choose one of those topics to talk
about.

I cannot presently say with certainty by what time of day these entries will be posted, but they will hopefully be posted (fingers crossed!) by early afternoon. Please bear with me as I try to work things out and get things regulated efficiently.

My prayer is that this new schedule, starting this Monday, will help me get closer to the Lord through understanding, study and prayer; that it will be an encouraging and fun source of inspiration to you, the reader; and that this one blog among millions will bring the glory to God He deserves. See you Monday!

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by leaving a comment (with your request) which will be forwarded to Chris Keeton. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

"Christmas with David Phelps" Concert Review

The day started like any other: tired feet hitting the cold hardwood floor, jarring me awake somewhat quicker than I’d like. Stumbling down the hallway, I listened to the sweet, beckoning sound of liquid, any liquid, coming from my refrigerator. Milk, water, it didn’t matter. As the sun poured into the kitchen, its beams fell upon the same thing it does every morning: a large poster of David Phelps.

Yes, Christmas is upon us, and today is the day he finally comes to Ashland, Kentucky. Looking toward my watch, I wanted to see how many hours I had until I would have the honor of being on the same stage as the Emcee for the evening. Unfortunately, my watch still lay, tick, tick, ticking on my bedside table.

No matter, I thought to myself. Might as well start getting ready for the big night. Whenever David Phelps is within "a country mile" of Ashland, things get a bit hectic around the Keeton household. I began praying that the concert would touch hearts and encourage those who needed it most. I prayed that the Lord would keep at bay the chronic stomach problems that seem to plague me whenever I expect it least (which were held off until the end of the show, which I praise the Lord for!). I prayed for the safety of all those who would travel to our fair city to hear the music of such talented and blessed artists.

And then, I prayed for my son. David (yes, we named him after Mr. Phelps) is a three-year-old bundle of love, energy, and outright terror when it comes to those moments when you absolutely do NOT want a crazed toddler running amok. Please Lord, I prayed, just keep him calm for those few hours.

With everything taken care of in the prayer area, I went about my day, getting things done that needed attention, and mentally preparing for the spotlight now just hours away (I’ll talk more about the spotlight a bit later).

My grandmother had wanted to attend the concert, but didn’t know until Sunday evening that she already had a ticket and would get to go after all. When I handed her the ticket after church on Sunday, she said, "I’m so excited I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight." I don’t know how her slumber was, but a couple of hours before time to leave, she began getting ready, repeatedly asking, "Now what time are we leaving?"

Suit pressed, tie straight, every hair in place, child calm and jacketed, the family finally began the arduous journey to the Paramount Arts Center, a full four minute drive. After parking the car, we made our way to the main doors, the lobby of the Paramount already packed to the bursting point with anxious fans awaiting the festivities to begin.

Being the Emcee has its advantages, so we made our way through another entrance and on into the beautiful and historic theater. Having lived in Ashland my entire life (thus far, anyway), I have attended events at the Paramount numerous times, sitting in every section there is. Tonight, however would be different. We were privileged to be seated in front of the front row, at the "Sponsors Tables," mere inches from the stage.

With final preparations made, scripts in hand, I made my way backstage to await the big moment, nervous only about embarrassing my family and church congregation who were in attendance, although that would be just an added bonus. Standing in the wings of the stage, the artists began making their way out of their dressing rooms and readying themselves for the concert to start. I had very pleasant conversations with the members of the group Anthem Avenue as well as Daren Streblow. They, and David, were getting their microphones and packs all ready, making sure the batteries were fresh, their voices warmed up. Then, the moment arrived. It was time to start the show.

I walked out on stage, removed the microphone from the stand, moved to face the near-sold-out theater, and the spotlight turned on. "Good evening!" I said, welcoming everyone to the concert. However, my retinas were melted by the brightness of the follow-spot. I’ve been on stage many times for my own music performances, for theater projects, and various other reasons, but never have I received a tan from the spotlight.

I now know why deer have that look when headlights hit them. They have no ability to squint. I was doing plenty of that, but much to my dismay, it didn’t matter. Holding my script down, the light was too bright to see anything, including my prime seat just a few feet away. Holding the script up just a bit, and the paper became translucent, the words just appearing as dark smudges on a glowing page. I’ve never seen firsthand the effects of radioactivity, but I’d almost guarantee that a Geiger counter would have picked up something from the pages in my hand.

At this moment, I wished I had read the scripts a little closer, because now I had to wing it. Fortunately, I think I faked my way through it well enough not to be noticed too much. After leading the crowd in prayer, I welcomed Anthem Avenue to the stage, my work for the evening complete. Walking around behind all the stage accouterments I made my way back to my seat, picking up my camera to get some photos of the concert. (Anthem Avenue, I might add, is a terrific group, and I encourage everyone to pick up their new album the day it enters the stores.)

Then after a little while, David Phelps comes on stage, and as they say, "The crowd goes wild." Applause and cheers fill the air, mingled with the voice everyone came to hear. There was an almost electric atmosphere, perhaps caused by the spotlight, but nevertheless, it was great. Being so close to the stage afforded me the opportunity to get some terrific shots of the concert. During one of the "talking breaks," however, I noticed in the viewfinder of my digital camera a somewhat stern look from Mr. Phelps, accompanied by an ominous, eerie silence. Out of reflex, I slammed my camera down, unaware of the transgression which warranted what my wife referred to as the "evil eye." After the concert, I realized that my digital camera looks menacingly like a video camera, and I myself had just a few minutes before told the audience to refrain from using video or flash photography. So, I’m guessing that was what was going on.

With no video taken, and with the flash effectively disabled, the concert continued, as did my photo-taking and musical enjoyment. As usual, David Phelps performed magnificently, singing some of our favorites, unleashing some new songs, and having a great time. There were moments of great appreciation and emotion which brought about several standing ovations and great roars of applause and praise to the Lord.

As the lights came up for halftime (intermission for those of you who require a bit more class), several members of the Message Board members from davidphelps.com came up to the front of the stage and we had a great time together. Being able to put faces and voices to the names so familiar to many of us was one of the best events of the evening. Many kind words were spoken, hugs exchanged, and photos taken to remember the event. It was both a pleasure and an honor to meet these wonderful people, and feel as though I was among friends I’d known for years. My prayer is for continued blessings for each of you I met, and that we continue to be friends, even if it is only through the world of cyberspace.

During the second half of the concert, David asked all the children in the audience to join him and his own children on stage (David’s children themselves performed to the delight of the audience), for a performance of "Santa Claus, Get Well Soon," a great and hysterical song for those who have never heard it. My three-year-old, previously described, had actually fallen asleep during the first part of the show. As he joined his friend (Olegoat’s son, for those of you on the Phelps message boards) and climbed the steps to the stage, I turned to my wife and said, "He’s going to run. I just know it." Having burst forth with what I call "Toddler ‘Tude," the attitude that any parent is powerless to stop when a tired child gets that exhaustion-induced, sugar-like high, I figured it would be my son who made a scene. (The previous year at my sister-in-law’s high school, during a serious speech by a local celebrity, the speaker said, "What can I do for you," and my son yelled, "NOTHING!" causing the crowd to loose it and thus becoming a legend at a high school in a different state. That’s my boy.)

At the conclusion of the song, the kids returned to their parents, relieved no doubt that no scene was caused. The audience sang along as the concert continued, they listened to more of the comedy of Daren Streblow and the music of Anthem Avenue, David Phelps, et al. At the end of a remarkable evening, after giving his best once again after an already grueling tour schedule, the audience stood and cheered until he returned to the stage to do an encore of "End of the Beginning," which again got the audience going. My son was entertaining some of the performers on the stage with his own exuberant cheering during the song. Then, the evening was over . . . except for the crowd in the lobby.

As usual, the throngs of people waiting to purchase merchandise and get a quick picture with David were as thick as a preacher’s convention at a fried chicken buffet line. And as always, David was gracious enough to sign autographs and speak to the fans, no matter how tired he must be after days on the road and a performance where it is apparent he gave it everything he had. With his wife Lori at his side, making sure everyone was taken care of, the evening came to a close much as it had began, with the thrill of knowing that this concert experience was about more than great music and talent, but about experiencing the Lord’s presence in a powerful and personal way. David has been truly blessed, and he has chosen to use that gift to praise the One who gave it, and if nothing else is apparent, the Lord’s hand can clearly be seen.

Talking with the members of Anthem Avenue one more time before we exited the building, we finally made our way outside, Winchester Avenue (no relation) now in front of us. We walked to the parking lot, got everyone strapped in to their proper seats, and then it was back home again. Months of anticipation, waiting for this magical night, and for me looking forward to sharing the same stage with a man I admire as much as David Phelps (if only for a brief moment), were now at an end, replaced now with two things: the euphoria of being part of all the events of the evening, and looking to the future, asking the question, "When will David Phelps once again bless us here in Ashland?" It may be a while before he comes back, but he is always welcome.

Thank you Anthem Avenue, Daren, David, and all the folks who make sure these shows work the way they’re supposed to work. May God continue to use them all to bring glory to Him, and to touch those who need it most with their talents, their love for their fans, and their love for the Lord. If you ever get the chance, even once, I encourage you to see David Phelps live in concert (and that goes for seeing Anthem Avenue and Daren Streblow, too!). You will be glad you did.

Check out some of the photos taken during the show. I hope you enjoy them. Just visit this link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/pastor.chris.keeton/DavidPhelpsAshlandChristmas2006


© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by leaving a comment (with your request) which will be forwarded to Chris Keeton. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

Holding On For Dear Life

Hebrews 10:23-25

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Pastors use Hebrews 10:25 as their primary Scriptural reference for faithful church attendance, and rightly so. But too often the preceding verses are overlooked. These verses provide great insight into what faith and the Church are about, and explain the reason why we should not forsake the assembling together.

No matter what we have to face, no matter how dire or bleak, there is nothing at all that can overcome our faith. If we continue to hold fast to the Lord, He will be faithful to us, strengthening us to “keep on keeping on.” Sometimes it seems like we’re about ready to fall, that our feet our sliding out from under us, and we are tempted to turn loose. Some days it seems like we just don’t have what it takes to be a Christian, and wonder why we should even tell someone else about a faith in which we ourselves are struggling. But we need not waver, not because we are strong and faithful, but because the God who promised to be with us and give us sufficient grace is faithful.

What assists us when we begin to slip and slide through life? The Church. God’s Church, the body of Christ, is there to help us with moral, spiritual and physical help when we need it most. Notice that in verse 24, the Lord gives us the purpose of our assemblage (which is discussed in verse 25). Our purpose in the Church and the Lord’s Work is to consider one another. When we do this, our motivation and the ultimate result should be to stir up love and good works.

Much damage has been done to the kingdom of God and to the witness and testimony of many believers because they do not heed this verse. Oh sure, they do plenty of stirring up, but usually it has more to do with stirring up trouble. Through gossip, envy, pride, anger, and a host of other things being stirred up, the work of the Lord suffers greatly.

Now is the time that we should stop to consider others instead of ourselves. Is our presence in the congregation and our place in the work of God serving to stir up love and good works within ourselves and those around us? Are we edifying, or building up the body of Christ; or are we doing more to tear it down? Are we really showing love through more than just a word, a handshake or a hug, but with our heart? Can people really see Christ in us? If we are not considering one another, and thus stirring love and good works, then the answer is a resounding NO!

But this consideration must also include a faithfulness to gather together with other believers. Since our purpose is to consider one another and inspire love and good works within ourselves and others, the congregation of God’s people must not be forsaken. Every day we draw closer to our own meeting with the Lord, whether Christ returns or we reach the end of our own life. Knowing that we are one day closer should inspire us to work that much harder for God, doing what we can to make a difference.

You don’t have to be a preacher, a teacher, a committee member or anything like that. But you can make a difference. You may be the conduit through which God touches the life of someone else. Maybe it’s through a word of encouragement, a card, or a shoulder to cry on. It might simply be you looking at someone else and saying, “It’s so good to see you,” or “I love you,” which will stir up that person’s own love and good works for God.

We have a mutual responsibility to God, but we also have a mutual responsibility to one another. Our relationship to God is ultimately our own decision and our own responsibility, so we should hold fast to the confession of our faith (for our benefit and for our testimony to others). We can do this because God is on our side, and is faithful to be with us through everything we have to face.

But we should also remember that we might be the key to someone else’s decisions. Our influence can either inspire or discourage them in their decision-making process. If a person is on the fence, trying to make a life-altering decision, trying to avoid a temptation or wondering if they should accept Christ as their Savior, our own life and decisions may nudge them in one direction or the other. If it is the right way, we will share in the glory. If it’s the wrong way, we will share in the consequences. This is why it’s imperative that we stir up love and good works.

And our very presence one with another is essential. I mean, we can’t really help if we’re not there for one another. If you are ever tempted with the though that you don’t matter, that no one cares and no one would notice if you were present or absent, remember that just by being there, faithfully filling your place, you might just be the answer some people are needing that certain something you alone can provide. Time is running short, Friend, so we must never fail to be faithful. If you will honor these verses with your commitment, not just your words, then you will discover a magnificence of God in your life that you never knew was possible.

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by leaving a comment (with your request) which will be forwarded to Chris Keeton. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

I Welcome Myself Back, At Least Briefly

So, I wanted to let everyone know that, yes, I’m still here, and yes, I’m still quite busy. As many of you experience, as the year nears its close, things tend to get more hectic. Such is the case with me. It doesn’t help that yesterday my back went out (without me or my consent, I might add), and left me with the pain involved with that. But, I’m making it.

With the vast number of things requiring my attention over the next few weeks, I again don’t know when I’ll be able to come back to the blog with regular entries. For this, I apologize, not only because of the great disappointment to my loyal readers (I pause for the laughter to subside), but because I enjoy writing so much. In an effort to keep my hand in, so to speak, I will make a very short entry for today.

Last night, as I was getting ready for bed, perhaps in a pain-medication-induced stupor, I was thinking about all the different topics on which I’d like to preach, all the different Bible studies I would like to dive into, and I suddenly realized that there just simply might not be enough time left to do it all.

We never know about tomorrow, but if you just look at averages alone (again, there are no guarantees), I have 40-50 more years left to get things done. While you might say, “Well, that’s a long, long time and lots of topics on which to prepare messages.” Well, in that moment, it didn’t seem like that long.

I guess that’s why preaching is so important to me. A week or so ago I was quite sick at the beginning of a Sunday evening service, but I was determined to preach. I felt the Lord wanted me to, and I knew He’d give me the strength and grace to make it, or would stop me in my tracks. Needless to say, I preached that evening, and am glad I didn’t give into the pain or sickness, but trusted in God to see me through.

This blog is another outlet for me to share my thoughts and feelings, to expound on Scripture, and just offer my assistance to those studying God’s Word, and helping me analyze my own beliefs and reinforce my own studies. So, my intent is to do as much for the Lord as I can, while I can. I know this is what God wants, but it’s what I want to do, too.

Having just preached the funeral of our 58th church member to pass away in the last 19 years, I am forced to ask: as the faithful leave us, who will take their place? We all need to pick up the pace, take up the slack, and number our days so that we take advantage of every opportunity to serve the Lord and advance His work. Even if you don’t make a world-wide impact, you can make all the difference in the world in the lives of those around you.

Be thankful for every moment, even when those moments are painful, and place your trust in the Lord. Ask what He would have you do, then be determined and committed to doing it. No matter how long we have left, it’s not much, especially compared to eternity. And no matter how busy you might get, never get too busy to serve the Lord who has done so much for you.

Until we meet again, may God bless you and yours. Hopefully my next entry won’t be too far in the future. I hope to post an account (as well as Scriptural observations and applications) from Thanksgiving festivities over the next week, an upcoming concert experience, annual church business, Christmas cantata, and all that stuff. Hope you’ll join me then!

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by leaving a comment (with your request) which will be forwarded to Chris Keeton. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

Anti-trust (No, Not That Kind...Read On)

Call me stupid. Call me crazy. Just don’t call me late for supper. And don’t send me e-mail!

Perhaps it was naïveté, just too trusting, but I made a mistake. In an effort to keep in closer touch with you, the reader, I posted my e-mail address at the end of every posting. Because of this, I have begun to receive a large amount of spam. It’s usually the same thing: something like a photocopied stock tip or something, but I’ve received about 20 of the messages over the last couple of days.

This has forced me to delete my old e-mail account for this blog. Most of the people who read this particular blog know my primary e-mail address and use it, but unfortunately, I will no longer receive messages at my old address.

Should you care to contact me, you may leave a comment with your e-mail address, and I will send you a message. I moderate all comments, so your own e-mail address will not be posted in any way on my blog or in my comments. I will be sure to delete any messages with personal e-mail addresses in them.

As for a regular entry, I hope to post a new one within the next week. I am currently involved in a few other outside projects which require my attention. As the year is coming quickly to a close, church issues demand my attention, in addition to the regular issues pastors face, as well as other writings and sermon preparations.

So, the next couple of weeks are up in the air for Soulscape. But rest assured if I am unable to post in the near future, I have NOT abandoned the blog! In the words of General Douglas MacArthur, or better yet, the words of the Lord, “I shall return!”

Lord willing! ;-)

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by leaving a comment (with your request) which will be forwarded to Chris Keeton. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

Sing a New Song

Ephesians 5:19-20

speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Have you ever noticed that it is almost impossible to sing when you’re in a bad mood? I’m not talking about singing along with a lot of what the world calls “music” these days, nor am I speaking about “singing the blues.” For the most part, when you sing with normal, everyday songs, especially church songs, you begin to feel better.

There is great truth in that fact, and great truth and joy in the verses above. Paul gives us not only sound spiritual advice, but the Lord speaks directly through these words in order to help us keep our lives in good working order.

All one has to do, especially during this particular time of this year, is turn on the television, and find that political ads reign supreme. As of this writing, the “mid-term” elections are about two weeks away, and at this very moment, a political ad is playing on my own television. With each passing day, the ads grow more and more negative. No longer is a campaign about issues or what is best for a district or the nation. It’s about whose character isn’t as ruined as the other candidate’s character.

Years ago, I wrote something down in the back of my Bible: When it comes to mudslinging, not only does the victim get dirty, but so does the one doing the throwing. No one wins in this type of campaign; the candidates of both sides, and the voters themselves, suffer the results. In a recent message, I said that in churches, some people will say, “We need to elect so-and-so to some office, because they’re mad that they’re not already on the committee, and if we don’t elect them, they’ll leave.” And my response to that was, “If that’s their attitude, do you really want that kind of person leading your church?”

Attitude is everything, and the verses above address that very issue. There is a two-fold meaning in the verses, the first being a personal attitude/relationship with the Lord, and the second being the attitude/relationship of others to the Lord.

As I mentioned at the onset of this entry, it’s nearly impossible to stay in a bad mood when you begin singing. By reflecting on the music of the Lord, and by the melody within your own heart, you begin to feel a lift, and in seeing past the moment or pain or despair you find you can truly give thanks to the Lord for all He does. You see, it’s difficult to be a help to others if you yourself are in need of help. And the Christian life is more than just about you; it’s about others.

The Lord therefore, through the pen of Paul, encourages us to speak to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, and using the melody of our life to help encourage others. Again, think of those political ads. Does anyone feel better after seeing one of those ads? Does anyone feel more patriotic or enthused about voting or about the democratic process? How many minds are really changed by seeing such negativity? The same rings true for the Christian walk.

There is no shortage of negative thoughts and feelings in the world today, and there is one remedy: the good things of God. The Christian is the representative of the Lord to the world, and as His representative, we have a responsibility to show Him, to truly be “Christ-like.”

Negative and positive cannot exist in the same place, as one cancels the other. Therefore, when we have negative feelings or thoughts about another person (as we sometimes do as human beings, whether they are co-workers, family members, or fellow church-goers), we should give thanks to the Lord for what He has done for us. We should see those people as an opportunity for God to bless them and us by teaching us what it means to be a child of the King.

And the real beauty? You don’t have to be able to carry a tune in a five-gallon bucket in order to fulfill this directive from the Lord. Music, the tunes and notes we hear, are certainly beautiful, but it’s the words that give the meaning. For instance, if someone begins to hum the tune to Amazing Grace, you recognize the melody, but you mind is taken back to the words. Without those familiar and truth-filled words, the music becomes just another song in a world overflowing with songs.

When you approach others with the right spirit and attitude, you not only help and encourage them, you are also living where the Lord wants you to be, and your own relationship to Him is strengthened. By making this spiritual music to one another, we are, in fact, making a beautiful melody to the Lord. As you focus on our Savior, praising Him and serving Him by your attitude toward others, the words of another song become our reality:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

So don’t be afraid to sing your song to the Lord. Let your words be at all times seasoned with the grace of God. Be that source of inspiration, hope and love that those around you so desperately need. And in the process, you yourself will find the face of God smiling down on you. Then you’ll truly have something to sing about.

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by writing to soulscape@alltel.net. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

Some Vacation Down Time

I don’t know if I’m the only one who thinks this way, but I believe that a six-day trip/vacation is only three days. Day One and Day Six are spent in travel, in our case it’s driving, and it’s eight hours with stops along the way. That’s okay, I don’t mind the traveling, but having those four days in between is wonderful.

The real problem is that there’s so much to see and do. As for this trip, there were several Civil War historical sites, Washington, DC, sightseeing, and many other options. And among those just listed, there are countless choices. For instance, it is impossible to really see even one site in the capital. This trip, we visited the Natural History museum and Ford’s Theater. The other museums, monuments, and other choices just had to be put off.

Within a few miles of our Bed & Breakfast there are five different battlefields. We were only able to visit one. This evening, we had planned on visiting a little restaurant we found last year. We pulled into the parking lot, walked to the door, and saw a “For Sale” sign. Sometimes the best of plans just don’t work out.

But today was just what I’d call a “relaxing” day. I went out for about an hour, perused a local museum/shop, then came back and took a nap. The weather was slightly cool, in the mid-60s, with overcast skies. Today was the day with no schedules, no timetables or anything else. It was just a pulling together of all the fraying strands of everyday life and bringing them back into a somewhat stronger and rested rope. That probably didn’t make sense, but it’s kind of late as I write this.

At my church’s Wednesday evening Bible study, I have for several months been taking a look at the Snapshots of Mark, pictures of Jesus that Mark gives to us concerning who and what Jesus was, and how we can apply it to our own lives. In a recent study, we looked at Jesus as fully human, as was His disciples, and that they were at the point of exhaustion. Jesus knew this, and knew His disciples (and He Himself) were in need of some rest. That is something a pastor knows first-hand.

I’ve found it difficult to leave my congregation for an extended length of time, even just a week, because I love the people and the job so much. But one of my congregants said something to me a couple of years ago. She said, “How can you take care of us if you can’t take care of yourself?” She was saying that if I kept going without some time to rest my mind, spirit and body, I wouldn’t be much good to anyone. That was a good point, and made it easier to take a vacation.

We’ll be back on the road tomorrow, after a final breakfast at La Vista Plantation, headed toward the familiar sights and sounds of home. It will be good to be back, but I will miss this time. Still, I’m glad I was able to spend some quality time with my family, visiting some sites that were important to me, and get some rest.

But what it best about this trip is that I feel that I have grown closer to the Lord. He has helped me in the ways that I needed help, He has spoken the words to me that I needed to hear both for comfort and guidance. And through this trip, He has helped me to grow in my knowledge of the Scriptures.

If it is the Lord’s will, perhaps we will visit here once again in the spring, and bring some friends or family with us. For now, though, it’s one more night in our “home away from home” in the beautiful countryside of Virginia, and prayers for a safe journey ahead. I would encourage you to take some time, whether it’s a week, a day, or just an hour, and spend it with the Lord. Read a little of His Word, take a walk away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, enjoy the scenes of God’s creation, and just turn your mind and heart toward Him. I assure you that you’ll be glad you did.

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by writing to soulscape@alltel.net. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

The Last Full Measure

This day, Day Four of the vacation, was perhaps the most relaxing and most thought-provoking. As anticipated, my family and I spent some quality time perusing what remains of the Fredericksburg battlefield, most of which is composed of a couple of acres of still-empty battlefield space and a National Cemetery on the high ground, Marye’s Heights.

It might seem strange for a man to take his wife and three-year-old son to a battlefield and cemetery, but any history ‘nuts’ out there will certainly understand. The open spaces allowed my son to burn off some excess energy by running and playing, giving him the freedom to roam while allowing us parents to watch at a safe distance.

As I said in yesterday’s entry, there are places in our country that are indeed hallowed ground. The land we visited today, while showing little or no scars of the carnage and devastation of nearly 144 years ago, there is still enough there to cause the heart to ache at the senseless loss. Thousands gave their lives for their cause, on both sides, and the soil still holds the blood of the brave brothers who faced one another with the hope that they would never have to do this again.

Each time I have been behind the Stone Wall, have walked the Sunken Road, my eyes fill with tears at the absurd attack by the North, and the perfectly impregnable defenses of the South. But the real emotion came on the heights above. You see, the current city of Fredericksburg grew up on the very sites of battle; quiet streets, modest homes and various businesses occupy the once empty fields of horror. The reminder of what really happened now lies behind and above the Stone Wall.

Thousands of dead soldiers, mostly Union men, are now interred in the Fredericksburg National Military Cemetery, along with soldiers of other eras. Row upon row of small marble blocks dot the top of the hill and the tiered slopes of the cemetery where once brother fought brother to a bitter and bloody end. A name here, a larger monument there, but many of the 7,000 markers simply have a number.

Allow me to correct that: there is a series of numbers, and below that another number. For example, the top number may say something like “3462” on top, and just below, the number “7.” The top number indicates the grave site. The bottom number indicates the number of bodies laid to rest in that one plot, “known but to God.”

In many battles of the Civil War, soldiers would write their names on pieces of paper and pin them to their uniform, so that after the battle, their body could be identified. How many families were simply notified that their father, son, husband or brother gallantly and bravely died in service to their country, never to be certain where the remains of their loved one were placed. And what of those men who somehow knew they would not return to their camp after the battle, and may never be identified?

As my son walked through the little headstones, I looked out on what remained of the battlefield, which Confederate artillery commander Col. Edward Porter Alexander described by saying, “A chicken couldn’t live on that field,” and looked around me at the human cost, reduced to 6x6, numbered marble stones. These men truly did give their “last full measure of devotion,” as Lincoln called it, because many of them not only gave their lives, but they gave their identity, they gave their name.

How many of those souls had placed their trust in the Lord? How many entered Heaven’s gates at the end of a musket, the small lead ball or the blast of a cannon ushering them into eternity? How many left this world only to face a horror unlike anything they’d ever faced in battle?

Five months after the battle of Fredericksburg, another battle took place, just down the road a few miles, at a place called Chancellorsville. One of the men who lost his life at this battle was perhaps the most talented and important soldier of the war, for either side: Lieutenant General Thomas Jonathan Jackson, known to history as “Stonewall” Jackson. Accidentally shot by his own men, Jackson died of pneumonia a week later, on May 10th, 1863. He was carried from the battlefield by ambulance, a wagon pulled through the countryside on dirt paths, across plantation fields to a field hospital several miles from the front. That road passes in front of the house from where I write this very entry: Guinea Station Road.

Just a few miles down the road is the Stonewall Jackson Shrine, a small, white plantation office house where General Jackson was to recuperate after the amputation of his left arm from battle wounds. The main house, owned by the Chandler family, sat just a few yards away (this house has been gone for several decades), and it was in this home, and around the property, that thousands of men prayed for Jackson’s recovery.

Jackson was a devout man, one who believed that no matter what happened to him, he was in the hands of God. It was on a Sunday that as the general lay in the small room, gasping for air, in the delirium of impending death, that he spoke his final words: “Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees.” Then, it was over. The only sound was the deafening silence, harshly punctuated by the one-second rhythm of a clock sitting on the mantle.

Today, I stood in the room, looking at the very bed on which Jackson died, seeing the same blankets, the chair and couch, the small table, the sun shining through the window and filling the room with light. And on that mantle was the same clock, diligently wound and ticking, reverberating like a blacksmith’s hammer on a hard, cold anvil. Although it has been 143 years and 5 months to the day since that bright spring Sunday, the weight of that day still lay heavily in the room.

I could almost hear the gentle footsteps as the family, doctors and staff left the small white building, the sobs of battle-hardened veterans mourning the loss of their leader, and the high wail of the Rebel yell given in salute to their fallen hero. But in this sadness still tangible these many years hence, there was also a feeling of peace and joy. I believe this feeling comes from the fact that in his last moment of earthly life, Jackson left the testimony of a true believer.

We look back with 20/20 hindsight, judging the men and the motives by modern sensibilities and social norms. We say, “The South was for slavery and for disunion, therefore they must all have been evil, Godless people.” But I believe President Lincoln said it best in his second inaugural address: “…with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who has borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.”

Jackson, and so many others on both sides, did the best they could do with what they believed as the right cause. Most who fought for the South did not own slaves; many, like Jackson and Lee, wanted freedom for the slaves, and were fighting for one simple cause: the protection of their home. Many in the North fought to free the slaves, while others also were fighting for their home. The difference? For many in the South, their home was their state, and in the North, their home was their country, the United States of America. I believe the “Cause” of the South was wrong, but one cannot deny their bravery and valor; and ultimately, they were still Americans.

We today still fight for causes. Some of us fight for our country in the armed services; others fight ideologically by standing for the right, as God gives us to see the right. By seeking the Lord’s way in life, with Christ as our Savior and Lord, and living with a clear conscience before Him, we are not so much different from those who gave their lives upon the hallowed grounds upon which I walked today. In the end, we must do what we feel God leads us to do. Then one day, we will face our own earthly end, and if we are holding to the hand of Jesus, we, too, will cross over the river, and rest beneath the shade of the trees. What a day that will be!

And when I think of sacrifice, I cannot help but think of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for us. When He lay down the glory of heaven and wrapped Himself in a body of flesh like yours and mine, then went that cross for our sin, my heart breaks, while simultaneously leaping for joy. On that cross, separated from the Father because of the sins of man, because of my sin, He gave up everything for me. He gave His last full measure of devotion to us all. “Father, forgive them.” That forgiveness belongs to us all, if we accept it, and I praise God that His forgiveness is mine.

Also in his Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln gave lasting words for America and the world, and if I may be so bold (and with apologies to Mr. Lincoln), I wish to adapt that eloquent speech to fit this spiritual application and to close this entry:

Nearly one hundred score years ago, our Father brought forth into this world a new hope, conceived in faith, and dedicated to the proposition that the souls of all men might be free. Now, each day we are engaged in a great spiritual war, testing whether that salvation and truth, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. Our hearts are the great battlefield of that war. We pray this day to dedicate our hearts as a memorial to the One who gave His life so that we might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But in one sense, we cannot dedicate, consecrate, or hallow ourselves. It was that Loving and Kind Savior who lived and died for us that enables us to dedicate our lives to His purpose, far beyond our own power to add or detract from it. The world may little note nor long remember us and what we do here in our time on earth, but it can never forget what He did there on the cross of Calvary. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated to the unfinished work of spreading the Gospel, which He called for us to nobly advance. It is rather for us to here be dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from His death and resurrection we take increased devotion to that cause for which He gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here and forever highly resolve that He shall not have died in vain, that this Church, founded upon His blood, shall have a new birth of courage and freedom, and that our great eternal hope, of the Lord, by the Lord, and for the Lord, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by writing to soulscape@alltel.net. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

More Than Just History

As I have alluded in prior posts, I have had chronic stomach problems for over twenty years, and recently I was prescribed medicine to help with it. Still, I have had some difficulties in that area, though not nearly as severe. About twenty minutes into the trip on Day One, we stopped at a rest area (my son is still trying to get the potty training down, so when he says he has to go, we stop ASAP!). My stomach had been bothering me, so I began to pray, claiming the victory of healing through the love and power of Christ.

As we left the rest area just a dozen miles from home, my wife said, “David was praying for your tummy to be better.” And, not surprisingly, it has been better for the whole trip. Thanks be to God.

So, Day Three began with a French toast breakfast and the obligatory entertainment by David for our host and the other guests. After David had his bath, it was off to our nation’s capital, Washington, DC. I had never been to Washington before last year, a surprise for all who know my fanaticism with history. After getting lost a couple of times, driving around the National Mall for two hours, and being sick, the two days in Washington last year were not as enjoyable as they could have been.

I was excited to once again visit DC, this time with cooler temperatures and better health. As we approached the capital from the south on I-95 and I-395, I caught a glimpse of the Washington Monument towering over the skyline, and I got chills. So many emotions in thinking of our history! We passed the Pentagon, and those memories of that terrible day five years ago were still vivid. But we were back, this time with a map that took us directly to the underground parking garage we’d accidentally found last year. Eighteen bucks is a small price to pay for quick and close access to your vehicle, especially because of what’s on the same block: Ford’s Theater.

Ford’s Theater was where John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln on Good Friday, April 14, 1865, the president passing at 7:32 AM the next morning at the Peterson Boarding House across the street. Last year Ford’s was closed when we visited, but this time, while we didn’t get to go into the theater proper, we did get to visit the downstairs museum. There were so many artifacts and small pieces of history that I was speechless, which is no small feat for those who know me. I gained so much valuable insight that my friend’s and my pet writing project has received a wealth of information that will help us greatly.


We also visited the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, which was fascinating as well, as I have never been to such a museum before. And while we didn’t get to go to any of the monuments this time (due to the patience of a three-year-old who desperately needs a nap), I still had a pretty good time. I guess the reason is that, even though there is so much politicized division and scandal, the capital represents all that is good about America. The giants of our history saw many of the same sights, walked the same paths, shared the same dreams as the millions who visit each year.

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Looking at the Capitol dome rising majestically at the eastern end of the mall, the Washington Monument at the western end, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection as well as a reverence for the place that has truly changed the world.

But for all that Washington, DC, represents, all the many great statesmen who have made a difference, none compare to a simple carpenter from Nazareth. There are still a few places in the United States I’d like to see, and some other places around the world, what I do or do not get to see doesn’t compare to what I have already seen and experienced in my heart through faith, and what I will one day see when this life is over.

I do think I’ll wait until David is a bit older before returning to Washington again, but even if I never get to see those monuments of the history that mean so much to me, that’s okay. As great as I believe this country is, despite all the problems, I’m living for another country, looking forward to a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

There has probably never been, nor will there ever be, a president who has affected our nation more than Abraham Lincoln. But as much as he did, as much an effect he gave to the world, it cannot compare to the impact Jesus has made on the world, and in the lives of those who love Him. All of history centers upon Him, the past, present and future all pointing toward what He did for us, and what He will continue to do for us.

So Day Three of the vacation has come to a close. The wife and son are asleep, Jay Leno on the television, and my legs slowly losing feeling here on the couch. If the Lord wills, perhaps we will visit a few more, closer sites, those areas hallowed by the blood of thousands of Americans, North and South, whose struggle helped shape us into the nation we are today. I look forward to once again visiting the former fields of battle, long since quiet and peaceful, yet transporting the visitor back over 140 years to a time when our future was so uncertain. And I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you, especially how those thoughts move me toward thoughts of Jesus, without whom all of this, and all of us, are nothing.

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by writing to soulscape@alltel.net. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

The Web

**NOTE: Due to some computer issues, I was a day late in posting. My apologies. I will post one entry from my vacation per day from this point on. Also, as soon as Blogger will cooperate, I will enhance the entries with photos.**

Please bear with me at the beginning of this entry, as I detail the first couple of days of my vacation. After the first few paragraphs, I get to the point!


On the Road



David enjoying the Scenery



A chilly group of travelers


It’s always been hard for me to count the first day of vacation as “Day One,” because usually it’s spent driving some long distance. This time, it was nearly 400 miles, eight hours (if you include a few stops along the way), and finally we arrived at “our” Bed & Breakfast, La Vista Plantation in Fredericksburg, VA. This is our third time visiting this place, and after all the packing and driving and unpacking, it was nearly time for bed. Day One was in the books.

La Vista Plantation Bed & Breakfast, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Day Two, Sunday, October 8th, is another story. Today is my birthday (I’m writing this on the 8th, but it won’t be posted until I get back home later this week), and it’s the first time I’ve been away on my birthday. It is also the tenth anniversary of the passing of my grandfather. So, with my wife being out of school this week, my birthday, church homecoming next week, this was the perfect time to get away and clear my mind.

We found a church to attend this morning, and it was interesting as a pastor myself to watch another church honor their pastor. October is Pastor’s Appreciation Month, and most celebrate it today. While I was away from my own church, though, it was good to worship with more of the Family of God.

After church, we had a nice birthday lunch at the first restaurant my wife and I visited after we got married nearly six years ago. Then, it was back to La Vista for my 3-year-old’s nap. I told my wife I was going to take a walk around the grounds, to spend some time alone with the Lord, so off I went as the rest of the family began enjoying the “resting” part of the vacation.

I wandered the grounds, meandering through the “secret gardens,” little paths lined with various plants, all beneath a canopy of ancient trees. The plantation house itself sits a quarter- to half-mile away from the road, but it still within a mile or two from I-95, so there was the constant yet slight sound of traffic, inbound and outbound from Washington, DC. Nevertheless, it was tranquil enough to take me out of the stressful world for a little while.

Walking among so many trees and bushes this time of year is like running an obstacle course. The obstacles? Spider webs, those invisible strands that break with a little pressure but are strong enough to feel disgusting on your face. After destroying the good work of so many little spiders, I happened to glance to my left. From the sunlight coming from just behind and above, I saw three or four shimmering strands of yet another spider’s web. But this one was different. They were moving, pulsing in a semi-regular and rapid rhythm.

I could clearly see the anchoring strands, so I moved in very closely, and saw the small spider, about the size of a match-head. Usually I see a spider web in my path, I knock it down, move on. I see a spider in the house, I kill it and go on about my day. But this time, I did something I’ve never done before: I watched.

Granted, I’ve seen those high-speed videos on the Discovery Channel, images of lightning-fast spiders making intricate webs. This time, though, I just stood and watched. If you ever get the chance, even just once, I highly recommend it. I learned a lot about spiders today, but I also learned about the Christian life. That’s the beauty of the Lord: spend some time with Him, and He can speak to you in the most unexpected places and ways.

The little spider started in the middle, where the long strands converged. They were all connected with another strand at about a five-inch radius from the center, encircling the edge of what would become the web. And from that center, the spider began moving clockwise. It’s little legs would reach forward to grab the next long strand, would pull it closer, attach a new piece to one of what I will call the “spokes”, then moved on to the next spoke, repeating the process, lap after lap, using the previous line as a guide to place the next strand.

I noticed that the distance between the spokes was growing wider the further out the spider moved. I noted how it seemed to struggle just to reach and complete the next step. After about half the web was done (at least to my view) the spider could no longer reach the spokes. It was then that it changed directions, began moving counterclockwise, the spokes now within reach. After several more minutes, the spider had reached the outer loop; it looked complete. Then, the spider continued.

It began moving back toward the center, more laps, now filling in the spaces in between the strands it had just spent a half hour or more laying down. This time, though, as the spider moved, it tightened the web, pulling all the strands tighter and tighter, sealing the connections with sticky web, then moving on. Closer and closer to the center, the spider web, once about ten inches across, had been reduced to a compact five or six, with just millimeters in between each strand. Then, it was over. The spider had returned to the center, had placed its legs on different spokes, and waited for dinner.

Now, most people would say, “Spiders are usually considered negative little creatures,” and until today, I would have agreed. Sure, I enjoyed looking at the dew-covered webs on crisp fall mornings, but after watching this wonder of God’s nature being created, I learned a lot about how the Christian life works.

There was no way the spider could see the plans, could view the overall project, as the web was many hundreds of times larger than itself. But within the spider was the instinct of what to do, how to move, and so that’s what it did, focusing on the problem in front of it: making it to the next spoke, spinning its web, moving on. We don’t know the whole plan, which is infinitely larger than ourselves, but inside us, we know we have to keep moving, meeting each individual challenge, then move onto the next.

When the spider could no longer continue clockwise, it turned and moved another way. In this, I learned that sometimes, we realize we can’t just keep going the way we have always gone, doing things the way we’ve always done things. No matter how much we try, how much we stretch, it’s just not going to work. So we shouldn’t be afraid to turn around and move in a different direction. Remember the big plan: we can’t see it all, but we know we have to keep going. Sometimes, though, it just requires that we try a different approach.

As the spider moved back toward the center, I realized that as good as things may look, as good a job as we have done, we need to remain vigilant in our work, and tighten things up. We can always be better, we can always fill in the gaps and make life more of what God wants it to be.

And then, as the spider settled into the center of the web, I realized that we need to keep our feelings in tune with our life and the lives around us. We need to feel what kind of impact we’re making on the world around us. Our awareness includes knowing when areas of our life our damaged and need immediate attention, or when someone comes into our life and needs our help. The spider is waiting for a meal to fly into the web, but we are also being nourished through our work.

By not paying attention to the intricate latticework of our lives, we might suffer damage that can cause our life to fall apart. A person whom God sends our way, someone who can be helped by God using us in a special way, might go away from us empty because we were unaware of the opportunity, or we simply didn’t care enough to make the effort.

There was so much more the Lord showed me through this one event on Day Two of my vacation. I may have stood there for an hour or more watching this display of God’s majesty at work in one small creature, and the whole time the Lord was ministering to my soul. While there was so much more, I don’t have the words to express them. Perhaps they were just for me, just some kind of spiritual awareness that I need to meet my challenges. But I am grateful nonetheless. I look forward to what more the Lord has to show me during this time of refreshing.

Check back over the next several days, as I will be posting more of my observations from my vacation. Special thanks to the kind proprietors of La Vista Plantation, Michele and Ed Schiesser. God bless!

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by writing to soulscape@alltel.net. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.