Merry Christmas from Psalm 46

The Christmas season brings all sorts of traditions to the surface. First and foremost, we celebrate the birth of Emmanuel--God with us. As part of that birthday celebration, the living room becomes a greenhouse, lights are put up, baking gets done, gifts are exchanged, and greetings are offered. These are all good things, in moderation, of course. There is another tradition that is becoming more popular lately. This one isn't so great. This tradition comes courtesy of mental health officials and is spread by the media. What is it? It's the tradition of telling you how to cope with all the stress, anxiety, and depression that comes with the Christmas festivities and consumerism.

According to this group, there is a right way and a wrong way to deal with Christmas. In other words, there are rules to follow: 5 ways to complete your shopping today, Take it easy, Don't overspend, Make peace with your family, etc. This advise may be good and it may be well-intentioned. But, keep in mind it is coming from many of the same people who consider a Christian as mentally unstable and who want you to wish others "Happy Holidays" so as not to offend. It is incredibly ironic that their solution to the fulfillment of the Gospel is to give you more Law to follow.

Don't get me wrong; I firmly believe that real live people (maybe even you) are having real live problems during this time of year. Maybe your difficulties have been going on for a long time and December only makes it worse.

Let me give you an alternative approach to coping with Christmas, from Psalm 46. It begins,

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1 ESV)

Or as Martin Luther put it:

A mighty Fortress is our God,
A trusty Shield and Weapon;
He helps us free from every need
That hath us now o'ertaken.

Notice how God provides both protection and the ability to fight. Sometimes just curling up in His loving arms is the right thing to do. In other situations, it's time to take a stand and do the right thing. To me, one of the most comforting verses in the Psalm is verse 10:  

"Be still and know that I am God."

In this verse, God is rebuking the world for not being faithful. Jesus used the same words in Mark when he rebuked the storm, "Be still!" (Mark 4:29). To get the full impact from the Psalm, think of a booming, disembodied voice, peals of thunder, earthquake, etc.:

"BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!"

When you put it that way, the verse doesn't sound very comforting. What it does sound like is yet another rule for me to follow. I'm feeling better already!

Seriously though, when you are facing the uncertainties and stress of this time of year, finances, raising a family, etc. do you need a lecture or a refuge? Isn't it possible that God actually whispers in your ear?

"Be still and know that I am God!"

Let's break down what He's saying.

Be still - Freeze, stop fidgeting, stop wiggling, dry your tears, take a deep breath, and another
and know - Let there be no doubt. Have I ever lied to you?
that I am God - Not you, not your money, not power, not any addiction. I will provide.

He probably whispers it to you all the time:

• Watch the sunrise over Lake Tahoe: "Be still and know that I am God!"
• Visit the crowded mall near Christmas: "Be still and know that I am God!"
• Compare your checkbook to the stack of bills: "Be still and know that I am God!"
• See the baby in the manger: "Be still and know that I am God!"

Have you heard Him? Not sure? Are you listening? Really listening?

OK, try this. Whisper to yourself, right now, "Be still and know that I am God!" Say it again, louder this time. Now you know what the words sound like to your ears. And the next time you feel overwhelmed with joy or sadness, excitement or dread, you will be ready to recognize God as He whispers in your ear:

"Be still and know that I am God."

Merry Christmas from Psalm 46 and your Elder Webmaster

Stephen
Sola Gratia - Sola Fide - Sola Scriptura

7 Things I Like About Windows 7

With Christmas only a couple weeks away, it’s time I cover some of the reasons you should consider using Windows 7. If you are buying a new PC for Christmas or are wondering if you should retire Windows XP and take the upgrade plunge on your existing PC, here is a quick summary of why I like Windows 7.

1. Faster startup and shutdown – One of my computers takes several minutes to finish loading everything in Windows XP. Shutting down takes almost as long. That same system boots Windows 7 in well under a minute. Shutting down takes just a few seconds. Granted, it is important to be able to use the computer but I am a pretty impatient guy when it comes to my computer. When I decide to turn it on (or simply wake it up), I want to get busy, not wait for the computer to get it together. Same thing goes with shutting down: when I am done, I want it to go to sleep. Windows 7 is much improved on both ends.
2. Friendlier Taskbar – Hover the mouse over an application icon and you will see realtime previews. If you have several web sites open in Internet Explorer, hover the mouse, and see previews of each page. To open the one you want, just hover over it. Notice, not one mouse click.
3. Pin frequently used programs to the taskbar – When you hover over the pinned icon, you will see a “jump list” of common commands. In Microsoft Word you see the most recent documents opened, for Internet Explorer see web sites recently visited.
4. Go to the Library – In the olden days, Microsoft wanted you to save all your photos in the (My) Pictures folder. Same with music, documents, and videos. In Windows 7, Libraries allow you to save these items in a variety of folders (even shared on the network). The Libraries give you one central point to find everything. Think of this feature like the old card catalog at a real library. You don’t scan the shelves hoping to run across what you need, you start at the card catalog, get the details, and grab the item off the correct shelf. Same principle with the Windows 7 Libraries.
5. Touch and multitouch – If you’ve used an iPhone, you know what I’m talking about. Of course, you need a display that supports it, but touch is a lot of fun. Touch has been available for some time but it always felt like an add-on. With Windows 7, it is fully integrated in the operating system.
6. Improved and (finally useful) User Account Control – UAC is much less intrusive. No longer will it bug you to death with multiple, “Are you sure you want to do that?” prompts. You Windows XP users have probably heard horrer stories. UAC makes much more sense now.
7. The Device Stage – Makes it easier to seamlessly manage phones, printers, mp3 players, cameras, etc. that you connect to your computer.

So there’s my summary. Seven things I really like about Windows 7. Now for the big question: Should I upgrade my XP or Vista system?

Let’s start with Vista first:

1. If your reasonably-new Vista system came with a free upgrade to Windows 7, do it. Please back up your data and follow all the instructions included with the upgrade.
2. Assuming you do not get the free upgrade, if you are happy with the way your Vista computer works, save yourself some money and keep Vista.
3. If you are not real happy with Vista AND you see that Windows 7 solves some of your concerns, it may be worth your time & money to buy the upgrade. Back up your data.
4. Either way, don’t forget to back up your data.

Now, if you have Windows XP systems, the situation is a bit more involved:

1. Make sure your PC meets the minimum requirements. The more it exceeds those minimums, the happier you will be. Run Microsoft’s Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to check compatibility
2. Make sure you locate the installation files for all your applications (Microsoft Office, etc.).
3. With Windows XP, you cannot do a simple “upgrade” to Windows 7. You actually need to perform what Microsoft calls a custom or clean installation. This means you will:
1. Back up your files and settings. Microsoft provides a free tool called Windows Easy Transfer that will perform the backup and restoring of your personal files but not the installed applications.
2. Install Windows 7
3. Restore all your personal files
4. Re-install all your applications

NOTE: During this process, all of the data on your hard drive will be erased so you must back up all your personal files.

If you are not sure whether upgrading makes sense, ask me. Rather than buying a single license, consider buying the Windows 7 Upgrade Family Pack – upgrade 3 PCs for about $150. And then back up your data.

Stephen
Sola Gratia - Sola Fide - Sola Scriptura

Live from Tokyo, it's Thursday Morning!

So Windows 7 is out and  the air smells cleaner, the birds are chirping again, life is good. OK, life isn't good just because Microsoft has delivered another operating system. Although it does indicate that the computer industry is picking up and that is good for my employer and for me and my family. I know I said last time that I would go into more detail about Windows 7. I will. Just not right now.

As I write this, I am enjoying the Tokyo skline from my hotel room. It's a hazy day but at least the typhoon that threatened to land earlier this week fizzled out. This is the second year in a row that I have missed Reformation Sunday in Reno. At least last year I was able to attend a local Lutheran church. Interesting when you think about it: An American in Japan attending a worship service in a church started by a German Catholic priest. Is it just me or is this another example of God's great sense of humor!

I must say that I miss the fall colors here in Toyko. One of my favorite trees is the Japanese Maple with its brilliant red leaves. You'd think they would be all over the place. Well, they are. Here, that is, but still very green. Too late for the spring & summer blooms, too early for fall colors. Oh, well.

Riding the trains around town with the crowds of people rushing in all directions, I began looking at individuals wondering if they were saved. You know, you just can't tell by looking at someone. I've tried. A lot. Sure, some people wear a cross but is it a symbol of their faith or just some bling? The only way to find out is to ask. It's not complicated but it can be hard. But if a Galilean fisherman can do it, why can't you or I?

I know Saturday is Halloween (and Nevada Day to us Nevadans) but try wishing someone a Happy Reformation Day. Then use that opportunity to share the Gospel of Christ.


Stephen
Sola Gratia - Sola Fide - Sola Scriptura

If you're not using Windows, I can't help you

I know that statement has the potential to annoy 15% of you. (Roughly 15% of the visitors to the St. Luke's web site are using something other than Windows.) Believe me, I do not mean to offend you. I am trying to be honest here. You see, in my day job, I am fortunate enough to be able to work on the latest computer technology. I help define what our software products need to do to help identify and solve computer problems. Most all of my work is in Windows (with a bit of Linux and DOS thrown in) because this is where our customers are focused.

What this means is that I have a Windows-worldview. I don't even have an iPhone, it's just a simple Samsung phone (that makes and receives calls just fine, thank you very much). In the interest of full disclosure, our household does have at least one iPod. However, we universally dislike iTunes.

So anyway, in this blog I will be discussing important computing topics like:

• The need to keep your computer up-to-date (for free!)
• Backing up your files--because that hard drive will fail some day
• Protecting yourself online
• Detecting and removing viruses and malware
• Wireless networking
• Social networking (Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Parental controls

The discussions will be from a Windows perspective. Non-Windows readers will need to translate as appropriate. Now you may have all these topics figured out. Or maybe you have used your favorite search engine to solve a problem only to discover millions of opinions on the subject. Maybe you are not sure where to go for answers. Either way, let me know.

Speaking of Windows, you may have heard that Microsoft Windows 7 is slated for release October 22. I have been using it for some time and I think it is great. If you like Vista, you will love Windows 7. If you've heard (or had) horror stories related to Vista, I predict you will be very pleased with Windows 7. Some have described it as, "What Windows Vsita should have been" and I have to agree. Sure, some things are different but they make sense. I will go into more detail next time. The Elder Webmaster is here for you.

What's in a Name? Part 2

Let's face it. "Elder Webmaster" is a bit of an oxymoron. Webmasters aren't elderly. They're young, hip (they still use hip, don't they?), eco-enabled, social commentators who would rather txt or tweet than talk to someone 3 feet away. Talking is so 20th century.

Maybe I should have come up with a different name. But I was under pressure and this sounded good at the time. Looking back on it, I still like the name. It has, I hope, stickiness. It gives me some freedom to talk about things religious and things technology. Sometime both at the same time.

This month, it may interest you to know that 75% of visitors to our church's web site (http://www.stlukesreno.com/) are running Microsoft Windows. I haven't seen any visitors running Windows 7 yet but then, it won't be released to the public until October 22. Nearly 15% are using MAC OS, and 4% are using an iPhone.

Did you catch, that? I managed to seamlessly weave both religion AND technology in the same sentences! Now I'm not planning on discussing the web server logs in detail since most people are just not that interested. I am planning on starting with the basics, helping you to feel more confident in your computing. I will also point out some great resources as I run across them. Is there something you want to know more about? If so, drop me a note and I will do my best to answer.

One last thing. In some church circles, the term "webmaster" sends the wrong message. Some feel the term "webservant" is a more accurate description of the role carried out by the person responsible for a church's web site. I'm not one of those. I have used the term "webmaster" for more than a dozen years. It's a hard habit to break. Besides, it sort of gives me the illusion of power. Kind of like when I finally get the satellite dish remote control yet there is nothing on any of the 147 channels.

The Elder Webmaster. Religion and Technology. See, Lutherans can be hip (they still use hip, don't they?).

What's in a Name?

I'll admit. I still struggle with the idea that someone considers me old enough to be an Elder. Growing up, I always envisioned Elders as, well, old guys with grey beards, wearing robes, and issuing sage advice. Charlton Heston in the Ten Commandments was an Elder's Elder. Looking in the mirror, I'm not that kind of Elder. Not even close.

In Titus 1:6-9, the Apostle Paul lays out a pretty good definition of what an Elder is to be. That definition, when applied to me results in a bit of good news and bad news. Let's start with the bad news. To be honest, it's bad. Really bad. I look at Paul's list of qualifications and I don't measure up: I sometimes have a quick temper, I'm not always self-controlled, hospitable, or disciplined. That's just for starters. What was the leadership at St Luke thinking? Did anyone even read Titus before giving me the nod? For that matter, what was God thinking?

OK. Let's step back and look for some good news. First, Paul doesn't mention anything about personal grooming standards or a dress code. Check. I'm the husband of one wife and my children are believers. Check and check. I hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught so I can give instruction in sound doctrine. Now we're talking! On a related note, Sunday morning Adult Bible Study starts September 20th, 2009.

But the really good news is the Good News. I can never be good enough on my own to be an Elder. No one can. The definition Paul presented in Titus is not his own. It is is God's. God demands perfection. But, since we are incapable of perfection due to our sinful natures, He sent Perfection to us in the form of His Son Jesus. Because Jesus died on the cross, I am saved.

I am a sinner still. But, I am also a saint. I can be an Elder, too. Even if I don't feel old enough.