I finished reading Flyboys (along with two other books; reviews coming) while on my trip to England. First, I want to be clear that this book is NOT at all related to the lame movie that came out a couple of years ago featuring James Franco.
Flyboys is a follow-up book to James Bradley’s Flags of our Fathers. This second work focuses primarily on the impact of naval aviation on World War II and more specifically on the fate of several flyboys who crashed off the coast of the island of Chi Chi Jima. I have not read many military history books so I do not have much to compare this with, but I have to say it was brilliant. Flyboys takes the reader into the heart of the Pacific Theater of World War II and gives fair assessment of the heroics and failures of both sides. There were times that I was sickened by the inhumane acts that were done in the name of war. There were other times where I was never so proud to be an American and grateful to the men who paid a price that I will never have to pay.
One of the most interesting parts of the book focused on former president George H.W. Bush. I had no idea that he was shot down over the waters near Chi Chi Jima and nearly captured by the Japanese. If he had been captured he most likley would have suffered the same fate of the other flyboys on that island. The future president was rescued by an American Submarine and lived to become (in Bradley’s words) the most accomplished man alive. He was a successful businessman, congressman, head of the CIA, Vice-President, President and the father of the current president. Now that is a resume!
I really wanted to write the “proclaiming the LOVE of pentecost” post before my trip to England but I could not find the time. Oh well, this will just give it a couple of weeks to simmer. Greta and I leave later today. This will be my first time “across the pond.” I’ll see you in a couple of weeks. Hopefully, I can finish 3 of the 4 books listed in my “Books By the Bed” section. There may be a rash of book reviews when I return.
It has been a long time since a book has had a soul piercing impact on my life. Which Jesus? by Tony Campolo has had such an effect. I acquired this little book (80 pages in a 4″x6″ hardcover) through bookmooch and was immediately intrigued with Dr. Campolo’s proposition.
Typically, Campolo’s books have a similar effect on me. Most of his books are developed around separate essays on issues ranging from effectiveness of the church, politics, war, homosexuality, etc. His writings usually make me laugh, make me mad, but most importanly make me think. Which Jesus? is very different from anything I have read by him before. This book made me “feel.” I have been forced to exam my own tendency to choose between love and power.
The idea for this book was planted in his mind during his time in seminary. While discussing Pontius Pilate’s offer to the crowd of either Jesus of Nazareth or Barabbas (which interesting enough literally means “son of God”) a professor of Campolo’s questions why Barabbas’ first name is not used. It is rare throughout the Biblical text to see someone referred to only by their surname. Perhaps, as this professor suggested, Barabbas’ first name was also “Jesus,” and Pilate offers this distinction to avoid confusion among the crowd. Whether this is the case or not it is certainly a fascinating possibility.
The rest of the book goes on to juxtapose Jesus Barjoseph and Jesus Barabbas. One tried to lead a revolution through power and might in an attempt to overthrow the Roman occupation of Israel. The other led a revolution through love, to the point of willingly dying on a cross.
The book ends with what I would describe as a good old Pentecostal altar call. Campolo leaves the reader with three questions: Are you willing to allow Jesus to change you from what you are into what He wants you to be? Are you willing to commit the time required for daily infillings of the Holy Spirit? Are you willing to pay the price?
This book has sparked a ton of ideas for future posts. The first of these will deal with “proclaiming the POWER of Pentecost” versus “proclaiming the LOVE of Pentecost.” I need to let this concept simmer for a day or two. I will try to write that before I leave for England
I apologize to my three readers for the length between updates. There has been a lot to write about but very little time. But, today, the Summer of Pete officially begins! Here are some bullet points of the last two weeks and the upcoming summer:
It was great to see my friends at Renovatus Church in Charlotte. Jonathan is one of the best young pastors I have ever been around. I am really excited about what the Lord has in store for this church.
I was the best-man in my best-friend’s wedding that weekend. It is amazing to think that I have been friends with Chad for 20+ years. I wish the best for Katie and him.
I was on the verge of anger, however, when I opened my best man’s gift. Chad really manned-up with the gifts (I think I took my guys to Hooters!?!) and bought jerseys for everybody. As I looked in the bag my heart sank as I saw a NY Yankees logo. My first thought, “Seriously, does this guy know me at all?” Then, I pulled the jersey out to notice the #23 Mattingly on the back. Answer: Of course he knows me!!! Donnie Baseball was my favorite player growing up, even if he did play for the Evil Empire. I have to say it does look weird to look down and see a Yanks logo on my chest.
I am now sitting on 80 hours towards my M.Div…80!!! I just need to write that stupid thesis!
And, finally…we’re having a baby! That’s right, a third baby Zefo should be here around the end of January.
What a great weekend! On Friday night our small group from His Hands Church decided to get babysitters and see The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. I wish that I had the chance to read it before seeing the movie, but it was phenomenal. In just a couple of weeks I will get to visit the pub where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien discussed theology and philosophy. I’m becoming a fan of Narnia and cannot wait until the next installment due out in 2010.
I did have a “Dork of the Day” moment while standing in line for my tickets. I looked behind me and saw Mac Powell from Third Day. When I was a youth pastor our church hosted a Third Day and Jennifer Knapp concert. It was one of my coolest experiences in youth ministry. I got to do the welcome as the host of the show. But, I probably sounded like a bit of a groupie when I introduced myself to Mac on Friday night.
On Saturday, my other small group from His Hands Church went on our fourth cave adventure. I got a new helmet for my birthday and was excited to climb, crawl, and shimmy through Pettyjohns Cave in Lafayette, GA. We completed “the loop” which takes you through the pancake squeeze, into the Racoon Room, through the Freeway, across the Bridge Room, into some really tight spots with the Mason-Dixon passage, up the Volcano Room and back out. We were underground for about 6 hours and every muscle in my body is feeling it.
Sunday could have been the capstone of a great weekend but it fell slightly short. 5 points short to be exact. Being a Cleveland sports fan I understand that Game 7 usually means another heartbreak. The Tribe in 1997 to the Marlins, The Cavs vs. Jordan, The Tribe vs. Boston last season, and now the Cavs vs. the Celtic yesterday. It just give us Clevelanders another opportunity to chant the town’s motto: “Wait until next year.” BUT…I’m officially putting Boston on top of my hate list. Your city’s run of dominance has lasted long enough. The Sox have two World Series titles. The Pats are the dynasty of the first decade of this century. The Boston Three-Party has a chance to win the NBA Finals. That was the last straw. You have replaced New York as the city to hate. I’m looking forward to cheering for the pinstripes the next time you play.
Walter Payton, Thurman Thomas, Bo Jackson, Kirby Puckett, Nolan Ryan, Rollie Fingers, Fernandon Valenzuela, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwan…and Pete Zefo. All of these men have worn the #34 with pride. Today, I have turned 34-years-old.
It’s strange, but I have always felt a connection with this number. I used to live on 3343Walter Rd. My first phone number started 734. The first Brown’s jersey I ever wore had the number 34 on it. My tap number for my fraternity was 34. My address is now 4834. The first baseball shirt that someone else bought one of my sons (without realizing my affinity for this #) had 34 on it. Silly? Yes. Divine connection? Probably not. Interesting? Well, really only to me. But, today…this year…I am my number!
I am always hopeful on birthdays. It’s a great time for reflection and projection. 33 wasn’t bad…I could have done better in some areas, but overall a good year.
34…I’ve had this year hyped up in my mind for a long time
34…# of pounds I would like to lose this year!
34…looking forward to a new job with tremendous potential
34…it’s time!
Here are some interesting facts about the #34 CLICK
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the power of their testimonies.” Rev. 12:11
Unbelievable! My life changed forever nineteen years ago today. On an early Friday morning, around 2 a.m., I was told that my parents were dead. Depression, drug use, anger, and poor choices are some of the factors which led to their murder-suicide. I know how it sounds when I say this, but it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I was heading down a similar path before this tragedy. I made the declaration that night that my life would not turn out like theirs. Their death gave me new life.
On July 22, 2008 it will be official. I will have lived in Dixie-land longer than I lived in the North. I moved to Sevierville, TN in 1991, just prior to my senior year of high school. It took a couple of years but now I fully embrace being a southerner. I cry when I hear Elvis sing Dixie, I own a Robert E. Lee bobblehead (seriously, it’s on my book shelves), I eat sorghum with my biscuits and I know the difference between stuffing and dressing. I’m not exactly sure how I will celebrate Southern Day, but it may look something like this:
Breakfast: Biscuits and gravy; cheese grits; maybe a fried pork chop
Morning activities: Mow the lawn with no shirt on; Tire toss; take a nap in a hammock
Lunch: Fried Stuff with cheese
Afternoon activities: Go to Stone Mtn; whistle Dixie
I tried to be a Hawks fan. I even went as far as purchasing season tickets for the 2001-2002 season. Fortunately, like some other bad habits it didn’t “take” and I returned to the team of my youth when the Cavs drafted LeBron (french for the “Bron”). In fact, my pal Mike was there the night I hopped onto the LeBron-wagon. It’s okay, I can live with myself.
Jumping bandwagons was a choice I have not regretted. Not once. The Hawks and Cavs have had two very different journeys over the past five seasons. One team made it to the NBA Finals. The other team traded Pao Gasol and passed on drafting Chris Paul. It was nice to see the Hawks take the Celtics to game 7 over the weekend, but it may have only served to highlight the poor leadership decisions of GM Billy Knight. Knight has turned in his resignation. Maybe it is the beginning of a brighter day at the “Highlight Factory.” (tongue firmly in cheek!)
I miss Saturday morning cartoons. Saturday’s were a time to look forward to in the 1980’s. From the reruns of Hanna-Barbara races to the Transformers and G.I. Joe, the weekend was a time for an 8-year-old to unwind and reflect on his life. Okay, so it was really more about Optimus Prime taking down Megatron and taking in that smooth, powerful voice of Peter Cullen. There was also the hope that the heroes from G.I. Joe would finally taken down COBRA Command.
Every episode of G.I. Joe ended with a public service announcement and the catch-phrase “Knowing is Half the Battle.” I found a list of those PSA’s here. Here is a short list of things that I KNOW…but might need to DO a little better…
- I know that I cannot hit the snooze button…not even once!
- I know that I feel better when I watch less T.V.
- I know that when I let myself get too hungry I make poor decisions regarding what I eat.
- I know that when I feel overwhelmed I tend to shut down.
- I know that it usually takes less time than I anticipate.
I finished reading Flyboys (along with two other books; reviews coming) while on my trip to England. First, I want to be clear that this book is NOT at all related to the lame movie that came out a couple of years ago featuring James Franco. 
