Cultural Phenomenon: Yoga

I know many of you were encouraged and enlightened by my most recent "Speedo" post, and I have been asked more times than I can count now to continue to write commentary on other cultural phenomenons. Today we will look into what could be considered one of the most oxy-moronic activities of our day. This act involves one to manipulate and contort their bodies into the most un-natural and uncomfortable positions possible in order to achieve some sort of peace and calm: WHAT?? I know, it doesn't make sense. However, you can find yoga classes and all gyms and activity centers. Originating in India, yoga was started as an ancient spiritual practice that allowed one to reach certain levels of enlightment. Taking from Bhuddism, Hinduism, and other eastern oriental religions, yoga has been around for centuries. According to wikipedia, "The ultimate goal of yoga is the attainment of liberation from worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death. Yoga entails mastery over the body, mind, and emotional self, and transcendence of desire. It is said to lead gradually to knowledge of the true nature of reality". Clearly lacking in any true theology of the one true God who has declared our purpose and the "true nature of reality" through His word, yoga is clearly unbiblical. My commentary on the phenomenon will be strictly limited to the "non-spiritual", physical aspects of yoga that is emphasized at your local gym. I once saw a class going on and was quite amused to see some "husky" people trying to get their bodies into positions that I knew they could never manage. I just thought to myself, "how stupid is this?" It's amusing to me to think of the people that merely get caught up in the "latest fad" because it is popular. Never in their right minds would these people contort their bodies in such a way, in the name of health, unless society suddenly tells you: "oh this is good for you". Through my years of extensive research and daily "people watching" skills, I have found some of the most popular positions and will explain them to you:

He Say She Say

a popular position in which the female definitely has the better end of the stick. The woman sits calmly with legs crossed and arms out. The man will dislocate his hip in order to rotate his leg in such a way as to lean his head up against his calf. The man will support himself with merely his "still located" leg and his left arm (for right-handers, switch if you are left handed). As you can see beauty and grace are at the heart of this wonderful position. Peace and calm will be felt for hours. To add an extra level of "calm" you may also grab a bar or beam with your raised hand, and simply pull yourself up and down several times during your peaceful meditation (not pictured). Perfect for first and second dates. WARNING: Do not eat up to 1 hour before.

The Bipod

Almost like a tripod, but you use two hands only. Preferably done on a small purple sheet, the yoger (?) will cross one leg over both arms while extending the other leg out. Usually one will hold the position for 1-2 seconds before falling. During the exercise, most blood will rush to your head and you will quickly lose consciousness, thus reaching perfect calm and peace while you lie there lifeless on the beach. Please notice (for advanced yogists) her toes are completely extended outwards (almost as if cramping). If done properly your shadow will look like a midget sitting down on your purple towel. WARNING: Not recommended for people that have allergies.

The Stinkbug
A very popular position in the mid west. Can be done individually or in groups. In this stretch you begin by lying down on your stomach. It is preferable that you actually eat right before participating in this stretch. with arms and legs spread out, you should feel some building of tension in your inner stomach. When you feel like you are ready to release your "inner tension" you will slowly walk your hands and feet close together as you can to make what will look like a mountain or upside down V. While holding this position you will slowly (or quickly) feel the "inner tension" leaving you as you reach your meditative state. WARNING: if done in groups it is recommended that you are single file side by side (as shown), not one in front of the other.


The Rocking Chair

A beginners stretch. SIMPLY grab your feet while lying on your stomach and pull. Picture oneself trying to bite the tag off of your boxers. This stretch is great and recommended to be done after the "Stinkbug". This stretch was actually one of Dave Crawford's favorites while going through seminary. Again, a small purple mat is helpful. WARNING: if you have ever had, or never want to have a hernia, do not try this at home.











The Escen

Made popular in the late 80's, the Escen is now a staple of the yoga industry. This relaxing pose can be attained while consuming coffee cake, or is it coffee and cake? Anyways, the Escen can only be achieved in a state of complete calm and fullness. Shorts with the slits up the side are helpful to allow the full stretch of the legs. Ones head must be slightly tilted off to an angle while your neck remains perfectly straight (almost as if your head is independent of your body). Arms must remain perfectly straight, while your back leg will be straight at a 45 degree angle and front leg is bent at a 90 degree angle for perfect balance. The Escen has been reportedly seen on movie sets like "Camp Cops" "The Cake" and "Surf Boys". WARNING: only attempt if you are a pro.

Well hopefully this little lesson has helped you understand the amazingly absurd cultural phenomenon of yoga. I hope you were as enlightened as I was.

The Unforgivable Sin

What, you may ask, is the unforgivable sin? What could be so terrible, so heinous in nature, that it never could be forgiven? I will attempt to show it began in 1914. It was in Sydney Australia, 1914, a man named Alexander MacRae had founded a hosiery manufacturer and he wanted to expand his market. What was known as MacRae Knitting Mills, grew to be today what we call: Speedo. According to wikipedia.com "In 1928 the name Speedo was first adopted after the firm developed its racerback design of swimwear making it one of the first manufacturers to specifically produce athletic designs. The name was made up by a Captain Jim Parsons who won a company competition with the slogan "Speed on in your Speedos." First off, my question is, what was Jim Parsons a captain of? My second question is how did the design get past censorship? According to this article, Speedo is the world's largest swimwear brand in the world. With it's skin tight tiny briefs, the world has been exposed to "way too much exposure". It is absurd that this behavior is accepted and even condoned by the likes of the Olympic Committee. Have you no shame? What would your mother think? Do you look in the mirror before you leave? These are questions that are often asked in regard to the sinful swimwear. How could we wear something Adam and Eve would have been ashamed in before the fall? If you look on their website you can see that "Anti-christ" is on their board of directors. In an attempt to clean up their image, the company, "Though it still manufactures the traditional briefs and racerback designs that made the company famous, Speedo's latest competitive swimwear designs incorporate suits that provide greater coverage to the arms, legs, and even full body for their top end lineup. Their high-end suits often sell for in excess of $300 for the Fatskin 2 series".

I conclude with the plea that we take a look at ourselves and see if we are "above reproach"? Let us not indulge in the unforgivable sin like this man to the left, or to the cretan immediately below.

FishFest

Went to FishFest last Sunday to see Dave Crawford and Godspeed play. Let's just say this picture sums up my experience there!

Karl Malone Statue

In honor of Karl Malone the Utah Jazz recently dedicated a statue in memory of his career with them (you might know him as a Los Angeles Laker). To read more about it you can visit my friend Mike's blog. I was looking at the statue and I must say it looks nothing like him. I think for us who watch the NBA to recognize him, the statue should have looked more like:

-OR THIS-

-OR THISC'mon Jazz. Don't you want to honor your best player as the way we all remember him, not the way he should have been!

On Surgeries and Such...

So our beloved Sullivan went under the knife yesterday! He is no longer able to pass his family heritage on, he will be the only Sullivan. No Sullivan Jr's will be running around. We had talked to him many times about abstinence and what God's Word had to say about pre-marital relations, but after viewing his behavior the past several months, I deemed it wise to get him neutered. I think he somehow knew on the way to the clinic where he was going. Apparently as my wife was taking him to the vet he vomited in his crate which he never does. I guess the pressure of knowing what was about to happen got to him and he folded under the pressure. I mean, can you blame the little guy? They say it's best to have the procedure done before the age of six months because of less complications and less chance of health risks later on. I came across an article which said this, "A neutered male dog is a happy dog. And owners of neutered dogs are often much happier with the results as well." Apparently this author is not a dog and has never had the procedure, but my guess is that Sullivan's mood was far from happy because of the operation. The mood of the owners based on the surgery will be seen in the next couple days.

I picked him up at the vet this morning at about 8am. When I first heard this would be an overnight stay for "Soul Train" (as I affectionately call him at times), I was actually quite relieved. I felt like it would be a great day and night to not have to think about having to take him outside, watching him closely to see if he would piddle on our couch or carpet, or all the other fun things that come with dog ownership. I will say however, that I missed the little eunuch. He can be difficult at times because he is a hyper puppy, but he is a lot of fun, and my wife and I really enjoy spending time with him discussing things like pigs ears, http://www.urinegone.com, and the like.

I was actually quite surprised at how active he was when he got home. I had somewhat expected a half lethargic mopey dog for a couple of days. I mean "let's be honest about what just happened". However, he was been pretty much the same dog we had before the surgery except with some little sutures. It is obvious he will back to his old self very soon. For those of you that are wondering what he "looks" like now scroll down to see the "new" Sullivan after surgery ....


Warning if you are squeamish do not scroll down...

Shepherd's Conference - A reflection

The annual Shepherd's Conference was held at GCC, this past week. What an amazing time to step on campus and see 3,500 pastors coming together for one purpose: To be fed the truth of the Word. The conference was such an enriching time as some of the most amazing and Godly men came to teach. I was given the opportunity to help out w/ a Q&A at the end of a seminar our Jr. High pastor gave on volunteer staff, and was so blessed to be a part of it. The numerous pastors in attendance, seemed amazed at our staffs desire to serve. I realized that the amazing staff I serve on, does not occur at every church. In fact, I learned that a staff like ours does not occur at very many churches at all. It is not that we are somehow superior, or better than other churches, for we all know that the church is completely dependent on God for it's growth and success. It is, however, a great privilege to know I serve with such an amazing and devoted group of men and women who come together to serve Christ through serving the students we have been placed over. It was great to discuss this and encourage the pastors I met with, and give them hope that there are volunteers out there that enjoy being w/ Jr. Highers.

Another highlight of the conference was the teaching and the worship. I always make sure to be at the conference for at least one of the general sessions. There is nothing more encouraging and uplifting than being in the general session on the first night of the conference. To stand up w/ 3,000+ Godly men and sing with all of our might together for the glory of God is an amazing and moving experience. I believe it is a little taste of what we will get to experience in heaven for eternity. This experience also made me a little sad as well. It was sad to know that every Sunday we pack out our building as well, but the participation is worship was about a 1/5th of what I hear at a shepherd's conference. It truly invigorated my desire for worship in singing to our God. After the tremendous joy of the worship time (which included and amazing performance by Jubilant), we were privileged to hear an amazing sermon of the Prodigal son, which I learned should be called the parable of the two sons. MacArthur seemed to somehow find that 6th gear from his normal Sunday sermons, and preached masterfully through the text. At first I must admit I was a little disappointed to hear he was preaching on a section he had just spent about 5 weeks preaching through a month earlier. However, after the sermon it was as if I was hearing it for the first time again, enjoying all the truths he offered, and just to see the reaction of the other pastors in attendance brought such joy to see there encouragement.

I think my favorite highlight of the week was on Friday night when I got to attend a private dessert fellowship w/ the men from Together for the Gospel. The panel of four was CJ Maheny, Al Mohler, Mark Dever, and Ligon Duncan. What an amazing group of men. To see their humility, godliness, discipline was truly a testimony to me. I thoroughly enjoyed their sense of humor and watching them interact with one another. I laughed so hard that night. Just to see these amazing respected men of the faith in a different venue was truly enjoyable. We were able to see them joke and laugh and learn little personal things about them that you would never have guessed (ie one of them is a truly gifted rapper). This was such a blessing! To hear their daily disciplines, and the amount of books they are able to digest at one time, truly humbled me and inspired me. What a joy it was to even help with the clean up afterward, just to know that I was able to contribute something to this wonderful evening.

I have been given such encouragement through seeing the many lives that God has changed throughout this country, and the hearts that are truly aflame for Christ. I am just thankful for the church and staff we serve on and even more thankful for the gracious God we serve!

Coffee

I love photoshop