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I feel safe now.

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It seems like every time I wear my robes, I get kidded (explanation: it's only been over the past year that I've begun wearing my robes for special services and occasions).  I've been called a 'gigantic marshmallow', the 'Michelin Man', 'really pretty', and a number of other things .  But what happened yesterday afternoon took the cake!

Following our final worship service yesterday, we held a special service in order to consecrate one of our leaders as a lay pastor in our congregation.  As I stepped forward to begin the service, one of the children turned to his mother and asked, "Why is Pastor Chris a Princess?"

Pretty funny, huh?  Kinda cute, don't you think?  But the comment was also innocently honest, and reminded me that SO OFTEN, I take the simple things, the little things, the common things for granted as I seek to minister and serve God's people.  All too often I let teachable moments slip past me.  And yesterday, the Lord used a precious, pure, and honest child to point out that often there are probably adults in our congregation who may also be wondering 'why' the pastor is dressed like a princess!

Ours is a post-Christian culture, and many of our people grew up never having been exposed to church stuff (like robes!).  It's not that they don't like robes -- it's actually quite the contrary (really!). Surprizingly, I'm noticing that the wearing of robes seems to 'lift' the significance of what we're doing -- whether it's baptizing/dedicating an infant, performing a wedding, or conducting a special service like yesterday's. Maybe it's because robes seem to accentuate the fact that a sacrament or ritual is being performed (i.e. something considered holy).  Yet despite all this, I can't forget the likelihood that many people (and children!) remain clueless about the symbols, vocabulary, and practices of our faith.

I guess Princess Chris had better get busy.

Ever since I was about 7 years old, I've been aware of other people named Chris Monroe.  And it's been a real hassle every now and then -- you know, like, creditors hounding me for deliquent payments on credit accounts I never had (and stuff like that).  I guess my parents wanted me to have a common name.  Well, anyway -- here are some of the Chris Monroe's I'm aware of:

1) Chris Monroe, the drummer and studio/session musician.

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2) Chris Monroe, the Secretary of UNLV's Association of Computing Machinery.

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3) Chris Monroe, the basketball player (2002 Colonials of Geo. Wash. Univ.)

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4) Chris Monroe, the traffic reporter for WSB radio.

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5) Chris Monroe, Director of Budget and Finance at Marquette University.

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6) Chris Monroe, Music Minister at Vinton Baptist Church in Virginia

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7)  Chris Monroe, played by Cheryl Ladd on Charlie's Angels.

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8) Chris Monroe, aka Desert Pastor (that's me!)

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*credit to Dwight Friesen for inspiring the idea behind this post.

Lost Dog in Your Neighborhood

There is a lost dog in your neighborhood who has strayed away from her owner.

The dog is a dark brown Chihuahua with a white stomach.

The owner is heartbroken and is willing to pay a generous reward for the dog's safe return She is currently putting up posters in your area.

Please be on the lookout for this dog whose name is "LUCKY".