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The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of August 5-11, 2020.
by Burton Kelso, The Technology Expert If you see me out and about, you are almost guaranteed to see me looking at my smartphone. No, I'm not a phone addict! My iPhone is an extension of who I am because it allows me to keep track of all aspects of my computer repair business Integral.
Phone calls, invoices, marketing, and communication are all done from the palm of my hand. Times are changing and with more businesses working towards a mobile footprint, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of the things you should do if you want to work entirely from your smartphone. Check out this quick guide that will help you turn your smartphone and tablet to a mobile office. 1. Get the Right Software and Apps. You might actually think the type of smartphone or tablet you own is the foundation of your mobile office, but it's actually the software and apps you use day in and day out. Before rushing out and getting a new phone, check to see if the apps you want to work with will mesh with your current phone or tablet. When it comes to business apps, here are the areas you need to pay close attention to: Email: In most cases, the native email program on Apple and Android devices will work for business email. Most business users are used to Microsoft Outlook, and thankfully there is an Outlook app available for both devices. One other thing to consider with email is if you want to have your email sync with your email service. Some of you prefer to be able to delete emails from their account so the changes will be reflected on both their smartphone and tablet. Some of you prefer to keep emails separated on your smartphone and tablet ... as well as your computer. Sit down take time to choose the best strategy for you. Cloud Storage: One of the reasons for eliminating the need for a computer or a laptop is to be able to access your critical documents from anywhere. There are many cloud storage services out there, but it's my opinion that you settle on one. If you're used to Microsoft and its products, the best option is to sign up for a Microsoft Office 365 account and use OneDrive for your storage. If you prefer using Google Docs, then, by all means, sign up for a Google account. There are options for free and Gmail accounts. With a paid Google account, you're going to get access to tech support when things go wrong. If a paid account isn't in your budget, start out with a free account and budget in for a paid account as your finances grow. Mileage: Check out MileIQ (www.mileiq.com). for $5.00 a month, you can effortlessly track your mileage. If you're a QuickBooks Online user, you can use the mileage tracker built into the software. Accounting: Speaking of QuickBooks (www.quickbooks.com) QuickBooks Online is probably the best option for most of you out there. There is also Freshbooks (www.freshbooks.com) which works well on Apple and Android Devices. Word processing/spreadsheets: If you're going to be writing, reviewing documents, or working with spreadsheets, you need to stick with whatever apps you were used to using on your desktop Windows and Mac. It's a Microsoft world when it comes to documents, but don't let that stop from using Google Docs or Apple's Office suite. If you share documents, you should probably use what your team is using. Scanner: A good scanner app is a must if working mobile. If you need to capture documents on the go, consider Adobe Scan. Use your smartphone's camera to capture documents and then save or send them as PDFs. Payments: If you need to take payments through your phone while on the road, make sure you have PayPal, Square, and Venmo. These are great, safe, and secure options accepting for mobile payments. Social media: If you use social media, make sure you download the apps for your favorite platform. Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram allow you to use QR codes to quickly connect with people you meet in the real world. 2. Get The Right Device. There's always that argument over which device is better. Apple? Android? Just about every smartphone and tablet can be turned into a mobile office. I like using an iPhone with a larger screen, but you need to choose a phone or tablet that has the right size and operating environment that fits your comfort level. 3. Make sure you're backing up your device. Anything can happen to a smart device, that's why it's important for you to make sure you're backing up your smart device. Virus threats are still low with smartphones and tablets, but physical damage can always occur and at any time. If you don't take the time to backup your mobile device, you're putting your customers and your reputation at risk. Automatic backup is the key, but What are your options? Well, you are limited to what you can use. Apple users have the option for iCloud Backup which will backup all of the Apple-related files to the cloud. Android users can use Google Drive and photos. Both services offer a limited amount of free storage before you have to purchase more storage, but as a business user, it's worth the investment. 4. Check that warranty. Most mobile devices come with a 1-year warranty that covers factory defects, but they normally don't cover your human goofs with your devices. If you are planning to use your smart device for work, you might want to consider purchasing a factory extended warranty ... not your friendly big box store warranty. Why? Well, when you have to send in your device for extended warranty repair, you're sending it directly to the manufacture, not some third-party vendor that your big box store uses. Also, the rate of return of your device will be quicker. Make sure you find out what the turn around time is for the repair of your tablet or smartphone. In some instances, it could take up to a week to get your device back. 5. Get a printer. It's rare that I use a printer, but it's nice to have one because from time to time, you need to have a hard copy of documents. Most printers have wireless capabilities which means you can print documents from your smartphone or tablet. Some even come with cloud capabilities which means you can send documents from your smart device to be printed back at your office or home office. It doesn't take much to get your business mobile. Once you get the right apps and hardware to work with your smartphone and tablets, the sky is the limit on where you can work. Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. If you prefer to connect with me on social media, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on my YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I want to make technology fun and exciting for you. If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. My team of friendly tech experts are always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. 2020 is the year of healthy vision. Celebrate and protect this vital sense with a diet of eye-friendly foods. You’ve probably heard that carrots are good for your eyes. In fact, carrots are just one of the many foods that maintain eye health and help them function.
A diet rich with colorful produce and good-for-you fats promotes healthy vision and may reduce risk of disorders, like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. Take a long hard look at these nutrients and foods that help improve eye health. Vitamin A: Assists retina function and maintains moisture to help prevent dry eye. Beta-carotene, a plant pigment that converts to vitamin A, benefits eyes adjusting to darkness. Foods: apricots, broccoli, carrots, cantaloupe, eggs, kale, mango pumpkin, red bell pepper, sweet potatoes, spinach, summer squash, tomatoes Vitamin E: Fends off harmful molecules to prevent healthy tissue from breaking down and reduces the chance of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. Foods: almonds, asparagus, avocado, collard greens, mango, peanuts, peanut butter, pumpkin, red bell pepper, spinach, sunflower seeds . Vitamin C: Supports cell and blood vessel health in the eye. May help delay or reduce risk of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and visual acuity loss. Foods: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cantaloupe, cauliflower, grapefruit, green bell pepper, kiwi, oranges, strawberries. Riboflavin: Protects glutathione, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of glaucoma. Prolonged riboflavin deficiency is associated with the development of cataracts.. Foods: almonds, beef, dairy, eggs, fortified breakfast cereal, oatmeal, quinoa, salmon Lutein + Zeaxanthin: Both are antioxidants that protect the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central, detailed vision. Both have been associated with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Foods: asparagus, broccoli, collards, corn, eggs, green peas, green beans, kale, orange bell pepper, spinach Zinc: Maintains retina health and shields eyes from the damaging effects of sunlight. Helps eyes produce protective pigments by transporting vitamin A from the liver to the retina. Foods: avocado, almonds, beef, cashews, chickpeas, crab, legumes, lobster, pork, oatmeal, oysters Omega-3s: A type of fat found in the retina. Critical for visual development and retinal function. Plays a role in tear development to help prevent dry eye. Foods: anchovy, chia seeds, halibut, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sardines, salmon, swordfish, tuna, oysters, walnuts Thiamine: Also known as vitamin B1, thiamine aids the conversion of food to energy and may protect against nuclear cataracts, according to studies. Foods: acorn squash, beef, black beans, brown rice, English muffin, tuna, trout, pork chop, oatmeal The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. Megan Callahan is one of your Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitians. She is dedicated to helping people live healthier and happier lives. Megan received a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Missouri State University. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she also received her Master of Science degree in dietetics and nutrition. Megan has been working with Hy-Vee full-time for 10 years. With a passion for nutrition and wellness, Megan is dedicated to educating customers and promoting healthy lifestyles to our Hy-Vee community. Megan lives in Lee’s Summit with her husband Matt, and their 2 children Kennedy (4) & Carsyn (2). The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Board of Directors met virtually on August 13, 2020, taking action to approve alternate seasons if a school has a sport or sports that cannot continue in the traditional season.
“The traditional seasons are still being offered at this time for those schools able to participate,” MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Kerwin Urhahn said. “Today’s action by the Board of Directors puts into place a plan of action our staff devised in the event a school is not able to participate partially or in whole. This could give those students an opportunity to complete a season in their sport.” Schools may use the alternate Fall sport seasons for any sport if the sport meets certain thresholds including, but not limited to, length of traditional season participation and access to traditional postseason. Schools choosing to use the alternate Fall season for any sport will automatically be included in the alternate Spring season. In the plan, the Winter season would remain intact with the first possible practice being Monday, November 1st. The Winter season concludes on March 20th. Schools would be allowed to join the Winter season when their local guidelines allow. In the alternate Fall season, the first allowable competitions would be able to begin on March 12th and concluding by May 1st. For the alternate Spring season, competitions would be able to begin on May 14th and conclude by July 10th. A school’s team competing in an alternate season for any sport may not exceed the allowable number of weeks allowed in the traditional season as well as not exceed any contest limitations of the traditional season. Cinephiles who have spent the last several months surviving on TV and streaming services on the small-screen will be thrilled to hear the Grain Valley B&B Theatre is excited to welcome back movie lovers to newly renovated theaters on Friday, August 14th.
Movie goers will see a new full-service bar in the lobby, new carpet, and new marquee signs as they enter the theatre. The theatre now features reserved seating, and patrons will notice a difference inside the theatres as well, with each theatre featuring heated reclining seats. Social distancing and cleaning protocols have been put in place to ensure the safety of employees and customers. The theatre had planned a renovation prior to the closures imposed on movie theatres due to the COVID-19 pandemic.. These shutdowns have temporarily crippled movie theatres, and B&B has been no exception. B&B Theatres, headquartered in Liberty. MO, prides itself on being a small, family-owned business, whose employees are like family as well. “This has not be a pleasant time for us. We’ve been affected financially of course.,” Paul Farnsworth, Director of Public Relations for B&B Theatres said. While the company works through the challenges of maintaining the business and still waiting on COVID-19 related financial assistance, Farnsworth says the support felt from the community has been encouraging. “Specific to this market, we’ve received immensely positive feedback on social media. They’ve been really supportive at this and other locations by way of gift card purchases online. It’s been very heartening and encouraging.” “Operating these community theatres is tremendously important to us. This renovation has been a great opportunity to indicate our re-investment in this location, but also our commitment to these new protocols to make sure people coming back are comfortable and accommodated when they revisit us.” While theatres across the country wait for Hollywood to release new titles, B&B will feature favorite classic movies. Movies on the schedule for opening weekend at the Grain Valley location include Beauty and the Beast, Bohemian Rhapsody, Grown Ups, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Iron Man, Jurassic Park, The Goonies, and Wonder Woman. “The hope of course is that Tenet, a new film from Warner Brothers, slated to release internationally on the 26th and then domestically on September 3rd, holds. We’re leaning into that and if it does and performs really well, the hope beyond that is that some of the studios will begin to backfill some of these other dates in the fall with some of the content that they have ready,” Farnsworth said. “Lots of things remain up in the air, but in the meantime, we’re doing all we can to bring back the ‘magic of the movies’, as we say.” The theatre is also offering private rentals for small groups or families who would like an exclusive showing of a favorite film. Jeremy Weikel, General Manager of the Grain Valley B&B Theatres, Is excited to open the doors on August 14th and see familiar faces. He encourages patrons to “arrive early, take a look around, and see all of the great changes.” B&B Grain Valley Theatres, located at 1131 NE McQuerry Road, opens Friday, August 14th. Details regarding showtimes, tickets, and COVID-19 safety protocols can be found at www.bbtheatres.com. In recent weeks, demonstrations and protests across the country resulting from the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis have once again highlighted incidents of police brutality and increased tensions and feelings of mistrust between officers and citizens.
Grain Valley’s police department has seen the opposite type of attention from residents in recent weeks, and Grain Valley Police Chief James Beale believes his department’s focus on transparency and connecting with the community is one of the main reasons for the outpouring of love. In recent weeks, residents have stopped by to drop off notes of support, purchased dinners, provided gift cards for officers, and delivered regular treats. One woman delivers cinnamon rolls on a weekly basis. “It is a reflection of the type of department that we sought out to be,” Beale said. “I know you have to be very transparent and we have to be able to connect with the community. I think that sets the tone for this department. We encourage our officers to speak to the citizens when they are out on patrol.” “Our captains and I continue to talk with our officers about the importance of bridging the gap with the community, and they have just really taken off with it. They have gotten so creative with ways to connect, from making a point to interact with kids while on patrol, passing out Halloween candy, to formal programs,” Beale said. “The effort that we put into this 24-person department, the way we mesh with our community is amazing. And this is our community showing us their thanks, and them letting us know ‘it’s not you’. The gifts and kind words that we get is a result of that.” When a group reached out to Chief Beale in late May requesting permission to hold a protest to support the Black Lives Matter movement, Beale made the decision to welcome the group and use the protest as an opportunity to interact with residents and let them know he and his department understood their concerns. “I had two choices. I could say ‘No, we don’t want that’, or I could embrace it and show the organizers that their concerns are our concerns,” Beale said. Beale, along with Captains Hedger and Palacek, and the department’s school resource officers attended the event and talked with the group. Beale also invited a local congregation to join in the event held at Armstrong Park. “We want to be approachable. We want our citizens to ask us questions. We like to laugh, we have emotions just like everybody else. When the community gets to know us, they understand that we are also moms, dads, sisters, and brothers. We are regular people.. When people know they can approach you, it makes our job easier and it makes them more acceptable of us.” Even though the issues raised nationally have not directly impacted Grain Valley, the ripple effect is felt locally. Grain Valley is similar to other departments in finding it difficult to recruit candidates for open positions. The department has had an opening for a police officer for several weeks with little to no response. Beale understands that national events have an effect on recruiting, but encourages anyone interested to consider a job in law enforcement. “If you want to get rich, this is not the job for you. But if you care about your community and want to make a difference, it is a great career. There are so many opportunities in policing and law enforcement. You get an insight into people that the average citizen does not have. It is challenging and no day is the same. There’s nothing in this world that I would rather do,” Beale said. And Beale emphasizes that his department’s officers are able to do their job with honor because of the relationship they have built with the community. “We are able to hold our heads high and go out and serve our community. And that’s because the community made us feel that way. This community is what keeps us going,” Beale said. “They are affected by the things they see in the media, and we are too. But, they know that this is not this community. And they keep us going.” A request by the Grain Valley Fair and Grain Valley Partnership to continue their Food Truck Fridays event through September 12th was the most discussed item on a light August 10th Board of Aldermen agenda.
Mike Todd, representing the Grain Valley Fair committee, and Tasha Lindsey, Executive Director of the Grain Valley Partnership, requested an extension of the Food Truck Friday event, which originally ended Friday, August 7th. The event has proven popular, with the organizers receiving many requests to continue the event. The pair requested the Food Trucks be allowed to resume Friday, August 21st and run each Friday through the Grain Valley Fair, which will be held Friday, September 11th and Saturday, September 12th. Additionally, the organizations requested the use of the parking lots behind the community center to allow more space for food trucks and patrons. The Board approved the request. Todd also updated the Board on revised plans for the Grain Valley Fair. The parade and carnival have been canceled, as have much of the non-food related vendors and activities. An expanded Food Truck Friday event will be held on Friday, September 11th. A beer garden, sponsored by the Grain Valley Partnership is being considered if proper social distancing protocols can be ensured. Food trucks will return on Saturday, September 12th with a small number of non-food vendors, spaced in separate tents throughout the original fair grounds. In other business, the Board approved an ordinance approving the final plat of the Bush Business Park Re-Plat as well as an ordinance approving the final plat of Greystone Estates Phase II. The Board also approved a resolution to enter into a funding agreement with STAR Acquisitions, Inc. to provide funding in the amount of $20,000 for costs incurred by the City to research and establish a Community Improvement District (CID), Transportation Development District (TDD), and other services to administer Development Incentives applications for the property located at the NW corner of Jefferson and MO BB Highway. Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies reported 350 registrants have signed up for fall sports programs. The next meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held Monday, August 24, 2020. Free disposable face masks may be picked up at the Grain Valley Community Center, 713 Main Street, during their regular operating hours while supplies last.
Masks are provided as a courtesy of Jackson County and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. Photo credit: iStock Photo by John Unrein Former Olympic gold medalist and figure skater Scott Hamilton is noted for saying, “The only disability in life is a bad attitude.”
Austin Charles, Grain Valley resident and points leader for the Sport B Mod class at Valley Speedway heading into competition on August 8th, has a zeal for racing and family. His ability to read lips is equally as impressive as is the way he negotiates turns on a dirt track. If you didn’t already know, you might not be able to figure out initially that Charles is deaf. “I have been racing since 2013. Spending time with family and the relationships built in the pits is the best part of racing for me,” Charles said. “I was born deaf. When I get in my car, I have one advantage over others. I can feel the car. Other drivers can hear cars behind them. I am not able to do that. However, I am tune with the drive train extremely well. That combined with my eyesight helps me plot a good course on the racetrack.” There are notable differences racing on a dirt track compared to the asphalt ovals fans see in NASCAR. Racing on a hard surface typically means going to the outside of a turn so the driver can use that momentum and angle back to an inside route out of the turn. Pavement on asphalt courses grips tighter which means drivers must go slower at times and steer more when heading into a turn. That tends to be the opposite in modified dirt track racing. Shaving the corner, as it’s known in dirt track racing, is all about timing. Drivers must be aware of how hard they are going to throw their car into the corner. The driver’s speed during a dirt track turn determines how much the tires will skid, allowing negotiating the throttle correctly to come out in a direct line along the straight away. Charles is not shy about sharing his sense of humor in the biggest differences between dirt and pavement track racing. He’s also candid about the strategy he uses to be successful. “Pavement will get you to the dirt track,” Charles said with a chuckle, showing his preference for racing on soil. “Dirt racing is all about strategy, especially when it comes to turning. How much throttle you are going to give to the car when you throw it in the corner (turning hard and making the car skid along the dirt so that you don’t have to apply the brake and slow down) is all about timing.” “The straighter you can get your car in the corner, the faster you are going to come out of it. Because if you go in low and then turn, you have to slow way down and turn harder.” Austin is the third generation in the Charles family to adore racing. His grandfather, Tom Charles was an accomplished racer, as is his father Dan Charles. Second place in the Sport B Mod class at Valley Speedway just happens to belong to Dan Charles. The middle Charles is noticeably proud of his son and his abilities as a racer. Talk to him long enough about Austin, and he will pull up pictures of his son as a toddler in a pedal go cart racer. He does not cut him a break on the track though. The value of competing to win has been successfully learned and passed down through the Charles lineage. “Valley Speedway is where my parents met. It’s a short track here and I love short tracks. This place is challenging with great competition,” Austin Charles said. Crystal Johnson is Austin’s mother and a graduate of Grain Valley High School. Johnson still has nerves at the start of every race that turns to joy as she watches her son compete. “I enjoy watching him. He’s got natural ability when it comes to racing. I’m still nervous. Especially, during the first few laps of races. It’s fun to watch him learn how to set the car up and get better at his craft over time,” Johnson said. One thing the Charles family and Valley Speedway track announcer Greg Clemons are willing to do as ambassadors for racing is educating the public on the importance of point racing. It’s hard for drivers to hide who they are as people and their work ethic when it comes to point racing. They must show up to work and be consistent in every aspect of how they compete to earn points. Drivers may earn points by finishing races, place earned at the end of a race, and passing cars during a race. A racing season, just like a race itself is about how long drivers can endure preparing their car successfully, avoiding crashes, and improving their skills as a racer through endless concentration. “Point racing means you show up to the same track weekly. It is also about consistency in finishing. I mean, I’ve seen my grandpa win a points championship without any feature wins. He would consistently finish in the top five at the end of each race. He built up his point this way,” Austin Charles said. “Grandpa also respected his car and didn’t tear it up on the track. You tear up your car and have to make long repairs, you’re not going to be on the track the next week.” Clemons agreed, “Points racing is important. Some racers are points racers, and some of them could care less. Some are more interested in a win any given evening.” “Drivers like Gene Claxton, Jeremy Curless, and the Charles family are in it for points. The lineup each night is determined by points with the number drawn. Points competition is a somewhat complicated thing that may not always be easy to understand as spectator, but it makes the contest on the track much better.” “It motivates the drivers and keeps them coming back here to Valley Speedway each week. It’s similar to NASCAR except we do not have the ‘chase’ at the end of the year. Points racing is more of a marathon than a Super Bowl. Sometimes a driver has one more than one championship at more than one track during a year. In 2020, that’s a unique situation though.” Here are the results from racing at Valley Speedway on August 8th. 8/8/2020 at Valley Speedway B Modifieds A Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 81X-Dan Charles[1]; 2. 0-Chase Galvin[5]; 3. 81A-Austin Charles[4]; 4. 73M-Charles McCartney[7]; 5. 21T-David Towers[10]; 6. 13M-Kraig Maple[11]; 7. 55-Ryan Medeiros[3]; 8. 81-Jesse Johnson[9]; 9. 02-Donald Johnston[14]; 10. (DNF) 29-Bobby Cochran[13]; 11. (DNF) 23-Danny Thompson[2]; 12. (DNF) 42-Gene Claxton[6]; 13. (DNF) 11-John Murray[12]; 14. (DQ) 22-Steve McDowell[8] Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 23-Danny Thompson[2]; 2. 0-Chase Galvin[1]; 3. 42-Gene Claxton[4]; 4. 55-Ryan Medeiros[7]; 5. 81-Jesse Johnson[6]; 6. 02-Donald Johnston[3]; 7. 11-John Murray[5] Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 81X-Dan Charles[3]; 2. 81A-Austin Charles[2]; 3. 22-Steve McDowell[1]; 4. 73M-Charles McCartney[6]; 5. 21T-David Towers[4]; 6. 13M-Kraig Maple[7]; 7. 29-Bobby Cochran[5] E Mods A Feature 1 (15 Laps): 1. 74-Justin Asher[3]; 2. 28-Shawn Burns[4]; 3. 86-Doug Brisbin[1]; 4. 42-Dalton Krysa[5]; 5. 33-Jeremy Curless[2]; 6. 59-Alex Crawford[11]; 7. 666-John Snyder[7]; 8. R23-Austen Raybourn[10]; 9. 81-Jeff Jackson[9]; 10. 18R-Billy Roberts[12]; 11. 75-Rayce Martin[6]; 12. 97-Ashlyn Piburn[13]; 13. (DNF) 66-Keith Bowman[15]; 14. (DNF) 1M-Mike Ryun[8]; 15. (DNF) 64-Jason Smith[14]; 16. (DNS) 14P-Josh Paul Heat 1 (6 Laps): 1. 33-Jeremy Curless[3]; 2. 75-Rayce Martin[2]; 3. 28-Shawn Burns[6]; 4. 42-Dalton Krysa[8]; 5. 81-Jeff Jackson[4]; 6. 59-Alex Crawford[7]; 7. 97-Ashlyn Piburn[5]; 8. 66-Keith Bowman[1] Heat 2 (6 Laps): 1. 74-Justin Asher[2]; 2. 86-Doug Brisbin[8]; 3. 666-John Snyder[1]; 4. 1M-Mike Ryun[3]; 5. R23-Austen Raybourn[4]; 6. 18R-Billy Roberts[6]; 7. 64-Jason Smith[5]; 8. (DNF) 14P-Josh Paul[7] Pure Stocks A Feature 1 (15 Laps): 1. 14-Bobby Ohrenberg[1]; 2. 10-David Schrills[2] Heat 1 (6 Laps): 1. 14-Bobby Ohrenberg[1]; 2. 10-David Schrills[2] Dirt Demons A Feature 1 (15 Laps): 1. 121-Eric Schmidt[3]; 2. 11-Gene McCaulley[1]; 3. 5-Nick Deoliveira[7]; 4. 10B-Jeremy Byfield[9]; 5. (DNF) 2R-Robert Chase[6]; 6. (DNF) 2C-Cody Munkers[4]; 7. (DNF) 14-Mikel Solberg[2]; 8. (DNF) 8-Matthew Phillips[5]; 9. (DNS) 1-Jason McCaulley Heat 1 (6 Laps): 1. 121-Eric Schmidt[1]; 2. 2C-Cody Munkers[3]; 3. 11-Gene McCaulley[7]; 4. 14-Mikel Solberg[9]; 5. 8-Matthew Phillips[4]; 6. 2R-Robert Chase[2]; 7. 5-Nick Deoliveira[6]; 8. 1-Jason McCaulley[5]; 9. (DNS) 10B-Jeremy Byfield Valley Powri Outlaw Sprints A Feature 1 (25 Laps): 1. 12-Wesley Smith[1]; 2. 77-Jack Wagner[4]; 3. ST1-Lane Stone[11]; 4. 37-Brian Beebe[2]; 5. 63-Trey Burke[5]; 6. 65-Chris Parkinson[6]; 7. 73-Samuel Wagner[8]; 8. 69-Zach Sanders[10]; 9. 9-Casey Baker[9]; 10. 15E-Dakota Earls[13]; 11. 41-Brad Wyatt[14]; 12. 88-Chad Tye[15]; 13. 23-Brent Fasse[18]; 14. 82-Christie Thomason[16]; 15. 85C-Casey Lewallen[12]; 16. (DNF) 14M-Michael Moore[3]; 17. (DNF) 12X-Andy Helm[17]; 18. (DNF) 28-Kory Schudy[7] Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 65-Chris Parkinson[1]; 2. 77-Jack Wagner[4]; 3. 63-Trey Burke[6]; 4. 15E-Dakota Earls[2]; 5. 41-Brad Wyatt[3]; 6. 82-Christie Thomason[5] Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 28-Kory Schudy[1]; 2. 12-Wesley Smith[5]; 3. 9-Casey Baker[2]; 4. ST1-Lane Stone[4]; 5. 85C-Casey Lewallen[6]; 6. 23-Brent Fasse[3] Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 14M-Michael Moore[2]; 2. 37-Brian Beebe[5]; 3. 69-Zach Sanders[1]; 4. 73-Samuel Wagner[6]; 5. 88-Chad Tye[3]; 6. 12X-Andy Helm[4] ATV Open Amateur A Feature 1 (6 Laps): 1. 2-Danny Pliler[1]; 2. 9115-Chris Shelton[2]; 3. 23-Zach Kilber[3]; 4. 18-Brandon Taber[4] Heat 1 (5 Laps): 1. 2-Danny Pliler[3]; 2. 9115-Chris Shelton[1]; 3. 23-Zach Kilber[4]; 4. 18-Brandon Taber[2] I don’t go to church. I don’t need to go. Although, as a pastor, some people think I go to church or even expect me to go, I refuse. I’m not rebellious, just redeemed.
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Putting God in a box.” I’m sure you understand the gist of the phrase. What’s more fascinating is the etymology and theology. The easiest way to explain it may be to go back to Indiana Jones. In the 1981 George Lucas film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Harrison Ford plays Dr. Indiana Jones. Dr. Jones, an archaeologist, is searching for the ark of the covenant. Essentially it was a box. But not just any box as he, and the Nazi’s, found out. It represented the power of God. Before I talk about the box, let me talk about the place where the box was kept. For that, rather than the drama of Hollywood, we need to go back to the actual story in the Bible. The Israelites suffered bondage in Egypt. God brought them out with a mighty hand. After he did, God commanded the Israelites to construct the tabernacle, basically a large tent. It would symbolize His presence. Eventually, when the Israelites established themselves, the concept of the tabernacle morphed into a permanent structure called the temple. The main difference between the two was that the tabernacle was movable (used in the wilderness wanderings)—the temple was permanent and located in Jerusalem. Both tabernacle and temple represented the same thing. The most important element of the Jewish temple was an area inside the temple known as the “holy of holies” or the “most holy place.” Within this area was kept the ark of the covenant—"The Box.” The actual dimensions of the ark came from God. It was measured in cubits. That’s about the distance from your elbow to your fingertips—or about 18”. But since our tape measures don’t include cubits, the English translation would be a rectangular box about 52 inches long, 31 inches high, and 31 inches wide. The ark was covered in pure gold. But its value was not measured monetarily. The ark had a lid on it, called the mercy seat. The mercy seat featured two angels, called cherubim, who were at opposite sides with their wings stretched toward the middle. It was the middle part that was the most important. That was God’s spot. God said, “And you shall put the mercy seat on the top of the ark… There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel.” (Exodus 25:21-22). God promised that His presence would be there upon the mercy seat on the ark. There was no image on the mercy seat for a reason. “God is spirit” (John 4:24). Any attempt to assign an image to the invisible God was considered idolatry. No image would suffice. The temple was a critical part of worship for the Jews. At the temple, people would come to pay homage and seek forgiveness. Through the intermediary of the priests, they would offer sacrifice to the invisible God. Not only was God invisible, but He was also inaccessible. His majestic presence was relegated to the sacred area of the holy of holies and the mercy seat. Only the high priest could go in there and he could only enter once a year—on the day of Atonement when he would offer sacrifice for the sin of the nation. As a visible reminder, there was a large curtain that separated the holy of holies from the rest of the temple area. Although God chose to meet with the Jews at the mercy seat, He could not be contained. The Bible reveals that he is omnipresent. That means he is everywhere—all at the same time. God does not dwell in a temple made with hands (Isaiah 66:1). You can’t put God in a box. Back to my initial discussion of why I don’t go to church. As I said, on the mercy seat of the ark of the covenant, there was no form. We don’t have enough crayons in the box. However, God chose to reveal Himself through the Person of Jesus who is “the image of the invisible God” (Col 1:15). The Bible says, [God] “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1, 14). Interestingly, the word “dwelt” in that sentence is the Greek word for tabernacle. It’s not a coincidence but divine providence. Jesus tabernacled among us. Thomas, one of the disciples, said to Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father.” Jesus responded, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me…? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:8-9). Jesus, the very God who manifested Himself on the mercy seat, came to put His portrait in the center of the cherubim. He also came to do a little temple maintenance. While in Jerusalem, at the temple, Jesus said to His adversaries, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). A strange statement, indeed. They responded by saying, “it took forty-six years to build this temple and you are going to raise it in three days?” (John 2:20). Of course, Jesus wasn’t talking about the physical temple—although He certainly could have done that if He wanted. The temple He was talking about was spiritual—His own body (John 2:21). This was illustrated vividly at the crucifixion. The Bible records that when Jesus died, the huge curtain that separated the temple area from the holy of holies—where the ark of the covenant was—was torn in two from top to bottom as if God Himself ripped the curtain from above. The symbolism is clear. No longer was there a separation between God and people. People no longer would go to the temple to find atonement and reconciliation. The temple became just another building. Jesus Himself, the perfect sacrifice, became the temple, the door, the access, and the way to God. He is the mediator, the high priest, and the perfect lamb. His death on the cross fulfilled the Law and obliterated the need for a continual sacrificial system in a physical location. His body replaced the temple. He did it once, for all (Heb 7:27). A proper understanding of Christianity means that, upon salvation, God Himself, through the person of the Holy Spirit, comes to live in the life of the believer. The miracle and majesty of the New Testament is that Christians don’t go to church. Christians do get together in buildings we call often call churches. We’re reminded, don’t neglect “to meet together, as is the habit of some” (Heb 10:25). But the building doesn’t make it a church. The people do. For example, in the Bible, the Apostle Paul sends greetings to the church in Corinth. He writes, “The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord” (1 Cor 16:19). Notice, the “church in their house.” Also, he writes to the church at Colossae saying, “Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house” (Col 4:15). It says very clearly, again, the church in her house. Christians don’t go to church. We are the church. The church is not a building, but a body. It is not an organization, but an organism. God lives in us. The Bible reminds us, “do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? (1 Cor 6:19). That’s why I don’t go to church. I don’t go to church because I am part of the church. Where I go, the church is. If you remember, in the movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones does find the ark and it ends up in a warehouse somewhere. Probably for the best. We don’t need it anymore. You can’t put God in a box. Dr. Wayne Geiger is the Pastor of First Baptist Grain Valley, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Speech, and freelance writer. |
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