aaaah...a finished project!

Well two full days and ZERO showers later, our bedroom "makeover" is about complete.  Aside from the random accessorizing (remember, I carry a purse) we are all finished.  New paint.  New closet doors.  Finally finished bed.  New lamp.  Trim painted.  New blinds.  Vertical blinds removed and curtains put up.  Took much longer than we thought.  Oh well.  It is much improved.  This was the only room in the house we had never done anything to...just in case you were wondering or are actually still reading this here post.  Well I am off to bed.  I want to write something more creative/theological and tell you how "creating" and trips to Home Depot point to the fact that we have been created in the image of the Creator.  I want to say that for me home improvement is not so much about keeping up with the proverbial Jones', but rather is a practice as old as time when God made this world "improved" and ready for habitation.  Actually, I've said pretty much what I wanted to say, and now I really do want to go to bed.  Peace and make sure you check out the pics of Sydnie's First Christmas. 

Christmas in Florida

Well it finally feels like Christmas...the weather is cold (at least Florida cold) and everything seems more festive.  Just wanted to share this picture from tonight.  It is so fun to have a little girl.  She loves her mommy.  Heather is such a good mom.  They are so cute together and it is immensely fun to have an "expanded" family this year--no offense to Caspian.  I don't have much else to share other than I am kind of exhausted, but in a good way.  Had a very full, yet enjoyable weekend of ministry--3 Christmas parties on 3 consecutive nights!  Fun.  Tiring.  Thoroughly enjoyed our college gathering last night, as it served as a reunion of sorts--numerous students back in town.  That is all for now.  Couple days more of work, then time off!  Can't wait.  Oh yeah--Heather and I are counting down the days for our first trip together since Sydnie--we will be doing a little x-country skiing in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and the U.P. of Michigan come February.  They got 3 feet of snow last week.  Time for me to bust out the spandex.  Mental picture.  Don't stumble. Click here to check out one of our x-country skiing destinations. It is absolutely beautiful. 

Laughter is great.

Download sydnie_laughing.mov This was from a few weeks ago, but it still makes us smile.  Decided to post it...who knows why...kind of like most things I post.  Enjoy.  You will need Quicktime to view the movie

Preaching like Eminem?

So I'm driving home today and the ol' ipod is on "shuffle" and what starts playing but Eminem's hit song "Lose Yourself" from his movie 8 Mile.  Commence disclaimer...this is the only Eminem song I have on my ipod, but I will admit that I like it tremendously.  I'm not sure I could say that for all his music (though I have not listened to much of it), but this song in particular stirred several thoughts, so here goes...

Eminem has a DESPERATE HONESTY that cannot be ignored.  He is clearly a scarred, hurt and needy person, and understandably so.  Whether you like him or not, he does not shy away from telling it like it is (or at least how it "is" according to him).  He tells you the hurts of his life.  He tells you his dreams.  He tells you his failures as a son, husband and father.  He tells you how difficult success can be, and yet what it has brought him.  There is just a pervasive desperation as he sings the words about success being his only option--failure is not.  He makes me sad.  He makes me think I would like him alot.  I would love to talk with him.  Believe it or not, I think preachers could learn much from him, both in terms of style and content.  Granted, I am not talking about swearing in sermons, but honesy about the struggles of the pastor's life is greatly needed.  Desperation from the pulpit is needed.  Passion and a "holy swagger" is needed, where he tells it like it is without any apologies.  No sugar-coating.  No masks.  No gimmicks.  Just raw.  I think that is what the church needs from their pastors, and I think Eminem may teach us a lesson or two. 

new book and many thoughts

This story you have to read.  It's style is conversational, much in the way of Ann Lamott or Donald Miller.  However, the horror of this story is at times overwhelming and yet encouraging.  Renee' Altson, the author, tells her story of being raped by her "christian" father, abandoned by her mom (who eventually killed herself) and rejected by so many churches and other "christian" institutions.  I am anxious to talk about this book, which I will be doing tomorrow night at our high school meeting.  This story has taught me much about how to respond to those who have serious hurt in their life...what is it that people really need?  Not my pithy, christian bumper-sticker answers for sure.  Just read it.  It's good stuff, plus it's a quick, short read.  More info on Renee Altson

Back from Atlanta...great weekend

As always, the National Youth Workers Convention served to be a great experience, encouragement and vision embarking time.  I will write more about it later, but for now I am giving you a video that is worth watching.  This was not shown at the convention, but there was certainly much shared at the NYWC
in regards to the situation that exists outside of comfy, cozy United States.  I am really wrestling with what my actions should be towards those that are stricken with extreme poverty, AIDS and other atrocities.
Download world_on_fire.mov

 

off to the National Youth Workers Convention

I'm out of town again.  What in the world?  I have never traveled this much in my life.  Anyway, the OCM staff plus Heather head to Atlanta tomorrow for the National Youth Workers Convention.  It is always a highlight of the year for us.  Great teachers (Rob Bell and others).  Great worship (The David Crowder Band ).  Great resources.  Great time away with the staff (Jenn, Neal, Ryan and Heather) to plan, pray, laugh, dream, and eat out on Orangewood's dime.  Fun times.  I'm sure I'll have some material worth blogging about post-conference.  In the meantime, have a great weekend.  Happy Thanksgiving if no blogs happen before Turkey Day! 

May the Peace of the Lord be with you.

psalm 42

Most of my initial familiarity with this psalm has to do with the overused, I just learned to play the guitar, let's sing "As The Deer" text. My apologies if that is your favorite song. So after reading, or more likely "skimming" through the first few verses because of what I perceived as over-familiarity, I was struck by the following verses.

Psa. 42:2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

Psa. 42:3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

Psa. 42:4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.

As I read some background on this text, I learned that the Psalmist (not David in this case) is away from Jerusalem. Away from the city of God. Away from all that is familiar. Away from their "home church" so to speak. Up until this point I was confused as to why the writer would pen the words..."When can I go and meet with God?" I'm thinking anytime you want, you confused freak. But to the Jew of that day they couldn't. Jerusalem was everything. The temple was everything. If you couldn't be in that specific place, you felt separated from God. That is why the Psalmist looks back nostalgically for the days of yesteryear when he used to go with the multitude, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving.

How good I have it. To be able to worship God anywhere, at any time. God no longer dwells in a specific place. I have access to Him, through the Son. The veil has been torn. I can come into his presence. The sad thing for me I guess is that the Psalmist longed desperately to be with God, in God's town, and yet I have continual access...but I don't utiilize this gift as often as I should. I hope that changes. I feel that changing.

God Would Get His Glory and We Would Get Our Joy

So I've been a blogging slacker as of late. I have recently returned from Seattle where I was attending the Reformission Conference. Good stuff. Schedule has been a little thrown off though. I could write much about the city of Seattle and how cool it is--culture, coffee, mountains, city, ocean, etc. However, what is on my mind has to do with the "title" phrase that was spoken numerous times at this gathering. John Piper was the keynote speaker, and he was incredible. So passionate. So intelligent. So in love with Jesus. Actually this phrase wasn't so much spoken, as it was prayed before each meeting...God, would you get your glory and would we get our joy. Do I really get joy when God is glorified? According to Scripture I most definitely do. According to life, I would concur, though this may not seem logical. I was reminded that God is after his glory and his reknown. The greatest thing I can do with my life is to align myself with the Creator in this regard. Everything should bring glory to God. All of creation is singing the praises of God right now. Why don't I? I left this convention with many thoughts, hopefully some that I'll share in future blogs. But for now, I am appreciative of the reminder of what I am to chase after in this life. On a related aside, I have been reading through the Psalms. The glory of God is all over the place. David sings of it. David longs for it. David passionately pursues it. Yet, he experiences great pain and trial. This is life. God may I pursue your glory in the midst of the hurt of life. When there is a dull ache that lingers and a fog that can seem ever-present, will you glorify yourself in the midst of it all.

syd & dad

Just hanging out with my girl on the couch. This whole fatherhood thing is way cool.

syd & mom

Sydnie is really getting attached to her mom. She loves to snuggle up to Heather. Cute factor...off the charts...in my humble opinion.

all I need is me, my Bible and Jesus?

So I’ve been meaning to write this all week. To quote the Matrix, this thought has been like “a splinter in my mind.” I just haven’t been able to let it go, which I guess is a good thing. But before I delve in let me say that the weather has finally cooled, I am out with my trusty Mac on the porch, with my daughter beside me and a little Dave Matthews playing. Aaagh, this is life. Now that I have given you the setting, I can set forth on the “splinter.”

I think it all started Tuesday as I sat in my History of Christianity class at RTS. We have been studying the early church heretics, which has been both fascinating and disturbing. In the midst of this the professor has commented numerous times that one cannot DO THEOLOGY IN ISOLATION. This thought popped into my mind as I conversed with a fellow classmate, a man who is retired and is auditing the course for sheer knowledge sake (probably what education should be, but that’s another discussion). This man is humble, gentle and well thought through. He seems to have a deep love of Jesus and His Church. I respect him greatly. I guess the conversation served to remind me of the need I have to be in conversation with men and women who have much more wisdom than I. Often I have the tendency (i.e. previous blogs) to think I know best. I may have a different perspective at times, but this should not negate the perspectives of others who have traveled the road before me. I’m living in this tension of wanting to think differently about the Church, whilst retaining what is good and pure and right with the Church. For someone who is not one for convention, this is tough for me. I just need to make sure my thoughts are held in check and explored with the wisdom that is prevalent in so many that surround me, both young and old.

It just can’t be me, my Bible and Jesus. I have to be in community. I need to be forming my theology in the presence of others who may think differently. I want to speak into the dialogue of current issues pertaining to the Church and theology, but I also need to be willing to listen. There is no dialogue if I am simply spouting off my thoughts. The heretics did theology in isolation. The heretics trumpeted their cause with reckless abandon, but to the detriment of themselves and the Church. I don’t want to be a heretic, but I also don’t want to blindly accept what has been handed to me. God would you give me wisdom.

south city mission

Wanted to write this blog last night, but was a bit too tired. At any rate, Heather and I had a great day and night hanging out with our friends Jen and Jay from St. Louis. They are planting a church in urban St. Louis and they did a presentation to friends in the Orlando area last night. It was awesome. I love that they are going into an urban area, that is diverse in every possible sense of the word. This will not be your typical, white, suburban church plant. They have a great vision. They have great hopes and aspirations for what God is doing and will do in South City. You should pray for them. You should also give them money (if you're able of course).

thursday evening

I need to go sleep, but wanted to "blog" about my Thursday evening. Great dinner at home. Bathed my daughter. Made her laugh. Prayed with her. Laid her down. Kissed her good night. Put some David Wilcox on. Engaged in good conversation with my wife. Sharing life together. Discussing all of life, from finances to ministry to the apprentice. :) Lastly, started a captivating book, which I've added to my reading list and included the book cover for your perusing enjoyment. Good night, whoever it is that reads these thoughts.

politically inept

So had a few folks over to the abode this evening and a rather interesting political discussion ensued. We had the full representation...the republican view, the democrat view, the naderesque view and the socialist view. Couple quick thoughts or rather impressions. One, in my utter cynicism of the political scene, I have become indifferent, but also equally uneducated. This is my fault. This is scary. It has finally "hit" me tonight that I need to think through the "why" of my voting choice. Second, I continue to be amazed by how dominat the Republican view is within American-Christian circles. It's good for me to dialgoue with other believers that do not align themselves with "God's Own Party." Lastly, I find myself wishing there existed a candidate who embraced a little of Kerry and Bush. Somebody in the middle. Somebody not quite so polarizing on various issues. But I am quickly reminded by my cynical self that this candidate will never exist so I might as well get over it. Which leaves me with two guys, neither of which I am crazy about. What to do? Feel free to give me your thoughts--I want to know who you're voting for, but more importantly, "why" you're voting for them. Thanks much!

Go BoSox says Sydnie!

Game seven tonight and Sydnie is ready! She's sportin' her cool gear--props to the giftgivers, Nathan and Jessica Sweet. Fine choice in athletic apparel. Lastly, Sydnie would like to share her feelings about those dreaded Yankees with a picture that says, "Yankees, you can kiss my little, white, pudgy, baby butt!"

an amazing story

My Bible reading of late has consisted of trying to read through the Gospel of John. Shouldn't have taken me as long as it did--I can't ever seem to get into any sort of regular schedule in regards to Scripture reading. However, when I do actually sit and read and feel, I love it. I loved reading this book. The way John guides us through the story is so cool. I love the humanity that is displayed, not just by Jesus, but by the people that struggle to believe. The book gives two snapshots of denial and doubt toward the end--namely, Peter and Thomas. It's good for my soul to read about these guys. They were a bunch of scrubs and they changed the world. The fact that Peter follows Jesus at the end of the book, even though he has just been told how he is going to die is incredible. Peter has a very human response in light of this disconcerting revelation by Jesus...he wants to know what is going to happen to his buddy John. What about him? Is he going with me? Am I going to be all alone when this happens? Jesus tell me more. I imagine these thoughts were racing around in Peter's mind, as they would be in mine. Jesus doesn't answer the way Peter would like. His response is simply complex...YOU MUST FOLLOW ME. It's a command. It's an invitation. It's a recognition by Jesus that He has big plans for Peter and that He believes in him. I was reminded recently that we believe in Jesus, and well we should, but Jesus believes in us. He believes we can be used. I MUST FOLLOW HIM. It's what I must do, wherever that takes me. Hopefully He wants to take me to the mountains some day! :)

great night at the DMAC

So we actually had three meetings in a row! Very cool. What a great night. Jenn and Zaq did a great job leading worship. New people are coming and "regulars" seem to be getting more and more connected. Real questions are being asked. I felt there was a real authenticity last night as we wrestled with why the world has so much appeal to us. I don't know where God is going to take this, but I'm excited and appreciative to be part of it. I left last night with several thoughts, but the most dominant being this...if the group continues to grow, how do we make sure we keep the authenticity, the openness, the "feel" that we have right now? At a certain point it won't be as feasible to circle up and discuss the way we are, yet that seems to be a big draw. I am praying for God's continued guidance and wisdom. It amazes me that we even have a "group" that is meeting--how does that happen? So cool.

Friday Night @ The Shire

It's way too late to be blogging, but I felt compelled to at least write a little something. Our gathering of 20 somethings tonight at our house was really cool. I loved it, as did Heather. I really hope it turns into something of significance in all of our lives. There was a great sense of connectedness, even though we didn't all know each other that well. We are also going to be enlightened by Donald Miller in Blue Like Jazz--our monthly discussion material of choice. Good stuff. I need sleep.

Thumb Ring

In my attempt to be hip (please stop laughing) and because I think they are cool, I got myself a thumb ring. Pictures are forthcoming...Yes, I'll be the guy posing for thumb shots. Yeah, I'm cool. What I like most about it is that is was custom crafted by a Silversmith in North Carolina--so cool to have something that was "crafted"--this is a lost art today. We are a culture with no craft anymore...very sad. We need more craftsmen, after all our God is THE craftsman.

What to do?

Maybe you can all help me, that is if you respond to these thoughts. How does a church reach emerging generations? I can't get this out of my frontal lobe. Do you "cater" to the younger generations in terms of musical style, preaching style, etc. at the risk of ostrasizing the rest of the body? If you don't reach the younger ones though, the church will die...is that so bad though? Jesus promised the church universal would stand, not the local, particular congregations. Meaning, do you go and start a new church with a younger generation in mind in order to reach that group? But then this church grows old and we still have no answers and we are forced to start another church. Viscious cyle I tell ya. Is the answer then to offer different worship gatherings for different people--i.e. Traditional, Contemporary, Emerging--you get the idea. But does this break up the church into something less than what the body is designed for? I don't know what to make of the comments by Mark Driscoll, in the book I just read, that advocates not offering anything for particular groups--how far do you take this...should there be no student ministry then? I could be out of a job. How does a church, like Orangewood, which is not dominated by 20 somethings, reach that generation? I have a lot of questions and very few answers. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Maybe I just need to get off my lazy butt and start bringing 20 somethings to church, but that would entail me getting to know some God-forsaken pagans. I think I suck at that. What to do?

Life is good.?

Well I just finished my second book of the week, "The Radical Reformission" by Mark Driscoll. It was pheonomenal. Highly recommend it. I have many thoughts concerning it, but I am quite tired in the mental sense. Had a flurry of mental activity earlier today, but my thoughts have subsided and I'm just kind of hanging out--I will blog about it at a later date.

I guess what is on my mind is the simple things of life. The picture I posted I took earlier today of the two women in my life--I think they're quite cute! We had a great day hanging out, enjoying the fall weather and just simply relaxing. Normally I'd still be at work, just finishing up with our high school meeting, so this is a nice change, though it was weird not being there tonight. I missed seeing the students, but it was nice to not have to do any of the planning work. Anyway, I guess my thoughts are on the gifts of God. My thoughts are there for two reasons...First, I just really enjoyed my time with Heather and Sydnie today. Second, contrasted with that joy is the realization of the tough situations many are experiencing even as I write--a good family friend of my parents is in the hospital and the situation is quite bleak and unexpected. Our chuch family is also grieving the loss of one of its members. Life can really suck, and yet it can be great. I guess I'm just thankful for where I'm at and what I've been given.

Though a new Honda Element would be nice as well! How's that for a shallow ending?

beautiful fall day!

Today was one of those absolutely beautiful days. Air was brisk. Leaves are changing. Did a nice 3 or 4 mile hike. Ate at the greatest pizza place in the world...The Mellow Mushroom. Finished a book and started another. Great sense of accomplishment for some reason in seeing a book through to its end. I highly recommend the U2 book. Started "Radical Reformission" and is great thus far. Last thought...I don't know what it is, but to experience the seasons is so refreshing. It's like I was made for this. To experience the change. To go through different seasons (in the weather sense) parallels life so much--it's good for my soul. Not sure exactly why that is, but would welcome your thoughts. Alright, now I'm off to change my daughter's diaper which she has filled with poo! Beautiful day.

Seattle Trip! Yahoo!

Just confirmed...going to the REFORMISSION conference in November with Jeffrey Peter Jakes. It's in Seattle. Hosted at Mars Hill Church. If you want more info go to http://reformission.com It should be sweet. I can't wait. I've been wanting to get out to Seattle for some time, and I've really wanted to learn more about this church and the church planting network it is partnered with (Acts 29....http://a29.org) Might help me figure out some "future" things. We'll see. At any rate, regardless of the conference, I'm going to be in Seattle, hanging with Jeff and drinking coffee at Zoka's! Yeah.

Hello from Boone, NC

It is unbelievably beautiful here right now. Leaves are starting to change. Had a great hike this morning at perhaps our favorite spot--Sims Creek along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sydnie loved her new pack. Heather got a great shot of her that I've included for your viewing enjoyment. Well I'm off to enjoy the rest of today. More blogs forthcoming. Bubye.

no ranting, just raving

I'm realizing that much of what I "blog" about is often my little soapboxes and things that quasi set me off. But not tonight. Not because everything is just going so well--we still have no power and I still don't have my teaching for tomorrow night all together--oh well. The reason, not tonight, is because I have been given the coolest gift ever...my daughter. I've included another pic, as if you haven't seen any before. Two quick anecdotes and then I'll shut up. She was in her little contraption/toy thing we put her in to stand and have sensory overload just hanging out and having a good ol' time. Then I came home from work and once I started talking, even though she couldn't see me, Heather said she just started going crazy, smiling and kicking her little legs. I'm a sap. Anecdote number two. Similar theme. Heather and I are leaving for "date night" and Sydnie is playing on the floor and as Heather is saying good bye to her parents she is just following Heather's every move. I guess I'm just amazed at how aware she is already. Granted, she doesn't cry when we leave, so she must not really miss us all that much. Oh well. There's my comment for the day. Good night. May the peace of the Lord be with you.

Hurricane Jeanne

Camping out at the Kroen's in preparation for hurricane number three. What in the world? Oh well. I'll keep you all posted. I'm lobbying for another "hurricane newscast" but my wiser-half says that may not be the smartest thing to do in 100 mph winds. She's probably right. I'm an idiot. Talk to you all later!

best baby purchase ever

By my own admission, I have not been the most excited with purchasing baby paraphernalia. Not to say I'm not excited about my little Sydnie (she's the best), but I have left the buying to others. However, all that changed today. In preparation for our jaunt to the beautiful mountains of Boone, North Carolina next week I got to buy the Kelty Kid Pack! Hiking with the baby! Can't wait. Fall colors. Cool weather. Family. Not only that, Sydnie absolutely loved being paraded around Travel Country Outdoors as were trying this thing out. Our little granola baby in the making! Sweet.

Real Community v. Suburban Community

There is a place, literally on the "other side of the tracks" in Winter Park that is referred to as the Hannibal Square district. The surrounding area is almost exclusively black/African-American (not sure which is the pc thing to say these days). Drive through the area and you see people grilling out, hanging with their neighbors, sitting on the front porch, or walking to the non-chain grocery store. It's real community. There is real belonging. People are known. This picture would seem a beautiful thing, except for the fact that "Winter Park Whitey" wants to destroy it. Case in point.

One used to be able to drive past the little park in the area and see old, black men sitting, chatting, smoking their pipes and playing checkers. It was their place. That is until the white community realized that the old building across from the park were prime real estate. So in the name of "progress", restaurants and shops were put in, and in order to keep everything looking nice the park was remodeled. It was billed as beneficial to all--"all" apparently meaning the white people. The tables were taken away--apparently too much loitering with the tables. Yeah, you'd hate to have people just hanging out in the park. So now the old guys have no place to play checkers. Now when I drive by, I see rich white people sipping their wine at their outdoor cafe' overlooking the park. To my chagrin, but the satisfaction of many, no more old black guys in the park. Contrast that type of community which exists, but is in danger of being destroyed with what I came across the other day in "suburban land".

Driving down the street, a street not too far from my home, is a rather familiar sight, with a slight exception. At the end of the driveway is the big, green city garbage can. However, the proud owner of this particular garbage can had taken the time to spray paint in big white letters, DO NOT LEAVE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DRIVEWAY. What in the world? Who the heck has time to spray paint their freakin' garbage cans? A better question is why did they spray paint their garbage can? Here's my cynical answer...if the garbage can is left in the driveway then Mr. or Mrs. Suburbia may actually have to get out of their Suburban SUV without being able to sneak quickly into their garage. They may actually have to run the risk of seeing one of their neighbors. They may actually have to talk. They may have to take some time that isn't programmed into their PDA. What a tragedy that would be. To actually have to talk. To actually have to engage with those in the neighborhood.

I hope this last vestige of real community in Winter Park, being the "black" neighborhood on the wrong side of the tracks is not destroyed in the name of white progress. We could learn much from how they live. How they connect. How they belong.

back from Michigan

Howdy to whoever it is that actually reads these here incessant ramblings--though my ego is boosted everytime I check the "site usage" stats--do people really like me or are people just really bored? I have to wonder. Anyway, I have several "blogs" in the works, but have been away from my trusty mac for a few days as we were in Michigan for my cousin's wedding. Blogs are forthcoming. In the meantime, if you're bored, you can check out the following link to view pics of the trip. http://digitalcakeproductions.com/sydniesnapshots.html

ramblings concerning the past week

So I had this great, or seemingly great blog written the other night, and then being the moron that I am, I closed the window without saving it first. Yeah, I'm an idiot. Oh well. So I've got some definite catching up to do. I'm not sure how far back to go...I guess I'll start with last wednesday night.

Wednesday night @ The Grove with the high school students was great! Kirsten and Brian were Barista's extraordinaire--Ryan did a great job with worship--Earl and Eamon are getting more and more plugged in and are kicking off their small groups soonp--yahoo! I really feel like we've had a great start to the school year. I am excited about many things and feel blessed in many regards. One of those great blessings has been to have Jenn on staff as our new Female Student Ministries Director. Jenn spoke on Wednesday and shared her story--it was quite powerful! The students were very responsive to what she had to say. All in all a very good night. Plus, my wonderful wife Heather was there being her great self and hanging out with the students. All good.

Saturday was a fun, yet exhausting night as we took 50+ middle schoolers to Rock the Universe. The positives...the students had a great time and it was fun hanging out with them. The Mummy was quite cool--Hannah was right! But man, I've got some serious issues that come to the surface when I am in the environment that is the "Christian sub-culture." It's freaky. Bad Christian t-shirts--2 of my favorite/worst...I Love Shane & Shane but...I Love Jesus More. Ugh. The other was...Looking For a Good Christian Guy...might have been funny if a guy was wearing it, but it was being worn by many a desperate girl. Then there's Toby Mac--white, Christian, rapper extraordinaire. If I hear his backup singers sing "Toby, Toby" one more time I think I'm going to shoot myself. Oh well. I have definite issues. The real kicker was that I didn't get to see the David Crowder Band--the only one's I wanted to see, and the venue was full.

Sunday night...OCM @ the DMAC. Turned out to be a really enjoyable night. God was very good--trite, overused Christian phrase, but it is true. We were late getting started. Couldn't get the sound system in on time, and had to just go acoustic. Had a much smaller group than two weeks ago--stupid Frances. These were the things I was getting hung up on and yet God worked despite those things. Worship was great. Just being able to circle up, with fellow believers/journeyers and sing praises to God in an upstairs theatre in downtown Orlando was awesome. It was great to be able to spend some time in the coffeehouse afterwards with those that came out--if you weren't there you missed free latte's! Better luck next time. I am optimistic that this new ministry will flourish--not because of anything I can do, but because I feel like God is at work.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading.

Download hurricane_frances_medium.mov

In honor of all those reporters who seemingly "risk" their lives to bring us the latest hurricane news, we have added our own little "hurricane report." You will need the Quicktime player to view it, which is availabe as a free download at http://apple.com/quicktime/download

Enjoy!

yet another hurricane

So I've got way too much time on my hands with the approaching hurricane making its way ever so slowly towards Orlando. Nothing too exciting to report, other than the fact that the fam is all here, just enduring this together. To be honest this whole thing is a serious pain in the rear. The first hurricane gave me a certain level of morbid excitement, but this one is just plain annoying. Packing everything up again. Deliberating what to do, where to go. Not knowing if we should stay at our house and try to "protect" our belongings or head over to Heather's parents house. So we're at Heather's parents house. We chose comfort and relative safety over "protecting" our material things. Which I guess is what they are. But to be perfectly honest, I really don't want to lose my stuff. I know that sounds shallow and materialistic, but oh well. Stupid hurricane.

There are two quotes/stories that are good reminders for me. The first is from the incredibly spiritual film Fight Club--"the stuff you own ends up owning you." I really don't want that to be true, but it probably is more than I care to admit. The second is from an incredible short story by Leo Tolstoy, which you should all read. It's entitled, "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" I won't ruin it for you, but I highly recommend taking a half hour out of your day to digest this great short story. The moral of the story is a great reminder in times like this. That's all I've got for now. Thanks for reading.

Read your Bible, it will scare the HELL out of you

Aaaah yes, this was the most recent message posted on a church sign I pass everyday. These signs are becoming the bane of my existence. I drive by and want to swerve my truck into the sign, feeling this would do a great service to the community. I obviously have anger issues, but seriously, what is up with these signs? I have vowed to never work at a church that has "marquee" messages. Do these messages really help the kingdom? I definitely have issues. Alright, enough about the church sign, but what about the message?

This particular message promotes an idea of "salvation" that is nothing more than fire insurance. I've got my "Jesus ticket" and now I'm in and don't have to go to the bad place. Is this really what Jesus was promoting? Read your Bible, believe in Him, and Hell will be scared out of you? I think what Jesus is offering is slightly bigger. Our world does not need to hear a message centered around the thought of not going to hell. Not that I'm espousing going to Hell--it really is a bad place, or so I've heard from the voices in my head. The world needs to hear a message of redemption and recreation not just rescue from the really hot place. To be saved from hell is great, but it is not a wholistic view of salvation. Salvation is so much bigger. What Jesus offers to us is so much bigger. He invites us into Kingdom living. To live in the way of Jesus (to steal the words of Rob Bell). To be saved daily by the Gospel. To know that my eternal life is now. To know that I have the opportunity to bring redemption to a hurting world through the message of Jesus is an amazing thing. People want to be made whole, they don't just want to be saved from hell. Jesus makes us whole. Amen.

If you want to read some really intriguing stuff about the "Hebrew mindset" check out this site http://followtherabbi.com

wednesday night @ the grove

So our town is ready to be destroyed and there is much work to be done, but I am feeling quite good about my evening. We had our second Wednesday night gathering of the new school year for high school students and it was a thoroughly enjoyable night. Had fun making latte's in the new cafe', students seemed excited about being there, had several first time visitors as well as some students that hadn't been out in awhile. God was very good to us. Worship was great, and though I was rather "longwinded" I had some good conversations with students afterwards--I think God was at work in their hearts which was very encouraging. Sometimes student ministry is incredibly frustrating, but tonight was one of those nights where I felt I belonged here. It was a good feeling. Next week will probably...well I won't go there for now and just enjoy the evening. Hope everyone survives the big storm. Thanks for reading and good night.

Glad to be at Orangewood

Read this quote today..."When we serve others in a culture that is so self-centered, that service will stand out. It's about intentional acts of kindness toward the people in our lives, saying, 'How do I authentically serve you?' as opposed to, 'How do I convince you that Christ is the Messiah?"

I love this quote and it makes my heart sing that I have the privilege of serving at a church that is beginning to grasp this concept. I am beginning to grasp this concept. It reminds me of our need for community and how truth is understood in the context of community. That's all for now.

so I'm a feminist and a guy...go figure

So i'm sitting in my most recent class endeavor at Reformed Theological Seminary entitled The History of Christianity. In the introductory notes a discussion breaks out about the historical support for women as deaconess' in the early church. So it makes me think. Women really do get shafted alot in the church. It's unfortunate to say the least. Women seemingly do as much in the church as men and yet it is rare to find women as paid staff of the church. I'm not saying they should be ordained, or even serve as elders, but isn't it ridiculous that women can usually only fulfill the role of volunteer? What is up with that? The disparity is huge. We are so behind the times as the church, that it's not even funny. I'm not sure what to do about this. I'm not sure what kind of difference I can actually make. It just doesn't seem right. I am not sounding as impassioned as I want to right now--I'm a little tired. I just really wonder why women are usually only on staff as children's workers and maybe youth workers. What about a full-time woman to minister to the adult woman of the church? This is my random soapbox of the day. Let me know your thoughts.