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.