Must Download TV

Check out the free SNL short available on iTunes.  Freakin' hilarious.  Must have iTunes to play.  Once you have that, then click the link below.  Enjoy.
The Chronic-les of Narnia (Lazy Sunday)

Just in case you're skipping church on Christmas day...you can listen to this

One of my all time favorite sermons/teachings is by Rob Bell (big surprise) and it's entitled Rhythm. I really think you should listen to the entire thing, but because it is almost an hour long, I figured some of you may just want the highlights. Therefore I've included this linkDownload rhythm_selection.mp3 which will give you the last 15 minutes and explains the "rhythm" concept via musical metaphor.

Should you desire the entire teaching you can download it here. Download rhythm.mp3

Peace and Merry Christmas.

worth a shot...

On the off chance that you know someone who is looking for a PART TIME WORSHIP LEADING GIG and is in the Orlando area, why don't you pass along that info b/c we (Orangewood Student Ministry) are in the "market" as they say. Huge dollars and benefits are a given.

Coming Soon...

Click the picture to your left to view this exciting "trailer".  You will need the free Quicktime player. 

Download no_way.mov

Delicious-Monster

I'm loving this great piece of Mac software called Delicious-Monster that allows me to catalogue my library via my iSight.  To top it off I found a 3rd party app that allows me to export my library as an html file to create a website of my library.  I'm not finished importing my books yet, but you can check out what I've got by clicking the link "Jamie's Library" to your left.  Email me if you want to borrow something...assuming you're in the area.  Peace.

It was only a matter of time...

Link: devoted1.com.

Evening Ritual.

Sydnie loves two things as of late...one is Elmo (see picture) and the other is dancing. She likes to shake it. See video for proof. This has become a highlight of our evenings together as a family. Enjoy and take notes.

Download sydniedance.mov

are you emergent?

I thoroughly enjoyed this link. Quite funny. Check it out. Link: purgatorio: You Might Be Emerging If....

Nashville & Ohio Trips

The past 10 days have been a blur...but in a good way.  A week ago Friday had Heather and I departing early, but not bright, to Nashville for the annual National Youth Workers Convention.  Always a fantastic conference, and this year did not disappoint.  Though normally David Crowder, Chris Tomlin and great speakers would be the highlight (don't get me wrong they were still great), this year's highlights had to be time with friends we don't get to see much.  We had a thoroughly enjoyable time catching up with Nate & Kara Conrad, Joel & Tracy Eckert and Jon and Carolyn Eckert and their new baby girl.  Even the Michigan loss wasn't quite as dramatic as it was spent in the company of good friends!  I still vote for firing the entire Michigan coaching staff.  Ugh.

We returned Monday from the conference in time for me to catch my RTS class and then work Tuesday.  Then Wednesday it was off to Ohio for Thanksgiving.  We had another great trip.  It was great to hang out with family we don't see much.  9 of us camping out in the ol' farm house was great.  Traditional bonfire.  Freezing temperatures.  Meijer and even Starbucks--apparently no amount of corn fields can keep Starbucks away!  Sydnie had a fantastic time--she loved hanging out with everyone.  She is definitely a loved child. 

Now we are back home.  Final push until Christmas break time.  That's all for now.  Enjoy the new pics off to the right under "Ohio Thanksgiving '05"

Peace.

A Video Post

Download syd_aunt_ashley.mov
Click this here link to watch a short video post of Sydnie and her Aunt Ashley.  Ashley has been kind enough to babysit Syd on Thursday afternoons whilst Heather tutors.  She rules.  We don't get to hang out with Ashley as often as we would like.  So we caught up by eating dinner together, dancing with Sydnie and watching The O.C.  You will need the Quicktime player to view.  Free download here.

ipod update

Not wanting to leave anyone in suspense...I'm sure you've been losing sleep as I have over the defunct ipod, I wanted to give you an update. I am now the proud owner of the 20gb ipod photo. Here's the beauty of the story though...Apple releases new ipod video. Disgruntled recent-purchasers return their 20gb version (the one I have now) and upgrade to the 30gb video version. This leaves Apple Store to sell off the "rejects." $179 - $30 for missing headphones = great deal for me. I want to thank the person who had to have the latest and greatest which allowed me my wonderful purchase. I also want to thank Nate Conrad--putting your money to good use my friend.

Halloween Highlight

Though I have other topics I want to dive into, I will forego those things for a Halloween update. Sydnie absolutely loved the whole deal...though a bit taken a back at first--I mean who wouldn't be? Random outfits. Knocking on doors. People giving candy. A bit bizarre, but fun nonetheless. You can view the pics off to the right. However, what I really want to comment on was how good it was to actually talk to our neighbors. It is so easy to do the normal suburban thing and sneak in and out of our humble abode without ever interacting. Funny that it takes a "pagan" holiday to get us talking and mingling as we should be all the time. We were reminded of how much we love where we live. We obviously love our friends in the neighborhood, but it's also great to have actual neighbors. This year Halloween was good for the soul. Didn't hurt that the weather is finally cooler as well. That's all for now. Peace.

New Nooma Film

The new film entitled "Rhythm" is now available. Of course I've already ordered it. Obsessive compulsive. I am hopign it is the film version of perhaps my favorite Rob Bell teaching. We'll see. Link: NOOMA.com.

ipodless

ugh...my ipod is dead. I know in the grand scheme of things this is rather trivial, but I love my ipod. I feel lost without it. I can no longer redeem my time in the car listening to books, sermons, teachings, etc. I can feel myself getting dumber. Maybe God is telling me to upgrade???

A Theology of Everything

Having just completed “Sidewalks in the Kingdom” (which I highly recommend) I was reminded afresh how much Jesus and Christianity have to say to the practical, mundane issues of life. The more I am drawn to particular topics and engage with people who are passionate about certain things...whether that be architecture, music, literature, technology, health, environment, politics, etc, etc., the more I realize that there is an underlying “theology behind everything.”

Take for instance the environment...As a Christian I should applaud the stewardship of our environment. In fact I should go further...I need to view myself as an environmentalist, as should all followers of Jesus. However, as one quickly realizes, Christians are not leading this charge. What I want those that are leading the charge to see is that their primal urge to save a tree, mountain, swamp, whatever is rooted in how things really are in the world. This desire is not just conjured up by humanity. Rather it taps into how God has designed us. He wants us to be stewards. To protect. To bring beauty, harmony and order to this world of His.

The same goes for architecture. What “Sidewalks” showed me was how a Christian should have an opinion when it comes to urbanism, suburbanism and rural areas. We should seek a life that is most in tune with God. Where is that found? Increasingly I feel drawn to the urban area as the best representation of living in harmony with how God desires things to be. That is not to pass judgement on the suburbs (of which I am a part) or on rural areas. It has more to do with a calling to the city that I would say is rooted in theology. The Scriptures begin with a Garden and end with a City. The new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven. Jesus on the throne. Is this picture the underlying reason I feel drawn to the city? Could be. Actually, I’m more and more convinced that it is.

The list of things that tie in to our theology should be unlimited. The only limitation is our lack of knowledge and imagination. I am hoping that God would continually be opening up my eyes to see the “theology of everything”. peace.

RELEVANT MAGAZINE

Having just finished "Through Painted Deserts", I am an even bigger Donald Miller fan now. So I thought I'd direct your attention to this little interview at Relevant. Enjoy.Link: RELEVANT MAGAZINE.

David Crowder Band - A Collision Is Coming September 27th 2005

The NEW David Crowder Band CD is fantastic. You should definitely order it or download at iTunes. Link: David Crowder Band - A Collision Is Coming September 27th 2005.

Ray's Weather Center - Blowing Rock Forecast

Link: Ray's Weather Center - Blowing Rock Forecast.

our weather next week. :)

Hail to the Losers

Stupid Michigan football...wasting yet another 4 hours of my life. Get a new coach. Get a quarterback who can run without falling down. Underachieving rules. Yet another disappointing season. Oh well...it's only football...apparently I'm buying into Lloyd Carr's mantra.

It's been awhile...to say the least

Should you happen to refer to my blog as proof of my existence you would have made the logical conclusion that I had died...or at least I had been in the hospital dealing with post-triathlon trauma.  Though I am still ridiculously out of shape, that cannot be my excuse.  What to offer up as a reason?  Blog-boredom (is that a real category?)?  Mental exhaustion?  Perhaps.  Busyness?  Yeah could be that as well.  However, none of these really suffice.  Maybe I just suck as a blogger.  Most likely answer.  But I am now done with the self-depracating bit and want to move on...so here goes...

Exhausted but feeling good.  Heather, Sydnie and I had the great privilege of traveling up to the Chicago-area this weekend to be with some dearly missed friends...Nate and Kara Conrad.  It was the first time we had our "expanded" families together.  I've posted pics off to the left (courtesy of Kara).  It was a fantastic time.  I went and spoke at a retreat for Nate's high school students.  Amazing group.  Really, really good kids (I mean kids in the best possible way).  Whilst the retreating was going on, Heather and Sydnie stayed with Kara and their girls back in the Chicago-area.  It was so good to be with them.  So fun to hang out as parents together.  Surreal, but fun nonetheless.  The time with Nate and Kara was capped off in a most enjoyable manner...sitting by a fire on a cool summer night, drinking Caribou Coffee and then smoking a nice cigar with Nate (just for clarification purposes we each had our own cigar).  Fun times.

Now it is time for slumber.  Been up since 4:30 am.  We almost missed our flight.  Chicago traffic rules.  Sat in class all afternoon.  Downloaded the first chapter of "Through Painted Deserts" by Donald Miller.  Read a little.  Got envious of his writing skills.  Got my thoughts stirred.  Got motivated to actually blog.  Here we are.  Here is where it ends.  Peace.  Good night.

Baldwin Park triathlon

Well this here blog should have been written over a week ago, but I guess one could say I just recovered (that will make more sense in a moment).  Travel back with me about 7 weeks ago...

Heather and I are having dinner with the McKinney's at a new restaurant in a new neighborhood (Baldwin Park) down the street from where we live.  There in the restaurant is the postcard that would introduce me to my demise.  For it was advertising the first ever Baldwin Park Sprint Triathlon (lest you should be too impressed...1/4 mile swim, 12 mile bike, 3 mile run).  Though not ridiculously far, far enough for someone like myself who's mode of training post-college has been 2 donuts a morning.  Basically Heather and I were consistent in our training (she went to the YMCA, and I went to Dunkin' Donuts), and then the dreaded day arrived last Sunday. 

Having gotten roughly 3 hours of sleep on Saturday night (Syndie tooth), we proceeded to the race.  The short of it...now that I've rambled, is that Heather finished second in the fat tire division (mountain bikes) and I finished, albeit 8 minutes behind Heather.  She got a medal.  I got my breath back by Wednesday.  Fun times.  Anyway, there are some new pics posted to the left.  Enjoy.

Sydnie Swim Lessons Video

Video Post

David Wilcox, Staff Retreat & Date Night

What a week.  First, my dream concert came to fruition...David Wilcox playing in the building I work in!  Over the top fantastic.  As if that weren't enough, a few of us were hanging out and cleaning up The Grove afterwards, when we mentioned to David that he didn't play one of our new favorite songs.  His response?  "Would you like me to play it for you now?"  It was like Alice Cooper inviting Wayne & Garth backstage.  Again, over the top fantastic.  So there about 10 of us sat, whilst David played not one, but two songs just for our little impromptu concert.  Amazing.  That was the end of a phenomenal Wednesday evening (see pics off to your left).

Thursday brought the student ministries staff departing for Anna Maria Island for our planning retreat.  Tired but inspired by the previous nights concert, we plowed through 2 1/2 days of evaluating, dreaming and planning for next year.  I am confident that this next year could be our best yet.  Great ideas.  Great honesty.  Great enthusiasm.  Great team-building. 

Full weekend and the start of another week. 

Now it's Tuesday and Heather and I had our weekly "date night."  We spent the evening over good food and great music.  What music you ask?  Well, we have a little recording of last week's concert (with permission of course), and it turned out so well.  All 21 songs captured in crystal clear fashion.  So after dinner Heather and I just drove listening and reliving the concert.  I have issues.  I know.  But even more beautiful than the music is the connection Heather and I have in terms of what we value.  We spent our time conversing about how we couldn't imagine not being moved by the kind of things that move us.  Not to be elitist, but rather we are so thankful that we have each other and that we care deeply about the same things.  Does that make sense?  It's one of those deeply comforting and life-giving feelings that you know comes from the giver of all good things.

peace.

Aunt Andie Visit

Download syd_mellow.mov

Well Aunt Andie was in town tonight for a work-related conference, but we all got to hang out tonight at the Mellow Mushroom.  It was great to see Andie again...it's been too long.  Sydnie did her best to show off her new "moves" and "tricks."  I've posted a little video from the evening.  Click the picture or the link above to start the video.  Also, there is a new photo album for your viewing pleasure entitled "Aunt Andie Visit"...please keep the "Jamie, you look so much younger without your gotee" comments to a minimum.  Unless however, the alternative comment is "Jamie you look so much fatter" then please make the aforementioned comment.  Thanks much!  Peace.

Sydnie, Friends & a Puppy!

So you can peruse the "SYDNIE MAY '05" picks to your left. You can see Sydnie lounging in the pool with her good friend Ava. You can see her with her friend Jessica Sweet (moving back to FL in July). You can also see her with Denali, her new cousin! Brian and Kirsten are very excited. Not much else to report on, other than the fact that the Wilcox tickets are selling out quickly. Peace.

Wilcox is coming, Wilcox is coming!

June 8 at The Grove.  Unbelievable.  Get your tickets online at http://thegrove.ocministry.com

Right click here and download a free song (don't worry, it's from his site, so you're not stealing...I wouldn't want you to steal from Dave).

Mom's Day and Bike Ride

Great day hanging out as a family.  It was fun to honor Heather for being the great mom that she is.  Sydnie is lucky.  It was also nice to actually have a free Sunday evening which allowed us to bust out the bike trailer we bought pre-Sydnie birth.  She is now old enough to use it, so we bought her a cool pink helmet (pink is the new black, in case you didn't know) and off we went.  She loved it.  So far we are perfect in the recreation category with her--she loves being in the backpack while hiking, loves kayaking and now loves biking.  Granonla baby is coming along quite nicely.  Anyway, I've posted some Mom's day pics to your left for your viewing enjoyment.  Peace. 

She's Walking...well, sort of.

In just the past couple of days Sydnie has really taken to trying to figure out the whole walking bit.  She is getting it, which is amazing to behold.  Plus she's had some cool wipe-outs as well.  Anyway, here's the link to the video footage.  Enjoy

Sydnie's First Steps

You will need the free Quicktime player to view this clip.  Click here if you need it.

Random thoughts at the start of a new week

First, Sunday brought to close the Equpping Center class I have been teaching at Orangewood for the past 8 weeks.  We have been exploring what it means to reach out, without selling out in today's postmodern context.  It was fascinating--at least I thought it was.  It was such an interesting topic to dialogue about, especially in a church that desires to reach postmoderns, but is not comprised of a majority of them.  Does that make sense?  Overall I was very encouraged by people's receptiveness to enter into this dialogue and to look honestly at what things we currently do well as The Church and what things we could stand to change.  Sad our time is over, yet I am looking forward to being back with my high school students.

Second, I BLAME ADAM.  The past two weekends (with a slight hospital interruption) was spent in remaking our front yard.  Killed off the weeds.  Tilled the ground.  Layed new sod.  Planted new flowers, shrubs, and other various forms of foliage.  Still have mulch to lay and a few other random things.  Though it looks great now, and things are drastically improved the freaking "fall" is going to ruin it all.  It won't look perfect for very long.  The weeds will come.  It will be work.  The curse is upon us.  I know some people find this whole "subduing creation" thing to be life-giving, but I am not one of those people.  I have a greater respect for those that work the land for their sustenance. 

Third, David Wilcox may be coming to The Grove this summer!  How fantastic would that be?  I sent in the contract offer yesterday...I will be sure to let you know if it comes together.  Our hope is that it would be sponsored by the OCM college ministry (http://ocministry.com) and that it would serve as a kickoff to the building being seen as more of a venue to encourage the arts.  The Grove website is currently under construction, but you can check it out at http://thegrove.ocministry.com

peace.

Home.

We are back home from the hospital festivities. Syd is feeling much better. Thanks for your prayers. She is still slightly under the weather, but she is definitley more herself. Dehydration sure is fun. Poor thing would cry, but no tears would come. If you feel bad, and would like to help, Sydnie really enjoyes anything from the Apple Store. Make gift certificates payable to Jamie Hart. She is really desirous of Tiger this Friday.

Quick Update

If you're reading this, would you pray for our little girl Sydnie.  She has been at the hospital the past 2 days with severe dehydration and vomiting.  Thankfully she is doing much better and has been hooked up to an IV for the past day, which has helped immensely.  She should be coming home tomorrow sometime.  In the meantime, Heather is there with her now (they only allow one parent in the room at night, lest you think I am the worst dad ever) and I have come home for some rest.  We have had some fantastic nurses tending to her, and we trust that God has been watching over her.

Random thoughts....

1.  Absolutley love the new David Crowder Band song featured on Passion '05--it is entitled HERE IS OUR KING.

2.  Time in the hospital has afforded much reading time, so I've been pouring over NT Wright's What Saint Paul Really Said--it has been absolutely fascinating.  I think much of my gravitation even toward the song listed above, is this completely foreign concept of Kingdom and Kingship.  Wright has done a masterful job of painting Jesus in this Kingdom language--in such a way that it has begun to resonate more deeply with me.  To begin to grasp that the inauguration of the Kingdom is the heart-beat of the Gospel, and not saving my soul has been wonderfully inspiring.  Not to dismiss the beauty of "soul-saving", but to see how that fits within the larger framework of the KINGDOM is phenomenal. 

3.  I am going on one hour of sleep.  I need to go to bed.

Peace.

Willing the ONE THING.

So it has been awhile since I have posted anything. I have no good excuses, but I have several things on my mind. I guess I could tell you about the Adult Equipping Center class I’m teaching at Orangewood. I could also tell you about our “confession” night with the high school students last Wednesday which was absolutely amazing. I could also tell you how Heather and I have been up since 3 am because little Sydnie has been vomiting since then. But what is really on my mind is a recent teaching I heard entitled “Willing the One Thing.”

In a way only Rob Bell can, he crafted a teaching focusing on how Jesus went about his “business” so to speak. Jesus would often leave good things. Good opportunities. Needy People. He would leave because he knew there was ONE THING driving him. He must get to Jerusalem. He must suffer and die. He must. He must. He must. And so the Savior of humankind would turn his back on the lesser things for the greater.

Jesus was also highly intentional in his relationships. He knew he couldn’t be intimately close with the multitudes. In fact he couldn’t even be intimately close with all 12. He chose 3. He invested in 3. In doing so, he turned his back at times to the other 9. Once again the “main thing” stayed the main thing.

All of this caused me to ponder for the better part of yesterday what is the “one thing” in my life? Do I know yet? Will I ever know. Am I willing to “will the one thing”? I think so. Problem is I’m not always sure what that one thing is. Sure, I could give the cop-out answer and respond with “Jesus is the one thing”, but is that really what He’s getting at? Doubtful. It seems that the people that have had the most impact for the cause of the Kingdom were men and women who knew what they were supposed to pursue and then they chased with reckless abandon. They willed the one thing in their life.

There are plenty of things that spark my interest. Plenty of things that currently give me peace. Things that give me happiness. But if I’m honest, the ONE THING is rather elusive at the moment.

We forgot the camera

Another first for Miss Sydnie Ann...she had her first kayaking adventure out on Lake Virginia this morning.  Beautiful day.  Nice breeze.  She sat on my lap as I paddled and she kept an eye out for her mommy in the bright yellow kayak.  She absolutely loved it.  Our little granola baby is coming along quite nicely.  Wish I had pics to share...oh well.

hard to believe...Sydnie's One!

Though this post is a bit out-dated,  I wanted to write nonetheless.  Last Saturday we celebrated Sydnie's first birthday!  The year has flown by.  She is such a joy and is increasingly more and more fun.  We had a wondeful little birthday gathering for her with family.  Heather made cupcakes.  Sydnie got way more gifts than a child should get--beauty of the first grand-baby.  Anyway, I've posted some pics under photo albums to your left if you are inclined to check out all the festivities.  Peace.

David Wilcox

There is nothing quite like good, live music.   And when this music happens to be  David Wilcox, and not only once, but twice in two days, things are more than good.  David performed a free, one hour show at Valencia Community College yesterday afternoon.  Tonight Heather and I have tickets for a sold-out, 75 person show in St. Augustine.  We can't wait to go.  If you are not familiar with David Wilcox you should get yourself familiar.  His music sings to my soul. You can get his stuff anywhere, but most recently at the itunes music store (shameless plug).  Anyway, his lyrics are profound, his guitar style is incredibly creative (open tunings, etc.).  If you ever get the chance to see him live drop everything and make it happen.  He is a phenomenal performer, storyteller and all around great, live act. 

As an aside, what is it about live music that is so mesmerizing and impactful?  As I sat there and listened to songs I'd heard a hundred times, or even a few new ones, it was like it tapped into something deep within me.  It's as if there are streams of emotions that have not flown in a long time and yet somehow get released and bring life and ideas and creativity.  To sit there and have an hour go by in the blink of an eye was a truly remarkable experience.  I felt life.  I felt encouraged.  Ultimately I was grateful that the stories he sings about tap into something bigger, a larger story that I get to participate in.  Connecting with THE STORY makes my soul sing.

Baby & Boone

So we are up in Boone, North Carolina enjoying the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. I am sitting at this great little coffee shop and bookstore with free wifi (one of my addictions). I have no time to really write, but enjoy the pics I have posted under "North Carolina March '05". I will try and add more later this weekend. Have a happy Easter.

364 Days Until I'm 30.

So it was the Big 29 on Saturday and I was sick.  The flu is no fun.  Fever since Monday night.  103.8 sure is hot.  Anyway, now that I have effectively lobbied for birthday recognition and sympathy I will move on.  However, this evening I am finally feeling better and able to have some energy back.  The best thing has been able to play with Sydnie again.  No fun when I can't play with her in fear of giving her this vile illness. 

My apologies on the lack of blogging over the past couple of weeks.  Things have been good, despite the illness and my brother-in-law Brian's freakish snowmobiling accident.  Pray for him.  He is recovering quite well but in much pain--1 plate and 3 screws later, his leg is mending.  Long road ahead it seems.  Though I can probably run faster than him right now, but I guess that isn't very nice to say.  Oh quit thinking how horrible it was that I just said that.  Brian would think it was funny.  Just back off.  I am still claiming a fever and cold medicine which affords me a window of opportunity to say plenty of inappropriate things...gotta love being sick. 

Alright I feel better about myself now that I have blogged, though really about nothing.  But just sitting down and writing is a good habit to get into and one that I hope to return to with a greater frequency.  In the meantime enjoy these pics of Syd and I and try and forgive my stupid jokes.  I really do have more to say than just these trivial things, but I just have to sit down and write them out.  Takes a lot out of a man.  By the way, the Wounded Healer book is really, really good.  Plus it's really short.  Have a good night.  Peace. 

Escanaba & Horhays

Ah, what a day. On our final day in the Northwoods, Heather and I skied the Escanaba Lake Trail. It was about 5 miles. We were the only ones there--it truly felt remote and isolated from the world. Beautiful. Then, as if that weren't great enough, we discovered this great little coffee house in Minocqua called Horhays. Great rustic atmosphere in the vein of Caribou, plus great coffee and free wifi. I am in heaven. So we've been just chilling here--Heather reading and I uploading pics and downloading stuff b/c I can, not because I really need to. Small dork. Anyway, we head back to the land of warmth tomorrow afternoon. No more snow. Pack the x-country skis back in the closet. So sad. But the really bright side is that we get to see our little Sydnie! Heather and I can't wait. We have had a wonderful time together, but we definitely feel that "something" or better "someone" is missing. I have more "philosophical" blogs to write once I get back home as I've been doing some much needed reading up here. But that's the update for now.

Northwoods Trip

Well Heather and I are up in the great Northwoods of Wisconsin! It is amazing. So beautiful. We haven't been here in 3 years. We are staying at this great bed and breakfast where we have stayed in the past and x-country skiing! I am stinkin' sore. We skied about 8 miles today in the UP of Michigan. Anyway, there are some new pics for you to peruse. More when I get home and don't have dial-up to contend with. Heather and I are having a fabulous time, though we do miss our little girl. This is our first vacation without her...can't wait to see her on Friday!

Be Nice.

Matt. 5:47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

Though in many ways our high school event last night was fantastic, I hated looking around the room and seeing students with no one talking to them. Our students (though I know I would probably be guilty as well) are so self-absorbed that they fail to see the needs of others. I fear we are a very un-welcoming group. New people feel ostrasized. That sucks.

Generations

4 We will not hide them from their children;
     we will tell the next generation
     the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD ,
     his power, and the wonders he has done.
5 He decreed statutes for Jacob
     and established the law in Israel,
     which he commanded our forefathers
     to teach their children,
6 so the next generation would know them,
     even the children yet to be born,
     and they in turn would tell their children.
7 Then they would put their trust in God
     and would not forget his deeds
     but would keep his commands.
                Psalm 78

So my grandpa Brink is in town visiting, which is Sydnie's great-Grandpa.  He sat with her at the lake this morning (see pic below) and just waxed eloquent about what a gift from God she is, and how he wishes she could talk so that he could tell her about Jesus.  Amazing.  This is what the Psalmist longed for, people that would speak the truth into the next generation.  The Psalmist, reflecting God's own desire, longs for this lineage of faith.  I was reminded this morning of the long lineage of faith Heather and I come from, and of which we pray Sydnie will be a part.  Her life won't be blissful or perfect, but Heather and I pray (everyday) that she knows Jesus.  Even if my grandpa never lives to hear her speak words of love and devotion to Jesus, I hope he knows that he was an integral part.

Saturday at the Lake

Heather, Sydnie and Caspian. Dunkie's Coffee. Donuts. Saturday Morning. Out at Lake Virginia. 60 and sunny in January. Ah. These are the days I really like Florida. What a great way to spend a lazy, Saturday morning. Good stuff.

iMeaningless

So yesterday I was sitting in the food court in the Mall at Millennia (ridiculously nice mall new to Orlando), reading of all things, Ecclesiastes.  It was such the perfect place to be reading about the meaninglessness of everything--being surrounded by people carrying bags of merchandise whilst sipping on their 4 dollar coffee from Starbucks.  It just really made the words of the "Teacher" sink in as I observed exactly what he was writing about.  However, lest you think I am above this, be mindful that it was I who was sitting there with my two new purchases...iLife 05 and iWork.  Contradictory?  Yup.  Everyone lives with this contradictory behavior I'm convinced.  Not that bags of merchandise, Starbucks or new software is inherently bad, but I just don't want to be the person that pursues these things.  This really isn't the good life.  I don't want to get sucked into the empty promises of middle class suburbia.  How one avoids this, I have no idea, as materialism is bombarding me daily.  Well, I guess that's all for now, seeing as I have new software to play with :) 

Sydnie's Baptism

Download sydnie_baptism.mov  So today was Syd's baptism at Orangewood. It was a great morning.  Family all together.  She was cute as ever and stealing the show.  No crying, which was nice.  But to be honest, going in to the morning I hadn't thought much about the significance of this event...it hit me while we were up on stage...it hit Heather and I both.  Got a bit choked up.  I really do hope she loves Jesus.  I hope she's not just "luke-warm" as seems to be the norm so often around these parts (my own life included).  Anyway, you can watch her video if you like...its about 5 minutes and about 10 mb to download.  Enjoy.  Peace.