Happy Thanksgiving!

A brief recap/update

Well I have definitely been a blog slacker as of late. Ever since we returned from assessment things have gotten much busier. All good things. In somewhat random order...

--started a Wednesday night community group through CrossPointe. Really enjoying thus far as God has brought a good group together.

--Started our Explore group at our house on Sunday nights. Really enjoying that time both on a relational level and challenging topics to discuss level. You can read more details at http://reneworlando.org

--I am preaching this Sunday for the first time at CrossPointe. Ecclesiastes 5:1-7. I will let you know how it goes. Looking forward to it.

--I am on iPhone number two as of last Thursday. First one died and they swapped it out.

--Home addition is moving along. Will be uploading some new pics soon. We are really excited about the space. Trying to figure out what kind of shower fixture defines us :)

--We are up in Ohio as of tonight for Thanksgiving. Good Midwest weather. Possible snow tonight. Sort of as it should be.

--I will no longer have Lloyd Carr to grumble about. Interesting to see who Michigan hires next.

--Have watched Rob Bell's "Everything is Spiritual" DVD and attended his latest speaking tour last night entitled "The gods aren't angry anymore." Recommend the former, not so sure about the latter. Still processing.

I know that's not everything but at least I'm back blogging. Peace.

I can't believe the Lions are 6-2

Interesting article on the Lion's quarterback, John Kitna.

Link: ESPN Page 2 - Hill: Believing in God's quarterback.

Neighborhood meeting

Small town America at work. I'm sitting in the cafeteria of our local elementary school for a "conversation" about building plans. Crazy how heated these things get. Kind of brings out the worst at times. Kind of fun though.

Updated observation :: The presenters underestimated the passion of people for our neighborhood. It was clear that people picked the neighborhood far more than the actual house when they chose to move in. This will be incredibly important for me to keep in mind as we try and contextualize the Gospel in our area. Last night helped solidify in my mind the values of our community. These things have to be on the forefront of my mind and those who will join this mission.

Maybe Halloween should happen more often?

I realize I'm a few days slow in getting this post together, but Halloween strikes me as something that should happen more frequently.  Not really the dressing up part.  Definitely not the kids hyped up on candy part either.  More the getting to know your neighbors part.  I think we have definitely lost something when some bizarre, quasi-pagan holiday is what gets us talking and visiting with neighbors.  Don't get me wrong...I don't want people knocking on my door every few minutes, but I was reminded of the blessing of community this past week.  We are very grateful for our neighborhood and are quite thankful that we all do talk more than once per year.  However, it isn't surprising that God would use something "childish" to point towards community.  Kids just love mixing it up with people.  Somehow that gets lost and fades over time.  That really is too bad. 

So here's to more neighborhood involvement, minus the costumes and rotting teeth!

October Pics

October pictures have been added.  Click here to view.

Brian & Kirsten...having a girl!

Congrats!  We are so happy for you!  Girl cousins abound.