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.