In Honor of the Impending Tax Day

A song to listen to whilst doing your taxes.  Enjoy.  Poor quality recording unfortunately. 
Download do_the_w2.m4a

Worth a read

Was given this book from a friend.  It is a simple, easy read, yet has some profound implications concerning how we approach Scripture.  Rather than an "information" approach, the author, Tony Jones, pushes for a "transformation" approach.  It is not that the Scriptures are non-informative, but rather they are so much more than that.  Plus this little book gives some practical ways to begin "reading" the Bible afresh through an ancient practice called Lectio Divina.  Click here for more info.

What's Your Take on Orlando?

Like many Friday mornings, we spent it down at Lake Virginia swimming Caspian, Sydnie running on the dock, etc.  From time to time there are other people swimming their dogs as well.  Today we ran into a gentleman and his Black Lab who we've chatted with before.  Him and I eventually launched in to a conversation about the "culture" of Orlando/Central Flordia.  He is an independent filmmaker.  His wife is the curator of a local museum.  Within two minutes of conversation you felt his warmth as well as his intelligence.  Prior to coming to Orlando they had spent the past few years in Europe.  They seem to have run in some very cultured, creative circles.  He had some interesting impressions about Orlando culture (he's been here less than a year).  I don't want to bias your thoughts, so I will just pose some questions and I would love some feedback.  So whether you are a native, a transplant or an occasional visitor, I want your thoughts...

• Is Orlando just Disney and tourism?



• Is Orlando high culture?



• Is Orlando folk culture?



• Is Orlando nothing more than plastic, teal and other bad colors?



• Is Orlando a creative center?



• What exactly is the culture of Orlando?



• Are we liberal?  Are we conservative?



• Are we more pop culture or indie culture?



• What is our culture of education like? 



• How are we defined recreationally?



• Are we pre-modern, modern or postmodern?



• What do we value? 



• Are we "Christian?"  Are we post-Christian?

Obviously the above questions are random and offered more to get your thoughts going.  I also realize there are different pockets of our city that would be defined differently.  But just give the generalizations.  Give the view from 30,000 feet.  Go ahead and stereotype.  Broad brush.  Okay, had enough cliches? 

Time to start saving for 2 Weddings

Well it's official, we are having another GIRL!  Just got back from the ultrasound and everything checked out okay.  We are very excited.  Looks like Caspian and I are officially outnumbered now. 

2 Journals, a fountain pen and other randomness

I'm becoming (or more likely have become) the proverbial bookstore nerd.  Not only do I have an insatiable desire to buy books, I now own these three "tools."  Two journals...one needs different sizes right? and a $25 fountain pen (I blame Nate Conrad).  I'm not sure why this is "blog" material, but hey it's late and I just finished another mid-term and I needed to write about mindless stuff.  The past week has been so crazy...Immediately following the Conrad's visit I was visited by 15 rounds of vomiting!  Fun times for me.  Then I had a staff retreat (which means sitting in a small room for 2 days straight and talking).  Then a mid-term.  Then a middle school retreat.  However, it has all been very good.  Our time with the Conrad's was thoroughly enjoyable and encouraging.  Vomiting not so much.  Staff planning is always good, though tiring.  The middle school retreat came off really well.  The highlight for me was worship.  They really got into it, which is always encouraging to see.  Tomorrow brings RTS class and then a new series for our high school group.  We are working through our 5 core values over the next 5 weeks.  Should be fun.  If for no other reason than bumperstickers, banners and tshirts.  I need to sleep.  This is all very convoluted.

 

Driscoll's Apology...

Though I agree with Driscoll's theological position, I was glad to read his efforts towards making amends.  You can read it here. 

My Birthday Gift from Heather & Sydnie

I've officially graduated to a "grown up" watch now that I'm 30.  I railed against anything that wasn't digital for my stint as a 20-something.  Analog is so now.