Poo Part Deux

So there's this old saying that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.  What about when life gives you raw sewage?  That's right.  For the second time in 5 years the Orangewood Youth House (meeting space, youth staff offices, etc.) has flooded with raw sewage from the surrounding neighborhoods.  A Christmas gift we could have done without.  In the upcoming days there will be guys litearally wearing suits like you see in the picture.  In fact I might even get to wear one later in the week to rescue some of my things.  That'll be fun.  I guess I won't be going back to the office tomorrow. 

I was planning on blogging about our Christmas, but I'll do that later.  Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

Peace.

Childlike Simplicity

One of the great joys as of late (amidst the end of the semester craziness) has been reading "The Bible" to Sydnie at night.  We have been reading through "The Big Picture Story Bible" which I highly recommend.  It does a fantastic job of communicating the big, redemptive story line of the Bible.  Anyway, we have now read through the story of Noah and the Ark a couple of times.  Sydnie has learned that Noah obeyed God and built a big boat.  So the other day we were telling her how she needed to obey her mommy and daddy she replied as serious as ever, "I will obey God.  I will build a boat."  Made me wonder if I take obedience as literally as I should.  It's too easy to justify and rationalize my lack of obedience.  Guess I should be willing to build more boats.

True Identity Revealed

Christmas Tree 2006

What do you think?

Very interesting feauture on Nightline this week, featuring Rick Warren and Joel Hunter.  About 8 minutes long, but worth viewing.  Raises some very interesting questions.  I think what needs to be communicatd is that these issues are not an "either/or" but a "both/and"--Christians should be concerned with issues of morality and social justice, environment, etc.  Is one more important than the other?  Love to hear your thoughts.

Good reminder...

Great article posted by Matt Chandler of The Village Church in Dallas.

Link: Ned Flanders and Me | TheResurgence.

Sabbath

Another helpful resource on unplugging and getting sabbath is from a sermon preached by Rob Bell on November 12, 2006.  You can get the podcast by clicking here.  You can also simply download the MP3 from the Mars Hill church site by clicking here.  Download the one from 11/12/06, that is entitled "Jesus Wants to Save Christians VIII." 

I certainly don't have any of this figured out, but it's been helpful to try and incorporate some of the sabbath practices other people have mentioned, be it through sermons, articles, etc.  In my Christian Reformed days, Sabbath meant not mowing the yard and not eating out.  The whole idea that the sabbath is a gift from God for the nourishment of our souls is very needed and welcomed.  Too easy to never stop.  Too easy to be a slave to task and accomplishment.  It's easy to work.  It's difficult to rest.  I'm learning that rest is a huge act of faith.  On sabbath (Friday for me) I have to trust that things are not going to fall apart if I don't answer my cell phone or return an email.  Sabbath is reminding me that I am not in control and that's a good thing.  It's a very practical way for me to show trust and faith in the One who is in control and upholding all things.  Granted, I don't always do a great job, but it is a discipline I hope to keep growing in.  So for what it's worth check out the sermon mentioned above.  Very practical.  Peace.