Slivers of Glory

A New Journey...

2011-09-10T07:36:00.003-05:00

It has been a long time! I actually forgot I started blogging, but like a faint fragrance on the wind I was reminded and feel a prompting to place my thoughts down. There is a sense of new beginnings in our home, and I hope to capture some of that here. Not because I believe it's important for anyone to read, but it is important for me own.

So...here's to a new journey with an old friend...

100 Day Journey - Week 3

2009-09-29T06:48:00.001-05:00

"The longest journey of any person is the journey inward." - Dag Hammarskjold

Week 3 of the 100 Day Journey began yesterday. So far it has been different from my expectations. My journey has begun with a deeper awareness of myself as well as God. I don't think I've been self-focused, but I'm simply becoming much more self-aware. Aware of the tension inside to remove God from the center of my life and place myself in His place. Aware of just how deeply I can hurt others, especially those close to me. Aware of how much life I have to give, and how deep the joy is when I give it away. Aware of how long the journey to "Christlikeness" is, and how much every step is worth it. Aware that "Christ in me" is the deepest part of my reality, and my only hope to find the joy and peace my soul longs for. Aware that there is much beauty in the world that is waiting to be recognized and ackowledeged. Aware that there is much pain in the world that needs to be recognized and acknowledged. Aware that neutrality is not an option.

-- Posted from my iPod

Gary Moon Quote…

2009-09-23T12:00:00.001-05:00

“Saints are just like you and I—except they have determined to live their lives so close to God that it makes the devil too nervous to follow.”

Gary Moon, Falling For God

100 Day Journey - Day 8...

2009-09-22T06:30:00.002-05:00

So far this journey has taken some interesting turns. As I begin a new week I am pulled to the reality of the condition of my heart. Alan Hirsh and Micheal Frost point out that biblicaly the heart is the source of emotion, will, loyalty, and commitment. While it makes sence that this the place to start I am finding that it is also easy to confuse the heart and the head. Thinking about or on God is good, engaging God with my heart is transformational. Part of spiritual maturity is learning to discern between the two.

"lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi" - how we worship reflects what we believe and determines how we will live. Seeking "God only" isn't something I want to study, it is a prayer for my life and the lives of my family. God please grant me the courage and perseverence to engage you with my whole heart.

-- Posted from my iPod

100 Days - Who I am...

2009-09-18T23:23:00.001-05:00

New
Emancipated
White

Child of God
Redeemed
Elect
Awake
Thought of
Indwelt
On mission
Needy

-- Posted from my iPod

100 Days - What He has done...

2009-09-17T22:36:00.001-05:00

Didn't have much time to reflect today while at the AACC conference...hopefully more tomorrow.

-- Posted from my iPod

100 Days - Who I Was...

2009-09-16T16:01:00.000-05:00

Dead
Empty
Passive
Retched
Alone
Vile
Exiled
Desperate

-- Posted from my iPod

100 Day Journey – Who He Is…

2009-09-15T08:58:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I began my 100 Day Journey with broad reflection on the five movement “rhythm” of…Who God is, Who I was, What He’s done, Who I am, and Who He is in me. Each day for the rest of the week I’m sitting with one of the movements to evaluate the current condition and direction of my heart and let God redeem and realign my heart, making “God Only” a deeper reality of my life.

Today’s pause is on “Who He is”. I have to admit even as I type those words I chuckle. The infinite size and scope of “Who God is” is humbling; and reckoning how little of my life is guided by the reality of who He is feels shameful. I carry His name, but do I bear His image? But see even that question reveals a fatal flaw…it’s not about me! I start with Him and sit with Him alone. There will be a time to reflect on the impact of who He is on me, but not now. Sounds easy, but the praxis of it is less than “natural”. As I ponder where to even begin I feel drawn to Job 38-42. As God’s words to Job become His words to me I feel Job’s response become my own…“My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you.”

So I begin today grateful for new “eyes to see”, and hopeful that transformed seeing will translate into transformed living.

A 100 Day Journey…

2009-09-14T13:32:00.004-05:00

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Romans 12:1-2 (The Message)

We are surrounded by the presence of God, though if we are honest…most of us go through our day unaware of Him at best, and feeling abandoned by Him at worst. C. S. Lewis said, “We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade, the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him. He walks everywhere incognito.” Yet even in our redeemed state, we are often a distracted people. The busyness and chaos of life rob us of the comfort and power of knowing He is near.

What if there was a way to quiet our hearts and hear His voice? What would happen in and through us if we became a people that lived so that our focus and concern in every situation and relationship was “God Only”? We as a church body at FBCK are going on a journey. Over the next 100 Days it is our hope and desire to become a people of “reflective movement”, seeking to live continually aware of His presence and attentive to His invitation to join Him in His activity in the world around us. A people that live with a daily “rhythm” that empowers us to connect to the divine amidst the everyday. A “rhythm” that counters the chaos and disorder in our lives and creates space for us to become more aware of the nearness of God. In discussing a particular type of rhythm called a “rule of life”, Adele Calhoun says…

“A rule for life is a simple statement of the regular rhythms we choose in order to present our bodies to God as our “spiritual act of worship” (Romans 12:1). Each rule, or rhythm, is a way we partner with God for the transformation only he can bring. Rules keep our lives from devolving into unintended chaos. They aren’t a burdensome list of do’s and don’ts, enumerating everything you might do in a day. Life-giving rules are a brief and realistic scaffold of disciplines that support your hearts desire to grow in loving God and others.”

As we become accustomed to the rhythm it fades into the background and we are free to enjoy His presence, hear His voice, and know His heart in any situation and circumstance. Over the next 100 days we are seeking to develop a rhythm of worship. That rhythm is:

Who He is — Who I was — What He’s done —
Who I am — Who He is in me

Over the next week we our journey will pause each day on one movement in this rhythm. I am hoping to blog along the way to share thoughts and stirrings from the journey.

Soul Work (pt1)

2009-08-12T05:42:00.001-05:00

“Your plight is your redemption.”

Dan Allender

This phrase stopped me cold Saturday evening, and has gripped me ever since. That seems to be a reoccurring event these days…simple truths fitting into slots invisible and unlocking doors long sealed. As the key turns and the portal opens there is a painful wave of remembrance as to why it was sealed in the first place. Hurt, disappointment, shame, fear, rage and other unspokens filling the air like dense smoke, making it hard to breathe. As my soul gasps for air after the initial shock there is deafening silence…a vacuum created by the absence of an answer to the question left unasked, yet relentlessly binding like iron bands around my chest. The boy in me wants to turn and run, but something holds me still. Not maliciously, but purposefully. A voice whispers, “Wait, don’t run, this is only the beginning.” And that’s where I find myself today…waiting in a dark room I hoped to never enter again. Exposed…and…expectant…

to be continued…

Proof…

2009-01-31T19:31:00.001-05:00

“The greatest proof of Christianity for others is not how far a man can logically analyze his reasons for believing, but how far in practice he will stake his life on his belief.”

T.S. Eliot

“Faith without works is dead”

James

I’ve had the realization this week that I make things way to complicated. Less talk, more walk…

Watch your word count…

2009-01-30T16:31:00.001-05:00

“Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God for God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few.”

King Solomon, Ecclesiastes 5:1-2

I’m teaching this Sunday. We are walking through the book of Ecclesiastes and I’m teaching on chapter 5. I’ve been looking at the words above all week and I’m amazed at how little I seek to listen in God’s presence. The art/discipline of silence is counter to just about everything else in my world, and I feel the impact of it’s absence. Adele Calhoun in her excellent book “Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us” says regarding silence…

“In quietness we often notice things we would rather not notice or feel. Pockets of sadness or anger or loneliness or impatience begin to surface. Our own outer agenda looms larger than our desire to be with God in silence.”

I’m not sure where this finds you today, but I know there is a deep place that stirs as I think about being in God’s presence empty-handed and silent. I’ve realized that I presume a lot, and in those presumptions often miss God’s heart. Yet there is also a hope…a hope that if I’ll be still and silent, He will move and speak.

God’s Big Picture…

2009-01-10T09:42:00.001-05:00

God's Big Picture: Tracing the Story-Line of the Bible is a simple and accessible book that provides a great framework for grasping the greater story of the Bible. It’s basically a primer on Biblical Theology, the perspective of understanding the progressive history of God revealing Himself to humanity. This subject was new to me, but has already been helpful in personal study, reminding me to not miss “the forest for the trees”. The authors establish the paradigm of an overarching “kingdom” story that permeates all of Scripture. This serves as a key to unlock the smaller stories of men like Abraham, Moses, David, and Paul as well as my own. Viewing through the lens of a larger narrative to help discern the implications for my own has been refreshing and deeply insightful. It has also rekindled a passion to view life missionally. As you begin to hear the whispers of this ancient story and find God’s invitation to join Him in even the most mundane of life’s moments life seems deeper and more beautiful even in the midst of brokenness.

If your looking for something to help kick-start your devotional journey in 2009…I’d recommend checking out God’s Big Picture.

Rebirth...

2009-01-01T07:44:00.001-05:00

Last night Tracie and I spent time talking about our hopes for the coming year. She asked for a word that described my desires and dreams for the next year. Now when you really think about it...that's a HUGE question! To try and look forward and sum up that much time in a single word is tough, I can barely think ahead to the next 24 hours. Yet as soon as she asked, a word came...rebirth. Her question immediately after was, "what do you mean?" to which I replied "I don't know." I didn't know why I spoke that word, I just knew it came from a deep place and is true to what I am both feeling now and long for over the next year...rebirth.

So I got up this morning with the fragrance of that word still fresh in my soul...rebirth. In Christian circles that word is spoken often, but I'm not convince it is truly experienced to the depths that God intends. If I'm honest that is my observation of my own life. I know the word, but feel more like a "new manager" than a "new creation". By that I mean I spend more time doing old things in new ways rather than living as a new person from a new heart toward a new destination. Yet even as I type that hope swells in places still unexplored in my soul...and that feels good. This morning rather than anxiety about the future, I feel humility and gratitude for the present. I am thankful for both the work Christ has done, and has planned for the next chapter in our lives.

How about you...what is your "word?"

Limitations

2008-07-09T14:59:00.001-05:00

"Sometimes the limitations you are willing to accept establish the boundaries of your existence."

- Erwin McManus, "Wide Awake"

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

—Mark Twain

Picked up Erwin's new book "Wide Awake" recently and once again have been blown away. I forget how inspiring his writings are for me. His ability to speak to the human spirit in a way that challenges and encourages is amazing...and comes in perfect timing in my life. Sometimes I need to be reminded that often limits are self-defined and created.

I woke this morning viewing life through the bars of circumstance and time, then remembered that Christ has freed me to embrace eternity today. As I reflect on this reality fear gives way to hope, and courage wells up to live from faith for love.

Power of Mystery

2008-05-24T21:23:00.001-05:00

"We have long emphasized preaching the truth and have usually defined truth as biblical facts that can be ingested and defended. We forget that facts do not produce life, only the mystery of godliness can do that. The key question of vitality is not 'Do you have the facts of the faith?' but ' Are you in touch with the mystery that empowers them?'"

- Calvin Miller, Into the Depths of God

The mess we find ourselves in...

2008-05-22T15:23:00.002-05:00

This Sunday I'm teaching from Jonah 2 and the study has had a significant impact on me. Almost the whole chapter is made up of Jonah's prayer to God from the "belly of the whale". It's actually a beautiful psalm/prayer of someone who is the middle of suffering the consequences of their idolatry and turning in desperation to the only place they know to turn...God. In many ways Jonah is the anti-missional prophet. I've learned a lot from his story, and unfortunately see a lot of myself in it as well.

Jonah's prayer is not for deliverance from trials, suffering, or persecution, but from the consequences of his poor decisions and his running from God. Something this passage has made painfully clear to me is I am NOT like God! God's pursuit of Jonah in the midst of his open rebellion is humbling and convicting. I would've given up, but God is relentless in His pursuit of Jonah and limitless in His grace once He has him. As I transfer that into my own life I'm humbled by God's reach through time and circumstance to rescue me; and convicted of my judgement of who else God should extend His mercy to. Callousness, prejudice, self-righteousness, and hate are ugly in all their forms...even if they wearing a W.W.J.D. bracelet.

Examen (05.03.08)

2008-05-03T06:46:00.001-05:00

Examen - the practice of discerning the voice and activity of God within the flow of the day. The practice is simply to ask yourself two questions and then reflect on your answers asking God to reveal His presence and guidance.

This week's questions are:

Where do I see the pain loneliness in others? How can I be an expression of love in those places?
Where did I experience loneliness? Why and what does it reveal about my connection to Christ?

Quote for Thought...

2008-05-03T06:40:00.001-05:00

"The biggest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted, uncared for, and deserted by everybody. The greatest evil is the lack of love."

- Mother Teresa

Examen (04.24.08)

2008-04-25T06:03:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

In what relationship do I feel the most relational connection? Why?
In what relationship do I feel the most relational disconnect? Why?

Examen (04.14.08)

2008-04-14T10:39:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

What was the most beautiful/inspirational experience of my day?
What was the most painful experience of my day?

Caught Between Two Worlds

2008-04-11T09:04:00.002-05:00

We, our local church body…Fellowship Bible Church, began walking through the book of Ephesians on Sunday mornings last August. There is so much life-sustaining truth that is rich and deep but is still practical and applicable to my daily life.

We are finishing up with Paul’s explanation of the spiritual battle we find ourselves in. This is always such a fascinating subject to study. I also just finished Ted Dekker’s new book Adam that is a cross between Silence of the Lambs and The Exorcist (it’s a great book). The book includes a discussion between Ted Dekker and John Eldredge about spiritual warfare that was also really good. In that discussion, John Eldredge makes this comment…

“There is something in human nature that just doesn’t want to face the reality that we live in two worlds. We live in the physical, material world where we have jobs, read books, and go about our business. And we live in a spiritual world—and that is a world at war.”

I was reflecting on these words and found myself asking …“Why is it our nature to deny the spiritual world?” I came up with two reasons in my own life.

First, we live in a physical world. A world measured by the five senses where, according to secular humanism, science is the ultimate authority on what is real. In our daily maneuvering through this physical world topics like spiritual warfare simply don’t fit. Yet, when we are still and quite, there is a voice in us that whispers “there is more.” We can’t touch it, we can’t taste it, but if we are honest with ourselves not only do we hope there is more, we need there to be more! One of the glories of being human is that this physical place is not our only reality and to deny this is to be sub-human.

Secondly, to acknowledge there is more puts us in a much more dependent position than we like to admit. If our struggles really are not with flesh and blood but with an unseen enemy we need help. We can’t do this alone, and no matter how hard we fight to order our physical world, there is a huge part of our lives that is beyond us. What is interesting is that this realization is part of what makes the Gospel “good news”! We are dependent, whether we admit it or not, and we have the help we need. Though we may be physically alone, we are never abandoned! Once again, our dependence is a trait of our humanity and once embraced a source of limitless joy.

So, as with most things, it comes down to a crisis of belief. What is the final authority in our lives? What defines reality? Make no mistake…a decision must be made. Either we will seek to define reality ourselves, or we will submit to the one who spoke the worlds into existence. The choice is ours.

Examen (04.08.08)

2008-04-08T06:23:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

In the last 24 hours, what has captured my minds attention?
In the last 24 hours, what has captured my hearts affections?

The LORD is holy

2008-04-08T06:22:00.001-05:00

Exalt the LORD our God,
and worship at his holy mountain;
for the LORD our God is holy!
Psalm 99:9

I read Psalm 99 last night with our kids as we settled in to go to bed. After they drifted to sleep I continued to ponder the closing verse and realized how easy it is for me to forget this simple truth...God is HOLY! In a world of bumper stickers and one line cliche's I've lost the eternal significance of this simple three word statement. I know it on a subconscious level, realize I rarely bring to the surface so that it colors the world around me. As I've continued to keep this truth at the front of my mind I've found my sense of gratitude growing. I see the reality that the compliment to "God is holy" is "I am not!" To realize the gulf that separates our very essence, and the intention and sacrifice God displays in crossing that gulf by filling it with Himself...I'm honestly left speechless. All that rises is "thank you", then again...maybe that's all He's wanted to hear.

Dental Theology...

2008-04-07T21:47:00.001-05:00

Okay...so I went to the dentist today for a filling. No matter how you package it, not something you exactly look forward to. I had a short, but insightful conversation with the dental hygienist about the similarities between dentistry and ministry that has stayed with me.

As a pastor, particularly a pastor trying to live and lead missionally, there was something in this exchanged that moved me. I honestly believe that God has not only rescued us from Hell, but from living for ourselves (i.e. Hell on earth). Fundamental to our calling is participation with God in His redemption of His creation for His glory. Living outside of this gives us "life-cavities", places where excess and self-indulgence causes rot and decay. It's never fun to find out you have a cavity, but denying you have one is even worse...it's stupid! Decay doesn't fix itself, it has to be cleaned out and replaced. The dentist's role is to find the decay and replace it before it get to the nerve and does real damage. There is decay in the church...I find it in myself. We've forgotten our role as ambassador's for the gospel of peace. We've been called to participate in the answer, not merely point out there's a problem. As much as I hate to admit it, there is still a lot of "me" that needs to "decrease so He can increase". It's painful, but I'm thankful for the grace to see it.

Things must change. I'm not sure what that means fully, but I'm grateful God does and that His persistence is greater than my resistance.

Friday Examen (03.21.08)

2008-03-21T10:06:00.001-05:00

It's been awhile, but hope this exercise brings insight and blessing...

This week's questions are:

What event brought you the most joy? Why?
What event brought you the most pain? Why? How are these two events connected?

What the Church Has to Learn From Alcoholics Anonymous

2008-03-18T12:26:00.001-05:00

In my spiritual journey, there are lessons that I return to time and time again. They are milestones in my walk that mark a major paradigm shift and because of the combative world I live in, as well as my own personal resistance to change, I like to return to them and remember.

One such lesson that changed my vision of "Christian community" is an article called What the Church Has To Learn From Alcoholics Anonymous. When I first read it there was a stirring for authentic belonging and life transformation that still challenges me today. Here's a taste...

"Now perhaps the time has come for the church to be re-awakened and re-vitalized by those insights and practices found in AA.

I think some of you may be a little horrified at this suggestion. I fear you will be saying to yourself, 'What have we, who have always been decent people, to learn from a lot of reconstructed drunks?' And perhaps you may thereby reveal to yourself how very far you are from the Spirit of Christ and the Gospel, and how very much in need of precisely the kind of check-up that may come to us from AA."

For the full article CLICK HERE.

An Ember

2008-03-11T05:30:00.001-05:00

An Ember in the Dark by Louis L'Amour

Faintly, along the shadowed shores of night
I saw a wilderness of stars that flamed
And fluttered as they climbed or sank, and shamed
The crouching dark with shyly twinkling light;
I saw them there, odd fragments quaintly bright,
And wondered at their presence there unclaimed,
Then thought, perhaps, that they were dreams unnamed,
That faded slow, like hope's arrested flight.

Or vanished suddenly, like futile fears--
And some were old and worn like precious things
That youth preserves against encroaching years--
Some disappeared like songs that no man sings,
But one remained--an ember in the dark--
I crouched alone, and blew upon the spark

Back in the Saddle...

2008-03-10T15:08:00.002-05:00

HELLO! Wow...it has been an amazing, but busy 08! It's been a while since I've gotten a chance to post. What's been going on you ask, well...WE GOT OUR BOY!

The end of February marked a new chapter in our family...we now have four beautiful children...2 Texans, 1 Tennessian, and 1 Ethiopian! I keep saying I'm going to write down our experiences and all God has taught me through this but the journey continues each day. Viewing my faith through the experience of adoption has reshaped my understanding of relationships, family, and living missionally. Each day I wake (well...okay...it's actually a couple of times a day) to this beautiful little boy who is an ever present reminder that life is not about me and that there is a whole world out there that God is actively pursuing. Anyway, Tracie has done an amazing job chronicling our journey.

I've also got to read some great books.

I'll share thoughts about some of these later...if you've read one or more of them I'd love to hear you thoughts.

Also I'm totally addicted to Celebrity Rehab on VH1! What can I say...without Jack B. there's not much to watch. Oh...and Tennessee is SEC CHAMPS in Men's Basketball...GO VOLS!!!

Well that's life the past couple of months. Lots of things stirring and I look forward to posting more soon. Right now it's beautiful outside and I'm ready to get home and enjoy the evening.

Super Tuesday...

2008-02-05T13:06:00.000-05:00

Here's a niffty little gadget from Goole that keeps up with all the day's events (you can get the code HERE)...

Request - Recommended Reading...

2008-02-01T08:18:00.001-05:00

Okay...I don't post for a month and then I post three times in 15 minutes!

But my last post got me thinking...I'm going to have some time on the plane and I'd love to get some good reading in. So here's my request...what books have you read recently (or not so recently) that impacted you? I'd love to hear what books have meant the most to you, why, and how they've impacted you. Thanks!

What a month!

2008-02-01T08:04:00.001-05:00

Wow...I woke up this morning and realized January was gone! Is it just me or does life continue to speed up? January has been a month of transition for me and my family, things are changing pretty significantly for us in 2008.

Actually, our new journey begins in two weeks! In just a matter of days we, Tracie and I, are flying to Ethiopia to get our son! We've been on this journey since June (you can check it out HERE), and the next chapter is about begin. We are excited, scared, overwhelmed, and amazed. I've tried several times put words to my soul's experience of all of this, but have found it much harder than expected. I'm hoping that the 22 hour plane ride provides some time for reflection :-)

Well...here's to a new month and all that it holds.

Friday Examen (02.01.08)

2008-02-01T07:52:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

Who spoke most deeply to your soul this week? What did they say
Who's soul did you speak deeply to? What did you say?

The longing for and lost art of connecting...

2008-01-11T07:22:00.001-05:00

Over the holidays I began reading Larry Crabb's book "Connecting". I've become a fan of Crabb's over the last few months and have really enjoyed his insights and focus on the importance of soul-to-soul interactions.

As I've read and reflected I've swayed between encouragement and discouragement. Encouragement at the centrality of "connecting" to the Gospel, discouraged at how rare the experience really is. In "Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places" Eugene Peterson says "If the Scriptures teach us anything it is that we are people in relationship"...I couldn't agree more. Yet there is a nagging fear that I find in myself and in others that being known at a soul level is out of our reach. It may be possible for others but not for us. So believing the lie we continue our little masquerade and further isolate ourselves from the thing we need the most, to know the truth that we are not alone.

I read a beautiful post this morning from the Internet Monk (you can read the whole article here). What struck me was the honesty. Life is hard, and no one escapes it's difficulty...no one has it figured out...we all need to receive and extend more grace than we realize. And so, quoting the monk...

"We do the best with what we have given to us, or what we have left over or with what still works after the latest wreck. And God forms Christ in us, brings Christ through us, glorifies Christ in us and all in all."

Friday Examen (01.11)

2008-01-11T06:29:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

If you could do anything today what would it be and why?
If you could avoid anything today what would it be and why?

Happy New Year

2008-01-06T06:29:00.001-05:00

Wow...it's hard to believe 2008 is already here. The past couple of months have been a whirlwind for us and it feels like 2008 took 2007's place without us even knowing! Yet it is here and I'm glad...I like the new year with a fresh start.

So many thoughts race through my mind when I think of 2007 it's hard to grasp them quick enough to really reflect on them. I think more than anything I continue to be amazed at how much God has lead us through and how much farther I still need to go. The closer I grow to Christ the more amazed at how deep my depravity runs...and at how unwavering His grace truly is.

So...my areas of focus for 2008 are...

Conviction (belief that defines action)
Commitment (definition by attachment)
Courage (internal fortitude)
Charity (love in motion)

How about you...what are your "words" for 2008?

Christmas Wonder

2007-12-24T07:17:00.001-05:00

“Mankind will not perish from want of information; but only from want of appreciation. The beginning of our happiness lies in the understanding that life without wonder is not worth living.”

– Abraham Heschel, Man is Not Alone (37)

It's here...Christmas Eve! I'm not sure who's more excited me or our kids! Having children completely changed my experience of Christmas. Seeing their excitement and wonder has been so helpful in the midst of bad traffic, grumpy shoppers, and relentless marketing campaigns. It's not easy, but I understand why Jesus says child-like faith is the key that unlocks the doors of the Kingdom...kids haven't lost their sense wonder. In fact...they live from it! What a blessing to see and experience.

This year God has added a whole new level of wonder to our lives. Adopting a child has also transformed my experience of Christmas. Every morning I see his stocking and can't help but be humbled that God has allowed us to be a part of something so amazing. My wife has done an amazing job chronicling our journey...you can check it out HERE. The imagery and allusion in my own life is undeniable...I can see God's rescue and adoption of my own heart and soul in the eyes of our son...what an amazing story we find ourselves in.

I hope and pray today and tomorrow are filled with awe and wonder at God's hand in your life. Merry Christmas!!

Friday Examen (Week 51)

2007-12-21T10:36:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

What is the most tangible expression of God's love in your life right now? Why?
How can you be a tangible expression of God's love in someone else's life today?

Friday Examen (Week 50)

2007-12-14T11:29:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

What positive emotions are stirred by the holidays? Why?
What negative emotions are stirred by the holidays? Why?

The Companion of Christmas - Thoughts from Henri Nouwen

2007-12-11T09:20:00.001-05:00

I read this this morning, great way to start the day...

"God came to us because he wanted to join us on the road, to listen to our story, and to help us realize that we are not walking in circles but moving towards the house of peace and joy. This is the great mystery of Christmas that continues to give us comfort and consolation: we are not alone on our journey. The God of love who gave us life sent his only Son to be with us at all times and in all places, so that we never have to feel lost in our struggles but always can trust that he walks with us.

The challenge is to let God be who he wants to be. A part of us clings to our aloneness and does not allow God to touch us where we are most in pain. Often we hide from him precisely those places in ourselves where we feel guilty, ashamed, confused, and lost. Thus we do not give him a chance to be with us where we feel most alone.

Christmas is the renewed invitation not to be afraid and to let him-whose love is greater than our own hearts and minds can comprehend-be our companion"

- Henri Nouwen, Gracias

12.07.07

2007-12-09T08:41:00.001-05:00

We started a new journey in the life of our family this year, and Friday was a MAJOR milestone. Back in June we began the process of adoption. Tracie, my wife, and I have known for a long time that we wanted to adopt, but were hesitant due to the cost and the overall commitment. Then in a wonderful act of grace God filled us with the faith to move forward and it has been an amazing journey. In June we officially embarked on the journey to adopt a baby from Ethiopia. God's had has been with us every step of the way and we have learned to appreciate our own "adoption" in deeper ways.

Friday afternoon we received the news we've been waiting for...we have a son! Tracie has done a phenomenal job of documenting this journey...you can check it out HERE. I just wanted to share what God's doing this weekend :-)

Friday Puzzles (Week 49)

2007-12-07T08:53:00.001-05:00

Beheadments

To "behead" a word, remove the first letter and form a new word. In the following puzzles, solve the clues to determine the pair of words. The second word will be the first word "beheaded". (hint: all of the second words begin with P)...

Behead saliva and get a hole in the ground.
Behead an empty area and get a rate of movement.
Behead a sharp projection and get a fish.
Behead a tournament and get a writing instrument.
Behead a gemstone and get a close friend.

- The Everything Word Games Challenge Book

Riddle of the Week:

You give me when you make me.
A broken one gives spare.
It's a small reward to keep me.
Exact is great for fare.

- Cloud Kingdom

Friday Examen (Week 49)

2007-12-07T07:26:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

When did I sacrifice the temporal by choosing something eternal?
When did I sacrifice the eternal by choosing something temporal?

A Christmas Prayer

2007-12-03T12:29:00.000-05:00

"(I pray...) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might"

- Paul, Ephesians 1:17-19

The holiday season is usually a mixed bag for me emotionally. So much joy...so much junk! In the past I've found myself slightly cynical as the month of December begins to unfold, but this year things are different. God has been gracious to teach me that in a world where most things are out of my control, He has empowered me with the endowment of willful response. I can choose to see beauty in the brokenness and acknowledge it. In the midst of the insanity I can be a voice of peace and a hand of healing. The incarnation is a glorious miracle that continues to transform lives as I release my own life to the dreams of God. That really is "good news".

As a way of both recognizing and sharing the beauty most people miss during this season I'd like to send us out on assignment. As you move through your day try to be open to the subtle slivers of glory all around, and when you see them share it with us here in the comments. There's nothing like beauty to stir us to be more beautiful.

May Paul's prayer become a banner blessing over us all as we call out the beauty all around us...Merry Christmas.

Friday Examen (Week 48)

2007-11-30T10:41:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

What was an insight that you gained from life this week?
What was a question that was stirred from life this week?

Where did the Fall go?

2007-11-26T16:27:00.001-05:00

Wow...I can't believe it's almost December! The Fall has flown by. I was looking back at my posts and amazed at how little blogging I've done. Shame shame! Funny how hard it is to start a routine and keep it running and how easy it is to break the routine and start back at ground zero.

Funny thing is as I look back on the Fall I am a little sad I didn't blog more. Between starting school, walking through our first adoption, writing a new small group curriculum for our LIFEgroups, and just life in general there was plenty of things to talk about, just too little discipline on my part to open the dialogue. Well...hopefully with the start of a new week and a new month I can get back in the flow. Until then, here's a link to a great post from the internetmonk. I just recently started reading some of his stuff and have really enjoyed it.

Oh...an a question...what movie are you most excited to see this holiday season? So far for me...National Treasure 2!

Friday Examen (Week 46)

2007-11-16T12:32:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

Where, the actual place, did you feel most safe? Why?
Where, the actual place, did you feel most vulnerable? Why?

Friday Puzzles (Week 45)

2007-11-09T09:26:00.001-05:00

Place the same three-letter word in each blank below to make four different words...

____ENT
____ING
____DON
____ABLE

First unscramble the letters in each word below, then unscramble the word order to create a Tom Swifty sentence.

RGAVLEY DAIS MOT LAWYAS
OCUSTEM DOVLE I RDSSE
I DCULO NEWH PU SA
SKELENOT A TPISREA.

- Mensa Puzzle Calendar

Riddle of the Week:

Like a Kraken rising from the foam,
A spear embedded in its heart,
It journeys low inside the home,
With soaking kisses to impart.
Its tentacles all waving low,
It leaves behind a gleaming path
Becomes bedraggled as it goes
And then it plunges in a bath.
When it's done with the dip,
It's throttled to release its grip.

- Cloud Kingdom

Friday Examen (Week 45)

2007-11-09T09:00:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

What has been your greatest battle this week?
What has been your greatest victory?

Senate Committee Investigating Six Major Ministries

2007-11-07T13:06:00.001-05:00

Just read this article thanks to Bob Hyatt's post.

For the article on Christianity Today, CLICK HERE.

Prayer

2007-11-05T15:29:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday (11.04) we finished a three part series on prayer. Our passage for this study was Matthew 6:5-15, focusing on the Lord's model prayer. One thing I take from this series is a sense of Jesus' desire for people to abandon the vain, self-righteous pursuit of "religion" for a rich, life-changing encounter and relationship with the living God. The comparison between religion and relationship is subtle, but once noticed powerful. In Matthew 6, Jesus addresses the three most important pursuits of Jewish piety...fasting, giving, and prayer. In each he mentions the self-righteous/religious approach and offers an alternative. The poison of religion is it becomes the end in and of itself (6:2, 5, 16), thus subverting our relationship with God. Prayer is a privilege that Christ offers us through the cross meant to refresh and encourage our hearts. When we follow the model He has left us not as a formula, but as a marked path we find we don’t walk alone…and the trials of the journey are worth the company we keep.

In my life, I've found prayer to be sweetest when I've understood it not from a theological perspective, but from the place of being a small participant in God's story. I'd like to know...what has had the most positive impact on your prayer life?

Friday Examen (Week 43)

2007-11-02T08:11:00.000-05:00

This week's questions are:

What current relationship causes you the greatest internal conflict? Why?
What current relationship causes you the greatest internal peace? Why?

Friday Puzzles (Week 44)

2007-11-02T08:02:00.000-05:00

Unscramble the letters in each "pie" segment below, then find the mising letter tha completes each word. (The missing letter, indicated by the question mark, is the same for each word.)

- Mensa Puzzle Calendar

Riddle of the Week:

Under house, never over.
Perhaps something is ceased.
It's never good for the heart,
But a lawman will be pleased.

- Cloud Kingdom

2007-10-29T22:52:00.001-05:00

I'm up a little later than normal writing a paper for my "preaching" class and rediscovered a great CD, Charlie Hall's "On The Road To Beautiful". Of the three "Passion" guys Charlie gets the least press, but he continues to be my favorite from a lead-worshiper stand point. I always leave my experiences with his music inspired and longing to be more creative. I know this work was written during a difficult time in his life and there is an authenticity to it that I had forgotten, but found again tonight and have enjoyed.

Ascribe...

2007-10-29T21:22:00.001-05:00

Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.

David, Psalm 29:1-2

I read these verses this morning and they have reverberated in my soul all day. That happens sometimes, a passage finds a crack in the weathered exterior of my heart and makes it's home in the forgotten deep places. I feel strangely human in that moment, wonderfully alive. In this Psalm David goes on to talk about the mysterious and powerful "voice of God." I found myself envying David's intimate knowledge of God. Not what God has done for him, but the beautiful way David knows God and in turn is known by Him. There is such an authenticity to his "ascribing", unlike so much of the plastic Christianity I experience most of the time. I was refreshed and grateful and at the same time a little scared recognizing that in so many ways life is completely out of my control. Yet there is a sense of security in the presence of this God of "glory, strength, splendor, and holiness."

I recognize that the inerrancy of Scripture is a difficult proposition for some...but for me it has always been a comforting reality. Nothing has been as transformational in my life as God's Written Word. It is that transformation that is my "apologetic". There are volumes of finely crafted arguments, but for me it all boils down to the undeniable impact the Written Word has had on my life. And this morning it happened again. No formula, no system, just a sweet reminder that He is here, He is in control, and He is mindful of me.

Friday Puzzles (Week 43)

2007-10-26T08:25:00.000-05:00

Unscramble the letters in the box below and add the missing letter to make a nine-letter word.

Place the same three-letter word in each blank below to make four different words.

____ENT
____ING
____DON
____ABLE

- Mensa Puzzle Calendar

Riddle of the Week:

Like tombstones fallen on their sides

With eyes that peer out from the bones.

Half blind sometimes they might go wild,

Two faced players cast in stone.

Danger when they're standing tall

A tiny tap, they clatter, fall.

- Cloud Kingdom

Friday Puzzles (Week 42)

2007-10-19T07:56:00.000-05:00

Fill in the word square below with two E's, one I, two L's, one K, two S's and one T so that each word can be read across and down.

Choose the correct letter from each clue in the rhyme below. When put in order, the five letters will spell the answer to the riddle.

My first is in dog and also in dole.
My second in able but not in pole.
My third in bridge and also in bright.
My fourth in brass and also in sight.
My last in yellow, yes, and yea.
My whole a flower like a sunny day.

- Mensa Puzzle Calendar

Riddle of the Week:

A shoe and a foot
On which it won't fit.
A cat and a glass
Which perhaps has been hit.
Always a lady,
Sometimes good, sometimes bad.
Depend on her not,
For she may leave you sad.

- Cloud Kingdom

Friday Puzzles (Week 41)

2007-10-12T10:28:00.001-05:00

Solve the following anagrams for the names of famous quarterbacks...

CAR STORAGE HUB

EGO BRIBES

ATE NOON JAM

NEAR FRONT TANK

ONE HAT JAM

- The Everything Word Games Challenge Book

________________

Riddle of the Week:

Without a hole it's worthless,
When having two it's junk.
Above a hole it dangles,
Useful when it's sunk.

- Cloud Kingdom

Friday Examen (Week 41)

2007-10-12T10:26:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

What/who brought you a smile?
What/who robbed your smile?

Friday Examen (Week 40)

2007-10-05T06:31:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

Where/when did I see the beauty of God most clearly? What was my response?
Where/when did I see the brokenness of man most clearly? What was my response?

Friday Puzzles (Week 40)

2007-10-04T12:37:00.001-05:00

Puzzle 1: An intersting observation is coiled in the grid below. To spell it out, start with one letter and move to an adjacent letter in any direction. (Hint: Start with an "I". Three nulls).

Puzzle 2: Pink is worth 25 points, blue is worth 30 points and green is worth 35 points.

Using the same scoring system, how many pionts is red worth?

- The Mensa Puzzle Calendar

________

Riddle of the Week:

Like golden sand not on a beach,
Motes that flee from teeth and grit.
The craftsman makes it then throws it away.
Or raises it up with a little bit.

- Cloud Kingdom

Friday Puzzles (Week 39)

2007-09-28T09:08:00.001-05:00

Some words sound the same, but are spelt differently and mean different things. There are three sets of them to be found in this puzzle. Find the word that matches each clue. Remember they will not look the same.

- Cool Book of Brain Teasers

______________

Riddle of the Week:

Like shards of night trapped in time,
Like the soul of a swamp entombed.
Lying beneath the graves of men.
Torn away to warm a room.

- Cloud Kingdom

Friday Examen (Week 39)

2007-09-28T09:07:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

When was I at my most peaceful?
When was I at my most conflicted?

The Battle of Two Loves

2007-09-25T07:49:00.001-05:00

"There can be only two basic loves, the love of God unto the forgetfulness of self, or the love of self unto the forgetfulness of God."

- Augustine

This quote has stirred some deep places in me this week. Thoughts I look forward to sharing, but not just yet. Rather than rambling about me intimations, I'd like to hear from you. Is the battle really that simple? Are there merely two paths for the human soul to journey leading to two opposing destinations? Or is this an oversimplification? How do you see this expressed in your world?

A Little More About Me...

2007-09-23T05:15:00.000-05:00

Just found this nifty little website that calculates your personality. These things are usually pretty subjective, but this one was fun and seems to be pretty good. Thought I would share my results.

If you'd like to give it a try CLICK HERE. Let me know what your results are.

Friday Puzzles (Week 38)

2007-09-21T08:19:00.001-05:00

Make your way from ONE to TWO in only eight steps, changing one letter at a time to make a good English word at each step.

ONE
_ _ _
_ _ _
_ _ _
_ _ _
_ _ _
_ _ _
_ _ _
TWO

- Mensa Puzzle Calendar

_______

Riddle of the Week:

A service you hate to receive.
A stick not made of wood.
Best kept stiff when times are tough.
Glossed over; read and understood.

- Cloud Kingdom

Examen (Week 38)

2007-09-21T08:18:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

What is my fondest memory?
What is my greatest hope?

Quote for Thought

2007-09-14T21:58:00.001-05:00

"We have long emphasized preaching the truth and have usually defined truth as biblical facts that can be ingested and defended. We forget that facts do not produce life, only the mystery of godliness can do that. The key question for vitality is not "Do you have the facts of the faith?" but "Are you in touch with the mystery that empowers?"

- Calvin Miller, Into the Depths of God

Friday Puzzles (Week 37)

2007-09-14T07:51:00.001-05:00

First unscramble the letters in each word below, then unscramble the word order to create a Tom Swifty sentence.

A RDNOWEFLU EW
YDA ISIANGL DAIS
MOT DAH RBEZELYI.

The 13 letters below can be anagrammed into a famous three-word slogan. What is the slogan?

B E E E E E F H H T W S R

- Mensa Puzzle Calendar

________________

Riddle of the Week:

A phantom rises from the ground
Like a phoenix; he makes no sound
His touch leaves dirty fingerprints
That darken even brightest tints
He's not alive, he can't be slain
If he felt, he'd fear the wind and rain.
His time is brief, when it has run its course
He'll be gone, but we'll feel no remorse.

- Cloud Kingdom

Friday Examen (Week 37)

2007-09-14T05:59:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

What personal weakness was my greatest strength this week? How?
What personal strength was my greatest weakness this week? How?

Missional Fathers

2007-09-13T06:25:00.001-05:00

"For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel."

Paul, 1 Corinthians 4:15

We live in an era of many "guides" and few "fathers", but in the midst of my own longing for "fathering" I must admit that I usually choose to seek a guide. A guide is someone you hire, let them lead you for a while, thank when you're done and then move on. You don't have to take the good with the bad. There's no relational connection, purely functional. Maybe that's why reading has replaced mentoring, the interaction is clean, easy, and one-sided.

Luke at Desiring Life has a thoughtful post on this topic, "Forgetting the Gandalfs", that I still think about. I do wonder if the bed we find ourselves in is not of our own making. That's not to say that there isn't responsibility on the part of older men to give their lives away to others. Paul is such a strong illustration of this. I usually view Paul as an evangelist verses a pastor, but these are pastoral words. Words of encouragement and life filled with sincere love. Wether they are received or not doesn't seem to bother Paul, he simply shares and trusts God with the rest.

So this morning I'm left with a few thoughts. First, missional living is not task-driven, but relationship-driven. While that is definitely harder and messier, it is also deeper and richer and that depth and richness is what fosters transformation. Secondly, I have to ask myself if I'm willing to become that which I seek. Just as it's easier relationally to follow a guide, I recognize it's easier to be a guide rather than invest as a father. Which leads me to my final thought, "fathering" begins with being a good dad in my own home. In my opinion there's nothing more missional than parenting. With that in mind...I'm going to go fix some breakfast and start following my own advice.

Friday Puzzle (Week 36)

2007-09-07T06:08:00.000-05:00

A "truisim" is coiled in the grid below. To spell it out, start with one letter and move to an adjacent letter in any direction. (Hint: If you need a place to start, look in the comments)

T	B	E	O	S	N	G	E	L	C	E
O	N	T	M	T	I	H	T	S	A	L
M	Y	H	E	I	E	R	Y	E	P	D
Y	A	O	P	M	V	E	T	I	O	N
E	N	R	T	T	I	N	U	S	E	C
M	O	A	N	T	H	G	B	I	N	S

- The Mensa Puzzle Calendar

______________

Riddle of the Week:

Very touching as a game,

A place where Tommy keeps his name.

A pup no longer is unknown,

How a value's often shown.

- Cloud Kingdom

Friday Examen (Week 36)

2007-09-07T06:07:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

What beauty did I acknowledge this week? How?
What beauty did I not acknowledge this week? Why?

Little out of the loop...

2007-09-06T05:25:00.001-05:00

Wow...it was a crazy August. I forget how busy and out of control the end of the summer can be. I haven't been able to give very much attention to blogging, but I think I'm finding the rhythm for the fall and will get back in the flow of things. If nothing else the past few weeks have reminded me of how much I need intentionality in my life.

One of the things I've been involved with and look forward to blogging about is a group of men at our church that have gather to begin dialoguing in the missional conversation. I'm excited and hopeful that we will begin to see our body engaged in acts of compassion and justice as worship.

I have also started reading "The Shape of Practical Theology" by Ray Anderson. "Practical Theology" is a new concept for me, but already it's had impact in my thinking, reflection, and reading. I look forward to sharing my thoughts hear and hopefully hearing yours.

Poly what?

2007-08-24T13:47:00.001-05:00

Growing up with the first name "Polycarpe" (my parents added an "e" on the end...not sure why) had it's challenges. I can still remember the teacher calling out the roll in elementary class and the horror of her face as she got to me. As I got older I learned more about this incredible man and now enjoy having the name as my own and have even passed it on to my own son.

So what spurred this random post...well today I read a great article on Parchment & Pen about Polycarpe and wanted to share it with others who might not know about this saint of the second century. To check it out, click here.

Friday Puzzle (Week 34)

2007-08-24T10:32:00.001-05:00

What two words, formed from different arrangements of the same six letters, can be used to complete the sentences below?

The shop had supplied thousands of ________________ with the outfit of their dreams.

Unfortunately, after the major flood, all that was left was a pile of ________________.

- Mensa Puzzle Calendar

________________

Riddle of the Week:

When in it you have it,
Without it certainly.
Cast without a magic wand
On what you don't believe.
Don't stop at the shadow,
A reasonable certainty.

- Cloud Kingdom

Friday Puzzle (Week 33)

2007-08-17T08:13:00.001-05:00

There are three columns of letters below. Each column has a sequence. Can you work out what these are and fill in the missing letter in each one? (Hint: think about the order of the alphabet or a familiar sequence of words).

- Cool Book of Brainteasers

________________

Riddle of the Week:

A house divided.
Living but not alive.
Service on the road
But never while you drive.

- Cloud Kingdom

Friday Examen (Week 33)

2007-08-17T05:31:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

What has been my greatest frustration?
What has been my greatest joy?

Life is too short...

2007-08-15T08:39:00.001-05:00

The Blind Beggar has a thoughtful post today. Spurred by the Phillip Brooks phrase "Life is too short," and an article in the newspaper about people making "Life is too short" lists, he started his own and challenged us to do the same. Mine so far is...

Life is too short...

to not saturate my life with the Scriptures and follow the lead of the Spirit no matter the cost
to not "be" Jesus where I am right now
to not embrace my wife every time I leave and upon every time we reunite...no matter the time between
to not be intentional about the legacy I leave for my children
to not invest in relationships sacrificially
to not forgive and release
to not walk in a warm spring rain
to not dream big and live with the integrity to be an instrument of seeing that dream become reality

Okay...your turn. What would your list look like?

Quote for Thought

2007-08-15T05:44:00.001-05:00

"The days of our lives are representatives of eternity rather than fugitives, and we must live as if the fate of all of time would totally depend on a single moment."

- Abraham Heschel, Man Is Not Alone

Engagement (Thoughts from "Call To Commitment")

2007-08-14T08:56:00.001-05:00

"Some of you," she would say, "have got to stay home and make the same sacrifices as those who got to Indochina and take years to prepare, learning the language, the customs and such things. You must learn a new language also, the language of the world, so that those who are worldly and sophisticated, but spiritually illiterate, can understand you. You must do everything they do, and do it better - but without sin. Read better and more broadly than they do, entertain better and more charmingly, dress better and have a knowledge of all the things in which they are interested, so that you can understand their point of view. If you do not do this, you will speak not only a foreign language in this pagan country, but one that repels."

- Elizabeth O'Conner, Call To Commitment

The quote above was spoken to Gordon Cosby, Elizabeth-Anne and Mary Campbell by Mrs. Campbell while they were contemplating missionary service. After I read her comments I was whisked away to the courts of Babylon and four young men enslaved by an evil empire...

"As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. ... And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom."

- Daniel 1:17, 20

Turning all this as a light on my own life as a "suburban missionary" complexity seemed to melt away into the simple reality of engagement. Following Christ is not our removal from the World but movement toward it. How much does the "Christian Sub-culture" alienate us from those we are here to give our lives to? What does it look like for us to excel with purity? How do we become "students of our culture" while maintaining our "kingdom citizenship"? Tough questions that need solid, practical answers.

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
- James, Book of James 1:26-27

A Little Family Fun & New Hobby

2007-08-13T07:07:00.001-05:00

I got a new toy this past Friday and found a new hobby...geocaching. The concept is pretty simple, hidden all over the city are hundreds of "caches". The contents ranch from little trinket-toys to simple log sheets. The coordinantes are logged on a web page and once downloaded to your handy GPS unit the hunt is on (click on the logo to the left for more details). I went on ebay and found a nice, basic hand held GPS unit for relatively cheap. With my new electronic toy in hand the kids and I headed out on Saturday for our first geocaching "treasure hunt". We had a great time walking in the park, down trails, just enjoying the outdoors and pretending we were treasure hunters on a great quest. On Sunday we had dinner with some dear friends from church and they joined us on a hunt (you can check out the pics HERE). We talked, laughed, worked as a team, and just had fun. If you haven't tried it you gotta check it out. If you go to geocaching.com and put in your zip code you can check out all the little treasures hidden around you.

Along with the joy of just being with the family it was good in some small way to be reminded that there is a lot more aournd us then we see with casual eyes.

Long Week...

2007-08-11T08:15:00.001-05:00

"Mankind will not perish for want of information; but only fro want of appreciation. The beginning of our happiness lies in the understanding that life without wonder is not worth living."

- Abraham Heschel, Man is Not Alone

It's amazing how fast a week can go. I woke up this morning to find myself in the middle of August with a slight whiplash at how fast life moves at times. It's easy for me to get caught up in "doing" that I forget living involves "being". This morning I ran across the above quote from Abe. Once again I was reminded that realignment begins with wonder. There is such limitless beauty in creation waiting to be seen and experienced. Reflecting on this has birthed a conviction, to embrace a faith that strives to awaken others to the beauty around them. Could it be that the beginning of the fight for justice and peace, rebirth and reconciliation begins with the simple act of discovering the majestic beauty all around us? I know this...the sunlight flowing in this morning from the window has warmed more than the room.

Friday Puzzle (Week 32)

2007-08-10T07:09:00.001-05:00

Fill in the word square below using two E's, two R's, two O's, one V, one T, and one D so that each word can be read across and down.

- Mensa Puzzle Calendar

___________

Riddle of the Week:

Where the fans are foes.

Take it and it's gone.

Where they went on holiday.

Where you put the con.

Give a gift, run in fear,

Look elsewhere, mess is cleared.

- Cloud Kingdom Games

Quote for Thought

2007-08-03T07:30:00.001-05:00

"The dignity of man stands in proportion to his obligation as well as to his rights."

- Abraham Heschel, God in Search of Man

He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
- Micah, Micah 6:8

Friday Puzzle (Week 31)

2007-08-03T06:47:00.000-05:00

Decode the following message:

____________________

Bonus Riddle:

A tragedy of love.
Peals forth a note so true.
A matter of degrees.
Four sides cut in two.

- Cloud Kingdom (check link for hints)

Friday Examen (Week 31)

2007-08-03T06:26:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

What beauty stirred my heart? What is my response?
What pain stirred my heart? What is my response?

On Vacation...

2007-08-01T07:09:00.001-05:00

Taking a week to recharge and reconnect with the family. So far we've had a blast! Today me and the kids are taking in a movie and Tracie and I are heading to Dolly's Splash Country (don't be jealous).

Yesterday we spent some time in the mountains enjoying God's matchless creation. I'm not much of an outdoor's man, but there is something special about the glory of creation. It's humbling, invigorating, and convicting. As I played with the kids in the running stream the biting cold of the water reminded me of the precious gifts that are all around us and our responsibility as stewards of those gifts. Sometimes I think the concrete that separates me from the earth in the city creates a spiritual barrier that melts away when I reconnect with the dirt from which I came. In those moments there is a whisper in the breeze of activity just beyond sight that seems more real than the tangible reality in front of me. A yearning swells inside from a deep almost forgotten place; a longing for harmony, for shalom. There is hope in the endless shades of green surrounding me, hints of what was and what will be...and what should be.

How about you...when/where have you felt most "connected" to something larger?

Friday Examen (Week 30)

2007-07-27T09:25:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

How was I a catalyst for unity?
How was I a catalyst for division?

Friday Puzzle (Week 30)

2007-07-27T09:18:00.000-05:00

Unscramble the letters in each quadrant below then find the missing letter that completes each word. (The missing letter, indicated by the question mark is the same for each word.)

- Mensa Puzzle Calendar

"Light" & Incarnational Living

2007-07-25T06:19:00.001-05:00

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

- Jesus

It's amazing to me how Jesus can be encouraging and convicting in the same breath. As I continue to deal with the reality of this verse in my life I'm left undone by its simplicity, beauty, and challenge. In these few sentences Jesus gives an empowering declaration of identity, two illustrations of boldness grounded in that identity, and finally a call to a life of demonstration where the end goal is that which matters most...the glory of God. This three-fold movement of declaration, illustration, and demonstration bring clarity to the incarnational reality of following Christ. Jesus' teachings are not abstract ideals, but rather divine truth grounded in the dust of the earth and enshrined in flesh and blood. Identity and responsibility are inseparable.

"To pray as a Christian demands concrete involvement in trying to bring about what is pleaded for in prayer."

- Roland Rolheiser, The Holy Longing

I can't help but be left with the question...what "light" am I shining? Is it a blinding light that repels, or a warm glow that welcomes? What "works" are displayed by my light? Do I ask for more than I am willing to be and do? Once again I am left breathless at the adventure that Jesus' calls us to, and grateful for the grace He provides that carries me.

"WICKED" - Sunday Scribblings

2007-07-24T14:59:00.001-05:00

My first entry to Sunday Scribblings. I've NEVER done anything like this, but wanted to give it a try...

Waiting on others to do what you know to do yourself
Immorality unrecognized
Casual bigotry
Kindness withheld
Empty religion
Dying without living

Riddle of the Week

2007-07-23T11:11:00.001-05:00

Not sure why...but I love riddles. Here's one from an email I get weekly, enjoy...

Uninvited visitor, unwanted guest.
Serenity assaulted, by terror dispossessed.
An opening leads to escape, lying in your nest.
Leaves unpleasant memories, takes away the rest.

- Cloud Kingdom Games Riddle of the Week

Friday Puzzle (Week 29)

2007-07-20T08:23:00.003-05:00

First unscramble the letters in each word below, then unscramble the word order to create a Tom Swifty sentence.

TTMEAR I WAKDETE NBERSUM
I DDI TON TRPOFI DAIS
MOT HET TLYAUNIGH ON
WHO TSLLI KEAM A.

- Mensa Puzzle Calendar

Friday Examen (Week 29)

2007-07-20T08:23:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

What did I learn?
What did I teach?

Who is as important as what...

2007-07-19T13:09:00.001-05:00

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

- Jesus, Matthew 5:14-16

I'm going to be teaching on this passage next week and as I've studied many things have struck me about these words of Jesus. Today what has stirred me the most is not the words, but the audience they are spoken to. The "you" here isn't the religious elite (though He gets to them shortly), it isn't the social elite; it's a broken people in captivity to an evil empire, the oppressed, the marginalized, those who think they've been forgotten and bear no "light". Here, in the love-thick words of this fiery young rabbi they learn the truth...God sees them and they matter! I wonder what Jesus saw in the faces staring at him as he tells them "It's you...YOU are the light of the world! Don't give up, keep fighting for what is good...it matters!" In a world of darkness where celebrity is valued over authenticity, even in Christian circles, Jesus' words still ring with hope. Each of us play a role; each of us are designed for impact; there are not "spare parts". The impact of this truth not only on how I view myself, but how I view everyone else has been both refreshing and convicting. What a message...what a hope...

Friday Examen (Week 28)

2007-07-13T08:01:00.001-05:00

This week's questions are:

What events awakened me to the presence of God?
What events isolated me from the presence of God?

Friday Puzzle (Week 28)

2007-07-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

The 19 letters below can be anagrammed into a four-word menu item that can be found at a Venus de Milo Diner. What is the item?

A A A C D E E E E F H H I L S S T T W

- The Mensa Puzzle Calendar

Quote for Thought

2007-07-10T08:37:00.001-05:00

"What Jesus wants from us is not admiration, but imitation."

- Ronald Rolheiser, The Holy Longing

Lessons From the Jesus Movement - A Post from The Blind Beggar

2007-07-09T08:42:00.001-05:00

In my morning perusing of things popping in the blogosphere I came upon a short but insightful post from the Blind Beggar. As a participant in the "Jesus Movement" and finding a lot of similarities in the Missional & Emerging Movements, the Beggar has some wisdom on keeping things from going awry as we push for much needed change. He highlights five areas of awareness:

Politics
Aberrant Groups
A Culture of Being Against
The Power of the World
Evangelism

To check out the article CLICK HERE.

(HT: The Blind Beggar)

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