Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Articles You Should Read
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I don't take credit for finding these - the first was twittered by Kara - the second emailed to me by my sis
A Heroine from the Brothels
No Country for Women
I don't take credit for finding these - the first was twittered by Kara - the second emailed to me by my sis
A Heroine from the Brothels
No Country for Women
A lament from my American prison
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Our older vehicle finally bit the dust, and so I've spent almost all of the past two days searching for a replacement car - online, in the newspaper, on the streets, on car lots, on the phone with friends, parents, mechanics and informants - always looking for a good deal on a good car.
Meanwhile....Israeli Gaza Bombing Continues; Deaths Near 350. Brian McLaren posted an article from a journalist friend living in what she calls "the largest prison in the world" (Gaza). She also writes,
What else can I do but shop for a car? I work only 3 miles from home, but I have to cross a freeway and several major intersections to get there, with no public transportation nearby. I don't live in a hip metropolis and I don't have a job that offers the time, the financial padding, let alone the political initiative to even care about global crises like Gaza. My car breaks down - I have to buy a new one - even though I would rather be helping all of the people around the world who are in need, all I can do is read the blip in the paper, shed a proverbial tear, and then return to my self-serving, American consumerism lifestyle, essentially ignoring, and continuing to imprison and injure the rest of the hurting world.
So I sit in my wide open, free, excruciatingly suffocating American prison - the life that I don't know how to escape and don't think I will ever be able to. And I look out the window of my 17-inch computer screen at a world that is bright, alive, and thriving with life (and death) and calling for me to come and be a part - but I can't get out. I've been in the darkness of this cell for so long I don't even know which way the door is.
While walking through my safe, side-walked, suburban neighborhood with my overly hyper husky, I was thinking about one of my favorite short stories from Kurt Vonnegut, Harrison Bergeron. You'll have to read the whole story to really get the profound impact of the final paragraphs, but the story ends this way:
Our older vehicle finally bit the dust, and so I've spent almost all of the past two days searching for a replacement car - online, in the newspaper, on the streets, on car lots, on the phone with friends, parents, mechanics and informants - always looking for a good deal on a good car.Meanwhile....Israeli Gaza Bombing Continues; Deaths Near 350. Brian McLaren posted an article from a journalist friend living in what she calls "the largest prison in the world" (Gaza). She also writes,
"Please, please, stop what you're doing and go out on the streets in protest. Write to your newspapers. Especially those of you in the US. Today everyone I talked to told me the US streets are silent...the US is doing nothing...But please, do not continue as usual. 1.5 million people who have been under siege in the largest prison in the world for months, even years now, are now being bombed indiscriminately. We have ignored Gaza for too long. Every day, every hour, every minute counts."I've seen the headlines, and I'm immediately frustrated by the (lack of) response by the U.S. government, I'm saddened for the loss of life, I pray for the people who are suffering, and I wish I could do more to help. But after another day spent on car lots and thinking about how best to spend my dollars on a second car to park in my garage, I felt imprisoned in this American lifestyle.
What else can I do but shop for a car? I work only 3 miles from home, but I have to cross a freeway and several major intersections to get there, with no public transportation nearby. I don't live in a hip metropolis and I don't have a job that offers the time, the financial padding, let alone the political initiative to even care about global crises like Gaza. My car breaks down - I have to buy a new one - even though I would rather be helping all of the people around the world who are in need, all I can do is read the blip in the paper, shed a proverbial tear, and then return to my self-serving, American consumerism lifestyle, essentially ignoring, and continuing to imprison and injure the rest of the hurting world.
So I sit in my wide open, free, excruciatingly suffocating American prison - the life that I don't know how to escape and don't think I will ever be able to. And I look out the window of my 17-inch computer screen at a world that is bright, alive, and thriving with life (and death) and calling for me to come and be a part - but I can't get out. I've been in the darkness of this cell for so long I don't even know which way the door is.
While walking through my safe, side-walked, suburban neighborhood with my overly hyper husky, I was thinking about one of my favorite short stories from Kurt Vonnegut, Harrison Bergeron. You'll have to read the whole story to really get the profound impact of the final paragraphs, but the story ends this way:
George came back in with the beer, paused while a handicap signal shook him up. And then he sat down again. “You been crying?” he said to Hazel.
"Yup," she said.
“What about?” he said.
“I forget,” she said. “Something real sad on television.”
“What was it?” he said.
“It’s all kind of mixed up in my mind,” said Hazel.
“Forget sad things,” said George.
“I always do,” said Hazel.
“That’s my girl,” said George. He winced. There was the sound of a riveting gun in his head.
“Gee – I could tell that one was a doozy,” said Hazel.
“You can say that again,” said George.
“Gee –” said Hazel, “I could tell that one was a doozy.”
---------
Now playing: The National - Start A War
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Check this out...
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A good song - The National "Mistaken for Strangers" and the Central Ohio Emergent Cohort day of intentional blogging - so far only a few posts, but they are about how our faith has changed this past year, in part because of our involvement in the cohort.
Mistaken For Strangers - The National
A good song - The National "Mistaken for Strangers" and the Central Ohio Emergent Cohort day of intentional blogging - so far only a few posts, but they are about how our faith has changed this past year, in part because of our involvement in the cohort.
Mistaken For Strangers - The National
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Back home
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It's been a long and crazy Christmas week. Flying home from Guatemala on Monday included several adventures like running to catch our flight in Chicago, and then not having our luggage when we finally made it to Columbus after midnight. But our bags arrived Tuesday night, in time for us to do several loads of laundry, pack again and leave for family Christmas in Virginia. It was really good to see Kellye's grandparents who have had some health struggles in the past months, and it was a lot of fun opening presents and doing a "dirty santa" exchange with the cousins. But then on Thursday, I came down with a pretty nasty flu bug that kept me in bed almost all day, aching and congested. Sleeping all day led to little sleep and bad dreams all night, but I still felt well enough this morning to drive home with Kellye. So now, finally, Saturday night December 27th, we are home for Christmas break.
It's been a long and crazy Christmas week. Flying home from Guatemala on Monday included several adventures like running to catch our flight in Chicago, and then not having our luggage when we finally made it to Columbus after midnight. But our bags arrived Tuesday night, in time for us to do several loads of laundry, pack again and leave for family Christmas in Virginia. It was really good to see Kellye's grandparents who have had some health struggles in the past months, and it was a lot of fun opening presents and doing a "dirty santa" exchange with the cousins. But then on Thursday, I came down with a pretty nasty flu bug that kept me in bed almost all day, aching and congested. Sleeping all day led to little sleep and bad dreams all night, but I still felt well enough this morning to drive home with Kellye. So now, finally, Saturday night December 27th, we are home for Christmas break.
Since my computer died last week in Guatemala (which BTW the folks at Apple said was probably a logic board issue, hopefully to be fixed by mid-next week), I haven't been blogging very much, but of course I have lots to say :)
First, I want to share a prayer that I read in a book. The book is Presence-Centered Youth Ministry by Mike King and so far, it's a really good critique of common evangelical youth ministries. I'm hoping the second half of the book will offer an equally good suggestion for youth ministry focused on the ancient disciplines like meditation and fixed-hour prayer.
But early in the book, King included a prayer by Thomas Merton, and it is so powerful and appropriate, I think I want to focus on it for the first few weeks of the new year. Here it is:
"My Lord God I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that my desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone."
Saturday, December 20, 2008
The Market
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We went into Guatemala City today, Zone 1, which means we were right at the royal palace, at the heart of the city. We went down into the "underground market," so called because you go down a few stairs, to a lower level with tourist type shops, then down another level and it is a local market with fresh meat, fish, spices, and other local goods. The smells were overwhelming; it was noisy and active; and the colors vivid. I could have taken pictures all day, but many native Guatemalans believe a picture takes away their soul - or others just think it is rude and don't like tourists. So I only snapped a few, and posted them below. Enjoy
Avacados
Walking down into the market
Pescado (fish)
Local vendor
We went into Guatemala City today, Zone 1, which means we were right at the royal palace, at the heart of the city. We went down into the "underground market," so called because you go down a few stairs, to a lower level with tourist type shops, then down another level and it is a local market with fresh meat, fish, spices, and other local goods. The smells were overwhelming; it was noisy and active; and the colors vivid. I could have taken pictures all day, but many native Guatemalans believe a picture takes away their soul - or others just think it is rude and don't like tourists. So I only snapped a few, and posted them below. Enjoy
The central plaza, with fountain, Guatemalan flag, and royal palace to the right.
Avacados
Walking down into the market
Pescado (fish)
Local vendorA good word
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I had the blessed pleasure of knowing Julie Jones for several years.
First while going to GCCS school board meetings, and this year during
brief conversations at the receptionist desk at school. Her heart was
always so evident, her questions of concern were sincere, and her hard
work for the school and on behalf of her children benefitted all. I
always appreciated her hugs and mentions I prayer. In the last few
months as the cancer treatments took a toll, she continued to work
hard and with a smile. But she also wouldn't hesitate to ask for
prayer, and her family and those who loved her so much need those
prayers now. And so even across the world, I lift my heart to take
away even a fraction of the burden. And God's heart is so much bigger.
His love covers even the profound pain of human loss, and the promise
of the resurrection is not a vain dream but our constant hope and
moment-by-moment life breath that will one day refill all of our lungs
with praise for God and the laughter of long anticipated reunions.
I had the blessed pleasure of knowing Julie Jones for several years.
First while going to GCCS school board meetings, and this year during
brief conversations at the receptionist desk at school. Her heart was
always so evident, her questions of concern were sincere, and her hard
work for the school and on behalf of her children benefitted all. I
always appreciated her hugs and mentions I prayer. In the last few
months as the cancer treatments took a toll, she continued to work
hard and with a smile. But she also wouldn't hesitate to ask for
prayer, and her family and those who loved her so much need those
prayers now. And so even across the world, I lift my heart to take
away even a fraction of the burden. And God's heart is so much bigger.
His love covers even the profound pain of human loss, and the promise
of the resurrection is not a vain dream but our constant hope and
moment-by-moment life breath that will one day refill all of our lungs
with praise for God and the laughter of long anticipated reunions.
We will see Julie again. And so it is well, even now.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Just a few pictures...
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...and an honest plea
Since I'm not using my computer, I'm only uploading a few pictures. On Tuesday and Wednesday we visited five different villages doing the same Christmas program, which consisted of singing a few children's songs in Spanish, a few Christmas songs (in Spanish, like "Hoy es Navidad") doing a drama called "The Happy King" (or El Rey Feliz), having students recite memory verses, and then distributing the Christmas gifts. There were so so many precious kids. Some were dirty, some were dressed up, some would smile and hug and bless us, and others would be timid and shy.
Especially look in the photo album for pictures of Kellye and I with our sponsor family, the Salvador Puacs. When we were here two years ago, we decided we wanted to give a monthly donation to sponsor a child, and looking through pictures of possible kids, we recognized Octavio. We learned he had three siblings, and so we decided to sponsor the whole family. They live in Santo Domingo, which is about 3 1/2 hours from Guatemala City, which meant we didn't get to visit the last time we were here. However, this trip, we were in their village. I spotted Octavio just before we started the Christmas program, and we were able to talk with him and his brother, Jose Angel. Then after the program we went to their house and talked with their mom and dad and step-sister, Maria. We gave them some food and a few simple gifts, and then played frisbee together. As we were playing in their little dirt yard, Beth (one of the missionaries) spoke with the dad about his faith. He said he didn't go to church, but when she asked, he agreed to praying to receive Jesus as his savior. Kellye initiated the prayer, and the dad was very responsive. I've seen a few pictures of him before, and he was never smiling. But after we prayed, he seemed to laugh and have a lighter spirit. We spoke with the pastor of the church which is literally just across the street, and he said he would follow up and get them a Bible as soon as possible. It was a really special moment for Kellye and I, and for the family.
Before we left, I told the family what was on my heart - that Kellye and I both have lots of family in Ohio, brothers and sisters, their spouses, our parents, and many others we love and care about. Family is very important to us and we treasure our family. But our family in Santo Doming - the Salvador Puacs - have become close to my heart as well, and I treasure them as family as well. We keep their pictures on our refrigerator, in my journal, and I think about them a lot. The kids are growing up, the family is changing with a new marriage and the older kids going off to work, but I still think of them as close family. I think about the next life when we will be able to play and talk and live together like family again. I consider it a huge privilege to sponsor this family, to be able to send money every month, gifts and pictures every now and then, and even the great privilege of being able to visit. It was an honor to see them.
As I've talked with Roger and Beth, I've learned that people from the States sponsoring children is one of their biggest sources of income and really keeps the programs here going. $20-$25 a month is paid to support a child, and really it pays for almost 3 children to eat 3 meals a week, be enrolled in the feeding program where they receive weekly training and care from the staff, as well as the yearly special programs like what we have done this week. Sponsoring a child is truly a blessing, a privilege, an honor, and something practical that you can do to make a difference in the lives of these kids. Hearts for Heaven has three solid feeding programs, which each feed over a hundred kids a week, and they are always looking to start more.
If you don't already sponsor a child, or would like to sponsor another, take a look at their website, or send me an email, and make a small commitment that will make a huge difference. And who knows, maybe someday you and I can come back down to Guatemala and hang out with your sponsor kids. And then I know for sure, someday, we'll all get to hang out together and look back at the difference a few dollars made in this life.
...and an honest plea
Since I'm not using my computer, I'm only uploading a few pictures. On Tuesday and Wednesday we visited five different villages doing the same Christmas program, which consisted of singing a few children's songs in Spanish, a few Christmas songs (in Spanish, like "Hoy es Navidad") doing a drama called "The Happy King" (or El Rey Feliz), having students recite memory verses, and then distributing the Christmas gifts. There were so so many precious kids. Some were dirty, some were dressed up, some would smile and hug and bless us, and others would be timid and shy.
Especially look in the photo album for pictures of Kellye and I with our sponsor family, the Salvador Puacs. When we were here two years ago, we decided we wanted to give a monthly donation to sponsor a child, and looking through pictures of possible kids, we recognized Octavio. We learned he had three siblings, and so we decided to sponsor the whole family. They live in Santo Domingo, which is about 3 1/2 hours from Guatemala City, which meant we didn't get to visit the last time we were here. However, this trip, we were in their village. I spotted Octavio just before we started the Christmas program, and we were able to talk with him and his brother, Jose Angel. Then after the program we went to their house and talked with their mom and dad and step-sister, Maria. We gave them some food and a few simple gifts, and then played frisbee together. As we were playing in their little dirt yard, Beth (one of the missionaries) spoke with the dad about his faith. He said he didn't go to church, but when she asked, he agreed to praying to receive Jesus as his savior. Kellye initiated the prayer, and the dad was very responsive. I've seen a few pictures of him before, and he was never smiling. But after we prayed, he seemed to laugh and have a lighter spirit. We spoke with the pastor of the church which is literally just across the street, and he said he would follow up and get them a Bible as soon as possible. It was a really special moment for Kellye and I, and for the family.
Before we left, I told the family what was on my heart - that Kellye and I both have lots of family in Ohio, brothers and sisters, their spouses, our parents, and many others we love and care about. Family is very important to us and we treasure our family. But our family in Santo Doming - the Salvador Puacs - have become close to my heart as well, and I treasure them as family as well. We keep their pictures on our refrigerator, in my journal, and I think about them a lot. The kids are growing up, the family is changing with a new marriage and the older kids going off to work, but I still think of them as close family. I think about the next life when we will be able to play and talk and live together like family again. I consider it a huge privilege to sponsor this family, to be able to send money every month, gifts and pictures every now and then, and even the great privilege of being able to visit. It was an honor to see them.
As I've talked with Roger and Beth, I've learned that people from the States sponsoring children is one of their biggest sources of income and really keeps the programs here going. $20-$25 a month is paid to support a child, and really it pays for almost 3 children to eat 3 meals a week, be enrolled in the feeding program where they receive weekly training and care from the staff, as well as the yearly special programs like what we have done this week. Sponsoring a child is truly a blessing, a privilege, an honor, and something practical that you can do to make a difference in the lives of these kids. Hearts for Heaven has three solid feeding programs, which each feed over a hundred kids a week, and they are always looking to start more.
If you don't already sponsor a child, or would like to sponsor another, take a look at their website, or send me an email, and make a small commitment that will make a huge difference. And who knows, maybe someday you and I can come back down to Guatemala and hang out with your sponsor kids. And then I know for sure, someday, we'll all get to hang out together and look back at the difference a few dollars made in this life.
Please pray for a dear friend
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Many of you may know, but for those outside the GCCS circle who don't,
Julie Jones, our school secretary (receptionist) is very sick with
cancer. In the last few weeks it has spread suprisingly fast, and it
appears now there is little more the doctors can do. Julie's husband
Marc and three children have been by her side, but this is a hard time
for them.
Many of you may know, but for those outside the GCCS circle who don't,
Julie Jones, our school secretary (receptionist) is very sick with
cancer. In the last few weeks it has spread suprisingly fast, and it
appears now there is little more the doctors can do. Julie's husband
Marc and three children have been by her side, but this is a hard time
for them.
Please pray for miraculous healing for Julie, peace and strength for
Marc, and comfort for their children and all those at GCCS who love
Julie so much.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Frustrated...
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So it seems my computer has died at the most inoportune time. There is
a problem with the video card, or perhaps something more serious, but
all I know us that it will turn on but I have no screen. It is just
black. I've tried all the little fixed that I've read about online to
no avail. So ironic that the first serious problem I have with a mac
is when I need a dependable computer the most.
So it seems my computer has died at the most inoportune time. There is
a problem with the video card, or perhaps something more serious, but
all I know us that it will turn on but I have no screen. It is just
black. I've tried all the little fixed that I've read about online to
no avail. So ironic that the first serious problem I have with a mac
is when I need a dependable computer the most.
So, it's very frustrating to say the least because the main purpose of
this trip was to complete a new promotional video for the ministry. We
got amazing footage in the villages over the last few days and I can't
wait to get my hands on it, but I guess I'll have to.
As always, when stuff like this happens, you wonder "why this? Why
now?" I'm not sure what else to say that isn't too cliché. But until
we get home, the blog updates will be less frequent and shorter (since
I'm writing this from my iPod) and very few pics if any. Honesty I'm
not sure what we'll be doing the next few days since I had planned to
edit as much as possible. We'll see.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Why I love Phyllis Tickle
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I just read this quote from Tony Jones' blog on beliefnet.com -
I just read this quote from Tony Jones' blog on beliefnet.com -
"God is both the shit and the fan"
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Advent [8]: Xmas in Guat
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We worshiped at La Fraternidad Christiana de Guatemala this morning, which apparently is a physically larger church than any in the United States (was built to match the dimensions in of the biblical ark - see pics to the right). Also interesting, the church was built debt free. Lots to think about there.....but that's not what really caught me this morning.
I love (LOVE) Spanish worship music. Something about the lyrics, the beat, the singing (even though I'm not always sure what is being said), it gets me moving and excited more than the American songs I'm used to. I couldn't help but laugh this morning when "Let Everything That Has Breath" was the first song. But it loosened me up, and after a few more, the singing took a more serious tone, and we sang "Shout to the Lord," which according to several statistics I've read was at one time the most widely sung Christian song on any given Sunday. In other words, all across the world, millions of Christians sing "Shout to the Lord" every week. For me, it cut straight to the center of God's good news and reminded me of several verses I had read that morning:
"Whoever comes to me I will never drive away." "I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life." "If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:37, 40, 51). "After this I looked and there bfore me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb." (Revelation 7:9)
The reason these verses were in the forefront of my mind was because of their distinctly inclusive nature. This word - inclusivism - is one that I have wrestled with for a few years, mainly because it seems to the central claim of fundamental Christianity, namely that those who do not believe in Jesus will go to hell. I'm not trying to lay out a theology for the plurality of religions, but what I realized today was that for much of my life I had bought into the despair of Christianity, the despair that says that the majority of the world is going to hell, except us good Christians. Being in Guatemala, singing a well-known song (in Spanish), and worshiping with thousands of Guatemalans, reminded me that God's view is so much bigger than mine. He has a global perspective of salvation, of life. Thank God.
So I refuse to despair, and instead I am hopeful. I choose to believe Jesus' words that anyone who comes to him will receive eternal life. I choose to imagine a multitude so big I (and no one) could count, and then I add one more person - and I picture them praising God because he's great. I believe that Jesus wants to save people, not to damn them.
I also realized that i typically can only see religion from my perspective, particularly what I understand to be right and/or wrong at that particular point in my life. But worshiping with so many others who were so different from me, people I never think of on a typical Sunday, singing a song that millions of Christians sing every week, I realized that even Guatemala City with a church the size of the ARK for cyring out loud, even that is only one small city across this grand globe that God is bringing into his heart, day by day. I realized that only God himself knows the full perspective and number, and that number is probably way (WAY!) bigger than I could ever imagine.
So I'm thankful. I'm hopeful. I'm excited to celebrate the coming of the little baby Jesus, that came into the world in order to give up his life, for the entire world. Now that's one verse that I'll read literally :)
We worshiped at La Fraternidad Christiana de Guatemala this morning, which apparently is a physically larger church than any in the United States (was built to match the dimensions in of the biblical ark - see pics to the right). Also interesting, the church was built debt free. Lots to think about there.....but that's not what really caught me this morning.I love (LOVE) Spanish worship music. Something about the lyrics, the beat, the singing (even though I'm not always sure what is being said), it gets me moving and excited more than the American songs I'm used to. I couldn't help but laugh this morning when "Let Everything That Has Breath" was the first song. But it loosened me up, and after a few more, the singing took a more serious tone, and we sang "Shout to the Lord," which according to several statistics I've read was at one time the most widely sung Christian song on any given Sunday. In other words, all across the world, millions of Christians sing "Shout to the Lord" every week. For me, it cut straight to the center of God's good news and reminded me of several verses I had read that morning:
"Whoever comes to me I will never drive away." "I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life." "If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:37, 40, 51). "After this I looked and there bfore me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb." (Revelation 7:9)
The reason these verses were in the forefront of my mind was because of their distinctly inclusive nature. This word - inclusivism - is one that I have wrestled with for a few years, mainly because it seems to the central claim of fundamental Christianity, namely that those who do not believe in Jesus will go to hell. I'm not trying to lay out a theology for the plurality of religions, but what I realized today was that for much of my life I had bought into the despair of Christianity, the despair that says that the majority of the world is going to hell, except us good Christians. Being in Guatemala, singing a well-known song (in Spanish), and worshiping with thousands of Guatemalans, reminded me that God's view is so much bigger than mine. He has a global perspective of salvation, of life. Thank God.
So I refuse to despair, and instead I am hopeful. I choose to believe Jesus' words that anyone who comes to him will receive eternal life. I choose to imagine a multitude so big I (and no one) could count, and then I add one more person - and I picture them praising God because he's great. I believe that Jesus wants to save people, not to damn them.
I also realized that i typically can only see religion from my perspective, particularly what I understand to be right and/or wrong at that particular point in my life. But worshiping with so many others who were so different from me, people I never think of on a typical Sunday, singing a song that millions of Christians sing every week, I realized that even Guatemala City with a church the size of the ARK for cyring out loud, even that is only one small city across this grand globe that God is bringing into his heart, day by day. I realized that only God himself knows the full perspective and number, and that number is probably way (WAY!) bigger than I could ever imagine.
So I'm thankful. I'm hopeful. I'm excited to celebrate the coming of the little baby Jesus, that came into the world in order to give up his life, for the entire world. Now that's one verse that I'll read literally :)
Advent [7]: Challenges
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I woke up early this morning because I forgot that we changed time zones - so I thought it was 7:30, but it was 6:30. So I spent a bit more time than I usually have reading and thinking, and I found myself in the book of John, reading about Jesus feeding the 5,000, walking on water, and then talking about eating his flesh and blood. In these stories, it seemed to me like Jesus was asking the disciples tough questions, putting them in difficult situations even though he knew the outcome. And then he starts laying down these ridiculously confusing theological ideas - like some form of Judeo-cannibalism.
It made me think about the young, newly (mysteriously) pregnant Mary - the mother of Jesus. And her betrothed, Joseph. They had their life planned; they knew where they were going and when, and then God put them in an intentionally difficult position. It's sort of like "Life Interrupted" bible-style. And it's sort of one of those things that happens to anyone whose seeking God. We don't find some superficial, cupcakes and butterflies happiness that is free from challenges. But instead, our very search for God is a challenge that never ceases. We can not conquer God, but find ourselves being conquered and brought more and more into his life.
I'm trying to be open to these challenges - to be willing to be put in difficult circumstances, and willing to explore (very) difficult theologies. Maybe Jesus doesn't fit very well on a flannel graph, and maybe the story of salvation really isn't told best for children. I don't think that means that Jesus doesn't still "love the little children," but perhaps his love is the type of love that is not satisfied with me as I am. Like I regularly tell my students, it is my job to make them into better, smarter people.
I guess that's sort of God's job, his work, his goal: He challenges me to be better - and as much as I don't like it, I know it's right.
I woke up early this morning because I forgot that we changed time zones - so I thought it was 7:30, but it was 6:30. So I spent a bit more time than I usually have reading and thinking, and I found myself in the book of John, reading about Jesus feeding the 5,000, walking on water, and then talking about eating his flesh and blood. In these stories, it seemed to me like Jesus was asking the disciples tough questions, putting them in difficult situations even though he knew the outcome. And then he starts laying down these ridiculously confusing theological ideas - like some form of Judeo-cannibalism.
It made me think about the young, newly (mysteriously) pregnant Mary - the mother of Jesus. And her betrothed, Joseph. They had their life planned; they knew where they were going and when, and then God put them in an intentionally difficult position. It's sort of like "Life Interrupted" bible-style. And it's sort of one of those things that happens to anyone whose seeking God. We don't find some superficial, cupcakes and butterflies happiness that is free from challenges. But instead, our very search for God is a challenge that never ceases. We can not conquer God, but find ourselves being conquered and brought more and more into his life.
I'm trying to be open to these challenges - to be willing to be put in difficult circumstances, and willing to explore (very) difficult theologies. Maybe Jesus doesn't fit very well on a flannel graph, and maybe the story of salvation really isn't told best for children. I don't think that means that Jesus doesn't still "love the little children," but perhaps his love is the type of love that is not satisfied with me as I am. Like I regularly tell my students, it is my job to make them into better, smarter people.
I guess that's sort of God's job, his work, his goal: He challenges me to be better - and as much as I don't like it, I know it's right.
Sunday afternoon pictures
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Here's a link to some pictures from this afternoon at La Primavera. It was incredible seeing some of the same kids from over a year ago. They are growing, are still so beautiful, and so much fun (and trouble). We sang Christmas songs; I tried to play guitar; we quickly make up a craft on the spot that ended up just being bracelets made out of pipe cleaner; and we were able to see some old friends.
A lot of thoughts, but not time yet to put them down. This morning was incredible too at La Fraternidad de Guatemala (the first two pictures below are of the sanctuary - unbelievable). I want to write some more about that later tonight, so "stay tuned."
Here's a link to some pictures from this afternoon at La Primavera. It was incredible seeing some of the same kids from over a year ago. They are growing, are still so beautiful, and so much fun (and trouble). We sang Christmas songs; I tried to play guitar; we quickly make up a craft on the spot that ended up just being bracelets made out of pipe cleaner; and we were able to see some old friends.
A lot of thoughts, but not time yet to put them down. This morning was incredible too at La Fraternidad de Guatemala (the first two pictures below are of the sanctuary - unbelievable). I want to write some more about that later tonight, so "stay tuned."
Twitter Updates
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I've moved my Twitter updates to the top of this page because it will be easier for me to make quick updates from my iPod throughout the day. You can also follow my Twitter via RSS here.
I've moved my Twitter updates to the top of this page because it will be easier for me to make quick updates from my iPod throughout the day. You can also follow my Twitter via RSS here.
In Guatemala....
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We arrived safe and sound yesterday - no trouble with flights or transferring, although from Houston to Guatemala City, the plane was FULL - many Guatemalans come home for Christmas, and you could tell most of the people on the plane were really excited to see family and be home. It was neat to see. Traffic was crazy, even more than typical in Guatemala City, with roads blocked off, new construction, and unique Christmas celebrations. We saw Catholic churches preparing for Advent celebration by laying out on the street a pathway made of sawdust, that then they will cover with very ornate decorations with pine needles or poinsettias - really beautiful.
Oscar and Telma - the native national directors of the Hearts for Heaven ministry - came over for dinner. It was so good to see them, especially their beautiful son Jonathan. They adopted Jonathan two Christmases ago, and in fact he was born on Christmas day. So this is a special time of year for them. He is growing and talking and running around kicking the soccer ball. We showed him Photo Booth on my laptop, and he loved it.
Roger and Beth absolutely LOVE board games, especially complicated ones like Settlers of Catan, and now their new favorite is Carcassone. So last night we taught Oscar and Telma, and I played along with Beth. It was fun trying to remember how to play, listening to directions in Spanish, having bi-lingual conversation and making simple jokes with Oscar. We went to bed fairly early, considering we gained an hour.
Kellye and I both had a really good night's sleep and this morning we'll be going to church. This afternoon we'll go to La Primavera, the feeding center located in the sqautter settlement here in Guatemala City. This is one my favorite places to visit as the kids are just beautiful and so much fun to play with. I'll try to post pictures and write a bit more of a response later today.
That's it for now - the wireless here is really good, so I'll try to give detailed updates, as well as more personal reflections in the days to come. For a few days I may be offline while we are traveling south to other villages. I may also try to post short videos, since I'll be shooting and uploading footage every day.
We arrived safe and sound yesterday - no trouble with flights or transferring, although from Houston to Guatemala City, the plane was FULL - many Guatemalans come home for Christmas, and you could tell most of the people on the plane were really excited to see family and be home. It was neat to see. Traffic was crazy, even more than typical in Guatemala City, with roads blocked off, new construction, and unique Christmas celebrations. We saw Catholic churches preparing for Advent celebration by laying out on the street a pathway made of sawdust, that then they will cover with very ornate decorations with pine needles or poinsettias - really beautiful.
Oscar and Telma - the native national directors of the Hearts for Heaven ministry - came over for dinner. It was so good to see them, especially their beautiful son Jonathan. They adopted Jonathan two Christmases ago, and in fact he was born on Christmas day. So this is a special time of year for them. He is growing and talking and running around kicking the soccer ball. We showed him Photo Booth on my laptop, and he loved it.
Roger and Beth absolutely LOVE board games, especially complicated ones like Settlers of Catan, and now their new favorite is Carcassone. So last night we taught Oscar and Telma, and I played along with Beth. It was fun trying to remember how to play, listening to directions in Spanish, having bi-lingual conversation and making simple jokes with Oscar. We went to bed fairly early, considering we gained an hour.
Kellye and I both had a really good night's sleep and this morning we'll be going to church. This afternoon we'll go to La Primavera, the feeding center located in the sqautter settlement here in Guatemala City. This is one my favorite places to visit as the kids are just beautiful and so much fun to play with. I'll try to post pictures and write a bit more of a response later today.
That's it for now - the wireless here is really good, so I'll try to give detailed updates, as well as more personal reflections in the days to come. For a few days I may be offline while we are traveling south to other villages. I may also try to post short videos, since I'll be shooting and uploading footage every day.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Advent [6]: A Journey
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I've been trying to reflect this advent season on the various characters from the original Christmas story, and try to see similarities between their experiences and my own. Tomorrow Kellye and I leave for Guatemala. I definitely feel something calling me to go on this trip - it's been calling me for months now. I can't stay away from those villages, from those kids, for too long. A few months ago, it all came together and Kellye and I knew that this was the right time for us to visit again. So I feel a beckoning, a calling to return to Santo Domingo, La Primavera, San Antonio and other villages and cities I don't know yet.
So I've been thinking about the wise men, and their journey. How the star called to them; how they felt that they just had to travel, to go, even though they didn't really know to where or why. I'm not entirely sure what we will find in Guatemala, but I know I need to be there for these next 10 days. We'll be helping with the Christmas programs, and I'll be working on a promotional video, but I also sense there is something very real calling me...
So Kellye and I will journey together to Guatemala, tomorrow morning we leave, and we return Mon. Dec. 22nd. We love traveling together, and I know we'll grow and learn and discover together on this trip as well. If I can, I'll keep blogging, but my focus will be on editing the promotional video, and the internet connectivity is sketchy.
I've been trying to reflect this advent season on the various characters from the original Christmas story, and try to see similarities between their experiences and my own. Tomorrow Kellye and I leave for Guatemala. I definitely feel something calling me to go on this trip - it's been calling me for months now. I can't stay away from those villages, from those kids, for too long. A few months ago, it all came together and Kellye and I knew that this was the right time for us to visit again. So I feel a beckoning, a calling to return to Santo Domingo, La Primavera, San Antonio and other villages and cities I don't know yet.So I've been thinking about the wise men, and their journey. How the star called to them; how they felt that they just had to travel, to go, even though they didn't really know to where or why. I'm not entirely sure what we will find in Guatemala, but I know I need to be there for these next 10 days. We'll be helping with the Christmas programs, and I'll be working on a promotional video, but I also sense there is something very real calling me...
So Kellye and I will journey together to Guatemala, tomorrow morning we leave, and we return Mon. Dec. 22nd. We love traveling together, and I know we'll grow and learn and discover together on this trip as well. If I can, I'll keep blogging, but my focus will be on editing the promotional video, and the internet connectivity is sketchy.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Right on Alan
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Out of Ur has had an ongoing blog/conversation this past week regarding the success of so-called "missional" churches. It started essential with Dan Kimball questioning whether or not missional churches were successful, based upon their seeming lack of numeric growth in comparison with so-called "mega-churches" (over 3,000 or so), that continue to grow and plant new churches.
What I appreciate so much about Alan Hirsch's response is that he points out that real and meaningful change and impact is not quantifiable by the old measurements, IMO numeric and financial growth. This was something I thought about a lot during the class I took over the summer on Emerging Churches. Students in the class often questioned the "sustainability" of emerging or missional style churches, and they asked questions about how they would be funded, how many converts were made in a short time period etc.
If American Christians continue to think of the "success" of the church in business and economic terms, the impact will be measured in comparison to other successful businesses in America. But if the church will realize that it of an essentially different nature - of the kingdom of God, not of this world - then the tools of measurement will change, and perhaps even disappear.
What I appreciate so much about Alan Hirsch's response is that he points out that real and meaningful change and impact is not quantifiable by the old measurements, IMO numeric and financial growth. This was something I thought about a lot during the class I took over the summer on Emerging Churches. Students in the class often questioned the "sustainability" of emerging or missional style churches, and they asked questions about how they would be funded, how many converts were made in a short time period etc.
If American Christians continue to think of the "success" of the church in business and economic terms, the impact will be measured in comparison to other successful businesses in America. But if the church will realize that it of an essentially different nature - of the kingdom of God, not of this world - then the tools of measurement will change, and perhaps even disappear.
I guess if I'm with this guy....
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...then I'm not sure I can consider myself an evangelical anymore. Tony Jones posted today that Rich Cizik, the vice president of governmental affairs of the National Association of Evangelicals, was asked to resign after he admitted to voting for Obama in the primaries, and stating that he favors same sex civil unions (but not same sex marriage).
Before today, I think I would have defined myself, if at all, as an evangelical Christian. But I'm realizing more and more that as Jones describes, I am "post-evangelical," or like how I answered my students when they asked what denomination I was, I told them I was "post-denominational." In my understanding, this means that I don't align myself with any one denomination, nor do I think I have to. Furthermore, I am free to serve and work alongside any of the beautiful Christian denominations.
I guess the question is, will they have me?
Jones states, "Cizik is a loss for all progressive evangelicals who still think theI don't really like to think about "losses" and "gains" in the sense of who is on whose side, and I don't think that was Jones' intent. What is striking to me is that I would agree with Cizik on these matters, as well as his position on caring for the environment as a Christian duty. I'm somewhat amazed that, in my opinion, such moderate political positions would result in resignation.
NAE is a potentially potent force. But he's a gain for those of us who
are post-evangelical, post-religious right, post-moral majority,
post-polarized politics, post-discrimination, and post-closedmindedness."
Before today, I think I would have defined myself, if at all, as an evangelical Christian. But I'm realizing more and more that as Jones describes, I am "post-evangelical," or like how I answered my students when they asked what denomination I was, I told them I was "post-denominational." In my understanding, this means that I don't align myself with any one denomination, nor do I think I have to. Furthermore, I am free to serve and work alongside any of the beautiful Christian denominations.
I guess the question is, will they have me?
Monday, December 8, 2008
Tragic...
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Man discovered to have two church families
Favorite quote:
"It rattles you when a double life is lived right in front of you and
you don’t even suspect it," says the group leader. "I’m especially
upset that William participated in an accountability group in Seattle.
Talk about breaking trust."
Favorite quote:
"It rattles you when a double life is lived right in front of you and
you don’t even suspect it," says the group leader. "I’m especially
upset that William participated in an accountability group in Seattle.
Talk about breaking trust."
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Evangelical Sermons: A Sacred Cow
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While I haven't thought about it too much, I think I agree with this post by Bob Carlton, which essentially says that Evangelical Christians worship the 20 minute sermon, and we would be a lot better off as Christians (and as people) if we largely did away with sermons and instead spent the time, still "in church", doing something more spiritually beneficial.
Some quotes:
I also think the sermon poses a problem for the 21st century media culture. There is no need for me to go to church to hear so-and-so talk when I can easily download and listen to any number of world renowned pastors and speakers right in my own home, or while I walk the dog, or drive in my car. Why listen to an "OK" sermon when I could listen to a "GREAT" sermon?
I can hear the response now: Listening to a sermon on my iPod takes me away from the community of believers, whereas going to church and listening to a sermon is worshiping with the community. This sounds good in theory, but when I really go to church, I typicaly walk in, sit, stand, sing, sit, listen, and then walk out. There is very little interaction with the community. Arguably, there even less interaction than when I listen to a sermon online and then blog or post comments about the content and my reactions.
Again, no real conclusion here, except just to say that IMO, there are many other ways we could express our faith together, many other ways that would invite God's presence more, many other ways that would draw us to worship God rather than the church, and many other ways that would generally be spiritually beneficial rather than simply going through the rituals of being Christian-eze.
Perhaps that is why today, instead of going to a Sunday morning service, I will be joining with my friends from the Central Ohio Emergent Cohort at three in the afternoon to discuss The Great Emergence. I expect to meet God, to be challenged, encouraged, and hopefully changed into a person who is more like Jesus.
Some quotes:
But come rain or shine, there will be a 20 minute sermon. We will listen - he (it is almost always he) will talk. Thoughts will be thought - assumptions challenged- pop culture will be cited, oh yes pop culture will definitely be cited. You walk into a quasi-evangelical faith shop - you are gonna get a sermon, just as surely as walking into Chick-fil-A means you are gonna eat chicken.I think these are valid points, and are perhaps this is one reason why it is so hard for me to drag myself to church on Sunday mornings. I often wonder, as I sit and listen to a guy talk to me for at least 20 (if not 30 or 40 minutes) what exactly it is I am doing there. Perhaps part of the problem is that sermons are no longer a "proclamation of the Word" as they were when the practice was developed by the Reformers in the 16th century. I've heard many sermons based upon only one verse (or a fraction of a verse) and sometimes the basis of the sermon is simply a "good idea" with some sprinklings of Scripture added for good flavor. As Carlton points out, even if there is no Scripture, there will always be references to pop-culture and media. But this is hardly proclaiming the Word of God which Christians confess to believe has such transformative power.
...we gotta stop kneeling to this cow. It would be healthy to start just by admitting our dependency on this cow. That the modern - and much of the pomo - model of churchianity i[s] built on the assumption that a preacher will draw us in, that those sermons will be the connective tissue, that content can be re-purposed into books & podcasts & TV show[s].
People - good people, faithful people, many ordained people - just do not want more sermons. Our lives do not have a sermon shaped hole. We do not itch to be talked at for 20 minutes each week - even if that talking is wise or cool or edgy or soothing or quotes someone we like or hate or would like to buy stuff from.
What to do with that 20 minutes ? Imagine..just imagine. Be still. Hold someone's hand. Talk & listen in clusters of 2 or 3, human size talk instead of sermoning.
being a room when a sermon is given no more makes us a Jesus follower than being in a gym makes us Lebron James.
I also think the sermon poses a problem for the 21st century media culture. There is no need for me to go to church to hear so-and-so talk when I can easily download and listen to any number of world renowned pastors and speakers right in my own home, or while I walk the dog, or drive in my car. Why listen to an "OK" sermon when I could listen to a "GREAT" sermon?
I can hear the response now: Listening to a sermon on my iPod takes me away from the community of believers, whereas going to church and listening to a sermon is worshiping with the community. This sounds good in theory, but when I really go to church, I typicaly walk in, sit, stand, sing, sit, listen, and then walk out. There is very little interaction with the community. Arguably, there even less interaction than when I listen to a sermon online and then blog or post comments about the content and my reactions.
Again, no real conclusion here, except just to say that IMO, there are many other ways we could express our faith together, many other ways that would invite God's presence more, many other ways that would draw us to worship God rather than the church, and many other ways that would generally be spiritually beneficial rather than simply going through the rituals of being Christian-eze.
Perhaps that is why today, instead of going to a Sunday morning service, I will be joining with my friends from the Central Ohio Emergent Cohort at three in the afternoon to discuss The Great Emergence. I expect to meet God, to be challenged, encouraged, and hopefully changed into a person who is more like Jesus.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Advent [5]: Consumerism as the New American Religion
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I listened to a few podcasts from The Advent Conspiracy today, and one discussion was with William Cavanaugh, whose book addresses the idea of consumerism as a type of religion. It's been said that shopping malls are the new cathedrals, and Cavanaugh points out that a kind of liturgy emerges from the regular actions and movements we go through as we shop. Another profound connection involved the inherent restlessness within spirituality. Every human has experienced this internal restlessness, and Augustine put it best by saying, "Our souls are restless until they find their rest in You." Consumerism similarly aims to meet our needs, but in a never ending cycle of creating desire for a product, satisfaction by owning the product, and then additional desire by inventing a new product. This process can never provide lasting satisfaction - in fact it is designed to not satisfy, otherwise the process would end and Americans would stop shopping and Cavanaugh even quotes car manufacturers as saying that they were in the business of "the organized creation of dissatisfaction."
During the Christmas season, our "consumer religion" is at an all time high. Cavanaugh brilliantly points out that our obsession with the material world, which can never bring us the lasting spiritual fulfillment we so deeply long for, is incredibly ironic given that Christmas is a celebration of the Incarnation - the fusion of the eternal with the transitory. The immaterial with material. The spiritual with physical. The divine with human.
Most American Christians have succumbed to the subtle persuasions of the consumerist culture. But Christianity is not a religion that is separate for the material world; it is not so "other-worldly" that it has no connection with every day life. In fact, it is just the opposite. The every day stuff of life, death, birth, eating, sleeping, working, is infused with meaning because God himself, the divine, has lived this same life and walked this same earth.
So during this Advent season, we shouldn't look to find meaning and purpose in the transient and ultimately hollow cycle of consumerism, but rather find new spiritual life in the midst of the physical life we breathe in and out with each moment.
Check out the podcast here. Pictures taken from TIME pictures of the day.
I listened to a few podcasts from The Advent Conspiracy today, and one discussion was with William Cavanaugh, whose book addresses the idea of consumerism as a type of religion. It's been said that shopping malls are the new cathedrals, and Cavanaugh points out that a kind of liturgy emerges from the regular actions and movements we go through as we shop. Another profound connection involved the inherent restlessness within spirituality. Every human has experienced this internal restlessness, and Augustine put it best by saying, "Our souls are restless until they find their rest in You." Consumerism similarly aims to meet our needs, but in a never ending cycle of creating desire for a product, satisfaction by owning the product, and then additional desire by inventing a new product. This process can never provide lasting satisfaction - in fact it is designed to not satisfy, otherwise the process would end and Americans would stop shopping and Cavanaugh even quotes car manufacturers as saying that they were in the business of "the organized creation of dissatisfaction."
During the Christmas season, our "consumer religion" is at an all time high. Cavanaugh brilliantly points out that our obsession with the material world, which can never bring us the lasting spiritual fulfillment we so deeply long for, is incredibly ironic given that Christmas is a celebration of the Incarnation - the fusion of the eternal with the transitory. The immaterial with material. The spiritual with physical. The divine with human.
Most American Christians have succumbed to the subtle persuasions of the consumerist culture. But Christianity is not a religion that is separate for the material world; it is not so "other-worldly" that it has no connection with every day life. In fact, it is just the opposite. The every day stuff of life, death, birth, eating, sleeping, working, is infused with meaning because God himself, the divine, has lived this same life and walked this same earth.
So during this Advent season, we shouldn't look to find meaning and purpose in the transient and ultimately hollow cycle of consumerism, but rather find new spiritual life in the midst of the physical life we breathe in and out with each moment.
Check out the podcast here. Pictures taken from TIME pictures of the day.
Advent [4] Project AIM - LowerLights
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For a few months the students at GCCS have been going to the Bellow's Ave. Church of the Nazarene to help with their Project AIM - an initiative that works to offer counseling, resources, and support to the community without the restrictive "red tape" of government agencies. Our students bring food, serve breakfast, and then hang out with the kids for an hour or so, while the adults meet to discuss the issues and problems they face every day. It's a great time for the students to just play with kids from the neighborhood, and since we have been going for several months now, they are seeing some of the same kids.
Here's a link to the latest pictures, posted on facebook. I'm so proud of my students for volunteering on a Saturday morning and the staff and community at GCCS for all pitching in. I was disappointed I couldn't go today, but it is awesome to see what a great time they had. Baking cookies together, coloring Christmas pictures, and just loving kids - feels like Christmas to me.
For a few months the students at GCCS have been going to the Bellow's Ave. Church of the Nazarene to help with their Project AIM - an initiative that works to offer counseling, resources, and support to the community without the restrictive "red tape" of government agencies. Our students bring food, serve breakfast, and then hang out with the kids for an hour or so, while the adults meet to discuss the issues and problems they face every day. It's a great time for the students to just play with kids from the neighborhood, and since we have been going for several months now, they are seeing some of the same kids.Here's a link to the latest pictures, posted on facebook. I'm so proud of my students for volunteering on a Saturday morning and the staff and community at GCCS for all pitching in. I was disappointed I couldn't go today, but it is awesome to see what a great time they had. Baking cookies together, coloring Christmas pictures, and just loving kids - feels like Christmas to me.
Powerful quote
Sobe the Snow Dog
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There's a beautiful light snow this morning, and Sobe (our husky) is just sitting outside loving it :)
There's a beautiful light snow this morning, and Sobe (our husky) is just sitting outside loving it :)
Friday, December 5, 2008
Hulu and the Christmas Grouch
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I've been hearing and seeing a lot about hulu, a free video viewing website, and one of the first videos that came up (of course after Brittney Spears, *hurl*) was this old Sesame Street with Oscar singing about how he hates Christmas.
This is such a funny video, and obviously over the top, but the truth is, I'm not a big fan of all the "Holiday" junk that's all over the place this time of year. The commercials are so cheesy, the carols are so repetitive, the decorations are so cheap - Sometimes I feel like Oscar the Christmas Grouch, and I've got a reputation for being a bit of a Scrooge at school.
No positive ending to this post - I just thought this video really fit my Christmas personality....sometimes :)
This is such a funny video, and obviously over the top, but the truth is, I'm not a big fan of all the "Holiday" junk that's all over the place this time of year. The commercials are so cheesy, the carols are so repetitive, the decorations are so cheap - Sometimes I feel like Oscar the Christmas Grouch, and I've got a reputation for being a bit of a Scrooge at school.
No positive ending to this post - I just thought this video really fit my Christmas personality....sometimes :)
Now I am certain I voted for the right candadite...
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Mr. Obama is an iPod man :-) But I wonder which one? A classic? A
sleek new Touch? A small but sporty shuffle? My guess is it's one of
the new nanos...maybe the blue one :-)
Mr. Obama is an iPod man :-) But I wonder which one? A classic? A
sleek new Touch? A small but sporty shuffle? My guess is it's one of
the new nanos...maybe the blue one :-)
http://www.macworld.com/article/137347/2008/12/obama_ipod/article.html?lsrc=mwnws
Thursday, December 4, 2008
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I've become more and more a fan of Twitter since I started using it a few months ago. More than once I've met up with friends because we see we are in the same part of town. I've rekindled old friendships from high school or college by connecting with every day interests and activities. There are unique Twitter "projects" like Twitter of Faith. And I'm currently following "The Great Emergence" conference in Memphis via joint Twitters.
And of course the continuing excellent work of Katie Vernon, Tweets Illustrated, which always brightens my day. The last three "tweets" she has illustrated are displayed below.
So if you aren't already on Twitter - jump in. And let me know so we can "follow" each other :)
I've become more and more a fan of Twitter since I started using it a few months ago. More than once I've met up with friends because we see we are in the same part of town. I've rekindled old friendships from high school or college by connecting with every day interests and activities. There are unique Twitter "projects" like Twitter of Faith. And I'm currently following "The Great Emergence" conference in Memphis via joint Twitters.So if you aren't already on Twitter - jump in. And let me know so we can "follow" each other :)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Advent [2] - Surprises
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The last few days were a little rough for both Kellye and I - she has been feeling somewhat sick, we had several long days at school, and then the work at home has kept us focused on our computer screens instead of each other. On Wednesday nights she goes to her graduate class at Ohio Dominican and so is out of the house for about 4 hours. I had an idea this morning for a surprise to do while she was away.
We have always bought a real Christmas tree - except our first Christmas together at Lee when we had a $10 fake tree that you could see straight through....so funny. Anyway, something about going to the tree lot, struggling to get it into the house and set it up straight in the tree stand, the needles falling all over the floor, having to water it every day, and the wonderful pine smell in the house just really "feels like Christmas" to me. This year, we were debating about a tree because we are going to be in Guatemala from Dec. 13-23. But I decided today that while Kellye was at her class, I would go pick up a tree and have it set up in the house when she got home as a surprise. I would also wrap her Christmas gift and have it under the tree, because she loves opening presents and the way the tree looks with presents under it (honestly, who doesn't?)
As I was setting up the tree, I thought about how excited I was to surprise her. It was something I knew she would really like. I went out of my way to get it all together. It was a bit of work, took some time, but I couldn't wait for her to come home and see what I had done to make her a little bit more happy, to help her sickness not seem like such a big deal, to lessen the burdens of the work day in some small way. That feeling of anticipation, of excitement to surprise someone I love so much, felt very much like Christmas, very much like God's heart.
This is very anthropomorphic, but I like thinking about God being stoked to surprise the world with Jesus. Something that he had been preparing, planning, waiting to give those whom he loved. Something so amazing that he knew would change their lives in a really significant way. Something that was unexpected, but yet needed and anticipated as well.
I think God really likes to surprise us - that's a big part of Christmas, and I think a big part of life too.
----------------
Now playing: Jeremy Enigk - Shade and the Black Hat
via FoxyTunes
The last few days were a little rough for both Kellye and I - she has been feeling somewhat sick, we had several long days at school, and then the work at home has kept us focused on our computer screens instead of each other. On Wednesday nights she goes to her graduate class at Ohio Dominican and so is out of the house for about 4 hours. I had an idea this morning for a surprise to do while she was away.
We have always bought a real Christmas tree - except our first Christmas together at Lee when we had a $10 fake tree that you could see straight through....so funny. Anyway, something about going to the tree lot, struggling to get it into the house and set it up straight in the tree stand, the needles falling all over the floor, having to water it every day, and the wonderful pine smell in the house just really "feels like Christmas" to me. This year, we were debating about a tree because we are going to be in Guatemala from Dec. 13-23. But I decided today that while Kellye was at her class, I would go pick up a tree and have it set up in the house when she got home as a surprise. I would also wrap her Christmas gift and have it under the tree, because she loves opening presents and the way the tree looks with presents under it (honestly, who doesn't?)
As I was setting up the tree, I thought about how excited I was to surprise her. It was something I knew she would really like. I went out of my way to get it all together. It was a bit of work, took some time, but I couldn't wait for her to come home and see what I had done to make her a little bit more happy, to help her sickness not seem like such a big deal, to lessen the burdens of the work day in some small way. That feeling of anticipation, of excitement to surprise someone I love so much, felt very much like Christmas, very much like God's heart.
This is very anthropomorphic, but I like thinking about God being stoked to surprise the world with Jesus. Something that he had been preparing, planning, waiting to give those whom he loved. Something so amazing that he knew would change their lives in a really significant way. Something that was unexpected, but yet needed and anticipated as well.
I think God really likes to surprise us - that's a big part of Christmas, and I think a big part of life too.
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Now playing: Jeremy Enigk - Shade and the Black Hat
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