Billy D gives an impromptu guitar lesson during Friday's outreach event. Nice.
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October 31, 2010
October 29, 2010
Can you really turn your back on this?
Thanks to all of you who provided clothing, blankets, coats, and food for the Friday outreach in Greenwood. Be honest, who was most blessed?
October 28, 2010
Dullness
The most critical issue facing Christians is not abortion, pornography, the disintegration of the family, moral absolutes, MTV, drugs, racism, sexuality, or school prayer. The critical issue today is dullness. We have lost our astonishment. The Good News is no longer life changing. It is life enhancing. Jesus doesn't change people into wide-eyed radicals anymore; He changes them into into nice people. - Maggi Dawn*
I was working at a national conference & trade show recently and had a chance to catch up with some friends from around the country. It's pretty cool when I hear some of them say that they check in with my blog on a regular basis. One of them commented that I lead the most interesting life of anyone they know. That is a comment that I hear now and again.
Here's the thing. I'm not trying to life a more interesting life than any of my friends. I'm trying to live the life that Christ offers to his followers. It may be why I love Hebrews 12:1 so much.
It seems to me that Christ was into living a full life and he chose to experience the opportunities made available to him. Jesus loved to kick it up a notch and enjoy the ride. He introduced and explored the mysteries in life. Instead of reducing tension he increased it by challenging leaders and thoughts of the day. And then he invited us to come along with him. That, my friends, sounds like a pretty interesting invitation.
Last night we were eating with good friends and we were discussing the perception that non-Christ followers have about coming to follow the Son. So often I have...we all have... heard a laundry list of the things in life that would need to change before joining Christ. It seems most of "the list" involves what is needed to look like the people who attend church. That's funny, all I know is Christ invites us to come along and join him. The rest can take care of itself if and when it is time. It's that simple.
So where is the problem? Could it be the church, meaning all of us follows, are painting a pretty dull picture of what it looks like to be a Christ-follower? Are our churches designed to make us tame and gear us to follow a few simple steps for living? You know what I mean...3 steps to knowing God...5 proven principles to a happy marriage...7 habits for financial freedom.
Have our books and the sermon industry taken out the challenge and mystery? Do we want the "Christian Industry" to do the thinking for us? Do we come to church for a few simple answers instead of leaving with some questions? Does Sunday morning mean it is time to look nice and be real nice? Do this sound exciting?
Have you ever noticed that asking questions was central to the teachings of Jesus? He was quite happy to raise more questions than he answered. He did not always directly address a question. And yet, we seem to be led to think if we do not have the ready answers or steps lined up we are failing. Sigh.
Last year our girls turned us onto a group out of Tennessee called United Pursuit Band. In their song "Come Away" these lyrics were penned:
Come away with me, come away.
It's never too late, it's never too late, it's not too late for you.
I have a plan for you, I have a plan.
It's going to be wild, it's going to be great.
It's going to be full of me.
There it is. That's it. That is the call that Denine and I are following. That is the call that has pulled our Baby Girl to Kenya to love others. That is the call that I pray our son, Jordan, will someday hear.
Yes, I have a great career. I've been to many interesting places and have seen wonderful things, but I suspect I would be bone wary and it would be pretty dull at this point if I were just "following the steps" instead of expecting a great journey. I expect it to be wild. I expect to find Christ in many places along the way. I expect it to be interesting because of who I am instead of where I am.
So how about you? Are you dull? Does life look dull? Are you ready to come away? It's going to be wild.
*Special thanks to Mike Erre for pointing to the Maggi Dawn quote
October 27, 2010
October 25, 2010
October 25, 1987
Happy Birthday, Baby Girl
I'll never forget that moment when I first held you in my arms. And now, you are holding others in your arms and loving them. We miss you so much, but we know you are doing work that you were born to do.
Hugs & Kisses
Daddy
October 24, 2010
Meet The Vespers
We saw The Vespers on the square in Abbeville last night. Remember the name. I think we will be seeing more of them.
Saturday Afternoon
If every gallery, jewelry store, and ladies clothing store had a sofa like this the world would be a better place. I think John agrees.
October 23, 2010
Air Bag Bike Helmets!
Wow! Improved cycling safety and a fashion statement. I hope they introduce these babies on the Pro Tour in time for the spring classics over the cobble stones!
October 22, 2010
Fridays in Kenya - Slum Children
It's the middle of the day. Kids are supposed to be in school. These kids are roaming the streets while parents are working or trying to make ends meet. They would be in school if the parents could afford to send them or if they had sponsors helping out. There is a pretty big difference in their general health and that of the kids in school. And yet, they still are happy as they run and play. The kids do not ask for anything. They are content to greet us.