I say, I Say...

Always new challenges mean less time, but when I do find it...i HAPPILY KILL IT playing in photoshop. Seriously, it is ALL about focus. A camera that can't focus is not a good camera...A Church, Business, person...well, take that analogy anywhere you want. Tomorrow's Church will not be like today's Church. Tomorrow's evangelism won't look like Evangelism did 10 years ago. My new word (its been some other people's word) is SIMPLE. Just SIMPLE. I'll hit on this next time, don't hold your breathe by the way; I have realized that blogging like clockwork interferes with my time killing.

New Challenges

Our kids attend public school. All three currently at one school. I've been put in a PTO leadership role. I feel grossly under-equipped. When people ask me why I don't teach (my under-grad. is in Music Education), I always cite my displeasure with school politics as one reason. Now I am to be actively involved? This reminds me of the time I said I would NEVER drive a station wagon (way too ugly). Within three years of saying this, we owned a 1999 Ford Taurus wagon (Barney Purple), and a 1994 Saturn Wagon AT THE SAME TIME!! The Saturn was even held together by duct tape (nice black, not silver..hahaha). The point is simple...the God I serve must have a sense of humor. I sincerely hope that my time spent serving the PTO at our school will be time well spent for my children.

Got Nothing...

Simple. Have you ever noticed that sometimes when you're spent, when you're tired, exhausted, when you've got NOTHING left...that the people around you have something. (Assuming you keep enough of the right company) You don't always need to have something. You don't always need to bring something. It is OK to lean. It is OK for other people to carry an idea forward, after all...it's not about you. Jesus is the center. Allow Him the space He needs to work in your life.

Let me tell you a story...

These six words are very conversational. These words often peak the interest of the listener. Everyone loves a good story. Most of the things that I have stuck in my head...stuff I actually remember, came from a teacher, colleague, or friend in the form of a story. Sometimes humorous, other times historical, but almost always a story. "Let me tell you" is almost like asking permission. Assuming the story is told, the listener (be it one or many) engaged on some level. Jesus taught this way. Relational. He had a plan to unveil. I am sitting in front of a display, typing in a language that did not exist 2000 years ago...FULLY amazed by the plan of Salvation. What does that mean? Well, let me tell you a story...

weekendersoriginals.com

If you need furniture, cabinents, or a custom sign...check out the incredible work of Greg Koshiol in Northeast Georgia. He is just outside of Gainesville near Dawsonville. His web site is http://www.weekendersoriginals.com

He is WONDERFUL!!

Emergent Church

The following is from a Christianity Today article back in'07:

It is said that emerging Christians confess their faith like mainliners—meaning they say things publicly they don't really believe. They drink like Southern Baptists—meaning, to adapt some words from Mark Twain, they are teetotalers when it is judicious. They talk like Catholics—meaning they cuss and use naughty words. They evangelize and theologize like the Reformed—meaning they rarely evangelize, yet theologize all the time. They worship like charismatics—meaning with their whole bodies, some parts tattooed. They vote like Episcopalians—meaning they eat, drink, and sleep on their left side. And, they deny the truth—meaning they've got a latte-soaked copy of Derrida in their smoke- and beer-stained backpacks.
Along with unfair stereotypes of other traditions, such are the urban legends surrounding the emerging church—one of the most controversial and misunderstood movements today. As a theologian, I have studied the movement and interacted with its key leaders for years—even more, I happily consider myself part of this movement or "conversation." As an evangelical, I've had my concerns, but overall I think what emerging Christians bring to the table is vital for the overall health of the church.

Link to the whole thing here: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/february/11.35.html

Staying Put

The decision is made. I am resting in it for 24 hours. It is unusual for me to hold off on something that looks promising, but we have concluded that this is the best thing for now. Thanks for praying. On to Church: Can anyone fille me in on their view of the "emergent" or "emerging" Church. I found this on wiki: {“Emergent” is a loosely knit group of people in conversation about and trying experiments in forwarding the ministry of Jesus in new and different ways, as the people of God in a post-Christian context. From there, wide diversity abounds. “Emergents” seem to share one common trait: disillusionment with the organized, institutional church as it has existed through the 20th century (whether fundamentalist, liberal, megachurch, or tall-steeple liturgical). Its strengths: creative, energetic, youthful, authentic, highly relational. Its weaknesses: somewhat cynical, disorganized, sometimes reckless (even in the theological ideas willing to be entertained), immature}

Read the wiki here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerging_church

More on this later...after I "study" :)

PRAY

Even if you don't know me, lift up a Prayer. I am in decision mode...it is a biggie for my family. What to Pray for: 1. me to thoroughly gather facts 2. me to negotiate without confusion 3. me to have patience, and be at peace.............THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The PRESENTATION....

A few months back Jennifer prepared a meal that required cornbread. She pulled out my favorite Jiffy mix cornbread mix (you know, the one that taste like yellow cake). She fixed in a square pan, and cut it into squares. Our kids (7,5, and 4 at the time) proceeded to sing the yucky, yucky we don't like it song. We had them try it. They proceeded to sing the second verse. Fine. A few nights later, another meal called for the proverbial cornbread. Jennifer pulled out the SAME Jiffy mix. She prepared it this time in "muffin" papers (like a cupcake). We refered to these as "dinner muffins" and they loved them!! No yucky song, only second helpings. Same stuff, different presentation. Nothing really changed with the content of what they were eating. The delivery was different. As Christ followers, we are entrusted with the ultimate message. Our job is not to simply spread it around like cheap perfume. Our mission is to spread the Gospel in a useful, real, tangible, and understandable way. My goal is to work more on myself, and my presentation of the Gospel, so that non-believers won't sing the yucky song when I present the Gospel to them. Thanks for reading!!!!!!!!!!!!

Winding down...

We went to Lake Yonah again this afternoon. Creation is a beautiful. God is AWESOME. As we swam (and jumped off of really cool rocks), I decided to continue a trend I started a few months back. RELAX. Enjoy God more. Do less, but make it effective. Say no sometimes. Get more intentional about certain priorities. Family FIRST (with Jesus firmly in the center). I really think that taking one person who is in your circle of influence and leading them to Christ, and THEN helping disciple them is far more effective than mentioning salvation to a handful of strangers. No more shotgun evangelism for me. I need to focus in and be more specific.

Next time I will blog about "the PRESENTATION"...hope this finds everyone well...c-ya.

Truck Picture, River Picture

The only good thing about the crazy silly gas prices is the fact that dealerships are almost giving away trucks w/ big engines (5.7L HEMI). We have enjoyed the versatility this gives. (Now I need a camper :)...)

3 Months, Pain, Pleasure

It has been three months since my last post...sorry...no great excuse, just family family family. Mostly good (except for the pain part). Levi has had three months of doctor visits, surgeries, ER visits, and plain sour luck. It started with numerous ear infections, and ended with complications from his adnoid surgery landing him in the ER and losing 4 quarts of blood (he was 7 at this point...this is bad). He just had another sinus surgery on the 8th. It went well, he seems to be recovering OK, but complained tonight about his ears hurting???? Exahsting.

That explained the pains...now the pleasure. I bought an antique boat. It is a 1958 Glasspar Avalon. It was priced very low, and surprisingly runs very well. The kids love it. I love it. Jennifer wants a pontoon boat...

Church is GREAT!!! I am really diggin' Pastor Kevin Mangum. I am filling in on the praise team playing bass...really great to integrate in Worship again on Sunday A.M. Perhaps I'll blog again soon with somrthing a bit meatier...enjoy the pics!!!!

My Kids AMAZE me!!!

These guys are awesome in my book. It is so fascinating to see three distinct personalities emerge as they get older. What a priveledge that God entrusted these lives to me. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!

STICKTOITIVENESS Part 2

Here is a definition from Webster for sticktoitiveness...

Main Entry: sticktoitiveness
Part of Speech: n
Definition: dogged perseverance; resolute tenacity; also written stick-to-it-ive-ness

It is a word.For me, it is one of the most ridiculously hard things to do...not necessarily sticking with something, but knowing when to stick and when to quit.

Check james 1:12...
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

I heard a GREAT message this morning at Lifepoint in Gainesville, GA--It really hit home for me. Simple. To the point. Easy. Yet easy to miss. The Pastor was talking about what to do when we get to a fork in the road...you know--decision making. He used the analogy of an extension cord being all tangled up. He basically said that we can't untangle it all at once...we need to look at one knot at a time (or else we will lose hope). One step at a time...BE IN THE WORD (our map)...BE IN PRAYER(communication/relationship)...FAST, and be READY for what God has.

My spin: You can't possibly know if you are making the correct decision unless you are doing the steps...faithfully---THEN God will really reveal things to you that you would NEVER EVER expect.

I am making a 30 day commitment to my wife and family as we pray through some "forks" in our road. My prayer now is for my family to breathe together as one.

Thanks for reading my longer than average post (of which I only typed 1/99th of what ran through my head...Good night!!

Sticktoitiveness Pt. 1

From James 1 in The Message:

2-4Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

5-8If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.


I am focusing on the don't try to get out of anything prematurely part, and trying to apply that to my current decisions...more on this next time. Be BLESSED!!

Sketch Blogging??

2 in one day?

This link is FUNNY...

http://mondaymorninginsight.com/index.php/site/comments/ed_young_jr_impersonates_joel_osteen_video/

Too Quiet...

My brain is trying desperately to catch up with my spirit. Obviously I have taken a sabbatical from the blogosphere, but things are becoming a bit clearer--or perhaps I am getting better at seeing through the fog. I am well rested, and almost back to 100% health. My family is on the upswing as well (sickness/surgery/doctors). Thanks for all who have prayed for us!!

NOW... I am praying for what is next!! There is a big question mark in my head as I wait for God to reveal to us his next step. I've been ready. Waiting. Patiently(I wish). I hope to blog again with more frequency as time marches on...

:)