Same journey, new spot.

Visit my NEW HOME

Delayed Victory!

With no further ado...I award Katy W. with top honors in the SBTB Game! Katy Recieves a strong 100 (she could have had bonus for show titles). I am impressed with the thoroughness of her answers, especially proud of the detailed descriptions. Chris recieves 75 for good desription of 3 of 4 scenarios. We will play again post DiscipleNow. Thanks for playing!

GAME FOR YOU

HERE'S THE GAME: (THE WINNER WILL GET SOME SORT OF PRIZE, I'M SURE) THERE ARE FOUR PICTURES, EACH FROM A DIFFERENT EPISODE OF SAVED BY THE BELL. YOU ARE TO ACCURATELY DESCRIBE THE SCENE...YOU WILL RECIEVE 25 PTS. FOR A CORRECT AND VERY DESCRIPTIVE ANSWER, LESS FOR CORRECT BUT VAGUE ANSWERS, 0 PTS. FOR INCORRECT ANSWERS. YOU MAY RECIEVE BONUS PTS. FOR ADDING THE OFFICIAL EPISODE TITLE. HAVE FUN! -kb


SBTB Game for you!

Thanks for the quiz Chris

You are LaFawnduh. Why are you so sweaty?


Which Napoleon Dynamite character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Sorry For the Delay...Concert Review on the Way

Internet is down because of storms...sorry for the delay.

U2 was fantastic on Saturday night! It was an unbelievable show. I loved our seats. Bono was tireless and put on a great show! 21 incredible songs...7 from the newest album. All my favorites...even some more obscure ones like: Bullet the Blue Sky and Stuck in a Moment (which are 2 of the 6 U2 songs rated @ 5-stars on my ipod). I acted like a crazy star-struck fan for the entire concert. AND THIS KID...this teenage kid...Bono brought some kid from the audience on stage who claimed he played guitar. He got to play and sing Angel of Harlem with the band...and THEN the little opportunist traded sunglasses with Bono!

This concert was everything I dreamed it would be. U2 DOES NOT DISSAPOINT (except in pricing their tshirts @ $35). I'll put some pics up (I didn't get any good ones b/c I could only sneak a disposable camera in) and tell you more later...right now I'm getting dirty looks from employees for using the free wi-fi @ Whataburger and not ordering food.

peace

THE TIME HAS COME.

Tomorrow night, I will be live with U2 @ the American Airlines. Send some love.

kb

CAPTION CONTEST!

Okay, these are the things I need to accomplish today:
-hanging out in Arlington with the Crosspoint gang
-good conversation with an old friend
-catching up
-dreams taken seriously
-lost microphone and stand
-Paige Elizabeth Parker

Things have been busy. Busy...And good.

Last Monday and Tuesday, I was able to spend my time with my friends from Crosspoint. My excuse for being in Arlington, was working for Horizon Resources, but I was really there for good conversation and a few laughs...And of course, I was supplied heavily with both.

Tuesday night, Chris and I headed back to Midlo to lead worship for a group of miscellaneous 20-somethings. I love worshipping with that group! After we finished up, I had a great conversation with an old friend. I've known Chris Merritt since the days of wall-ball on the outside wall of the HRBC gymnasium before going to RA's. Together, we've been through children's choir, RA racer-derby's, VBS, youth camp, youth praise team and ministry teams, DHS, Kerygma (the band), PDBC, Logsdon, we've lived together, been in each other's weddings, and started a church together, but we've never had many deep theological conversations. I suppose I thought we were in similar, but different places on some things, but discovered that we are much more closely aligned in ways that surprised me. Beyond the simple enjoyment of common thought, I enjoyed talking with my friend Chris - thanks dude!

I've been trying to catch up @ work ever since Conclave in Arlington. Student Leaders Weekend is this weekend. This is a major experience in the life of our student ministry. The next big thing is DNow...in November. If anyone knows Jeff Mangum...stand with me know, and let's call him out publicly - JEFF MANGUM, CALL ME BACK!!

On Thursday of last week, I had the opportunity to have lunch with someone who wants to see my dreams come true, and is in a position to help that process. It feels great to recieve the affirmation of my dreams by being taken seriously. God, lead the way!

Walt, Brandi, and Jerry - I left my microphone and mic stand under the tv table in the booth @ Conclave. Did anyone grab it? Can I get it back? Please?

Friday of last we I was somebody's baby's daddy, for the day. I babysat Paige Elizabeth Parker, Greg and Joy's 2 1/2 month year old girl, from 6:45a to about 8p. I took her to work with me, and to lunch, and had a blast! She was really good on Friday...you know, eat, sleep, poop.

I guess that's it for now.
peace.

so much...so little

so much to say, and not time to say it. I'll check in on Tuesday.

notes to self:
-hanging out in Arlington with the Crosspoint gang
-good conversation with an old friend
-catching up
-dreams taken seriously
-lost microphone and stand
-Paige Elizabeth Parker

Tariq

I spent some time with Tariq. For him, belief speaks to values held by a religion...And religion comes down to social economics.

Tariq chooses to work at a gas station so that he can read, research, and write in between customers. He does these things over 8 hours a day. He is an intellectual. Tariq can hold a conversation in various mediums, such as philosophy, business, politics, mathematics, sociology, ethics, religion, and sciences. He is well-practiced in the art of debate, and comes across as right most of the time.

How can the above statements concerning belief be anything but confusing?..and this coming from one who seems as logical as Tariq? How can belief be about values...But, as Tariq directs, these values can be bought or sold...or traded, based on financial classes. Are beliefs so cheap? He supposes that as the distance widens between upper and lower classes (this expanse being a warring middle class) people will allow $'s to trump values, and cleave to others who hold similar financial situations, rather than similar beliefs/belief systems. This is basic to him.

It is possible for individuals with weak, or immature values to shift within similar systems to accommodate their comforts. In fact, this happens quite frequently. But, if someone believes something, in what ways can that belief...or those core values be alleviated or altered altogether?

-Can one's most sincere beliefs be destroyed? (or can they be only shaken, in which they would at some point return?)
-What are some ways that people's belief can be shaken, and uprooted?



::NBA preseason starts this week - Mavericks will definitely make it to round 2 this year, hopefully further::

Not A Real Post

We won't count this as a real post since I am on a 'sabblogical' (thanks to shawn for the new terminology): but you might be interested: David Crowder's new album is #10 on albums most downloaded from iTunes as of today!

see you on friday.

8 Days

It's been 8 days since I last blogged...and even my last 2 posts were somewhat nonsensical and unthoughful. I'm not going to stop blogging-I enjoy it too much (most of the time), but lately...I just haven't had an abundance of thought that needs to be blogged...or something. I'm still reading a lot...I've had good conversations...I have WHINED, COMPLAINED, CALMED DOWN, & TOUGHT A/B IT...just not here. I have a crick in my neck and my head hurts. I might take a short hiatus...a sabbatical from blogging. You might not want to check in here everyday (for the thousands that probably do), but check in once a week or so, and I'm sure I'll come back from my Sabbatical Journey soon. (nice reference to my favorite Henri Houwen book)

I will probably continue to read your blogs during this time (which Jerry says is bad blog etiquet) since this is my main connection to several of you. I may leave you a comment (do not be offended if I don't).

In doing this, I am slightly afraid that I will loose contact with you guys, so on second thought...let me set a time to my posting break. Let's see...How about 2 weeks to start with. I may focus the next two weeks on the handwritten-type journaling and come back on or around Friday, October 7th. I do have a lot of planned things happening during that time, so maybe I'll come back with lots to say...see you then - peace out.



(oh yeah - and if you want to get in on fantasy NBA...let me know either by commenting here, which goes to my email, or email me directly)

Premature NBAFantasy-itis

Yes, I know that I am pretty early on this...but I have been waiting since May for this day: the Yahoo NBA Fantasy Leagues are open!! I will rejoin my league from last year that contains mostly my brother and his college friends...AND, this year I will add a second league onto my plate...I'm just that excited!! Also, I wanted to play a league with you guys!! I have already set up a league for us and made my prerankings. If you are interested in playing, let me know by commenting here, and I will send you an invitation with the registration info. There are 9 available spots...Come on - it'll be a blast!

Catch Up

I have not been able to catch up to a regular blogging schedule...so, I'll review the past few days.

-I got my first charcoal grill (now I am a man)...did a little surf and turf the other night (what fun!)

-Lindsey has been sick...getting better finally!

-Another great Prison Break on Monday night!! It looks like next week will be intense. Check out this website for briefs on Prison Break and on all of your favorite shows that you may have missed.

-Shawn: No justifying...that is just how it is-right!?! I got your back.

-There is a Barista position available @ Starbucks, Cedar Hill - anyone interested?

-I am now on the Board @ Manna House, Midlothian.

-Tonight is Wednesday night, and youth ministers across the nation are busy scrambling to finish messages, prepare media and games, set up their youth room. I am sending out an email wishing my small group leaders good luck tonight! Man, I really like this new schedule. Wednesday night small groups, food, fun, relationships...an opportunity to make school aquaintences into real friendships.

-Chris: Congrats on the new site! I love the name and the direction you are heading! I have bought a couple of domain names and am waiting on the cashflow to come through before I start hosting and posting! One of the domains is kevinboyd.com - that is pretty exciting...(I guess the kevin boyd's of the world haven't done enough with their lives that they need websites...well, me either...but maybe someday! - for now it'll be my web playground.) I bought my domains a couple of weeks ago on sale (I bought each of them for 5 years for $10/each!)

-We need to do some sort of gathering for those who are in this blogring of sorts. Unless you guys (and girls, Brandi, Kristin) are afraid of face-to-face conversation. (I know the emerging leader old guys get together @ Doug Pagitt's cabin, cook out, talk, and have a lot of fun. Jerry, we don't consider you an old guy.)

enough for now...I'll try to stop by more regular.

Wow!

Manna House

I went this morning to the Manna House, which is a not a parachurch, but rather multichurch organization in Midlo whose focus is social service. This is the group who is leading the effort for all of the evacuees in town, and who was hosting the meeting that I posted about on Saturday. They are doing a completely excellent work in meeting practical, emotional, and spiritual needs. It is so exciting to be able to be involved with their effort. I am to organize some groups of volunteers to lead some music, games, and sports activities in the coming weeks. This will be a fantastic opportunity to lead my congregation to PARTICIPATE in the missio dei...rather than only support it...or comment on it.

Here's a couple ideas of how you could participate from where you are:
1) If your town has taken in people...ask them how to get involved.
2) If you live in an apartment, ask the apartment office if they would agree to be a drop center for goods, money, etc. Make fliers, pass them out to every apartment, then, with your church, or other organization, give that money to the decision makers for local efforts.

Oh yeah

Another great Prison Break last night on FOX...it'll be on again tonight.

And I finally updated my sidebar. Your welcome.

TGFLD

Thank Goodness For Labor Day.

I had the opportunity to hang out with my wife, wash the cars, and finish reading Post-Rapture Radio. I know Walt, John, and Chris have read this...any others. I liked it. I DID laugh out loud pretty regularly...I really liked:

"If the new calculus is about reorienting my world, what does that mean?"
"Salvation is about the reintegration of the isolated into the community."*
Page 109-111.
"Ideas only change the world when acted upon."
2nd full paragraph (starting with "Jesus") on page 154.
The last paragraph on page 162 (starting with "This is it.") going through 164.
"A little faith and two outstretched hands."

Did you guys decide anything on the ending?

A couple of things

First, I must apologize for delayed commentary...I feel that I may have ruined the effect that could have been with instant commentary. I may have found the new hot TV show for this season. Did you get to see Prison Break on thursday night? They did (2) 1-hour episodes. I am WAY impressed. The cinematography is excellent...the drama that the set, the costuming, the coloring, not to mention the acting, is thrilling and engaging. To catch you up in case you missed the first two episodes: This dude's brother is put in jail for killing the Vice President's brother. He maintains his innocence...so "dude" who is this genius, talented structural design guru gets himself put into jail to rescue his brother from death row. It's great--check it out on the 5th, 6th, and then again on like the 8th or 9th.

Second, I just recieved a phone call from a man on the board @ Manna House, Midlothian. The Manna House is the totally nonpartisan social action group for Midlothian, and the greater Ellis County. Dallas County has asked Ellis County to take in 1000 evacuees from NO. Ellis CO. refused the request...and then after further negotiations, agreed to take in 500. Towns such as Red Oak took in like 15 people...pitiful. Midlothian has now agreed to take in 250 people. They will stay @ Camp Hoblitzelle, some of you are familiar with the campus on the edge of Midlo.

I was invited by this Manna House man, to a meeting on this Wednesday morning for community leaders, to organize and prepare for the arrival of the people from NO. I cannot begin to express how humbled I feel to be invited...and how excited I feel to be able to serve first hand.

The Next Stevie Wonder?

Check out Raul Midon @ iTunes. Start with his song, State-of-Mind. It will be well worth your effort.

Late Registration

The new Kanye West album is hot.

an out of season FESTIVUS MIRACLE!!

That's right, I now believe that there can be a festivus for the rest of us, b/c I have personally experienced a festivus miracle!

I finally got around to opening the package containing my dead iPod...tried it out...and it still did not work. So, I laxidasically tossed it onto my desk (a little harder than I had meant) and planned on taking it home to dissect. When I got home, I thought (just for kicks) that I would plug it in to the computer. .:Now remember that before sending it off for supposed repair, it would not connect, nor charge, nor reset, nor any other powered activity:. I plugged it in and immediately the screen lit up and the "Do not disconnect" sign appeared, as well as the charging icon. IT WORKS! It's like nothing was ever wrong with it. This truly is a festivus miracle! Thank you for your well wishes and considerations...I'm sure they played a part.

Unfortunately the monetary support that so many of you sent has been spent on beef jerky, Big Red, and licorish.


peace

Finley a Spur!?!

It has happened...Confirmation, Finley signed with the San Antonio Spurs for $2.5mill. He turned down something like $5mill from the Heat. All I think of is that he wants to prove to Dallas that he can still do damage...and what better way than to stay close. I know that I was down on Finley most of last season - but I do believe that he still has the skill and now the motivation to show Dallas what he is made of. I think he will be an excellent 6th or 7th man (he would have filled that role well for the Mavs).

I am now curious to see what is in store for the S.A. roster. Manu, Finley, Van Exel, Barry, and the rest make for a very crowded back court. Tru?

holla

Nothing important...Just iPods and Starbucks and Your Thoughts

Creflo A. Dollar's Daily Dollar:
Zephaniah 3:16-17, "Confidence in God's Annointing"


I recieved my dead iPod back from Apple yesterday (for the back story, see here). I now am in attempt to slowly bring down the Apple company. I have started a new blog as a place of community for those who have suffered iPod loss. We will also be welcoming to any and all Apple product loss sufferers. Thanks Shawn for sharing your story on your blog...please come see us @ deadipod. Please share this site with your friends.

Have you ever removed the cardboard sleeve from your Starbucks cup? Have you ever read the blurb on the side of the cup entitled, "The Way I See It"? Let's do two things with this:
1) Next time you pick up a machiatto, latte, or your favorite coffee blend or drink, read the blurb and share it with us.
2) Write me a "The Way I See It" blurb for this week....whatever is on your mind...comment it to this post.

Thanks.


Here's my cup blurb for today (Here is what some dude is screaming about):
"Everywhere, unthinking mobs of 'independent thinkers' wield tired cliches like cudgels, pummeling those wh dare question 'enlightened' dogma. If 'violence never solved anything,' cops wouldn't have guns and slaves may never have been freed. If it's better that 10 guilty men go free to spare one innocent, why not free 100 or 1,000,000? Cliches begin arguments, they don't settle them."
-Jonah Goldberg, Editor-at-large of National Review Online.

It's going to be a good day - the glass is half-full.

Today is the first day back in school for Midlothian kids. That means that all of my students get back to business (and so can I), Lindsey will be meeting 20 new kindergarteners today, and we are now back on a 6:00am wakeup call! Now, considering that I am, and always will be a night person, this would seem miserable. But I have created a morning schedule that invigorating for me. The start of a day that allows me to do many of the things that I enjoy, all before I have to get busy. This morninig, I woke up, fixed Lindsey some breakfast, started my coffee, and sat down to catch up with Creflo Dollar. I had begun to watch his morning program last school year, but never caught it during the summer. I am a crazy preacher junkie. This is not b/c of any book that I might be currently reading - I have been this way for a long time. Sometimes, I tune in, hoping for something good to come out of their mouths to their media masses; sometimes I watch/listen for pure entertainment. They are fascinating to me. So many scare-tactic messages; so many feel-good messages; and then there is Creflo Dollar. This dude can definintly be included in crazy-preacher categories b/c of the energy and passion that causes his dancing and yelling...But, watching @ 6:30am in my dark living room - I can't help but share in a little of his excitement. This morning his message was on confidence in God. He alluded to getting beat up in a high school fight and how that is not considered a good fight. Then he talked about 'the good fight' that christians fight against satan. He asked the congregation if anyone had ever gotten into a fight that they knew they would win (even before the fight). What kind of confidence did they have gping into a fight like that? He then did some fancy footwork that Apollo Creed would have been proud of, and talked about playing around with his enemy, with the confidence that he knew he'd win. Although I am doing a pretty poor job of re-telling his message - it was in its detail and delivery, no doubt, a great start to my day. Now, it is time for more coffee, Good Morning America, a chapter from my current book, and off to work.

You can mail your gift of support to:

Kevin Boyd New iPod Fund
Longbranch Community
200 Longbranch Rd.
Midlothian, TX 76065

Yes, it has happened. I recieved an email from Apple:

Dear Apple Customer,
The repair of your iPod Mini has been placed on hold at the Apple repair center due to damages related to damaged casing.
The repair is pending your approval of the following quote for repair costs: $255.95 + tax.

There were 2 small dents on the corners. The denting occurred several months ago and the iPod has worked fine until recently. I told the customer support representative about the dents when I intitially called in for repair almost 2 weeks ago...he told me to purchase the AppleCare warranty and to send my pod in to have it fixed. Now they tell me that the dents negate the warranty.

So I called Apple's service department today to remind them that the dents had nothing to do with the pod dying and that I mentioned the dents even before purchasing AppleCare. The representative kindly re-emphasized that the warranty was not valid due to the dents in the casing. I foolishly asked if I could be reimbursed the cost of the wasted AppleCare...his reply: no. "So, pretty much...I wasted my $60 for AppleCare." "It would seem so," he said. "Wonderful," I replied. "Have an Apple-riffic Day!" he answered. (Really, he said "have a nice day...but I heard Apple-riffic.)

My iPod mini is being sent home...unrepaired. I could buy a new one for less than what they are charging to fix it, not to mention the cost of the warranty. Besides, where am I going to get the dough? And so, after eight months of constant companionship, I will attempt to live a feeble life filled with mixed tapes and CDs, recorded from the many downloads that were intended for Lucy the Silver iPod. (I named her Lucy in memorial.) No more cool white earbuds streaming out of my pocket. No more "On the Go" playlists for personal or ministry activities. No more of my favorite bands, always @ my fingertips. .: "...A piece of me died that day..." -a quote I heard once; I don't know where or in what context, but it seems appropriate :.

My name is Kevin.
I'm an iPod-aholic.
I have been sober for 12 days.

Catching my breath

I fully intended to start today in catching my breath, by reading, blogging, and writing to renew my mind. Because of a friendly recommendation, I sat down this morning to begin reading "Post-Rapture Radio". I didn't read much, only the introduction, or prelude. I must remember the alamo...I mean the fact that this book is fiction...I think...I'm not sure. I read a lot of fiction. I read a lot. Normally, I take on three books @ a time: 1) A personal Growth book 2) A professional growth book 3) A novel (for creativity and retreat). I'm not quite sure how "Post-Rapture Radio" is to be categorized. (FYI - I'm also reading "That Hideous Strength" by CS Lewis and "More Ready Than You Realize" by Brian McLaren - regardless of what my sidebar says.)

After reading a bit, I showered, readied for work, dropped of Lindsey's water bottle (that she forgot) @ her work, and took off in the Jeep for my office, which resides in Texas, Midlothian, 200 Longbranch Rd., the village, 2nd house on the left, 2nd office. By the time I arrived, my planned day of renewal had changed.

I don't often get neverous. But I recieved a call on the way to work, that humbled me and frightened me. I was asked to help officiate the funeral for one of my best friends' brother.

I've done a wedding, and the concept of leading in a more ceremonial worship setting does not really frighten me...but funerals are different. There is such a delicacy with which the entire matter is to be handled...and this particular funeral is close to my own heart.

I can recall when my college roomate (Lawdog) claimed that I was the most-liekly-to-cry male friend of his (b/c of emotions, not necessarily b/c of pain). At the time, I agreed. Since then, something has changed in me. My sad, scared, and lonely type emotions tend to reside a bit deeper than the surface. I am still a very emotional person, but it is somewhat rare that I now cry because of life experiences...often these genres of emotional dealing are expressed more with sensibility and rationality, or instead frustration and anger.

Funerals are different. I have already felt the emotional surge as I sit watch my friend deal with the death of his brother. I think I am afraid of weak in a time that I have been asked to be strong. Though having and revealing emotions don't make us weak, I am likely to attempt to mask my emotions in this situation. How genuinely comforting can I be when I am not representing my true self?

I'm done blogging for now.

Comforting

Last week in the small group that Lindsey and I meet with (when we can) talked about being comforting. This week I have spent time with a student who's grandfather died in front of him, and who's family is dealing with serious money issues. And then I recieved a call @ 3:30am this morning...one of my best friends' brother was found dead.

God always gives His strength, and often preparation to His people for the struggles they will encounter.

Read CS Lewis' "A Space Trilogy" - particularlly book 2: "Perelandra"

This is a good Quiz

You scored as Mystical Communion Model. Your model of the church is Mystical Communion, which includes both People of God and Body of Christ. The church is essentially people in union with Christ and the Father through the Holy Spirit. Both lay people and clergy are drawn together in a family of faith. This model can exalt the church beyond what is appropriate, but can be supplemented with other models. Mystical Communion Model 72% Sacrament model 67% Servant Model 61% Herald Model 61% Institutional Model 11% What is your model of the church? [Dulles] created with QuizFarm.com

I am too much of a nerd

You scored as Gandalf. You are Gandalf! This wise, old mage is loyal and brave. He is known for his counsel and advice to his friends and allies during tough times. "All you have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to you." Gandalf 94% Samwise 81% Eowyn 69% Frodo 63% Arwen 56% Aragorn 44% Faramir 44% Pippin 44% Gollum 25% Which LOTR character are you? created with QuizFarm.com

The end, a new start, and without my best friend...

.:For some reason, this post didn't show up on sunday - sorry:.

The End-
Finally, I feel like I have come to a close on an extremely crazy summer. So many incredible things happened this summer...I can now sit back in my chair and be fully satisfied with the summer's fullness and it's results.

A New Start-
I am now getting geared up for the next 9 months. Lindsey has already started back to work, though, her students don't show up until August 29th. It is budget time around the office - I've already seen some begin to crack...(but I'm still waiting to see tears). I have reinvented our weekly strategy again -- this is very exciting and promising in reaching more and different kids in my town.

w/out my Best Friend-
My ipod is dead. Are you still there? Did you faint? It should be okay - apple is sending me a special box to pack it in for shipping...they will either repair mine, or send me a new one. I am making it alright, due to my aquirement of a Nirvana Unplugged in New York CD.

Tired

Well, we made it through SuperWeek/Short Film Week! This weekend Lindsey and I house sat in a mansion on Joe Pool Lake. This is our 5th time @ this house, and although housesitting in a mansion on the lake is nice, getting up 3 times in the night to let the dog out is somewhat exhausting. This week is finally the end of my very busy summer. I am doing a New Student Orientation Retreat for the incoming youth. 11 year olds!! I just got through the last group and now it starts over again! Great kids coming in...but I am just so tired--I hope I can make it throug this final summer schabang.

Short Film Week

This week Russell Caudle is staying with me as we have begun the task of creating 30 short films that correspond with a curriculum that I am writing. The past day and a half have gone rather slowly, as we are getting used to the concept of shooting many different thoughts and scenes back to back to back. We are also dealing with the SuperWeek animal each evening. Thank goodness Shawn is coming tonight to relieve me from speaking duties. Pray for Shawn's leadership and Russell's patience.

Here's a pic from a film called "Truth or Dare". Just before this pic, I had jumped off of a house as my dare in the game.

Truth or Dare Film

If you have any advice on the short film process -- send it my way!

peace

Church Stewardship

Every stewardship sermon I've heard has dealt with the stewardship of money, resources, talents, etc. of laymembers. It often seems that we should direct these same messages towards our decision makers within our church staffs. If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know of my participation with a couple of different organizations that are aiding Africa. I have chosen this area because of it's historical (biblical and secular) importance and b/c of the true stories of the injustice that is rampant there (that have been told to me by close friends who've actually been there/lived there/seen it first hand. A friend from MI wrote in his blog:

"I still wonder what would happen if the Western church invested as much in education, compassionate ministry and economic development as it does in furniture, choir robes and buildings. What would Africa look like if the church poured its resources into helping these people instead of spending most of its budget on its internal issues?"

Whether it be Africa, or one's own hometown, I beg that our spendings reflect an organization that affects the world around us. We must be good stewards, allotting our moneys to all areas in which we have responsibility. (e.g. we must pay our bills, meet the needs of those we call [church] family, [and/but] we cannot forsake God's mandate of bringing His LOVE into the world. Our moneys, efforts, attentions, must include and be led by a motivation to effect the world with the reflected love of God. I'm not proud of 5% to missions kind of crap -- that is nothing to hang my hat on. Church libraries and gardens aside; does the stewardship of money, resources, talents, awareness, etc. at our churches meet God's expectation...or as Barnard said last week: Are we storing up treasures in heaven or treasures on earth?

awe

Because reduced speech leads to reduced lives , I must gird myself with the type of awe for God that first brought me to conversion. Peter and John expressed this type of passion when they had been arrested for preaching the message of salvation in Christ. They were being threatened to stop speaking of Jesus, “But Peter and John answered and said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather that to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.’” The two apostles were so overcome by their experiences with Jesus that they simply had to share their experience.

Best Results Ever

You scored as Harry Potter. You can be a little reckless and hot-headed at times, but a more brave and courageous friend would be hard to find. Harry Potter 80% Remus Lupin 75% Albus Dumbledore 70% Sirius Black 70% Draco Malfoy 65% Hermione Granger 60% Severus Snape 60% Ginny Weasley 60% Ron Weasley 55% Lord Voldemort 40% Your Harry Potter Alter Ego Is...? created with QuizFarm.com

Which Theologian Are You?

You scored as Anselm. Anselm is the outstanding theologian of the medieval period.He sees man's primary problem as having failed to render unto God what we owe him, so God becomes man in Christ and gives God what he is due. You should read 'Cur Deus Homo?' Anselm 87% Martin Luther 67% John Calvin 67% Friedrich Schleiermacher 60% J?Moltmann 53% Jonathan Edwards 47% Charles Finney 47% Karl Barth 47% Augustine 40% Paul Tillich 33% Which theologian are you? created with QuizFarm.com

What's Your Theological Worldview?

You scored as Emergent/Postmodern. You are Emergent/Postmodern in your theology. You feel alienated from older forms of church, you don't think they connect to modern culture very well. No one knows the whole truth about God, and we have much to learn from each other, and so learning takes place in dialogue. Evangelism should take place in relationships rather than through crusades and altar-calls. People are interested in spirituality and want to ask questions, so the church should help them to do this. Emergent/Postmodern 79% Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan 75% Neo orthodox 57% Fundamentalist 57% Reformed Evangelical 50% Charismatic/Pentecostal 46% Roman Catholic 43% Classical Liberal 39% Modern Liberal 25% What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com

Back in Blog City

This marks the longest I have gone without blogging since beginning the conversational journey. It kind of feels like I haven't talked with a good friend in a long time. Well, here's what I have been up to: I left on July 6th for vacation (Lindsey and I vacationed with my brother, his girlfriend, and my parents). We kayaked, scuba-d, and went four-wheeling...a bit more active vacation than I have become used to, though I wouldn't have changed anything - we had a blast! When we got home to Midlothian, I had two days to get ready for camp. We took 50 students to Hardin-Simmons for Horizon Summer Camps. Jimmy Smith was there, and so was Justin Tolison, Matt Poe, Dennis Johns, Brandon Barnard, Jared Wood, and of course: Brandi, Russell, Matt, and Jerry. Those guys put on a great camp! On Saturday, we ran up to Allan to see the famous Kirk Gentzil tie the knot. Ran in to the Hunt's and the other Hunt's there. Much fun.

Now, I am back...in Blog City.

Anniversary

Let me just brag for a second - 'cause really people, my wife is the greatest! Our anniversary is coming up soon...it actually will be during our vacation. We decided to celebrate before we leave town...and so, this morning, we exchanged gifts. I thought I had done a pretty great job this year- until I opend my gift -- U2 Tickets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is supposed to be impossible to get U2 tickets. I heard that this tour was sold out in like 20 minutes. But somehow, Lindsey managed to secure 2 tickets to see U2 @ the American Airlines Center in Dallas -- there is no greater gift!

Much Better

Now I'm listening to my expansive Will Smith collection...you can't help but smile and bob your head to his beats!

Cheeseburger in Paradise

Right now, I am actually listening to "Cheesburger in Paradise" by Jimmy Buffett...I don't know why I ever downloaded this song...I think I hate it. I like Margaritville, Brown Eyed Girl, Mexico, and a few other J.B. songs, but why a cheeseburger in paradise? Why did I download it...why am I listening to it now...I feel tense.

Free Ice Cream @ Starbucks Today!

Visit your local Starbucks today for Free Ice Cream!

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Free Ice Cream @ Starbucks Today!

Gas Man and New Blogs

Remember my gas station guy, Tariq? Well, I spent some unexpected time with him last week. I ran in for a quick coffee and gatorade and he gets started. Man, everytime we talk - I sweat so much I need to go back home and take a shower. He initiated a conversation with me dealing with humanity's motivations for benevolence. He wants to do good for the sake of future generations. I asked him why he cared about future generations, and he went into this deep explanation of the head and heart, and his mother. He's really into what he believes...although, I think he has made up most of what he believes...so I guess he's really into himself in a way...anyways, in a/b an hour of conversation, we got as far as willingness to communicate and caring "without expectations" is a definite common ground for us. (Though I believe he either thinks me slightly foolish, or he is just good @ making me feel slightly foolish. - some people have a real talent in leading conversation in a way that makes one feel slightly foolish - I won't name names, I'll just say that one guy like this "is my pick-a-da-week"...and another has scary eyes and spent 30 years in law enforcement.)

Well, Tariq and I are still compadres, but man this guy wears me out...all he wants to do is have challenging conversation...no small talk @ the Tigermart...so be praying that I let God do His work (and that my Old Spice deoderant works).


Here's some new blogs for you:
Lex
John
Steve

Evenings @ The AZ

Each evening @ The AZ, we led in worship gatherings outside or inside the local church. Krissy, Hunter, Colton, Jamie, Sheila, and Brian worked with me on the music side of things. (Again, I had to get over my fear of singing...I think it is called "Gerontophobia".) I spoke on Sunday...Herb got Monday-Thursday...then I finished up on Friday. We had great response throughout the week.

My favorite evening was probably Tuesday evening. I pulled all of my students together before the service started and led them in a time of preworship that helped refocus their attention from giving to others to recieving from God. When the actual service began, they were tuned in to God and ready for a special experience of His prescence. Their readiness and the genuiness in worship that came along was so apparent that it led the entire fellowship into a very sweet time of connection with God. What a night!


Worship, and the Picacho Peak Boys (from Friday afternoon)

Afternoons @ The AZ

After kidz camp...I would take my group (in what is now called the Kevin-Mobile) across town, like Mexico-border runs, to the church where we would eat lunch, which was prepared by some girls from my group (Reagan and Brooke). Then, I would hurry the group to the city pool for a quick dip to cool off before running back out to the 100+ degree weather for sports camp.

Monday, we held a soccer camp, led by Jamie and Geoff.
Tuesday, we held a basketball camp, led by Cody, Krissy, and Matt...and yours truly, took the local teens to school!
Wednesday, we held a community-wide kickball game! (with the largest turnout of anything)
Thursday, we did an all-sports camp.
And then on Friday, we took the afternoon off to hike Picacho Peak. (Geoff, Brian, and yours truly ran most of the way up and down...we all were sore later, especially Geoff, who fell into a cactus!)

Tuesday's basketball camp is where I met Oscar and Cesar...these guys said that they only came out since it was "cool outside". (It was 105 degrees). Each day they came back to play ball with me...and after we played on Friday-I told them that I was headed out of town the next day...we spent some time talking under a shade tree...they don't live in the best situation...and don't see a lot of hope...but we are praying for them.

I was so proud of my girls during the sports camps. Heather and Allie took the initiative to be water/gatorade girls...and took refresments to the fields, the courts, and everywhere there were children. Krissy might have worked the hardest on the bball court...first to earn respect from the guys, and then second to show them a thing or two.

Colton and Kristin Cl did a phenominal job @ leading rec games...Brian was tireless @ wiffleball with Terrance...Hunter connected with Anfronee on and off the court...Connie, Kristin Ch, Sheila, and Max got the kids involved, Kelsey took care of all of the little-ones, and Natalie took pictures off all of the memories.



Sports Camp Pics

Mornings @ The AZ

Let's see...where did I leave off...?

Oh yes..the truck stop showers and me singing!

Monday - Friday:
We started the morning with breakfast @ Jones Park @ 8:00a, followed by a team building game (provided by Chris Stephenson @ the Rec-much thanks!) We began collecting neighborhood children a/b 8:45a and began kidz camp @ 9:30a. My group did such an incredible job of preperation before leaving (and on the bus ride there)...that they all knew their roles so well that I had no real worries throughout the mornings. We had the incredible opportunity to build realationships with many children...and most closely with Mark, Jessie, Anfronee, Thomas, Oscar, Cesar, Corey, Josh, and Jared...and most famously with Kareem and Rustin (aka Mickey and Goofey).

The laugh of my life came on Tuesday due in large part to Mickey and Goofey. These 4-year-old brothers were the tiniest, cutest kids you have ever seen. They took real well to (almost) everyone in our group. The (almost) refers to my big man, Cody, (a whopping 6'7"). Cody told me on Monday night that he thought the boys were intimidated by the difference in their heights. [Cody is one of the kindest, most mild-mannered, guys I've ever met...], but he was simply too big for the little-ones. Sometime midmorning on Tuesday I look over...and see Mickey and Goofey pounding the daylights out of Cody (who is lying in the fetal postition) with pool noodles. He had convinced them that they were Jedi's...and for the rest of the week...they would take out his legs, arms, hands, or just crawl all over him.

Mickey and Goofey's mom was one of the biggest surprises. They had come from the next town over just for our kidz camps and afternoon sports camps. She spent the lunch breaks passing out flyers about our camps, on her own intitiative, b/c she thought every kid should be a part of the work we were involved in -- yet, she was not a christian. She simply appreciated the culture of acceptance, love, and caring that came with our group. (I expect her to want more of this culture of care...and I expect that she will become a Christ-follower soon - .:many prayers:.)


Kidz Camp Pics

Back from the AZ...and more.

First day really back...about lunch time...when is nap time? I'll sleep this weekend.

It took 21 hours to get from Midlothian, TX to Eloy, AZ. (Including the bus driver's frequently smoke breaks!) We left @ 8am (dallas) on Saturday, June 4th and arrived in Eloy @ 3am (5am dallas) {from now on, we will speak in Eloy time}. After dropping of my groups in their respective 'homes' for the trip, me and my boys (Geoff, Cody, and Hunter) crashed on the church floor for a/b 3 hours before waking up to go take showers @ the local truck stop. I had been dreading this truck stop shower experience (being a truck stop shower virgin)...but actually found it to be a decent experince. You get a key to a private (and very clean) bathroom that includes a shower, a sink, toilet, and a bench. BUT, that is the last time I pay $9 for a 5 minute shower!

After cleaning up, I headed to the church to set up sound and prepare for Sunday morning worship and bible study. I taught about love and evangelism and encouraged the local cuhrch members to participate with us in our efforts to assist their ministry in Eloy. My regular youth praise team couldn't not all make the trip, so we put together a small group for the trip. I had to get over my fear of singing, as did a couple of the girls...but, all went extremely well. The church knew mostly hymns, so we worked with some incredible hymns of rich truth...which was great for my students to experience. It was surprising that some of my group had never even heard 'How Great You Are (Thou Art)'. After the service, we had a terrific lunch that boosted our weary spirits from the previous day's travel-and then I sent my group to their homes for naps, while I prepared everything for the evening's service. That night we gathered to prepare our hearts and energies to be used by God. It was an inspiring time of testimony and reflection on God.


I'll post more later...and brieviate the trip. There are some encouraging stories of God's power and the love of His people...as well as a couple of interesting experience stories...I'll try to keep it all short...seeya then.


The Bus and Getting Fed!

Leaving on a Charter Bus

Well...I've done all I can do to prepare. Tomorrow morning, I am taking 25 kids to Arizona for a 9 day mission trip. We will be leading a kids camp, a sports camp, community block parties, and worship gatherings @ a local church and live music in the community. In fact, I'm also "preaching revival" -- man, that makes my grandmother happy to hear! The pastor of a local church has asked me to incorporate people in his church with our efforts and speak in two services, encouraging his members to PARTICIPATE in God's mission. Pray for us while I am gone -- I don't know what internet services I'll have out there...if possible, I'll try to check in, otherwise, I'll see you around the 15th.

peace and one love,

Way of the Master

Now...you all know me pretty well...and so that means you should know that I would NEVER be sarcastic...or make fun of others...So-I just won't say anything about the website I found today...(but it's really hurting me not to say ANYTHING.)

www.wayofthemaster.com

.:please click 'no' when Kirk prompts you:.
(and thanks to my friends @ Messy Ministry)

Agnostic

Most of the people with whom I have shared experiences and beliefs of my faith have been already somewhat willing to believe similarly. This morning was not such an occasion.

I have spent the last year building an very casual friendship with the man that runs the gas station a/b a block from my apartment. I usually go in 3-4 times a week for coffee, soda, gas, etc. In the past year, we have made small talk, commented on top news stories, talked about a few of his interests (he custom paints motorcycles, rebuilds laptop computers, writes, and is currently working on a proposal for 'floating houses').

Today, out of nowhere, he finally asked me what I do. I told him that I work with teenagers and college students through a local church. We spent the next hour in give-and-take conversation about faith. This guy is an extremely intelligent young man, who used politics, chemistry, phsycology, business, and philosophy to describe his thoughts. (Obviously he is much smarter than I...me...uh, whatever). Much of thoughts foucsed on belief's relationship with ego. He said many things that were common to many of my own frustrations with myself and my christian brothers and sisters...and yet, he was so lacking in the faith that it takes to make sense of faith that it was a revolving conversation. I never approached any part of the conversation from any firmer stance than what makes most sense to me and where my passion has led me. I never felt like we were arguing or debating, or anything of the sort...we just shared some doughnuts and talked...but when I left I acknowledged that it has been a while since I have been so stretched in conversation by someone with no interest in faith in a God. He said that he enjoys the conversation and would like to continue talking...I'm exhausted just blogging a/b it!

It is nice to be able to share doughnuts and conversation. It is difficult though -- to be so far from bringing hope.

Prayer

I can't remember the last time that I responded when someone asks in a group setting: "Who has any prayer requests?". I generally am pretty private about my needs and worries. I consider much of my personal prayer life intimate...and only share with a few people that are either family, or considered family.

But, sitting in my office @ 6:00p on Friday, I feel very tired, both emotionally and physically. I may be trying to extend myself in too many directions, and am definintley trying to do too much on my own. If you, my friends, could do me a big favor, and please acknowledge my prayer requests.

-I am leaving in one week to take a group of 25 to Arizona for 10 days to lead 2 camps + worship services. I don't have very much help on this trip, and even though the details and packing are all finished...my heart and my mind are near prepared. Please pray for spiritual refreshment over the next week as I finish my messages and preparing the music and videos for the services. Pray that I begin the trip with patience.

-I have, of course, overloaded my own summer schedule with responsiblities. Pray that I am diligent and work for the excellence of God's glory.

-I am beginning to look for a part time job for the fall to suppliment my church responsibilities. I have made contact with a non-profit poverty relief group that I respect highly about a possible opportunity.

I know most of the people who check in on my blog...and I would thank you for praying on my behalf.

Lots of love. Peace.

New Topic

How did my blog become an all basketball blog? I guess that's what happens during the playoffs!

New Topic for commenting:
Talk to me about bivocational and lay ministry.

You know when ministers give their story...and you hear so many of them talk a/b running from God's call...yada yada yada...Well, I never felt that. I ran full speed into my call...until recently I recognized the way in which I too, have become the cliche' Jonah story. Here's how it has been for me. I ran toward vocational ministry (on the condition of my ministry being my primary source of income). I have spent way too much time placing conditions around my response to God's directions for my life. I now better understand and am fully satisfied that I am supposed to be a bivocational minister...for many reasons, that span an aray of motivations...which I am conitinuing to discover. I will comment a little later on describing more of the reasons why...or at least what I feel I can say here...but I first want to hear what you think a/b bivocational and/or lay ministry...+s and -s and personal experinces and feelings.

Sad, Sad, Saturday

Well, last night I drowned my sorrows in peanut butter and honey...and let me tell you-2 bowls of peanut butter DOES NOT make the pain go away...you just get full.

The Dallas Mavericks fought hard last night...although some of them (Dirk and Finley) did not necessarily fight well, just hard - regardless, the outcome: it is now time to retire my Mavs jersey for the off-season. Game 6 can definintley be described as "entertaining". I may have actually stopped breathing for a few minutes of the overtime (I still feel a little dizzy). This was of course, great first-time playoff experience for Terry and more experince for Howard (who has a great career ahead of him). Maybe if (this hurts me to so it), maybe if we find a new solution for Finley and maybe if Dirk can grow his mojo (his hair) back- we will be a better team next year. But for a team that went through injuries, new poin, new center, and a mid-season coaching change--not too bad. Avery said last night, that if the Mavs didn't take a title in the next couple of years that the Mavs should find a coach who will win them a title--he is preety determined that Dallas goes all the way...and personally, I think he could be the guy to @ least get us there.

And, now...I pick the Suns over the Spurs...and then on to the obvious Miami Heat in the Finals. I will pull out my old Dan Marjle jersey and my Steve Nash gear and watch them take the title.

Don't forget to look @ my last post...and shout out your comment on the trade options listed! Oh, and what do you propose we do with Finley?

Two Questions for Polling - Please Comment.

QUESTION 1
Interesting thought...
Knowing what we know now, what deal SHOULD Cuban have done last year?
1)Trade Nash to make money for Damp?
2)Trade Dirk straight up for Amare? (and do you think Pheonix would have done this?)

Also, what part did Finley play...(Finley's contract is really what caused us not to have $ to keep Nash--could we have, should we have traded finley--if so, who for?) If Finley was gone, we could have had Nash and a center.

Nash for Damp OR Dirk for Amare


QUESTION 2
-From ESPN radio, Who is worse?
1)Star Wars geeks
2)Fantasy sports geeks

Oh My!

Last night was great for a fan like me. My favorite, Steve Nash scores 48pts! - but my team, the Mavs still take the win! Josh Howard, who has risen to be one of my favorite players to watch had a monster night with 29 pts/10bounds/2assists/2stls.


I had to wear my Nash Mavericks jersey!

Scottie Pippen's Take

Hey-NBA fans, I have really enjoyed reading Scottie Pippen's NBA blog during the playoffs...I have decided to link it in my sidebar so that you can follow along...you can also click here to check it out.

WHAT-A-NIGHT

WHAT-A-NIGHT!

My boy Steve Nash gets 23pts/13ast/3rbds!
Reggie Miller (I bought his jersey in 7th grade) officially announces retirement
Mike Finley leads the Mavs to a win over the Suns! (Damp had a good game, Dirk did well, but Finley owned the game!!)

Dr. Phil

Ever since I first heard the name "Dr. Phil", I have been emphatically opposed to anything the name was attached to. I don't really know why-I guess it's that rebellious, fear of banwaggon thing.

AND then, it was last night...

Unfortunately, we do not have cable @ home, so I am unable to watch Maverick away-games. SO, I keep up with the play-by-play online and watch something else...last night, I WATCHED DR. PHIL! (reruns on UPN)

Absolutely HILARIOUS! I actually laughed out loud-all by myself (okay, I do this anyways--but to Dr Phil?) His show was about reality tv blunders. His guest was Omarosa...you know, from season one of the Apprenctice. That chick really is crazy; there is absolutely no sense of reality in her. Dr. Phil was straight up, well spoken, witty, and sharp-he also interacted with Trump via satellite (they seemed like buddies)...anyways-great stuff...I will probably watch Dr. Phil again!


Phil's Website


Omarosa's Website!?!

NEW WEBSITE

Here's a new website I just checked out-the effort is organized in the UK... check them out here

What is the definition of a great game? Does a great game include a tight and tough struggle or can it be a 40 point blowout?

Serious Fun

Ok...so I'm looking for the title of a movie from the 80s, and I come across this site dedicated to the 80s, and there I found this... Try it for some serious fun - I spent way too much time on it!


(The movie I was looking for was "The Flight of the Navigator" - remember that one!)

"The Boss"

Devils and Dust, Bruce Springsteen



Great new album- came out on Tuesday...definently downloadable!
(Check out: Devils and Dust, Jesus Was an Only Son, and All I'm Thinking About)

Other great recent finds:
-iTunes has an area where it lists the Billboard Top 100 for every year going way, way back!!
-the Billboard thing led me to reconnecting with all of those important songs that I grew up on!
-Found some guy named Tyler Hilton- good accoustic rythms

Invisible Children

My buddy Leighton tuned me in to this yesterday. The story goes something like this:
These guys just finished film school and were making big plans to get into the industry. They heard about "Invisible Children". These kids who no one really knows about--they are born and then prepared to fight and slave in war. The guys were so interested that they went to see the invisible children...they created a documentary of these kids while they were there and now are working fulltime to bring attention to the injustice. I know I didn't explain this all right--check out the website and the trailer online or you can order the film.

http://www.invisiblechildren.com/

so, $3.00 a gallon for gas is high?

so, $3.00 a gallon for gas is high? Consider ...
Diet Snapple 16 oz $1.29, which come to $10.32 per gallon
Lipton Ice Tea 16 oz $1.19, which come to $9.52 per gallon
Gatorade 20 oz $1.59, which come to $10.17 per gallon
Ocean Spray 16 oz $1.25, which come to $10.00 per gallon
Brake Fluid 12 oz $3.15, which come to $33.60 per gallon
Vick's Nyquil 6 oz $8.35, which come to $178.13 per gallon
Pepto Bismol 4 oz $3.85, which come to $123.20 per gallon
Whiteout 7 oz $1.39, which come to $25.42 per gallon
Scope 1.5 oz $0.99, which come to $84.48 per gallon
Evian water 9 oz $1.49, which come to $21.19 per gallon

Sheesh, I'm glad I don't need 15 gallons a week of Scope ... which would come to a salty $1,267.20


-- from shok the german's blog --

Success!!

I WANT TO ATTATCH AN EMAIL THAT I JUST GOT FROM ONE:


Dear Friend:

"ONE by ONE They step forward." As Brad Pitt and Cameron Diaz uttered those simple phrases on MTV, ABC and Christian Broadcast Network earlier this month, a new chapter was opened in the fight against global AIDS and extreme poverty as more than 100 million Americans were introduced to ONE! If you haven't had a chance to see the full 60 second version of the video, make it ONE hundred million and ONE

Watch the full ONE spot here!

History is being made by YOU! Across America, people have responded, as ONE to the emergency of AIDS and extreme poverty - in the past four weeks alone, more than 200,000 Americans have joined, more than doubling the size of ONE: The Campaign to Make Poverty History!

Like you, Jamie Foxx believes that together, ONE by ONE, "we can start to make poverty history."

Watch the ONE spot now!

Learn the facts, share your knowledge, and teach others that it is possible to create a world where extreme poverty is a thing of the past. Visit ONE.ORG to learn about the challenges facing our world today. As ONE, we can make the difference.

ONE by ONE, we will continue to make history; help keep our momentum building by emailing your friends and family and ask them to join The ONE Campaign. If each ONE of us shows this video to even ONE friend and they sign the declaration at ONE.ORG, we will double in size again!

Thank you,

The ONE Campaign Team

Buying a House

I every few months for the last 5 years I ask myself: When did I become an adult? I remember when I got my first paycheck for being on staff @ PDBC; when I first realized that I was in a serious relationship with Lindsey; when I started paying bills; when I was teaching others; when I was 'camp director'; when I got engaged; when we started Crosspoint; the first time I traveled for work; when I got married; when I worked in a hospital; when I was hired @ Longbranch; when I graduated college; when I made a major move; and now I am making a bid on a house! AHHHHH! What a scary and exciting time. It doesn't seem that long ago that the 'riders of ramon' were terrorizing the streets of d-town...

Why an interest in Africa?

Africa. Where the first human beings stood up and walked. The world's second-largest continent. Home to one in ten of the world's people, and five of the ten fastest-growing economies. Global source of oil and minerals — fifteen percent of America's oil comes from Africa — and foods such as peanuts, rice, coffee and chocolate.

Just as our past has been bound up with Africa, so are all our futures.
One in two Africans is under age 20, but their futures are under threat. Africa is struggling under a triple crisis that keeps its people poor and its nations weak -- the burden of unpayable DEBT that soaks up money that should go to health and education; the epidemic of AIDS that is taking the lives of an entire generation; and the unfair TRADE policies that keep Africans from being able to sell their products at world prices and earn their own way out of poverty.

Sub-Saharan Africa, the part of the continent south of the Sahara Desert, is also the world's poorest place. Seventy percent of its people live on less than $2 a day. 200 million go hungry every day. This year at least a million Africans, most of them young children, will die of malaria and two million will die of AIDS.

Africa is at a critical turning point, and could go either way — the crises could get far worse, or we can be part of helping Africa turn these crises around.

ONE

I recently signed the ONE campaign.

I have known about ONE for sometime now; and have been inspired by it and appreciated it--but have done nothing.

I couldn't consider myself an activist, b/c unfortunately I have not been very active. I have spent the last few months dealing with the idea of missional christians versus mission-minded christians. I have discovered that while my philosophy is missional, my actions seem more mission-minded. It is, I guess, typical of the today's American christian to be supportive, rather than participatory of efforts that meet God's mission. Ironically, while I recognized this characteristic and then reconstructed much of my church theology and practice, my personal philosophy has been limited to the supportive effort. Lindsey and I have enjoyed writing checks and making online donations (when we can) to social support and relief efforts; but this is often something done and forgotten. I don't know what part I am to play in the social ministry part of God's mission, but I will now pray and listen for God's voice of direction...and in the meantime, I will be more concious of those who are actively participating in these types of efforts. Fortunately, there are millions of people who are trying to meet humanities needs...some are inspired by God, others by an intuition, or a compassion...regardless of their concious motivation--I am thankful for those who are plowing the way for a journey that I am now more ready to take.

ONE.org

Past...

When I sink my toes into the wet, matted sand, just on the shore; I look out over the ocean--And I can see forever...(or a/b 25 miles).

What is on the other side of the horizon? What is life like -- past all I can see?

(Thankfully--more than I could ever imagine; and more than I can comprehend!)

Responses

The fun thing about the emerging church is that they can all look totally different. Nevertheless, two things stand out as neccessary for most every emerging church:
1) Good Coffee :-)
2) Core Values

So, what's your 1) favorite coffee (or how do you like it)? ...And List or describe what you 2)value.

I'll get us rolling:
1) .:Starbucks Yukon Blend - sugar and cream:.

2)
-MISSIONAL in nature.
-EMERGING with cultural needs.
-INTENTIONAL in relationships
-INTENTIONAL in planning
-VISIONARY in goals
-FLUID in practice
-PRACTICAL in meeting needs
-POSTMODERN in communication
-REPRODUCING for kingdom growth

I started this as a thread @ theooze...you can read responses of members here. (check back often for new posts) Leave your coffee and core values here or @ theooze. thanks

To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour.

from Auguries of Innocence by William Blake

In response to Chris's 4/4/05 blog...

Chris asked: So, if any of you reading this think you can come up with a statement describing and defining the missional church, I want to challenge you to do so by posting the statement as a comment here. But lets just make a few rules: No cheesiness or idealistic themes - I've already got that stuff. No complicated concepts - something every Christian (even non-Christian) can understand. Nothing too long - 4 to 5 sentences tops

IN 4-5 SENTENCES:
A church should be deemed missional by two charcteristics:
1) Philosophy
2) Actions

-A missional church has an implied and taught philosophy that every believer is called to PARTICIPATE in God's mission. This shifts a church from a supportive "come-and-see" mentality to a "go-and-be/tell/do" mentality.

-A missional church places the priority of evangelism and ministry in the hands of it's members. This means that every member of a missional church should be participating in loving and meeting needs of unchurched peoples. (We should begin to see conversion happening outside of Church walls, [which then become a gathering place for sending].)


IN ONE SENTENCE:
A missional church is a gathering of believers who participate in God's mission because they understand themselves as a sent people.


I know each of these statements might be able to stand alone, but most likely would lead to a a follow-up question by an audience, such as: isn't that what all chuches are about? Emphatically, no. Sadly, many evangelical churches talk good game when it comes to preparing believers for God's mission, but they do not take serious enough, the practice of being missional (or always on mission). Many of these churches see the Church institution as the place of ministry and conversion. Missional churches see the church body as the place of ministry and conversion. Whoa--there is my one sentence answer!

IN ONE SENTENCE:
Missional churches see the church body as the place of ministry and conversion.

Change of Scenery

Today was a good day.

Sometimes you just have to get out of your routine...Not be pushed or dragged out of your routine, but you must intentionally step out of your routine. I met Shawn @ Starbucks in Hilsborough this morning. We spent the day discussing our ministries and our churches, and shooting the breeze. It's amazing how a change of scenery, a venti carmel machiato (no foam, one equal), and good conversation can make me feel challenged, encouraged, and refreshed for the week. (oh - and I hit up the book outlet store - that always helps too!)

Church Website

www.wired-church.org

I like the site. It is from an ooze friend who's planting. Don't know much about him yet...just met this week. Like the site though. Here's a question: does our marketing/advertising/etc. properly express the identity of our churches? (Could someone get an idea of my ministry from my website? -this includes what is said + the visual) As a test for me, check my website, and then tell me what you think of my ministry (or what is passion and priority for us). You are welcome to try my church's site as well! Please email me a response, thanks!

Cheetos

As I'm writing this, I realize that I am leaving cheeto residue all over the keys of my keyboard. Remember how cool cheetos were when we were little. We agrued over 'crunchy' or 'puffy'...it was a big deal if another kid brought them in their lunch and I didn't. Most of my lunchroom trading stemmed for my desire for CRUNCHY cheetos! Then, somewhere along the way, I stopped

Maybe I got tired of them, maybe I was afraid the chicks didn't like the cheeto residue that covered my face and hands...I don't know. All I do know is: I found this little bag of cheetos in the bottom of my deepest desk drawer. I don't know how they got there...but they are good (a little stale, but all the same - Good.)

Now I don't remember what I was going to post...sorry. I'll try again later.

Shaped by God's Heart

I just finished reading Shaped by God's Heart. If you haven't read this book, go buy it today! Minatrea does a wonderful job of describing the passions and priorities of the missional church.

A couple of critiques:

1) I loved the centripetal vs. centrifugal force diagram...this has taken me to places in which my mind is still spinning (Ask about my black hole theory-*thanks dad*)

2) Minatrea asserts that it is possible for a mission-minded church to become a missional church. (Meat's a little tough - I'm still chewing on it)

I'll go into much more detail in the coming days...to much to do...it would be great to get paid just to blog--wouldn't it!?!

Easter Sunday (I wore a tie!)

Notice the pink stripe in my tie matching Lindsey's dress!
(now that's what I call sty-yle)

Prayer-Journal.com

Another interesting effort @ going ALL DIGITAL. A friend from the Ooze told me check out his online prayer journal. This is an interesting way of logging and sharing prayers with your more intimate friends. You can keep the prayer journal private or invite certain people into your journal. I guess this could become gossip-central if abused...but it could be a good way to fight prayer A.D.D.

Here's comes Easter

Here comes Easter...and with it means another weird feeling motivated by the awkwardness of knowing that we should be celebrating Christ, but not sure what that means, b/c we so seldom experience holy celebration. Does that make sense?

Either go buy Celebration of Discipline, by Richard Foster; or borrow it from a friend and read the last chapter on the discipline of Celebration. Here the Kevin's Notes version if you can't get it:


Celebration is @ the heart of the way of Christ.

He entered the world on a high note of jubilation: “I bring you good news of a great joy,” cried the angel, “which shall come to all the people” (Luke 2:10).
He left the world bequeathing his joy to the disciples: “These things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).

The carefree spirit of joyous festivity is absent in contemporary society. Apathy, even melancholy, dominates the times. We’ve been so pressed towards useful work and rational understanding that we have forgotten how to celebrate.

*Celebration brings joy into life, and joy makes us strong.
-Scripture tells us that the joy of the Lord is our
strength (Neh. 8:10)!

-“joy is the motor that keeps everything else going” -R.F.

*The path to Joy is obedience:
Blessed are those who hear the word and keep it! (Luke 11:28)

Hollow and shallow v. Deep and fulfilling joy!


Here is my way of celebrating this Easter:
Lindsey and I went to Home Depot together and bought materials to build a planter for our porch. She picked out some spices, herbs, and flowers to plant in it. Last night, I built a 4'X18" planter and stained it. Today, we will plant our baby plants. I don't know what this has to do with Easter exactly...I guess I could make up some kind of connection between new life and the new life promised through the death and resurrection of Christ. But, really for me...it is just intentionally doing something that I normally do not do. I guess it could be like building an alter: throughout the year, whenever I see the plants growing, maybe I'll remember that I built that planter at Easter...I guess I'm creating memorable moments. Maybe I should do more, like paint a mural of Christ's open grave on it...nah, I'm just enjoying recognizing and celebrating the Easter season by doing something different.

church that connects

Two-way arrows can be used to describe the relationships between God and believers, and believers and believers. It is important to recognize the first relationship as two-way because our connection with God involves His giving and providing to us and our response of giving and providing to Him. (Our giving and providing would be considered “worship”, and it involves our receiving His initiation.) This relationship desires two-way communication and two-way commitment.

In a similar way, our relationship with other believers is two-way, in that is desires participation and sharing on all parts. To experience true, biblical, fellowship, believers must be willing to give and receive in sharing their lives, needs, hopes, dreams, failures, and successes. True fellowship cannot occur when believers live with a one-way arrow between them.

A one-way arrow is appropriate in describing the spiritual relationship of believers with non-believers. Non-believers have not accepted Christ as the rescuer and leader of their lives and hence, have not received the Holy Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit is the means through which believers are able to have spiritual connection with God and with others, we can assume that not having the Holy Spirit would result in not having the ability to have the same complete connection.

This is the call of God’s mission. His desire is that in result of an authentic relationship with Him, believers would be compelled to share this relationship with others. Then, they might be reconciled to God and find themselves in a two-way relationship with God and other believers.

Sadly, many of today's churches do not show that they understand the relationship of worship and of fellowship as the beginning of mission. The biblical purposes of the church often seem more like functions than purposes. As a result, Christianity can seem much less fluid than I believe it was intended to be. We create our worship program, and later we create our outreach program; and nowhere do we recognize how closely a passion for God relates to a passion for people.

Fairwell to Nelly

I became a Dallas Mavericks fan in the fall of 1990. I sat on the front row of the folding chairs, on the court. I actually had an ESPN cameraman sitting on the floor @ my feet. My dad had scored these tickets FREE from work. I remember getting James Donaldsons autograph and thinking how big these guys really were. Rolando Blackman was honored that night for breaking a team record.

The mid to late 90s were a tough time for the mavs...we had some great players, but they just didn't gel, then...Don Nelson:

Nelson guided the Mavericks to four straight playoff berths and four straight 50-win seasons highlighted by the 2002-03 season where the team finished tied for the best record in the NBA at 60-22 and advanced to the Western Conference Finals. On February 13, 2005, he won his 330th game with Dallas surpassing Dick Motta for most wins in franchise history. He finishes with a Mavericks record of 339-251 (.575) in eight seasons.Nelson owns 42 years of NBA experience as a player, coach and general manager. He is the second winningest coach in NBA history with a record of 1,190-880 (.575) in 27 years trailing just Lenny Wilkens. Nelson, who has also coached Milwaukee, Golden State and New York in addition to Dallas, has led his teams to 50-win seasons 13 times, which ranks tied for second in NBA history with Phil Jackson, and trails Pat Riley's 17 50-win seasons. He became just the second coach, along with Wilkens, to win at least 250 games with three different teams last season (Milwaukee 1976-87, Golden State 1988-95 and Dallas 1997-2005). A future Hall of Famer, Nelson, along with Riley, are the only two coaches ever to be named NBA Coach of the Year three times (1983, 1985 and 1992).

But the thing I will always remember about Don Nelson is how he would sip that Budweiser during press conferences!

They saw and looked...part 2

:They looked and saw that the pond that they were swimming in was an ocean.:


Okay, once I saw yesterday's post really up, I realized how much I sound like a nerd...but I am not (a nerd). What's more, I have never been. I have been a dork, a jerk, and occasionally weird, but never a nerd. But, think on this:

Charles Darwin was studying biology. He thought that the smallest organism was what you could see in a microscope.

During the "Atomic Age", they looked again, and saw that the pond that they were swimming in was an ocean. Life is a little more complex than our surest concepts.

Here's another one: Stephen Hawking, who I know best as the guy in the wheelchair on the episode of The Simpsons where Lisa joins the genius association, seriously (but theoretically) tinks time travel is possible. (This guy is known as the most genius of all the geniuses in all of genius land.) :Here's an interesting fact: there actually is a neutron (or something)...some kind of particle that is actually moving backwards in time!


God's creation is more complex than we can ever understand. The more I learn, the less I realize I know. I love the last chapter in Brian McLaren's book, A Generous Orthodoxy. It is called "Why I am Unfinished". I am so unfinished.

They saw and looked...

:They looked and saw that the pond that they were swimming in was an ocean.:


Albert Einstein was working in a post office to make a living, but of course, his real career was being a student of physics. He noticed some inconsistencies that Newtonian Law couldn't explain. This led to his theory of General Relativity. To get there (to his theory) he began with an intuitive leap, and then backed it up with mathematical reasoning. G.R. deals with warped space, wrinkle in time kind of stuff...but that's not what I'm interested in right now. The thing that sticks out to me is that the definition of reason itself began to change. Einstein changed from linear to intuitive leaps of thought!

Whoa now...are you telling me that he didn't have everything figured out and understood before he started his journey into general relativity!?! ...that for Einstein, maybe intuitive truth is a starting point for the journey...and not necessarily an end?