: : : a life observed : : :

Learning.

2011-08-09T11:33:00.002-06:00

This is my final blog post from my journey to Northern Ireland. I’ve just cleared US Immigration on the Irish side of the Atlantic. I caught a lift to the airport with a great friend and enjoyed the two hours to chat along the way. It is rewarding to have developed so many friendships over here. When I suggested I would take a bus to Dublin, the response was, “I wouldn’t hear of it…”

How can I process what I’ve experienced over the last two weeks or so? I came into it knowing a bit about my gifting and strengths but was assured by a couple of godly friends I was coming here to learn. So what did I learn? And what am I learning?

I was allowed to live into my gifting here. A gifting which is varied and diverse. I’d describe it as “good at many things, great at none of them.” Teaching, helping people who teach, caring and pastoring, leading worship, worshiping, cleaning dishes, vacuuming floors, making my bed daily. But gifting is one thing. Calling is another.

I also felt I lived into my calling, which is to encourage people in ministry through conversation, prayer, paying attention to what God is doing in our lives, talking about what God might be doing next, and more prayer. As I lived into this gifting, I believe some people received new, encouraging direction from God. Others seemed more closed off, but I am confident God spoke some things to them nonetheless. And if God spoke, it will continue to resonate. I’m thankful the pressure is not on me to make things happen. Just to facilitate the process of paying attention to what God is doing. It’s all about Him.

Still I skirt the issue of what I’ve learned. Perhaps I’ll get around to it. Perhaps I don’t know yet. I learned, deeper than ever before, that Northern Ireland is a place filled with human beings doing everyday life in a place which, while foreign to me, is less and less mystical, more and more normal. I learned sometimes God takes us around the world to connect with someone we might not have at home. Even though they’re from a place not far from my home. Sometimes even from my hometown. I learned not everyone believes the same way. I knew this already. But it was supplemented by the fact the Bible isn’t interpreted in the same ways. And the way we interpret it comes out in what we do, how we speak, how we express or withhold love. I learned controlling tendencies are a cancer. I learned anew that God gives favor and, without it, we cannot bear abundant fruit.

Those are just a few things. Most of you who are reading this will be people who get to be in on the overflow of processing these things in the coming weeks. And for that I’m thankful. Thank you for your love and prayers. May the Lord bless you all.

New friends and old friends.

2011-08-03T07:51:00.007-06:00

It's been a great week, easily sorted into time with new friends and old friends. Not elderly friends, necessarily, but sometimes they are! There is a wide spectrum of ages - young, new in ministry and senior adults, mature saints. I love the seniors and their passion for the work in this town, their investment of time in prayer for the young people - both the ones engaged in ministry and those who don't yet know Jesus.

It's been an interesting experience being here for the eighth time (if I'm counting correctly)... Each time I visit here, or receive a visit back home from friends hailing from Norn Iron, the sense of friendship and belonging grows. I feel at home with these people, whichev

er side of the Atlantic I happen to be located at the moment. I took a prayer walk yesterday to redeem some down time and, as I returned, there was an old friend ambling up the other side of the street. A hug and a hello turned into an hour or so of catching up at their beautiful back garden over a cup of coffee. Unplanned meeting. Welcomed time of worship through conversation.

So, it's less an exotic location these days, Northern Ireland. It's more a community of believers who have embraced a partnership and friendship that spans an ocean. God is doing some really cool things in the church and among the leaders. He seems to be focusing on deepening discipleship all over the place. He has even connected me with a couple from America who have been living here for a few years and just started dabbling in the discipleship material we've been investing in for the past two to three years at Southland. It's been fun to see how that connection is blossoming, spending considerable amounts of time talking about the simplicity of the tools and the intentionality of following Jesus while making disciple-makers.

I've missed my girls a bunch, but God has given us grace for these few weeks. Technology is such a blessing. WhatsApp texting and Skype have kept us in touch regularly. I'm so thankful for this provision from God that's helped us through the days. Sara is juggling air conditioning repair, taking care of the girls, High School Ministry, and mowing the lawn. I'm so thankful for friends who are contributing to each of these efforts! Thank you for your continued prayers and for your friendship everyone!

Full week gone; Full week to go!

2011-07-30T10:27:00.004-06:00

Sorry for the delay in posting. I've been going from daybreak to midnight every day this week. It has been a rewarding and exhausting week. I've gotten to live into my strengths of one on one conversation and prayer a number of times, both in planned and unplanned ways. I've met with pastors, church leaders, volunteers, and a group of elderly disabled individuals. Leading worship for a group of 4-7 year-olds was a highlight on Thursday. Friday was a five hour conversation with a great friend and worship leader while we walked up a mountain.

I have enjoyed the time I've gotten to spend with Adrian and his family. He is at the center of some pretty significant ministry in this area: Alpha for searching pre-believers, Night Light for people struggling to get home after a night of pubbing, and Cheers for those seeking to leave life controlling addictions behind... among other things. God has gifted this man significantly with relational capital that others just don't have. And He is using Adrian's gift to impact the entire community. I love walking down the main street with Adrian and seeing how many people know and love him. He is Christ in his culture and people see the love of Jesus through him. It's an honor to serve alongside him.

I miss my family big time. I'm super proud of MC going on her mission trip to Cincinnati with Southland's Middle School and High School Ministries. EG and Sara have had a fun week together. Funny story - I got a text from Sara saying she didn't think our cat would be alive when I returned home. I sent a prayer request out to a bunch of people and they called Sara to check on her. Only to find that Sara was saying she was going to kill our cat if he woke her up at six o'clock in the morning one more time... :) Ooops.

Thanks for checking in. Please continue to pray for us all! Thanks friends!

What's the plural of "Faux Pas"?

2011-07-25T16:52:00.003-06:00

What's the plural of Faux Pas? Because I'll need to know... I committed two of them in the past two days.

The first was among friends. At a cookout the other day, one of the local Northern Irish folks was having trouble conceiving of the fact my name is Will. I said, "I'm William the Second," thinking nothing of it as their eyes grew wide. I'm thinking, What?! My name is William Glen Briggs II. I'm WIlliam II. Apparently this was good old King Billy to the Norn Irish and a person of quite hostile contention between the protestants and catholics in the 17th century. Fine. Right. Good. Sorry folks! My name is Will.

The other one was a bit more obscure and yet potentially serious. I had decided to walk down to one of the local churches where one of the teams were putting on a kids club. Having been here plenty of times to know all about the colors, religions, flags, political affiliations, and conflict there-betwixt, I have NO idea why I did what I did today in choosing my wardrobe. But I didn't notice it until I walked onto a street which was emblazoned with red, white, and blue flags, banners, and other paraphernalia. I naturally knew I had walked into a protestant-claimed area loyal to Great Britain.

It was only then I noticed the colors I was wearing. It was a green Hurley shirt with gold writing under which I had a long-sleeved white shirt. I was wearing the complete colors of the Republic of Ireland's green, white, and gold flag. The colors of the Catholics who tend to stand for union with the Republic further south. I was also to learn later that Hurley is the name of an exclusively-Catholic sport much like hockey. The distinction between the political affiliation of these games here is that a catholic would see picking up a hockey stick as sacrilege and vice-versa. Oops.

I picked up my step and prepared my best, clearest American accent but thankfully did not encounter anyone on that particular street. My slip up did, however, explain some of the odd looks I had received from people on the street today. I'll be a bit more thoughtful in planning my attire over the next few weeks...

Touched.

2011-07-25T00:54:00.004-06:00

*My bride may tell you at any given time that I'm "touched"... as in touched in the head or perhaps more clearly stated: not quite right. As a point of clarification, that's not what I'm talking about in this post. :)

Yesterday I came across an unexpected, refreshing experience of God's Spirit. I remember hearing someone say when asked why they didn't come back to church Sunday evening for the later worship service and replying, "Because I did it right the first time." At Southland, of course, it's essentially the same service, but here in Northern Ireland an evening service of a simple message, prayer, or worship is offered. Last night it was hosted by the Methodist Church, which, in the six years of being over here, I've never even stepped foot in...

Of all the ways to run across an open door for the Spirit of God to touch my heart, I found an American couple in a European church... The gal was simply-spoken and refreshingly honest. Her husband played guitar as she sat at the piano. The lyrics grabbed my heart. The rough harmony at the beginning slowly transitioned into a beautiful lilting interplay of vocals as the got warmed up. I was touched by the sense of the Holy Spirit moving in the hearts present. Tears dimmed my eyes as they sang. They sang for us, or to us. We didn't sing along. It was as though God was simply singing over us.

This experience set the tone for an evening that seemed to overflow with God's Spirit. A couple of things happened: My concern for God to reveal the people I am supposed to connect with over the coming weeks met with an answer as my calendar began to fill up for the week. Then, when I traveled across town to pop in on the end-of-day processing at Ardaluin House, I was humbled - absolutely humbled - to get to lead worship for the Fused Team again last night at the last minute. God was simply moving. The team sang out and, even as I lost my voice as the tears came, the song was carried effortlessly by the gathering of about 50 young leaders.

I am excited and hopeful for the week. I'm missing my family but excited for MC as she heads off for her first mission trip today. She's in Cincinnati all week helping fix up a daycare center. I'm praying for my family and friends back home. Thank you all for continuing to lift me up to the Father.

Reconnecting.

2011-07-24T09:59:00.004-06:00

It's been a good few days. Have had some great opportunities to serve so far as well as have conversations with some of the people I'll be connecting with over the next two weeks. One "God appointment" so far... A man named Seymour who we met at a carpark for the crosses at Monasterboice. He has been a Christian for about 12 years and he's been praying for his family to come to Christ. He was so excited that they had joined him the previous day for a tent-revival going on in the town to which we were headed. He asked for prayer for God to draw his family to Jesus. It was an honor to join this brother in Christ in lifting up his loved ones.

The blended Irish-American team has been forming up for the outreach event going on over the next two weeks. It's been fantastic to be along as a support for them during this journey as well. Last night was an opportunity to lead worship and spend time together in prayer for the outreach.

It's been a real blessing catching up with old friends and making new acquaintances at the church service this morning at Newcastle Presbyterian. Please be in prayer for the conversations to come. I sense God's call to listen, learn, pray, and serve as I interact with each of them.

Otherwise, this opportunity has felt very much like being integrated and accepted into the local culture in average, everyday life. My hosts are making me feel completely welcome and I pray the Lord blesses them in every way for their generosity and hospitality.

Goodbyes, Security, and Wisdom.

2011-07-21T09:08:00.002-06:00

Guess I'll take advantage of the free WiFi at Bluegrass Airport! The morning was great, but tough to say farewell to Esther and Sara. I love my girls so much! I've taken the sock-footed stroll through security and I''m redeeming the time by making sure my iPhone settings are not going to cost me an arm and a leg for accidental roaming fees!

This morning I started a walk through Proverbs. Who doesn't need wisdom? I know I do. Proverbs 1:25 grabbed my eye... It's a bit of a rebuke, but reminded me that God is constantly holding out wisdom to us. The two forms of wisdom in this verse are "advice" and "correction"... I was thinking I'd rather get advice on the front end than the rebuke on the back end. But, even so, since we belong to a Father who loves us immensely, we can glean good from either one. His advice is solid. And His correction is anything but mean spirited - it's for our good!

Speaking of seeking God's direction and advice... I look forward to Him revealing the unfolding agenda of the weeks ahead. I know so far that I've got a number of one on one connections lined up and two evening messages to preach. I may get to help lead worship a few times as well. So, even with the little bit that's been revealed, there's plenty of exciting opportunities for God to move.

Please be in prayer for myself and my family as I'm away. Thanks friends!

Almost time...

2011-07-20T15:31:00.002-06:00

Testing mobile blogging capability... Here goes, friends! Let's do this!

Only took an hour and a half to get packed up today. I'll be getting ready to board the flight from Charlotte to Dublin at this time tomorrow. A huge thanks to all who have been and will continue praying for this trip! I will try to update the blog every day or so... Would love to hear from you in the comments!!

Sit in Silence

2011-04-29T07:27:00.005-06:00

Sit in silence.
Not alone,
But with One
Who loves you.

Sit in silence
Requiring no words...
Merely to attend.
Your presence speaks.

Sit in silence
Sharing joy.
Mutual focus
With One Love.

Be. Then do. But do.

2011-04-15T09:41:00.002-06:00

"If you understand what I'm telling you, act like it." - Jesus, John 13:17, The Message.

Find me on Facebook...

2008-09-04T05:54:00.000-06:00

Not sure if anyone is still seeking me out here, but I've been away - Facebook, you know? I may write here again someday, but I check in on F'bk daily. See you there...

Matthew 20.

2008-08-17T04:49:00.002-06:00

Be content with your position, your pay; your vocation and your location. Where we are now is so often where we don't want to be. But if we backed up a bit and imagine ourselves in our earlier days of life, we often (though not always) find we are actually currently living some form of the dream we held in our earlier days. Maybe not in every minute detail, but we find ourselves better off than we would have imagined.

This gets complicated when we haven't gotten everything we ever wanted or realized every big dream we ever had... But, truly, does this mean we are in a bad place? I so easily forget to be thankful. I have expressed my extreme talents of forgetfulness before...

As followers of Jesus, we tend to express this discontent in the form of seeking our calling. Not in and of itself a bad thing in the least. Yet this deceptively "holy" way of saying,"This isn't good enough,God," still flies in the face of the One Who has brought us to where we currently stand for His purpose for our lives. In the parable of the vineyard workers, the owner is not fair, but he is strikingly good, giving everyone what their family needs to survive the day despite the length of their labor. Following His story, Jesus tells His followers He is going to be killed because of His Kingdom Agenda. Then, oddly, on the heels of this, a controversy ensues as to which of Jesus' followers will get the highest honor of being seated next to Him in His Kingdom. Forget the fact these were the least likely of people to be called to follow this Rabbi.

Yet Jesus called them. And when a Rabbi called you to follow him, it was because he was convinced you could embody everything he was and taught. They were living a greater honor than they would have ever dreamed in their younger days. Yet they were clamoring for more.

"Be content with your pay," said John the Baptiser. "Don't worry,instead pray," Paul says. "Which of you by worrying can add a single day to your life?" asks Jesus. Don't miss today, the significance of your place in it, and the lessons God is teaching you right now. The next step will come soon enough. And it will be the right step in it's time.

A quote to be explored

2008-08-16T10:37:00.004-06:00

On Jesus' silence before Pilate: "Jesus himself was being the answer... part of John's point there is that truth is not primarily something you speak, it's something you are and you speak out of what you are. And... Jesus was being the truth and... the only way of being it there was the silence." -N.T. Wright

A day with the family...

2008-07-30T19:44:00.004-06:00

King's Island with the family yesterday. Rode an assortment of kiddie and adult rides: The Fairly Odd Coaster, Avatar, Reptar, Phantom Flyer, Log Flume, White Water Canyon, The Train, Backlot Stunt Coaster (Italian Job), Shake Rattle and Roll, Flight of Fear, The Scrambler, The Monster, Viking Ship, and the Carousel. Ate at Chick-Fil-A (triple priced, of course) and La Rosa's. Mmmmmmm. Fun time. Not too hot. Not too crowded. A good day for all!

Small steps. Giant leaps.

2008-06-17T07:27:00.002-06:00

In a matter of moments my five-year-old grew older by a giant leap. We bought the family pass to the pool for the summer. Kind of cool - pay on the front end and it feels like you get in free the rest of the season... Anyway - for several weeks now, the most fun my youngest could imagine having at the pool would be to climb up on the side and then jump in, splash around, climb out and do it again. She would do this literally for hours. To jump and be caught by me was even more fun in her opinion. Two days ago, however, I moved her to the deeper water where she had to jump in and swim to me. Again, trusting, trying, hurtling into the unknown, ultimately into my arms. Suddenly she had a new request.

"Can I go off the diving board?"

She was super-excited when I said, "Sure!" We got the lifeguard's attention, just in case, and she didn't hesitate. She leaped in and came up smiling a huge smile. "I want to do it again!" were her only words as I applauded her from the edge of the pool.

She never went back to jumping off the edge and into my arms, which only moments before had been the ultimate experience. One small step off the diving board, one giant leap toward growing up.

7:30 am - 11:59pm

2008-06-08T06:35:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was the most unique combination of things I've ever experienced in a single day... Maybe nothing spectacular for anyone else, but for me it was pretty cool. To begin the day, I prepped a Latte and Americano with our new espresso machine. I read in Genesis, continuing to be intrigued with when and how God chooses to speak to His people. Next, my eight-year-old taught me to play Mancala. She proceeded to absolutely school me in the game as well. Then I played Chess with my five-year-old, who I had only the day before shown the moves of each piece. She managed to leave me check-mated. After the game she played with all the pieces together. They made friends and had a party in the middle of the chess-board. I always thought the different colors had to fight, but she ended my thoughtless sense of division between the two different colors of wooden pieces. Next we went out for a five-star meal at McDonalds and, afterward, headed to the pond at JoeBeth to feed the ducks. We had received a gift card for Graeter's ice-cream so we stopped there next. I told everyone they should get the sorbet. Instead they all got what they thought they'd like, then the whole family demolished my raspberry sorbet before finishing their own ice cream. In the middle of the day we all chilled out. I went to church in the evening to perform a wedding ceremony for an amazing couple. Everything went super-smoothly. Then, I made a quick change out of my tux and the girls picked me up to meet with several families from our Life Group. We headed to Harrodsburg for a drive-in movie. My first ever. Can you believe it? No one else could either. I turned the seats around in the back of our minivan and the girls piled into Jason's truck-bed with their friends. Kung-Fu Panda was pretty outstanding. I nearly made myself sick eating candy. How refreshing. The Ale-8 topped it all off. We made it home and crashed into bed at 11:59...

I think I can... I think I can...

2008-05-15T08:53:00.003-06:00

We've been dialoguing in various circles about living our faith. We all seem to be struggling together to live in ways we know we could if we acted in the ways we acknowledge with our heads to be right or good or best.

What if we all constantly and simply pursued "a mode of interacting with the world that infects it with the life of God" as M. Scott Boren so aptly describes it in The Relational Way? That way our "doing it" is not exclusively the time we punch in for missionary work overseas, church planting, organized Bible study, public worship services... Instead it's our everyday walking around heart beating and breathing life among people - wherever we happen to be at any given moment.

Golden.

2008-05-07T07:34:00.003-06:00

Do for others what you'd want them to do for you. Everything taught in Scripture is summed up there. That's what Jesus said in Matthew 7:12. Easy to understand, difficult to do. Do you ever try to obey this by not doing to others what you'd rather not have them do to you? I do. I'd rather ignore the fact that Jesus said, "Do." Sometimes I'd rather turn from action so I don't cause anyone to cry foul. Then I can say at least I didn't mess anything up. But by doing nothing, I am affecting no one. It creates a barrier of inactivity around me.

I know it's true - if I want to bring a smile to God's face, if I want Him to move to the edge of His seat in anticipation, if I want Him to stand to His feet in applause, I will do to others. Anyone out there succeeding with this doing? How are you living it? Comment anonymously if necessary...

No invisible people.

2008-05-05T14:05:00.000-06:00

I haven't noticed any invisible people lately. I must not be paying attention. Note to self: Open your eyes.

Tell me if I'm foaming at the ear, please.

2008-04-30T11:33:00.000-06:00

I once had a supervisor who told me he bought a brand new leather jacket and wore it for the first time to his daughter's swim meet. He walked in and thought, Wow. People are looking at me. This jacket is pretty cool. I'm lookin' good! When he arrived at home, though, he found a massive collection of price-tags, brand-tags, and security-tags hanging from under the arm. Nice.

I hate it when I discover way too late that I looked like an idiot throughout the day. It's not a humility thing, I don't think. Maybe it is. But I think it's more like, Why didn't anyone tell me?! Do you have people in your life who will tell you what you need to hear? I value those people. From my perspective, these little displays of truth-telling build trust: Your tag is sticking out of your shirt; Your fly is open; You've got a little something hanging from the inside of your nose; Your t-shirt has a hole in the armpit - keep your hands down; You're foaming at the ear - went a little wild with the shaving cream, didn't you? I'd rather be momentarily embarrased than to wonder how many people saw me and thought, That dude looks ridiculous. So, again, tell me if I'm foaming at the ear, please.

Pike Place

2008-04-26T19:19:00.009-06:00

So, several great things from today: I realized I want to be a street performer someday. And I officially signed Petie and Brittney to a five-year contract as my personal media/entertainment consultants. So, I found myself at Pike Place today. God bless the Kinders. I knew we were heading for downtown Seattle, but I had no idea we'd land at such an amazing spot. Standing in the first Starbucks store was surreal. I felt in awe and yet at home.

Watching them throw fish at the Pike Place Fish Market was like stepping into a $299 business training video I watched a few years ago. Pretty cool. The public market was amazing, many of the artisans creating their work right there on the spot. Several of the street performers were outstanding - especially those outside Starbucks. Slim Pickins wailed an earthy bluegrass while, a bit further down the road, a gospel quintet blended their harmonies and hawked their CD's all at once. One dude played two guitars, one of which happened to be balanced on his chin, played the harmonica, and kept two hula hoops going... I can't even begin to describe his average day at work. Pike Place. I'd recommend the experience.

Appearances #1 and #2.

2008-04-26T10:50:00.004-06:00

So, in my eyes-wide-open watching for those I would normally overlook, discount, or outright ignore, I found two on an airplane. Siegfried was a man in his 50's, hailing from Stuttgart, Germany. Gagik was from the former Soviet Republic of Arminia. They had met in a bar in the Louisville airport and clambbered aboard the flight already in an altered state of happiness. Siggy was determined that everyone sitting in his row was going to have a drink. I politely declined but went out of my way to make sure he knew I was thankful for his offer of generosity. Gago had been forced to marry a girl from the home of his heritage although it sounded like he liked an American girl. They have twins now. The obstinate one, he compared to his wife. The intelligent one, to himself.

Gagik eventually asked what I did. I told him. He went on to remind me every few minutes afterward that he was planning to go to church this weekend. He said his wife attends a local church, but he gives money to get out of his perceived "responsibility".

The conversation was like ping-pong afterward. We talked about Siegfried's engineering skills as applied to a fire hydrant in which he installed a tap so that he could attach a keg, hidden inside a garbage can buried in his backyard, to create an unexpected dispenser of brew for his backyard parties. Gago reminded me he was going to go to church. Siegfried asked if Gagik was going to watching the formula one race this weekend. Gago leaned over to me and told me he wasn't going to be able to make it to church this weekend... "The race. Sorry..." Then he'd change his mind, determined to make an appearance at worship. Then he remembered he has a trip to New York this coming weekend. "I don't think I'll make it to church. Sorry..."

These guys were an absolute riot. But talking with them made me just want more for them. I'm praying God will draw them to Himself along this journey of life. In Romans 9 this morning I was reminded God is in the business of restoring lost people - "Those I called 'not my people' I will call 'my people'." Pray for them if you think of it - Siegfried. Gagik.

On Disappearing.

2008-04-25T09:56:00.007-06:00

I just realized Travis has posted more recently than me. Thought I'd better get on it. How long must we wait for his marvelous waxing of eloquence?

So, disappearing. I know you're thinking, how do I disappear and make Jesus more visible? No. Not today. I mean, yes, keep chasing that. But I'm concerned about the people disappearing around me. I've got a growing friendship with a guy of Taiwanese descent and I realized, if not for freakish circumstances like me being in ministry (yep - pretty freakish), being selected practically from a hat to do his wedding because no one else would (His wife is Baptist, he's Buddhist), and sending him a random email on a whim last week, I would not have been sitting across from him at Starbucks this morning. I love this guy. Yet, again, without things playing out in a particular way, he might have shared airspace with me, but I don't know if I would have noticed him.

And what about those who, like we are all eventually going to, are vanishing into thin hair? Bad pun for aging. Sorry. But, you know? Assumed irrelevance because of the waning desire to shout in order to be heard, invisibility because of the slower pace, is a tragedy. Man.

I don't know if I always see. No, it's certain I don't see well enough. But I want to see people. I hope maybe you do, too. I'd like to stave off my disappearance for as long as I can and help rescue others from the same fate. Find someone too young, too old, too different, too quiet to be noticed... do it before they

Two realizations.

2008-04-14T12:34:00.003-06:00

Realization number one, I love to take back roads. I would rather drive a longer, more circuitous route than get somewhere quicker while sitting at stoplights along the way. Is it the movement I like? Is it the scenery? Is it feeling like an insider since the new folks don't know this secret route?

If you didn't click on the embedded link at "take back roads" above, go back and take the detour. Please.

OK. You can find realization number two in the comments at this link. Many thanks to Petie in Seattle.

God speaks.

2008-04-10T09:17:00.003-06:00

Abraham was absolutely convinced God was able to do anything He promised. (Romans 4:21)

This guy Abraham heard from God. And He believed what God said. There is apparently no really good reason for this communication to have ever occurred. Is it possible that if God can make His desires known to a man who did not have the Bible or other means to be directed toward God, He can talk with me in a way I can fully understand? Can He, even without my diligence, move me toward His ideas? Could it be He intends to keep His promises on my behalf? Do we sometimes over complicate this communication process, thinking surely it's got to be more difficult to understand Him? OK. Enough with the rhetorical questions.

Why do you think God spoke to Abraham in the first place? Why might God talk with us?

Worship.

2008-03-24T05:57:00.004-07:00

A moment of worship
Tears in my eyes
Cannot give full voice
Merely a whisper of hallelujah
And amidst the din
Of singing and smiles
I Am heard.

Star Wars.

2008-03-21T06:10:00.004-07:00

I helped destroy the Death Star in my sleep last night. It's good to be a hero. Even if only in my dreams.

Und das Wort wurde Mensch und wohnte unter uns...

2008-03-18T13:39:00.005-07:00

If I had to pick one book of the Bible to read for the rest of my life, it would be a toss-up between John and Isaiah. I lean toward John, though. If I had to pick one chapter of the Bible in the same JJ Abrams scenario above, it would be John 1. If I had to pick one verse, John 1:14.

Where would you land for your one book, one chapter, and one verse?

Anyway, I've gravitated back to John this week. I've been in John 1:1 for the past three days. Jesus' identity as The Word, logos, is sooooo rich. In the original cultures logos was communication of the gods (little 'g') to the people. Logos was the creative power of the gods to speak things into existence. (I wonder where they got that story? Hmm...) It was also the communication of people with the gods, or prayer. Mythology has Hermes carrying the logos back and forth. So it was not just the Word so much as it is the ongoing intersection of God and man. The opening wide of communication. The Word becoming flesh and living right under our feet. I am still stunned by the fact God would do this. Stunned.

Another episode from the freezers.

2008-03-14T07:21:00.001-07:00

Part Deux.

2008-03-13T11:36:00.017-07:00

It's a week later, and I'm finally finding the space to update you all on the second day at Saddleback. I was able to get some pics inside the kid's facility and some other fun stuff on the grounds. I apologize in advance for the excessive use of the elipse...

The entrance of their kids wing includes some kid-scale Biblical buildings for the kids to navigate on their way in. They want little ones to experience a welcome on their level before they go into the big environment.

The three levels of the building go from undersea on the first level...

To a beach setting on the second...

And a city on the third...

The current Middle-School space is in a tent. (As I shared last time, they are building new space for both High School and Middle School Ministries.)

High School Ministry has a cabana-type building the city wants them to get rid of...

As well as some pretty cool community spaces...

I think I'm finished with the indoor shots. Here's the view from the church campus.

My bomb-ditty-bom-de-dang-de-diggity rental ride.

And, finally, the joy to which I returned from Southern California.

The OC.

2008-03-06T07:18:00.008-07:00

Flew into the OC for a meeting with a few other church leaders. Some are mega-church representatives. Others are multi-site giga-church reps. I'm continuing to learn something I've been learning from other gatherings of small-groups ministry staff: No one has this figured out.

A few of you requested some pics, so here you go... I really hope to have time to get some indoor environmental shots today, but for now, the facade of Saddleback.

The worship center. (If you look closely, you'll find they still meet in Building B. Southland is so progressive.) The entire worship center roof is made up of solar panels. They generate 50% of their own power. For the environmentally conscious, they also have a water cooling facility where they cool water and make their own ice overnight every night when energy costs are lowest. This provides their ice and cold water, as well as making their A/C more efficient. Oh - lots of the toilets are "green". They use no water, but have a replaceable filter-container that gathers all the 'business'. (Changing these filters would not be a job I'd want. But if Chris Hahn called me to do it, I would.) Oh - and, yes Natalie, they recycle...

This is one of the five shots it took to capture their kid's wing.

If you read Jim and Casper's book, the chained-down stone on the empty tomb is in the upper-right quarter of this shot - right the the end of the path.

I didn't take photos in the monthly mid-week worship service last night. The room felt a lot like Southland's worship center - moveable chairs on the floor, risers in the back. It can seat about the same number as SCC. A guy named Buddy shared a message focused on Galatians 2:20. Bringing in tons of scripture, he used the night to refocus on some basics. Communion, giving, and baptism. They were still doing baptisms in their outdoor baptistry as I left.

Oh - one more shot. We donned hard-hats and toured their new student facility yesterday. You'll find good ol' Gordon Walls in the center of this shot wearing his yellow hard-hat. This room is a pretty cool environment. They wanted a basketball court that would also be appealing visually to middle-school students. So, not just a gym - it's a half-court facility designed to look like a city street setting. The brick-layers union was about to bring action against Saddleback for the brick walls you see here. They were not involved in this piece of the construction. The church was quickly cleared when they showed that this visual effect is actually plaster with a brick pattern pressed into it, painted to look just like the real thing...

Little blue stickers...

2008-02-22T12:02:00.003-07:00

Ever since I was a child I can remember, when eating a banana, first peeling the little blue sticker off of it, sticking it on my forehead, then walking around grinning thinking it was the funniest thing. I've done it a number of times since becoming an adult - my kids don't think I'm just being stupid yet... So, anyway, today in my office, I pick up a banana, peel off the blue sticker (without putting it on my forehead - people might talk) and then look down to read it. It said: "Place sticker on forehead. Smile." I was so profoundly delighted at that moment. I'm apparently not alone. It's good to know someone else understands. Anyone else out there with this weird habit? Anyone know where it started? Maybe a grassroots movement? Maybe it's hard-wired into some special people by God?

Frozen.

2008-02-15T07:18:00.002-07:00

Cheers, Phill.

2008-02-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

Man. These are a riot! Many thanks to Phill from New Zealand living in London, England...

Here's just one of the many "in 5 seconds" movies on YouTube:

Ancient Path.

2008-02-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

Stop. Remember the ancient path. Many have travelled this way. You're not the first. You won't be the last. Yet all who travel this path find the same destination. Rest for the soul.

Do you fear? Even so, legs trembling, knees weak... mark out this path you follow. Others will join you when you least expect it. Their way will be made clearer by your journey.

You may find yourself above the fray on this path of peace and rest. Oh, you'll still be in the thick of it, but it will not dominate you as it did before. This is the pathway of godliness, of the redeemed.

Don't get sidetracked. It can happen. If you must stop again, do it. Remember the old godly way. Regain the path.

These paths are right. These paths are true. They lead to real life. Yes, forever. But now as well.

Jeremiah 6:16; Hebrews 12:12-13; Isaiah 35:8-9; Proverbs 4:25-27; Hosea 14:9

Magic.

2008-02-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

I'm re-reading this amazing play by G.K. Chesterton. You can access and print it here without fear of breaking any copyright laws. It might be well worth your printer's toner and your personal time to print and read this thought-provoking and throroughly entertaining piece of his work.

The Voice of God.

2008-01-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

To the question, "Do you understand the language of the Almighty?" the best answer I can give is, "Not until I heard it."

Stupefying.

2008-01-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

Normally Sara and I are giving high-fives when the Gunners score, but this one left us with our mouths hanging open, rooted to our seats in stunned silence...

Trying really hard to impress.

2008-01-29T06:54:00.000-07:00

Durbs pointed me to this article.

Isn't it interesting how we seem to think the calling of the rich young ruler is meant for everyone? Is it our pride that makes us want to be the one who can take on that challenge and overcome it? I have a feeling Jesus' growth step for each of us is uniquely suited to where we are, how we are currently living/thinking, where we need heart-surgery... Honestly, I believe the story in the article above shares a rather humorous result of trying too hard spiritually. Bonhoeffer used this filter from Matthew 6: "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." He flips it and says we can measure what our treasure is by where our heart is. If that treasure turns out to be anything but God, then we need to spend some time really wrestling with God and ourselves about it. How can we get rid of the mentality of requiring impressive spiritual gymnastics of ourselves in order to feel like we're accepted by God?

Super fort!!

2008-01-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

This weekend, while my wife was away for a few hours, the kids and I built a super fort in the living room. This involved the heavy-lifting work of moving two couches and a chair, piling pillow walls, balancing couch cushions to create a roof, spreading blankets to complete the shelter... It was massive. And, stuff it, I just realized I forgot to take a picture. Hey - I don't care if you don't have kids, I have an assignment for you. Build a fort in your living room in the next week and have a blast!

Oh, yeah! While we were constructing our modern marvel yesterday, I was keeping half and eye on the fussball match on the tele. We witnessed a highly bizarre moment during the FA Cup match between Sheffield United and Manchester City. The City fans had brought balloons with their club's colors to the match and released them in support of their club just before the kickoff. Check out the result...

Community.

2008-01-25T09:19:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I read the following description of community: "A laboratory for disarmament." It's as though our beginning steps toward knowing others and being known lie behind this tangle of walls and weapons we use to hide and protect ourselves. It's such a long process of experimentation - dabbling in honest statements accepted, rejected, or ignored. Drawing a line for ourselves to cross over, then retreat. Testing the waters. I'm growing more convinced that this long road is the only road to real community. And even when our defenses come down with a few people, they are still liable to spring back up in the face of new threats to our sense of belonging and acceptance. I don't have any answers. Try letting your guard down somewhere and see how it works out. Let me know what happens.

Nothing to write...

2008-01-24T07:59:00.001-07:00

Because there's too much to write. In the past 24 hours - good day, play time, football match, reading about grace, great conversation over lunch, tough questions, email about cancer in remission, prayer for a kid's tumor just discovered, letters of encouragement, checking off the checklist, urgent phonecall, talked with my brother twice, interesting stuff about neuroscience and how people connect, smiles, pouting, ideas, rejection, acceptance, quiet reception, conflict resolution, sleep, sinus problem, deeply cold, don't forget to smile, journaling, helping, serving, loving, planning, fearing, breathing, heart-beating... I'll stop there. How's your day?

Would you consider joining a movement?

2008-01-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

The African Cup of Nations is now in full swing. Will you join me in supporting the Ivory Coast? What a great squad... Well, mostly because of Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue from Arsenal. Second, the number of Bundesliga representatives on the squad. I can put up with Drogba and Kalou for their sake. It will be the only time, though.

The Elephants have begun their campaign in a strong way, beating the tournament heavyweights, Nigeria, 1-0 in the opening match of the group stage.

Something beautiful.

2008-01-15T06:51:00.000-07:00

I'm absolutely enamored with this song...

Dear Lord, what was I thinking?!

2008-01-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

Reading a book by Jerry Bridges right now. Something struck me today... He pointed me toward the story of the generous land owner in Matthew 20. You know the one - the workers hired early in the morning were promised a certain amotun of pay. Then the land owner hired others throughout the day, right up to one hour before the work was finished. Then he payed them, starting with the ones hired last. They received the amount promised to the first ones. So, of course, the ones hired early began salivating at the thought that their pay was going to be greater. Not so. The land owner kept his promise. In response to their annoyance, he challenges them with something like: I was not unfair to you, but I was generous to the others. Isn't that my prerogative?

OK. Bridges brings this into the modern day - a class full of university students all receiving top marks on an exam, whether they were studious or not, whether they invested time preparing for the test or wasted it on partying. Both the workers hired first and the students who studied are annoyed! Understandably so. We might pretend that we wouldn't be annoyed - just because we know it's the "right" answer.

Now, for the "what was I thinking?!" moment. My thanks to Mr. Bridges for pointing this out: I always - not sometimes, ALWAYS - put myself in the position of the workers who were hired first. I somehow have existed in this assumption that I am the worker who has toiled in the heat of the day and that my "lesson" from this text is to get comfortable with the fact that God will give others what I have earned through my day of labor. But could it be (I have to admit for me it is probably so) that I am actually a worker hired at the end of the day? I have been given so much. And none of it deserved.

God doesn't owe me anything. There is nothing - nothing - I have ever received that God gave me as repayment of some debt He owes me. Everything has been a gift given because of His unbelievably huge love for me. This brings an entirely different way of looking at all of life.

Thank You, Lord. I had no idea.

Strong, friendly, and a great swimmer... like a whale.

2008-01-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

OK. Show of hands. Who wants to be a whale? [Are you raising your hand? OK. If you're jumping up and down, too, I want to know about it.]

So the title for this post is a description of me in the innocent, unfiltered perception of my oldest daughter. I was actually flattered by her evaluation. It was cool to hear what she really thought in that amazing little mind of hers. Wouldn't it be cool if we could grow toward giving each other this kind of unfiltered feedback in the average day? Not like a license to dog each other, but permission to point out what we really appreciate, value, or admire in another... I know a few who do it already. I love them for it.

Good way to start the day.

2008-01-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

My five-year-old woke up Sunday and came out of the bedroom wearing the party hat she got at a friends birthday party the day before. What a way to start the day... She inspires me.

Superhero syndrome.

2008-01-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

I know. The title is a bit confusing as Syndrome was a super villain in "The Incredibles". Anyway, I'll ask you to set that aside for a moment. I've had it brought to my attention recently that I am not a superhero. At least not in a feel-good-about-yourself-because-you're-so-necessary-to-humanity's-having-a-good-day sort of way. I know some of you out there have heard me teach about how we can be a superhero: rescuing others, pulling them back from the metaphorical ledge on which they're standing. I still believe that's true. This is more of a coming down from the vague sense that I can feel important because of what I do. I wasn't really aware of this syndrome until I found myself in a spot of wondering where the significance went. (Note that all of this sort of awareness is conditional upon the changability of our human emotions.) I know my life matters because of the value placed upon and into it by God. I guess it was cool to have the understanding shaken up a bit. It brings much sobriety when we see the gift-nature of everything we get to do in a day.

All of this is not to say we have no part in this cooperative thing of life with God. It's to say we (I) would be wise to never walk down the path leading to the sedituous thinking that God is getting a good deal having us (me) on His team.

A random side-bar: In the midst of all of this, Nathaniel's calling keeps coming up. (John 1:45-51) Anyone see the significance? I'd value your thoughts...

Ebb and flow.

2007-12-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

The ebb and flow
Of love and opponent
Of other and self
Of later and moment
Takes the soul on a road
With twists and turns
That further the journey
Toward God

I wrote that a few years ago. It's still expressive of my days. I guess the question I still wrestle with in my daily life is: What's a healthy balance of self and others? I know what the answer is supposed to be. It's all about God and others, right? But, really now. Why do I get wiped out, tired, and all? If I'm wired to function best by not focusing on myself, why would I ever need to have time to myself? Why would I need to strive for time I can call my own? I guess maybe (just maybe) I'm human, and to try to love God and people on my own won't ever work. It's a work in progress. I'll keep you posted.

My lips are killing me.

2007-12-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

It's like God has pointed to a few scriptures in the past two days. Each has everything to do with words. It's about the mouth, the capturing of spoken words, as well as the words inside - the "social-self-talk" of the way we talk to ourselves.

So, I was reading Isaiah 6 yesterday. Isaiah's purification by having his lips touched with the hot coals really stuck out to me. Later, at our weekend worship service, Jon talked about the Mezzuzah - the little box hung on the doorpost of a Jewish home containing the words of Deuteronomy 6, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength." Jon said a person leaving the house would touch the mezzuzah and then touch their lips... It was an instant connection for me. The purifying touch is the daily reminder to love God and others...

Deuteronomy 6 goes on to say we need to bind these things to our hands and heads. It's like this while thing affects our thoughts and our actions, too. Today, James was the bearer of yet another mouth message. In chapters 2 and 3 we hear even more about our words - how the control of our words equals a life under control. So, could it be that this is the first place to pay attention when things seem to be getting out of control in our lives?

So long.

2007-10-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

Ever have the experience of going so long without calling someone that when you finally do realize you haven't called in a while it suddenly feels awkward to call? I have the same problem with my lack of blogging. I think, "You know, it's been so long that people probably have stopped checking in. Maybe I won't post anything." So this is for the random reader and possibly even entirely for myself.

It hits me that it's kind of like spending loads of time with people you love. When you run out of things to say, the quiet becomes normal, then you try to strike up a conversation. It's awkward. When you run out of things to do, go a long time in a routine that's been dull for a good while, then try to get everyone motivated to try something new. It's tough. Yet it's worth it.

Do I do the same thing with God? Do you?

How can we break out of the routines that have become lifeless?

Ingredients for a good day.

2007-10-24T11:49:00.001-06:00

Apparently the following is what makes up a good day, since yesterday was a good one...

1) Begin by getting soaked by torrential rain despite the use of an umbrella. If the insides of the pockets in your jeans get wet, you're doing it just right.

2) Eat at the Asbury College cafeteria with a new friend, a professor and PhD candidate at the college.

3) Smile for a photo shoot for your website/staff directory.

4) Meet with your supervisor to talk through the challenges you're having with meeting a given objective and find common ground in solving the dilemma.

5) Run in the rain and get soaked to the bone.

6) Launch a new community of artists to do life together, grow spirtually, and care for one another and serve others in their worlds of work, life, etc.

7) Watch The Arsenal clobber Slavia Prague 7 - 0 in their champions league fixture, remaining unbeaten in all competitions this year, and winning 12 in a row in all competitions.

8) Spend quality time with your wife before bed.

Two moments.

2007-10-19T07:41:00.000-06:00

OK. Two embarassing moments from this past weekend... Moment #1:

1) While helping coach my daughters' soccer team, I was kicking balls out of the back of net from behind the goal so they could reuse them. All was going great until I got my foot caught in the net and was sent sprawling flat on my back. When everyone realized I wasn't hurt, the laughter began. I can remember thinking to myself, "This will probably be the most embarassing moment of this day..."

Then I performed the wedding that afternoon. Moment #2:

2) This was an outdoor wedding at a local horse-farm. It was a beautiful day. The horses had come up to the fence in the neighboring field. A picturesque setting. But no sound system for the two hundred in attendance to hear well, so I had to nearly shout out in order to be heard. Those of you who know me well know that with my soft-spoken nature, shouting is not my forte. So I'm concentrating on speaking loudly and clearly, and I look up from my notes when I begin quoting a scripture I've quoted many times before... "Genesis 2 says that a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife" That's what I should have said. Instead, I loudly, clearly, distinctly shouted, "Genesis 2 says that a man will leave his wife..."

[insert awkward pause]

[cue the laughter as people process what I've just said]

Moral of the story: Keep your footing. And stick to the script.

Mutemath.

2007-10-12T09:27:00.000-06:00

Many thanks to Trevor for introducing me to Mutemath. Unbelievable creativity with this video...

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Excellent.

A response for Peter in Erlangen, Germany...

2007-10-09T07:33:00.000-06:00

Fur meiner Freund und Bruder Peter Aschoff, der wohnt nur ein kilometer weit von meiner alte hause (1976-1979)... Fur Grammatik, das tut mir leid.

Meine antworte:

1. Mein Verein ist und bleibt …
Es gibt keine Frage. Bayern Munchen.

2. Ein (ehemaliger) Bundesligaspieler, den ich als Persönlichkeit achte, ist …
Diego.

3. Mein Lieblingsspruch eines Spielers lautet:
Jeder Fussballer der hat gesagt, “I have a year left on my contract. I’m not going anywhere.” Und geht doch weg.

4. Lieblingsspruch eines Trainers:
Jose Mourinho nach sorgen mit die Quarantäne seiner Hund - "The dog is fine in Portugal - that big threat is away - you don't have to worry about crime anymore."

5. Falls die Bayern diese Saison nicht Meister werden, dann wird es …
Hoffentlich wird es Werder. Weil die Brasilien Repräsentanten dar sind und meine Frau hatten sie am liebsten... 

6. Als Traditionsclub würde ich gerne wieder in der ersten Liga sehen …
…Hmm.

7. Die Bundesliga verfolge ich am liebsten via …
GolTV in Amerika.

8. Ein denkwürdiges Bundesligaspiel, das ich besonders in Erinnerung habe, ist …
Den Tor Diego’s gegen Aachen – 62,5 meters weit von Tor.

9. Eine Regel, die ich am liebsten sofort abschaffen würde, wäre …
Auf Englisch, January transfers being “Cup Tied” or unavailable for Cup competition.

10. Sportschau oder Sportstudio?
Ich weiss nicht...

7 days, 12 hours.

2007-10-09T07:21:00.000-06:00

That would be the amount of time it takes to be back in your home country to get your feet on the ground with your family, friends, and ministry before you make another post on your web site... The trip to Northern Ireland accomplished what it was intended to accomplish - to spend time with the believers. There were plenty of one-on-one conversations, prayer times, teaching opportunities, and more, as you've read over the past two weeks. As I continue on with the ministry here, it is a blessing to have been a part of the Kingdom work in Northern Ireland. I am challenged by the way the believers persevere there in the midst of their culture. The enemy is hard at work trying to steal their joy and unity through relational strife, but we can continue to pray for God to bring people together and not allow the enemy a further foothold. Thank you all for your prayers, your support, and your friendship. I couldn't have made it without you.

A busy day and a new place to stay.

2007-09-29T09:34:00.000-06:00

I'm writing this time from Dundrum. Richie returned from the US and is giving me a bed and roof for the final days of this trip. Yesterday's time with both Murlough Staff and the Kairos Leadership Board went well. At Murlough we talked about being connected with God, how to communicate well, Biblical community, and calling. The first part of the day went particularly well. We had some great time together, learning, listening, and praying. At the Karios Centre, we shared a meal and talked through the 7 Practices of Effective Ministry. It was a day that included about six hours of facilitating discussions on each topic.

The early part of today was spent with a couple who are being used by God to influence much that's happening behind the scenes here. I can see the way God has been moving things forward through their passion and vision for the work in this community. I took in a football (soccer) match at Donard Park - Tollymore v. Rathfriland. Richie was playing forward for Tollymore, but they lost due to a goalkeeper's error. Sad times. Tonight I am teaching at the weekend's Fused event. I get to talk about Zacchaeus. It's always tough to teach about a guy who i best known for a cute, catchy little kid's song written about him... If you read this on Saturday, pray for me around 3:30 EDT while I'm teaching.

Also, tomorrow morning I'll be leading worship at the Baptist Church. Please lift that up as well. Then, travel on Monday... Thanks for all of your prayers and support for this trip. I thank God for all of you.

Prayer. Planning. Purpose.

2007-09-28T01:02:00.000-06:00

There's not a lot of time for today's post - a busy day ahead. Yesterday I spent time in Lisburn, Moira, Kilkinnamurry Lane, and Warrenspoint. I drove over about half of Northern Ireland, I'd say. A few high points: got things lined up for today's time with two different parachurch teams. Please pray for the time I get to have facilitating group learning, worship, and prayer with Murlough and Kairos. I met up with two men in school for ministry at Moira College. One was from Northern Ireland and the other was from India. It was a time of challenging and encouraging one another in a big way. It was very challenging for me to learn about Biblical community within a culture of severe persecution. Our prayer time was a time of worship and wonder for me. Later I was able to sit with one of the Baptist leaders and his wife over dinner to talk about ministry, marriage, and more. It was right on purpose for this trip. There have been a few times where I could fully see the work happening, and this was one of them. Still, I know God is at work constantly even when I can't see the results right away. I stopped in at the drop-in for people dealing with addictions and met three men who had been on the drink for quite some time. One of them suggested that he would meet me at the Baptist Church this weekend without my prompting. Not sure if he'll remember it today, but you never know. Pray for S. to follow through on his state-dependent promise. Also, please pray for T. and K. as well. They were in pretty bad shape and will certainly be feeling it this morning.

Painting and prayer.

2007-09-27T03:19:00.000-06:00

I finally made it out to Murlough House for the first time yesterday. There I was able to connect briefly with a few old friends and make a couple of new acqaintances. I sorted out the details for the six hours of facilitating group learning and prayer time on Friday. I made my way from Murlough to the Oasis, the old pub that has been purchased and is being renovated for ministry purposes. I was able to pick up a paint brush for a bit there while sharing about Biblical community with one of the local ministry staff and her friend, a ministry volunteer and assisted living staff person. They kept asking about my ministry at home, so they unwittingly learned all the ins and outs of Acts 2:38-47.

The Baptist prayer meeting I mentioned in my last post went well. The point that was driven home: Elijah was a regular, average, ordinary person just like us - and God answered his prayers. An ancient truth, but it was a fresh word for them. The people gathered were mostly the older crowd, but, in an apparently unusual occurrence, a few of the younger people I've connected with throughout the week showed up as well.

Today I will be meeting with a ministry leader in Lisburn. Its about a 45 minute drive through the countryside. Afterward I am scheduled to have a meal with a local leader and his wife. Then, this evening, I am heading over to the recovery program drop-in. Please pray for safe travel, for God to continue to fill me and pour me out as I share time with so many people, for God to work in the hearts of the people coming to the recovery program.

One of the local leaders marvelled today at the fact that I have been welcomed into so many diverse circles. It never occurred to me that it might not be so, but apparently it's really easy to be excluded from a circle if you've entered another. I'm thankful for God paving the way for that welcome. It's all according to His Spirit's work ahead of me. Please continue to pray for me to have favor in the eyes of all people. Thank you for praying.

Tollymore, Ulster Fry, and Goujons.

2007-09-26T01:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a morning without a specific agenda, so I took a run at one of the most beautiful places on this earth, Tollymore Forest. It wasn't as beautiful when I was ging through the pain of running, though... Later, I met up with one of the few full-time pastors in Newcastle. We talked about the church over a cholesterol-laden Ulster Fry. He has such an amazing heart for God, his people, and even those he doesn't know. When he parked his vehicle on the side of the road, for example, he refused to pull onto the curb as most people do to keep their cars from being hit. He was concerned about anyone coming through in a wheelchair being able to pass through. His vision for ministry is much the same - for those people he does not know and who will come to Christ through the people in the body he's pastoring long after he's gone. We had a great conversation, then returned to the church and prayed for one another.

The afternoon was spent reviewing a message I'm to give tonight at the Baptist prayer meeting. Please pray for me as I share God's words from James 5:16-18 and 1 Kings 17... I'm talking about the fact that God answers the prayers of ordinary people like us.

In the evening met up with a group of eight local youth leaders. I had Chicken Goujons with chips and a sweet chili sauce. It was a generally relational conversation for the most part, but when people started to leave, the few remaining had a great conversation about reaching out to meet the physical and spiritual needs of people in this community. During this gathering I was blessed to meet a guy that leads a ministry that combines the Alpha Course with a recovery ministry. His recovery "program" is relational first, for as long as it takes, then goes deeper as trust is built. He is a person I hope to connect with further. I am supposed to join him on Thursday evening to be a part of the work he's doing.

Thank you all for your continued prayers. I have a strong sense of your support.

The plans I make. The plans God makes.

2007-09-25T00:46:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I had figured out that I was going to have breakfast with two guys who are active in ministry - one vocationally, one voluntarily. We were to meet at "half nine" (9:30) at the cafe where the locals go - the one across the street is, according to an unspoken rule, generally agreed to be reserved for tourists.

I woke to a pouring rain. I got ready and then realized that I had left my rain jacket in Jamie's car which was on it's way to his workplace in another town. In my first three days in the country it rained, oh, seven times. So I figured it would die down eventually. It didn't. I waited a while but then finally had to strike out into the soaking atmosphere anyway. I had called ahead to let them know I'd be late, but only got a voicemail system. So, I arrived a bit late at the Cafe. I poked my head in the door and looked around. Not seeing the guys I was to meet, I thought - did they say the other cafe? I started out the door and a woman came after me, calling me by name. I was a bit perplexed for a moment, then realized that I had met her at the church briefly the day before. She offered to text the guys I was trying to connect with, so I grabbed an Americano and sat down with her for a moment.

CULTURAL NOTE: An Americano is a double shot of espresso with hot water added. It's kind of like a strong cup of regular, black coffee. In Northern Ireland, when you order an Americano, they always ask if you want milk in it. I said, "No," which apparently means, "Yes," here when spoken with the proper inflection. Sad times, a ruined Americano...

I didn't notice this problem with my beverage until a few minutes after I started talking with M. By this time, I would have been interrupting God's idea for the morning if I had gotten up to correct my Barista's error. M shared about coming to Christ six years ago after two unfaithful husbands and two kids from each of them. A single mom with four little ones finding Christ and, five years after being destroyed, new love again. It was an amazing story of hurt and redemption. Please pray along with me for M and her family.

I never did catch up with the guys. I walked to the place where one of them keeps his office and ended up connecting with another leader, with whom I would end up spending the next five hours. Due to some errands that needed running, we ended up driving together to Belfast for the afternoon. We had a great talk along the way there, as we walked in the city, as we ate, as we drove back. We covered things like calling, the nature of his local ministry, dreams for the future of his ministry, and problems that he deals with. One thing amazed me about this particular leader - he was absolutely convinced of God's role in putting authority over him. So many miss that point. Instead of allowing God to shape character by submitting to the influence God places over them, people tend to run away from these things and end up being in another situation later - not realizing that their struggle comes from the state of their own heart, and not so much from the things they don't like about the leader over them.

On the way back from Belfast, I finally got ahold of a vehicle. Richie had loaned me his car while he's in the states, but someone had picked it up to do some work on it and hadn't returned it. So, we swung through Seaforde on the way back from Belfast. Our first stop was at the wrong house. A very tall ginger-haired lady came out of the house with a huge scowl on her face. I might just be willing to testify that she was ten feet tall and very scary. Very scary. We were quickly away from there and finally found the right house.

The evening was resevred for dinner in Annalong with Sara Ferris' mum. She had arranged a wonderful meal of chicken curry - perfectly spicy - and for two of the deacons and their wives from the Baptist church to be there. Along with conversation about Nat King Cole, American politics, and the sad state of our health-care system, we had a great conversation about what it looks like when we can focus in ministry. This seemed to grab their attention unlike anything else we discussed. They have been searching for a pastor for almost two years now. They feel scattered and aimless. Without vision. Pray for the leadership at the Baptist church to follow God in selecting their next pastor. Pray against division witin their small body. Pray for a Godly leader to be installed there, not just the one who will keep things the way they've always been.

A personal prayer request - continue to pray for me. I had a very different sort of spiritual attack last night at bedtime. It was an attack of fear. Not an anxiety attack. Not a hold me, I'm scared thing. It was unusual. It reminded me of a time in India while I was on a mission trip a few years ago. It was distinct. Clear. Not a run away now sort of feeling, but a simple, chilling awareness of the numinous - that which is present but unseen. An awareness of opposition. I prayed and spoke the Word out loud and finally was fine. I asked God to lift up people to pray for me. Thanks if that was you praying at 7:00 EDT last night!

Well, I'm off to meet with several people soon. Thank you for checking in. Thank you for praying for me. Thank you for praying for my family as I'm away.

The peak. Saturday evening. And Sunday.

2007-09-24T00:42:00.000-06:00

THE PEAK:
On the way to the summit, we stopped many times to catch our breath. During one such stop I caught a glimpse of a most amazing sight: clouds being born. We were right at the height where vapor was quickly turning into fluffy white at a rapid pace. The wind was coming right up the mountain behind us at a good 30-40 mph, so it was quite a show watching clouds suddenly form and blow right up and over us. At the top we ate a small sandwich, then opened our Bibles to read about Moses' encounter with God on the mountain (Exodus 19:1-20:21), Elijah's experience of the same (1 Kings 19:7-18), and the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain (Luke 9:28-36). We were to think of the journey we'd made so far, take a look at the view and imagine what they might have seen, experience the frigid fingers and consider the physical discomfort of a mountaintop experience. After reading and thinking for a moment, we descended to the saddle on the opposite side of Donard. There we sat and processed together. I won't divulge our conversation, except to share the questions we worked through:

Why did people have to climb a mountain to encounter God?
What is it about the heights that make us feel so small?
How can we experience a mountaintop experience with God like this in a normal day?
Moses was asked to bring Aaron with him to the mountain. Jesus brought James, John, and Peter. How can we bring others into an encounter with God like this?

The descent was a long and laborious one. It always amazes me how difficult it is to walk down a mountain. A whole other set of muscles is being used. I can still feel it in my ankles two days later.

SATURDAY EVENING:
That evening was spent with the board and the workers for the local youth-outreach. I facilitated a discussion on the urgency of staying connected to Jesus as we do ministry. It was quite a lively discussion. Some of you may have had the discussion with me before: Using a power strip, a scented candle, and a watering can - we talked about how each one is like living out life as a Christ follower. Then we talked about what they all have in common - they need something else to be used for their full potential. They had some great ideas, some excellent metaphor in response to the prompting. We shared pizza after a prayer time. It was a great time to continue to connect with people in a fairly relaxed setting. I was finally able to catch up with one of the local pastors at this meeting. We're planning to sit together several times this week. Pray for my time with Ivan if you would.

AND SUNDAY:
I was blessed to worship with Newcastle Baptist in the morning. They had a minister visiting from Ballynahinch. He taught on Psalm 84. While I was there I reconnected with Timmy and Ashley among others. We are going to grab time later this week to have dinner and talk. Timy is a deacon in the Baptist Church and his wife Ashley, an American, is preparing to lead the small group movement. Imagine me possibly having something to share there...

After church, it was off to Jane's house for down-time with six friends, leaders, fellow Christ-followers. We were planning to walk to the prayer hut after lunch, but the food was too good, too plentiful. We will be making a trek to the hut on Saturday next, Lord willing.

The evening service was at the Presbyterian church. The youth service is shared between the Baptist and the Presby. It's a pretty cool cooperative effort. Jamie led worship along with Jane, Jonny Crory, Jackie, and several students. This time of connecting with God was very special for me and the rest of the people. I invaded the "minister's room" at the back of the church before the service and prayed for Ivan as he prepared to bring God's words. He reminded us of our status as aliens. He challenged us to move forward with living as reflections of Christ in the world - not just at church but in the community. We had tea in the fellowship hall afterward. During that time I was able to arrange several more meetings and was asked to bring a message for the Wednesday evening Baptist prayer meeting. Later in the evening I had a conversation with four influencers in the local ministries. I learned some difficult things about the goings on behind the scenes here. It's possible that I will be having some difficult conversations with people in the next week. Please pray for wisdom for me in these conversations. Please also pray for the people I'll get to talk with, all of whom I love very much.

More of Margaret and the beginnings of ministry...

2007-09-23T00:07:00.001-06:00

So, do you want to hear about Marg' or ministry first? I thought so. I'll finish my story... when I left off last Margaret was staring for long stretches of time at the movie screen while hacking uncontrollably from time to time. I had this momentary thought that she was to be loved well, that she was Jesus with skin on. (See Matthew 25) After we received our inflight meals, I bowed my head and said a quick prayer of thanks. Margaret said,`"Are you a Christian or what?" I replied, "Absolutely." She quickly fired back, "Born again?" I said, "Yes." Then she became suddenly fully lucid for a few minutes. It was eerie. She said, "What do you mean when you say 'born again'?" I gave her the short version. She nodded her head in agreement seeming somewhat sage in her silence. She then said, "I'm a baby Christian," then, "There are so many people who want to witness. No one wants to disciple. And that's what the body needs." I nodded and felt as though God were affirming my mission yet again - to pour into the Christ-followers who are impacting the people in the communities of County Down. After the meal, Margaret went right back to her eccentricities. She fell asleep on my shoulder, she laughed loudly a few times at the movie that was playing. After we deplaned, I caught my last glimpse of her in the passport line. She looked back with a strange, knowing look. I had trouble meeting her gaze. She was unlovely in apprearance and in so many actions, but she had stretched my ability to love while being used by God to reaffirm the work ahead of me. Thank God for Margaret.

The beginnings of ministry... I landed in Dublin to a driving rain. But never fear, you will always have another season within a few minutes. I grabbed a ticket for the UlsterBus/Eireann line to Newry where Jonny and Ben picked me up. After being awake for 30 hours or so, I looked forward to sleep but also knew that staying up would be the best thing. I got to talk with two leaders over coffee, then one in his living room, then I was whisked away to a "murder mystery party" where a number of local church and parachurch ministry leaders were gathering. The mystery and the ensuing viewing of the Ireland rugby match were great opportunities to plug back in to the people here. (Both the murder mystery and the rugby match were under duress of over 40 hours without sleeping...)

When I slept, I slept. 10 Hours. I guess I had earned it? During my sleep-deprived state, I had made plans to climb Slieve Donard the next day with three young leaders. So I was up, dressed, fed and off to the bottom of the highest peak in Northern Ireland. We stopped off at the Barbican to grab some food for our trek and, with our Bibles in our packs, we started up the mountain by Bloody Bridge. More soon...

The adventure begins...

2007-09-22T10:24:00.000-06:00

I write from a new corner of Newcastle for me... Tullybranningan Road. A huge thanks to Sara and Jamie for their hospitality. So, maybe I'll start with the trip into Dublin. I was wondering, after an hour's delay in Lexington and a five hour layover in Atlanta exactly when the adventure would begin. Then, into the story enters... let's call her "Margaret". That would be good since that's her name. She managed to sigle-handedly make the trip in to Dublin an uproarious comedy. She was in her late 50's, extremely diseveled, a resident of Dublin and native of Cork I was oon to discover. Soon after plopping her bag into the seat next to me she began to rifle through her bag furiously. As I held her complimentary pillow and blanket, she finally panted, "I've got to find me inhaler..." then coughed three hacking coughs. These coughs would be a part of the theme for the next seven hours. Soon after administering the life-saving mist, she explained her malady. Apparently she had gotten ahold of a bad batch of potpourri in Myrtle Beach. Yes, that was the culprit. In her own words, she took one whiff and "me trote clue stup" (my throat closed up). She was really interested in talking, yet every few minutes the video screen would distract her and she'd stare at it for fifteen minutes or so... There's a ton more to the story but I'm heading to a meeting with the leaders of the local youth ministry. I'll get back to this soon. And I know you're dying to know more about Margaret.

Providence.

2007-09-18T07:35:00.000-06:00

So, with a final gift arriving today, all of the funds seem to finally be in place for the trip. It's usually good to have what you need before you travel. You know? So, with 48 hours to go, it's covered. A huge thank you to all who have prayed and those who shared resources. In an interesting twist on fund-raising for missions, I received gifts in three different currencies this time. Pounds, Euros, and Dollars. God provides.

If you haven't seen it yet, please check out the post entitled Prayer. Thank you all for your faithfulness on behalf of myself and the people I'll be with for the next few weeks.

Bullseye.

2007-09-15T15:57:00.000-06:00

It's as though there's a target on my back. I've been a part of many mission trips, each group experiencing a sort of spiritual warfare spread out among the many team members. This one, travelling alone, I should have been prepared to wear the bullseye. Please continue to pray for me and my family - from relationships to home repairs to car repairs to sudden health issues to checks lost in the mail... it's been weird. I appreciate your time in prayer on our behalf!

Prayer.

2007-09-13T14:45:00.000-06:00

Well, all, I'm travelling to Northern Ireland in a week. I wanted to post my itenerary for those who are planning to pray (and those who stumble upon this and are prompted to pray):

Pre-, During-, and Post-trip: Pray for me and my family. Pray for my wife as she cares for our two kids. Pray for health, strength, rest. Pray for the appointments that God is orchestrating during the travel-time and the ten days in County Down. Pray for the necessary finances to be provided.

Thursday, September 20: Travelling. Pray for safety, pray for the person I'll sit next to on the flight, and all other travel related needs.

Friday, September 21: Landing in Dublin, making my way to County Down. I will be travelling by planes, trains, and automobiles by this time. Pray for smooth connections with the trains and buses along the route. Pray God's blessings upon Jamie and Sara for their hospitality in housing me.

Saturday, September 22: Phone-calls, visits to connect with people to establish a general plan for the meetings over the next week.

Sunday, September 23: Potentially speaking in a local church gathering morning and evening. Pray for God's words to find ears that are ready to hear Him speak to them.

Monday, September 24 thru Thursday, September 27: Pray for a multitude of one-on-one meetings. Pray for my discernment as I learn about the successes and challenges of individuals who are engaged in various types and levels of ministry in Northern Ireland. Ask for God to move powerfully in our times of conversational worship. One of these evenings will be spent teaching a group of worship leaders.

Friday, September 28: Pray for me as I spend this entire day with the staff of Project Evangelism. Pray for God's blessings on Richie for his hospitality in allowing me to stay with him for the final days of my trip.

Saturday, September 29: Pray for the group that God reveals through the course of the week who will climb Slieve Donard together for a time of reflection and worship.

Sunday, September 30: Potentially speaking in a local church gathering morning and evening. Pray for God's words to find ears that are ready to hear Him speak to them.

Monday, October 1: Travelling. Pray for safety, pray for the person I'll sit next to on the flight, and all other travel related needs.

I look forward to updating all of you from time to time on this blog. Check back every once in a while to hear what God is up to during the trip!

Füßball. (Spoiler??)

2007-08-23T09:20:00.000-06:00

England 1:2 Deutschland

Great match! Although both goal scorers hail from Schalke, it was a great game to win. Pander's strike from 25 yards was unbelivable. My wife and I both screamed out loud and woke the kids when we saw the shot.

Sweden 1:0 USA

Not such a great match. Good to see a great US squad back together after taking a weakened side to the Copa America to receive a sound thrashing. This was back to Gold Cup strength...

Brazil ?:? Algeria

Recorded this one - we're watching it tonight. Always delightful to watch the Samba Boys. The beautiful game at it's finest. I'm going to say Brazil wins this one, but don't anyone spoil it for me...

Vision.

2007-08-13T14:45:00.000-06:00

I have awful vision. Ever heard of perfect 20/20 vision? Mine’s 20/400ish… I can see clearly up to about six inches without corrective lenses. I’ve worn glasses or contacts since the fourth grade. One night, in the tenth grade, I fell asleep in my contact lenses. Ever done that? There were no extended wear lenses then. They said not to sleep in them or they would dry out, stick to your eyeball and you’d have to have them removed professionally.

The contacts, not your eyeballs.

When I woke up in the morning, I blinked and everything was really fuzzy for a moment. I rubbed my eyes and the fuzziness cleared. I could see! I literally shouted out for my mom to tell her the good news! I’d been healed overnight! Not quite. I quickly realized that my eyes felt extremely dry and I spent the next ten minutes trying to get my contact lenses out…

We’ve got fuzzy vision. And we have trouble seeing the difference between a mistake and a miracle sometimes.

We like to have things neatly packaged, don't we? We like to have control. We like to avoid any possible mess. But, if your life is like mine... isn't it true that sometimes something that looks like a horrendous mess becomes a massive blessing?

Apparently my money is no good here...

2007-08-09T08:07:00.000-06:00

The rest of the office is going in on pizza this afternoon and someone asked if I wanted to get in on it. Rummaging through my backpack, I managed to scrounge up a €1 coin, two £1 coins and 32 pence from my last trip across the Atlantic. So, I've got the equivalent of about $6 in hand, but they say my money's no good here. I did find 52¢, though - maybe I can grab half a slice along with the crew!

Still learning.

2007-08-08T06:24:00.000-06:00

Among other things, Myron is a learner. Yesterday he challenged our entire team to answer the question: "What are you going to learn in the next year?" He got us out of our church-box mentality and encouraged us to think way beyond what we do in ministry. I couldn't narrow it down to one thing - and one of my answers still might be put in some people's church-box...

1) Process the 4 volumes and 2,000 pages of Christopher Alexander's magnum-opus, The Nature of Order. It's about wholeness and order in Architecture, but is metaphor for all of life - relationships, music, art, and more.

2) Finish War and Peace. I actually read 2/3 of it before stumbling onto a Dumas book I had never heard of. Those who recall my extreme appreciation for Dumas' work will understand - It preempted Tolstoy and I never got back to finish the last 1/3.

3) Read scripture through the lens of getting to know Jesus. It's unbelievably difficult to set information and knowledge to the side and prioritize knowing God better by encountering Him in the Text.

I've been captured.

2007-08-03T07:03:00.000-06:00

Cheers to TDurbs for the impromptu photo session. Here's the photo I keep going back to from his collection... arrested my attention and defined his skills for me. Thanks brother.

One-two punch.

2007-08-02T12:15:00.000-06:00

Talking with TDurbs today - I wonder - what's the best one-two punch in music history? To qualify for this category, two songs must be right next to one another in the play order on the album on which they released... Here are a few candidates that would receive my vote:

Hanging by a Thread and Should've Known Better by Nickel Creek on This Side

Where the Streets Have No Name and I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For by U2 on Joshua Tree

What other candidates do we have out there?

7 hours afterward...

2007-08-01T13:19:00.000-06:00

Hey. I found it. After only seven hours, a cup of Heine Brothers Ronda's Blend chased by a demi-tasse of Starbuck's Rift Valley Blend, I finally found the wonder again. It was in John 20:17. Do you see it, too?

Where did the wonder go?

2007-08-01T05:48:00.000-06:00

I'm tired. I walked out of the house this morning without having a cup of coffee. And now I sit and sip as I read the Text. Things are still a bit hazy as I'm waking up... I have my Bible open in front of me, I'm reading about the resurrection, and I'm very aware of a lack of wonder in me. Have I become so well acquainted with it over the years that it is no longer shocking? Am I just tired at the moment? A combination of the two?

Maybe my real question is this: Is it a good thing to get comfortable with the miraculous?

A few firsts.

2007-07-30T06:13:00.000-06:00

This past weekend I had a few "firsts". I'll rank them in order of my personal amazment at these first-time experiences:

5) Watched two live Arsenal matches within 30 hours of time. The Emirates-Cup pre-season "friendly" tournament hosted like six matches within 48 hours. Unusual arrangement for fussball.
4) Performed a wedding away from the church campus - Spindletop was amazing.
3) Performed said wedding outdoors - rain threatened, but held off
2) I ate jellyfish - interesting, indescribable taste and texture (Another first that came along with the wedding!)
1) Talked with people from a Taiwanese/Buddhist culture and American/Baptist culture in the same place at the same time. (Again, the wedding...)

Got new specs and other trivial things

2007-07-26T14:29:00.000-06:00

I went to the eye doctor for the first time in six years last week. I got my new glasses on Monday and, after a few headaches and getting used to the feel of them, I'm all set.

FC Bayern Munchen won again yesterday, making it to the finals of the LigaPokal - facing the penultimate runners-up, Schalke'04, on Saturday. Hopefully they shall be runners up yet again. Good old Arsenal will have one of their first pre-season matches televised in my area this weekend, too. Plenty of time for Fussball this weekend.

Speaking of the weekend. I'm performing a wedding. Picked up the tuxedo today. Ready to roll...

I ate at the Blue Line Diner with my friend Brett today. Good food - I had the Buffalo Chicken Wrap. Good friend and conversation. Odd atmosphere. I'll have to tell you about it sometime if you care to ask...

It's been a week for tough stuff. Two people close to me have cancer diagnoses. Pray for N. and M. if you think of it. Found several opportunities (even though I wasn't looking) to have tough conversations with several people. All went well, though.

Ministry? Finished our latest writing project today and turned it in for editing. Helping people connect with each other. Walking alongside over 150 existing Life Groups in the midsts of their successes and challenges. Growing a care structure from within.

Unbelievably close.

2007-07-24T06:09:00.000-06:00

I've been in a place of trying to know Jesus better. Not just adding more trivia to my store of knowledge, but trying to focus on talking with Him in prayer, hearing from Him there as well as in the Word... Well, you know it's just been amazing to remember and know that God says He lives in His people - and that this is a present reality. It's not a distant relationship in any way! Anyway - John 16:23-28 is another one of those things that clobber me over the head when I try to comprehend the open communication we can have with God. (Keeping it in the present, it's more like: "that I have with God now.") I have to constantly remember that God is not dwelling in the past and not far off in the future, fully available but distant for now. My old view of Him as history relegated Him to the realm of fiction. My way of thinking that God will be there "whenever I need Him" put Him out of the present and far off still. He is here, though. Knowable. Interested in us. In me, even.

I lost my sleep.

2007-07-19T09:17:00.000-06:00

Last night I went to bed at around 10:30 and my good wife was reading in bed beside me. I fell asleep almost immediately with the pillow over my head to keep her reading light out of my eyes. Somewhere in what I thought was the middle of the night, which turned out to be about thirty minutes later, I was startled awake by a banging sound in the dining room... I bounded out of bed, ready to take on the intruder. Turned out my wife was finishing a cake she was baking. The adrenaline rush didn't wear off until 2:30 in the morning. I prayed for a while (super spiritual, you know?) and then played FIFA07 (addicted to the beautiful game, of course...) until I turned out the lights. Four hours later the alarm clock goes off. Lovely.

Death by doggie.

2007-07-16T10:11:00.000-06:00

Maybe not exactly a brush with death since my life didn't flash before my eyes... I was running today, as I often do on my lunch break. At the back of the church property, I looked up and saw what looked like a gathering of people in a circle having a picnic. It turned out that it was one lady sitting and reading, surrounded by a dozen large dogs. As soon as they saw me, the dogs charged. I went, "Well, Lord, I can't do anything about this myself... Help!" I'm thinking - don't be afraid, they can smell fear. What do you do, though, smile at them? After the prayer and the thought I went totally blank. (Which makes me wonder - if I'm ever attacked by a bear, will I remember what the Worst Case Scenario survival guide says to do?) As I ran into the charging pack, they were nipping at my heels and fingers and finally the lady called to them to back off. They finally left me alone when I stopped running and stood still... I lived to walk away with the distinct feeling of drool (I think I was still in control of my bodily functions) running down the back of my leg.

Seeing God

2007-07-13T12:17:00.000-06:00

My good friend Michael Burchett led me to consider the ways we perceive God. In a post a couple of weeks ago, he described how he sensed two different gods in two different communities. Granted, our thoughts about God can be drastically affected by our emotions. But how do the people around us affect our ability to perceive God?

5 Things I Dig About Jesus

2007-07-12T14:47:00.000-06:00

Man. My first tag. Not entirely sure of the protocol, but this one was started by John Smulo and I was tagged by Peter Aschoff in Erlangen, Germany.

He was the King of the entire universe... And yet:

1) He liked to be with people. Various text references in the word. The implication - He liked all kinds of people. Hey, He might just like me too!
2) He enjoyed a party. John 2 hit me over the head here.
3) He met people where they were. This is all over the Gospels. He engaged people where they happened to be - He didn't make them change first, then come to Him. He talked, challenged, put a choice out there. He was openly invitational.
4) He was an amazing friend. I don't think people chased after Him because He was dull. I don't think He just gave them a good feeling. He genuinely cared, helping them to see what they could be. He loved and lived well.
5) He was human. The Word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood! How ludicrous?! And how outstandingly amazing?!

Alright then... Let's hear what you've got,

Trevor Durbin
Michael Burchett
Dan Ott
Steve Taylor
John Turner

I got rid of my desk.

2007-07-10T06:24:00.000-06:00

I was sitting in my office last week and thinking, "Why in the world do I have this massive desk in here?" I guess it was there because it was an office. Made sense to have a desk, you know? What did it hold, though? A little phone, a laptop, a lamp, and that was about it. So now the phone is mounted on the wall, the lamp replaced with a floor lamp, and my laptop sets upon an elevated cafe table. I wonder if there's anywhere else in my life where I have things (or do things) just because they're expected?

Who knows the most?

2007-06-18T10:41:00.001-06:00

Could it be kids? I mean - seriously - they see things pretty clearly, things are simple. Yesterday I had a blast at the local public pool hanging out with my wife and kids. While waiting in line for the water-slide I decided to ask the kids how to go faster on the slide. I got a couple of answers, but one intrigued me: lie on your back and put your hands over your head. It worked! As I thought of the physics of it (What does that say about me? Remember what I said about kids keeping it simple?) it made complete sense. When you put your arms up, your back comes off the slide and your shoulder-blades are all that touches. You eliminate the drag of your entire back touching the slide and... you go faster. It worked so well that I nearly hurt myself! Stuck on a problem? Ask a kid what they would do. There may be a simple, yet profoundly brilliant, answer waiting for you.

Leaders and "doers"

2007-06-15T12:41:00.000-06:00

"Leaders will not follow doers." True or false?

Vacation.

2007-06-11T14:37:00.000-06:00

Or, "Holidays." for my friends from the UK.

14 hours to drive a 9.5 hour drive. Swimming at the pool. Riding bikes. Atlantic Ocean. Sun. Golf at Port Royal. (Insert "swimming at the pool" at will between any of the following) Golf again. Slice from the tee. Alligator in the water hazard. Lost the ball. Bought a Dumas book I'd never heard of before... a fictional work, "Georges". Shrek the Third. Eating great shrimp. Rain the entire last day. FIFA07 saves the day. 14 hours to drive home.

It was wonderful.

'round the world... again?

2007-05-17T07:09:00.000-06:00

I've been praying about a couple of journeys in the next year - one to Northern Ireland to spend time with pastors in County Down just pouring into them to encourage them to keep going. The other is Afghanistan, mostly to help distribute food and to pray for God's work there. It's been an interesting time of releasing my preferences - the ways I want to serve - for the ways I'm called to serve.

I was thinking further yesterday on 2 Timothy 2:20. Paul talks about how some vessels are gold or silver and reserved for use only on special occasions. Then there are wooden and pottery utensils that are for daily use. When we set ourselves up to do only what we like to do in ministry, it's like we're assuming that we are the gold or silver cup. But when we give up our preferences and simply love God and love people in the ways we can today, we're the humble-looking cup being picked up, filled up, and poured out every day. The more I think about it, I'd rather be a simple vessel and be used by my Father each and every day - not just occasionally. That's all for that tirade.

Hey football fans - Champions League final next week! Too bad no faves in the match, but oddly I find myself leaning toward AC Milan thanks to their Brazilian contingent... Weird since they were responsible for knocking Bayern out of the running.

I keep dreaming.

2007-05-08T12:43:00.000-06:00

Well, the prophet Joel said that old men will dream dreams. I keep dreaming. Does that mean I am getting old?

Ah, well. Random question: Does the word metawe mean anything to you? If it does, I'd like to hear from you. If it doesn't, give me a few months and ask me about it.

.:broken:.

2007-04-26T15:46:00.000-06:00

Man. Unbelievable. I was discontent with the angle at which my French-press was sitting and while trying to even the legs out, I shattered the thing. Sad times...

OK. The moment of silence is over. So, what about you? Have you ever lost or broken something that you still miss?

I'm popular.

2007-04-16T10:42:00.000-06:00

Well. At least in one circle for one moment I was... You see, nothing will make you a more popular parent (not that parenting is even remotely about popularity) than taking the kids to KrispyKreme for lunch after church. Nothing I can think of at least.

Three things you may not care to read.

2007-03-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading The Black Tulip for the second time last night. Of all of the works of Alexandre Dumas Pere, this one is a front-runner for my favorite. Black: The Story of a Dog is right up there as well. Maybe I'll reread that next. You'd think that his wildly popular works would be the number one - but maybe the appeal for me is the simplicity of these next to the vast panorama of Musketeer/Twenty Years After/Vicomte de Braggelone/Man in the Iron Mask or The Count of Monte Cristo.

I watched England play Israel in their Euro 2008 qualifier last night, too. Even though I was pulling for England, I still had a strange sense of satisfaction every time Rooney mis-fired. Defoe had flashes of brilliance. Not sure why he didn't start ahead of Rooney and Johnson. And yet, after all was said and done, it ended in a nil-nil draw.

I over-seeded my lawn the other day. There's a fun job, now. Gotta keep the grass growing. I'll be fertilizing it soon. Keeps me in the business of mowing my own lawn, I guess. Job security, you know?

A dream.

2007-03-23T06:05:00.001-07:00

I had a dream that I had a few years ago. In the dream I was walking down a sidewalk with a man. Somehow I knew this man's past and future. Without being told, I knew that when the man was born, he had been immediately bound to a chair. He grew up in shackles of iron. But this man had been freed from the chair - liberated. It was clear. Since I found myself walking with him, he was obviously free to walk, even run. To live. To move. To dance! But, sadly, I also knew his future. I knew that he was on his way back... As we walked and talked I could not hear the conversation because all of my attention was distracted by the knowledge that although he'd been freed from the chair, his every intention was to go back to sit in the chair, broken shackles and all. On this day, it was his choice. On some days he returned carelessly out of habit. There were also days when he wanted desperately to stay out of it, but felt driven to return. And, although he couldn't put it into words, that chair had become a comfort to him despite the terrible nature of his former captivity there.

Tried to have a bad day...

2007-03-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

I tried to have a bad day today. I woke up complaining, laying the groundwork for nothing good. I was brought back to my senses by two things:

First, my oldest daughter. Through a random tangent of conversation, she discovered that there is a summer break from school.

MC: "We're out of school all summer?!"
Me: "Yes."
MC: "Are you serious?!"
Me: "Yep."
MC: "Woo hoo!!"

She sat and stared out the car window smiling from ear to ear. I could almost see the wheels turning in her head thinking through the limitless possibilities that lay ahead... I decided to approach the day like my daughter at that point.

Second, God's Word in Philippians 2:14-15 gave me even more focus today. We shine like stars when we stay away from complaining and arguing. I nearly fell into a trap of my own making this morning. I'm thankful to have leapt over it... with a little help.

Omni-Dimensional

2007-03-13T06:06:00.000-07:00

How much happier you would be,
How much more of you there would be,
if the hammer of a higher God
Could smash your small cosmos.

::Gilbert Keith Chesterton

God is beyond. Infinitely beyond. It's a very good thing that we cannot begin to fully comprehend Him. Because of His beyondness, I can trust Him, I can depend upon Him, I can believe Him. I was reading a book by Mark Battersell today and was grabbed by his thought that God is highly into doing what seems to be impossible for us. I've even seen Him do such things - yet I forget. May our eyes be open to seeing Him move. May we be prone to bedazzlement.

Responsiveness

2007-03-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

Poison-control is a really good resource.

You call them. You tell them what and how much went in. They tell you what could happen and when. They call you back... They actually call you back to check on you in the prescribed time-frame! Pretty cool in my book.

How could the church benefit from this kind of urgently caring approach?

Ohne Worte Part II

2007-03-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

OK. I wrote that post and something strange happened the following day. I turned invisible. Not literally, but kind of like the dude in Ellison's classic work The Invisible Man. Kind of like it, I said. Anyway - in a rather humorous yet disturbing way, no one would speak to me. I had to initiate all conversations that day. It was crazy. I literally walked into rooms filled with people and in-between people having conversations and it was as though I were invisible. I didn't feel like anyone was trying to snub me or anything - the longer it went on the more I laughed inside. It was as though I were being challenged with the idea of whether or not I was truly alright with silence... alright in my own skin. Could I function Ohne Worte - in a verbal void? It forced me to talk with God about who I am inside. It made me consider whether or not I needed verbal affirmation that what I do matters, that who I am is significant. Interesting times. After that day it was over. Everything's back to normal. I am visible again. And the inside is a bit clearer than before. Maybe it was all just a new version of solitude in the rush and tumble of this cultural monastery...

Ohne Worte

2007-03-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

There's been a theme happening around me lately. It's in my reading, in time with God, in my work, in my life. It's in art, architecture, playing with my kids, in scripture, in worship. Ohne Worte. Without words.

The heavens tell of the glory of God... they continue to speak... without a sound or a word... yet their message has gone out to all the earth...

Our words try to pin God down, yet I'm sensing more and more that they sometimes serve to distract us. In the words of Martin Luther, "Ohne Sprache und ohne Worte; unhorbar ist ihre stimme."

You have taught nursing infants to give you praise...

What words do infants use? Cries and laughter, maybe. But still, ohne Worte.

Love God and Love People...

Our life lived for Christ is shown in our actions more than our words.

I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in...

Inherit the Kingdom, ohne Worte.

Walk slower. And wait.

2007-03-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

I've been camping out in Jeremiah, taking a slow journey through. It's been this good thing to come to the Word with no specific expectations of what I'm going to hear - to just spend time with Christ, letting Him speak when, if, and what He wants to... Writing curriculum for the church, I get into a rut of studying for the purpose of writing - not so much for encountering Christ, the living word. I find myself seeing just black ink on white pages instead of the Living Jesus. The slow walk has been good.

It was during this time in my reading of Jeremiah last week that God decided to put His finger down on one particular verse. It was Jeremiah 42:7 - Ten days later, the LORD gave his reply to Jeremiah. In my life with God, I've discovered this amazing thing - He answers prayer. But somehow along the way, the good part of a life lived expectantly morphed into a life lived in childish demand. So, reading this verse I was like, "Why did he have to wait ten days?"

Even as I spoke it, I was busted. I was cut. The need for heart-surgery was clear. I have lost sight of patience. I have forgotten again that God works for those who wait for Him.

Lord, thanks for this slow walk we've been on. And thanks that you do answer when we ask. Thanks that You're not angry with me, but that You desire what's best for me. Help me to wait well. Amen.

A win, a loss, a healing, a journey

2007-02-26T10:50:00.000-07:00

The win of the weekend: FC Bayern-Munchen 2:1 VfL Wolfsburg. Finally off their little skid...

Loss of the year: Arsenal 1:2 Chelsea. Offside goal and plenty of shenanigans from the blues...

My kids are both recovering from a week-long bout with strep. That's huge. It's been a long week, but I'm ecstatic that their fevers are finally down and they can get back to normal.

Anyone for a trip to Northern Ireland soon?

non-sans

2007-02-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

Ever had a weird desire to read my journal? Here's your chance... I already read it aloud to Trevor, so why can't you read it, too?

Yesterday was a really good day. Not sans-irritation. Just good. I still got stuck in traffic. My plans got shuffled about and adjusted. My girls listened sometimes, sometimes not. Some people clearly valued me, others didn't. I had my share of frustration but instead of trying to feel better I asked God to help me as I experienced it. Thank You, Lord, for ministering to my heart in the midst of every-day life. Keep doing this healing work. I pray it in Jesus' name. Amen.