Old School youth ministry shot here...early 90's lip synch, that is Dan Williams on the left, Eric Stocking in the middle and Dave Hunt on the right. I think they were doing a Bloodgood song.
Monday, July 26, 2004
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Does going to church matter?
...and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom.
-Luke 4:16
Jesus felt the need to regularly gather with the spiritual community He was living around.
He sat somewhere, with someone else. It matters if you go somewhere...because someone is weaker if you are not present. Size isn't the issue, place isn't either...being together is the issue. Jesus promised to manifest Himself in some unique way when 2 or 3 are gathered together in His name. That is worth going...
...and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom.
-Luke 4:16
Jesus felt the need to regularly gather with the spiritual community He was living around.
He sat somewhere, with someone else. It matters if you go somewhere...because someone is weaker if you are not present. Size isn't the issue, place isn't either...being together is the issue. Jesus promised to manifest Himself in some unique way when 2 or 3 are gathered together in His name. That is worth going...
Grace...
"This Grace in the heart puts our minds on spiritual duties and motivates the soul to wait on God and to act for God. And the sense of the excellency and sweetness of communion with God, and the choice and precious discoveries that the soul remembers of the beauty and glory of God.
-Thomas Brooks (From: Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices)
"This Grace in the heart puts our minds on spiritual duties and motivates the soul to wait on God and to act for God. And the sense of the excellency and sweetness of communion with God, and the choice and precious discoveries that the soul remembers of the beauty and glory of God.
-Thomas Brooks (From: Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices)
56 Deceits in Fahrenheit 911
"Every single fact I state in 'Fahrenheit 9/11' is the absolute and irrefutable truth...Do not let anyone say this or that isn't true. If they say that, they are lying." -Michael Moore
Humm...According to the above link, Michael has got some explaining to do.
"Every single fact I state in 'Fahrenheit 9/11' is the absolute and irrefutable truth...Do not let anyone say this or that isn't true. If they say that, they are lying." -Michael Moore
Humm...According to the above link, Michael has got some explaining to do.
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Global evangelism strategies, Jesus style...
I have been reading a lot of great articles on the above subject: here
I am so interested in many of the topics discussed on this site.
Great stuff to read and even better to walk out in our own local churches.
I have been reading a lot of great articles on the above subject: here
I am so interested in many of the topics discussed on this site.
Great stuff to read and even better to walk out in our own local churches.
Capitalism: friend or foe?
Here is a good discussion on economics, capitalism, socialism and the power or corruption of making money.
I am very interested in this subject especially as it related to issues of justice, mercy, poverty and finding the best ways to rebuild crumbling communities.
Feel free to chime in...anytime, the more conversation the better...I know you are out there.
Here is a good discussion on economics, capitalism, socialism and the power or corruption of making money.
I am very interested in this subject especially as it related to issues of justice, mercy, poverty and finding the best ways to rebuild crumbling communities.
Feel free to chime in...anytime, the more conversation the better...I know you are out there.
Words that burn...
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan urged Washington
to show the same leadership in fighting AIDS as it has in fighting terrorism:
"We hear a lot about weapons of mass destruction, we hear a lot about terrorism. And we are worried about weapons of mass destruction because of the potential to kill thousands. here we have an epidemic that is killing millions. What is the response?"
That's a barbed comment if I have ever heard one...makes me squirm in the light of truth.
An estimated 38 million people are infected with HIV, mostly in poor countries: 25 million in sub-Sharhra Africa and 7.2 million in Asia.
Click Here to dig deeper into what you can do.
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan urged Washington
to show the same leadership in fighting AIDS as it has in fighting terrorism:
"We hear a lot about weapons of mass destruction, we hear a lot about terrorism. And we are worried about weapons of mass destruction because of the potential to kill thousands. here we have an epidemic that is killing millions. What is the response?"
That's a barbed comment if I have ever heard one...makes me squirm in the light of truth.
An estimated 38 million people are infected with HIV, mostly in poor countries: 25 million in sub-Sharhra Africa and 7.2 million in Asia.
Click Here to dig deeper into what you can do.
Monday, July 19, 2004
Sunday, July 18, 2004
Two Towers Extended Version...
Aragorn: Your duty is with your people.
Eowyn: Too often have I heard of duty. But am I not of the House of Eorl, a shieldmaiden and not a dry-nurse? I have waited on faltering feet long enough. Since they falter no longer, it seems, may I not now spend my life as I will?
The kids and I watched the Two Towers extended version the other night.
It totally rocked! It's far better in the extended version and much more satisfying than the Fellowship's extended version. I can't wait for the Return of the King extended version where we will finally see Gandalf face the Nazgul on the heights of Gondor. A clip that we see in every advertisement and preview but have not seen in any of the movies yet.
Aragorn: Your duty is with your people.
Eowyn: Too often have I heard of duty. But am I not of the House of Eorl, a shieldmaiden and not a dry-nurse? I have waited on faltering feet long enough. Since they falter no longer, it seems, may I not now spend my life as I will?
The kids and I watched the Two Towers extended version the other night.
It totally rocked! It's far better in the extended version and much more satisfying than the Fellowship's extended version. I can't wait for the Return of the King extended version where we will finally see Gandalf face the Nazgul on the heights of Gondor. A clip that we see in every advertisement and preview but have not seen in any of the movies yet.
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Woman Wisdom
"I am absolutely wretched today on account of your state of mind...your state of intellect...why don't you let the better side of you work?...Where is the mind that wrote the prince and the p., Jeanne d' Arc, the Yankee, etc. ect. ect. Bring it back! you can if you will...if you wish to. Think of the side that I know; the sweet, dear, tender side...that I love so...Does it help the world to always rail at it? there is great and noble work, being done. Why not sometimes recognize that? You always dwell on the evil until those who live beside you are crushed to the earth and you seem almost like a monomaniac. Oh I love you so and wish you would listen and take heed." -Livy Clemens, Mark Twain's wife.
I stand doubly charged...pray for me still.
"I am absolutely wretched today on account of your state of mind...your state of intellect...why don't you let the better side of you work?...Where is the mind that wrote the prince and the p., Jeanne d' Arc, the Yankee, etc. ect. ect. Bring it back! you can if you will...if you wish to. Think of the side that I know; the sweet, dear, tender side...that I love so...Does it help the world to always rail at it? there is great and noble work, being done. Why not sometimes recognize that? You always dwell on the evil until those who live beside you are crushed to the earth and you seem almost like a monomaniac. Oh I love you so and wish you would listen and take heed." -Livy Clemens, Mark Twain's wife.
I stand doubly charged...pray for me still.
I am a Monomaniac...
Voltaire called the Frenchman La Harpe:
"An oven which was always heating, but which never cooked anything."
I think a lot of my monomania comes from such an oxymoron like inner life. That life between dream and reality, vision and sight, prophesy and experience can be a trying desert that can make men mad...
Oscar Wilde said that "the problem with being a dreamer is that you see the dawn while everyone else is still sleeping..." that's a frustrating thing. It often breeds disillusionment or at least an agitated temperament sometimes.
I stand guilty as charged...
Pray for me.
Voltaire called the Frenchman La Harpe:
"An oven which was always heating, but which never cooked anything."
I think a lot of my monomania comes from such an oxymoron like inner life. That life between dream and reality, vision and sight, prophesy and experience can be a trying desert that can make men mad...
Oscar Wilde said that "the problem with being a dreamer is that you see the dawn while everyone else is still sleeping..." that's a frustrating thing. It often breeds disillusionment or at least an agitated temperament sometimes.
I stand guilty as charged...
Pray for me.
Are we weenies or men?
Maybe I am alone in my thoughts and feelings on this one but I do think "pussification" is happening.
I don't think the issue can be localized into a "Let's punch each other" generalization though. I don't think that is the issue. I think it is fairly deeper than that.
I write, sing, play guitar, cry, watch chick flicks, can't work on a car, shave, don't watch sports, drink a little beer as long as it is Micro, don't wear flannel, don't hunt, don't like putting hooks on fish and never cleaned one...I can share, empathize, listen, express, counsel and go out for coffee and talk too. I do all those things and still I am confident as a "man" but....
...I do think I have been short changed in some ways as a man. I wish that as a young man I would have had more fathering, better role models, more wisdom from elders on life, manhood, work, power, loving, spirituality.
I think there is a desperate need for fathering. I am not saying you can't become a man without a father but the absence of one is critical.
I work with juvenile offenders and most have no relationship with or have a had a destructive relationship with men.
The results are a host of noxious patterns of survival, self deification from a lack of healthy socialization within a loving home,often without a dad.
Young people are plagued with insecurity, hungry longing, gaping emotional holes that bleed neediness. There is explosive anger that burns hotter than Hades. We have many in this generation that are completely clueless of what it means to be a man and they are leaving a wake of dysfunction, abuse and confusion and they are having children too.
We need men more than ever...
Maybe I am alone in my thoughts and feelings on this one but I do think "pussification" is happening.
I don't think the issue can be localized into a "Let's punch each other" generalization though. I don't think that is the issue. I think it is fairly deeper than that.
I write, sing, play guitar, cry, watch chick flicks, can't work on a car, shave, don't watch sports, drink a little beer as long as it is Micro, don't wear flannel, don't hunt, don't like putting hooks on fish and never cleaned one...I can share, empathize, listen, express, counsel and go out for coffee and talk too. I do all those things and still I am confident as a "man" but....
...I do think I have been short changed in some ways as a man. I wish that as a young man I would have had more fathering, better role models, more wisdom from elders on life, manhood, work, power, loving, spirituality.
I think there is a desperate need for fathering. I am not saying you can't become a man without a father but the absence of one is critical.
I work with juvenile offenders and most have no relationship with or have a had a destructive relationship with men.
The results are a host of noxious patterns of survival, self deification from a lack of healthy socialization within a loving home,often without a dad.
Young people are plagued with insecurity, hungry longing, gaping emotional holes that bleed neediness. There is explosive anger that burns hotter than Hades. We have many in this generation that are completely clueless of what it means to be a man and they are leaving a wake of dysfunction, abuse and confusion and they are having children too.
We need men more than ever...
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Exploring the Roots of the city
Below are some of my recent photos of native peoples art in Spokane. Spokane has a very interesting First Nation history and an equally troubling story of our relationships with them. I don't think one can fully pray for a city or region without exploring its history.
Below are some of my recent photos of native peoples art in Spokane. Spokane has a very interesting First Nation history and an equally troubling story of our relationships with them. I don't think one can fully pray for a city or region without exploring its history.
Monday, July 12, 2004
The War Prayer
By Mark Twain
In 1905, Twain wrote a piece called “The War Prayer” an attack on enthusiasm for war so scathing that it would not be published until after his death.
In it, young troops about to march off to battle gather in a church, where the minister prays for their victory. But then a stranger enters, wearing a white robe, and tells the congregation he has been sent from God to say he has heard their prayer and is willing to grant it…but only after the messenger explains what it really means.
God has actually received two prayers from the group, the stranger says: the one that the preacher spoke, but also a second, silent one that was in their hearts when they asked for victory. Then the messenger puts the unspoken prayer into words:
“O Lord our father, our young patriots, idols of our hearts, go forth to battle—be Thou near them! With them—in spirit—we also go forth from the sweet peace of our beloved firesides to smite the foe.
O Lord our God, help us to tear their soldiers to bloody shreds with our shells;
help us to cover their smiling fields with the pale forms of their patriot dead;
help us to drown the thunder of their guns with the wounded, writing in pain;
help us to lay waste their humble homes with a hurricane of fire;
help us to wring the hearts of their unoffending widows with unavailing grief;
help us to turn them out roofless with their little children to wander unfriended through wastes of their desolated land in rags and hunger and thirst, sport of the sun-flames of summer and the icy winds of winter, broken in spirit, worn with travail, imploring Thee for the refuge of the grave and denied it, for our sakes, who adore Thee, Lord, blast their hopes, blight their lives, protract their bitter pilgrimage, make heavy their steps, water their way with their tears, stain the white snow with the blood of their wounded feet!
We ask of one who is the Spirit of love & who is the ever-faithful refuge & friend of all that are sore beset, and seek His aid with humble and contrite hearts. Grant our prayer, O, Lord and Thine shall be the praise and honor and glory now and ever, Amen.” (After a pause, “Ye have prayed it; if ye still desire it speak! The messenger of the Most High waits.”
-From Mark Twain, An Illustrated Biography, G. Ward, D. Duncan & K. Burns
By Mark Twain
In 1905, Twain wrote a piece called “The War Prayer” an attack on enthusiasm for war so scathing that it would not be published until after his death.
In it, young troops about to march off to battle gather in a church, where the minister prays for their victory. But then a stranger enters, wearing a white robe, and tells the congregation he has been sent from God to say he has heard their prayer and is willing to grant it…but only after the messenger explains what it really means.
God has actually received two prayers from the group, the stranger says: the one that the preacher spoke, but also a second, silent one that was in their hearts when they asked for victory. Then the messenger puts the unspoken prayer into words:
“O Lord our father, our young patriots, idols of our hearts, go forth to battle—be Thou near them! With them—in spirit—we also go forth from the sweet peace of our beloved firesides to smite the foe.
O Lord our God, help us to tear their soldiers to bloody shreds with our shells;
help us to cover their smiling fields with the pale forms of their patriot dead;
help us to drown the thunder of their guns with the wounded, writing in pain;
help us to lay waste their humble homes with a hurricane of fire;
help us to wring the hearts of their unoffending widows with unavailing grief;
help us to turn them out roofless with their little children to wander unfriended through wastes of their desolated land in rags and hunger and thirst, sport of the sun-flames of summer and the icy winds of winter, broken in spirit, worn with travail, imploring Thee for the refuge of the grave and denied it, for our sakes, who adore Thee, Lord, blast their hopes, blight their lives, protract their bitter pilgrimage, make heavy their steps, water their way with their tears, stain the white snow with the blood of their wounded feet!
We ask of one who is the Spirit of love & who is the ever-faithful refuge & friend of all that are sore beset, and seek His aid with humble and contrite hearts. Grant our prayer, O, Lord and Thine shall be the praise and honor and glory now and ever, Amen.” (After a pause, “Ye have prayed it; if ye still desire it speak! The messenger of the Most High waits.”
-From Mark Twain, An Illustrated Biography, G. Ward, D. Duncan & K. Burns
Sunday, July 11, 2004
"We are a generation of men raised by women." - Tyler Durden
To Lydia & Tammy and other wild women...
My wife and I were discussing Fight Club the other night...
She was sharing how she was frustrated because she felt the image of a man that "TYLER" represented was not anything like the man she felt was a healthy man. I was sharing how the issues represented in Tyler are often stuff men are wrestling with within themselves. How to be a man with both characters fighting to be the dominant male. How to live responsibly and wildly at the same time. How to be free to let go of the wheel and wear a seat belt at the same time as in the movie. How to love passionately and yet, know committed, faithful love.
How to tap into that masculine inner fire that in our culture is often harnessed and explored in extreme sports, the military, cut throat business, competition sports, exercise, and a host of other channels for male fire but rarely felt in the church. Being a part of the church often leaves men with few places to connect with thunder and lightening but a host of places to talk and listen and be tame...qualities that do not often come natural to the male species!
I think woman are frightened and secretly mesmerized by the wild man and yet want him wrapped up in a suit. They often want a tough dog, a guard dog but want him on a leash.
So as a man...I would hope for freedom to be and explore and really reconnect with masculinity. The opportunity to roar instead of whisper, hear drums instead of piano's, wear sweat instead of a tie. Love us in our unfolding and struggle to be who God desires us to be as a man. Empower us by becoming all that God wants you to be as a woman. I long for women to be fully women and men to be fully men. Let men grow hair...stop requiring us to shave...it's symbolism is degrading. Stop dressing us...mommy isn't needed any more. Make love to us passionately again and wake us up to what it means to be loved by a real woman.
Be Eve again and birth men in the wild...
To Lydia & Tammy and other wild women...
My wife and I were discussing Fight Club the other night...
She was sharing how she was frustrated because she felt the image of a man that "TYLER" represented was not anything like the man she felt was a healthy man. I was sharing how the issues represented in Tyler are often stuff men are wrestling with within themselves. How to be a man with both characters fighting to be the dominant male. How to live responsibly and wildly at the same time. How to be free to let go of the wheel and wear a seat belt at the same time as in the movie. How to love passionately and yet, know committed, faithful love.
How to tap into that masculine inner fire that in our culture is often harnessed and explored in extreme sports, the military, cut throat business, competition sports, exercise, and a host of other channels for male fire but rarely felt in the church. Being a part of the church often leaves men with few places to connect with thunder and lightening but a host of places to talk and listen and be tame...qualities that do not often come natural to the male species!
I think woman are frightened and secretly mesmerized by the wild man and yet want him wrapped up in a suit. They often want a tough dog, a guard dog but want him on a leash.
So as a man...I would hope for freedom to be and explore and really reconnect with masculinity. The opportunity to roar instead of whisper, hear drums instead of piano's, wear sweat instead of a tie. Love us in our unfolding and struggle to be who God desires us to be as a man. Empower us by becoming all that God wants you to be as a woman. I long for women to be fully women and men to be fully men. Let men grow hair...stop requiring us to shave...it's symbolism is degrading. Stop dressing us...mommy isn't needed any more. Make love to us passionately again and wake us up to what it means to be loved by a real woman.
Be Eve again and birth men in the wild...
Saturday, July 10, 2004
Youth Summer Pool Party...These are always a blast here in Spokane. Lot's of food, teens, getting wild in the pool. Today we played a mad game of water polo, it was crazy. These parties can get brutal...I've had surgery from one pool party! Oh the memories...Nothing like getting paid to pound on teens in the pool...LOL!
Friday, July 09, 2004
Boob Tube...
"If you watch the average amount of television - 4 hours a day, 28 hours a week
you will spend 13 years watching TV by the time you're 75."
-Milton Chen, Ph.D., The Smart Parent's Guide to Kid's TV, 1994.
The perfect woman...
God help the man who won't marry until he finds a perfect woman,
and God help him still more if he finds her.
-Benjamin Tillett
LOL...this made me laugh when I read it.
I have been married 14 years as of July 7th.
I got married when I was 19 and I am almost 34.
Getting married was the best thing that has happened to me next to meeting Jesus and having kids...Anyone who tells you marriage is death to living, has never been really alive.
How fair you are my love, how very fair!
You have ravished my heart and given me courage with one look from your eyes...
Your lips O my bride, drop honey as the honeycomb, honey and milk are under your tongue...You are a fountain...a well of living waters and flowing streams...
Love...it's flashes are flashes of fire, a most vehement flame (the very flame of the Lord!) (scriptures taken from Song of Songs)
You burn me lover, you scorch me...here's to another 14 years of fire...
Morality is more than sexuality...
In the past I have always voted along Republican morality lines alone. Over the last few years I have been involved in other moral and cultural issues that have changed or at least challenged my previous thinking.
Poverty, taxes, education, home life, justice and economics are also a part of this "moral" path of voting. Issues of sexuality are a part of the discussion of morality as well as others.
I oppose abortion and believe homosexuality is one of the sins of the flesh along with a host of others.
But I am not convinced that the course of the hard right end of the Republican party is the only course that leads to improving these conditions. Could it be that we are possibly creating opposing forces that further the very troubles we desire to see ended. That we may be making our culture more fertile for some of these community and personal sins through our present political ideology, methods and focus?
Have we helped create the soil from which this fruit emerges?
Poverty, taxes, education, home life, justice and economics are also a part of this "moral" path of voting. Issues of sexuality are a part of the discussion of morality as well as others.
I oppose abortion and believe homosexuality is one of the sins of the flesh along with a host of others.
But I am not convinced that the course of the hard right end of the Republican party is the only course that leads to improving these conditions. Could it be that we are possibly creating opposing forces that further the very troubles we desire to see ended. That we may be making our culture more fertile for some of these community and personal sins through our present political ideology, methods and focus?
Have we helped create the soil from which this fruit emerges?
John Kerry on Abortion
"I oppose abortion, personally. I don't like abortion. I believe life begins at conception. But I don't take my Catholic beliefs, my article of faith, and legislate it on a Protestant, on a Jew, or an atheist who doesn't share it. We have separation of church and state in the United States of America." - John Kerry
Kerry's voting record backs up this belief (though the part about life beginning at conception is new). He voted against the partial birth abortion ban six times. John Edwards has a similar record on abortion. NARAL Pro-Choice America, the lobbying arm of the abortion rights movement, called the Kerry-Edwards ticket "a dream ticket for a woman's right to choose." (From: http://www.brianbaute.com/2004/07/john-kerry-on-abortion.htm)
Just another reason why I would have a hard time voting for this guy...
Senate Report Finds U.S. Overplayed Iraq Threat
Rockefeller said: ''Tragically, the intelligence failures set forth in this report will affect our national security for generations to come. Our credibility is diminished. Our standing in the world has never been lower. We have fostered a deep hatred of Americans in the Muslim world, and that will grow. As a direct consequence, our nation is more vulnerable today than ever before." -The committee's top Democrat, Sen. Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia.
This was another disappointing blow to my crumbling confidence in this whole Iraq conflict.
I am still not hearing or reading anything from the President that has repaired my past support. If anyone can link me, send me or enlighten me more on this subject I am open.
I am currently a swing vote...I should be getting a lot of attention and information from the Republicans but I'm not.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
The cost of the Iraq war
987: Number of coalition forces killed between March 19, 2003, and July 5, 2004
693: Number killed after President Bush declared the end of official combat operations on May 1, 2003
9,436: Minimum estimate of the number of Iraq civilians killed as a result of the U.S. invasion and occupation
40,000: Estimated number of Iraqis injured
14: Average number of violent deaths per month in Iraq in 2002
357: Average number of violent deaths per month in Iraq in 2003
30: Percentage of Iraqis unemployed before the war
60: Percentage of Iraqis unemployed in the summer of 2003
$151,000,000,000: Amount spent on the war through the end of this year, pending Congressional approval
$3,415: Monetary cost of war per U.S. household, on average
54: Percentage of Americans polled who felt that "the situation in Iraq was not worth going to war over" (Annenberg Election Survey)
52: Percentage of soldiers who reported low morale, according to a March 2004 army survey
28.2: Percentage of soldiers in Iraq who screened positive for traumatic stress, anxiety, or depression
34: Number of detainee deaths as a result of interrogation methods currently under investigation by the U.S. military
20,000: Number of private contractors performing traditionally military jobs in Iraq
1: Percentage of Iraqi workers involved in reconstruction projects
$160,000,000: Amount spent by major contractor Halliburton on meals that were never served to troops
82,000,000,000: Number of U.S. children who could have received health care coverage with the funds allocated to the war by the Bush administration
Sources: Foreign Policy in Focus, The Wall Street Journal.
The Lion roars...
For thus the Lord has spoken to me: "As a lion roars, And a young lion over his prey (When a multitude of shepherds is summoned against him, He will not be afraid of their voice Nor be disturbed by their noise), So the Lord of hosts will come down To fight for Mount Zion and for its hill.
-Is. 31:4
When I read that the other morning, I was instantly moved within by the Holy Spirit and He applied that to the many native people's history in America. They were surrounded by the advancing new Americans in the early years of our immigration. They roared against those who had come against them and they were not afraid.
It was a noble and tragic moment in a unfolding history but their destiny isn't and never has been ended.
Israel was in bondage for 400 years of slavery within the purposes of God. They were delivered from the oppression, the bondage, the cultural dominance and forced servitude of the Egyptians. What they were...was not what they would be.
I know that isn't the immediate historical context of the passage but it became a point of prayer none the less. I was stirred once again to continue to pray about this current focus the Lord has on my prayer life about First Nation people in Spokane and the pacific North West.
For thus the Lord has spoken to me: "As a lion roars, And a young lion over his prey (When a multitude of shepherds is summoned against him, He will not be afraid of their voice Nor be disturbed by their noise), So the Lord of hosts will come down To fight for Mount Zion and for its hill.
-Is. 31:4
When I read that the other morning, I was instantly moved within by the Holy Spirit and He applied that to the many native people's history in America. They were surrounded by the advancing new Americans in the early years of our immigration. They roared against those who had come against them and they were not afraid.
It was a noble and tragic moment in a unfolding history but their destiny isn't and never has been ended.
Israel was in bondage for 400 years of slavery within the purposes of God. They were delivered from the oppression, the bondage, the cultural dominance and forced servitude of the Egyptians. What they were...was not what they would be.
I know that isn't the immediate historical context of the passage but it became a point of prayer none the less. I was stirred once again to continue to pray about this current focus the Lord has on my prayer life about First Nation people in Spokane and the pacific North West.
Totem poles
and the birth of the church
I read this the other day and it reminded me of the work of Jesus and the early church as the foundation carvings on the pole. It also gave me some relief to know that even if our work on the completed end of the "gospel pole" isn't quite as good a reflection of the bottom; that maybe He designed that way too?
"So, to be certain the totem looks professional and well-executed, the chief carver personally carves the bottom ten feet of the pole and allows the inexperienced apprentices to carve the higher regions. The most intricate and best carved figures are usually placed on the bottom end with the story thinning out towards the top. Many poles (but certainly not all of them!) are topped off with Thunderbird, sort of a generic capper figure, something like a Christmas star, who often has far less meaning than all the carefully thought out symbolic creatures carved into the lower regions. If anything, the lower figures on a totem pole are slightly more important." From "Totem Poles".
and the birth of the church
I read this the other day and it reminded me of the work of Jesus and the early church as the foundation carvings on the pole. It also gave me some relief to know that even if our work on the completed end of the "gospel pole" isn't quite as good a reflection of the bottom; that maybe He designed that way too?
"So, to be certain the totem looks professional and well-executed, the chief carver personally carves the bottom ten feet of the pole and allows the inexperienced apprentices to carve the higher regions. The most intricate and best carved figures are usually placed on the bottom end with the story thinning out towards the top. Many poles (but certainly not all of them!) are topped off with Thunderbird, sort of a generic capper figure, something like a Christmas star, who often has far less meaning than all the carefully thought out symbolic creatures carved into the lower regions. If anything, the lower figures on a totem pole are slightly more important." From "Totem Poles".
The Reading Rebel
Here is my current reading list:
"New way to be Human, a provocative look at what it means to follow Jesus" by Charlie peacock.
"God's Neighborhood, A hopeful journey in racial reconciliation and community renewal" by Scott Rolley with James Isaac Elliott.
"Chasing the Dragon, the true story of how one woman's faith resulted in the conversion of hundreds of drug addicts, prostitutes and hardened criminals in Hong Kong's infamous Walled City." by Jackie Pullinger.
"Thunder God, A Viking Quest" by Paul Watkins
"Be warned; the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body."
-Ecc. 12:12
Here is my current reading list:
"New way to be Human, a provocative look at what it means to follow Jesus" by Charlie peacock.
"God's Neighborhood, A hopeful journey in racial reconciliation and community renewal" by Scott Rolley with James Isaac Elliott.
"Chasing the Dragon, the true story of how one woman's faith resulted in the conversion of hundreds of drug addicts, prostitutes and hardened criminals in Hong Kong's infamous Walled City." by Jackie Pullinger.
"Thunder God, A Viking Quest" by Paul Watkins
"Be warned; the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body."
-Ecc. 12:12
Johnny Doesn't want to read...
Only 47 percent of American adults read "literature" (poems, plays, narrative fiction) in 2002, a drop of 7 points from a decade earlier. Those reading any book at all in 2002 fell to 57 percent, down from 61 percent.
The likely culprits, according to the report: television, movies and the Internet.
"I think what we're seeing is an enormous cultural shift from print media to electronic media, and the unintended consequences of that shift," Gioia said.
The drop in reading was widespread: among men and women, young and old, black and white, college graduates and high school dropouts. The numbers were especially poor among adult men, of whom only 38 percent read literature, and Hispanics overall, for whom the percentage was 26.5.
The decline was especially great among the youngest people surveyed, ages 18 to 24. Only 43 percent had read any literature in 2002, down from 53 percent in 1992.
"The reason we are bringing this study out is that we consider it a crisis situation that requires a national conversation."
Read the full article here
Because the Teacher was wise, he taught the people everything he knew. He collected proverbs and classified them.
Indeed, the Teacher taught the plain truth, and he did so in an interesting way. A wise teacher's words spur students to action and emphasize important truths. The collected sayings of the wise are like guidance from a shepherd.
-Ecclesiastes 12:9-11
Only 47 percent of American adults read "literature" (poems, plays, narrative fiction) in 2002, a drop of 7 points from a decade earlier. Those reading any book at all in 2002 fell to 57 percent, down from 61 percent.
The likely culprits, according to the report: television, movies and the Internet.
"I think what we're seeing is an enormous cultural shift from print media to electronic media, and the unintended consequences of that shift," Gioia said.
The drop in reading was widespread: among men and women, young and old, black and white, college graduates and high school dropouts. The numbers were especially poor among adult men, of whom only 38 percent read literature, and Hispanics overall, for whom the percentage was 26.5.
The decline was especially great among the youngest people surveyed, ages 18 to 24. Only 43 percent had read any literature in 2002, down from 53 percent in 1992.
"The reason we are bringing this study out is that we consider it a crisis situation that requires a national conversation."
Read the full article here
Because the Teacher was wise, he taught the people everything he knew. He collected proverbs and classified them.
Indeed, the Teacher taught the plain truth, and he did so in an interesting way. A wise teacher's words spur students to action and emphasize important truths. The collected sayings of the wise are like guidance from a shepherd.
-Ecclesiastes 12:9-11
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Sometimes I feel almost guilty living where I do...it's simply so beautiful. I couldn't ask for a better life...God's blessings are amazing! When Jesus said He came to give abundant life, He meant it! To enjoy a loving marriage of 14 years as of the 7th is a blessing above all my expectations. To have 5 wonderful, beautiful and intelligent children is a gift worth more than anything. To be able to serve Christ's body and live out His dreams on this planet is the most fulfilling thing...period. To have friends to share it all with is worth more than gold.
Got a Spider Bite again...
Hummm...I saw it and thought it was good, not great but entertaining.
I thought Doc Oct was a great villain, better than The Green Goblin.
I thought the movie could have cut 45 minutes of the whole "should I be Spidey" storyline.
I got bored.
The action was intense and the fight scene on the train was SWEET!
I hope the whole set up for another Goblin battle in Spiderman 3 doesn't happen...we already did him.
How about Venom?
Hummm...I saw it and thought it was good, not great but entertaining.
I thought Doc Oct was a great villain, better than The Green Goblin.
I thought the movie could have cut 45 minutes of the whole "should I be Spidey" storyline.
I got bored.
The action was intense and the fight scene on the train was SWEET!
I hope the whole set up for another Goblin battle in Spiderman 3 doesn't happen...we already did him.
How about Venom?
Sunday, July 04, 2004
Born to Lose
A few years ago a New Hampshire newspaper published a suicide note written by an attractive, popular teenage boy who had taken his life after school one day. It said simply: "Not having a good enough reason to live is a good enough reason to die."
It's not surprising that one of the most common tattoos in prison is simply...Born to Lose.
One of my prayers for a long time has been:
"Lord give me at least as many young people that the devil steals through suicide every day..."
We are losing a generation to the abyss of meaningless existence, drugs, suicide, crime, hedonism, and a host of other cancers. I think a major problem is that there is not enough real prophetic voices in our youth ministries and churches today.
We are echoes not voices, as my friend Scott Gurule says.
We must birth generational gatherings that blend the rooftop life of prayer (Acts 10) with the advancing life of missions. We must become gatherings that exhibit a Jesus style ministry life of prayer lived out in mission. Our cities are yearning for those who will live out the dreams and visions of God.
We must become the sons and daughters of Joel 2.
Dreamers and visionaries who go in an overflowing spirit and influence the lights, the earth and the tongues of men. We are called to be speakers...ones who prophesy God's dreams for the nations. We are a fiery people who are known to leave revivals for dusty roads or dine with heathen, baptize pagans and trek for God to remote places or dark places within and without our comfort zones; because we have heard the VOICE and he says rise up and GO...
God I pray for you to fill us and send us again...
Be a man!
"In fact, one study indicated that 94% of incarcerated youth have never had one single positive adult male role model!
With the introduction of the Industrial revolution 150 years ago, men were taken out of the
home, as they left to go to work, leaving mothers to be the primary person living at home with the kids. Even as recent as 100 years ago, only men could teach elementary school children.
home, as they left to go to work, leaving mothers to be the primary person living at home with the kids. Even as recent as 100 years ago, only men could teach elementary school children.
Today 90% of elementary school teachers are women. Today with more mothers in the workplace, many kids go to daycare centers, where 95 - 97% of the staff are females.
And, in those families which end in divorce, more than 80% of the time, child custody is granted to the mother. Unfortunately, the church is not the exception. In our inner-city churches about 70% of the participants are females. Consequently, a large number of children are growing up with little or no male influence in their lives.
This subject is critical if we want to see young people in our communities find spiritual, emotional and relational health. Fathers must reclaim their roles and responsibilities within the community to love, support, shepherd, teach, inspire and empower the young again.
How you say?
Become a teacher...our schools need you.
Actually raise a family, don't just make one.
Stay married and show a generation what faithfulness, sacrifice and love really looks like. Work hard...show kids how to be productive, creative and daring.
Be spiritual...show your sons that men can love God and not have to be a girl to do it.
Care for a child who has no father...the bible commands it (James 1:27).
When the father's hearts turn...the hearts of young people will turn. (Malachi 4:6)
This is your land...this is my land...
Cursed is he who moves his neighbors boundary stone.
-Deut.27:17
Whatever this means in entirety, one thing is for sure, the issue of whose land it is...matters to the Lord.
For me locally it speaks to the history of our past as a city and our relationship to the people who originally lived on this land; and still do.
It speaks of our city's present legal push to make camping on public property by the homeless a crime. The whole issue of land rights, having a home, ancestral land and the biblical law of jubilee are issues that Christians should have a lot to say about.
What would the "Jubilee" look like if we celebrated it or at the very least or most, the spirit of it?
What would that mean for first nation peoples?
What would that mean for the poor?
Saturday, July 03, 2004
At St. Dunstan's in Seattle there is a carving of Spokane Garry. A first nation Christian spiritual leader among the Spokane Indian tribes. I've been praying that his prayers and his dreams would come to pass in my day. There is are spiritual inheritances in such great legacies. Prayers yet answered, hope not yet fulfilled, seed not harvested, wells that need to be reopened.
Cowards to the rear...
"Crazy Horse called to his men, "Ho-ka hey!
It is a good day to fight! It is a good day to die!
Strong hearts, brave hearts, to the front!
Weak hearts and cowards to the rear."
From the book Crazy Horse and Custer, by Stephen E. Ambrose
From the book Crazy Horse and Custer, by Stephen E. Ambrose
I've been challenged by the Lord to add my prayers to the unfolding of God's plans in this region for First Nation people. Through Acts 10, I've been dreaming for new doors of opportunity in different cultures and in unlikely places.
I believe God has many in other cultures that are "devout and fear God, that are giving and pray continually" but still need the greater light that is found in the face of Christ. I am being provoked to good deeds (Heb 10:24) that will be worked out in difficult places.
Peter had to be awakened and visited in a paradigm changing way to propel him into a new fields of harvest that were outside his comfort zone both religiously and culturally. God had whole households waiting for the gospel. Waiting on God to break through the prejudice, the religious tradition and the box he had God within. There are doors awaiting those who will dare to let go of their safe rooftops and come form the closet of prayer and act out those prayers in the living rooms of those whom God chooses.
Lay down your lunch, leave your prayer closet and open the door...they are knocking...they are searching for YOU to find Him...will you hear?
Will you "RISE UP and GO?
Do not hesitate...
This is a sin. This is a statue of Spokane Garry, a first nation leader and historical figure in the Christian heritage of the Inland Northwest. The story of Spokane Garry is an exciting and tragic one for spiritual reflection. God used him to spread the gospel among the first nation cultures in this region. There were some amazing reports of a significant revival movement through his witness, teaching and pastoral care. But the story ends in a disappointing mess of injustice. It's another stain on our white American lack of cultural sensitivity to our first nation brothers. The fact that this statue sits neglected and in need of repair in the park is a sin.
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Go sleep under a bridge...
Well, you can't do that in Spokane if the city counsel, certain business leaders, police and the mayor get their way. They don't want no bum sleeping around these parts.
I visited the small homeless resistance movement camped out downtown the other day. I had an opportunity to listen to a police officer and the leader of People 2 People have an interesting interchange about various issues surrounding who had a legal right to ask for money for the homeless.
There was a whole lot of blah, blah, blah about this and that...but in the end it seemed like a little bullying going on. Big officer, little street guy and a pregnant girl under the makeshift tent watching life being complicated.
I left fully disappointed and wondering what one should do about a city that tells it's weakest members of the community to walk the plank...
It reminds me of this quote from a great preacher of the past:
"One great reason why the rich, in general, have so little sympathy for the poor, is, because they so seldom visit them. Hence it is, that, according to the common observation, one part of the world does not know what the other suffers. Many of them do not know, because they do not care to know: they keep out of the way of knowing it; and then plead their voluntary ignorance an excuse for their hardness of heart.
"Indeed, Sir," said person of large substance, "I am a very compassionate man. But, to tell you the truth, I do not know anybody in the world that is in want." How did this come to pass? Why, he took good care to keep out of their way; and if he fell upon any of them unawares "he passed over on the other side."
-John Wesley
-John Wesley
Quote from: http://www.newheights.bc.ca/susan/blog/
That Golden Bovine...
It's a long way up the mountain of God and great revelation awaits; but when you come back down with your mug all shinning and you see people bump'n and grind'n around the latest or the oldest golden cow...try not to be disillusioned and throw down your revelation...your word from God.
You can wail upon the little bovine with the mighty blows of thunder but in the end...it's usually a few Caleb's and Joshua's that get it anyway. But that's OK because they have a way of conquering cities and mountain's of giants like no others!
You can wail upon the little bovine with the mighty blows of thunder but in the end...it's usually a few Caleb's and Joshua's that get it anyway. But that's OK because they have a way of conquering cities and mountain's of giants like no others!
A Friends Episode it's not...
I've been joining in on some good conversation over at Cheeshead's blog.
The question was asked if we had these kind of conversations with people around us, here was my thoughts:
Do I have the opportunity to have these types of conversations in the local church or among friends...I would have to say...nope.
A. I don't have enough friends. Being a pastor has an effect on friendships that, I suppose having a STD has on ones sex life...you don't have much.
B. It's rare to find many that want to talk about such things. That's where Blogdom rescues this little man. All powerful search engines and pomo sites have helped us connect with people of like mind.
C. I find that most people don't seem to enjoy questing much and seem kind of unnerved by a questioning or open minded pastor. They want everything nailed down, packaged, clear and free from mystery or multiple layers, you can't have layers...no onions allowed. :)
D. A lot of my Internet experience, friends and ongoing conversations meet a real need and want for deeper conversation, more frequent contact and intellectual and theological stimulation. Being a pastor can really cramp ones relational life.
So three cheers for the Internet, it's not a replacement of real flesh and blood but it's a great addition and filler.
I do have a few local friendships and some a good distance away of which, I am thankful for. But I hunger for more than I seem to have time for or oppurtunity to engage in.
It sucks.
I've been joining in on some good conversation over at Cheeshead's blog.
The question was asked if we had these kind of conversations with people around us, here was my thoughts:
Do I have the opportunity to have these types of conversations in the local church or among friends...I would have to say...nope.
A. I don't have enough friends. Being a pastor has an effect on friendships that, I suppose having a STD has on ones sex life...you don't have much.
B. It's rare to find many that want to talk about such things. That's where Blogdom rescues this little man. All powerful search engines and pomo sites have helped us connect with people of like mind.
C. I find that most people don't seem to enjoy questing much and seem kind of unnerved by a questioning or open minded pastor. They want everything nailed down, packaged, clear and free from mystery or multiple layers, you can't have layers...no onions allowed. :)
D. A lot of my Internet experience, friends and ongoing conversations meet a real need and want for deeper conversation, more frequent contact and intellectual and theological stimulation. Being a pastor can really cramp ones relational life.
So three cheers for the Internet, it's not a replacement of real flesh and blood but it's a great addition and filler.
I do have a few local friendships and some a good distance away of which, I am thankful for. But I hunger for more than I seem to have time for or oppurtunity to engage in.
It sucks.
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