Thanks to my friend Travis for exposing me to such a fun site. Enjoy these Satellite views of places I have been courtesy of Google Maps Beta.
Where I grew up in Texas
My Parents house in Florida
Where we live now in Abilene: Sherrod Apartments
Where we will be in August: Reidland Church of Christ
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Congregational Resource
A new website connected with some people at ACU has been unveiled recently to provide resources to churches interested in pursuing the missional implications of being a community of God in our time and context. I think it will be a helpful intersection of dialogue for all of us who seek to be a "distinct community who participates in the life of God for the sake of the world." If you get a chance, check it out!
www.saltandlightresources.com
May we be a living community who daily demonstrates the love and reign of God!
To Him be Glory
www.saltandlightresources.com
May we be a living community who daily demonstrates the love and reign of God!
To Him be Glory
Monday, April 04, 2005
Peace in the Midst
Sara and I went to Stream in the Desert with some friends this weekend in Midland, TX. For those who don't know Stream is a renewal conference unique to West Texas. In many ways it was a good escape and allowed us to catch our breath before heading down April's home stretch. Mike Cope was the guest speaker for the conference and as usual, he did a wonderful job. I think the part that impacted me most was what he shared in the Sunday morning session. Here's my take:
We all want peace. In fact, many times we long for it. Sometimes, however, we have unreal expectations of what peace is and what it should look like in our lives. Mike reminded us that peace, contrary to popular belief, is not the absence of pain but the promise of presence! This life is full of both mountains and valleys, good times and bad. In this world suffering is a reality. We all experience it at different times and in different ways. The good news we have to share with hurting people in the midst of brokenness and suffering is not the "health and wealth" message that in Christ everything comes up roses, but the message of everlasting peace. God has not abandoned his people. We may never understand why bad things happen or why people suffer but one thing is certain: We have the promise of his presence! Wherever we are, he joins us in the midst. O' Emmanuel...God with us! That, my friends, is the peace that passes all understanding.
Lord, continue to fill us with your peace.
We all want peace. In fact, many times we long for it. Sometimes, however, we have unreal expectations of what peace is and what it should look like in our lives. Mike reminded us that peace, contrary to popular belief, is not the absence of pain but the promise of presence! This life is full of both mountains and valleys, good times and bad. In this world suffering is a reality. We all experience it at different times and in different ways. The good news we have to share with hurting people in the midst of brokenness and suffering is not the "health and wealth" message that in Christ everything comes up roses, but the message of everlasting peace. God has not abandoned his people. We may never understand why bad things happen or why people suffer but one thing is certain: We have the promise of his presence! Wherever we are, he joins us in the midst. O' Emmanuel...God with us! That, my friends, is the peace that passes all understanding.
Lord, continue to fill us with your peace.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Stop Masquerading and Start Unveiling
It's easy to get caught up in fairytales. Something about them can draw us in. Maybe it is the idea that within the limitless boundaries of make-believe our imagination can run wild. Maybe at times we are just suckers for happy endings. Or, maybe it is the chance to escape, even if just for a few moments, the grasp of reality. The freedom to be what and whoever we want to be. To live out a story different from our own.
Growing up I remember the excitement of costume parties. It was as if Icould live out my own fairytale. As a kid I could be a doctor, a baseballplayer, a knight in shining armor, or even a pirate with a makeshift"wooden" leg. While dressing up was fun, the best part was "fooling" others into believing that I was no longer myself but the character I wanted them to see. Of course, to effectively pull off such a feat costume was important, but a mask was the key. Without a mask my disguise was useless because people could see the real me. There was a point when I thought I might outgrow the desire to masquerade, however, the older I become the moreI realize I never really stopped attending costume parties. In fact as I reflect, it is intriguing that they always seem to fall on the same day.
My point is not to be cynical but to attempt to ask some difficult questions. I think we know what it's like to live in the midst of "Sunday Smiles" as many of us disguise who we are and what we really feel. All around us there are hurting people and I wonder what message we convey to them when they walk through the door only to find us holding up our masks. And in not so many words we say: welcome to yet another masquerade ball.
I'm tired of picking out costumes week after week. I'm tired of the empty "how are you--fine" exchanges. It seems that of all places the community of God should be a place where we can let our guard down, where our disguises can fall to the floor, where masks are removed in order to reveal who we are inside, a place where we can be real! I realize there are boundaries and I recognize there can be certain dangers to transparency, but I think if we are honest we can agree the costume act hasn't worked. Until we stop masquerading and start unveiling it will be difficult, if not impossible, to be the Christ-formed community God intended. This means more than just unveiling ourselves in our own brokenness and humanity but this also means unveiling Christ in the midst of our everyday attempts to be real. We must not be afraid to share life with others out of fear that the shadows of our life might be exposed. God doesn't need us to be masked superheroes, always looking for the closest available phone booth to quickly don our disguise, but I believe he wants us to remove the masks, reveal our brokenness, and walk hand in hand with our brothers and sisters as we together, by the power of God, journey toward the restoration of all mankind.
I'm not saying it will be easy, but I believe because of God at work in us we have the power to do it. May God bless us as we seek to stop masquerading and start unveiling the glory of God in Christ each and every day of our lives. Next time we meet, I look forward to seeing your face!
Growing up I remember the excitement of costume parties. It was as if Icould live out my own fairytale. As a kid I could be a doctor, a baseballplayer, a knight in shining armor, or even a pirate with a makeshift"wooden" leg. While dressing up was fun, the best part was "fooling" others into believing that I was no longer myself but the character I wanted them to see. Of course, to effectively pull off such a feat costume was important, but a mask was the key. Without a mask my disguise was useless because people could see the real me. There was a point when I thought I might outgrow the desire to masquerade, however, the older I become the moreI realize I never really stopped attending costume parties. In fact as I reflect, it is intriguing that they always seem to fall on the same day.
My point is not to be cynical but to attempt to ask some difficult questions. I think we know what it's like to live in the midst of "Sunday Smiles" as many of us disguise who we are and what we really feel. All around us there are hurting people and I wonder what message we convey to them when they walk through the door only to find us holding up our masks. And in not so many words we say: welcome to yet another masquerade ball.
I'm tired of picking out costumes week after week. I'm tired of the empty "how are you--fine" exchanges. It seems that of all places the community of God should be a place where we can let our guard down, where our disguises can fall to the floor, where masks are removed in order to reveal who we are inside, a place where we can be real! I realize there are boundaries and I recognize there can be certain dangers to transparency, but I think if we are honest we can agree the costume act hasn't worked. Until we stop masquerading and start unveiling it will be difficult, if not impossible, to be the Christ-formed community God intended. This means more than just unveiling ourselves in our own brokenness and humanity but this also means unveiling Christ in the midst of our everyday attempts to be real. We must not be afraid to share life with others out of fear that the shadows of our life might be exposed. God doesn't need us to be masked superheroes, always looking for the closest available phone booth to quickly don our disguise, but I believe he wants us to remove the masks, reveal our brokenness, and walk hand in hand with our brothers and sisters as we together, by the power of God, journey toward the restoration of all mankind.
I'm not saying it will be easy, but I believe because of God at work in us we have the power to do it. May God bless us as we seek to stop masquerading and start unveiling the glory of God in Christ each and every day of our lives. Next time we meet, I look forward to seeing your face!
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Theological Sunglasses
The following is a dialogue I initiated with some of the leadership at my home church as they are in the process of re-constructing a new building. I think it is something for us all to consider:
I took a short course in January titled Christian Worship. In it, one of the areas we discussed involved the messages we convey about God and about who we are as a community of faith and a people of God, even in the simple things such as service structure and physical setting (in this case: church building). In most cases (intentional or not) we communicate a lot about who we are and what we value based on these things. For example, we gather as community in what most would consider an auditorium, in which chairs are in rows all facing forward toward a stage. Just the idea of an auditorium conveys the message that we are here to listen/watch some "performance" in which the most important things take place at the front. Thus, there is a sense that participation is severly limited, with the hope for attentive listeners. It becomes difficult to even see who we are as we gather in community because we have traditionally designed it in a way that says, "you may only look forward." One of the questions we had to wrestle with as a result of this class was/is, "What message does an auditorium blueprint convey about God and about ourselves as a people of God? What does it say about what we value as important/vital to the life of the community?"
Our professor used one church he encountered simply as an example. First of all, the leadership there decided to be intentional about calling the place where they gathered for worship--a sanctuary. There are many messages behind something so simple as a name, not the least of which is the message that this is a meeting place between God and his people, a place of refuge, rest, and renewal. The sanctuary was then intentionally designed with the "stage" at the center with the chairs circled around it. The idea is to automatically convey that we gather as a community in which what we say and do here impacts us all as we interact with each other in worship. It is an aspect which I am convinced cannot be achieved in an "auditorium" setting (at least the way churches have done it in the past). Then, at the center was some form of podium, along with a good size table, and an in-ground baptistry (what I picture is something like what exists at Metro but inside--this one also had rock structure around it, I guess for beautification purposes). Before construction began on this building the leadership wanted to make a point with the connection of these three things to the center of the sanctuary. They wanted to convey that they are a people of the Word. The Word of God is central to who they are and central to revealing who God is. They also wanted it to be emphasized that we come together as a people of God around a table. Around the table we lay our differences aside and we join together to commune and feast with God because he has welcomed us to the table with him. Finally, they wanted to emphasize that baptism, as initiation into the life of God, is at the heart of who they are as a community and at the heart of who they believe God calls them to be.
I realize this is not a very thorough analysis but I thought it worthwhile to bring to your attention. This is not a critique on my home church as much as it is an attempt to dialogue about how we approach what we do with theological lenses on. I can't help but think that Metro is in a very unique situation right now. How many churches get the opportunity to redesign the community meeting place in light of who God is and who we are as his community in this world? After purchasing a building most churches only get the chance to add on, they don't get to completely redesign an already existing building. Unfortunately, I think it is easy to continue with what we have always done as churches without considering the theological implications and the messages proclaimed in them about what we value and who we desire to become. I realize any of these changes would be significant and maybe even drastic in many peoples eyes compared to what has always been done at Metro, however I believe thinking about these things is too important not to reflect on how it might shape the Metro community as you move forward from this point into the future. My goal is not to change things but to help you consider and reflect on what might be some new ideas in light of what I have recently learned this semester. It is not about making change for change's sake but about exhausting all means as leadership to mold and shape people into the image of God in Christ that we might share the good news of the gospel to His glory.
Based on my experience in this class, I will no longer think the same, even about the things we have tended to deem insignificant (such as physical setting) in the past. I hope others will be open to thinking in these ways too. It's a new day and I think there is something to wearing these theological shades.
I took a short course in January titled Christian Worship. In it, one of the areas we discussed involved the messages we convey about God and about who we are as a community of faith and a people of God, even in the simple things such as service structure and physical setting (in this case: church building). In most cases (intentional or not) we communicate a lot about who we are and what we value based on these things. For example, we gather as community in what most would consider an auditorium, in which chairs are in rows all facing forward toward a stage. Just the idea of an auditorium conveys the message that we are here to listen/watch some "performance" in which the most important things take place at the front. Thus, there is a sense that participation is severly limited, with the hope for attentive listeners. It becomes difficult to even see who we are as we gather in community because we have traditionally designed it in a way that says, "you may only look forward." One of the questions we had to wrestle with as a result of this class was/is, "What message does an auditorium blueprint convey about God and about ourselves as a people of God? What does it say about what we value as important/vital to the life of the community?"
Our professor used one church he encountered simply as an example. First of all, the leadership there decided to be intentional about calling the place where they gathered for worship--a sanctuary. There are many messages behind something so simple as a name, not the least of which is the message that this is a meeting place between God and his people, a place of refuge, rest, and renewal. The sanctuary was then intentionally designed with the "stage" at the center with the chairs circled around it. The idea is to automatically convey that we gather as a community in which what we say and do here impacts us all as we interact with each other in worship. It is an aspect which I am convinced cannot be achieved in an "auditorium" setting (at least the way churches have done it in the past). Then, at the center was some form of podium, along with a good size table, and an in-ground baptistry (what I picture is something like what exists at Metro but inside--this one also had rock structure around it, I guess for beautification purposes). Before construction began on this building the leadership wanted to make a point with the connection of these three things to the center of the sanctuary. They wanted to convey that they are a people of the Word. The Word of God is central to who they are and central to revealing who God is. They also wanted it to be emphasized that we come together as a people of God around a table. Around the table we lay our differences aside and we join together to commune and feast with God because he has welcomed us to the table with him. Finally, they wanted to emphasize that baptism, as initiation into the life of God, is at the heart of who they are as a community and at the heart of who they believe God calls them to be.
I realize this is not a very thorough analysis but I thought it worthwhile to bring to your attention. This is not a critique on my home church as much as it is an attempt to dialogue about how we approach what we do with theological lenses on. I can't help but think that Metro is in a very unique situation right now. How many churches get the opportunity to redesign the community meeting place in light of who God is and who we are as his community in this world? After purchasing a building most churches only get the chance to add on, they don't get to completely redesign an already existing building. Unfortunately, I think it is easy to continue with what we have always done as churches without considering the theological implications and the messages proclaimed in them about what we value and who we desire to become. I realize any of these changes would be significant and maybe even drastic in many peoples eyes compared to what has always been done at Metro, however I believe thinking about these things is too important not to reflect on how it might shape the Metro community as you move forward from this point into the future. My goal is not to change things but to help you consider and reflect on what might be some new ideas in light of what I have recently learned this semester. It is not about making change for change's sake but about exhausting all means as leadership to mold and shape people into the image of God in Christ that we might share the good news of the gospel to His glory.
Based on my experience in this class, I will no longer think the same, even about the things we have tended to deem insignificant (such as physical setting) in the past. I hope others will be open to thinking in these ways too. It's a new day and I think there is something to wearing these theological shades.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Hitched on Valentine's Day
It's hard to believe that this was already the third Valentine's Day with my own life-long sweetheart. Sara and I went out for our romantic evening on Saturday night because she typically has to work late in the clinic on weeknights. I had a particular plan that I proceeded to butcher in the closing minutes but that's a story for another time. We ended up doing dinner and a movie and it was great just to spend some time together. Our lives are so busy right now that we really look forward to those extended intersections.
I wanted to be a sensitive and caring husband in regard to the movie so I searched for an appropriate "chick flick." As far as I could really tell I had two choices: one being "Wedding Day" or something like that and the other "Hitch." If I was really self-sacrificing I probably would have chosen the "Wedding Day" movie but I quickly realized my limitations and decided on the romantic comedy "Hitch." Sara and I both laughed through the entire movie. I thought it was well done, suprisingly clean and even conveyed a good moral message underneath the romance and comedy. The basic premise is that a date doctor (Will Smith) tries to help the good but goofy guys get the girl of their dreams. One of those guys the date doctor helps is played by Kevin James and one scene in particular between the two characters stood out to me toward the end of the movie. The two are talking about how Smith's character has given up on love and Kevin James' character says something to the effect of "you are trying to sell something you don't even believe in." To which Smith responds, "What do you mean, love is my life!" James--"No, love is your job!"
It may be hard to grasp the impact of this scene from these second-hand written words but I couldn't help but reflect on how the comments in the scene relate to us as Christians. How many times to we proclaim that God, Jesus, or Christianity is our life but in reality it is obvious we are going through the motions only to receive our check! The result is that the Christian life becomes just another job instead of something to live out and for. What flows from our lips must intersect with the way we live our lives or others will quickly realize that we are employees of corporation lip service. My prayer is that we as Christians will no longer punch our card as employees but instead as disciples live in such a way that communicates Christ is our life and not just another occupation!
I wanted to be a sensitive and caring husband in regard to the movie so I searched for an appropriate "chick flick." As far as I could really tell I had two choices: one being "Wedding Day" or something like that and the other "Hitch." If I was really self-sacrificing I probably would have chosen the "Wedding Day" movie but I quickly realized my limitations and decided on the romantic comedy "Hitch." Sara and I both laughed through the entire movie. I thought it was well done, suprisingly clean and even conveyed a good moral message underneath the romance and comedy. The basic premise is that a date doctor (Will Smith) tries to help the good but goofy guys get the girl of their dreams. One of those guys the date doctor helps is played by Kevin James and one scene in particular between the two characters stood out to me toward the end of the movie. The two are talking about how Smith's character has given up on love and Kevin James' character says something to the effect of "you are trying to sell something you don't even believe in." To which Smith responds, "What do you mean, love is my life!" James--"No, love is your job!"
It may be hard to grasp the impact of this scene from these second-hand written words but I couldn't help but reflect on how the comments in the scene relate to us as Christians. How many times to we proclaim that God, Jesus, or Christianity is our life but in reality it is obvious we are going through the motions only to receive our check! The result is that the Christian life becomes just another job instead of something to live out and for. What flows from our lips must intersect with the way we live our lives or others will quickly realize that we are employees of corporation lip service. My prayer is that we as Christians will no longer punch our card as employees but instead as disciples live in such a way that communicates Christ is our life and not just another occupation!
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Like a Phoenix
I don't know all there is to know about birds, in fact I really don't know much about them at all but one phrase consistently connected with the Phoenix is that it "rises from the ashes." In some ways I think it could be an appropriate image to consider as we move forward from the tragic events of this week. Some of the youth at our church were involved in an accident on their way back from a youth conference in which one young boy died and others were seriously injured. Yesterday, Sara and I went to the funeral for this eleven year old boy who was in the youth group at Highland. It was a very intense and emotional experience for all who attended and my heart grieves and hurts for what his family and friends are experiencing right now. There is something unsettling about seeing someone younger than you pass on and as rare as it is (at least in my experience) I imagine the hardest thing for a parent to do is bury a child in their own lifetime, but in moments like yesterday we are smacked in the face with the reality that these things happen from time to time and the bubble that we had so convincingly lived in before isn't as safe and ideal anymore.
Sitting there in the sanctuary I couldn't help but cry. I cried for a young life lost. I cried for the empty void in a family's life. I cried for all his friends who only wished it would have been them instead. And I cried at the sheer magnitude of the incarnate God with arms wide open, present in all who gathered both in that building and around the world. It was then that I felt the overwhelming reassurance that, like the phoenix, we will rise from the ashes. It is not by our own power but by the hand of an almighty God who reaches down into the darkness of pain and despair, joins us there, and begins to lift us up to bring us to a place where once again we might be able to stand. I have seen the body of Christ before but never quite like this. The entire family at Highland has been shaken to the core whether you know those involved or not but in the midst of the tears there is one who is big enough to be there with us, to listen to our pain, our hurt, and our fears and to hold us in his loving arms. We don't have all the answers and there are things we will never understand but through it all we fall at the feet of the one who promises strength for the weary, healing for the brokenhearted, comfort for the hurting and life everlasting. God, help us to trust you and to not lean on our own understanding as we long and hope for the moment when we can rise above the ashes.
Sitting there in the sanctuary I couldn't help but cry. I cried for a young life lost. I cried for the empty void in a family's life. I cried for all his friends who only wished it would have been them instead. And I cried at the sheer magnitude of the incarnate God with arms wide open, present in all who gathered both in that building and around the world. It was then that I felt the overwhelming reassurance that, like the phoenix, we will rise from the ashes. It is not by our own power but by the hand of an almighty God who reaches down into the darkness of pain and despair, joins us there, and begins to lift us up to bring us to a place where once again we might be able to stand. I have seen the body of Christ before but never quite like this. The entire family at Highland has been shaken to the core whether you know those involved or not but in the midst of the tears there is one who is big enough to be there with us, to listen to our pain, our hurt, and our fears and to hold us in his loving arms. We don't have all the answers and there are things we will never understand but through it all we fall at the feet of the one who promises strength for the weary, healing for the brokenhearted, comfort for the hurting and life everlasting. God, help us to trust you and to not lean on our own understanding as we long and hope for the moment when we can rise above the ashes.
Monday, January 03, 2005
New Year
With the new year comes opportunity for new beginnings and whether or not it is a resolution I hope to return to the blogging world on a more regular basis. I've realized how much I've missed the self-reflection it provides. Last semester became so hectic that I lost sight of that blessing and look forward to it's rebirth. This week I am taking a short course entitled Christian Worship so maybe I can express some insights addressed throughout the class.
Blessings in this new year!
Blessings in this new year!
Monday, October 11, 2004
Abandoned
I don't know what it's like to literally be abandoned even though I can have feelings of abandonment from time to time. It's hard to imagine being left on the doorsteps of a church (or any other place for that matter) unwanted for any number of reasons but that is reality for many people. I can't pretend to understand completely what people feel having been abandoned but my heart hurts for them. Sara's sister Carlie and her fiance, Patrick, came to visit us for the weekend and we had a great time together. Not only am I thankful for Sara's family but I'm thankful to have such a great future brother-in-law. His story is a little deeper than most people I know. From what I understand Patrick was abandoned as a child and finds it difficult to believe in a God who allows children to be abandoned. My heart hurts for him and I hope as our relationship grows I might be able to share with Patrick the message of the gospel in a new light. If anything, God has a heart for the marginalized, the disenfranchized, and the abandoned. He has not turned his back on them but on the contrary yearns to bring them close to his heart. It is not a message of abandonment but of adoption. God is waiting for us to renounce the stories that have defined our past and claim the promise of adoption as his children. My prayer is that my life might be a reflection of that message in ways that Patrick might be drawn to healing grace and find his place in the open arms of God's family. May God be praised!
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Just a Thought...
Sometimes I stop and wonder why it can be so difficult to find peace and rest living in the midst of the frenzied chaos we term the American Dream. Then I remember I've got to much to do to stop and think about such things! I'm so busy...
Lord, may we find peace and rest in you and may we take time to just "be" in your presence.
Lord, may we find peace and rest in you and may we take time to just "be" in your presence.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
