Stories & Memory

My oldest Caden, (who survived the first and second day of pre-school just fine)... is really interested in family stories. Before I kiss him goodnight he often wants me to tell or re-tell a family story. He'll say... "Daddy... tell me a story about you and Uncle Matt" or "tell me the story of when I ate peanut butter and you had to call the Rescue Heroes". They are typically short 3 minute vignettes about growing up or a particularly memorable experience.

I've built up a repertoire of about 12 true, family stories that we regularly tell. Sometimes a new memory pops in my mind and I introduce a new story. Each story tells a unique tale... or has its own moral... or shows how a different part of life can be explored. I like the ritual, because there is power in these stories. They are historical and at the same time Caden and I are connected to them. They bond us together not only in the moment of re-telling... but in re-experiencing... together, the memory of the past.

And it gets me thinking about the Power of Memory. Isn't it amazing how much we remember... and to think that God made us that way. God gave us memory. We remember people and places and songs and smells and experiences... some conjure up good emotions and others bad. Some memories we would like to forget... but... they are an integral part of our story.

God explains at least a couple of reasons why he embedded us with memory... the ability to remember our story. And he often encourages the people of God to remember certain things... because forgetfulness can be sinfully foolish. So here are a couple of things that God tells his people to remember...

(1) Remember how you screwed up: The people of God are prone to wander away from God and from obedience to Him. So we are commanded to remember how we and those before us did such wandering... and faced the consequences. (Deut 9:7-12)

(2) Remember how God showed up: God is constantly redeeming... and rescuing his people when they least expect it. He is constantly saving people from themselves and the consequences of their rebellious, hard-hearted stupidity. (Deut 8:17-20)

(3) Remember who you were: We are naturally natural. Not interested in God. Faithless. Following our own way. Cut off from God. Strangers and aliens to the promises of God. (Eph 2:11-12)

(4) Remember who you are: When we cast off our self-reliance and receive the obedience of Christ we become new people. We become truly... spiritually alive. We have life... new life. (Eph 2:13-16; 2 Cor 5:17)

Some might argue that this is living in the past. That would be paralysis. But our lives are a story... and memory of our mistakes and others can have a profoundly positive impact upon our future. Remembering God's grace and goodness and activity on our behalf... can empower us to press on in truth and love.... so did I tell about the time that we fed Caden peanut butter?

The distracted church...

When in Huntington, I preached at the Crew and I had a blast. My message was titled "When the church becomes a distraction to Jesus." My burden is that churches often focus excessively on quality or size of their weekend service... to the detriment of creating a space where Jesus is on display. The issue is all about your heart and your motivation. But the result of giving in to these distractions can be spiritually disastrous.

I stumbled across a section of scripture where God warns his people against such distracting idolatry... Exodus 20:24-26. And I think it is a word from God that applies to the church today. Exodus 20:24b should be what the church is all about... In every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you. Here are my notes.



















By the way... check out the write-up about my family that showed up in the Sunday morning bulletin. Only Josh could get away with this in church. I love this guy!

The Crew in Review

Well I just landed back in Columbus after a great weekend in Huntington, WV. You might be saying... what... how is that possible? Well let me explain. The reason is... I had great company. I spent my time with the people of Crew Community Church.

Marshall University currently keeps Huntington on the map. It has its own story of redemption that is currently being told on the silver screen. If you haven't seen We are Marshall yet. Buy the DVD when it comes out. I took a few pics... so let me break down for you, why I enjoyed my time with the Crew.



















The leadership: Crew publicly launched in September 2006. At the epicenter is Josh Perry (lead pastor), his lovely wife Sarah and three kiddoes (Daniel, Jack and Allie). Josh and Sarah are an infectiously joyful and loving couple. They are the type of people that you like being with... that you want to join up with... and that you trust. They love one another. They love their kids. They love the people at Crew. And they love the city of Huntington. They were great hosts and really made us feel like part of the family.



















The people: The church is really the people. They own no building. They have no offices. They are a gathering of people who are following Christ, or considering Christ and are connected to one another.

The people are friendly and welcoming. They love to eat and laugh and live the good life that God offers through Christ. Some are new believers. Some come because their old church sent them out to serve. Others are coming back to church after being burned by church.

We had the chance to attend their BBQ and Baptism on Sunday night. Three people were baptized. One of the elders even baptized his own brother and his sister-in-law. It was a celebration... Crew style.



















The space: The Crew does not have a building. They out grew the living room that they started in and the classroom at Marshall that they moved to... and now meet for Sunday worship at the Renaissance Theater. It is right off the edge of the Marshall campus and is just blocks from the heart of Huntington.

The Renaissance is the old Huntington High School and has the nostalgic feel of the classic high school auditorium.... complete with balcony. There is plenty of room for growth in this space... with the freedom to pick up and move the gathering somewhere else as the Lord leads.



















The vision: The first word that I think of when I think of Crew is... grace. It is truly a place where a wide variety of people can feel at home and accepted. The typical rules and external expectations of church just don't hold water at the crew. The focus is on the heart... and that is grace.

The church has embraced a God-sized vision... to make the name of Jesus famous in Huntington by helping to rebuild the city. They want to rebuild individuals by introducing them to Christ... but they also want to literally lift the hope of the city. Huntington needs hope... and the Crew has hope in Jesus. They have a Nehemiah-type of vision to restore and redeem their city... to bless their city... and to give the credit to Jesus.

Thank you Perry's and people of the Crew... I'm following your story and praying for your progress.

Caden Hits a Milestone

My oldest, Caden, is headed to his first day of pre-school tomorrow. It's the next milestone in his 4 year old life.

He doesn't want to mess this up... because he knows any miscues at pre-school will go on his permanent record and might jeopardize his chance to become an astronaut or a Rescue Hero.

In celebration of this next big step we shipped Griffey off to Grandma's... took him swimming... took him out for ice cream... and we'll take him out to breakfast in the morning. You don't think we are spoiling him do you? Hey... I'm all about celebrating life.

In related news... we recently bought him some tinker toys. He opens up the box... pulls out the directions... and 20 minutes later he pops the above robot up on the table. That's my boy!

I'm off to Huntington...

I'm excited to be heading down to Huntington, WV today. I will be preaching at Crew Community Church right near the campus of Marshall University. My good friends from seminary Josh and Sarah Perry launched this church just over three years ago. They meet on Sundays at the Renaissance Theater. I've never been to a church that meets in a theater... now I'm speaking at one. I'm excited to see what Crew looks like up close and to have the opportunity to encourage them from the Word.

They put this little film together as an introduction to the Church. Please pray for the Crew as I try to encourage them in their efforts to transform their city.

My kinda church

Denny over at Joy in the Journey recently asked what kind of church are you looking for? It elicited some good feeback... I even popped off on a few desires. Then another friend Aaron pointed me to the below Mark Driscoll video.

And now I've settled in on my new answer... a two-fisted church. I have in the past few years begun to describe myself as theologically conservative and culturally liberal. Theologically conservative in view of the Bible and God and Christ and sin and salvation and ecclesiology (church structure). Culturally liberal in that you don't have rules (above the clear principles in Scripture) for every part of life that you lay on people like what to (or not to) wear, watch, listen to, eat, drink, etc. You allow people to utilize discernment to engage the culture for the purpose of displaying the beauty and transforming power of Christ.

Does the end justify the means?

I need some input here. I want your feedback.

I've always heard it said that... the ends do not justify the means. Similarly my coaches would say... it doesn't matter if you win or lose it is how you play the game. I've always taken this to mean that there are some rules of engagement to [whatever] and living by them is more important than do otherwise just to get a desired result. Is that true or am I whack?

In life... in business... in relationships... in marriage... in church... in school. Does it really matter how you play the game... how you conduct yourself... how you carry out your business?

Is this just an old-wives tale... is it common sense... or is it wise biblical advice that you pass down your sons and daughters.

Please share your stories (success and failure)... your metaphors... and your sage advice.

Expectations...

So I'm checking out companies like crazy in my job search. I appreciate it when a company is really upfront on who they are... who they are not... and what they are looking for. People who tell you honestly what you can expect from the organization. Unfortunately not all organizations have this process nailed down.

So I was quite impressed today when I saw a job posting that included the companies hiring strategy... called the 4C recruiting process: (here it is)

Competence: Does the candidate have the credentials, skills and experience needed?

Character: Does the candidate have the highest level of integrity to represent you and your organization?

Chemistry: Is there a true interpersonal connection between the candidate and team members?

Culture: Is there a true match between the candidate's professional/personal style that will enable him/her to be successful in the specific work environment?

Getting people who fit in these four categories is how you build a solid team!

Cleaning out my closet

In life you collect stuff... and some of it is stuffed in the back of the closet.

You grow up... you go to school... you date... you get a job... you move... you leave jobs... you get new jobs... you get married... you make friends... you lose friends.

All the experiences and relationships that are part of your story form you spiritually... both positive and negative. Some of the toughest... or most shameful... or most painful experiences often get stuffed in the back of the closet. And even though no one sees it... it can affect everything. And as "Em" says... I think we ALL have skeletons in our closet.

I've found that my personal and spiritual growth depends on my willingness to clean out the closet of my life from time to time. It is scary... It is painful... but the pain is the way to growth.

There is a healthy and an unhealthy way to react or respond to these personal demons. And while I don't have it all figured out... what I tend to need is some close and trusted friends who will help me shine the light of Christ into the dark recesses of closets of my life. To not just shine the light... but to help me clean it out and tidy up.

Em.... sing. (FYI: Eminem uses some colorful language to express his emotions. If you can't handle that... then don't watch it)

[NOTE: I do not condone the excessive use of filthy language and have a low tolerance for such language myself. I do not regularly expose myself to such potty-mouthed entertainment as simply a consumer... but try to engage it from a Christian worldview. Engagement is not always retreat. The theme of this song has captivated me from my first exposure to it... and I share it here with the greatest of caution and this extra note... thanks to my friend Sean]



God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
1 John 1:5b-7

An old dog learns new tricks

My friend... mentor... infamous punster... and general journeying partner has entered the blogosphere to wax eloquent on the highways and byways of life. I'm excited that he has finally crawled out from under his rock and is going public with his thoughts. He speaks from a lifetime of following Jesus and from 31 years of formal ministry in a variety of contexts. Yet he continues to grow... develop... and change.

He has recently left a secure ministry position as he takes "getting out of the boat and following Jesus" to its radical extremes. BEWARE: If you read his stuff... he might challenge you to do the same. Check out Denny's work over at Joy in the Journey.

Ode to Ted

My friend Ted was released from his worship duties at Northwest yesterday so that he could fully pursue where God wants him next. Ted has become a close friend in our less than a year together so I thought I would sound off on some of the things that I love about my friend.

I actually didn't like Ted the first time I met him. I don't think I have told him that... but something about him rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe it was his sharp sense of humor... or his California "dude" slang... or his dashing good looks (snicker)... or his speak-his-mind way. Despite all that... I pressed on and spent time with him and Jen and his kids. And as we shared time together we came to understand each other and formed a deep bond. So here is what I love about Ted...

His creativity: He is a truly out of the box thinker when it comes to worship and doing church. From the first time he joined a staff meeting, I knew we were in for a wild ride. He loved experimenting and trying and creating and changing and pursuing. His creativity was on display at the Christmas Eve Service and during the Games People Play series.

His support: He supported my ministry. In fact for our two biggest events ever (the Got Milk and Roadtrip groupLinks) Ted put together a worship band and did a great job leading us in worship. He also supported my personally. He and his wife are involved with our family. We've talked about everything and have encouraged and challenged one another. We know that they want the best for us... they are on our side... in our corner... they are our fans. We would be lost without the Williams'. And we have tried to reciprocate the same for them.

His love for Jesus: Ted loves Jesus and wants that for everyone whom he serves. We have regularly stopped all talking and have prayed together for chunks of time... just seeking the hand of the Lord or peace for a difficult decision. He humbly seeks God and His truth in a way that invites others to join him.

His authenticity: Ted is not good at putting on a show or keeping a secret. What you see is what you get. He is a truth-teller and tells it like he sees it. That scares many people and make others uncomfortable, but I think it is how God has wired him. During our recent transition, a number of times Ted has give me honest assessment of what he thinks should or should not happen. I have come to not only accept that but to cherish that about Ted.

Ted is currently in Virginia with his family awaiting another medical procedure for his six year old, Noah. Unfortunately, he was not given the opportunity to say good-bye to his ministry or the church. I wish he was given that chance... It is hard to bring closure without saying good-bye. But if you feel led, I would encourage you to shoot him and his family some encouragement [ted.williams4@gmail.com] for the next leg of his journey.

Don't change my friend!

Words of Life

These have been difficult days for my family. The emotions that we have faced in the leaving of Northwest and trying to piece together a future have been all over the board. There has been a lot of spiritual warfare. But feelings of loss... loneliness... depression... joy... hope... confusion... betrayal... fear... are regular visitors to our home. Hey I'm just keeping it real. You know how the Adversary fills our minds with lies.

Many friends are tracking our journey and sometimes shoot some encouragement our way. Late last week I received such e-mail from a friend. He identifies exactly with where I am and has walked many of the trails which I have. He has experienced the redemptive power of grace in a way that I have not and may never. So when he speaks I listen. Here is the last paragraph of his e-mail to me.

I pray, my friend, for you and your family every day. I believe that
God is doing something huge through you and preparing you for
incredible things. I'm just looking forward to seeing what they are.
The beauty of God is that, one way or another, the dragon always gets
slain. Sometimes it's just not in the timing or the manner that we
think best.

Thank you my friend for speaking words of life to my family.

Mark the blameless and behold the upright,
for there is a future for the man of peace.
Psalm 37:37

Raleigh in Review

I did fly to Raleigh on Thursday night for a one day trip and half a day of interviews. Thank you to all my friends who are praying for God to reveal his direction in my life through experiences like this.

The uncertainty and lack of control that I really have at this stage in my life is humbling. Then imagine me leading my wife and kids with calmness and confidence when I really can't promise them anything other than God will lead us and I will follow.

I had 3 long sessions of interviews on Friday with 5 different people involved. One of the neatest thing that stuck out to me was the hands-on involvement of HR in the process.

My first session was with the hiring manager and HR. At one point the hiring manager was following a line of questioning and stopped short and asked the HR guy "Can I ask this question?" The HR guy smiled and said "Nope." I quickly realized HR was there to keep the hiring manager in check. The question wasn't crazy and I went ahead and answered the question he "could not ask"... but it put me at ease to see the checks & balances that HR brought to the situation.

I put my best foot forward... but didn't have the best vibe at the end of the day. I should find out in about 2 weeks. I have to keep reminding myself... this is a journey!

I must say that the Psalms have become my friend these days... so I'll leave you with something God shared with me.

But for you, O Lord, do I wait;
it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer."
Psalm 38:15

Sunday Bloody Sunday

A song of longing for the end of pain... war... battle... unrest... and the restoration of shalom (the peace & wholeness of God).

I can't believe the news today
I can't close my eyes and make it go away.
How long, how long must we sing this song?
How long, how long?

-selah

I'm off to Raleigh

I'm off to Raleigh, NC for a set of morning interviews on Friday from 8-noon.

I sure would love to land a job and get out of this unemployment thing. The idea of supporting my family financially seems so manly.

Prayer warriors... unite!

I'm pissed...

That's right. I'm angry. My blood is boiling. I've had it up to here. My heart is racing and pounding out of my chest. I talked with a friend last night... and I think he is being treated... (deep breath, deep breath)... "crummy". And it makes me MAD.

So what makes you mad?
What makes your blood boil?
When do you see red?

In my sleepless night... I reflected a bit on what turns on this switch in me. And at least one of the things is when someone close to me... someone that I care about... is mistreated, taken advantage of, or bullied.

I'm going to go outside and scream!

Behind the Music of Keith Green

I was reminded of my fond affection for the music of Keith Green this past Sunday. Dennis Jernigan shared of the influence that Keith has had on his own music. Then I found The Keith Green Story on youtube.... and I ate it up today (all 7 parts and 60 minutes of it). This is the best thing I've watched on youtube...ever.

His story of acid-dropping, star-seeking, spiritually-minded, hippie... to life-turned upside down, born again, follower of Jesus... to ministry-minded, hard-core evangelist... to top-of-the-charts Christian musician... to tragic death... is gripping (quite an understatement).

This piece of Christian Music History should be required reading. Keith Green's authenticity and passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ is a swift kick in the pants.

Part 1


Part 2


Part 3


Part 4


Part 5


Part 6


Part 7

Dennis Jernigan & Healing

That is why we turn to Jesus right? Healing?! Spiritual. Relational. Emotional. Physical. Personal.

So last night I had the privilege to sit under the ministry of Dennis Jernigan (Mr. You Are My All in All). He was at Northwest to share his music and his powerful testimony. I went to hear from the Lord and to support my good friend Ted.

On hearing from the Lord... Dennis did not perform. It was not a concert. It was a night of music and scripture and story around the theme of healing. A number of times we were invited to stand up (silently declaring a specific need for healing) while those around us laid hands on us and Dennis sang over us. I stood twice, in need of God's touch in my life, and was encouraged by the ministry of those around me.

On supporting Ted... (the worship leader at Northwest). I have no doubt that God planned to bring Dennis here on this specific night to minister to Ted. Ted has become a fast friend. His humility, authenticity and love for the Lord has taught me much. It was clear that he connected with Dennis on a soul level. And although Ted was never publicly visible last night. The entire event was a tribute to his servant leadership. Ted brought Dennis here and then let Dennis shine. Dennis in turn let Christ shine.

There are no great D.J. clips on youtube, but a couple of unique ones include playing paintball, singing in Jerusalem and on the sea of Galilee. Here is the best one.

Thanks Jen!!!!

I just had to give a shout out to Jennifer Burkitt. She used to be the preschool director at the church on which I was formerly a staff member. I say "used to" for two reasons... because I am no longer on staff and she is no longer on staff.

She told me that my last day was her last day as well. I want to honor her for investing her life in caring for our two boys and hundreds of others over the past 2 1/2 years. I know how much of her heart and her time that she poured into and prayed into each and every volunteer and kid that was involved in her ministry. She has a unique servants heart.

What she didn't know is that she was getting into what I think is the #1 burnout position in any church... preschool ministry. In my 5 years of ministry experience I have seen 3 out of 4 preschool ministry people burnout. Most often they don't burnout on Jesus... just on ministry.

Each story is similar. They start the ministry with great energy and passion and the dream of impacting kids and parents for Christ. But they often give too much... too often... and slowly get worn down. They are easy to take for granted and rarely get the recognition they deserve. They give until they are empty... yet don't have opportunities to step back and be filled.

They regularly don't have enough... not enough volunteers... not enough classrooms... and not enough resources to solve their own problems. After awhile they lose their joy and don't enjoy church. So they have to step away to reconnect with God and reconnect with church.

I mean seriously... when was the last time you wrote a thank you note to your preschool director or gave them a gift certificate for dinner-and-a-movie with their spouse. It doesn't happen. Out-of-sight = out-of-mind

So what can churches do to reverse the trend in preschool ministry director burnout:
1. Thank your preschool leaders profusely (publicly, privately, personally).
2. Listen to their needs, concerns, desires & dreams... and do something to improve their situation.
3. Give them breaks. If that means saying no to a childcare need to let them enjoy an adult activity, it is a small price to pay for increasing ministry longevity.

And I must end where I began. Thank you Jen Burkitt for caring and praying for our two boys over the last 2 1/2 years. Your heart for the Lord and love for ministry is genuine. God is not done with you yet. You have not quit. You have made a difference.

Full Disclosure

Not too many people or businesses are into full disclosure these days. It seems that everyone and every organization holds at least a few cards close to the vest. There are just some things that you aren't meant to find out.

So as I was looking for a job today... I chuckled as I came across a company that is bending over backwards to set clear expectations up front. This is legitimately fresh off monsterjobs.com

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk, sit, and use hands to operate computer keyboard, and telephone. The employee is occasionally required to stand; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

I laughed out loud. I'm not sure I can live up to expectations (I'm only good up to 20 lbs)... but at least I know what to expect.

How to drive a roundabout

Our city recently installed our first two roundabouts. Exciting... I know. And we in Hilliard, OH are the sharpest tools in the shed... so the leaders of our community thought it wise to post some helpful hints on How to drive a roundabout on the city's home page.

There are multiple links to video's and helpful downloadable pages about the rules of the road when maneuvering these tricky little things... whether your are walking or driving an 18-wheeler. These guys have thought of everything!

I've learned that it is important to slow down, pick your lane and yield to vehicles already in the circle. But hey... everything I know about roundabouts I learned from Chevy Chase.

The pressure is off...

Great news from Christine's OB visit yesterday.

Two weeks ago we had a bit of a scare... when Christine was feeling lots of pressure on her cervix. The doc put her on bed rest. Concerned family and friends have helped with the kids and been praying for us.

Yesterday... the pressure was gone... the cervix was normal and Arley's head was visibly off of Christine's cervix. Thank God. She is still laying low and limiting outside time to about 90 minutes a day. But things have definitely turned in a good direction.

Add years to your life

The Dutch might be on to something here. (Proverbs 3:9-10)

spoonful of truth...

You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.
~ Rosa Parks

Leadership & Trust...

Leadership comes from trust,
trust comes from character.

-Mark Driscoll
Mars Hill Church, Seattle

So leaders... it seems that trust is crucial element of leadership...

Are you trustworthy?
Do people really trust you?
What do your people trust you with?
What do people never trust you with?
How do you build trust?
How do you destroy trust?

I've heard it said that most people quit their leader before they quit their job. Maybe it is because they don't trust their leader... or don't feel trusted by their leader? Thoughts...

iChurch Inspiration

Over the weekend I did some iChurch... that is... I was fed from my iPod while I drove my boys home from the lake. Here's a snippet:

(loose Burkle translation)... If you don't have a sense of calling to love your city and see your city transformed... you should move. Each city needs to have a people who are the proof of God in that city (Acts 1:8).
-Erwin McManus
Mosaic, Los Angeles

What would happen if instead of caring about getting more people into our church, we cared about getting more of our church into our city.
-Craig Groeschel
Lifechurch.tv, Edmond, OK

Other thought provoking questions by Craig Groeschel:
1. Who is God calling you to reach, that no one else is reaching?
2. What is God calling you to do that has not been tried before?
3. What new thing is God calling you to create that will be hated today and embraced tomorrow?

Here I am Lord... send me.

Keep moving forward

We took the kids out to see the Disney Film Meet the Robinson's last night and were pleasantly surprised at the content, themes... and the ability to keep our 2 1/2 year old engaged for the entire film. No small feat... mind you.

Our first surprise was to find out that if you take a group of 3 or more to Carriage Place on Mondays... each movie is $.50 a person. So...

BURKLES + $2 = family fun at Carriage Place

In addition I thought there were some very redemptive themes in the movie that make for good healthy discussion with the kiddo's on they way home... in particular were the views on failure and family.

(1) Failure... is celebrated in the movie. The main character, Lewis, is a budding inventor... who has a museum of failed inventions. His trial-and-error approach to life is not so attractive to would-be parents of this lonely orphan... but it is theme of his life... that everything is an experiment. His life motto is keep moving forward and so he views his own failure as positive learning experiences that helps him to grow and improve.

I really like this theme. I think failure is an event and not a person. Good people fail... great people learn from their failures. I'm not really suggesting that life should be all trial-and-error. For we should avoid some failure by consulting wise counselors and even the failure of others. Moral failure should not be celebrated. Character failure should not be celebrated. But in attempting anything, especially new things, we must be open to failure. Then, having a keep-moving-forward attitude, frees you from the paralyzing fear of failure.

(2) Family... is valued in this movie. Lewis is an orphan. He longs for a family. A place to be accepted and loved and to find identity. He thinks that if he goes back in time and meets his mother his longing for belonging will be sated. But what he finds is the surprising power of moving forward. He gets a peek into the future where a bunch of quirky, eccentric individuals come together to form quite a functional family based on love and acceptance. It appears that nearly each member is added by adoption... the choosing to allow someone to become your family. It is really a form of grace in action... freely giving to someone a status they could not earn.

The value of family in this movie is very positive and the power of adoption cannot be overstated. Adoption is not choosing someone based upon what they can give you... rather on what you can give them. Identity. Love. Acceptance.

The gospel: Despite our own failures God's love has chosen to make amends for our offense. He initiates repairing our relationship by paying for our offense then adopts us as his dearly beloved children. We do not get to him by learning from our failures... but we find new identity in him when he declares us his children if we will only accept his offer.

In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:5-6

Don't look back...

... or you'll turn to salt.

I've always been abit mesmerized by the biblical story of the destruction Sodom of Gomorrah. In Genesis 19... two angels grab Lot and his family and in order to save them from God's wrath they take them by the hand and drag them out of the city and then exclaim...

"Flee for your lives! Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!" (Gen. 19:17). But it is verse 26 that always gets me...

" But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt."

Somehow she became a pillar of salt... because she looked back. And I often wonder why she looked back. Did she forget to pack something valuable? Did she wonder if God was seriously going to destroy the city? Did she long for the good old days? Did she miss her friends? Was it regret... sadness... a sense of loss?

And then I wonder what is in this lesson for me? Is there something about looking back that can make us salty. And I think so. Sometimes through the circumstances of life... God sends us out to a new future... and we should not look back. We should not live in the past... or hope in the past... or regret the past... but should look forward.

This is a very real thing for me now. Just 2 weeks ago I concluded a pastoral position at a local church without any clarity on what I will be doing in the future. So the past is very real and my future is very uncertain.

And it has been very tempting for me to look back. To wonder why things ended as they did. To wonder if I could have or should have done things differently. Or even better I am tempted to visit the web-site to see what they are up to... what new thing is going on... or what new faces show up.

And you know what... I can get a bit salty. I can become sad... or remorseful... or deflated... or depressed... because I am no longer in the mix... that has past. Someone else has taken over and replaced me.

I have found that it is very important for me to remember that God has clearly sent me out and has a new future for me. It is important for me to take hold of the future and let go of the past. It is necessary for me to embrace new dreams and release old ones. It is more healthy for me to look forward with hope than to look back with regret.... because....

I don't want to turn to salt.

Great Weekend

I had a great weekend with my boys (we are pictured here with my dad). We left mom home to rest... and we headed out into the wild. Well... as wild as a cabin by a lake in Michigan can allow you to be.

We had an absolute blast. We swam in the lake... went paddle-boating... speedboating... tubing... sking... jet-skiing... fishing... and sat out by the fire telling stories.

Both boys caught their own fish. Griffin tried tubing with me... and after riding up front for 2 whole days in the ski-boat, Caden concluded that he wanted to buy a boat.

It was great to have some serious guy time... even without the mom's around. My brother brought his son also. In addition to all the fun... I found plenty of things for the boys to work on. Basic growing up stuff like listening... sharing... and obedience. I have found that these times of quantity time provide me with valuable quality time.

For example... on Sunday morning Caden had a difficult time obeying some simple requests that I had made of him. Shortly there-after I had the chance to paddle-boat out to the middle of the lake one-on-one with him... and we had a chance to talk about the value of obedience and why God wanted him to obey me.

I would rather have been no where else in the world than spending quality time investing in my sons this weekend.

So(u)l music for kids

Allow me to introduce you to the music of Jamie Soles... this is no joke...


I know they look like a home-schooled version of the partridge family... but don't let that scare you... just yet.

I first heard of Jamie from my friends at St. Anne's Public House. I love the pub... they make me think... and do it for free.

Jamie is a reformed brother from North of the border and father if 8. He writes and performs Christian children's music that is in a category all it's own... it is stuffed with Scripture and is thoroughly theological.

In addition he is keeping a blog... and here are a few of my favorite posts:

How do you DO that? : On the virtues of elders and alcohol and how they are best enjoyed together.

Harry Potter: On the delightfulness of the writings of J.K. Rowlings and how they are possibly the best Christian literature written in the past 60 years.

Rock On!

Come what may... the VIDEO

...the greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return...

Come what may...

Calling all lovers... I watched one of my favorite love stories... again... over the weekend. Moulin Rouge. It is love story that speaks to me of the hope and redemptive power of love. Many people are tripped up by the setting "a French burlesque" or the music "redone 80's pop music"... and sadly they miss the story.

They miss the beautifully redemptive and powerful hopefulness of love. I think it should required pre-marital viewing. Within the story 3 characters represent the 3 arc of love.

(1) Love as Control as seen in Harold Zidler: Zidler runs the Moulin Rouge and his star Satine is truly his sparkling diamond. She has hopes of escaping the Moulin Rouge under-world and becoming a "real" actress. But Harold... greedy for a dollar... realizing that Satine brings in the money, manipulates and controls her to keep her right where she is. He lies and deceives her for his own end. His love for Satine is only for what she can give to him... and control is his mode of operation. Satine is his slave.

(2) Love as Lust as seen in The Duke: The Duke is the financial investor in the upcoming play "Spectacular, Spectacular". He can give Satine the life she always wanted...but for a price... her very life. If she accepts his offer of salvation from the underworld... she will be his love slave for life. His love for her is a lust for her beauty and her affection... which he buys. He will make her a star in return for her slavery to his lusts. He wants to buy Satine's freedom but only to function as a new slave owner.

(3) Love as Hope as seen in Christian: The bohemian, penniless writer Christian... falls in love with Satine. He sees within her a beauty that transcends the underworld and the Duke. He believes she should be owned by no man and stuck in no place and that she does not belong at the of ZidlerMoulin Rouge. He wants to set her free from her chains so that she can live a life of freedom. His love for her... is set in a hope that she can rise up and live the life that she is capable of. He is willing to risk his own life for the possibility of setting her free. His desire is to redeem her from slavery... and this hope is rooted in his love for her. His love is not perfect... yet it is not rooted in control or lust... but I suggest in hope.

This movie fails at many levels as a picture of truly redemptive love... for each character is largely self-motivated and flawed... and no character ever expresses any repentance. But it is a story about love and does illustrate the common flaws that motivate love.

Now consider... some more thoughts on love.

(a) We must first be loved in order to truly love others.
We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

(b) True love is self-giving and full of hope for the other.
Love is patient, love is kind...
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:4, 7

No... and ...Yes

Today is a typical day in my unemployment journey... it was first a NO... then a YES.

The NO: I had a great interview yesterday. The kind that got me thinking through what it would look like for me to have the job. I pictured myself with business card in hand walking in on sales calls. Then I got the call... It always goes the same. "You have a lot of energy, passion and potential" (the butter-up)... "BUT" (I hate the but)... (now the real truth comes out) "this other candidate has more blah-blah-blah that would be a better fit for our organization. One door shut.

...then... the YES: I'm walking in from lunch and the phone rings from a number I do not recognize. It is a manager who received my resume from a colleague and wants to set up a face-to-face interview. I ask some probing questions to clarify the opportunity then hang up. I do a dance and say "Thank you God." Another door opens.

Life is a roller-coaster (see a related post of mine). God will shut some doors... and open others. And whether he is shutting or opening... he has his best interest (which involves my best interest) in mind. Just another day in my unemployment journey.

Is your God GREEN?

There is a new issue on the agenda for some churches these days... being eco-friendly. That is right... some who call themselves Christians have heard Al Gore's call for repentance and are preaching and practicing a lifestyle which is friendlier to the earth. Some even suggesting that our ever-increasing consumption of natural resources is sinful at worst and devastatingly ignorant at best.

I just listened to a 5 week series from Mars Hill Bible Church entitled God is Green. The content ranged from a theology of creation care to practical ways to live a simpler, less consumptive lifestyle. One Sunday they invited Dr. Matt Sleeth author of Serve God, Save the Planet: A Christian Call to Action. Rob Bell even suggested that this issue of green-ness is the new seatbelt.

Then yesterday I saw that Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas was written up in the Dallas Morning News as going green. The article did not so much focus on caring for the environment as saving money wasted on energy consumption to free it up for "real ministry." Christine and I visited Preston-"world" for a few months when we lived in Dallas. If Southern Baptists are going green... does that mean it is becoming a mainstream evangelical issue?

So what do you think.
Is God Green?
Does Jesus care how we consume or care-for the environment?
Should the church lead this charge or leave it liberal, tree-huggers?