My favorite post of 2007

We watched our family video collection this past weekend... which reminded me of my all time favorite Clay's World post of 2007. When I put this video together, I had no idea how much I would need her support, love & encouragement in the coming months. And in the end, I was reminded that I had picked the right girl. I can't imagine life without her. So here's a replay.... for her...

God & Seaweed

Christine recently got Caden on film explaining one of his water-coloring projects. When he puts God in the middle of some sea-weed... the explanation turns into pre-school theology.

You will be enlightened on topics such as:
... how Jesus saves our lives...
... what God hates... and...
... how to defeat Satan



If faith is like a seed that is primarily planted and watered by Mom & Dad in the rhythm of home-life... then we've got some work to do.

Superheroes

I think the neighborhood is going to be a bit safer in 2008... now that a couple of Superboys are on the job.



Now let's see your superhero pose.

Favorite Movie Clip(s)

I was tagged by Aaron for this one. I was happy to find some clips for Good Will Hunting... what, for me, has become one of the modern classic films. I think it is brilliantly written and ask some of the basic meaning of life questions while probing the issues of love... loss... purpose... and trust. Plus it throws in some good shots at spoiled rich kids. I could not choose just one clip and could not put the whole film here... so I whittled it down to 3 classic scenes. (Warning: Clips contain strong language)

Your Just a Kid


It's not your fault (sorry for the Chinese subtitles)


Bar Scene

Rumors

I heard a rumor about me on Sunday night. I was talking with a local friend who checks up on me once in a while. It was clear to me that this rumor grew from a lack of information about why I made some decisions. And in that vacuum of information, some had tried to fill in the blanks... thus birthing the rumor. I could tell that he was troubled... by what he had heard... and didn't even want to share it with me. I gave him the freedom to share what was troubling him and he did. It really was a harmless thing... and did not bother me... but it was not true. So I was able put him at ease about the situation and we both ended the conversation better.

Rumors... can be damaging can't they. Before I try to get all philosophical on rumors... let me interject a favorite '80's tune called "Rumors" by the Timex Social Club. Enjoy...



OK, back to the serious....

The power of rumors is tied to the power of words. Words can give life... or take life. Words can be used as agents for the gospel or against the gospel. In the gospel, King Jesus defeats the power of Satan through his substitutionary death and victorious resurrection. In doing so he inaugurates his reign over all things and begins... in part... a process of restoring all of creation to its pre-Eden wholeness and perfection (biblically shalom). At the appointed time... His reign will fully come.

As his ambassadors and agents of this good news, the church (those who gain citizenship into this kingdom through faith) is to live redemptively in these last days... in all that we do. The churches existence as a community of the redeemed is a foretaste of the future shalom that will wash over all things. When shalom exists... things are knit together as they should fit... as they were designed to fit... not frail and frayed... not disordered and dissected.

Our words, too, can express shalom or disturb it. Our words when truthful and righteous and godly can affirm and do the work of bringing shalom in communities and individuals and families. When our words are truthless and rumorful... we can tear apart individuals and families and communities.

The Church is the place where the wholeness of life (shalom) should be most fully evident. Our speech... our disagreeing... our demeanor... our attitudes... our community life... is to be a foretaste to the world of what life is like when Jesus reigns in our hearts... in our homes... and in our communities.

So practically how should we deal with rumors? Reject them... they are probably not true. Instead personally seek out the individuals involved... because truth is most often discovered in healthy, face-to-face dialogue. With truth in hand you will actually escape the trouble that comes from the destructive power of rumors. Reject + Dialogue = Truth.

The righteous man is rescued from trouble,
and it comes on the wicked instead.
With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor,
but through knowledge the righteous escape.
Proverbs 11:8-9

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

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

Come what may... the VIDEO

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

Sunday's Goodbye Speech

This past Sunday I took the pulpit and said goodbye to my first full-time pastoral role. I put the video here (I hope not for self-promotion) but for my friends who were out of town and missed the announcement.



Watching this again... is a bit of an out of body experience for me. I came across a lot more serious than I really intended. I wanted it to be light... but it seemed a bit heavy. I wanted it to by joyful... but it seemed a bit tense.

But it was a real joy and even fun to look the church in the eyes and share this news with them. It is really an entirely different view from the stage. And for many close friends... although we won't be worshipping together... this is not good-bye... just until next time.

I'm not satisfied...

...living in yesterday's hour.

Sorry, it is a song by HillSong that I've been singing ever since I saw the video over on Aaron's blog. For an inspirational break take 5 minutes to check out Believe.

My Girl

Forgive me while I dote on my wife. She turned 30 this year... and the rash of surprise 30th parties that I've been to lately reminds me of the Surprise Bash I threw for her on Jan 11. It was great to surprise her and was a truly memorable night. Somehow I pulled together this 5:35 video highlighting our lives together over the past 7 years.... and even showed it to her at the party. But now I'd like to share it with you... This one is for her.



I believe it is important to have some big celebrations in life.

It is important to stop long enough to surround yourself with friends and family and say I love you and why.

It is important to remember where you've been and how far you've come. Then realize that each day you are making memories.