cranky

Overheard amongst a group of boys playing with my boys:

"Just ask my brother. Everybody gets a little crankier when they get older."

church remixed

[ click for a larger version ]

I wrote this little diddy and taught this one to our church this past Sunday. Nothing like clarifying that the church is *not* a building... because when you think it is you assume that's the only place you can connect with God. Granted, it is a great place for community and growing "in Spirit and in Truth."

But a church isn't a holy huddle or an environment to feel superior.

It's not a place where you need to button up your collar but a community where you can unbuckle your belt.

It is not a destination (i.e. "We went to church today.") but a mixing bowl meant to pour out (i.e. "We gathered with the Church today" and "We are the Church!")

So may you forget whatever version you learned of this in the past and embrace the remix (that is actually more of a remembering).

even when you're stuck, you're not stuck

This is a picture I took a few years back. My wife had noticed that on the backyard fence of the home we were renting how a tree branch had gotten caught in the chain links. The picture may not do it justice, because it wasn't just randomly stuck - in the process of it trying to grow it had encountered the fence, and as the fence contained it the tree merely just kept on trying to grow.

We were moved by it because in many ways it had grown to represent our lives in that season. As a family, we felt like we were going through some of our deepest trials while all we wanted to do was simply grow.

Maybe you can identify... maybe you know what it's like to feel stuck in a piece of fence.

And what it feels like to want to give up and assume that's the end of the story.

So often we try to control the uncontrollable.

And we can't.

What we can control, though, is if we will keep on blooming.

This is absolutely in our courts, for the "weather" does not need to determine the "climate."

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Some days the fight isn't as brutal as the perception of silence.

This past Sunday my amazing wife shared a glimpse of that and how it felt for us during this time. I'd invite you to give it a listen here: http://207.45.180.229/connectionchurch/icast/2009/070509_katiemyles.mp3

Remember, Jesus has come to set us free and give us life - to connect us to the Father.

So don't just "hang in there," but instead hang on to Him...

and keep on stretching...

allowing your loving God to grow you...


And you will see some fruit...

just a little bit further down the fence.

Fruit that isn't obstructed,

but is ripe for the picking and blesses all.


Including the next generation of journeymen.


Because of Jesus, even when you're "stuck,"

you're not stuck.

the king of dance - not Michael Jackson

I'm possibly breaking my "no Michael Jackson" musing rule by posting this, but it's really all about paying homage to a true entertainer. And no... it's not Michael Jackson.

Watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gB0UNey-Uk

And per Michael Jackson, avoiding such a "smooth criminal" all starts with the "man in the mirror." While some may consider him a "thriller", others thought he should just "beat it." It's as easy as "ABC, 123," or "ebony and ivory." Of course, it would seem like "you want to be starting something" with what you "say, say, say". But "we are the world," after all, and whether your name is "Ben," "Billie Jean," or "Dirty Diana," you need to "jam" the idea out there that it's "dangerous" if you "don't stop till you get enough." When you feel like it all wants to "rock with you," just "remember the time" you felt "bad," too. After all, "you are not alone." In fact, the "way you make me feel" about this makes me want to "scream" as well. If I join you in this "speed demon" attempt to "heal the world" from no more Michael Jackson posts, "will you be there?" Or will you "leave me alone?" Maybe we should check with the "librarian girl" before we go "speechless."

ask a spy

I've never watched the TV show, but these videos make me laugh... feel a little smarter... and double-check my ethics.

http://www.usanetwork.com/series/burnnotice/video/spytips/

His name is I AM

I've known the fear. Maybe you have, too.

The one that wakes you up some days and makes you feel like "I'll bet you today will be the day that the bottom just drops out."

Life can mess you up sometimes. It can make you nearsighted.

All the stress, and trials, and hardships that come along… it can be rough and overbearing and cause us to only see the problems in front of us.

And not the perspective beyond us.

"My family is a mess."

"Work takes everything out of me."

"My ex keeps causing problems for me."

"My kids don’t listen."

"My parents are burdening me with all their problems."

"I can't get out of reach of everyone else and all of their desires for my life."

You ever have a run like that? I know I have. Same fears, different dialogue.

Sometimes all we can see in this life is our own problems.

But think of this.

On those days when all you can perceive is the chaos - when life seems too much to take - what if there is more? What if there is a perspective beyond what you can see?

Our God is a great and powerful God who knows what you’re going through, is able to meet that need, and is right there with you.

His name is "I AM."

Just look at the vastness of His creation. When your problems get too big to take, just consider how intricate and intelligent everything is.

• How certain bugs exist to eat other bugs which exist to eat certain things that keep us healthy.
  
  
• Or how our bodies are able to take what we eat and turn the good parts into human tissue and get rid of the bad parts.
  
  
• Or how life can appear when science says it can't, doctors say there is no hope, and hope says all is lost.
  
  
• Or how the position of the earth and moon and sun are so precise that even the slightest percentage of difference would cause crazy ripples, and yet somehow they are held together.
  
  
• And right now – as you consider all of this and decide if you want to receive it or debate it – you have a complex brain that is working in ways you can't even fathom... where did that brain come from? Who created it so unique and complex?

His name is "I AM."

He knows every star and every planet and every constellation… and He knows you by name.
Can you imagine? In comparison to the size of this universe we know of, we are less than insignificant... we are seen and known and understood and loved.

Loved by Him.

His name is "I AM."

We are not even as bright as the sun or as large as a galaxy, and yet the Great God of the universe knows us… cares for us… loves us.

Do you get that?

So why do we doubt? Why do we fear? Why don’t we trust that God can provide for us as He always has for His people?

A man named Louie Giglio once put it this way - "I am not, but I know I AM." That's a great line... because when we are feeling like we're "not," we know the One who is.

Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?"

God said to Moses, "I am who I am . This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' " (Exodus 3:13-14)

A poet named Helen Mallicoat described it in her own words this way:

I was regretting the past
and fearing the future.

Suddenly, my Lord
was speaking.
He paused.
I waited.
He continued:

"When you
live in the past,
with its mistakes and regrets,
it is hard.
I am
not there.
My name is not - I WAS.

When you live in the future,
with its problems and fears,
it is hard.
I am not there.
My name
is not - I WILL BE.

When you live in this moment,
It is not hard.
I am here.
My name is I AM."

Whatever happens, He's got our back... and our front... because He has our "now."

It may not feel that way. You may be angry with God. Again, I know this one, too. Same anger, different dialogue.

I've learned, though, that it is possible to use the struggles in life to look for God in ways that the joys distract us from. I've also found that when you do, the joys take on a much deeper meaning.

Jesus is our Savior, and He continued this“I AM” dialogye when He made declarative statements about His identity. Which of these do you most need to claim right now?

• "I am the bread of life." (Do you feel hungry for a satisfying life?)
  


• "I am the light of the world." (Do you feel like you're in the dark?)
  


• "I am the door for the sheep." (Do you wonder which way you should go?)
  


• "I am the good shepherd." (Do you wonder who will guide you?)
  


• "I am the resurrection and the life." (Do you need a touch of the supernatural to bring your deadness into a fully-alive existence?)
  


• "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (Do you tire of opinions ruling the world in lieu of something greater?)
  


• "I am the true vine." (Do you yearn for a constant supply of healthy nourishment that will cause you to actually bear fruit?)

Wondering where to find all of this?

His name is I AM.

book review: middle school ministry

I had the blessing of reviewing this book for YouthWorker Journal, soon to be released sometime in August. If you work with students or parent kids in the 11-14 age group, you need to grab this when it comes out.
---------------------
Middle School Ministry: A Comprehensive Guide To Working With Early Adolescents
By Mark Oestreicher and Scott Rubin
Zondervan/Youth Specialties, 2009, 384 pp., $15.99

For rather appropriate reasons, there’s a squirrel on the cover of this book. While middle school ministry has received more dignity in recent years than the church has given it in the past, working with young teens requires the same kind of intentionality that approaching a fuzzy rodent in its natural habitat might. As the authors contend, this stage of life cannot simply be written off as a “holding tank” for high school - much care must be put into connecting early adolescents to Christ in this “make-or-break” timeframe if they hope to experience a lifetime of spiritual significance.

While the average youth worker already knows all of this, a hole has existed in many ministry circles regarding the appropriate training and insights that this resource dynamically addresses. Oestreicher and Rubin blend humorous narratives with confident passion to seamlessly volley their combined experiences and research with the 11-14 age group. The result is this comprehensive offering that uses humble, everyday language with just the right amount of academic color commentary from other professionals.

The first section help unpack what is happening within and to the average preteen, while the second section offers practical ideas to be sure that what is happening within and through you appropriately matches up. The authors give you every reason to succeed and stay inspired, from the special Q&A and ideas section that close out the book to the guest contributor’s “Why I Do This” story provided in each chapter. As a dad, I found the insights on “normalizing their experiences” the single most important takeaway on how I relate with my own kids. As a reviewer and lead pastor, though, I can’t think of a better book to put into the hands of anyone in youth ministry… or your whole church... or parents of tweens.

the call after the call

I'm going to be honest about something - sometimes it's hard for my family to be a part of the church. If people decide they don't like me or get offended at things the church is doing, not only do we lose potential participants but my wife and kids lose friends. That can hurt and be more confusing to explain than the average person realizes.

I know that's a bit transparent. And yet...

I can't imagine a more amazing church for my family to be a part of than Connection Church.

I once did.

And I was wrong.

I want to invite you to read this "classic" post that was written during a time when we were living with my in-laws in a small modular home and my dream job offered me the chance to come serve with them:

http://dontcallmeveronica.blogspot.com/2005/09/call.html

We didn't know one thing about Connection Church at the time, so when we responded to that other church in question it was a "this or that" sort of comparison - it was a pure question of following God and honoring our household.

But today I am thankful to know that our family is in the right place because the people we get to do life with through this congregation are imperfectly perfect for us. I am so, so thankful to be on the journey with them and pray for the day when every person in the region we live in comes into a fully-alive relationship with Jesus Christ.

If you're a part of Connection Church or once were, I want you to know that my family is committed to your household, whether you are committed to us in the same way.

And if you aren't... come move to where we live and be a part of the most amazing church I've ever had the humble privilege of being a part of, let alone serving in as its pastor.

That's not a commercial... that's an opportunity. Are you in?

http://www.connectionchurch.org/

more free food

A free case of White Castle sliders... and yes, I called them food.

can money buy happiness?

This video illustrates the answer.

some ancient wisdom on current finances

This summer I've decided to engage in four goals that I hope will enlarge how I see life, enlarge my connections, enlarge the souls around me, and enlarge resources others need. Part of that includes a daily reading in a pretty amazing text called Proverbs, and today's comes from Proverbs 17.

I couldn't get past the implications of the first verse:

"Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife."

It's ironic, since many people feel that in times of trouble and challenge we start to get petty with each other over small stuff. I think this is generally true, and have experienced its temptation as Katie and I have been through trials.

But I've also seen the beauty when the distractions of life reveal the true priorities and you have to ask yourself what matters most. It seems like the times that we've had it the toughest, we have had a great level of intimacy in our communication and connection as a family.

Maybe this is why verse 3 says:

"The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart."

And verse 16:

"Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?"

Given the challenges many of us are going through to honor God in the finances He's given us to manage, it only seems right and fitting to take to heart these words.

The alternative attitudes and behavior is what we're used to, and something one student at London‘s M&C Saatchi uncovered regarding how many people cope financially in times of struggle:

• Crash Dieters (26%) identify and cut out all non-essential spending until things improve. They live from week to week, and when the money runs out, they’re forced to take drastic action.


• Scrimpers (13%) down-trade rather than cut out. They are more likely to substitute brands with generic/private labels rather than dropping them altogether.


• Abstainers (15%) want to maintain their lifestyle and postpone big purchases until the situation improves.


• Balancers (9%) rob Peter to pay Paul. They prefer sacrifice to compromise.


• Treaters (12%) don’t find it easy to cut back, but know they have to. So they reward their frugalness with regular small treats.


• Justifiers (12%) are happy to give, but in the current climate they want to be sure their money is well-used. They’re looking for value deals and sound investments.


• Ostriches (9%) feel unaffected or in denial and are spending normally.


• Vultures (4%) are looking to profit from others’ misfortune. (Let’s hope you or I are not doing this!)

There is at least one other sound bit of wisdom in Proverbs that echoes this data - "He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished." (Proverbs 17:5)

These are great days for the Church to speak with clarity and conviction about the hope and certainty of God’s Story. Whatever we can do to enlarge the perspective of others beyond what they feel caught up in will only further their ability to see His fingerprints in their lives. Our faith is not in the stock market or in retirement accounts, but in the Almighty God who sustains His children in all situations.

This past Sunday our church community went around town and planted "free food" at the bottom of vending machines. Attached was a card that expressed how it really was free and was intended to remind whomever found it that God loves them, right there... right then. Maybe it's something as simple as that... a spark that creates a fire.

Or maybe it's more. Maybe it's you and I leading a life that is full of creative generousity, wise discipline, prayerful priorities, and courageous simplicity. These priorities are God-honoring regardless of the size or regularity of a paycheck... this is about extending (which implies discomfort) the hope of Jesus into the life of everyone else.

“Remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today” (Deuteronomy 8:18).

who says you can't have your cake and eat it, too?

Enjoy!

some inside humor for font lovers

Check out this video. :)

Watch Font Conference on CollegeHumor

hey batter batter

Admittedly, I haven't played a lot of sports growing up. So when our church decided to play some co-ed softball this summer, I assumed I'd need to show up prepared.

Unfortunately, I'm not. And this is the mit I showed up to play ball with.

see you in a few

My apologies, but I am finishing a book right now and will tidy up some stuff here as soon as I'm done.

talking about your faith is kind of like...

If you were a part of this when it happened, how would you even begin to describe it to other people?

This is how I feel sometimes talking about the very thing Jesus has done in my life.

Minus the gold pants, of course.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfxCnZ4Dp3c

another handshake with summer

One trampoline

+ one sprinkler underneath

+ 2 kids on top

= priceless.

(cannonball)

when heaven gets in the way of the kingdom

Have you ever noticed how easy it is for Christians to turn their faith into a destination mentality?

"Just pray this prayer and you're set, dude."

It's like we turn into the guys who work the carnival games and try to woo people in by pitching them a prize. They ask a surprise question like, "What do I win if I give you my money?" and we respond accordingly.

"Heaven, baby, heaven."

And then they wonder, "What else do I get to take part in? Like maybe before then?"

And we're stumped.

"Uh, anything in this general area right in here. Anything below the stereo and on this side of the bicentennial glasses. Anything between the ashtrays and the thimble. Anything in this three inches right in here in this area. That includes the Chiclets, but not the erasers."

While heaven is very real, off-the-charts-awesome, and something I look forward to with great anticipation, I believe we present an incomplete understanding of our faith and the Kingdom of God when we merely promote the streets of gold and a big, big house with lots and lots of room.

C.S. Lewis wrote a book called the Screwtape Letters in which one demon talks with another about tricking a human:

"Once you have made the World an end, and faith a means, you have almost won your man, and it makes very little difference what kind of worldly end he is pursuing."

I'd argue that the same could be true when we make "heaven" an end.

Did you know that Christianity involves a reconnection with your Creator that can bless your socks off today?

And that creates a reintegration back to who you really are - beneath the surface of whatever mask you've been wearing?

And all the old ways you thought about life - even the deep, spiritual, theological ones - get an extreme makeover for the better?

Something you get to take part in today - TODAY - is enjoying and revealing the Kingdom of God.

Someone asked me recently what the meaning of life was. My response was that it is God giving all of Himself for all of you, so that you can give all of you for all of Him... and enjoy everything that means both ways.

That starts... right... now.

Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21)

quick question

I'm working on a very honest, gutsy series of messages for our church the next two months. So I need your help... it's called "Stuff Christians Struggle With," and I want to be sure we hit the best "stuff" in our themes.

What would you say is at least one of those "stuff's" - we're not talking answering deep theological issues (i.e. "What is going on in Revelation?" or "What does santification truly mean from a Calvinist versus Wesleyan comparison?) but more "Talking about Jesus without sounding weird" or "Feeling powerless to addictions even though we have God."

More life-application stuff.

Can you chime in real quick on this?

a break from your break (before it even begins)

I have a wild plan. It's one that I'm excited and nervous to take part in, but it's one I dare you to take on as well. I challenge you to explore it with me for a moment...

Welcome to summer.

Even as you read that, what comes to mind?

Sunshine? The ice cream man? Sweet watermelon? The smell of fresh cut lawn? Barefoot living?

We can set a season by the calendar, or we can set it by our senses. Either way, we somehow know that we're on the verge of something "new" and "different" that is actually quite familiar.

We see kids in the streets more. Road trips on a budget get planned. The constant smell of burgers hangs in the air.

This year my family began to do what we often do as a household - we started to fill up our portable pool. It's one of those cheap ones that is still a decent size for at least 4-6 kids to play in, and we usually put it in our front yard as a way to enjoy "free entertainment." As you might expect from being in storage during the cold months, though, it had some unexpected holes in it that needed to be addressed.

We found this to be true of our "Slip & Slide" as well. My wife set it up for the neighborhood kids to play on, only to find that within a few slips and slides the seams were actually coming apart on the bottom. The kids did their best to be patient, but it was obvious we needed more help than the orange duct tape we had on hand.

Both of these situations reminded me of how often when a season changes we realize our need to patch up the holes in our lives. Some people vow that they will lose weight to fit into their swimsuit; others promise that it's "time" to get those household projects done, once and for all; many see the upcoming seasons as a time to deepen relationships; and then there are those books we'd like to read to grow in our learning and understanding of life.

Whether you gel with any of those categories, I want to challenge you to consider how you're starting to think of your summer this year. Our lives are about more than our interests, which is a concept that runs against the grain of how the world thinks. We use a phrase like "summer vacation" for a healthy reason (Sabbath) and end up thinking the whole point of June, July, and August is "nothing."

I dare you to think larger than this and consider how your perspective ripples into the people around you. Some of the things I'm committing to do every week that I'd like to throw your way:

• Spending an hour a week enlarging how I see life.

• Imagine that a book of insights and truths was at your disposal that contained the "obvious secrets" of the universe. Within that one book were several books, showing several stories that were really One Story - a Story that you were a part of that started when time began, and "started again" when time ended. What would you do with such a book? Might it not be worth reading at least an hour a week, all so that it might read you?


• Practically: I am committing to read and study the Bible at least an hour a week - roughly 15 minutes a day - all summer long.
  


• Spending an hour a week enlarging my community with my Creator and others.

• If you considered the pace of life, would you say you are more likely to drift away from people you need to be around more or that you have a lot of extra time on hand to be with everyone you want to be with? Consider those inside and outside your household - if and when you spend that time with them, do you find it easy to take part in powerfully engaging things together or do you find yourself "winded" before you even begin? And does that sense of backward drift play into you making it important enough to happen anyway? Like exercise, are you willing to see through the initial energy it will cost you to get to a much healthier place where you actually feel more energetic?
  
  What if there was a way to prioritize and jump start that sense of community, as well as give you something to rally around that involved you but was also "larger" than you?
  
  
• Practically: I am committing to take part in a worship gathering with others for at least an hour a week, all summer long.
  


• Spending an hour a week enlarging the souls of people around me.


• Wouldn't you agree that people are looking for hope? Not the kind we make up in our heads to pacify the moment, but real hope that lasts and challenges us to live life in the way we were created and offers us a peace even when the chaos doesn't go away. What if that was all possible and we could realize we are not here by accident?
  
  Jesus Christ offers that hope, including the promise of heaven down the road but likewise the potential of an abundant life today. If I've found that hope, shouldn't I let it spill out and intentionally offer it to the people around me? Isn't their eternal gain more important than my momentary discomfort or awkwardness in sharing it?
  
  
• Practically: I am committing to intentionally connect with others and invite them into an intentional connection with Jesus, at least an hour a week - roughly 15 minutes a day - all summer long.


• Spending an hour a week enlarging the capacity of others' needs to be met.
  


• So many of us know on a regular basis what it means to not be able to be in all the places we feel we need to be at the same time. We give away all of our energy on a selection of things, which means that others things suffer. What if I could help in some small way that actually felt like a larger way?
  
  Might I be able to come alongside of someone's goals for themselves, their family, their work, and the stuff happening around their household? Could I look for ways that I could care for and serve my "neighbors"—the people I rub shoulders with as I do life? Is it possible to make minutes in my day matter for people who feel that they don’t?
  


• Practically : I am committing to intentionally serve others in some way that benefits them and not me, at least an hour a week - roughly 15 minutes a day - all summer long.
  

You know, I'm normally a list-setting guy like this. If I truly believe what it is I say I believe, though, then isn't it hypocritical for me to do nothing about it? It may mean I show more hospitality than I normally do, that I set my alarm when I'd rather sleep in, or that I look up people who drain me and intentionally hang out with them. Whatever the case, I hope I'm not alone in pursuing these very powerful steps that will not only enlarge my life but the lives of others around me.

Are you in?

You may not need to scratch out whatever is on your calendar already, but you will need to do it through a more intentional set of eyes? Eyes that don't say, "How can I relax from everything?" but instead "How can I maximize what is happening around me, in the people around me, for something greater than what is happening around me?" For all you know, the way your life reflects the Light of the world may very well be the break in the clouds others have been praying for... and when they see it real in you, they become willing to take their first steps forward into a life that is no longer about consuming, retiring, and dying.

Don't just fix the holes in your life with duct tape - let it all become remade... a NEW creation.

I can think of no better way to make your summer count than by making it not about yourself but about something and Someone that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.

I dare you to think about such things.

And again I ask... are you in?

"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Jesus, Matthew 10:39)

conversations with my boys: Mario Day

A conversation from last week:

Daniel: "When is Mario Day?"

My wife and I: "Huh?"

Daniel: "You know, Mario Day?"

My wife and I, still puzzled: "Like... Nintendo Mario?"

Joshua: "He means Memorial Day."

My wife and I: "Oh."

So...

Happy Mario Day, everyone.

idol thoughts

Maybe you saw Kris Allen win this year's American Idol title this week. What you may or may not know is that Kris is a real-deal Christian and leads worship at New Life Church in Maumelle, Arkansas.

Does this mean anything, though?

Often we hear of "Christians" in the spotlight, who for a brief moment get a spotlight from the church until something awkward comes out of their lives. For instance, Jessica Simpson originally toured as a Christian singer and talked about the virtue of virginity. Then in 2001 she appeared in some sexually-themed photos for a men's magazine, causing quite a stir because of the divisive message. There was also that Katy Perry song "I Kissed A Girl" that raised eyebrows, for Katy used to tour as Katy Hudson in the Christian circles as well.

Then there's the spotlight on Miss USA contestant Carrie Prejean who attracted nationwide attention when asked about same-sex marriage during the 2009 Miss USA pageant. Much has been said on this topic, and if you have the time I'd suggest watching this video: http://www.therocksandiego.org/stories/misscalifornia/

Who else can we throw into the spotlight? Ted Haggard - the ex-pastor who was caught soliciting a male prostitute? How about Jon and Kate Gosselin who are talked about more these days for their marital issues than their faith?

How about me?

(cue record scratch sound)

Yeah, I said it. How about me?

To even have this blog, using my real name, is a risk. It exposes my thoughts on good days and bad days, from 3pm to 3am. I've had people read things I write here as a person on a spiritual journey and presume I speak in an official, definitive manner for my church. In fact, there are posts I have in a draft form that I keep pondering and praying if I should ever put up because while many could receive them in context, others couldn't. Maybe one day I will.

And that's my point - I am aware that my life is most turned up when I think it's turned down. The time on a Sunday morning that I teach is meant to be a challenge to my church, but it is also an invitation for them to watch my life and see if I live like I lead (which is the only place you truly ever lead anyway).

So when I walk in the video store, I feel the eyes of people on me, wondering where I'll stop and what I'll look at. If I am wearing a t-shirt from our church and have an issue with someone in public - like a rude employee or waiter somewhere I'm at - I second-guess if I can confront them. When I purchase a movie ticket, I'm green-lighting others to go see it, too. Maybe you get what I mean here... as a Christian and pastor, people look at my life with interest.

Just the other day I stepped on a bug in front of my driveway. One of my neighbors ribbed me about it, challenging me on if I should as a Christian/pastor take the life of one of God's creatures. It was all in humor, and I took no offense. But the awareness is there in him for a reason... I ask for it by calling myself a Christ-follower.

And then there is the issue of hot topics that many people inside and outside the church think about. If I am for or against something and publicly say so, I run the risk of alienating others who have a softer or harder view on the topic. Using the Miss USA example again, the young woman didn't say anything different than President Obama said regarding his stance on marriage... only he was voted in, and she lost her contest. I believe in the next 20 years churches who choose conservative stances on controversial matters will suffer in similar fashion as well, while other churches spring up around the corner with softer, more inclusive stances on such matters.

That spotlight is on me, too. When a hot topic comes up, I feel as if everyone waits for my answer so they can either throw a kiss or throw a rock. People interested in visiting our church ask me all the time through my church email "What kind of church are you when it comes to homosexuality?" I always wonder on what side of the fence they ask that question, because the truth is that heterosexual sin angers God as does homosexual sin... but He loves the people who struggle with either, and both do and must have a place in the Church.

(In fact, even as I write this post I am watching in the background a public service ad on TV warning teenagers to not use the word "gay" loosely. I agree... and yet I find myself wondering if/when we'll ever see an ad that attempts to say anything critical on the topic of homosexuality and gay marriage... and if so, would it last longer than a week... and might that obvious imbalance of perspective impact the clarity of how the next generation sees the topic?)

My point in writing what I have is to simply say that the spotlight is a powerful thing. We may fear it and run from it, or we may abuse it to make a buck from every angle we can. Or maybe... just maybe... we can forget about it and live as consistent a life we can in it, hoping that our occasional hypocrisy helps people see the need for a Savior and His very real presence in us.

Oh yeah, I am a hypocrite. Not on purpose, but because God's not done with me yet.

How do you handle the spotlight? Do you make your faith a "private" matter because you're afraid of what standards you'd be challenged with if it was public? Or do you abuse the spotlight and put on a happy face that kills any authenticity in you?

Maybe there is something to Kris Allen winning American Idol. Maybe his missionary work around the world - from Burma, Morocco, Mozambique, South Africa, Spain and Thailand - will allow his music to have a certain kind of seasoned authenticity to it. Maybe His relationship with Jesus Christ will be more than a religious thing we clap for at a concert or when he says something nice about God at the Grammys, but it is something that inspires fans in a true "inspirational" way.

Maybe you will see what I mean in this video of Kris leading worship of the only One we are meant to idolize in the first place.

what I learned from Disney World: Personal edition - pt 5

This is part 5 in a series called 7 things I learned from Disney World: Personal edition.

I also am sharing other insights for leaders on my other blog, Type (B)eing Leadership. You can find that series updated each day this week HERE.

Day 5: Animal Kingdom

• Primary takeway: We hit the park early and pushed the boys via large stroller to the "safari" attraction. This, of course, is nowhere near the entrance and yet it is what they encourage you to do first because the animals are usually hard to spot later in the day. We got on after a moderate wait, and began our ride with "Simba One."
  
  I suppose it's worth mentioning that when my wife and I went on this ride 9+ years ago, it was also "Simba One" who guided us. Except that gentleman had some sort of migraine that day, and so we fondly remember him responding to the "live" radio cries of people trying to stop poachers with a moan and a semi-sarcastic "Yeah, okay." I have to say this round was much nicer... even though our tour guide this round wasn't African (like last time).
  
  As fun as that was, though, my boys were most excited by the shows - where you could interact with live birds or watch an African-themed musical of the Lion King. I do wish, though, that we wouldn't have taken them on the Dinosaur ride... that was several minutes of having everyone's head covered while loud noises and jerky twists made them quite nervous. My youngest was crying by the end of it - they really need to mark on the map that it's not for little kids.
  
  
• Secondary takeaway: Of course, the "Tree of Life" in the center of the park is amazing.
  
  One day, though, the real Tree of Life will take center stage. Seeing the artificial version can give you a glimpse, but that's all it is.



• "Only Tony" takeaway: I finally became tired of being first in line at a door, entering into an attraction or show, and having to move down all the way to the far end of a row. If I'm first in line, I should be able to pick my seat... a good seat.
  
  So there... I'm not moving anymore.
  
  Never again.
  
  Don't even ask me.
  
  "What? I'm sorry I didn't get that from you, Mr Yellow-Shirted Disney Guy?"
  
  Argh.
  
  "Okay, fine... I'll move down."
  
  (under my breath)
  
  "Lousy, Disney policies and procedures."

- Part 6 coming up.

what I learned from Disney World: Personal edition - pt 4

This is part 4 in a series called 7 things I learned from Disney World: Personal edition.

I also am sharing other insights for leaders on my other blog, Type (B)eing Leadership. You can find that series updated each day this week HERE.

Day 4: Magic Kingdom - Pt 3

• Primary takeway: Earlier in the trip, I got to watch my boys face some intimidating rides and grow up right before my very eyes. On this day, though, I witnessed the Disney magic work its charm in helping my oldest son appreciate being a kid.
  
  When the boys saw Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, they got in line with autograph books in hand just like they had with other characters. Once we got up to where they were, the boys went up and greeted them... again - like other characters they'd met.
  
  But I noticed something this round in my oldest son. Something I'm thankful I was able to capture on film, which is sort of ironic given what happened.
  
  Instead of doing a casual hug, he immersed himself into Winnie the Pooh. We're talking a firm embrace of oozing joy. It was as if he was embracing a part of his childhood as he hugged this character he's known since being a little guy, not wanting to let go but "fully enjoy all that he's fully enjoyed."
  
  Have you ever had a moment like this? Maybe you find something in an old box from your childhood - a baseball glove, a favorite shirt, or an old stuffed animal - and you have to slow down and "fully enjoy all that you've fully enjoyed." Such moments are treasures, because they remind us of a time when everything was good, innocent, and optimistic. I think this is something we forget as adults, let alone the chance we have to play in a world where "good and evil" are "good and evil."
  
  I saw this as well when Joshua (my oldest) had a Peter Pan hat on and wanted to avoid Captain Hook. He thought that the Captain would trick him somehow into fighting him, so he went to great lengths to spy on him without giving away where he was. Meanwhile, Daniel (my youngest) put the hat on and went over to confront Hook and Smee. Afterward he said, "See, Joshua? It's okay. I had the Peter Pan hat on and they were scared of me."
  
  Like I said, I love being able to watch my boys grow older.
  
  But I also have found that I enjoy watching my boys grow young.
  



• Secondary takeaway: When the moment was there - when we stood in front of the castle that one last time just beofre we left - it was a thick moment. Saying goodbye to the castle... was... well... sad.
  
  We knew we wouldn't be back the next day or the day after that. We also knew that given the price tag of Disney we wouldn't be back in the near future. We wondered when we would see it again... how old we'd be.
  
  So we soaked it in and savored it like a sponge.




• "Only Tony" takeaway: Beware of what Disney fatigue will do to your normal mental boundaries. For instance, if you are sitting down and waiting for your wife in a store, you don't want to sing out loud the High School Musical songs you usually keep in your head (and pretend you don't really know). I was in the middle of an under-my-breath version of "Bet On It" when I looked up and another man gave me a well-deserved look.

- Part 5 coming up.

when it's hardest

I have learned, and continue to learn, that sometimes the hardest moments are not when you have done wrong, but when you have done right and believe you have been labeled by others as having done wrong.

You can be confident that all that you've done is correct and track with God. There can be a thousand voices around you affirming the same, telling you that you have acted and chosen what is right. And yet when one voice tells you otherwise, it can drive you crazy wondering what happened.

Again, you didn't do anything wrong. You know this.

And yet this means nothing to the chaos internally and externally.

One thing to look forward to about standing before God? All the masks and games disintegrate.

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Cor 13:12)

a message from joshua for you

Joshua would like to remind you that "No matter where you are, you are in connection with God."

free comic book day

Enjoy!

http://www.freecomicbookday.com/