Searching For God In The Brain...

I got this off of Relevant today and I thought I'd share it with all of you. It is an interesting article about how researchers are "attempting to pin down what happens in the brain when people experience mystical awakenings during prayer and meditation or during spontaneous utterances inspired by religious fervor." Through the use of MRIs and brain scans, scientists are looking at activity in the brain when faithful people pray and worship God.

You can read the article by clicking here SearchingForGodinTheBrain

Dove Video Onslaught

This is the new video campaign from dove. I thought it was quite powerful and it made me think of my daughter Glady. What a crazy confusing world she has been born into!

SNL IRAN Digital Short September 29 2007

Oh I was in pain after I saw this the other night! I must say that Adam Samberg is hilarious. How does one come up with something like this?

everything must change: what's it about?

still reading - soon to blog my thoughts on the book. it comes out the first week in October. Bottom line so far is if you want to be challenged to think about the way you live and the way we are called to live as followers of Jesus Christ then this will definitely give you much to ponder. More to come!

U2 - Please acoustic (live from Elevation Miami)

I love this song and I especially love this intro...

Tom Brokaw on life and Jr. High...

I thought this was pretty interesting. Having just got a brand new batch of sixth graders moving into my youth ministry I had many ponderings of some of the realities that lie in this. Thanks to Marko for the link. This is a quote from Tom Brokaw at a college graduation commencement. Here are his words to these new graduates. Again, I'd love your thoughts!

Addressing the graduating class of emory university, Tom Brokaw said:

You have been hearing all of your life that this occasion is a big step into what is called the real world. What, you may ask, is that real world all about? What is this new life? Ladies and gentlemen of the class of 2005 at Emory, real life is not college; real life is not high school. Here is a secret that no one has told you: Real life is junior high.

The world that you’re about to enter is filled with junior high adolescent pettiness, pubescent rivalries, the insecurities of 13-year-olds, and the false bravado of 14-year-olds. 40 years from now, I guarantee it: You will still make a silly mistake every day. You will have temper tantrums and you’re feelings will be hurt for some trivial sleight. You’ll say something dumb at the wrong time. And you will wonder at least once a week, “Will I ever grow up?” You can change that. In your pursuit of your passions, always be young. In your relationship with others, always be grown-up. Set a standard, and stay faithful to it.

Did you see that?

So last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live had a band that I enjoy called MUTEMATH. The original video is all in reverse and it's called "Typical." You can see the original video here, but the performance they did last night was in one take and they played the whole song backwards. It is pretty stinkin' cool. Check out the original video first then watch last nights performance by clicking here.

I'd love you thoughts! Enjoy!

Don't forget...

Don't forget that today is the exciting (to me at least) national holiday affectionately known as Talk Like a Pirate Day. Arrrrrrgh ...

Finally some Glady pics...

So I know I have been REALLY bad at posting pictures so here are some various pictures for you all to enjoy. I know I am biased, but I think she is pretty darn cute! These shots range from times around the house to our NY trip to other outings like to the children's museum.

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What did you do this summer?

I thought this clip was pretty funny. It reminds me once again of how bad I have been a blogger as of late. So here is a short list of things I have been up to this summer.

+ Officiating weddings x5
+ First airplane flight with Glady
+ Trip To New York City [see previous]
+ Counseling Private Practice Clients x4
+ Re.furnishing private practice office
+ Made a new private practice site Ravenna Counseling
+ Counseling CC people x8
+ Sold my subaru bought a honda
+ Glady turned 1 [now she is 15months]
+ Helped build new walls, paint, repair, move furniture, fix toilets, etc. for new church building
+ Moved church office to new building
+ Church moving to evening service starting TODAY!
+ Moving couches for new youth room for TG
+ Anniversaries
+ Retirement parties
+ House projects - yard work, painting, building, etc
+ Reading
+ Zoo trips with G
+ Helping friends move
+ Trying to read [see privious post :) more to come I promise]
+ Swimming with Glady [Glady playing in water while dad tries not to die :0 ]
+ And lots more!!!

Well that is the short list. I'd love to hear about your summer too! Hope it was full of many incredible experiences!

Everything Must Change

I just got my advanced copy of Brian's newest book that is soon to be released! I'm very excited to read it. I have appreciated Brian's books because he makes you think, he's a great writer, and he challenges me to ask hard questions about what I believe and how/if I'm actually living out those realities faithfully. Anyways, once things calm down here a bit I will start blogging about it. If you want to learn more about Brian you can go to his website by clicking here

BRIAN.MCLAREN

Blog Silence...

So I know things have been a bit silent here at the blog. I've been very busy with some exciting things I'll share about soon. But for now here is something I've been working on in my free time...

glumbert.com - Sports Acrobatics: The 5 Disciplines

It's a little long, but it is crazy! My favorite is the men's group. Wow! I can't even touch my toes! This blows my mind! Enjoy!

Archeological Find Confirms Bible...

This week, researchers at the British Museum uncovered what some are calling the single most important discovery in biblical archeology in the last century. A visiting professor from Vienna has found a tiny tablet that was essentially a receipt for a sales transaction that took place 2,500 years ago. The reason this ancient proof of purchase is significant is that it could serve as definitive proof that the historical books of the Old Testament are based on fact. The tablet confirms the existence of an ancient official in King Nebuchadnezzar II’s court who was only known about because his name appears in Jeremiah 39. (It’s Nebo-Sarsekim, in case you’re looking for some serious Bible trivia.)

Museum expert Irving Finkel told the British press, “If Nebo-Sarsekim existed, which other lesser figures in the Old Testament existed? A throwaway detail in the Old Testament turns out to be accurate and true. I think that it means that the whole of the narrative [of Jeremiah] takes on a new kind of power."

Many Christians, who have long believed the Old Testament is an accurate historical text, will no doubt trumpet the discovery as further confirmation of its authenticity. But earlier this year, another purported archeological find combated ideas of the Bible and attempted to contradict facts of the New Testament. Hollywood filmmaker James Cameron, the director of mega-blockbusters including Terminator 2 and Titanic, claimed to have found a tomb that once contained the remains of Jesus, Mary and a few family members and, most significantly, a son. Of course, the claims outraged many Christians, but managed to drum up major buzz for a Discovery Channel documentary about the discovery. If the claims were true, Cameron’s finding would completely contradict the Christian belief that Jesus was resurrected after the crucifixion and later ascended to heaven. His bold claims also followed the unprecedented success of the novel The Da Vinci Code, which had a similar premise.

Despite the hype, the film did little to shake church officials. Scores of scholars and even a British archeologist who worked with Cameron on the project found that the documentary was not credible. A scholar that was interviewed for the film later told reporters, "How possible is it? On a scale of one through 10, with 10 being completely possible, it's probably a one, maybe a one and a half."

Though the tablet discovery lends support to biblical truth and James Cameron’s findings lack the academic support to debunk biblical ideas, the belief of Christianity still remains a belief of the faithful. Though there are archeological rumors of major biblical artifacts hidden in remote parts of the world, many skeptics don’t allow the evidence to compel them to belief, and trust in the Bible is still a matter of faith.

Taken from Relevant.Mag

Blue Like Jazz...The Movie...

Blue Like Jazz is getting the movie treatment. According to a recent post on his website (and alluded to in an interview a few months back on the RELEVANT Podcast), Don Miller is working with Ben Pearson and Steve Taylor to finish a script version of his best seller. He said they hope to start production sometime next year ...

To read more about this and how they might turn it into a movie continue reading...

Steve Taylor and Ben Pearson have been in Portland for the past week and we’ve pretty much completed the screenplay for Blue Like Jazz the movie. We’ve been working on the script for about a year, either with me flying to Nashville for a week at a time to sit around a table and hash out the story, or with Steve and Ben coming to Portland to stay at my house. When studios became more excited about the screenplay, we felt the need to wrap it up, and in the last few days we’ve pretty much done so. And I dont know if I’ve had more fun, or been more challenged, with any other writing project. I’m excited to see how the guys end up shooting the story.

To say we’ve given the book a Hollywod treatment is an understatement. The book itself would be, of course, difficult to turn into a movie, and so we took creative liberties. But in my opinion, the movie will be infinitely better than the book. Essentially we’ve taken the major, real life characters from the book, and gave them a story all their own. The end result is provactive and humorous and in my opinion quite moving. I cant wait for people to see the film.

We think production will be able to start next year, and the film will be shot on location in Portland. And I am as excited about showing off my town as I am about telling the story. I will keep you posted.

This is a classic!

Monty Python - International Philosophy and Soccer!

I love this!

The Gods Aren't Angry...

Rob Bell is doing another tour and he's coming to the Moore Theater in November!

Check it out...

TGAA.TOUR

Video Killed the Radio Star by The Wrong Trousers

OOOHHH, the 80's what a time it was! I found this to be so cool to see some visually nerdy students rock this 80's classic out of the park! Enjoy!

Oh and if you want to hear more from The Wrong Truousers check out there myspace

On another note...

One of my favorite radio stations is 103.7 The Mountain. And today on the morning show's 9 @ 9 they did what they believe are the 9 best music videos of all time. And posted all of them to view. I thought it was pretty cool and interesting to see. I'm not sure I could come up with my top five - and I'm don't agree with all of them, but the U2 one is awesome and the Fatboy slim has always been one of my fav's!

Anyways,

Click here to see all of them... 9 @ 9 - 9 Best Music Videos Of All Time

Yesterday...

So I know many of your are familiar with Shane Claiborne and The Simple Way. If you haven't read his book or listened to him speak I highly recommend looking him up.

This is clip is a view of what happened to much of the community he works with/lives in yesterday. It is crazy - people are homeless, jobs and equipment lost, and great heartache. Please keep them in your prayers and follow the links it learn more about how you can help them financially/prayerfully!

May God's peace reign around them during this time!

Here is the post from last night...

6/20/07 11:25PM (UPDATED)

This morning, a 7-alarm fire consumed an abandoned warehouse in our Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia. The Simple Way Community Center at 3200 Potter Street was destroyed as well as at least eight of our neighbors’ homes. Over 100 people were evacuated from their homes, and 400 families are currently without power. Despite this tragedy, we are incredibly thankful to share that all of our community members and every one of our neighbors is safely out of harm’s way.

This fire will forever change the fabric of our community. Eight families are currently homeless, and in many cases have lost their vehicles as well as their homes. One of our neighbors, the Mahaias Family, lost their three cars as well as the equipment one family member uses for her massage therapy business. Teenager Brian Mahaias is devastated not because he has lost his belongings, but because he fears that this fire will force him to move away from this neighborhood that is his family as well as his home.

The Simple Way has lost a community center that was home to our Yes! And… afterschool program, community arts center, and Cottage Printworks t-shirt micro-business as well as to two of our community members. Community members Shane Claiborne and Jesce Walz have lost all of their belongings, Yes!And…’s after school studio and library were ruined, and community member Justin Donner’s Cottage Printworks equipment and t-shirts were destroyed.

We are thankful that we are able to help each other during this time of need, and we will continue to keep your informed about today’s events.

We have established funds to support the families who have lost their homes, the Yes! And… afterschool program, and the Simple Way community.

These funds have been established through a partner organization, EAPE. Tax-deductible donations can be made at http://tonycampolo.org/simpleway_donation.php. Please make sure to designate “TSW-Kensington Families Fund” or “TSW-Rebuilding Fund”.

-The Simple Way Community

My Top 5...

So recently I was tagged by a dear friend with regards to my top 5 restaurants. I'm struggling with this because I have to many to choose from. It's hard to narrow it down, but for now here are my five in no particular order. They vary from romantic, to bars, to hip, to cheap, to large quantities. I tried to add my favorite menu item, but in some cases I truly believe that you can't go wrong with anything on the menu.

Here you go...

Rich's Top 5 Restaurants...

Marzano’s Italian Restaurant
Gabianno Chianti, Antipasto Platter, Chicken Gorgonzola, Tiramisu
(anything on the menu)
516 Garfield St, Parkland (PLU) 253 537-4191

Fisherman’s
Crab Feast
1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle 98101 (206) 623-3500

Tub’s Gourmet Subs
The Firecracker
11064 Lake City Way NE # 16, Seattle, WA 98125 (206) 361-1621

Pazzo’s Restaurant & Bar
Elaine’s Big Salad and the Sicilian or Carciofo Calzone
2307 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102 (206) 329-6558

Chinoise Asian Grill
(anything on the menu)
1618 N 45th St Seattle, WA 98103 (206) 633-1160

Me, Me, Me, Me, Me

The following to clips "me.church & me.worship" crack me up and make me really frustrated at the same time. I find them funny because of how crazy they are, and yet I find them so frustrating because it feels like these are too close to reality.

It makes me think of the church that I serve at called Calvary Chapel Seattle. We are currently looking into a new possible building situation, and it is just so interesting to see responses we get. The point is to find a place in which we can plant ourselves so we can have a long term serving presence in the community, but shockingly and surprizingly most of the comments against have to do with the person directly and what they don't like. Honestly, even as I say that I don't think there are that many that feel strongly against this, but it is clearly part of our "me" culture. I hope all is well with you and that you enjoy these two clips!

Me Church

Me Worship

Women In Art

I thought this was simply beautiful. What do you think?

Did You Know; Shift Happens - Globalization; Information Age

WOW! For more on this see www.deepshift.org

This is amazing!

Yahweh - U2 - Fear Or Love...

fear or love...

Not For Sale Campaign Video

I'm speechless

Mother's Day

Working with teens for the last 12ish years always surprizes me at how little kids do to honor their moms. This is what I imagine many of my kids doing! Enjoy!

The Worship Industry

This is a clip from Brian McLaren. He is someone who has taught me a lot about church, Christianity, and life. I had him as a prof at MHGS and even went out with him for a beer. This video was put out by a company called "The Work Of The People." I recommend you check them out for other great resources.

I'd love your thoughts about the content of this clip too.

Women In Christianity...

I'd love your thoughts on this video. Made by Jennifer at MYTRUESELF. Here’s jennifer’s first post about the video. then, jen’s follow-up post, responding to the accusation that her video was hateful toward men. i just don’t see this. i think the video is a beautiful piece of provacotive art, with (as is often true in good art) some pain juxtoposed by beauty. Note: this is a quote from marko, but it spoke of my thoughts as well.

And now for something completely different...

Thanks to MSHEDDEN for this. I love Steven Delopoulos and had not seen this video. It's called "The Ruin Of The Beast" It's odd and haunting and yet at the same time it has some light and encouragement for me. I'm wondering as you watch this what you think this is about. What is the "beast?"

The Story - Brandi Carlile Round 2

Let's see if this video works!

Have you all heard this song by Brandi Carlile? My girl can sing! I love the way this song speaks to the idea of being able to tell the stories that are on our face. And in a sense how we were made for relationship - or made to tell our stories! I dig her website too. Anyways I can't help but want to rock out every time I hear this song and she starts to kick it out!

Here are the lyrics...

"The Story" - By Brandi Carlile

All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true...I was made for you

I climbed across the mountain tops
Swam all across the ocean blue
I crossed all the lines and I broke all the rules
But baby I broke them all for you
Because even when I was flat broke
You made me feel like a million bucks
Yeah you do and I was made for you

You see the smile that's on my mouth
Is hiding the words that don't come out
And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed
They don't know my head is a mess
No, they don't know who I really am
And they don't know what I've been through but you do
And I was made for you...

Did you know...

That it is 31 cent ice cream scoop night at 31 Flavors!

Click here for the details!

31CENTSCOOP

A Good Soldier?

Does this bother anybody else? I didn't count, but I'm curious as to how many times Mark says the word "man." The context of this is a large church planting conference in which Mark has spoken at before this time around instead of being there, he worked on putting together this video. Afterwards, Bill Hybels of Willow Creek made a comment pointing out the incredible impact of women pastors and as a result got a standing ovation. The conference decided not to pass out copies of the video. I'm curious what you all think of this? You can read more about this at Mark's blog

Don't get me wrong I do really like Mark, I just don't understand why he consistent speaks in the manner that he does. The third part of this is about the importance of the message...and yet once again Mark has done a poor job of communicating and has offended many. Bummer. It makes me think of bullhorn guy if you know what I mean.

The Global "Rich"

DID YOU KNOW...

The world's 225 richest people now have a combined wealth of $1 trillion. That's equal to the combined annual income of the world's 2.5 billion poorest people!

Have you ever wondered about how you live your life with regards to your income? Maybe you find yourself wanting something really bad right now, but don't have the cash. You think if only I was rich? Here is a cool website to transform your perspective on your finances. I found out that I was in the top 1.72 richest people in the world! WOW! I always knew from birth that I was Rich, but I didn't realize I was also loaded!

Check it out for your self and see how rich you are! GLOBALRICH

Why did Jesus Christ die on the cross...

So this last Easter at Calvary Chapel we did our Easter sermon a little different. In stead of having one staff do it we did a type of tag team and broke it up throughout the service. We decided to address the question "why did Jesus Christ die on the cross?" We came up with three answers that I think answer it well. I don't think these are the only answers, but I think it made for an incredible Easter Sunday. I was the last of the three - the closer if you will. All three of our discussions were 10 minutes max. Mine was about 8 minutes.

Here is a link to it if you'd like to listen. I'd love your thoughts...

Question: "Why did Jesus Christ die on the cross?"
Click here to listen to my answer: "For the Glory of God the Father"

BTW - I'd love your feedback too!

For the other two answers where were "as a ransom for many" and "for the joy set before Him" you can follow this link... CCMISCSERMONS

U2CHARIST...

I am really looking forward to this...

Unforgettable Fire - A Eucharist for Justice with the music of U2

WHEN: SUNDAY, MAY 27 'U2CHARIST' WORSHIP, 5 PM
WHERE: ST MARK'S EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL 1245 10th Ave E Seattle, WA 98102
WHY: To particpate in God's healing and renewal of human life and community, praying and working for justice, peace, and integrity of creation that reflect God's desires for us and our world.

eucharist+prayers+justice+peace+action+art+learning+purpose+motivation

FAG: Sponsored by Church of the Apostles - 0ffering taken for poverty and Darfur relief.

READ ABOUT 'U2CHARISTS' CLICK HERE

DOWNLOAD THE U2CHARIST PRESS RELEASE HERE

Ignored Beauty

How often do you we ignor beauty? I thought this was very powerful.

I love this day...

It's "Free Cone Day" at Ben & Jerry's. You can click HERE to see where you can find a participating store near you!

ENJOY!

Einstein & Faith...

Here is an interesting article on the brilliant mind of Einstein and his exploration of faith that was in TIME magazine. I thought you all might enjoy reading...

Click here to read the article... EINSTEIN+FAITH

God and Doctors...

I thought this was interesting...

A new study has found that a majority of doctors in America believe that God or a supernatural being intervenes in patients' health. Part of the nationwide research found that many doctors think that religion can help prevent negative outcomes from medical problems. One doctor quoted in the story said that all doctors have seen cures "that don't make sense based on our current understanding of physiology or medicine"

The Power Of Story...

So as a husband, friend, counselor, pastor, coworker, neighbor, etc. I have always found it quite humbling to sit and listen to people's stories. It is incredible to hear people share the ups and downs of life and the impact it has had on who they are. I have found myself more and more drawn to scripture when I read it as story for this same reason. And lately some books that have impacted me on this topic have been "To Be Told" by Dan Allendar, "Epic" by John Eldredge, "Experiential Story Telling" by Mark Miller, and "Messy Spirituality" by Mike Yaconelli. All of which I recommend, but this movie just added to the power of story...

Enjoy!

Brilliant...

My friend Beau is an amazing web designer all-around creative character. Everything he creates turns to gold. He just put up his new site and I must say bravo!

click here to see it...

BEAU

Evan Almighty...

So I just finished a series for TG called "God According to Bruce Almighty" it was awesome and today this comes out! It is the next movie in the "Almight" stories. It is like a modern day Noah's Ark with Steve Carrel and others. I can't wait! Tell me what you think!

Video #1



Video #2

Top Speed

Contrary to the beliefs of many my Subaru can not do this! This is so crazy! I want to do it!

The Doxology...

I don't know about you, but I love the words to the Doxology song. At CC we tend to sing it often as a congregation. It is always a beautiful moment of accapella type unity. But did you know that the typical four lines to the song are actually one of many verses to the full song and that it isn't even the first verse? I never really even gave it a thought, but learned it recently. I find just reading the words to be powerful. The doxology came from an anglican priest in england (named thomas ken)who wrote it in the 17th century!

I'd love your thoughts on these lyrics.

Here they are...
I encourage you to read them slowly and to pause between verses.

Awake, my soul, and with the sun
Thy daily stage of duty run;
Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise,
To pay thy morning sacrifice.

Thy precious time misspent, redeem,
Each present day thy last esteem,
Improve thy talent with due care;
For the great day thyself prepare.

By influence of the Light divine
Let thy own light to others shine.
Reflect all Heaven’s propitious ways
In ardent love, and cheerful praise.

In conversation be sincere;
Keep conscience as the noontide clear;
Think how all seeing God thy ways
And all thy secret thoughts surveys.

Wake, and lift up thyself, my heart,
And with the angels bear thy part,
Who all night long unwearied sing
High praise to the eternal King.

All praise to Thee, Who safe has kept
And hast refreshed me while I slept
Grant, Lord, when I from death shall wake
I may of endless light partake.

Heav’n is, dear Lord, where’er Thou art,
O never then from me depart;
For to my soul ’tis hell to be
But for one moment void of Thee.

Lord, I my vows to Thee renew;
Disperse my sins as morning dew.
Guard my first springs of thought and will,
And with Thyself my spirit fill.

Direct, control, suggest, this day,
All I design, or do, or say,
That all my powers, with all their might,
In Thy sole glory may unite.

I would not wake nor rise again
And Heaven itself I would disdain,
Wert Thou not there to be enjoyed,
And I in hymns to be employed.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Be Good or Be Gone, Fionn Regan

i thought this was a cool video and i really enjoy the song too! how about you?

2 Conferences...

Here are 2 conferences that I will be participating in coming the end of March and the end of April. If you can you should try to come too! Those involved include Brian McLaren, Karen Ward, Eugene Cho, Scott McKnight, Dwight Friesen, Rose Madrid-Swetman, Todd Hunter, and more!


#1 missional matrix/





#2 missional learning day

Over The Rhine Hallelujah

Words cannot express how much I really needed this song's reminder this week!

life moves...

In the last few days I have experiened community, joy, laughter, frustration, hurt, deep loss of a dear friend who passed away, visions for the future, communion with other saints, anger, rest, tears, deception, the fall of an amazing man, shock, love, questioning, counseling, leadership, the problems of evil, grace, and then I read the following post from Eugene Cho which really hit me in my role as a pastor.

the issue is very simple: the ministerial profession (life as pastors) is now considered one of the most dangerous or unhealthiest profession. it’s usually rated last or second to last. nice.

Read this:

48% of them think their work is hazardous to their family’s well being. Another 45.5% will experience burnout or depression that will make them leave their jobs. And 70% say their self-esteem is lower now than when they started their position. They have the 2nd highest divorce rate among professions.

Who are they? They are pastors…[read the full article]

While I love being a pastor and even more, being called to be a pastor, I want folks to know how incredibly difficult it is at times to handle the complexities and stress of being a minister. Finally, at the age of 36, I feel more at peace at how to create boundaries, love my church, deeply care for my wife and children, but I worry that I am failing my staff and pastors at the church I planted 5+ years ago. They are such amazing people who have given and sacrificed so much because of their love for Jesus, this church, and their partnership with me.

Want to read more overwhelming statistics:

* 80% of pastors say they have insufficient time with spouse and that ministry has a negative effect on their family.
* 40% report a serious conflict with a parishioner once a month.
* 33% say that being in ministry is an outright hazard to their family.
* 75% report they’ve had significant stress-related crisis at least once in their ministry.
* 58% of pastors indicate that their spouse needs to work either part time or full time to supplement the family income.
* 56% of pastors’ wives say they have no close friends.
* Pastors who work fewer than 50 hrs/week are 35% more likely to be terminated.
* 40% of pastors considered leaving the pastorate in the past three months.

Simply, pastors are underpaid, underappreciated, and at times, undermined. My point is very simple: Please care, pray, and love your pastors (and church staff) in your local churches. Seriously, give them a nice payraise, more time off, regular opportunities to get away for even a day retreat to pray, buy them some dinner certificates, honor their spouses, love their children, and regularly share your appreciation and affirmation.

So why would I even want to be a pastor, to put my family through all of this? Good question. The truth is in the midst of all that I have experienced in these last days God has been there through it all. In both the glorious and the places of darkness and depravity there is redemption. I so long for everyone no matter where they are in there jouney of life to be able to experience the truth of this.

I can't imagine anyone going through life without it.

And because of this I am still a pastor.

Tribute to Bono

This is a cool tribute to Bono's story - both his individual and global impact on our world. I don't care so much for Chris Tucker words, but even his testimony shows the personal influence he has on everyone he has contact with. I love that!

Bono's Acceptance Speech

My boy Bono does it again! What a great speech. How can you not be inspired?

This sounds awesome...

Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard has announced plans for a solo tour. David Bazan will open on the 16-stop ride that kicks off May 3 ...

This makes me think of Jamie

Beautiful consistency...

I love this! I got this post from ysmarko's blog. This is amazing. I have been doing youth ministry for 12+ years now and I still long to see a group of students have this kind of impact. This is awesome...

Read on...

"beautiful example of consistency"

i am simply blown away by the quiet, simple, consistent ministry of dave merk and a bunch of high school and college students from the church i attend in san diego. no one’s heard of dave outside of our church; and, frankly, the guy’s so humble that if the teaching pastor hadn’t had him on stage for an interview a couple weeks ago, most people in our church wouldn’t know who he is either. but what dave has done is nothing short of remarkable.

tonite is the 200th consecutive friday night (that means in a row, without missing any) that dave and these students have taken peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to homeless people in downtown san diego. that’s almost four years. they gather on friday evening, make 250 sandwiches, drive down to san diego (we’re about 20 minutes from downtown), hand them out on the same corners, and talk to people. they call their ministry “hope for the homeless.” the power of this ministry, in my opinion, is in a few non-flashy, stunningly simple distinctives:

1. they’re dependable. homeless people in san diego know that every friday night, their high school and college-age friends will be in the same place, waiting for them.

2. they’re not a feeding ministry, really; they’re a ministry of restoring or offering dignity. here’s one of the things dave said in that little interview a couple weeks ago that brought a lump to my throat:

“part of our problem is that we tend to see peoples’ lives as static — that the way they are now must be how they’ve been their whole life. our ministry isn’t PB&J sandwiches — it’s a ministry of restoring dignity. i tell the students every week: the homeless spend their entire day having people look down or look away to avoid eye contact. whatever we do, we need to look them in the eyes. we need to listen to their stories. we are going to say, ‘you deserve our consistency, you deserve to be treated with dignity.”

3. they minister in humility. there’s no media, no cameras, no press releases. they don’t have a website. they’re not pushing a program or a national agenda or even begging people do join them. they’re just making 250 pb&j sandwiches, every single week no matter what the weather, looking homeless people in the eye, and listening to their stories.

i want to be dave merk when i grow up. can there be any better youth ministry discipleship ministry that what dave has provided for the students who go with him?

Pretty cool...

I can't even imagine how much time it took to film this, but it is awesome! Especially if you appreciate a talented skateboarder!

Click here to see for yourself: Human.Skateboard

Sex God Tour...

Rob Bell's new book comes out soon. It is called Sex God you can read a chapter of it and find out about the tour that he is doing with it. He is coming to the U of W campus next week for a free session in Kane Hall.

For more information click here SEX.GOD.TOUR

Good read...

If you want to learn more about the tradition/meaning behind Lent than follow this link LENT.INFO

Note...

Those of you who went to download the "LENT GUIDE" from the link below in the previous post and found that it was a publisher file can now print it as a pdf. I made the changes to help you all out. Make sure you read the notes on how to print it out to read it properly. I hope you all are having a wonderful Ash Wednesday as you enter into Lent!

peace in Jesus,

Rich

Ash Wednesday, Lent, & Fasting...

Depending on which set of statistics you believe, American consumers use somewhere between 15 and 40 percent of the world's resources, despite having about 5 percent of the world's population. Lent is a good time to reflect on this fact and ask how we might change this.

One of the most dominant gospel stories is the Feeding of the Five Thousand. Although I am unable to explain the story logically, it seems that somehow Christ was able to take a small offering and turn it into enough for all. And perhaps, for those who are considering what it means to be a follower of God in the Way of Jesus, this might be a guiding narrative for us. Perhaps, instead of living with the fear of never having enough, we could find a way to rest in God's goodness and learn to be content.

At CC and TG we have been studying the parables and of late we have been looking at the great banquet and the cost of discipleship in Luke 14. It has been amazing to see that not only is there this free invitation for all to the Kingdom of God, but there is a level of commitment as well. We are not simply to respond to an RSVP and say we will be there, we have to show up and participate.

In the section about the cost of discipleship it is clear that we are to count the cost - to think about it - knowing that sacrifice will be necessary. But what is it that we sacrifice in our current culture? The parable brings up the issue of allegence and who or what should be our priority. The picture is that Christ should be above all - even family - which particularly back then in Jewish culture was an enormous sacrifice. But what about today?

I think one of the biggest things we as a culture have to be willing to consider is the use of our time. Our culture is not content, we do not rest, and we are always wanting more. This lack of contentment pushes us towards business and this business distracts us to the point that our relationship with God becomes a limited prayer for meals and if we're really commited we'll even show up to church.

What about one on one time with God? What about silence and solitude? As my blog quotes Ferris Beuller "life moves pretty fast, if we don't stop and look around once and a while we could miss it" our lives have gotten so busy from a lack of contentment that we have no time for God and we're missing our life as it flies by. The other thing that I have found is that not only are we busy in action, but in thought. As a result, it is very difficult to find times of complete silence. Cause even in our physical silence are minds are silently thinking about all that we have to do [or should be doing].

So this year I am going to try to fast from business and noise. I am going to try to allow for more space in my schedule for God both in physical time [less work appts after hours]and in solitude [silence - less music, tv, etc]. The other thing I feel God is calling me to do with my space for God is to be more focused on relationships with those in my community. So pray for me as we see how to do so with our neighbors!

Just some things I've been pondering. If you would like a free downloadable guide/journal for lent I have one for you. It was made by Rob Bell who does the nooma videos and is the lead pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church in MI. There is another free downloadable resource that goes along with the nooma video entitled noise which is a great way to enter lent. Just follow the link below. I hope all is well and that God will bless you with rest, space, and his peace!

Lent.Resources
note: you will have to scroll down on the page a bit to find it

The Police 2007 Reunion

They did not let me down! And man if I could be in as good of shape as sting - and my boy is almost twice my age! Crazy!

Get Ready...

Ok, so I know I have not posted pictures of my little Glady girl in quite a while so get ready for some! I hope you enjoy. The other lovely lady is my beautiful wife Jen. I am so blessed to have these two women in my life. I am constantly blown away that God would surround me with such beauty every day!

Be warned...

The cuteness factor is going to be extremely high!

 

My Ladies...

 

 

 

 

 

My Girls!

 

Make Trade Fair campaign

coldplay's chris martin: two fingers of poverty trip diary

Johnny Cash God's Gonna Cut You Down

What do you love about this?

I'm so pumped...

One of my all time favorite bands is making a come back for a 30th anniversary.

I can't wait!

What is the band you ask? THE.POLICE

De Do Do Do
De Da Da Da
That's all I want to say to you!

Free Hugs Campaign...

I LOVE THIS!

Inconvenient Controversy...

Did you hear about this? The film An Inconvenient Truth will not be shown at a Seattle public school after an angry dad sent an email to school administrators calling the movie propaganda and saying that global warming is "one of the signs" of Christ's return on Judgment Day. The letter has set off a fire storm among other parents and the administration, who are now angry that the film is not being shown ...

You can read more about this by clicking here INCONVENIENT.CONTROVERSY

Conan - iPhone Commercial

I had no idea that the iphone had so many abilities! I can't wait!

Rodrigo y Gabriela 2006-12-18 (Letterman)

I'm diggin' these two!

Your Welcome Stockholm...

Get ready to laugh...

BLADES.OF.GLORY

Desire...

I want one of these...

check.it

Parable Of The Treasure & The Pearl....

Hey all,

This is a bit tough for me to do, but recently I did my first sermon at CC. Even though I have done a tons of them as a pastor, I still find it very personal to share my words with others, but my church posts mp3s of our sermons so there isn't much to hide. First off, I think the lead pastor of my church is a great speaker and I highly recommend him along witht the rest of the staff.

So basically, if you are interested you are welcome to listen and I'd love your thoughts. I find the best way to learn, grow, and mature is to share. And with that I will give you all my critiques of myself ahead of time.

First, I went a bit long. I planned for 30-35 minutes, and ended up at 49 minutes. Oops! I don't think it feels that long, but none the less it was.

Second, I shared an opening store about my morning that went well, but cut into my time - hence the 49 minutes.

Third, I was given the job of tackling a text for a one time shot. Normally we take a parable/story and look at it for three weeks. Week 1 textual analysis, week two a type of reflection/challenge/application for individuals and week 3 some type of creative interplay of the text, soul, and culture that pushes us outward. Since I was doing a text that was a one time shot, I felt a draw to do a bit of all three. This was not a pressure put on me by my staff, but simply my own sense for the text. So with that my last critique is that I felt my lack of comfort in the beginning with the textual analysis. Not so much because of a lack of understanding or anything. The text is actually pretty self explanatory and known, but more because of this being my first time in front of this group of people whom I have already grown to love and the sense of unknown as to wheather or not they already knew this information. I know that I shared new thought provoking information on the text, but since it was what I started with it naturally wasn't as comfortable. I felt I got into my grow as we progressed.

Final thought on this was that again with the time I would have liked to have not done my intro story and had a bit more time with the movie clips. By the way the clips are recorded so you can at least hear them.

OK! That was a long post, but it helps to think and reflect on this. Again if you have the time I'd love your thoughts as well! So here it is, thanks for your input! I really do appreciate it!

RS.SERMON.PARABBLEOFTHETREASUREANDTHEPEARL

Question...

Why is it that everytime I find a cool youtube clip to post it tells me that it will show up on my blog "shortly" but never does? Man.... funk that!

Bad Old School Song Flashback :)

But seriously, I'd love any ideas of how to make this work again!

Thanks,

Rich

Interesting...

The Christianity research group The Barna Group has listed its choices for the "12 Most Significant Religious Findings from 2006 Surveys." The list includes some pretty interesting stats about church attendance, the prominence of witchcraft-related activities in teens and the growth of the "Christian Revolutionary" movement in America ...

The Leak...

You can listen to the entire new album from Switchfoot at MTV's The Leak before it hits stores the day after Christmas. I thought those of you who are fans would enjoy! Merry Christmas!