Probably the greatest noise I have ever heard or will hear are my two kids laughing. From very early on Kylie could laugh, and it seems Jackson has the same gift. I arrive home from work to kids ready and willing to spend time with me. We roll around in the living room floor cracking each other up. All the world seems to disappear as I play with my kids and make them laugh.
Another reminder of my relationship with my Heavenly Father. The joys of parenting - the joys of knowing my Creator - not sure if their is anything better in the world.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Saturday, August 25, 2007
She Tubes!
My little baby tubes! Last time we went to the lake she didn't get wet - and now she rode the tube all by herself. Man, it is so much fun watching Kylie grow up. What a blessing! A special thanks to Mom and Dad for coming down and sharing their boat with us. We had a blast!
Tomorrow is 6 years married to my beautiful wife Emily. I am sure I will have some thoughts to share about our life together. She is an amazing woman.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Missional - Shmissional
A story - Occasionally my boss and I get the opportunity to share our faith with each other. He is what I would call a devout Catholic and man of faith.
He and his wife have a curious habit of eating at The Olive Garden most every Saturday evening. They sit at the same table every week. Over a period of time (I don't know how long b/c I never asked) he has developed relationships with the staff. This has reaped many benefits - from free drinks and food to good friendships.
So this morning he tells me an experience he had recently where some of the bartenders, at his favorite restaurant, asked him to attend an evening out for conversation and drinks (I was simply blown away by this fact!). He recounted the stories they told and the things they shared with him. He has had the opportunity to coach, mentor and speak truth into these young men's lives - which I would argue, would have never happened if he wasn't living a missional life. He was willing to spend his "free time" with non-believers in "third places" which many Christians wouldn't step foot in. In is daily "comings and goings" he has formed meaningful relationships with people and now has an amazing opportunity to share God's love with them. I am certain these men respect and admire him for his worldly success - as he has that! I am positive that these men trust him because of the friendship he has extended them. But most of all, I have no doubt in my mind they are willing to listen and hear when he speaks of his faith in a God that he has so appropriately embodied in their midst.
This man is not perfect (he might be reading this blog), but he has shown me the missional life. Although this is just one small example, it is a meaningful one. I count myself blessed to be an eyewitness to the openess of his life and willingness to treat "others better than himself."
He and his wife have a curious habit of eating at The Olive Garden most every Saturday evening. They sit at the same table every week. Over a period of time (I don't know how long b/c I never asked) he has developed relationships with the staff. This has reaped many benefits - from free drinks and food to good friendships.
So this morning he tells me an experience he had recently where some of the bartenders, at his favorite restaurant, asked him to attend an evening out for conversation and drinks (I was simply blown away by this fact!). He recounted the stories they told and the things they shared with him. He has had the opportunity to coach, mentor and speak truth into these young men's lives - which I would argue, would have never happened if he wasn't living a missional life. He was willing to spend his "free time" with non-believers in "third places" which many Christians wouldn't step foot in. In is daily "comings and goings" he has formed meaningful relationships with people and now has an amazing opportunity to share God's love with them. I am certain these men respect and admire him for his worldly success - as he has that! I am positive that these men trust him because of the friendship he has extended them. But most of all, I have no doubt in my mind they are willing to listen and hear when he speaks of his faith in a God that he has so appropriately embodied in their midst.
This man is not perfect (he might be reading this blog), but he has shown me the missional life. Although this is just one small example, it is a meaningful one. I count myself blessed to be an eyewitness to the openess of his life and willingness to treat "others better than himself."
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Sunday
Good day - visited Portland Avenue Church of Christ this morning. It was a very traditional CoC service. People we met were all very friendly and happy to have us there.
Got to take a nap this afternoon (kinda), Kylie was climbing all over Emily and I the entire time, but I think I dosed off for a couple of minutes in there somewhere.
Had our first small group meeting tonight. We had 8 people come. The topic for discussion and meditation was Romans 12:1-2. Which I would summarize like this:
"In light of all that God has done for you - give everything to him, even the mundane things of your life. Turn all your daily activities over to the Lord.
Stop letting the world dictate how you live your life. Allow God to change you from the inside out - only then will you be able to know and understand what he has in store for you and what he is up to in this world." (NRAV - New Revised Adam Version).
Got to take a nap this afternoon (kinda), Kylie was climbing all over Emily and I the entire time, but I think I dosed off for a couple of minutes in there somewhere.
Had our first small group meeting tonight. We had 8 people come. The topic for discussion and meditation was Romans 12:1-2. Which I would summarize like this:
"In light of all that God has done for you - give everything to him, even the mundane things of your life. Turn all your daily activities over to the Lord.
Stop letting the world dictate how you live your life. Allow God to change you from the inside out - only then will you be able to know and understand what he has in store for you and what he is up to in this world." (NRAV - New Revised Adam Version).
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Missional
Had some interesting dialogue with my father-in-law the other day regarding Missional. Like him, I am growing weary of the word. It seems to come with so much baggage (things that encumber one's freedom, progress, development, or adaptability; impediments).
Having said that, here are MY thoughts on missionality and living a missional life. As a side note, I didn't get these things out of any book, although I probably did! (Got it? Ok)
Being missional is:
-no longer seeing the things I do as either spiritual or physical. We don't live in two realms. Christ is King over everything and every aspect of our lives!
-being intentional about finding and developing relationship with "not yet Christians."
-inviting people to partake in a kingdom life - and not the "life of the church."
-removing any and all obtacles that would impede someone from hearing the clear message of "the kingdom is at hand."
-preaching Christ only - the resurrected Lord.
-beginning to understand that all followers of Jesus have in effect "entered the ministry." We are all full time disciples of Jesus - yes, even if you didn't go to seminary, and aren't a paid minister. We are all missionaries.
-inviting your neighbors over for dinner or play - spending time with them.
-being friends with non-Christians - even knowing they may never come to faith in Jesus.
-seeing Christ as the perfect example of what it means to live in our world, and defining your life by this fact.
-finding yourself increasingly uncomfortable with the "status quo" of religion.
-"seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness" and acknowledging and participating when you see that kingdom breaking into the world.
-understanding that mission isn't a program, but God allowing us to join him on HIS MISSION!
Having said that, here are MY thoughts on missionality and living a missional life. As a side note, I didn't get these things out of any book, although I probably did! (Got it? Ok)
Being missional is:
-no longer seeing the things I do as either spiritual or physical. We don't live in two realms. Christ is King over everything and every aspect of our lives!
-being intentional about finding and developing relationship with "not yet Christians."
-inviting people to partake in a kingdom life - and not the "life of the church."
-removing any and all obtacles that would impede someone from hearing the clear message of "the kingdom is at hand."
-preaching Christ only - the resurrected Lord.
-beginning to understand that all followers of Jesus have in effect "entered the ministry." We are all full time disciples of Jesus - yes, even if you didn't go to seminary, and aren't a paid minister. We are all missionaries.
-inviting your neighbors over for dinner or play - spending time with them.
-being friends with non-Christians - even knowing they may never come to faith in Jesus.
-seeing Christ as the perfect example of what it means to live in our world, and defining your life by this fact.
-finding yourself increasingly uncomfortable with the "status quo" of religion.
-"seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness" and acknowledging and participating when you see that kingdom breaking into the world.
-understanding that mission isn't a program, but God allowing us to join him on HIS MISSION!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Fantasy Football
Draft day is tomorrow. The Louisville Rednecks have not faired very well the past few years. I can't remember if I have ever had a winning season. But just like the start of any season - optimism is in the air! Who knows, this year could be my year to win the Central CoC fantasy football league. Wouldn't that be something to brag about!!
Sunday, August 5, 2007
I don't miss church
Here is a link to a blog that describes a lot "stuff" I feel. Click, read and be challenged. I would be interested to hear comments, if you so choose.
Friday, August 3, 2007
The Pursuit of Christ
After some late night conversation with Isaac and George I think I am beginning to understand, for the first time, Jesus' call to "follow me." Being formed in the image of Christ is downright painful at times. So I am left to wonder - what/whom am I pursuing? Is it truly Christ, or something altogether different? What am I willing to "leave behind" in this pursuit?
So I will continue to journey on with a clear vision - but no clue how to get there. I will continue to struggle with my own selfishness and the light of Christ. I will continue to search for truth -
So I will continue to journey on with a clear vision - but no clue how to get there. I will continue to struggle with my own selfishness and the light of Christ. I will continue to search for truth -
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Bourne Ultimatum
Emily and I will be looking for a babysitter soon to catch the newest installment of Jason Bourne in "The Bourne Ultimatum." We really enjoyed "The Bourne Identity" and "The Bourne Supremacy." After reading some reviews it seems we won't be disappointed with the last in the trilogy. The movies are very entertaining.
Had dinner with the Keene's and Ezell's tonight. It was an enjoyable time - good to see the kids. Isaac and I again talked about our "dreams" of getting to do what you love everyday and still being able to support a family. Seems like such a pipe dream to me - especially since I have a hard time answering that question. What do I want to do when I grow up? I will surely let you know when I know.
We have supper club tomorrow, so we will be getting together again! Looking forward to it.
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