Re-Everything

Invitations to be still

2011-11-09T16:15:00.000-05:00

Was just looking through some old notes and found this compilation of scripture invitations to be still. It seems that drama increases and things get busier as the holidays arrive. These scriptures are great invitations to remember that there is more to life than the craziness that's around us.

Exodus 14:13-14

Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Nehemiah 8:11

The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a sacred day."

Psalm 37:6-8

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,

the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;

do not fret when men succeed in their ways,

when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;

do not fret—it leads only to evil.

Mark 4:37-39

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

Psalm 46:9-11

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;

he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,

he burns the shields with fire.

"Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth."

The LORD Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Zechariah 2:11-13

"Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. The LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem. Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling."

The Jesus Creed for Students

2011-06-01T23:21:00.000-05:00

Every year at Stillmeadow, we have a special Sunday service to honor and pray for our graduates. In a way it is a sending service, as the graduates are preparing to continue their education or enter the workforce. As part of the sending we want to give them a gift that will be a reminder of God’s discipleship call on their life. Usually we give them a book. But in choosing a book I usually have a couple requirements. First, I want to give a book that is accessible, that any of our graduates can study. Second, in accessibility, I don’t want a book that waters down Jesus’ call to a radical way of life. Third, I want a book that is engaging, with practical application and real-life scenarios and stories…something to which any of our graduates can relate. And I think I found another book that does all three of these: The Jesus Creed for Students.

The Jesus Creed for Students is a condensed version of Scot McKnight’s much larger, much longer book that came out in 2005. Scot partnered with Chris Folmsbee (head of our very own Barefoot Ministries) and Syler Thomas to make the content of the book available for youth. I heard about the book on Chris Folmsbee’s blog, where he invited folks to get the book for free in exchange for a review. And I’m glad I did!

Here’s the basic synopsis: The Jesus Creed is Jesus’ response to a basic question, “What is the greatest commandment?” To this Jesus replies, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31). Our church has joined many others in summing this up: Love God, love others. To Jesus, this is the most important thing.

So in the first eight chapters of this book, the authors take the reader through the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) and show how “love God, love others” weaves through the fabric of the entire sermon. And it’s done very well. And the authors avoid legalism, one of the easiest pitfalls of our faith, by wrapping up the final chapters reminding the readers that this call to love God and love others only happens by the work of God in our broken lives. They invite the reader to truly learn from and be shaped by the person of Christ, not just an idea. And finally the book concludes with a call to be a boundary breaker, a person who courageously follows Christ wherever He leads.

One of the best parts about this book is that the authors are not just handling ideas, but calling for changed lives. And they give structure for that, inviting the reader to recite the Jesus Creed at the beginning of each chapter and the Lord’s Prayer at the end of each chapter. And they don’t leave it at that. They encourage the readers to make those a part of every part of their day.

Although I am excited to give this to our graduates, I believe this book will also be useful for current high school students as well.

Our Next Sunday Morning STU Series

2011-04-29T13:34:00.000-05:00

So, we have Stillmeadow Teen University (STU) every Sunday morning at 9:30, when 6-12 grade students get together to study scriptures together and to grow in Christ together. It's pretty sweet. I've been teaching the middle school boys for the past couple months and am LOVING that!

Anyway, we just wrapped up our previous series jumping through Matthew.

Now, we'll be examining what Stillmeadow calls her five core values: Connect, Celebrate, Commit, Contribute and Communicate. (Yes, they are all "C" letters.) Essentially, we believe that Jesus modeled these five things in his faithful obedience to his Father, and we want to do the same as a community (another great word that starts with "c"). Since this is "core" to who we are at Stillmeadow, we thought it'd be "cool" to have a series breaking these down with the teens.

If you'd like to see the Student Guide that we're handing out to our students, follow this link.

One of the things we're trying out is giving students a scripture for each day that is connected to the theme of the week. This way they can be prepared when they come on Sunday. Not everybody does it, but those that do have expressed that they get great reward from it. We even send out text reminders of what scriptures we are reading each day.

If you'd like to receive texts with the scriptures for each day (found in the student guide), click on this link.

Stations of the Cross 2011

2011-04-15T16:35:00.000-05:00

The Stations will be open from 6-9PM every night during Holy Week. That's Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

The Stations of the Cross are an excellent way of remembering what Jesus did for the whole world when he endured the scandal of the cross. Each station gives a scripture and a piece of art or an object to reflect on the scripture. Our youth have put energy into the artwork and into construction of some of the scenes. They've been doing this since 2006 and I'm excited about this year too!

If you don't come to our church, you can still come! Our address is:

400 Stillmeadow Lane

York, PA 17404

Google is Bonkers!

2011-02-01T12:51:00.000-05:00

Google has so many things that they're up to. I personally have loved using their Android platform on my phone for the past year. But today two things caught my eye...

First, with the crisis in Egypt where the government has shut down most internet and cell phone connections, Google has put out a Voice to Text Twitter service, so that the people on the ground can report on what's going on there. Wow.

Second, now you can tour museums with Google's Street View. If you start at the Hermitage Museum, you can see one of my favorite paintings of all time in its context: The Return of the Prodigal Son.

Our current Sunday morning series: using SOAP on Matthew

2011-01-27T15:50:00.000-05:00

We just started a new journey with the teens at Stillmeadow. From now until April 13 (Palm Sunday) the teens at Stillmeadow are working through the book of Matthew.

We're proceeding through the book from front to back (although...reading it from back to front might be an exciting adventure at some point) and encouraging the students to read a portion each day. Students can sign up for texts which the passages for each day. I'm also updating my twitter and facebook status every day with those same texts. Feel free to follow along!

The Method

We're also trying something new with the kids by giving them basic instructions on how to read the text. There are sooo many ways, but right now we are emphasizing the SOAP method! We are encouraging the students to use this method on their own during the week. Then when we gather on Sundays we practice it together. I'm stoked about it!

What is SOAP? I'm glad you asked! See the explanation below!

SOAP is an acronym for a simple way of reading scripture. The intention is to guide you purposefully through scripture, taking time for and allowing God to speak through the reading.

Scripture: Before you read, take a couple minutes to sit in silence before Christ, remembering His sacrifice in the past and His ever present love. Then read, knowing His Spirit is with you, opening your heart and mind to His truth.

Observe: Ask the who, what, when, where, how and why questions. What does this passage say about God and/or humanity? How does this passage fit in with the passage before and after? Is there anything that stands out or that I have not noticed before?

Apply: What is God saying to you through this passage? What does He want you to learn? How does He want you to live differently?

Pray: Based off what you sense God is saying to you from this passage, take time to write out or form a prayer that focuses on the content of what you read and what you sense God calling you to do. Then pray for family, friends and enemies. Pray for your church and smaller group. Pray for yourself.

Hint #1: You may find it helpful to write your responses in a journal or on paper…

Hint #2: You will find some passages more difficult than others. That’s okay! Bring any confusions or difficulties to class for questions! More than likely others will have similar questions!

This method is adapted from something our worship pastor, David Brown, gave to me. He adapted it from Wayne Cordeiro's book The Divine Mentor.

My Friend Doug Paul Has Moved

2011-01-26T10:10:00.000-05:00

My good friend (so good he was my best man and I his!) Doug Paul (not this Doug Paul, the original sounding voice actor) has been a part of a church plant called Eikon for the past few years and has been blogging about the church's journey. He has moved his blog. I think it looks quite nice!

Also, if you are interested in the way of discipleship that his church is following, check out 3DM. Very rooted, spirit-filled and innovative stuff happening through this. Alan Hirsch, who has some great work on missional church work, recommends 3DM with this youtube video.

This video does a good job of explaining why they are doing what they are doing the way they are doing it.

Gratitude thoughts from Brian Walsh

2011-01-24T13:00:00.000-05:00

In a culture of perpetual dissatisfaction,

…a culture where you are what you have made yourself,
…a culture of ceaseless craving
……for new experiences,
……for consumer goods,
……for power,
……for sex,
……for wealth,
……for status,
…a culture of hyperactive frenzy and anxiety,
…a culture of paralysis and numbness,
……in this culture,
……gratitude can set us free.

Gratitude receives life as a gift,
…not a self-made accomplishment.

Gratitude is rooted in deep satisfaction,
…not held captive to dissatisfaction.

Gratitude replaces isolation
…with community.

Gratitude replaces competition
…with friendship.

Gratitude meets an economy of ‘more’
…with the audacious experience of ‘enough.’

Gratitude abandons aggression
…for gentleness.

Gratitude shakes off arrogance,
…for humility.

If the peace of Christ rules in our hearts,
…if we know the power of forgiveness,
…if we have been renewed in Christ,
…if love binds our lives together,
…then we will be thankful.

If the word of Christ dwells in us richly,
…if the word of Christ takes up residence deep in our lives,
…if that word begins to bear fruit in us,
…if wisdom begins to shape our imaginations,
…then we will sing songs of profound gratitude.

If we have come to Christ,
…if we give our whole lives to Christ,
…if we submit every dimension of our lives to his loving rule,
…if we do everything in the name of Christ,
……then our whole lives will be a thanks offering,
……our whole lives will give thanks to God our Father.

Christian ministry is not a duty,
…it is an act of gratitude.

You can find the rest of Brian's stuff here.

A Thank You Note...

2010-12-13T12:57:00.000-05:00

I just received a thank you note from Jonathan Philips, a missionary to Romania from Stillmeadow. Recently at our 30 Hour Famine, our teens wrote him some encouragement and prayer notes. Below is his response. If you want to follow and support him on his journey, he updates this blog. Cool God-stories there!

Josh,

I wanted to let you know that this week I received the cards the Stillmeadow teens made during their 30-hour famine. It was an unexpected surprise to receive so many cards. This has been a very busy and stressful week, so it was nice to receive notes of encouragement and to know that I'm being prayed for. Please let the teens know that they brightened my day.

Blessings,
Jonathan

A Blessing in the Advent Season

2010-12-13T12:01:00.000-05:00

A shoot will come out of the stump of Jesse,
and a branch will grow from its roots.
The Spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord

He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
or decide by what his ears hear;
but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth. (Isaiah 11.1-4a)

My friends, it is Advent, and the Kingdom of God is at hand.
Let us pray that we will bear the fruit of repentance in our lives.
Let us pray that we will be people of righteousness, justice and faithfulness.
Let us pray that we will not judge by what the eye sees or decide by what the ears hears.
Indeed, let us pray that we will have eyes to see and ears to hear the good news.
Let us pray that we will have eyes that will see beyond our stereotypes,
…ears that will listen closely to the stories of our neighbours,
…eyes to see each others gifts,
…ears to hear each others joys and sorrows.
Let us pray that we will have the eyes to see a shoot that shall come out of the charred stump of Jesse, out of the charred stump of our own lives.
Let us pray, Amen, come soon Lord Jesus.

Some quality thoughts by Brian Walsh on Empire Remixed.
Here's the complete post...focused on judgmentalism.

Verse and Voice 12.02.2010

2010-12-02T13:53:00.001-05:00

"Get up and pray for help all through the night. Pour out your feelings to the Lord, as you would pour water out of a jug. Beg [the Lord] to save your people, who are starving to death at every street crossing."
- Lamentations 2:19

"We must move away from asking God to take care of the things that are breaking our hearts to praying about the things that are breaking God's heart."

- Margaret Gibb

We pray today for the victims of violence and war. We ask your healing, O Lord, for those who have been wounded in body, hurt emotionally, and broken spiritually. For the refugees who have been forced out of their homes because of war and destruction, we ask your protection and guidance. Amen.

A good word from the Sojourners Verse and Voice blog found here.

Advent Devotional

2010-11-03T11:01:00.000-05:00

Can you believe how stores are already breaking out the Christmas supplies? Whew!

Well, Pastor Bud over at www.ebayse.blogspot.com has joined the fray and is making available a daily Advent Devotional. This will be a great way for our Stillmeadow people to journey together towards the celebration of Jesus' birth. It's a little different than a traditional advent devotional, because the scriptures coincide with our current sermon series: God's Big Idea--Love God, Love Others (here are videos of the sermons). Check it out!

Prayer for Wednesday (from 1 John 3:17, Mark 1:40-41)

2010-10-27T11:27:00.000-05:00

Jesus,
You saw need,
You felt deeply,
You reached out and touched the man.
Compassion stirred,
Deep within.
Transform me,
To feel deeply,
To let compassion stir,
Deep within,
So that your love in action
Takes over my life.
In your loving name,
Amen

Prayer for Wednesday (from Psalm 148)

2010-10-20T12:23:00.000-05:00

God,
All of Creation shouts Hallelujah,
Hailstones, lightening,
Sun, moon and stars,
Clouds and rain,
Bellow their praises to you.
All of Creation shows gratitude,
Sharks and cows,
boys, girls, moms and dads,
angels and wild beasts,
Call out their thanks to you.
I cannot help but join in,
with my heart,
with my mouth,
with my mind,
with my hands and feet.
Thank you, God. Amen

A Prayer for Tuesday (From 1 John 3:11-16)

2010-10-19T08:53:00.000-05:00

God, Who is love,
forgive me
for my heart like Cain,
for my actions that take life,
for my jealousy,
for my desire to get ahead,
for my failure to "get it"
...that all I need is in You.
Through your Spirit
give me a heart like Christ,
who brought life through his actions,
who laid down his life,
who really "got it"
that all we need is You.
In Christ's name, Amen.

A Prayer for the Beginning of the Week

2010-10-18T09:54:00.000-05:00

God, Creator and Sustainer,
In You is fullness.
In You is life...
Nothing else satisfies.

Govern my heart,

guide my thoughts,

direct my words,

master my will;

So that in everything I do

I bring glory to you.

In the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen

This is not an easy prayer...

2010-10-15T10:46:00.000-05:00

In thinking of the importance of the smaller group leaders and the youth workers in our church I have been doing some reading. In that reading, I came across this prayer I have heard before...it's worth sharing. It's typically used in an annual "Covenant Service" by the Methodist Church, where all commit together to following hard after Christ. But as I read it I was reminded of Paul's attitude towards service to God, willing to accept whatever God brought his way.

I want this to be my prayer...even if it is in old English!

I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine, and I am thine.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.

—as used in the Book of Offices of the British Methodist Church, 1936.

Top Moments from Fall Retreat 2010!

2010-10-11T10:19:00.000-05:00

Top Moments from Fall Retreat 2010

1. The crazy mingle game while waiting for the buses to arrive at Stillmeadow

2. Having both Stillmeadow campuses worship and play together

3. The prayer stations

4. Watching kids play in the creek

5. When one of the boys brought over a roasted crawdad

6. Playing Taboo outside with a ton of people

7. Hearing the bell ring during the prayer stations

8. The sound of George’s coffee pot in the morning after a short night’s sleep

9. The Warm Fuzzy encouragement bags!

10. Hearing the bold prayers around the campfire on Saturday night

11. Communion on Sunday morning

This is just a start…I’d love to hear of some more from my facebook friends!

The God of the Long Haul

2010-09-09T23:25:00.000-05:00

I took two classes in modules these past two weeks at NTS. The morning module was Genesis and the evening module was Congregational Discipleship.

One of the assignments for Genesis was to read through it in one sitting. That took a LONG time and it was well worth it. Then we got to do it three times, each time we took more notes on the stories and characters. Through this process I was reminded time and time again of the beauty, power, awesomeness and gracefulness of our God who created the universe with care and precision, gave humanity free will and when the first humans sinned in the Garden he did not leave them alone but graciously provided covering. I was also struck by the brokenness of humanity, even those who had been chosen by God to be his people set apart. I had forgotten that Abraham lied twice about who his wife was! But even in the brokenness God pursued his people wherever they were. One of the commentators called God the "mobile God" because there was no place that He could not be found (recalling the Psalmist's words "where can I go to flee from Your Spirit?" from Psalm 139). God showed up time and time again on behalf of his people, giving direction, correction, safety, promises, interpretations and provisions.

It's always interesting to see how the content of my various classes interact with each other. My other class was Congregational Discipleship, which focuses on how the church sees and structures itself so that it will effectively disciple all members of the congregation in the way of Jesus. There was much in this class on spiritual development, teaching techniques and educational theory, and all of these combined pointed to one thing: EVERYTHING we do as the community of God plays a part in the formation of the people. Everything says something about and reinforces what we believe. Yet, because the structure of church is made up of people and relationships, there will always be an incompleteness and room for growth in God's grace.

This is where Genesis swoops in. God is the God of the Long-Haul. As God bore with the people in Genesis and gave direction, correction, safety, promises, interpretations and provisions, so God bears with the church today. Like Abraham we are called to be his people and sometimes failure happens. Broken relationships, missed opportunities, gross misunderstandings, overlooked needs, etc...But God remains faithful. Time and time again He proves himself and takes over where we mess up.

A friend just shared with me a story about her dad accepting Christ into his life just six weeks before he passed forward. He had thumbed his nose at God throughout his life. And it was largely in part because of hurt received from the church. But in the end, God worked his way in, softening his heart so that he did open his heart to Jesus. The God of the Long Haul. Awesome!

A Song From Chapel

2010-09-02T11:06:00.005-05:00

One of my fav
orite parts of coming out to seminary (www.nts.edu) is that twice a week all the students come together for chapel. And during the module sessions (which last four hours!), that means that we stop our classes and join together for worship. It's a way of saying that while we're here to grow in our understanding of God, Scripture and the Church, true education is incomplete without worship. We could certainly learn an abundance of facts and preaching methods, but these fall flat without an adoration of God, without a love of God.

Well, today we had a singing and prayer service centered on God's call for the church. The prayer time was beautiful as we offered prayers of gratitude, prayers for God's people and prayers for the persecuted church.

After the prayers we sang a song that I am unfamiliar with, but the words were so powerful to me that I thought I'd share them with the intranet world. Thanks to the Oremus Hymnal for having this.

The Church's One Foundation
Samuel John Stone, 1868

The Church's one foundation
is Jesus Christ her Lord;
she is his new creation,
by water and the word:
from heaven he came and sought her
to be his holy bride;
with his own blood he bought her,
and for her life he died.

Elect from every nation,
yet one o'er all the earth,
her charter of salvation,
one Lord, one faith, one birth;
one holy Name she blesses,
partakes one holy food,
and to one hope she presses,
with every grace endued.

Though with a scornful wonder
men see her sore oppressed,
by schisms rent asunder,
by heresies distressed;
yet saints their watch are keeping,
their cry goes up, "How long?"
and soon the night of weeping
shall be the morn of song.

Mid toil and tribulation,
and tumult of her war
she waits the consummation
of peace for evermore;
till with the vision glorious
her longing eyes are blessed,
and the great Church victorious
shall be the Church at rest.

Yet she on earth hath union
with God, the Three in one,
and mystic sweet communion
with those whose rest is won.
O happy ones and holy!
Lord, give us grace that we
like them, the meek and lowly,
on high may dwell with thee.

Dancing on Prayer

2010-05-18T10:37:00.003-05:00

While we were in the hospital with Eden last summer we began to truly understand the beauty of community prayer and experienced God's touch through His people.

One of those moments was when we received this large prayer scroll. This image will be sealed in my mind and heart until I can remember no more. Friends from our faith community had written encouragement and their prayers on this and sent it to us. We rolled it out in the outside play area on our floor. Then we walked up and down reading the notes, feeling God's presence in the prayers.

But Cadence...she ran up and down and jumped and danced on the orange scroll.

It may be taking this scripture out of confidence, but I felt like this was a "red carpet" to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). I am grateful for our community who walked with us with confidence so that we were able to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Experiencing the Holy Week as a Family

2010-03-29T10:42:00.003-05:00

Today is the first day of Holy Week, when we prepare our hearts to remember again Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Here are some suggestions I gave to our teen parents and guardians for experiencing this together as a family. The first two are activities at Stillmeadow and the final three are activities you can do at home.

Go through the Stations of the Cross together. They’re open Monday-Thursday from 6PM-9:30PM and on Good Friday from 9:30AM-9:30PM.

Attend the Passion Play together. Remix is going to the Passion Play on Tuesday. Feel free to join us in this!

Read Scripture Together

a. Monday: Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 36:5-11, John 12:1-11

b. Tuesday: Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 71:1-14, John 12:20-36

c. Wednesday: Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 70, John 13:21-32

d. Maundy Thursday: Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19, John 13:1-17, 31b-35

e. Good Friday: Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Psalm 22, John 18:1-19:42

f. Holy Saturday: Job 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16, Matthew 27:57-66

I found these scriptures neatly laid out here.

Have a special family meal on Thursday Night, remembering Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples. Read Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 (explanation of Passover Feast) and Matthew 26:17-30 (the Last Supper).

Traditionally the church has kept Friday and Saturday as days of quiet remembrance. Invite your family into quietness. Stay at home on Saturday or go to a park together. Watch a movie at the end of the day. Relax.

What are some traditions that you do?

And I quote...Tom Smail

2010-03-24T11:13:00.004-05:00

Tom Smail in The Giving Gift where he explores the personhood of the Holy Spirit. What he says here has vast implications for the unity of missional and cruciform living.

"...think of the Spirit much more personally and creatively as an artist whose one subject is the Son, and who is concerned to paint portraits of that subject on countless human canvases using the paints and brushes provided by countless human cultures and historical situations. On such an analogy the Christological center is fully affirmed and maintained. It is Jesus, the incarnate Son of the Father, and no other that the Spirit seeks to portray. Each portrait is successful and creative, not because it makes of him what he is not, by forming him in our likeness and conforming him to our preferences and predilections, but because it uses ever new cultural approaches and historical situations to bring out more of the infinite variety of saving truth that is in him."

Tom Smail, The Giving Gift, 77

with jesus in the boat you can swim with sharks

2010-03-11T09:10:00.002-05:00

As we ate our breakfast this morning Cadence exclaimed, "look daddy! My apples look like boats!"

I replied, "that's crazy!" "No. It's not crazy. It's awesome! Because Jesus was in the boat with his disciples," she retorted.

"Oh yeah..." I say.

With her eyes widening and eyebrows lifted she went on with her story. Raising her arms to the sky, "and the rains came down." Lowering her hands to the ground and lifting them while she spoke, "and the waves came UP!" Waving her arms in circles above her head, "and there were rain clouds sending down water."

"And you know what Jesus did?" She asked excitedly. Without waiting for a reply she went on ending with a yell..."He said to the rain STOP!"

With that flourish she ended her story.

"But what happened after Jesus said that?" I inquired.

"They all fall into the water."

"Who?"

"Jesus and his friends fell into the water and went swimming. And there were SHARKS!"

I love these kinds of stories.

NYC 2011 A World Unbroken

2010-03-10T13:38:00.005-05:00

So I get the privilege of leading the Mid-Atlantic Nazarene teens to Nazarene Youth Conference again in 2011. I'm pretty stoked about it. Check out the vid:

I love the theme and am excited to see what God's going to do in the lives of those who take part in this event in Louisville, KY!

Also, the website (www.nyc2011.org) is up and running as well! And you can follow them on twitter and facebook!

www wanderings 02.25.2010

2010-02-25T00:31:00.006-05:00

Well, I haven't gotten to post quite like I'd like, but life has been a bit busy. We're moving this week to a place on the east side of York, and we're quite excited to move from our Geico House (see youtube vid for why we call our house this). Yet, we're sad too, because we'll be leaving behind some awesome neighbors...

But I wanted to continue my posting of random links that I have come across that I think are worth sharing.

Global Tacos

I wish I could go to this presentation where a group of students traced all the ingredients from a local taco truck in California all around the world.

Creation and Evolution and Christianity

I have been following Ken Ham's blog on Creationism for the past six months but have wanted to read a blog that is more from the other side of the spectrum as well. So I was glad when he posted his response to the Biologos response to his State of the Nation address. I have to admit I did not fully read his response or listen to the State of the Nation address, but I was glad to find a blog with an alternative Christian approach to Creation and Evolution to subscribe to that I may read (when I have time). And Biologos has two Nazarene professors! The reason I care about hearing both sides of this is because this is a hot issue for many of the teens that I work with. It is helpful to be aware of various Christian approaches to these issues.

Slant33

So, I am excited about some of the things I hear that are happening at Barefoot, the youth ministry wing of Nazarene Publishing House, especially the stuff that I am seeing from Chris Folmsbee. He wrote A New Kind of Youth Ministry, which I have yet to read, but also helped with Shaped By the Story by Michael Novelli, which I have perused and used! (Buy these books from Hearts and Minds! They're independent and great!). But I really like Slant33, which offers "three voices, three views" on various topics relevant to youth ministry. It's quick, easy to read and insightful. Go check it out!

Missionary Remodeling

At first I didn't know where Andrew Jones was going with this post, but then I saw the pictures. Check out the remodeling that he has done with his crew that is traveling through Africa. And we thought we were living in cramped quarters! 13 people sleep in and on this! It's cool to see what people give up and go through in order to bring goodness to the world.

www wanderings 02.17.2010

2010-02-17T11:01:00.006-05:00

Lent:

It's Ash Wednesday. If you'd like a scripture guide through the next forty days, you can go here to join what many Christians around the world are engaging with. There are some quality prayers and artwork links as well (the pic on the right came from there). If you're at Stillmeadow, I'd recommend the FaithForward Guide that we are using for our community. We gave it out on Sunday and it's available at the welcome desk.

Stillmeadow's on Twitter!

Our church is checking out what it looks like to be a presence on twitter. We'll see how this goes...but it could be fun. If you want to follow, click here or just go to www.twitter.com/stillnaz.

Child Soldiers and American Slave Trade:

Learned from Project AK-47 (follow on Twitter) that one third of the world's child soldiers are in South East Asia. They say "100,000 kids are carrying machine guns" in this region.

Then Relevant posted a study which showed that Ohio is a major hub in the US for human trafficking. Ohio is our neighbor state! 1000 Americans are forced into labor or the sex trade and "800 immigrants are sexually exploited and pushed into sweatshop-type jobs" just in Ohio! Check out what Doma is doing to protect these people.

Some www wanderings...Francis Chan and Children Labeled 'Bipolar' 02.10.2010

2010-02-10T15:43:00.007-05:00

So, I really like Francis Chan. He's the pastor of Cornerstone Church (cool website, btw) in CA, and author of some cool books including an interactive one called Crazy Love (check it out at Amazon, but if you're gonna buy it new, but it from Hearts and Minds). But I don't get to hear him often. Last I heard him was at Nazarene Youth Conference 2007 and that was a blast.

But I stumbled across somebody's sermon notes from his session at Verge2010. My favorite line: "Be courageous – Biblically. Erase what you’ve seen everywhere else – and just go to the Bible. Don’t just go around to other patterns – to tweak what other people are doing. Have the courage to read the Bible and do what it says."

I also heard that Flannel (the guys who do Rob Bell's Nooma's) is putting out a new series featuring Francis Chan! I'm looking forward to these and will most likely feature them in our Sunday morning format with our teens!

In other news: the diagnosis for children who show symptoms of bipolar is being reconsidered. It will be interesting to see how this plays out...In between all the posts on this crazy winter weather, I found this post.

WILAS (What I Love About Snow)!

2010-02-09T22:09:00.003-05:00

So, I went to Florida last week and missed "Snowmaggedon" (check out the other names suggested for this), but arrived in time for this week's crazy storm. I know some folks aren't too keen on the abundance of snow, the coldness that accompanies it and the treacherous driving conditions that it provides, but I am a huge fan of snow! So here's a quick list, not in any order of What I Love About Snow:

Most of the time it's edible.

It's like a blanket.

You can make an igloo with it.

It can be formed into a throwing object.

It's flakes travel miles just to land.

It melts into icicles.

It can shut down entire cities.

It makes people drive slow.

You can sled on it. (And make ramps with it!)

Snow Angels!

It floats to the ground.

Snow Forts!

My sister tells awesome stories!

2010-01-27T10:51:00.003-05:00

So, while I've been away from the blog world, my sister has joined and is lighting it up with her stories. She tells of her experience in Cambodia in a way that makes you feel like you're there with her, or at least wish you were. Her descriptions of life in Cambodia are vivid and easily evoke the imagination. And her stories of the "little knee-highs" that she teaches range from hilarious to heart-wrenching. Somehow she always finds a way for the stories to connect with her growing faith, and I love it.

I love her most recent post on following trucks through traffic.

And her post on what some of her kids say is hilarious.

And her first post on traffic is great!

So if you have a heart for good stories and international (for us US citizens) mission work, subscribe to Susan at http://misskfeldinpp.wordpress.com.

Keep up the writing, sis.

Thoughts on and for Haiti

2010-01-20T23:24:00.003-05:00

Much has been written and has yet to be written about the tragedy of the earthquake in Haiti and the beauty of the responses to the needs that have come out of this crisis.

90999

I am curious to see what future commentators will have to say about the impact of technology on donations. The ability to donate $10 through your phone bill is ingenius. It's as easy as texting "Haiti" to 90999. What about those of us who pay our bills with credit? Or what about those kids who did it without asking their parents who pay their bill? I'm not suggesting that it's immoral, just curious.

Dear Pat

When Pat Robertson made his famous remarks that this earthquake was an act of God against the Haitian people because of the nation's pagan history the Twitter world went crazy. But I think this mock letter from Satan to Pat is worth reading. Thanks to Byron Borger at Hearts and Minds for bringing this to my attention.

Ethics of Disaster and Looting

I had never considered this an area of study, but this post on NPR by Anita Allan is a good intro. This may answer my questions in the 90999 section. Even if you don't read the article, the slide show by David Gilkey (the NPR photographer, not the shirtless model you'll find when you google his name) is provocative enough.

T-Shirts for Disaster Relief

Threadless is one of my favorite sites on the internet, and once again they prove why. Check out the shirts they're selling to benefit those in need in Haiti. Now buy one for yourself and one for your friend. Shirts, ink...all donated so the proceeds can go directly to Haiti relief with the American Red Cross.

How it happened...

Some people are curious how these things happen. Check out this brief explanation of the scientific reasons.

Let us continue

In prayer and support for the victims of this tragedy. God's heart is breaking with those mourning and is rejoicing at the response of goodness to his children.

Back in the swing...

2010-01-18T13:19:00.004-05:00

So, it's been too long since my last post. 8 months, actually. Much has happened in life...many new thoughts, some new friends, a crisis or two, some faith-challenging and growing experiences. But my friend Doug (of Eikon fame) has encouraged me to get back into the blogging world.

Since I am taking off a semester at NTS and don't have to be on Moodle (a free version of BlackBoard) this spring time, I should have some space for adding thoughts to this wonderful thing deemed the blogosphere.

In my time away I have spent too much time listening to music on Pandora. Yeah, it's been around a while, but once I figured out how to design my own station, I was set.

I've also enjoyed downloading free indie music singles from Stranger Dance. My sister in law showed me where to get a free download of Devotcha's How it Ends, once there I got turned on to the music of The Dodo's, Bibio, MGMT, Passion Pit, J. Tillman, and more. Good stuff for studying...very chill...folkish...

Prayer may reshape your brain...hmmm

2009-05-20T13:02:00.001-05:00

"The more you focus on something ? whether that's math or auto racing or football or God ? the more that becomes your reality, the more it becomes written into the neural connections of your brain," Newberg says.

This may sound obvious, but read the article for more.

Check out the rest of this article here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104310443&ft=1&f=1001

What Jesus Thought of Humanity

2009-03-31T23:00:00.001-05:00

?In all Jesus? contacts with people never did He show a condescending attitude or think of man as ?mere man.? To him they all seemed savable. His deep respect for each person no matter who he might be, how evil he might be, what his response was to Jesus, did not show a hint of a ?superior complex.? The very anger He displayed toward some, the whip He wiled in the Temple, all said in effect, ?You are My equal. My anger shows My respect for you. Now, be the man you can be and ought to be.? He never forced himself on anyone. He did not call any man to Him under false pretenses?promising an easier yoke than would be the case. He called men to die with Him. He tried to push back all self-deception and faced men with what they were in themselves. He made people think for themselves?and think honestly. All this is Jesus? estimate of man.?

Mildred Bangs Wynkoop A Theology of Love 128.

listening...

2009-03-20T23:14:00.001-05:00

it does the soul some good

Salvation: Deliverance, Restoration, Recovery

2009-03-15T15:37:00.001-05:00

Wesley's definition of salvation: "not barely, according to the vulgar notion, deliverance from hell, or going to heaven; but a present deliverance from sin, a restoration of the soul to its primitive health, its original purity; a recovery of the divine nature; the renewal of our souls after the image of God, in righteousness and true holiness, in justice, mercy, and truth."

From his "A Farther Appeal to Men of Reason and Religion" Works 8:47

Go there

2009-03-05T14:59:00.001-05:00

This is a blog post from a word document. I'm just trying it out.

Facial Reactions

2009-02-27T00:31:00.002-05:00

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/26/bitter-disgust-brain.html

Here's an interesting study done that shows that people have the same physical reaction to morally and physically disgusting things.

What does it say that our faces react the same way?

Holy, Holy, Holy

2009-02-26T15:47:00.003-05:00

It is "holy, holy, holy" that the angels shout -- not "loving, loving, loving."

Certainly he is loving, but it is a dangerous love. The kind that breaks the bow and shatters the spear. Yes, John said "God is love," but he is also perfect and just.

To stand in awe of him is to recognize his holiness in all its glory -- spiky, gentle, strong and sturdy.

check out the funny dance moves!

2009-01-30T11:27:00.004-05:00

Check out the new kids movement in the middle. Silly bizilly!

A call for order

2009-01-30T11:04:00.004-05:00

“Be regular and orderly in your life so that you may be violent and original in your work.”
Gustave Flaubert

I would adjust this and say:

"Be regular and orderly in your life so that you may be loving and original in your work."

Crazy Climbing Catfish!

2009-01-29T16:30:00.006-05:00

Discovery Channel finding crazy animals.

These are the kind of animals you want to tell your middle school friends about.

(image from here)

And probably a great animal to include in a wacky list of created animals (which should also include Llamas, platypus, poison dart frogs, sloths, electric eels, and hammerhead sharks).

What do you think?

2009-01-28T12:41:00.003-05:00

The Evangelical World is Going to Collapse in the Next Ten Years.

Got the link from Andrew Jones...

Long read, but interesting predictions about the implications of rising secularism in our world.

Master of Molecules

2009-01-26T11:01:00.003-05:00

He’s the…
Master of Molecules
Igniter of Fireflies
Designer of Romance
Scooper of Valleys
Stacker of Mountains
Scatterer of Stars
Inventor of Inventors
Flattener of the Plains
Spinner of planets
Former of hearts

He’s the…
Painter of the skies
Planter of Redwoods
Source of beauty
Stretcher of giraffe necks
Sharpener of Shark Teeth

He’s the…
Instigator of Love
Imaginator of Imaginations
Architect of Snowflakes
Hanger of Holly Berries
Thrower of Lightening Bolts
Conductor of Electricity

He’s the…
Originator of airwaves
Organizer of color spectrum
Orderer of the seasons
Shaper of human desires
Constructor of butterfly wings
Infuser of Laughter
Weaver of fields
Author of reality

He's the...
Writer of the song of life
Creator of all things
Composer of roses
Blacksmith of volcanoes

He's the...
Engineer of waterfalls
Poet of the heavens
Playwright of the earth
Maker of protons
Initiator of electrons
Director of ocean currents
Producer of gravity
Manufacturer of coffee beans
Multiplier of cells
Cultivator of scientific laws
Supply of solar energy
Cause of Cheesemaking

Think about consumerism with a look at this video

2009-01-21T19:57:00.001-05:00

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

Transformed Nonconformists

2009-01-21T12:24:00.003-05:00

I'm in Kansas City for two weeks of modules at Nazarene Theological Seminary.

Last night (inaugaration night) we interupted our evening classes to celebrate MLK's birthday with Blue Hills Church of the Nazarene, a congregation made up of mostly African-American's, in an extended chapel service.

What a joy it was to be led by the Blue Hill's choir and worship team. Their passion for God is exhibited in their enthusiastic singing.

What will stick with me is a brief part of the sermon, when the preacher talked about being transformed nonconformists in following the pattern of Christ. He did not really dive into what that meant, but I thought those two words together provide an excellent way of expressing who we are as a community of Christ followers seeking to live up to Paul's call in Romans 12 to not conform to the patterns of the world but be transformed in our minds.

Some good posts from good friends

2009-01-17T22:48:00.006-05:00

So my friend Doug who is a part of the Eikon community in Richmond has been on a posting frenzy of late, and in the middle of it all has posted some of his perspective on how younger evangelicals are affecting the evangelical landscape. Quality thoughts on politics and theology...

Check out his thoughts:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3

My other friend (I only have two) Brian Hull has put up some insightful thoughts on Youth and Scripture.

Check out his thoughts on how to help today's youth engage and encounter God in scripture:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Good Eats

2009-01-14T11:32:00.004-05:00

With my job I get to dine out quite a bit in efforts to connect with and encourage students and youth workers and other peeps. Yesterday I went to a place with Mike Hewitt that I had never heard of. It's a little fine dining restaurant in South York and is called Blue Heron. And I am going back.

If I had to write a brief review this is what I'd say:

Exquisitly Memorable--I can still remember the taste of my smoked salmon sandwich as if I am eating it today. Mmm mmm good.

Metaphors of Sin

2009-01-09T11:50:00.005-05:00

(After another long dry spell, I have returned...for help...)

So, I'm doing a series for our weekly youth worship gatherings (Remix) on the narrative of scripture, pulling out the dominant themes and connecting them all in the life of Christ. I'm stealing McLaren's book title "The Story We Find Ourselves In" to help the students make meaning of their own lives in light of the overall narrative arc of scripture.

Of course, one may argue that there are multiple "arcs" within scripture, or that there are some competing views on which arc is correct (and true?). I'm using some stuff that Chris Folmsbee helped me understand at NYWC. The first three weeks are pretty basic: creation, fall, covenant. Each week we'll lay out who God is and who we are in light of that movement of the narrative, concluding with a creative/contemplative/active response.

Gravity and Sin
So as I'm preparing for the week on the fall I'm trying to think of different metaphors for brokenness and sin. I've played the dark theme quite a few times so I do not want to use that one again. As I was thinking of sin and the brokenness that it brings (both corporatly and individually) and how binding that brokenness is. Then I started wondering if gravity would be a good metaphor. Note that I am not talking about grativity in the sense of seriousness (like this book) but about the scientific law that keeps my chair on the ground.

What do you think?
Is this a good metaphor? Does it lack something? Every metaphor will obviously emphasis a few sides of what it is representing and underemphasize other sides. What does it underemphasize?

What metaphors have you found to be helpful for your own understanding of sin?

Not posting much lately...here's a blackboard post

2008-10-15T00:06:00.002-05:00

So...I've been absent from blogging. Way too much typing for school to put any extra thoughts out here. So I've just posted something I just posted to blackboard for an assignment where I was supposed to talk briefly about missio Dei, sanctification/holiness, suffering, faith, and the death of Christ according to 1 Thessalonians. So here's my brief reply.

The missio dei is God’s loving action of bringing redemption and reconciliation to a world separated from his life and love. Jesus lived this in his “cruciform pattern of activity” revealing the love and holiness of God in his actions and teachings and invited others to follow him in this pattern (Johnson Holy, Holiness, NT). Those who choose to “have faith in”/”be faithful to” Jesus in holiness of life, choose to be separate from the ways of the world and therefore also choose to partake in similar sufferings as Jesus did, which Paul seems to imply that he had taught the Thessalonians about while present with them (1 Thess. 3:3-4).

What is fascinating is that Paul implies that his followers were destined for suffering (3:3-4) and that it was God’s will that they should be sanctified (4:3). For Paul, both are integral in following Christ. Christians are set apart for a life like Christ, who died as result of his pattern of living. Paul also seems concerned that their sufferings might cause the Thessalonian Christians to lose their faith (3:5). He also prays that they would be strengthened in holiness (3:13). In this we see that faith and holiness are lovingly given by God and willingly lived out by his followers.

check out www.ted.com for vids that will make you say, "hmmm"

2008-09-24T15:01:00.000-05:00

kansas is far

2008-08-20T21:13:00.003-05:00

Cadence and Eden!

2008-07-30T08:42:00.004-05:00

Papa and his two favorite pasttimes...
Cadence and I on our Island of Hope (also a love seat of sand)
Look at all that sand on her face...she really gets into this beach thing.

Cadence washing dishes with Da (Cambodian for Grandpa and easy to say for Cade!)
Eden with Yay (Cambodian for Grandma and again...easy to say for Cadence)
Eden and Nana! Eden's getting festive at Allie's wedding rehearsal dinner!
Show the love...Cadence loves to do this...

The girls at the beach. Cade loved the waves and the sand and the wind and the sand and the waves and sand and the wind and the waves...

So, this blog, because of pure busyness has turned into more of a picture posting place (when it is used) more than anything else. We'll see what comes of this...in the meantime, enjoy the pictures, as we surely have been enjoying the ones in them.

The Sisters!

2008-06-04T19:54:00.003-05:00

Well, Cadence has taken to Eden quite well as this video shows. I hope you can view it and see the sisterly love!

And if you're not familiar with my family, that's Grandma Fiegl (Aubrey's mama) holding Eden. She's blessed us with her help this whole week. Now, I know why some societies keep their families together on the same property. She's been so so so great to have with us!

And the Jeremy in the background is our summer intern. Wow, he's awesome! He's stepped up in the time when I am off with the family and I'm quite thankful for his presence here this summer!

And now for a little Cadence

2008-06-01T17:40:00.002-05:00

More Eden Pictures

2008-06-01T15:54:00.004-05:00

Happy Grandma!
Introducing big sister Cadence to little sister Eden
tiny hands
Papa holding Eden while Cade plays "this little piggy"
Happy mama!

Things are progressing well. We should be able to go home on Monday (that's tomorrow). Aubrey is feeling better, which is very very good!

Introducing Eden Jubilee

2008-05-30T15:39:00.004-05:00

Eden Jubilee was born via C-section at 11:57 AM on May 30.

She weighed in at 7 lbs and 14.1 oz.

She's 19 inches tall.

She and mommy are doing well and recovering from 17 hours of labor and an extended surgery.

Oh the joy and jubilation!

taking Jesus to the darkest places

2008-05-29T09:41:00.003-05:00

Challenging thoughts here.

"Can you imagine an anarchistic band ever saying, “We’re not an anarchistic band. We’re just a band of people who happen to be anarchists. We don’t want to push anarchy on people. We just want people to see anarchy in our lives”? If everyone else can speak clearly and give their ideas without restraint, how come Christians always feel like they have to keep silent, especially when there is so much authority in their message?

"Jesus is looking for artists who are willing to tell people the truth, for musicians who are willing to go into these dark places and not hide their message, for people who will live lives of power, not just talk."

Andrew Jones interviewed David Pierce a man with a heart of youth who are searching for meaning and ultimately for God.

David Pierce plays with No Longer Music.

Check out their videos.

baby arriving...

2008-05-28T22:28:00.003-05:00

well...time for number two has arrived. we are scheduled for an induction tomorrow...

please be in prayer for aubrey and baby #2 as they go through the process of delivery.

StatAttak

2008-05-12T12:39:00.003-05:00

A shirt company that wants to make stats about countries known. Creative approach. Check it out.

Colossians Remixed and Grapes of Wrath

2008-05-08T13:51:00.004-05:00

I've found that I can never read just one book at a time. (That brings up a funny mental image, of me actually holding a book in each hand, moving back and forth between the books...) While this can get confusing when I read two novels at the same time (which I don't do very often), I've actually discovered that reading novels supplements my reading of non-fiction, especially philosophy or theology. A theme that is developed in a book on theology will stand out in the work of fiction.

For instance, I'm reading Colossians Remixed and I just finished Grapes of Wrath. Colossians Remixed approaches the letter to the Colossians with the fundamental assumption that we don't come to the text naked, but clothed in the culture we find ourselves in, which in turn affects our interpretation of the text. So in order to fully understand and live out the text, the reader must understand her surrounding cultuer. So the authors take us into the N. American mindset, which is characterized by two dominant and seemingly opposite themes. The first is the often discussed post-modern worldview which is aptly described as "carnivaleque" and a "mall culture" (24) where "anything goes" except an overarching unifying story (metanarrative) that everyone buys into. The unifying story is that there is no unifying story. The modern absolute confidence in the promise of the corporate machine has died to be replaced by discontent and a sense that nothing is left to be done (22).

Yet at the same time, a very different yet dominant worldview is thriving: globalization. Behind this is the idea (and reality) that all can be connected and through connection all can be solved...simply with the touch of a button. Modernity has extended itself into the optimism of a technological and network culture (27). Think about the ads for gadgets. Office Depot promises simplicity and efficiency. The iPhone will put everything in the palm of your hand. And under these advertisements is the hidden (or not so hidden) assumption that productivity is the greatest value. Hence, efficiency is important, because you can be more productive. My value is connected to what and how much I produce. So I consume in order to become more productive.

So these seemingly opposite worldviews are actually held together by many N. Americans. Post-modernity and globalization don't clash as much as they show our dedication (willing or unwilling) to an unfeeling force (consumerism). The authors point out that this dedication exhibits the same structure as a religion. "Progress is its underlying myth, unlimited economic growth its foundational faith, the shopping mall (physical or online) its place of worship, consumerism its overriding image, 'I'll have a Big Mac and frieds' it's ritual of initiation, and global domination its ultimate goal." (30) The authors poinantly remembered that George W. Bush's response to the attack on the World Trade Center was to tell Americans to show the nations strength by going out and spending money.

The most ridiculous aspect of consumerism is that it is callous to everything that stands in its way.

While reading this, I also read the story of the Joads, who are kicked off their Oklahoma land by a corporate giant during the Dust Bowl period. The Joads have farmed the soil for years as tenants, but machinary has proven to do the work of many men, making tenant farmers unviable options for the money hungry company to employ. The company wants profit more than meeting the needs of folks and caring for the land. This unfeeling nature is characterized best when the tractor operator is instructed to only plow in straight lines even if people and houses are in the way...so the tractor mows over houses, bumping them off their foundation...just to keep a straight line.

In the midst of this turmoil, fliers from California are advertising unprecedented opportunities to be found in their state. The ads lead to a mythological view of that land where oranges and graps are in such supply that they hang over the roads and can be picked anywhere.

There is an eerie similarity between their time and ours. People aware of the brokenness of the current system but hoping for somehting brighter and better, something advertisements are selling.

What strikes me about GOW and our time is a desire for some type of hope, some type of change. Even behind the postmodern malaise lies the realization that what is our reality isn't teh greatest possibility. Everything's been tried and found wanting, but the fact that we're trying anything at all betrays an underlying assumption (or maybe it's a hope or desire or longing) that something better is out there (or in here). So the Joads sell most of their belongings, pack everything they can onto a half spent car, and burn the rest of their history, all in their effort to get to California, the land of promise. If you've read the book, you know that the Joad's get to California to discover that there is plenty of fruit and cotton, but not a ton of work and where there is work the wages are unbearably low. The promised land isn't so promising.

Ring Stackers

2008-04-16T14:45:00.003-05:00

I think one of the greatest toys for kids is this stack of colored rings made by Fisher-Price. (By the way the offical title is Rock-A-Stack.) We've all seen them...we've probably all played with them at one point.

I think the brilliance of this toy is that it has so much to teach. It teaches color, size differentials, order, stacking...etc. What's fascinating is that as Cadence has grown, she has enjoyed the toy in different ways. At first she loved taking the rings off and holding on to them. Then she let us put them on her amrs and legs (Grandma Fiegl's idea). She did figure out how to put them back on the post...but didn't know how to put them on in the right order until recently. And she will soon be able to learn the difference between the colors. But as she has discovered new things about this...you should see her face when she figures it out...sheer jubilation at the discovery.

The rings have always been the same, but Cadence has experienced them in different ways as she has matured.

I wonder if truth is similar to Rock-A-Stack toys. Truth remains constant, but as I grow and mature I experience it's complexity.

Love is similar too...the more I engage in my relationship with Aubrey, the more I find out the depths.

There is joy, simple and exuberant joy, as the facets of truth and love are discovered.

A Community Called Atonement Ch. 9 and 10

2008-04-15T21:35:00.003-05:00

Many apologies on the tardiness of getting back to this discussion. A few weeks ago I went to Boston with our teens and then the weeks leading up to last weekend I was preparing for our 30 Hour Famine. Both events went really well, but I'm mostly excited about the Famine event. It's the perfect youth ministry event, because it teaches the spiritual disciples of fasting and serving and gets kids involved in caring for the world and making a difference...and if you do it right, it builds a foundation for a life of compassion and justice.

Now onto the discussion of our book. I've decided to change our format up a bit to provide a little bit more direction for our conversations. So I'm gonna have some questions to which we can each respond. Feel free to go beyond the questions (maybe even ask your own), but I hope that trying to answer the same questions would give us a bit more focus.

So here are the questions for chapters 9 and 10.

Did you agree with Scot's statement that "the cross creates the kingdom as Christ envisions it"?
How have you explained the wrath of God as it appears in scripture? (Scot gives a couple options: impersonal wrath or personal wrath)
On page 75, Scot says that "...the gift of the Spirit is cosmic." In this instance he is connecting the Spirit to the enabler of community. I'd love to hear stories about how you've seen the Spirit's work benefit community.

Absent...Returning Soon

2008-04-15T08:42:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Allie and Ryan

2008-04-05T19:26:00.003-05:00

My "little" cousin Allie is getting married to a guy who sounds like a high quality fellow! Much congratuations to them!

You can see their newspaper announcement here.

Emerging Amishness

2008-04-02T10:09:00.003-05:00

First ever emerging amish church

This story appeals to me because of my beard...but mostly because it's hilarious.

Andrew Jones was responsible for my finding it...wow!

A Community Called Atonement Ch. 7 and 8

2008-03-26T14:03:00.003-05:00

And now we arrive to chapter 7 and 8. I'm interested to see if we all agree that the cross is the center of the atonement. I'm also interested to hear what you all think of Scot's incarnational assessment of Jesus as the Second Adam.

Here's to discussing!

from I, Francis

2008-03-19T21:02:00.005-05:00

Some thoughts that I thought were appropriate for our week.

"Jesus' cross was humanity's happiness, love's answer to all the whys, the resolution of every conflict, the overcoming of every tension and polarization, God's victory over death."

If the Son of God had died on the cross, I was saved.

All sadness would have to be banished.

Every one of us was lord of the world.

Every pauper was rich.

Every heart was satiated.

Every project was possible." p15

"Do you not know that my Most High Lord is God's Son?

And do you not know that he became a human being, and as if that had not been enough, a poor person? And how poor he became!

Just see how poor he is. He has nothing left at all.

He, the creator of heaven and earth, has himself come among us.

He did not send someone else, he came himself!

He did nothing to get himself accepted in the high places, nor did he bring anything along to make himself more comfortable.

He did not hide behind the wall of his might and his divinity; he accepted life as the last and least of us.

He was God and he became the poor one among us, the weak one, the wounded one, the calumniated one, the imprisoned one, the condemned one!" p16-17

What I'm Reading...

2008-03-17T20:40:00.011-05:00

So I have the annoying habit of reading many books at the same time. I find I treat my books like my relationships...I just hate ending them. So for fun, I thought I'd put the books that I'm reading on here.***

So, I'm reading Jewish Spirituality: A Brief Intro for Christians by Lawrence Kushner. I've read this book in the past while I was perusing at the Messiah College Library. I relied heavily on the chapter on Teshuva (Jewish concept of return) for a prodigal son sermon I gave several years ago. The book is very accessible and can actually be read in one sitting, but is best processed over time. And I'm enjoying it again.

The Next book I am enjoying is The Shaping of Things to Come. This book was actually given to me by Doug, and I'm greatly enjoying it. I'll put some more thoughts from this book on this blog for a bit of discussion. Primarily the book hopes to get it's readers to see the world as a place God wants to shape through them, using the culture that they find themselves in.

God was in this Place & I, i did not know. This book is beside my bedside. Another Lawrence Kushner book, this one explores a variety of approaches to explain the time when Jacob dreams of the ladder and realizes that God was with him, even in the middle of nowhere.

Colossians Remixed. This book was recommended by Doug and also by Byron Borger. And Byron is actually mentioned in the forward. How fun is that? Well, I haven't gotten very far in this book, at all. I enjoyed the intro and have only begun the first chapter. But I already like the book, because it's written by a husband and wife team. Now that's cool. I'd love to do that someday.

I, Francis. I've wanted to read this book for quite some time. Ever since I have read the quotes in A Prayer Guide For Ministers and Other Servants. This is a unique approach to telling St. Francis' story. Carlo attempts to tell the story through first person narrative. It's quite fascinating. At times Francis is incredibly captivating and other times he's annoyingly emotional. But that's what makes it a good read.

Raising Your Child to Love God. This book was loaned to me by my Uncle Dan when I first got married. He thought it'd be a good read for being a youth pastor. It so happens that I forgot to give it back to him when I last saw him, but it's providential, because I am enjoying it. It's got great practical things on how to be a godly father and family.

***I linked all of these to Amazon, but if you're local, you can get them from Hearts and Minds.

Why I Love Hearts and Minds

2008-03-14T08:05:00.003-05:00

We have a locally owned bookstore in town called Hearts and Minds. It's located in Dallastown, about 30 minutes from my house, but I love to get down there when I have the chance.

So here is why I love the place...

In a thoughtful and candid post, the owner Byron Borger explains to his readers/customers why he supports the emergent conversation and how the movement connects to his own story. As usual his post is laden with excellent book recommendations. It's almost an autobiography of the books that have shaped his approach to following Jesus.

As you read the post you realize that Byron doesn't just sell books, he actually reads them and allows the thoughts from the authors to affect the way he sees the world.

That's why I love the place.

And when I have a question about a certain topic, Byron will give me a list of books, with a brief blurb on each. Being so informed has made purchasing books from Hearts and Minds both engaging and enjoyable.

So, if you have five minutes, I highly recommend reading the post. And if you have more time, check out some of his other posts.

My favorite day

2008-03-13T12:32:00.002-05:00

Did I ever mention that Thursdays are my favorite days? Or that Ben Folds is one of my favorite musical artists? Well, I regard Thursdays higher than Ben Folds, but sometimes I listen to Ben Folds on Thursdays.

But Thursdays are really my fav days because I get to spend them with the lovely child pictured above. Man, does she make me laugh!

Banksy

2008-03-12T19:54:00.004-05:00

So I had never heard of Banksy before, but he was referenced in a recent Rob Bell sermon.

And so I googled some of his art. Pretty creative and cool stuff. The photo included was painted on the security wall that separates Israel from Palestine. This specific painting is on the Bethlehem section of the wall.

A Community Called Atonement Ch. 5 and 6

2008-03-12T19:50:00.003-05:00

So, I was delinquint in putting up the post for us to have our discussion this week. But we have entered the fifth and sixth chapters. And it's getting a little thicker...

And I have to admit, I looked forward and found some really good stuff in the upcoming chapters. But we'll get to it when we get to it!

For now I look forward to reflecting with you on the implications of chapters 5 and 6.

A Community Called Atonement Ch. 3 and 4

2008-03-03T15:01:00.003-05:00

As I approached these chapters, I was hoping that the first two chapters were more of a diving board and that the next couple chapters would more like the actual plunge. Although, the two chapters focused on "where a theory of atonement begins", I think Scot McKnight took his readers a little deeper.

I'm curious to hear your responses, especially to his thoughts on humanity (Eikon), sin as corruption, atonement as relational restoration...

Let the conversation begin!

Joy

2008-02-28T16:30:00.004-05:00

What does joy look like?

I've been thinking about the passage in Hebrews where the writer describes Jesus going to his death "for the joy set before him". Here it sounds like the destination (the result of his death and resurrection) is the joy for Jesus. In this we see that joy is not the fleeting bounciness of a beach ball, but more like a tenacious bull dog that won't let go.

I read somewhere (I think it was John Ortberg's The Life You've Always Wanted) that "joy is serious business." Which makes me ask myself, how often am I intentionally developing this. I know that I ask myself how I can love others, but I don't often ask myself how I can be joyful. But as I think about it, being joyful invites others to experience the same joy...love and joy are intimately connected. Maybe I'm being picky...but I feel challenged to ask myself on a regular basis...am I set on the joy before me?

So...what brings you joy?

A Community Called Atonement Ch. 1 and 2

2008-02-24T22:37:00.002-05:00

So, we come to our first discussion!

Before we get to the questions, since we'll all be posting from all over the US (and maybe even Asia) I think we should all give a brief intro. Name, location, family, work...etc, should be cool.

I'm excited to hear your thoughts on how McKnight is attempting to connect the kingdom of God and atonement. His bag of images and "game of atonement" made me laugh...but also gave me some hope, especially in light of his comments on how Christians can use theology as a dividing line.

Laughter

2008-02-24T22:04:00.004-05:00

So, as the day winds down, Cadence gets silly. So, I caught her laughing...the movement of the camera is me coming closer to her...(obviously)...which made her laugh.

There's nothing quite as contagious as baby laughter.

A Community Called Atonement

2008-02-23T11:21:00.002-05:00

Well, the time is quickly approaching. On Monday we will begin our book discussion. Cadence is getting ready and has already read the first 10 chapters. She's keeping it away from her daddy!

Beginning on Monday we'll begin the discussion on the first two chapters of the book. And even if you don't have the book, feel free to comment and add your thoughts.

New Nooma

2008-02-18T13:17:00.003-05:00

So, my friend Brad linked the new nooma viewing, which is on their facebook.

The vid actually goes into the scripture where Jesus prays in the garden. So it was cool to hear after our discussion last week. And it was pretty awesome!

The free viewing is only available from noon today until noon on Wednesday.

So check it out!

Welcome to Doug Paul

2008-02-17T15:17:00.003-05:00

So, my friend Doug Paul, has officially joined the blogosphere as a blog contributor. No more just reading other people's stuff. No more anonymous commenting. Doug is the real deal now.

Actually, I really appreciate Doug and look forward to what he has to offer. He's a good friend (so good that he was my best man!) and I really think a lot of him.

If you get a minute, check him out!

Windows

2008-02-17T15:03:00.004-05:00

Cadence loves to stand on her rocking chair and look out our front window. We take her there to wave goodbye or to knock on the windo so daddy can hear her while he's shoveling the walk. But she finds her way there on her own too!

We have purposefully placed that chair beside the window so that she can climb up there any time she wants. She loves watching the cars, birds, squirrels and dogs. She just soaks it all in with an attentiveness exceeding the normality for her age.

I'm wondering if much of parenting can be connected to this rocking chair and window thing. I think as parents one of ourroles is to expose Cadence to new vistas. We can show her, but we can't control her interest in the world beyond the window. I can put the chair there, but I can't keep her staring.

With love, peace, God--we can show her, but we can't make her interested. We can give her the regular rhythm of reading scriptures, loving our family and neighbors, night time prayers, involement with a faith community...but she will have to choose to own that rhythm.

My prayer is that through our passion for GOd that Cadence would fall in love with Him...that it would be like honey on her lips.

An Invitation to Discuss

2008-02-13T10:01:00.002-05:00

So, a friend of mine, Doug Paul (not this guy), has suggested that we read a book together to stretch our thinking and encourage our spirits. And we have chosen A Community Called Atonement (as you can see) by Scot McKnight. If you (the 12 that read this blog) would like to join the discussion, we're going to do it right here on this blog starting on Feb. 25.

The format is simple. I will post a simple entry every Monday from which we will run a discussion through the comment section. Very similar to what we did on the Christianity Rediscovered book by Vincent Donovan.

So, if you'd like...purchase the book from Amazon or your local bookseller (like Hearts and Minds in York, PA)...and join in!

Grace and Peace.

Wrestling with God

2008-02-13T09:50:00.002-05:00

As I have been thinking about Jesus' journey to the cross, I keep coming back to Jesus' time in the Garden of Gethsemane. I am struck by how Matthew describes Jesus in this scene...Jesus throws himself to the ground in prayer. This is not a light-hearted prayer, but a gut wrenching, lay-it-all-out-on-the-line prayer. He asks God, "take this cup from me...but not what I will." There is so much emotion here.

In the process of thinking about this, I am reminded of the time in Gen. 32 when Jacob wrestles with God at Peniel. Jacob's about to meet his brother, from whom he has been estranged for many years. The last time they met, it wasn't a happy meeting. So Jacob has sent all his family and belongings to the other side of the river where Esau is. He waits overnight, when he is met by God...in the form of a man...and he wrestles with him until he gets a blessing from the man.

For some reason my spirit is trying to connect these two stories. The background to each story is very different, but I think there are some profound connections...and I am wondering if anybody would like to venture in exploring those with me.

Any thoughts?

Jesus and Time

2008-01-09T16:59:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I wonder if Jesus ever had to schedule out his week and if he did what it was like.

“Well, let’s see. I think I’ll walk on water on Monday and feed 5000 people, plus women and children on Tuesday—no, that won’t work, because I’m healing that blind guy on Tuesday and arguing with religious hypocrites—I guess I can fit feeding 5000 people on Monday—then since Tuesday is already booked I need to visit my mother on Wednesday and help that lame guy walk—oh yeah I can’t forget that dead girl I’m gonna bring back to life…that will have to be plugged into Wednesday as well—and Thursday looks like a good day weather-wise to do a little teaching on the mountain…that will probably take all day, so I probably can’t exorcise any demons until Friday—that activity will take all morning, so I can probably do some more teaching until the Sabbath comes at sundown.”

Hi Douglas Gregory Paul

2008-01-09T16:58:00.000-05:00

You rock!

"Faith" by Robert Browning

2007-12-18T13:10:00.000-05:00

O never star
Was lost; here
We all aspire to heaven and there is heaven
Above us.
If I stoop
Into a dark tremendous sea of cloud,
It is but for a time; I press God’s lamp
Close to my breast; its splendor soon or late
Will pierce the gloom. I shall emerge some day.

Adventures with Cadence

2007-11-29T12:03:00.000-05:00

Cadence has discovered the fine art of peek a boo. What fun, what fun.

I am Cain Part 2

2007-11-29T00:30:00.000-05:00

So I made the decision to get rid of my brother.

And now God comes to me asking me where he is. Huh, he’s asking me if I am tending after my brother. My brother is the sheep tender, he doesn’t need someone to tend after him.

And when I think God would get mad at me, because I killed Abel, he does. But he doesn’t treat me like I would treat me if I was him.

He sends me out, but he puts a protective mark on me.

Now nobody can hurt me.

But that doesn’t make sense. Because I tried to steal from Abel. And God isn’t stealing my life from me…

God’s grace is too big for me to understand.

How to say it, without saying it.

2007-11-24T23:47:00.000-05:00

So, Aubrey and I went to hear Rob Bell speak in D.C. on Friday the 23rd. We went up with Susie (sister) on her birthday, Diana (sister in law), Jeff (Di's fiance) and met some of my peeps from York (Luke, Sam, Matt, Randy, Lorena). We ended up running into the infamous Byron Borger and his Hearts and Minds crew who were selling schtuff for Rob.

It would be hard to briefly summarize everything he said in that hour and a half. But I was most fascinated that he was able to talk about grace and atonement without even using the words. He was able to talk about some of the most profound realities without naming them.

Here is a good summary if you'd like to read it. If not, get to one of the shows. If not, get the DVD when it comes out.

PS I saw that someone (a Christian) wrote on their blog that they would not pay for a Christian speaker, so I thought it'd be good to point out that "Net proceeds from the tour will be given to the Turame microfinance project." Check it out!

Thankful Thanksgiving

2007-11-24T23:32:00.000-05:00

We returned to the famous location of beautifully hot doughnuts.

A post-Thanksgiving tradition in Aubrey's family...and I love it.

As you can see, Cade sported the hat.

Look below for her first time to don the KKreme regalia.

Thankful

2007-11-15T15:00:00.000-05:00

So, when I went to Asbury I was Resident Assistant of The Firehouse in its first two years. And now they're making sweet vids!

FYI Stu Smith* is an Asbury fella who's just plain funny...and deeply spiritual. Great combo.

*edit...I originally had Stu Metzler...who is a good man...but not an Asbury fella

It is fall

2007-11-09T17:26:00.000-05:00

Books and Blocks

2007-10-30T21:29:00.000-05:00

Cadence Joy

Weekly Prayer

2007-10-29T22:20:00.001-05:00

Proper 25 The Sunday closest to October 26

Almighty and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain that which thou dost promise, make us to love that which thou dost command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Fascinating implications for youth ministry

2007-10-29T22:05:00.000-05:00

I had to read this book for a seminary class I am in. It's a pretty good book on leadership within the pastoral realm. Interesting concept of the pastor as a producer of culture within the congregation and thus within the community that the congregation finds itself in. Most of the comments are based on a survey Carroll and his crew Pulpit and Pew conducted of clergy from around the United States of America.

What I found interesting is this:

Of the pastors polled: 71% were involved in youth ministry at 16, and 60% of them were in leadership positions in a youth ministry at 16. (247)

Carroll talks about developing a "culture of calling" where the church intentionally fosters the universal call of all Christians to live out the Christ-life, while at the same time fostering the "secret call" (as called by Reinhold Neibuhr) among the people of the congregation.

I'm not sure if these findings give verity to my profession as a youth pastor, but they certainly do cause me to sit and ponder how I can continue to develop this culture intentionally.

[EDIT] If this many were involved in a youth ministry, I wonder how many keep with them the format/ecclesiology that so many youth ministries have: separate from the rest of the church.

Family Visits

2007-10-25T13:32:00.000-05:00

Grandma and Cade reading. You can tell Cade is quite excited!
Nana and Cade at the park. I love this one.
This is Cade's favorite book right now: "My Heart Purse"
Cade and Auntie Susie on top of the slide!

Two weeks ago, we were blessed to have family in our house for almost a week straight. Here are some pics from our time together.

Weekly Prayer

2007-10-24T12:42:00.001-05:00

Proper 24

Almighty and everlasting God, who in Christ hast revealed thy glory among the nations: Preserve the works of thy mercy, that thy Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of thy Name; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Too good to pass up

2007-10-24T12:38:00.001-05:00

This is a freestyle moustache (pronounced moo-stah-che).

For more fun, check out the World Beard and Moustache Championship.

Together

2007-10-13T13:04:00.001-05:00

Some ponderings from my Theology of Church and Ministry notes.

I've been asked before "How is your relationship with God?" Usually it causes me to ponder and reflect, finding those places of joy and sources of sorrow. Sometimes I've used the question with teens. The usual response is, "Um, good, I think." Okay. Good. What's that mean?

Anyway, I've been thinking about the question and wondering if it can be asked in this way, "How is our relationship with God?" or "How is your family's relationship with God?" Is it possible to relate to God together? If so, what does this look like? Is it only on Sunday morning or through Bible Study or serving?

When Christianity has primarily been viewed through the individualistic lens of "my relationship with God", it is important that we ask further questions, guiding us to examine how "we" are relating to God together. I know this, but I'm wrestling with what it looks like.

So, I've just typed about 13 sentences. Incoherent they seem to me now that I look over them, but I wanted to see what my ten readers think.

How do we relate to God together? Is it possible to evaluate/measure/picture a community's relationship with God?

Re-Everything

Invitations to be still

The Jesus Creed for Students

Our Next Sunday Morning STU Series

Stations of the Cross 2011

Google is Bonkers!

Our current Sunday morning series: using SOAP on Matthew

My Friend Doug Paul Has Moved

Gratitude thoughts from Brian Walsh

A Thank You Note...

A Blessing in the Advent Season

Verse and Voice 12.02.2010

Advent Devotional

Prayer for Wednesday (from 1 John 3:17, Mark 1:40-41)

Prayer for Wednesday (from Psalm 148)

A Prayer for Tuesday (From 1 John 3:11-16)

A Prayer for the Beginning of the Week

This is not an easy prayer...

Top Moments from Fall Retreat 2010!

The God of the Long Haul

A Song From Chapel

Dancing on Prayer

Experiencing the Holy Week as a Family

And I quote...Tom Smail

with jesus in the boat you can swim with sharks

NYC 2011 A World Unbroken

www wanderings 02.25.2010

www wanderings 02.17.2010

Some www wanderings...Francis Chan and Children Labeled 'Bipolar' 02.10.2010

WILAS (What I Love About Snow)!

My sister tells awesome stories!

Thoughts on and for Haiti

Back in the swing...

Prayer may reshape your brain...hmmm

What Jesus Thought of Humanity

listening...

Salvation: Deliverance, Restoration, Recovery

Go there

Facial Reactions

Holy, Holy, Holy

check out the funny dance moves!

A call for order

Crazy Climbing Catfish!

What do you think?

Master of Molecules

Think about consumerism with a look at this video

Transformed Nonconformists

Some good posts from good friends

Good Eats

Metaphors of Sin

Not posting much lately...here's a blackboard post

check out www.ted.com for vids that will make you say, "hmmm"

kansas is far

Cadence and Eden!

The Sisters!

And now for a little Cadence

More Eden Pictures

Introducing Eden Jubilee

taking Jesus to the darkest places

baby arriving...

StatAttak

More Cadence Video

Colossians Remixed and Grapes of Wrath

Ring Stackers

A Community Called Atonement Ch. 9 and 10

Absent...Returning Soon

Congratulations to Allie and Ryan

Emerging Amishness

A Community Called Atonement Ch. 7 and 8

from I, Francis

What I'm Reading...

Why I Love Hearts and Minds

My favorite day

Banksy

A Community Called Atonement Ch. 5 and 6

A Community Called Atonement Ch. 3 and 4

Joy

A Community Called Atonement Ch. 1 and 2

Laughter

A Community Called Atonement