In a world obsessed with Power, Spectacle, Propaganda and Dominance,
Advent challenges our notions about how God works.
God doesn’t barge in.
God doesn’t coerce and bully.
God doesn’t come with all guns blazing on an ego trip.
God approaches in… Read More
The following are my notes from Sunday’s message – which included receiving communion together (with instructions to sit, holding the bread and cup, quiet and still before God—bringing our anger, hurt, sorrow, and fear into God’s presence, asking God to soften our hearts).
* * *
At the heart of the gospel is a table where men and women, young and old, rich and poor, native and foreigner, black and white… share a meal together.
Together as equals… sons and daughters of the King. Family. Kin.
In all our beautiful diversity. Every nation, tongue, tribe. Celebrating together. Sharing and laughing and crying together.
This is what Jesus did and what Jesus is still doing today: bringing people together.
This is a better and more beautiful way—the way of our Savior.
Last Sunday, in my message “When Doves Cry,” I said:
“All that trends toward death and destruction grieves the Holy Spirit.”
And, “All that leans toward life, all that contributes to the flourishing of life, all that brings and blesses life… the Spirit sings over this.”
I had a repeated line in the sermon… ” And God cried.”
I went through a brief history of events in our world that brought death and destruction, giving a date and brief statement of the violent, tragic event—each time ending with the statement, “And God cried.”
This week I needed to add a few more… Read More
* pictured above: the town of Assisi, Italy —July 2013
I save quotes. In my phone. On my computer. Folders of them. Ever-growing, constantly adding.
And there are times when I need them. When all the world seems to be busting apart at the seams, all hell breaking loose. When my peace has run away like a dog terrified of the fireworks on the 4th of July.
I save quotes. But sometimes they save me.
I’d love to share some… saving quotes.
The Saint Francis Prayer:
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is… Read More
Late last night, my daughter came downstairs with tears & sat on my lap. I held her & asked what was wrong (she’s 15, & honestly, I thought it would be about a boy). She said:… Read More
On Sundays I like to share, you know, a few shout-outs. So today I’m shouting about these three… great posts I appreciated this past week. Hope you enjoy!
1. This post: What To Do When The Idea Won’t Show Up by Amena Brown. Here’s my favorite line(s):
“Creative ideas are funny creatures. They are more like cats than puppies.
They will most likely not jump up and down when they see you; tail wagging, wanting your attention.
They notice when you arrive at the page/screen/studio, walk by you, rub against your leg, and then jump on the kitchen counter, then on top of the refrigerator and stare at you. Laughing. Proving to you that you will not control them.”
Amena continues with a few practical points on what to do when… Read More
Angela Hagebusch shared this video with me – it’s shot in and around Bethlehem.
I love the ending – where a man says:… Read More
* * * *
I used to believe it was OK to have enemies.
Because Jesus said to love them, bless them, pray for them… I kinda took it as permission to collect ‘em.
Like Jesus was saying, “It’s OK to call people or groups of people your enemies.”
But I don’t believe that anymore. I don’t believe it’s OK to collect or have enemies.
Here’s what I mean… Read More
Nothing beats a sunny day in the Northwest. It’s perfect. Maybe your Friday will even get better – with a few fun and/or funny videos… and a chance to win a new book too! Here we go:
1. FREE BOOK—A FAREWELL TO MARS BY BRIAN ZAHND.
I loved Brian Zahnd‘s book “Beauty Will Save The World,” and I’m loving his latest work, “A Farewell To Mars.” Here’s your chance to get this brand new book (it was released on June 1st) – all you have to do is comment below (scroll down to the bottom of this post to comment – say anything) and you will be automatically entered to win. A winner will be selected and announced on this post within 24 hours.
2. VIDEO—FLIGHT OR FIGHT OR WHATEVER FEATURING ROB NORMAN.
Comedy writer Rob Norman tells his story of being robbed—and how he could have fought his attackers or ran away… but chose to do neither. (PG-13 language)… Read More
I’m sure you know of a professional athlete who was not doing well on a particular team in that particular city…
Then, that athlete got traded to another team in another city—and all the sudden they thrived.
It was as if the old place just had the wrong mojo.
Sometimes, we think we’re professional athletes suffering in the wrong place.
And all we can think about is getting traded.
“If I could just move to a better city… Read More
Here is a sneak peek at chapter 3 of the book I wrote this summer (hopefully coming soon)…
White knuckle ride, I’m on it. It’s not so easy to control, pressure. It’s not so easy to control, pressure. There’s no easy way to make it better. —Jamiroquai (White Knuckle Ride)
Then wolves will live in peace with lambs, and leopards will lie down to rest with goats. Calves, lions, and young bulls will eat together, and a little child will lead them. —Isaiah (Isaiah 11.6 NCV)
3. KNUCKLES
I’m not much of a thrill-seeker; I’m no adrenaline junkie. In fact, there are more theme park rides that I won’t go on than I will. I have rules for this… Read More
