Saturday, March 29, 2003

Here's the quote of the day...

"You know the world is going crazy when the best rapper is a white guy, the best golfer is a black guy, The Swiss hold the America's Cup, France is accusing the US of arrogance, and Germany doesn't want to go to war."

Dave Paulsen Via link from Frank Paynter

Wednesday, March 26, 2003

What if church...

I've been thinking alot this year about church life and some of it's failures, especially to those of my generation. I'm starting to scratch around in the dust, looking for some hope for friends hurt and abandoned by the church. I've been thinking,

What would church be like with less systems and structures and more authentic relationships.
What would church be like if it didn't have to spend so much cash on staff and facilities and could give it's resources away, easily and quickly...
What would church be like if the main service wasn't on Sunday mornings.
What would church be like if you didn't have to wear uncomfortable clothing.
What would church be like if it wasn't striving to be the biggest or greatest show in town.
What would church be like if it didn't have a vision communicated from the head staff member.
What would church be like if it didn't have a mission statement or overt goals.
What would church be like if it didn't have scheduled "Greeters" at the door.
What would church be like if it was about dialogue and not suffering silence. A place for lots of conversation, and ongoing empowering discipleship relationships.
What would church be like if it was about real authentic community.
What would church be like if there was no music for a whole service. A church that would look for deeper expressions of worship, including more symbolism, not just 8 songs and a sermon.
What would church be like with really good coffee, or great green teas?
What would church be like as a place to pray, with others who love you enough to sit and pray with you.


I'm just wondering, what could church be like...

You know, I really do have some great kids.

I don't say that enough, but, on the whole, they are fun to be around.
Last week, Johanna was singing in the City Music Festival and did so well, she won a scholarship! This was her first time entering the Voice section, and she kicked!
Hillary's drama group from school won last week too for a song they did for the Tom Sawyer musical they presented this year. Last night we went to Hillary and Thomas' Spring Band Concert, and they sounded seriously good. They have worked hard, and it shows. Hillary leads her sectional group of Flutists, or however you spell those who play the flute!! Thomas plays the French Horn, and has come along alot this year.
Micah continues along in grade three, apparently a VERY difficult year for kids and staff. He's working out just who he is right now, and he's starting to blur the line into being a bit of a class clown. We'll try to put a stop to that before he becomes a Jim Carey, and starts making millions of dollars.

... and when things are going well, it's fun to be with them, they are great. There are moments and days when I already miss them. I know they were built to leave, and that's good, but I already ....

whatever. I will miss them.

Tuesday, March 18, 2003

Christ isn't going to war today

I like how Allan Creech puts it...

So, I suppose the world is going to war. I don't really want to talk much about it. It's the elephant in the room, though, so I'll mention it. I'm not going to war. Christ isn't going to war. The world is going to war. These things happen sometimes. Maybe they need to happen. I'm not sure. But I do know this - my King is not sending me into battle with other men. I will be praying though - already have been and will continue to do so - that God will do whatever He can and will to keep this thing to a minimum, ...

yeah.

Monday, March 10, 2003

Mick's Joy

I've been listening to this song alot lately...


"Joy"

Oh joy love you bring
Oh joy make my heart sing

And I drove across the desert
I was in my four wheel drive
I was looking for the Buddha
And I saw Jesus Christ

He smiled and shrugged his shoulder
And lit a cigarette
Said jump for joy
Make some noise
Remember what I said

My soul is a like a ruby
And I threw it in the earth
But now my hands are bleeding
From scrabbling in the dirt
And I look up to the heavens
And a light is on my face
I never never never
Thought I'd find a state of grace

Hey joy
Love you bring
Oh joy
Make my heart sing
Oh joy
Joy in everything

Joy joy joy oh joy
Joy joy joy oh joy

I was drowning in the darkness
As I drove down to the sea

And I looked up to the mountain
And the light burst over me
Joy joy joy oh oh joy

You make me sing
Joy [cont]

Oh joy
The love you bring
You make me sing
Oh joy
In everything

Jump for joy
_____________________


Just a fresh view of Jesus, and being surprised by suddenly finding him.


And the guy who wrote it and included it on his latest album? ....
Mick Jagger



Which simply adds to my argument that we will probably be surprised by who is in Heaven ....
and who isn't.

Wednesday, March 05, 2003

SICKWATCH 2003

Well,
He (the NEW doctor) called today. The bloodwork looks good, but they want to take some more pictures of my lungs.

You know, after never smoking ever in my life, I would be really really miffed if I had some lung problem.
Who could I sue??

anyway, tomorrow morning, more pictures.

stay tuned.

Monday, March 03, 2003

Seeing the Doctor

So, it's been about 6 weeks since I've felt anything near normal.
First it was a bad throat. This changed into a head cold which moved into my chest. The next week it somehow became a flu thing and last week it became a coughing up gross flem thing. I have had good days in there when I just get at it again and the next day I'm toast again. It's really getting frustrating.

And everyone is on my case to get to a Doctor, so I decide to go, then the next day it's alot better and I'm on the mend, so I don't go.

Yesterday at church was the 4th Sunday I could barely speak out loud, so I've been encouraged to get to a Doctor, and soon. So today I got to a Doctor. (Another New doctor because my doctors keep leaving town.)

I got blood taken, three vials of it! (I thought of you Phil!) then I had some pictures of my lungs taken.
I found out that I weigh 2-- lbs and that my blood preassure is a little high, and that I should think about taking vitamins. That and if anything more comes back from the tests, HE will call me.

I just hope it all goes away soon, I am tired of it.

and I'm tired of the world telling me I'm older now and that I need to recognize that fact, and act accordingly. I could end up your classic mid-life crisis guy, really! Course Lauralea would love the little red car, she'd probably get to drive it more than I would.


g'nite