I need to be crazy

I just finished listening to Francis Chan's sermon called "enCourage". He started out by introducing two new elders and had the congregation pray for them. He spoke how these men were already acting as elders in their body. They were leading, caring and actively participating. He could speak on their character. He then spoke about a conference he spoke at. He met all sorts of people there. A lot of the people had started organizations that were specifically designed to help free slaves, specifically girls sold or kidnapped into the sex trade. It's strange how I am so protected by my bubble that I can't fully comprehend how people do this. He spoke about how an ethics professor at Stanford had his students observe ethics in their surroundings, specifically in the poor areas around them. They ended up busting a child sex ring in that town. He wound up starting foundation to make people aware of the plight of these girls. Pretty awesome.
Francis had several other stories like this where people were moved to follow Christ's direction to aid the oppressed. He challenged the church to be bold. To make sacrifices. To listen to God's direction and follow. Even if it is crazy. I loved how he said that he finally didn't feel crazy at this conference. When he got riled up about stuff, instead of people calming him down, they encouraged him. He then spoke about how as a body, we need to speak courage (en "courage") to others to help them step out and be bold. Rather than conforming to the world, that we bring Christ to the world through unconventional and radical methods (if it is radical or unconventional to help the poor and oppressed, the orphans and the widows).

Here are the questions that I am asking myself after hearing this:
1. What are some things that I can do right now that Christ is asking me to do?
2. Where is my heart? Am I broken for the lost, the poor, the oppressed?
3. What is God calling me to? What way can I serve and best display Christ?
4. Do I trust Him?
5. Am I encouraging others? Or do I give them fear rather than courage?

I really do need to be crazy. Francis used the example of Joshua and Caleb in Numbers 14:6. Everyone thought they were crazy. But, as it turns out, it was everyone but Joshua and Caleb who was crazy. I know that I fear that life, putting myself out there and having the world tell me I'm insane for following God. I'm a YL leader. I am supposed to be cool. What would happen if I threw myself out there? Where would God take me? As much as I am afraid, it is just as exciting and desirable.

9

9 things that made yesterday fun:

1. West whispering to me "you're the best daddy ever"
2. Penelope smiling all of the time.
3. Ness' love of dark chocolate caramel.
4. Soccer league champs! Undefeated!
5. Cutest cheering section ever (Ness and Pen)
6. Graeters!
7. Having two pages left in the Magician's Nephew. Thanks power outage!
8. Seeing John Smoltz pitch in a Red Sox jersey (not pretty, but lots of potential)
9. Listening to the gigantic storm

Throwback

Right now, there is nothing more popular than bringing something back to life. Especially if it was from the eighies (Transformers, GIJoe, Keytar, etc). Here are some 80's things I thought would not go well if they made comebacks:

Gobots - yup they were just crappy substitutes for Transformers back then.
The Cold War
New Coke
Short basketball shorts
Johnny 5
Max Headroom
Michael Jackson
Wham
Goonies

Some of these things may not even be from the 80's. I don't care. I just don't want to see them again. Got any more?

Ill Communication

I have been frustrated by poor communication. How hard is it to get information to one group? Usually, if you are the holder of the information, you know who wants it. And if you know who wants it, you should know various ways to give it to them. For basic information, such as time and location of events, this should be a no-brainer. Obviously, things get screwed up. E-mail addresses are typed incorrectly, people get left off of lists, etc. But these are things that should be remedied immediately and checked often.

Now, more complicated information, such as concepts, ideas and group questions, are harder to communicate. They need feedback. They also need to be communicated clearly and precisely. There is also a lot riding on perception. The receivers need to be taken in consideration as their point of view affects how they interpret and use the information. For basic information, it is easy to send a message to say "meet here at this time" and everyone should have a good idea of what is happening. However, when there is more information with depth, communication needs to be well thought out and given well in advance to allow for questions and issues.

The long and short of this is that I am frustrated with communication around me and in my life. I fail so often to be pro-active and inclusive with all involved. Here is what I want to do with communication in my life:

1. Be clear
2. Be honest
3. Be inclusive
4. Get to the point

Obviously, this is a much more complicated part of life that requires more than these four things. And most of my issues concern communicating information to a group. I have a lot more work to do on my communication skills with individuals. But it's a start.

This weekend: Leadership, team hangout, pool party, grocery shopping, church, help out at Roots, Father's Day fun. Sox play the Braves.

Thursday...yup

It's Thursday. Not Friday. I've always liked Thursday. I feel like something fun was always happening on Thursday. It didn't have the pressure of doing fun stuff like Friday or Saturday and it wasn't quite Monday through Wednesday. Thursday is like a Friday pre-party. A Friday warm up. Not that I go crazy on Friday. But Thursday is definitely the day to shake off the stress of the week and to look forward to the weekend.

I have been reading Mark lately. God has revealed some great stuff through His word. Here are some thoughts that have arisen:

-Faith is the spark for everything, especially healings. Jesus makes such a distinction to make sure that we know that He is focused on our faith, not the miracle. And if we are being used by Him to heal, it is not only our faith, but the faith of these being healed that is critical to Him moving. The miracle should not be our focus, but rather our faith and trust in Him to work. Faith is like the All Spark in Transformers. It brings life, restoration, hope and can transform. Yup, I just did that.

-I love how Mark plows through action. You just such a feel for Jesus' agenda, His mission. How can I go through my days with such purpose? Praying here, healing and ministering there, teaching the crowds, drawing everything out for the disciples. In separate moments, I am sure that it would appear that Jesus is taking advantage of opportunities. But Mark helps me see that it is so much more than that. He is driven. His focus is totally on the cross and resurrection.

-Jesus can not be trapped. Not in arguments or in a physical trap. It is only when He allows it to happen. I feel that I try and "trap" Him all of the time. I try and pick and choose who and what He will be for me. I want to put him in my pocket and pull Him out to show my friends how cool I am. I would tell them how I did it and how they can do it to. In reality, I need to submit to Him. I need to be captivated by Him. I need to serve Him. I need to let go of that little nuisance called pride.

-I don't know enough scripture. I don't know the facts. But I can tell you all about Boston's stats. Each player's BA, OBP and even VORP. But I struggle with basic knowledge. Quick, name the twelve disciples. Did you forget Thaddaeus? These are heroes of the faith!

Well, just some stuff that I am chewing on.

Yarrrrr!!!!

West has Pirate Camp this week. I am not exactly sure what goes on there, as he is pretty vague with the details. But he has fun. And he gets to dress up like a pirate. Can't go wrong there. West has also become obsessed with Transformers. Part of me is okay with this, as I love Transformers. I am even letting him play with my old school toys (what up, original Optimus Prime!). Part of me sees myself in him. Some may say that I am obsessed with the Red Sox. Those who knew me in high school would say that I might have a problem with my love for the Celtics. I hope that I can show West that he can like stuff a lot, but still be able to step away from it. I am trying to learn this myself. I have become okay with not watching every second of every Red Sox game. I try and let it go when they lose. I even try to not wear Sox stuff all of the time. Yes, I know that I still am obsessed. Work in progress people.

Penelope has come down with a little cold. I think she will be all right. It's just a stuffy nose right now. She's pretty cute when she sneezes. I remember with West a moment when I realized that he was my son and my responsibility. It wasn't like I was not taking care of him or loving him. I just remember realizing that my life would be different from then on. I have started to realize that with Penelope recently. It's a little different, already having West. But it is cool to see how God carves out this space in my heart and life for Penelope. It's funny to think what life was like without these kids. What did we do with our time (besides some extra sleep)?

Stuff I am looking forward to in the next week: the return from camp, pool party, dinner with Ness on Saturday, soccer, Ness intercessing at Chop, leadership, campaigners, tennis w/Kolia, Transformers (none of this is in order, by the way)

Good stuff.

Penelope

You have 9 months to prepare. To set up, to paint, to consider how your life will be different. And you will never be fully ready.

Penelope True Cannon arrived on the 6th at 5:58am weighing 7 lbs 8 oz. She is beautiful.

We try and quantify how God blesses us by speaking in worldly terms. We talk about jobs, money, food, etc.

Penelope reminds me that God blesses us with life. With every breath.

She reminds me to trust in Him.

She reminds me that I am not in control, and that is a good thing.

She reminds me of how the Father loves us, loves me.

We didn't know this right away when we first started to like the name Penelope, but Penelope means Faithful. We actually thought that we were going to name her True, as Ness felt that God had really put a verse on her heart:

Revelation 19:11 (New International Version)
11I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war.

God is good. He is faithful and true.

He is jealous for me

God is good.

I can't ever forget that. While we toil away down here (or so we think), all He desires is for us to know Him, and to be with Him. He gave everything for us.

Sometimes, we do things to be cool. So the world looks at us and doesn't see stereo-typical crazy Christians, but people just like them who also are Christians. Sometimes, this is a good thing. In the right situation, this allows people to enter into conversation and relationships that some followers of Christ could not. Other times, looking like the world can be twisted. With its temptations, it can draw out sin that we have held on to. It can lead us to rebel against Christ. It also demonstrates that we don't fully understand that Christ wants us to live the full, new lives he has for us. We end up rejoining the world instead of reaching the world. I know that I have fallen into this trap before.

Sometimes, we put on a face for the world. We love others out of responsibility, guilt, shame, or agenda. We don't give grace freely to the body. We judge others secretly and rank them below ourselves. We measure each other by what we do (good and bad). We do things out of duty. Inside we are wasting away. I do this all of the time.

The Spirit really spoke to me about these things today. Today I was frustrated by people acting like the world while I put on my holier than thou face.

Christ calls us to be radically different. To lay down our lives and pick up our cross. So when the world see us, they see Christ. They see love, grace, forgiveness. They see hope.

That sounds like something that I want to be about.

Red Sox

Time for a break from other subjects to talk about something important: baseball. Here is how the Sox are looking this year:


Starters:
CF Jacoby Ellsbury
2B Dustin Pedroia
DH David Ortiz
1B Kevin Youkilis
RF Jason Bay
LF JD Drew
3B Mike Lowell
C Jason Varitek
SS Jed Lowrie



Bench:
C George Kottaras
OF Rocco Baldelli
OF/1B Chris Carter or Jeff Bailey (whoever wins the position battle)
Utilitiy Nick Green


Starters:
R Josh Beckett
R Daisuke Matsuzaka
L Jon Lester
R Tim Wakefield
R Brad Penny



Bullpen:
R Ramon Ramirez
R Justin Masterson
L Hideki Okajima
R Takashi Saito
L Javier Lopez
R Manny Delcarmen
R Jonathon Papelbon

Injuries:
SS Julio Lugo
OF/1B Mark Kotsay
P John Smoltz

Impact AAA players:
P Clay Buchholz
P Daniel Bard
P Michael Bowden
1B Lars Anderson

Lugo will probably be the starter when he returns from the DL, which will push Nick Green to the minors. Once Kotsay is back, Carter or Bailey will be sent down. I'm not sure what happens when Smoltz is ready. Maybe someone will be injured. Or there will be a trade. There should be some talent available due to the economy. Maybe Roy Halladay or a catcher of the future. Maybe Hanley Ramirez (probably not with the new stadium deal).

At any rate, I am ready for baseball to start.

I am also ready for Ness to have this baby. Let's see what comes first.

What about 14 and 16?

March is strange this year. In 5 days we get Friday the 13th, the Ides of March, and St Patrick's Day. Meanwhile, we totally ignore March 14th and 16th.

I have an analogy for our sin that involves a 3 year old using Lego's. Just something rolling around in my brain. I tried to explain it to Ness. She liked it better when I used poop sandcastles as the analogy.

Ness is doing a talk tonight about how powerful Jesus is. In her talk, she brought up Mr. Rogers as an example of how we think of Jesus as weak. I think Mr. Rogers was strong. There I said it.

Why does Ohio State get to play in Dayton when they are an 8 seed? Oh, I know. They have a rep that sits on the board of the selection committee. I hate Ohio State. Not so fast Michigan fans. I didn't say that I like you either.

McDonald's taste great. Until about 5 minutes after I eat it.

Everyone is sick. We have all been infected. Don't they make a vacuum that can just suck all of the snot out of my sinuses and lungs?

West

Yesterday, Kate Cook picked up West to bring him to Ness' bible study (Ness met them there after BNI). Kate was playing some Misty Edwards. After hearing the song, West asked Kate who is coming. Kate told him that Jesus is coming. West then told Kate that Jesus was in his heart and had his whole heart.

That is my prayer for West. That he would know Jesus and that Christ would have his whole heart. I know that he is only 3.5 right now and he doesn't fully understand who Jesus is. He told me the other day that Jesus needs to come out of his heart so he can eat. But my hope is that he sees and hears how Ness and I live, how we talk about Jesus, and by some miracle sees Christ.

What would you do with $1000

If I gave you $1000 dollars to spend how you please, what would you do with it? Here are some things I thought of:

1. Buy a new guitar
2. Buy a new Red Sox jersey
3. Take Ness out shopping and on a great date
4. Buy U2 tickets
5. Treat the team to dinner

All of these things seem great. They aren't evil. But the purpose of this practice is to look at my focus. Why wouldn't I give it away? I can send two kids to camp with that money. I could support a starving child in a third world country. You get the idea.
Last night, Scott challenged our campaigners to look at how we spend our money. On the way home, Ness and I came up with the $1000 question. It has been interesting thinking about how it is all about me and my money. I just realize that all I do is want, want, want. I am a stinking consumer. How do I stop? How do I pay bills and give it all away?
I know a lot of people going through the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace class. And I feel that it will be really good for a lot of people. I know that I have debt that could use some organizing. The problem I have is that I keep hearing people talk about what they are going to do after they are out of debt. These include: buying a new house, finishing a room in the house, going on vacation and other assorted things. Once again, these are not bad things. But if we work so hard to be debt free, shouldn't we start giving like crazy when we have an abundance? Shouldn't we be giving like crazy now? And I am not saying that these people don't give. I am just concerned about how we are so wrapped up in this stuff. And I am as guilty as the rest. Even more so.
I guess there is a reason that Jesus talks so much about money. It is maddening. So let's pray that the Kingdom would come on earth as it is in heaven. Where our currency is grace and love, shelled out in large doses.

House

Someone wants to walk through my house and judge it tonight. If they deem it worthy, they may offer me thousands of dollars for it. If not, it will be clean for the residents. I think God is doing some amazing things right now. Maybe one of those things is selling the house. It would be cool. I think that this reflects our faith in many ways.

Sometimes, this is my picture of God: I clean the mess up as best I can and smile politely when God walks through my home. Unfortunately, he knows about the hole behind the picture, where the cat peed and all the spots that I spilled paint. He is not interested in buying the home. He knows how messed up it is.

Fortunately, that is not how God sees things. He walks through my mess and tells me that he wants to help me sort through it. He walks into the basement and smiles as he describes what a great room this is going to be when he is done working on it. He teaches me how to drywall and even shows up early the next morning to help me. Sometimes he even tells me to go teach someone else how to drywall. He pays the mortgage in full with his Son's blood. He fills the rooms with his Spirit. He takes up residence.

Obviously, this idea of my life being a home is stolen from My Heart, Christ's Home. But as I was thinking about how good I needed the house to look tonight, I really needed to remind myself that all I need is to trust that He will sell this house when He wants. It is also a great reminder that I need to submit to his work in me.

I was right...kind of

Last week, I posted some predictions about Lost. I actually typed that Jin would be alive. Then I erased it. You would not believe how smart I really am.

Last night, Ness and I got to participate in a Hamilton Vision Commitee. It was exciting to hear everyone's ideas and love for Hamilton. It would be awesome to revitalize downtown. The one truth that rang in my head was that no change is real without Christ. We could bring every business, make the city as attractive as possible, but nothing would really happen without Christ. Hamilton will change when people surrender to Christ. When His power is more important than infrastructure or the bike path. When His purpose is the driving force behind creating community or having a coffee shop open after 3pm. I hope for Hamilton to experience His love. I do want these other things, as it will create avenues for sharing Christ through community. But I want His will to happen in this town.

Don't stop believing. Hold on to that feeling.

This world has nothing for me...

We're starting a new series at Campaigners tomorrow night. The idea is that, as followers of Christ, we are no longer residents of this world, but residents of God's Kingdom. The series is going to be kind of an immigration and naturalization class. My hope is that each week we can draw out how we need to totally change our actions, desires and perspectives as followers of Christ. For instance, we are going to talk about how we use our time. The world tells us that our free time is ours to do what we please. We need to get as much as we can. And once we have it, we should pursue our own desires. For me, that might mean watching the Red Sox, or playing tennis, or eating double stuf oreos. Not bad things. But in the Kingdom, we serve a King who gives us every breath. Any time we have is His time. So our time should be spent doing what He desires.
Well, that's the basic idea. Hopefully we can challenge each person to decide what world they want to live in each day, each minute. At the very least, I have already been challenged. And I also realized that I forgot to call my sister on her birthday yesterday. I am an idiot.

West

West is 3. He is much smarter and funnier than his dad. Last night we were trying to get him to eat some pasta. I asked him if he knew who liked to eat pasta. I was going to tell him how much mommy and daddy like pasta. He immediately answered "Jesus?" Hilarious. I had to agree with him. I think Jesus would love Ness' spaghetti and meatballs. I'm excited he knows about Jesus and hopefully he considers what things Jesus may like at other points in his day. Maybe before he decides to rip off the dog's ear. Jesus loves that dog. Someone has to.

Quick thoughts on Lost. So Whidmore (spelling?) was on the island. He is an other. I guess the thought is that Ben took his place as leader of the others. It's interesting to think how they can't change the future. But they aren't changing the future if it already happened. What? My guess is that they are living in a future where what they did in the past already happened. It will be interesting to see if they save themselves from things (maybe things that they avoided before and did not even know about).
Here are my predictions:
1. Locke is not dead, at least not in present day.
2. Obviously Daniel's mom is the white haired woman helping Ben, also from Desmond's dream, but I predict that Desmond and Penelope have to do some sort of espionage towards Pen's dad.
3. We find out about the 4 toed statue this season

All right. Chew on that. I'm off to get mediocre food (but free) at BW3.

guitar

I miss playing guitar. I play some now, but it is not like it used to be. It used to be fresh and new. I felt like I was discovering all sorts of new and wonderfulthings. Music was important. I miss talking about which woods a guitar was composed of and arguing about which bands were sellouts. I miss playing in front of unsuspecting Front Room patrons. I think that I have come around to the fact that it was over rated at the time. I wasn't as good as I pretended. I didn't want to put the work in to be better. But it was fun for a while.

Lately, I have been thinking that I should write some music and songs. I'm not sure that I have anything to say or need to get out some deep artistic side. I think it may be fun. Which is what made guitar stale for me. I stopped having fun. I thought too much about how I looked and what people thought about the music. It grew stale because it became about me. And not about God's gift of music.

So maybe I'll try and write something. Put it to music. And be okay with it sucking.