Ten Years of Youth Ministry

(re:post: written for church newsletter - jan 2010)

Ten Years: WHAT A DECADE.

It’s been ten years since I took on the role as Director of Youth Ministries. I’ve seen a lot happen in those ten years. 10 mission trips. 10 CYF camps. 10 Junior High camps. 24 Winter Jam weekends. 11 Atwood Retreats. 300+ Youth Focus meetings. 550+ Bible studies. 50+ Breakfast Clubs. Plus an assortment of other camping trips, game nights, worship events, swim parties, and discipleship and leadership training events. Over the years our youth ministry has gone through many changes. In the midst of our busyness we’ve tried our best to give students opportunities to connect with a living God, to help them discover their gifts and to help them see God’s divine purpose and plan for their lives. As it is with ministry, some got it… some didn’t. Regardless, the ministry constantly adapted to meet the needs of youth.

In ten years, we’ve witnessed tragedies in our community, in our nation and in the world. We’ve watched the world change with the evolution of our culture, our technology, our media communication and the like. We’ve welcomed 24 hour news. Reality TV. Hybrid cars. YouTube. Facebook. Twitter. Cell phones. Texting. Google. iPods. Digital this and that. $3 mochas. Super Wal Mart’s. Environmental awareness. Do-nothing politicians. Cultural clashes. Terrorist scares. Economic collapse. Etc. whatever.

In the midst of such global change and new inventions, ministries and churches were shown new ways to spread the Gospel of Christ. Some got it. Some didn’t. Unfortunately, not all churches or Christians have embraced the reality of the changes upon us.

Some may have said ‘let’s go back to the way it used to be – when things were better.’ I say ‘let’s embrace the newness and see how God is working through it all’. Paul reminds us in 1 Cor. 9:24-27 to ‘keep our eyes on the prize.’ Folks, the prize is in front of us, not behind us. The Gospel is the same, yesterday, today and forever – but our approach to ministry and reaching those who need the love of Jesus most is not. It needs to change as society changes… or else, before too long, Christianity will be an after thought… more than it already is now. We don’t need to go back – we need to go forward, and blaze a trail of righteousness, loving the unlovable, serving the unservable, and reaching the unreachable. This can happen if we embrace change and understand that God is guiding us. We need to trust the Spirit. It’s difficult to follow when we’re comfortably seated on our couches or in our pews.

It’s going to be hard work. It takes discipline. Or else we run the risk of being ‘disqualified’ as Paul writes (vs. 27). For those of you lacking energy? We will carry you. For those of you discouraged? We will walk beside you.

I once saw a picture of a beggar on a street corner. He held a sign that said ‘forget your coins, I want change!’ You see, the world no longer needs a handout. The world needs change, meaningful, life-altering change. And if we, the church, are not willing to ‘be the change we want to see in the world’ then what’s the point in trying? Together, we can do it. We can be it. We can show it. I know this because the Holy Spirit promises to be our comforter, advisor, encourager and strength. (Psalm 143:10, Acts 9:31, etc)

Where will this church be in 10 years? Will the world care about our message? I hope and pray that we have the courage to ‘run this race with our eyes on the prize’ which is Christ Jesus.

Tim Beck

Director of Youth Ministries (Nov. ’99-present)

the party

the party from Tim Beck on Vimeo.

prov. 3:7-10. Are we giving our firstfruits to God? are we giving Him the best? or are we giving Him the crumbs... the scraps...

I'm for Coco

An open letter to JEFF GASPIN - Chairman, NBC Universal Television Entertainment
and JEFF ZUCKER - President and CEO of NBC Universal Television Entertainment

I am writing to show my support for Conan O'Brien. It is shameful how NBC is treating him. Just admit it: Jay Leno @ 10PM was a bad idea... I can't believe you guys are going backwards rather than forwards. Me and my family have been strong supporters of NBC and its programming, even through these years of dismal ratings. Conan represents the future. Leno represents the past.

Way to go. Smooth move. Fact is, Leno said he was going to retire - then he wanted to come back - or you wanted him to come back. So you gave him a new time slot in prime time. As a result - his show ruined your 10 pm slot - the late local news - and then Conan's Tonight Show gig.

I hope you let Conan go - so that he may go on to other, better things. But you look like an organization with ZERO class. You promise a guy something. You give it to him. He moves his crew and their families across the country - and then after 7 months - you screw him over.

Way to go. You stay classy NBC. No wonder you're in 4th place.

With regards,

Tim _______

P.s What will you do when Leno's return to late night fails to get the ratings he used to? He's yesterday's news.



----


side note: I have always been a fan of late night television. over the years I've watched Johnny Carson, Letterman, Leno, O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon and even on occasion, Carson Daly (i'm a night owl). I even gave Leno's new 10pm show a chance - but frankly, it was horrible. really horrible. REgardless, I respected Leno and thought he was o.k. But now I'm thinking his ego is just too big.

I kind of thought Leno would do the respectable thing and tell NBC that he would not pursue the Tonight Show - but according to reports, He's getting that chair back.

So Conan's getting the shaft. Too bad for him. He's a creative guy with a fresh perspective. At least he's taking the high road:

Last Thursday, NBC executives told me they intended to move the Tonight Show to 12:05 to accommodate the Jay Leno Show at 11:35. For 60 years the Tonight Show has aired immediately following the late local news. I sincerely believe that delaying the Tonight Show into the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting. The Tonight Show at 12:05 simply isn’t the Tonight Show. Also, if I accept this move I will be knocking the Late Night show, which I inherited from David Letterman and passed on to Jimmy Fallon, out of its long-held time slot. That would hurt the other NBC franchise that I love, and it would be unfair to Jimmy.

So it has come to this: I cannot express in words how much I enjoy hosting this program and what an enormous personal disappointment it is for me to consider losing it. My staff and I have worked unbelievably hard and we are very proud of our contribution to the legacy of The Tonight Show. But I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction. Some people will make the argument that with DVRs and the Internet a time slot doesn’t matter. But with the Tonight Show, I believe nothing could matter more.

There has been speculation about my going to another network but, to set the record straight, I currently have no other offer and honestly have no idea what happens next. My hope is that NBC and I can resolve this quickly so that my staff, crew, and I can do a show we can be proud of, for a company that values our work.

Have a great day and, for the record, I am truly sorry about my hair; it’s always been that way.

Yours,

Conan

Review: The Way of the Heart

The Way of the Heart by Henri J.M. Nouwen


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
solitude. silence. and prayer. thus is the way of to be shaped by the Spirit, not by the world. Nouwen challenges us to live these three practices - and he outlines why and how with great detail - so as to become one with God, to have our heart melted and molded into the very heart of God.

life is full of busyness and chaos. i desperately desire times of solitude, silence and prayer. i think that is why i was drawn to this book.

some profound headers found in this book:
Solitude: the furnace of transformation
Silence teaches us to speak
Prayer of mind
Prayer of heart
Prayer of ministry: short prayers; unceasing prayers

etc.

Nouwen shows how simple faith should be and how we muddy the waters with our own ideas that are not God ideas (more often than not).

View all my reviews >>

best of 2009: top 20 cd releases

20: Anchor and Braille - Felt
19: Calamateur - Jesus is for Losers
18: Siriusmo - The Uninvited Guest (Bonus Track Version)
17: The Swell Session - Strict Joy
16: David Crowder Band - Church Music
15: Jonsi and Alex - Riceboy Sleeps
14: Bear in Heaven - Beast Rest Forth Mouth
13: Mos Def - The Ecstatic
12: Howling Bells - Radio Wars
11. Dubh - Fractured Broken and Beautiful
10: Muse - The Resistance
9. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
8. U2 - No Line on the Horizon
7. Manic Street Preachers - Journal for Plague Lovers
6. Engineers - Three Fact Fader
5. Derek Webb - Stockholm Syndrome
4. The xx - xx
3. The Boxer Rebellion - Union
2. Gnawledge - Granada Doaba
1. The Appleseed Cast - Sagarmatha




top song: The Uprising by Muse

I read 27 books.

I saw 158 movies.


here is a recap of top albums from years past:

My Top Albums: 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

moments in time: 2009

Books I Read in 2009

In 2009 i set new goals for myself: to read more. and so through the beauty of Good Reads I was able to track them all.

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life Miller, Donald

Still Waters and Skyscrapers: The 23rd Psalm for the 21st Century Tomlinson, Dave

Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living Job, Reuben P.

Pagan Christianity: Exposing the Roots of Our Church Practices Viola, Frank

Downtime: Helping Teenagers Pray Yaconelli, Mark

Drops Like Stars: A Few Thoughts on Creativity and Suffering Bell, Rob

10 Most Common Mistakes Made by Church Starts Griffith, Jim

The World as I Remember It: Through the Eyes of a Ragamuffin Mullins, Rich

The Orthodox Heretic And Other Impossible Tales Rollins, Peter

Night Wiesel, Elie

Al Capone Does My Shirts Choldenko, Gennifer

The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical Claiborne, Shane

The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture: How Media Shapes Faith, the Gospel, and Church Hipps, Shane

Rejesus: A Wild Messiah for a Missional Church Frost, Michael

Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices McLaren, Brian D.

Making Ripples Breaux, Mike

A Generous Orthodoxy McLaren, Brian D.

Youth Ministry 3.0 Oestreicher, Mark

A Christianity Worth Believing Pagitt, Doug

Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations Shirky, Clay

Jesus Wants to Save Christians: A Manifesto for the Church in Exile Bell, Rob

A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God Shawchuck, Norman

Visioneering: God's Blueprint for Developing and Maintaining Personal Vision Stanley, Andy

The Christian Culture Survival Guide: The Misadventures of an Outsider on the Inside Turner, Matthew Paul

Doing Church As A Team Cordeiro, Wayne

Different Seasons King, Stephen

The New Conspirators: Creating the Future One Mustard Seed at a Time Sine, Tom


My favs were: Night, A Gen. Orthodoxy, ReJesus, The Irresistible Revolution (i read it on the beach) and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.

the year that was: 2009

2009 was a tumultuous year. full of excitement and bitterness. joy and pain. things happened. things didn't. it was cold at times. it rained the whole month of may, i think. the summer was mild but nice and very busy... october turned cold quick and then back to warm... changes came and went. time passed by. this a recap of a few random things.

one of the best things to happen in '09 was the Steelers winning the Super Bowl in February. it was a great game with an awesome finish and their victory completed one of the greatest seasons in history - playing the toughest schedule ever.

the biggest change in our lives appeared on the scene on april 27th. Silas Andrew was born and his birth brought a forgotten joy to our family. as an added bonus, Silas brought the gift that keeps on giving - spit up. for the first 7 months he spit up... a lot... on chairs, beds, floors... you name it. but he still grew... 23lbs as of today (he is 8 months old now). he is a genuinely happy baby and full of life.

the summer was busier than ever - and in some regard was something i was not looking forward too (because it was so busy). but in the midst of that, great things happened. i took the youth group on a trip to Washington DC to the DCLA 2009 event. i think 5,000 people attended that conference. it was a great experience but was bittersweet as it was the first time in my 9 years of marriage that i was away from my wife and kids. while there we went to the Holocaust museum. this reignited a passion to learn and discover more about the Holocaust. since then, Jen and i have Netflix'd many holocaust movies. it still seems almost unbelievable that something like that could ever have happened - a certain stain on the garment of human history... but we should never forget and the stories should be told.

this fall was filled with sickness and the fear that comes with it. jen had strep throat 2x; micah and addie had the swine flu (mild in comparison from the scare tactics told in the media); micah, addie and myself each had a bout with the stomach flu; i've had numerous colds; silas had an ear infect, etc. fun fun!

this year i grew to love coffee more and more... in the spring we got our first coffee maker... now Starbucks coffee is brewed almost daily.

i had chances to express creativity through a new worship service we've started called Kaleidoscope. As a part of Kscope, i began to make more videos under the title 'ceative kerygma' (kerygma is greek, meaning 'proclamation')

i even finished up my course of study as part of the New Church Start Academy and was able to use such knowledge in the development of Kscope.

My fascination with soccer continued. for the second year in a row i coached Micah's soccer team. i really enjoyed it. this year it was a U-8 team. we finished with 4 wins 5 losses and 1 tie. the highlight was when we knocked off the the lone undefeated team late in the season.

i celebrated my 10th anniversary of being a youth pastor. honestly, it has flown by. i feel blessed to have a job that i still love. although there are times when i feel close to burnout, i wouldn't trade it for anything. lately i have a desire to learn about a slowed down, contemplative approach to youth ministry and am excitedly exploring that more. this year, we are embracing community, through love, creativity, sharing stories and responding to God's call.

so there is a brief review of the year that was: 2009. i look forward to a great 2010 with jen and the kids and the ministry, etc.

somewhere a knife.

I
somewhere a sharp knife cuts into the side of an orange.
somewhere the song of a piano plays an unrecognizable chorus.
somewhere someone is looking for something but can't find it.
somewhere questions are left unanswered.

snow falls on the trees and blankets the ground.
it resembles a peacefulness that is strangely unobtainable to many.

the blanket of peace comes up short and my feet are cold.

doesn't it make you feel good? to be lost? and cold? and without answers?


II
somewhere a dull knife splits an apple; core and seeds now exposed.
somewhere the frosting has been licked off of the cupcake.
somewhere an instrument is being tuned to the wrong key.
somewhere a truck passes by on the interstate; as does life.

there is no time for rest. no slowing down.
the snow does not stop coming down - while discontent and frustration freezes the soil.

the blanket of chaos dulls the luster and smothers the fire of life.

doesn't it make you feel good? to be lost? and dreary? and without answers?


III
somewhere a dirty knife penetrates the heart of a pomegranate as the full passion of life is discovered.
somewhere a solution is dancing wildly on the horizon.
somewhere a melody is filling the air with truth.
somewhere rescue is coming.

snow falls on cedars, compelling shelter to be sought.
the warmth of the fire within burns brightly and melts away frozen souls.

the blanket of hope comforts the whole.

doesn't it make you feel good? to be lost? and warm? and without answers?

waiting and hoping and seeking...

living a good story

recently - i finished reading Donald Miller's new book - A Million Miles and a Thousand Years. the essence of this book is 'story'. what kind of story are you living, am i living? the book is full of stories, basically, that discuss and look at what it might be like to re-write and edit one's own life story.

one chapter talked about risk and how overcoming risk makes for a great story. the wheels began to spin in my mind: what risks have i taken? what stories are memorable? here are a few things that came to mind... most of which my (or may not) be risky - but they are not what i would think of as normal... so thus maybe, perhaps they are good stories?

• Exploring and climbing into an abandoned barn - only to realize once inside i couldn't get out.
  
• sneaking out of billy's grandparents house by climbing out second story window - trying rope to bed
• Seeing George Brett play baseball up close and personal.
  
• riding around in the trunk of a car all night - returning to campus - only to go back out and drive all night around Lexington, KY with Jay Pope.
• Midnight impromptu dance party with friends in a field off the highway, as These Are the Days by 10,000 Maniacs played on the car stereo.
  
• Driving west and attending film school in Los Angeles.
• Successfully creating, pitching and producing a tv show.
• leaping into a new profession as Youth Director.
  
• Driving 6 hours to 'see about a girl'... a year and a half later, marrying that girl.
• My wife and i taking up running.
  
• Jen taking me to an Explosions in the Sky concert in ghetto Cleveland
• Taking the youth group on many trips and adventures: retreats, mission trips and the like.
  
• going with my parents on a makeshift family history tour - traveling to Randolph, NY + Crestline, Ohio and many places in between, interviewing people and videotaping the entire event.
  
• Family vacations @ Lakeside.
• Starting our own photography business.

these aren't examples of great stories - but they are just a glimpse of a few of my stories. some were risky... some were not so much. thinking about them compells me to make new ones.

Donald Miller - A Million Miles... review

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life by Donald Miller


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I cam upon this book at just the right time. I've been fascinated by the idea of 'story' as of late - and A Million Miles and a Thousand Years is about just that: story.

Donald Miller is a good story teller - in person and in word form.

Admittedly, i haven't read Blue Like Jazz - his most notable book - but this book seemed to grab my attention more.

Basically Miller lays out in creative form the need for 'story' in the lives of humans... and if given the chance - how many of us would change our very own story?

If we could all start over and give our lives a 're-write' how would things be different? I was whimsically challenged by this book... if nothing else - to take more risks... to make my story memorable (something you can't do while sitting on the couch).

It was an easy read and i could probably read it again. it's not that anything profound was really shared - lots of movie vs. real life comparisons - but it was gently inspiring.

Miller writes in a conversational tone which i enjoyed.

View all my reviews >>

wait.

After the seas are all cross'd, (as they seem already cross'd,)
After the great captains and engineers have accomplish'd their work,
After the noble inventors, after the scientists, the chemist, the
geologist, ethnologist,
Finally shall come the poet worthy that name,
The true son of God shall come singing his songs.
~from Walt Whitman :: a passage to india


wait.
[advent.]

Advent: Wait... the prince of peace is coming.

The Missing Peace from Tim Beck on Vimeo.

introducing: Creative Kerygma

i've been making videos for a while now. i've dabbled in making worship-related videos over the last few years as well. so i thought it was about time to start sharing my creations with others.

we recently started a new alternative worship service called Kaleidoscope. the idea behind the name is 'broken pieces made beautiful.' when you look through a k-scope, you'll see fragmented glass or plastic - that when turned and pointed towards the light, something beautiful is created and formed. it's kind of the same way with man and God: when our fragmented, broken selves meet the light of Christ, something beautiful is formed.

Kaleidoscope is a multi-sensory worship encounter - aimed at providing opportunities for people to connect with God in new and fresh ways.

K-scope will become a monthly alternative worship setting starting in January.

We've had two test runs. This last one had the theme: Satisfied? for that one, i created a short film that resembles a Rob Bell-Nooma video. i will admit, his style was an inspiration - but we wanted to do something original.

So now - i aim to make, on a regular basis, more worship related films under the name Creative Kerygma. Kerygma is greek for 'Proclamation.' These films are meant to be a creative proclamation of the Gospel, in some way, shape or form.

here are the first two Creative Kerygma short films. Sheep and Shepherd. Shepherd is adapted from Sheep - if you watch them both, you'll understand.

enjoy. leave feedback or use 'em in your worship. if you use them, let me know how you used them. Thanks!

sheep from Tim Beck on Vimeo.

shepherd (psalm 23) from Tim Beck on Vimeo.

Still Waters (book based on the 23rd Psalm)

Still Waters and Skyscrapers: The 23rd Psalm for the 21st Century by Dave Tomlinson


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Still Waters and Skyscrapers is a very gentle book that digs deeper into the most quoted Psalm of all, the 23rd Psalm.

It was refreshing to read and investigate deeply the power behind the 23rd Psalm. There are many parallels in scripture to Jesus being the Good Shepherd. the 23rd Psalm reminds us that we are not alone.

At the heart of it all, Psalm 23 is a story. Citations of the gentle shepherd bookend the low times of our lives so that we are reminded of God's caring, loving nature, through it all.

Still Waters was an easy read and an enjoyable read, as well.

View all my reviews >>

Three Simple Rules (book review)

Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living by Reuben P. Job


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Do Good.
Do No Harm.
Stay in Love with God.

Three Simple Rules. A small, but profoundly inspiring book by Rueben P. Job.

This one will be worth reading again and again from time to time.

based on the writings and teachings of John Wesley.

View all my reviews >>

Pagan Christianity (book review)

Pagan Christianity: Exposing the Roots of Our Church Practices by Frank Viola


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
i liked the historical documentation of the beginnings and traditions of the church. the book brought about some interesting conversations with others, as well. but by-and-large, this book sort of sucker-punches the church, brings it to its knees and then gets in its face and taunts it.

ok. maybe that was a harsh analogy, but Viola and Barna spare no punches.

what i value from this book is that it asks questions that nobody ever asks. questions like, why do pastors wear robes? and why do choirs sing? and why do we tithe? they then answer said questions with historical information. the end conclusion: there are a lot of things that we do that aren't in the scriptures. many Christian practices and traditions have 'secular' pagan roots. but in the end, how much of it really matters?

i actually found this to be an easy read and i finished it in a week. it tended to get me worked up over some of the things pointed out. then, after a few days, it just didn't matter that much.

View all my reviews >>

love create share respond

a few weeks back i was planning a youth worship service on the theme of Community. while doing research and prep - i stumbled across Ian Adams' blog (thank you Jonny Baker)

this post inspired me greatly.

When combined with ‘the big idea’ [see the previous 'ways into... no 3'] a good spirit can produce something truly creative - a community that in small ways begins to reshape us and the world around us for good. So it can be really helpful in beginning a new community to identify what we hope the spirit will be, describe it, and begin to try to live it.

As i thought about our youth community (i am a youth pastor) and what we aim to be - i began to think about what i/we hoped the spirit of our 'community' would be.

and out of that, an ethos was born:
love.
create.
share.
respond.

love God + people (matthew 22:38-40)

create + inspire others to connect with God. (made in the image of God - man can use creativity to inspire others and help others connect with God through interactive, out-of-the-box methods. because of creativity, we are made new.)

share your story + God's story. the Good news can be shared through words and actions. St. Francis said 'preach often. if necessary, use words.' whatever methods, we encourage people to be real and to share their stories with others and along the way to share God's story of love and redemption. the cool part is when people begin to see the connection between their story and God's story. may our stories inspire generosity + genuine community as we share the truth of Jesus. (matthew 10:7)

respond to the needs of others + to the call of Christ. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says 'pity a man who falls and has no one to help him up.' we want to be aware of the needs of others. remember that Jesus said 'whatever you have done to the least of these, you have done to me. and whatever you have not done to the least of these, you have not done to me.' we desire selfless, not selfish community.


now comes the challenge to 'live it out.'

below is the video that sums up our ethos.

love create share respond from Tim Beck on Vimeo.

prayer:

"Prayer makes us vulnerable to others. It's difficult to cling to our defenses, our prejudices, and even our anger at another person when we're praying for them. The more we pray for someone, even an enemy, the more God softens the heart toward that person -- the more that person changes from enemy to friend. Prayer makes it more likely that we can move from seeing someone as "garbage" to actually, seeing the person as a child of God."

~ Mark Yaconelli (from the book Downtime: Helping Teenagers Pray)

religiosity. pt. 2

from an interview with the Boston Globe:

Boston Globe: I’m struck by the fact that I don’t hear a lot of explicitly religious language, or mentions of Jesus, from you.

Rob Bell: I think we have enough religious people who are going around trying to convert people. My guard is up when somebody is trying to convert me to their thing. Are you talking to me because you actually are interested in this subject, because you care about me as a human, or am I one more possible conversion that will make you feel good about your religiosity? I don’t have any embarrassment about my religion, and it’s not that I’m too cool, but I would hope that the Jesus message would come through, hopefully through a full humanity.


my thoughts:
Christianity can't fit into a cookie cutter mold. yet we try and try to make it fit, perhaps because it makes us feel successful. but perhaps its not about success. perhaps its truly about discipleship and truly following Jesus.


there is a ministry at the edge of town that has a sign out front that reads '652 Salvation's' or something like that. everytime i see it i am reminded of McDonalds and how it would say 'over 1 billion served'. I don't like to think of 'salvation' as a fast food product that is bought and sold.

i know that God can and will reach people and save people through various methods - but i would feel a little uncomfortable using the 'used car salesman' approach to advancing God's kingdom.

i think i would rather spread the Good news of Jesus through relationships and conversations and actions that are consistent with the teachings of Jesus. Loving God first and Living all people next. Treating people with respect while showing them an example of the hope that is within me.

Salvation is not a commodity - and getting people 'saved' is not something i do so that i can get another notch on my belt.

i guess i look at it this way: if a man were drowning in a lake - and he cried out to be saved, the lifeguard would throw him a life preserver and thus salvation would be at hand.
but once out of the water - drowning man must then learn to swim before jumping back in the lake. the learning to swim is discipleship. learning the art of being like Jesus. the lifeguard - presumably would show drowning man the Way to life. (John 10:10)

if said life guard 'saves' drowning man but then moves on, how genuine was the saving? he saved only because it was his job - not because it was his passion for the drowning man to have life.

as a follower of Jesus - i want people to understand the saving grace of Jesus. but i want them to understand that and to SEE that through my love and my actions.

it is my prayer that there would be a genuine, consistency within me and that God would give me the boldness to proclaim the gospel to one and all - through word and deed. i hope that is your prayer, too.

Drops Like Stars review

Drops Like Stars: A Few Thoughts on Creativity and Suffering by Rob Bell


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Drops like Stars is not like many books on anyone's bookshelf. as a matter of fact - it's dimensions make it difficult to literally fit on my bookshelf. it's more of a coffee table type book.
filled with creative art and stunning photography with words sprinkled throughout, Drops Like Stars is author Rob Bell's attempt to connect creativity and suffering.

in fact, the tag line says that: A Few Thoughts on Creativity and Suffering.

that's just what it is... a few thoughts... stories... anecdotes... and what not that attempts (mildly successfully) to show the connection between man and God during difficult times and how that suffering can bring about a new perspective. the ability to see things that are often missed... those God moments, i'd call them.

in the end - we all suffer. and it is going to shape us.

as he writes: we'll be bitter or better...closed or open... more ignorant or more aware. etc.

in the midst of it all, Bell reminds us of how God connects through us - through our suffering - because his son suffered once and for all, so that we may live... a life to the full.

View all my reviews >>

religiosity. pt. 1

Rob Bell has his share of fans. he also has his share of enemies.
recently he was interviewed by the Boston Globe. you can read part of the article HERE. the 2nd page of the article from the BG website is from another BG article and so, sadly, the completed article is missing.

some people, like this guy have gone bananas over quotes from Bell from the BG article. based on the comments left on that guys page you'll see some very loving christian responses, too. sweet! Jesus must be so proud! i find it interesting that none who commented on their disdain for Bell seemed to have bothered to check the facts. "He doesn't mention the name of Jesus enough" they say. (kinda sounds like how Contemporary Christian Music used to keep track of JPM's in its music... JPM's = Jesus' Per Minute. The more JPM's the more likely your song would get made.) But alas, apparently Bell was largely misquoted or taken out of context in the BG article. this guys big stink is about Bell's quote on the word 'evangelism. others here are a little perturbed, too.

Bell's quote: "I embrace the term evangelical, if by that we mean a belief that we together can actually work for change in the world, caring for the environment, extending to the poor generosity and kindness, a hopeful outlook. That’s a beautiful sort of thing."

He didn't mention Jesus which got people upset.

from Christianity Today: Rob Bell has responded to the Globe interview on his Twitter account. He says that most of what he said was left out of the interview, and calls it "maddening." He also goes on to clarify the historical roots of the word "evangelical."

from Bell's twitter page: A bit of history: the word evangelical comes from the Roman Empire propaganda machine- it was an announcement proclaiming Caesar is Lord...The first Christians took the phrase and tweaked it, saying "Jesus is Lord." That, of course, could get you killed. No one challenges Caesar...To confess Jesus is Lord was to insist that peace does not come to earth through coercive violence but through sacrificial love...That is still the question, is it not? Whose way? Jesus or Caesar? Power and might and domination - or bloody, thirsty, hanging on a cross?

And so things were left out of the Boston Globe article.

it bothers me that some christians seem reluctant to give the benefit of the doubt. it is too easy to point the finger, i guess.

Jesus seemed to say something about that, though...

How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. ~Luke 6:42

maybe there are more important things for us to be focusing on right now. like giving up our inner pride, perhaps? or maybe taking care of our own business? Loving God and loving people? practicing empathy and humility?

carried through

many children have that special thing that serves as a pacifier of sorts. Linus from Peanuts© had his blanket. Andy from Toy Story© had Woody. when I was a child, I had this stuffed teddy bear who was dressed in a train engineer outfit... Blue stripped overalls. Red handkerchief. Train engineers hat. I called him Choo Choo Charlie.

One day, i was playing and decided "wouldn't it be cool if Choo Choo Charlie got into some sort of train accident? So i found in my sisters room some lipstick and i smeared it all over Choo Choo's face and arms - so as to resemble blood, i guess. (disturbing, I know). When i was done playing 'train accident' i discovered that said lipstick would not come off. His fur was permanently scarred. the bear was damaged goods.

But i didn't mind. despite his flaws, i loved that bear. over time it became even more flawed... ripped clothes, frayed fur, etc. by any stretch - it was broken; certainly less than perfect. but regardless, i still loved that bear. Why? because there was a bond. a connection. a shared comfort. i carried him proudly.

it was a part of me.

i think it's kind of the same with God. we have our cuts and bruises. some manufactured by us. some caused by others. but despite our flaws - our ripped souls and broken hearts - we are still loved by God. Why? because there is a bond. a connection. a shared comfort. God delights in us. believe that. we are his pride and joy.

and he carries us proudly.




When the water's too high
When the water's too high
I will carry you
I will carry you

When the night is too black
When the night is too black
I will carry you
I will carry you

Save Me O' God

what a disciple looks like

A Disciple:

One who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.
A follower of Jesus.
Disciplined.
A pupil.

It is enough for the student to be like his teacher. [a]

Do not live according to the sinful nature. Live according the Spirit.
A mind controlled by the Spirit brings a full life of peace.
The Spirit is powerful. Follow Christ, truly follow Him. Follow Jesus closely. Close enough that His dust covers your clothes. That dust will be the outward sign to the world that you are truly His disciple. Live like him.
Do not be a slave to fear. Share in his sufferings in order that you may also share in his glory. Be empathetic. [b]

United with fellow disciples.
Take care of others.
Share. Give freely. [c]

Lend a hand to the poor and weak. But not do bring glory to ourselves and not only when it is convenient. Ask "how can I help?"
Take on the troubles of the troubled, just like your mentor and example, Jesus.
Be in harmony with one another. No personal agendas.
Get along with others.
Be alert for what's on the horizon.
Remember: the personable God is dependable, steady and warm. May He develop maturity in us. [d]

Preach. Proclaim. Share the Gospel, the Good News.
Through words and actions. Not one without the other. Ever.
The Lord will confirm His truth in you when you obey.
Do not be discouraged. [e] [f]

Conduct yourself in ways that are not contradictory to the Good News Jesus proclaimed.
Live like a follower. No pretending.
Do not fear those that oppose you. And you will face opposition. if you don't, you may not be following Jesus as closely as you think. Perhaps.
Your courage, strength and unity will show those who oppose you what they are up against.
There is more to this life than trusting in Him. Suffer for Him, also.
Did He not suffer for you? [g]

Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Love life.
Keep your words pure.
Pursue peace. [h]

Be eager to do good.
If you suffer for what you do, you are blessed.
Make Christ Lord in your heart. Be cautious with your heart. The temptations to fill it with other things will be prominent.
Give a reason, to those who ask, for the hope that you have, but do this with gentleness and respect.
Keep a clear conscience.
Remember: Christ died, once for all - for the righteous and the unrighteous so that all may be brought to God. Remember all of the truths of Christ: the living water. the blood sacrifice. the removal of our grime. the salvation He gives. The resurrection, as well. [i]

Obey.
Love.
Your actions are your response to God's amazing grace.
That grace accepts us, assures us, sustains us and embraces us with divine love.
Radical grace prompts a radical response.


[a] = Matthew 10:24-25
[b] = Romans 8:5-25
[c] = Acts 4:32-37
[d] = Romans 15:1-5
[e] = Mark 16:19-20
[f] = James 2:14-26
[g] = Philippians 1:27-30
[h] = 1 Peter 3:8-12
[i] = 1 Peter 3:13-22


inspired by: A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God by Shawchuck & Job

Things that happen:

Stupid arguments. Lousy outcomes. Lack of preparation. Unmet expectation. Misunderstandings. Different perceptions. Numbness. Self doubt. Chasing After. Life unscripted. Sickness. Panic. Differing opinions. Wasted money. Lack of desire. Unbridled passion. Joy. Pain. Loss. Gain. Gentle breezes. Warm summer nights. Howling wind. Cold winter days. Reluctance. Perseverance. Physical exhaustion. Communication. Spontanious community. Pen to paper. Fingers to keyboard. Wasted time. Television watched. Creativity. Relationships developed. Broken spirits. Lost art. Movement. Resistance. Silence. Peace. Grace.

Novacaine Baby!

i had a tooth pulled once. a wisdom tooth at that. the bad thing was that i had a cavity in said tooth but didn't get it filled. one day while eating a salad at the Golden Corral i chipped said tooth on a crouton. yes, a crouton. long story short, it needed extracted. the worst part of the extraction was the sounds of the dentist pulling and tugging and using some sort of weapon, a saw, i think, tpo get the tooth out. but honestly, i didn't feel a thing. Novocaine, baby! Despite all of the pain that my mouth was enduring, i didn't feel a thing. I was numb.

the other day a friend of mine blogged about the art of becoming comfortably numb.

Think about your life. The heating/air conditioning keep us from the cold/heat outside, not to mention having to chop wood for the fireplace. We watch TV or read books as a means of escape. Some of our greatest societal ills are the result of trying not to feel anything, or at least only what feels good: Alcohol, drugs or even caffeine, anyone?

i don't like to feel pain. not just physical pain. any kind. most people don't like it at all. and so we cope. sometimes in productive ways. sometimes in not so productive ways. whatever vice we use, it'll only mask the pain. like novacaine. it blocks the pain, but it doesn't take it away.

the other nite we received our latest Netflix movie: Revolutionary Road. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet star as Frank and April Wheeler, a young couple starting out their lives together, wanting desperately to be 'different' and to not end up like everybody else.

Before too long, years have past. Children were born and their suburban, mid-1950's lifestyle had not become as spectacular or special as they had hoped. Little by little, their lives began to fall apart, their goals and dreams put on hold, trapped inside a cavern of numbness that began to take away hope. When you take away hope, you take away life.

slowly, both Frank and April, in their own unique ways allowed the mundane to bring on atrophy to a once vibrant life, full of hope. Frank feels he is ending up like his old man, something he swore he'd never let happen. he takes the train to work at a job where he finds little enjoyment. His fears keep him from becoming anything other than what he is. April wants to live in Paris, France or somewhere 'special' but feels trapped in the 'burbs, wishing her life was different; it is evident that both crave something more. something deeper.

i couldn't help but see the parallels to today's world. Fear grips us. The numbness traps us. and our lives slowly wither away. We crave something more. We want to feel something deep inside. But our pain blockers end up stealing away our joy as well. How can we experience true joy if we don't have pain to compare it to? we just sit, comfortably. on the couch. watching television. eating ice cream. and all the while life passes us by. before we know it, we're 60 and what do we have to show for it?

trapped. wanting out, but not knowing what we need to do to get out. our muscles tired. our mind turned to mush. it's the novacaine principle and it can take over our lives.

This craving for something more has plagued man's heart from the beginning of time. Augustine wrote about it. We can want something more so bad, talking about it, planning how to get it but getting out there and searching for it takes a lot of effort. and it's all too easy for the years to pass on by without any of us finding that which truly fulfills.

i believe that there is one place where we can find that fulfillment. it starts with becoming a follower of Jesus. not by going to church or by learning the ABC's of the salvation that Jesus offers. Fulfillment is found when we have faith and trust in Christ alone. A follower is more than an attendee or casual observer. A follower is a disciple. Disciplined. Dirty from the dust of the Rabbi's sandals. Nothing casual about that. We have a lot of church goers who know all the right things to say - but being a follower is so much more than speaking. Words without action are merely wasted air - draining the energy of the person who speaks them.

Jesus said that he came to give us life and life to the full. Paul reminds us that (if we are true followers of Christ) we are new creations - the old is gone. The mundaine is put to rest. The numbness subsides. And as a follower - no Novocaine is desired. we want to see and feel pain. ours. others. the worlds. and we rejoice in suffering because we trust that it will produce character and hope.

And hope does not disappoint us. and because of hope - we obey. And after all, that is all Jesus really asks of us... it's not all about 'feeling good'... it's about obeying the Master, Jesus.

sitting on the back porch on a rainy day, thinking about grace.

the other day it rained. after the rain, came the mist and that smell. you know, that smell that comes after it rains? it's a musty and yet fresh smell.

there i was... sitting on the back porch. letting it all sink in.

thinking about how grace comes down - under pressure from the clouds - and rains upon us... when we are hot... and in need of a cooldown. grace comes when we need it.

like the gentle summer rains that come in the late afternoon - leaving behind a stillness. a beauty. a sound and a smell.

birds slowly come out from hiding. making music that compliments the stillness. drips of water slowly come down, one at a time, off of every tree branch and leaf. falling to the ground. so that the saturated earth can regenerate itself... regenerate life.

and grace falls down and re saturates our state of being, regenerating life along the way, if we let it.

grace abounds. and covers me. whether i think i need it or not. i don't deserve the rain. but it comes anyway. i don't deserve my thirst to be quenched. but quenched, i am.

grace like rain. capture the moment.

virtue reality

God has called us to be lovers and we frequently think that He meant us to be saviors. So we "love" as long as we see "results." We give ourselves as long as our investments pay off, but if the ones we love do not respond, we tend to despair and blame ourselves and even resent those we pretend to love. Because we love someone, we want them to be free of addictions, of sin, of self -- and that is as it should be. But it might be that our love for them and our desire for their well-being will not make them well. And, if that is the case, their lack of response no more negates the reality of love than their quickness to respond would confirm it. ~ Rich Mullins (Virtue Reality, July-August, 1994)

We don't need to be saviors. we need to be lovers.

we don't need to see results. we need to see those who need love.

we don't need to offer the 'feeling' of love. we need to offer the virtue of love.

we don't need to use love to buy good behavior. we need to love as God loves.

we are not called to save or to change others. we are called to love with real, genuine love.

love is not dependent upon someone responding to it.

Salvation is possible because real love is there. True love flows from God to those who know Him - and truly live and walk like His Son, Jesus.

no alarms and no surprises, please

(the swine flu is coming to get you)
90,000 people could die from the Swine Flu this year! 2 million could be hospitalized!1!1!1 omg. run for the hills. take cover. this winter there's gonna be widespread panic (at the disco, perhaps, even.)
this is gonna be huge. massive chaos, i tell you. (or it could be "much milder" says CDC director.)

so H1N1 (a.k.a. Swine Flu - which, by the way, would be a sweet name for a hip hop star) could be the biggest pandemic since full blown AIDS hit the scene when Magic Johnson got it in '91 or it could be just another typical flu season (20,000-40,000 people typically die from the flu each year... 63,000 died from the influenza in '01) so basically, if Magic Johnson gets Swine Flu this year, they'll probably call a press conference to announce 'the end is near'.

it's good to panic, though. because it makes hindsight all the more zany, in the long run.
i suppose that in 9 or 10 months we'll all look at the Swine Flu outbreak and with whimsical opines we stand around the water cooler joking at how this 'pandemic' only killed 45,000 people instead of 90,000! ha. i can hear the waves of laughter carry through the halls now.

meanwhile, in the time it took you to read this, 20 people died of hunger. 15 million children will die of hunger this year. in the United States of America, one out of every six children is at risk of hunger. [stats]

but nobody 'panics' about that.

i don't know anything.

i don't know anything. i think i do but i don't. at times my lack of knowledge can be frustrating. but deep in the heart i know that nobody else knows anything either.

maybe it's not always about knowing, but about trusting.

perhaps our 'knowledge' leads us down the path to heresy. but we're all heretics, really.

as Peter Rollins writes in The Orthodox Heretic "the question is not that we judge between orthodoxy and heresy, but rather how we judge between good heresy and bad heresy."

will i proudly say that i know all that there is about faith? or will i humbly admit that i am in the dark about some things - but i aim to live like the way Jesus exemplified (hopefully without picking and choosing which which examples to follow and which to not follow.)

Night

Night by Elie Wiesel


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
it's the kind of book that anyone could read though, start to finish, in one sitting... it's just a really deep, emotional book about the Holocaust. i feel it would be an injustice to read it quickly, otherwise the disturbing truths found within might not sink in and resonate with my soul.


View all my reviews >>

Irresistible Revolution

The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Claiborne gives his unique perception and opinion of what it means to serve like Jesus served or like Jesus would serve.

I enjoyed his style of writing, very personable and real.

My favorite chapter was 'Jesus is For Losers' where he outlines how the gospel is 'good news for sick people and is disturbing for those who think they've got it all together.'

At the heart if it all, Irresistible Revolution is a book about loving others... and truly following Jesus means loving all... including our enemies and people not like us.

Shane lives a unique lifestyle of simplicity and it is certainly something he is called too. he gives meaningful examples of practical living that isn't caught up in the consumerism of the world.

A profound message for the church today...

View all my reviews >>

Upon this Rock...

{blog posts have been infrequent this summer. i hope this is the first post of many as i aim to blog more and be less procrastinator-like. hope this makes sense.}

the conception of the church, perhaps, can be found in a brief conversation Jesus had with his disciples on the way to Caesarea Philippi. Jesus poses a question (found in Matthew 16:13-20) , "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" Less than remarkable answers are given by some of the disciples. I'd say they are less than remarkable because Jesus doesn't dwell on any of those answers. He quickly turns the tables to the disciples themselves. "who do you say that I am?" Peter answers giving the presumable first reply. It doesn't strike me odd that Peter's answers. Peter always seems to be first to say something, only most of the time he sticks his foot in his mouth. But not know. Peter gets it right.


"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Jesus blesses him and states one of the most profound statements ever recorded: "you are now called Peter (meaning 'rock') and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not prove stronger than it."

This statement is profound because it is here that the church begins, spoken into existence from the words of Christ himself. "I will build my house upon this rock."

Interesting. Jesus chose to Peter. In an lot of ways this 'Rock' of a person often at times didn't get it, often said the wrong things; once was bold enough to walk on water but lost faith in himself and began to sink; fell asleep in the garden when asked to 'watch and pray'; turned to violence over love when the soldiers came; before the Crucifixion denied knowing or having anything to do with Jesus and who kept his distance during the death of his Rabbi. In many ways, Peter failed and would fail. But Jesus picked him to build his church upon.

I wonder if there might be a parallel to the failures of Peter to the failures of the church that was eventually 'built' on that rock?

Later, in Acts 2, despite his failures, Peter connects the dots, receives the Spirit and the house of Jesus, the church, begins to break ground. The church breaks ground, not on land - but on hearts. The church begins to build on the hearts of man and woman and child. Peter is chosen, much like many other 'failures' were chosen. Remember? Jacob wrestled the angel. Moses led the Israelites but because of his impatience never stepped foot in the promised land. Rahab, a prostitute, was instrumental in the Israelites finding that promised land. King David committed adultery and then covered it up with murder. Thomas doubted. Paul held the coats of members of the Sanhedrin while they stoned Stephen. There are many others.

Fact is, God uses imperfect people to do remarkable things. He doesn't call the equipped, he equips those he calls.

But over the years, the church has acted much like Peter, before his transformation. I suppose it is because we are made up of imperfect people... but that is no excuse for our imperfect behavior. In some ways, perhaps, we've lost our way.

I find it interesting that at the end of this section {Matthew 16:13-20) Jesus 'warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.' Maybe it was because he knew that proclaiming Jesus as Lord could potentially get in the way of emulating Jesus their Lord. Perhaps.

It's one thing to proclaim Jesus Christ from the rooftops. It's another thing to live out his mission of Loving God and Loving People and serving the poor and reaching out to the oppressed.

Maybe Jesus knew that the once and future church that would be built on the Rock would proclaim Him with great joy - but yet, not live like Him, perhaps because, frankly living like Christ is intense. Hard. Challenging.

In closing, i give you the words of Rich Mullins:

"And as the skies proclaim the work of His hands, the Church testifies to the work of His Messiah. Red blood and flesh confess Jesus' Lordship, then drop the ball and are baffled by the immensity of that confession. People who are not pointlessly perfect receive an unattainable revelation and then misunderstand and betray the Truth. They foolishly divide and become divisive and yet He makes them one. They stumble and limp and sometimes turn to lesser gods and then are embraced by the One they've abandoned. As Paul says "We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God" and this confession that Jesus is Messiah still changes pebbles into rock and as long as the Church confesses, she will continue to be what is in her genes to become.

We've got pretty good genes. We'll do well to grow into them.'

inspired by Peter Rollins - The Orthodox Heretic & Rich Mullins - The World As Best As I Remember It