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Renew Us
I think we could all use a hopeful song right about now. My dear friend Elise just recorded her newest song, “Renew.” I am amazed by it. (I’m amazed by her.) I told her that listening to it has the effect of being surprised by sudden warm winds, like the Santa Ana’s in a California […]
April 18, 2007
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Hands Falling
In the moment when we hear horrific news, the hands seem to fall off the clock. Everything that seemed important stops. In those moments I’ve often chosen to turn my eyes away with a conciliatory “oh that’s awful,” in order to hastily get the clock working again. As if to say, “things must keep moving.” […]
April 17, 2007
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Jackie Pullinger Rocks my iPod
Today I listened to a rickety old mp3 by Jackie Pullinger. (It must’ve been transferred from 8-track to tape to mp3 because the recording was just horrible.) But, oh! her incredible stories from life in the streets of Hong Kong were like an intravenous dose of dripping faith into my spirit. Woooo! Jackie Pullinger is […]
April 14, 2007
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Persecution or Poor Elocution?
(this is a) PREFACE: Today’s synchro-blog on “Persecution and Christian Suffering” was inspired by a series of awful events. One of our fellow synchro-bloggers, David Fisher, was recently removed from the leadership at his church, mostly on the basis of David’s links within, and his writing in the blogosphere about the need for church-reform. I’m […]
April 12, 2007
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Synchroblog List on Persecution
The April synchro-blog team is writing on Persecution and Christian Suffering. Check out the wide variety of perspectives and rich stories here: David Fisher – Be the RevolutionFishing for Trouble – Square No MoreMike Bursell – Mike’s MusingsRestoring Our View of Humanity – Eternal EchoesPersecuting the Marginalized – JohnSmulo.comThe Ends Justify the Means – CalacirianBilly […]
April 12, 2007
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At the Cross
Tonight in Sofia, Bulgaria, my friend Brooke is sharing about the power of the cross with a bunch of International and Euro teens. Above is a combination of five canvases that her husband Tate painted as illustrations for each of Brooke’s nightly messages. She’ll smoosh all the canvases together to portrait the Father reaching to […]
April 11, 2007
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Gospel Choir 101
I think I need more gospel choirs in my life. Today for our Easter celebration we were led in worship by a small gospel choir from folks in our congregation. It was so lovely and quite celebratory. As much as I love acoustic guitars and earth instruments in worship, there’s something about clapping aloud and […]
April 9, 2007
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Stunned Saturday in Sofia
Tonight, in Sofia, Bulgaria my dear friend Brooke is reflecting on Jesus with around 250 postmodern teenagers. Brooke is the speaker for Young Life Europe’s annual service project, a week-long camping experience to invite skeptics and non-skeptics into the adventure of serving the poor. Over the next week these international students from all of over […]
April 7, 2007
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To Recreate Us
I often have trouble feeling particularly contemplative on the Holy Days. I think it’s this rebellious strain in me that wants to find all the days holy. (And, just my rebellious pride, probably.) Today while I was running I decided that a simple song by Sufjan Stevens would be my Good Friday praise refrain. It’s […]
April 6, 2007
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Reflections on the 24-7 Prayer Movement
Our church just finished up doing a 40-hour prayer room in my office. Paint, prayers, and holy words are splattered all over the paper covering my walls. They are the earnest prayers of twelve year olds, twenty year olds, and retirees. They are the prayers of families, mamas, and tweens. I never want to take […]
April 4, 2007
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Stinky Feet Theory
I have this new theory. I think that traveling sets off a strange chemical reaction in the laboratory of our shoes that emits a stronger-than-normal-foot-odor. Or maybe I just need to throw away my favorite “travel shoes.” Either way, my post-travel stank is really amazing. I’ve just returned from a renegade 3-day trip (back) to […]
March 30, 2007
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Not Bad For Twelve Days
Here’s an update on my CNBC million dollar challenge. My portfolio says that in the last 12 days, my (faux) stock holdings have increased over $50,000! 5% gains in less than 2 weeks. And all that from only the companies I use and believe in. My Dad keeps congratulating me on how well I’ve invested/traded […]
March 23, 2007
