2010 Catalyst Conference: Tension is Good
June 23, 2010 By 3 Comments
If you haven’t been to Catalyst, you need to. It truly is an experience and not just an event. This year’s theme is “Tension is Good” and I love the idea of tension. I’ve always found the greatest depth of faith when there is tension.
You may be thinking that this event is “too much production” and “not enough spirituality” but let me push back and say that perhaps you aren’t very teachable. This is an experience where it will make you think whether you agree with what is said or not. It will challenge your theology. The experience will stretch you.
Catalyst Conference East, October 6-8, Atlanta, GA. Register here.
Nugget – March 26, 2009
March 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment
“Great leadership is the ability to taste a person’s soul — like a fine bottle of wine.” ~Mike Rawlings, CEO of Pizza Hut
Nugget – Feb 11, 2010
February 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment
The measure of a great teacher isn’t what he knows; it’s what his students know.
- John C. Maxwell
When There Is Tension
February 8, 2010 By 1 Comment
I’ve noticed something about my own faith. I’ve noticed that I’ve found faith where there was tension. I found faith in the unanswered questions. I found faith in the face of conflict. I found faith when things didn’t go my way. I found faith in the uncertain future. I found faith struggling with God. I found faith in the tensions of life.
Then why in the world does it feel like the pursuit of a Christian is to live without conflict? Why are so many prayers filled with fixing something? Why are all the Christian books out there about how to get your life in order? Why is the good Christian life portrayed like to the one who has everything together?
It’s been good to have faith and I’ve found it in the tensions of life. Then in the tension I will remain.
They Fought For Freedom
November 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment
It’s the freedom that we have in this country that I’m thankful for. That freedom that I enjoy demands my respect for those who fought to make it possible. It’s freedom that all faiths must fight to keep in this country. For what is faith without freedom to choose?
My utmost respect and gratitude go out to the veterans that fought for freedom.
The Adoption Journey
November 3, 2009 By 5 Comments
We are nearly done with our home study portion of the adoption process and it feels like we’ve been in the process for a very long time! There’s been lots of paperwork and talking with people to say the least. There’s lots of “white space” too. There’s plenty of time to wait for things to happen such as paperwork processing and appointments, but the best thing about the wait is that I’ve had the opportunity to really learn about adoption in a deeper way. I’ve been reading tons of material on everything from the theology of adoption to how Muslims are working in orphan care and adoption. To say the least, my perspective has certainly broadened and really do see adoption in a different way than I had seen it at the beginning of my adoption journey. So, for the remaining course of our journey, I will be sharing with you the things I’ve learned about the doctrine of adoption, the history, and about the worldview on adoption. Most of all, I hope that you will truly come to understand what it is to be adopted by God.
Nugget – Sept 22, 2009
September 22, 2009 By 2 Comments
Girls: I want you to WANT to do the dishes.
Guys: I want you to want to DO the dishes.
Hebrews 2:5-18
September 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Devotion From: Hebrews 2:5-18
Thanks, God, for that reiteration that Jesus has authority over “all things” (Hebrews 2:8), but what does it mean that “we have not yet seen all things put under their authority?” It sounds to me that things are complete, but yet they aren’t. But You point out that Jesus is the perfect leader — a perfect leader (Hebrews 2:10) made through suffering. Ok, I see where this is going. It’s in my suffering, for Christ’s sake, I am made fit to be apart of bringing things into completion!?!?
God, there’s too much here for my heart to understand. It’s kinda frustrating actually. How come I can’t fully comprehend what it is to be a brother to Christ (Hebrews 2:11-12)? Why is it difficult to feel a part of Your family regardless of the knowledge that You reveal to me? It is amazing that Jesus became like me, in flesh and blood (Hebrews 2:17). It’s amazing that He is before God on my behalf. It’s amazing that I don’t know how much I get of this…
Father God, I read these words and not fully understand them. I read these words desiring to comprehend them in my heart. Would You move this knowledge I have into understanding in my heart. It’s a simple thing to understand in my head, but I confess I don’t fully understand in my heart. As You promise that he is able to help me when I am being tested (Hebrews 2:18), would you help me now. I have heard everything that is religious that is the right answers to what I am going through, but I feel that my heart has not heard what it needs to hear. Amen.