Several things to consider

Seeing the Future

2008-07-11T09:29:00.000-07:00

I love to see around the corners of our current state and look to where things will lead us in the years to come. Here is a forecast of the future. Please keep in mind that this is a forecast like the weather [a prediction of events based on current data] but not expected to be entirely accurate.

Forecast #1:

The world will have a billion millionaires by 2025. Globalization and technological innovation are driving this increased prosperity. But challenges to prosperity will also become more acute, such as water shortages that will affect two-thirds of world population by 2025.

Forecast #2:

The earth is on the verge of a significant extinction event. "The twenty-first century could witness a biodiversity collapse 100 to 1,000 times greater than any previous extinction since the dawn of humanity, according to the World Resources Institute."

Protecting biodiversity in a time of increased resource consumption, overpopulation, and environmental degradation will require continued sacrifice on the part of local, often impoverished communities. Experts contend that incorporating local communities' economic interests into conservation plans will be essential to species protection in the next century.

Forecast #3:

The extreme growth in the economies of the far east could replace terrorism as the chief foreign-policy concern of the United States. Political Econmic Scenarios seem to be pointing that the US will cease to be a the Wolrd Power and China will take its place. This of course is percieved as a threat on multiple levels by our 'Southern Friends' and I am sure we will see a definite focus shift away from the war on terror.

Forecast #4:

Counterfeiting of currency will proliferate, driving the move toward a cashless society. Come on now I am sure you have thought about it. Sophisticated new optical scanning technologies could, in the next five years, be an easy opportunity for currency counterfeiters, so societies are increasingly putting aside their privacy fears about going cashless. Meanwhile, cashless technologies are improving, making them far easier and safer to use.

Forecast #5:

Water will be in the twenty-first century what oil was in the twentieth century. Global fresh water shortages and drought conditions are spreading in both the developed and developing world. In response, the dry state of California is building 13 desalination plants that could provide 10%-20% of the state's water in the next two decades. Desalination will become more mainstream by 2020.

Forecast #6:

Fashion will go wired as technologies and tastes converge to revolutionize the textile industry. Researchers in smart fabrics and intelligent textiles (SFIT) are working with the fashion industry to bring us color-changing or perfume-emitting jeans, wristwatches that work as digital wallets, and running shoes like the Nike +iPod that watch where you're going (possibly allowing others to do the same). Powering these gizmos remains a key obstacle. But industry watchers estimate that a $400 million market for SFIT is already in place and predict that smart fabrics could revitalize the U.S. and European textile industry.

Forecast #7:

World population by 2050 may grow larger than previously expected, due in part to healthier, longer-living people. Slower than expected declines of fertility in developing countries and increasing longevity in richer countries are contributing to a higher rate of population growth. As a result, the UN has increased its forecast for global population from 9.1 billion people by 2050 to 9.2 billion.

Forecast #8:

The number of Africans imperiled by floods will grow 70-fold by 2080. The rapid urbanization taking place throughout much of Africa makes flooding particularly dangerous, altering the natural flow of water and cutting off escape routes. If global sea levels rise by the predicted 38 cm by 2080, the number of Africans affected by floods will grow from 1 million to 70 million.

Forecast #9:

Rising prices for natural resources could lead to a full-scale rush to develop the Arctic. Not just oil and natural gas, but also the Arctic's supplies of nickel, copper, zinc, coal, freshwater, forests, and of course fish are highly coveted by the global economy. Whether the Arctic states tighten control over these commodities or find equitable and sustainable ways to share them will be a major political challenge in the decades ahead. So those who live up North ... your real estate value is about to go up... but expect to see alot more degredation of the beautiful scapes and northern aurora borealis.

Forecast #10:

More decisions will be made by nonhuman entities. Electronically enabled teams in networks, robots with artificial intelligence, and other noncarbon life-forms will make financial, health, educational, and even political decisions for us. Reason: Technologies are increasing the complexity of our lives and human workers' competency is not keeping pace well enough to avoid disasters due to human error.

What is the Bible?

2008-04-01T14:19:00.000-07:00

The Bible is not a sort of magical text, supernaturally giving us guaranteed information about everything under the sun. What we call its ‘inspiration’ is its capacity to be the vehicle of the Holy Spirit, making Jesus vividly present to our minds and hearts.

Thoughts?

God is a DJ

2008-03-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

Love this video.
Check it out.

Culture and Theology are the Same thing

2008-01-25T13:53:00.000-08:00

Often times I hear of a tension between cultural relevance and correct theology.

Could the study of Culture and the Study of God be similar?

If we are really honest we will find God at work amidst culture regardless of the efforts of the 'Church' So does the church study systematic theology more in order to educate the world better on things that God is already doing without the 'Church's' help?

The script of culture will have markers that point to Him. The Scriptures help us interpret those cultural markers and say 'this is that'... or this is God at work as an active agent in the world we live in. There are many redemptive metaphors throughout society, biology, arts, culture, law that point to the human recognition that God is amoung us and active. The importance of the Scripture and theology is to study so we can see these sign posts and know what they mean [and I do not mean eschatologically]. But our efforts should be to study both with equal diligence.

If God is at work amoung us and not 'out there' then theology must encompass a wholistic view where culture has markers to find God already built within it. There is really no such thing as a godless person except for those who understand who He is and choose to ignore Him.

Could it be that there is more godlessness in those that 'know Him' [through disobedience] than through those that some would say have no knowledge of him? When we fail to recognize that God is amoung us and still an active agent in all manner of life, culturally, and otherwise [even in places where some would say he is not] we actually propogate a form of godlessness.

Thoughts?

In All Honesty!!!

2008-01-17T12:19:00.000-08:00

Can I be honest today?

In our engagement with people around us should our focus be on communicating the spirit of Jesus or communicating to them a 'Christian' Worldview? There is a Vaste difference.

I endoevor that my life, my conversations, my expressions of Faith will be about Jesus and not Christianity!

To be honest.... a 'Christian Worldview' is never truly grasped by anyone, but Jesus' spirit can be understood by any person in any stage of life.

To be honest.... A 'Christian Worldveiw' has been what has caused immense harm to cultures and atrocities to people groups around the world for centuries.

To be honest ....a 'Christian Worldview' is about exclusivity, but the spirit of Jesus speaks of a way that is for all.

A 'Christian Worldview' gets involved in political agendas - While the spirit of Jesus is with the poor and oppressed.

A 'Christian Worldview' focuses on proving opposing views wrong - while the spirit of Jesus listens and hears the cry of peoples hearts.

A 'Christian worldview' demands proper behavior and best practice/doctrine - while the spirit of Jesus gives grace for people to grow, and to fail.

And the list goes on... and on ... and on

The spirit of Jesus is quantum. Even in its smallest, minute expression, He is unstoppable.

Please contribute your comments or musings as well.

Political What?

2008-01-08T16:36:00.000-08:00

Someone asked me the other day what my political perspective was.
I have a very strong opinion on political world views. It is simply this...
'I DON'T CARE!!!'
Some say it is my civic duty to vote and that I am a bad person if I don't vote. I have never made my way to the polls in my entire life and I do not intend to. For this simple reason ... I don't Care!!!

What are you thoughts on politics and our Civic duties?

I could say much about this but I want to gather soem of your thoughts first.

In honor of a good man

2007-11-21T09:31:00.000-08:00

Ok Ok ... this is a little out of the ordinary but once in a while I think its good to have a little fun and remind ourselves as men that we are valuable to our women. Yes they [women] are perfect in every way and we are not, but we do have value. So for those of you who are men reading, this is to boost your confidence in your manliness... and for those of you who are women... remember these the next time you are a little flustered with your man's 'quirks'

Yes, I am the first to admit and probably lead the way, we have our faults: Forgetting anniversaries, forgetting to put the seat down, and a whole bunch of other important things I’m forgetting. But before you go wishing for a world without any of us big dumb apes, take a minute to reflect on all the joy we bring to your world. Like duct tape, men have all kinds of helpful uses, like…

1. We do gross things you don’t want to do
Got a bug that needs squishing? A clogged drain that needs snaking? In this day and age of women doing it for themselves, every once in a while, it’s nice to sit back and let a guy feel like a “real man” and do your dirty work for you. Whether we’re sweating our butt off hefting those ten boxes of Xmas decorations out of the basement or carrying heavy bags of garbage to the curb, men are not above getting grimy for your affection.

2. Our constant desire to have sex with you has got to be good for your ego
Maybe our attempts to have quickies before you run out the door for work aren’t exactly romantic, but what can we say, you drive us wild! What could be a better boost for your self-image than a guy who wants to spend as much time as humanly possible in the presence of your nakedness?

3. We’ll never tell you that you look fat in those jeans
No matter how many times you ask or what size they are, the answer will always be unilaterally, unequivocally NO.

4. We’re easy to please
Fancy dinners? Pricey presents? Save your dough. To bring a big smile to your fella’s face, follow this simple equation: Pizza + PS3 = happy man.

5. We keep you up to date on all the latest gadgets

You don’t want a TV set bigger than your dining-room table? Fine, but we’ll let you know when your computer is hopelessly outdated and which new cell phone doubles as an MP3, takes pictures, and reminds you to call your mom on her birthday all at the same time. It’s like having your own personal electronics consultant—for free!

6. You can squeeze our arms as hard as you like during the scary parts of movies
And aside from making great stress squeeze balls at the theatre, we’re also good for a nudge in the middle of the night when you think you hear some gigantic mouse sneaking around downstairs or someone to run down three stories [in their underwear]to make sure the door was locked [even after you checked three times before going ot bed].

7. We make you laugh your butt off
Sometimes, being an overgrown three-year-old has its benefits, like all the weird faces we can make in the mirror when we are plucking those pesky nose hairs.

8. Whenever you’re upset about work, our response is always, “Your boss is an idiot.”
Guys see things in black and white. We’re not all about understanding the subtleties and layers of an argument. If you’re having problems at your job, we won’t play psychoanalyst and try to get to the root of the problem. We won’t try to figure out if you are doing anything to make the situation worse: If your boss is ticking you off, your boss is obviously a jerk and doesn’t deserve to have you onboard. We know that your are an amazing person and there is no reason in the world that anyone in the world should be giving you a hard time.

9. We nearly always make the first move
Asking someone out, leaning in for that first kiss—all instances that can result in ego-destroying rejection. But even the meekest of men are willing to take the risk when a beauty like you steps into our lives. So sit back and enjoy watching us tremble.

There must be at least 5 more ... Please comment with yours.

excerpts taken from other articles.

2007-11-09T10:52:00.000-08:00

Leadership

2007-08-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have not posted in a while. Been travelling, friends weddings, holidays, camping etc.

I want to put a thought out there for you to consider:

A true leader has no need to lead [although may do so] a true leaders need is to point the way.

Thoughts?

Kingdom Words Part 2

2007-06-25T10:52:00.001-07:00

A Kingdom Language is a universal language that all humankind can understand at an elemental level but not necessairly articulate. It transcends culture and does not create sub-cultures.

Well if you haven't read in a few weeks you might want to check this post out first in order to understand what is happening.

Thx to all for your meaningful contributions to understanding 'meaning' As well as putting some understanding to the fact that There is 'AN ORDER' to things, BUT not an ORDER that man can always fully understand.

So here are three more words. What do they mean to you... are they words that engage you and invoke life thoughts or do they stir up uneasy feelings, or disinterest.

Freedom

Forgiveness

Truth

Look forward to your thoughts

Kingdom Words Part 1

2007-06-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

I have been on a journey of discovery and proceesing the language we use to describe the kingdom. Sometimes we utilize words that are loaded that eliminate people from the dialogue. For example the word 'holy' disengages many people from talking about God. So I want to over the next while throw out some words and get you to put your definition to it. These words are either life giving or disengaging. Please tell me which it is for you and what it means... to you... or give a quote that best decribes the word for you...
These words in their positive are often universal
1st Word

Meaning

tell me your thoughts

Unique User Experiences

2007-06-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

Some of the most effective Marketing done in the world is all about creating a user experience where the user feels that it is all about them.

Where do we go wrong with this?

"Until talking about the users/customers/members/clients becomes the most important thing, we're going nowhere good. And no matter how many companies pay it lip service, the meetings tell the real story. It's staggering how many meetings I've been to where nobody is advocating for the users. Nobody. Yet everybody is advocating for ways to do what "upper management" wants or ways to save money or ways to... you know, many of you probably work in the companies I'm thinking of." Kathy Sierra

Seth Godin puts it this way... "if the user thinks its broken ..then it is!!!"

I seem to hear this cry from so many in many leadership or industry conversations that 'people are so selfish and we need to break that' Maybe instead of fighting it we need to learn how to work with that. Maybe there is something broken ... and maybe if we focused more on creating a great user experience we would actually be able to engage people rather than bore them to death.

Ever played buzz word bingo... Here is a 'User experience' bingo card ... which one reflects your organization or thinking? [adjust wording to fit your cultures terminology[church or corporate]

Listen in your meetings ...what is being said? ...this might be a good exercise to see where your organization will be in the future [your talk will be markers to where you are headed].

Seriously bring this to your next gatherging and check off the boxes that are most accurate.

Example A

'its not our fault'

Example B

focusing on the User

MAYBE even try saying a few of these in your next meeting... see what happens. Will people look at you as if you were from outerspace? Or will they applaud your thinking for the people?

Thoughts and reflections?

TIA - AFRICA owns a peice of me!!!

2007-05-16T15:44:00.000-07:00

Neighboring School kids.

We are very excited to announce that a Dream for us is coming into reality.
For sometime I have been wrestling about what to do about Africa... Everytime I would see something on TV or come across some kind of article on Africa it would wreck me ... Inside I just wanted to do something but did not know where to start. Now I know there are many well meaning and good organizations in Africa that are making a differnce but me writing a check and sending off a few dollars so someone else could do something seemed sort of 'not me.' 'I MUST do something for my sake and for my family's sake' was what keep running in my mind.

So after 6 months of searching and talking to several people ... as of this week its official. I have purchased land in Africa. No we will not be moving there but we will be investing our lives into there and for generations our family will shed some of us into that continent. It is in a small villiage in Western Uganda - about one hour from the Congo Border. Right now our land is being planted with banana trees to help feed the school kids who are on the land right beside us. We have plans for buildings and more. There is so much behind this story that we will probably deidcate a web space to it specifically [blog or something].

I will be starting soon to report on it because we really want to share this journey with others but if you want to see the area we purchased here are the coordinates 0° 1'40.69"N 29°56'13.42"E. For those of you who use google earth you can view the placemark here.

We are the poor ...

2007-05-10T22:55:00.000-07:00

“Do not presume, well-housed, well-warmed, and well-fed, to criticize the poor.

We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men."

Emerigng What???

2007-04-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

Under a few heavy deadlines this week... so a short thought.

There are many who ... Some have labeled me as an emergent thinker.
Not sure if I agree or even understand what people think this means.
So in light of that I ask the question...
What do you think is emergent?... Lets avoid the Branded, american, Brian Mclaren, Miller marketing tactics and get to the root of what this really means.

Emergent is...

Bono_Bytes Part 1

2007-04-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

If I had the opportunity to sit you all down with Bono for a little one on one it would be great but lets do the next best thing... I will bring him to you by blog. Besides it might be a little complicated for some of you to control your 'sneezing' ['um hi Bono this is my pe...er I mean sneezing friend'] Or 'Hi Bono this is my friend who sleeps under a picture of you every night'

I am not a person who goes googlie over celebrities nor do I appreciate how many times the American Church tends to idolize certain folk. This is not the purpose of my blog this week. I want to share with you over the next few weeks some perspectives of a Rock Star who is a normal person who chooses to take what he has been given a do something... not because I think Bono is absolutley right but I find myself profoundly identifying with his thoughts... Ever had those moments where you find yourself saying "Exactly what I was thinking, or if only my friends could here this thought process... maybe they wouldn't think I am so 'out to lunch."

.

These Videos are not a word for word representation of BONO's worldview they are bytes of ideology compiled together [originally by yours truly] ... you will get the drift.
This weeks video is about the poor [building on my last post] Weeks after will have bytes on Church, Faith and life.

So Listen, and please take a moment to comment, criticize, craft your own ideological paradigm.

Comment away.

Money & Arrogance?

2007-04-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

In the past I have posted a few articles on money and wealth.

I do know I have a few more that I want to post in the future. [Particularly on 'A Theology of economics'] There are many people I brush shoulders on a regular with who are wealthy or really have a desire to be wealthy. I personally set out some personal wealth objectives a few years ago ... At this point in my life I am very close to reaching my my objective. I am now realizing that when I set those objectives I was thinking too small and I now need to re-evaluate think bigger and more long term. That being said I think there is a great diversity on the way people think about money. Our thought towards money differ quite significanlty. I want to put three [3] simple thougths out there for some feedback.

1) Poverty isn't about 'not having' ... its more about a mind set that says 'I don't have enough.' I have met millionaires who are poverty stricken and I have met some very wealthy people who have 'nothing.'

2) Our money out lives us... are we thinking about the impact of our wealth 150yrs from now? Are we building a legacy of wealth for our families so our visions and dreams can live on?

3) Money does not corrupt you ... it exposes you... whether you are 'poor' or 'rich' - your attitude towards money is a reflection of whats in your heart.

Do money issues stir distrust in you?

Are you overly concerned about not having?

Or are you so concerned about saving for a 'rainy day' that you are withholding important and life giving experiences from yourself or your family? [ie holidays, special gifts, proper clothing etc.]

Are you holding on to a miserable job, just because it gives you a secure income? [that IMHO is a form of prostitution].

Are you afraid to take a step into that entrepeneurial venture because it might mean you potentially could lose possibly everything?

Do you look at your work/employer as your source? So in other words ... is your faith in job security?

Please give me some feedback.

The 7 Modern Sins:

2007-03-24T10:24:00.003-07:00

* Politics without principles
* Pleasures without conscience
* Wealth without work
* Knowledge without character
* Industry without morality
* Science without humanity
* Worship without sacrifice.

Comments?

The Greatest Sin

2007-03-02T15:01:00.000-08:00

I am away with Family this week on a wonderful trip to LA.

Some thoughts while I am away.

Sometimes I think the Church is afraid to lose its purity. I am more concerned that she loses her Grace.

Fear has never accomplished any good and leaving people alone is not the call of the Church.

Sometimes in an effort to remind people the cost of the cross ... we withold grace until we are sure they understand their sin ... but its in giving of our grace that we remind people that they need to go to Jesus to find their own. People understand their sin without our help... its Grace they need help understanding.

Would love to hear your feedback.

Erosion or Evolution

2007-02-22T19:33:00.000-08:00

30-40 years ago there was an incredible value in institutions that were present as anchors for people to go to in crisis. Churches, hospitals etc etc. Large buildings were constructed as icons of refuge that people could identify as places of help.
Old neon signs that said ‘Jesus saves’ flashing on the street, or large crosses on the steeple of the church etc etc. these Were edifices of hope in days gone by.

Today there is the claim that there is a erosion of the fabric of society that the icons of faith are being rejected. This would seem true if our icons have become more important to us than the essence of the kingdom.
I would suggest that there has been a evolution rather than an erosion. Faith and values are under no more risk or erosion now than they have faced in the last 2 millenia. BUT the icons or anchors are different and shifting from what we have known. They have evolved from institutions to people (we talk much about decentralization but don't really see that trickling down to everyday life). As people of faith we must be anchors of refuge and reference points in an ever changing landscape.
Your ability to be an anchor in your community is the metric of a holy life.... Am I separate is not the metric or more accurate ... what does it mean to be separate? We have so misconstrued the idea of being separate. Of course the scripture always brought up in these scenarios is 'be holy as I am holy' we instantly understand this term as meaning be separated from the world. What if it were to mean only that we are to fulfill what we are made to do… that we were to complete what we were destined for.
Fulfill the message of Christ through our lives. Not necessarily by our behavior but more so by the fact that we have a purpose and we are living up to what we were made for. How will people know we are different? Because we are doing what we are made to do? Not by what we do and do not do. As soon as Christians look to make a line of demarcation between them and other humans (ie we must be 'different' in our behavior) we actually fail in being holy... We cease in fulfilling our designed meaning in being faithful to our purpose.

The struggle happening today with what is known as the emerging and its erosion of morals is more a case of people in the past majoring on minors and creating moral codes for things that just simply do not matter. In doing this people have been left to re sort through all of the mixed messages to try discover the real issues. Some are simply lost because the real issues were never really made clear. Some are going to stray and be lost but part of this is the result of the mixed moral messages that the modern era has projected.

Man is made to live in community, with purpose and hope. The three primary questions of humanity are who am I? What am I here to do? Who do I belong to?
The secondary questions would be am I free to make choices? Is there joy in what I am doing?

Jesus claimed as his purpose…

Luke 4
18 The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to
the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Our purpose is no different...

To bring freedom from oppression in our neighborhood and abroad and help others find their answers to these questions. If the church is oppressing people with its mixed messages it has missed the heart of Jesus, it is being unholy and is not set apart as the scriptures truly suggest. A pseudo holiness is an accurate term ...

My whole message is summed up in this... Holiness (in a NA Xian paradigm) is not the most important message ... The most important message is that the kingdom of God is amoung us and are we living what we are made for? Who am I? What am I here to do? Who do I belong to? Am I living under oppression ? Can I be free? Or Am I free to make my own choices?

My struggle with the church, emerging or not is this ... And this is why I must admit... I do not like what I see... This troubles me ... It preaches freedom and deliverance but in reality it oppresses and blinds people from seeing the real Jesus. That to me is the lie of the ages... The intolerable hypocrisy that I pray in my lifetime I will see eroded into oblivion.

Now many who may read this may in their minds say 'Mark you go too far... We must have a moral code ... We must stand against this erosion and decay that we see deteriorating the very essence of our society.'

In essence I agree that there is a moral code that living by that will bring healthy and whole life... BUT... Our first goal in helping people do this is not by becoming a filter and declaring to society the evils that it is sleeping with... The value is that we help those that are oppressed get to the right questions. And the end of the day I am not sure if God is concerned about whether or not we were 'holy' but maybe he is more concerned about how we are breaking the bonds of oppression and bringing liberty to peoples lives. In doing that that may mean I might need to sit down with a person and walk with them through their addiction and rationalization of the behavior and help free them from their oppression. But a trite declaration of what is right and wrong does not bring freedom or liberty but can actually bring more chains of oppression than anything.

Your comments are welcome.

Leadership is What?

2007-02-14T18:41:00.000-08:00

In some honest dialogue with a friend this question arose?
Is there a difference between influence and manipulation?

Influence: the action or process of producing effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of another or others

Manipulation: exerting shrewd or devious actions especially for one's own advantage.

Leadership is influence? or leadership is manipulation?

Some leaders reflect a leadership model that could be like

Magicians - using slight of hand to get results

Magistrates - Working behind closed doors to make things happen

Monks - in a world of their own and feel they must be distanced from the 'rest.'

Are some of the leadership practices you carry out to protect your own job or ego?

Is the deisre for accolades or internal satisfaction, or recognition leave you double clutching on certain decisions that you know are the best for your company, church, or group that you are leading but making those decisions may complicate your own metrics of success?

Are you ready to live in obscurity in your organization to see others succeed?

Does your leadership paradigm sometimes not allow you to be yourself and as a result you live a lie in front of the people you lead? [ie. I can't show weakness or incompentency]

Is your frustration with the status quo leave you thinking that you can do better, you have the answers and your arrogance in your absolute opinion isolates and marginalizes the people you need the most?

Is your frustration with a power structure that marginalizes you more a reflection of your Ego and not an honest desire to pay the personal price to see positive cultural change?

Do you project your own issues as a cultural dysfunction in your workplace? [you hate your current leadership simply because you can't have your way]

Several things to consider...

Web 2.0 in under 5 min

2007-02-08T15:43:00.000-08:00

I could say alot on this but I will keep it short...

For those who are still thinking the internet is for your information AKA 'the information hiway' ... well ... FYI

Its more than a resource... or as some would cry as an unecessary evil... Do we understand the times we are in and the implications...applications of such a thing/time as this?
Do you see the connection? Can you make a connection to your faith/church/culture?

Maybe answer this... Can we seperate form and content when it comes to our faith? Are we Faith 2.0? Maybe this is part of the tension of the 'irrelevant church'?

Thoughts

Food for thought

2007-02-04T22:47:00.000-08:00

Comment on this thought...

Its possible to do all the right things and still get the wrong results?

If so why are people so obsessed with getting things right?

'Oh Some Uh'... Thoughts

2007-01-25T09:58:00.000-08:00

Most times I reserve my opinion on War and Terrorism simply becase this has been 'laden' down with so much east west propoganda. I wanted to share a few thoughts to consider...

***I do not understand Arabic naming conventions so forgive me if I get them convoluted.
****I do not want in anyway to propogate any thought or fear that would suggest Osama represents Islam and its true tenets. I am not an Islamic Scholar but would invite a meaningful conversation with any who would teach me some more on Islam.

"The difference between jihad in Islam and extremism is like the earth and the sky "
Sheikh Tantawi

It is time to revisit some common assumptions about Osama Bib Laden and Islam.

Osama Bin Laden will forever be known as the poster boy for terrorism and Islamic radical fundamentalism. I will in no way ever suggest that what was done on Sept 11 what or is being done by terrorists is justifyable but I think what we think of their motivation is needs to be challenged. Are these things being propogated by world views that have allowed their rhetoric and semantics to control their policy and perspectives.
Many people who want vindication for what has happened have classified Bin Laden as an evil christian hating, child brainwashing leader carrying out a war against the infidel of the west [interesting that we think the West is the beacon of Christianity]. Some even think there is a close parallel between Islam's holy war against the West and George Bush's holy war against Islamic terrorism.
This view of the war is founded, however, on a superficial understanding of Bin Laden's rhetoric declaring a religious war of civilizations.
Bin Laden does speak of the world as being divided into a "region of faith" and a "region of infidelity."
QUESTION - Could this 'infidelity' simply be a statement/question that is made by many towards christians? 'What you claim and What you live are two different things and that is intolerable'?
Osama at times defines the clash as one between Muslims and the "crusaders."But the context of Bin Laden's arguments clearly shows that he is not speaking of a religious war between Islam and Christianity.
In the same infamous videotaped remarks in which he talks about these conflicts, he praises Christianity. In one statement, he observes that Islam respects the prophets of Judaism, Christianity and Islam "without distinguishing among them."
According to Islam, Judaism and Christianity are incomplete but genuine revelations. As monotheists, Jews and Christians have historically been entitled to Muslim respect and even protection.
In every Islamic empire, from the Umayyad to the Abbasid to the Ottoman, Jews and Christians were permitted to practice their religion, and in no Muslim regime has it ever been considered legitimate to systematically kill them.
But Sheikh Sayyed Muhammad Tantawi, head of Al-Azhar University in Cairo, recently argued the traditional view that "Islam has never been and will never be at war with Christianity."

For bin Laden to declare war against Christianity would divide even the radical Muslim camp.

The influential radical Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi has said that Muslims "believe in the Jewish and Christian Scriptures. Our Islamic faith is not complete without them."Islamic radicals such as bin Laden make their case against America and the West not on the grounds that these cultures are Christian, but on the grounds that they have abandoned true Christianity".

In his May 2006 letter to President Bush, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad faulted America not for being Christian, but for being intolerably hypocritical. These statements are a reminder that oftimes this is classed as 'persecution' but MAYBE should be classed as a reality check!!! People do not respond to a title of christianity that we so many times hold tightly to.

When bin Laden calls America a crusader state, he means that America is on a vicious international campaign to impose its system of White Middle class, imperialistic meltingpot 'Completely labeled as Xian but not' values on Muslims.
QUESTION - Since when did the white middle class have the corner on Chrsitianity?

In this way, Bin Laden argues that America is hell-bent on destroying the Muslim religion. The rallying cry of Islamic radicalism is that "Islam is under attack." In a 1998 declaration, Bin Laden called on Muslims to "launch attacks against the armies of the American devils" and to kill Americans, whom he identified as the "helpers of Satan."

Maybe there is some truth to that if chrsitians are not showing the real message of the Kingdom but another they are hypocrites and anti-christian and 'helpers of satan.'

QUESTION - If missionaries today who are engaging people in Islam set aside the term Christian - for the sake that it has been identified with a political policy and a western worldview and focused on allowing the essense of Christ come out of them, would there be a concern about proteting their lives and a fear of being a martyr? Yes there is concern and the need to be careful on how to engage nations with the Gospel BUT ...

QUESTION - Do we need to dig our heels into the ground and say We are Christian and stand against Islamic fundamental radicals.

QUESTION - If an Islamic radical had a gun to my head and asked if I was Christian What would I say? Do I answer the way that makes me a martyr? [as that seems to be almost our own passage to sainthood] or do I answer the way that disposes the paradigm of western middle class religious elitism as Xian?

In the words of Jack Bauer - "I am not afraid to die, I just don't want to die senselessly"

2007-01-14T19:51:00.000-08:00

One of the Church's largest dilemna's for the 21st century is not the learning of new ideas but its need to jettison and unlearn many of the processes that the last 500 years has established.

Thoughts on this matter.

1) It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.

Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC)

2) An education isn't how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It's being able to differentiate between what you do know and what you don't.

Anatole France (1844 - 1924)

True /False. Agree Disagree???

In defense of What?

2007-01-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

One of the ongoing frustrations for me in my experience is that fact that many times people live such compartmentailized lives that their faith does not trickle down into the everyday elements of life. Sam Harris [Letter to a Christian Nation] says this is one of the largest proofs of the small mindedness and falsities of Religon. A person can call themselves a Christian and have no care for the environment or carry a restricted weapon. etc etc etc. No sense of holistic world view. This I think is a valid argument to not believe.
Many times people defend what they think is Christianity but thay are only defending a twisted and cultural perspective of belief. My life goal is to value a Biblical worldview and to let that be expressed through every element of life. I am sure many people would agree with this statement, but when this belief really gets down to the nitty gritty elements of life there is often a major disconnect.

A Biblical worldview means embracing people where they are at in life and not always reverting to a thumping, right wing, homophobic, utopian and polished, smile all the time approach.
A Biblical world view is messy and and uncomfortable at times ... it stretches your experience of God ... of people and your own belief systems where you find yourself saying "Have I watered down my faith?"
A biblical worldview is the approach that begins to draw life out of people that leads them to say things like... "This Jesus thing is intriguing and I think He is fucking awesome" or sitting beside a porn star on a flight, listening to their story and acknowledging that God is present and at work in their world.
A Biblical worldview does not seem to worry so much about defending a cultural standpoint sorting out the right and wrongs but simply discovering the spaces where God is working and going along for the ride and at times co-partnering with Him to see something happen.
A Biblical Worldview is about 'the a biotic narrative ' There is a unique power in story. Stories have the ability to shape and change the way people view things. One short story can bring meaning and context to most situations. Stories go beyond debate and lead towards possibility; they can shut down conflict and bring intrigue. When people begin to tell stories they come alive, their eyes sparkle and they attract the attention of others. Each person’s story becomes a part of another person’s story and as this happens people realize their stories are a part of a much bigger story – God’s. Where are the 'living stories' unfolding around you that you have not taken the time to hear? Unexpected people, unexpected power, unexpected revelation.
The Biblical Worldview is more about the living than the dead.
A Biblical worldview has nothing to do with having a position statement or a dogma on any particular opinion.
A Biblical worldview demand that we care for our environment and speak up for those that cannot speak up for themselves. Whether oppressed by economics or other.
A Biblical Worldview lives in tense greyscale. Jer Postal
A biblical worldview would incorporate prayer in everything, the little and the large- the possible and impossible Steve O
A Biblical worldview means I believe God is always teaching me at all times through everything and everyone I'm in contact with [Slighty edited to change the word Christian to Biblical] Paul M
A Biblical worldview is the discipline to love (even when hated), to serve (even when exploited), and to give (even of what little you have). d'mack

So in reading this please take a moment to add your own to this list... Just start your comment with a #

Thoughts

2006-12-28T20:29:00.000-08:00

Christianity started out in Palestine as a fellowship; it moved to Greece and became a philosophy; it moved to Italy and became an institution; it moved to Europe and became a culture; it came to America and became an enterprise.

Agree/Disagree?

A new experience

2006-12-21T21:57:00.000-08:00

So I have heard people talk, write, romanticize about this... but it has never happened to me ... until now!!! You know how it goes ... you are standing in a crowded room and a certain person walks into the room. Your both scanning the room and when your eyes meet theres something that stirs you inside. And as you continue to gaze you know thats its a mutual feeling. Fortunately I was able to catch this moment on video tape [although a little shakey- stupid zoom]. Take a look. I have to admit .... my heart melted.

I learned a thousand lessons in those few seconds that transpired. One of them was the desire for a son to have Dad's recognition and the depth that that brings to his life. I can never forget the power of that light that came into his eyes when he saw his dad.
Ethan and Aidan I am your biggest fan and know that I am proud of you, I love you and I will always support you!!! NO MATTER WHAT!!!
[PS Love the nose picker classmate too...]

Expectation

2006-12-13T18:47:00.000-08:00

In many leadership roles a leader must learn to manage expectations.
What is the greater challenge?

Working through the expectations of those you lead and lead with?
or working through your own internal expectation of yourself?

Jettison the Candy Canes

2006-11-29T19:59:00.000-08:00

Just a few short weeks until Xmas. Every year I try a strategy with my boys. I get one of those mini-candy canes and I put it in a highly visible spot in our home. I tell the boys when thet see these candy canes that if they wait they will grow and Grow and Grow. My plan is that every few days I get a bigger candy cane and trade it while they are asleep so eventually they would have one of those massive candy canes. It would bring out this wonder and awe of a mysteriously growing candy cane and an element of perseverance.
Now of course all they can think about is that little one before their eyes. So far no matter how well we lay out the plan they jettison the plans for a taste of that little candy cane.

I have experienced this on several levels with many people. One thing that I know about myself is that I REALLY believe in people and I want to see them succeed. Often times I have sat down with a person and helped them discover some personal goals. In doing this I have watched some pretty amazing and inspiring plans laid out BUT in the midst of tough times people jettison themselves from those plans. Challenges come and panic sets in and quick decisions are made that throw everything out the window. So this leads me to a few questions

1. How many times in our lives do we jettison ourselves from a preferred future in a moment of difficult times?

2. When are there moments when we exchange a better future to ease that sense of panic or fear?

3. Why do we avoid fear?

4. Are we aware that in the middle of those moments of panic those are the moments where we are able to find solutions and breakthrough?

In your dark moment... don't panic ... don't jettison yourself on the eve of your breakthrough?

Just maybe ... just maybe tomorrow morning there will be a bigger candy cane.

And Now for something Completely Different

2006-11-25T19:30:00.000-08:00

I haven't really allow this side of my life to be expressed on this Blog ... I am an avid entrepeneur. I love to see ideas become reality and then monetized. I am always exploring ideas and finding ways to create wealth. Maybe in the near future you may see a blog dedicated to this avenue of my life, I am bouncing some ideas around about starting a group of entrepeneurs that want to create wealth together and explore and pursue ideas. These things are important to expanding our 'kingdom' influence

But for now I thought I would post this article that I wrote for another entrepeneurs blog. This is one strategy that I have found to be working well.

Give it a read...

6 Simple steps to Creating your wealth.

There are a variety of options to build a wealth portfolio. I have a strategy that I have done that is working well, has marginal risk and would be considered a conservative approach. My primary residence is my source of building a portfolio. When I purchase a home I have a certain criteria that I follow. There a different options here depending on your own preference. I focus on new homes but it can be done with older homes... Just more hassle. A caveat must be laid out here... It does not always work as planned so a person must be ready to hold on to a place if needed.

1) Look for a new development in a community that is growing. New developments tend to want to get some of their first units sold. So pricing is aggressive and a quick research study will show that your best opportunity is in phase 1. The last place I bought I got a 3000 $ gas card as well as a good price. I bought the first place in the whole complex (keeping on top of the emerging developments always helps).

2) The strategy is to decide before you even move in what your magic number is. How much equity gain is worth the flip. My number is usually 40000 this will cover all your legal fees as leave you with some good coin.

3) Timing - when the market has grown and your equity is where you want it begin to shop around and kick the tires on some deals. Be prepared to move quick if need be. Our last place sold in 1 showing.

4) always always always... Buy something that will fit in with market demand. Don't buy a one bedroom condo in a community that is built towards young families. 2 bedroom townhomes 1200 -1300 square feet are good items right now because the market caters to first time buyers who probably will not want much more or can't afford much more.

5) Keep it rollin...try as much as possible to roll your gains into your next purchase. I have not done this in every case simply because I wanted to do other ventures but as much as possible let that money roll into your equity. You decide what that means for you... I like to risk and try new things thus I have lost a lot of money as well as made a fair sum.

6) Stick to the plan do this strategy every 12-18 months depending on the market and you should be able to have next to 500,000 after about 6-7 years ... Provided you keep rolling and do your homework.I have done this threetimes in the last 24 months and have grossed over 115,000.

Love to hear your thoughts...

What is your Question

2006-11-14T12:30:00.000-08:00

I hear many times in many conversations with people emerging, submerging, diverging, or other [insert your own] a common thread. I am not sure where it comes from but its a common thread. "I want to know my purpose" "Discover what your purpose is and you will live a fulfilled life." This seems a bit of a myth to me.

We spend a lot of time in our lives looking for 'OUR DESTINY.' BUT I want to encourage you Rather than look for your purpose look at all the questions that you have... about life, about God, about whatever. Sift through all of those questions and find one. I would think that even more important than discovering what your purpose is, is discovering what your question is. What is your big question? The question you always come back to regardless of the shifting landscape of circumstances in your life. When times are good... the question is there... when times are Bad the question is there.

What is your question? that might shed a light on your life journey more than you think. Your questions say much about you and how you see you world. There is no such thing as a wrong question.

Some might say "Who Am I?" for others it might be "Am I good enough?" For others it might be "What next?" or Why?

Take a moment to think it through and then if you dare... Post your question?

FYI - for all you who like to 'fix' others please refrain ... the purpose of this exercise is one of self discovery in a learning community.

Uncertainty

2006-11-05T11:12:00.000-08:00

I figure with some blogging happening on truth and certainty . I want to mention I think that the most certainty I have on anything is that we are in times of uncertainty.

Within uncertainty it is more important to identify direction rather than destination. Goals should be replaced by ethics, and transparency enables leadership and management to face uncertainty & complexity in an unknown future.

We must learn how to thrive and grow in uncertainty rather than trying to find certainty.

Agree disagree?

'Nothing' is the space for everything. Live with Negative Capacity

Oh and BTW I am very excited that Kim has decided to enter the world of Blogging

Interesting things to be aware!

2006-10-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

There are some interesting things in development in our world ... I track the development of a group called the World Futurist Movement [WFM]. Late last year ... the group came up with 10 major issues that the world will face in the next 50 years.

Many demographic specialist predict the world will reach 9 billion people within 30 yrs. This prediction is based on current trends in population growth. This projection made by many is incorrect however. According to the WFM we fall behind [yearly] in global grain production by 10%. That means 10% of the world is not getting staple foods [aside from the other issues that are causing mass starvation]. North American Corporations such as Ford Motor Co and Husky Oil, as well as several members of Congress and Canadian Politicians are attempting to make a motion that 45% of all North American Grains will be utilized for the production of Ethanol [a fossil fuel replacement]. This again causes a greater need for food and proves a severe lack of vision by several North American Leaders.

In all this ...the bottom line is that the world population will decline.

Found a few interesting articles today that state that this is already happening in Europe and Russia.
"A dramatically declining population is one of the most acute problems facing Russia today. The country's official population, now around 143 million, is shrinking by 700,000 every year. By 2050, some experts predict that the country's population could be as low as 120 million."
Radio Free Europe

"In countries - both modern and less developed -throughout the world, birthrates and fertility rates have fallen at an astonishing rate. Because of extremely low fertility, Europe has already begun losing population and is projected to fall from 725 million today by approximately 100 million people or more by mid-century, and continuing thereafter. Japan will fall from over 125 million to just 110 million. In less developed countries the fertility rate is about 2.7 and falling fast; about 25 such countries are already at or below replacement level.
Among the modern nations, only the United States is an exception to the trend, as it is likely to grow from about 285 million to about 410 million people by mid-century because of higher fertility and continued robust immigration."
FutureScan

Now interestingly enough there is a movie about to come out that kind of plays into this... On Christmas day for that matter [stop and think about this for a second].

Now I don't know about you ...
but someone is trying to say something...

But what
are they trying to say?

This leads me to a few questions
What are the causes of the decline in the Birth rate? Keep in mind that this is a global issue not just a pocket of populations here and there. So its not just economic.

Are there significant sociologic, economic, environmental and theologic implications to this?
How should the church respond to this type of trend?
A fundamentalist approach might be the thoughtless... 'this is a judgement from God.' Is it that?
Or is it something more? Maybe if we dig a little deeper we may uncover a 'Cry from the hearts of men.'

Are we mere victims to a evolutionary development in humanity or are there some key significant thinking processes that are causing this shift?

Is anyone making the connections? Seeing beyond what the trends seem to be saying?

Does hope tie into this? Does hopelessness effect the
birth rate?

Or Trust?

Or community?

Reel Courage

2006-10-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

Hey

I think its something to celebrate when someone takes a step towards a dream. Many people dream but few dare to pay the price to see those dreams come to reality.

PROPS to Matt Hawkins who has stepped out in a journey... I am glad to knwo him and have the honor to call him a guy who I work with. Matt if you read this know that I celebrate your successes and will be in your corner in the dark moments.

Read this for more info.

Take courage folks and step out. Stop Dreaming!!! Its time to Act!!!

Confession Time

2006-10-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

Ok I have to make an honest and frank confession . . . Many of my acadamia buffs will cringe and maybe not wanto be my friend any more ;) but I just have to throw this out there.

I HATE READING BOOKS... I DO NOT READ BOOKS ... I DO NOT VALUE READING BOOKS!!!

Several times in conversation and someone will stop me and say... you've read Rob Bell's book, or 'that idea is from... such and such a book' and Folks I have to confess .... NO IT IS NOT!!!
I have never read Rob Bell!... I find Brian Mclaren ...very boring, and Donald Miller is a great guy and I have learned a lot from him but I have'nt read his books. Last time I heard him speak I found myself going... these thoughts feel stale.

WHY? YOU ask? Well thanks for asking ...

1) I cannot converse with a book... I cannot challlenge and expand a thinking process. Its there and its static and glaring at me telling me I cannot challenge it and expand on it. I cannot read a book and say... 'WEll I think I agree with a few points and I disagree with others.' That to me is not learning... all that has done is proved that I have an opinion and possibly a very arrogant one.
2) I have been taught all my 'leadership development' years that 'he who reads...leads'... I know many people the claim they read two and three books a month... but where are the exceptional leaders that are emerging from this discipline. People that are going to help shift and change culture. IF those that read lead...then ... PLEASE STAND UP AND DO SOMETHING!!!

3) Regurgitating ideas to me are just that - ... PUKE plain and simple... its when we own an idea that we are transformed by it. NO Let me restate that... Its when we are ready to die for an idea that we are proven to be brilliant/ or delusional.

4) Application of knowledge is what makes people brilliant... not the acquisition of knowledge.

5) What about atmospheric learning... understanding whats happening on a grander scale by processing knowledge thought a wider grid... simliar to that of radio waves. Imagine tuning into all the radio waves that are passing through the air at this moment. Can we intuitively learn from things happening around us? Ever Seen Conspiracy theory... Gathering data and connecting the dots... Those dots can lead you to a remarkable truth.

6) As Alex has mentioned in his blog... Can we learn from the Holy Spirit?

7) Could our system of grading learning be off? Maybe reading is not the best way to learn? My Case - I have never done well in school but I know my mental abilities are above average. I am not suggesting we go out and burn books ... nor am I suggesting people do not learn... but maybe could we try thinking differently about it. I am simply trying to pose a few questions about our value systems.

Of course you are reading this blog ;) Can I get an Amen from anyone out there... or not?

Short and to the point.

2006-09-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

The Scriptures have authority ... but the problem is that we mave given our interpretation the same authority. Many times our limited understanding, but arrogant approach has left us shaming the name of Christ.

I believe in the authority of Scripture ... just not our interpretation of it!
When someone today attacks the authority of Scripture stop and think... maybe they are attacking a poor cultural interpretation that has been skewed as the authority or absolute truth.
I do not believe in our perspective on absolute truth and absolture authority... it has been so confused and mixed with cultural Xianity.

It is not our job to defend the scriptures! They Can stand on their own!!!...maybe we should listen to what people are saying and dig a little deeper. I think many people who question authority have a good point but they are too often marginalized as rebellious or faithless.

Many would make accusation of this being heretical and dangerous... but on whose authority?

Comments?

A Progressive Conversation III

2006-09-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

Very Good conversation!!!

So the essence of what man lost was the ability to sustain life... [life being a broader word than just the physical]

the fall of man was not that he became evil, bad, or depraved. But more the fact that Man has lost the ability to sustain life... our sinful nature is that death is at work in us... ... Jer makes a great point in that 'man's perception of self was changed.'.. he no longer saw goodness but he saw evil.

the purpose of Jesus was to bring the life giving nature of humankind back to a place where we can live in that sustaining element. And see that he was created and intended for good.

Here is the clincher ... any where there is a life giving element... God is in it!!! I have seen this First hand in my experience. People doing good ... the spirit of Jesus oozing out everywhere.

Jesus is a 'life giving spirit'... 'I have come that you might have life and have it to the full'

One of the mysteries of the kingdom I think is that the lifegiving nature of Christ is 'amoung men, in the the midst of men' and at work in them eventhough they do not know it.

Life can be given by even those who we do not recognize as Xian... is it still God? How is it that in some cases the lifegiving nature of Christ is completely absent from those that call themselves Christian?

But yet those that do not know Christ operate in this regularly. Its almost that they know the spirit of Christ but not him personally.

Does this make any sense?

Now filter all moral decisions through this grid... does it give life or death. That is more accurate to the nature of God over a 'right and wrong' approach.

A Progressive Converstation II

2006-09-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

So here is a thought ....

****Note --for all those BIBLE/DOCTRINE police out there ... all of these posts are filtered through a scriptural grid... [YES I know some may find it hard to believe I do believe in the BIBLE ] ... there is a scritpural lense to corraborate this 'theologicial exploration.' I purposely do not list it to save time, and keep it simple.***
***Nor do I try to expand on all the conceptual triggers I am making to peoples comments and thought processes...it would take too long to do this****
****To be conclusive with my thoughts would defeat the purpose of this conversation.***

Looking at some of the great stuff folks have been writing I have to summarize a few

Alex --- Good = the likeness of God.

Cathy --- Some good can bring death?

Jeffro --- All good is God's

Matthew --- good is finding those redeeming qualities of life

Good is the essense of God... Good is life... God is life... All life comes from God... God saw what he made and that is was lifegiving and complete[it was good].

What was lost when man[kind] 'fell'?

Did everything become evil?

Was the good that God spoke of completely removed erased from existence?

Was God looking at his creation and saying 'It is very bad?'

Does any creative being after their creation appears to be less than ideal say such things about their handiwork?

God's articulation on 'good' is its ability to sustain and create life.
If its good then its lifegiving and produces more life... if its evil it brings death!

Agree....Disagree?

A Progressive Conversation

2006-09-14T20:08:00.000-07:00

So after a meaningful converstaion today over slurpees with a few thinkers [Steveo, Dan, and Blake, and some Metrosexual who sat and gazed into his philosphy textbook but said nothing]. I was provoked to look at some things...

a little different

So I want to try something a little different...

I want to post three posts over the next seven days ... Several questions and several statements?
Its a progressive conversation... BUT The only way this works is if you share your thoughts so lets give it a try ...

First Question....

God Created man 'after his own image.' When all was said and done God said "IT WAS VERY GOOD"

WHAT IS GOOD?

Reflections from an airplane...

2006-09-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

On a recent flight to Toronto I met an absolutely intriguing person. I found myself engaged on a meaningful and inspiring conversation for the full flight...from the moment I sat down to the moment I got up to leave [with the exception of the inflight movie and a few bathroom breaks].

Mary Doyle-Powell is a brilliant woman who works with Gifted Children in Ireland [and is a part of the Legion of Mary (another post I will write on this)]. One of the things that we spent quite some time dialoguing on was that every person needs someone else to draw out of them their potential. Many people who 'do not succeed' are unsuccessful because they do not have someone simply believing in them and acknowledging them in their uniqueness.

"Gifted children have special needs that other children do not have. It is often said that "the cream rises to the top" but it is not true that gifted children will succeed on their own without help"

... now stop and think about this for a minute...

how many times to we take this 'cream' mentality to our leadership development and people development? Maybe some of the greatest leaders in your group/class/organization are the quiet ones who don't seem to fit in or are hiding their giftedness to avoid being isolated from their friends.

Those ones who make your job difficult and are somewhat a pain in the keester... are probably the ones who could make a significant difference in your organization.

Now lets shift again for a moment... much talk is spent on the degenerate nature of humanity [frankly this tires me and really accomplishes little] ... but lets think for amoment about the beauty and wonder of God's amazing Creation. Every person created has a uniqueness to contribute to humanity [a special giftedness]. Each persons contribution has a value ... but ...
does your value system embrace their uniqueness? ...
Does it allow them to grow and discover who they are? ...
Does your value system release people to be eccentric or 'to color outside the lines'?
or does it require a certain conformity to fit into your value currency?

Many people claim to value people but at the end of the day do we really value them? Or are they simply a commodity that can be exchanged in our human-economic system?

Thoughts ??? ...

Mary ...You brought hope to me that there are people who honestly and genuinely BELIEVE and want to see people succeed in who they are made to be. Your FAITH IS REAL!!!

I hope to visit you with my family one day in your beautiful little 1000 yr old town. Meetings are never by Chance ...

What is the picture in your mind???

2006-09-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

I think when it comes to our understanding about 'the poor' we are continually missing the point. This was inspired after having a great dialogue with Jeremy Postal and the young adult gang at Classic Rythms a few months ago. We were dialoging on Kingdom language.

In talking about the poor we automatically assume we are talking about a certain class of people. As soon as we envision “poor people” we would most likely have a neighbourhood in mind which would be classified as poor.
Or maybe we have a person in mind, or a street corner where a lot of homeless people seem to hang out. The first thing we should all notice is that whenever we think of poor we think of lack of money. We think of bad housing, crappy jobs, kids with old clothing, sleeping on cement and welfare; all benefactors of not having enough money.

What if the poor that the Bible speaks of isn’t a money thing?

It’s difficult for us to separate the term money from the term poor because money is easy. It’s easy to look at someone and know they are poor. It’s also easy (so we think) to fix them, we just throw money at them.

If we stopped using money as our judgement system I think we would have a lot different of a definition of what poor was around us. Just because someone has lots of money, doesn’t mean they are not poor, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t in need.

Just because someone has no money, and may live in conditions we wouldn’t wish for our pets doesn’t mean that they are poor and want our money. If we could actually train ourselves to not think in terms of poor and rich but in terms of Christ’s value upon them I think we would start to see progress.

The kingdom seems to be about abolishing our cast systems, and that doesn’t happen by constantly pointing at a group of people and saying that they are poor and that you (being rich) are there to help them.
This is probably why Christ told the rich to get rid of everything and give it to the poor and in the same lifetime commended the poor widow for getting rid of everything also.

Jesus took money out of the equation. Money does not matter to God... it is not a factor of value. If you have lots thats ok... if you have little thats ok too. So stop trying to fuss about those that have and those that don't. Sometimes I want to stand up and say ...Just Stop it!!! Our theology of economics is way out of wack!!!

After the poor widow gave her two pennies and if the rich young ruler ever sold all his stuff, they would be equal, the would be where Christ wanted them, unable to achieve status through which we are inclined to try to, through money.

What if in the kingdom, poor wasn’t about money at all?

What if in the kingdom money wasn’t our currency for goods, love, power and security but it was something else?

Jesus ministry didn’t just consist of the poor, it also consisted of the rich, money swindling tax collectors also. Obviously Jesus saw some sort of ‘poor’ characteristic in these rich tax collectors. Maybe our definition of poor needs to change.

But what would it even change to?

On the beach for last week of Summer... but ...

2006-08-26T21:50:00.000-07:00

What is the Gospel?

We speak so much about incarnational ..but when it comes to evangelism there are so many people that are so disconnected from their faith that it is not only irrelevant to the world around them but it is powerless in them as well.

Mental assent is not missional life! We like to cramm our evangelism in a moment when we have someone cornered in the bathroom or in a line up at starbucks, or lunch etc [or enter cheesy street evangelist with 'Turn or Burn Sandwich board].

I have a friend who encountered a certain rally of Christians marching and waving their 'Pro-life' paraphanalia for all to see. MY Friend decided to make a sign that said 'Pro-choice' and stand in an alternate line and wave her banner. The result was interesting... the people began shouting and swearing at her and speaking 'death filled' words. These people were Waving one sign for life and their words and actions were speaking death.

Is this the Gospel that we are proclaiming?

Do we assume that everyone who is not a "Xian' is deaf and cannot hear from God?

My thought I want to throw out this week is this...

"Christians would be far more like Jesus if they focused on drawing out of people what God has already left in them rather than trying to put in what God has left out"

Comments?

Art? Lost in the walls and hallways of our minds.

2006-08-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

Take a minute to watch the Video...

In summary
Respond accordingly

1) What does this art say/mean to you?

2) What are you doing to make statements/cause tension/stir conversation in your community?

3) Where in your life are you getting your faith off the 'walls' and into the real world?

Inspired by a Friend

Avenge-lism ... What the...????

2006-08-11T17:04:00.000-07:00

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
Ghandi

What does it mean to be effectively reaching our world?

What really bothers me is that in many cases we have made evangelism to be something so unnatural and awkward. I think some of this comes to our misunderstanding of what the Gospel is... as well as our misunderstanding of what people think about God and spirituality.

I have many many thoughts to share on this[in following articles]. To be short this time I want to make a statement:

Of all religions, Christianity is without a doubt the one that should inspire tolerance most, although, up to now, the Christians have been the most intolerant of all men

Agree/Disagree? Why?

Faith and Mission ... the Seed bed for doubt and confusion.

2006-08-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

Our faith should not harness us
it should release us.

If you are not doing things for the kingdom because you are overtly concerned with whether its the 'right thing' or that its 'being done right' then I might suggest your faith is weak and not accomplishing its work in your life.

**** DON'T READ ANY MORE ****You could stop right here and respond....

Has your faith or mission brought you to places of doubt and confusion?

True Mission and faith will always lead us to places of question and even confusion about what we really believe about life and Godliness.

How has your faith pushed you to think about expressing things differently? Living life a little on the edge of that line... And in some cases over the line?
Has your faith caused you to ask yourself... There must be more to this?

**** IF YOU HAVE READ TO HERE **** Maybe you want to stop and respond now

Has your mission caused you to go to places that some (or even yourself) would say its not a good place to be but yet your relentless desire live a missional life draws you in like magnet to steel.

Are there moments where your mind (and sometimes a few self-righteous people) suggests I should not be here but your spirit says boldly 'I was made for this'

Have you discovered that there is more life in the world that you thought was dead?

Or are you comfortable with your paint and canvas and really only painting what you imagine the world to be like. Almost blindly stroking the canvas of your world with your black and white and grey but the color and experience that you long for (That will make your painting a real masterpeice) is where you are not supposed to go?

I have come to a place in my life that I want color ... Color is life and I will walk any path, embrace any confusion, and question any question in order to find that perfect tone or hue of the real Jesus at work in the world around me.

Am I opposed to black and white and grey... No! But I want more. There has to be more and I refuse to live in a grayscale world.

Where are you? RESPONSE?

What is Church Anyways?

2006-07-26T22:10:00.000-07:00

One of the defining features of our culture is the desire to self-resource. And the internet is probably the ultimate expression of that self-resourcing. I seek the resources I need for my holiday, my banking, and my insurance on-line. I must confess I have probably spent well over 50,000 on ebay alone.

This change has affected the way that many of us think about our belonging. No longer do we belong to an organization or an institution in order to serve that organization or institution. We look to it to serve us. Instead of being contributors to our communities, we are 'consumers' of them. Now before we jump on the 'consumerism is bad' band wagon and its THE problem of the Western world... hear me out.

It may well be that participant members of Churches remain participants, regardless of the difficulties of participation, because they have a sense of the importance of the institution for the maintenance and transmission of the faith. The key task of the church is to maintain and transmit the faith to others.

On the other hand it may be that the increasing failure to participate by so many is a direct result of a loss of faith in such institutions as places that are effective in their key tasks, and these institutions make demands on us that do not contribute either to mission or personal growth. No help maintaining our faith and no help transmitting our faith. Confession again... I am embarrassed to take my unbelieving friend to church because it feels like a strange world ... even for me.

This is not necessarily a good thing. It may not be a healthy thing. But it is happening, and if the Christian Church is to be truly incarnational, it cannot simply decry what is, and become fruitlessly self-absorbed in what might be.

So it should be no surprise to discover that there are some people, maybe more than a few, who want to be part of a Christian community, to commit themselves to one another in prayer, in learning, and in social action, without the hassle and clutter of participation in the local church?
We could, of course, simply respond by saying that "the Church is, above all things, a sacred community where meeting together is of the essence of what we are. And those people are falling away from the essence of the Christian faith."

But if that was the sum of our response... We would merely add to the number of people that we fail to reach, and increase the number of people that we alienate because we want them to be other than what they are. Creating a hypoctical faith and something that is anti-christ. Jesus was about helping us be who we are not someone we are not.

We cannot blame people who are taught all the skills of self-resourcing from primary school upwards, if they then take those skills and use them to resource their own spiritual pilgrimage.

But could we blame the Church if we failed to respond to them by offering an alternative way to participate in Christian community, and confining them to a choice of sunday-worship-based congregation or nothing?

Thoughts?

Ring Ring.... BLOGGO! Trying to blog from my phone... a new experience.

2006-07-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

In an interesting dialogue with a friend establishing a very valuable ministry in a community...
We began to wonder if Jesus really cared whether he was written in the Values of the organization... Is Jesus a value? Are we so intense about proclaiming our stance or our position that we exclude others who may be on the same journey to God as us? What does Jesus value more... our doctrinal position or people?
Is He so insecure that He has to be named in the foundational values of the or is he more focused on valuing community?
Rather than focusing on distinctives maybe we should be focusing on similarity?
...
I know, I know... what about watering down the truth? Well as I see it...distinctives have led us to so many wars, and crusades of varying sorts they have only marred a beautiful story that God has been desiring to pen in the heart of every culture and people.I would suggest inquiry with those that tradition has seperated might lead us to a deeper understanding of the Grace, love and judgement of God. More judgement is reserved for our distinctives than anything.

Don't have a Vision statement - HAVE VISION - For Christ's Sake

2006-07-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

WHO ARE YOU?
What you see is who you are!!!

Vision is more than a statement.
Statements only make statements;
they do not
conjure images,
or stir faith in people
or give a
sense of preferred future.
A vision is nothing
less than a vision;
it is
something you can see,
something that is better
than what exists,
and is the meaning
behind your relentless action.

IMAGE IS EVERYTHING!!!

Values

a value system is essential to being human.

W H Y ?

if you have not
already thoughtfuly articulated one,
then you are using the default one that your brain
has gathered from experience and passed down by family.

living with your default value system
means that you are always reacting to life
in a way that you can't control.
you do things
that you don't understand.
your thoughts
are confusing to you.
your choices
are inconsistent.
your friends
could be harmful.

your brain
HAS a value system...
but you just don't know what it is.
it's been placed there

subliminally

and does not
necessarily have any rhyme or reason.
the brain automatically
files experiences
and does not determine the true value of long-term gain.

Think about your Vision and Values...

Might help you
Remember

Who you are?

Theotech - A theology of Technology

2006-07-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

When we refuse to incorporate computers into a coherent, comprehensive world view that includes who we are materially, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually, we perpetuate a host of time-honored Western dualisms between self and other, mind and body, nature and culture. These false dualisms -- which have been the intellectual vogue for 400 years -- have created enormously damaging personal and environmental consequences. We struggle desperately to find meaning in a splintered world. We live in a vast chasm of our own creation located between the organic and the made, the sacred and the profane. When all around us is split into pieces, there is no center that holds. We are aliens in the very world we have constructed.

The Scriptures teach that 'a double minded man is unstable in all his ways' Could it be that the ineffectiveness of the 21st century church is due to this doubleminded world view?

Its not what we create that is detrimental to us [for creative power is from God] but it is the dual view that there is such a thing as sacred and profane [secular] that creates dis-integrated humanity.

The only thing that is secular is SIN [Period].
Reading this demands a response.

Can we say Hygenically Challenged!!!

2006-07-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

Well this is the real story! More on the historymaker DVD. I don't know what to say?

Nice work Matt Hawkins and Steve Zunic!

Thinking Critically about Critical thinking

2006-06-29T23:27:00.000-07:00

I find it interesting in much of the dialogues that I hear today that there are two worlds. Those that think, and those that don't. Sounds odd but it is true. There are many people that just live life without much thought at all. So in saying that I have heard much of in my life is ... So as a man thinks - So is he. This leads me to another thought... for people that tend not to think... are they nothing???
For those that do think ... they only seem to think in one way ... is that thinking? Or merely a ghost of genuine/virtual thought?

The people who are praised as such intelligent thinkers are applying citical thought to their world. How is that intelligent? I must admit that critical thought is valuable but its limited in its outcomes? There are only so many outcomes that come out of critical thinking processes. Its usually a win lose dynamic every time. One or the other.

So can critical thinking actually bring change? Is it really thinking? Thoughts?

A Special Clip for a friend

2006-06-26T23:00:00.000-07:00

Hey folks! Just for all your Mullet lovin, Dreams Unlimited people here is a little something special for you.