Ramblings On. . .

Today I saw that a group of people who profess to be Christians have decided to picket the funeral of two boys who were murdered by their father. These people claim that this tragedy happened because of Washington State’s recent passing of Gay Marriage bills in the state senate and house of representatives. According to them these two young boys are a sign of God’s judgment.

What?!

Whenever I see this kind of stuff and particularly from this group I get so angry. What a horrible way to respond to tragedy. What are they hoping to accomplish? I have yet to encounter anyone who has converted to Christianity bias a result of picketing soldiers funerals. What I have encountered is a lot of people who become angry at Christians because of this group.

Please stop.

What I truly don’t understand here is whether or not these people have a clear understanding of their own sinfulness. Because if they did I don’t think they would be compelled to picket. Understanding how much Jesus Hans changed me and continues to change me, and how much grace I have received for my own brokenness has forced me to walk humbly in these issues. I don’t think Jesus would have us boycotting the sinfulness of our political structures. When reading the gospels he was more confrontational with religious people.

If we (the Church) actually take the message of the Gospel and the grace therein more seriously and actually live this out, maybe we would see positive changes in our society. Until that happens these picketers are wasting their time and giving everyone who wants to be agents of the grace of God a bad name.

Seriously, please stop.

I have a feeling that the more severe judgement will be on those who cause people to run away from the gospel, or keep people out of the kingdom of God. Does Luke 17:1-2 come into play here? Are these folks protesting funerals and giving Jesus a bad name causing people to sin? Is this action leading others into the death of their spirit?

How is that any different than the sociopathic behavior of Josh Powell who killed his own boys.

Seriously Westboro. You’re killing people. Stop it!

I’ve had a very simple project that I just haven’t wanted to do.  I’ve been putting it off.  I just finished it.  Man that feels good when things like that are done.  

What is on your brain that you know you need to do but have been putting off?  You’ll feel way better if you just get it done. 

Is it a phone call?

Is it a project around the house?

Is it writing the check for that bill that you don’t want to pay?

What is it?

I really think its unhealthy to live with too many things on your mind.  Get them done and get them out of your head.

There are some changes that are coming to Creekside Church.  They are changes that we believe will ultimately help Creekside in the next chapter of our church’s story.  There are two staff members who are no longer going to be on staff at our church.  But they are planning on remaining at Creekside.

These staff changes mean that there are going to be more changes down the road as we bring new people on the team.  Help get them acclimated to our church culture and climate.  Give them the tools that they will need to do their jobs and all that.

Just a whole lot of new stuff coming at Creekside.

Now. I like most people have a hard time with change.  Mainly because change is inconvenient.  I like to have things a certain way.  And I like to have a system.  I like for other people to have their systems and I want those systems to work with my systems.  Any change usually slows down those systems.

However, I am trying to embrace change and to be more flexible.  This is hard for me. But I’m trying to enter into this season of change with excitement.  Because God is way smarter than me.  And even thought I don’t like change, God can still orchestrate these changes.  I want to see what he’s going to do.  I want to see how this all pans out.

God has something cool in store for Creekside.

I’m working through the final round of edits on my Thesis. Some very important questions were asked, and some very helpful suggestions were given.

Part of this process required that I toss half of my introduction.  Such a great suggestion.  It reads much better.

In order to do this I had to come to the painful realization that my words are not an extension of my being.  They are tools that I use to communicate an idea.  Sometimes I need to get rid of some tools.  Usually because they don’w work properly.

It’s very easy to try to defend every idea and sentence that I wrote.  But I want to be a better writer.  When someone who doesn’t live in my head points out that an idea doesn’t work or a sentence isn’t necessary, then I need to listen to those people.

A good editor wants the writer to succeed.  I’m blessed that my editors have all been on my team.

Wouldn’t it be great if we all had editors, people who were trying to help us to make the best possible product, with our whole life.  People who want us to succeed are invaluable.  They come in the shape of mentors, family members, friends.  Listen to them.

The next few days have a pretty crazy rhythm.

Tonight – I have a wedding rehearsal.  Kathy is also working tonight.

Tomorrow – I am doing the wedding.  Kathy is scheduled to work as well.

Saturday – Creekside Comedy for Missions event.  Looking forward to it, I’m even going to do a short set.

Sunday – I’m preaching 9am, 11am and 6pm and I’m starting a new round of pre-marriage counseling at 4:30 pm.

Monday – VACATION DAY!!!!

It’s going to be a pretty busy couple of days but it’s going to be a lot of fun.  And Monday is going to be a great vacation day.

Sometimes my schedule gets crazy on accident, sometimes there are seasons of Crazy.  The important thing that I have learned is what kind of rhythm I need to survive the craziness.  Fortunately I have a lot of vacation days to use up still (I don’t know how) so looking at the craziness of this weekend I need Monday to rest and recharge.

What’s your rhythm?  Do you take breaks before your a busy season or after?

 
This is a great photo blog featuring people from Rwanda who have been torn apart by Genocide.  
Grace and reconciliation are powerful forces. 

Check it out here.

 
"Love is a weapon to destroy evil."

My sister (Heather) gave birth to her baby boy yesterday. His name is Hendrix. I haven’t met him yet but he has a pretty good reputation on the internet already.

Being an uncle is pretty great. I would imagine it’s the next best thing to being a Grandparent. I get to have fun with my nieces and nephews and I don’t really have the parenting responsibility of their kids. I’m still responsible for my own kids of course.

I don’t think it would be a surprise to anyone but I’m not great with babies. But once kids are able to have a conversation I just love them more and more. My oldest nephew Kai is 7. We are playing Words with friends together. I win every time. Not to brag.

My nephew Noah is super funny

My niece Emmi adores me (I have no idea why)

My niece Tay (that’s an abbreviation) Her and Joss love to play princess.

My niece Violet has been giving me the silent treatment. Of course she can’t talk but still . . . come on!

And now my Nephew Hendrix. I can’t wait to get to know you!

This video is great.  If your group is looking for a way to serve together, what if your group operated like these communities: