Current Events

- I'm speaking at CRU next week so I'm trying to figure out what to teach on. Perhaps the story of Jonah chapter 4 and his lack of compassion for people. You know...the call to love what God loves...people!

- I went to the chiropractor for my lower back pain, which since last summer has been like a thorn in my side....or back. Results are TBD.

- The man-challenge outreach is tonight. Truck pulling and jousting will take place along with a couple guys sharing their testimonies and thoughts about what it really means to be a man. I'll post some pictures tomorrow.

There's lots more, but for some reason I haven't had a lot of time lately.

Have a great week and make wise life decisions.

The Starfish and the Spider - Book review (short version)

I just finished this book. Has great implications for how we're doing ministry in our current culture. It tells lots of stories about decentralized (Craig's List, Wikipedia) and centralized companies (Federal government, Music labels), as well as the hybrid company (GE, Ebay). I learned a lot about what a catalyst should be and what empowering people can look like. I heartily recommend it for those that want to be stretched in their paradigms of leadership. Oh, ....and it's fun to read!

no time

We've become Netflix suscribers....now I have no time to update my blog.

Turning Two

Jenna, you turn two years old today. I can’t even fathom this reality. I know I’ll probably continue to say that every year on January 7th for the rest of my life, but the fact of the matter is that long gone are the days of an immobile infant. Now the pitter-patter (i.e. stomping) of little feet can be heard from all rooms of our house.

Jenna, you are a two year old who lives life with passion. This truth is one of my favorite things about you. Whether you’re coloring, dancing, laughing, crying, running, bathing, smiling, reading, playing, drinking, or trying to tickle Mommy and Daddy you do it with such determination and intensity. It’s as if your current activity is the most exhilarating thing you’ve ever done. You love life and people, and you have so much fun interacting with both.

I love the way you give “the pound” to everyone. I love the way you dance to the worship music at church. I love the way you recite all of our staff teams’ names. I love that you talk our ears off with a new word every minute. I love the sound of your laugh. I love that you love to be outside exploring your surrounding and politely saying hi to everyone who happens to pass by. I love that when you give me a kiss good night, often it’s not just one kiss but about 20 in rapid succession on my cheek only interrupted as you throw yourself into the crib for the night.

I can’t imagine life without you now…except before the hours of 7 am when you’re up and want to play and watch cartoons. Bet even at those unholy hours, all it takes is the hope of seeing your bright smile and hearing your little giggle to coax me out of bed and to join you for a snuggle on the couch and an episode of Wordworld on PBS.

You’ve changed my life for sure, making it far more complex and yet at the same time far more rich and beautiful than I’d ever imagined. I wouldn’t change it for anything. My prayer is that your third year is filled with even more amazing discoveries, exhilarating learning and laughing, and much joy for you and for me as your Father.

Now let’s go eat some birthday cake with passion.

A New Year!

Well, my wife is hassling me to update my blog. I guess it's time. The recent delay in posting is mostly due to the reality of a sickness sucking the life out of me.

After spending Christmas with family in Oregon, we drove up the road to Portland for our annual Winter Conference (don't get me started on Oregon's chain restriction policy...it's ridiculous). We had a great time, worked hard and saw the Lord do some pretty neat stuff. In fact the second night 59 students gave their lives to Christ.

We picked up Jenna in Biggs, OR (I'm suprised you've never heard of it) and headed home after the conference. After staying the night with some dear friends in Spokane, which by the way has the more snow than I've ever seen at one time, we finally made it home. Then I made my way to bed and didn't leave the house for almost 72 hours.

Sometimes my life isn't that glamorous.