"A new birth is required if we are to see the signs of His presence. We need new eyes that perceive what is hidden, new hearts of courage to risk all in order to gain what the world deems lost. This new birth is the good work that Paul says God has begun within us. What does it mean for everyday life? The list of specifics is long and filled with risk. It means caring about human problems that most people would rather ignore. It means calling for forgiveness when others call for blood. It means insisting upon justice when others are prepared to settle for order. It means giving money and time without asking, 'what's in it for me?' It means turning our backs upon the idols of pleasure, convenience, and class. It means being satisfied with nothing less than the coming kingdom of God."
- Richard John Neuhas.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Imitation... 11:50 PM
Recently, some good friends of mine rolled through BG. After we had got done eating, we were sitting around talking (and Guitar Hero-ing) and Stockton started doing calisthenics in Dana's belly. (You know how, on the outside of the "moonbounce" you can see it when the exceptionally large kid runs against the wall or jumps especially hard and you can see the moonbounce bulge? - that's what it looked like) Dana gets excited and the hand-on-belly parade begins. Hannah, the cute-as-nothing-else-almost-two-year-old, is third in line and Debbie (the mom) puts Hannah's hand on Dana's belly. Hannah gets google eyed and then Debbie says "Can you feel the baby in Dana's belly?"
We all continued to watch the moonbounce while Hannah moved to the couch. The next time we looked at Hannah, she had her shirt up and was feeling her belly.
There was no baby bounce in her belly, but it was equal parts hilarious and cute.
Here's to hoping Hannah waits for Stockton - two years older is ok :).
We all continued to watch the moonbounce while Hannah moved to the couch. The next time we looked at Hannah, she had her shirt up and was feeling her belly.
There was no baby bounce in her belly, but it was equal parts hilarious and cute.
Here's to hoping Hannah waits for Stockton - two years older is ok :).
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Stars and Bars 11:49 AM
impetus for this post can be found here.
There are some things in this world that I will never understand. (Does this sound like a soapbox?) My brain will never wrap itself around why this isn't a foul (notice especially the hand caressing the backside at :58), why Christians are the world's worst at maintaining the status quo, or why sound and smell are the most powerful senses (I can say Graduation Song 2000 or "middle school boy smell" and you not only know exactly what I am talking about, but your whole perspective changes in about 1.4 seconds).
I have lived in Kentucky for my entire life, yet the Confederate flag is something that I have neither come to understand nor embrace. Rather than being a symbol of "southern pride" it is, to me, a symbol of ignorance, hatred, and a yearning for a thankfully bygone era. There are those in my life who do not share this view. Instead of viewing the flag as a sad piece of history with two too many stars (Missouri and Kentucky never joined the Confederate States although they are represented on the flag), it is a celebration of the "free spirit" and "rebellious nature" of the south and, by extension, the wearer. Unfortunately, not everyone who lived under that flag was free.
I fail to understand how Americans, especially Christians, cannot see that their symbol of pride is one of persecution and put-down for another, and why that isn't enough to take a stand against it. There is nothing inherently evil about a swastika, indeed it is a stylized cross, yet we have mutually agreed that the its symbolism is unacceptable in public discourse. While the Confederate States did not murder three million people, there is still inherent oppression and racism in it, whether it is "confederate states" or "southern heritage". Why is there such difficulty with this symbol?
There are some things in this world that I will never understand. (Does this sound like a soapbox?) My brain will never wrap itself around why this isn't a foul (notice especially the hand caressing the backside at :58), why Christians are the world's worst at maintaining the status quo, or why sound and smell are the most powerful senses (I can say Graduation Song 2000 or "middle school boy smell" and you not only know exactly what I am talking about, but your whole perspective changes in about 1.4 seconds).
I have lived in Kentucky for my entire life, yet the Confederate flag is something that I have neither come to understand nor embrace. Rather than being a symbol of "southern pride" it is, to me, a symbol of ignorance, hatred, and a yearning for a thankfully bygone era. There are those in my life who do not share this view. Instead of viewing the flag as a sad piece of history with two too many stars (Missouri and Kentucky never joined the Confederate States although they are represented on the flag), it is a celebration of the "free spirit" and "rebellious nature" of the south and, by extension, the wearer. Unfortunately, not everyone who lived under that flag was free.
I fail to understand how Americans, especially Christians, cannot see that their symbol of pride is one of persecution and put-down for another, and why that isn't enough to take a stand against it. There is nothing inherently evil about a swastika, indeed it is a stylized cross, yet we have mutually agreed that the its symbolism is unacceptable in public discourse. While the Confederate States did not murder three million people, there is still inherent oppression and racism in it, whether it is "confederate states" or "southern heritage". Why is there such difficulty with this symbol?
Monday, October 8, 2007
Holy Halo? 12:18 PM
The fine line between "relevant" and "Christian" as told by the New York Times.
Thou Shall Not Kill...Except in Video Games
Perhaps more than any "ministry area", youth ministry strives to be on the cutting edge. By getting the kids in the doors with Halo, are we sacrificing content for "community"? Has fellowship become our golden calf?
Thou Shall Not Kill...Except in Video Games
Perhaps more than any "ministry area", youth ministry strives to be on the cutting edge. By getting the kids in the doors with Halo, are we sacrificing content for "community"? Has fellowship become our golden calf?
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Great Day 10:31 PM
Put away your torches and pitchforks (all four of you). Sorry for the HUUUUUGE delay in updating. I feel like I spend most of the week "catching up." One week I'll be a good husband, but a terrible student; the next week I will be an exceptional student, but a horrible husband; finally, when I get it all figured out, I realized I have neither updated my blog nor showered for the past five (or 20!) days. (I have showered during this time period.) I'll spare you the high quality hilarity of the past few weeks and leave the laughter for a later date. Suffice it to say I had the most embarrassing moment of my life followed almost immediately by a more oh-no-please-no moment. Plus we have THE MOST amazing friends and family ever. Each of them need their own trading card to explore the statistical awesomeness. Not today though - that's just a taste for later.
Flip the switch to the present day.
Today was an amazing day. I had my first performance review at my new job. This one went alot better than the last one.
Later, our extended family came to visit on their way through Kentucky. Tony, Debbie, Sam, Madison, and Hannah Grace Akers rolled through and ate delicious food (my wife is the bionic woman - not in that "cold as steel" way, but in that awesome "can do everything" way) and shared life. Tony and Debbie gave me my awesome training, Sam can do a spot-on impersonation of Captain Jack Sparrow (and I can pick him up), Maddi is taller than me, and Hannah is potentially the second cutest baby ever. (The first TBA sometime in November).
Changing table is ready. Crib is up. All they need is a baby - and he is doing DDR in Dana's belly. But he is in need of a middle name. Stockton _________ Go for it peeps.
(I promise it won't take as long for the next update.)
Flip the switch to the present day.
Today was an amazing day. I had my first performance review at my new job. This one went alot better than the last one.
Later, our extended family came to visit on their way through Kentucky. Tony, Debbie, Sam, Madison, and Hannah Grace Akers rolled through and ate delicious food (my wife is the bionic woman - not in that "cold as steel" way, but in that awesome "can do everything" way) and shared life. Tony and Debbie gave me my awesome training, Sam can do a spot-on impersonation of Captain Jack Sparrow (and I can pick him up), Maddi is taller than me, and Hannah is potentially the second cutest baby ever. (The first TBA sometime in November).
Changing table is ready. Crib is up. All they need is a baby - and he is doing DDR in Dana's belly. But he is in need of a middle name. Stockton _________ Go for it peeps.
(I promise it won't take as long for the next update.)
Friday, September 7, 2007
Ruh - Ruh - Random; I'm just blogging about the things that come to my head 4:19 PM
I am so super stoked about an upcoming program in the youth ministry that I can hardly contain myself. "i heART Jesus" is an organic conversation between scriptures and the arts. It will allow artistically inclined students to explore their giftedness through painting, music, drama, and writing. Students will be connected to adults who will guide them through the artistic process. The program will be capped off with a show at the beginning of November where students can display their work. You should pray about this.
I started school this past Tuesday. I have been blessed to have a class with some of my most spectacular friends in all the land. For the first time of my schoolin' career, I felt totally uneasy and not excited at all. As soon as West-Texas-bred Steve Martyn said "I jus' want to blesssss youu" in his down-home Texas drawl, the excitement juice started pumping again. It peaked when, during convocation (opening chapel) Bill Goold, (whose voice is what I always pretended God's sounded like) busted out the two Asbury fight songs (not really fight songs as much as trademark hymns) and ol' Ellsworth gave a halftime-worthy message.
Why does the NFL have Kelly Clarkson and Faith Hill kicking off the season? Are they trying to appeal to the middle-aged women demographic? I understand I am on my way out of the cool 18-25 male demographic, but Faith Hill especially looked out of place. "This Kiss" indeed.
I like Whoopi Goldberg alot. I hope she doesn't pull a "Rosie" on The View.
On Facebook, there are several "One Million Strong Against Hillary" and "I will leave the country if Hillary is elected" groups. Why such vitriol? Because she didn't divorce Bill? Because she actually attempted to be a first lady that did more than host tea-parties and easter egg hunts? I'm not necessarily a huge Hillary guy, I'm just wondering why everyone hates her so much.
My little boy is getting big inside of my wife's belly. Every time the little man kicks her belly, he moves my heart.
(ok, that was a little Hallmark-card-sappy)
(but I don't take it back)
I started school this past Tuesday. I have been blessed to have a class with some of my most spectacular friends in all the land. For the first time of my schoolin' career, I felt totally uneasy and not excited at all. As soon as West-Texas-bred Steve Martyn said "I jus' want to blesssss youu" in his down-home Texas drawl, the excitement juice started pumping again. It peaked when, during convocation (opening chapel) Bill Goold, (whose voice is what I always pretended God's sounded like) busted out the two Asbury fight songs (not really fight songs as much as trademark hymns) and ol' Ellsworth gave a halftime-worthy message.
Why does the NFL have Kelly Clarkson and Faith Hill kicking off the season? Are they trying to appeal to the middle-aged women demographic? I understand I am on my way out of the cool 18-25 male demographic, but Faith Hill especially looked out of place. "This Kiss" indeed.
I like Whoopi Goldberg alot. I hope she doesn't pull a "Rosie" on The View.
On Facebook, there are several "One Million Strong Against Hillary" and "I will leave the country if Hillary is elected" groups. Why such vitriol? Because she didn't divorce Bill? Because she actually attempted to be a first lady that did more than host tea-parties and easter egg hunts? I'm not necessarily a huge Hillary guy, I'm just wondering why everyone hates her so much.
My little boy is getting big inside of my wife's belly. Every time the little man kicks her belly, he moves my heart.
(ok, that was a little Hallmark-card-sappy)
(but I don't take it back)
Thursday, September 6, 2007
"Do you go here?" 11:28 AM
At my church, I am in the process of recruiting prayer partners - adults to pray specifically and intentionally for individual youth. (No props for me for this awesome idea - direct all respect this way This morning, I went to a particular class, populated with elderly women, and had perhaps the most hilarious conversation in my life. This will surely work its way into a message one day - but for now it will be confined to the blogosphere. Read the old lady words in an old-lady voice - that makes it even better.
JB: Good morning. My name is Jason Brown, I am the youth minister here at Broadway. First I want to thank you for the chance to come and talk to you about something that I am very excited about in the life of the student ministry -
Elderly Lady 1: Do you go here?
JB: Yes. I am actually the youth minister. I work with 6th through 12th graders.
EL1: Oh, that's a good group.
JB: It is a great group! And that's why I am here to talk to you today - so often in the church we neglect two major gifts from God, prayer and Christian community. With Prayer Partners, we are not only trying to counteract that, but also to connect you in powerful ways with our young people. If you can pray, you can be a prayer partner. All you have to do is say "Dear God, be with Johnny today." and we will get you information about Johnny so you can pray for specific needs in his life.
EL2: Well, what we do here is we (information removed to protect the innocent) and we give all the money to the ELC (Early Learning Center) because they are next - they will replace us.
JB: Yes, but you have so much still to give - that's why I am here today, to ask you about becoming a Prayer Partner.
EL3: Well, we already work with the ELC.
JB: Really? I didn't know that. Well, really, all you do as a prayer partner is pray specifically for one kid.
EL2: I will think about it. I am a bit slow these days and if I don't get something done in the morning, I don't get it done at all.
JB: Oh well, you wouldn't have to do anything beyond pray for the kid. If you wanted to give them a phone call or send them a postcard, we would bless you in that endeavor but all we are really asking you to do is pray for the kid.
EL1: Do you work with the ELC kids?
JB: No ma'am, I work with the 6th - 12th graders.
EL1: Oh that's a group that needs alot of work.
JB: Well, we all need all the prayer we can get. I think I might be making this sound a little bit more complex than it is. Basically, we do all the work and give you a picture of the kid as well as some information about them. Then, you hang it on the fridge or wherever and whenever you see it you just say "Hey God, be with Johnny today."
EL3: I will think about it. I am just so busy. I have alot of grandkids.
EL4: Will there be a communication sheet in the bulletin?
JB: Actually, we can sign you up right now if you want to. I have a sign up sheet and we can get the ball rolling.
ELs1 - 6: Well, I'll think about it.
JB: Are you on crack? How hard is it to pray? (I did not actually say that)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a little bit frustrated, but I understood going in that this group of folks would potentially hear "youth" and shut down. Why do the majority of folks love the kids (birth - 5th grade) and then become psycho about 6th - 12th? Is it because they challenge you? Because they don't blindly accept what you teach? Are they intimidating because they (youth) pretend to have it together and adults feel like they too have to have it together? This is not a slight on my church. Indeed, I imagine this would be a major exception to the norm of recruiting adults to pray for our young people.
What kind of Christian community can we legitimately claim if we are afraid to even pray for each other?
JB: Good morning. My name is Jason Brown, I am the youth minister here at Broadway. First I want to thank you for the chance to come and talk to you about something that I am very excited about in the life of the student ministry -
Elderly Lady 1: Do you go here?
JB: Yes. I am actually the youth minister. I work with 6th through 12th graders.
EL1: Oh, that's a good group.
JB: It is a great group! And that's why I am here to talk to you today - so often in the church we neglect two major gifts from God, prayer and Christian community. With Prayer Partners, we are not only trying to counteract that, but also to connect you in powerful ways with our young people. If you can pray, you can be a prayer partner. All you have to do is say "Dear God, be with Johnny today." and we will get you information about Johnny so you can pray for specific needs in his life.
EL2: Well, what we do here is we (information removed to protect the innocent) and we give all the money to the ELC (Early Learning Center) because they are next - they will replace us.
JB: Yes, but you have so much still to give - that's why I am here today, to ask you about becoming a Prayer Partner.
EL3: Well, we already work with the ELC.
JB: Really? I didn't know that. Well, really, all you do as a prayer partner is pray specifically for one kid.
EL2: I will think about it. I am a bit slow these days and if I don't get something done in the morning, I don't get it done at all.
JB: Oh well, you wouldn't have to do anything beyond pray for the kid. If you wanted to give them a phone call or send them a postcard, we would bless you in that endeavor but all we are really asking you to do is pray for the kid.
EL1: Do you work with the ELC kids?
JB: No ma'am, I work with the 6th - 12th graders.
EL1: Oh
JB: Well, we all need all the prayer we can get. I think I might be making this sound a little bit more complex than it is. Basically, we do all the work and give you a picture of the kid as well as some information about them. Then, you hang it on the fridge or wherever and whenever you see it you just say "Hey God, be with Johnny today."
EL3: I will think about it. I am just so busy. I have alot of grandkids.
EL4: Will there be a communication sheet in the bulletin?
JB:
ELs1 - 6: Well, I'll think about it.
JB:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a little bit frustrated, but I understood going in that this group of folks would potentially hear "youth" and shut down. Why do the majority of folks love the kids (birth - 5th grade) and then become psycho about 6th - 12th? Is it because they challenge you? Because they don't blindly accept what you teach? Are they intimidating because they (youth) pretend to have it together and adults feel like they too have to have it together? This is not a slight on my church. Indeed, I imagine this would be a major exception to the norm of recruiting adults to pray for our young people.
What kind of Christian community can we legitimately claim if we are afraid to even pray for each other?
