We are enjoying somewhat of a weird cooling trend here in Nashville this weekend. It will only be in the mid 70s today and shouldn't get above 81 all weekend. It makes me think about my days in Dallas when it would get so hot there were ozone warnings. Seriously.
My mom sent some fun books for Maddie and Ella yesterday. She has been a children's Literature specialist for many years--which is so nice for our kids. Her work with the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature has been such a blessing for her and for them. Authors and illustrators from all over come and showcase their work. We have so many really cool autographed books for the girls as a result of her work there. The latest care package we got yesterday had several Berenstain Bears books. Maddie and Ella loved them!
Perspective. In the grand scheme, There are things that call me to what's important to me. It can even be little things like laughing at Maddie calling a jump rope a "jumper-loop". Or, as she did last night, telling me that I had "stinky feet". Listening to Sheryl talk on the phone with grave concern over someone dear to her and seeing her agonize over their current state of being. Talking to my long time roommate and best man on the phone as he and his wife wait on the Lord and try to put their hearts at rest with regard to expanding their family. Walking through the door and hearing Ella screaming "DAH DAH!!". Watching people hurt all around me. It brings one to consider the things most important.
I listen to people talking about election, bantering non-stop with each opinion obviously trumping the other.
I listen to people dismiss the importance of connecting with this future generation calling it a "phase" or a "bump in the road".
I hear close friends talk about church related things with increasingly more angst and cynicism...and often times, rightly so.
I see more and more people hungering for deeper faith and deeper truth. And I see more and more people content with status quo.
There is a struggle going on. Is it any different than what's been happening for centuries? Maybe. These are new times. We are getting to a point where we are no longer a Judeo Christian culture. The things we have taken for granted can no longer be assumed.
If you've ever seen the Igniter Video's we use in many of the ZOE conferences and worship times, you need to check out volume 2 that's recently been produced. An old ACU buddy, Rob Thomas, is creating great things with this. Volume 2 has a classic--CLASSIC--clip on there called Christians of Genius. Check it out. It's a hilarious look at how we use our dumb Christian-ese. I think you can even watch a bit of it on the Zoe site.
OK--enough from me today. Have a great Friday everyone!
Friday, August 06, 2004
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3 comments:
Brandon,
Awesome blog today, I have struggled recently with how we see the next generation and even our willingness to dismiss it as "This too shall pass." I pray often that we may all truly see the bigger picture in regard to reaching people and traditional operation....Love the new Igniter series, I have completely worn the two series out. Can't wait for three....
Those days you remember in Dallas with ozone warnings....well, that has been this week. Pushing 100 degrees, RED level ozone warnings (basically means it isn't safe for anyone to breathe the air), heat index 110+.... Makes me wish I lived in Colorado sometimes - or that I was visiting TN this weekend! :-) Thank goodness for air conditioning!!
GREAT POST!!!
These days the future seems to be such a double sided coin. One side - The whole post modern influence (to me) seems to be forcing us into a worship that is more intense and real. We are reevaluating ourselves and asking is this what God wants? That has to be good. My children, as you have pointed out, grow up seeing a passion for Christ that is different from what we knew. More practical, more real, more enthusiastic. The church is at least trying not to be a "country club" for members only. We are trying to grow.
The other side... A culture that does not want to be associated with Christ. A population that is more materialistic and selfish than at any other point in time. A world trying to become a community but at the cost of individuality, religion, human rights? Many issues here too!
I always wonder if this time in History is truly unique or if that is just my self centered view of History? Should we turn from politics as Christians or dive in? Do we truly look to what God is guiding us to do, or do we try to think whaere we want to go is what God wants? Time will tell. Thanks for taking me to bigger thoughts today.
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