the Gathering

Update your RSS and Bookmarks--I'm moving!

2006-12-28T15:08:00.000-06:00

Well I've finally moved to WordPress. I’ve been wanting to make this move for quite some time, but didn’t want chock up the $40 bucks/year (i know, it’s cheap…even compared to TypePad), plus I was looking for a good excuse to initiate the move. The combination of the new year and inevitable force to the new version of blogger seems like a good reason to do so. I mean, if I'm gonna have to do all that coding to keep this old template in the new blogger, I might as well spend that energy coding a brand new spiffy blog.

Many thanks and a huge shout out to my mom who purchased my domain name and server space from GoDaddy.com for my birthday.

Anyway, this blogger.com blog has become kind of confusing. It's titled, as you can see, “the Gathering”. Whenever someone links me up or quotes me they say, “Jeffrey at the Gathering…”, leading some people to ask, “hey, what’s the Gathering?” The Gathering was the name of a church that me, my wife, and some others were starting around two and a half years ago. When we realized that the vision God had given us of “the church” had nothing to do with an individual “local church”, the blog content shifted but the name did not.

So now I have a space of my own, that can one day be even more than a blog (but that’s another story). I did import all the posts and comments from this blogger blog to my new one, and I kept the counter going at the same number. Please update your RSS feeds for me to http://feeds.feedburner.com/ShadowsOfLove and set your bookmarks to my new url, http://www.jeffrey-davis.net/blog/.

Farewell blogger, you've been sooo great to me, but I'm moving on to another phase of my blogging life. Peace out.

Christmas Eve Breakfast

2006-12-26T12:24:00.000-06:00

A recent tradition in my clan is that my wife and I head to my parents' house on Christmas Eve morning for breakfast and to exchange gifts with them and my twin sis. This year, a great conversation unexpectedly materialized around the breakfast table. Here's a rough transcript (as I can recall):

[something was said about how much money is spent this time of year]

me: My blog bud Sam Davidson, founder of this thing called CoolPeopleCare...

Nana (my grandmother): what people care?

Mom: Cool People Care

Nana: Oh. ok?

Me: ...he started this campaign called Christmas is not your Birthday and reports from the National Retail Federation that 450 Billion dollars will have been spent from Thanksgiving to Christmas and asks what would happen if even 1% of that money went to charity or someone you know personally who needs it.

Dad, mom, and nana: hmm [collectively]

Me: Have yall heard of Product [RED] by Bono?

[explanation of the RED campaign]

Me: ...it would only take 50 cents per day to supply one person in Africa the medicine they need to not die from AIDS.

Nana: I think if it costs 50 cents per day in Africa, it should cost that in America as well.

Me: I agree, but it doesn't. Damn capitalism.

Dad: It may cost 50 cents per day for one person's medicine, but how much does it cost to get it to them? Does it even ever get to them? Do the governments intercept the monetary aid? How much of that goes to "executive expenses"?

Me: Good questions dad. That's why I hate to give money to brick and mortar charities...not all of of the money I give, in fact, probably not much at all, goes to people who actually need it.

Dad: Yeah, that sucks (my paraphrase)

Me: A buddy asked me a question back in the summer that went something like this--what if every human on the face of the planet were aware of and lived life through the perfect Love of Christ that is within them? What things would we not need?

[puzzled and introspective looks]

Me: My thoughts exactly, lol...let me get us started, we wouldn't need welfare, borders, governments, armed forces, ...

Dad: No offense son, but that's a Utopian dreamworld, why spend time thinking about that?

Me: Because I believe dreams can come true.

Dad: [head snaps around with bewilderment at the previous comment, followed by a look of apprehensive excitement]

Mom: [yells down from upstairs] Yall ready to come open presents?

That was a great covo Nana and Dad. I hope to continue it further. What do I want for Christmas? That aforementioned "Utopian dreamworld".

Technorati Tags: Christmas, Sam Davidson, Love, utopia, dreams, Product Red, Bono, AIDS, Africa, Jeffrey Davis

All the Rage-less

2006-12-21T10:03:00.000-06:00

Be sure to snag a copy of today's "All the Rage", as my "irl" and blog bud Sam Davidson's revolutionary CoolPeopleCare is featured. If you can't get to a place where "All the Rage" is distributed, you can read the article online. If you've never made your way over to CoolPeopleCare.org, then be sure to go check out this site devoted to bringing about a social revolution through five minutes of caring. Live life through love not through rage.

Oh and hey Sam, thanks for the fried pickles and Boddingtons at Dan McGuiness the other day. Good times.

*Yes, I know that "All the Rage" isn't named to reflect a position of hate with the word "rage". The play on the word just worked for the title and topic of my post...*

Technorati Tags: Sam Davidson, CoolPeopleCare, All the Rage, Nashville, love, social justice, Jeffrey Davis

The Hermitage/Mt. Juliet Non-Franchise Coffee Solution

2006-12-18T08:44:00.000-06:00

Four words: BILLY GOAT COFFEE CAFE! This joint is my new favorite haunt and I am actually sitting here right this moment as I write this post. For, well what seems like forever, I've been looking for a non-franchise coffee house with, fancy this--good coffee, a good vibe, with reasonable prices on the east side of town. Well my friends, this is it.

My wife and I came in Saturday night for the first time, after dinner at Logan's Roadhouse here in Providence Marketplace with some friends. We met the owners, Judy and Gunnar, who shared with us the story of how the idea behind the Billy Goat Coffee Cafe was born (including where the name originated, but you can read about that on their site).

Now for more details about the Billy Goat. You can find it to the immediate right of the west entrance to Belk in Providence Marketplace. The billy goat logo bids you welcome as you walk through the double glass doors and into the warm and friendly atmosphere of "the goat". Providing this soothing ambiance is foremost the friendliness of the employees that greet you; then a room full of decor in mocha, chocolate, and black; marbleized concrete floors of the same color palette; a big, marble-clad fireplace; and bistro sets, armchairs, and a leather love seat. There is even a huge wooden divider that can be slid shut, closing off a small section of the establishment for conferences or meetings.

The menu is cleverly created in the billy goat theme, even using "kid", "nanny", and "billy" in the stead of small, medium, and large. Another signature difference is the availability of cafe bianco. This is a milder espresso than normal, finishing with the note of something like a Butterfinger Bar, quite tasty indeed. The non-coffee drinkers may still want to visit "the goat" and find their way to the "un-coffee" section of the menu. Not an after 10:00am coffee drinker? That's ok, stop in and try one of their gourmet sandwiches (with chips and a pickle), the soup of the day, or dessert. If you want something to eat with your coffee in the morning, grab a bowl of cereal, bagel, muffin, scone, or turnover.

Before I share some pics of the establishment with you, let me also say that though it may sound like it from this post, Billy Goat Coffee Cafe is not paying me for the positive publicity. I truly do love this new little place and wanted to give a shout out to an up and coming local business that fills a HUGE hole in the marketplace here on the east side of town.

Technorati Tags: Billy Goat Coffee Cafe, Coffee, Mt. Juliet, Providence, Jeffrey Davis

Far From the True Feelings of That I Speak

2006-12-16T13:54:00.000-06:00

I came to again realize this morning that so often times I do not live, even through my writing, in the true reality that I feel exists beyond the realm of most people's awareness. Too often, as someone I love dearly has gently and recently noted, my posts here are cynical and condescending in nature. Ashamedly I admit, this is too true. However, such realizations have led to another great question in my mind. Does the failure to "practice" what one "preaches", in whatever percentage of the time, diminish the authenticity of the belief itself?

This morning I had a meeting at the Frothy Monkey on 12th Ave S and, of course, decided to stay for a bite to eat, some coffee, and to start on a book. So there I was, sitting on the deck surrounded by pets getting their picture taken with Santa (courtesy of Agape Animal Rescue) as I cracked open C. S. Lewis's the Problem of Pain (that I received last Christmas). In the introduction, Lewis writes:

"When Mr. Ashley Sampson suggested to me the writing of this book, I asked leave to be allowed to write it anonymously, since, if I were to say what I really thought about pain, I should be forced to make statements of such apparent fortitude that they would become ridiculous if anyone knew who made them. Anonymity was rejected as inconsistent with the series; but Mr Sampson pointed out that I could write a preface explaining that I did not live up to my own principles! This exhilarating programme I am now carrying out. Let me confess at once, in the words of good Walter Hilton, that throughout this book 'I feel myself so far from true feeling of that I speak, that I can naught else but cry mercy and desire after it as I may.'"

And so I echo those words of C. S. Lewis and Walter Hilton. Many times I may not speak and act and live in the Love that I believe is the true reality, but I believe it still. My only hope is that I will gradually transition to spending more and more time in that true reality, while spending less and less time in this false reality of difference, separation, selfishness, and hate.

Technorati Tags: C. S. Lewis, the Problem of Pain, reality, love, Frothy Monkey, Agape Animal Rescue, Jeffrey Davis

Care for a Geminid?

2006-12-13T12:13:00.000-06:00

Well, one of my favorite meteorologists, News 2's Justin Bruce, just beat me to the punch on this, but here ya go anyway. If you're not doing anything between about 10:00pm and midnight this evening, you should consider finding a nice, dark spot to set up camp for a while and gaze into the night sky. That's right, tonight is the peak of arguably the best meteor shower of the year, the Geminids. Oh and just so you know, the forecast is perfect for optimal viewing--not a cloud in the sky.

Space.com writes,

"The Geminid event is known for producing one or two meteors every minute during the peak for viewers with dark skies willing to brave chilly nights...The Geminids are a very fine winter shower, and usually the most satisfying of all the annual showers, even surpassing the Perseids. Studies of past displays show that this shower has a reputation for being rich both in slow, bright, graceful meteors and fireballs as well as faint meteors, with relatively fewer objects of medium brightness. Many appear yellowish in hue. Some even appear to form jagged or divided paths."

SkyTonight.com writes,

"The Geminid meteor shower, possibly the year's best, should peak late tonight in the moonless dark sky. The best time should be from about 10 p.m. until moonrise before dawn."

Finally, the American Meteor Society (AMS) writes,

"The Geminid shower is the favorite of most experienced observers. While most showers wax and wane throughout the years, the Geminids almost always provide an impressive display of celestial fireworks...Near maximum activity this shower can produce over 100 shower members per hour as seen from rural locations..."

There ya have it, grab some blankets and coffee, brave the chill, and wonder at the beauty of the evening.

Technorati Tags: Geminids, space, nature, astronomy, radiants, Gemini

Does Marriage Require a Wedding?

2006-12-11T11:02:00.000-06:00

My wife and I have a great friend, Brittany, who is getting married this coming May. She and her fiance will also soon be finishing up school at my wife's alma matter. Anyway, their soon-to-be legal union has had me thinking for the past month or so. The question at hand is, "At what point does marriage actually occur?"

Traditionally, the institution of the church has forbidden sex before marriage. What has struck me as odd this last month is that it then goes on to define marriage with the intangible notion of the "two becoming one". Such a notion is typically derived from portions of the Bible found in the book of Genesis and in the letter to the Ephesians, among other places.

That said, I do believe this notion is true and real. However, as I previously noted, such a definition is quite abstract. At what point do the two become one? Can you even select a definitive moment in time in which such an event occurs, or is it more of an ongoing process? [Let me take a minute to mention that if you define the two becoming one simply by the physical, meaning sex, then I believe you may have a grossly over-simplified perspective regarding the beauty of a marriage commitment.]

By now, you definitely see where I'm going. The institution of the church deems that "sex before marriage is a sin." However, by its own romantic notion of marriage (and I would say this is the same notion shared by the general populous), wouldn't it be impossible to say, as the result of an event (the wedding), that now you are married, ten seconds ago you were not? Does that really fit into the greater intimacy and truth of what a marriage is?

It seems to me, uncomfortable as it is to admit (because of my traditional upbringing), that the commitment of marriage and the wedding itself may actually have little to do with each other. Yeah, the "wedding" is the celebration of the commitment, but it's truly more for legalities than it is reality.

Then again, I could be totally wrong, as I have been many times before. At any rate, what do you think?

[An Afterthought: I want to make sure that no one hears me saying that we should treat sex frivolously. I believe that sex is a great physical picture of the multi-faceted union occurring between two people who Love each other and have committed to that love for the rest of their lives...among other things ;-). What I merely mean to ask in this post is how would a person/people/the church/etc determine when "marriage" has occurred, when the very notion by which we define it is, again, of an abstract understanding.]

Technorati Tags: marriage, wedding, weddings, love, reality, Jeffrey Davis

Do These Pics Make Up for My Absenteeism?

2006-12-09T22:58:00.000-06:00

Once again I was unable to make it to a Nashville blogger meet up. I was really hoping to make this Christmas one today, but couldn't do it. I swear I'm gonna make it to one some day. Anyway, I hope these pics keep me in good standing with my Nashville blog buds ;-). I snapped them this morning at J. Percy Priest Dam while Rick and I were trying to catch the Mars, Jupiter, & Mercury grouping this morning. (We were unsuccessful in viewing the planets, but will try again tomorrow morning.)

By the way, the official weather news said it was seventeen degrees this morning at Nashville's airport. With the wind and cooler temps coming off the water, we speculate that we stood outside for over an hour in single digits. I have never been that cold in my life!! My lips actually went so numb that I was unable to speak.

Tags: Percy Priest Lake, sunrise, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Jeffrey Davis, nature

Make Starbucks Play Fair

2006-12-08T06:57:00.000-06:00

This morning I found in my inbox the following email from my friend Lacey:

Each year, coffee companies make billions of dollars. Starbucks alone earned almost $5.8 billion in net revenues during the first three quarters of 2006.

Yet, for every cup of coffee Starbucks sells, poor farmers in coffee-growing countries like Ethiopia earn only about $.03.

Even worse, while Ethiopian farmers grow some of the finest name-brand coffees in the world - think Harar, Yirgacheffe, and Sidamo - they don't see the premium profits those names command among consumers.

Oxfam and a coalition of allies are asking Starbucks to sign this agreement. According to one coalition member, control of the name brands could increase Ethiopia's coffee export income by more than 25 percent - or $88 million annually. This money could go a long way to help lift millions of Ethiopians out of poverty.

So please, help us convince Starbucks to sign this agreement with Ethiopia. Poor farmers deserve a fair share of the profits.

This email came because Lace had it sent to me via MakeTradeFair.com, a site devoted to bringing about fair trade for medicines, impoverished coffee growers, and more. So if you're a big coffee drinker, like myself, go on over and sign the petition. Also check out the Fair Trade Federation to learn how screwed the growers of our beloved coffee actually get.

And just for the record if there were at least a half way decent non-franchise (or at least a local franchise) within five miles of my house, I'd abandon Starbucks altogether. However, this is currently not the case...well, actually there is one in Mt. Juliet, but it closes at 5:00 pm. :-/

Tags: fair trade, coffee, activism, Ethiopia

The Christmas Spirit--Why Not All Year?

2006-12-07T07:07:00.000-06:00

Last night as I was on my way to the new Starbucks in Hermitage to hang out and talk with a couple of guys, as I do most every Wednesday evening, a question popped in my head that has me perplexed still. I heard on a radio station, which one I cannot recall, a request for unwrapped gifts, which is obviously a common thing this time of year. I began to think, "why do people so generously aid their fellow man/woman this time of year, while ignoring or out right kicking them the other eleven months of the year?

I dare say that few people give this time of year out of some arbitrary sense of obligation. However, even if they do, the feeling of joy and high that remains from having given and helped someone, rather than taken from them (or ignored them altogether), quickly dispels any remnant of that begrudging motivation. Having experienced those wonderful sensations in our otherwise stagnant (unfortunately) spirits, again, what leads to our selfishness the other eleven months of the year? Did the stirring of Love hidden in the recesses of our hearts actually frighten or confuse those not used to it? Perhaps. Perhaps not.

At any rate, as I slightly start to ramble, I just think there has got to be a reason that people act so selflessly this time of year, while maintaining an "I'm gonna get mine" throughout the rest of the year.

Tags: giving, generosity, Love, Christmas, selfishness, Jeffrey Davis

A People Without Weakness--Wait, that's Us!

2006-12-05T07:29:00.000-06:00

Recently, I've been coming to the belief that we live in dual realms. Not one seen and the other unseen, but that we have the ability to see and be aware of both. Not to overuse the analogy I so often default to here, but I believe it is very much like the Matrix, in some ways, and very much unlike it in others. I believe that many of us live in and out of both realms while being only conscious of the one, the physical. Coincidently, I do not think that physical is synonymous with real. I think the other realm, the spiritual realm, is more real--even by definition--than the physical (do I sound too much like Morpheus here?).

At any rate, I got to thinking about the subject for the post after reading a post over at Lacey's blog, who is my best female friend, outside of my awesome and beautiful wife that is. My relatively new blog bud Kyle, whom I met through Lacey, has a post touching on this as well. Anyway, on to the freakin' topic. (Man I can ramble...)

For the past several years, at least, the institution and system of the church has been on a "spiritual gifts" kick. If you've ever "served" at a "church" then chances are great you've taken a spiritual gifts test who's purpose is to tell you in what areas you are gifted. These gifts are typically derived, like virtually everything else in the church, from the Bible and are traditionally found in two places. Now, I don't see anything wrong with discovering what areas you are "gifted in", however, I do think the nomenclature of such is faulty.

For example, anyone who would seek to discover their "spiritual gifts", as they exist in the Bible, would agree that Jesus the Christ possessed all of them in equal measure. He was, after all, the full man, second Adam, etc. So here's the question, if Jesus exuded all of the "spiritual gifts" (and by very nature, he must), and it is the life of Christ (not our own) that lives through and as us [Galatians 2:20, Colossians 1:27, Colossians 3:4, etc], then how could we be gifted in one or two areas and not the others?

The apostle Paul even writes to Timothy to inform him that he already has everything he needs for life and godliness through the one who called him by his own glory and goodness [Jesus]. So perhaps we need not figure out "where we're gifted", for that affords us an excuse in a great many circumstance, but rather to discover in what ways the life of Christ is being revealed through us at that particular juncture in time--while realizing it may (and should be) different at some point in the future.

Back to the excuses. If we are able to take a test and hence claim, "I'm a prophet [i.e. tell it like it is, see things black & white, etc]...", then that gives us an excuse to NOT exercise grace in our dealings with people (that one, by the way, is unfortunately from personal experience :-/ ). Another example might be to close the doors of our home to someone who needs a place to stay because we "don't have the gift of hospitality". What a crock of crap that would be. If Christ is everything, and his life is ours, then we will take on all (not just the one or two) of the facets of his nature over time. So if you go about taking "spiritual gifts tests", I hope you're able to see that it is merely an indicator of how you are being transformed into the image of Christ in the now and the physical. [Perhaps one's passions and "gifts" are actually quite unrelated. Hmm, that's another post for another day. I'll have to think on that one. Sorry, stream of consciousness there...]

So you, yeah you, did you know that in the real reality you are without weakness, have everything you need for life and godliness, contain within yourself perfect love and the life of Christ, and are [gasp] perfect? I wonder what would happen if we all lived our lives in the constant awareness of that reality...

Tags: real, reality, spiritual, spiritual gifts, metaphysics, the Matrix, Jeffrey Davis

Living Vicariously Through Papyrus

2006-12-04T07:24:00.000-06:00

What would life be like if all the books, paper, texts, and digital records on this planet suddenly dissolved, leaving no written record of...well, anything? Do you suppose we'd find that humans actually live in, or at least through, the past? I wonder.

I think it is safe to say that the majority of religions in this world are systems based on some ancient text[s]. Perhaps one of the best things that could happen for "religion", or rather the people that adhere to those religious codes, would be for this record dissipation phenomenon to actually occur. But why? Because even a religion like Christianity that involves a "personal relationship" with God, is actually so dependant on a text, the Bible, that no personal relationship actually occurs...in many cases. This is called Bibliolatry and is, as the word would describe, the worship of the Bible.

So what? Who cares if someone worships the Bible? It matters because God desperately longs for humans to come to the awareness of his perfect Love within and all around them. The Bible, or rather most "Christians'" dependant on it, is a great barrier to that awareness occuring. Search your spirit and you will find that, in fact, we end up living vicariously through the Biblical characters' relationships with God, rather than having an intimate one of our own. I suppose it was about a year ago that God led me into a desire to discover my own relationship with him, not built on the premises and experiences of someone else or a Biblical character.

Disclaimer. I'm not saying let's just all go pile our Bibles outside and burn them, because the Bible as an inanimate object (and IT IS inanimate) has no bias. It is, again, people's unhealthy dependance on it that causes the problem. So I do not invite you to kick your Bible to the curb, (though that may help for a while), but to kick sola Scriptura to the curb and discover the voice and the Love of God in nature, other people, and yourself--through your spirit and not a book. If you are a Bible reader, you already believe that God spoke to the people who "wrote" the Bible in a way that didn't involve a text (because there was no text), so why couldn't he speak to you in the same way?

Tags: Bible, sola scriptura, Martin Luther, spirit, God, Love, relationship, spiritual

Rescuing Beached Doritos

2006-12-01T21:55:00.000-06:00

I couldn't resist giving props to one of my favorite green blogs, Tree Hugger, with this post over there today.

I don't know about you, but I long for those good ole' Doritos Harvesting days of yore. Mmmm.

As TreeHugger's post points out, not all things that get spilled into our oceans can be as tasty as Doritos or as cute as rubber duckies. It's true, innumerable spills and accidents occur on the high seas every year, dumping pollutants and toxins into our planet's oceans, but as most of these occur in international waters, insurance companies pay and no one cares...

Tags: Doritos, rubber ducks, rubber duckies, oceans, dump, spill, environmentalism, green

Help! Looking for Lion King Tickets

2006-11-29T06:55:00.000-06:00

Ok Nashville blogosphere, here comes one of those posts that cries out for a response with the hope that you won't abandon me after skimming the first three sentences from your feed reader. ;-)

In an extreme act of generosity the parents have offered to buy me & Shaunna tickets to Disney's The Lion King at TPAC...if we can find them. Ticket Master's website says their sold out, as does Brad on 2 as well. Anyone know where we can score tickets to the Friday night, Saturday night, or either one of Sunday's performances?

Muchas gracias.

Tags: Disney, The Lion King, Broadway, TPAC, musical, tickets

Shidum Haleesh Melosophashal

2006-11-27T23:09:00.000-06:00

That's just about how it most likely sounds to "non-church people" when "church people" open their mouths and fill the air with what might as well be a language from another world. Author, thinker, wonderer, and bud, Jim Palmer of Divine Nobodies, takes a shot at acquiescing to an unknown person's request to "communicate in words the good news of God without using any religious or theological verbiage."

"God is Love.

Love (God) seeks the highest good of the other.

The greatest good God (Love) could offer is himself and so God made all people a reflection of himself in order to form an intimate bond with humankind.

In God, we experience life, love, freedom, joy, and peace.

God is pleased and smiles.

But doubting God, we seek fulfillment our own way and fall short of experiencing what God desires for us.

..."

Go check out the rest.

Tags: Jim Palmer, Divine Nobodies, spirituality, love, God

The Shula Saga

2006-11-27T06:31:00.000-06:00

ESPN reports this morning that AD Mal Moore dismissed coach Shula late last night. My response? BIG MISTAKE! I know he's 0-4 against Auburn and finished 6-6 this season but come on! He just came off a 10-2 season last year!

Ok, ok, I know that his combined record against Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, LSU, and UT is only 2-15 (yikes), 3-15 against SEC teams with winning records, 4-13 against nationally ranked teams, and is 0-19 in 4th quarter comebacks...but still. I think, given the circumstances, he's done a hell of a job. He took over a young, hurt, and talent depleted team in their last year under the NCAA death penalty AFTER spring practice and after one coach was fired due to scandal and the next one walked out quick.

He's definitely had some coaching struggles, himself and those around him, but given the circumstances, I think he's done ok--not great--but ok. Definitely not poorly enough to lose his job.

Sorry Shula. I liked ya man. Want to come help me coach my little league NFL flag football team in Mt. Juliet, TN?

UPDATE: Tide players respond, Coach Shula's statement, Mal Moore press conference video, and Interim Coach/Defensive Coordinator Joe Kines' video statement.

Tags: Shula, Mike Shula, fired, Mal Moore, Alabama, University of Alabama, Bama, U of A

Christmas is Not Your Birthday

2006-11-26T15:36:00.000-06:00

My bud Sam Davidson of Cool People Care has launched a campaign called Christmas is Not Your Birthday to help us rethink the bucks we spend on friends and family (and have spent on ourselves) over the next month or so. From Sam's interview with News 2 VJ Jamey Tucker, "The National Retail Federation projets [Christmas] spending this year at about 450 billion dollars..."

Like Sam, I wonder what would happen if only 1% of money that went to a charity, non-profit, or maybe better yet--someone you know who may need some help right about now?

Tags: Sam Davidson, Jamey Tucker, Cool People Care, Christmas is Not Your Birthday, Christmas, Spending, Money, Jeffrey Davis

We See Dead People...but Just Don't Realize It

2006-11-15T07:41:00.000-06:00

In the past few days several things have transpired causing me to wonder, "what if 'Heaven' wasn't another place, but instead, another realm?" What if the after-life, or rather life as it continues after our physical container ceases to function, is moving and living all around us, in the same place, but on a different plane of existence...the most real plane.

I think back to my grandad, Bubba, who suffered through more than a year as his physical body slowly shut down. Towards the end of his body's existence, he began carrying on conversations and attempting to interact with people that weren't there. A detail I had previously over-looked regarding this strange behavior was who he was talking to. He never talked to anyone who was still alive, always people who were dead. You would think that since his wife and immediate family were the people who dominated his consciousness that he would naturally attempt to interact with my mom, for example, when she was absent. No. It was always dead people. Something even freakier...this seems to be the norm for elderly people who's bodies are failing slowly. Makes one wonder doesn't it?

Here's my theory. Jesus said that God is spirit and we must worship him in spirit and in truth. You may have noticed in this post that I refer to death in a slightly different way than most people. That is because I feel that humans are spiritual beings contained in an earthly, physical, body. When the body dies or ceases to function, the spirit lives on. I'm coming to realize that the spiritual reality is more real than our current physical reality. At any rate, God is spirit. We are spirit. What if as the body begins to fail, people begin to see through their spirit and not with their eyes (though they seem to perceive it to be physical sight)? What if, as their consciousness drifts between the physical and spiritual, they see the spirit of others who's bodies have failed? The strange thing is that though they may be seeing the spiritual, they attempt to interact with these people in the physical realm by talking to them, reaching out for them, etc.

So the question is, how do you interact with something that is spiritual. Perhaps we could glean still from our elderly friends and family as we observe how they attempt to interact with the spiritual beings that they encounter. What if we could learn how to interact with God in greater reality, since he is spirit, as we watch them grope for this understanding somewhere between the two realms? Of course to do so we would have to actually pay attention to them and not say foolish things like, "oh they're just not really there anymore" or "it's just the medication".

On a slightly more vague note (as if there could be one), my Bubba and many others, as they grew nearer to death, had begun to speak of "that man over there" or "that man over there in the corner". It is always the exact same wording. Anybody else had this happen with someone they watched struggle to the end of their physical existence?

Weird post, I know.

Tags: death, ghosts, spiritual, God, real, reality, Sonny Johnson, Jeffrey Davis

God's Wrath: Reality or Cop-Out?

2006-11-13T07:31:00.000-06:00

I've been involved in a comment string on a friend's blog that has begun to deal with this issue of God's wrath. [~~I'll link up that convo if and when some comments get going here, so as not to slant or jade the dialogue before it begins.~~ *UPDATE*: Screw it, here's the link.] So here's the question, do you think that God's "wrath" on humans and nations living in sin is a reality, is it a fictitious way that humans have copped out of responsibility and/or blame, or is it something else? I know my blog really isn't known for it's massive comment strings, but I do hope to get some discussion going on.

Tags: Christianity, wrath, the wrath of God, grace, forgiveness, Jeffrey Davis

After Two Weeks, We're LOVING T-Mobile

2006-11-06T17:38:00.000-06:00

The wife and I have been T-Mobile customers for two weeks now and are absolutely loving our service! The myFaves plans are incredible. We use the myFaves Family share plan with 700 minutes between us, and of course we have unlimited talk time to the five people that are set as our Faves. We've also added the "any 400 messages" option to each of our phones. I LOVE the way T-Mobile bundles their message packages. It is the way that I feel it should be--you get "x" number of messages, period. Whether I want them to be all text, all video, all picture, IM, or a combination of the above, it doesn't matter. I have my allotted number and use them as I choose to.

Verizon and Cingular separate all their messages into text, picture, media, etc, bundles in what seems to be an attempt to confuse the consumer and ultimately take them to the cleaners. (I almost had to make a flow chart or something to keep track of what I get in which message bundle when I was comparing T-Mobile vs. Verizon.) At any rate, as my wife and I didn't have text capable phones until we switched to T-Mobile, the 400 messages each will more than suffice. If our addiction grows, T-Mobile allows unlimited messages (still of any type) for everyone in the family plan for twenty bucks per month. That'd be a great deal even for just the two of us, not to mention if there were two or three teenagers on the plan as well...so take note you parents of text-happy adolescents.

After driving all over the Nashville area from downtown, to Goodlettsville, to Lebanon, I've only dropped two calls since our conversion to T-Mobile and they were in the following spots between Hermitage and Mt. Juliet. *Note that these are the spots as I estimate them on the T-Mobile coverage map. This coverage map should be drastically changing at the end of this year as T-Mobile is erecting (ha, snicker) a number of towers in Middle Tennessee at the end of this quarter. It's important to note that I've been on calls through these two spots at other times without dropping them as well. Anyway, here are the images:

Here's a zoomed out view of the two spots:

One last thing, the T-Mobile customer care reps I've spoken to regarding a few questions about some plan details have been the most pleasant and most helpful customer service people I've ever spoken to, and not just in the cell phone industry. All-in-all, we're MORE than satisfied thus far with our service. If you're in the Nashville area and want to switch to T-Mobile, go to the Opry Mills Store and ask for Jessica, she was soooo nice, very knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. Tell her Jeffrey and Shaunna Davis sent you...if she doesn't remember us, just tell her "you know, the guy who asked 10,000 questions back in October," then she will.

Go T-Mobile!

Tags: T-Mobile, Verizon, Cingular, myFaves, cell phone, Opry Mills

When All Our Heroes Crash and Burn

2006-11-03T08:58:00.000-06:00

This post started out as a work of reality-based fiction, but for some reason, didn't feel right. Perhaps it is because it is easier to surrender to my cynical nature if I detach from the truth of the situation. Nevertheless, here we go.

The news about Ted Haggard's struggles just came out this morning and I'm already sick of hearing about it. One news report that I heard as I was getting dressed this morning was, "...the evangelical community's response to this news can be summed up in one word, shock." (Let me pause here to clarify that the cynicism I'm fighting against in this post is not directed toward Ted, but toward the "evangelical community".) Ok, that pause greatly aided in slowing the anger I sensed welling up inside of me (albeit what I might call, righteous indignation).

I do so hope that the "evangelical community" does not react in the way the so mercilessly tend to do in similar scenarios. Hopefully Mr. Haggard will not be laughed at, discredited, slandered, or kicked to the curb as if he were a filthy leper that must spend the rest of his life wandering here and there, calling out "unclean! unclean!". Rather, I hope that he is loved, embraced, and nurtured, as the same Christ that lives in him lives in us all...many just may not be aware of it.

I find it incredibly sad that Christendom continually heaves a few "big boys" or "heroes" up onto the pedestal of faith, only to disown and condemn them when they come crashing down. However, many of the heroes themselves are not entirely void of blame. They, as I once did, have desperately sought their entire lives to be in such a position of power influence. Unfortunately, as many learn the hard way, great is the cost of "Christian super-stardom"--not only to the "super-stars" but to the people who put their faith in them, rather than God.

Dear Ted, I may not agree with your ideology of "church", among a great many other things, but I love you. You have struggles, just like me. Now, though without your initiation, those struggles are out in the light of the public eye. I know how unfortunate that must seem and how scary it must be, but at the same time, I'm sure an incredible burden feels as it has been lifted off of you. You do not now hold secrets from those you "lead" or love. What a relief, huh? May you discover the Love and the voice of Christ within and around you as you stand at this incredible crossroad. The roads that cross? That's for the Spirit to show you.

Love and Grace,

Jeffrey

Tags: Ted Haggard, New Life Church, Religion, Christendom, Scandal, Love, Grace, God

Vampire Dogs

2006-10-26T07:25:00.000-05:00

This pic is priceless! [via NiT & John Dwyer]

Tags: halloween, halloween pictures, vampire dog, vampire, funny, humorous, pets

It's not that easy being green

2006-10-24T08:34:00.000-05:00

Green. The image this word now conjures, at least to me, is no longer one of color, but of conviction. It is a word that now refers to an environmentally friendly means of producing energy. During the previous year or so, the global warming phenomenon and other environmental issues have recently become of greater and greater cause for concern in my own values, and I'm glad to see them do so to the greater public as well.

However, it unfortunately seems that "being green" is the new capitalistic fad. Everywhere you look headlines like "Wal-Mart building two experimental green stores" come a dime a dozen. My question is what's the motivation? Is it a ploy by resource devouring corporations to pretend that they care about the environment in an attempt to boost sales? Is it a genuine shift in values, like I myself have experienced? Even if it is the former, or something closely related, does the end justify the means? I don't know.

The question of motive has been in the forefront of my mind over the past three years. It first began as my wife, myself, and a few others set out to follow a vision and dream that God was birthing in us about what the Church could be. Having no other vehicle to assimilate such a vision into, we used the only one we had, a local church. It took about a year and a half for us to discover that the vision God was stirring in us pertained to the Church globally--i.e. everyone, everywhere--but we learned a valuable lesson in motive nonetheless.

As we set out to "plant a church" (again, before we realized the faulty perspective), we began to get involved in our community, organize events to give aid to those around us, and other seemingly noble actions. However, the real and underlying value wasn't simply to help, aid, and be involved, but to get people to come to "our church." I'll never forget when we all recognized this leading to a serious heart to heart. For us, we decided that such an end did not justify this ulterior motive. We continued such events for a while, but not in publicity of "our church", but because we truly cared.

Anyway, those days have past, the life of Christ in me now takes me down another trail on my spiritual journey, and this post has gotten much longer than normal, but what say you? Does the desired end of "being green" justify any misplaced motive or means to achieve it??

Tags: green, environmentalism, spirituality, church

Save the Internet! Moyers on Net Neutrality

2006-10-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Last night the Bill Moyers produced, "the Net at Risk" prime time documentary hopefully helped to raise public awareness of just how serious of a risk we are of losing our internet. If you're not quite sure what the issue at hand really is, then you should go to SaveTheInternet.com and read up a little bit on it. Until then, Net Neutrality is about persuading Congress to NOT pass a bill proposed by Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska that would allow the big ISP, cable, and telephone companies to act as "gatekeepers" or "toll booths" of the information super-highway.

If they were able to do so, they would not only continue to gouge their customers for internet/tv/telephone service, but they would also levy "tolls" on users of the internet, controlling who's information got to your screen through the express lanes or by creeping down the shoulder. What does that mean? That means that big corporations who can afford to pay the toll will be the content that reaches you--not by your choice, but by the gatekeepers'. This means that never again will a blog, "un-approved content" (via the gatekeepers' perspective), small business, forum results, and countless other types of content top, or even be present, on the list of your Google search results...that is if Google, in fact, happened to have been the highest paying search engine, maybe it would have been Yahoo, Ask, or some other engine.

One estimate given on last night's special said that 60% of the content on the internet comes from individuals. That turns the statistics of traditional media on it's head. Typically, whether it be TV, newspaper/magazine, or radio, 95-99% of the content is controlled by corporations. Will you let the telecom companies and Congress do that to the internet in the upcoming lame-duck session? Will you let them take away your blog, MySpace, Facebook, Flickr pics, YouTube videos, and all you other favorite web sites? Take action! Save the Internet!

Here are some ways to get involved: sign the petition, host a banner, blog about it, add SaveTheInternet as a MySpace friend, contact your senator. and tell your friends about Net Neutrality. Also be sure to go to SaveTheInternet.com and MoveOn.org for more info and ways to get involved.

Tags: net neutrality, network neutrality, save the internet, lame-duck, ted stevens, bill moyer, the net at risk, pbs

Stand for the Family/Anti-Gay Rally Roundup

2006-10-17T15:04:00.000-05:00

So here's the roundup from the folks who covered the "rally" last night at Two Rivers Baptist Church:

Kat Coble at NiT has a roundup of her own.

The Tennessean did an article with a comment feature at the bottom.

The Refugee Baptist has a clever post on the event, complete with a rather humourous spoofed photo.

Good ole' Sharon Cobb wonders how TRBC gets to keep it's tax exempt status.

...and finally, News 2 has got your video and commentary, courtsey of faith and ethics video journalist, Jamey Tucker.

Tags: ammendment #1, tennessee, stand for the family, james dobson, two rivers baptist church, gay, anti-gay, protest, jerry sutton, southern baptist, constitution

Stand for the Family or Anti-Gay Rally?

2006-10-16T10:38:00.000-05:00

This evening Two Rivers Baptist Church here in Nashville, TN will hold a "Stand for the Family Rally" featuring Dr. James Dobson. This rally is to persuade Tennesseans to vote in favor of the proposed amendment #1 to our constitution that reads:

"The historical institution and legal contract solemnizing the relationship of one man and one woman shall be the only legally recognized marital contract in this state. Any policy or law or judicial interpretation, purporting to define marriage as anything other than the historical institution and legal contract between one man and one woman, is contrary to the public policy of this state and shall be void and unenforceable in Tennessee.
If another state or foreign jurisdiction issues a license for persons to marry and if such marriage is prohibited in this state by the provisions of this section, then the marriage shall be void and unenforceable in this state."

Egalia at Tennessee Guerilla Women, among many others, is calling this event an "anti-gay rally" and a "hate rally". Others have organized a peaceful protest of the event. On the protest event site, there is a phrase that states, "This is meant to be a loving event. There will be no anger represented here. We will mostly remain silent unless spoken to. We want to send a positive message, not propagate the negative ones surrounding us already." I really respect such a stance and it stands in stark contrast to the statement on Two Rivers' web site that reads, "Get equipped to fight for the critical issues that will protect the family!"

Having grown up in a conservative southern baptist church, I've been programmed to automatically take a stand against gay marriages. However, I've begun to realize over the past year or so that there is no Love shown through such...well...bigotry. I say that, lumping myself into that category for the majority of my life, and not to point fingers at others in condemnation.

I don't understand why churches stereotypically (and yes, this is a hasty generalization) pick one or two issues to deem "extra dirty" and proceed to relentlessly protest and stand against those things. I mean to say that I think more damage is done to each other, our country, society, and the world by lying then by gay marriage (and I'm not even sure that gay marriage even has a negative impact on society at all, by the way), but I don't see anyone banning together to take a stand against that. Why? Because everyone lies. There would be no choice but to point the finger at ourselves if we were to take a stand against such a thing as common as lying, and that, my friends, is too personal. No, we as a culture would rather use the ten foot plank in our own eye as a tool to beat the festering splinter deeper into someone else's, rather than helping each other, in love, come to a better grasp on the Love of Christ within us.

So for me, I choose to Love--regardless of differences. Yes, I fail to act in such Love on a daily basis, but its my choice to strive for those short comings to become less and less frequent. The only thing that will change people, and hence, the world, is for the Love of Christ to live through us...and for the record, protest, fighting, hate, and the like, are not conducive to that reality.

Tags: two rivers baptist church, james dobson, family, gay marriage, love, hate

Preserve Yourself in the Yahoo Time Capsule Laser

2006-10-10T10:23:00.000-05:00

I just learned via my CNN Science & Space RSS feed that Yahoo is making The Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan a giant launching station for a digital time capsule to be carried into outer space via laser beam. You can venture over to the Yahoo time capsule site to contribute images and such to the capsule and/or view live web cast of the event that will take place October 25-27, from 7:00-9:00 PM U.S. Central Time. (I'm not really sure how this "live" feed can go on for three days for only two hours each day, but perhaps Yahoo is just not being very clear...or I'm too dense to understand them.)

Tags: Yahoo, Yahoo Time Capsule, Pyramid of the Sun, Teoithuacan, Aztecs, Mexico

Collision of Worlds

2006-10-08T15:16:00.000-05:00

For those of you who aren't familiar with my & Shaunna's way of life, let me give you a brief glimpse. We have a fairly strict way of eating in that we eat five to seven smaller meals per day with breakfast, lunch, and dinner being controlled and balanced portions. For example, we wouldn't have two carbs and no starch, i.e. we'd never have rice and potatoes with our grilled tilapia. Instead, it would be something like rice, salad (or vegetables), and grilled tilapia.

Anyway, we eat this way every day with the exception of Saturday, which as many of you know, is the much anticipated "free day" of every week. On Saturdays we eat whatever and whenever we want as to not allow our cravings for sweets and junk food to overwhelm us and lead to a two month binge, which therein would lead to about forty pounds each. It was for this reason that I found myself in the realm from where all evil spawns (also known as Wal-Mart) last night at about 11:15 to fetch an ice-cream cookie sandwich thingy, Kit-Kats, and a Twix.

Two people ahead of me in line (that was forever long, even at 11:15) I recognized a fellow I have not seen in several years. We made brief eye contact and then, as I have done so many times before, I pretended that I did not recognize him and proceeded to scrutinize with great detail all of the candy bars and other impulse purchase items that lined the aisle we were in. I noticed as the less than speedy cashier continued to ring up this old acquaintance's items that this fellow obviously recognized who I was as he continued to attempt to catch my eye. I, however, continued to avoid the afore mentioned connection.

Why do I continually do this with people I knew years ago (mostly referring to high school years)? Because I am ashamed and embarrassed of my actions towards them in those days. Back then, I believed that a true "Christian" was a holy person who should not associate with the "sinners" lest they be either a) thought to be one themselves or b) have their kind actions be falsely perceived as validation of this lifestyle of sin (bust mostly for the first reason). Oh I wouldn't have told you this is what I believed back then, but I did. This of course led to my becoming a pious, Bible-thumping, jack ass, silently allocating judgment and condemnation to those who didn't live a "Christian life". This version of myself those years ago is one that I hate, and it is the one that this fellow in line remembers and most likely assumes I am still.

So instead of taking an opportunity to apologize to and love on this guy that I hurt, I pretended I did not know him. This, I'm sure, affirmed to him that I am still the same old jack ass. This is about the third time in a row I have done this. I'm resolving now to not let it happen again.

*An aside: there, in fact, is a much deeper reason that I believed, and hence, acted the way I did those years ago, but that's a LONG story for another day.*

Hermitage-Mt. Juliet Personal Training

2006-10-03T09:13:00.000-05:00

This may come as no surprise to all those who've been telling me I should do this for the past six months, but I'm now a personal trainer. I'll be working out of Grave's Fitness Center on Adams lane in Mt. Juliet, right across the street from Providence Place. If you've never heard of it, come check it out and ask Guy Graves, the owner, if you can get a guided tour and a few days trial run, he'll say yes.

After much deliberation, Shaunna and I decided that this was the best option for me to make some extra money, especially with the holidays approaching, while we get our business with Arbonne off the ground. We're currently District Managers with Arbonne, but as with starting any business, you don't necessarily see a great deal of revenue on the front end. Anyway, physical fitness is something I care a great deal about and having some past experience in training, this felt like the most logical decision. I'm very excited!

So for everyone out there who would like a personal trainer to help you achieve your fitness, strength training, and/or weight loss goals, shoot me an email and we'll talk specifics. There's never a better time than now to get a jump on all that holiday grub that we'll all be consuming starting here in the next month and a half or so.

Tags: Jeffrey Davis, personal training, personal trainer, fitness, weight loss, Guy Graves, Graves Fitness Center, Mt. Juliet, Hermitage

T-Mobile vs. Verizon

2006-10-02T08:58:00.000-05:00

[UPDATE: Hey you people who landed here from Googling "T-Mobile vs. Verizon" or something like it, check out my post regarding my extreme satisfaction with T-Mobile after being a customer for two weeks. I hope it helps.]

Ok, I posted on my wireless phone service provider dilemma about two months ago, but the battle continues still. I've narrowed it down to T-Mobile and Verizon. I would really love some feeback from current or recent T-Mobile and Verizon customers. If you've recently been with one or the other, but aren't anymore, then why did you switch?

I've done extensive reviewing of all the wireless big boys in the area and, again, have narrowed it down to these two carriers in considering coverage, consumer reviews, rate plans, financial value, and phone value. J.D. Power Consumer Reviews put T-Mobile as the carrier of choice in the southeast region of the country. ConsumerSearch.com says that T-Mobile and Verizon come in "neck and neck". However, they go on to say that T-Mobile's phones are compatible for international use, should the need ever arise, and Verizon's are currently not.

So there's the info. Please let me know what yall think.

UPDATE: Well, thanks to a trip to the T-Mobile store in Opry Mills Mall and the feedback from Brittney and the Nashville blogosphere, the wife and I will be T-Mobile's newest customers soon. We found out in the store this afternoon that T-Mobile rolled out some new features earlier today that sealed the deal. They introduced plans with "my Faves" where you can choose any five numbers to call for free, all the time. This is a feature offered by Alltel Wireless (who advertises, but doesn't provide service here in Nashville) that I've wished were made available by a carrier here--wish granted. You can even change one or all of your "Faves" every month, sweet!.

Tags: Verizon, T-Mobile, Nashville, cell phones, wireless providers

Doughnuts, They Matter to the Cosmos

2006-09-30T09:52:00.000-05:00

I knew my love of doughnuts, a ritualistic Saturday morning indulgence, had deeper significance than merely satisfying my sweet tooth. According to CNN Space & Science (who's rss I subscribe to), cosmic doughnuts could be essential is the formation and birth of massive stars.

So kick that diet for a few minutes and get to your nearest doughnut shop...the cosmos is depending on you.

Tags: CNN, space, science, cosmos, doughnuts

Mind Your Testicles

2006-09-26T08:54:00.000-05:00

Not once in the life of this blog have I ever commented on how a person actually ended up here on my page, but that is fixing to change. I use StatCounter for my free site statistics, and yesterday my eyes befell the most disturbing referring link ever. The referring url was from Nigeria and listed as a Google search for "how to fully crush a man's testicles"...yikes. There are only two rational explanations in my mind: 1) That this is some sort of tribal ritual and someone is trying to discover a more efficient way to do it (and has internet access to do so) or 2) Some poor guy in Nigeria cheated on the wrong gal.

Anyway, I felt it was my civic duty, and for the greater good of all MAN kind, to share this information and to tell you to keep a close eye on your "boys" for the next few days.

Big Butter Jesus

2006-09-25T09:50:00.000-05:00

This morning I enjoyed the comedy of Bob and Tom on 102.9, the Buzz, as I made my short jaunt to Panera. I turned on the radio right in the middle of one of the famous Heywood Banks' songs called "Big Butter Jesus". The song, not for the easily offended, is in reference to the sixty-two foot risen Jesus on the side of I-75 in Monroe, Ohio at Solid Rock Church.

This ginormous sculpture is alternately called "Touch Down Jesus". There are even doctored images out in cyber space of this stone Messiah adorned in a referee jersey...hey, I told you it wasn't for the easily offended. Some say that the infamous Christ of the Ozarks is actually taller than the statue in Ohio, but that info differs from source to source.

There is but one choice to make when you hear songs like "Big Butter Jesus" by Heywood Banks (if anyone has that .mp3, please share!). You can either get pissed off and set out on a holy crusade to right the perceived wrong OR get a good laugh, roll with it, and get over it. I, personally, thought the song was kind of funny and I didn't take personal offense since the Christ that lives within us is not a statue. On that note, he doesn't need a statue to represent himself in this world. No, it is people that he indwells and hence, through which he reveals his perfect love to the world.

Click here to check out other "Mega-Messiahs (and other End Times Titans)".

Tags: Bob and Tom, Heywood Banks, Christ of the Ozarks, Touchdown Jesus, Big Butter Jesus

Dare to Dream, Work to Win

2006-09-24T11:22:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning Shaunna and I had the astute privilege of experiencing Dr. Tom Barrett. If you don't already know, Tom is:

An entrepreneur
President of Business/Life Management Inc.
A national corporate speaker to everything from groups of fifty to 5,000 person conventions to personal coaching with CEO's of Fortune 50 companies,
A recipient of tribute in the Congressional Record for his 10,000 hours of coaching and consultation to Senators and Congressman on Capitol Hill,
And the author of the national best seller, Dare to Dream and Work to Win.

We received this pleasure by attending a small conference of around 200-300 other Arbonne consultants at the Embassy Suites in Cool Springs. Tom was gracious enough to honor the invitation of several southeast NVP's to come for a three hour training, to the benefit of us all.

When he opened up with "In my opinion, Arbonne is the best company in the DSA and Network Marketing Industry" line, I was a little bit on guard. I mean, we believe that statement is true, but it felt like a motivational ploy...at first. He went on to say that we had no idea how many companies he refuses to speak and/or associate with. That gave some validation to his previous statement, in my mind.

He then went on to further explain why he felt, as we do, that Arbonne is the best company in the industry by explaining his personal relationships with both Bob Henry (former lawyer and accountant, now Arbonne chairman and CEO) and Rita Davenport (President of Arbonne), demonstrating his knowledge of Arbonne's policies, products, standards, and compensation plan. This finally convinced me completely that he was, in fact, NOT blowing smoke up our collective ass.

Bottom line is that though I'm not one for sitting still and listening to one person for three hours, I found that the time flew by freakishly fast as Tom's style, information, and humor captivated me for the entire time (a hard feat to accomplish to be sure, for those who know me). So whether you're a fellow network marketing entrepreneur or the CEO of a fortune 50 company, you should definitely go listen to Tom if you ever get the chance.

Tags: Tom Barrett, Dare to Dream and Work to Win, Arbonne, Network Marketing

Sorry G.I. Joe, Knowing is NOT half the battle

2006-09-22T11:12:00.000-05:00

For the past few days I've been reflecting on a conversation I had with two of my close friends and have come to a line of questions that is greatly perplexing to me. If God’s deepest longing is to know us and for us to know him, then where does my obsession of understanding what that means (whether that understanding be metaphorically, theologically, logistically, etc…) come in to play? After a great while of contemplation, the Spirit suddenly whispered, “Enoch.” Enoch? What’s he got to do with this. Then it hit me, here is what Genesis chapter 5 has to say about ole’ Enoch:

"18 When Jared had lived 162 years, he became the father of Enoch. 19 And after he became the father of Enoch, Jared lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters. 20 Altogether, Jared lived 962 years, and then he died. 21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. 22 And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. 24 Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away."

I think it is safe to conclude that Enoch’s walk with God simply means that he had a relationship with God. Then I realized that knowing someone will normally result in understanding them. However, the opposite is NOT true. Understanding someone will very likely NEVER result in knowing them. For example, I know alot about the Roman emporer Constantine, but that doesn't mean I know him, the person. Likewise, I know what people write about themselves in the infamous "about me" sections of blogs/mySpace/etc, but those are mere facts about themselves (hence the title of the section).

So, again, why does it matter whether or not we "understand" God, his ways, his will, his nature, etc. Wouldn't our time be better spent by striving to grow in the relationship we have with God, i.e. the unity we have in and with him? I have a sneaking suspicion that understanding would flow out of that knowing, out of that relationship, out of that unity.

ACT Now 2006

2006-09-18T11:46:00.000-05:00

Whew, what a weekend. Shaunna and I spent the weekend in Orlando, FL at the 2006 Arbonne ACT Now, a regional training conference. Wow! We had soooo much fun with the other 11,000 people in attendance, all primarily from the southeastern/eastern U.S..

My favorite presenter was this chick named Jennifer Taylor who lives in Florida. Her husband and she moved down from Vancouver, Canada to work in some missionary activity of sorts and found themselves hurting for some cash. With the type of visa's they had, they couldn't just get any old job at a coffee shop or grocery store, so they were kind of screwed. Luckily, her doctor was the famous Arbonne National Vice President, DeAnna Osborn. However, it was her husband, Dr. Chris Osborn who Jennifer vented to about her families financial troubles. Chris told her that she'd be great at what his wife does. Jennifer thought, "...uh, be a doctor?" Lol. Dr. DeAnna shared the gift of Arbonne with her, and now, just over a year and a half later, she's training 11,000 people and providing her family with financial freedom.

I love her story (and her training) for a variety of reasons, but mostly because of the way she shares with people. She is (and trains people to be) "natural" as they share Arbonne. She harped, in a very conversational way, that you should never force the opportunity or products on people if it doesn't feel right. This is one of the reasons Shaunna and I have chosen Arbonne as the network marketing company to build a business with, they are anti-pushiness. Yeah, I know there's some bad apples out there, but they are actually acting against Arbonne's policies and procedures.

Anyway, we had a GREAT time and I'm looking forward to NTC '07 (National Training Conference) in Vegas next spring. Check out the pics of the trip on my flickr page
Tags: Arbonne, ACT Now, network marketing.

Once Upon a Time...

2006-09-11T10:38:00.000-05:00

...in a galaxy far, far, away, there was a mighty group of powerful life forms. These life forms felt that it was their responsibility to ensure that all other life forms in their immediate galactic community be treated with morality and justice (at least as they see it, and hence, pursue it).

Unfortunately, the quasi-nobility of these life forms' goal of ending tyranny was jaded by the means in which they attempted to accomplish it. They continually employed the use of war to end, in their perception, the rule of evil and tyrannical leaders in other regions of the galaxy. This, of course, created many problems.

Suddenly, one day, for the first time in history, these life forms' own world was attacked by other beings who's world they were currently "liberating"! Having never experienced an attack on their own land, the beings of this super planet were outraged! They spent many of the immediate coming years re-living, or at the very least, living through the perspective of that one vulnerable day on which they were attacked.

What these mighty people failed to realize is that, though they had suffered a serious and great loss, it was but a glimpse of what a large percentage of beings in their galactic community experienced on a daily basis. What's more is that those beings were subjected to such terror by both, what we shall call, the "super-beings", in the means by which they sought to liberate, and by the tyrants from which these life forms needed freedom from.

One day, and it is unclear whether it was mere months or millennia in the future, these "super-beings" discovered that war can never end (or prevent) war. Destruction can never repair destruction. Tyranny can never stop tyranny. It is only Love that can free all people of the galaxy, including themselves, from fear, hate, war, poverty, and death.

It is believed that this understanding came to spread as far as our home we call Earth, and that we illustrated this by ending great stories with, "...and they lived happily ever after." Sadly, shortly after this learning (and despite the continued use of it's illustrative story ending), that knowledge was lost. I wonder when it will be discovered once more.

Bon Voyage!

2006-09-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

Well, she's there. Our great friend Lacey Hearty moved to Vancouver yesterday to work with a church there for at least a year. From what we've heard, Vancouver is a very cool city with great coffee and trendy little art districts scattered about. Since it is apparently (via Lacey) kind of difficult to get a work Visa, why don't all you cats who are reading this venture over to Lacey's blog and hook her up with some monetary love. I know she'd greatly appreciate it.

We miss you Lace, but I can't wait to get the first of many stories about life in Maple Leaf Land.

An Environmental Magic Trick

2006-09-05T11:32:00.000-05:00

Pick a city, any city. See those one million cars in that city you just chose? *Poof*, now they're gone! Want to know how I just did that?

~~I changed~~ Everyone in the USA changed one lously light bulb. (Edited due to a previous misunderstanding.)

Yeah, that's right, if every household in America would simply replace one regular incandescent light bulb with an energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulb (the spirally kind) it would reduce the amount of CO2 (and other greenhouse gas) production to the equivalent of taking one million vehicles off the roads! Yeah, they cost a little bit more than regular incandescent bulbs, but they last longer and save you money in energy costs...not to mention the whole environmental benefit and making you a better human thing. Imagine the difference it would make if every household in the USA, or even the world, changed not just one, but all of their light bulbs.

Here's some sources if you care to read further about these statistics: energy star, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, wateless.org, and fastcompany.com.

So now that you have the information, turn off your computer (as it too burns a ridiculous amount of energy), get out of the house, go buy some light bulbs and save the planet.

Congratulations, you're now a top notch magician and part of the solution.

Tags: Global Warming, EPA, EnergyStar, Incandescent light bulb, Compact fluorescent lamp, CLF

Genghis Kahn, Dunkin' Donuts, and Strange Books

2006-09-03T08:13:00.000-05:00

Thus far the weekend has been an eventful one. The little league football team that I coach won it's first game yesterday, 'Bama beat Hawai, Shaunna and I experienced some new food, and then we made some strange discoveries at Borders.

So about the food, if you have never been to Genghis Grill in Cool Springs, it is a MUST try! It's kind of difficult to explain how it works, so just follow the link to check it out. Since pictures are worth 1000 words, check out this one, on my flickr page, of the grill area below.

After leaving Genghis Grill, we went over to Borders to let our food settle. It was here that we found a number of strange and humorous discoveries. Here are some pics of two such discoveries. The first is self explanatory (to say the least) and the humor in the second was simply finding these two books next to each other on the shelf.

After letting our food settle at Borders, we made our way to the Dunkin' Donuts on Caruthers, also in Cool Springs. This, as far as I'm concerned, is the very nexus of the universe. I mean seriously, they have it all, the best donuts, great coffee, and a Baskin Robins sharing the same retail parcel. Check out these pics (also on my flickr page) for some of Shaunna's donut photo handiwork.

As promised, here's the Borders pics:

Here Comes the Pain!

2006-09-01T10:28:00.000-05:00

Oh that's right boys and girls, here it comes, college football kickoff weekend! Woo hoo! Anyone who knows me is doubtlessly aware of my anticipation of this weekend. So far this weekend South Carolina shut out Mississippi State (for Spurrier's 150th career win), Iowa State held back Toledo in triple OT, Boston College survived a late rally from Central Michigan, and it took until the fourth quarter for the number No. 24 Sundevils of Arizona State to close the door on Northern Arizona.

The remainder of the weekend I'm looking forward to seeing Cal beat UT and Alabama beating Hawaii (ROLL TIDE ROLL!). I'd also like to see Vandy to upset Michigan in the Big House and for Charlie Weis' Fightin' Irish to take down Georgia Tech because, let's face it, everyone but USC fans can agree that the Irish got the short end of the stick last season. In addition, I wouldn't be suprised if the Arkansas vs. USC game isn't as close as a field goal...maybe even an upset.

Oh yeah, and one more time, ROLL TIDE ROLL!!

Tags: college, football, NCAA, ESPN, SEC

Please, Someone Turn Off the Electricity

2006-08-30T08:07:00.000-05:00

Electricity is a strange and mysterious thing. If you touch something that results in a small electric shock, your hand will be knocked right off it, leaving simply a tingling sensation. However, touch something with a higher electric charge and you may receive quite a painful (or fatal) shock that results in the inability to let go of the object that is delivering the shock. It's quite interesting really, the larger amount of electricity actually makes the muscles contract, making it impossible to release.

As God continues to reveal erroneous ideas and beliefs, programmed into me by the institution of the church, of who He is and how He relates to us, I find something similar to electricity. Some of the less shocking "doctrines", "theologies", etc, are easy to let go of and nearly knock my hand off of themselves altogether. However, the underlying and over-arching ideas and doctrines that, like electricity, are the most painful and hurtful, seem to foster the inability to let go. Ironically, the longer a person holds on to the item delivering the shock (i.e. those big, painful, doctrines), the greater their chance of permanent injury or death.

Fortunately, anyone and everyone can be resurrected from this death. All it takes is the realization of the grace and unconditional love of Christ.

Along those same lines, I'm looking forward to a book coming out soon. It's called The Diety Formerly Known as God (click here to read an excerpt). Hmm, do you think it's a coincidence that so many people in all different parts of the world are waking up to the same things regarding the love of God?

Tags: Grace, Love, Electricity, Church, Institution, Religion

My Cubicle

2006-08-29T17:48:00.000-05:00

This one's going out to all my eight to four peeps. Everything in this gem of a video/song was true of my life until two months ago...all except for the last line of the song (which I won't give away).

Some people really thrive off of this sort of job, but I'm more and more grateful for our new business with Arbonne every day.

Tags: Arbonne, Cubicle, Video, Song, Funny

I Got Tagged

2006-08-28T08:44:00.000-05:00

My dog Kyle, from Canada, just tagged me . This is gonna be hard, because I've never been a big reader, but here it goes:

(and sorry, I'm not linking all these up)

1. One book that changed your life: Hmm, I can't say one single book I've read has changed my life.
2. One book that you've read more than once: Ha ha, I've only just started reading books completely through in the past couple of years...I haven't even thought of reading one twice!
3. One book you'd want on a desert island: How to Turn Sand into Water; hey, the question didn't say it had to be real.
4. One book that made you laugh:
5. One book that made you cry: The Last Battle (last book in the Chronicles of Narnia) by C.S. Lewis
6. One book you wish had been written: Not Relating to God Solely & Vicariously Through the Writings Compiled in the Bible. Yeah, I know the title is long, but oh well.
7. One book you wish had never been written: I'm gonna agree with Kyle and say The Prayer of Jabez...give me a freakin' break.
8. One book you're currently reading: Dare to Dream and Work to Win by Dr. Tom Barrett
9. One book you've been meaning to read: the Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis
10. Tag 6 others: Sam Davidson, Jim Palmer, Rick Harris, Gary Morgan, John O'Keefe, Ginger Swann: if you're reading this post — write your books in the comments or post them on your blog and let me know in the comments!

Tags: tags, books

My Weekend O' Fun

2006-08-27T18:54:00.000-05:00

Whew, what a weekend! Friday night the wife and I kayaked out to luau island on good ole' J. Percy Priest lake (via Elm Hill Marina) with some friends to camp. There's a two tent limit on the isle and fortunately for us we were the only people there! Campfire, glow sticks, junk food, pipes, cigars, and good convoy, how do you beat that?

Saturday I went with a buddy to Hardee's Buzzfest 6. We got there thirty minutes before the gates opened and stayed about six hours, and yes, the temp was in the mid ninety's for the majority of that time. The blazing hot sun coupled with my refusal to remove my sunglasses (super-sensitive eyes) proved to be the perfect recipe for my lovely "racoon tan" I currenty have going on. Anyway, though they were the first band to play on the main stage (which normally means they suck), Ligion (no, not misspelled) was as good as any band there! I'll be downloading some of their tunes. Black Stone Cherry, another band we purposely wanted to catch, definitely put on the best stage show. I also came to a conclusion while there on Saturday, I would prefer to NOT see the majority of the population without their shirts on...guys and girls alike. I'll stop there.

Today, Shaunna and I caught a matinee of Little Miss Sunshine. Oh my gosh! Freaking hilarious. Dark and sadistic, but hilarious! A note to fellow movie goers, if you have a problem with liberal use of the "f" bomb, you're gonna want to avoid this flick. But if you don't, then I'll quote my blog bud Sam Davidson and say, "walk, run, or push your van to the theatre."

Whew, what a long, but fun, weekend.

Tags: weekend, movie, little miss sunshine, kayak, buzzfest, camping

An Explanation of This Description

2006-08-25T09:55:00.000-05:00

So what? Why explain the description of my own blog? Because it is not really what this blog is about. Some may say, "yes it is, it's most always the topic at hand", to which I would reply, "is it really?" So allow your eyes to wander to the upper right corner of the page, that white, italicized, text reads, "Chronicling the mysterious adventure of learning what it means to BE Church, not go to it..."

It's true, meditating on what it means to BE Church was the thought that first allowed me to scratch the surface of the real, underlying topics I talk about here, but that is all. It was merely the toe deep water I found myself in that afforded the opportunity to hear the call of the deep. However, if that were all I muse about here, essentially, I would be talking about a style of doing church, and hence I would be compelled to label it so that others may duplicate it and realize how cutting edge I am (and I'm desperately restraining from providing annoying examples, at this moment).

So I know my 20-30 visitors per day aren't necessarily huge commenters (which is totally cool with me), but I'm curious, what do yall think I'm actually dealing with here.

Tags: Blog, Church, Faith, Spirituality

A Note to All My Fellow Southerners...

2006-08-22T08:19:00.000-05:00

...who still fail to realize that Christendom is dead. Seriously, can we PLEASE stop referring to "biblical principles" and speaking in our ~~native~~ learned tongue of Christianeze, assuming total strangers and the whole of society actually know (or care) what we are talking about.

These habits and practices are destructive on many levels, and quite frankly, it needs to be stopped. Much to the popular belief of the church sub-culture, we do not live in a "Christian" society any longer. As a matter of fact, it's been a while since we have.

So please, I know you mean well, but attempt to acclimate yourselves and each other into our culture, living the love of Christ there, rather than continuing to create a sub-culture that mirrors the ideals of Constantine (the emporer, not the movie).

Tags: Christendom, Love, Christ, Southern

Cool People Care

2006-08-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Sam Davidson, a local Nashville social justice, spirituality, and life blogger, has recently launced a very innovative and much needed site called CoolPeopleCare. From the site: "CoolPeopleCare is the web resource for people who want to make a difference. Browse our site; you'll find practical ideas, helpful hints, and local events, all aimed at motivating you to change your world."

Get off your butt, err, home page, go check it out, and spend five minutes towards changing the world...

Tags: Cool People Care, Social Justice, Blog, Nashville, Sam Davidson

Canada Needs Money

2006-08-18T10:30:00.000-05:00

One of my very best friends in the world is off to the land of our neighbors to the north. That's right Lacey is off to Vancouver for a year to work with a unique new church in formation. Because this church isn't all about making money (thank God!), she's gonna need some financial help to survive in maple leaf land.

If you feel so inclined, and I do hope that you do, you can donate to Lacey's totally secure, online piggy bank at GiveMeaning.com. Any amount would be totally helpful and all donations are 100% tax exempt. So please, open up your heart and help a sista out.

Tags: Lacey, the Open House, Vancouver, Canada, Missions, Donation

Crucify Him! Crucify Him!

2006-08-15T10:30:00.000-05:00

Just a short rant to express both my tiredness and disappointment in the reaction to Mel Gibson's drunken statements. First off, I can't believe this is still a popular topic of media convo. I actually heard one show early this morning say, "He crossed a line, what he said is unforgivable."

*Cue the dull roar of the mob in their mantra, "crucify him, crucify him!"*

Secondly, as much as I hate it, we all have prejudices. We all stereotype. We all say things we don't mean (whether it's in a drunken stupor or not). If what Mel said was "unforgivable", then we all deserve to be burned alive for our prejudices and silent (or not so) hatred of people unlike us.

*Fade to clip of the movie Crash*

Tags: Mel Gibson, Crash, Jewish, Hate, Love

Point for Point

2006-08-13T13:37:00.000-05:00

This week I have decided to end a chapter in the story of my life. I no longer see value in sitting across a table from someone, sipping on a cup of joe, going point for point against each other regarding spiritual, theological, or "religious" things. My reason, no good can come of it.

In such a conversation where a person intellectually proves that they are right, what happens? Normally, the person being "proven" wrong gets pissed, and the relationship is critically injured and eventually dies. The "victor" in this scenario has the short-lived pleasure of gloating over their intellectual supremacy, but at what expense? The loss of a friend. What kind of world is it that we live in where being right is of more value than relationships, more valuable than love?

Of course there are many different scenarios that could play out in a point for point conversation, but they all have similar results. Whether the conversants are best friends or strangers, it matters not. People still suffer, love is suppressed, and no one really "wins". The gamble is great and the chips are raked into the abyss of human pride.

Tags: pride, intellectualism, friendship, love

I'd Rather Not Know

2006-08-11T09:53:00.000-05:00

For the past three days in a row I've been involved in the same conversation with three different people. The convo has been that of the subconscious quintessential need people (myself included) have to label everything! I've been thinking, what good can that possibly do?

For example, I'm sitting at Panera with a guy the other day and we're having a pleasant conversation. The convo moves to topics that can be uncomfortable, if the people involved see things differently, which was the case in our situation. Immediately the guy across the table says, "so you're a liberal." My reply, as it normally is, was, "I prefer not to be pigeon-holed into one certain category. On some things you might call me a liberal, on others you may call me conservative. That's why I don't contain myself to one camp or the other."

So I have decided that I think it would be better if I didn't know if people around me "went to church", or what "church" they went to, or what "denomination they were", or what party they voted, or whether or not they were an atheist, new age, Christian, dispensationalist, Calvinist, fundamentalist, universalist, etc. I mean, can you imagine what our relationships would be like if, from the beginning, we didn't view them through lenses jaded by presuppositions? What if we could just talk and get to know people outside of what they call themselves. What if we just loved each other?

Its funny, we so freely and flippantly label things, people, and ourselves without realizing that no one really falls solely into one "category" or the other...and if someone does, then that's just sad.

An aside: wow, this is my fifth straight day to post, I must have a lot on my mind...

Tags: spirituality, labels, love

Cell Phone Woes

2006-08-10T19:09:00.000-05:00

Its finally August and our Sprint family plan contract is up! Hooray! To the trash with the crappy service and $75/month for a 500 minute plan (that we share, mind you). Unfortunately, my joy is capped by an even larger dilemma, what carrier do we switch to?

The obvious choice seems to be Verizon, but hold up, they're one of the anti-net neutrality big boys. (~~Crap, wish I could afford Comcast HighSpeed Internet and do away with my Bellsouth DSL for the same reason.~~) So if you take away Verizon, you have Cingular and Sprint, essentially. Well we already know I'm NOT renewing with Sprint, so that leaves Cingular, who is not the cheapest of the three (nor do they have the best features or phones--that's Verizon). So now we're back to square one, Verizon is the cheapest for the minutes, best features, best phones--ugh.

I checked into T-Mobile....that's a no. I thought my lucky day had come when I saw an ad for Alltel so I Googled them and found their homepage. I researched the whole "MyCircle" thing and it seemed PERFECT! But oh, wait, they advertise in areas where they apparently don't provide service (like all of TN). Double ugh.

So does anyone have any advice (backed up with reasons) on who a good alterative would be? Keep in mind it'll be a family share package with my wife and sharing the minutes.

UPDATE:8/11/06: It appears that Comcast is indeed a net neutrality enemy as well. I guess that means anyone in Nashville who wants high speed internet is part of the problem, rather than the solution, by default....that sucks.

Tags: Net Neutrality, Cingular, Verizon, T-Mobile

Lebanon Fuel Spill

2006-08-09T12:03:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I try not to blog much about the whole mid-east conflict (largely b/c I'm not entirely sure what I think about it), but this image is just sad.Yup, that's a GoogleEarth image of a fuel spill from a Lebanon Power Plant that Israel recently bombed. The image shows the fuel contaminating more than 70 miles of coastline.

HT: NiT, Bloomberg, & MRD

Tags: Lebanon, Oil Spill, Israel

The Universe--Yeah, Its Big

2006-08-08T13:16:00.000-05:00

CNN Space and Science had a headline today that read, "Study: Universe bigger, older than expected." Here's an exerpt:

Scientists now estimate the universe to be about 13.7 billion years old (a figure that has seemed firm since 2003, based on measurements of radiation leftover from the Big Bang) and about 156 billion light-years wide.
The new finding implies that the universe is instead about 15.8 billion years old and about 180 billion light-years wide.

Whoa, that size and age is beyond even the limits of my imagination, much less my comprehension. I have two unrelated thoughts on the topic. The first is that it seems arrogant to think that we're the only life forms in such a huge expanse of space. The second is that I'm dumbfounded by the imagination and creativity that God exercised in creating such a cosmos. I wonder why He did.

Tags: cnn, space, universe

The Gift We'll Give Our Children

2006-08-07T11:29:00.000-05:00

My wife and I plan to give our children a great gift, and one that we will continually give from their very first day on this planet. (No, to all who are hoping, Shaunna is not pregnant, lol.) This gift will be one that empowers them to have, do, and imagine whatever they want, with no limitations. It will be a gift that most of us in the western world have not been given, not because of our parents, but because of our culture.

Our culture and society teaches us, contrary to our beliefs as children, that we CANNOT do, be, think, or have anything we want. I mean seriously, think about it, what did you want to be as a child? Did you live up to that dream? If not, why? Because our world says, "Oh that's silly, you can't do that." Can't, can't, can't, the most destructive word in our English vocabulary.

Somewhere early in our lives, most of us began believing, albeit subconsciously, the "can't" statements we heard all around us. Can you imagine what would have happened if we had of all heard "can" statements instead? I look forward to learning from my children as they, one day, grown in life being told that they can do, be, have, think, and imagine anything they want to. I can scarcely imagine what their lives will look like, void of the baggage that "can't" brings.

No, I'm obviously not talking about anarchy. I'm not talking about telling them they can run around sticking forks in outlets just because the want to. I'm referring to their paradigm and fundamental thought process. Whether it be something temporal, contained to this world, or something in their spirit, that is eternal, they will know that they CAN achieve it.

I say, "I sure wish I could live my entire life through the love of Christ in me", and my human-ness immediately counters with, "yeah, but you can't." What an incredible life it will be for our children to know that they can.

The Price of Being Right

2006-08-04T08:38:00.000-05:00

"If you have to choose between being right and hurting a relationship...or being kind and healing a relationship...choose being kind."

I read that this morning. More times than not, "being right" is of no value.

Health & Wellness Success!

2006-08-01T18:03:00.000-05:00

Woo hoo! I just had to get the word out that as of today, August 1st, 2006, my wife and I promoted to District Managers with Arbonne International. We started our own home based business with this revolutionary health and wellness company on June 1st and have obviously made progress that we're very pleased with in these two months.

Can I just say that I am SOOOO much happier working from home then I ever was sitting behind a desk from 9:00-5:00 working for someone else? Of course, there are many out there who thrive on the 9:00-5:00, but I am not among them. I'm a bit too much of a free spirit.

Next stop...the top.

Tags: Arbonne, success, home based business, health, wellness

The World I Dream

2006-07-28T09:09:00.000-05:00

On the way to the Mt. Juliet Panera Bread, where I sit now, I was reflecting on an interesting conversation I had with some friends of mine on Wednesday evening at the Panera in Hermitage. (I work from these two Panera's alot) As soon as I got here, I brought the notebook out of hibernation and got on Merriam-Webster online and this is what I found:

In searching for "reality", the number one definition is, "the quality or state of being real." So, logically, I search for "real", who's number one entry is the adjective (most commonly used) form of the word, who's number one definition is, "of or relating to fixed, permanent, or immovable things."

This begs the question that was among the conversation this past week. What things are permanent? Let me say what things are not. In the metaphysical sense, human bodies, buildings, trees, cars, coffee, computers, etc, etc, etc. ANYTHING that has a beginning and an end is not permanent, hence is not real. Only that which exists in the spiritual realm are eternal, hence, real. It's fascinating how many things we feel exist in the spiritual realm, but really, do not. Take evil, for example. Evil has a beginning an and end. It has not always been and will not always be, therefore, it isn't real. Though evil isn't real, guess what IS...Love. Hmm, fancy that.

Does anyone else feel a little bit like we're in the Matrix?

Tags: real, reality, love, evil, the matrix

Thoughts on the Mid-East War...and Canada

2006-07-28T08:02:00.000-05:00

I find in my self a lack of desire to blog about current events, as a whole, but I thought I'd take a few minutes to do so this morning before I hit the ground running. Things are getting crazy in the mid-east, no doubt, but I am one who isn't willing to say what that "means".

Many would say it's a sign of the end times. Many would say that's absurd. I say, no matter what it "means", it is clear that humanity is moving away from perfect love. As a friend frequently asks, "What would it look like if the perfect and unconditional love of Christ ruled the lives of all humanity?"

Back to the war, here's my hypothesis. Our neighbors to the north, Canada, lay so low and keep themselves so far from the lime light of the international community that one must wonder what actually goes on in Maple Leaf Land. Isn't it obvious that they're there conducting top secret nuclear research, amassing huge weapons and munitions depots, and fostering an armed services who's size and skill will boggle the mind? When they sweep in to the USA, we won't know what it us.

Ok, so that hypothesis may have been said with my tongue slightly implanted in my cheek, but hey, it could still happen [sarcasm].

Tags: Canada, War, Iraq, Middle East, Israel, Lebanon

Glazing Over Toxic Donuts

2006-07-25T09:07:00.000-05:00

There are times in life when I find myself stumbling upon rare treasures that I knew not even existed. Sitting here writing last night's post was one of those times. I had referred to a passage in John chapter 14 for some specific words of Jesus, but what you didn't see was what happened as I read on.

Allow me to paste some of the text here:

...Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."
9Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. 12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15"If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be^[c] in you. 18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."...

Towards the end of verse 17, you see a superscript "c" after the phrase, "will be". That superscript lead me to the bottom of the page to see this footnote, "Some early manuscripts 'and is'"!!! What? How can the translators just glaze over such a fork in the road?!?! The difference in whatever manuscript was used here and the early manuscripts alluded to is whether or not the Holy Spirit was already abiding in ("and is") the disciples and the modern, more widely accepted interpretation of that the Spirit did not yet abide in them and the disciples lacked something they needed ("will be").

No big deal? Quite the contrary! If the text is really supposed to read "and is", then that means the Spirit, i.e. the life of Christ, was already in the disciples, which means it's already in ALL humans. That's a HUGE difference from the modern teachings of, "I have Jesus in me, you need Jesus in you...".

FYI, I found from one source that the reason for this discrepancy is that the early Greek manuscripts did not mark accents. The word for "will be" and "and is" is apparently the same word in Greek, only with different accents. Here is the reason given for translating it the "will be" way, "The reading chosen for the text seems to fit the context better." That is obviously an educated way of saying, "we guessed." It is also men basically saying, "based on our biases and theologies we've constructed around the whole of Scripture, this translation seems to fit best with the way we presently see things..."

Oh my.

Tags: Scripture, John, Interpretation

Positive Thinking Power Origin

2006-07-24T21:25:00.000-05:00

Recently my wife and I have heard, on numerous occasions, discussions regarding the Law of Attraction, the power of positive thinking, etc. Personally, I've always felt it to be a little humanistic to feel that I can bring about whatever I want just by thinking it. Then it hit me, this concept may actually be a reality--but not in the way we tend to think.

Jesus told His disciples, as John records it, that if they had faith in Him they would do not only the things He had done, but even greater things as well. What if what Jesus is saying here is what we call the power of positive thinking? What if the power is not in the mind, but in the Spirit of God, the very life of Christ that resides within us? What if this "power of positive thinking" is actually the power of the Holy Spirit enabling us to do those "greater things" that Jesus talked about?

Just a thought...

Tags: Power of positive thinking, Law of Attraction, Holy Spirit

HIV in Nashville

2006-07-22T15:23:00.000-05:00

Recently I've come upon some information about our Nashville community that is quite disturbing. Kevin Hartman, a PharmD (and owner?) of Nashville Pharmacy Services, estimates that there are 3,000 HIV positive patients in the greater Nashville area. Whoa, I had no idea! I sure am glad for people like Mr. Hartman and his pharmacy that provides FREE delivery and/or shipping of medications to all of his patients. I'm also glad for clinics like the Comprehensive Care Center which is, "A private, not-for-profit outpatient medical facility dedicated to advancing and coordinating care, research and treatment of people living with HIV infection...".

One of my friends asked Mr. Hartman a series of questions regarding why HIV meds were so expensive and what prevents countries in dire need, like those in Africa, from getting adequate amounts of them? The answer, though Mr. Hartman could only provide an educated (yet professional) guess, was simply a lack of money.

Wow, maybe my blogger bud and Social Justice junkie Sam Davidson can supply us with some info on a way to contribute or aid in such a need.

Tags: HIV, AIDS, Nashville Pharmacy Services, Comprehensive Care Center, Africa, Social Justice

Aggregating Comments...Finally!

2006-07-20T16:04:00.000-05:00

Ok, So I've had a coCommenter account for about 3 months and haven't been all that pleased. The major con of the service, until now, was that you could only track comments made by other ppl with coCo accounts themselves. But hey, at least you still had the links to the actual comment url's in one place so it was easy to check out all the non-coCo comments on the pages as well.

However, the fellas over at coCo FINALLY released the much awaited major update that makes the service a force to be reckoned with. Its too bad that it hasn't caught on in the Nashville blogosphere yet (hint hint). The list of updates includes the coCoCrawler that allows you to track all comments (including non-coCo comments) on any site, the "track this conversation" feature which allows you to track the comment threads of conversations you're not even participating in, the meta-conversation feature which allows you to activate coCo on sites without any built in comment function, and the list goes on and on!

Good job yall. Thanks for making commenting easier and more fun.

Tags: coCo, coComment, Blogging

I Repent

2006-07-19T22:12:00.000-05:00

"I repent, I repent of my pursuit of america's dream
I repent, I repent of living like I deserve anything
of my house, my fence, my kids, my wife
in our suburb where we're safe and white
I am wrong and of these things I repent

I repent, I repent of parading my liberty
I repent. I repent of paying for what I get for free
and for the way I believe that i am living right
by trading sins for others that are easier to hide
I am wrong and of these things I repent

I repent judging by a law that even I can't keep
of wearing righteousness like a disguise
to see through the planks in my own eyes

I repent, I repent of trading truth for false unity
I repent, I repent of confusing peace and idolatry
by caring more of what they think than what I know of what we need
by domesticating you until you look just like me
I am wrong and of these things I repent."

~Derek Webb, "I Repent"
From the album, "I See Things Upside Down"

Tags: Repent, Derek Webb, I See Things Upside Down

Overcomplicating Idolatry

2006-07-17T17:56:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I feel that our over-arching longing to label things leads to over complication of many things. You know what I mean, little Larry says, "I think Jesus died for His elect, and only them." Then tiny Tina replies, "oh you're a Calvinist...". Non-theological example: merry Martha says, "...No thank you, I don't eat meat." Judgmental Jamie replies, "Oh, are you like a hippie or something?" See, humans have a freaky unspoken desire to label everything and everyone, and in so doing, we confine people to certain "camps" that we assign them to and refuse to believe that they do not belong there.

Anyway, all that to say this--we overcomplicate a lot of things that aren't that complicated. Here's an excerpt from a book I'm reading, not Love Trumps Karma, a different one, because I just finished LTK this morning.

Regarding our "High Places":

"I rarely saw Benny without hearing some piece of profound wisdom suitable to a sage. This day was no exception. With that typical twinkle in his eye and that wry west Tennessee grin on his face, he asked me, 'Do you know how you can tell when something is an idol in you life?'

'No.' I waited for his reply. I knew it would be good.

His grin widened. His words were slow but short. 'By how big a fight you put up when it's taken from you.'

Many of the things we fight over are likely idols in our lives. We get angry when something we adore is taken from us or when we fear that it might be taken from us."

When I first read this I didn't totally agree. I thought, "that's not true! there are plenty of things that aren't idols that I would fight for with all my heart...like my wife!" Then I saw it, the story didn't say it was an idol if you fight for it, but the give-a-way of idolatry was how big a fight (or maybe a better word is fit) you put up when it is taken away. I'm still thinking on this, but a very interesting idea.

Tags: idol, idols, idolatry, high places

All Bloggers are Hindu

2006-07-13T10:26:00.000-05:00

Not only are all bloggers apparently Hindu, but also any who involve themselves in online communities where they identify themselves by a little 60x60 image we like to call an avatar.

Ok, so those of us who mark our place in the cyber world with the stamp of our avatars aren't really Hindu, but that's where the term avatar comes from. Let me explain with an excerpt from Love Trumps Karma by Karyn Henley:

"...The ultimate purpose of a Hindu Life is to reach the Supreme Brahman, and Hindus want to communicate somehow with this great unapproachable Reality. That's where the second level comes in, the conditioned Brahman who has physical features.

Hindus believe they can communicate with the conditioned Brahman, who becomes the bridge between them and the unapproachable Supreme Brahman. They say the conditioned Brahman is the all-powerful, all-knowing Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer of the world. They often call the conditioned Brahman "Lord" or "God". And they believe that one way that the conditioned Brahman works is that when necessary, it can manifest itself as a man for a while. When this happens, the conditioned Brahman is called the Avatar."

I just thought it was both funny and interesting to learn that our various avatar images are, in essence, the self-manifestations of our unapproachable realities to the feeble minds that gaze at their screens day in and day out, searching for love and for answers. Silly mortals, I have you all fooled--you truly think that Jeffrey Davis is the flying squirrel you see before your eyes in my profile! muah ha ha ha...

Tags: Hinduism, Love Trumps Karma, Karyn Henley, Avatar

The Truth I Know but Didn't Know I Knew

2006-07-08T10:17:00.000-05:00

As of late, some friends and I have been discussing the reality of perfect love and what the world would look like if all humanity lived in and through it.

Anyway, my buddies turned me on to a book called Love Trumps Karma by Karyn Henley, a local Nashville girl. In LTK, Karyn too explores what such a world would look like.

Anyway, this morning as I was reading a few chapters at Starbucks in Hermitage while eating my two cinnamon cake donuts and sipping on a tall banana coconut frappucino, God revealed something in my spirit that leaves me utterly dumbfounded as I wonder at how I have not yet seen such a simple Truth. So here it is...

In 1 John 4, verses 8 and 16 say that "God is love." Genesis 1:26 says, "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image...'". If God is Love, that is perfect love, then that is His image. So the fact that God made humans in His image means that deep in our hearts He wrote into all humanity the image of Himself, of His Love.

Traditional thought and teachings imply that somewhere in the course of time, probably as a consequence of "the Fall", humans somehow lost or at least corrupted that image. However, I cannot recall or find any scripture(s) in the Bible that would indicate such. What more accurately happened is that humans, Adam and Eve, chose to disobey God in eating of the tree of the knowledge of good AND evil (when they had only previously, the knowledge of good) and in so doing, allowed themselves to be governed by knowledge, fear, reason, and the like. It was not God that hid from them, but they that hid from God--fearing the assumption of His wrath on their actions. (Where they came up with the concept of His wrath or anger is mind boggling--since they had only known Him in as Love before this time.)

So the reality remains that the whole of humanity has written into the very deepest fibers of our being, at our very core, perfect Love. The problem is that our awareness of such a gift has been lost in centuries and generations of hate, fear, and greed. The quest, therein, is to discover how we might be reconnected with and consciously aware of such love within us, that we might live in it.

Tags: love, spirituality, christianity, perfect, humanity

Lament of Meetup Missing

2006-07-07T08:12:00.000-05:00

Its a total and utter shame that I've been in the Nashville blogosphere for a year and a half and have never actually met any of my fellow Nashologers. I was so hoping to make the blogger meetup last night, but it just didn't happen. Oh well, there's always the next one...that is if brittany/wkrn can get me an e-vite to the right email address ;-). How did yall get my old aol email address anyway?

Tags: Nashville, Bloggers, Meetup, NiT, WKRN

Welcome Me to the Wireless Community!

2006-07-06T00:02:00.000-05:00

Well, we finally did it. Today our phone line was outfitted with Bellsouth DSL and I ventured into the fun-filled land of modem and router configuration. Oh what a land it is, a place filled with profuse perspiration, trembling hands, gritting teeth, and a small amount of swearing. Ah yes, just like the good ole' days...

At any rate, we decided this was a necessary evil as our home based biz begins to take off. We suffered through the dial-up as long as possible, and so it was time to wave good-bye and NEVER look back.

So here I sit, a mere 5 hours and 3 tech support calls later, writing a blog and uploading some images to flickr. I must say, it is nice to be able to do so and not have to pack everything up and head to Panera. Nevertheless, here's but a few of the many pics from last night's 4th of July fireworks at Riverfront Park. More at my flickr page.

Grace-What a Concept

2006-06-30T16:31:00.000-05:00

"At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. [emphasis mine]" That's verses three through seven in Titus, chapter 3.

Titus 2:11 also says, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men."

Something drastically stands out to me in these passages...they're in past tense. "...has appeared...", "...kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared...", "...saved us through washing...by the Spirit...", etc.

Hmm, I wonder why? Actually, its more than wonderings, its personal speculations and inclinations at the moment, but both interesting and perplexing nonetheless.

Tags: Grace, Titus, Bible, Questions

My Friend's Interview with a Friend (Who Happens to be an Atheist)

2006-06-28T06:56:00.000-05:00

My friend Jim is a local blogger and author here in Nashville. He's the author of several books including the soon to be released Divine Nobodies:Shedding Religion to Find God (and the Unlikely People Who Help You).

He's posted an interview with a friend of his on myspace that I thought was really great! Here's a sample:

JP: What ways have you personally been offended or disrespected by Christians?

RF: I have been attacked 3 times by angry Christians. I have had guns pulled on me. My family was almost run off the road by an angry Christian truck driver (the big cross on the front was a give-a-away). I was almost assaulted in a parking lot luckily people gathered around to help. The psychological biggie, and it's so much, is that many Christians actually support a God that they call loving, yet this deity believes I'm worthy of being tortured forever. I find that disgusting and highly offensive. I hate it when a Christian tells me in anger, "God Bless You" as if that lessens the intent. I am also offended when a Christian says they love me because the Bible says they must. They cheapen real love. How can they love me when their God believes I'm worthy of eternal torture?

Good stuff! Read more at Jim's blog and myspace.

First Time Wakeboarding!

2006-06-25T14:47:00.000-05:00

We went out with our friends Rick and Heather, with their daughter Chelsey, last night on their boat to chill for the evening and I finally learned to wakeboard! It took me about 10 tries to finally get up, but here's some pics of it.

I know my form sucks, but hey, it was my first time!

I Am a Social Dictator

2006-06-23T13:03:00.000-05:00

As a go about my daily life I find in myself that I am some sort of fascist when it comes to relationships. I seem to have a scale that tells me which relationships I value most, and then force all friendships to that end. What I value most are real, honest, deep, and intimate relationships. You know what I mean, those people who wrestle with me over difficult issues, with whom I speak freely regarding what I'm thinking or feeling (even if its about them), etc. The people who's spirits bear witness and seem to connect with mine in a way that is not of this world.

I find that I am wrongfully unsatisfied with the relationships I have that are not of such closeness. Despite knowing that it would be unhealthy, and quite impossible, to maintain such a large number of such relationships, I seem to constantly attempt to do so. My ulterior motive seems to be, secretly, to move all more "surfacey" relationships to deeper levels. It is a strange and difficult process learning to value all of my friendships, regardless of how deep they may run.

I am a social dictator.

Tags: friendship

Spiritual Awareness

2006-06-22T07:02:00.000-05:00

I believe that there is an alternate reality, the ultimate reality, where it is possible for humans to live. It is the realm where we are constantly connected with and aware of the Spirit of God's voice, movement, and activities in and around us. This is a place I unfortunately visit only sporadically, and seemingly, for only brief periods of time.

As I mentioned recently, I have been so much happier this month as the opportunity to shift into a job that I love and actually care about has arisen. Since then, I have visited this desired realm more often than in the recent past. I, however, would not be as naive to say that happiness is the vehicle to this place. No, no, no, not at all.

So the question remains, what does allow us to enter this ultimate reality? More importantly to me, what allows me to live there?

Home Based Business--I Freakin' Love It!

2006-06-15T16:34:00.000-05:00

Week 1 of the Arbonne home based business is in the books. Can I just say that I'm happier than I've been in a long time! I am having more fun getting this business going with my wife than I could have dreamed.

A pleasant and unexpected result of such happiness has been a noticeably sharpened awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence and voice in and around me. Before I was set free from my 9-5 rat race, I filled every spare second of the day with meaningless activities. Such attempts were to numb my mind in hopes of just making it, once again, to 4:30, so I could go home and to the gym with my beautiful wife.

Now, I enjoy what I do and feel not the need to occupy my down time with such things of worthlessness. I have time to write (journal and blog), think, meditate, and more...in addition to getting work done and a business started! What a pleasant surprise.

Tags: arbonne, spirituality, happiness, home based business

Been Away for a While

2006-06-13T09:40:00.000-05:00

Life is a funny thing. There's those moments when it seems that everything that's been happening for months and months on end come together in a culmination of unbelievable dreams. This has been the story of my life recently.

About two months ago Shaunna and I began learning about the toxins that we put in our bodies every day through the use of soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, etc. We learned about rendering plants and the other toxins and carcinogens used as main ingredients in many of the products we use countlessly throughout the day. As my wife and I are very aware and concerned about health and fitness on a plethora of levels, this troubled us.

Changing gears, we have recently discovered that our ability to dream has been dramatically reduced, largely as a direct result of our 9-5 rat race jobs. Neither of us have been designed to flourish in such environments. We are free thinkers and creative types who hate to be tied down and chasing the carrot dangled out in front of us. Only recently have we begun to dream, and dream big, again. Hey, here's a thought, what's the point of dreaming if you don't believe it can come true?

Anyway, just before Shaunna got out of school for the summer (she's a teacher, if you didn't know), she had humored one of her co-workers by sitting in on an Arbonne presentation. She came home intrigued and shared some information with me. We then met one-on-one with a national vice president of Arbonne here in the Hermitage/Mt. Juliet area to discuss some more details and ask some pointed questions. Two days later, and after much prayer and meditation, we decided to start our own business with Arbonne.

I would never have believed we'd be a part of a network marketing company, much less that God would lead us down such a path. I've checked into around 10-15 network marketing companies in the past 4 years or so, and have been able to find something shady with the products and/or company in every single one thus far. Much to my dismay, at the beginning that is, I was unsuccessful in finding such problems with Arbonne.

Their products (weight loss, nutrition, skin care, cosmetics/color, aromatherapy, and anti-aging) are truly, as they say, "Pure, Safe, and Beneficial". ALLLLL the products are botanically based, pH balanced, not tested on animals, contain NO animal products or byproducts, and are far superior to anything on the market.

Well, the final kicker of the story is that 5 days after we signed up to build a business with Arbonne, I lost my job. To be honest, I laughed my butt off when this happened. We planned on our Arbonne business being in the place within six months where I could resign my previous job anyway, but I guess God just wanted to give me the opportunity to work our Arbonne business more effectively.

I'm not looking for another job because Arbonne, with it's incredible products and really incredible business opportunity, is my job now. We crunched the numbers and found that Shaunna and I can eat and pay bills on her check, so we can afford to both concentrate on Arbonne for the summer. God has been so faithful, as has always promised His children, to take care of us. We are so thankful for those friends of ours who have aided us as the Spirit has moved them. Our Creator-Savior cares even for the sparrows, thus there is no need to worry about food and clothes.

Too Much Grace?

2006-06-05T08:58:00.000-05:00

Disheartening is the fact that many of us who call ourselves followers of Christ long for His judgment in place of His mercy. In recent conversations about some, well, um, hot button issues, this line of thinking has butted its way, once again, into the limelight of my world.

What compels some of us to be angered by the fact that some preachers, churches, people, yada, yada, yada..., are more accepting then they are condeming? "All they talk about is God's grace and forgiveness, never His wrath", they say. Pardon me, didn't Christ take all of God's wrath that was being stored up for the entire world when He made Himself the great sacrifice? Yes, He did. And if it were not all the wrath that He took, then it might as well have been none.

Now yes, for those who do not allow themselves to be consumed in the love of Christ and the reality of His forgiveness for all their sin, there remains judgment. But that is left to the God who will one day sit on the great white throne of judgment, NOT to men and women who long to thrust themselves there in His stead.

*WARNING: Do not proceed if raw emotion poured out in words offends you*

That said, who gives a shit if people don't talk about God's wrath enough? Is it real? Yes. Is it dealt with? Yes. Will many still suffer it? Unfortunately, yes (in the scenario described above). The scare tactics of hell are regrettably ingrained in so many of us from legalistic upbringings, but we must rise up and overthrow such evil tendencies. It it is the love of Christ that sets us free. He IS love.

Just like in any relationship, of course there are things we do that upset Him, disappoint Him, etc, but that will never turn His wrath back upon us. He lovingly reveals our mistakes, picks us up out of the dirt, and sets our feet back firmly on the path of righteousness. Sometimes I think He dusts us off Himself, sometimes He leaves it for us to do, but one thing is for sure, this process is a vital part of being transformed into His image, and I will never again say otherwise.

Its for freedom that the God of love set us free, and I will approach the throne of Grace boldly and frequently, with all others who camp there as well. For those who have not yet discovered that this throne, not the great white throne, is where we meet Christ, I would love to show you the way. Its through love.

Tags: grace, love, mercy, christianity, christ, church, judgment

The Renaissance Festival

2006-05-30T11:17:00.000-05:00

This past weekend the in-laws came in town and we mosey'd on down to Triune for the Tennessee Renaissance Festival. I know that several Nashville bloggers didn't give the festival all that great reviews, but since it is one of my favorite eras of history, I enjoyed it quite well.

This weekend was the mounted jousting competition, which was what I primarily wanted to see. It was quite exciting, in my opinion. Here are some pics from the weekend. There are more on my flickr.com page.

Tags: Nashville, Renaissance Festival, Jousting, Castle, Gwyn

Cosmic Santa

2006-05-24T14:33:00.000-05:00

Over the past few days, prayer has been repetitively presenting itself as a subject for thought in my ADD plagued mind.What do I believe about this act? I say I believe that it is simply conversation with God, but do I really? Is that statement simply regurgitated dogma from my upbringing, or is it real?

I suspect if it were real that I would commune with Christ for reasons other than supplication. Regretfully, that is typically the rule, not the exception in my life. There are times when I connect with the life giving Spirit of Christ in postures other than that of open hands. Those moments, when it is my arms that are open to welcome His embrace, rather than my hands welcoming what He can give, are the sweetest ones. I treasure them.

I long for that to be my normal.

Tags: Prayer, Jesus, Christ, Christianity, Spirit

Matt Lauer, The DaVinci Code Movie, this is Getting Out of Hand...

2006-05-17T15:25:00.000-05:00

In a controversial interview with the cast of the DaVinci Code movie this morning, the Today Show's Matt Lauer said,

"...one of the themes in the book really knocks Christianity right on its ear, if Christ survived the crucifixion, He did not die for our sins, and therefore was not resurrected, [cue Tom Hanks look of genuine bewilderment and interjection of, "was that in the book?"]..."

No, Matt, as Tom Hanks said, that is not even remotely suggested in the book. I mean seriously, if I were interviewing the cast of a book-turned-movie, I'd have the sense to know what the crap that book/movie was actually about.

Lauer quickly glossed over Hanks' exposition of his blunder with a chuckle and a segway, making the slip-up unrecognizable to those who have not read the book. Oh how I hope that those Christian protestors who are, ironically enough, "DaVinci Code virgins", do not use this as an additional stone in their protest platforms. It was a Today Show error, not a true facet of the movie/book's plot line.

Watch the interview clip here.

[HT: NewsBusters]

Tags: the DaVinci Code, Movie, the Today Show, Matt Lauer

the DaVinci Code...Finished

2006-05-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

I hate finishing a book, I really do. Last night as I closed the back cover of my $5.99 paper back copy of the DaVinci Code I was forced to drink of anxiety and remorse, blended with satisfaction, and a "schosh" of accomplishment to top it off, that inevitably follows the completion of a good book. I'm a newbie to the sensation of that concoction as I've just began to willfully read for entertainment in the past 2 years or so [with the exception of my afore mentioned hiatus from all literature].


Anyway, this book goes down as the longest book I've ever read from cover to cover, with exception of the Bible. Wait, am I damned to hell for saying I've read the whole Bible and the DaVinci Code in the same sentence? ;-) j/k. I'd like to make known that upon completion of this book, I'm...get ready for it...still a Christian! Whoa, who knew that was possible? Well, the recent propaganda would at least suggest it is not.


More good conversations with people whom I might not normally have anything else in common to discuss have occurred from the reading of this book then I could have imagined. A fortunate repercussion to say the least.

I was very entertained and intrigued by this book all the way through, I figured out most of the twists a couple hundred pages before they were revealed, and totally enjoyed the 2 weeks I spent enveloped in this collage of mystery and scandal.

See you at the movie...

Tags: the DaVinci Code, Bible, Christianity, Movie

Breaking the Reading Hiatus

2006-05-09T11:17:00.000-05:00

After an intentional several month hiatus from all books (except for the occasional reference), I've finally cracked the binding once again. With the upcoming release of the DaVinci Code, I decided to pick up a small paperback version of the book at Kroger for six dollars and read it.

I've been intrigued for quite some time as to what made this book so compelling and a "must read" for so many people--besides the smack-you-in-the-face "fictional" challenging of traditional Christian understandings, that is. With that wonder in mind, I decided now would be a good time to read the book since it will once again be the topic of conversation once the movie is released. I know, I know...alterior motives rear their ugly heads yet again. (Will I ever be able to overcome that subconscious faculty programmed in my youth?!)

Anyway, after about 60 pages into the book I found myself, as Jamey said yesterday, reading for my own entertainment. The deeper into the plot I get, the more I realize this is my kind of book. Secret societies, subjective art, religious scandals and secrets, ancient symbolism unperceived in our modern world, murder, mystery, and the like. Those of you know me are sure to understand that all these things in one book are sure to be my mental playground.

The writing is dry in parts, the overly descriptive passages sometimes drag on for pages, and the soap opera-ish chapter structure can be annoying, but overall I'm glad I decided to pick this book up for a read--regardless of my original motivation. I'll be interested to see, as with all films based on books, how the movie adheres to the plot of the text version.

P.S. (lol, for those of you who've read the book): Yes, its fiction. Yes, it challenges blatantly opposes traditional Christian thought. But, as one commenter to Jamey's post (linked above) said, "Christianity can withstand critical thinking, and I think full, complete Christianity requires it."

*UPDATE*
That being said, let me say that I do agree with others who have posted on the topic of this book/film. Many have said something to the effect of, "I wouldn't let people say "fictional" things about my mom, I'm not going to let them say "fictional" things about Jesus...". A valid point. However the best way to silence the falsehoods about my mom would be to introduce the nay-sayer(s) to her. They would then surely see that what they have been saying of her could not be more erroneous. Screaming back at them, "you're wrong idiot!" will, however, throw fuel on their fire of lies. The same is true as it pertains to Jesus.

Tags: the DaVinci Code, Dan Brown, Christianity

National Day of Prayer

2006-05-04T11:30:00.000-05:00

National Day of Prayer. What exactly is that? I mean really, have you ever thought about it? I hadn't until today. It is supposed to be a day where people of all faiths throughout this country could pray together in their own ways.

This day has been "official" since 1952 when president Truman signed a bill making the National Day of Prayer into law, but the earliest recorded national day of prayer was in 1775 when the Continental Congress issued such a day to designate "a time for prayer in forming a new nation."

Wait a second, did I just say that this day is law? Nothing more on that thought for now...

Anyway, we've quickly moved away from the inclusive nature of this official day. The National Day of Prayer Taskforce is headed up by Shirley Dobson out of Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, CO. In the FAQ section of the Taskforce's website (which I cannot get to work today) there is a statement that reads, "Americans of all faiths are encouraged to participate in the [National Day of Prayer] according to their own traditions. However, the [National Day of Prayer] Task Force [only] provides promotional materials and sponsors several events in keeping with the Judeo-Christian tradition". Doesn't that defeat the purpose of people of all faiths praying together in their own ways?

As I was first thinking on this I thought, "how silly is that? people of all faiths coming together to pray in their own way? What's the point in coming together if we're going to pray in our own way?" Then I realized that though I do not believe the same as people of other faiths [that is, faiths other than that in Christ] surely I could still learn from their rituals and dedication. Surely the Spirit of God could work out great relationships with someone--here's an idea--different than myself!

As my thoughts began to swirl even deeper into the vortex of my own pessimistic dementia, I came to the questions, "Is a day nationally set apart for prayer even conducive to living a life of dependency and faith in Christ? Doesn't it allow us to even further compartmentalize our lives and continue to move away from a holistic life in Christ? etc..."

As I attempt to combat my negative nature, let me say that I realize for some, this day and days likened to it (Christmas, Easter, etc) may serve as a springboard back into the journey of a life with Christ. For that I'm utterly and deeply thankful. My fear, however, is that they'll ascertain through there renewal experience that such a journey is lived from Sunday to Sunday, holiday to holiday, day of prayer to day of prayer.

If I'm a follower of Christ, it is the life of Christ that lives in me. It is His breath that allows me to breath. Maybe the sole or primary aspiration of a Christian should not be that of devout prayer at regular, set apart, and consistent intervals of time (though those practices are healthy); instead, perhaps it should be, primarily, to become aware of the life of Christ in me, and to depend on that life for everything. I think that when we can learn to do that, regular conversation with Christ (prayer) and other spiritual disciplines will happen naturally. That's what Jesus taught. [see Matthew 22]

Tags: National Day of Prayer, Christianity, Matthew 22, Meditation

Hank Hill's Search for Church

2006-05-02T14:35:00.000-05:00

Wow, who knew even Hank Hill from King of the Hill was searching for "a new church"? Watch the clip here. Funny stuff!

I wonder where the idea of "looking for a new church" came from. Do you think that's what Jesus had in mind when He discussed the Church?

(HT: Kyle at Motion Sickness)

Tags: King of the Hill, Hank Hill, Church, Spirituality, Christianity

A Level 81 in a World of Noobs

2006-04-28T09:14:00.000-05:00

So this is me. Well, no its not really me, its a screen shot of my character in a MMORPG game called Runescape. In this screen shot I'm decked out in my full rune armor, helm of Zammorak, amulet of power, rune scimitar, zombie boots, and completing the ensemble are red gloves and cape.

I have been playing this game on and off, for a few minutes, here and there, for about a year. Recently I was playing when I thought to myself, "Wow, couldn't I be using this time a lot more productively?" No sooner had I thought that, a "friend" popped on to the server [or "world"] I was on. He came to the place I was to train on some "moss giants" and we began to chat.

Suddenly, without warning, he asks, "are you a Christian or something?" I inquired as to what provoked him to ask such a question. He said that because I'm nice to the "noobs", I must be a Christian. You have to understand, the world of Runescape is full of players who feel that their higher level has earned them the right to become agitated for no reason with noobs (new players of a lower level), forgetting that they themselves were once noobs. This normally results in a stream of swearing (which is censored out with # signs) and derogatory remarks regarding the afore mentioned noobs.

I happen to be a rather high level player, level 81 to be exact, and my civil treatment of the noobs was apparently odd for someone of my level to my even higher leveled friend, with whom I was chatting. Right then and there, training on moss giants, we entered into a spiritual conversation that I hope will continue in the future. I learned that my "friend" is an atheist, hates everyone, goes to a Christian school (in Sweden, where he lives), and pretty much hates life in general.

Hmm...interesting that such occurrences can take place in an online game. I never expected it.

Tags: runescape, mmorpg, christianity, spirituality

Divine Nobodies: Shedding Religion to Find God...

2006-04-27T14:13:00.000-05:00

...and the Unlikely People Who Help You. This is the title of a book written by my mate, Jim Palmer. [Oh, wait a second, that is "mate" in the way that the English and Aussie's use it, not in the way Americans tend to think about it. Yikes, sorry Jim.]

Anyway, Jim is a great thinker, writer, and friend. If you'd like to know more about him and his book, he blogs over at Divine Nobodies.

Tags: Divine Nobodies, Jim Palmer, Christianity, Church

One Of Our Own Lost His Wife...

2006-04-25T08:13:00.000-05:00

One of our own Nashville bloggers, Terry Heaton, unexpectedly lost his wife of 18 months last night. She was merely 41 years old. No words can express our sorrow Terry.

In his quick, informative, post this morning he wrote:

My precious and beautiful wife, Allie, passed away during the night. I found her lifeless body on the floor of the bathroom at 3:30 a.m. The paramedics did everything they could, but she was already gone. We have no idea what happened. She was young (41). She was fit. She was so full of life that it's, frankly, very hard to believe she is gone.
I'm in shock and obviously grieving, but I wanted to let you know and write a few words about what she meant to me. It's my way.
She was my life, folks. She was my inspiration, the one who reached in and brought out all my essays. With her unrelenting encouragement, I've written 65 or so essays about broadcasting, postmodernism and new media. None of that would've been possible without my Alicia Faith.
She was everything to me, and I worked hard to let her know that. I'd been married a couple of times before she came back into my life a few years ago, and I wasn't very good at it. She was different, so very different, and with her, I honestly felt the love, respect and support that the experts talk about when describing good marriages. She was my rock, too, and I don't know what I'm going to do without her.
I'll likely not be blogging for awhile. We don't know about funeral arrangements and all that just yet, but I'll try to let you know the when and where. Meanwhile, I could sure use your prayers right now. No man ever expects to bury his bride, especially one so young and healthy.
She knew I loved her, and I knew she loved me. We were fortunate and blessed for that. We just talked about it yesterday, about how our love had actually grown since our wedding 18 months ago. I'm so very lucky to have had those months with such a precious and pure soul. Words cannot express how much I miss her.
May God hold her safely in His arms now and forever.

Feel free to stop by his blog and offer your sympathy, encouragement, and prayers.

Icelandic Summer

2006-04-20T16:17:00.000-05:00

I just discovered through happenstance that today is the first day of summer in Iceland. I don't know why but I just find it mildy ironic that a country named Iceland even has summer. Yes, yes, to all you old school Mighty Ducks 3 movie buffs, I know the adage, "Greenland is covered with ice and Iceland is very nice."

Anyway, legend has it (in Iceland) that if the night before the first day of summer is extremely cold, then winter and summer "freeze together". Supposedly, it is a good omen for the upcoming summer months. I wonder how cold it got in Iceland last night.

This was definitely the most pointless post in the history of this blog.

We'd Need 5.2 Planets to Live Like Me

2006-04-20T13:49:00.000-05:00

So Saturday is Earth Day. Thanks to a little survey that Brittney at NiT linked to today, I've recently learned that if everyone lived their lives as I do, we'd need 5.2 planets.

What?! How can that be? Shaunna and I aren't wasteful of any utilities or food; we both dirve vehicles with good gas mileage; we plant, garden, preserve, and enjoy the environment of our planet; who came up with this survey?

Well, I'm going to hopefully assume that the reason for my apparent environmental strain was my "almost every meal" answer to the "how often do you eat meat products" question. We do eat fish or chicken with nearly every meal.

Anyway, enjoy this year's Earth Day. Anyone doing anything special?

Tags: Earth Day, Environment, Nashville, Survey

Perplexing History of Easter

2006-04-16T09:57:00.000-05:00

Easter is a celebration with quite an interesting origin. It is different from Christmas in that we know that the celebration is at least close to the actual date on which the events took place. The fact is, we don't (and can't) actually know the exact date that Christ was crucified. The gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke put the last supper, a Passover seder, on the 15th of Nissan with the execution following that next day. John's gospel, however, places the last supper early in the day on the 14th of Nissan with Jesus' crucifixion later that same day. Most scholars hold to Matt, Mark, and Luke's accounts. Since the Jewish calendar doesn't stay exactly consistent with our calendar from year to year, we can at least figure out the approximate date of Christ's death and resurrection.

Since we know the crucifixion was during Passover (Pesach in Hebrew), why did the Church choose to celebrate it in correspondence with pagan fertility rituals? Yeah, that's right, in Western traditions we celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon since the spring equinox. By the way, did anyone else actually notice how awesome and bright the moon was last night?

The name Easter comes from a pagan goddess called Eastre (or Eostre) who was worshipped by the Saxons of Northern Europe. When second century Christian missionaries wanted the Saxons to accept Christianity, they decided to use the name Easter for this holiday so that it would match the name of the Saxons own spring celebration, and likewise, the name of their goddess. This was supposed to make it more comfortable for them to accept Christ (now there's some theology for ya). The goddess Eastre's symbol on earth was the rabbit, which for obvious reasons, was a sign of fertility.

Similar goddesses were known by other names in ancient cultures around the Mediterranean and were also celebrated in accordance with the spring equinox. Some of those goddesses were Aphrodite, Ashtoreth, Astarte, Demeter, Hathor, Ishtar, Kali, and Ostara.

So whether we observe Christ's death and resurrection but only one time a year, every single day, or somewhere in between, may we do so that our faith will not be, as the apostle Paul stated, futile (1 Corinthians 15:12-19).

Some sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Tags: easter, eastre, christian, pagan, rabbit

Blog Facelift

2006-04-14T20:16:00.000-05:00

Well I finally got to give this blog a MUCH needed facelift! I changed the header and added a second sidebar but kept the whole page able to fit to the 1024 x 768 resolution that the vast majority of the readers here apparently utilize--thanks to my StatCounter.com tracker for that handy info.

Oh yeah, and I'm using Qumana as my handy new desktop blog client. It puts about 3 extra lines at the bottom of each post for some reason, sorry bout that. Hey, its free--I'm not complaining. So far the extra lines is the ONLY downside I've found to it.

Bare with me as I allocate sidebar information and links to a more aesthetically pleasing layout. Any suggestions? They'd be more than welcome.

Tags: web design, graphic design, html, css

Counting the Omer

2006-04-14T16:06:00.000-05:00

Count the what? Yeah, the omer. It is a Jewish unit of measure. According to the Torah, in Leviticus 23:15-16 and Deuteronomy 16:9-10, God's people were (and still are, if you're a devout Jew) to count the days from Passover to Shavu'ot. This period is known as "the Counting of the Omer" and lasts from the 16th of Nissan to the 5th of Sivan (April 14th to June 1st on our calendar).

Sound silly and pointless? Only at first glance. This festival was instituted during the days when God's people were under the Law of Moses (contrast to the grace of Christ later). The counting of the omer was to remind the people of the link between Passover, which commemorates the Exodus when God brought His people out of slavery in Egypt, and Shavu'ot, which is the celebration of the giving of the Law (Torah) to Moses on Mt. Sinai. To the devout Jew, it is symbolic of the fact that delivery from bondage was not complete until the Torah was received.

I, for one, feel that since the Jesus who indwells us today lived and taught (in his physical body that is) in the Law abiding Jewish culture of the 1st century, it just might be important that I understand a little bit about that culture and school of thought. I heard a saying somewhere once that said, "you can't know where you're going until you find out where you've been". Extremely cliche, but true nonetheless. Anyway, I'm finding incredibly intriguing things for me, a follower of Jesus in this 21st century, from studying and meditating on these ancient things and if you'd like, I encourage any who may stumble in here to do the same.

Happy Passover.

Tags: Jewish, Passover, Omer, Shavu'ot, Easter

Martian Meditation

2006-04-04T14:09:00.000-05:00

I'm home sick today--as I was for the 2nd half of yesterday as well :-(. Everyone be sad for me. However, my sickness has afforded me the opportunity to catch up on several daytime tv shows on the History Channel. Say what you want, I already know it, I'm a nerd.

Anyway, I watched a show called UFO Files. I am one of those who is fascinated by the age old question harbored by all humans, whether they admit it or not, "are we alone?". Regardless of the answer, my next question is why?

If we're not alone, then why has God given us no clues that there are other beings in the universe besides us? Or wait, maybe He has and we have chosen to be blind to them. If there are other creatures, does He love them? Has he redeemed them as he has humans? Will we share Heaven with them? More importantly, are they part of God's kingdom as we are?

If we are alone, then why such a vast and mysterious universe? Could it be that God, in His foreknowledge, knew that we would arrive at our current (and future) capabilities as a race and begin to explore the mysteries beyond our world? Did He purposely create the expanse of the universe for these days so that we might discover new depths of His mystery and character and goodness that cannot be learned while grounded on the Earth?

How about a third and final scenario. What if we are presently alone in the universe, but there have been other civilizations that lived looooong ago on other planets. What if there are civilizations that will arise on other planets long after humans are gone? What if they will look at structures on our world with the same questions as we look at features on worlds in our galaxy. Like, for example, this picture of what appears to be a face on the planet Mars.

Whatever this structure is, it is nearly 2 miles from end to end. Do you think it is a natural geographical feature or artificially made by some civilization of long ago? Regardless of your answer, do you think it has any effect, past, present, or future, on the kingdom of God?

Tags: mars, face on mars, space, kingdom of God

Sleeping Around with Gods (yes, that's plural)

2006-04-03T10:16:00.000-05:00

Yesterday my wife and I hooked up with a couple of friends from out of town to go hear Donald Miller speak at the People's Church in Franklin. In addition to listening to my wife read some portions aloud to me, I've only skimmed a few portions of Blue Like Jazz. I was glad to see that the conversational tone that he projects in his writings is constant in person as well.

He spoke on the Lord's Prayer and shared some very interesting stories that illustrated a couple of points he made. I'll share one with you.

When speaking at a University not to long ago he was asked a question that he had not heard before. The young girl addresses him during the question and answer portion and says something like, "Don, it seems to me that as you explored spirituality you settled very early on Christianity without giving objective consideration to other religions such as Islam and Buddhism. So without fair consideration of all religions, how can you Christianity is the truth?" Don said he stopped to think for a second and realized that this girl was right. He had indeed settled on Christianity without in depth consideration of other religions.

After processing this question, he responded to the girl with something like, "I guess you're right. But you come to the table with a presupposition that I do not share. You come with the presupposition that Christianity is a religion, I come to the table with the belief that is a relationship. You see, I am married to Christ spiritually. Just like a husband and wife are viewed as one, so am I and Christ. With that being the case, your question sounds to me as this, 'Don, how can you know that your wife is the woman you intend to love for all time and to grow old with if first you don't sleep with all the other women on the face of the planet to make an objective decision on what is truth?'."

Wow. I can't say I've ever viewed the reality of our marriage relationship to Christ from that point of view before--but it was a good viewpoint. It made me think, and as those of you who know me or have read here for a while, you know I love to think.

Tags: don miller, christianity, the people's church

Hi, I'm Jeffrey, and I'm "Unchurched"

2006-03-24T20:49:00.000-06:00

I like News 2's Jamey Tucker's blog: Faith and Ethics. Yesterday he did a post about Unchurched Americans based on a Barna study and an interview with Mike Glenn, pastor of Brentwood Baptist church here in Nashville.

In his post he did mention, "I know, many will say you don't have to go to church to be a Christian. But even those who responded that they never go to church agree that church is where you build a foundation for the Christian life."

[Pause to choose my words carefully.] I feel that the very use of the word "unchurched" (in this context anyway) is a misnomer. If you have spent any amount of time interacting here, you know that I feel it is important to understand that we who follow Christ are the church. To say that we go to it on a regular basis is to more easily allow ourselves to disconnect and further compartmentalize our lives. I know, I know, many will say, "Come on Jeffrey, you know what I mean." Yes, I know what the term ["go to church"] is supposed to mean, but I feel it too has morphed into an unhealthy ideology.

That said, is it important to gather together in worship with other believers? Yes, I believe wholeheartedly that it is. However, what form that gathering takes may vary greatly. Does one form, oh let's say like hiking Radnor Lake on Sunday morning with some friends (like my wife and I will do this Sunday), aspire to a lower standard of Godliness or worship than another maybe more traditional form? I truly do not think so. I personally connect with, hear from, and worship God through His beautiful creation in the most intimate of ways--as do my wife and the other couple we'll be joining with on Sunday morning.

What's important? Worship. Connection with God in personal, communal, and intimate ways. If that happens on a trail or in a pew, either way, worship is what matters. Consequently, it is not only on that trail or in that pew that worship could happen. It is in the every day. Its at work. Its at the gym. Its with our neighbors. Its at the store. Its a life. Worship is a life--not something we do once, twice, thrice a week, or however often you gather in a church building.

Unchurched, in my opinion, should not be a term attributed to Christians who merely choose not to worship on a weekly basis in a building designated to the gathering of the Church. IF it is to describe anything at all, it should be to describe those who haven't a relationship with Christ that saturates their daily lives--whether they're "in church" or not. How many, I wonder, who leave their butt prints in the pews Sunday after Sunday would fall into that category? I, for sure, have been there.

I like what the News 2 story this morning had to say about this topic in one of their stories. They said, "Most people discount Christianity because they have a neighbor or co-worker who claim to be one yet doesn't live like it. Changing that is a lot more difficult than putting on an Easter program."

So by the current terminology I guess you'd call me "unchurched". Yet how can that be when Christ teaches that I, as are all who are called by His name, am a vital part of it?

V for Vendetta

2006-03-19T16:55:00.000-06:00

*WARNING: CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS*

So last night my wife and I went to check out "V for Vendetta" at the good ole' Opry Mills 20 movie theatre. Great movie!! There is some language and some violence (especially at the end), but still worth the viewing, in my opinion.

I'm not big about movie recaps here at this blog, but to quickly summarize this one: the year is 2020. America has crumbled into a civil war. Britain (where the movie is set) is ruled by an extremeist monarch who drives hard the machine of propaganda. Horrible things have been done in the name of science to our main character, "V", and a host of other victims from which we only see in brief flashbacks scattered throughout the movie. The corruption of the government he once loved and it's leaders' total disregard for human life and the well being of it's citizens has driven him to what he has become. His feeling on government can be summed up by a single line of his in the film, "people should not be afraid of their governments, governments should be afraid of their people."

V is quite an interesting character. The nobility of his cause and compassion for others (except the ones he may be killing at any given moment) almost make you feel as if he is totally justified in his means. He has a love for literature, arts, film, and fine music of all sorts--many of which have apparently been banned by the British government in this film. He constantly quotes poetry and other beautifully constructed philosophical thoughts throughout the picture. As for the story line with Evey (Natalie Portman), I shall leave that absent for now. You'll just have to see it yourself.

There is a line at the very end of the movie that struck a nerve close to the surface in my life as of late. Evey tells a detective, who is very active in the entire picture, that she is fixing to carry out the end of V's plan--to blow up Parliament. When the detective inquires as to why, she says, "because people need hope more than a building."

"Hmmm," I thought to myself, "that sounds a lot like what the Church needs too." Is it possible that we have so fallen in love with our buildings and the events that take place there that we have forgotten that we carry with us the message of hope to a scared and confused world? Do we leave it up to someone else to love our next door neighbors or our co-workers because they don't worship at the same building that we do (or anywhere at all, for that matter). What happens when the constructions that symbolize what we live for become instead, themselves, what we live for? What would happen to the Church if all the church buildings where destroyed?
"People need hope more than a building." Wow. Good words.

I'm Back!

2006-03-15T15:08:00.000-06:00

Well, after a lot of thought, reflection, prayer, and conversation, I have decided to return to the blogosphere and hopefully keep this blog alive. Upon this return, I do not plan to change the types of things that are brought up and discussed here either. As I have always said, there are many things I am not sure of and are merely thoughts in my overactive ADD mind, but over the past 2 weeks of silence here, I have become sure that at least some of them are thoughts in the minds of others as well.

I have tremendous respect for where each individual is on their particular journey into the face of Christ, and so if you find something here that you feel is not conducive and constructive to your journey at this time then please, feel no bondage or pressure to revisit. If you, instead, feel that things presented by me (or others) are difficult yet possibly worthy of consideration and discussion, then feel free to engage in conversation.

We are all free in Christ and through His love we are united to each other, to this planet, to Christ, and all other things that He loves--which is everything. So please, let this be a place to both wrestle and relax. I will never say that it is necessary for us all to agree on everything, or anything, for that matter. For I believe, now more than ever, that healthy disagreement is beneficial. No more will I draw lines in the sand by what I "believe" theologically, doctrinally, eschatologically, or any other ridiculously long word ending in -lly. We can connect with each other in unity, love, friendship, and maybe even community across these pitiful divisions that resemble more battle lines then they do heart felt stances or convictions. So please, find this a refuge--whether it be in disagreement or agreement. I don't think I believe either are a prerequisite for unity.

I identify with Paul, the apostle, as I confess that I do not know much in this world, but I know the love of Christ that has set me free and at the same time binds me to you all, everyone. It is for and through that love that I exist. That, I know.

In Retrospect...

2006-02-27T12:15:00.000-06:00

My goal and dream for this blog is that people will be spurred on and encouraged in their own spiritual journeys towards Christ as they follow the chronicle of but one facet of my own journey. I long for this to be a place where real life relationships are cultivated from things worked through together here. I long to challenge and be challenged in a healthy way, realizing that sometimes involves disagreement. I long to journey along side other followers of Christ as we are transformed into His likeness on this planet. However, last Wednesday's post and the conversation(s) that followed have made me wonder some things about that dream.

Is it really possible for the questions and thoughts that I wrestle with on my journey to be communicated clearly and be conducive to those who are in quite a different place in theirs? On the other hand, might it be a good thing for feathers to be ruffled, thought to be provoked, and different paths ventured down? Then again, this still is a wretched venue void of tone and all forms of non-verbal communication, hence sometimes leading to gross misunderstandings-- even among those whom I'm closest to in the real world.

I'd ~~really like~~ ~~hope~~ desperately long for some feedback regarding this issue. Until I come to some conclusions regarding the benefits and health of this place, I think I'll remain silent here for a while.

Musings on Church Manifestations

2006-02-22T08:02:00.000-06:00

Ok. So this is one of those posts that I would really like some feedback on.

*Note: Some thoughts here are quite raw and unprocessed, some are more developed--so take them for what you want. Hopefully, they'll merely spur us all on to further thought...*

I am constantly thinking of and meditating on how the Church assimilates itself into the community. For 100's of years, that has been for it [the Church] to gather into a building once, twice, three times, or more, during a given week to join in a variety of functions.

The result of this structure? In most cases, misplaced dependencies on both the church building itself and the very act of gathering there; a highly programmed, robotic, and compartmentalized "faith"; organizations that reflect the appearance of fortune 500 companies rather than communities of faith; an atmosphere that enables (and nearly demands) a lack of authenticity with those we claim to be unified with--undermining the very claim itself.

There are pro's to the current structure, yes, but I personally feel the con's far outweigh them.

The opposite extreme is to abandon all structures and institution to view our entire lives as "church". It is, as one friend has described it, "to do [be] church with everyone, everywhere, all the time". In this line of thinking, or manifestation if you will, we recognize that the Kingdom of God is bigger than any kingdom (which is what many "churches" of the current structure seem to be) that men can create. It is a life free of petty competition regarding "how many people come to my church vs. how many go to yours". A life where value is placed on a few strong relationships instead of 1,000 shallow ones. A life where there is no "leader", but the connected individuals journey together into the mysteries of God and learn from each other.

Obviously, there are pro's and con's to this structure as well. (Not that I feel it is even remotely possible to come to a conclusion based on pro's and con's...)

Then there are "communities of faith" who can be described as "emerging churches"; or churches in emerging culture, if you prefer. As I think on many of these churches structures, they seem not all that different from the current structure. The differences, however, are significant and I agree with them wholeheartedly. Some believe it is merely a style difference. Nothing could be further from the truth. The style is sometimes different only as a result of a difference in thought and mind. These communities do truly long to be formed into a connected community that exists outside the four walls of a building, yet can still gather there regularly to join in worship.

The risk? We are clearly a society and a world in the middle of a paradigm shift. We are still so close in proximity to the current institutional structure (not to mention that many of us in emerging communities grew up in "the institution"), that the danger of once again becoming dependent on the collective gathering together remains ever-present.

As you can see, I don't quite know where I fall on the spectrum. I do know I fall somewhere in between the gross over-simplification of emerging communities and the "church all the time, everywhere, with everyone" ideas. To which one of those do I personally lean further towards? I do not know at the present.

Who knows. Maybe what it boils down to is 10,000 little individual passions and convictions that are relative to each community's unique location and situation. Maybe its not. Its definitely not something that we'll settle here in this post, but I look forward to wrestling [in a healthy way] over how the Church manifests itself for a long time to come. So please join me in my gratitude and respect of God's mystery and creativity.

So as I mentioned at the beginning of this long post (sorry, but I keep most of 'em short), I'd love to see some civil conversation from those of you who fall in all points on the proverbial spectrum.