Promise of Adventure

Hmmmm....this year has been challenging. Thus, the reason for such a long lull in my postings. There are moments in life, it is best to just "Put a sock in it!" and this has been one of those seasons. The ying and the yang of my Christianity has caused me just a little bit of seasickness. Even though it is not contagious, it just seemed appropriate to ponder the moment and let it ride for awhile. Rocking back and forth on the fierce waves of change has caused me to speculate, is there truly a "Land Ahoy!"

Being that I love a good pirates tale, this passing has not been without expectation. There are new ports to consider and treasures to seek. God is without question, an adventurous God. He never allows us to settle into a harbor, if we are sailors at heart. There is always the lure of the ocean and the next conquest that keep us engaged in the eternal dialogue.

For those of you who love the tradewinds, let your heart and sails be full. The eternal adventure has just begun. Christ in His sacrifice opened a gateway to eternity and new life in Him. Accept this challenge and sail into His wind of mercy and grace.
Never be a landlover, it is the horizon-line that beckons us all. Everyday is a new day, new adventure in Him.

May your 2010 be the greatest adventure of your life in Jesus. He has already discovered and conquered your new land. Sail towards the new horizon. You will meet Him there.

BedTime Stories

I love the Bible. I really love the Bible, for so many reasons. Jesus was such a great story teller and being a Texan, that matters to me. We are known for our tall tales and long-winded stories. Christ was simply following tradition for his culture too. The world of Jesus was an oral tradition world. In case that sounds off to you, it means that it revolved more around what was heard, than what was written. Remember, books were handwritten and extremely costly. Common people did not have them and only a few scholarly ones did. The Torah was kept sacred for the priestly members of the synagogue. You listened and you memorized to keep stories and truths alive.
When Jesus sat with his people on the hillside, it was a natural thing. However, his stories drew them in with creative truth and revelation. Often he would say, "For those who have ears to hear," because his truths were revealed to the open hearted listener. The others just got a great crowd hang and warm fuzzies.
John 10: 1-15 is my current favorite hillside talk.
One of its core truths is the goodness of God towards His people. You wouldn't think that would be so tough to understand, but for me it has been a lifelong struggle. Somehow embedded in my DNA has been the lie that God was not for me.
It is the remnant of an mind in process of redemption. Somethings are just harder.
Whenever I allow Christ to reveal this mysterious mindset of grace, my life changes.
So as you lie down to sleep and count your sheep, picture a Loving Shepherd allowing his sheep to delight in the rich beauty of his pastureland.
That is our God.

Random Acts of God Kindness

God is full of surprises. He is absolutely, unashamedly full of mind blowing ideas. Whenever I think I have him remotely understood, he makes it perfectly clear that is not going to happen.

So much in his Word is direct and clear, but it is the gray stuff that keeps us on our toes. I have had my life intersected of late by random God acts. Kindnesses spoken through the homeless man on the corner, insights only God could have told him about me. Yes, I was the one who received from him. He ministered to me, reaching out with God thoughts while holding his "Help me I need work" sign in his other hand.

Far stretching dreams and hopes have been quickly rewarded. Even things I offered to Him, almost in jest because I didn't really need them. So, again God reminds me that need isn't the only God motivator.

God is touched by our sicknesses and our tragedies, but he also is inspired by our desires and our pure hearts that are honest and genuine. Be unashamedly real with God. He knows you and he responds like the limitless King he is.

Its a Soul Thing

It’s a Soul Thing

I just finished sending a tweet out about a great restaurant in Nashville. Before that I was filming a webisode video segment to promote The Miracle Tour. Earlier today, I was on-line at a coffee house reviewing some other video network’s productions and reviewing some writing drafts on their wi-fi. My days has been inundated with technology and conversations about the meaning and application of media.

Although I love all of these options, at the end of the day I felt depleted. My mental hard drive was full and by emotional downloads had taken a lot out of me through consultations. No matter how passionate I feel about these things, I am a finite being. My tank was empty and I had the need for in-put of my own.

We are not purely intellectual beings. We are primarily spiritual beings encased with a highly fragile wrapper. The best way I can describe how and what our society does to me sometimes, is as a sort of sunburn to my soul. Way too much glaring light can cause damage. Someone close the blinds and shut the sunroof for awhile, please!

When the Bible says “He restoreth my soul,” I am beginning to get this concept. When I pull away from the world and spend some time decluttering and defragmenting my heart and mind, I find peace. It is absolutely essential to just be in His presence and soak in the peace He brings.

Our souls are vulnerable. Too much current and we short out and become without value, unable to walk out our divine design.

Mark 8:36 What profits a man if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul?

No, I Don’t Know What I Want to Be When I Grow-up

God of our Lord Jesus, the Libertating King, Father of Glory. I call out to You on behalf of Your people. Give them a mind ready to receive wisdom and revelation so they will truly know You, Open the eyes of their hearts, and let the light of Your truth flood in. Show them what you have promised them. Shine your light on the hope You are calling them to embrace. Reveal to them the glorious riches You are preparing as their
inheritance. Let them see the full extent of Your power that is at work in those of us who believe, and may it be done according to Your might and power.
Ephesians 1: 17,18

When I was 18, I was clueless about the future. Everyone kept asking me what I wanted to do now that I had graduated. Everyone asked me what university I was going to. Everyone asked me what I was going to major in. I felt so lame not having a good answer to any of the previous questions. I simply just didn’t know.
I had been accepted at a college in-town and picked a proposed major, but seriously didn’t know enough about it to dedicate my life to it. I was clueless and a blonde.

Fortunately, I did not pay much attention to my insecurities, but I grabbed a hold of the Ephesians verses above. God is so amazing He never lets us wander aimlessly. He is reaching out to us to offer the gift of
wisdom and truth. It is all about realigning our minds to His and giving us eyes to see His plan. We need Him, again I say, we need Him. Without Him, the world is a scary place.

Most of us want to know that our lives will count. Most of us want to know that we matter. We all want to know that God has wealth far outside our ability to obtain and that that He is willing to share with His people.
It is our natural birthright as His redeemed children to walk in His fullness. God’s definition of wealth is different from ours. We must see the world through His eyes and begin to see value His way.

Don’t overlook that God is powerful and more than able to overcome through your faith in Him. We all have that sense of cluelessness. Maybe that is the beginning of wisdom for us all. We desperately need God.
Isn’t it Good News that He is mighty and powerful to accomplish His will in our lives.

Open your hearts and minds to His revelation and His light. God is an awesome God and a willing Heavenly Father. He provides the power to illuminate your future and your path. So, there is no reason to be clueless after all.

Odd Man In

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; I Peter 2:9

First of all, we who are Christ-followers are peculiar. There is absolutely nothings cool about being called peculiar, in this world eyes. To God, it is an honor. Notice he lists chosen, royal, holy, and peculiar as definitions of our state of being, and the traits that show the world his marvelous light. Let that sink in. These are all honoring words from God's perspective.

The Bible is full of characters. I mean that word in the old school sense of, just a little offbeat, march to a different drum, kind of people. You see, it is impossible to please God without faith. To start with, our world screams "There is no God," so having faith in nothing is peculiar. We are taught to lay our life down to find it, peculiar psycology in our self-fulfillment world. I think you get the picture.

A lot of talk goes on about peer pressure for teenagers. I am here to say that peer pressure never goes away. We just get bigger and the pressure goes a little more underground. Maybe that is the reason for heartattacks. We internalize our peer pressure as adults to make it look like we don't care we are not...cool. That "I don't want to stand out thing," is just not going to work for you. You now have the God of the universe inhabiting your body/mind/spirit. He's just impossible to tame, not going to happen, too big for the box. Give it up before someone gets hurt.

The chosen, royal,and even priestly words seem to make us comfortable, but the peculiar word is not so appealing. It doesn't mean just nonconformity. It means being a clean reflector of His image. When we live in our royalty, we show forth His praises and live in His light. Celebrating our inheritance makes us unique and yes, peculiar. We follow a different code. We live like our King, our Father, holds all things together. We can live above fear and without confusion. How weird is that?

Let your peculiar Christlike self shine through today.

The Miracle Tour Intro

This is a story about bread. Not the kind you savor with dense, creamy butter or seasoned olive oil at a trendy restaurant during a prom date. You know the kind the waiter brings to help keep you patient while he holds your meal hostage in the kitchen. You use it to fill in those awkward moments of silence as you struggle for some sort of interesting something to say as you straighten your ridiculous bow-tie and check out the rest of the room. This is a simple bread. It is the kind of bread that gets used.

Being used has gotten a bad rap over the years. Some people will spend their whole life avoiding it. There are entire books written about how not to get used,. But this is a story about allowing yourself to be used. Along the way you will also learn a little about bread.

Bread doesn’t sound very miraculous does it? When I think about a Miracle Tour, I certainly don’t associate
bread at all. Because I am a well seasoned music follower, I naturally think psychedelic painted buses in the 60’s with large banners announcing some British music tour. There is a crowd of young women screaming and running after the bus, long hair trailing in the wind, and some of their dignity too.

Ok, this story does have crowds and women, but no woman would have been seen running after a bus, even if there had been buses. The 60’s were the era of the miniskirt and these first century, bread baking ladies would have definitely been in a maxi-caftan. Not real practical for chasing anything, but possibly small minded, slow traveling goats.

This is about a culture that had no tour buses, traveled by foot, and ate a lot of bread. Probably at this point you are wondering where the excitement kicks in. This miracle tour description wouldn’t inspire a Podcast or even a post on someone’s wall today. Who cares about bread anyway, unless of course, it is wholegrain.

The Miracle Tour concept was a random revelation. In our world of instant fame and celebrity culture, it occurs to me that the first band of early disciples had their own, Miracle Tour. Kind of a virgin tour that eventually led them into superstardom. Yes, their fame now eclipses the Beatles and every other musician before and after them. Maybe superstar wasn’t what they were going for, but their influence has certainly made a difference in this world, a big difference. Not bad for a bunch of newbies at spiritual life.

Working with teen culture has taught me a few things. First, I clearly get that I am a relic from a past civilization, like anyone else over 30. Second, stay open to crazy new ideas. Third, I now invest heavily in gas cards. I need them. Nothing warms the heart of teenager better than a gas card. Ok, pizza comes in a close second. There is that bread thing again.

As I observe this next generation beginning their life journey into adulthood, I see one overwhelming characteristic. They are hungry. They are hungry to succeed , hungry to know, hungry to make a difference in the world they have inherited. Maybe that is why God speaks of bread so much in His word. Hunger is universal. So is God

The similarities are obvious. If you are under 20 or relatively new at following Christ , there are some great examples of what to do and what not to do in the Bible. So, for every modern day disciple this book is for you. Time to pack for your Miracle Tour.

2009 HOUSTON MIRACLE TOUR BOOK RELEASE PREVIEW PARTY JUNE 16TH.
www.themiracletour.com/shout/

Cosmic Glory Dance

Deep thoughts. I am sitting in a bible study surrounded by deep thoughts. All of the terms end with the suffix "ism." This is code for the study of philosophical ideas. Sadly, I only made it through Old and New Testament 101 in college. Most of my thoughts on God and the universe have to do with my relationship with the God of the Universe. I am not so sure I am wired for the deeper thoughts that require suffixes.

In all seriousness, I really love a great biblical discourse. Which, of course, brings me to mirrored disco-balls. Come on, there is some real depth to this subject. An "In the beginning" kind of depth to discuss, as we ponder the magical reflective value of a disco ball. My experiences with these illuminated orbs have always revolved around a dance floor, or Saturday Night Fever retro-disco movie night. But there is a profound concept that far exceeds a good line-dance or pair of platforms shoes.

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him: male and female he created them. Best way I can grasp that, is to imagine that all our souls are like a mirror. We reflect the light of Christ to the world. That is one big light, FYI. We couldn't possibly contain all that light. So, He spread it around in all His peoples hearts. All together, we can bring His imagine into completion.

2 Corinthians 4: 6 For God, who said, "Let light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." Think of it this way, the redeemed Christ followers of the world-his church, are like a sort of disco ball reflecting throughout the universe the glory of God.

Sure, we can all talk about what is not working in the church. Lots of good conversation going on about that everywhere. But, I think Our Father in heaven thinks of His bride as beautiful. That bride analogy is a biblical truth. She may not be ready for that marriage supper he speaks of, but she is a beautiful young thing. Ever being glorified for that day we have that party in heaven forever.

So I say, get together with other Christ followers. Let His light shine through you not just individually, but as a group. Let the cosmic glory dance continue on. Remember, Jesus is and always will be the light of the world.

The Science of Gravity

Watching 68 shiny blue caps fall from the sky, elegantly dropping like raindrops on the stadium seating, I remember my own yahoo moment. It is a rite of passage to release the cap, so to speak.

After 12 or so years of study, each graduating senior feels a tremendous sense of enthusiasm. Off with the old and on to the new. On this occasion, there were 68 graduating seniors. One was my second born daughter. She and her schoolmates made-up quite a distinguished group of scholars. As the monumental figure of scholarship awards and acknowledgments of accomplishment were memorialized by the speaker, one thread began to be apparent.

Over and over, I heard the term service: service to community, service to country, service to church, and service within their own families. This group had made it a goal to work for the good of others. This group had also made it their focus to keep their eyes on Christ’s priorities in the world.

This makes them a little offbeat and maybe even geeky to some. Sure, there were engineering scholars, medical scholars, and even volleyball scholars in the group. But, none of those giftings overshadowed the love they had developed for serving others through Kingdom purposes.

Check out, Psalm 1:1-3

Scoffing is an old-fashioned bible word. It is also a great word. It means to mock or make fun of a point of view. In this application, it means to join in with the worldview that there is no God. The view that you can live for yourself, your interests, and that there is no accountability to a creator God.

Nothing in our cultural world shares the point of view that what we do today, will matter in eternity. When Jesus said that true religion, or Kingdom work, is to take care of the widows and orphans, he meant it. A scoffer lives like there is no accountability and you should take all this world offers while you can. Every man for himself, let the good times roll.

God promises that our lives will prosper deeply as we live out in His laws and His Kingdom ways. Remember the rule of gravity: what goes up, will come down. Think about that and try not to step on that graduation hat laying on the floor next to you. What you give out into this world, will one day come back to you. Plant good things. Good stuff will grow and be there waiting in eternity. That is where the real party just begins.

Gravity. You just thought you were done with science rules!

Prepping for June Miracle Tour Bible Study in Houston

 

Digital Autobiographies

Facebook and youtube are not just passing fads in our culture. They are deeply affecting the way we look at our world. We have learned how to magnify the trivial and to maximize the amazing moments in a day. It is a ying/yang fascination. We can post and memorialize what would have been lost in a fleeting moment before these on-line tools. Now we can share the peculiarities and the imaginations of people across the globe. These sneak peeks into other cultures have broadened our understanding of the brotherhood of mankind. Everyone shares a sense of humor over the ridiculous antics of a cat or dog. Karaoke videos to Kiss tunes are just as embarrassing in Singapore as in Dallas. These postings have increased our empathy and understanding of other cultures and points of view.

I know there are many who do not believe this is a valuable or even acceptable part of pop culture. Good questions are being raised about whether we will continue with these on-line mini connections so much, we will lose the natural desire to go to the ballfield, take a walk with a friend, or eat a meal together instead. There are challengers of this technology that insist that personal contact is the only valuable connection.

I see in FB and youtube connections of spirit that bring us all closer together. If it becomes your virtual neighborhood, then you are in trouble. Like all things, moderation is necessary and living life in real-time, with the people God has given you relationships, is more important. However, we often live in societies where intimacy and connection are only possible with these technology cords. Thank goodness my brother-in-law can posts photos of my newborn niece from Dublin. I can't wait to hold her in-person, drool and all.

Keep in mind, we are all creating our own autobiographies as we post what appeals and connects with us that day. If we can remember that our lives are just that, a public autobiography in the making, then we can also take our on-line accountability more seriously. Take a deeper look at what we are revealing about our own lives, hearts, and egos.

Hmmmmm. Maybe it is no longer just Big Brother who is watching. Maybe 5 years from now you will look back and wonder if what you are putting out there had any consequence in others lives.

Be bold. Be real. Be purposeful in your postings. Some of us might even need to be prayerful about them! God has granted us freedom to do good in the world. Here is a perfect opportunity for you.

These videos say it all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV4PNwpqsCc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSnXE27

The Launch

This last month has provided me with a backpack full of fresh messages and mind stretching presentations at conferences and gatherings across the nation. I admit that my CA trip was more for pleasure, but I was
challenged and encouraged by renewing past relationships and sharing the story of The Miracle Tour.

For those who are unfamiliar with this core passion in my life, let me give you a head’s-up. I believe in the power of God to change lives and destinies. I believe that the transition years between high school and college are crucial.

Once you hit a campus and leave the seeing eye of your parents, you are on your own to create and determine your own future. Some will stay at home and continue with local schools, but many will leave for other states and cities hoping to find their individual pathways to becoming an adult.

Along that path there will be obvious challenges and temptations, but also the opportunity to step forward into the gifts and callings God created you to excel in and represent Him in this world. Don’t waste these years. They are significant.

I do not agree with popular dogma that they are “the best years of your life.” Having lived long past college, I can genuinely say they are only the beginning of great things. They will either launch you or you will find yourself stuck in a circular world of “good ole days.” Let these years be the beginning of greatness in your lives. God is all about the launch.

One of the key ingredients in your college bag should be relationships that carry the mark of Christ. The kind of relationships that know your business and support you through the struggles, by reminding you who you really are, and what you are made of. That kind of friend is priceless and no American Express card can match their value. Make a commitment to hang-on to these foundational friends. Be real with them. You will need each other.

As you meet new friends at college don’t rush into anything too quickly. That advice may surprise you, but take your time with friendships. Learn a little about a person’s character before you give away your heart and soul. Be a good friend to others, but be discerning. Not everyone is what that appear and first impressions can be deceiving. Make sure YOU are what you say you are and live like you believe. This is your responsibility. It is also your privilege and honor.

One of the key speakers I have heard in the last month was an aged ambassador to the United States. He was small in stature and gave his speech with a broken and faint voice. I was moved to tears at the giant of a man on the stage. His life was his stature. He was a key architect of the treaty between the Soviet Union and the US’ nuclear disarmament. This was just one of his accomplishments. His point was “the power of the ought.”

“If you see injustice or suffering in the world, you ought to do something about it.” We ought to make a difference as believers and Christ followers. It is so much more than just acquiring the knowledge to know what is good, but the win is in doing it. That is where you will all step-into the launch zone. Do what you ought to do with your life. Do something great and worthy of your King. Aim high.

Step Into It

This is the season of prom dresses, final exams, and college applications. Tis the season for seniors to become sleep deprived, stressed out, and overcome with worries about their future. Where will the money come from? Who will be my new friends? Will my old friends still be there for me? All of these are legitimate questions for those who are ready to step-up on that graduation stage and receive that diploma.

What should be a time of serious smiles, gets turned upside down into not only a frown, but a few forehead wrinkles too. I say, trust God. Simple to say, but harder to do for some of us. Remember that God is with you. Time to exercise your listening skills. Now is the time to really let Him lead you. He won't grab the steering wheel, but He will give you the right directions to take as you travel along together. He wants you to experience the joy of self discovery and the companionship He offers you in life.
Here are a few actions steps:

Thank Him for the successes you have already had in life.
Thank Him for the people He has placed around you to support you.
Thank Him for the future He has prepared for you.
Thank Him for the talents and skills you know you possess.

Once upon a time, God spoke to me as I poured out my fears to Him. He reminded me that worrying before Him in prayer, was a waste of time. God responds to faith-not worry. Take steps into your future with a heart of faith. He will open and close the right doors, but by all means, make some choices and step forward! He is right beside you and the Bible says he goes before us and behind us-just like He did with the Isrealites. You can make that more real if you will also thank Him. Speak it outloud if it helps and let your heart "hear" it.

When August rolls around, this season will seem like a century ago. It will be so in your review mirror. Walk on thru what sometimes feels like "the valley of the shadow of death" and take some comfort in His companionship and providential leading. If you don't know what that word means-look it up today. He has got you covered.

The Reflection of God

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318287594114982162" />
It is an amazing fact that when we cannot see Jesus in us personally, others can still see his reflection upon us. Often our vision is clouded or darkened by filters we have around us, or even within our own hearts. The Jesus IN US can be challenging to link-into when we experience difficult days or trials. Take heart weary wanderers! When God is working in us, his reflection still shines on us. We cannot see that glory-but it is still there. His internal work of redemption is also an external work of glory. We are being changed day by day into his image. That is his promise to hold onto.

it.

Saddle Up with the Jonas Brothers

Rodeo Houston 2009. There was a new sound heard on the grounds this year, in addition to the horses and bulls. There were the same people selling hats and fried oreos and various buckles and belts. Sure, the carnival rides were full of screams and happily terrrified children. But, this year there was the deafening squeal of teenage girls welcoming the Jonas Brothers. Now there were young men in that group, but this was clearly a girl power moment. The truth is, they are considered adorable. They have standards of conduct unheard of in the music business. With their purity rings shining, they swagger and sway around the stage playing their instruments and swinging their mics. Very Disneylike, but extremely likeable.
The brothers have often referenced their Christian faith in interviews. Having been around Hollywood for awhile, they know that is costly. Their lives will be scrutinized by both the skeptical cynics and sadly, the Christian community. Very risky to come out of the closet as a Christian in American entertainment.
We who believe have a choice, support them for their courage, or join the hungry ones waiting for the slightest slip-up to drag out the crosses for them to mount.
I think believers need support, period. You may not want to mix your rodeo barbecue with their sugar pop sensibilities, but you can at least hope for the best in their life. What's so bad about outspoken believers trying to make a living and enjoy their moment of success? Don't worry, cynics, this will soon pass for them. Age will push them right out of their genre and hopefully you will find them seated next to you in church or serving the needy at a community center. Let's surround them with cheers and not slams. Success is a wild and dangerous ride.

Is That All There Is?

Ecclesiastes is a hard read. Yes, not only is the name just a little unique, but the basic tone of this Old Testament Bible book is a little morbid. Inside you will find lots of messages about the coming judgment and death and old weak knees. Not exactly what most of us reach for on a late Sunday night to help us relax before our horizontal time. But, after your first read through, which only takes about 30 minutes, you might just begin to get a inside view to some pretty deep downloads.

First suggestion, pray and ask for wisdom when you read these Old Testament books. Let's face it, riding a bike takes a few afternoons of practice to get it down.
No one starts off an expert at Guitar Hero or Rock Band. You got to do your time to get it down. Same with some of the books in the Bible. You need to spend some quality time and practice the skill of listening to God as you read. You might be surprised at the deep thoughts that will rise out of your brain to surprise you. Remember, you are made in His image and capable of truly Godlike thoughts.

Bottom Line, Ecclesiastes answers the question: Is That All There Is? You know the one that will occasionally occur to you in those moments when life gets very real. Those moments usually pass quickly like your curtain that blew open with the breeze only to settle quickly back in place to obstruct your view of the great sunny outdoors. They are bittersweet moments we all share in common that show us there really is more to look forward to someday, than we can experience in this reality.

It challenges us with the concept of acceptance. What if that is all there is for now? What if life is a series of days blending into one seamless road towards eternity. What if it really is about enjoying life with the ones you love and discovering each day that fact is simply enough. Sure, there are mountains to climb, cities to build, money to be made, lives to be built, but the joy is in the acceptance that all those things can be pleasing to God. Just accepting the road ahead, looking for the opportunity to walk in love, and keeping your hopes up, may just be the message after all.

So, as the writer of Ecclesiastes says, Enjoy your youth...but remember in that enjoyment, that eternity looms in the future as a welcome place to receive the reward of your labors and relationships. Live well, love well, and enjoy the skyline view from your heavenly real estate. Remember who makes all this possible.

John Lennon said
"Imagine there's no heaven,
It's easy if you try.
No hell below us.
Above us only sky."
With all respect, I'd rather not, John.

Heaven will be the place that we finally get a better view. We will see how all the dots connect and who drew the picture in the first place. And that day, will be just the beginning of discovering all the rest of what there is to come.

Silencing the Lambs

This week has been a week of off-screen drama. Have you ever had a drama script playing out in your mind, where you made right all the evils of the world? It is set in a place where you say all the things you wished you had said, or did all the things you wished you had done. You get to be the hero and no one takes advantage of you.

Today, my internalized cinematic world was silenced by a roar. A bigger than life, floor rattling ROAR. The kind that stops traffic and dialogue and even Santa from finishing his December 25th flyover. Picture the face of a majestic lion with full mane, bared teeth, and glowing piercing eyes. He stands on the crest of a hill and slowly glances back at you and ROARS.

That is what silences the lambs. That is the voice of a great kingly beast that reminds us that we are the weak. All of us are weak and He will be sovereign and set all things in order. None of us need rant and rave for truth and justice. God is on the throne and He knows how to get our attention and do His job.

We have all heard about the foolishness of sheep. Suffice it to say they have a lot in common with goats.
Probably a little more picky about their diet, but prone to random acts of lunacy. They need a shepherd to protect them from just about everything.

As one of God’s lambs, my greatest danger is probably myself. I can really get off on my own agenda and get myself into some senseless drama. So, today when I heard the ROAR. It was the sound of reason saying, “Your voice is just a whisper, let me speak for you."

I think that is a much better plan. Remember the majesty of the King and trust in His voice. He is not sleeping or hibernating. He reigns and He ROARS.

Quotes to Jolt

This is the beginning of a series of random quotes from the book The Miracle Tour.
The purpose is to assault our minds with truth and wake us from complacency or simply a long spiritual nap. My challenge is that you hit me back with something equally truth bearing. Bring it on. I dare you.

Jesus was a rule breaking, shamelessly grace-filled libertarian.

Get the Message Out There

Long before the day of radio broadcasts, podcasts, and videos, Jesus was a great storyteller, We all know how the movie industry has portrayed Christ in a long white robe, hair glowing in the sun, happy shining people seated and listening intently. I am not so sure that was the actual scene, due to the size of the crowd and a distinct lack of microphones. Instead, I think he utilized the platform of a large rock and there was a lot of row to row murmuring going on. Don't you wonder if the disciples were placed around for crowd control, or maybe to answer questions in individual groups? Talk about social networking. I can't help but think the hillside hang was pretty great though due to the fact it was Christ's main platform for communications. It was intensely popular and Jesus had to resort to the unexpected like teaching from a boat, pushed back from the crowd.

What we have on the record about his teaching style is a typically visual story told to reveal the heart and mind of God. Jesus used common lifestyle stories with an eternal twist. Not all of them were bedtime stories. Some were very challenging, but woven into a familiar narrative.

So today, we have a no hillside hangouts. We have rallies, concerts, and even chatrooms where we can communicate the good word. Our culture still likes a great story. No matter what tough times comes along with our economy, movie theaters stay full for a great flick. We who believe in the unfathomable God of the Universe, have a rich resource for ideas and concepts to tell our stories. Get edgy and post something on Facebook that says you are a Jesus person. Be bold in your faith and pass it along. Write a song, an essay, paint a painting, create a dance, just do it. Today, think about what you can do to tell the story. It is about telling your story, God's story through your life. It's a lot easier than sitting in the grass, swatting at gnats, and straining your voice to be heard. Each of us have our own hillside. Stand up and be heard.
ICorinthians 14:26
So here's what I want you to do. When you gather for worship, each one of you be prepared with something that will be useful for all: Sing a hymn, teach a lesson, tell a story, lead a prayer, provide an insight. ...

Twilight

Twilight. For those of you who are Twilight junkies, this is not a review of the book. Ok, I admit it is a pretty sweet photo though. I know how you adamantly demand your fix of popular vampire romance. I give up on the dialog of meritorious literature, the whole issue of vampiring, etc. I leave that to you to decide. But, twilight is ,nevertheless, a mysterious time of transition. The element of the unknown is unnerving and ever so fascinating. Thus it is a fitting title for the book series and this posting.

Twilight, is the weird land of half-in and half-out. The pause of gray that separates black and white. It is a zone of indecision where we travel through to be where we belong.
Here lies the trouble with life on this planet. This existence is like an extended tour of duty on Planet Twilight. The place between creation and the completion that is to come.
For all of us left in the in-between there is hope. Christ knew his followers would be left in this gray space and he had words to comfort them.
John 14:1-6

When they peered ahead at the future without him, they could not imagine the images that lay before them. Life as they knew it would change forever. That part they got. What Jesus knew was that they needed to remember that He knew who they were. He knew they were hungry. He knew they were tired. He got the whole needy thing about being alive. Been there done that revelation. God had always known, and that is one of the messages Jesus came to communicate.
If they never made the transition between distant God and personal Saviour, they would stay stuck in that fearful twilight. God had a new image in their minds. He was no longer that scary guy.

Christ came to reveal who God is in His person. He is God and therefore mankind got a first hand view of what they had only heard through stories and scrolls. While living in the twilight Jesus brought the fire to warm them and illuminate the future with Him. With Him in the circle there was more of a warm red glow than a gray pallor. This twilight thing is more doable when we trust Him with it. Can you trust Him with it? I return to thoughts on Twilight, the novel.

If we can view a man with fangs as a safe place, surely we can see Jesus as trustworthy with our real life. In the book series, it is all about taking risks for the ones you love. Isn't that what Jesus championed for us all?

Think about it.

Icons of our Age

One of my fascinations with church history is built around the Christian culture that gave us the concepts of icons and relics. Odd little words that are seldom used today. Icons are defined as, a representation of someone or something sacred, like a saint or martyr. We use this word now to describe a tool on our computer screens. Now, I like my computer world, but I doubt there is anything saintly about it. The concept of sacred seems mystical and abstract to me. If you stopped the average man or woman on the street and said "Hey what is sacred to you?" you would probably get very little response. There would be a lot of extended pause time, baffled looks, heads cocked, and mouths open. Some might say, their ipod or car keys, but most would just be stumped and sent to the back of the line. Good question, is it not?
Throughout church history believers held the cross as sacred. It was a symbol of something sacred, something sobering, something personal in connection. That has changed to more of a fashion piece or wall adornment in real time. Collections of carved crosses and plastic kitsch flowers were all the rage a few years ago, displayed as little shrines to a different way of life south of our borders. I am not passing judgment on this decorative moment, I am asking the question, "What is sacred to you?"
In all honesty, I am struggling to find the answer to that myself. Sacred is defined, to be devoted or dedicated to a deity. Simple enough to say, but much more challenging to do. That means my life is sacred. Emphasis comes on the word, my. It is my life that is sacred to God.
It puts a new urgency into the purpose of purity and excellence and even that big stretch, holiness.
Oddly enough, it is not really my life at all. I didn't make or initiate my life. All I can do is return it to my creator in response to the cross. The cross is an icon of much a deeper act of devotion. It symbolizes the devotion of God to me.
If I wear it around my neck, or display it on my wall, it won't change the world. If I chose it for my heart, is changes everything.

The Message that points to Christ on the cross seems like sheer silliness to those hellbent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes perfect sense. I Corinthians 1:17

Don't Mess With Shakespeare

Table talk for our family usually involves at least one conflict over the misuse of a word.
My children think I am slightly daft. I can live with that. I have a little of a Shakespearean complex that leads me to believe that I too can validate new words. I make them up "on the fly," with great degrees of self-satisfaction. The horror of a wounded word is not to be tolerated in my home. There are cries of foul play and penalty, but I hold my Shakespearean head high and grin maliciously. I also mix my Spanish and French into my own little language, but that flaw will be saved for another post. I have created communication mayhem with these skills on more than one continent.

For now, I will simply share with you my favorite real words. All of these can be found in a dictionary, and I hope they will eek their way into your conversation this year.
Give a new word a chance.

Words that inspire me:
catalyst, portal, possibility, gracious, achievable, gratitude, eternity, excellent, promise

Great mean words:
loathe, repel, despise,vex, malicious, malevolent, vendetta, Machiavellian (this one was to impress you). Note the repeated use of V. What is that about?

Happy words that need more use:
whimsical, radiate, embrace, kite, delicious, cocoon, savor, curious, bliss, release

Four letter words to try:
love, hope, help.

How about you? Have any swell words to share?
Share them with me. I am blissfully curious to savor your gracious contributions.

Where Faith Meets Reality

This new year affords me the opportunity to reevaluate so much more than my weight, taxes, or even those ever obligatory lists of blah, blah resolutions. It is a time of introspection and a fresh start. That is something I can embrace. No regretful “What ifs”, but more a “How about?” approach.

This year I am digging into some theology issues. Let me preface this with the fact that I usually run the opposite way of serious talk along these lines. I am not uninformed or devoid of analytical brain space, but I am aware of my attention span. It is probably similar to a gnat’s. Well, maybe more like a squirrel’s. I know that good ideas require a lot of time to discuss, entertain, chase around, and digest. Then, they require devotion to actually let them invade your world and change the way you live.

Nevertheless, all small mammals aside, I have been drawn into the web of the emerging church conversation. To some, you will wonder where I have been for the last 10 years, others will have no idea what I am talking about.

Here is a quick primer: This “movement” description is mine. The typical leader would tell you it is not possible to define this conversation. It is an emerging pattern of Christian fellowship that typically desires the following:
authentic community life, missional living, intervention for the poor or those living in injustice, and a new relevance in worship. .

The reason this intrigues me is that it has stirred up some big questions and challenges. I sort of hear ancient melodies of The Jesus Movement of the late 1970s. It was a time when many young believers were thinking about changing their world with the Gospel. It was a very culturally connected way of thinking with concepts of social revolution, fueled by righteous living and benevolent giving. Blue jeans, long hair, and sandals made their first appearance inside the walls of a church. That is wrong. I think sandals were probably pretty common in the 1^st Century world. Guitar driven music and beach baptisms were all the rage.

Out of that time came what we know as the Christian publishing industry, Christian music industry, and many nondenominational churches up and down the coasts and across America. The charismatic movement shook things up quite a bit and the churches born out of it, continue to increase throughout the world.

It opened up the Protestant Church to thinking about a little more cultural liberty in the name of witnessing to the lost. Actually, the concept of coffee shop evangelism started from this movement. There are similarities and there are certainly differences to what the emerging church is addressing today.

I see a real desire to claim the arts as God’s ground, communicate something real and holistic, and certainly reach out to the community around them. The internet has opened-up eyes to suffering and pain outside of our borders. The tremendous growth of the Church throughout the East and Africa, in particular, is living out of an emerging church mindset. The church is becoming more connected to the world at large, not less.

The tremor in my spirit: however, comes from the decentralization of the priesthood, as it is described. In a nutshell, the concept of each believer taking their role in the Kingdom as pastoral, is the most challenging aspect to this movement. No more centralized one-man-show. No more, just take them to church kind of evangelism. It is an own it mentality. Be the church. Do the work of the church, alongside your brothers and sisters. Share the good fruit of life together. Pray, eat, laugh and dance together. Create means to communicate Christ’s sacrifice to your community through visuals and media and song. Be engaged in the culture. Be like Jesus. Make a difference.

I have lived through both of these moments in church history. I am a child of the Jesus Movement. What was once a burning force somehow was dampened and weakened by life, the IRS, and SUV living. I am so thankful to have another opportunity to follow the Spirit in this new century and stay in the stream of His consciousness.

As for me, I think this year I’ll be reaching out to the stranger on the street corner a bit more. Maybe I’ll get really edgy and join a life group in my area. Seriously, time has come to open my pocketbook to the poor. Hopefully, this world will change as we His people change. So the concept is, " How about if this year I actually live like I believe?"

The Art of Epiphany

At 8 I realized that my favorite cousin was not going to grow up. I had danced freely with him to our first rock and roll records, played childrens games, giggled over silly jokes, but I was changing now. Along with my newly forming adolescence, the idea was dawning that my cousin would never grow old like me. He was mentally challenged in a way that would keep him childlike for his whole life.

The gravity of this moment in retrospect is bittersweet. I see now that he just might have had some advantage over me. His heart would remain in that childlike faith that we struggle so much to hold onto. But, the dawning of those quickenings are so significant. There have been many other epiphany-like moments in my life. Most that touched and melted me. Most changed my life. Sort of like the moment you realize that there really, really is an eternity.

Tonight, at my church, I was inspired to seek after an epiphany, or possibly a few this year. As the candles flamed and the music played I was drawn to consider that ever present voice of God.
Three profoundly simple concepts: every epiphany begins with a quest, all successful quests travel through the scriptures, and all true epiphanies end in worship. were my pathway. It doesn't take much to connect this story to the wisemen and their journey to see King Jesus,

As they arrived with gifts in hand, I remember that I too have gifts to offer. I too have knees to kneel before Him and leave my questions and burdens at his side. With the high and the humble, in the glory of God, we all find ourselves at the beginning and the end of our journey with Him. Let this be a season of truth and fresh understanding of His eternal purpose through us all.

Speaking of Babies

My good friend is having a baby. I should add he is having 2 babies. Not literally, but certainly figuratively. He is planting a new church, baby #1. He is also expecting his first baby boy. Big story there, but it is his to share. It is all too wild to see the parallel growth going on. God 's timing on this one is pretty amazing. Ask me about who, if you haven't already guessed.
I have a pretty special delivery coming myself. Don't drop your Starbucks, it is not a baby, silly. My crib is full. I have a project I have titled The Miracle Tour. It was written over the last few months to meet a need I saw in the 15-20 year olds I have been living life amongst for the last few years. I see so much hope with an added side of anxiety in their lives. They are desiring to know where their life will be taking them. Questions, without answers, or answers without the right questions riddle their lives. "Riddle me this" is so not funny at this age.
Imagine if they could actually see themselves through the eyes of a 1st Century disciple hitting the Miracle Tour road for the very first time. Ok, I know that would be a stretch, so there is a parallel plot of a contemporary band hitting the tour trail for the first time. Between the 2 themes it becomes pretty transparent that God is in both tours and God is the plug-in for all the power and direction you need. The rest I will leave up to your imagination.
My writing partner, Karen and I, are starting the search for a publisher. If you know any that want to see this generation get caught-up in their own Miracle Tour with Jesus, let me know. I'm pretty sure we have something to offer. More on this soon. Thanks for your prayers and support. I will happily post that publishing birth announcement for you to see. Thank goodness we won't have to play any of those silly baby shower games.

The Miracle Tour: Intro
This is a story about bread. Not the kind you savor with dense, creamy butter or seasoned olive oil at a trendy restaurant during a prom date. You know the kind the waiter brings to help keep you patient while he holds your meal hostage in the kitchen. You use it to fill in those awkward moments of silence as you struggle for some sort of interesting something to say as you straighten your ridiculous bow-tie and check out the rest of the room. This is a simple bread. It is the kind of bread that gets used.

Being used has gotten a bad rap over the years. Some people will spend their whole life avoiding it. There are entire books written about how not to get used,. But this is a story about allowing yourself to be used. Along the way you will also learn a little about bread.

Bread doesn’t sound very miraculous does it? When I think about a Miracle Tour, I certainly don’t associate bread at all. Because I am a well seasoned music follower, I naturally think psychedelic painted buses in the 60’s with large banners announcing some British music tour. There is a crowd of young women screaming and running after the bus, long hair trailing in the wind, and some of their dignity too.

Ok, this story does have crowds and women, but no woman would have been seen running after a bus, even if there had been buses. The 60’s were the era of the miniskirt and these first century, bread baking ladies would have definitely been in a maxi-caftan. Not real practical for chasing anything, but possibly small minded, slow traveling goats.

This is about a culture that had no tour buses, traveled by foot, and ate a lot of bread. Probably at this point you are wondering where the excitement kicks in. This miracle tour description wouldn’t inspire a Podcast or even a post on someone’s wall today. Who cares about bread anyway, unless of course it is whole grain.

The Miracle Tour concept was a random revelation. In our world of instant fame and celebrity culture, it occurs to me that the first band of early disciples had their own, Miracle Tour. Kind of a virgin tour that eventually led them into superstardom. Yes, their fame now eclipses the Beatles and every other musician before and after them. Maybe superstar wasn’t what they were going for, but their influence has certainly made a difference in this world, a big difference. Not bad for a bunch of newbies at spiritual life.

Working with teen culture has taught me a few things. First, I clearly get that I am a relic from a past civilization, like anyone else over 30. Second, stay open to crazy new ideas. Third, I now invest heavily in gas cards. I need them. Nothing warms the heart of teenager better than a gas card. Ok, pizza comes in a close second. There is that bread thing again.

As I observe this next generation beginning their life journey into adulthood, I see one overwhelming characteristic. They are hungry. They are hungry to succeed , hungry to know, hungry to make a difference in the world they have inherited. Maybe that is why God speaks of bread so much in His word. Hunger is universal. So is God

The similarities are obvious. If you are under 20 or relatively new at following Christ , there are some great examples of what to do and what not to do in the Bible. So, for every modern day disciple this book is for you. Time to pack for your Miracle Tour.

Packing Away Christmas

My family all joyfully participates, mostly, in decking the halls pre-Christmas. We light the fire, even in 70 degree weather, drink hot chocolate, and argue over our Christmas playlist. I have a few traditionalists in the family, but frankly I enjoy a good remix. It is just perfect.
Scattered over the next few weeks are Tacky Christmas parties, cookie decorating parties, Christmas video marathon parties, and events without end. Usually things screech to a halt on the 24th and everyone gathers with extended family in scratchy new sweaters and snowman socks to sing, feast, and tear into gifts. We squeeze in a candlelight service and usually our own Nativity set-up and Bible reading ritual.
So, why is that on the day of eliminating Christmas clutter there is not an elf to be found?
As a mom, this means a day of boxing and sorting and deep cleaning for next year. For our girls, it just means work. I lovingly wrap and package the decorations that I have collected with purpose for so many years now. Each one represents a memory, mostly good, but sometimes mixed.
I have a box devoted to our Barbie tree that has been untouched for years. It was retired so Dad could get a break and have some testosterone back in his Christmas. Our current tree is a Looney Tunes/cartoon creation, sparkling with giant snowflakes. I am not sure that spells testosterone, but he seems happy with it.
There are various displays of snowmen and snowflake paraphernalia, that remind us of the few snowy Christmases we enjoyed in Nashville. It actually snowed here in our Texas town the night we visited to determine whether we would move permanently or not. Let it be said, that was the only time in TX history that this ever has occurred. Something about that cosmic coincidence just got our attention in a way that nothing else could. I am still waiting for my magical TX snowy Christmas. I am also a blonde.
There are sweet handmade ornaments from each child's mothers-day out adventures and special field trips with friends. These I will never part with. They are priceless in every way, even though most are covered with icing or glue. I need to address the mold issue.
But, packing away Christmas is a little painful. I know that for a few weeks during the year, we all really worked at bringing grace and hope into our world. We need a lot of that to go around, not only in our family, but everywhere you look. Trouble is sometime around February, if we are not mindful, we will slip back into our numbness until Lent wakes us into fresh spirituality.
So, the challenge this year is to pack Christmas away, but store it safely...in our hearts. There it won't need any bubble-wrap or a giant plastic tub. It just needs us to be willing.