Several summers ago Jolie and I were walking around Carowinds theme park with some of our youth group students. It was crazy hot - everyone was sticky and crusty all at the same time. So these companions of ours decided to get tiny water guns and spray them on people as they walked by - silly, harmless and actually downright kind of them. Well, there was one particular woman (that my wife and I still quote to this day) who was not amused. Picture in your mind a round, freckled and sweaty middle-aged lady, with an extremely THICK, sarcastic southern accent. "Thaynk yew. Apreesheeayte that."

This morning, as I approach the Creator with the intention of gratitude, I must first acknowledge how thoroughly UNgrateful I am. What God intends for lighthearted fun, I frequently receive as something awkward and unnecessary.

I like the Spanish word gracias, because it means "grace to you." It's actually a prayer in everyday language. When someone does something favorable for you, you bless them with a quick word. And when it comes to thanking God, is there any better way besides attributing to Him the only true source of Grace?

This humble attitude is free to see everyday as a harvest. Heart-of-plenty. Cornucopia of goodness.

You didn't have to love me, but You did, but You did, but You did
and I thank You.

Gracias, Amigo.

I was searching for information on first century Christian worship on the internet a few days ago, in preparation for last night's Gateway Family Thanksgiving meal. I stumbled upon this article, which argues some pretty interesting points about how Catholics view portions of protestant tradition. Good food for thought on the eve of a food-filled day.

I'm all in favor of the bald eagle as our national symbol, but I think the Downy Woodpecker would have been more apropos. I mean what's more American than this hard-workin', never-quittin' blue collar species?

It's been a long, strange trip to and from Texas, and I'm laying in my hammock enjoying the unseasonably warm weather. Delighted to see you again, Senor Padron. I quickly notice that I have an excellent vantage point for watching the birds flying south for winter(?). As the coveys, flocks and v-formations peacefully drift by, I realize that I have company. There are several woodpeckers in nearby trees living up to their name's sake. For the next 30 minutes I am completely absorbed in their affairs. Because these fellas are totally committed. It doesn't matter whether it's a pine tree, an oak tree, or even the neighbors fence. They are going to bang their heads into everything made of wood until they find the food they need. It's like watching Angus Young playing his signature Gibson SG guitar, running all over the AC/DC stage with his sweaty little hobbit-head [click on the picture and tell me whom he favors more - Merry or Pippin?] bobbing up and down non-stop during the encore of "Back in Black."

It occurs to me that I am a woodpecker.

No wonder I am occasionally complaining about having a muscle-tension headache. The ones that start with a tight neck and shoulders, and creep up and over your head, finally arriving at full throbbage in your temples and behind your eyes. It's because I'm banging my head against the proverbial wall, determined to MAKE IT HAPPEN. After all, @#*!, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, right?

I left for Texas as a woodpecker in full throttle. I was going to get down there and FIND the money I needed to provide for my family! I was going to slam my head into everything I can find - until the money starts dripping off my beak. After all, I'm supposed to be the provider of the family, and this "wait-and-see" thing just won't do...

I don't think Jesus had the woodpecker in mind when he said, "Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds." (Matt 6:26, Message)

While in Texas, I had lunch with a sparrow. This particular specimen of fowl is native to the Scottish highlands. In the 10+ years that we have been friends, he has always been "poor." He's one of those guys that receives a check in the mail the day before the electric co. is going to shut off his power. Every month. Really, I'm barely exaggerating. So, it seems that this bird came into some inheritance last year. He had been dreaming for 20 years of living in comfort and security, and now he had the opportunity. He was so excited. But his excitement only lasted a few months. He missed living the life of faith and contentment in God he had known for so long. So he spent the money frantically - generously giving to family and friends until it was all gone. And now he's back to "normal," living without the financial safety net again. And he loves it.

The next time I travel to Texas -- with my wife, son, and a rental truck full of all our material possessions -- I want to be a sparrow.

It's been said that "passion" is the amount of obstacles and longsuffering you are willing to endure in order to achieve a particular goal. If that is true, then I found out today I'm truly passionate about this church plant in Texas. It has been a comedy of blunders all day long. It's 11:20 p.m. right now, and Jolie and I are still up printing the promotional packets for my meetings in Texas this week. No, I didn't procrastinate. Like I said, it's been a comedy insanities...

David, your prayer in the comment section below is beautiful and timely. Thank you, friend.

Lord, You have always given bread for the coming day;
and though I am poor, today I believe.
Lord, You have always given strength for the coming day;
and though I am weak, today I believe.
Lord, You have always given peace for the coming day;
and though of anxious heart, today I believe.
Lord, You have always kept me safe in trials,
and now, tried as I am, today I believe.
Lord, You have always marked the road for the coming day;
and though it may be hidden, today I believe.
Lord, You have always lightened this darkness of mine;
and though the night is here, today I believe.
Lord, You have always spoken when time was ripe;
and though You be silent now, today I believe. Amen.

This then is what I mean by spontaneous expansion. I mean the expansion which follows the un-exhorted and unorganized activity of individual members of the Church explaining to others the Gospel which they have found for themselves; I mean the expansion which follows the irresistible attraction of the Christian Church for men who see its ordered life, and are drawn to it by desire to discover the secret of a life which they instinctively desire to share; I mean also the expansion of the church by the addition of new churches. I know not how it may appear to others, but to me this un-exhorted, unorganized, spontaneous expansion has a charm far beyond that of our modern highly organized missions.

From theologian Leslie Newbigin's forward to The Spontaneous Expansion of the Church.

Actually, today the chief rival to ministering from a theological base is engaging in the practice of “church” by means of a pragmatic outlook, that makes decisions largely if not solely on the basis of a consideration of what “works.” In the long run, however, the pragmatic approach is self-defeating, simply because it transforms the community of faith into an institution whose chief end is not the glory of God and the fulfillment of a divinely-given mandate, but survival. The long-term health and viability of the church demands that its leaders and people return again and again to the forming and informing vision of what the community of Christ is called, mandated, and empowered to be by the Lord of the church.

from interview with theologian Stanley Grenz

From recent relevant magazine article:

Perhaps the greatest crisis in the Church today isn't a lack of strong ministries; it's the lack of strong Christians. "The way my friend Dallas Willard puts it, 'What would happen if we shifted our focus from building bigger churches to building bigger Christians?' and he means that seriously. What would be the evangelistic and cultural implications of that?"

This is the third and final strand of the "Oaks of Righteousness" (a biblical concept, NOT the future name of the church) church plant vision. Thanks for your comments, prayers, and patience.

Living missionally saturates every aspect of being "in Christ." Jesus Himself demonstrated the ultimate model of intentionality, embodying the Way, the Truth and the Life. Together, these strands yield truly Christian spiritual formation, as the believing Body lives in mission together.

Living missionally requires the development of patterns and disciplines that result in a sustainable rhythm of life. This includes ordering life to maximize the integration of relationships, time, money, and the whole person (body, mind, heart, soul), in order to be the continued embodiment (incarnation) of the Way, Truth and Life. Discipleship, then, blends intellectual beliefs (Truth) into holistic practices (Way) as a Spirit-breathed work of art that generates Life. This necessitates prophetic teaching and organic apprenticing.

Living missionally requires righteousness, that is ACTIVELY helping the neighbor in need and siding with the underdogs of society. Not only does Scripture reiterate this theme of social justice as essential to the ongoing ministry of Jesus, but the very witness of the Church will depend upon it increasingly in the emerging world. Having a continual helping presence among the needy will be basic to this planting, beginning with the earliest stages of strategic growth. Not only will this emphasis offer hope to the hopeless, but it will also be central in the effort to reach out to potential belongers. In other words, inviting "outsiders" to act with us on mission for the needy will result in additional members of the community.

Living missionally results in becoming a beautiful organism, "for the display of His splendor."

Here's the description (so far) of the second strand of DNA in the church plant vision. Again, any comments are helpful.

A planting of the Lord says "here I am among you." An incarnational view sees the world as touchable and redeemable, committing to full engagement with the culture. People will be given freedom and encouragement to be "rooted" in the world, whether it is workplace, marketplace, evening and weekend activities, book clubs, soccer games, etc. Since God is already at work in the lives of others, having a "listening presence" and a posture of "I don't know" is as important as speaking and offering answers. Caring about others is more important than trying to cure them. Music, art, movies and literature, as well as socio-political values are explored and respected in order to participate with the Spirit in acts of redemption and blessing.

An incarnational view allows for natural (organic) and indigenous expressions of the body of Christ. This view is clear in the life and writings of the apostle Paul. Not only do the churches he planted have unique and even conflicting characteristics, but he advocates passionately against the Jewish effort to de-culturalize Gentiles. Continuing in this biblical tradition, the only "barrier" people will have to accept to identify with Christ is the Cross. (This is not to say that there are no moral guidelines! Rather, that there will be no arbitrary "moralized" guidelines, such as modern worldviews, institutional indoctrinations, etc.)

An incarnational view prefers living life in ordinary and "secular" places as much as possible. Houses, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, schools, etc. are prioritized over church facillities. Every moment and event of daily life is seen as potentially sacred.

Incarnational communities do not accomodate the culture or assimilate into it. Rather, as the local Body grows in its expression, the greater culture is increasingly transformed.

Was it St. Aiden of Northumbria or Dick Van Patten who said:
"The man who thinks he knows what he's doing does much less than he knows he thinks, but the man who does what he doesn't think he knows knows far more than he thinks he does."

Didn't get to watch it last night, but the story on Fox news was enough to stir inspirational thoughts. If I was in to patron saints, I think I might consider Johnny Cash. He WAS incarnation.

"He was an oak tree in a garden of weeds," Bono said. "He's not in a garden of weeds now. He's in heaven with June where all the saints are."

I am trying to put a promotional packet together in preparation for my visit to Texas next week. I have several meetings scheduled there to seek support with finances and other resources. The goal here is to give a little bit more description about the three strands of the vision. Tonight I fleshed out this rough draft to describe "organic." Please give me your feedback...

Organic

Trees grow naturally by receiving the proper elements. People grow as the Spirit creates new life in spontaneous and unforced community. Living systems are self-organizing.

Being "in Christ" with others involves various integrated dimensions. Scripture speaks of a local community of believers as a family. There is an understanding that older and wiser men and women are performing fatherly and motherly roles for the younger generations. More than a coach or a mentor, spiritual parents "do life together" with the younger ones entrusted to them. In many cases the church family and nuclear family may be the same. However, every growing believer will be encouraged to find a significant "apprenticeship" with someone(s) they respect in the faith. This is the heart of discipleship.

Scripture also speaks of tribes. The tribes of Judah were organized around their ancestry and geography. Emerging tribes organize around common passions (which are more homogeneous than affinities, especially when there is a sincere passion for diversity!). Small groups will gather to experience true belonging together. The only conditions will be that the Holy Spirit is invoked to lead, and that members love and minister mutually to one other.

The twelve tribes met together often as a complete assembly. Weekly gatherings will be held to encounter God in corporate worship. The blending of ancient words and rituals with contemporary instruments and technologies combine to strengthen love for Christ and each other.

In certain circles I am becoming the "poster child for postmodernism." While I'll probably take the intended meaning as a compliment, I'd also like to point out that I am not wholesale anti-modernity. For my own sake, and for the sake of all positive pomo-friendly peoples of the Western World, I'd like to take this opportunity to affirm some of my favorite things about the last 400ish years. (Stream of conscious...)

1. The end of slavery.
2. The end of the feudal system.
3. The separation of church and state.
4. Movies.
5. The entrepreneurial spirit.
6. Professional sports.
7. Air conditioning.
8. Space travel.
9. Pasteurization.
10. Shakespeare.
11. Beethoven.
12. The Beatles.
13. Dostoyevsky.
14. Dr. Seuss.
15. Democracy.
16. Did I say air conditioning?
17. Mass communication.
18. My own bible.
19. Electricity.
20. Psychoanalysis.

OK, I've got to run - the doc sommers concert is starting. I hope to continue this exercise in appreciation soon...

Continued exploration of this subject at Rod's blog.

I have mentioned the conversation I participated in at a restaurant / club called "Cowgirl's" in Santa Fe. We are working towards a "rule of life" in order to more intentionally live in the way of Christ. This is the basic synopsis of that original meeting. It's just a semi-organized brainstorm with much tweaking still to do...

PART 1: PERSPECTIVE

WE BELIEVE THAT A MORE BEAUTIFUL AND GENERATIVE LIFE IS POSSIBLE

WE ARE A PEOPLE LONGING FOR A MORE INTEGRATED LIFE WITH GOD.

WE WANT OUR KIDS AND OTHER PEOPLE WE INFLUENCE TO EXPERIENCE A BETTER WAY OF LIFE, A BETTER WAY OF BEING CHRISTIAN

IN A WORLD THAT NO LONGER TRUSTS EMPTY GOD WORDS, WE WANT TO BEAR WITNESS TO THE REALITY OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD AMONG US

WE ARE CONVINCED THAT THE GOOD NEWS OF THE KINGDOM AND THE LIFE OF JESUS IS: (1) HOLISTIC (relates to every dimension of our lives) & (2) INTEGRATIVE (that the various dimensions of our lives are contingent upon each other, like a web).

SIMILARLY, WE ARE CONVINCED THAT THE MESSAGE OF THE KINGDOM IS NOT ONLY SOMETHING TO BELIEVE COGNITIVELY, BUT SOMETHING TO RESPOND TO WITH OUR VERY LIVES.

WE ARE CONVINCED THAT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LIFE AND WORK OF JESUS IS AN INVITATION INTO THE QUALITY OF LIFE THE CREATOR IMAGINES FOR US: LOVE FOR GOD EXPRESSED THROUGH LOVE FOR ALL THAT GOD HAS MADE.

SO WE KEEP ASKING OURSELVES, "WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LOVE THE CREATOR AND THE CREATION?" or "HOW DO WE SPECIFICALLY BECOME PEOPLE FORMED IN THE WAY OF JESUS?"

WE ARE CONVINCED THAT A WAY OF LIFE, CERTAIN PERSONAL AND COLLECTIVE PRACTICES, ARE THE NECESSARY MEANS OF BEING FORMED IN THE WAY OF JESUS.

WE DESIRE TO COMMIT OURSELVES, PERSONALLY AND COLLECTIVELY, TO A RHYTHM OF LIFE AND A SET OF PRACTICES THAT HELP US TO BE FORMED IN THE WAY OF JESUS.

VARIOUS COMMUNITIES OF PEOPLE THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE DEVELOPED PECULIAR AND PROPHETIC WAYS OF LIFE IN PURSUIT OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF OUR DEVELOPING SUCH A PATTERN IS NOT IN ITS INHERENT UNIQUENESS OR IMPROVEMENT UPON PAST EFFORTS, BUT IN OUR INTENTION, AS A LIVING LOCAL & GLOBAL COMMUNITY, TO LIVE OUT THESE PRACTICES AND ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER'S FORMATION & TRANSFORMATION IN THE TIMES & PLACES WHERE WE LIVE.

WE SEEK A SUSTAINABLE RHYTHM OF LIFE THAT INCLUDES:

PART 2: PRACTICES

RELATIONSHIPS:

HOSPITALITY
CELEBRATION
PROXIMAL CONNECTEDNESS (nuclear family, extended family, neighbors, friends, etc.)
LISTENING WITH THE POSTURE OF "I Don't Know."
SEEKING JUSTICE FOR THE OPPRESSED
COMPASSIONATE SOLIDARITY & SERVICE AMONG THE FORGOTTEN

BODY:

HEALTHY NUTRITION & EXERCISE
SABBATH KEEPING & REGULAR PERIODS OF REST
SLEEP
PERIODIC ABSTINENCE FROM PHYSICAL, MATERIAL & MENTAL COMFORTS

TIME & MONEY:

SIMPLICITY (Focused use of energy & resources)
EXISTENTIAL EXUBERANCE--BEING PRESENT IN THE MOMENT & OPEN TO THE VOICE OF GOD
WE SEE EVERY MOMENT AND EVENT OF DAILY LIFE AS SACRAMENTAL
FINANCIAL SIMPLICITY & SUSTAINABILITY
HEALTHY RHYTHMS OF WORK, RELATIONSHIPS & REST
FRUGALITY
GOOD TIME MANAGEMENT: LIVING WITHIN THE LIMITS OF WHAT CAN BE DONE RESTFULLY
GENEROSITY
ABUNDANCE

SOUL& MIND:

SILENCE & SOLITUDE
LISTENING TO SCRIPTURE IN COMMUNITY
PILGRIMAGE
CREATIVITY & BEAUTY (celebrate, honor, pursue)
STORY TELLING
RISK TAKING

The Glorietta Report, Part 2

I'm still distilling the thoughts and impressions from my time at the Emergent Friendship in New Mexico over a week ago. I expect to write more about the actual experience in the near future, but allow me to dedicate this report to the books I read during the trip. On the way there, I read Lullaby, a disturbing contemporary novel by Chuck Palahniuk (Fight Club). While I was there, I read The Rule of Saint Benedict - you know, the actual "rule" by which Benedictine monks live. On the way home, I read Opening the Bible by the 20th Century contemplative Catholic Thomas Merton and Walking on Water by Madeline L'engle (A Wrinkle In Time).

There are some interesting themes and interactions at play in my mind as I recall the reading of these books collectively. The most prominent recurring motif being the necessity for silence. It's no surprise that the Benedictine order establishes significant time for silence and solitude -- that's what you think of when you think about monks! In the same way, for Thomas Merton (a monk himself) to highlight the importance of allowing the mystery and paradox of Scripture to affect one's spirit in silence is to be expected. What was less anticipated was Palahniuk's hyper-criticism of society's addiction to noise:

Up through the floor, someone's barking the words to a song. These people who need their television or stereo or radio playing all the time. These people so scared of silence. These are my neighbors. These sound-oholics. These quiet-ophobics.

You turn up your music to hide the noise. Other people turn up their music to hide yours. You turn up yours again. Everyone buys a bigger stereo system. This is the arms race of sound. You don't win with a lot of treble.
This isn't about quality. It's about volume. This isn't about music. It's about winning.

Old George Orwell got it backward. Big Brother isn't watching. He's singing and dancing. He's pulling rabbits out of a hat. Big Brother's busy holding your attention every moment your awake. He's making sure you're always distracted. He's making sure you're fully absorbed.
He's making sure your imagination withers. Until it's as useful as your appendix. He's making sure your attention is always filled.
And this being fed, it's worse than being watched. With the world always filling you, no one has to worry about what's in your mind. With everyone's imagination atrophied, no one will ever be a threat to the world.

(And that's all just from the 3rd chapter!) This brings me to Walking on Water, which contains L'engle's reluctant musings about the relationship between Christianity and art. She would argue that no follower of Christ should allow his "imagination to wither." Creativity, art, even childish imagination -- these are gifts the Creator shares with humanity. These are part of our imago dei. So what makes good Christian art, then? Being filled with the Spirit and character of Christ -- not simply technique or talent alone! In other words, to be fully "in Christ" and to express artistically is more beautiful and redemptive than being a shallow person who happens to use Christian language or images. Would somebody please tell this to the Christian Music Machine in Nashville? And while you're there, could you make sure it reverberates to the Christian printing companies down the block? Do we really need an 11th installment in the Left Behind series (how long does it take for the end of the world to end, anyway?) I'm afraid the Church's imagination has atrophied to scandalously small proportions during the "Age of Enlightenment."

These strands of written word, wrapped around the conversations and shared longings of common sojournors in New Mexico, resulted in a SERIOUS re-examination of the way in which I live my daily life. I see the urgent need to implement structure in my daily and weekly routines that will bring forth greater sacred moments in interaction with the Scriptures, greater creativity, greater appreciation for Beauty, greater quality time with my family and others, greater physical energy and responsibility... As you can see, there is much to do. Even quirky artists and obsessive-compulsives need practical discipline and order to their lives!

Well, I guess I'll stop here. I'm afraid of where this rant might yet roam. Looking forward to your comments...