//contemplative spirituality

disconnected.

disengaged. 

distracted. 

find a tree or

a flower.

contemplate God's goodness 

reflected and shown through 

His creation.

breath.

He gives you breath.

//are you kidding me?

Ok so I know that we are out of the Bush-era, but I stumbled upon this image and could not believe my eyes...

Even setting aside my  beliefs in non-violence and my distaste for the Bush administration, this sign is hard to grasp.

I guess I will let it speak for itself.

But a couple questions:

+How does this sign communicate the greater [macro] ideals of our Christian brothers and sisters of different though persuasions?  How are we too react in love?

+If you happen to be one of our brothers or sisters that share the ideal that is communicated through the words and pictures represented on the sign, could you shed some light on my confusion?  

//33 miles per gallon

So we finally made the transition.  

My wife and I have attempted to make many changes in our life to be more conscious and lessen our impact on the global ecosystem.  But there has always been one big, enormous, gas guzzling issue staring us in the face.

Our 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee.  

13 miles [city] to the gallon to be exact... 

Although we were disgusted every time we got into our vehicle, we didn't really have an option.  It isn't like we have a large amount of cash sitting around to buy a "greener" vehicle.  So we adjusted our life to cut down on consumption and emissions by walking places if they were in town and riding my bike to campus [when it wasn't snowing].  We began looking for a new car a long time ago [8 months], trying to find something we could afford.  Slowly, our jeep began to fall apart.  We knew that we still couldn't afford to buy a new care, so if we were supposed to get one, we would have to be patient and wait.

Then God made a way. [insert criticism of the idea that God blesses people with money to buy a car...I know what you are thinking.  I am thinking the same thing.]

To make a long story short, Holly's parents [who are amazing] decided to give us enough money to buy a new [used] car, a 2003 Ford Focus station wagon with only 37,000 miles!  

Now we are cutting our emissions and consumption of foreign oil by almost 70%, and we drive a car that is definitely more practical and family friendly.

God provides.

//soon...

This is a pointless post...more informative i guess.

Just wanted to let you know that I will be posting a blog shortly in response to the previous post on being vegetarian. 

Thank you for all your responses!

//Vegetarian?

So in the last few weeks, my wife and I have been playing around with the idea of becoming vegetarian.  First off, we are in no way fully committed to the lifestyle yet and do not believe it to be a absolute moral obligation or required spiritual discipline.  We have dramatically cut our meet consumption, but still eat meet that is offered to us [considered "consumer vegetarian"]. 

I grew up very much a environmentalist.  As a teenager I watched all the PETA videos and even thought about protesting at my local slaughterhouse.  Not to discredit those that partake in those activities, I found myself passionate about the ideas, but really doing nothing to impact the world around me.

As I have matured in my walk with Christ, I have become aware of certain industries and systems at work in the world that operate contrary to the Kingdom of God.  One of them, no matter how you feel about it, is the food industry.  I have have a few people tell me that there is no value in being vegetarian, I would argue that there are many unconsidered and valuable reasons to consider being vegetarian [apart from the tradition "radical environmentalist" approach].  I am not going to hit on the moral or ethical implications as it come to the "rights of animals", nor will I speak on the theological/biblical reasoning, but would actually like to shed a little light on a couple of the "not so well known" global community aspects to the food industry.  I think the following reasons should be considered in our walk with Christ.

-If we eat the plants we grow instead of feeding them to animals, the world's food shortage will disappear virtually overnight. Remember that 100 acres of land will produce enough beef for 20 people but enough wheat to feed 240 people.

-African and other underdeveloped countries - where millions are starving to death - export grain to the developed world so that animals can be fattened for our dining tables.

-Half the rainforests in the world have been destroyed to clear ground to graze cattle to make beefburgers. The burning of the forests contributes 20% of all green-house gases. Roughtly 1,000 species a year become extinct because of the destruction of the rainforests. Approximately 60 million people a year die of starvation. All those lives could be saved because those people could eat grain used to fatten cattle and other farm animals - if Americans ate 10% less meat.

-The world's fresh water shortage is being made worse by animal farming. And meat producers are the biggest polluters of water. It takes 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of meat. If the US meat industry wasn't supported by the taxpayer paying a large proportion of its water costs, then hamburger meat would cost $35 a pound.

My issue is not necessarily with eating meat [although that is part of it], it is with the industrial/factory farming industry that is highly unethical from any moral stand point, especially through the Christian World view.  I encourage you, if have not, to read up and research the industry.  Some great resources are any Wendell Berry book or essay, and Ragan Sutterfeild ...and anything else on a sustainable environment. 

//reading...

Last night was an amazing night...

I got to read for a couple hours.

This was amazing mainly because this is not as common of an experience as I would like it to be.  Granted, I am reading most of the time, just not necessarily books of my choosing.

Last night was different.

I had the blessed opportunity to sit in a chair, and read to my content.

It was nice to spend some time with Neil Postman [Amusing Ourselves to Death, a critique of modern communication and media culture] and one of my favorites Wendell Berry [Sex, Economy, Freedom and Community; a series of eight essays on local economy, conservation, gardening, sustainability and also a critique of modern society...].  

I would highly recommend picking up either of these books, they are amazing writers that challenge the societal norms that are quite contrary to the Kingdom of God.  Very interesting.

//dirt

I am longing for the day when I am released from all my responsibilities and can plant a garden with my daughter.  

A very large part of me just wants to quit everything [mostly just school...actually more like Greek II] and just plant a garden.  I guess it's good that it is still cold out...maybe by the time it is warm enough to begin sewing seed, I will have my head on straight and be thinking "rationally".

I can't wait to smell dirt...

//Dependance

I have been thinking a lot lately.  

But I have not posted anything for many, many weeks...

I think it is because I now know my words are hollow and are better left within my mind.  I am becoming more and more aware of my "finite-ness" as a human being.  I am feeble and weak, unable to start or complete any movement or thought without being completely dependent upon my Father.  

While I am aware of this cognitively and rejoice at the thought of it, I cannot help but confess that my flesh is in rebellion to this satisfying dependance.  While I long for communion with Christ,to  acknowledge and live in His full will, I get so lost in my own words, thoughts, conjectures and critiques that I so quickly loose focus of my Beloved.

May we come to see the Kingdom of God not only lived out on earth, but also thriving within us.

//A question...

Where does ministry begin?

//Thanksgiving and Black Friday

There is a very interesting contrast between our Thanksgiving day tradition and the day that follows, known as Black Friday.  Thanksgiving is a day that we reflect on all we have to be thankful for and spend time with our family.  Then the next day Americans have developed a new tradition, we wake up at 4am to go buy all that we don't have and think we need. 

I would highly recommend reading Ragan Sutterfield's short post, very good ideas on changing this new found tradition.

On another point, this year 5 people died because of crowds rushing to buy the latest electronic device or toy.  

5 people died.

One was a worker that was trying to keep customers from breaking down the doors at Walmart, he was trampled to death by the crowd.  

How as Christians respond to these actions?  Is this how we celebrate the coming of Christ?

Try something new...

Don't buy anything for Christmas this year.  

Make stuff.

Write a story for someone.

Give your time to people.

//Masters in Ecological Theology...

With my recent revitalized interest in the topic of redemption and how it relates to Creation, I have begun to think more about the possibilities for my masters study.  

I was very skeptical that I would find anything that dealt with theology and creation. 

But I began to look online and I found the University of St. Michael's College in Toronto, Canada. Their graduate school offers a Masters in Theology with a concentration in Theology and Ecology.  Looking at their courses and the programs involved, it almost seems too good to be true...

Here is a selection of the classes to choose from:

-Spirituality & Ecology: Integration and Implications

-Christian Ethicists and Ecology

-Theology, Ecology & the New Cosmology

-New Voices in Theology

-New Heaven /New Earth

-Globalization, Social Justice and Eco-justice

-Beyond Homelessness: Theology in a Postmodern World

-Spirituality and Culture

-Theology, Science and Suffering

I am interested to hear anyones thoughts or if you know anything about this particular school or program.

Here is the link to the website:

http://www.utoronto.ca/stmikes/eaite/index.html

//another really good link

Ragan Sutterfield was the speaker for the conference that I posted about yesterday.  He was a great speaker, always smiling and very inspiring to listen to.  He has a heart for people and creation that is genuine.  Here is his blog:

plentymag.com/blogs/notebook

Currently, Ragan has a great post up about redeeming vacant lots with fruit trees...check it out!

//Godspeed the Plough

Last weekend I went to an amazing conference entitled Godspeed the Plough: The Church and the Redemptive practice of Agriculture.  The conference as a whole focused on the Church and it's relation to Creation.  The conference was an amazing experience and I look forward to posting some of my notes, thoughts and conversations I had once I can get my head around all that I took in this weekend.

I can definitely say that I learned a lot and that God spoke to me at this conference.  I got to meet some great people (actually probably some of the most amazing people I have ever met...) and hear things that had been on my mind, but never materialized into practice.  It was refreshing to be around people of like mind.

I grew up an extreme environmentalist.  I also grew up as far away from Christianity as possible.  I thought that God and Christians both hated nature...after all, I always heard that the Bible tells us that the reason plants and animals were here in the first place was for us to do whatever we wanted to with them. 

This conference revitalized that part of me that loves the smell of dirt.

That part of me that thinks there is nothing more beautiful than flowers.

That part of me that sees a tree and praises God for his mystery.

until I post more...here are some really good links to check out:

http://www.englewoodcc.com/

http://seedleaf.typepad.com/

http://douloschristou.com/

//The good news of Caesar

In the 1st century, Christians found themselves living as a subversion to the powers and politics of the kingdom around them.  They saw themselves as bringing in a new Kingdom, one that has existed since the beginning of time, but was crashing into this world, bringing hope, light, and True peace.  They preached the Good News of Jesus Christ, which in the 1st century, had some very steep implications.  It meant that they were opposing Caesar.  They had a different King.

In the 21st century, Christians have chose live with and within the powers and politics of the kingdoms around them.  Christians now travel, not carrying the Good News of Christ, but preaching the good news of Caesar (now namely Obama or McCain). We are trading the Hope of True hope, light, and peace for the empty hope that can be found in politics or a politician.

May God's Kingdom, not man's, truly come.

//Christian role in government?

What is our role as Christians when it comes to our involvement in politics/government.  This is a huge topic right now among evangelicals.  I have read many blogs, articles, essays and even books on this topic, and by no means am I going to regurgitate what I have read onto this blog post...so don't worry.

I do however have many opinions and views on the matter, but if you are interested in dialogue, I would love to talk face to face.  I enjoy the blogging community, I believe it is healthy to dialogue online and find it very intellectually stimulating.  But on the other hand, seeing the effects of the so called "online community" and realized (and learned in my Sociology of Community class) that online dialogue leave out one important aspect of community...face to face interaction which requires sacrifice and reciprocity.  

anyway...here is an interesting quote I took from a blog on Christian Anarchy

"...Get along with the ruling powers as much as you can, but put no trust in them. Let's let our lives reflect the truth that governments are part of a fallen world order that has been rendered obsolete in Christ. May our lives reflect the truth that the hope of the world lies in the power of the cross, not the sword -- or the vote."

- Greg Boyd, author of Myth of a Christian Nation

I would recommend checking out the rest of the article:

http://gregboyd.blogspot.com/2008/01/call-to-christian-anarchy.html

Any thoughts? Agree/disagree?

Rich Young Ruler//Derek Webb

Ok so here is another one of my favorite Derek Webb Songs...

//Rich Young Ruler

Poverty is so hard to see
When it's only on your tv and twenty miles across town
Where we're all living so good
That we moved out of Jesus' neighborhood
Where he's hungry and not feeling so good
From going through our trash
He says, more than just your cash and coin
I want your time, I want your voice
I want the things you just can't give me

So what must we do
Here in the west we want to follow you
We speak the language and we keep all the rules
Even a few we made up
Come on and follow me
But sell your house, sell your suv
Sell your stocks, sell your security
And give it to the poor
What is this, hey what's the deal
I don't sleep around and i don't steal
I want the things you just can't give me

Because what you do to the least of these
My brother's, you have done it to me
Because I want the things you just can't give me

good song...

//uncensored Truth...except I have to censor it.

So I heard a amazing story the other day about a homeless man.

It held Truth that is raw, offending and many may disagree with how it has been manifested.

It lies in one quote, in which I will censor in order not to offend any further...

"Jesus don't care how you come, as long as you motha' f***in' come."

unless of course, you use the "F" word...then all deals are off.

The Spiritual Disciplines

There is a new series of books being written the ancient church disciplines, the first being written by Brian McLaren giving an overview of the seven books to follow.  The highlighted disciplines are: Constant Prayer, Sabbath, Fasting, Sacred Meal, Sacred Journey, the Liturgical Year, and Tithing. 

I am definitely looking forward to this series!

Check out this link to read more!

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/pc_article.php?id=7633

Competition

For some reason lately I have been struggling with competition.

It feels like everything I do is in reaction to someone else, as if I am trying to keep up with people. 

I have this need to be noticed.  

I have a need to fit into the definition I am trying to form for myself.

theologian...

thinker...

reader...

giver...

simple...

minimalist...

emergent...

post-modern...

blogger...

artist...

peace maker...

pacifist...

liberal...

communal...

musician...

I have spent and wasted so much of my energy on trying to make myself into the image of these idols, that I have forgot my purpose.  i have forgot my true Love.

Christ Jesus of Nazareth.

May we be conformed to the Image of the True Living God, not the ones that we create.

//Grace and Peace

i repent

I have recently started listening to Derek Webb.  He has a great insight into the popular American Christian culture. 

I would highly recommend checking out any of his music, specifically from the "I see things upside down" or "Mockingbird" album.

"i repent" from I see things upside down

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

i repent of parading my liberty 
i repent of paying for what i get for free 
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 
wearin righteousness like a disguise to see through 
the planks in my own eyes 

i repent of trading truth for false unity 
i repent of confusing peace and idolatry 
of caring more of what they think than what i know of what they need 
and domesticating You until You look just like me 
i am wrong and of these things i repent