Archive for February, 2012

Well, this changes things…

Posted: February 13, 2012 in Uncategorized

So, this happened.

2 weeks ago. Which feels like 2 years ago, and at the same time 2 second ago. Apparently, he broke the space-time continuum (which may explain his sleeping habits).

To answer some FAQs::

1) I’m sleeping fine, though Rachel isn’t

2) We are treasuring almost every moment, but it’s hard work, too, you know?

3) I cannot carry a tune in the ocean (if I could even lift the ocean–which I can’t in case you wondered) but the boy seems to like my dulcid tones.  Who knew?

4) As cute as you think he is, Rachel and i think he’s waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cuter.

Given his arrival, I am re-thinking the blog thing a bit, particularly how many times this thing will update. I’ve decided to only do two posts a week so that a) I have time for other things (like learning new lullabyes, because while I love David Lamotte, and the boy seems too as well, I need a new tune, pronto!) and b) I think extra time in between posts will help promote a bit more time to reflect and interact on particular posts, questions, topics than 3 a week.  I’ll talk more about this and my reasoning Friday.

For now, though simply gaze at the wonder of my  baby boy.  Born like so many other bay boys and girls, one of Gods very own, that we are lucky/blessed/crazy enough to be stewards of.

Shalom,

Ben

…do what you will

Posted: February 8, 2012 in Uncategorized

This is the first in what will (hopefully) become a regular “feature” of the blog…quote of the week.  I’ll give a quote (maybe with some context) and then leave it for your reflection.

This first one is a bit long as it is cribbed from an earlier blog attempt.  but I love the quote so much I thought I’d share again.  Enjoy!

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One of my favorite thinkers, pastors, writers of all time was St. Augustine, featured in the following pic:

Sure, he was somewhat heavy with the guilt and a bit long winded–but he was a man WAY ahead of his time.  (Which is saying something for a guy who died right around the time the Roman Empire fell.)

He just has so many great quotes about life, love, and our relationship to God. To wit:

“Hope has two beautiful daughters. Their names are anger and courage; anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain the way they are..”

“Give me chastity and continence, but not yet.”

“Thou hast created us for Thyself, and our heart is not quiet until it rests in Thee.”

My favorite though is this one:

“Love, and do what you will.”

When I first heard it I was flummoxed. Flabbergasted.  And maybe other “f” words as well.  What did that even mean?  It seemed like a justification for doing whatever we want, because, hey, you say you love,  and heck, maybe even what you love is God, so, yeah,  that let’s you do whatever you want!

The friend who shared the quote with me, smiled when I expressed this concern.

“Ben, look at it the other way.  If we love  in the way God desires us to love, what we will…”

“Is to live how God wants us to live,” I said filling in the blank.  ”Oh,” I added. (Profoundly.)

The idea has stuck with me and strikes me as a pretty good summation of what sabbath-keeping may be  about as well–loving God and others in such a way that everything we do–consciously and unconsciously– is about dwelling in God’s presence

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Share any thoughts or even your favorite quotes below!

The Daily Bible

Posted: February 6, 2012 in Uncategorized

The last three years, our Youth at FPC, Concord, have gotten together with youth from Quail Hollow Presbyterian and other youth groups in the Charlotte area to wacth movies. but not just ANY movies.  Movies we made ourselves.

The films have been based on biblical stories–Judges, the parables, stuff like that.  they have been dramatic in scope, big with special effects and humor, and yet also profound displays of creativity, nunaced views of who god is and how God works, and just plain old-fashioned fun.

The bets part for me is that my role has usually been to 1) generate the kernel of an idea 2) gather smart, talented adults and youth to tell them the idea and 3) get the heck out of the way and 4) marvel at the results. Done, done, done, and done.

The latest video tells a simple story–a family, a fight, a realization, and a reconciliation.  Pretty normal stuff, and in all honesty, what pretty much the whole bible is about I think.  You’ll notice (I hope) themes of creation, disobedience and sin, redemption, and forgiveness.  Enjoy!

 

Posted: February 3, 2012 in Uncategorized

A Prayer for Young People…

Amidst…

Care free days

Piles of homework…

The warm feeling of friendship…

The cold haunting of betrayal…

Inviting presence of family and home…

Pressures to perform and live up to expectations…

Self-confidence  in the face of bullying…

Fear that what “they” say about you is true…

Your standing up for what you believe…

Your standing aside as someone else is hurt…

Your voice proclaiming love and acceptance…

Your cries of “stupid!” and other insults…

Exploring every possibility the future might hold…

Wondering where the heck you are going to end up…

Always know…

You are a Child of God…

You are loved by God…

You are forgiven by God…

You are made new by God…

And so you can …

Meet the challenges…

Withstand temptation…

Connect with others…

Be the change you wish to see…

Let go of your past regret…

Grab hold of the present…

Live with hope…

And be at peace.

In Jesus name,

Amen.