Christmas Eve traditions and fusion

I have a few random thoughts as we get ready to celebrate Christmas:

• Empire Strikes Back is on Spike TV right now...was one of my fav movies as a kid, esp when Han Solo gets frozen
• Our church has 2 great Christmas Eve Celebrations. I am really jazzed and looking forward to it. I have ben a part of Christmas stuff for church before, I am for real about this one. It is special.
• Lately I have noticed the fusion of different things to create some awesome experiences: pumpkin cheesecake, coconut and chocolate, Candlelight and singing, friends and family, Sriachi hot sauce and anything, The Killers and Elton John, and Google Map navigation and my cell phone.
• I have been consistent in my Bible reading as of late (thanks to my cell). The plan I am reading in has me in Job, Habakuk, and Revelation. Needless to say I am sick of hearing about God's judgment. I am a bit confused as to how to apply these words I have been reading (and I went to seminary, I know the context).
• Darth Vader just told Luke he is his father.
• After the first of the year, I have three huge things happening in the spring: travel for coaching network, plan for Easter, take 23 people to Kenya.
  
• I am having a kid in June. Shauna and I are starting to agree on names (although she wont budge on Rocco).
• I really don't like the new AT&T commercials with Luke Wilson.
• I really do like the freecreditreport.com commercials, but I will never go to that website.
• Our checking account was attacked. We need some prayer for resolution. We're grateful that we are OK regardless of the mean theives.
  
• Shauna is more ADHD than me now. Pregnancy has officially made us the most ADHD couple on the face of the planet. Focus is laughable. God help our child LOL.
• I work with some awesome people. Big shout outs to Missy, Kimberly, Kim, and Aaron...what a great last week in the office.
  
• I work for a great leader. thanks, Dan for letting me lead and believing in me. Your advice and friendship makes this much more than a job.
  
• I miss my family. Christmas is going to be a great recharge.
  
• I want to see Avatar. I will see it this coming week. I may take a day and spend it at the movie theater. That woudl be awesome.
  
• My sister is coming back with us to Baltimore. She's staying a week. I want to manipulate her to live with us and she knows it. She is very cool.
• 2009 showed me that God provides when I dont understand, snow can actually make a honda not move, and miracles happen everyday.
  
• I am reading a Mark Steele book called Christianish and I really like it.
• I am also reading Narcisistic Leadership and finishing Deliberate Simplicity. I got bored with George Carlin's autobiography with about 40 pages left. I doubt I will pick it back up. Was funny and good, just got too long and boring toward the end.
  
• I really love my wife. I love her more than I did when we got married. I am glad she is going to be the mother of our children.
  
• I am not checking this blog for typos.
• I have watched a lot of good television over the past six weeks. The Office, Community, Man Vs Food, and Football have been awesome.
• I lost to John Sheffield in the playoffs AGAIN in Fantasy Football even though I had a better team. No matter what he says, my team was better.
• I am going to start running again once we get back to Balto. I had a good 12 weeks in a row of running 5 mornings a week. I need to get back on that wagon. I feel better when I work out.

I may not blog much over the holidays, but you can certainly keep up woth my short updates HERE and on FB. I like to post random pictures on there.

Taking risks is cool.
N

Blog repost: What girls can learn about love from twilight

Thanks Kevin Harris...loved this recent post.
Here's the repost:

16 Unfortunate Lessons Girls Learn from Twilight

If a boy is aloof, stand-offish, ignores you or is just plain rude, it is because he is secretly in love with you — and you are the point of his existence.

Secrets are good — especially life-threatening ones.

It’s OK for a potential romantic interest to be dimwitted, violent and vengeful — as long as he has great abs.

If a boy tells you to stay away from him because he is dangerous and may even kill you, he must be the love of your life. You should stay with him since he will keep you safe forever.

If a boy leaves you, especially suddenly (while telling you he will never see you again), it is because he loves you so much he will suffer just to keep you safe.

When a boy leaves you, going into shock, losing all your friends and enduring night terrors are completely acceptable occurrences — as long as you keep your grades up.

It is extremely romantic to put yourself in dangerous situations in order to see your ex-boyfriend again. It’s even more romantic to remember the sound of his voice when he yelled at you.

Boys who leave you always come back.

Because they come back, you should hold out, waiting for them for months, even when completely acceptable and less-abusive alternative males present themselves.

Even though you have no intention of dating an alternative male who expresses interest in you, it is fine to string the young man along for months. Also, you should use him to fix things for you. Maybe he’ll even buy you something.

You should use said male to fix things because girls are incapable of anything mechanical or technical.

Lying to your parents is fine. Lying to your parents while you run away to save your suicidal boyfriend is an extremely good idea that shows your strength and maturity. Also, it is what you must do.

Car theft in the service of love is acceptable.

If the boy you are in love with causes you (even indirectly) to be so badly beaten you end up in the hospital, you should tell the doctors and your family that you “fell down the steps” because you are such a silly, clumsy girl. That false explanation always works well for abused women.

Men can be changed for the better if you sacrifice everything you are and devote yourself to their need for change.

Young women should make no effort to improve their social skills or emotional state. Instead, they should seek out potential mates that share their morose deficiencies and emotional illnesses.

Truly hilarious...good job, Kevin!

MVP

Meet Carol (she's the lady on the right; Teresa is on the left). Carol does a lot at our church, ALC. She runs our entire Hospitality Community (in house services, coffee bars, first impressions, guest stuff, etc. etc. etc.). Carol has a lot of gifts: she's a singer, an actress, a great hostess, and a phenomenal leader. She is actually leading and consumed with a very big leadership role at our church.

This past weekend, our drama team took on a rather lengthy and important role in the message communication about Capturing the Moment (from Luke 10 story and Mary/Martha, go watch it here once it is posted around Tues/Wed). It was a drama involving two ladies and took about 12 minutes total. There was a lot of dialogue and nuanced interaction. Carol was not originally cast in this drama.

Sadly, this past Friday, one of the ladies that was cast has some emergency medical issues come up, and was not available after all the practices, blocking, and hard work. We're still praying for you, Tanya! We love you and trust that God is working out every detail for good! Many were asking about you and we are thinking about you!

This unfortunate situation put our communication this past weekend in quite the bind. After all, we were planning on this drama being a major piece to the message: everything was depending on each other (music, message, and drama working together). Tom, our drama director, called Carol on Friday night. He gave her the script, and less than 24 hours later, Carol stepped in and connected beautifully in each Celebration with a great performance that ministered to everyone. At the last Celebration, many around the room were wiping tears. It was so awesome to see how God spoke through all of the elements and people involved, but particularly, how Carol was able to capture a moment this weekend. By stepping in like she did, in the crisis mode and in learning the character, she is my MVP of the whole weekend. Awesome.

Lead with your ears...

It was so much fun watching our band jam this past weekend in our Celebrations. We kicked off our Christmas series, and did so properly by celebrating and commnicating the good news of Jesus.

Along with some creativity, art, and an encouraging (and funny) message by Dan, it was a great weekend. My favorite times were the guitar solos, though. You gotta love a rocking, ears bleeding, extension of worship with a howling guitar! Great job, Rich!

"Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear."
James 1:18 (MSG)

Off the grid...

Shauna and I are leaving for vacation tomorrow morning very early. We're looking forward to this so much. I am unplugging and going off the grid for the next week (no phone, laptop, notes, calendar, etc.).

I am so grateful for the team and leadership that don't really need me around anyway in order to do what they do.

Oh, and thanks a lot for all the well wishes on the baby we have on the way! All the kind words are so encouraging and awesome.

Until next week when we come back with pictures and a sunburn...
: )

June 20, 2010

According to Shauna's doctor, this is the day we will expect our first child.
We're ten weeks pregnant. We've seen the heartbeat. We're excited. Our families know. We are grateful to God.

She's going to make a phenomenal mother.


Ecclesiastes 11:5
Just as you'll never understand the mystery of life forming in a pregnant woman, So you'll never understand the mystery at work in all that God does.

Aaron/ Music Director @ ALC

Aaron is my friend. He also works with me and a few other people to lead the Creative Arts community at ALC. I watch him in action each weekend interact with his team and lead our ALC Celebrations with music. He is a very valuable leader for our team, and he does a great job at reminding me that ministry is supposed to be fun and normal. Here's some things I value about his leadership:


1. He demonstrates authenticity. He doesn't scream it out or value it publicly like a politician. He is quiet about it. He is raw. He is constantly bringing others in on the conversations of leadership and direction regarding our music. He has his values, and they are non negotiable. But it is a pretty wide open road when it comes to how he leads in pulling off those values. In fact, Aaron has actually been the catalyst for several out of the box methods, some of which he isn't proficient in pulling off. But that's ok, because none of what he does seems to be about him. I think that is cool.

2. He speaks the truth and not obsess over what I think. I suppose this goes back to the authenticity thing, but I consider this something more. I guess it is a confidence. Aaron does a remarkable job of removing his emotions for the good of the team, even when it is not in his best interest.

3. He works hard. Now, I know most musicians would prefer to wake up right before lunch, and Aaron, when he has the chance, is no different. BUT, that doesn't mean his work ethic is lacking. In fact, he works a lot backstage when no one knows he is there. Whether it's writing music or installing equipment or researching, he is engaged. This past weekend, he led three Celebrations in music, was a part of two long choir rehearsals, attended two major meetings with me, and is currently on his way to my house for another meeting where we have to make some tough decisions. AND, he is bringing Thai food for lunch. Did I mention Monday is usually his day off? (Short week=Thanksgiving)

4. He is dependable. I trust Aaron, and so do Chris and Jim (the others on our Creative Arts Directors Team). When Aaron says he will do something, he does it. He doesn't remind you he is doing it. He does it. This includes things he doesn't enjoy.

5. He asks questions. Aaron and I talk about our teams often. He asks questions, and is reading to broaden his learning and perspective with leadership.

Hebrews 13:7
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

It appears that Sears does care...

Check out the email I just received:

Subject:

RE: Sears Cares / Nate Drye / Case # tbd / T.W.

Attachments:
View As Web Page

Dear Nate,



Thank you for the information. I have reviewed your account and would be happy to process a replacement washer for you. If you would like the same model, I am showing the first available delivery date is this Sunday, 11/22/09. This first available date can change depending on when we actually process the exchange but Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are also available for delivery next week.



Just let me know if you'd like the same model or if you prefer, you can select a different model. You would have the full amount you paid for this washer to apply to another washer. I will also need to confirm your delivery address before I process the exchange. I am showing 865 Chestnutview Ct., Baltimore, MD 21226.



Regards,

Tammy W.
Sears Cares - Senior Case Manager
Sears Holdings Corporation


I am pleasantly surprised, and extremely happy about this.
It appears that Sears cares.

Consumer Report: Negative Review of Sears follows...

So, I had a horrible experience with Sears. Below is the letter that went to their corporate office, and one that I will paste in each consumer report I can find. I urge you to be careful when making large purchases at Sears. I won't be back.

Dear Sears,
I will do my very best to be brief. I will not be purchasing anything at your store or online any more. My wife and I purchased a great GE washer/dryer set last August (delivered Aug 21 as a matter of fact). And up until this past Sunday, Nov. 15, they both worked great. I am happy to say the dryer is functioning well, still. However, the washer would not spin the clothes.

I called the repair center and set up a time for a tech to come to the house. I was informed on the phone, and with two courtesy calls, the tech would arrive at my house on Thursday (today), Nov 19, between 8am and 12pm. I usually love being able to take a half day off from work, but my wife and I are traveling and will be out of the country starting Thanksgiving day, and I do have a lot to do. So, I worked from home this morning.

The tech arrived at 1:45pm. I called three times and was told a message would be relayed. After 20 minutes, the tech informed me that a part was needed, and it would arrive in 2-3 business days (at the latest, next Tuesday). I would then need to call and schedule another appointment, which could take 6-7 business days (Thursday and Friday being holiday next week). This solution does not help me to wash my clothes.

I let him know that was a bad plan for me. I purchased the washer/dryer to do a job, and it has broken WITHIN THE 90 DAYS RETURN POLICY I have been given. I want another washer. We can simply replace the washer. The tech informed me that I would have to call and set that up, he didn't have the authority to okay that move.

So I called. I spoke with two different ladies. The first one quickly transferred me to an "Escalated Representative." I vocalized my issue. She informed me that I had no choice but to wait for the part, and if I am unhappy, I can write a letter to the corporate office. Again, these solutions do not help me wash my clothes.

I then went to the Sears store I purchased the washer/dryer from. I talked with Scott (MOD). He talked on the phone with someone (his direct report, I believe). He did his best to get clearance to have another washer delivered so I could wash clothes. After all, I called in the problem before my 90 days return was over. Denied.

Scott then called and made the part shipment a priority with the warehouse, and told me he will try to next day this to my house and get the repair completed as quickly as possible. He apologized for Sears' policies and procedures, and basically did not defend his company when I said: "It seems Sears has my money and that they are more concerned about serving their processes and policies rather than me. No one has really cared that I have clothes to wash and I trusted Sears' products and services with my money to do that." Scott then did what he could do and gave me some money to wash my clothes before my wife and I leave the country next week. Scott heard me and did what he could do. Scott was awesome.

Sears, as a whole, has disappointed me. On Sears' corporate site, this statement is buried two clicks away from the home page: "Sears Holdings is committed to improving the lives of our customers by providing quality services, products and solutions that earn their trust and build lifetime relationships. In our associates we value teamwork, integrity and positive energy. Our culture is defined by a clear vision, mission, pace and values."

I officially call bullcrap. Scott, the manager on duty at the Marley Station Mall store in Glen Burnie lives up to that. But no one else at your organization, that I have interacted with, cares about that statement.

I will no longer walk into your store or come to your website. I was not heard by your "escalation department" (really? you really call it that? the mere fact that you have to have one of these says a lot), I was not valued by your policies or processes, and I was undermined and tricked into believing you were someone you cannot live up to becoming.

I sent this email in on the Sears.com website as well. I also sent a copy to GE. I do not care for a reply that let's me know I have been heard, for unless there is a genuine response that inquires and cares about the failing processes within your company then your communication with me is moot.

Maybe someone in middle management or someone that actually cares about the mission and vision of your corporation will read this. That is my hope.

I will also blog, face book, twitter, and paste this response with all my social networking sites (that's close to 1000 people in all who follow). Viral information is so cool.

Nathan Drye

Things I wrote down that Craig Groeschel said...

Yesterday, our team got to sit and listen to Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel for a few hours talk about ministry. Aside from their awesome outline, I wrote down some other great quotes that I took in. Here are some I took from Craig's talks (he did two...)

Talk One: Busting Barriers with Mindset Changes

• Your church will typically mirror your values
• The secure and confident church is attractive
• Limitations are the greatest breeding ground for innovation.
• Buried in your limitations could be the greatest innovation to your church.
• The difference between where you are and where you ought to be often involves pain.

Talk Two: Creating Personal and Spiritual Momentum

• My greatest dark side has become one of the most significant strengths of our church.
• The quickest way to forget what God says about us is to obsess about what people say about us (interchange me with those statements).
• We don't delegate because of pride.
• If you are healthy, your ministry will be healthy.
• Your identity should not be wrapped up in your ministry/ produciton...when it is, that is a signal for deep repentance.
  
• You should never pray more publicly than you do privately.
• You can become a full time pastor and a part time follower of Jesus.

Things I wrote down that Andy Stanley said...

Yesterday, our team got to sit and listen to Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel for a few hours talk about ministry. Aside from their awesome outline, I wrote down some other great quotes that I took in. Here are some I took from Andy's talks (he did two...)

Talk One: Gaining and Sustaining Momentum

• We can never fill everyone's cup; but it is our job to make sure we are emptying our own.
  
• A good question is not WHY isn't God blessing my ministry..a good question is WHAT is God blessing? This indicates where the momentum of our ministries is taking us.
• Minor improvements don't trigger momentum.
• Tweaking the old does not create momentum.
• If cost is an issue, then you are probably doing too much.
• Why on earth would you continue to fund mediocre?!?
• Everything you do and every thing your church does is already being evaluated every week...
• There is no such thing as auto pilot in great churches.
• There is automatic resistance to new, improved, and improving.
  
• If you are committed to momentum you will make mistakes.
• Evaluation has to be a part of your systems.
• Momentum thrives on chaos.
• Anything that reduces friction reduces momentum (that's a big statement!).

Talk Two: Don't Be That Couch

• Quit making excuses for things you are emotionally tied to.
• Read The Dip by Seth Goden.
• Read Why the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins.
• What is it that you have to announce that you are not excited about?!?
• If you could push a magic button and something could disappear...lol
• No one ever feels called to a model.
• Date/ fool around with your programming, but marry your mission.
  
• Jesus never gave us the great model; we can figure that out. He gave us the great commission.
• Don't ever waste God's money on a bad idea!
  

Wow...social media seems to have taken over

I discovered this vid on Kem Meyer's blog...kind of ironic that I share it now.
Think traditional communication hasn't evolved? Think again...



thanks, Kem...keeps me thinking...

Church FAQs Promo Spot #3

Ok, here's the last run that we did last weekend at ALC. If I receive enough feedback, I may post some of the outtakes.

Can't see the forest for the trees...

I have heard that statement many times over the past week. Here's a great blog entry by Ben Decker regarding communication weeds.

sermon notes circa 1940s (?)

Here are some sermon notes from a sermon my grandpa preached around the 1940's...I must say, I am quite impressed with typed notes!

It is a message on salvation: a good old fashioned hell, fire, and brimstone message to be sure!

























Also, my grandfather was a Baptist minister. Here is his marriage license...married by a WOMAN in 1942. lol. A little ironic, dont-cha think?


Thanks for marrying my grandparents, Ella!

Like walking from one room into the next...

My grandfather died today.
He has been ill.
He has aged well.
I am happy to know that he isn't suffering, that he is experiencing the hope he preached about in the back towns and countryside camp meetings of his Baptist roots. My mom, 3 aunts, and one uncle are grieving much. This was there last living parent.

BUT:
According to the Bible, we don't grieve like a person who has no hope (I Thess 4:13). We still grieve, we still have pain, and we still hurt. But we have hope. We shouldn't grieve as if this is the end.

What we consider loss is only temporary, for the end of this life is but a beginning of being wholeness, of clinging to the hope we have heard about over and over again. No, death is simply like walking from one room into the next.

Promo vids #2...i think it is funny

Ok, so here is our week 2 promo...I gave props in the last post.
Any problems watching the vid? Go to the original post
@ natedrye.com
If you laugh, let me know...

A little Conan, a little recycle, a lotta fun...

We have a new series coming up mid-November called, Church FAQs. Basically, we want to answer threatening questions people may have about our church, ALC. Questions like: why did you play a Michael Jackson song? what happens to my money after I put it in the offering bag thing? what does this church believe about the virgin birth? what do you see happening here in the next 2-3 years?

Those are just samples, but we're allowing everyone to ask a question via our website, text, email, or just easy paper and pen style with a connection card. So, we have some short video promos to promote the series. We sat down some of our church leaders (myself included) and had them volunteer ALC Secrets.

It may not be what you think, but here ya go:
(if you can't view the video, watch in the original post at www.natedrye.com)


So, whatcha think? More to come soon...

My dog ran away a lot...

When I was a young boy, I had a dog that ran away a lot. I can't really say that I blamed him. His name was Scruffy, and I was a bad dog owner. I didn't walk him, I kept him on a chain in the back yard, I whined when I was told to feed him, blah blah blah. Elementary school children learn responsibility in very odd ways.

When Scruffy ran away, it like he was running for sweet freedom. Seriously, you would have thought he was a POW that finally caught a break. I couldn't catch him. I don't even know why/how he "got loose." He always seemed to break free around the first day of school, oddly enough (lol).

It always irked me that he ran so hard once he was free. But then again, why wouldn't he? I was a horrible care giver. My mom pretty much cared more about Scruffy than me. She just MADE me do the right things and take responsibility. She would always say the same things to me: "He will stop running if you stop chasing him. And if you actually let him go, he may come back on his own." And he did...Scruffy always came back. He didn't come back because of me, though. I am convinced of that. Honestly, I still can't figure out why he would come back.

Responsibility is funny. Not in a lol kind of way, either. When it is forced on you, you're frustrated all the time and disdain the pressure (like me and Scruffy). When you take it willfully, like in a job, you are consistently trying to relieve the pressure by owning your role. There is a lot to be said about actually owning responsibility, especially when it comes to following Jesus, and in leading others on the same path.

I think that, as the church of Jesus, we have a tremendous responsibility: to own our roles as followers of Jesus in a way that leads those around us into a deeper connection to Him. Whether we sing, teach, serve, or smile...we are compelled to do so in a way that draws attention to Jesus. Think about that. If we actually do that, we may think that it is important that we value and prioritize, and, dare I say, lead with our actions when it comes to our actions as a Christ follower (some people would call this ministry).

We should at least conduct ourselves in a manner where other people will not want to ever "run far far away." I think love may play a factor here.

^15-17Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. (Colossians 3:17, The Message)

Questions

At our church, we're in the middle of a series called, Faith FAQs. In this series, we're fielding question via text message. We are in the second week of this, and, I must admit, I am having so much fun with it. I love questions.

BUT, we have a great question asked this past weekend that really intimidated me. Not because of the question so much, but because of the emotion I knew was resting on the other side of how it needed to be answered. Dan (our Lead Pastor) had one the best responses I could have imagined. Watch this and see if you agree...



You can watch the podcasts and be involved in this series, even if you can't be there in the building. Go to our church's website (abundantlifechurch.us), ask a question at the website (faithfaqs.com), or text in your question and hopefully watch the podcasts and maybe it will be answered (text ALC + your question to 47201).

Lastly, this blog is fed into other sites, if the video doesn't feed in correctly, go to my original blog page to watch it (natedrye.com).

Old guys @ Strarbucks

So, I went to Starbucks earlier this morning to get some writing accomplished. Let's just say I got distracted. I really wish I could have taken a live, in the moment picture or even video, but it would have been too weird.

Let me explain, there are 4 old guys (Aaron and I refer to them as crotchety old men, and we want to be crotchety old men one day as well) that are ALWAYS sitting at this table.
They are Vets...they are funny...and, when I have the opportunity to eavesdrop on them, it is hard not to just laugh along with them. Basically, I am quite impressed with the range of their conversation this morning. I was so impressed, I kept track of the topics as they were talking. You may be equally impressed (disturbed, amused, entertained...). Here ya go:

1. 8:58 AM. They were already in discussion as I sat down with my coffee about Obama winning the Nobel peace prize.
   -"He deserves that about as much as you deserved your second wife."
   -"He only won it because he lost that Olympics award."
   -"They never give that prize to anybody who does anything anyway."
   -"Now if Obama had created the Starbucks new Sanka Instant crap I could understand it. That stuff will bring people together." (followed by much laughter)
2. 9:20ish AM. The discussion then moved to different things about Obama and the Republican Party.
   -"If Obama were a Republican, he would probably change his middle name like Reagan did."
   -"Obama's middle name is no big deal...people need to get over it like they did Reagan's divorce history."
   -"I tell ya if Reagan were still alive he would have won the Nobel Peace Prize." (much agreeing and affirmation)
   -"The problem with the Republican party is that they don't have anyone to rally around....like Reagan"
3. 930ish AM. Here is where it gets really fun...
   -"Brittney Spears got partial custody of her kids, I heard."
   -"About time! You can't separate a kid from his momma."
   -"She's had her issues but I think she is a good girl where it counts." (mutual nodding of heads)
   -"I think she is a Republican, too!" (for real, this was said, and no one challenged the statement...priceless)
4. 940 AM. They started talking about a friend of theirs, Charity, who apparently is recently divorced and going through a custody battle of her own.
   -"Ya know, Charity should really look into getting a lawyer like Brittney Spears'."
   -"They're both great gals: young, pretty...got their whole lives ahead of them."
   -"I told Charity that she needs to look out for these crazy guys...her and Brittney both got bit by the same love bug, I guess."
   -"Yeah, that bug of bad choices."
   -"I bet the Nobel Prize committee got bit by that bug when they chose Obama!" (much laughter and nodding of heads)
5. 10AM ish (last convo before they left). The convo turned to their coffee, their wives, and ended full circle with Obama.
   -"I really hate Via."
   -"Why is that?"
   -"Cause my wife thinks I don't need to come out here for coffee when I can make what I like at home."
   -"Just tell that (nice woman) that she has scissors and can cut her own hair, then!"
   -"Don't call my wife a (nice woman)!"
   -"Oh shut up, I ain't got time for a lecture from you about how to treat a woman." (laughter, except for husband)
   -"My wife voted for McCain last year (last year?!?)...he wouldn't have ever won a peace prize!" (much laughter and agreement)
   -"Yeah, but I am still glad I voted for Obama." (then they got up and left...with that statement being said as they stood up and walked out together)

SO, I was entertained by them. There was much more said in the conversation, but I only typed out what i thought was funny when I could hear it. Hopefully, they read my blog...lol.

And on another random note...I wore a tie recently:

A late response...

I have seen your tweets, your status updates, and your blogs about this, and, I suppose, this one won't be as timely. But my response is to people who say they follow Jesus. You see, I watched the same youtube videos, hulu, huffington post... And I witnessed the audience react to the news.

Wait, maybe you didn't see it. Watch this:




There, in under two minutes, now you are somewhat up to speed.

Like I said, I have read your tweets, your updates, your blogs... and quite honestly, I am disgusted on a few levels. Here is my response to more than the video:

1. Letterman did bad things. And Clinton did bad things. In fact, bad things are done all the time. However, many folks don't tweet, or update, or blog until those bad things have to do with some type of sexual bad thing. The internet was bubbling with ecstasy when Ted Haggard finally came forward. We (our culture, both on the left and the right) are obsessed with sex.
   
2. The audience at Letterman's taping celebrated that behavior with laughter and applause. We (humans) joke about and laugh with the ongoing stigmas that we watch on SNL, The Soup, VH1, ET, ad nauseum... I think (and I am probably wrong) that he was brilliant in the fact that he disclosed everything. His humor style (self deprecation) leads to this full disclosure, if you think about it.
3. Not many people were shocked or surprised at his confession. Many of you (and you know who I am talking about) made that abundantly clear in your judgmental tweets, updates, and blogs. This made me angry. I could write and get on my own soap box, but that would be unwise. You are bad, too (or so says I John 1:8); don't tweet, update, or blog about someone else's badness in a self righteous way, please.
   
4. And then there is the audience's LIVE reaction to Letterman's news of applause and laughter. Many of you, my Christ loving friends, have made it a point to respond to their reaction with disgust, out right judgment, anger, intolerance, and societal embarrassment. Many of the tweets, updates, blogs had the statement: "It is sad that Letterman fans applauded and laughed with him about his sin." (Or something like that)
   
5. I have a theory (it is probably wrong): I think our culture laughs nervously and celebrates the idea of "celebrity" being human (depraved). Anytime we can connect to the celebrity, the other, the image, we love it. Therefore, I believe the laughter and applause is a connection that says to the celebrity, "Thanks for being bad like us. We know you are human. Keep making us laugh so we don't have to endure the pain of our bad choices. We're here for you."
   
6. With my theory, I think the conversation concerning the audience's reaction is elevated past the surface of celebrating bad behavior. It is camaraderie, connection, and our very deep need to know we are not alone and that we are not the only bad people. This does not make the bad things being done okay, but it does make sense of the reactions.
7. I think the reaction is yet another outcry for connection to something bigger...and anticipation of something, if you will (Romans 8:18-20). And with this thinking, it makes me want to share the human connection of Jesus more and more. If people connect to Jesus (God, perfect, the other, celebrity out of reach feeling of a person), their reaction is likely to be one of applause and laughter followed by authentic life connection.
   

So, in essence, how should we respond? I have expressed my aggravation with what I have read, but am I wrong to be aggravated? I think we should ask more questions and elevate the conversations past ourselves when we react to each other (each of us, God's creation...even the people laughing in the Letterman studio). We should get to know each other more and peel back these surface discussions to reveal something deeper. We are all bad people. We all need a magnificent rescue. We all desire a connection to something greater and bigger. I cannot, for the life of me, understand how we are having that conversation when we (as followers of Jesus) continue to tweet, update, or blog our self righteous illusions. Tell me I am judgmental and bad, I am cool with that. Believe me, I know. But don't respond to this out of anger. Have a real response with a real opinion about what I said.

Wait, last thing: what if we were angry and reacted to injustice and things that made a difference where we live? I suppose this conversation is cyclical...like from the 80s lol

There, any thoughts?

Wanted: Leaders

You will notice the absence of pictures, here...but there are lots here if you need to look at some.

There is a passage in James (that is pretty harsh altogether in its context; chapter 4), that basically says "you have not because you ask not." Another golden nugget in this book (chapter 1) is: "he who doubts is like a wave of the sea..."

I have learned a lot about myself and leadership since I began the journey into ministry. One thing I always noticed is how we (in ministry) are always looking for high capacity leaders with great chemistry, sacrifice, and buy in. It is a tall and great need, but, truth is, it's valid. Over the past 18mos, I have been fortunate to be a part of the leadership at ALC, and the story here is similar: we need high capacity leaders with great chemistry, sacrifice, and buy in. Church wide, we have several key leadership positions that need to be filled. We have prayed, been irritated, confused, and hopeful. It has been a learning experience for me to watch and be a part of the process. And guess what, there seems to be some shreds of light regarding some leadership and buy in...maybe even some chemistry, too!

It seems like a no brainer, but one of the ways we actually began to attract and begin conversations with high capacity leaders with great chemistry, sacrifice, and buy in (YES, I WILL CONTINUE TO USE THAT ENTIRE PHRASE THROUGHOUT), was the simple act of communicating the need to our community. Simple, huh? A blurb in the program, simple conversations, and job descriptions. And the words ring out in my head: you have to ask...you don't have because you don't ask. It's so simple. See, in my mind, I need to magically (because all my thinking usually begins with me) seek out the needles in the massive haystack of our community... the thought of simple communication may be too chaotic! (sarcasm, fyi)

So that is it: simple communication. Sure, there may be some conversations with people who aren't ideal for the job, but I remember that God used a stuttering senior citizen to negotiate and lead millions out of Egypt, an adulterer to hoist the title "man after God's heart", and a murdering religious leader to write most of the New Testament. I am confident that discernment and God conversations will help sort out the bad eggs (again, sarcasm).

There are many more leadership needs we have at ALC, especially in Creative Arts. And, until right now, I can't remember vocalizing those (Creative Arts) needs outside the conversations with a few trusted leaders. In a way, it kind of feels selfish. I wonder who may answer the call when it is made clear and public? It is kind of scary.

Here are three big picture leadership needs we have in Creative Arts. Pray about these, please. What would happen if you connect with one of these as you read the descriptions? Whether you are a part of our ALC community or not, would you just say a prayer for our needs? Like I said, Creative Arts isn't the only place where leaders are needed, but...we're asking.

1. Director of the Arts Community:
-The main expectation of this leader is to bring cohesiveness to the arts community in Creative Arts at ALC (this includes leading the direction of four main teams: set design/ concept artists, graphic designers, dancers, and drama teaml and each of these teams already have dedicated leaders). The responsibilities include: a bi-weekly Directors Meeting, lead a monthly team leaders meeting (for the team leads of the 4 arts teams above), drive creativity and edgy thinking in our brainstorming (MUST have an edge to your personality), and be able to hang out over coffee and have spiritual conversations (both in accountability and in pastoring others).
2. Video Design Director/ Associate Director of Production:
-The main expectation of this leader is to own and cast vision for video creation and editing for all of Creative Arts. We have a studio already designed for you with CS4, a tricked out iMac, audio mixer, and comfy couches (no flourescent lighting allowed). We also have 3 good cameras, one HD mini, a portable audio solution for shoots, and GBs galore for archiving. We want to put together a green screen, but we need a great reason (you). This person needs to come along side our Production Director and own projects. We will bail you out of jail occasionally should you become too enthusiastic with your filming (but don't tell anyone). For real, though...this position promises no money outright, lots of free coffee, as much training as you can stand, occasioanal meals, and the coolest office at the church campus. Ideally, we see a young adult (17-24) filling this role. If you are older or younger, that isn't necessarily bad...
3. Kenya Team Leader for Arts Team:
-We are taking 3 teams to Kenya in 2010: a team of medical professionals, a team for a documentary creation, and a team that will conduct a creative arts day camp in the middle of Mathare Valley. We need a leader for that last team. Main responsibilities include: keeping up with your team internationally (passports, airports, stuff like that...organization a must), the ability to be flexible in the African community, develop and lead a day camp for kids (ages 0-21), have meetings leading up to the trip (with the team leads), and pay for your own trip. As you can see, it is a glorious role...but it will be life changing. Also, we expect you to be involved with and invested in our Creative Arts community at ALC (whew...this one is a biggie). The trip is April 5-16, 2010.

There ya go...I am curious to know what youre thinking. Are you a high capacity leaders with great chemistry, sacrifice, and buy in?

Interested? Email me and let's talk about it: ndrye@abundantlifechurch.us

a very serious issue

Shauna and I were having a discussion about a very moving video we saw back in the 90s. With all of the 5 hr energy, Monster Caffeine drinks, and opportunities for caffeine addiction out there, this video is a sobering reminder of the effects. Please watch with discretion, this may be life changing.

Say no to drugs, kids.

What makes us worth it?

I had a random thought today:

Phenomenal design is (mostly; that AND the price) what sets stores like Urban Outfitters and Anthropoligie apart from second hand bargain bins and consignment stores (this is strictly my opinion). I must admit, I really hate a concept with no design, no art. I am a foreigner in the world of bargain hunting.

My wife, she appreciates great design. In fact, if we had the money, she would probably shop Anthropoligie about once a month. But you know what? I also know she would hit up a Goodwill quite often, as she does now. She can see things (vision) out of those second hand gold mines.

Me? Not so much. I struggle to get past the smell of "not new" when I go into one of these stores. But Shauna can see the value in the bins. I walk into the store, take a panoramic look around, and go to the car. I don't enjoy shopping.

I go buying.

I walk into a store knowing what I want and look for it. If I find it, I buy it. If I don't, then I leave. Simple. Masculine. Uncomplicated. Dare I say, time saving. Totally inward focused. Christmas shopping (when I do it) is done online.

I spend more money by not being able to see past the design. Therefore, I am grateful for my wife's talent in the second hand treasure chest. Just don't ask me to go.

There is a part of God in each of us (me and my wife). God appreciates beauty (design), he is a creator/artist himself. He also sees the continued value in the creation, even if it is stuck at the bottom of a bargain bin. The thing is, his creation never lost its value. Our capitalist American minds struggle to contend and align with the Kingdom mindset. You see, the creation never lost its value. We simply keep messing it up with our humanity.

I kind of picture God as an older (for whatever reason, Spanish...from Spain) wealthy woman perusing the bins at Goodwill and getting excited as he (she) comes across an original work of art, purchases it (even though she created it), and places it in the place of prestige in her mansion overlooking the French Riveria (notice I didn't picture God as being from France, but he no doubt would live close by on the water). And that is my rambling messed up way of seeing the value in myself...being a creation of God who messes up and, by my calculations, continues to reduce my own worth. But God is continually pulling me out of the bargain bin, excited with the find, placing me in a place of beauty in his big beautiful French Riviera Waterfront Home. He sees the value. He is the creator.

What makes us worth so much to Him? It still blows my mind. After all, I am into the design : )

recent prayer

I recently read this prayer from Henri Nouwen's book, With Open Arms. This one may be a habit for a while:

Dear God,
I am full of wishes, full of desires, full of expectations.
Some of them may be realized, many may not,
but in the midst of all my satisfactions and disappointments,
I hope in you.
I know that you will never leave me alone and will fulfill your divine promises.
Even when it seems that things are not going my way,
I know that they are going your way
and that in the end your way is the best way for me.
O Lord, strengthen my hope,
especially when my many wishes are not fulfilled.
Let me never forget that your name is Love.
Amen.


Yes, Amen.

here are 2 pics that were not from my point of view

i find these impressive aerial shots of a U2 show I was at...thanks politico

my first U2 show and other musings

The word musings was used intentionally. Plus, this blog has a good bit of pics...it will be a long one, today.

Firstly, (this is the musings part) I am very excited for the new show Modern Family on ABC tonight. I shall be watching it. I think this show has the potential to be a modern day picture of what the Cosby Show and The Simpsons did 15-20 years ago in identifying cultural tension and subtle norms. That being said, many people in my sphere of life, the church, will be uncomfortable. Identification and exposure has never been comfortable, though.


Anyway, on to more important things:
Last night, I got to cash in on the birthday present my wife, Shauna, gave me last July. (For any of you wondering what a great bday present looks like, it is a U2 ticket...but amazon wish lists are good ways to judge as well).

I will document my experience in two forms: first, the tweets that I sent that didn't go through (commentary will be in parenthesis like this); and secondly, the poor quality images from my wife's phone with limited commentary (my camera on my phone is broken). These will be both used at the same time, btw.

I tweeted the whole time, only to learn that my tweets were cut short after like the 4th one.
Here is a run down (in chronological order) of what I tweeted...(thanks copy/paste function on my phone)

• 4:36pm: In line and waiting to get in to U2 (I read horror stories in forums about how you had to get in line at 9am to get anywhere close to the stage. We arrived at 4:36)
• 5:37pm: Literally 50 foot from the stage...Gotta love gen admission at U2 (my fears were not realized..we had a great spot...and we stood our ground for the next 6 hours)
• 8:02pm: Muse is the best opening band I have ever seen (and I mean that..thanks, Stacie for letting me bum all of their music from you; also note, Muse just walked off the stage when I tweeted this)
• 9:07pm: U2 just took the stage (and it was glorious...opener was from their new album; check out that screen to the right! it expanded and contracted and moved up and down and was 360 degrees...it all flowed)
• 10:09pm: Bono just brought a kid on stage and they are running around during city of blinding lights (very cool moment...they were running by us like 20 ft away)
• 10:23pm: Sunday Bloody Sunday (apparently is now about Iran; Middle Eastern Guy with US flag brought on stage to sing with Bono from crowd)
• 10:35pm: First encore begins now (and yes, it was planned...great video that set up One)
• 10:46pm: We are now singing Amazing Grace...80K of us...nice way to end the nite with Streets (we sang with Bono acapella and that segued into Streets...wow)
• 11pm: Wow it goes on...With or Without You
• 11:12pm: What a phenomenal U2 experience...thanks Shauna for the best bday present!
• 1:11am: Nothin like the Double T diner at 1am

So there you have it. The night through tweets that never got to twitter...

Last thing: here is a picture of a really bored/devoted student reading and studying minutes before U2 took the stage. This struck me as odd and strangely heroic. An appreciated weirdness, I suppose.

That's all for now. Great evening and I am convinced Bono led 80K people in a spiritual/worship experience and most of them didn't even know it. In fact, I saw several raising their arms crying as they sang out "Amazing Grace."

Maybe there is hope? Maybe there is connection happening of which we know not. I keep getting the lesson I am not in control anyway.

a view from our table

This past weekend, I was able to spend some great moments with my creative arts directors. We traveled to South Bend, IN (think Notre Dame football) to a church called Granger Community Church, for a conference called Innovate.

The conference was good, entertaining, helpful, and personal. I enjoyed it very much and I believe our little band of directors took away many helpful things.

My favorite times of the weekend were, however, just our hanging out and picking on each other. It honestly felt like college guys eating a lot and staying up late and laughing until we hurt. Man, each one of us needed this weekend. Just to unplug and connect with each other was worth it for me.

We did spend the entire day (like 9am until 10pm) on creative arts development for our church, ALC. If you are a creative arts leader or team member, I really think 2010 is going to have a huge impact on you spiritually, developmentally, and, if you want, the way you lead. Get ready!

reading

I haven't posted in a while. I am posting now out of sheer embarrassment of not keeping my blog up to date. I am also currently watching the Chargers/Ravens game, my fantasy football team, and just finished a nap. Ah, Sunday afternoons.

I am fortunate to work at ALC and teach from time to time. This weekend, I was able to talk about one of my favorite subjects and use one of my favorite authors (I quoted him a lot): Solitude and the strength of transformation it brings. I think my favorite thing about the subject of solitude is what Henri Nouwen (hint, the author I mentioned was one of my favs) says: solitude is the furnace where transformation takes place. So true. Being alone and forcing my thoughts and focus to be on Him and just "BE" takes the false self and exposes it. Upon exposure, the image of the life rooted in Jesus proves to be the real life... and the transformation brings about compassion.

May my life and hands and feet and eyes and ears mature and welcome the transformation. I feel this may take a while...

Book Review: the furious longing of God

I received this book in a network thing I am subscribed to, and, when I first saw the title, I thought it read: the furious longing FOR God. Only when I got into the book did I realize that my misreading of the title was very good. I have been having this personal thing going on where I want to be better in my devotion and pursuit of God. That, in and of itself, is not a bad thing to go through. In fact, in going through this "thing", I have encountered some healing and growth.

Long story short, my perception of pursuing God was exposed (to me) to be this personal quest that I controlled and labored over. Actually, this "thing" I was dealing with (at the time) was much deeper than I originally thought. I do want to have a closer walk with my creator, I do want to be more "spiritual" (whatever that means), I do want...(ad nauseum). The big truth I am learning (with much help from Brennan Manning's book) is that God has a "furious" wanting and longing and love for me. What this means is, that my initial "want" or "thing" or "whatever" started out being more about me than what my response to God's love really should be centered on. What I have been learning is that my response becomes greater and larger as I learn more about the love of the Father. In this way, my quest for this "whatever" was exposed as a mere selfish motivated quest...and I am so grateful. I am currently experiencing some very rich moments with my Creator; some very humbling realizations about my role in His Creation. One day, I may divulge more on these experiences and the healing and emotion I am experiencing (then again probably not, it is mine and I am guarded when it comes to self exposure believe it or not).

So, enough about me, this is supposed to be a review on a book. When I read a book (esp. about a Christian theme or idea), it rarely gets straight to an issue or an idea, but rather spends a large amount of time and effort in an attempt to be literary (counterfeit, usually) or culturally relevant while spiritually deep (my thought drifts toward many of the glamorized "Christian" hip resource networks of late...uh oh, wait...oh well). For me, a book that is simple in concept and development is the best (Henri Nouwen and Eugene Peterson are my favorite authors for this reason). Brennan Manning has written not only a very direct and simple concept book, but in it has demanded a very layered and deep emotional response (my experience). One of the simplest prayers, "Abba, I belong to you" has (over the past couple of days, anyway) driven my prayer life and triggered the beginning of some very deep healing. All in all, his description and framework for God's love is very well scripted and constructed. This book has become very special for me. I will be reading it again soon, and it may (like Henri Nouwen's In the Name of Jesus and The Way of the Heart) become a book I read a few times each year.

I highly reccommend it. And if you don't like it or it is very "ho hum" of a read for you, you haven't allowed the words to penetrate your heart...then again, I am very biased because of my immersion into the book.

We went to Arizona

Last month, but it was a great getaway and relaxing weekend. I have pics on my FB page if you are interested...

These words caused a stir...

So I was reading from a Henri Nouwen book I have read about 30+ (no exaggeration) times and came across a statement that provoked me. Here it is:

"Dealing with burning issues without being rooted in a deep personal relationship with God easily leads to divisiveness because, before we know it, our sense of self is caught up in our opinion about a given subject. But when we are securely rooted in a personal intimacy with the source of life, it will be possible to remain flexible without being relativistic, convinced without being rigid, willing to confront without being offensive, gentle and forgiving without being soft, and true witnesses without being manipulative."

Wow. Read that slowly like 20 times. This has provoked me to respond and look into my life at my reactions, at my actions, and my philosophies in dealing with the creation. I am so challenged, I want to commit about blogging through each one of these statements he makes above and how I respond and theologically frame the response. I don't know if I will do that or not, but I certainly want to take the personal journey.

I believe as followers of Jesus, we should be extremely hopeful and challenged by this small statement. I know I am more hopeful.

Taking risks,
n

BOOK REVIEW: Simply Christian by NT Wright

I have recently finished the book by NT Wright, Simply Christian. I enjoyed this book, but there are a few things in it I found a bit boring. Don't get me wrong, I believe the guy's content is extremely strong: the good bishop knows his stuff (and no, I am NOT interested in debating or talking with anyone regarding his views on justification or theology).

I began this book with hopes of practical application of knowledge, and that is probably where my disconnect came from...he spends quite a bit of the book on historical contexts and explanation. This is needed, especially in an entry level book of practical apologetics. But personally, I found his application f prayer and worship absolutely wonderful. His chapter on prayer is one of the best chapters on the wholeness of prayer theology I have read. Furthermore, I was extremely pleased with how he described and contextualized his words on worship. I would highly recommend any pastor or spiritual practitioner read these two chapters at the very least...wonderful!

He also tells some intriguing stories and has some great analogies for spirituality (a water spring underneath a concrete city for one). Plus, he is very understanding to the U.S. reader in his wording and sentence construction (he is in England, and English writers mainly write, like any other writer, from within their world and thereby causes a bit of a disconnect with other cultures in the reading).

Finally, our church community (ALC) is reading through this book in our current series, Desire. We are taking the topics of beauty, truth, relationships, and justice and wrapping them in the context of God and culture in a way to where we lean into these topics from a spiritual point of view rather than socialize or degrade these deep spiritual leanings with "just" the cultural strain of hope.

As with any book I read and keep, this one has many underlines and highlights and personal remarks. I would encourage anyone who follows (or wants to follow) Jesus to pick this up and give it a read. It isn't very long at 250 some odd pages.

i dont read newspapers very much...

...but this morning I read USA Today (ya know, the colorful national newspaper). I am sitting at a hotel restaurant called "en fuego" eating breakfast (see picture) and reading this newspaper. I haven't read a newspaper since the last time I was in a hotel, and I am pretty sure it was USA Today.

Anywho, I noticed some things: section A (the main news part most people read) is 8 pages, section B (the business/money section; also a grown up page) is 8 pages...here's the interesting part, section C (the sports section, which is the first section I go to) is 14 pages, and the Entertainment section, section D, or life section as they call it, is 14 pages. Now, I remember the time when turning to the Life section of the USA Today was a joke...reading even the national sports section seemed lacking. HOWEVER, this is the meat of this paper, now. I never noticed this before...maybe it has been this way a long time. BUT...the quality of the sports section and entertainment (ok, LIFE) section is much better than the last time I remember.

Could it be that the sports and life sections of the package are what most people want to read? Sports and entertainment give us the fantasy of not dealing with the world news and business sections; they (sports and entertainment) are much more fun to read.

So, all of that to say, I think we are world news"ed" and money sectioned out as a culture...we want more fun.

Just a random thought as I eat at en fuego on this not humid Arizona morning at the hotel...

You're welcome,
N

A Wordless Answer

In college, I worked at a restaurant serving tables. Tips were a pretty big deal. If I had a good night, the sore feet didn't hurt as bad and the smelly clothes seemed to diffuse their aroma. However, if I didn't make the money I needed, my feet were under severe torture and my clothing had a pungent stench.

The reality was this: my experience determined how I felt, reacted, and treated others at the end of the night. I believe we all have been guilty of this type of reaction at one time or another.

So what are the alternatives? From where do we form our response to life? What do we do with the environment that carries with it both the hope of spring life and the stink of winter death? Why do I ask questions that have layers deeper than a short article can answer?

The simplest response I can offer is this: we respond to these questions not by a verbal answer that is memorized and rehearsed, but by a lifestyle that provides the answer. In this answering lifestyle we find a very haunting, yet potentially freeing, framework that is very revealing. In essence, when my answer (or lifestyle) is formed through the lens of my environment, I am in free fall. I am confined to the atmosphere that is ever changing; a slave to the process. There is no gravity with that answer. I am, therefore, compelled to search out other lenses for which to form my answer (or lifestyle).

In my experience, this journey was one of faith. For me, the complexities of how to live life (or answer the big questions) were very confusing. I have within me this desire to set things right, to make things attractive, to discover truth, and to live with people. My framework for developing these things was certainly flawed. So, therein began my desire to see things through a different lens. I found that my faith was a lens through which these desires could be grasped by looking to God. But, as Tom Wright says in his book, Simply Christian, I found that looking at God was much like staring at the sun.

In the journey around faith, you will find your answer to be much more life giving than by looking through any other lens. Whatever you decide, your answers to the big question will not use words, but a reaction. May your reaction be formed through an answer of Christ's love, and not a droll "spur of the moment" counterfeit.

Really!?!

Jesus asked a lot of questions to those who followed him. One question, in particular, has always fascinated and, at the same time, irked me quite a bit. The question is: “Do you love me?”

Linguists and theologians and scholars all have great interpretations and perspectives on that question, but my initial reaction (as a leader of artists) is not tied to any of those interpretations and perspectives. No, my initial reaction is, if I could borrow a Weekend Update (SNL) line, Really!?!

I am quite shocked Jesus would ask this question; think about it: the first followers of Jesus left their homes, became unpopular, were considered national threats, and, in the end were all the victims of capital punishment (and John was the only one not of them that wasn’t executed, but he was boiled and exiled, that lucky dog). With the knowledge of what these people sacrificed, and with the knowledge of their impending doom, Jesus has the audacity to ask, “Do you love me?”

Why didn’t Jesus ask, “How many people are taking you seriously as you follow me?” Or, “How much are you going to accomplish”, or “Can you show me some results?” As a person that leads a community of artists, my questions are usually based around the end result (success or failure) of what our community is doing.

The thing about this question that is haunting and beautiful, is that Jesus continually points out the one thing needed as we follow: love for God. Loving Jesus shows our world of loneliness and despair the need for the heart of God, both in action and reflection. Henri Nouwen says, that there is an enormous need for people to know the heart of God, a heart that forgives, that cares, that reaches out and wants to heal. Jesus knows that, and he is constantly asking the question: Do you love me?

Maundy

Today is Maundy Thursday. On this day in Holy Week, we are reminded of the washing of the disciples' feet, the mystery of the Eucharist, the tragic prayers and emotion of the Gethsemane prayers, and Jesus' arrest.

So, what do we do in response? Let me encourage a few acts:
-Serve someone with humility (maybe even symbolically wash someone's feet or do the task of a minimum wage worker for someone)
-Remember and have your own Lord's Supper (heck, buy a bottle of wine and do it with some friends)
-Spend some time in prayer and thanks for the agony of Christ

Just a thought to do something different and experience Holy Week on your own...

Taking risks,
n

London and the G20 mixed with American Idol

Right now, as I write this, anarchists and protesters are gathered outside the Bank of England and RBS in London. They are demonstrating something, but no one on CNN, FOX, MSNBC, Headline, and other cable news reporters have any idea what they are protesting. They interviewed one guy and asked him "What exactly are you protesting?" This guy had a tent in the streets, a big "NO" shirt, and he answered: "The fangs of capitalism."

What does that mean?

It seems as though many people want to send a message but they don't exactly have a great idea of what they are standing for, other than being against something. One other person was interviewed as saying she wanted the world governments to do more about global warming. So, anti-capitalism enthusiasts and climate change venturists are now holding hands at the same rally? And they breech security at RBS and climb in windows...

It seems a bit counter productive. You have to love the mob mentality.

Kind of reminds me of American Idol.

Take a risk,
N

home from the TN shindig

so, me and shauna went on vacation last week. it was rather odd...we went to our "safe" bet vacation spot in Gatlinburg, TN...and we, seriously, can't understand what has attracted us there in the past.

dont get me wrong...banjos and Dolly have their place...but we really are done with it for (I think) quite a long time.

here's a few highlights:
-our friends Dave and Traybabymomma and their new kid Drew came and hung out with us for a couple of days. it was cool to just chill and eat good food with them and laugh.
-Blue Moose Mango Habanero Wings
-Pics taken up in the hills of TN (must be Shauna's FB friend to see these) this was just goofy fun
-Cracker Barrel on the way home...one of the funniest experiences of the trip...the server brought me one biscuit and one small butter when i asked for bread before the meal...AND she hated me
-ALC weekend service went over really well and I wasn't there for any of it...this may sound weird, but it is a relief and a joy to leave and trust very capable and strong leaders (shout outs to DJ, Aaron, Tom, and Jenn...oh, and Dan...he brought it all together with the teaching...go watch the drama here, the dance here, and the March 7/8 message here...btw, Aaron plays a great Amazing Grace at the end)
- I visited a church while on vacation...and i wanted to go and visit! It was a pretty cool growing church, and I learned from them. They're moving to a new building soon...
-we avoided DC traffic coming back and saved time...

all in all, it was a fun time...i just think my next vacation might include a little more of this, and lot less of this

take a risk...
n

coming up on FIVE

this coming Saturday (Feb 21) will be mine and Shauna's five year wedding anniversary. so i have decided to list some things that i have either learned, or learned about myself, or changed in the past five years. firstly, let me say i have a very graceful and loving beautiful woman as a wife. she constantly affirms and loves me, and no card or gift i can buy will ever express my relief and surprise for how much she loves me. it really makes no sense...oh, and i love her a lot, too.

ok, so here goes (in no particular order):
1. i have more compasison than i let on: shauna has consistently made me to be a better person than i make myself out to be. i try to come across like a Hells Angels biker attitude sometimes, and she just melts that to reality. in essence, she has ruined my secret, and made me more girly in the process...

2. i am lazy. ok, i already knew this, but shauna is really always thinking and moving and cleaning and doing and awesome at thinking of others before herself. i (and i think this is mostly a guy thing) need to chill...EVERYDAY. we really balance each other out, but i never noticed how much "down time" i really took until we were married.

3. i am too busy. oxymoron, contradiction, whatever...sometimes, i cant turn my brain off...and in return, i fail to think of the more important things. this is something i have learned about myself. i dont disengage well sometimes, mentally at least.

4. i really don't need an iphone.

5. GPS devices lie...

6. Our wedding, although it may be forever dubbed "the silent film", was wonderful. my wife has a gift that she uses every week in our family...the gift of thrifty. we had the most cost effective green wedding on the face of the planet...yup, i'll challenge any vice president on that one. also, i like to spend a lot of money, so in the end it is a great thing that i didnt make many calls about our wedding...other than selecting all of the music and being doped up on pain meds the entire time (car wreck the day before).

7. The way I feel love changes...I am much different now than I was five years ago.

8. I am still younger than my wife...mentally and physically (although the weight AND the beard may make some think otherwise).

9. I am not as fast to react or talk instantly when I need to respond. Shauna has helped me understand that words hurt, looks are mean, and tone of voice really communicates much more than what is being said. I think it must suck sometimes to live in my learning laboratory.

10. I still shouldnt do the grocery shopping. Even with a list I am dangerous.

11. I still dont like talking on the phone...

12. I have gotten much better at around the house fix it projects...I installed my first toilet last year with the help of encouragement and cheerleading from shauna (granted she saw the $200 in labor we were saving but it grew me nonetheless)

13. There are some things Shauna and I should not do together (like going to bed bath and beyond; or maybe even golfing). We love each other, but we have learned some healthy boundaries.

14. Shauna is a horrible liar...that makes it challenging to include her in my practical jokes at times.

15. My wife has a much more convincing anger than me...that is why I made her handle our recent "phone" confrontation with a repair co. Guess what...she killed them and it was vicious...it was such a turn on

There are many more things I am sure I could write. But at this moment, this is all that is coming to mind: God has richly blessed me with a beautiful woman who is way (WAY) out of my league...the past five years have made me feel that life has just begun. I dont even remember or want to think about life without her.

What a risk...I am glad I (and she) took it,
n

(photos courtesy of dbimages)

a question...

so, here's an online discussion i had with a buddy of mine recently:

Buddy: Do you think it is "wrong" to be involved in two churches at the same time?

If you had someone that was faithful to your church (good attendance, serves, tithes) would you tell them that they couldn't serve anymore because they go to another church to participate in a mid week service that your church doesn't offer?

nate drye

Today at 9:35am

personally, i don't see the big deal; and if people in my community were pursuing their faith outside of our "services" i would be encouraged. however, if pursuing faith means they are just going to another "service" instead of actively doing something with their faith, i see that as a maturity issue.

there are a lot of schools of thought on this: the dogmatic "you get what you invest in", the "come one come all", etc. i don't know if there is a right approach to this other than allowing people to be normal. when i put my own insecurities (not allowing my "sheep" to explore) in the forefront of ministry, there will be danger...it has suddenly become about me.

and so now i ask you:
what do you think? is it "wrong" or "sinful" to be involved with two churches at the same time?