Writing a story with your life.

I loved the book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. It was such a great reminder that our lives can mean so much more if we take the time to pay attention to the Story we're writing with them.

Here's a promo video about a conference on a similar theme. The main idea of a story is in the video, so enjoy.

What is Storyline? from Donald Miller on Vimeo.

Success vs. Greatness (Cornell West)

What a great, inspiring interview.
Love his articulation and vocabulary.



Do you sense the struggle he highlights? (the difficulty of being YOU in a culture that strives to make you THEM)
Do you agree that the measure of your living is in your giving?
Other observations?

future is glass

This is a pretty cool look into the future.

In a way it's almost here.

God breaking out in a mall

Imagine this in your local mall. Montreal - can we set this up at Rockland or Fairview!!!



The words of that classic song is the gospel - the whole gospel - the reign of God - we see glimpses of it now, but one day it will be in full reign.

What a great example of how God breaks into our reality from time to time to point us towards the day he will make everything right. "He shall reign!"

TUTU with Miles Davis

Brought me back to my love for music and jazz, wish I was playing more.

Here's a classic: TUTU by Miles Davis, notice Marcus Miller on bass and David Sanborn on Sax



Here's a newer version by Marcus Miller:

this has to make you think

I wonder what else we can apply this message to?

As a pastor (although I admit I rarely, if ever, get calls like this) I wonder how often we move the responsibility of our spiritual growth onto others. Or the spiritual growth of our children.

productive procrastination

For all the procrastinators out there - who are reading this instead of getting their work done. Just like I posted this instead of getting my work done. Now we can all learn something from OUR procrastination.



From Fast Company Mag.
BTW, I've read more than one article that had 2 forms: written and video - pretty good communication.

some reality... but still a good ending in the story

I just might preach this... so if I do, sorry, I stole it from Don Miller, actually not, it's in the Bible, so there's no copyright!

Will Jesus fulfill us here on earth? from All Things Converge Podcast on Vimeo.

Read more HERE

Creative music/video: Pamplamouse

Check out Pamplamouse's other songs: Beat It, Single Ladies
(Beyonce not my favorite, but this version is pretty creative)

(HT: http://ericbryant.org/)

Nicole

We saw this last Sunday at Westside and it inspired us to do more for people without clean water.

The Nicole Lalime Story from Living Water International on Vimeo.

Are you religious or gospel transformed?

I meet lots of people in churches that say "I'm a Christian" or "I go to church" and most of the time, it's true - they are following Jesus. But sometimes, it's just an upbringing or good feeling, and you got to help them see the difference.

Love this clip from Matt Chandler as he explains why he helps show the difference b/w the gospel and religion in his church cultured Texas community.



A great book to read to help you discern your true commitment to Jesus is THE PRODIGAL GOD by Time Keller. Buy it, read it - regardless is you're seeking God or serving God or think you're a star believer. It's an important book for all Christians.

IMPATIENT

Saw this clip from Conan a few months ago and have been looking for it ever since. (thanks to my bro who got it from my cuz)

WATCH IT

Such a crazy reminder of how impatient we've all become!!

mass production

Remember PERFECT STRANGERS? Used to watch that show. I remember going to Chicago the first time waiting to see the same view from the intro of the show.



On a more serious note. This clip reminds me of the struggle churches have in making disciples. We want to do it fast and efficient - almost cookie cutter like. Hoping that the quicker we do it the more people we can add to the list.

Few parts stand out at me:
1. Larry: "We've got to think mass production"; Balki: "Stop talking about religion"
2. The insanity of the process is not creating the intended results.
3. there's lots of fun we miss when we get too caught up in efficiency (aka, the dance)

Think about your own life:

How is Character built?
How do you grow into the kind of person God intends you to be?
How do you develop relationships and community that is meaningful?
How can we nurture spiritual dynamics in people?

Certain programs are good, but key environments and life on life relationships can't be substituted when we want to develop into Christ followers - as well as other important characteristics of life.

(HT: to my sister Liz who sent me the link out of pure nostalgia and laughter)

music is in all of us

World Science Festival 2009: Bobby McFerrin Demonstrates the Power of the Pentatonic Scale from World Science Festival on Vimeo.

Shift (beyond the homepage)

Shift: An Animated Essay from Heather Arment on Vimeo.

can our methods affect our message??

I think this speaks into our theme this week of INVITING people to respond to Jesus, and not forgetting HOW we do it. WHAT AND HOW are not disconnected. As a wise person once said, what you win people with is what you win people to.


Rob Bell Interviews Shane Hipps About Technology from Deadly Viper on Vimeo.

Do you think there's a line where our cultural engagement must stop when we're trying to help people respond to the message of the gospel? I.E. can we go too far in method as we try and share the message?

are you naked?

You only see who's not wearing a bathing suit when the tide goes out.

(Dave Ramsey)

Love this quote I just heard from Dave Ramsey on this interview.

This economy will expose financial nakedness - i.e. it will show people's net worth, savings account, debt, sense of identity.

Stats tell us that the average person spends $1.30 for every $1.00 they make. That's a tide without a bathing suit waiting to happen.

What else contributes to financial nakedness.

crisis in credit, visualized

Sorry for the negative video (b/c I do believe we need to inspire hope and practical living in our current reality), but if you're interested in understanding the credit crisis and how some contributors pushed the economy downward, this video is interesting. If you find critique of this video, I'd love to hear your response.


The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo.

waves of the future...

Check out this video from IDEA CAMP, with a pastor, google employee, and a consultant.


The Idea Camp - Dave Gibbons from The Idea Camp on Vimeo.

Stop Waiting, Video

I'm finally on You Tube... originally created for the gathering cafe in January 07', asking the question, what are you waiting for?????