By Steve
This will certainly not be my final thought, just my last blog...I think.
I have spent more time thinking about the issues on the ballot, the candidates and their views and the way I will vote more than all my previous voting experiences combined. Like many of you, I feel the outcome of many things this year really matter...my vote matters. So I refuse to go to the polls uninformed and without giving serious consideration, conversation and prayer into the choices that I will make.
I am also feeling a tension this year that I have not felt in the past. Often, at least in my little sphere of the world, if you are a Christian, which I am (though after a group conversation tonight I realized what I mean by this needs more explaining) then your voting choices are quite clear. Not this year. Not for me or countless others that would describe themselves as Christian as I do. We won't vote McCain simply because he is Republican. We won't count out Obama because he is pro-choice. More things matter. Many things matter. People, Christian or not, are being careful, patient, thoughtful and want to make the best choice they can. And we want to have confidence in our choices even though we still have many questions.
Who is better suited to lead our country? Should I vote to protect the slaughtering of animals? Should pregnant teenagers be forced to get consent from their parents before having an abortion. Should homosexual couples be given the right of having the title of "married" to their relationship? And I must confess, that while I hold convictions, these issues are complicated...and when I really stop and think...I often conclude, "I'm not sure," to many of the things I will find on my ballot.
But allow me to say this (as if you could stop me from writing my blog from the privacy of my home office...though a gov't regulation may appear on the 2012 ballot): Regardless of who wins the presidency (does anyone else feel that the entire game is about winning?), whatever happens to the animals, whichever way the vote goes for homosexual marriage and parental consent for teenage abortions...my message will not change.
I will not claim victory for our country (or world for that matter) with either presidential candidate. I will continue to speak of another leader. Allowing homosexual marriage or not will not stop me from my passion for each of us to be whole (I apologize for not explaining this more fully here). And honestly, is a pregnant teenager talking with her parents about abortion really what matters?
If you are not a Christian, I want you to know that many of the things I am puzzled about this year as I take to the polls are due to a failure in the mission and message of the church. We have invested our energies in misguided pursuits that have comprised what I believe to be at the heart of God for his church. Before this sounds too much like religious jargon, let me just say that many of the things challenging me this year don't have to be this way, and it's sad to me that they are. Sad because we've allowed them to get to this point. Sad that now what Christians rally around in candidates and propositions...well I'd better not say.
If you are a Christian, I hope you read the above paragraph. We have work to do. Good work. Fun work. Genuine life as we know it work. So as you take to the polls next week, do so prayerfully, but realize we have work to do regardless and probably indifferent to the outcome of the elections.
I hope you will vote. I hope you will vote as an informed, concerned and thoughtful citizen. And I hope that as you read and consider these words, that you sense my passion for us to live into a hope that will continue to be...no matter how the vote is cast.
By Steve
I have decided to stay quiet about how I'm voting. I'll be happy to talk theoretically and even share my opinion...but telling people how I'm going to vote doesn't seem wise. This election is "so important" people say, and it is. It is equally polarizing. Consider prop 8. Will I vote to support same sex marriage or not? Well shouldn't that be a no brainer since I'm a Christian and a pastor at that? Well yes and no. And I might just tell you how I'll vote on prop 8 if you ask, but only after some explanation, and certainly not in print.
While I can't come out publicly and say who/what I'm supporting, I can say this. I don't support the way both sides of prop 8 have handled themselves. Nor do I support the way both presidential candidates are concluding their campaigns. And I don't support the arguments and what seems to have become mean spirited fighting between families and friends and neighbors and churches and business people and sign wavers on the street corners and rallys held at big auditoriums over the difference of opinion on all of the issues and candidates.
And I have something else I'd like to say about this election, but I'll do it tomorrow.
By Steve
I have not published a post for 33 days. Writers block. I have a few half written articles saved as drafts, pobably to remain there forever. And they are good too. Stories of a pigeon flying head on into my large picture window, the danger of dropping kids off for school (it's worse than the airport), something mysterious called "2 reasons," the misery of going to the kitchen for a Pb&J and being out of Jelly and a bike ride I took with a shop owner from New Jersey, a pilot on lay over from Denver and a professional cyclist from Belize here on vacation. I just have not been compelled to write. Until now.
Besides being handed a list of things to write for the new Citywalk website (to launch by year's end) and having just completed an outline for 15 daily blogs about faith on the city steets, today is blog action day...so I join thousands of other bloggers, and write.
This years theme: Poverty.
Last November I was in Uganda for 2 weeks and I saw poverty first hand. Not the kind of poverty we know here...cancelling our cable TV, cutting back on coffee or saying "no" to dessert. People live on $1 a day we're told, truth is they never really see the dollar, they just have in food what would amount to a dollar. I also saw how far just a little money could go. In 3 years time, through the work of the Children's Heritage Foundation, a school and Orphanage have been built and now care for 1000 kids. 4 acres of land, 3 buildings, a coffee farm, chicken farm and banana plantation...all for less than what my friends and I have spent on our downtown San Diego condos. Ugandan ladies now make paper beads and sell them for just a few bucks. The money from these bead necklaces has now bought two motorcycles which are used for a new taxi business. Needs are being met. Good things are happening. But still there is no money. Poverty remains.
While in Uganda last year, I gave a lecture to over 200 community leaders. During that talk, I stated that we too in America experience poverty, it's just of a different nature. The point was never made. I'll explain in a moment.
It was in that moment that poverty could only be dealt with if something tangible was offered. Something helpful. Something that people really needed. And that it came from all of us coming together to give. Not hoping for Government handouts, bailouts or relief efforts, but each of us giving to one another from what we have. Expecting nothing in return other than the hope that poverty can be overcome. This is what blog action day is about...not just writing, but writing so each of will act.
And me too. I too must act. One year later from that first Uganda trip, my wife and I are weeks away from adopting a child from the village of Mukono. We will travel again this November to support the orphanage, help build sustainable programs that result in tangible goods and train others to act too. We are giving from what we have. Doing what I believe to be our part. We have also invested in the lives of many right in our own community too. Every day I drive a Nigerian refugee boy to school. My wife bought his older brother cleats for soccer tryouts. And of course food is often involved.
Another poverty. Though I couldn't make the point with my African friends about our American poverty, I still believe its true. And I'm not talking money, though many these days may argue that a case could be made here too.
Poverty goes beyond an empty wallet. Everyday I speak with people that are empty. They have run out of hope. They have no joy. They are spiritually dry. Passion, dreams, motivation...gone. Poverty.
So while I support childrens heritage foundation with money and time and travel and education, and I send shoe boxes of toys overseas at Christmas with operation Christmas child, and I support Invisible Children and I am getting involved with Kids with Cameras, and I have given money to help people in Burma...I don't have to look that far to see poverty, and to reach out and help. There are hurting, empty people surrounding me. And I cannot overlook them as I cross the borders to help others.
A final word. You have something to offer. You may be compelled as I am to help the hungry and poor overseas. And this work is important. Its of absolute importance. But it is not enough (handouts are never enough, they are mere bandaids, but thats another topic). Be aware of the poverty that surrounds you too. Notice the people you live next to, sit by at work or pass by on the street. Just as my Ugandan friends live on a dollar per day, my guess is that you have a "dollar" for the soul that could help them too.
And as we work together to fight and overcome global poverty. May people be full. May there be money in everyone's wallet. Food in each of our pantries. And would our spirits swell as we come to know what it means to live with hope. May each of us take action.
By Steve
Whoo hoo!
Lance Armstrong announced his return to professional cycling this week. Since I probably won't be able to travel to France next July, I'm already making plans to visit Escondido. Lance's first 2009 race will be the AMGEN Tour of California on February 14-22. The race begins in Sacramento and finishes in Escondido. I'll be there.
You don't have to like cycling. You don't have to like Lance. You can be upset that he left his wife. You can be disturbed by his many hollywood romances. You can think his comeback is because of pride or a spotlight fettish. But he is a one man force for good too. He beat cancer and has encouraged 1000's of others to keep fighting too. He got a second chance to compete and he came back even stronger (don't bother bringing up doping you haters). Now he is going to launch a new campaign centered on his cycling comeback and cancer. Another sort of second chance for him, and for us.
For us?
A second chance for us to see the greatest cyclist ride again (or for the first time to those less enthused by spandex clad men on two wheels). Of course I may not have brought this up if it stopped here.
It's more than just a second chance to watch a man compete. It's a second chance for us too. A second chance at whatever it is that you have failed at or given up on. A second chance to wrong a right, offer that apology or receive forgiveness. A second chance to live...live strong. And not just cancer free, but free. Excuse the abrupt transition. The Way of Jesus free. A Way of Grace (another way of saying second chance) and love.
I think Lance's comeback will capture our attention because he is doing what so many of us want to do. To take advantage of a second chance and make the most out of it. I hope you will watch Lance get back on the bike next year. Maybe we'll even see each other in Escondido. But if you decide that cycling isn't your thing, I hope that you will take this come back story of one man, and make it your story.
And when you do, whatever it is...I would love to hear about.
By Steve
This is one of those things.
Sen. John McCain's plane arrived at Lindbergh Field yesterday, ahead of his fundraiser last night (Wednesday) in San Diego. Campaign officials expected the event to attract 1,000 people and raise $1 million.
Guests were charged a minimum of $1,000. Those paying at least $10,000 were invited to a private reception and photo session with McCain.
There is a stonger than ever push by both parties (I know there's more than 2) that the candidates understand and can relate to the common man. The blue collar worker. Those struggling with health care and house payments. And they are both believable when they speak. But.
A private jet with your name on it. Asking people (not the common people) to spend $10,000 for dinner and a photo. Anticipating 1000 people to pool together 1 million dollars. All, in my opinion wasted on speaches, commercials and airplanes...to win my vote. I'm feeling queezy.
I wonder if McCain (and this isn't simply about McCain, or Obama) realized who he was flying over as he landed in San Diego. Hundreds foreclosing on homes. Thousands working hard to make ends meet. Even more not able to make ends meet. People being deported. People being layed off. People struggling on welfare. People needing medical attention but not sure where to go or how to get it. Wait. Of course he realizes, he gets it...they all can relate.
Anyone who flys in a plane with their name on it and expects to raise more money in one night (and not for any "real" need) than most in the city will ever see...this is exactly the kind of person who understands and can relate.
I need some pepto.
By Steve
I don't struggle with many (if any) of the more common Monday morning blues that plague many pastors. The mood on Monday is often directly related to the attendance and offering from Sunday. If either attendance or offering is low, then so is the pastor. At least many of them.
Not me. But I do have my Monday issues as a pastor (though these are thoughts for a different blog, let me just mention that I earnestly want God, faith, church etc. to make a meaningful and noticeable difference in people's lives. When it seems that this is not the case, and people are disinterested and unchanged by what I so deeply value and believe in...well this is just unacceptable to me).
This Monday was different. Not because of attendance or offering. Not because of interest, disinterest or meaningful life change. It was different because of one comment.
I purchased a taco for lunch today from my neighborhood taco shop. The owner recalled seeing me at a recent East Village business meeting and asked what business I owned. When I told her I was a pastor, her reply was meaningful and made a noticeable difference in my life.
Her reply. "Pastor? You're not a pastor. You're too handsome to be a pastor."
By Steve
I did it!
What, finally write another blog (it's my blog and I can break if I want to)? On one hand yes, write again, but something else too. It is now the final day of July and I have done it. I have lived up to my commitment that I made on July 1st (July 1st is the first day of the second half of the year; the day I renewed my failed new years resolution).
I have not entered a Starbucks for the entire month. I have been coffee free for 30 days. Most research shows that a habit can be broken in 21 days, but I did not want to declare victory until today, day 30...and now I proclaim it loudly, I am no longer addicted to coffee.
No I'm not caffeine free. No this was not just about money. No this was not just about diet. So what is the big deal about going to coffee.
Okay, to be honest, coffee really isn't the issue. Ali and I have had numerous conversations over the past several months (years really) about what it means to really live as Christian. We continually seek to live in a way that best follows the way of Jesus. We made a decision this year to apply this to our time and to our money. Our 2008 objective was to be good stewards of our time and our money from a kingdom perspective. This is a challenging exercise I want to encourage you to try. It requires first considering what a kingdom perspective, way of Jesus life regarding time and money even is, and then putting it into practice. A difficult, counter-cultural, sometimes what may seem to others, foolish approach.
Coffee for me was the easy starting point. $3 on coffee and $2 on the go with pastry, then sitting reading the paper, filling in a crossword or simply staring at the wall did not seem (to me, no judgement here towards others) good stewardship of time or money. Thing is, I have done far better in the past 6 months with things that should be much more difficult; coffee was not the easiest starting point.
What I'm finding is that to consider things (and live them out) in the way of Jesus takes considerable effort. I can give away money. That is easy. I can volunteer some time. No problem. But to re-shape my life and routine (of which include my time and money) around the way of Jesus (as opposed to going on in my own way and just being more generous) requires effort. It takes desire. Patience. Faith. And a get back up and keep following after you've slipped up or been knocked down.
So I'm not just declaring victory over coffee. I'm telling you that I continue to press on in pursuit of following Jesus in all that I am with all that I have. I hope you will too. And that's something worth writing about.
By Steve
3 things I saw
But first let me say, it is now July 7 and I'm still finding success in my first month of the second half of the year resolution.
Last week I saw a man at 7-11 purchase a 99 cent bag of Cheetos...mmm, Cheetos. What I found blog worthy, was his addition of nacho cheese to his Cheetos. That's right, he opened up the bag and placed it under the nacho cheese "thing" and let the cheese fill the bag. Does this sound good to anyone?
Ali and I got to see one of our Nephews this past weekend. Kaleo is Ali's brother Matt's son.
He is an incredible kid and we cherish the brief and rare moments we get to spend with him. Before we moved to San Diego, and before Matt and his family moved to Texas, we all lived in Reno. Baby sitting Kaleo, aka chubba d, was some of favorite times. We used to hold him and tell him how much we loved him...something I got to do again on Saturday.
And I saw a rather large crowd of Santa Fe-ans gather for Ali's grandfather's memorial service. It really was a celebration of life. The thing about funerals, no matter what kind of life you lived, people will find the positives to reflect on. This was not hard to do for the many people gathered. Grandfather had his faults for sure, but he is loved and remembered as a moral person, a generous person, an innovative person, a successful person and someone who inspires others to chase their dreams person.
Cheeto man disgusted me. Kaleo made me happy. But it was seeing the life of grandfather through the eyes and lives of others that captivated me.
On Sunday, Matt (Ali's brother, Kaleo's dad) and I were talking after reflecting on Grandfathers accomplishments. Matt simply said, "it makes me feel like I haven't done anything." To which I replied in my mind, "well what are you waiting for."
Is there something you really want to be about? Something you want to do? Something really worth living for?...that you have yet to begin, or have given up on?
You can tell me about it in the comments here, or you can resolve to get after it. Or maybe do both.
By Steve
I'm going to bed, the day is over...and I successfully completed day one of my second half of 2008 re-attempt at a New Year's resolution.
How did you do?
By Steve
What are you doing today? Me? I plan on spending as much time as possible in my car talking on my hands not free cell phone before the new cell law takes effect tomorrow. I also plan on getting my earpiece out of the box today and figuring out how it works so I will be ready for tomorrow (though I just learned that San Diego will offer a 30 day grace period, so I'll probably wait a couple more weeks).
Did you know that today is the last day of June. Among other things, that means 2008 is half over. Tomorrow begins the second half of the year. Sort of a second chance at your New Year's resolution, if you made one, remember what it is and have since failed (all true of me).
So I've decided to make July my "try again" month. I've heard it takes about 28 days of consecutive behavior to develop a habit, I'll make it 31. I'm not going to reveal my big habit forming venture, but if I succeed I will throw a celebrative blog party.
So what does the second half of the year have in store for you?
What habits might you want to begin (or end)?
What could you begin today, to help make the second half of the year even better than the first?
Let me know.
By Steve
I'm not usually a late adapter. In most things I like to try what's new, explore uncharted territory, be a lab rat...I like change. But when it comes to technology, I often dig my heels in and resist.
I was the last person I know to purchase a cell phone, and I still don't text (and it's never crossed my mind to get an iphone). I use my phone to make and receive calls. Period. I have an ipod but there is currently just 20 songs loaded in it. I don't play video games. Can't make a spreadsheet. Don't instant message. And I have never explored the world of social networking.
Until now.
I am now exist in the realm of Facebook. I've simply come to realize that many of the initiatives that I want to share with the rest of the world wont become known unless I utilize more technology. So I approach Facebook as an asset to share, advance and invite others into causes I believe in.
So to all of you Facebookers, please welcome me into your normal places of existence but also give me grace. I likely will not be the best Facebook friend you have. Besides, if you want to be a friend, call me (don't text) and we can go to the beach (a recent trip I missed out on because I was not on Facebook) or a bike ride, maybe coffee...you know, the sort of things friends do...they get together.
I don't know how often, if ever, I will write on your wall, and don't know if I'll respond if you write on mine (and I don't know if what I just wrote is even possible). I'll make mistakes, update less often than most, and probably won't wow with creativity. But I will utilize the resources I can, in the best way I know how (with the help of others more adapted than me) to share my ambitions with those willing to call me friend.
By Steve
I walked into the bank on Friday (yep, occasionally I still go in) to make a withdrawal. After waiting in line for 10 minutes, I was in no mood for small talk when it was finally my turn to approach the counter (oh the drama).
The first words out of the tellers mouth caught me off guard. They woke me up. They took me to another place.
"What a nice watch," she said. "Uhhh...thank you?" was all I could inquisitively muster back.
How could this lady think my watch was nice? I bought in the London airport last year on my way to Africa. It was the cheapest watch I could find. Brand name, Xpose. There is nothing nice about my watch. Except...
Except that everyday that I put this watch on, it reminds me of Perez. When I look at it, it takes me to Africa and our experiences, our friends and our ministry there. My watch doesn't just tell time, it reminds me of a time.
Ironically, my trip into the bank last Friday was to withdrawal some money for the African refugee family we have been helping. It was also the day that a San Diego team of 30 travelled to Uganda, and would arrive that night in Perez's home. Friday was also the morning I talked with Pastor Stephen, from Uganda, for the first time since Easter. We spoke of our coming trip, of the ministry and of Perez.
When the bank teller saw my watch that Friday...she saw Africa...the way I see it.
Today I received some pics from a friend who is with the team of 30 in Uganda right now. No surprise here, all pics are of Perez (thanks Nicole). Can't wait for ya'll to meet him.
By Steve
Interruptions Allowed:
One of the 5 values that I (with the help of a few friends) determined would define what a follower of Jesus would look like (the 5 values are the values of Citywalk church) is being someone who allows for interruptions. Of course interruptions occur to most people, most days...they are unavoidable. The email or phone call. The troubled friend. The hurting family member. So how do we respond? How do we respond when things come up in life that require our time or money or our money or whatever it is we can offer to help. Do we look away? Pretend we didn't notice? Think someone else will help? Assume its no big deal?Think we have nothing to offer? Rather not be bothered? Say we don't have time or can't afford the hassle? Or do we allow for it? Welcome it? Embrace it?
You may choose to disagree if you'd like, but living as Christian means we allow for and actively get involved in the unexpected. The Christian is the good Samaritan. Any other response is unchristian.
And I get to practice what I preach (and blog).
Several weeks ago while walking home from my morning prayers, I "bumped" into a woman with her two children, looking lost. I offered some directions, in fact I walked with them for about 30 minutes.
They are Eno, Lubari and Bariza. They are African refugees that have been re-located to San Diego. They are my friends. As we walked together, Eno (the mother) burst into singing and dancing when she learned I was a pastor (her two kids hid their faces embarrassed).
A couple weeks later Eno and her 8 year old, Bariza, came to Citywalk (her older son is living in a teenage home). She was relieved to finally arrive. For the past few weeks she had been asking people to take her to church, but they insisted she go to their church. On that Sunday, Bariza said they would walk and find Citywalk. They did.
We learned that day over lunch, that Eno had nothing but was being assisted by the YMCA and would probably soon have a job. That didn't work out.
Last Friday, Eno and Bariza showed up at Ali's school, asking Ali to help them. Ali re-booked them into the hotel that they had previously been staying in for free, and told her we would figure something out. That evening when Ali finished work, she walked to the hotel, bought them some dinner and learned more about them. She later made it home to tell me we had to do something. And that means we have to.
On Saturday, my brother, his wife and two young children came to San Diego to visit for a few days (the four of them would stay with Ali and me in our two bedroom condo). Saturday was also the day I contacted the African alliance in San Diego to see if they could help us.
It's now Wednesday. My brother and his family have returned to Reno, Eno and Bariza are still staying in our home. On Monday, we dropped off Eno at the African Alliance and took Bariza to Legoland (he got to be a kid for the day and he and my nephew became good buds). Everything about the Alliance was good news that day. They will help with housing, furniture and a job...in due time. I spent the day Tuesday (part of it at the Children's museum with the whole crew) trying to finalize some stuff with the Alliance. They are very encouraged by Eno's English, her motivation and her willingness to chip in (on Monday she cleaned much of our home. She also worked some for the Alliance while waiting for us to pick her up).
So it's Wednesday now (still). This lengthy interruption (although better referred to as a blessing) still hovers. I dropped off Eno and Bariza at the park so I could work some today. And can I say how much I love Bariza. My brother bought him some new shoes after the day at Legoland. He spent the day walking on the heal of his shoes because they were too small, but he never let on. He is no doubt a foretaste from God of what life will be like for Ali and me when we adopt Perez later this year. They will be friends, Bariza and Perez.
Later today I will take Eno to sign the lease for her apartment. They have asked (in addition to feeding, clothing and housing Eno and Bariza) if we were able to pay the first and last for their apartment. Not really, but we will. We hope some others will help us too. She will move in this week and by the grace of God be working next week.
What a privilege to live as Christian. Interruptions are not burdens. They are where God is. They are what all of us need to experience God. To grow spiritually. To know that our faith matters and makes a difference.
What might we most need today? To allow for an interruption. To step into it. And to go where God resides.
By Steve
Biking, Dehydration, Uganda and Depression.
Yesterday I snuck out on my mountain bike before an evening meeting to race through the trails of Balboa Park. In my hurries to get out and back, I packed too little water. After 30 minutes, more perspiration was running down my face than there was water left in my bottle.
As is often the case, I thought quite a bit for the rest of the ride.
With sweaty head and dry mouth, I was thinking about a discussion I had with Ali (my wife) while in Uganda last year. We were struck by how little water the people drank. It seemed they would go days (or more) without water. We concluded (quite scientifically) that the people have probably learned to survive with mild dehydration. They've adapted to having little water and function just fine (my guess is that they were equally surprised by how many bottles of water we drank each day). The curious thing, was that they seem to have adapted, few (if any) ever turned down a bottle of water when I offered one. They gladly received and enjoyed what they have learned to live without.
I wonder what we have learned to live with; what have we adapted to accept as our norm (brief pause here for me to stop typing to have a drink)?
Many things I suppose. But one idea would not leave me as I struggled to bike home against the head wind.
Have we learned to live with a mild depression? Nothing that would require an intravenous drip, maybe just a gatorade. Watch people (and yourself) as you go about your next day. What moods, attitudes, emotions, body language and interactions rule the day? What about hopes and dreams? What about Joy? Have we learned to be okay with frowns, frustrations, fizzled dreams, drab days and tension? Perhaps we have, but is that good? No.
I want us to welcome the cup of cold water when offered. Re-hydrate yourself. Or perhaps more accurately, receive the hope and joy found in living water offered by our Lord.
I wish I had packed more water on that bike ride. I wish I had a bottle of water to hand out to every person in need of a drink every day in Uganda (and across the world). And I pray (which is something I finally do when I realize wishing won't get it done) that we refuse to live outside of the joy of following the way of Jesus with other fellow travelers. May we be rid of any form of mild depression. Let's not allow ourselves to function in ways that were never intended, and even if we can cope, are not healthy.
By Steve
What really happens here anyway (here being this blog)? Or any blog. What happens? I get to spew out some thoughts in type. You get to read. Ideas are shared. Thinking takes place. Conversations continue. And, I hope, all of this typing, reading, thinking, sharing has results. Results in how we wake up, live, treat each other and so on.
So I blog on. Taking opportunity to share. Hoping that some may read. And in the end we influence each other towards love and good deeds in this world we live in.
By Steve
It's Monday, the day after Sunday. I am feeling the pressure to have something really profound, life changing and original to write about. I don't. I offer a few moments from the past couple days.
Last week I was denied the right to buy a homeless man coffee at Starbucks. Do you remember the story from last year when someone in the drive thru paid for the person behind them...that certainly was not my experience. I apologize to the man, the barista happily accepted my cash for my drink, the man left and I sat down to read my Bible (page marked by a do what's right postcard). It was so wrong.
The Rock n Roll marathon made it's way through downtown San diego on Sunday morning. My condo is in the center of the race course, meaning that by 7:30 am my home is surrounded on all sides by the 20,000 participants. No big deal, right? No, not really...unless you need to drive. It took 20 minutes to find my way out of the dead end at every intersection maze that the marathon created (I was happy not to be speaking on patience that morning at church).
Speaking of church, I really enjoy gathering with our community on Sunday mornings. The service is a small part of what we do and does not define who we are, but it is something that our church gathers for. Sunday morning was a good morning (good for me is defined by the purpose of our gathering, that is that people might connect with God).
Speaking of good mornings. I was on my morning prayer walk this morning and a man picking up trash looked at me (I don't think he noticed that I was talking out loud to myself) and told me to have a good Monday. I liked that. And I have had a good day!
And speaking of talking to myself. Sometimes I wonder if I am writing to myself as I blog. Oh well, at least I think I'm good company.
By Steve
Am I the only one feeling that there is an unusually high number of tragic things happening these days, or do you feel it too?
Yesterday in San Diego an explosion occurred in the mechanical room of the new and still "under construction" Hilton hotel. While the explosion seemed huge (it shook the ground like a small earthquake) thank God that only a small number of people, 14, were injured. While watching this story on the news yesterday, the story was interrupted to report a fatal traffic accident just miles up the road from the hotel, then intterrupted again to report an arrest of a local school teacher caught in sexual misconduct with a student.
Of course this news comes on the heals of watching tornadoes rip through the midwest, earthquakes tearing down China and a cyclone devastating much of Burma (and the list goes on I know).
These sort of things are hard to understand. Why must people suffer? Why do bad things happen? How does God fit into all of this? Truthfully, I don't think I have great answers to these sorts of questions. But I do know my heart hurts when I see and experience trajedy. Further, such things don't cause me to question my faith or God, but compels me to action. I want to help...I pray more.
These things have again reminded me about how much I believe in the
do what's right movement (this is more than a plug). We are surrounded by tragedy. Innundated with bad news. See hurt all around. And we could simply sit around and complain. We could talk about all that is going wrong. Or...we could do something. Something right. We could act. Maybe it would make the news. Maybe things could turn around. Hurts healed. Wrongs made right. Bad news turned good. Tragedy being redeemed. That's my hope and prayer.
And along the way, many of my prayers are with and for the people around the world that still hurt.
By Steve
Weekend wingdings:
Do you ever wonder what the following week will have in store? I do. It was just 7 days ago that I was speaking with Chantelle, the homeless girl that I have been trying to help. I saw her sitting on the sidewalk, staring at the wall, so I approached her, said hello and struck up a conversation. My assumptions of her were wrong, and I am even more eager now to help her find work (other than stripping) and a place to live (besides the streets).
After that encounter, I wondered what would be next. What would happen this next week, (As I type I am now thinking of the next 7 days).
Recounting the past few days...On Thursday a small group of friends went to Big Bear for a few days of camping. I don't love camping, but I really enjoy the mountains, trees and stars. For many reasons, this was an exceptional trip...but it was especially good for me to explore over 20 miles of trail on my mountain bike. One trail wound its way through a forest that was destroyed by fire last year. It was creepy biking through death. The only sign of life we encountered (besides a few birds and squirrels) were two wolves, probably seeking food in the ravished forest. The wolves looked at us with hungry eyes so we quickly biked on.
On Sunday, we went to our church service. I thought it was a great morning. We left church (of course only to go out to live as the church) and packed in a few events. We attended the grand opening events of the new childrens museum. The event was okay, the museum is great. We walked from the museum to Seaport Village to watch the Red Bull Air Races.
It's hard to predict a crowds reaction. The crowd cheered most loudly, not at the skilled flying through the race course, but at what the pilot would choose to do as he flew out of the course...crazy tricks mostly. The more tricks, the more cheers...if no tricks, boos. One of the biggest reactions from the crowd was credited to a seagull. The bird caught a fish, so we thought, and paraded its catch in front of the large crowd of people. What we all quickly realized was that it was no fish, but a baby duck - the crowd, in unison, let out a loud, ahh.
We left the races and found ourselves sitting with friends at our favorite downtown sports bar for a few minutes, and then back to church (our Sunday night home church). It was a busy and great 7 days.
I woke up this morning surprised to learn that a pipe bomb had been detonated in front of the courthouse just several blocks from my home early Sunday morning. No one was hurt; how could I miss such a serious happening. I just hung up with someone who was laid off from her job, when I asked if she was okay, she simply said everything happens for a reason.
And I believed her. I agreed with her. So I wonder what will happen this week. And for what reason.
By Steve
You won't always find it in the place you expect.
What are you talking about? Wallet, keys, God (No, I don't think God's an it)
Is this some shameless plug for Citywalks next teaching series, "what are you talking about?" Nope. It's not about my wallet or keys either.
And it's only a little bit about God.
Yesterday morning was one of those Sunday mornings. One of the Sundays that you hear other church planters reminisce about..."remember that one Sunday?" I naively thought I would never have one of those Sundays. But I did.
One of the main reasons we meet on Sundays is to connect with God. Every Sunday you can find these words in our bulletin, The Worship Event is a place of connection – To God, others and purpose in life. May your experience this morning be meaningful as you explore and deepen your connections. This I believe is something that happens, because of God, not because of something we fabricated or manipulated, but the environment we find ourselves in can play a part.
I would be surprised if anyone really connected on Sunday morning... based on the environment. I have a high threshold for distraction, but it can still be reached. And it was. How and I why doesn't really matter (but imagine a constant stream of people walking into the auditorium looking for supplies they had stored there for an event taking place just outside our walls), what matters is that we meet to connect with God, and I couldn't find my keys or wallet anywhere...
By the way, thanks for the reminder that one of our church values is "interruptions allowed."
What really matters is that people are connecting with God, and if it doesn't happen in the pre-determined time and place (the church service) that's okay. I had a remarkable conversation late Saturday night with the homeless lady I am trying to help. I didn't just bump into her by accident...I chased her down. When I found her, she was sitting on the sidewalk, staring at the wall and doodling in a notebook. She had been crying. We talked for nearly half an hour. She didn't want or ask for anything. We were just being friends to each other. God was in that moment.
Later Sunday night, some friends went to another church and said the experience was great. God was in that service for them. Another friend was sharing his story and the meaning for him of God saving him, literally. It was beautiful. God was there. And on Sunday afternoon we (Ali and me) connected with a couple we have not seen for some time (at the same event that was causing me grief just an hour earlier). And it felt like God was there. And, and, and...
Thanks for the reminder, God, that I won't always connect with you where I expect to.
And I don't really hate Sunday mornings...just some of them.
By Steve
Hey, I thought I would get a jump on Monday's blog and share a bit tonight. If you're keeping up with my life, you will know that today was EarthFair in San Diego and I (we) were there. Our Do What's Right movement became a bit more known today as we exposed our idea to the 70,000 plus EarthFair participants.
Our concept, "enough talk about what's wrong...do what's right" was a huge success in my opinion. But it isn't just the concept that made our day so great. We handed out 500 packs of sunscreen (for which people were quite thankful), becuase we thought it was the right thing to do. We gave out at least half of our 500 branded pens. We looked stunning in our custom T-shirts and gave away a few of them too. The biggest hit was asking people to write down what they believe to be right in issues of earth, people and faith, and then stick it to our "right wall." People enthusiastically responded.
It was a great day. Momentum for our Do What's Right campaign and good exposure for our church. There will be more to come, but enjoy these couple pics and check out our site at,
http://www.dowhatsright.org/
Kudos to the Citywalk team that went the extra distance to make our efforts at EarthFair worth it. You know who you are. I think its right that we get to share life together and be the church in our community!
