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Joey Cheek's generous support of Right to Play has effectively caused an avalance of support for that organization. What a great example of what can be done as one large action unites with many smaller actions. Cheek is an athlete we can all take pride in. As for me, I'm curious to learn more about Right to Play. Sounds like they're doing good work around the world.
Mackenzie is now a full five years old and as time goes on she is becoming more clear about what she likes and what she doesn't like. It's quite a contast for us after the two boys. We're learning to adjust. Yesterday morning she decided her bangs needed trimming and rather than suggest it to us, she took matters scissors into her own hand. This "before" shot was taken on Saturday.
This "after" shot reveals her skill as a stylist. As you can imagine, we were shocked. We did our parental best in the situation. It really wasn't funny at first but then I had to smile because she did a fair job. Even so, scissors are now "off-limits." And hair isn't the only thing she's been trimming these days. She "fixed" one of her dresses and one of the pillows on our couch. Well, at least she has a creative streak.
Yesterday we had our annual information meeting as a congregation. If you were not able to attend, here's a copy of our 2005 Annual Report. This report charts our progress and our history as a newly forming church even as it helps us to gear up for what's ahead in 2006. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me.
If the waves aren't breaking at T-Street today, maybe I'll check out a local river...it works for these guys in Germany (thanks to backyardmissionary for the link).
Finally, someone who expresses my sentiments regarding forwarding email. And I think it's pretty ironic that I received this link through an email from someone who loves to forward...my name was only one among hundreds.
We had a great article in the Ladera Post today featuring our trip to Mexico. You might be able to access it online by clicking here (not sure if you have to log in or not).
Starting Wednesday, March 8th we'll be hosting a six week study in our home on the topic of Spiritual Formation. In the book Invitation to a Journey, Robert Mulholland offers this description, "Spiritual formation is a process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others." (12) I like that definition because it moves us beyond the endless varieties of "spirituality" that are overly self-focused. This definition helps us to recognize the way God uses all the experiences of our day (not just a few minutes of Bible reading or prayer) to conform our lives to the image of Christ. If we are to demonstrate a vibrant spirituality then we must embrace the variety of gifts God gives us each day even as we learn to practice the "classic disciplines" that help us to see more clearly what God is doing among us. The goal is not the doing of disciplines. The only worthy goal is that of being conformed to the image of Christ. So let's spend some time together talking about what that might look like.
Last night, at the recommendation of a friend, I was reading the book ¡Gracias! by Henri Nouwen. It's one of his many book that I never took the time to enjoy. In relation to spirituality, Nouwen has this to say, "A true spirituality cannot be constructed, built, or put together; it has to be recognized in the daily life of people who search together to do God's will in the world." (6) I think he's right and so that will be our task during our six weeks together.
I just received a phone call from the Avendale Clubhouse...ten days after its disappearance (due to my absent mindedness), my Bible has been found. So where did it go? Do you think whoever found it read it? I hope if they did they checked the boxes on my reading plan. Obviously, I was really bummed when I thought I lost it. You can be sure I'll be more careful next time I go to the park with Mackenzie.
UPDATE: the pages are semi-moist...hopefully, it will be fine after a few days inside!
Things have been crazy around our house in recent days. The boys were off for a five day weekend. We worried about a smattering of red spots on Mackenzie's stomach (they are now fading without any other symptoms...glad it's not Chicken Pox). We're nearly finished painting the interior of our house (bigger job than I thought it would be but it's lookin' good). I came home from the "Pastor's Retreat" feeling refreshed but then had to dive back into a long list of things to do. Last night our leadership team met and it feels like we're making a good start to the new year. And now on Wednesday morning, I'm pausing for a few minutes to catch my breath. Whew!
On Sunday, we'll be having our annual meeting after the 10 o'clock service. I guess it's something like the State of the Union address the President gives every January. But don't worry, it won't be as long. I think it's an important meeting because we need to take a look at where we've been and remind ourselves of where we are going.
"So how's it going?"
"Fine."
That might be a polite response but it doesn't get at the real issues. I think we need to dig deeper than that. I'm looking forward to sharing my perspective on where we are and I welcome your insight and comments as well.
Today is the final day of the Pastor's Retreat. The main sessions have been stimulating. Dr. Bailey has incredible insight into the stories of Jesus. I also enjoy this retreat because it give me a chance to hang out with friends, old and new. Yesterday Jeff and I headed out into the big waves at Malibu...big if you happened to be a rat. Still it was fun. A jam session later in the afternoon had me playing the box (a cool contraption that Tim Yee brought with him). Things wrap up this morning with communion and then it's back home.
Let me also highlight another blog that's recently caught my attention. Rick Brotherton is a member of Village and he's also a professional photographer (and more). You can find some great pictures of Billy and Emily on his blog. According to Guy Kawasaki, a blogger is someone with nothing to say writing for someone with nothing to do. Sounds right to me.
Last night Dr. Ken Bailey spoke about the ways Jesus reinterpreted the Old Testament imagery of the shepherd. The primary texts are Psalm 23, Jeremiah 23:1-8, and Ezekiel 34:1-31. Whereas the passages from the prophets address the failure of the shepherds of Israel, Jesus appeared in John 10 as the good shepherd. Those who heard thesee words of Jesus would have understood them in the context of these great themes.
Dr. Bailey also had us spend a good amount of time in Luke 15. The chapter contains three parables of finding, a coin is found, a sheep is found, and a son is found. To be redeemed is to be found by the shepherd. When a sheep is lost, it can only cry out for help. It is the work of the shepherd to seek out and then to carry the sheep to safety. Dr. Bailey sees two themes expressed in this single action, that of incarnation and atonement. Jesus is the Word made flesh so that he might be where we are. And having found us, we, like sheep, are carried on his shoulders to safety.
According to Dr. Bailey, the good shepherd was the dominate image of Jesus in the church for the first three centuries. As we continue on through the Gospel of John, I wonder about the connection between chapter 10, Jesus as the good shepherd, and chapter 11, the raising of Lazarus. Perhaps chapter 11 is a demonstration of promise made in 10:10. The contrast is clear and so it creates a compelling reason for us to put our trust in Jesus. Just a few thoughts...we'll see what develops on Sunday.
