2.28.2005

Christ's Korn

Disclaimer: This post is not about superstar faith. It's another example of life-change that the world needs to know about.
-------------------------------
Brian Head Welch a guitarist for the rock band Korn recently gave his life to Christ.
I just listened to Brian's testimony from yesterday at his home church. An estimated 200 people gave their lives to Christ yesterday.

God is incredible. I spoke to our teens last week about Brian's story when I first read something about it and 1 teen came to Christ. Jesus Christ is all-powerful and yes he can reach a band member in a heavy metal rock band.

Christianity doesn't "need" famous people to come to Christ but when they do we should support and encourage them as best we can. Listening to Brian's testimony I believe he's genuinely changed. If you know anyone into this scene who is not saved I encourage you to read what's going on in the life of Brian Welch and use this as an opportunity to witness.

Brian Welch said from the church stage about his new mission: "I'm going to build churches, I'm going to grow in my faith... You watch me... "

Brian's Church and Testimony

Brian's New Personal Site

Brian's Story on MTV.com

Brian's Testimony according to MTV.com

2.27.2005

(anti) Family Friendly MSNBC programming

After spending the morning working to bring marriages together (see below post or our website), my wife and I come home and turn on MSNBC. After a few minutes we are shocked when the next story to come across our television screen is a message geared toward helping cheating spouses! Yes. The entire MSNBC segment was devoted to "The 50 mile rule" author Judith E. Brandt. Apparently Ms. Bradt is herself a divorced woman who was the "other woman" as she ruined someone else's marriage. Not content with destroying two families she feels (as well as MSNBC) that she should make a little cash on destroying the lives of potentially thousands through the sale of her "book".

I have participated in nearly no writing campaigns as a Pastor or private citizen however this topic was too much of an assult on my family, my church, the sancticy of marriage and my respect as a consumer that I was forced to write MSNBC with my concerns. Below is the letter I sent moments ago:

---------------

From: Tally Wilgis [mailto:Tally@FocalPointChurch.com]
Sent: Sunday, February 27, 2005 2:29 PM
To: viewerservices@msnbc.com
Subject: Concerned Viewer

To Whom it May Concern:

My wife and I are viewers of MSNBC. We've come to enjoy the various programs you offer during the evening and weekends when we are most able to enjoy programming. Most weekends we watch some form of MSNBC programming because we've felt comfortable with the professionalism and range of opinions on your airwaves.

Today however you let our family down and have caused us to reconsider the professionalism of your organization. By providing the author of "The 50 mile rule" an encouraging opportunity to pander her book to the men and women (particularly men) at home on a Sunday afternoon, your producers have caused us to lose respect for your organization. All it takes is a simple glance at family statistics to understand that families (yes children are included) are already facing a 50% divorce rate. Children are raised without mothers and fathers or are forced to shuttle between two homes every week where they mainly live out of a backpack or small suitcase due to divorce or separation. Many families have financial obligations based on a two-income household and are forced to fall near the poverty line after a divorce.

The title of the segment "Tips for Cheaters" and the serious tone of your interviewer sent the clear signal that MSNBC (and it's parent companies) support cheating, lying, divorce, children being pawns in the game of infidelity, not to mention the de-valuing of women within the home. From a 'news' organization I expect to be given 'news'. It is not news to use valuable air time to condone the practice of something so devastating to so many families. Your producers have shown your organization to be inconsiderate to your viewers and indifferent to the consequences of your promotional episodes. Certainly you could and should have done better.

One of several remedies are in order for this situation.

1. Apologize publicly. Explain that someone on your staff made a mistake.

2. Invite the Author of "The 50 mile rule" on with a family counselor and someone representing the faith community.

3. Invite a guest in to discuss ways to improve your marriage if you are considering leaving. (Gary Chapman, Tommy Nelson or a fellow Pastor)

In a world with so many negatives and so many broken homes we families rely on news organizations to provide us with news. We do not expect or respect MSNBC or it's parent companies to support programming directly aimed at destroying our families. Please consider appropriate action.

Sincerely,

Pastor Tally and Kristy Wilgis

It's all worth it!

I spent this week preparing for today's service. The worship guides, the message, the music, video, powerpoint, purchases, meetings, practices and so many more hours of time went into this week's service.

We had several guests today and one man gave his life to Christ. After the service he shared with me that an illustration (not in my notes) is what caught is heart. I said "When you've fallen off of the ship it doesn't matter if you're separated from your rescue by an inch or a mile... You're still separated." My message was that we all are in need of forgiveness and it doesn't matter how close you are to being 'good' you and I still and always will need the salvation brought to us by Christ.

This came up in a message about marriage when I spoke about the 5 love languages by Gary Chapman (by God via Gary Chapman).

All of the work I listed above IS WORTH IT. A man's eternal destiny was changed today through the power and prompting of the Holy Spirit encouraged by the faithful work of God's people. It's all worth it!

2.26.2005

Meet me at the HotSpot!

Travel? If you're traveling locally while running errands or traveling away for a meeting and you need internet connection you should check out this HotSpot Finder.

I ran my address and it gave me Wi-Fi hotspots I knew about as well as a few I did not know existed.

Check it out Here.

2.25.2005

Where does YOUR name rank?

The folks over at The Creative Generalist have posted about a cool baby name site called The Baby Name Wizard's Voyager.

Tally is not listed but my given first name is.

Check out this cool toy to see what names have been popular each decade since 1900 and where your name ranks among the masses.

2.24.2005

Bloglines

I am still relatively new to the blogging world and 'getting my feet wet' this year. As I've had guests visit my blog and some leave comments I would hate to not inform my wonderful readers about a service that should become standard if you enjoy reading blogs but would rather not check every page each hour to see if they've been updated. It's called "Bloglines".

Bloglines is a tool that (once downloaded) sits at the bottom of your screen in the active icons. When a blog is updated you will automatically receive an alert letting you know that it has been updated.

I currently observe 31 blogs with a wide variety of interests. I even have some newspaper feeds on my bloglines.

So... it's a good idea and you should give it a shot.

Tennis Anyone?

Check out this tennis match between Andre Aggassi and Roger Federer.

Or if you don't care about the story you can just check out the pics.

Wow!

A Trinity of Matter?

I've started a new book this week called "God in The Equation". This book is about Albert Einstein and what they term the sci/religion. Basically Einstein created a buzz when he began to formulate a view of science (which many Christians hold) that we're simply discovering for ourselves how a being (God) created the whole thing.

What got me thinking was when I read about Dark Matter and Dark Energy which are forces scientists say complete "known existance" when added to the regular Matter of which you and I are aware. So basically the three substances that make up existance are Matter, Dark Matter and Dark Energy. (Trinity?)

Okay so think about this: Two of three possible forms of matter in existence are unseen. We know of only 1 part of matter that has been seen with the eyes. Sound familiar? If you're a Christ follower we would say that Jesus Christ is the physical revelation of the Trinity. The other two forms are God the Father and the Holy Spirit.

I personally don't view science as an enemy of faith and when I read things like this I am that much more in awe of my God. For all that there is to know about matter (substance of our known existence) we only know about 1/3 of what is out there. In addition we likely don't know the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this revealed matter itself.

Far too many Christians ignore thought about our existance. I've found (at least in my life) many people who don't know the name of Christ think about where they fit into all of existance. Christianity has answers but we sometimes ignore the questions.

Another thought a friend pointed out: Scientists have said that when you look at known matter and draw a scale illustrating size... Humans sit at the center of all scalable creation. Meaning if you go to smaller and smaller elements than humans and you go larger and larger above humans, we sit at the center of known sizes in creation. That thought (should it be accurate) is pretty amazing. I enjoy being awed. Sometimes "educated" people tend to lose the mystery and awe that is God.

Romans 1:20
20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities ?his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

2.22.2005

Fast, Cheap, High Quality

I once heard that these are three components to customer satisfaction. In almost any situation a business can offer 2 but not 3.

Combinations:

I can get something Fast and Cheap (drive-thru food) but it won't be high quality.
I can get something Cheap and High Quality (meal at home) but it won't usually be fast (It takes a while to cook one's own food).
I can get something High Quality and Fast (Fine Dining)but it will not be cheap.

Today my wife's Jeep needed a new Power Steering Pump. [I didn't know this until I took it in for a repair after my wife said it was getting noisy and downright scary to drive.] Kristy (my wife) found a place nearby her office where they could work on it right away (fast). Based on their work and the silence while driving I'd say their quality was good (High Quality) but when I look at the nearly $300 I spent today I can say it wasn't what I'd call cheap.

I'm still a satisfied customer. Why? Because 2 of 3 of my desires as a consumer were met.

While waiting for the car to get repaired I went across the street to an old mom and pop diner. It looked like a run-down shack (reminded me of growing up in Baltimore City). I was served a meal quickly that in my estimation was okay and I paid about 8.50. So again I was satisfied. (Fast and decent quality).

Does this triangle of service work in your personal experiences? I'm still observing and learning about businesses so I'd be glad to hear from other P.O.V.'s.

Forget March... it's Method Madness!

For the last several days there has been a conversation going on over at Terry's blog. The actual conversation is ]here[. A conversation that now approaches 50 comments.

I'm glad for the dialogue b/c quite honestly I don't know if in Christianity there has been much discussion on the issue between guys who are actively doing ministry everyday in their communities. So much of the conversation has been done by convention leaders and authors. I don't mind Pastors having these discussions.

I enjoy dialogue and debate as long as it remains healthy. We all have work we're doing and honestly no matter which side of the discussion one falls I do pray that it only causes the Pastors in us to take a back seat to the children of God that we are and remind us how small we are and how little we know in comparison to the hugeness of who God is!

"We are not as strong as we think we are."-- Rich Mullins

2.21.2005

Salvation

Great weekend this weekend as we saw another salvation at Focal Point. Being a new church it's exciting to be a part of a place that draws people to Him.

2.18.2005

Ephphatha- To Be Opened

*Unsolicited Plug*
I wanted to take a moment and give a shout to my friends from Ephphatha. They're a great Christian band from Austin, TX. Matt Gideon is our web guru for Focal Point (he's a great web designer as well).

Ephphatha is releasing their first national album as we (I) speak (type). I want to encourage you around the globe (at least North America) to take a look at their site and listen to their music. If you are interested in helping them spread the word I'm sure Matt will send you a CD sample to give to any radio connections you may have. So go ahead, click now and check them out.

They are sincere believers with wonderful hearts. I had them in to minister to my youth ministry several years ago when I was a Youth Pastor and they did a fantastic job. They are genuine and passionate people who will bring value added to any ministry.

2.16.2005

2 year Retro Thought

Below is a copy of a blog I wrote two years ago. I enjoy going back and seeing what God was teaching me and the experiences I had which helped bring me to where I am today.

Some of this answer actually can apply to answer my post from earlier this morning:
-------
Knowing God 2/27/03 [link]
After talking with someone today about 'legalism vs. Christian living', I spoke of brokeness and the fact that our lives shouldn't be spent wondering 'WWJD' and reacting...

The church spends time teaching rules, codes of conduct and what's 'proper' of a Christ-follower which distracts us from the fact that God desires a relationship with Him. So we teach people that if they 'read their bible' or 'go to church' that they are more spiritually mature. Spiritual maturity isn't what we do. Grace slaps legalistic teaching in the face. Spiritual Maturity is having such a deep relationship with your God that you quit 'fighting for the remote' of your life. You realize that the Holy Spirit lives in you and desires to be expressed through your life. He can only do that when you allow Him to act. He won't force your hand, you must be broken so that he can shine through.

Explaining that, I was asked "How do you stay broken then?" Awesome question!
Knowing God ultimately means knowing self in relation. As you know God more and more, you realize his awesomeness and soverignty, his power, his might and quality after quality that rocks your world. The more you 'Know God', the more you realize that self isn't all that great. We are to come to him like a Child. Children don't fully know 'self'. The are so willing to accept the hugeness of God and allow Him to 'show them the ropes'. As we become young men and women, we begin to 'know self' much more. Adults definately (think they) have the world figured out. God wants you to know Him because the more you know Him, the more you realize that you are like that Child. You too are simplistic and helpless. Understanding this, you then give up rights to yourself and give them to God. You realize that your 'doings' aren't the deal. Your surrender becomes your measure. Know God. Spend your life getting to know Him.

My Space, Subculture and the divide

Do you ever sit back and wonder... Why aren't we (large we) relevant in the setting of the local church?

To get your answer take a look at any "My Space" done by a person 16-25. I have a habit of checking AIM profiles for students in our ministry as well as students who are now in college. Today I stumbled on yet another "My Space". This program is pretty standard for which ever teen or young adult you visit. It has a catchy picture (usually seductive or showing as vulgar of an act as possible in hopes of getting a reaction), a catchy name (see quote above), and basic info. The basic info covers the traditional who and what's but then it gets out there. You see, the point of 'My Space' is for people to think you're cool (although many of the profiles will go out of their way to say 'I don't care if you think I'm cool' -- which is itself a cry for coolness) so you will find similar things like... What bands I like, the crazy party I went to where got wasted, the hot guy/girls out there and ohh yes the infamous "friends". You see, "My Space" offers a place where you can add other "My Space" friends. The more friends you have on your list, the cooler you are so at minimum you will see at least 50 "friends". Don't bother asking the definition of a friend b/c to most adults we wouldn't classify these people as acquaintances let alone friends... Basically if you've visited their site you call them "friend".

Where am I going? Here.
The church is answering questions at an intellectual (okay, some are) level and at a spiritual level. The world is networking at a flesh level. Nearly all of our passions are found at the flesh level. (I think the bible is good for some props here wouldn't ya say?) Anyway... We many times fail to be genuine on these areas. We spend so much time trying to cover up and ignore the passionate places of our DNA. The church is not a place where a person can figure out how to harness a person's passions or focus them on different things. The church shuns those parts of our being and says "say two hail mary's and call us next Sunday".

Our generation of leaders must rise to the task. We must not get comfy with our Bapticostal meeting rooms and our bloglines of other Pastors. [Brian Bailey had similar thoughts the other day but maybe it just took a few days for me to get ticked off enough about it.]

1. We have to get in contact with the "My Space" crowd and see what questions they are asking by their everyday actions.
2. Another thing... We have got to quit pacifying adults. Older adults usually don't have a clue as to what real life is like for a person in college or High School. Parents want to ignore it b/c they want to think they've done a great job up until now. Any defects they see in their child becomes a defect they see in themselves. We wouldn't want to know the "truth" would we? How about we get over ourselves enough to understand we may have kids who are in a battle with sin daily and get on the front lines with them feeding them ammo. Instead they're in the battle and we have tea while eating krimpets at the church discussing whom should be accountable to whom.

Now yes I hear you thinking " Well, this sounds like a college ministry or high school ministry problem." No. It's not. It's a future generation problem. (The very divisions we create are ignored in pop society--exibit A, my space) Where do you think those people who are experiencing High School and college today will be in 10 years when you finally care about their demographic?

Okay. I'm done. Much of this was an open thought with myself. I need to apply nearly all of it. I'd love to hear other thoughts. Where is the church falling short and where are some great examples of people making it happen?

2.15.2005

God of the Mundane

My day today looks full but ordinary. As I look at what remains for me to do today nothing jumps out and screams "EXCITEMENT". In a time when we all are looking for the next eye-popping moment or creating the next "Wow" event we so often overlook the mundane, the ordinary, the everyday-life times.

Today I want to see God in the mundane. I don't want to acquire fire or x-treme my life. I want to notice God in the everyday average.

I have Cademon Call's CD in my car. Yesterday I heard a verse that I think is so incredible. He says "they say I can find you in a flower but I need you in my car."

You see, the flower is abstract and it takes some juices to get flowin' before you "see God" through his handy-work of the flower (which we all should be in to doing). There are however the mundane drives when we need to see God. There are the errands we run, the practices we take our kids to and the couch times we have with our families. These are the times we must see God. God is so amazing so huge and so powerful yet we limit him to big events or super spiritual quiet times.

I want to see the God of the mundane.

2.14.2005

Amazing

Okay. I think I may have just seen the most powerful message in my life.

The church is North Point Community Church
The Series is called "Canvass"
The Message is the first in the series
The Speaker is Louie Giglio
The Title is "Glory"

Amazing. Absolutely amazing.

God is Huge

I was watching a message from Louie Giglio this morning from a series at North Point called Canvass. Louie starts the series off by talking about God's glory. Within that message he talked about the Milky Way. I paused the DVD and began to satisfy my curiosity.

My brain hurts.

Old Lesson w/ new meaning

As I prepare to become a father I am excited about all of the new lessons I'm sure God will teach through my child. Kristy is 17 weeks today.

I found this post from a site I maintained in 2003. It still speaks to me:

Matthew 18:1-4
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, 3 and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Bloggable Moment:
A 5 year old boy spoke a sermon to me in about 15 seconds.

Brian's mom and sister just stopped by our office to use some equipment. Our secretary is out of the office today so I came from my desk and greeted them and began talking to the children as mom got access to the things she needed. Brian had a book of clues and I peeked over his shoulder and searched the puzzle for the 'alien' to be found. Then a minute later he saw our name-tags pre-printed on a table and searched for his name. I pointed out his tag he will wear next week. Being the important youth guy that I am, I left Brian and family and came back to my desk and began working on my message (i'm about half way through). I hear "goodbye" as the door closes. About 30 seconds later I hear the door open and running footsteps. As I look up, I see little Brian with a shy look on his face. I smile and Brian runs up and jumps on my neck with a hug and says "Thank You". I'm thinking "For What?" But I smile and said "see ya later man".

Brian spoke a message to me today. He reminded me of my priorities and of my God. He reminded me that I am to come to God with the same level of grattitude and appreciation over the little things and not just when I get a sucker or an icecream or a pasaphire in my mouth. As a Christ-Follower, I'm excited to know that God can use a 5 year old boy as well or better than any preacher, website, conference, band or book to draw me near to Him!

"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children..."

Same Store, Different Experience

Last week my laptop called it quits. Actually my laptop was okay but the power source to it had been worn down enough to where it began to spark (not good).

After finding out that most stores don't carry an ac adapter for a Compaq Armada 7400 (old machine), I traveled to Best Buy to buy a new computer.

The experience I had at the Best Buy closest to my home was pleasant. I was able to speak with a sales rep who actually knew something about computers and he was quite helpful for me. Several times he let me look at a machine after he answered the questions I had and each time he walked away so as not to be 'over my shoulder'. (It helps that they do not get commission).

Unfortunately when I decided upon the computer I wanted, I was informed that it was not in stock. I took the 20 minute trip down the road to the next Best Buy where I was assured my product awaited me.

This experience was completely different. The store was the same. The layout was the same. The employees were dressed the same and the same type of music was played in the background... But my experience was poor.

Unlike the last location, I couldn't get an employee to talk with me at all. It seems that this store is more crowded and has less staff. Even the manager of the computer department looked at me as if to say "Crud... He sees me." He then came over and said "How may we help you?" I explained my need and he said "Well I'm on my way to lunch but I'll see if this guy can help." That was nice except for the fact that "this guy" had a line of other customers. So again I wait.

Finally when I get to speak with "this guy" he quickly makes me wish the other store had my product. He carried himself in a very disinterested way as he talked to other employees about people I don't care to know about and he strolled along at a rate that would make a snail yawn. Ultimately though I got my machine. After turning down the extra $1,000 in junk they wanted to offer I finally made my way out of the store all too thankful that the good Best Buy was in my back yard.

Lesson:
You can spend tons of money to make satellite campuses or franchised locations look identical but in the end a customers willingness to come back to your building depends on your people.

2.09.2005

Free G-Mail Invites

I have 50 G-mail invites. If you (or someone you love) wants a g-mail account, just email me.

Gmail is pretty sweet. You have to check it out for yourself.

2.08.2005

Because of Winn-Dixie

I got the opportunity tonight to take in a new movie called "Because of Winn-Dixie" at a special pre-view showing sponsored by CBN.com.

I must say... I enjoyed the experience.

A few quick thoughts:

1. Failure of Pastors- This movie was honest in its look at Pastors (mainly from previous generations). We (ancestors of the ministry) in many ways have been amazing and used by God in great ways but we must be honest and admit that in many situations the Pastor's families have taken a hit for the sake of the congregation. We have to admit that Pastors are afraid to admit their own shortcomings because of what others would say. Pastors of the past have lived in slums because they consider being poor materially equality with being abundantly rich spiritually so as to show their poverty like a badge of honor. By doing this they let their families scrape along as they chase grandures of spiritual depth in the eyes of a few men. We shouldn't seek limelight to shine in our glory and we shouldn't seek poverty as a means to the same end.

2. A great quote from the movie-- "He doesn't howl any more because he's not lonely."- We howl when we're lonely. We're all lonely inside to some degree. We have a burning desire to be completley known. So often when people howl through their actions and we in the church howl back trying to get them to shut-up. We cannot do this.

3. We all need friends. In the ministry especially we can try and pretend we can make it alone. We can hide behind titles or prestige or the afore mentioned poverty. We can do all of these things and lack intimacy with other people and intimacy with our creator. One lesson this movie points out (sometimes subtlely and sometimes not so) is that we are better when we're surrounded. I think scripture has a few things to say about this...


WRAPPING UP:
See the movie. It was worth the time and the cash. Your kids will enjoy it and mom and dad can learn a few things too. If you do see it, email me and tell me what you thought.

Real Estate Agents, Martha Stewart and Dairy Queen

Driving back from the post office today I made an impulse decision to grab an ice-cream sundae. I pulled into Dairy queen and placed my order. As I waited for the lady to fix my treat I got to thinking about Real Estate agents.

Real Estate agents basically show you property. They don't own it they simply describe it. Although for the most part you could walk around alone and see the property, a good agent will lead you to positive features and point out amenities the home offers (based on getting to know your desires). The agent will use words like a paintbrush and your ear is the canvass. Descriptive words like 'beautiful' and 'wonderful' paint a second picture of the home. The agent gets paid for knowing what is on the market and then making the right connection for you, the buyer.

Martha Stewart is another example of a person who has made a living of painting with her words. Yes Martha Stewart is creative and yes she gardens but that is not why she's a multi-millionaire. Martha Stewart is a valedictorian of the school of adjectives. You cannot watch her shows or read her magazines without reading descriptive elegance. "This flower has a wonderful and delightful texture." "Look at these candles, aren't they so amazing!" "How terrific is that scarf!"

Even my dentist has a hang on this. I recently had a wisdom tooth removed that had grown in completely. I joked with the assistant that I arrived to have my "tooth yanked". The dentist laughed as he towered over me with his torture devices and said "We like to call it wiggled. No yanking today." (BTW: I have a great Dentist and it actually was painless.)

And then there is an average visit to the local church. We (in the church world) spend so little time thinking about exactly what we're saying. We spend little time walking people through the "house of God" (figuratively, not the building) and we act more like demanding overlords than real-estate agents, Martha Stewart, or even a nice dentist.

Use words. Use descriptive words. Use beautiful, wonderful, awe-inspiring words!

Love Me Some Google Maps

I just checked out Google Maps and I must say Google has done it again.

I think I've found a new place to go for my directional needs.

[via: Brian Bailey]

E-family?

Tonight I finished the BEGINNING of our new family website.

This will be a site dedicated to all things Wilgis. Kristy and I are expecting our first child in July and we both have family all over. By having a dedicated site to give updates and share pictures and video of the baby we hope to keep everyone better informed as well as keep somewhat of a diary for the future. I'll think of it as an electronic scrapbook.

This site isn't intended to be a substitute for personal touch as there are obviously a lot of things we cannot/would not share to the general public. It should be a neat experience.

Stay informed at WilgisFamily.com

Time I could have Wasted!

I discovered Stupid Videos today. How did I ever miss this? Just think of all of the time I could have wasted here. There are times when time is wasted and then there is StupidVideos.com.

It's almost as good at killing productivity as the great AddictingGames.com or even the wonderful and all too funny HomeStarRunner.com.

Thank you for allowing me to type. Hopefully some productive thought will make it to the web tomorrow (later today).

2.04.2005

Delayed Reaction

At this weeks State of the Union the country was able to witness an incredible moment. One that John and I agree should go down in history as a remarkable if not providential moment.

An Iraqi woman, Safia Taleb al-Suhail, who recently voted in the Iraqi election was seated in front of William and Janet Norwood who had recently lost their son in Iraq. What a moment when the Norwood's were introduced and the two women leaned over and hugged one another. I'm not very emotional but that one started to get to me. But then, did you notice the dog-tag of Sergeant Byron Norwood (Marines) who was killed in Falluja? As the women embraced one another this dog-tag --which was being held by the soldiers mother,-- wrapped around a button on the cuff of the Iraqi woman and breifly attached these two women.

These women were both figuratively and literally connected by the life (and death) of this brave Marine.

As they hugged, that image burned into my mind. How powerful!

2.03.2005

Interesting...

Being an expectant Father, this quote stuck out for me. I can't tell you how many people I've come across that battle with this issue in their adult lives. With the absence of the Father in many homes this quote becomes all the more telling as to how a child develops.

Check out this serious thought over at the blog of Eloy Ramirez.

2.02.2005

Get On Mission

Last night I had the great opportunity to speak at Point Harbor Community Church during their 4-day Mission Conference. The Pastors at Point Harbor took a pretty cool twist on the Conference by having local ministries come in and do much of the sharing.

I spoke about church planting: vision, importance, church-involvement, etc. It went well. Met another Pastor who spoke after me. His name is Rob Lamarre. He is the former pastor of The Anchor Church in MO outside of St. Louis.

The Pastors over at Point Harbor are great guys. Each time I talk with them I appreciate their ministry even more. It's so important in ministry to find those people with whom you connect. They've done a good job with their conference and are doing their best to change the face of what is usually a 'sorry I missed it' event among churches.

Congrats Point Harbor.

2.01.2005

Baby Got Book

This video came from Annie's Blog. It's so funny.

You'll have to be old/young enough to remember Sir-Mix-A-lot to enjoy this one. Very funny.

[click here to laugh]