We have already planned next year's calendar or else I would use this idea stemming from a series of viral videos out on YouTube.
Via Phillip Santillian's student ministry blog I came across a series of videos showing how our society has such a warped view beauty. It's not that we shouldn't be attracted to beauty it's just that our perception of who is beautiful can get jacked with so easily by advertisers who like puppetiers pull the right strings.
'Dove' has an interesting add campaign out where they are using YouTube to distribute viral videos showing average people getting made up in a photo shoot and then having that image altered in a computer to create what is perceived to be 'real' beauty. Another clip is a 2:41 clip of middle and high school aged girls talking about how living up to the physical beauty-hype is weighing on them. Pretty powerful stuff.
This series of videos (or some you create in house) could paint the picture in an amazing way. Check out the clips. If you have thoughts on any other self-esteem type of series feel free to use the comments section for others to see. You can even self-promote your site along with your great ideas.
Dove: CampaignForRealBeauty.com
12.27.2006
12.19.2006
Miss USA: Mercy, Ratings and who really should be fired!
So the news conference for Donald Trump's Miss USA wrapped up a few moments ago. For those of you who do not know what has been going on apparently the current Miss USA has been on a bit of a partying streak lately. With allegations ranging from late night partying to underage drinking and even to cocaine use... this certainly hasn't been the best of weeks for Miss Tara Conner or Mr. Donald Trump, the co-owner of the pageant. As the media pounced on this woman and many called for her removal I couldn't help but to think about restoration. I obviously believe in redemption and I thought "She could be of more use to society, herself and even the Trump organization and advertisers if they would let her stay on and recover for the rest of her term." It expires in April.
Like the rest of the world I had no clue what Trump would do. He claims to have made a decision this morning (I doubt that very much) but either way he decided to keep her. For a moment I felt great about the situation. Trump said all of the right things. He said she has a good heart, will go into rehab and be a great representative and role model.
BUT THEN SHE SPOKE. Let me first say that whoever set this press conference up should be fired by the Donald right away. They did a HORRIBLE job preparing her for the New York media. Some bystanders could be heard booing Trumps decision and as if that wasn't bad enough, the more she spoke the more shallow she looked.
Miss Conner did the obligatory "I'm sorry to my family IF..." and she thanked Trump many times for his "heart of gold". The rest of her speech was self absorbed. A reporter asked her if she was an alcoholic and she said "That would be pushing the envelope." Someone asked about the rehab and she said "Well of course... when someone gives you something for free..." It just came off very ugly.
The Trump organization should have given her VERY LIMITED talking points and instructed her to say the words "No Comment" for anything else. She should have told the reporters to watch her future actions and that she would show the world what can happen when a person accepts responsibility for their mistakes. She didn't. She said "I love my job and the people I work with." "I've worked so hard for this." "I worked with women who's kids were sick and we went to the spa together and talked." She came across as minimally repentant, self absorbed and ignorant of the impact her actions have had on herself and young woman who want her title.
It's bad enough that our kids look to girls like this and develop poor self esteem for not being as attractive, now they will learn that if you just appear to be repentant it will cover your rear long enough to not actually have to be repentant for your actions.
As for the business side, this will help Trump. He comes off looking like he's giving a young girl a break and there will be a little more interest in his contest come April.
For Tara this is a better outcome than if they stripped her crown but I do not see a truly repentant heart. What I've observed is a girl who's just glad she didn't get the boot. That's not true repentance...
Spiritually speaking this incident reminded me why God looks at our heart-motive. He doesn't just listen to our words or see if we cry a lot... God looks to the heart and is looking to see if we really get it. Tara... I hope you realize what an opportunity you really have. For your own sake and for the sake of kids across the world who look at you, take it seriously... get some help and make a sincere effort to change your life. Trump extended you mercy today... use it.
12.18.2006
Ever get a Rash?
(Gross Huh? Calm down, it's not my arm)Have you ever gotten a rash before? You know... an irritation that just won't go away... seems like it wants to be noticed? It starts off as a faint mark... something that you figure may fade on its own but when left unnoticed grows and get uglier.
I haven't had a rash in a long time... until this week.
My rash comes in the form of an anonymous commenter to my blog. You know the kind... someone who runs their mouth but leaves no email address or any other legit way of getting ahold of them for further conversation. My atopic dermatitis forgot to read my post on Blog Etiquette. In addition to reading my thoughts on blogging maturity, my atopic dermatitis should know that I have a standing rule not to speak with people who hide behind their keyboard and mouse. I'm all for intelligent discussion but I don't believe in holding hands with imaginary friends... I prefer my conversations to be with real live human beings... men even... the type who put their name to their remarks...
Hmmm... now there's a thought.
Ignorant drive-by commenters are like a rash that won't go away. What they desire is for you to let their words be published on your blog so that they can spread the irritation to all who read. These people come to your home expecting to spray paint their message on your front door for all the world to see. If you are 'rude' enough to put a filter on your comments section (AKA: if you have healthy boundaries in your life) then the atopic dermatitis gets irritated and flares up. When your new found irritation doesn't get the pat on the head he wants he pouts and puffs his cheeks like a kid picked last and hit in the head first in dodge ball. So that its clear, I view anonymous and ignorant comments on my blog the same way I would view graffiti on the sides of my home... vandalism.
To my current (and any potential) rash I say:
1. Your comments will not be published on my blog. Ever.
2. Realize that you're acting like a middle school girlfriend... give up, it's over... it's not me, its you.
3. Please take this post as your ointment. With regular reading you will clear up without cracking or flaking.
4. Get a blog, website or girlfriend. Then you can share all of your opinions without bothering me. You're not the first person to disagree with me and you won't be the last. There are 6 billion people alive, I'm mature enough to know that not everyone will agree with me and I don't need to waste my time running around telling them about it.
By the way... I think I got my rash from Gary... my rash is upset with my support of his recent video. I still like the video and I suspect we'll learn of people joining us in Heaven after the Christmas Eve service in Canton.
I haven't had a rash in a long time... until this week.
My rash comes in the form of an anonymous commenter to my blog. You know the kind... someone who runs their mouth but leaves no email address or any other legit way of getting ahold of them for further conversation. My atopic dermatitis forgot to read my post on Blog Etiquette. In addition to reading my thoughts on blogging maturity, my atopic dermatitis should know that I have a standing rule not to speak with people who hide behind their keyboard and mouse. I'm all for intelligent discussion but I don't believe in holding hands with imaginary friends... I prefer my conversations to be with real live human beings... men even... the type who put their name to their remarks...
Hmmm... now there's a thought.
Ignorant drive-by commenters are like a rash that won't go away. What they desire is for you to let their words be published on your blog so that they can spread the irritation to all who read. These people come to your home expecting to spray paint their message on your front door for all the world to see. If you are 'rude' enough to put a filter on your comments section (AKA: if you have healthy boundaries in your life) then the atopic dermatitis gets irritated and flares up. When your new found irritation doesn't get the pat on the head he wants he pouts and puffs his cheeks like a kid picked last and hit in the head first in dodge ball. So that its clear, I view anonymous and ignorant comments on my blog the same way I would view graffiti on the sides of my home... vandalism.
To my current (and any potential) rash I say:
1. Your comments will not be published on my blog. Ever.
2. Realize that you're acting like a middle school girlfriend... give up, it's over... it's not me, its you.
3. Please take this post as your ointment. With regular reading you will clear up without cracking or flaking.
4. Get a blog, website or girlfriend. Then you can share all of your opinions without bothering me. You're not the first person to disagree with me and you won't be the last. There are 6 billion people alive, I'm mature enough to know that not everyone will agree with me and I don't need to waste my time running around telling them about it.
By the way... I think I got my rash from Gary... my rash is upset with my support of his recent video. I still like the video and I suspect we'll learn of people joining us in Heaven after the Christmas Eve service in Canton.
12.16.2006
12.15.2006
Faith comes by hearing
The following is part brain-dump/part reminder/ part passionate plea.... take what you can...
Romans 10:17 has kicked my butt lately. That along with some contemplation, prayer and reading lately.
Today I spent some time in my local Starbucks. I've been doing the whole 'lifestyle witnessing' thing for a while now. I'm finding that's more and more a load of crap but I'll get back to that in a second.
I typically get to know people around me in 15 minutes or less. I'm pretty good with getting people to feel relaxed and spill the beans on their life. It's honestly been that way for a long time... I'm pretty chill with people and I guess they feel that they can trust me so after one or two questions I usually hear people's life story. A few weeks ago I found that one particular barista and I shared a commonality in that we both lived in Corpus Christi, TX at one point. She's from there and I lived there for a few years.
She's known I'm a Pastor... we've talked about our families. At this point we've even seen each other's kids. But up until today I haven't followed through on the invite after the investing.
I got to talking to her today and I said "So what was your church experience growing up?" This is a question I always ask when transitioning the conversation. I've never had a person offended by the question and the answer just about always leads to a conversation about faith. As long as people see that you're not overbearing they do not mind the conversation.
Well, we talked a little and a statement hit me... she said "I'm not Christian, I'm Catholic."
That hit me in the gut. I personally believe you can toss labels in the garbage and simply ask if people know Jesus as Lord and Savior. You can label yourself what ever "_ist" or "_ic" or "_al"... the question is about the name of Jesus.
We spoke about Christ and I then invited her to our Christmas Eve service. She said "I'd love to go to church more often but I have a 2 year old and a 5 year old... they can't sit still that long. I talked with her about our preschool and kids ministries and asked her to talk with her husband. She assured me that she will.
Here is my deal... I was knocked square across the forehead last night when I was reading. I read something by Oswald Chambers about the power of the Holy Spirit. He said that most have over glorified or over simplified the Holy Spirit. The paraphrase is that some use the HS as an excuse for disorder and emotionalism while others (like most in my camp) ignore His presence all together except for a fuzzy 'guide' without much depth. Chambers went on to say that there is enormous power in the Holy Spirit and he's been given to us TO PREACH THE GOSPEL.
The modern day pendulum has swong to the place now where the church has trained it's parishioners to just live good lives in front of people. I've been guilty at times of teaching this. Just go live like Jesus would want you to live... but I'm becoming convinced that that in and of itself is garbage.
Matthew 5:16
"In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven. "
I thought about this today... Our "light" isn't just doing good things. Our "light" is not simply being kind. I've been around a ton of people who are kind to people but when they walk out of the room they start gossiping about that very same person. Is that light? Is simply 'acting nice' spreading the light? I don't think so. We are to let 'our light' shine before men. The light is the light of Christ. I won't get into all of the verses here but this Sunday I'm speaking on that light and scripture is clear that the light is God the Father, Jesus Christ, even the word... they are all called 'the light'.
My light is Christ... the word of God... and God himself...all powered by the Holy Spirit.
Faith doesn't come from being nice to people in public. Yes I need to be kind and be a great example.... but it's more than that... faith comes by hearing and hearing from the word of God. I need to open my mouth more often and speak of that light. Our churches need to do that as well. I'm afraid we're training people to rely too much on the Sunday presentation and creating a generation of Christians who can't speak intelligently of the light that is within them.
This is an ongoing thought and I'm certain a lifelong challenge so take it for what it's worth. I was reminded tonight of how much further a person can come to knowing Christ by simply having a conversation about Him.
Romans 10:17 has kicked my butt lately. That along with some contemplation, prayer and reading lately.
Today I spent some time in my local Starbucks. I've been doing the whole 'lifestyle witnessing' thing for a while now. I'm finding that's more and more a load of crap but I'll get back to that in a second.
I typically get to know people around me in 15 minutes or less. I'm pretty good with getting people to feel relaxed and spill the beans on their life. It's honestly been that way for a long time... I'm pretty chill with people and I guess they feel that they can trust me so after one or two questions I usually hear people's life story. A few weeks ago I found that one particular barista and I shared a commonality in that we both lived in Corpus Christi, TX at one point. She's from there and I lived there for a few years.
She's known I'm a Pastor... we've talked about our families. At this point we've even seen each other's kids. But up until today I haven't followed through on the invite after the investing.
I got to talking to her today and I said "So what was your church experience growing up?" This is a question I always ask when transitioning the conversation. I've never had a person offended by the question and the answer just about always leads to a conversation about faith. As long as people see that you're not overbearing they do not mind the conversation.
Well, we talked a little and a statement hit me... she said "I'm not Christian, I'm Catholic."
That hit me in the gut. I personally believe you can toss labels in the garbage and simply ask if people know Jesus as Lord and Savior. You can label yourself what ever "_ist" or "_ic" or "_al"... the question is about the name of Jesus.
We spoke about Christ and I then invited her to our Christmas Eve service. She said "I'd love to go to church more often but I have a 2 year old and a 5 year old... they can't sit still that long. I talked with her about our preschool and kids ministries and asked her to talk with her husband. She assured me that she will.
Here is my deal... I was knocked square across the forehead last night when I was reading. I read something by Oswald Chambers about the power of the Holy Spirit. He said that most have over glorified or over simplified the Holy Spirit. The paraphrase is that some use the HS as an excuse for disorder and emotionalism while others (like most in my camp) ignore His presence all together except for a fuzzy 'guide' without much depth. Chambers went on to say that there is enormous power in the Holy Spirit and he's been given to us TO PREACH THE GOSPEL.
The modern day pendulum has swong to the place now where the church has trained it's parishioners to just live good lives in front of people. I've been guilty at times of teaching this. Just go live like Jesus would want you to live... but I'm becoming convinced that that in and of itself is garbage.
Matthew 5:16
"In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven. "
I thought about this today... Our "light" isn't just doing good things. Our "light" is not simply being kind. I've been around a ton of people who are kind to people but when they walk out of the room they start gossiping about that very same person. Is that light? Is simply 'acting nice' spreading the light? I don't think so. We are to let 'our light' shine before men. The light is the light of Christ. I won't get into all of the verses here but this Sunday I'm speaking on that light and scripture is clear that the light is God the Father, Jesus Christ, even the word... they are all called 'the light'.
My light is Christ... the word of God... and God himself...all powered by the Holy Spirit.
Faith doesn't come from being nice to people in public. Yes I need to be kind and be a great example.... but it's more than that... faith comes by hearing and hearing from the word of God. I need to open my mouth more often and speak of that light. Our churches need to do that as well. I'm afraid we're training people to rely too much on the Sunday presentation and creating a generation of Christians who can't speak intelligently of the light that is within them.
This is an ongoing thought and I'm certain a lifelong challenge so take it for what it's worth. I was reminded tonight of how much further a person can come to knowing Christ by simply having a conversation about Him.
12.13.2006
A-Maze-ing!
By now I'm sure you've heard the buzz about ChristmasEveInCanton.com and the hilarious viral video put out by the Ridge Stone team.I'm sitting here watching Fox News and winding down from a busy day of travel when I look up and see this video playing... a video I just watched last night for the first time... It's GARY LAMB on my television set! What in the world????
I yell for my wife who reminds me in not a subtle way that our baby is sleeping... I flip out... pointing at the TV... "That's Gary... I can't believe it... That's Gary's Church!!!"
Christmas Eve in Canton is going to be crazy. I'm so pumped for Gary and his team...
Congrats guys!
12.03.2006
O Christmas Tree
We started a new series today called O Christmas Tree. Our staging was sharp and things went pretty well. As I was speaking I had one of those days when you're not sure how everyone is receiving what you're saying (been there?) but at the end I had some very good feedback. It's funny how that works. We are starting the podcasts up again this week so you'll get to hear how it went first hand.
Have a great Sunday!
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