Time

Meanwhile, nearly a year later I return to the blogesphere. School, church, life all add up to something akin to burnout. I say "akin to" because it resembled burnout, though I continued through it. No credit goes to me for making it through, just Jesus.

The summer is smoothing out real nice like and I am excited about the approach of fall. Fall in the Gulf South means there is a slight humidity drop (from around 99% to 95%) and a decrease in temp by about 10 degrees. All numbers are made up on the spot, you have my word on it.

The big difference this seasonal change is that my son (Ryne) goes off to Ole Miss. I am a bit bittersweet about it, as I realize the savings on groceries week to week are actually being spent in a check to the school. I am not sure that I am ready for his departure. Ready or not...

The fall will get a big kick-off with our 3rd annual Warfare Weekend at church. We are expecting 35 - 40 people will join us for the labor day weekend for prayer and worship in the French Quarter. This will be the event that sets the tone for the rest of the year spiritually for us. I am looking forward to the time spent in prayer with family and friends.

Though a few sentences don't do for a condensing of the year it will be ok. School begins for me on the 26th of August, for my wife Wren the 14th, for Ryne the 25th, and for Kit (#2 son) three weeks ago now. Yes, busy but I've been thinking about organizing my life...yeah right.

Thanks for crawling around inside my head for awhile.

Why NOLA?

Of all the places in the world to: Live, Work, Enjoy Life.

I was reminded of why New Orleans rules today. Sitting in a classroom (as the old guy) the instructor was going over the term, and what to expect from the class. She said it without realizing she was giving away our secret. Today was the first class, in two weeks we are out for Thanksgiving, three weeks after that Christmas. This is only a ten week course. New Years follows Christmas, then Mardi Gras! This is the earliest in a long time (February 5th), and that means parades will roll mid-January. I'll earn those 3 hours the hard way... on a break!

I won't say that ministry in NOLA is ever easy. As a matter of fact it is difficult ground to cultivate. Relationships are hard-won and that makes them meaningful. The air of celebration makes connecting "where people are" the greatest joy in ministry here. While we are uncomfortable at these gates, God gives us comfort in Him. Costly? I could tell you things that would make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Peoples lives don't function around our convenience either. It seems life happens at inopportune moments sometimes. Here is the deal about NOLA: When it is all said and done, these are the people who will applaud a parade. They'll even start their own (2nd Line), and invite you to join them. This gumbo of people makes the pot warm and satisfying. For us it means; No one gets left behind, or forgotten.

Never easy, never comfortable, always inconvenient . Sort of an echo of real life don't you think? What I know is this; God will never leave me no matter what. In that I can rest, and get on with this crazy life in the Big Easy (whoever came up with that name was not a pastor here).

Thanks for crawling around inside my head for awhile.

Hello!, is there anybody out there?

I was having a conversation with a newly identified brother in Christ today, when the subject of words came up. Hard to imagine a conversation without them. Knowing that our words are creative (hey, we are the image of our Father), I wondered later about words.


Words in anger (you know, the ones you wish would never have been spoken).
Words in distress (like, a rash vow. Just listen to Meatloaf 's, "Paradise by the Dashboard Lights")
Words in jest (they can be like swords in the heart)
Words in love (touch you like no others)
Words of correction (can sting, but when you are open to them will heal also)


Proverbs 25:11 describes words (right place, right time words) as being as beautiful and fitting as a "custom made piece of jewelry." (The Message)


Words are always around. Just try not to respond if you hear a stranger say, "Look at that.", or "Hey, what are you doing?" (lame examples but to emphasize the point that we are listening all the time even if it is an A-B conversation and we're just passing by). Even if we say, "Sorry, I wasn't listening." We were hearing the words, but not their meaning.


Words are creative (think God, big 6 day creationfest... there had to be those carnival type foods at creationfest, sausage w/peppers & onions, funnel cakes, cotton candy), words don't stop creating (think God again, big 6 day creationfest <><>

Speak: The Truth in love
The Praises of our King
The Hope of Christ to yourself (everyday)
The Word that gives Life

Thanks for crawling around inside my head.

The Saints are Coming...

I keep trying to blog about the New Orleans Saints. Frustration with them is too high to be objective. Although, fans are given a pass on objectivity; I still try to appear that way.


I have been hearing a good bit about all the Christians who have, and are helping New Orleans rebuild. As a group, I don't think anyone can match the numbers. While some have had questionable motives (trying to be objective), most have been exemplary. I can't count the numbers who have come through our church. I can say that the people I have met have been wonderful. I don't doubt some only wanted to see the destruction, or get a thrill out of being here.


I don't recommend experiencing a devastating disaster to see who shows up. While some may argue that their group was on the scene first; or they brought the most supplies. For my part though, give me the Saints anyday, anytime, any need.


Thanks for crawling around inside my head for awhile.

Seasons

Then God said, "Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day and the night. Let them mark off the seasons, days, and years."

These words in Genesis 1:14 are echoing in my heart today. Marking and knowing the seasons is a big deal. Sometimes the seasonal change isn't all that obvious. As Autumn takes over (highs in the low 90's), spiritual changes are occurring as well.

Knowing the changes makes for an easier transition. Like walking outside on that first cool morning (for us some time around... mid December), you can tell the difference in temperature. That is when you dig through the closet and drag out that jacket you never liked. It always seems to be in the closet, daring you not to wear it. Season changes bring taunts from my wardrobe. That, of course, is my personal issue. Easy transition comes from continual preparation.

How do you train yourself to be continually prepared? Prayer, prayer, and finally... prayer. I have prayed more in the past 4 years than ever before. The difference for me has been in the increased understanding of seasonal changes (spiritually). It does not mean that I get it every time there is a change. I am optimistic that the percentage of "getting it" will continue to increase.

I am now in a seasonal change (spiritually). Two weeks ago I was reeling from the initial confrontation with the change. Today I feel confident that the changes are God's hand at work in me. That is refreshing (like a cool, crisp fall morning).

Thanks for crawling around inside my head.

Connections

I don't ever think things are really random. It goes against my, "God is in control." thing. I have been stressing for a couple of weeks over our roof leak problem at the church. I used to enjoy a fix er' up challenge, until Wren (my wife) told me I was not too handy. It obviously wounded my psyche, because my skills have diminished to the point of being non-existent.

To the point:
The roof leak not only affected us, it caused problems for our new neighbors. They have been kind and understanding about the situation. Last Friday understanding turned to, "Get the roof fixed now." Saturday was the day a repairman was scheduled to come. See, lots of stress. Long story short (as if); the roof leak has been repaired (I hope), and everybody is happy.

Our neighbor came by on Sunday to get a look at the repairs. As we talked on the sidewalk a passerby heard our conversation and invited himself into it. After attempts to understand each other it became clear the passerby really only wanted to be heard. His name is Mike (San Fransisco), a former teacher, and current New Orleans re -builder. His philosophy on life in general seemed to be "glass half empty." Vaughn (neighbor) launched into a brilliant defense of personal responsibility, living in community, and the good ol' U.S.A.

Our conversation prior to meeting Mike was on the difficulties of living and working in a community that values self-expression over personal responsibility. To my surprise Mike professed a belief in God (Quaker), but felt as if God were the impossible to please boss. Vaughn expressed his religious ideology (Buddhist), and the fun began!

I stood on the sidelines for much of the exchange but when asked, offered the Word as answer. We got some strange looks from people walking down the sidewalk. Vaughn uses "colorful metaphores" when expressing his points. I openly blushed several times... no, just kidding. Seeds were sown all the way around. I pray that seeds I feel that were sown in me (seeing anothers point of view, understanding, compassion) will flourish. I pray that the Word that was sown in Mike and Vaughn will take root and grow.

All of this in spite of the stress was worth the exchange!

Thanks for crawling around inside my head for a while.

Doing the Vieux

Blogging. Even the name is questionable. Too close to "blah", far to reminiscent of "blob".

Well, here goes:
I feel like Andy Rooney (though much younger). For those of you who are uninformed, Rooney was a commentator on "60 Minutes". I of course have always attended Sunday night worship and only know of Mr. Rooney by reputation. I also have this thing about never getting to watch, "The Wonderful World of Disney". Filling space here sorry.

I shared with someone earlier today that my inner-workings are really not that interesting. Another friend said that it is best to not even think of me as having "inner-workings".

I know this about myself; I will avoid conflict until there is no other option. It has not always served me well. It drives Wren crazy. What may seem like a gift of diplomacy is really nothing more than just avoiding a confrontation. I suppose it is no real secret (just my own delusion).

I won't use this space to make some lame promise to "do better". I won't declare an end to avoidance. I will hear from those around me now. Being accountable can be a pain.

No, this is not an invitation to confront me on this issue. Remember; I will avoid conflict. I don't want to swing to the other side and be a jerk either. Where is the happy medium? See, I told you my inner-workings weren't that interesting.

I know that avoidance can be (and has been) costly in our ministry in New Orleans. No mulligans in ministry though. You would think that in light of the warfare we engage in daily, that I would rush into the fray. Not when it comes to people. I would rather hope, and believe the best in someone, even though discerning people may say otherwise.

Thanks for crawling around in my head for a while.