Here’s some links:

http://www.amazon.com/Shai-Linne/e/B001LHI0V2

http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/shai-linne/id166107762

http://lyricaltheology.blogspot.com/

http://www.myspace.com/shailinne

http://twitter.com/#!/shailinne

http://www.lampmode.com/artists/shai-linne/

I am proud to call Shai Linne “brother”, and my primary hope through someone reading this is that you will decide to buy his incredible album(s). After doing a quick search for an image of this impressive dude, I’m pleased to place a face with a name for the first time. Something about his appearance makes me glad I investigated. His face shines with the same energy that blasts through his lyrics. Yup, he’s surely authentic! So on with my stream of consciousness rambling already…

I hesitate to post a review of Shai Linne’s latest album release, “The Attributes of God”, for no reason other than the sense that my description will be very inadequate. I will attempt to use my words to express how my heart and mind feel about this album. After the messy cloud of letters spills onto the screen I will have said basically nothing. If anyone comes across this and reads a bit, the shortest way of expressing what I want to say is, “Buy the album”.

No joke. Everything I can possibly write will sound childish, as if I’m regurgitating what has already been said. I can’t form sentences that describe the depth of how I feel after having listened through the tracks several times today. Just know that if you purchase “The Attributes of God” by Shai Linne, the spiritual rewards available for you to reap are so plentiful that you might actually feel guilty for trying to find the cheapest format, be it CD or MP3 download. It is a masterpiece of epic proportion.

My good friend Dave lent his early purchase copy of “The Attributes of God” a couple days ago. He knew I would probably like it because the first time he let me borrow “The Atonement” by Shai Linne, and I immediately bought my own copy and raved about it for a long time. Though others might disagree (I can’t really see how this is possible, but we are all unique), I would argue this newest album easily eclipses the other.

Yes, as in Shai Linne’s “The Atonement”, “The Attributes of God” has an immediately recognizable Reformist Theology tinge or persuasion. I don’t wish to make it sound I am against this movement, because I really am not. I won’t necessarily outline if I agree with all the movement’s theological points because I think that is horribly unimportant.

I can say, however, that I have had a run in with a pretty large number of Reformist Theology ruffians through social networking. That exposure left a horribly bad taste in my mouth because the majority of these people exert what appears to me to be a desire to exert or prove oneself pridefully through off-putting pragmatism, rather than what might be called the “sweet and irresistible aroma” of what in my opinion is a sure evidence of the presence of the Spirit in Word and resulting action.

Sometimes these same well-meaning fellows (they are almost invariably men, often young) speak with such passion in their dogma that even the Scripture they claim to hold in high regard is tainted and profaned through these brothers’ use of raised tempers, words of hate, elitism, and even curses (yes, I’ve witnessed such ). It makes me sad to see something so beautiful corrupted in application. I don’t understand how a high reverence for Truth could result in such a antithetical and prideful attitude. It is because of this pungent, flaming cloud surrounding many of Reformist Theology’s peon followers (the leaders tend to be more gracious from my observation), that I myself cannot with clear conscience blindly follow or jump on the bandwagon. Anything sourced in the Truth should also have visible manifestations of character that are in line with the very Truths, for example the fruit of the Spirit, humility, grace, and other Biblical virtues.

I do not deny the truth found in many of Reformist Theologians’ statements and what they think to be unique or enlightening angles. The very same are even valuable for faith, practice, assurance and discipleship – if employed properly. I highly respect the expressions and ideas that come straight from the Bible, but not those that are “mere” Calvinism, Reformist Theology, or any other named thing that seeks to claim equality or supremacy over the Word itself, or rather Himself. Such exaltation of men’s words is nothing short of idolatry. I don’t speak this way because I wish to exalt myself above these brothers. It is more a loving correction that I hope can be taken well. I cherish the faithfulness these brothers have to preservation of doctrinal truth. I just wish it could be done across the board in a more loving, and pardon the cliche, Christ-like manner (not that His holy Name can ever truly be cliche).

I realize this is a horrible tangent from the album review, but that’s how I write, and I feel it’s important background information for what I’m about to say. No one reads my blog anyway, so it doesn’t really matter how disjointed my writing is.

Back to Shai Linne. “The Atonement” had a very, very trace scent in my nose of that whole elitist, look at my revelation bent. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think Shai Linne ever crossed the line that I spoke of above. In fact, I think he was incredibly judicious and wise in the way he applied his theology and wrote his songs. Amazing, in fact. But that earlier album did have a bit more of that whole Reformist aura (but in a generally good way, by my entirely subjective assessment).

“The Atonement” might have got a little sidetracked in its mission (to present Christ and His work as awesome as well as irresistible), but only a little. “The Attributes of God” didn’t do this at all. In fact, this second album is an absolute masterpiece. I’ve rarely encountered something more beautiful. I’m not exaggerating. This is my honest opinion, nothing held back.

Every aspect of “The Attributes of God” makes theology transparent, which in my opinion is genius. Theology is clinical and stale in its modern form. It’s just fancy words really. It’s stuff to stimulate the mind and make a person want to impress others with “higher understanding”. Not inherently bad, but shouldn’t be the goal. “The Attributes of God” offers some of the highest and purest theology I’ve ever seen. Just as true religion is not a list of does and don’ts, but rather faith, righteousness and charity in action… so too is theology not merely knowing OF God, but knowing the taste of His love and presence.

“The Attributes of God”, in every carefully crafted word, transported my heart and mind into the presence and love of God and His Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit present in the work. No, this album is not to be glorified as canon next to Scripture… but it cannot be denied that God was present in helping Shai Linne and his friends craft it. It’s too wonderful a work of art to be entirely of human conception. Shai Linne is careful to both take credit if it fails and give glory to God if it succeeds. And let me tell you, friends, it brings GLORY to God. Woah!

It’s kind of interesting. After listening to the whole thing several times I started making a mental list of things it does magnificently. Basically, you could say that I “reverse engineered” the mission statement of the album instinctively, without effort in doing so. I’ve never tried to do such a thing, it simply happened. All I was doing was describing to myself and thanking the Spirit directly how the songs blessed me.

Without going into great detail, this album ushered me into a higher love of God through a remembrance of all the core, powerful truths of His message and being. From the very first utterance I was literally in tears and almost transported to a different plain of reality. I’m not getting mystical, cuz that’s not how I roll. I’m just saying that the truths were so powerfully and concisely stated in the songs that I was completely blasted, losing sight of ordinary and mundane things. Kinda like the old song, “and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of Your glory and grace” (one of my favorites, by the way, especially he Newsboys version).

I could go on and on about this, but the most interesting thing is that I’ve never seen anything meet its goals so well. I only know this because after making a mental list of the things this album “did to me”, I went back and read the CD insert. The first page is Shai’s statement about what he was trying to do. I was astounded that my mental list was nearly identical to his list of goals. I almost wish I would have written them down before I read his statement, because the resemblance was uncanny. Well done, man. I’m truly shocked at how you’ve been used in this production – as well as all others involved. The Spirit is present in your work.

A couple specifics:

Undoubtedly, my favorite song is the first track, “Perfection of Beauty”. It’s not even a song, really. I’d call it more of a poem, or perhaps prose. It is the most masterfully written and performed thing I’ve perhaps ever heard. I’ve listened to it several times, and each time from word one I’m transported into an emotional wreck I cannot describe. By wreck I mean crushed, convicted, and yet full of hope, joy and light. It’s something I’ve only experienced before when in close communion with the Spirit. It’s something I cannot reproduce by effort. He simply allows Himself to be encountered in unexpected ways, and this was one of those great times. I have a LOT to say about this first song, but I can’t bear to hear how many are my own words. I hope people will just listen to it and be graced in a similar way – or in a different but just as beautiful way to your own unique soul. Those that know me closely will probably understand why this song affects me so. Probably a different song, or “attribute of God” will speak strongly to you, because we are all so uniquely made. I’m happy and thankful for that! If you listen to the CD, I’d be very interested in hearing which song strikes you most and why. I love to learn from other’s personal impressions, experiences and insights.

What first struck me about the “Perfection of Beauty” track was the intonation of the words and phrases so beautifully uttered. What a stunning voice! Ironically, though this is a Shai Linne album, my favorite song is written and performed by Shai’s wife, Blair. There’s something magical about the way she communicates this concept of beauty. It is also somehow way more fitting to hear these words from a woman. It becomes more real and powerful. Yes, men could have similar thoughts I suppose. But women, who often struggle with attacks at their image, are SO in need to hear this song… and to hear it spoken by a woman breaks my heart and heals it at the exact same moment. Tears fill my eyes again just thinking about it. This song might very well be the closest thing I’ll ever witness to “beauty, personified”, except that moment when we actually see Jesus Himself. This song restores what is broken, as do all the songs. We have our misguided thoughts about God and His ways, and these songs remind us of those basic truths we all state… but forget to actually believe and act upon. Oh hope, that we can actually be impacted again by things that have become too common in our religious vocabulary. Experience them again fresh in this astounding album!

The other thing about this song that is kinda weird to say is that I hear the voice of a mother. I’m not going to exude much from that odd statement other than this: The voice I hear sounds like a mother who would love you and correct you in love, no matter what bad and difficult things happen to you as a child. Like the voice of someone you can admire, someone you can aspire to be like when you grow up. This is not necessarily detected in the words of the song (though perhaps that too), because that’s not so much the subject matter. It’s more the voice itself. The intonation, influx, passion and character of the syllables somehow communicate the care, compassion and nurturing spirit of not only a Spirit-filled woman of beauty, but the same who is or should be a mother. Curious by this unprecedented impression, I looked at Shai’s opening statement to find that he and Blair are newlyweds. Congratulations! (not that they’ll likely read this) I assume no kids yet. But let me tell you, I hope this impression is some sort of discernment delivery system… and if so, I’ll bet the couple will have a beautiful family – and that Blair will be an exemplary mother. I will pray to this effect, a blessing of sorts on this new family.

After that favorite track, I can’t necessarily say which is my second favorite. Each of them has “hit me” really hard/gently (like t’ai chi… grounded and powerful, yet simultaneously flowing and graceful). Sometimes I’ll notice something different that absolutely crushes and builds me, and next time through a different song will do it. Probably the most consistent for me is track 7, “Lord of Patience”. I am absolutely struck by this song, dumbfounded even. I don’t even know what to say. There are countless lines that are masterfully crafted and heart blasting. One of those lines is, ”

Ironically, there a couple “reactive” moments that are among the most strong lyrics. For example, some of the casual echoing “yes”s and “yeah”s are abnormally powerful (normally they can be obnoxiously overused to me… like Kirk Franklin’s “primary role” in many of his songs… sorry, Kirk! Brother!). Because the whole time you can’t help but say the same agreeing statements… or perhaps just “wow”. I’m a timid and quiet person, but I want to dance, shout and jump because it’s so ridiculous! “We truly need Your Holy Spirit!” “So patient, Lord!” “Why?!” “Help us!”(examples of echoes that strike me, wow! Um, power?). Another of those similar surprising moments is when a guy (Shai? not sure) starts laughing goofily. Normally it would seem out of place, but it is clearly just an authentic, inevitable reaction to the truths eloquently and worshipfully expressed… and the laugh is infectious! I smile, even laugh in joy when I hear it. Awesome.

Now some about the art form of choice. Hip hop. I don’t know CRAP about any music, much less hip hop. Seriously. I’m the least trendy, least hip and least educated person on earth when it comes to music (and fashion, and whatever else). I listen primarily to pretty old stuff. So it surprises me to be so struck by this form. Not that hip hop shouldn’t be respected. Much the opposite. In fact, from cursory observation I’d argue it is one of the highest literary art forms known to man. If you think differently, I think you can be convinced otherwise, especially if you listen to people like Shai Linne.

Seriously, the rhythms, meter, rhymes, word pictures, advanced structures potentially utilized in hip hop? I’m not even joking or exaggerating when I say these are considerably more advanced than most poetry, prose, song-writing, literature, whatever written form, whatever age of human history. Basically think of an advanced drum solo. All those hits perfectly timed. Replace each of those detailed taps with syllables and sentences that flow and have deep meaning? I studied basic English in school like everyone else. Boring “famous” poetry, even Shakespeare with his advanced structures… I wouldn’t put hip hop below any of that. None of those fogies could scratch the surface of what is done by wordsmiths like a few select hip hop artists.

I’ve done a fair amount of writing myself. It’s all crap compared to most, but I’ve written poetry and other junk. It takes a lot of skill to keep a consistent beat, rhyme and other mechanics. Most of the time you find yourself having to throw in some dumb phrase or word just to keep it going, and you feel like you just graduated from preschool when you read it back to yourself… and you slam your face against the wall in shame until you shred the piece of paper or burn it so no one finds the evidence. The thing about Shai’s hip hop mastery… it reads straight through like flawless sentences, but not just regular ones. No, each line is stunning. Many are straight Scriptures or adaptions of the same truths. It’s nuts to be able to combine all those elements. It’s an astounding talent that should be revered. But of course to God be the glory!

I can’t say how many times I heard a line in these tracks and said, “WOW!” or “I can’t believe I just heard that!” or simply dropped my jaw helplessly. Such is the art form of well executed hip hop poetry. It really should be revered not downplayed.

Unfortunately hip hop has a bad rap (pun intended), and rightfully so. Even Shai or other Christian meter masters would admit their secular counterparts construct some pretty filthy and violent lines. The majority of this style of music attracts musicians who sing about sex, violence, cursing every other word. It’s offensive. I can’t even bear to listen to 15 seconds of it in fact. But when the skills are redeemed by those with higher skills AND Spirit power… you get something amazing. A true art form. I think even an old person could analyze the literary quality and agree fully… even start grooving to it like lame ole me!

I actually scanned the pages of the CD insert, traced them to vector, and printed them really small on my laser printer… to fit in my journal. I want to write more about it, but not bore you all with it. But it would be very profitable to reflect more on this stuff. It’s amazing. I also like to record life-altering writings like this so I can look back later and remember when/why I started growing and learning… and re-experience some of it when I later get rigid, cold and forgetful of spiritual things. It inevitably happens I hate the human nature of flesh. I cannot make myself care or respond sometimes, no matter how much my spirit wants to break free to love the Lord of Hosts and give all my energies toward His call.

K, it’s getting late, and my writing is getting even worse… if that is even possible. I’m massively tired. I wanted to write a TON of other stuff, but my mind is barely grasping consciousness.

One of the other things I wanted to mention… now in sloppy note form… is that this album is one of the most concise presentations of the Gospel and general overview of the Word I’ve ever seen. It’s not “better” than Scripture by any means. But it takes a lot of the most powerful meat and condenses it in poetry form. Wow. It might even help me figure out how to share the things I have literally hidden in my heart and can never recall with nervous, stuttering lips, when I want to share the love I know with others… to my shame. Hopefully this can give me one step in the right direction… all because of the faithfulness of a highly respected brother in Christ.

contacts fusing to eyes… zzzzz….

Microsoft IE version 6 is literally famous for being the worst browser ever made. Every designer has to make a pivotal decision in their work: “Will I support IE6 or not?” Every single designer knows about this issue. Getting into the list of CSS bugs is pointless because there are whole sites devoted to this laborious topic and have been for well over a decade. The whole web community has been gnashing their teeth against IE since version 4, and nothing has changed in later versions.

I bet most non web designers don’t know all of what it takes to design a page. It should be easy. HTML? CSS? Jquery? PHP? Whatever else technology with a standard, recommendation or language? Fairly cut and dry. Most of a designer’s job is to make an ordinarily simple page work in IE, writing all sorts of convoluted code to accommodate it. Seriously. No exaggeration. This is actually true, and it’s ANNOYING! Sometimes it can be fun to challenge oneself to write cryptic junk to work in IE… but it gets old when you want to make something look cool or use a nice feature that’s been in web technologies for many years that IE can’t do.

There is thankfully a movement out there where people are FINALLY throwing in the towel, giving up supporting IE fully in their designs. They’ll display a message like, “You need to update your browser” when IE is detected. In order for designers to visualize their stylistic and functional dreams, this is necessary. And it’s about time. Unfortunately Microsoft is also notoriously the worst and last to implement an auto-updating browser. Which means that those who have ancient browsers will not get updated automatically (or at least notified of an update) in the background like all the others.

Because IE is built into Windows, most people simply use it. Some people don’t even know there are alternatives out there, like Firefox, Chrome, Opera, and the like. You name a browser, and I can pretty much guarantee that it’s better than IE.

K, old news, I know. And what I’m about to add to it is old too… but I didn’t really read up on it until now.

Outlook, yet another Microsoft invention relating to web technology (an email client, duh!), is also GARBAGE when it comes to displaying rich content like HTML. A few years ago I started noticing that when I sent an HTML email out, and someone forwarded it back to me with a response… it looked like crap. I know the standard thing that when you forward a rich email, it adds a bunch of junk lines and spaces and loses some features and images. That’s kinda what I thought was happening until I started using Outlook as my primary client at work.

The HTML emails look like junk as received initially, even though much care is taken to use old table design and minimal basic CSS (unfortunately this is necessary for MOST email clients).

Guess what? Outlook 2007 and later versions SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASED (not increased, as you would think) their CSS support from their own previous versions of Outlook (which were already the worst among others in their support). This is documented fact that Outlook 2007 has far worse CSS support than version 2003 and all other previous versions. Version 2010 has the exact same sickness.

Here are some shocking links that tell of how bad the situation is in Microsoft Outlook:

http://www.webpronews.com/kiss-your-css-goodbye-with-outlook-2007-01

http://www.campaignmonitor.com/css/

Sigh… the web technology team at Microsoft needs to give up the ghost and let the world progress on its own. They are holding everyone back.

By the way, if you didn’t figure it out already, ban using Microsoft Internet Explorer and download a free alternative, like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Safari, anything. They are all FREE, better, faster, more secure, and web pages will simply look better and function properly on them (except for the occasional badly designed page that uses Microsoft proprietary features – which is NEVER beneficial or necessary).

My ever present vice didn’t abandon me last night: I didn’t embrace responsibility and sleep at a reasonable time. I stayed up very late watching movies. Unfortunately this weekend pattern means I often miss my weekly church gathering. Morning services present a difficult adjustment for me. I love my new church community, but weekends are my time to relax and catch up on sleep too (I take “day of rest” quite literally ). I’ve never been a morning person. It takes my brain a few hours to function at normal capacity. Without divine intervention I’m not spiritually sensitive in the mornings. My deepest and most transformational thoughts and actions typically take place beyond noon or late at night. I admit I’m a grumpy zombie in the mornings!

I missed the chance to connect with my Colossae family this morning. My only consolation was wonderful sleep! I woke up not wishing to miss out on fellowship entirely and looked forward to meet new friends at Iglesia El Buen Pastor. Their service time of 5:30 gives me the glorious ability prepare mentally and spiritually. I arrived over an hour early and watched the musical praise team practice and joined in their prayer time. The skill level of the musicians during practice struck me. They have so much energy, skill, and ethnic flavor!

I discern already that Pastor Rubén Castro is a man of prayer, a strength I highly respect. He welcomed me as soon as he saw me sitting in the back. I was welcomed by many others as well. Pastor Rubén graciously introduced me during the service and told the story of my desire to learn Spanish and imminent visit to Peru. There were a number of first time visitors, and we all got a cool gift. I am humbled by their warm welcome and felt accepted as part of the family. Any fears I had are gone, and I look forward to pursuing this relationship unhindered. I can’t wait to see my Spanish speaking brothers and sisters again next week. If you are looking for a Spanish speaking church family to visit in Beaverton, I highly recommend Iglesia El Buen Pastor.

“You can’t help but dance because it’s so festive!”

I loved singing in Spanish. There’s something special about worship music in Central and South American countries. The style and tempo are addictive, and the people generally sing with more energy and passion. I have difficulty with self-awareness regarding expressive worship when I look around and see no one moving or appearing passionate. I don’t want to stand out. It’s so much easier to be free and less self-conscious when others set a precedent of freedom and expression.

Ironically I am less distracted and more focused when singing and hearing prayers in other languages than in English. Isn’t that weird?! Even though I don’t understand all that’s being said, I feel more connected with the Spirit of the words. I was powerfully moved by every aspect of the gathering today.

My understanding of Spanish is very limited. I probably understand a quarter of spoken words at full speed from speakers on the stage, which isn’t always enough to derive the meaning of whole sentences. I wanted to share basic conversations in Spanish with those around me, but failed miserably today. I understood maybe half or two-thirds of what people said to me (I don’t feel too bad, since I’ve never studied Spanish). I couldn’t summon responses quickly and was glad that many people knew English. Otherwise my awkward silence and stumbling wasn’t stifling. I refuse to get too comfortable and will focus on learning some conversational phrases.

Several people offered me their translation service via an audio device – a very welcoming and progressive service. I politely declined because I want to wrestle with Spanish. It would be hard to pull words out of the Spanish while my ears are drowned out with English. Even the translator admitted this processing is difficult, and he’s perfectly fluent! It’s better to sacrifice what I might receive from the message for a time until I am proficient in listening and thinking in Spanish. Hopefully I’ll be able to quickly learn some conversational phrases so I don’t rely too much on the proficiency of people’s English. I’m not looking for accommodation!

Portuguese responses kept coming to mind today. At least twice I caught myself saying, “Obrigado” instead of “Muchas Gracias” and mixed up “Mucho Gusto” with “Muchas Gracias”. Ha, ridiculously bad! I’m pretty sure I can’t learn and retain multiple languages. When I learn a third language, the second quickly fades away. Sometimes even my English seems to fade, as if my brain’s database has a limited number of records!

I remember almost zero French from high school. When I tried to recall the French, I spoke it using Portuguese pronunciation rules. The same will probably happen as I learn Spanish. I predict my Portuguese knowledge will soon be a distant memory. I envy people with enhanced or natural ability to learn multiple languages. I enjoy connecting with other cultures, but I have no special linguistic ability.

I translated this blog post into Spanish just for practice. I could have pasted the whole thing into Google Translate, but then I’d learn nothing. I welcome your corrections to my poor translation. My original English text is included in case my Spanish is so bad that you can’t tell what I’m trying to say! I primarily employ a word-for-word translation using a dictionary and verb conjugation book. I don’t know enough Spanish to replace whole phrases with more communicative thought-for-thought equivalents.

I feel this is something bigger than just right now. This discovery might be something God develops in my heart and skill set over a lifetime starting now (well actually, it’s been going on inside me for several years, building up). I might not see huge fruit for several months or even years.

I see HUGE HUGE, HUGE, HUGE separation between ethnic groups and seemingly no desire to cross the lines and walls. Well, I for one can’t settle for that! I see it as a shame, and it’s not entirely “white man’s” fault. People of every nationality and background naturally congregate toward other like people. It doesn’t mean we hate each other, but it does mean we prefer comfort and ease over growth and diversity. I’m tired of that! No more for me!

For those that don’t want to grow in unity, I don’t judge them. It’s not everyone’s calling to pursue cross-cultural ministry. People can serve and follow Christ just as well where they are, amongst like people, and they are not disobedient or less Christ-like. However, having received (not generated) these thoughts and deep passions, I feel I would be disobedient to ignore or qualm them, or even to accept fear – from others or myself – as defeat.

This might mean that nothing happens over the next year when I hope to move in with some people. I can see it would take a very special type of person to consider this option. It might take several years of trust building before such a simple thing is possible or “culturally acceptable”. I won’t easily forget the idea though. Who knows, it might become part of the Spirit’s movement to reconcile His diverse Body back into one.

Shall we sit across the room from the “Gentiles” at separate tables because our influential friends are looking? Far be it from us! Even the apostle Peter was rebuked openly for doing this! I’m not even a Jew, so if there was excuse for distinction (which there is NOT), I have none. I’m a Gentile along with every other, and even that eons old wall of hostility is demolished in Christ!

It’s super easy for me to find a roommate from my own culture – I just ask around at church, at work, or even go on Craigslist and find a thousand friendly and willing strangers. Not one person would think I was freaky, creepy or imposing for seeking shared housing. It’s not a new or shocking idea. Just last night I scrolled through hundreds upon hundreds of craigslist ads written by people seeking roommates to save money. But for some odd (and annoying) reason – and this irks me – the idea of rooming with people from another culture is questioned and frowned upon as if some weird and dark motives are surely involved? WHAT?! Why can’t it be natural and even quite desirable? I surely desire it. It sounds like an awesome adventure, and not even that big of a deal! I really thought the goal was to overcome segregation, not question any movement that challenges it! And this coming from conservative white boy extreme! OK, I’m calm: don’t worry. Deep breath. But I admit frustration that this should be difficult. It seems basic to me.

I want to be a vessel to deconstruct some of this stone cold wall that separates us. Whether with my Hispanic brothers and sisters or some other culture (or my “own” – though I don’t like the distinction), I hope to be a catalyst for the opening of eyes, the softening of hearts. My heart has been broken a hundred times, and I assume a hundred more. My eyes have been partially opened as Saul to Paul, and more so every day that I submit my pride to the caring (yet stern) hands of my heavenly Father and His living and abiding Spirit in me. Stubbornness and selfishness are my only horrid bedfellows to make me stumble on the path. I’ve nothing but grown and learned through every painful step, and boy has this fragile heart seen pain! I consider it an honor and privilege if I inspire another person to consider some of the same. Many around me are already doing crazy stuff that cuts my heart to the quick, challenging me to consider deeper trust and faith in Christ. I say thank you!

Following Christ wasn’t meant to be easy. In fact we are promised the opposite repeatedly in Scripture. The only promise I’m aware of that resembles ease, comfort or “prosperity” comes through obeying and following Jesus. And trust me, He goes some places we wouldn’t dare go! This call to obedience, with it’s associated eternal and immediate blessings, often means patience through difficult, faith-building circumstances, and this life long, and sometimes blind! Even the hall of faith members in the book of Hebrews faced much trouble and never saw the promises stored up for fulfillment long after their deaths, promises for us. Should we expect “better” before we listen and follow? Must all the stars align to be our stepping stones?

Persecution, challenges and martyrdom are not goals to seek out as if virtuous. Nevertheless, if obedience and following Christ are accompanied with pain and difficulty (I believe such a coupling is an eternal promise and principle), we must throw off both sin and comfort that might hinder – as short or long as we are granted breath! I’ve done precious little to baby step myself along this path, but I’m not about to stop inching along, hopefully a giant stride or two here and there!

On an encouraging note, I talked to a pastor of a local Hispanic congregation over the phone today. While my housing proposition probably came across like a freak show, at least I made enough of an introduction to receive an invitation to join them for their Sunday service. Sweet! I can’t wait. I’ve been dreaming of this for a couple years and have been lazy to pursue it. Fortunately the service time allows me to both continue attending with my new Colossae family and to also thrive in an evening environment, connecting with some estranged family members with slightly different hair, skin, accent and traditions. Yeah! Let’s do it!

Lord, help me to learn Spanish expediently. It’s about time I put some serious effort into it, but even that is a loss without Your special aid. You know my rusty brain inside and out. Attune it to absorb and learn for the glory of Christ and the unity of Your people.

My lease is up in about 5 weeks, and I’m planning something unique. I want to learn Spanish, particularly so I can speak to people in Peru if and when I visit my sister’s family there.

I want to rent a room from a Hispanic family near my work. I will contact at least one Spanish speaking church in the area to develop a relationship and to begin my search for housemates hopefully with their help.

I believe God is the creative One who gave me this idea, so I assume He will provide according to His plan. I would never think of such a cool idea by myself! It’s like an immersion exchange program in another country, but right in this neighborhood! I can’t wait! (though there will be challenges – I need those!) I need to find some very patient people. It’s kind of a weird thing to ask of total strangers. It is cool being part of the Church… I know there are brothers and sisters in every tribe and tongue, and I have every desire to treat them the same as those who share my name, blood and language. Hopefully I can find someone to welcome this weirdo American dude.

This is beyond my ability to accomplish. I have ideas on where to look, but only God can arrange it well. Please pray for me.

However, this topic should be shared, as it has been on my heart for quite a while. I finally got the gusto to write it down in response to a question on Facebook. Some of my close family and friends don’t really connect with me on Facebook, so I wanted to repost it here, so they can remain informed. For those who already read it elsewhere, it’s nothing new here. Just cut & paste.

I might not post again for a long while after this. Or maybe it will be tomorrow. Who knows. I do know that I am seriously considering a computer fast, and that might mean no “online presence/voice” for a while.

We are in a time of transition. The elders have wisely chosen a very creative path, one I believe even to be Spirit-led. I’ve seen great fruit already. They designed a “Walkabout”, which is for us a series of church visits. We go to a different church together as a group each Sunday. We meet afterward together as a group to fellowship and discuss all that we experience from many different angles. Then, one of our elders interviews a leader of the church to get more specific questions answered.

The foreseen outcome of this Walkabout is that we will choose together to do one of three things (though more options have already surfaced): 1) Together join/merge with one of the churches we visit whom we assess VERY thoughtfully to be a good fit for our spiritual gifts and passions, 2) go our separate ways, after each is given just and caring attention to find a place where they fit into a body, or 3) we all get reinvigorated after seeing all that we see through the process and start something entirely new.

This movement has been amazing so far. I consider it to be revolutionary and undoubtedly a wise course of action. I have no doubt in my mind at all that great and amazing things will come of it. The body of Ethnos already has been a powerful vehicle for movements of the Spirit that none of us who have bound together can dare deny. We know that God will use us, wherever we go, because He has done something very unique within us while we have remained together in community. The extension or outpouring of this is going to be exciting. And to see what the larger Body of Christ is doing in diversity of gifts and strengths has been an amazing sight to see, for sure. We are by NO MEANS “church shopping/hopping”. That is something we all pretty much despise, and our elders have always encouraged intentionality to the nth degree. No, we are going on a Walkabout, and there’s no better way to describe it.

While many aspects of this journey might be discouraging for some of us or challenging beyond our foresight to predict, I see very positive things coming out of it. Not one of us knows what the end will be, but I think the consensus is excitement and faith (mixed with some natural fear and burnout).

While I’m amazingly blessed to be in this community, I only wish our later days “reach” would have been wider, insomuch that others could have remained with us to the “end” (beginning?), so as to join us in this grand adventure. I guess I certainly have enough family to share with already, but because of God’s clear work in it, I wish others to have experienced it alongside us. And that, my friend, is probably what will come next. I’m confident that, wherever we all end up, there will be others to benefit from our story… and us from theirs.

We also have been meeting together midweek in small groups to further discuss the process, as well as get some of that necessary Christ communion and fellowship that we miss through the different-church-each-Sunday experience.

Our focus for the midweek gatherings is to briefly review church history. We discuss various points of how the church formed from the beginning. Not a pointless study by any means. Perhaps the most intentional like study I’ve ever heard of. We are intentionally picking apart this history with discussion that effectively helps us appreciate how the church has developed (or failed/watered-down, as the case might be sometimes) over the centuries. Our goal is to discover – at least for the context of our own involvement and small part of Christ’s Kingdom – what parts of the design of the church are important and timeless, amid other parts that could probably afford to be shaved off.

We are NOT critical or cynical, as I see many unfortunate groups emerging to boast something like this: “We are the extension of the New Testament Church, and you should leave your boring, irrelevant church to come HERE, where we do and reinvent everything right, and everyone else has it totally wrong!” I really do NOT have that feeling in my own heart, nor do I sense it my family. We are earnestly seeking not to create a trendy and new manifestation, nor are we desperately trying to “change the world”, demanding that God make us something outstanding. Rather we are intentional about becoming more faithful to the Spirit of God in the churches, even if it means to cease in our current, much-loved form – or any form at all (though we assert strongly the conviction that we all belong connected, somewhere!). Many forms exist in the church today – many thousands of denominations. We don’t seek to dethrone anyone or discourage anyone or say they are “wrong” or inferior. We just want to see how God wants US to function and serve His Kingdom… and it will require a total willingness to change. Though the elders and people of Ethnos Church have always had this general desire and bent, I believe now is even more a “shaking of the foundations” than ever before, the fruit of which I’m excited to see.

I know, been a long time since I wrote, and this is a random thing to start with. Have to start somewhere.

Daniel and I decided to look for a third roommate. We posted an ad on Craigslist, including all the criteria we were looking for in a roommate. Several weeks ago we met Nathan at a coffee shop. He was the first one who responded to our ad. Almost immediately it was obvious to both Daniel and I that Nathan would be our third roommate. God was truly working for our good.

The original plan was to move out in July. Daniel stuck to the plan, but Nathan and I decided to move out a bit early. The three of us went out one Saturday to look at various apartments in our ideal area of town. As if God was out to prove Himself to us or something wild, after looking at about a dozen places we all agreed that the first place we looked at was best.

Last week Nathan and I moved into the new place. Our plans came together very well, and there were no obstacles or disagreements. Last Saturday I invited everyone at Ethnos Church over to our new place to bless it. We ate yummy tacos, watched a movie and spent a great deal of time praying through each room as a group. It was a very moving time for me. I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. The prayers offered were very poignant and guided.

In everything related to this move God’s providence, guidance and timing have been leading the way. I’m anxious for Daniel to join us. I’m confident this will be a time of continued growth in my life as well as for my two brothers in Christ.

I intended to take some pictures at the housewarming party, but totally forgot. Lame memory!

Sean didn’t tell me he was going to build a personal ad into my first photo. I think I’ll never hear the end of this one. I can’t tell you how many comments I’ve received from people in the office. I always tell them “It was Sean’s idea!”

Click the image below to see it larger. It’s pretty funny (or cheesy).

I'm 5'11" and I like long walks on the beech