Obama, Jesus, War & Peace

Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good. – Romans 12:20-21

I’ve been chewing on this idea of Obama winning the Nobel Prize for Peace since it was announced. It’s been interesting to read all the varied comments.

Especially when many conservatives were up in arms that he won it and then turned around and applauded his speech and his justification of war.

The Jesus Manifesto shares many of the thoughts that have been swirling around my head and I’ve yet to be able to put to paper – or keyboard.

So I encourage you to read his post and watch this video from Cornel West:

And consider this, did Jesus come to offer up a high-fetched dream that could never be lived up to? Or did he come as baby in a manger and the Prince of Peace to show us that living a life of love and non-violence could be achieved — and can be lived out — even in the face of the Empire?

The book is spreading

St. Peter’s Brewery is now available in print through multiple vendors online. You may also be able to purchase the book in your favorite brick and mortar book seller. Simply request St. Peter’s Brewery, (ISBN-13: 9781442174788 ISBN: 1442174781).

I’ve contacted our local Barnes and Noble and they said the book was not available to order in store yet, but something in their computer showed it would be available Dec 28th. We’ll cross our fingers and see.
Continue reading The book is spreading

Buy a goat – get an MpFREE

Pomplamoose has another great song on YouTube and they’re offering a free Mp3 of the track (along with one other un-released track) if you’ll purchase a goat for a family through WorldVision this Christmas.

Love it.
Continue reading Buy a goat – get an MpFREE

One step closer

Texas Baptist Home bell

Laurie met with our foster care advocate from the Texas Baptist Home this morning.

She came for a pre-service visit of our house to be sure we have everything inline for our official home study. Laurie called and said everything checked out OK.

All we needed before our official visit from CPS is to purchase a pack-n-play and car seat to be prepared in case we get a call in the middle of the night saying there’s a child or two waiting for us to bring to our house.

So Laurie’s out doing some shopping and we’re crossing our fingers that CPS will come the week directly after Christmas for their visit. If everything works out we could be certified as foster parents by the first of the year.

In addition, Laurie’s just finished stripping, sanding and re-painting a dresser for the nursery. It’s a dresser that she had as a child and her mom did as well. That makes two dressers she’s redone for the room.

Lauries been hard at work

So we’re that much closer! Thanks for all your support and prayers!

Shrinking the globe

Yesterday, Thursday evening, 7:30 GMT (to be exact), two churches came together in Motherwell, Scotland for a singing of Christmas carols.

Calvary-Christian-Fellowshi

While this may seem like a small thing, it quickly became a great shared experience with friends half the world away.
Continue reading Shrinking the globe

5 reasons I love being in a small group

Jonathan and Aaron

Abraham Piper (who has a great blog that you should be reading) shared 5 reasons he doesn’t like being in a small group this week.

I don’t disagree with his reasons, but thought I’d share the flip side – 5 reasons I love being in a small group.

  • I love watching people grow in their faith
  • I love seeing people build sanctuary (spaces of grace) for others
  • I realize I’m not the only one struggling and wrestling
  • I learn many things from the stories of others
  • The food is great

What about you? What do you love about small groups/community groups? What do you dislike about them?