Monday, August 20, 2007
Speak up
I do not agree with people trying to shut people up on the internet. Recently one of my friends was attempted to be censored because of comments he made about what he thought of the state of his church. He was asked to post a statement written by the elders of the church. It really sounded and looked like something that would be written for a celebrity apologizing to their younger fans after they got caught with drugs or something of that nature. Very unnatural and forced. I struggle with the one line that said "As church leaders we feel it is unfortunate that Raymond felt the need to express his opinions in this public forum. However, we do recognize his right to do so." Would they rather he keep this inside? I do not think that he was the only one with these feelings. I think that it was that fact that scared the leadership the most. People were agreeing with him. Maybe if we stop him from writing about this those thoughts will leave most peoples minds. I think it is really too bad that critical thinking and challenging thoughts are trying to be snuffed out in this situation. Without thinkers such as this, even when the church seems to be doing well, the church would get stuck. They help the church get out of ruts by pointing out different points of view that would not always be seen. Growth never occurs because people are happy with the way things are going. Growth happens because people aren't happy with how things are. If ever we get to a point where people are not challenging the way things are being done in the church, I think we are in big trouble.i really hope that people continue to share their true feelings about things. I am happy that the elders board took the time to meet with this guy, as it does show that they are listen to some of his thoughts and recognizing that things aren't perfect. Thats a good sign.Labels: church
Friday, August 17, 2007
Goosebumps
Last nite I was listening to the radio like I do and there was a call in survey. The question asked was: "Have you ever been to a live show (concert) and gotten goosebumps? If so what show/song?" That got me thinking. Have I? The answer is yes! So here is my list of top 3 goose bump shows.1) Ben Harper - Molson Amphitheatre - Amen Omen
Picture this...a summer nite. Stars covering the sky. Laying on a grassy hill, watching Ben Harper take control of the crowd who was in dead silence watching him do his thing. I had goosebumps the whole song.
2) The Tragically Hip - Sars Fest
I have never heard a crowd more pumped up for a show in my life. There were some big names there and people were chanting for the hip while other bands (like Our Lady Peace) were playing. Then when Gord came out in his white tux, paddling across the stage with his microphone stand, I looked down and had the bumps.
3) Brand New - Kool Hause
Sic Transit Gloria...Glory Fades. Could there be a better opening song to a concert? I don't think I need to say anymore.
I love looking on Youtube for live shows. It really is amazing that you can go on there, type in an artist and watch songs being performed live.
Here is the closes rendition of Ben Harper's Amen Omen that gave me goosebumps. Plus I love his outfit
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
calling out
I would just like to take a moment and say that the internet is amazing. I love the internet. is that cool to say? One of the things that does bother me about the internet however, is the fact that people hide behind their screens and keyboards. I am not talking about people who only talk big in emails or over msn. I really don't have a problem with that because at one point in time they will probably come face to face with the person they emailed and it will be a little awkward. The people that make me mad are the ones that use the name "anonymous" when leaving comments on blogs or websites. If you can't say who you are then you should not say it. Obviously there is a reason for you posting under the name "anonymous," so maybe it would be better to just keep those thoughts to yourself. If you can't identify yourself or are embarrassed at what you are writing, just don't write anything. It is very cowardly as it leaves no chance for the writer to rebuttal your comment. It is the equivalent of shooting someone in the back.I look forward to many anonymous comments.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
More to come...
Okay, I am back on board after being fully inspired during my summer vaction to beautiful Sarnia. I find it hard to not laugh after a sentense like that but I am bursting with new thoughts and ideas after think-tanking with some brillant minds.Monday, June 04, 2007
The King
I am on a huge Elvis kick right now. One of my fav Elvis songs...Tuesday, March 27, 2007
the tension and the terror
I am in bed right now. Headache extreme...yet restless as ever. I though i would share a couple of obvious thoughts that are by no mean original to me (at least i don't think so) about the Social Justice Conference that i was at this weekend.First of all i have to preface this by saying that it was amazing. loved not only what i learned but also the vibe of everyone there and just all that was going on. it was something special...something different that you don't feel very often but would want more of.
okay so lets go. one of the things i loved about it was "the tension". there was this awkward tension going on the whole time because of the location of the conference. this was not a bad thing. in fact, i feel it was good, challenging, and even helped in the learning process. for those of you not there, it was held at a church called "the meeting house" in oakville, which is one of the most affluent cities in canada. not only did oakville cause tension toward the theme of social justice (a city in which i have heard it is illegal to be homeless...could be wrong so don't quote me on that), but "the meeting house" itself is a multi-million dollar church building that is state of the art in every aspect. this is seen visible in every area from the projectors, to the movie theatre comfort seats [which i shouldn't complain about...(subbracket...i am writing this out of jealousy)], to its millions of dollars worth of other top notch assets. Not only this but the location in oakville is in highly commercial almost industrial area outside of the city, making accessibility to the church hard unless you have a car (which i must admit most do in oakville. (i must say that this looks like it is me ripping into "the meeting house" which it most definitely is not my intention, it is merely to prove my point of tension...if you want to talk to me about my thoughts on "the mating house" i mean "the meeting house" we can gladly talk...they are doing great things...and that was a joke about mating") wow i am off track. okay, so, i couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable hearing each of the different speakers having to bring up the fact that we were in oakville or at a "mega" church in order to not avoid the obvious. it seemed that everything they were teaching was anti where we were. teachings revolved around generosity, and free giving, and close community...knowing those that you are helping. this was crazy to me as i was looking at the hundreds of amps up on the stage being lit by one of the most amazing lighting systems i have seen. now this can work....again i am on the defensive here. the "mega" church can reach a community and can do it in a way that the small home churches cannot. as i sat there and thought about the resources that a mega church would have it is hard not to want that and see what it could do if used to bless a community. anyways enough about that. i will end with saying i love the meeting house....you go girl.
the terror is what i want to talk about next. this thought didn't hit me until i was sitting at my church on sunday morning hearing a sermon that i am sure i have heard 15 times already. my thoughts were something along the lines of "how can i walk away from the experience of seeing someone who "gets it", what it means to be a jesus follower ( Shane Claiborne ) and where do i go from here? i know that i cannot live the same, but where do i start the change and transformation. do i start small and build with the worry i wont get there, or do i go all out at first and worry about burn out, or do i do the typical christian style of balance. its mainly a fear of mine that this is like a classic youth retreat high, that i don't want to end. theres also the fear that it was so nice to hear the amazing stories and feel a part of them because i was there and that is good enough...live vicariously through them. then there is just the straight up fear of what could my life look like? shear terror is all i feel when i think about that. i loved shanes thought of "my conversion messed me up and i am still recovering from it". where do i go from here?
p.s. i got the title for this blog entry from a straylight run song.
Labels: Evolving church, social justice
Monday, March 05, 2007
So much to say....so little time
Thought I would start this post off with a blatent lie. I have lots of time but just suck at using it properly. Enough rambing though. So lets get down to serious business. I am now 1 for 4 with Roll up the Rims at Tim Hortons. I started off with a win on my first cup and have had 3 straight losses. I feel like the leafs.
