The Big JC

I struggle to comprehend the Lordship of Christ.  Growing up in America, all I know centers on how important my voice is.  I have a say.  I am important and everyone should consider my thoughts.

The friend perspective of Jesus fits better with my lifestyle.  I can get ahold of Jesus when I like, but don't have to consider Him unless I'm interested.  The problem is that Jesus is more than my friend.  I can't claim to have a nominal relationship with the One who gave me life and invites me to live it in the fullest.

Even if I limit my relationship with Jesus to friend, I'm not a good friend.  There's so much more I could know about Him.  This video offers joking insight into Jesus, but I feel there's truth in the idea that I should know Jesus better.  

(Check out more Matt Geiler on Youtube)

It amazes me how little it takes.

I can't begin to express how excited I am that we've been above freezing the last two days.  The weather heads had begun keeping track of how many days we spent below freezing and how many days of snow and precipitation (12 days below [big deal for here] and 14 days of snow [45 of 50 with precip.])  I'm just so tickled that I can be so giddy about 40.  I guess it doesn't take that much.

It only leaves me the question, how can I tap into my simple joy when it seems like there's no hope?  Thoughts?

Windy City Memories

Last year, we took a class field trip.  I know that I'm supposed to be too old for field trips, but Dubuque Seminary has a required field trip for one of the classes.  The class, entitled Mission in Context, looks at the how the nature of the environment shapes the expression of mission.  Three options were available, Rural, Native American, and Urban.  I went to Chicago with the Urban adventure.

We traveled to a number of churches, two well-respected Mainliners a number of "successful"  black churches and a New Church Development.  One of the clear highlights was attending Tha House Hip Hop church.  As one might guess, the church features worship using hip hop music.  It was amazing how powerfully the congregation responded to hearing and responding to the Gospel in their own language.  A real powerful witness.

I confess I chuckled a little as I thought about this year's class having to suffer the freezing weather.  But as I remembered the trip with fondness, I know that the circumstances only make the story sweeter.

A little present from the mind of Tyler to remember the trip...

Stay warm