Almost a Year.

Hello, my name is Carl. I figure that I should re-introduce myself since it's been almost a full year since I've posted. Actually, only 2 days shy of a full year. Yikes.

On a recent jaunt to Colorado with some buddies, I was convicted that I need to walk down this scary road of writing/blogging. I'm not sure what to expect, but I thought I'd throw a few thoughts out there and the four of you who read this can give me some feed back.

What to Expect:

• God will do something utterly amazing.
• There will be frequent tales of Natalie, Lainey, and the dogs.
• I may not like the way things are, but I intend to be part of the solution.
• Funny has a way of falling into my lap; I hope to do her justice.
• A work in progress.

What not to:

• I don't figure into the Pirates v. Ninjas battle
• I really don't like the spectrums we've been given, so I'll avoid polarization.
• I won't throw you under the bus.
• Tips on tool buying.
• My sticking to a budget.

I welcome you on the ride. I figure that I'll have to rock something more clever than "baldguycarl", but my buddy Chip has taken the most effective working title. So, we'll see how this all pans out.

See you in 2011...

Back to School

So, I've been away from the blog for a little while, but I'm planning on getting back into it as the kiddos head back to school. And since that favorite of topics, "what I did on my summer vacation" will be flying through the air, I thought I'd offer a sliver.

The thing that has remained with me this summer was an encounter with some lovely folks from Faceless International. Check out their site for more info (I don't want to do wrong by them). As they shared about their mission, they showed this video of how some people live around the world. I was moved, so I thought I would bring the video to Show & Tell.

While I hope you like it, I really hoped you are moved by it.

A Missional Response to Pentecost

I sat through church yesterday and listened to a Pentecost sermon and the traditional Acts passage and heard something new.  God was speaking.

Before, I focused on how this passage encourages us all to speak.  We are to share.  To tell our story.  The Spirit will give us the ability to do something amazing.  But, hearing the story again yesterday, it became clear.  We aren't supposed to do anything extraordinary.  We're supposed to pay attention.  While we have a responsibility to share our story, we are given the gift to experience other's stories.  The Spirit reveals God's work in other's lives.  And we're brought into the adventure.

This subtle shift in focus has earth shattering implications.  I will be able to see God in others.  I can witness the Spirit of God moving.  I can hear the Good News even when I don't "speak the language".  Because the Spirit opens me.

Now comes the hard part, I have to sit and listen.  This doesn't excuse me from sharing my story, but it requires that I trust that God will open me to experience the Spirit's movement in those around me.  

Come Holy Spirit, come.