Against Nothingness

Sometimes I wish I could manufacture life change. I day-dream of a formula, or a series of well-timed maneuvers, or a set of input points, and think that it would be nice if you just hit these things hard enough, threw enough energy, or talent, or money in their direction that things would happen. ........................................ You see, I'm a results kind of person. I take great pleasure in seeing the positive results of my efforts. They don't need to be quantifiable, but they need to be visible, at least to me. I don't care if others know, I don't care if I'm appreciated, but I do care if I have made a difference. And in 'my line of work' that means life change towards Christ. Or at least, it does to me. I suppose other pastors may use other measuring rods; whatever. But even if I were not a pastor, those would be the results I sought more than anything else.  Unfortunately, there is a subtle and dangerous form of idolatry at work he

The Critic Revisits the Monsters - Wonderfully insightful essay on the fantasy genre in our time. Caine's Arcade - Just plain fun. Is Facebook Making Us Lonely?  -  "We were promised a global village; instead we inhabit the drab cul-de-sacs and endless freeways of a vast suburb of information." That quote should make you want to read this article.  Understanding Amazon's Strategy   - Frightening... too much to keep track of and I like my kindle... but still.  Shift Happens -  Examining Kuhn's "Structures of Scientific revolutions." The last paragraph is stunning.  A/B Testing - Do you  wonder if this has ever happened to you? I do.  The Worlds Most Important Story - More to think about. TED Video:  How Small is an Atom? - - fun, entertaining, mind-boggling... it's like the high school science class I wish I had.  TED Video:  Reinventing Fire; a 50 year plan for Energy - - if this is really doable are we doing it?

"Our No. 1 'job' in discipleship and ministry is to so live in Christ that we live and serve out of the fullness of Christ. Our No. 2 'job' is to do everything we can to make No. 1 possible. Our No. 3 'job' is not to do the things which hold us back from No. 2 and No. 1." - Darrell Johnson, Speaking at the 2012 Regent Pastors Conference 'Overflow' Response: This weeks pastors conference has been good in many ways. Above all, I have been reminded of the true nature of my position as pastor and the priorities which come with it. If this is not number one in my life and conduct then all else will fall apart. 

" You anoint my head with oil;  my cup  overflows." - What I want Top 3 Posts from April 1. "Daddy, Be a Monster..."  - With a resounding lead for traffic this month, we have a brief reflection on playing with my daughter and experiencing heaven.  2. Prayer: A Word I Need to Hear  - Also with higher than average traffic, and a strong second place, a brief reflection and response to some words from Timothy Jones.  3. Forgiveness: A Hard Word From Luther - Third place goes to a good quote.  Three Most Visited Posts in April 1.    "Daddy, Be a Monster..."  - It has been a long time since my top most "googled" posts have been knocked off the top. Clearly I need to write more about Hannah :)  2. Heaven and Hell - ... but some things don't change... 3. We're Sinking - Indeed... April has been a hard month. For some time now I have been doing my best to exercise discernment in what to prioritize and what to let go. N