Deadly Life

Our lives are meant to be lived only to eventually die. One week ago, an acquaintence from college died suddenly in his sleep. A memorial service was held tonight. I could not go. Too many memories resurfaced from my friend who died in January. I now realize that I haven't handled that death very well. I fought through the tears when speaking at his funeral and tried to help others through the torturous grief. I only allowed two people to comfort me, my wife, and one other shoulder upon which I cried.

Trinity Talk

I don't like the word "trinity." Is it necessary to use such a word in a vain attempt to finitely describe an infinite God? I agree that there is one, true God. I understand that his nature is revealed and carried out in different ways. Biblically God is described as a Father. The man-version of God is Jesus described as Son. The indwelling presence, helper-version of God is described as Spirit. While all such labels are distinctive and aim to clarify the person of God I do not believe that we must insist on terminology that quantifies the infinitely perfect and overly sufficient nature of God. The label causes confusion and does not fit into our modern, scientific systems of description. Why can we not accept God for who he is without containing him to what our minds can capture? Are we simply not creative enough? Do we simply not trust?

Realized Kingdom

What is the kingdom of God when it is realized? I'm suggesting that the kingdom must be understood and seen as more than a mere suggestion of what the kingdom is in and of itself. What does our definition of the kingdom of God mean for what we look like as the Church? For the kingdom to be made real (or at least recognized and with less limiting of its presence) who do we need to be/what do we need to do?

Ballot Casting

Is it ironic that the word "casting" is used in reference to a voting ballot and lots for the cloth worn by Jesus?

I have decided to not vote. This Tuesday will break my "perfect" voting record, though my candidate selection in years past makes me hang my head in disgust. I will not allow the poor decisions made by politicians to shed blood on my hands. I will not be a part of selecting a person for office who participates in gossip, slander, and character defamation. The two-party system needs dismantled. My vote is to not vote. Such action may only be a whisper (if that) but nonetheless... well... I just can't vote with a clear conscience and that's that.

Thinking Friends

Last week granted me the pleasure of spending some time in dialogue with Corbin Casarez and Kevin Peterson. Corbin challenges me to pursue cognitive and philosophical growth and Kevin nudges me to practically pursue a God-given vision. Grace has been granted me to experience the pleasure of connecting with old friends, openly discussing life, ourselves, God, and other intricacies as if there were never a gap of time separating us. I am anticipating more reconnections this week with Wes and Kristen Buchanan and Mike and Holly Cunningham. I am blessed.