A long time coming

Sorry about the huge gap in-between posts. My life has been a bit of a blur since Labor day and my last post. But I wanted to say, HAPPY THANKSGIVING. I do have a lot to be thankful for. Here in Dallas, we sit watching the game, while my daughter is in bed with a bit of a tummy ache. But, my wife is finishing up her yummy stuffing and we're getting ready to stuff our faces.

Thanks God. Thanks that things are getting back to somewhat of a usual state.

Baby is good. 18+ weeks now...and kicking! It's so good. Let's remember just how blessed we are.

Thank you blooger readers for your continued interest in things in my world. I'll begin writing more.

Close Call

Well, I write tonight after a long week. 1 week ago, Shelly was crumpled over in pain because of, what she thought, was a pulled muscle in her neck. She endured it from Saturday until Tuesday morning when we got an appointment to visit our family doctor. She said it was muscular when she went in and the doctor said, "let me check you out." As he looked at her swollen neck, he said, "wow. This concerns me. You should probably call your fertility doctor. Can I get my colleague in here to take a look at this with me?" When He returned He said, "go ahead and go straight to the emergency room. Do not pass go, do not collect 200 $. Go..."

What we thought was a muscle pull was actually a series of blood clots from her neck to her underarm. One blood clot was in her Jugular. very close to her carotid Artery. Scary! We ended up being admitted and she stayed from Tuesday morning until Saturday Afternoon.

It came from left field. Fortunately, we have some doctors who are very smart. Although they have a slight idea why they happened, they still aren't sure why they happened up around her neck. My prayer is that the drugs do their work...the baby continues to be fine and that a sense of normalcy returns to Shelly. Thanks for all of your prayers.

Some things never change

Yes, I can't help it. I downloaded the new Elvis/Lisa Marie Presley version of "In the Ghetto." I don't know why, but it touches me. The song always has, but to hear both of them singing together, for the first time, publicly...man, it gives me chills. Sad thing is, the ghetto is still there...always will be. The song is timeless. Unfortunately, so is poverty.

Ironically, one thing that doesn't change is...well, change. I'm about to begin a study on God in pop culture: Navigating our culture through theological reflection and social awareness...blah, blah blah. Yeah it sounds more like a thesis than a wednesday evening class. But what I've discovered is that change is always present when it comes to culture. So, if one were to write a book on finding God in the culture 20 years ago, it would not do us much good here in 2007. However, the techniques used to discern what God is doing...those rarely change.

The premise is stated in the verse from 1 John 17:15, 16. "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of it."

The question I constantly ask myself for me and for my family is just this. How can we keep from being swayed back and forth by the cultural shifts that surround us? What I look forward to in this study is to discover some key truths that don't change...key methods that will be helpful to all of us when we navigate the life we have been given.

I'd love to hear your comments on this idea.

The Poll Has Spoken

I've received some pretty loud comments saying hey...start already! So, here it is.

Our Journey through the world of fertility treatments has finally taken us somewhere. Yes, we had our procedure at the end of July and again at the very beginning of August. Yet another IVF in a long line of Pills, shots and doctor assisted...well...you know. I can say that I'm glad to not have to go back for certain things. Anyway, to the point.

I had asked Shelly if she was going to take a pregnancy test and she said, I quote, "no, I think I'll wait until the blood test." Fair enough. Let's have a nice weekend, I thought to myself. 2 weeks ago I had taken Liv to Mcdonalds while Shelly got her hair done. We're having such a nice moment when she starts to talk about the baby. I said, "now Liv, remember it's only an embryo right now...let's not get our hopes up. You remember a lot of embryos don't quite make it to being babies...it's a pre-baby...an embryo...ok?" I thought, hey, that's pretty wise to be coming out of my mouth...I guess all those hours of Dr. Phil really did pay off.

But then, to my surprise, she contradicted me...she said, "No daddy! It's a baby. Mommy said that it's a baby if there are 2 LINES!"

aaaahhhh...it's all clear to me now! The Shelly Express Lane...No Waiting. Shelly walked in and I said, 2 lines huh? Her grin got big and said, "how did you know?" "Liv," I replied. "Liv! That was our secret!" I was shut out...the first secret of many that those two will share together...oh well at least we're pregnant! Will it last, I don't know, but we're excited all the same. God's in control and this life is in his hands.

So, thanks for the prayers...and here's the first of many pics I'll post. He/She doesn't look like me yet, but I can see she/he has Shelly's Lining. Amazing thing is that the baby's only 6 1/2 weeks old, but we heard the heartbeat...that little bittie thing inside the other little bittie things...was beating. I saw it...amazing.

Photo Exhibit

I've had the pleasure of being able to gather photos from people for the Southeast B&W photo exhibit. I've noticed how people are learning to communicate through images. People have a good eye for things. People you might not expect.

I think what it happening is that people are changing the way they communicate...or adapting to speak the language of the culture. For the past several decades, we have been indoctrinated into a particular way of thinking by the use of images. Images tell a story. It is a language that all of us understand. I love the starkness of black and white images. I love the raw undedited feel you get from the first impression. The following picture was taken in 1969. It is a picture of two young parents expecting their next child.

one 24th of a second in time. Yet a moment that tells a story.

I love this pic. It's of my folks a few months before I was born. I see a lot of myself in my dad...the hands, the smile...a story is being told.

I'm all about different ways of commuicating. With the photo exhibit coming up, I'm interested to 'see' what people have to say.

Poll

Ok, so I just added a poll to the right side of the page there...go ahead and look...I'll wait...ok, so, the idea is to see who, if anyone, reads this page...and also what you'd like to hear more about. Let me know and I'll get on it.

Settling in...

So, I've been trying to deal with the fact that I am now working again! I can't keep lying to myself, staying up late, pretending that I can sleep in only to awake feeling guilty and mad at the same time because I lied...to myself. Yes, I have to work, but it could be worse...the work could be that I put on my dungarees, strap on my helmet and take the 45 minute rail ride down into the mine. Fortunately, I get to put on my khakis, grab a Starbucks and snuggle nicely into my comfy chair in front of my twin 24 inch computer monitors in an attempt to regurgitate creativity in an orderly, yet unique fashion. Phew, I'm getting tired just thinking about it!

Truth is, I have it pretty good. I get to create and communicate ideas and develop friendships as part of my job. My quest and thirst for the truth of God is required and welcomed in my job description. I also get to have a few cool toys to play with...Video editing equipment, HD Cameras, Audio playthings...what else could I need? Oh yeah...Track lighting in my office...oh wait, I have that.

I don't say this to brag to those of you who trek into the fluorescent filled office cubes on a daily and sometimes weekend...ly basis. I say this to reassure you that no matter where you find yourself after a lifetime of working, it all boils down to the fact that in most moments, you'd rather be doing something else. I would, most times, rather be with my family...I mean honestly...look at them.

But then again, I'm sure that many people have it good when it comes to family. Of course, we know, one cannot have it all. There are always trade-offs. I find myself fortunate to have found a job that I love and found a family that loves me. Most of all, I find that I'm here for a purpose...not sure what, but I know it's there. I see it in brief moments. But for the most part, I'm moving forward, just like you, trying not to screw it all up. So, to you, as you go into and out of vacation and job changes and motivational challenges, be encouraged that by working, by taking care of your family, by getting the image of Jesus out into the world, you're pleasing God, even if you think it's insignificant. Be encouraged. And if you do work in a mine...I'd love to do a video piece on you...

Back into the groove

It's been difficult to get back into the swing of things since returning from a week-long adventure into laziness. I find myself grasping for things to do...trying to keep from going back to that pre-vacation place where I sit and wait for the time to dwindle so that I can get out of town. Sometimes I get into that rut. I find myself feeling down and discouraged...a bit on the pitiful side. looking down, waiting for something good to pop me out of my nosedive into self pity.


I was reminded today of the two guys on the road to Emmaus. Looking down, feeling discouraged. Quite pitiful really. Then they meet a man on the road who asks what their problem is. They say do you not have any idea what's been going on? Then one statement stands out to me. In Luke 24 verse 21, they talk about Jesus and say, "but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel."


Hope. I am a hopeful person. To a fault really. I hope when I know that things aren't great. Even when I know that the outcome will be a certain way, I hope for the alternative. I guess it's foolish and sometimes selfish to hope for a certain outcome.




Shelly and I love the HBO series Band of Brothers.

Whenever it comes on television we stop and watch...we can't help it. One particular exchange took place between a private who was wracked by fear and a lieutenant who had developed a reputation of being a cold and fearless soldier.


The Private was stuck in a foxhole, unable to fight. During a quiet moment he asks Lieutenant Speirs how he does it. How can he fight? Speirs replies,

"We're all scared. You hid in that ditch
because you think there's still hope. But Blithe, the only hope you have is to accept the fact that you're already dead. And the sooner you accept that, the sooner you'll be able to function as a soldier is supposed to function. Without mercy. Without compassion. Without remorse. All war depends on it. "

There's always hope. But hope in what? For this soldier, his hope was that he wouldn't die. For Speirs, his hope was that he would do his duty...his hope was in himself. What do we hope for?


When these two men were walking on the road to Emmaus, they had lost hope. Of course when they told this to the man who they later realized was Jesus, he responds to them in a unusually non-gentle way. He says, in verse 25, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!"


I continue to realize that sometimes my hope is that I get what I want. It should be that God's Will be done. Now that I'm back into the swing of things, this is a reminder that I need continually. After all, it's going to be a while until the next vacation...tick, tick, tick...

Deep thoughts On Vacation

I've heard it said from some that those who dance participate in behavior that is both lascivious and anti-Christian. When I was a boy, I might have believed and participated in this narrow perspective of the Christian life. I might have adopted this viewpoint because i didn't care about searching out the truth for myself. Actually, while in High School, my 'independant, fundamental, bible believing baptist' upbringing was beginning to wain when confronted with opinions such as these.

There was a point in my life when I thought to myself, "should I really think about this issue for myself, or should I just let someone else dictate my thoughts for me?" My entire life was filled with dictation. I was a regular administrative assistant when it came to personal beliefs. Let me know what I think pastor. It was laziness really. I didn't have time to fully seek out the truth.

Of course someone made the statement a few weeks ago, "Why do we need to seek out the truth? We've already found it?" This is the attitude in which I wallowed for several years. Then I got wise...or wised up...probably the latter.

I began to study theater and dance in College and discovered that sexual feelings and rebellious attitudes aren't directly connected with bodily movement. If it were, every time we got scared and flailed our arms trying to escape the stinging of a bee we'd be in violation of the 11th commandment, "thou shalt not dance." But we know the truth...sometimes we're scared that we might do something that might make us sin...so we impose our fear on others so we won't feel alone. Sad...but true.

Of course my daughter loves to dance. There is a purity in her movement. She is expressing herself in one of the only ways she knows how. It's probably for attention, but deeper than that, she just feels that she wants to dance. It's in her. God has given her a love for movement. How could this be wrong? Recently she participated in a recital. Along with 11 other little girls who were doing the same, she couldn't hide her excitement. This is her with one of her best friends in class.

Overall, We need to make our own informed decisions, which means that we need to seek out the information from a source that is not motivated by fear, but by love. Seek out the answers for yourself. If you seek the truth, you will find the it. You might also find a really cute picture in the process.

Vacation

Ok...So I'm finally out of the office. Getting away is so important. Liv wanted to do a little webcam blog updating you of the immense amount of fun we are having. (she didn't say it just like that, but it was close...she is a genius you know...) there is a reason why people need to get away together. More later.

Where do you get your power?

Here's the latest installment...more on it later. I just wanted to post it so you could at least see the magic that happens when a husband and wife argue...

Where in the world is God

So the task was to answer or reveal the topic of the day. "Where in the world is God?" As we discussed it, we came to the Ephesians 5:1 verse. "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children." The first idea would have worked. It involved a different kind of imitation. James had the idea, but it would have taken quite a bit longer to shoot...or so we thought. James, (he's the guy on the left) and I were ready to go with this idea, but got a bit stuck somewhere in the middle of the shoot. We sat there for 23 minutes without doing anything productive...just making bad jokes and trying to figure out how not to look ridiculous on camera. But, things actually worked out. The ideas came and after 47+ minutes of tape, this is the result. I was worried because of the time between a few of the takes. In fact, if you notice, you might see a magic trick with a red suburban in the background. Oh well, sometimes movie flubs happen. I'd love to hear your comments.

The Face of Christ

My goal was to answer the question, "where in the world is Jesus?" Some would say that's not too difficult. But alas, those 'some' have no idea. I was browsing www.flickr.com and came across some stunning images. Stories that were told through the visible creases and scars permanently woven onto these sometimes sad faces. These images spoke volumes without saying a word.

The song we chose was from Chris Rice. Face of christ. The ideas came down to the Matthew 25:31-40 Passage (you can read it here - http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2025:%2031-40&version=31 ) "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

This is my finished product. Special Thanks goes to Photographers Tom Stone for his homeless images and also to Ramesh Jai Gulabrai.

Where in the world is Jesus?

As I wracked my brain trying to come up with the script for this piece, I was reminded, yet again, that sometimes funny things don't just come easy for me. The idea evolved many times while in the scripting process. I'm not sure if this was the most effective ending, but it flows with what we were thinking.
The premise: Where in the World is Jesus? Some people haven't found him because they might not know where to look. But, Just because you might not see him, doesn't mean he isn't there. Easy enough, yeah?

One idea that my wife came up with (she doesn't realize it, but she really is brilliantly funny sometimes) is to have the wife search for something that was on the menu...something her friend told her about., something she just had to try. She searches but doesn't see it on the menu. Then her husband would talk about the grail and the search for Jesus and then she'd say, "oh, I remember what it is I want. I want a FROSTY." but there was the problem...It really does accurately depict what happens when you look for something, but in the wrong place...but it doesn't allow us to have a good 'slap shot' at the end. It would have changed to 'The frosty! Wendy's has it, Sonic Doesn't!" Which is still very funny, however, it thoroughly blows up our initial premise.

So, when I talked to Brian and Cristy we came up with this idea. It is still very funny...these two are wonderful friends of ours and really were born to do this. They are so comfortable in front of the camera. We talked about how to end it...and I've always thought that certain words were funny. No offense to any of you 'clevelandians,' but the word 'cleveland' is just a funny word. Like dradle and 'wal mart'...well that last one was two words, the first word 'wal' somewhat funny independantly of the other, but together very funny. But I digress. We ended up with a fun quick piece that kicked off our Sunday morning.

By the way, that's my daughter in the back seat...she did great! I'd love to hear any comments that you might have.

Why Humor?

June is always a busy month...at least it has been for the last few years. We're trying to find ways to reach people where they are. One way is comedy. An originator of the Group Theater in the early 1900's, Harold Clurman, said this. " Truth is like castor oil: the taste is bitter and people don’t like it; so you make them laugh, and when their mouths are open, you pour it in."

This has been my philosophy for quite some time now. I think that God grants his children certain gifts that are meant only to complement his creation. My gift happens to be humor. Of course, don't ask my wife how funny I am or she'll tell you the truth.

So, how are we implementing this humor in Worship? Simple. We prime the pump if you will...We get people ready to listen by breaking down any barrier that might be there. This first Sunday we asked the question, "where in the world is Jesus?" The beginning clip was what you see below. I think it's pretty funny. James, my good friend on the left, (I'm on the right), and I worked on this and his ideas were pretty good. I wish I could show you all the dialoge that led up to this final take, but it would take a while. It's nice to be able to spoof popular culture and utilize it for our own purposes. Enjoy. By the way, I'd love to hear your comments.

Junity

So, I'm working on Southeast's annual JUNITY Services. It's an exciting venture into the unusual, but also a bit intimidating when it comes to trying to hit everyone on some level. Our focus is UNITY in JUNE. Trying to bring everyone together and learn a bit about the basics of our faith. So, in June, we attempt to answer the questions of where in the world is "the Bible, Jesus, God and The Holy Spirit?" These are four Sundays filled with Drama, Video, Music and Teaching.

We began a few months ago planning the activities involved in each service, but still, the actual implementation of said activities continues to be a 'down to the wire' process complete with script changes, personnel issues etc. But, week one is completed, with little to no real issues. Week two...well, that's in 5 days, so we'll see.

What makes this process fun for a Church of Christ is the collaborative effort involved. Churches should be focused on such things on a normal basis but, with all of the tedious day-to-day activities, the mystique of the process becomes lost in translation. At times we begin to focus on things other than the main worship experience so, inevitably the worship time suffers from the status-quo. Of course, many people like the status-quo. They find comfort in it.

I've promoted the thought that Jesus didn't come to make us comfortable. He came to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. Seriously, as American Christians who strive for comfort in every aspect of our lives, why should be expect it on Sunday morning? Think about it, we want comfort in our homes, our cars, restaurants, movie theaters, desk chairs, shoes, toilet paper, shaving razors, hair care products, sensitive tooth paste, you name it...it all boils down to comfort. Sometimes I think that Americans are just greedy. We're used to something, so we begin to expect it.

I think that as a Church of Christ...a place that strives to be like Jesus Christ, (we actually sometimes strive to be more like Paul than Jesus) we should realize that the only thing we should really expect is Suffering. But alas, we come to church and sometimes complain when it's too hot or too cold or when the service is a bit unusual we begin to feel neglected, when in actuality, we are feeling uncomfortable.

So, our goal in June is to teach the basics of our faith, but in a small way, we hope to make the comfortable, really uncomfortable while hoping that those who have come to escape the institutionalism of Christianity find a small sense of peace and meaning. We don't ask for much right? We just ask for a realization of unity in June...or Junity.

Haiti continued...

The day we arrived, we travelled to a city in the mountain area called Mirabalais. For 3+ hours by 4x4 on more of a wide rocky path up the moutain than a road we reminisced about a joy and beauty of something called "pavement." We arrived at a small School/Church surrounded by some lovely country. They were almost out of school and were waiting for us to arrive. They were polite and all smiles if you got them at the right moment. This picture was not that moment.

Of course after this was taken, I began to turn my viewfinder around as I videotaped them. They began to see themselves on the tiny screen. It seemed as if they tried to be objective as they were curious, but their smiles couldn't be hidden. Most of the kids were so excited to see themselves and their friends on the screen that they all began to mob me trying to catch another glimpse.

Next stop - a small farming village called Pageste....

Haiti

I recently returned from a quick 5 day trip into Haiti. The country is beautiful, but even more importantly, the people are beautiful. I can't quite explain the emotion or the feelings that took place in that brief moment. It continues to hit me in waves of realization as I sit in my nice house watching a tv that's worth a year or more of care for a Haitian orphan. Yes, I know it sounds cliche. Everytime I try to tell people about what I saw, it sounds cliche. I begin to hear Sally Struthers coming out of my mouth as the tears begin to form in my eyes.

It's like trying to describe the color orange to a blind person. It might just be impossible. Sooner or later, you're just going to have to take someone at their word.

While at the orphanage I struck up some friendships with some kids who are not too different from my own daughter and the children I know here in the states. The pictures show kids full of hope. I wondered why. the only explanation is that the Love that Jesus Shows through his people is inexplicably peaceful. When Love is present, so is hope. This is what I saw throughout my visit. Hope.

More later...

Marriage Help

Shelly and I just got back from our first ever Southeast marriage Retreat. It was an exciting weekend. The entire retreat centered around each couple's story. The truth is, story is so important in our culture. We've discovered that so many people don't realize that their stories are not only interesting, but very helpful to others. It's a unique feeling when you rediscover the US in your relationship. It's not two individuals, but one unique US that sets people apart. All in all, the trip was fascinating, fun and very tiring. (Is that possible?)

Also, we remembered just how beautiful Summer's Mill Retreat Center is. This was our view from the front porch of our lodge.

Soul Link 2007

Just finished another Soul Link Youth Conference. This year was an interesting and fun theme. "Called: The Evolution Of A Hero."

With all the Superhero projects in television, movies and books, it seems that the theme begged to be recognized. The world, in it's seeming quagmire of conflict is crying out for something bigger than itself to come to it's long overdue rescue. There really is a deepening desire for something great to break forth. Something or someone great that puts itself second to those in need.

What we did is find ways to compare superheroes to Bible Characters. It worked rather well actually. Comparing Batman to Moses seems a stretch, but to think that they both were born into privilege, both ran away to the wilderness to find themselves, then returned to the land of their birth so that they could spend the rest of their lives serving others seems a perfect simultaneous illustration.

With other analogies such as that, the stage was set to get people to thinking. It worked. I produced a few video segments that supported the theme. One was taking 4 teens to NYC to live the life of Moses in 3 days...(not literally of course, no one was harmed, except a few sheep maybe.) Day 1 was spent in opulence and fun in Manhattan. Day 2 was spent in Long Island learning how to be a a shepherd. Day 3 was spent serving people at a soup Kitchen in the bronx.

It was a fast-paced experience that I'd love to discuss. If you're interested, let me know and I'll tell you about planning, equipment and editing as well as logo/art design and development.

Overall, I was glad when it ended...The last week in February is typically the busiest week of the year for me...Yawn. Now on to the next project...

Super Beginnings

Was doing some research for class tonight and came across a story that occured in Seattle a few weeks ago. For more go to http://www.mysuperproposal.com/

So the story goes, that a guy wanted to propose to his girlfriend of 5 years, but found a way to do it for a superbowl ad. Long story short, after many rollercoaster moments until the last possible minute, the ad ended up on the cutting room floor. They never aired it. What they ended up doing was airing a similar ad during and episode of Veronica Mars. He asked her to marry him and the rest is history...and quite amusing and sweet and poignant today.

In her reaction, I love the fact that she seemed not only surprised, but shocked that it happened. I'm sure it was a flurry of emotion and bewilderment at how it all transpired, but the raw, 'I can't believe you chose me' reaction was pure, simple and beautiful. It made me laugh as well as swallow the apparant lump that had developed in my throat.

I love new beginnings. I love the feeling, the thoughts, the emotions, the grace, mercy and love that is given and received. It was a perfect reminder for my day today.

My wife and I are celebrating our 11th valentines day together. I'm constantly reminded how she not only chose me, but wanted me. Today we have a lovely reminder of our love...in the form of a sweet little 4 year old girl. It is a happy valentines day.

The Space Between

Got a comment from a friend who said, why haven't you updated your blog? To be honest, I haven't really wanted to. I blogged about our IVF procedure...and, well, round 1 didn't take. We plan on doing yet 1 more...probably the last one. It does get rather expensive. So, I've been a bit standoffish on the writing. It's all part of life really. Sometimes things go your way and sometimes things don't. Actually, most times, things don't go your way or how you planned it. Maybe if your a part of the fortunate few who always get what they want, well, your either spoiled rotten, or completely detached from reality...usually it's both. But for the rest of us, we are occasionally blessed with moments of satisfaction, til we want something else.

I do believe that we aren't meant to be fully happy or satisfied..."yet" anyways. Maybe I'm a bit cynical. But I don't recall reading anywhere in the bible Jesus saying, "I have come to give you life..and happiness." Or "sing and be happy." Translated to mean, (shut up and don't rock the boat. You'll eat what your given and pretend to like it just like the rest of us.) [maybe that's in the first book of opinions.]

Then I come to the realization that we constantly live in the moment between satisfaction and dissatisfaction. If ever felt, they only last for a moment. But that's where the Grace of God comes into play. He says, "my grace is sufficient." My response is usually, "ok...whatever that means. I guess I'll wait and see." But it's true. We are in constant struggle for or against something. Survival in it'self is a miracle.

I guess I say all this to remind myself that God is gracious. He has met my needs and life could be much worse. Sound Depressing? Sometime it is, sometime it isn't. It's life.