Vintage Faith

Neil Diamond makes me happy too

I was on a devoted Lemon Jelly kick for quite a while. I may now be shifting my allegiance to Neil Diamond.

I am listening to his "Essential" collection and I am finding it so funny, kind of silly songs, that are somewhat uncool and corny, but that is what is making them very good and very cool. I think because of his rather serious and deep masculine voice, it is even comforting and protecting sounding as if he would saying to his fans "Don't worry. I am here. I will protect you."

If I was in a cabin in the hills of Montana and a grizzly bear was outside trying to get in, I think I would send Neil Diamond out there to face and chase away the grizzly over the Lemon Jelly boys. The Lemon Jelly boys may flee and run into the woods in fear, where Neil and his deep voice would confront the grizzly to protect us. I shall not give up Lemon Jelly yet, but listening to Neil is rather calming and assuring on this Friday afternoon day off as I sit here trying to do some writing and catching up on emails.

Transforming out of being "Christian"

I just read an interesting quote in Rolling Stone magazine. It is from Eva Longoria who is one of the main characters on the TV show 'Desperate Housewives'. I haven't seen the TV show, and have no plans or desire to ever watch it. But I think her quote represents a lot of people, especially those who have grown up in the church.

"In college I went from being Catholic to being non-denominational to being Christian, but now I just want to believe in a higher power. That's a good way to live."

I think that is an extremely common way of thinking about spirituality today, especially from those that have transformed from being raised in some sort of organized church, even going through a "non-denominational" phase. I hope that the church will recognize this, and that we will be able to build church communities and have our teaching be to where people don't have to simply abandon Christianity and believe in a "higher power". Jesus is missing. Jesus is the one we need to be teaching that church and spirituality wraps around. Not whether one is Catholic, or non-denominational or Christian.

I don't know what Eva experienced through these phases she described, whether it was a poor church experience, or bad experiences with Christians - or maybe just not understanding what it really means to follow Jesus. I don't know, but may God please use churches and church leaders to change this and see people say they believe in Jesus, not just what sounds like a more impersonal "higher power" - Jesus is hgher power, but He also is personal. He has personality. We can read His words. Listen and ponder at His story and life. Jesus is so wonderful and beautiful to know, and it makes my heart sad that people miss out on Him.

Heading Home Sweet Home

It has been a blitz of speaking 7 times, going to churches and hanging out with friends the past several days.

(The Church of the Resurrection, Tim Keel, Solomon's Porch, Doug Pagitt , The Upper Room, Brian McLaren, Tony Jones, Lord of Life Church). One night Tony, Doug, Brian and I stayed up until 1 AM talking and then I went to Doug's house and the two of us stayed up until 3 AM and continued talking. I love late nights......

It was such a fun time and met so many great people all serving God in different churches in different ways.

But - as Motley Crue sings, I am heading Home Sweet Home today. (Ironically, the Home Sweet Home graphic here doesn't quite represent the vibe of Motley Crue, but it I think it represents how I feel going home). I am in a hotel in Minnesota right now heading to the airport in about an hour.

Becky and Katie and Claire are picking me up at the airport, and I can't wait to see them. I told Katie and Claire will bring home pretzels (the ones they give out in the planes). I had saved some from the first flight out, but I ate them two nights ago at about 1 AM in the hotel room. So, I better make sure I get some more on the plane home.

Music is my friend in Minneapolis

I am in Minneapolis right now. I flew here straight from Kansas City, as I am speaking at another conference here Monday and Tuesday. So I am using these 2 days in between to write and study.

Today I went to a coffeehouse near the University of Minnesota to write. I was alone and sitting there, when a Clash song came on the radio. It was interesting, as when the song came on the radio, even though I was still sitting by myself, I didn't feel so alone anymore. It was like a friend was now there with me. It was funny how hearing a song you are familiar with even gave me confidence, I could look around at people now and feel like I am not just sitting by myself anymore.

I then started thinking about how Jesus is always with us. He is there all the time - and we desire to be aware of His presence at all times. But what I found interesting, was how hearing a song tangibly on the radio, was such a real and vivid thing. Since I could hear the song, it was very real. We don't hear Jesus' audible voice or see Him physically. This makes it is hard sometimes realizing that Jesus is with us, more so, than a song on the radio.

So, i sat there and pondered about Jesus and the reality of Him there with me. I pondered how He is also with the millions of other followers of His across the globe at the same time. And as I sat in the coffeehouse, and The Clash was playing, I prayed and was led to think about and worship Jesus. A mystery and marvel and truth that I contemplated in a coffeehouse in Minneapolis with the voice of Joe Strummer in the background.

I am in Kansas City and I need to wake up at 4 AM Pacific Time

I am in Kansas City right now. I just flew here tonight, and it is midnight Kansas City time - which is 10:00 PM Santa Cruz time. I am speaking at a conference in the morning at 8:30 AM Kansas City time - I am a main session speaker and going to walk through the New Testament Jewish wedding message and how that is a metaphor of the church being the Bride of Christ. Tim Keel from Jacob's Well is speaking with me, which I feel honored to team up with him.

However - I am getting picked up at the hotel at 7:00 AM. That means it will be 5:00 AM California time. That means I need to wake up an hour beforehand to get ready (wash up, 12 minute hair dry and gel process, pray and go over notes)..... That means I need to wake up at the ungodly hour of 4:00 AM California time - which I am on since i just got here. I sometime go to bed at 4:00 AM. How am I ever going to wake up to speak at 4:00 AM?

Oh Lordy.

The Namba is here

Although Robert Namba came on staff full time at Vintage Faith Church in February, he officially made is presence known today. I was in my office at the church when suddenly the door swung open and flying into the room came a lit pack of firecrackers that all went off and filled the room with smoke and the smell of gunpowder.

The Namba is offically amongst us. Lord help us all.