Some Thoughts

Good Stuff
- A friend passed on this post by Donald Miller, which not only struck me as wise insight but also relating to the recent talk I just gave at The Place. Check it out if you want advice on how to make positive changes in your life, character, or faith.

Bad Stuff
- I spent last week up island with my family, reading and writing a sermon. I didn't have internet. It was a connection that I missed, but was also thankful for the time away to not be distracted. In the weeks (months? year?) before, I had spent less time on Facebook, only going on to check messages and write back to people. Plus the odd status update that almost always related to work and inviting youth out to events. But this week, after a full week away, I for some reason have jumped back on full steam. I'm commenting on a lot of other people's status' and posts, and just wasting time. I need to stop. I think I'll take Donald Miller's advice above.

Undecided Stuff?
- One of the things I have been discussing on Facebook was the recent incident involving Victoria Police and potential excessive force used to quell a drunken downtown brawl. Police officers happened upon 8 men kicking and beating one unconscious man lying on the sidewalk. They immediately threw in the pepper spray to dislodge the group, and started rounding up the offenders. One cop in particular laid down some pretty big kicks and knees to force people into submission in order to be cuffed. I personally think that sometimes this technique is necessary. When there's a potential riot on their hands, police need to be able to use greater force to get the job done quickly. I do think that the one police officer went too far. But I think he barely over stepped what was necessary or reasonable. The kicks look too forceful. The knees a little too quickly administered after the warnings. But again, I do feel that this behaviour is not over the line in some circumstances. Whether he deserves some time away from the job and some anger management courses is no doubt. But some are calling for assault charges and are heavily angered by this use of force. I disagree.
Here's a link to a recent story talking about use of force and the fact that police officers are actually trained to kick and punch under some circumstances.

Sermonating

Last Sunday I spoke to about 300 people at The Place regarding Luke 18. I focused on the parable of the 2 praying men (pharisee & tax collector), the babies being brought to Jesus, and the rich young ruler. My main points were:

1. Jesus calls us to let go of anything that hinders our ability to hold on to Jesus completely (can't grab hold with both hands if your hands are full of cash or toys or...).
2. We can do nothing to earn our way into the Kingdom of God. Nothing. Jesus says babies are our best example, and I think that is because they can't try to do anything. They just receive care. They feed off of their mothers. They do nothing of their own accord except to cry for help. We too often TRY and prove our own merit and value to the Kingdom, and Jesus calls us to just bring our dirty nasty serves and cry for help. That is it. Our best efforts of proving our worth are just attempts anyways, as they'll never be good enough. Come to Jesus with yourself and He'll do what is impossible for us to do. Can we do it? Can I do it?

If you want to read or listen to the whole thing, then you can grab it here.

Almost a Year!

Yup, that's right. It's almost been a year since I've been on here. Almost.

But I didn't let it get to that anniversary point, so I count that as a victory. I could just let this blog drift into the horizon like so many others, but maybe it's worth keeping going. Who knows. I guess you all (who are you anyways?) will know in a few years.

Regardless, here's a couple quick updates, alike to my friend's Sarah Pee's recent list:

HOME
Leilani: Still growing (almost 1.5 years). Whining often. Still very cute.
JL: Feeling the need to hobby and adventure. Sewing and Mexico fit the bill perhaps?
Calla Lily: Still biting. Sometimes cute.
House: No more renos! Well, not now for lack of money & time. Lawn needs mowing.

WORK
Youth: Still the best part of the job. Number are interested in Baptism. Pretty stoked.
Teaching: Spending a lot of time on Matt. 7:13-14 - encouraging youth to take that narrow path each day, and telling stories of those who have.
Leaders: Been a little disappointed with a few and lack of commitment. Others (like Keenan & Sarah) are awesome.
Church Leadership: Not really a part of that right now, but they're working hard.
Future: Not sure. Not eager to be planning multiple weekly events anymore. Never was. But still love being part of my kids lives.

OTHER
School: Going great. Getting good grades and half done courses for degree. Have to get approval for research soon. Have to stop procrastinating on paper I'm currently writing.
Family: Mom's heading down to Arizona with the band. Dad's taking care of Nana. Chris is 2 months from marrying Amy. Greg & he just finished curling. And Jenny is back in Vic for in Vic for a short time as she makes some pretty big decisions. Love them all!
Camp: Right in the middle of huge step: purchasing Mesachie Mountain. Big changes ahead I feel. Much prayer needed.
Health: Still not exercising regularly. I suck.
Spiritual: Some up, some down. Reading Buchanan's "Things Unseen" - easy read but really valuable. Also reading Lewis' "The Great Divorce" with our group. Between the two, thinking lots about heaven and the spiritual realm we are so often blinded to.

Okay, that's all I got for now. Sure there's stuff I'm forgetting, but gotta get back to this paper. I'll add a pick of Leilani to bring some life to this update.