The Power to See Us Through

Just listened to a fantastic talk by N.T. Wright on the book of Acts.

As a church planter, I enjoy reading the book of Acts. It feels like you're on the brink sometimes, and Luke makes me feel better. The talk is an hour long, but worth it if you can spare the time.

I like how Luke ends the book. "You'll hit storms, and it will be the most tragic experience you can imagine. It will also be the most glorious. On to Rome."

A Gathering

This Sunday will mark another worship gathering for our church, the second in the school. I'm excited about how we "do" these, in that there's very little pomp and circumstance. Last time, we just had it here at the house. But I think it's meaningful for everyone.

This week, we're talking about how, specifically how it can transform us. I'm playing a piece from "Rattle and Hum", U2's performance of "When Love Comes to Town" with B.B. King. I'm inviting everyone to share how love has transformed them.

It's different from most services I've been a part of, and I'm becoming OK with that. The "wow" factor is gone, but there's still a chance for creativity to come out of seeing people interact and share in the worship of Christ.

In my mind, there are still a lot of unanswered questions, but I'm becoming OK with that too.

Happy Father's Day

I got breakfast and a new Superman shirt. Truth is, I love being a dad. Sure, the kids are frustrating at times, but 95% of the time it's totally worth it. With all the moodiness surrounding everything right now, it's the honesty and joy of my girls that snaps me back to reality. Kylie says, "It'll be OK" with such conviction, how can you not believe?

My dad was never around (still isn't), but his absence has made me into the dad I am, so I'm thankful for it. My grandpa was the next best thing, and right now he's hurting because the love of his life is getting chemo treatments. The thing I love most about him is his humor, and how he's always smiling or whistling (you can hear it from miles away).

Anyway, Happy Father's Day (or, as Kylie exclaimed this morning: "Happy Valentine's Day!")

Blerg

That's how I feel. I found out today that my grandma has both ovarian cancer and leukemia. My aunt just completed chemo last month for breast cancer. My mom has been taking care of her for the past eight months or so, and now will be doing the same for my grandparents.

I'm worried about my grandpa mostly. Mom said he's been crying most of the day.

If you could pray for everyone involved, I would appreciate it.

Car Trouble

So, on my way to Corpus Christi, my car breaks down. In the middle of nowhere, just after 5 pm on Friday. Yeah.

Thankfully, my coach is heading to Corpus, so he picks me up, and I rent a car to get back home (well, at least to the Austin airport). Another friend, Chris, takes me home from there.

Erika was gone (her grandfather passed away), so I was stuck at the house without a car. We had our Sunday gathering here, with a house and backyard full of good friends. Even with all the junk going on with the car, I never felt like I had no one to call on to help me.

So, yesterday, Brandon and I drove two and a half hours to pick up the car and towed it back here. Other friends have cooked me food, offered to let me borrow their car, and are also going to help me fix mine.

All that to say, even in the middle of pretty crappy circumstances, I'm reminded of how blessed I am to have the friends that I do.