Zen Is At It Again!

Leo from Zen Habits has done it again. To help with the launch of LifeRemix (a network of personal enrichment blogs) Leo wrote this post titled "100 Great Tips to Improve Your Life." He compiles some of the best tips from the network of blogs.

As you know, I'm a huge Zen Habits fan, but this compilation is well worth the time. It will take some effort to make it through the list, but I promise you will not be disappointed.

Which one(s) appeal to you?

The Blogging Church Group

For you Facebook users out there, Terry has created a new group to help those of us who blog connect with one another. I have already read some great posts by some interesting folks I had never met before!

Check it out here.

Hegemonic Teens vs. Subaltern Teens

Tim points us to a VERY interesting article by Danah Boyd titled, "Viewing American Class Divisions Through Facebook and MySpace." You can read the entire article here.

I'll repost part of the article:

The goodie two shoes, jocks, athletes, or other "good" kids are now going to Facebook. These kids tend to come from families who emphasize education and going to college. They are part of what we'd call hegemonic society. They are primarily white, but not exclusively. They are in honors classes, looking forward to the prom, and live in a world dictated by after school activities.

MySpace is still home for Latino/Hispanic teens, immigrant teens, "burnouts," "alternative kids," "art fags," punks, emos, goths, gangstas, queer kids, and other kids who didn't play into the dominant high school popularity paradigm. These are kids whose parents didn't go to college, who are expected to get a job when they finish high school. These are the teens who plan to go into the military immediately after schools. Teens who are really into music or in a band are also on MySpace. MySpace has most of the kids who are socially ostracized at school because they are geeks, freaks, or queers.

This is a very interesting article on many fronts. First of all, Danah draws some great conclusions from the data she has collected. Secondly, one could make a gigantic leap and assume that there are more followers of Jesus that utilize Facebook than MySpace. I know in the past few weeks that I have engaged with Facebook, a "mini-revolution" has exploded in the Christian community, especially among pastors, church staff and other bloggers.

I realize that Jesus came to "save" all of us, but don't we read in scripture that Jesus hung out with the "wrong" crowd most of the time? If that's the case, then isn't it safe to assume that Jesus would be hanging out on MySpace and not Facebook? This begs an important question: "Where should we be directing our thoughts and energy?"

See You At the Pool 2007

WOW!! What a great weekend! First, our lead pastor Bryan was back to bring it all weekend - it was good to have him "back in the saddle" again. Then, to top it all off, Meadow Heights had their annual "See You At the Pool" event at our local park.

This yearly event keeps on getting better and better every year! We have some amazing volunteers and leaders who help make this a phenomenal event. From the BBQ to the kids stuff (this year a GINORMOUS water slide!) to the baptisms, SYATP is always a highlight to the year.

All total this weekend we baptized 13 folks, including one lady who decided to follow Jesus this morning and then another young boy who was impacted by his brother's baptism earlier today! INCREDIBLE!! That brought us to a total of around 55 baptisms this year.

While it's not about the numbers, it is a good benchmark to see how God is impacting lives, communities, and of course, our church. We're hoping to blow that mark out of the water next year!!

It was great to hang out with a lot of good friends, eat a lot of good food and see how God is blessing our community. There's so much more in store and I'm pumped to see where we are headed next! Stay tuned!

UPDATE: I'm sure my buddy Jo will have some pics of this event on his blog - check it out!

Drive On In!

Melissa and I traveled with friends to the movies last night. And you're probably asking yourself, "What's so important about that?" I'm glad you asked! We actually went to a drive-in movie theater! I haven't been to a drive-in since I was a teen (or perhaps before then? my memory is fading!) but it was a very cool experience!

We saw "Transformers" and I must say that if you're looking for an action movie, this is probably one of the best this summer. I am anxious to see the new Bourne movie however.

Here's 5 Reasons to visit a drive-in for your next movie:

(1) Sitting outdoors under the sky and the stars while the moon shines just enough to see the twinkle in your spouse's eyes.

(2) Watching families hang together - playing Frisbee, talking with one another, tail-gating...

(3) The nachos!

(4) You can pass gas and nobody will hear or even notice!

(5) Kicking back, relaxing and hangin' in your favorite lawn chair!

Sharing the Golden Rule

I'm still not quite finished with the book "Getting Things Done," but I am learning tons of new organizational ideas. Whether I can put them into practice is a whole other ballgame...

We're in a series at Meadow Heights called "Summer of Love." We've spent the last three weeks talking about the meaning of love through God's eyes, etc. I have posted about the blog "Zen Habits" before, but today's post hit home. Leo gives us 18 practical tips on living the "golden rule." Some ideas we've already mentioned, ideas to spur additional actions, but more evident is God's reminder about how important it is to love others.

Scripture Snafus

I recently posted on the power of laughter. This guy shares some funny (although not in the moment!) moments on what we'll call "Scripture Snafus." Enjoy!

Baby Brynn

Melissa and I just returned from seeing Brandon and Kary Leach's new baby - Brynn Ellen Leach. She was born yesterday at 6:03pm and weighed in at an incredible 8lbs 14oz!! She is a VERY pretty baby, and as you can see has LOTS of hair!! Congrats Brandon and Kary!

What's All the Hype?

If you haven't been using Facebook, why not? Bobby [via the Swerve blog] gives us the lowdown about the "hype" behind this social device.

What Makes A GREAT Logo?

Meadow Heights Church is getting ready for a re-branding including taking a creative look at our current logo. Church Relevance has posted their thoughts on what makes a "great logo." They have also included examples of their Top 20 here.

What factors should we consider when developing a new logo? Who are some innovative designers out there?

Saddle(back) Up!

Saddleback Church has long been an innovator in the church world and Rick Warren is widely viewed as one of the most respected teachers in the business. Saddleback has been using on-campus venues for many years now, but they will soon be launching a very interesting multi-site strategy. It will work in three phases:

(1) Backyard Saddleback - for small groups of 30-60 people.

(2) Saddleback Satellite - a mid-sized gathering of 100-300 people in a neutral location.

(3) Saddleback Campus - a regional campus of 500-1500 people.


You can check out more info at Matt McGill's website. Some very interesting stuff!

Sweet 16

Author, speaker and pastor David Foster posts about 16 things he'd look for if he were planning on attending a church. While I don't necessarily agree with his top 16, some of them should make us question how we approach each weekend gathering. What questions should we be asking? Here's David's top 16:

If I were looking for a church to attend in the morning, here is what I’d look for:

1. When I enter do I hear laughter?
2. Are people greeting me as a job or a joy?
3. Does the place look like they were expecting me?
4. Are people buzzing as they greet each other?
5. Is there spirited music playing as people gather?
6. Does the music move me?
7. Do the people on stage look real and engaged?
8. Are the announcements short, strategic, and to the point?
9. Is there a printed outline with Scripture already printed on it?
10. Does the pastor smile?
11. Does the message title promise a relevant topic I am interested in?
12. Does the pastor speak with humility and authority?
13. Do I feel the presence of God?
14. Are people listening and engaged?
15. Is the service no more than 71 minutes?
16. Does it pass by fast?

[link via this guy]

Consumed

I've noticed our Summer of Love Blog has not been receiving much traffic. If you haven't checked it out click here. We simplified the blog in an effort to get more participation. One paragraph with one question. Simple.

Maybe simplicity isn't always the answer. People need a reason to respond to a question. Our first blog, Larger Than Life, was a huge success simply because people were engaged with the subject. They wanted to know more about something that was new to them. Response was dictated by a need for more information.

Interestingly enough, our two latest blogs (Who's Kidding Who? and Summer of Love) have generated very few responses. People have an enormous amount of knowledge in the area of raising kids and of course, with love. It's quite possible that we already feel equipped in these areas and therefore are not as inclined to participate in discussions.

We seemed consumed (and I'm using that term on purpose!) with getting more information but when it's time for us to give back we hesitate. Are we afraid that others will not value what we have to say? The web is full of "lurkers" but not as many that will "engage." We have the potential but not the product. Our desire to get is larger than our desire to give.

What's holding us back? Only us.

Face(book) Time Does Matter!

This Facebook thing is getting interesting. I have to admit, it's a bit addicting. Even though I only have four friends. I must have hit the big time however (I'm going to name drop...prepare yourself) because the Simply Strategic guy himself, Tony Morgan asked me to join his friends list.

Did he possibly hit the wrong button? Or a bad case of the gas cause him to relate that smell to me? Why Tony? Why?

Nevertheless, I am cranking on Facebook. Feel free to contact me if you want to be on the infamous friends list.

Now I need your help. I am in search of the best add-ons for Facebook. What are the top apps that you use? What are the apps to avoid?

Laughter: the Best Medicine?

Anyone that knows me will agree that I'm a practical joker. I especially like those "one-liners" - you know, the kind that make people groan out loud, but really they think it's incredibly funny...they just don't want to show it - it might encourage you.

Our church staff crack each other up on a weekly basis. Actually, it's more like daily. While we work as hard and as serious as anybody else, we also like to let our hair down and party awhile. Laughter can often be the best medicine. Check out this post on laughter and the church.

It reminded me of Disney's film "Monsters, Inc." Whether they knew it or not, the Disney folks are really imitating God. The monsters tried to get energy from scaring people - bottling up their fear. But in the end (spoiler alert!) they found that laughter blew the roof of the energy meter! Laughter made their world go round!

Churches have found themselves in those two camps as well. Camp One - the church that is made up of the "glass half empty" folks. They try to control everything and fear is their greatest weapon. If you're having a good time at church, then there must be sin in your heart (or as the popular song says, "if there's hair on your ears, there's sin in your heart...or something like that).

The other camp? The church that worships God for who He is - a loving and FUN God. God has a sense of humor!! Don't believe me? Observe people. They're hilarious (names withheld to protect the innocent...er, guilty?)! Why can't we serve and worship God and enjoy it at the same time? I think that's the essence of how God has created us!

Which camp do you find yourself in? How do you worship God? In fear? Or with the sounds of laughter in your heart?

Opening Pandora's Box

I've mentioned several online radio type sites in the past, but there's a new site out called "Pandora Radio" that has a very slick interface and intuitive features. Click here to try it out.

You can set up different "stations" based upon the type of music and/or artist you like to listen to and Pandora will find similar artist that you might like. You can then select whether you like the tune or not and it will adjust your "station" accordingly. A very cool and effective way to listen to music online.

Free registration will allow you to listen as long as you would like . Check it out and let me know your favorite stations.

[site from this guy via this guy]

MO Youth Honor Choir

I'm hanging out in Jefferson City, MO with my son and four other boys who made the MCDA Honor Choir. We had a great time yesterday, with stops at the outlet mall, our hotel and then all 24 of us from Fredericktown who asked to be seated together at Applebee's! And guess what...they did it!

The guys are in rehearsal all day today, with a performance this evening at 7pm. Then we'll be on the road back home!

Facebook Anyone?

So I've now created a Facebook page. I'm not sure really what to do with it, but here's my profile. If anyone wants to add me as a friend let me know. Where will this crazy technology lead? Who knows...

UPDATE: I now have one friend...and his name is Steve.

Back In the Day...

This should be fun...

Check out these pics and these pics by this guy...

Those were the days!

Weekend Wrap Up

• Speaking at Meadow Heights this weekend was incredible!! I love our team and volunteers - they are top notch!


• Handing out duct tape to 450 people can be a challenge!


• The videos for this weekend made a huge difference - thanks to Jeremy, Jeremiah and Elaine for their contribution.


• Having my wife pull me aside and pray for me before the first gathering on Saturday night left me speechless. I must be the luckiest husband alive!!


• Seeing Steve Osborne today made my entire weekend - this guy is the real deal and we miss him!


• We had tons of guests today! Summer tends to bring a lot of guests or just people who are checking things out.


• I had a great time with some friends on a quick trip to St. Louis this afternoon. We went to check on a friend in the hospital. Along the way we took a detour to deliver clothes, nearly had an accident, made another detour for a different accident, stopped for "extra" gas, saw an incredible hospital garden area, laughed a lot, and had my first meal at "Red Robin!"


• I still don't have our pool up and running. It's now officially a race - will the pool be up and running or will the summer end? My wife assures me that the pool WILL be up and running! :)


• I'll be working on my day off tomorrow so that I can travel to Jeff City on Tuesday and Wednesday to chaperon my son and two other boys. They auditioned and were selected for the MO Youth Honors Choir. I'm proud of you Seth!


• I saw an iPhone live and in action today. I have been downplaying the phone and telling myself that I wouldn't want one. Hmmm...now I want one! Jealousy is clinging to my soul! Good thing we'll be talking about that next weekend!