AnotherJohn.Com

I came across ( j-walk blog ) a list this morning that provides for us (20) excellent reasons to leave Christianity. Unfortunately, I know nothing of the author except from what I pulled up via Wikipedia . Some of the reasons I have considered before--dare I say believed. While some frown at things like this I don't have a problem with looking at someone's criticisms and honestly evaluating where our faith has been. In fact, I think that is a constructive thing to do. In another fact, it's a part of the reason I have come to be where I am in my faith. No, I don't consider any of them adequate in striking the core of the CHRISTian belief. So, no worries ; I'm not going anywhere....or sorry ; I'm not going anywhere--which ever it is for you. Here's the link that provides the author's explanation for each reason. Christianity is based on fear Christianity preys on the innocent Christianity is based on dishonesty Christianity is extremely egocen...

Well, since you already have your microscope out, go ahead a read it . And speaking of the Bible, the Brick Testament is a repost for us, but it seems to be making it's way around again; I would not classify some of the images as totally appropriate, but overall a neat idea. This is only if you're still looking for that perfect gift. Get our of your cave and get shopping. It seems like everyone is moving to Texas, but read this just in case you haven't made up your mind yet. Baby when I see you smile at me...I remember your face. Oh, and here's the rat everyone has been talking about. Watch it till the end; even if you don't think so it's worth the wait to get to the end. +ThinkChristian

I couldn't resist this one. Someone sent it to me this afternoon. The other day I was talking to one of my younger buddies about methods used to discipline children. We talked about 'time outs', grounding, holding back 'rewards' until the child displayed desired behavior etc. One of the things we discussed was the act of spanking and my friend explained that no, he does not spank any of his children. He explained that what he does is to take the misbehaving child out for a ride in the car and talk. He said that usually this works and that the child calms down fairly quickly. By removing the child, in this case his son, from the immediate situation and providing a change of scenery, the child is allowed to focus on something different. Once the child has the opportunity to change perspective, things get better quickly and the child has better understanding of his place within the family and begins to understand the families concept of acceptable behavior. He ki...

Today I've been cleaning house (office, that is). While going through stacks of magazines (and wondering how long is too long to keep old editions), paperwork (wondering why I hadn't turned that in yet) and CDs (wondering how did I use to carry all those in my car) I came across a publication full of sermons, illustrations and quotes. This particular one was called The Tool Chest, edited by someone named James Crawford. Here are some thoughts I kept from these: A home without family worship is like a house without a roof-exposed to every storm that rages. A pessimist is a person who feels bad when he feels good for fear he'll feel worse when he feels better. The real test of will-power is to have the same ailment someone else is describing and not mention it. "Where," said the woman orator," would man be without woman? Where? Where?" Here she paused for effect. "Where, I ask, WHERE would man be without woman?" From the top gallery came a v...

Tuesday I completed my last final exam of the semester. So, with school over, yesterday I took my first complete day off in a while. It was nice. A member of the church had invited me to the gun range, and we convinced Gloria to go with us. That was a time I wished I had a camera. To finish the day, we (Gloria, Brittani & Ashlei) attended a concert. The girls (all of 'em) love Third Day. They played last night with Jars of Clay opening. This was part of a Christmas tour; it was nice. Anyways, that was yesterday. Now, it's back to work. Here's a small video clip of God of Wonders: And here are Brittani and Ashlei; mind you Ash had just woken up.

Holiday Survival Kit That's Life Good-O-Meter These (2) videos are from a Ball High School Band Reunion (I wasn't there); these are two cadences we used to play. Instant Funk Dawg

Ouch! Tell me you didn't identify somewhere. Just in time for Christmas. God Pie +locustsandhoney You've gotta tell people to check this one out. Stay blessed...john

1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to go out to eat. (more than once but less than 10) 2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold) 3. Add 5 4. Multiply it by 50 5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1757... If you haven't, add 1756. 6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born. You should have a three digit number. The first digit of this was your original number. (I.e., How many times you want to go out to restaurants in a week.) The next two numbers are YOUR AGE ! ------ (Oh YES, it is!!!)

I have been forwarded this video several times over the past few weeks. Many of you have probably seen it. But have you seen the second one. Someone sent it to me this morning. When we lived in the Valley there was a local Christian radio station ( KVMV 96.9 ). It was cool having a station like that. There were always concerts going on; and they weren't the real expensive ones. Most were in churches or other auditoriums. Gloria and I would go a lot. We also volunteered for the station. We'd sell CDs outside of the concerts and other things like that; we also got to meet several of the artists. One of those groups was Go Fish (the group whose video you might watch below). I've always enjoyed Acapella and Gloria really liked them. Anyways, here's a couple of their songs. Christmas With a Capital "C" It's About the Cross Stay blessed...john

The story says that a young waitress in a small Georgia town was working late one night. There was a young truck driver came in who was facing an arrest. His offense was not too serious; his truck was overloaded. The young man wanted to call his boss before he went to jail to inform him of the situation. Not having any change to make a call it looked like he may have had to wait a little longer for his release. For whatever reason, the waitress walked the man to the pay phone and deposited a dime so he could begin calling. The man was very thankful. Several weeks had passed by when the waitress received a particular postcard. Taped to the postcard was a dime with a thank you note. The note was signed by a man named Elvis Presley. True? I don't know. It was a story that was attributed to wonderful individual who passed away this week. A dear friend of the family died late Sunday evening. We traveled to Galveston to attend the funeral. I'm really glad we were able to...

Adventures in Revland first did this (that I saw) and I thought it was an alright thing to do. I wrote these out in my mind long before I ever wrote them here. As the writing continued I noticed it became very therapeutic. And away we go.... I confess that writing this was entirely too much fun. I confess I dislike church meetings. I confess my inability to stay organized for a long period of time. I confess that I do get disappointed with the church more than I'll ever acknowledge (again). I confess my ignorance of Jewish holidays and festivals; I always forget what was supposed to be done when. I confess my desire to be a nerd (in disguise). I confess that I probably have too many Mariah Carey singles on my IPOD. I confess that I really think that's okay. I confess I don't spend (20) hours working on a sermon...though maybe someday I will. I confess sometimes I miss Galveston. I confess that leaving churches (for a new appointment) is difficult for me. I confess my di...

Whoa, if you're anything like me (I'll pray for you) you better get the tissue ready. Talk about Thanksgiving. When I hear children speak like this I am so thankful. I thank God for His promises and for the parents and teachers of the children. This young boy called in to KSBJ a Houston Christian radio station. As I recall this is a pretty good station. Anyways, the link below has the conversation. Niagra Falls baby: Logan Calf Story http://www.ksbj.org/eblogs/morningShow/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/logan-calf-story.mp3 After hearing that how can we not be blessed...john Leave your comment about what you thought of Logan.....

In honor of birthdays across the globe, I give you: MY NAME IS ALICE SMITH AND I WAS SITTING IN THE WAITING ROOM FOR MY FIRST APPOINTMENT WITH A NEW DENTIST. I NOTICED HIS DDS DIPLOMA, WHICH BORE HIS FULL NAME. SUDDENLY, I REMEMBERED A TALL, HANDSOME, DARK-HAIRED BOY WITH THE SAME NAME HAD BEEN IN MY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS SOME 40-ODD YEARS AGO. COULD HE BE THE SAME GUY THAT I HAD A SECRET CRUSH ON, WAY BACK THEN? UPON SEEING HIM, HOWEVER, I QUICKLY DISCARDED ANY SUCH THOUGHT. THIS BALDING, GRAY-HAIRED MAN WITH THE DEEPLY LINED FACE WAS WAY TOO OLD TO HAVE BEEN MY CLASSMATE. AFTER HE EXAMINED MY TEETH, I ASKED HIM IF HE HAD ATTENDED MORGAN PARK HIGH SCHOOL. 'YES. YES, I DID. I'M A MUSTANG,' HE GLEAMED WITH PRIDE. 'WHEN DID YOU GRADUATE?' I ASKED. HE ANSWERED, 'IN 1959. WHY DO YOU ASK?' 'YOU WERE IN MY CLASS!', I EXCLAIMED. HE LOOKED AT ME CLOSELY. THEN, THAT UGLY, OLD, BALD, WRINKLED, FAT BUTT, GRAY-HAIRED, DECREPIT SON-OF-A-BISCUIT EATER ASKED, 'WHAT...

From the "Save This For a Sermon" file: Road Rage A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection. The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, finger printed, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects. He said, ...

I had seen this on several methoblogs and decided to go for it. What has education in America come to? Does this mean I can raise tuition?

Some helpful advice for anyone looking to become an evil overlord. Number 100 is pretty funny. Peter's Evil Overlord List . Check out Cellblock A and B, too |thanX come to the waters|

On November 2, 2004 Theo van Gogh was brutally murdered on the streets of Amsterdam in broad daylight. His death was in response to a film he helped create months before entitled Submission. It would seem in some ways that Infidel , by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, was written in response to that event—written to those willing to administer death unto others by their own religious convictions because of it, to those who were impacted by it and simply to those who would listen. Ali had written the film and was also a target of the people who killed Theo. It is this occurrence that Ali begins her book, and allots an entire chapter to in the last pages of the book. Since the time of Theo’s death Ali has been accelerated into the spotlight as a strong voice against the treatment of Muslim women; this was the issue of Submission, and the intent of Infidel is to bring continued light to this subject matter. Ali’s other works surround this same topic. Prevalent in this topic is the total su...

First, I'm not into decorations and all that, but doesn't the church lawn look pretty nice with all those pumpkins? Gloria taught her Sunday School class outside in the Patch yesterday (she co-teaches middle and high school students); the guys loved it--at least that's what we took from their smiles, feedback, participation and how can you not be happy laying in a Pumpkin Patch on a bean bag? Secondly, and here's probably my main idea, this isn't about the money--at least not too much right now. What I mean to say is that this isn't some big money making project for us, yet. I know there are churches that use this to completely fund certain ministry projects or areas; we are not there. There's nothing that says we couldn't be. At this point we're averaging about $24 an hour (and please don't ask me why I know that). This just isn't anything that can be considered a cash cow. While we don't quite have enough dough for staff volunteer...

All is good in my world. ** http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d803ac551 **From Sunday School class yesterday: The last words of 1King 6 mention Solomon taking (7) years to build the Temple. The first words of chapter (7) mention it took him (13) years to build his palace. My question to the class was, "Why did it take Solomon almost twice as long to build his palace?" Response: "The wife kept changing the plans." He did have a few of them, didn't he? **I'm going to see if I can get a particular Patch couple to write out their pumpkin story. In the meantime, what about this kid? Stay blessed (I know I am)...john

I've never watched the show (I believe it's a miniseries); so, I don't really know what it's all about other than it's a remake of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The site was pretty cool. Infinite Oz Stay blessed...john

So, you've been wondering, "Is my presidential candidate a secularist or theocratic?" We're glad you asked: The God-o-Meter (pronounced Gah-DOM-meter) scientifically measures factors such as rate of God-talk, effectiveness—saying God wants a capital gains tax cut doesn't guarantee a high rating—and other top-secret criteria. Click a candidate's head to get his or her latest God-o-Meter reading and blog post. And check back often. With so much happening on the campaign trail, God-o-Meter is constantly recalibrating! Get your candidate's current calibration here: God-O-Meter (+JWalkBlog) Stay blessed...john

Someone shared this video with me this morning.

Video game maker Electronic Arts created Altar Egos to test the market for Christian video games. The game, which EA describes as "Grand Theft Auto without the graphic violence and sex, and set in a church building," is not yet available in stores but was sent to hundreds of churches across the U.S. where it has become an instant obsession. So, do we have any gamers ready for a tournament? Here's the link at Lark News: Guilty Pleasure (+ThinkChristian) . Okay, it's no secret that the ol PlayStation helps keep me in line. I haven't been able to play as much as I probably need to. With about 8 weeks left in the semester maybe a game like this would be beneficial. Happy playing. Stay blessed...john

No, not like that. This was actually a non-threatening experience. You can read the profile at Locusts & Honey. Here's the link: Locusts & Honey

As we're getting ready for the arrival of our pumpkins I've been looking around for last minute ideas and suggestions. I came across When Grace Happens--a blog from J. Scott McKay; here's a thought he shared about the Pumpkin Patch: Finally, the Pumpkin Patch reminds us that we may different but we are all beautiful. Unique does not mean unlovable. It takes all kinds of pumpkins to make a patch and it takes all of us to make a church. Read the rest of his Pumpkin Patch thoughts here: Pumpkin Patch Time We're still looking for volunteers from Bandera (and beyond) to fill time slots; so, don't forget to sign up this Sunday--you don't wanna miss out on meeting Priscilla Pumpkin! Stay blessed...john

I'm glad to have read this story: Avant's Faith is Far From Cliche It has become so ordinary. Trite even. A receiver catches a touchdown pass, falls to his knees and points to the sky. After the game he tells Suzy Kolber or Bonnie Bernstein or Michelle Tafoya that he wants to thank God. Admit it. There is a temptation to roll the eyes. It's understandable. Too many times, that same receiver shows up on TV later, involved in something far from holy. Nobody likes to be duped. That's exactly how I feel when some athlete comes on television saying he has found Jesus, or that he/she gives all the glory to God. Of course I know athletes aren't the only people that do this. They just get the bigger stage in our society. Go Eagles! Stay blessed...john

I'm not even going to touch the issue some in the article ( Foot-Washing Sink Plan Awash in Controversy ) try to address. That is something I don't want to get into right now. I'm reading about this foot washing sink being installed in an Indianapolis airport. All kinds of things are running through my little mind: I'm wondering why the church's marquee says it's the "home of the eagles (strike that; upon further review I realized it's a Christian School)," I didn't know there was something called Islamophobia (Well, it does generate a little red squiggly line in WORD) and what do you say when you go into the bathroom and see someone doing this? As it is men don't even like to use urinals that are next to each other. So, maybe this doesn't have to much to do with the article, but as I'm reading I'm wondering why these kind of practices would have to be done in an airport. Is everyday life getting in the way of faith for som...

Agnusday.org (+our valiant news letter editor)

No, not for me. It looks like our conference has remodeled its website. I want to say I had heard they were working on a new format, but nevertheless its up and running. Also, I came across our conference newspaper as well. I don't know whether that is new or not, but it looks informative--not just filler info. Southwest Texas Conference United Methodist Witness Our church website may be down for a while. I've been trying to recruit someone to take over the maintenance of it. No one has offered their skills. So, I may be putting a message there soon. Or does anyone have any suggestions on how to get more participation in that area? It's been one of those days. So, pray for me. Those days don't happen to me often, but when they do..(!) Stay blessed...john

"Nobody leaves this place without sangin' the blues." (+neatorama) Fight For Kisses; I bet Freud would have loved this. Fight For Kisses //// www.ffk-wilkinson.com Uploaded by killafather (+Hemmy.net) Mr. Bean and the Invisible Drumset (+Ursi's Blog) This is brief section of a documentary I saw in my Race and Relations class yesterday. The documentary is entitled Ethnic Relations. I recommend it.

A video to help explain the Trinity. (+Think Christian)

Of course most of my middle schoolers, and a lot of my high schoolers, don't get the idea of real consequences to actions. Many of our youth don't understand that so much of what they do, and say, today effects their future. Not only that, but so much of what they do effects other people as well. You and I know that--I hope. I don't know why I started with that, and I really don't know where I'm going with this. What my frustration is aimed at is the way our culture mocks everything. It really gets on my nerves. Our society has progressed so much and part of that progression is this notion that nothing is sacred or exempt from scrutiny. Everyday I see and hear examples of it. This morning what triggered me was a video I watched. It's a dumb little video. Some actor was doing an interview, and the conversation moved to death and comedy tv--whether that was appropriate (or taboo). The actor said no, and began to demonstrate with the (I think it was) hot...

I'm out KAIROSing this weekend. Be in prayer and mind your blogging. Stay blessed...john

I'm struggling with a decision. It may not seem too much of an issue, and indeed in a few weeks I'll probably think the same way. However, right now all the input I can get would be great. Our youth group has met on Wednesdays since I've been here (2 1/2 years) and even prior to that. For our community it seems that day is better than say a Sunday. This is the first church that I've been a part of that provided a youth meeting right after school. For a while after stepping in I kept that schedule; almost a year in we went to a later time. Some of "our" students would prefer the earlier time. We actually "lost" some because they were upset we changed time (that's another story). I am leaning towards a later time for a number of reasons. The biggest is that I believe it opens the door for a lot of other students to be involved in the student ministry here. Many of these youth are involved in band, sports, theater and other after school act...

I recently finished a book that was loaned to me by a church member. not much just chillin: the hidden lives of middle schoolers So did a great job, I think, of capturing the image of what many of middle school students deal with. It can be a daunting task to pinpoint the particular characteristics of many of these students. Many of them may fit into a particular category, but they are dealing with so much and changing so much that you run the risk of missing who they are by figuring their type. The middle schooler is a unique creature. When I substituted several years ago there was one grade that I did my very best to stay away from--6th grade. That is generally where they are realizing they have attitudes, and they are figuring out how to work them. But I would be missing so much joy if I didn't work with them. Stay blessed...john

I'm getting ready for our community 5th Quarter party this Friday. In the meantime here are some videos to lighten your mood. You may not enjoy this video if you are not a drummer. This song taught me my first drum break when I was a kid. (+Creative Review) Church Growth Ideas Some stand up By the way...Anyone know a reason to use what happens when you hit (Ctrl+Alt)+Down Arrow (or Up Arrow to reverse it)? Windows XP

Yes, that is Russell Crowe considering his call into the ministry.

(+Bits and Pieces)

So, what can table fulls of chili dogs, chips, drinks, tacos, vegetarian egg rolls (!) and watermelon do for your day? Well, for me, it can keep the last class of the day from seemingly draggin on. It seems the president's offices have been out the last couple of days serving free food to students on campus. That's a nice gesture. I couldn't help but make a church connection as I had them pile on some extra cheese. Some of them were wearing long sleeve shirts and slacks; so, maybe it was the heat. There was a DJ and she did her job. I could hear the music from each of the buildings I was in; so, maybe it was a little too loud for some of them. Maybe they hadn't had their share of Ruffles and watermelon slices yet. Whatever the reason--and I'm not discouraging them for the idea at all--it just seemed some of the personnel had other things on their minds or would have rather been some place else. I've had my run in with those people in the churh that have h...

I bought a print of this to put in our youth house. It laid against one of the bookcases in my office for about a week. There's was no way I could part with it after that. I'm not really sure what it is that I love about it. Maybe it let me laugh when I thought about stressing over something, or challenged me to think just a little more. Whatever it was doesn't matter; it now hangs above the doorway in my office. I'll see about getting the youth group another one. Stay blessed...john

I'm catching up on some letter writing I've been meaning to do. One of those letters is to the pastor of the UMC we visited in Little Rock (hey, better way late than feeling guilty I never wrote it). Part of her sermon included the story below. I'm not sure if I had heard it prior to then or not, but for some reason it just shouted at me that Sunday. Maybe it'll yell at you too: Once upon a time, the great river had a huge flood. A large scorpion was trapped on the upper branches of a dead tree, and the waters were gradually rising over the tree and the scorpion seemed doomed. A monk was passing by the river; he witnessed the scene, and, grabbing on to a shrub at the edge of the path, reached over intending to pick up the scorpion and carry it to safety. The scorpion stung the monk. Still, the monk tried again and again—and each time he was stung. A little later, a passerby saw the monk, weak from venom, hand swollen, but nevertheless trying to rescue the insect. “G...

A Woman was out golfing one day when she hit the ball into the woods. She went into the woods to look for it and found a frog in a trap. The frog said to her, “If you release me from this trap, I will grant you three wishes.” The woman freed the frog, and the frog said, “Thank you, but I failed to mention that there was a condition to your wishes. Whatever you wish for, your husband will get times ten!” The woman said, “That’s okay.” For her first wish, she wanted to be the most beautiful woman in the world. The frog warned her, “You do realize that this wish will also make your husband the most handsome man in the world, an Adonis to whom women will flock.” The woman replied, “That’s okay, because I will be the most beautiful Woman and he will have eyes only for me.” So, KAZAM-she’s the most beautiful Woman in the world! For her second wish, she wanted to be the richest woman in the world. The frog said, “That will make your husband the richest man in the world. And he will be ten tim...

When despair tries to take me under... I choose life. When I wonder what God could possibly be thinking... I choose trust. When I desperately want relief from unrelenting reality... I choose perseverance. When I feel oppressed by my disappointment and sorrow... I choose gratitude. When I want to keep my feelings to myself... I choose vulnerability. When nothing goes according to my plan... I choose relinquishment. When I want to point the finger... I choose forgiveness. When I want to give up... I choose purposeful action. Carol Kent, A New Kind of Normal (+Mike King)

This is one of my favorite hymns. I think everyone should be able to find a "version" they will enjoy. All of Creation serves as His signature--He is our King! Yet He calls us friend. May your day be blessed. Acapella... Piano and Vocals Salvador singing On the guitar in Chinese Mandarin 如鹿渴慕 on the saxophone

This morning I took my final, and the Summer Session is now over. We'll begin again in the next couple of weeks. So, for the next couple of days I'll be catching up on some of my reading and putting more focus on some church projects scattered across my office wall. Next month we'll be participating in the KAIROS Torres #18 walk in Hondo. This will be the third walk Gloria and I have been a part of. What a blessing! If you've never had an opportunity to go, you might want to give it some serious thought. I understand about schedule and all that--trust me I do. But the time put in is nothing compared to the joy of ministry that happens during a weekend. At our first team meeting we are always asked why we are a part of the KAIROS ministry. For me, I give the same answer. As a pastor/teacher/someone who loves ministry I love to see God work; God does some working on a KAIROS walk. No, I don't consider myself a "KAIROS junkie," as some will profess ...

We actually have a chicken and a rooster that call our church home. Last year I first noticed them when I saw a line of chicks crossing the street to get to church. This year, during VBS, we had to convince the kids it wasn't a good idea to mess with the hen while she was laying her eggs--even though she was in the play house. Here's some crazy fish you probably haven't seen (I know I haven't) ( +neatorama ) Read some the " volunteering habits and trends in America’s largest cities ."( + Think Christian ) What about The Greatest Partnership that never happened. ( + Jazz Theologian ) Zen & The Art of Child Discipline Stay blessed...john

So, if a group of people help distribute over 29,000 pounds of food and no one brings a camera to capture all the work, did it really happen? Of course it did. Wow! Yesterday we partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank and passed out boxes of food to families. The food bank had called us to help since Helping Hand was in the middle of constructing their new medical building. It kind of just came together and happened. One of our members graciously agreed to help lead this project (boy, was she in her element!); I wasn't supposed to be around all day--class is everyday for me right now. We weren't quite sure what to expect. Needless to say, when an 18-wheeler pulled up and started unloading (20) pallets of food we were amazed. The funny thing is most of the people (volunteers) there were kind of concerned we weren't going to be able to get rid of all the food. We turned in (2) boxes of tomatoes! There was a line of cars around the block. So much for some people...

Mr. Bean goes to church ( +Adventures in Revland ) ME Worship The Orthodox Church - A visual journey Church Comedy TOOOOOOOOOO THE WINDOOOOOOOWSSSSSSSSS TOOOOOO THE WAAAAAAAAAAALLS!!!

Several of our youth participated in our worship service yesterday. Generally, the fifth Sundays are designated as their time to lead. I enjoy when they participate. When I first came here, the youth would lead the Mother's Day and Father's Day services. I didn't enjoy that too much. Yes, I know it's not about what I like or don't like. Actually, I wanted them to be a part of worship during other times of the year, to experience some of the liturgical changes. That has given us the opportunity to talk about different topics and Scripture references in our preparation for those Sundays. Several times we have used a services taken from various youth sources. The most vivid one for me was the Fall Funeral; we held a funeral service for church. This, of course, represented the death to ourselves. It concluded with a celebration of new life offered to us in Christ. We were all given rocks to use that we were to press into those things that kept us from living ...

Here's a picture of the kids, taken from the wedding we went to in Little Rock. Stay blessed...john

okay, a few videos for you to devour. Any conversation about 'em? Psalm 23 (children reciting Scripture moves me) the iBible (oh, the truth in this video is disturbing) Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! (I posted an audio file similar to this which I think was a bit funnier) Hut, Hut Tithe (the play by play is hilarious) one of the family's favorite songs (even if you don't like the style of music; the message is real)

Superpowers that are now possible ( +neatorama ) Thriller via the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center in the Philippines ( +YesButNoButYes ) Ten propositions on faith and laughter (+42) What if we had a "jazz-shaped" faith?

I'm taking a Population Dynamics class--demography. It's a little hard to sit through for an hour and a half (anything is hard for me to sit through that long), but the information is interesting. For example, did you realize the world's population did not pass 1 billion until 1804. Then it only took 123 years to reach 2 billion. The 3rd bill came 33 years later, 4th only 14 years after that, then it took 13 years to hit 5, and 12 more (in 1999) to surpass 6 billion; the expected 7th billion is expected in the next three years or so. Anyways, our professor has mentioned several times that one of the UTSA staff members has been selected to head the Census Bureau . Steve Murdock is the: Department of Demography and Organization Studies Chair Institute for Demographic and Socioeconomic Research Dir. Texas State Data Center , Dir. State Demographer of Texas He did a presentation at this year's Bishop's Convocation at Mt. Wesley . ...

Here are some ideas I wanted to share with you that I highlighted out of Recapture the Wonder . These are just a few. I'd recommend the book to you to read a bunch more. Deep within every human heart throbs the undying hope that somebody or something will bring both an explanation of what life is all about and a way to retain the wonder. Yet if we would but pause and first ponder what it is that we already see in this world of wonder we might get a brief taste of the wonder that may be poured into us as well. Wonder is that possession of the mind that enchants that emotions while never surrendering reason. Wonder has a direct bearing on hopelessness and evil. The loss of wonder sets the stage for evil, until truth itself dies at the altar of a desecrated imagination When we pretend to be God and play God, we do so without the benefit of God's character and we redefine good and evil. Religion...It is not about ritual; it is about relationship. It is not about the posture of t...

We're back. Everything went well, we had a good time, got a couple married, saw family and got back safely. Little Rock was a nice place. I'm sure we'll share with you some of our trip--especially pictures. I almost forgot I'm a student again. It's off to class now. In the meantime you can read about the Nazareth cross . Stay blessed...john

-- How about taking a tour of prague, moscow, venice, vienna, los angeles, belgrade, or syria; visit 360 cities for a Virtual Traveling experience. -- check out some unusual keyboards . -- what about this guy who tried to run off with an iphone on live tv -- how about cooking your hot dog the mad scientist way -- caption this pic at Locusts & Honey

I can fly twice as hiiiigh... Take a look! It's in a book! A reading rainboowwwww! The second summer session at UTSA begins this Wednesday; I'm enrolled to take Population Dynamics. That means its back to the textbooks again (edit:: I actually received my textbook shortly after posting this). Books that I want to read are going to have to wait a while. Reading is difficult for me, however, it has become a lot more fun over the last several years. Its in my best interest to focus my extra-biblical reading to just material for classes. There are (3) books I'm looking to finish reading before Wednesday. Recapture the Wonder Unbinding the Gospel (a signed copy) Theological Themes on Youth Ministry Others that I have recently finished: The Simple Faith of Mr. Rogers Conspiracy of Kindness Purpose Driven Youth Ministry Thriving Youth Groups Blogging will be light after today for a while. I'm going to take some vacation time next week. We'll be traveling to Arkan...

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Realize that the Transformers aren't involved with the transformation we're talking about. They make go back and forth from vehicle to robot, but they are the same inside. What we need to get to our churches is the whole paradigm shift in our minds that keeps us from continuing to conform to this world. The world--assuming we agree it needs God's message--should see that real transformation in the church. Stay blessed...john

This is taken from NPR. These really are some great photos. It is a slide show, complete with commentary. You may want to watch it a second time with the volume down and just marvel at God's creation. Sky Visions: Michael Collier's Aerial Photography Stay blessed...john

No, I'm not talking about my favorite dance move. If Google Earth wasn't enough for you then this is for you. Google has provided a service to the people of America. Google Moon is an extension of Google Maps and Google Earth that, courtesy of NASA imagery (thanks, guys!), enables you to surf the Moon's surface and check out the exact spots that the Apollo astronauts made their landings. Now you and I can do some "lunar surfing." Now, for an added bonus, be sure to zoom in all the way. Google Moon Stay blessed...john

In our funny commercial segment today..... stay blessed...john

Last night we went to the Fredericksburg UMC . We were attending the installation service for the Rev Robert Hall, our new District Superintendent. Personally, I enjoy these types of services; it echoes back to me my commitment and responsibility as a pastor. Also, joining in worship with other clergy is a joy. Well, as the title would suggest, we celebrated Holy Communion. Ashlei has been away at Grandma's, so we had Brittani and Nathan. Brittani knows what to do, and why we do it. Of course, Nathan is learning all this. I coached him: "They're going to give you a piece of bread. Take the bread then put it in the cup with the juice. Then you eat it." We went over this several times. When it was his turn he took the bread, in a shy manner. Then he moved to the cup, looked into it, and threw his bread into the cup. He thought it was fun. We made the most of it, and made it a learning moment. To his defense, in our church we use the little cups you drink o...