The great folks over at THE PLOW (www.blog.ministrygrowers.com) came out with a set of posters that really challenges us to take seriously Jesus' words.

Last night, for the first time in about 2 months or so, Christina and I got away for a "date night."  First let me say, spending family time with us and Lil' is of utmost importance, but we also feel like spending some "us time" is also important.  So, Grandma & Grandpa watched Lil' for the night and we went out on a date.  Our first stop - Jimmy Buffet's Cheeseburger in Paradise.

 

It was good.  Christina had the famous mini-Cheeseburgers and I had the wonderful Baja Burger, complete with Jalapenos and Salsa instead of Ketchup.  I also had a Strawberry Lemonade (with real Strawberries, of course.  I mean, Jimmy Buffet wouldn't have it any other way!)

And while we were there, we enjoyed the live music.
 

   
This guy was funny - and talented.  He really knew his crowd too - all late 20somethings and early 30somethings.
He played 90's music! (with the exception of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'")
We heard songs from Blues Traveler, Tom Petty, Counting Crows, and The Violent Femmes.  It was really cool.  He had this big loop pedal that his mic and guitar were plugged into, so he would do drum loops with his mouth and sing backup to himself.  It was very cool. 

Then, because my wife loves me very much, we went to Circuit City.  I just wanted to look around and she wanted to buy a cd.  I'd tell you which cd it was, except that it was terrible & we're probably going to throw it away.  It's not worth elaborating on...

Then, we went to the Kerasotes Theater and saw...

About two-thirds of the way through, Nick Cage and the crew began the entrance into this incredibly hidden cave to find the City of Gold.  They have to go through many obstacles and clues to get through - you know, the classic "hanging from a cliff, about to drop" things.  And they funally find it, but must escape.  Under one of the Golden buildings, there's a tunnel that the water is flowing through - and long story short, they walk through it - about 20 feet, to daylight.  So, the obvious thought is, why didn't they just come through that tunnel?  And why hadn't anyone else found this "lost city" I mean, duh.  So it was a serious with-holding of disbelief that helped me get through that part.  And of course, there will be a third movie.

I'd say that we had a very fun time, and I look forward to next month's date night!

So, let's not be in denial.  Culture has changed, and is still changing.  And as a result, means of communication has also changed.  No longer to people drop by your house to talk.  And people really don't even call anymore.  They text.  And if you don't have a myspace, facebook, twitter, or blog account - you are out of the loop. 

I don't prefer the newest type of social networking.

I'm more of a face-to-face kinda guy.  I like to be in the same room as the person i'm talking to.   But I'm adapting - whether I want to or not. 

And while I'm thinking of it - I really don't like facebook.  I know I've only had the account for just a shade under two weeks, but it just seems lame.  I enjoy myspace.

Anyway - back to my 'real' thoughts.  As I was thinking about the term "social networking", something hit me. 

In Acts 2:44-47, (NIV) it says
44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Do you see the similarities?

I do.

And while messaging on myspace isn't exactly "being together" in the traditional sense - it really is today.  And if this "social networking craze" will get people closer together - I think it's a pretty good idea to use it to our (christians) advantage. 

I'm not recommending e-bible studies (but has anyone tried that?), but I think that one of the biggest things the church today is missing is camaraderie.

I'm not suggesting I have the answer - I'm merely asking the question.  What do we do - if anything - with this?

Rarely does a movie come along that is genuinely heart-warming, romantic, funny, sincere, and sweet - that's not a chick flick! 

My wife and I went to see August Rush last night.  It was fantastic.  The basic story is of a boy, who's been separated from his birth parents and placed in a foster home.  Both of his parents were musicians, yet he doesn't know that - he feels it.  He seems to be able to hear music, though he's never played an instrument, and through the music, he feels he's connected to his parents.  He begins a quest to find his parents and to "flesh out" the music that's in his head.  He soon realizes that he's a musical prodigy - like Mozart - and begins to compose amazing music at an amazing pace.  He hopes that if he plays his music, his parents will hear it and they will all be reunited.  Don't worry - I won't spoil it.  Robin Williams has a small part in this movie - but is absolutely perfect for it.  Go see it tonight.

-Elgin

So, I'm sitting on a couch at The Lifehouse at 6:56pm on Saturday night, wondering if anyone is going to show up to Ignite.  In case you don't know, Ignite is our Saturday Night Worship service.  It's more of an emergent service...i guess geared towards young adults and such...  I never really intended to "gear" it towards anyone...well, yeah, everyone. 

I'm just thinking about lots of stuff.  My priorities in life; the time I waste; the time I spend; the time I take.  I feel like I'm not being as effective as I could be.  I want that to change.

-Elgin

If you could get everyone in the world to change their behavior in one way, what would you have them do differently?
Submitted by Ross.

Love each other as much as (or more than) they love themselves.

I've been through a lot lately.  Anyone who goes to our church knows what I'm talking about.  The devil has been attacking us full-force.  For a while, I felt like "hey, I can handle this."  Even though people around me were seemingly un-nerved, I felt pretty good.  I had the joy of the Lord.  But then, it got worse.  Yeah, famous last words, huh?  And I thought, "God, I don't think I can take much more - or any more at all."  And still, it got worse.  "God, I seriously can't take any more at all!"  And still, it got even worse.  And when we feel like we've made some headway, it gets worse in another area.  I have no doubt in my mind that we are doing the right thing, and that our Pastor is God's anointed, who has been appointed to this work in Marshall.  I stand behind him 100%. 

But frankly, I've still felt lately as though I've been in a hopeless situation.  And it wasn't until today, when I called up my former youth pastor and mentor, Jeff Gross, that I realized something.  As he talked, I realized why I felt hopeless.  I was trusting in my perspective of the matter.  I was taking my own understanding as the bottom line.  And Jeff reminded me to trust in the Lord with all my heart, and lean NOT on my own understanding. 

God is our shield.  Our Strength.  Our Portion.  Our Deliverer.  Our Shelter.  Our Strong Tower.  Our very present help in time of need. 

He will never leave us nor forsake us.  And he will work all things together for good for those who love him (and show it by their actions!)!!!!!!

So, do you feel like you're in a hopeless situation?  Remember to trust in God, not your own understanding.

God Bless!
-Pastor Elgin