God And Pancakes

Two thoughts:

One...
I am growing tiresome of pseudo-intellectual Christian types making Christianity all boil down to an equation of sorts. Systematic this and that - since when is following Jesus and being in love just like math?

And Two...
Just when I think I have God figured out I realize that I don't truly understand Him any more than the pancakes I made for breakfast today understands me... Creator and created - deal...

going Over The Hedge

I went out amongst the throngs of Friday night movie goers to follow Stevie Critics (he's my bro, so I'm obliged) advice to "othercott" The DaVinci Code. Over the Hedge was a most enjoyable film with lots of laugh out loud moments. The main premise was this group of woodland critters who, at the spurring of a racoon, go over the hedge surrounding them into the world of humans. The interactions are hilarious! Bonus was that the theater was PACKED!!! Not so bonus, all of the DVC showings for the night were Sold Out...

Interestingly enough there were a few protestors in front of the theater with big giant signs that read "I LOVE OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. I REJECT THE DAVINCI CODE" I am always intrigued by protestors, I think passion is a good thing and while it may not be my personal style to protest, I have to hope that it encouraged the faith of the people standing on the corner holding their signs. I'm not sure it did much to sway the crowds from seeing the film, but they were there, expressing themselves and I'm all for it.

It's funny, I can see myself a bit in both the protestors as well as the people making fun of them (sadly) but I think I am learning to appreciate both angles. I was reminded in Mercy Now's latest blog that we are supposed to love on people, pure and simple (although it is rarely either). Jesus won the world by His love, not his disapproval. He was honest and saw people for who they were but didn't make them feel like losers for it, rather, made a point of loving them just because that's what He was about. I'm not saying throw away conviction, not at all, embrace it. But to embrace conviction without grace for others is to embrace the ocean without leaving the shore. it's all idealogy and no reality...

go over the hedge, it's much more exciting there...

Missions Week Idea

I've had an idea rolling around in my brain that I want to throw out to each of you for your consideration. Most of you know that I am going to South Africa in July/August and that I have developed a deep love for the people there. I can't wait to go...

We are targeting the high risk teenagers in impoverished living conditions, I did a bit of research on what their lives are like and come across a few statistics (via http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_South_Africa ). The average Black African household in South Africa makes approximately $1800/annually - yep, annually, or $150/month or $35/week... actually, i think based upon this being an average - this is probably high for some of the areas we have been/will be in.

So here's my idea. I think it would be cool to live for a week (Sunday - Friday) on the budget of a Black South African - $35. In light of gas prices this does not include gas... immediately, this knocks Starbucks out for me, but here's the catch (there's always a catch) when you want to spend money on something else - be it eating out or going to a movie or buying some clothes or whatever it is and it falls beyond the $35 budget - you put that money aside. At the end of the week - whatever money is put aside you give it to a local mission or charity organization. And DON'T just send a check - go down to the charity or missions office and give your donation to them face to face. Find out what their needs are how you can pray and help them in the future. Make it PERSONAL!!!

I'm thinking May 21 - May 26. Let me know what you think and pass it on...