The great state of Tex-afornia

Hey guys, sorry I haven't posted in a while. Been pretty swamped with work and out of town with the holidays. Here is a funny video for you guys to check out Jesus Action Figure

posted by Kevin @ 10:10 AM 0 Comments

Another one bites the dust
So the title has a twofold meaning. First, I am listening to Queen's Greatest Hits on my iPod. It is a great album!

The real deal is that I am sick and tired of hearing about failed marriages in our churches. I found out this Sunday that another set of parents from our youth group are getting a divorce. I half-heartedly expect it from non-Christian families, but to see it in the church is heart breaking. I see the devastation it causes to our students. They feel abandoned by their parents. Even if they are relieved that there will be less fighting in the house students can't help but wishing for their parents to work it out.

What are we telling the world (and our kids) by our lack of commitment? We tell them that God won't work through difficult times. We show them a God who can't get through certain issues. What if God had said to the Israelites, "I know we entered into this covenant, but you are just to hard to live with." God is faithful, even when it hurts His name. Now, I realize that nearly everyone enters marriages expecting it to last. To the parents I offer grace, knowing that God can redeem any circumstance. But there is still a nagging feeling that kids don't deserve this. Wives don't deserve this. Husbands don't deserve this. I see so much brokenness and pain and it kills me. It makes me work that much harder to keep my love and commitment for my wife. For those married people reading this, keep faith that God can work through difficult times and is honored when you do this.

posted by Kevin @ 3:43 PM 0 Comments

The "S" Word

I have been thinking about the idea of submission. We had another marriage class this past weekend and one of the session talked about the wife's submission to the husband. Why is it such a difficult idea for us Christians to handle? Even as a man, I find myself repelled by the word. I think the biggest thing is that concept of submission has been used for centuries to justify a super-male ego boosting view of the Christian household. I look at my wife with such love and confidence that I shy away of even suggesting her submission to my authority.

If you really read the book of colossians submission is an issue. Paul says to the women, "Submit to your husband, as to the Lord." Back in those days it was usual for the wife to submit to the Lord. It is what Paul says next that is the amazing thing. Paul says for the husband to love their wives like Christ loved the church, giving himself up for her. Paul is calling for husband to give himself completely for the church. That was the astonishing part of the passage. Maybe the issue of submission should be taught less in the church and the idea of husbands giving themselves up for their wives should be taught more.

Submission is a stumbling block for non-churched people. What other ways could we talk about the concept of submission without the negative connotation traditionally associated with it? I don't have a replacement image, but it is food for thought.

posted by Kevin @ 2:59 PM 0 Comments

Not Much to Say
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. Life has got it's hands around my neck and it is just not loosening the grip. I have been swamped with work, ministry and over all fatigue. I feel fine. God has blessed me with joy, but my thoughts have been few and far between. I am reading a good book right now called Stories of Emergence. In it a number of Christian leaders speak of their spiritual journey. Some of the stories are painful, others are though provoking. In each story, God grabs ahold of their lives and their faith is reknewed. It is light and encouraging reading.

posted by Kevin @ 2:32 PM 0 Comments

Uber Nerd

Last week I recieved a brand spanking new iPod for my birthday. It's the 20G version and so far I am really satisfied with it. I spent most of Thursday transferring some of our CDs onto it. This is probably the most expensive gift I have purchased for myself. Although an indulgence I feel some satisfaction that I spent the extra money for more memory. I also got an FM transmiter that allows me to listen over the radio in my car. iPod, you rock my world!

posted by Kevin @ 9:25 AM 0 Comments