If you've ever seen the Relevant Magazine, the Relevant Podcast is the most excellent companion and a good way to spend a drive time...
The March 16, 2007 podcast (Time Mark: 29:00) discusses a book he wrote called "They like Jesus, but not the Church." I haven't read the book, and I don't know that I ever will. But the issues discussed in this interview rang so clear that I can't stop gushing to myself over it. It's printed by Zondervan and Dan Kimble (sp?) pastors a congregation in San Jose, CA called VINTAGE FAITH CHURCH.
Click on the above link and take a listen to this podcast.
3/31/07
They like Jesus, but not the Church
3/30/07
Local Live Houston Musicians
My friend Vic 'Nash'' Espinoza singing at Doneraki's at Gulfgate Mall (Houston)
My friend, Lourdes sings at the wonderful Isla Coqui, a Boricua restaurant in (1801 Durham & I-10) Houston. Make it one of your weekend dinner choices. Sings the 1st Fridays of each month. They actually brought out the bag of percussion instruments and started passing them out in the crowd on the last few songs.
I love the impact of 'live music' in any environment! The blended history of Latino music that I heard last night was so rich! Vic brought accordion sounds from the German Polka heritage that helped form part of the spectrum of Mexico's contributions. Lourdes crooned the timeless ballads of Puerto Rico's European history.
Just today I discussed that it is interesting how lyrics can dig into random parts of memory & psyche and connect the points in your personal story to cause you to connect with your soul. I realize the importance that Archangel Lucifer held in directing music in the Heavenlies. Critical in our lives is the need to see music redeemed! We polarize religion, society and other areas often based on musical preferences.
Tool for creative outlets? or Weapon for destructive criticism?
hmmm
3/29/07
Fonville Leadership Students!
[Click or Right-click on pictures for more options]
HAOC chartered a bus to take approximately 45 deserving students in the Leadership Classes at Sam Houston High and Fonville Middle Schools to the Houston Zoo for an educational outing including preparation activities for the TAKS tests coming up soon.
It becomes obvious how much an investment of time and care goes a long way with these incredible students!
SELAH.
3/28/07
ABC Nightline: Rick Warren: Losing his Flock?
Video from Yahoo! - Nightline Online: Losing his Flock?
What's your purpose?:
Nightline Online: Losing his Flock?
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/ver/222/popup/index.php?cl=2047055
3/27/07
ABC News: Speaking in Tongues
ABC News: Speaking in Tongues: Alternative Voices in Faith
I wonder if this is validated anywhere?
Bible Class in Public Schools?!! [Urban Onramps]
Greetings--
Would teaching the Bible in public schools be of interest to you:
Rudy said, "I was stunned to see this on the cover of TIME. I thought it was a parody. It's not."
http://www.urbanonramps.com/?p=533
Leave some comments!
Galveston. TX
Mom & Dad came to the SilverLeaf Seaside Resort on Galveston Island this week for a much needed time of rest. My sister and I visited, and others of the family are hoping to come as well through the week. Mom will celebrate her 70th birthday next weekend, if God wills, and more of the family will be going to Slumber Falls for that celebration as well. I was able to visit for a few brief hours and woke to see my first sunrise in a long time. I enjoyed the rest overnight (I always rest well at the coast for some unexplained reason. It's good to be close to family again.
3/25/07
First Sunday back at Tab!
March 25, 2007
What a privilege! Back at home in Houston, and seeing all that is taking place.
Rosie and Ramiro being faithful with an adult English speaking class, Rev. Santos Espinoza standing in the pulpit for Pastor Cantu while he is recovering from poor health. Carlos Valle bringing the message on obedience (2 Kings 5) and I was able to share the Evening Message for the baptismal service: "Everyone wants to go to Heaven, but no one wants to die."
Baptismal Candidates: Rev. Espinoza was prepared with an original group of 4 people, the number grew to 9 by Sunday night! One of this number was someone who decided to respond to his desire to follow Christ's teaching in obedience as a witness to everyone... they all now stand before us as newly committed Christians.
[Brief outline of the Sunday Message that I brought
for Baptismal candidates on March 25, 2007, Houston, TX]
Everyone wants to go to Heaven,
but nobody wants to die!
Baptism in obedience: (Romans 6:3-4)
GRAPHIC: The Lord; His Castle; The Storehouse; The Fields; The Serfs
The Lord of the Castle provided protection and a place to store food for times of siege.
The Serfs lived and worked outside the walled gates, but knew that they had access in times of trouble. They worked for the Lord (King) of the Castle to bring in the harvest.
The knights of the Castle were willing to die for their Lord. Their sworn allegiance committed them unto death; but to die for something, you have to have something to live for. When the street is calling young men and women to die for a Street Sign, Handkerchief or Neighborhood they have committed themselves. The church has a similar mandate that we are largely not fulfilling.
To Die FOR something, you have to be dead TO the flesh/world (Romans 8:13) and dead IN Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
The Road of the Cross symbolizes Sacrifice and Committment. This call to daily action is reflected by a willingness to let go of things that are not really ours to gain what has been prepared for our eternity in Christ. (Luke 9:23-24)
It is essential that we allow ourselves to 'die' in a figurative sense as the seed does when it falls into the ground. It cannot bear fruit unless it does so, but the potential for production from a single seed is exponentially greater than the consumption of that one seed. (John 12:24)
The harvest fields are ready... the main ingredient missing is laborers... Pray the Lord of the Harvest to send forth more obedient laborers into his harvest. (Luke 10:2)
Selah
3/21/07
Houston Nights
Probably one of the best thing about Houston is the night time. Much cooler, less humidity, and my Dollie is out of work. It has been good to take a stroll, have a snack or just be together. We're not empty nesters by a long shot, but we are blessed to have 4 grown young men taking strides
D'Amico's Dinner
D'Amicos dinner on Wednesday night was a wonderful Italian food experience, but I must say that within the context of reference to the Liotti Cucina, it was a moderate second.
Recent Events in Houston (Please Pray!)
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Well, time to go to work. My new routine... breakfast, coffee, and Sam Houston High School... in that order.
It was good to see Luis in his environment planning school activities to benefit students & staff.
The only recent challenge is to come alongside my 'suegro' (father-in-law) who is now in a private room at Methodist Hospital, after spending the night in the emergency room. A mild case of pneumonia has made it difficult for him to breathe, and chills and a fever have him hospitalized until he gets better.
Please pray for the Cantu family with several areas of physical need.
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