The first month of 47five17 has been pretty amazing...

Why? Well, let's just enumerate, shall we?

1. Not many students knew me that well.
2. It was announced it at church, but not much more than that advertising-wise.
3. A lot of students were coming off a pretty crappy senior year at church.
4. We're not a college town, per se. (But then again we are the home of Oakwood University!)
5. We haven't thrown a bunch of money at it.

Why has it gone so well so far? Let's enumerate...

1. Pastor Jeff has been behind it from before day one and has supported it big time.
   
2. You guys were way ready for something that wasn't HS, but was young adult.
3. A lot of you were coming off a pretty crappy year at church and were ready to engage.
4. There were more than a few that decided to stick around GSC...sweet.
5. The students and young adults of Chestnut Mountain like my hair.
6. Prayer.

Good times.

StumbleUpon

If you want one of the best time killers for surfing the web, go to StumbleUpon. Put in your interest, click on the little globe in your browser, and stumble upon some of the coolest, eclectic, and obscure websites ever.

Enjoy.

Spiritual beings living a human existence

Our pastor, Jeff Benefield, has recently and frequently used the phrase "We are spiritual beings living out a human existence." Or at least something really close to that. Fact is, it's a very true statement, especially proven in recent conversations that I've been involved with. For instance...

A couple of days ago when working at BestBuy, one of my favorite managers was passing the time with me (we were brutally slow), and was telling me that he had found a great movie about vampires. I asked him why, and he said it was because that the movie a lot of the cast of Aliens in it and that immediately made him a fan. He said it was just cool. So how is that spiritual? People innately gravitate to spiritual things. It's not the first time someone said they loved a vampire movie. The whole vampire thing is, to be sure, a spiritual topic. Demons, crosses, Holy Water, life after death, etc. It's fascinating stuff to a lot of people. We are spiritual beings living a human existence, even if the most popular spiritual topic isn't "Christian."

Another example can be found in my oldest daughter. She's enamored with the thought of the spiritual, sometimes with spiritual stuff that isn't founded in a Biblical worldview. Just last night, I went downstairs to grab a book and found her watching "The Exorcist III." While she had only watched just a few minutes of it, I was a bit ticked off and made her change the channel. I chose to use the event as a chance to disciple her....We ended up having a great discussion about the reality of demonic activity and the misrepresentation of the majority of Hollywood's portrayal of spiritual things. My ultimate response was that she couldn't watch crap like that without knowing exactly what the Bible says about it.

Since Christians are spiritual beings living a human existence, we should take advantage of the insight that Scripture gives us into the spiritual. It's just plain lazy to let Hollywood or the journalistic establishment drive our worldview of spiritual things. So get on Biblegateway.com and search demons, angels, heaven, hell, and anything else that movies like The Grudge, The Ring, Underworld: Evolution, or Constantine portray as truth. While there may be entertainment value for some in those kind of movies, it's important to remember the following:

As a spiritual being living out a human existence, you've got to know and understand the Truth.

New header design...

Huge thanks to super-freak artist Jonathan Maloney for the new header design. How cool is that? As much as I love the pic of the old blue truck, it was time for a redux.

Thanks again Jonathan...all I can say is, "Wow!"

Another Paris Hilton blog entry...

I wonder how much time humanity lost today in following Paris Hilton's re-incarceration? The court did today what her family failed to do...enforce boundaries and show her the consequence of living outside those boundaries. Her courtroom antics were more like a chided toddler than a grown woman. Go figure.

One of the most refreshing things I heard today was from an 11 year old girl visiting our home. After our family's conversation about Ms. Hilton ended, the girl asked, "Who's Paris Hilton?" I responded, "It's really good you don't know." I wondered out loud to myself, "Why did I waste so much time listening to other people talk about it?" Perhaps I'll waste less time on stuff like that in the future.

Paris Hilton is a thumbnail of what's wrong with pop culture.

Wow, that's a great sentence if I may say so myself. I should have just left it at that. I'm too lazy to delete the other paragraphs.

Later...

This Sunday...

Why is there pain, evil and suffering? (for Sunday, June 10)

Add to that, 1) Why do bad things happen to good people? 2) is God punishing me for things I've done? 3) Why Sanjaya? (just kidding).

Everyone has asked at least one of the above questions to themselves. The human response runs the gamut of, "I don't know" to "God is punishing me" to "I hate God for letting that happen." None of the responses is an clear Biblical response. The goal of this Sunday's discussion is to help you get your head around the basics of the question and build an understanding of evil and suffering that results in a Biblical worldview.

The college courses that touch on evil and suffering (philosophy, humanities, sociology, psychology, ethics, etc.), will rarely be taught from a Biblical worldview. They will, more than likely, be taught from a completely humanistic view of the world. So, your choice is to 1) Go to class relying on an uneducated "pop" Christian understanding of the deeper questions of life, or 2) Have an educated and Biblical worldview and be able to discuss it with more confidence. With that being said, let's choose the latter.

Here's some stuff to research: (You can post questions!)

Google the following important dead guys and their basic thoughts on pain and suffering:

- Albert Camus
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

How do the following nonevangelical faith systems view evil and suffering?
- Hinduism
- Christian Scientists
- Buddhism
- Zoroastrianism
- Manicheism

How did Plato view evil and suffering?

Look up and find what you can on the following Biblical principles (views) of evil and suffering:
- The Punitive principle
- The Disciplinary principle
- The Revelational principle
- The Redemptive principle
- The Eschatological principle

Here are some Biblical passages to meditate on:
- Genesis chapters 1 and 3.
- Romans 5 (verse 15-18 then 1-5)
- Romans 8 (verses)

Later...
Ken

FreeMind

I've always thought mind mapping was a cool thing. I bought a book to try to learn how to do it because Ed Young said it revolutionized his productivity. The book was tedious at best. Maybe my self diagnosed adult ADD had something to do with it.,,who know. One thing I do know is that I found a free mind mapping software called FreeMind and it's freakin' cool. It's relatively intuitive and has made my strategy and planning for the college ministry really become focused. It's not perfect by any stretch but it definitely is robust enough to get the job done. And it's FREE. I likey.

Back in the saddle(s)

Part One
Since the last year has been one of underemployment (understatement of my lifetime), I chose to take on a part-time job with BestBuy last September. I took three months off so I could focus on my day job. After things solidified there, I got back in the retail saddle and I haven't even broken stride. Sales are good, even in the slower part of the year. In the grand scheme of retail employment, it's a really fun job. Especially since I only work on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons. The employee discount is sweet, too. I'll probably work through July for now because....


Part Two
As I've posted before, Jeff has asked me to fill in at CMC on Sundays that he's away. I'm doing it again on July 15th. Good times. As a result of my growing relationship with
the staff, they asked if I would be willing to do Young Adults (18-35) and Missions on a part-time basis. So, I'll start doing that in August. That's a lot for part-time, but because the two areas are squarely in my "sweet spot", it will be a challenge and not a chore. The big focus is on college age through the end of school year '08. Career people and young marrieds are next and then missions. I won't be able to lead mission trips until I build some vacation time at my full-timejob. Until then it will have to be vision casting and logistics.

It is a much welcome return to home electronics and ministry...I can hear Hank Williams now,...."back in the saddle(s) again."

Personal update

As my two faithful readers know, it's been challenging year for me. Transitioning to the marketplace hasn't been hard from the perspective of my ability to perform. Rather, it's been finding a place that matches my abilities and passions. My current employer, a small but very successful website and hosting company, is a great fit. I was hired because they needed someone with public speaking ability and sales experience. The company takes care of their employees in generous and creative ways. I'm very blessed to have the opportunity. Thanks, Jeff and Susan.

Pandora, the website...not the first female

This post is for all 1.5 people that have frequented my blog recently. Especially for Charlie, since he's into music. Just a tip to try out Pandora, a music streaming site with a great twist. You create a "station" from an artist or song that you like and Pandora will go and find similar artists or songs. Lovely, actually. I have the following stations so far: Cartel, Yellowjackets, Kutless, Corinne Bailey-Rae, Porcupine Tree (great band), and Collective Soul. You can "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" a song and it will remove it from the playlist.

Do not be yoked together ...with another cell carrier

We are long-time Cingular customers. We have been particuarly fond of calls that are free to our long distance friends and family and to other Cingular customers. We have even carried an exorbitant amount of rollover minutes...until recently.

Our oldest daughter, who turns 15 next week, has a boyfriend now. He's a good kid. Smart. Articulate. Athletic. Good looking. Outgoing. Well mannered. Sounds like the perfect kid.

Problem is, he's a Verizon customer. That's not good. As of the 18th of the month we had less than 100 minutes left. Right now we...rather, she and handsome have whittled our rollover minutes down to 582 as of 8:44 EST this evening.

The Bible is full of practical wisdom. While it is outside the boundaries of exegesis, I am still convinced the the words found in 2 Corinthians 6:14 can be applied to different cell carriers. Nay, the yoking of Cingular kids and the sinful kids with other cell carriers.

I fully realize that customers of Verizon and the rest are casting stones at me as well. Maybe Alltel (love their new commercials) has a corner on the truth.

I've calmed down now. Loving my neighbor as myself...and making sure beautiful and handsome call each other on the land line or using IM before 7pm on weeknights.

if you would have told me I would be doing these things a year ago...

• I would have never thought I would be a partner in my own business. (Oh yeah, that TEC thing didn't work out. Their loss.)
• (1) That I would be TiVo'ing the Stanley Cup playoffs. (2) That I would actually watch them and enjoy them immensely.
  
• That I would not be in full time Christian ministry.
• That I would be heavily involved in the student ministry of the church I attend...and totally digging it.
• That I would be garnering a reputation as an encourager....who'da thunk?
• That I would be more patient than ever before. Frankly, just a little patience was a big step for me.
• That I would be this focused and happy after all the stuff that's happened in the last eight months.

God alone gets the credit for everything. The biblical challenge of "count it all joy" actually seems like it's possible to attain. At least now more than ever.

Peace.

it's all about the life changing story

Easter is a big day in my faith system. It's actually bigger than Christmas. Christmas is great and everything but, in the worldview of the evangelical Christian, it's simply a precursor to the celebration of the apex of Christianity...the atoning death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I've been doing the church thing from the womb and have seen lots of different portrayals of the life of Christ. I've played the apostle Peter in a Passion play. I've gone to Easter cantatas. I've participated in a bunch of different Easter rituals, including egg hunts. I reckon they have their place. From my perspective, it seems that the focus of all the rituals tends to be on the production rather than how the Passion story can actually change someone's life.

This Easter was different. The church I attend, Chestnut Mountain Church, did a life drama based on the life of a guy at our church. The guy, Chris, had grown up in church and knew the right answers but he never allowed it to change his life. He ended up making some poor choices and lost his job, marriage, and the respect of his friends. The result was multiple run-ins with the law and jail time. After a long, dark road of addiction he ended up repenting and asking Jesus Christ to be his Lord and Savior. The songs, video, personal testimony of Chris, and drama of the conversion were so well done that the focus stayed on the message of God's life changing power. It was balanced. Brutally honest. Crystal clear. Real life kind of stuff.

Yesterday was proof that a church can communicate the claims of Jesus Christ with poignant relevance. Kudos to the leadership of CMC.

Oh yeah...I got to play bass yesterday. Rippin' good fun for sure.

Interesting

I'm always intrigued to see who's been stopping by my blog. I hope it's been good for you somehow.

UNITED...incredible

In the Christian worship music subculture there are some psalmists/artists that receive rock star treatment. It's unfortunate, but it happens nontheless. There is a group of folks from down under that, at least on the surface, seem to be the real deal. The student worship ministry of Hillsong from Australia called UNITED exude genuineness. While I haven't met them personally, it is evident that there is something different about these people.

My wife and I went to see them at 7:22 last Tuesday night. As usual, the production was first class. The UNITED folks were in top musical form and more importantly, led the crowd in some very authentic worship. It was incredible. I know that may seem over the top to some, but that was the perception that I and my wife had of the evening.

I haven't picked up their new CD/DVD combo United We Stand, but I'm sure I'll buy it. Even though I'm a huge fan of ITunes, I'll pick up the good old fashioned hard copy. The DVD's these guys produce are very well done. It's worth the extra few bucks.

gee whiz, I had fun tonight

Our newly formed men's discipleship group had our first meeting at an Atlanta Thrashers game tonight. We spanked the Sabres 5-0. One of the guys in the group owns great seats he uses for business purposes. His clients backed out tonight. Bummer for them...

The group is made up of some guys in the construction industry. Two concrete guys and two erosion control guys. They started the study group and asked if I would lead it. I, of course, said "Yes" simply because it was a way to help some guys that had been struggling spiritually and another that is on a spiritual quest.

The spiritual barometer for the group is: One follower of Christ that's just starting the growth process. Another is not a believer, but is intensely seeking spiritual things. The third is a Catholic dude that is spiritually sensitive, but I haven't had a chance to go much beyond that. Then there's me...a guy that thrives on making disciples.

Not only did we do some serious male bonding tonight, we also found out the reason that we all wanted to be a part of the group. That reason is that being in a macho industry doesn't make you a man. What makes you a man is the strength of your character. All of us have something(s) that we need to adjust in our lives. Our goal is to see that happen in this group.

So how did the four guys fare at the game? We all spent a ridiculous amount of money on Philips Arena food. None of the guys bought beer. The Catholic dude gave up beer for Lent. Two of the guys don't drink that much. Me...I'm a Southern Baptist again so that means drinking is verboten (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). Seriously, "'You may say, "I am allowed to do anything." But I reply, "Not everything is good for you." And even though "I am allowed to do anything," I must not become a slave to anything'" (1 Corinthians 6:8, NLT).

I had fun tonight. It proves that you don't have to get hammered to have fun with the guys. It does, however, help if your team crushes their opponent.

the bittersweetness of sort of being back in the Southern Baptist loop

Stealth Baptist
I'm attending a stealth SBC church now. We're stealth because we don't have "baptist" in our name. I think they changed the name to save on printing costs. I'm not sure of that though. At least its a place where I feel comfortable inviting people to check out the claims of Jesus Christ.

Warm fuzzy
There is comfort level of being a part of a large organization. For me, it's knowing that there is some sort of support network. The ability to share and retrieve information related to the Mission increases dramatically when you're in the SBC loop. I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy as I write this.

SBC doesn't stand for Stupid Baptist...yet
Granted, the SBC has its share of flaws. One that personally ticks me off right now is a controversy over something that isn't fundamental to carrying out the Mission of the Church. It's a controversy that has caused many to spend more time involved in writing postition papers than carrying out the Mission. Not good. I personally think they would rather argue than lead people to eternal hope. It's also causes others to spend their precious time making sure there is a balanced rebuttal to the whole thing. For those who care, check out the blog called SBC Outpost. My bud Marty Duren is just short of genius because his blog is so much cooler than mine.

Mission
In the grand scheme of things, nobody empowers people to be on Mission better than the SBC. You can plug into the system or you can create your own system. Very nice. We've come a long way baby.

Have a nice day......Yes, it's OK to hum the BonJovi tune right now.

just for fun

I've been tagged by Charlie...and I'm in the mood to talk...

Four Jobs I've Had

* Short-order cook (same as Charlie!)
* Truck rental operations manager (almost like Charlie!)
* Substitute teacher
* House painter

Four Movies I Can Watch Over and Over:

* The Matrix
* Tombstone
* Napoleon Dynamite
* Open Range

Four Places I've Lived:

* Lead Hill, Arkansas
* Kansas City, Kansas
* Little City, Oklahoma
* King George, Virginia

Four Shows I Like To Watch:

* 24
* SportsCenter
* Mythbusters
* UFC

Four Foods That I Like:

* Seafood
* Falafel wrap
* Medium rare filet mignon
* Little Debbie Devil Squares

Four Sites I Visit Everyday:

* Yahoo Sports
* Atlanta Falcons
* Atlanta Journal-Constitution
* GeorgiaWeather.net

Four Things I Want To Do Before I Die:

* Visit all of the Smithsonian museums
* Go deep sea fishing for sharks
* Do the Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure thing
* Play bass for Eric Clapton

Four People I'm Tagging:

- The only people I know really well that blog have already been tagged...

It's been longer than next Monday...like seven months

The three day retreat was prophetic. I can't remember the Scripture reference that spoke to me the most, but it essentially said I should be silent when spoken against. So the last seven months have been silent. The emotions have died down. I have forgiven. I have moved on.

We're members at Chestnut Mountain Church . Great pastor, great staff, especially great student pastor. I'm playing in the band and helping out with the student ministry.

For income, I have taken a position as an Area Sales Manager for The Erosion Company. I would give you a link, but our website is lame. If you must see it, Google it. It's enjoyable primarily because I get to spend a lot of time outside and with all kinds of people. The vast majority of the people I come into contact with are not Christ followers. That makes for lots of opportunities to make a difference, so that's probably the coolest part of the job.

I am healed, energized, and ready to blog again. So here goes...