Bible Challenge Time

I am currently reading through the book of John. I was at Rock Harbor in Costa Mesa several weeks ago before I moved to Texas where the pastor, Mike Erre, challenged us to read one of the four gospels. There was a catch though; he challenged us to read it so we could get to know Jesus better, that's it. As college students or church workers or church members it is so easy to read the Bible because "we have to." We either have a theology class we have to study for, or a message we have to prepare for, or a Bible study, or a small group discussion... the list can go on forever. How often do we sit down to read the Bible with the intentions of simply wanting to know Jesus better. Not just facts, but his character, his heart, his motivations for saying and doing what he said and did. I know I can say that I don't think I have ever carved out the time to do this.

So, I took Mr. Erre up on his challenge. I must say, it has been challenging. I have read through the Gospels many times for many classes. I have memorized many facts and dates (that where all erased after I spilled them onto my scantron). This has all been good, but I can't say that it has necessarily changed my heart in a significant way. I can spout off what Jesus did, or some of the historical background behind it all, but does that really mean I know Jesus in a more real and passionate way? Or, does that just make him like any other historical figure I have read about in countless history text books? Please, don't get me wrong, I love all the facts and history in the Bible and it can be very helpful, even necessary to fully get the bigger picture of what is going on in Scripture, but lets not stop there. Lets not read Scripture as only a text book that we check off our list after we have memorized the big names, dates and events.

I now pass on Erre's challenge to you, or rather invite you to join me in this challenge. For the next several weeks I hope to work my way through the book of John and each week write a blog about what I have read. These will probably include some "text book" stuff, but my bigger desire is to know Jesus in a deeper way. I pray that the Holy Spirit brings God's word alive to all of us in a new way. I would love for you to all join me and post your thoughts, to challenge my thoughts, even correct my thoughts (as I am no theologian). So, lets get reading. Feel free to invite your friends to this challenge. I pray that this can be an open place where we can share our thoughts and struggles while encouraging and supporting each other.

Eternity Matters Most,

A

Music I am currently enjoying:

Wilco
Fleet Fox
Radio Head
Sigur Ros
Cold Play
Ben Kweller

Recording Video and Twitter

Hello Friends,

Below is a short clip of the band recording a few new songs. I hope you enjoy.

P.S. I have joined the world of twitter. Come join me in the newest way of wasting time online. Also, please subscribe to my blog as I promise to post at least once a week. Tell your friends as well. Blessings!

Chapels and Tornadoes

Hello Friends! 

I am excited because my internet finally got hooked up today. It was nice to not have access to the wold for about two days. After that it was just annoying and stressful. We have been in Frisco for six days and loving every minute of it. (Minus the tornado warning a few nights ago. More on that in a bit).

I started work on Wednesday. Travis (the other guy in training to be a church planter www.unpavedjourney.com) and my self went to the Lutheran High School in Dallas to lead a chapel. All I can say is that  Jesus was there in a powerful way and changed lives that day. Travis gave a great and challenging message for the students, as well as all of the teachers and admin people gathered. After his message the kids where ready to respond to Jesus through song. They sounded beautiful. I barley had to sing. They took it away all on their own. We sang "Holy Is The Lord," "Here I Am To Worship," and "How Great Is Our God." It was a great day. I have only been here a week and already I am seeing how the Spirit is moving in and through this new team I have joined. 

Amazing families have been brining Tanya and I great home cooked meals each night. We went over to the church's Life Coordinator's house for dinner last night and had  a great time rocking out on Rock Band with their kids. God has really been blessing us and lining everything up where it needs to go. Tanya was telling me how everyone was asking her if she was nervous right before the move and all she could say was no. She knew that we where moving to serve Jesus and his kingdom and she has faith that he will honor that and provide for us. And I can testify that he is!!

Now for the fun part. There was a freaking tornado on Tuesday night!!!! For months leading up to this move I kept assuring Tanya that we will never have to deal with one... well, I lied. On Tuesday night we where running errands around town and a storm started moving in and we heard people saying it was suppose to be bad. A few hours later we got home and heard this weird siren. We thought it could have possibly been a tornado warning but we were not sure. So, Tanya decided to run out in the wind and rain and ask a person walking their dog if it was in fact a tornado warning. Well, yes it was. Of course, I go out side to look and see if I can see anything. Everyone from church was calling us from inside their bathrooms while I was outside looking for it!!! I learned that this was not a smart move and to not do it again. The storm passed in about 20 minutes and then it was really nice out:) We survived our first tornado, sort of. We figured it is better to go through it right away than a year from now. We have been told just wait tell April, that is when it gets really fun. 

Again, thank you for all of your prayers over the past few weeks. It means the world for us. Please continue to pray for Tanya as she is still looking for a job. 

Blessings,

A