It's a Fricken' Elephant

Just started reading the book Less Clutter. Less Noise. and I think I may be posting quite a few excerpts if the rest of the book strikes me like the first couple pages did. Kem Meyer, Communications Director at Granger Community Church wrote this book for anyone involved in communications but especially to those in the church world. That's where I find myself, in the church world, trying to get the word out and struggling at times to know how to proceed.

In reality it's not what you say; it's what people hear.....

I heard a story about a grandpa helping his four-year-0ld grandson learn to read. The boy pointed to a picture in a zoo book and said, "Look, Grandpa! It's a frickin' elephant." The grandpa took a deep breath and asked, "What did you call it?"

His grandson repeated himself.

"It's a frickin' elephant, Grandpa! It says so on the picture!"

And, so it did. When the grandpa looked down at the picture, it read,

"A F R I C A N Elephant."

It's not what you say; it's what people hear."

Promenade

For those of you that know my family, I'm posting pictures of Cody and his friends from prom a few weeks ago. In case you wonder who the young lady is with him, her name is Abigail Hofsommer. You can view the pics here.

Susan Boyle - Britains Got Talent 2009 Episode 1 - Saturday 11th April

The Arts

I am of the opinion that art itself is never to be worshiped but that art can be an avenue through which Jesus can be worshiped.

When we gathered a group of 13 guys and recreated the da Vinci painting of the Last Supper as a still life on Palm Sunday it was one of those moments for me that gave me pause, it recreated a holy moment in the story of Jesus, giving me a sense of "being there".

When local artist Elizabeth Maddocks, offered to display her original black and white oil painting of the crucifixion, I was drawn in as I saw her interpretation of Christs suffering.

This coming Easter Sunday, the original dramatic production called Visions of Grace will be presented as we celebrate Jesus resurrected. This will again give opportunity for the gift of the arts to be used of the Holy Spirit to draw us in, to communicate with us, to help us "see clearly" the gift of salvation. I'm praying that all who come to be part of our gathering will experience Jesus with fresh new perspective.

Mixed Review

I yi, yi, Gordon is seriously old but he's still got it. Sorta. Sometimes it's best to remember the music as you hear it on vinyl or otherwise. Gave me the itch to have a band and do some of his music. Thanks to Elva Miller, Gary and Anna Miller and Anna and Frank Herbes for joining me and enjoying a night of great old music at the Morris in South Bend.

Gordon Lightfoot anyone??

Gordon Lightfoot is coming to the Morris. Just so happens that Brenda and I have a bit of a gap in our musical preferences. She says I can go, but probably without her. So, is anyone out there interested in going to the concert this coming Thursday? If so, let me know.

He Is Here

This morning we continued the sermon series in the book of Daniel with Chapter 6 and the account of Daniel continuing to pray at the window of his residence. This despite the sure trip into the lions den. But instead of retreating to an out of the way location like say his closet, he continued as was his tradition, to pray at his window.

Just as Daniel likely felt the breath of the lion's after he was tossed their way, we too may feel the breath of the economic beast that threatens to devour us. BUT our hope is in Almighty God, who provides in our weakness and protects when we're threatened. We segued from the sermon to worship via the following video...may you be encouraged that despite your circumstances, HE IS HERE for you, just as He was for Daniel.