tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55633242011-07-28T05:26:27.897-07:00ponderings on faith, hope, love, truth and beauty in lifethe kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.comBlogger2071100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1115358075286626662005-05-05T22:39:00.000-07:002005-05-09T11:35:27.316-07:00

you've heard me mention it a few times now. i'm moving, at least in terms of this blog. nothing will be deleted here but i won't be posting here regularly. please visit me at my new blog: http://parkeb4.blogspot.com/for reference sake i also hold these blogs under this screen name:opencanvas.blogspot.com - group art projectlettersfromthekid.blogspot.com - slightly more in-depth

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1115272688369398662005-05-04T22:44:00.000-07:002005-05-04T22:58:08.520-07:00

i hope that in my posts here i have not been not overdramatic or too self-absorbed. blogs are some wierd mesh of personal revelation and public display that i have not yet mastered the flow of. and in truth i am a person who cannot look too long at just one point without considering how that point fits into the web of life in which we exist. i think that will help as i continue to develop my

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1115110273021649582005-05-03T01:34:00.000-07:002005-05-03T01:51:13.023-07:00

now and again, i rent a movie and hold onto it for the five day standard rent. as i don't have tv and choose movies with replay value, it's a nice diversion that lets me really appreciate a movie. (I still nee to rent "Ground Hogs Day.") i've had Lord of the Rings: Return of the King since this past weekend and I've really enjoyed it. i'm a sucker for epic movies and there are some truly deep

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1115047943449716062005-05-02T08:27:00.000-07:002005-05-02T08:32:23.450-07:00

lately i've been turning on the college radio station FM 88.7 for some good indie/90s rock music. if you're able to, you should check it out in the evenings or listen here.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1115016694905648812005-05-01T23:16:00.000-07:002005-05-01T23:51:34.906-07:00

i was asked last night if what my church emphasizes could be considered "servant evangelism." while summarizing my church's activities would be hard here, it includes things like handing out free drinks and our church's card to the opposing softball team, giving free food to show God's love to people out for the games next week, running a carnival for underprivileged kids in the community and

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1114808589540370872005-04-29T13:37:00.000-07:002005-04-29T14:05:09.550-07:00

In a slightly uncommon use of the word today, I've been thinking about corporate responsibility on and off today. I'm thinking more in the sense of group responsibility or ancestral responsibility though corporate responsibility has tones of old church lingo that makes me feel a bit more at home with it.in particular I was looking at a photo of rather deserted looking Native American tepees and

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1114699975418539212005-04-28T07:52:00.000-07:002005-04-28T07:55:36.783-07:00

decay Originally uploaded by chicagokid.(shared as part of an amateur photo blogging experiment. the topic was "decay.")

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1114622627706825172005-04-27T10:21:00.000-07:002005-04-27T10:28:15.863-07:00

this started as a more formal poem and became more of a free flowing lyric. like any writer, i hardly consider the first draft finished.Don't think me cruel, uncouth or unkind When my words they come slowly or broken; unrhymedLong, long ago in a land far awayWhere green forests roam and buried miners layThere in the hills lies a spring fresh and pure From where my words come since days long

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1114583000381180072005-04-26T22:43:00.000-07:002005-04-26T23:23:20.383-07:00

but i was at a great show tonight, perhaps one of those that i could use towards indie cred if either of the guys make it big. Levi from the band, Radiant, and Steven Duncan from the band, The Chemistry Set put on a great acoustic show that showcased both their bands' work, a few nice covers and some work that is yet to be recorded. the venue was mediocre and an 8:30 show on a Tuesday night is a

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1114519897574618582005-04-26T05:45:00.000-07:002005-04-26T05:51:37.576-07:00

when i started blogging, privacy was paramount. i did it to share personal thoughts with a select group of friends and the faceless passerby. over time though, i've realized the value of sharing more of myself with many of my online contacts, both those in Relevant and elsewhere. because i want to do that and would rather not comb the past for things sensitive to my family, my church in Texas, a

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1114211892376844082005-04-22T16:06:00.000-07:002005-04-22T16:18:12.376-07:00

some time back i entitled a post this when i had a moment of inspiration. many such God-moments have come since then when His truth becomes real to me. today i was talking witha co-worker about why my service at church wasn't a drudgery to me. it's because i love the people. i have come to embrace them with my heart and so i'm happy to extend myself even beyond the ways i would extend myself for

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1114186683217557532005-04-22T09:17:00.000-07:002005-04-22T09:44:06.173-07:00

i can read my own blog now.edit: once again, i can't read the blog.edit of the edit: yes, i can.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1114186566110824432005-04-22T08:56:00.000-07:002005-04-22T09:17:00.760-07:00

i haven't had too many days in the last year when i felt i could truly relax and forget my responsibilities for a little while. consequently, i don't always know how to answer people who ask me "how are you doing?" there's a measure of frustration and joy in each day. but yesterday was one of those infrequent days and this morning i think i can honestly say i'm feeling good.you should stop by

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1114095360659968222005-04-21T07:49:00.000-07:002005-04-21T07:56:00.660-07:00

well, that's not completely true. i can see the words i'm typing. i just can't read my own blog for some reason. just keep that in mind as you type your epistle of a comment. ;)

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1114046343186487452005-04-20T18:10:00.000-07:002005-04-22T08:55:38.046-07:00

sure. why not. my word this is a crazy world. now and again, i've appreciated reggae, but this guy is a sight to see. www.hasidicreggae.com

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1113964253268720782005-04-19T19:29:00.000-07:002005-04-20T08:18:47.636-07:00

Our restlessness can give us peace. Once we realize that we can't force perfection and that we depend on God to sustain us, we can reach a place of quiet determination. We can learn to relish restlessness as a sacred purpose, sustained by the Holy Spirit. It also makes us take heaven more seriously. If you're like me, you sometimes think of heaven as a retirement home, a place you'll go after

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1113861318132088132005-04-18T14:40:00.000-07:002005-04-18T14:55:18.133-07:00

it seems i'm having more days where i find it harder to write recently. i wish i knew why that was. certainly discipline is important but something's clearly irritating me.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1113632453501074422005-04-15T23:18:00.000-07:002005-04-15T23:20:53.503-07:00

i was talking to a friend last night and realized the paradox of my online/offline life. in life in general i so often feel like a kid. there's so much that i have yet to learn (hence the name.) in online life though, where the "lifespan" is much shorter i'm starting to feel a bit like an old man. now get off the lawn and let me smoke my corncob pipe a bit. ;)

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1113579097662239132005-04-15T08:18:00.000-07:002005-04-15T08:31:37.663-07:00

so let's take a moment and consider what science fiction technology that seemed outragous in the first Star Treks show is now a reality or in process.hand-held communication devices that fit in your palm - everywhere (cell phones)hand-held computers - everywhere (pdas)injections without needles - in process laser guns - available/being refined (just not practical for wide use yet)teleporters - in

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1113576946599856042005-04-15T07:47:00.000-07:002005-04-15T07:55:46.600-07:00

a few days ago, a person from the Forth Worth area posted a poem, 'Christians' by Maya Angelou.When I say... "I am a Christian"I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."I'm whispering "I was lost,Now I'm found and forgiven."When I say... "I am a Christian"I don't speak of this with pride.I'm confessing that I stumbleand need Christ to be my guide.When I say... "I am a Christian"I'm not trying to be

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1113495147833940872005-04-14T09:06:00.000-07:002005-04-14T09:12:27.833-07:00

Ambra followed up on her comments with this statement yesterday i believe.Parke wrote: "Where are the people who will learn to speak the cultural lingo of other groups and learn to speak in meaningful ways to other communities?"Ambra wrote: Good question Parke. I think one thing Americans are good for is the messiah complex and the superiority complex. When we go on "missions trips" we view it as

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1113406092160136572005-04-13T08:25:00.000-07:002005-04-13T08:28:12.163-07:00

Ambra (link to the right) is a thoughtful young lady who i've continually respected for her interesting writing. i ran into her on Relevant a while back and stop by her blog on occassion.i thought i'd share a response i made to a recent post on race relations and the conservative community of faith. comments much appreciated.growing up in Pennsylvania and then spending my college years seeing the

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1113265980090763042005-04-11T17:31:00.000-07:002005-04-11T17:33:00.090-07:00

with a few short conversations, some good coffee and some good, guitar-laden music. perhaps a good part of this all is coming back to my tendency to set expectations that are a bit too high sometimes.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1113256377505846462005-04-11T14:37:00.000-07:002005-04-11T14:52:57.506-07:00

i think i'll have to start looking around for some good resources on "rest." lately i am getting a fair amount of sleep but rest seems harder to come by. this past week was a good one in many ways. i don't mean to minimize that in the least. i saw a great movie, had dinner with folks from church as we try to do once a month, spent an evening playing games with the life group, watched two softball

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1113199252443773652005-04-10T22:57:00.000-07:002005-04-10T23:00:52.443-07:00

i'll post more later likely. don't want to seem unappreciative of all that God has allowed me to enjoy in the last five days. i'm just very tired. it's been five days of almost solid activity with something in the day and the night. though i do love to spend time with people i also need some down time and that's been running thin.ah well, maybe later on today i'll share more about the crazy,

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1112766648771737092005-04-05T22:33:00.000-07:002005-04-05T22:50:48.773-07:00

no, i'm not trying to balance out a post about evil for every post about good. i just finished watching the movie. though, i'm still debriefing there are a couple things i noticed. some may be obvious but i'm just getting them down right now. i don't even think all these things are right.- "more powerful people" were typically corrupt- there was a real value placed on faithfulness to friends and

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1112674705116962492005-04-04T21:13:00.000-07:002005-04-04T21:18:25.116-07:00

when i'm tired and having a hard time staying on track, i need to hear people say things like this."I am happier when I love than when I am loved. I adore my husband, my son, my grandchildren, my mother, my dog, and frankly I don't know if they even like me. But who cares? Loving them is my joy."Give, give, give -- what is the point of having experience, knowledge or talent if I don't give it

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1112473486426143552005-04-02T12:21:00.000-08:002005-04-02T12:24:46.426-08:00

The pope passed at 19:37 GMT or 2:32 local time. Blogger prevented me from posting the last post in a timely fashion. and in some wierd timing i was sitting in a coffee shop in Arlington listening to a rapper on the radio who i'd never let my sister date.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1112472453297558732005-04-02T11:53:00.000-08:002005-04-02T12:07:33.300-08:00

if JFK's assasination was that moment when everyone took note of their surroundings and mortality, then the destruction of the World Trade Center would have to be one of those moments for people of my generation. i have to think though that aging Generation Xer's like me will also remember where we were when we heard that Pope John Paul II died regardless of our faith. far more than the passing

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1112403786749676542005-04-01T16:50:00.000-08:002005-04-01T17:03:06.753-08:00

i think this week i'm learning some important lessons about appreciating moments I have and managing my time a bit better. well, that last lesson is one i'm learning over and over again these days. there's just not much time to waste. two times this week i planned to go to concerts. two times this week plans fell through. all the while, the week plowed on like a jugernaut and I found myself

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1112298175880085752005-03-31T11:30:00.000-08:002005-03-31T11:42:55.883-08:00

i'm almost nearly at a loss for words right now. part of that is that i've had about 5 hours of sleep. the other part of that is that i've spent a half-hour listening to a believer from Africa and his wife share their appreciation for the work others here and i do. this is the reason i do my work. every success is to their benefit. every failure to their detriment. and how, how can one live under

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1112211120016687312005-03-30T11:30:00.000-08:002005-03-30T11:32:00.016-08:00

yes and no. problems were acknowledged but hope for quick solutions doesn't seem advisable. so i trust that you'll provide the needed strength Lord. today has been crazy busy and i don't see that changing soon.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1112105868950910362005-03-29T06:13:00.000-08:002005-03-29T06:17:48.950-08:00

i have a meeting at 10 this morning that will probably shape my coming time at the organization i work for. any prayers would be appreciated. i've been trying to keep up with some work that i really don't enjoy doing for a couple years now and i'm hoping i can slowly shift to something more in-line with my talents and passions in the near future.certainly last nights great events have encouraged

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1112105565434923212005-03-29T06:00:00.000-08:002005-03-29T06:12:45.436-08:00

and when i say "you" i mean anyone who is reading this blog and many who i know won't get to. last night a eight or so of us from Mosaic hung out at Stephen's house (the pastor). it was nothing big to the casual observer. we had some burgers and hot dogs on the grill. the kids were runninig around playing. we were just chilling out together. but we know, as followers of Christ that all is rarely

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1111959832436917902005-03-27T13:26:00.000-08:002005-03-27T13:43:52.440-08:00

sad to say but i don't think i'll make the Radiant*/Mute Math show in Dallas this Thursday. in the past few weeks i was asked to and took the role of coordinating small groups for my community of faith. this Thursday happens to be the last day of the current group and i really should be there to say some parting words that will encourage people to think ahead for next time. i should also make

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1111788373189183892005-03-25T14:00:00.000-08:002005-03-25T14:07:35.233-08:00

so i'm at a local coffee shop today, volunteering some of my off day to man the shop/art gallery. a children's health group gets the money and i get the extended time at the coffee shop with wireless. everyone one wins.only i win double because i've been listening to a Blues Traveler cd and realizing that this is one of those bands i will love for the rest of my life. quality guitar, some vocals

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1111685206183851292005-03-24T09:24:00.000-08:002005-03-24T09:26:46.183-08:00

i'm working away from my net nicknames. so without further adieu, some photos for you to check out.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1111680694354615412005-03-24T08:09:00.000-08:002005-03-24T08:11:34.356-08:00

i've shuffled the sidebar, added some new names and posted a few different links in my regular reads. i have to confess that i'm hitting blogs a bit less right now. many of my friends have grown a bit tired of theirs i think. if you're not on there, it's no snub. just poke me. (only not too hard)

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1111594552662591612005-03-23T08:11:00.000-08:002005-03-23T08:15:52.663-08:00

what a mix of emotions today. yesterday night, as my family mourned i visited a building that our community of faith was exploring as a potential new home. i would find out about the news in my last post later. we've been given significantly more space that is nicer at the same price of our current location. i want to share the story and will bit i need to think about one thing at a time right

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1111594145060425362005-03-23T08:00:00.000-08:002005-03-23T08:09:05.063-08:00

yesterday at 6:30 there was one less faithful man of God serving Him here on earth. my uncle was not a perfect man. my uncle was faithful. he sought to lead his congregation in ways that honored God. he sought to teach young men and women to give both their hearts and their minds to God. he pursued that vision of a healthy body of Christ or group of God-honoring followers that was wise in their

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1111530371250408112005-03-22T14:26:00.000-08:002005-04-28T07:55:04.206-07:00

"What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see." - Unknown writer of Hebrews (shared as part of an amateur photo blogging experiment. the topic was "faith.")

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1111473850227826072005-03-21T22:36:00.000-08:002005-03-21T22:44:10.230-08:00

such a weighty word. i was listening to a podcast (something like a portable internet talk show) called Fishbones that is a project of a follower of Christ and an agnostic. i've been meaning to get over there to comment on their work as it's really not commented on nearly enough. (there are way too few believers actually spending time with people outside their little cliques.)i think my comments

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1111181191054469572005-03-18T13:18:00.000-08:002005-03-18T13:32:13.423-08:00

i have plenty of ideas rolling around for blogging but you'll have to be patient. it just takes some time to piece them together in ways that make sense and sound good sometimes.in the meantime, you should check out this photo from the site of Radiant, a local Dallas band that Rosane introduced me to today. talk about a telling photo. how many people are like the man pictured, knowing that if

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1111030682595520722005-03-16T17:52:00.000-08:002005-03-16T19:38:02.596-08:00

the last few weeks have been some very good ones. while it's silly to expect a life free from mistakes or pain, i think i'm really seeing God help me grow more disciplined and make better us of my potential. things at my community of faith are going really well it seems and it looks like i might be taking on a new level of leadership. if i do, it's going to be a whole new ball game but i think it

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1110815150845999392005-03-14T07:40:00.000-08:002005-03-14T07:45:50.846-08:00

it's true. i've come to the opinion that i just don't have enough opinions for online life. when it comes to Relevant I have a hard time sticking with those long drawn out conversations about interpretation methodology. when it comes to blogging, i just can't seem to muster up nearly as many opinion as the talented writer, Ambra.ah well. it's a good thing there are still opportunities to pray,

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1110517701901445442005-03-10T20:54:00.000-08:002005-03-10T21:08:21.903-08:00

i have many areas to grow in. i'll be the first to admit i have many failings. so i present this more as a lament than an accusation. when did we forget those last two words "(in love)?"in the past week i've run into a handful of situations where a person seemed so intent on the truth that respect for the other person (ie - attacking a person instead of an issue)or some semblance of love towards

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1110417324846689492005-03-09T17:13:00.000-08:002005-03-09T17:15:24.846-08:00

a few folks will be doing what i'm calling "photo blogging" though i know it probably has some cutsie mashed name like phlogging... no, probably not that but you get the idea.this means you'll actually see some pictures from my now hometown (not to be confused with my birthplace) as i ponder the topic of "faith" between now and March 22.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1110416723369772102005-03-09T16:52:00.000-08:002005-03-09T17:12:55.206-08:00

i've mentioned it to some through this blog but i'm trying to get back into more serious writing through another parallel blog called letters from the kid quite appropriately. the thought is that i'll take a bit more time to put those together. here are a couple ideas on the drafting table right now.the backlash against relevance- i'm a young guy but in a short three years i've seen a good number

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1110226399833792792005-03-07T12:06:00.000-08:002005-03-07T12:13:19.836-08:00

so much going on right now. a relationship that ended before it really began. too many good ideas at work. too many projects that have to be done somehow. a renewed passion to make my apartment a home for people to come to (one that actually has furniture.)the potential for involvement in the local arts scene. three great independent coffee shops in town that all have coffee that tastes good and

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1109153328057264062005-02-23T02:06:00.000-08:002005-02-23T02:08:48.056-08:00

i'm working on a post about the need to take in the suffering of the world, digest it and act, but i'm struggling with apathy on numerous fronts... maybe this late night push will help me move through that a bit. i guess the only way to conquer apathy most times is to grit your teeth and keep walking.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1108451540498513472005-02-14T23:08:00.000-08:002005-02-14T23:12:20.500-08:00

our arms ache Fatherache for the brothers and sisters we long to hugache under the weight of all we carryache as we once more stretch our hands to you in exhaustionif i never again feel the warm breeze of Californiaif i never again feel the rush of Chicago windif i never again feel the south sea wind on my cheekswill you come and carry this weight for a while?i need your peace

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1107339206370589252005-02-02T02:13:00.000-08:002005-02-02T02:13:26.370-08:00

Monday night I spent at least an hour watching a video about struggling abandoned children in Uganda. What thoughts are left after watching something like this? Numbness. Helplessness. Overwhelming helplessness. How can I deal with the flood of problems I hear of? Should I sell all I have? Should I go live among them and try to embrace each one at least once so that they can at least say that

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1107230155380949902005-01-31T19:55:00.000-08:002005-02-02T02:11:15.963-08:00

i don't have the url handy but just click on my profile info and you should see a blog called "letters from the kid." no promise that it will always be wonderful but i wanted a place for some more serious writing and thoughts. i'll probably just keep this for the occasional note or random thing, while trying to post there fairly regularly.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1107046065364810922005-01-29T16:45:00.000-08:002005-01-29T23:00:35.600-08:00

today the world is groaning. the trees moan as they twist and bend. the grass reaches to the sky. we feel our frailty encompass our beings and we look to the place where he left us. please don't be long.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1106573216018463232005-01-24T05:24:00.000-08:002005-01-24T05:26:56.016-08:00

i'm seriously considering allowing this blog to remain my random web notes and transforming my National Novel Writing Month attempt into something more serious to flex my writing muscles a bit more. trust me, they've grown a bit too flabby lately. the story there is still in progress but i'm thinking it will be more of a short story for right now. if you really want to see the partial attempt let

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1106369482484442102005-01-21T20:49:00.000-08:002005-01-21T20:52:02.996-08:00

Poor Jacob is too busy to blog so a few of us are determined to help him in the interim. Feel free to jump in by commenting on his last post with us.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1106281358558001712005-01-20T20:19:00.000-08:002005-01-20T20:22:38.556-08:00

"It just struck me that someone should say that it doesn't matter to us what the governments of the world do or why they do it. We follow another Way. Don't we as Christians have our own manifesto: the Gospel -and our own 'polis': the Church and even our own 'nation': the Kingdom of God? By joining the crusade for 'democracy and freedom' is the Church failing to demonstrate that it has a

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1106115969010695152005-01-18T22:26:00.000-08:002005-01-18T22:28:38.843-08:00

the sea was angry that day my friends...  here's a quick snap of the Irish coast from a good friend who was passing through. obviously it is hers to distribute in a broad way so please don't use it. just thought i'd test photoblogging and let you enjoy the picture.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1105741541454868062005-01-14T14:23:00.000-08:002005-01-14T14:25:41.453-08:00

yes, i've reached the stage of wearing such things. i'm headed somewhere on Sunday that will require one. forget what they tell you. this is when you start to feel a bit old or at least a bit more part of "the system."

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1105458149883547242005-01-11T07:39:00.000-08:002005-01-11T07:42:29.883-08:00

a fellow poster from past relevant days has lost her job, seemingly for what she's posted on her blog. i'd be surprised if she really said anything to endanger the company, but in this world of risk-avoidance who knows what the company was thinking.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1105390517317535282005-01-10T13:53:00.000-08:002005-01-10T12:55:17.320-08:00

my creativity and my diligence are slipping something serious right now.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1105390411214924502005-01-10T13:45:00.000-08:002005-01-10T12:53:31.216-08:00

i don't often talk about what i'm reading or listening too, but should a bit more. a fellow poster at relevant magazine's board pointed me to some music by Shiny Toy Guns. there is some background with a group called Cloud2ground for those of you who know the name. i'm not saying it's the best music ever, but it does seem to be a quality combination of fun dance-style music and some reasonably

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1105027700133408492005-01-06T08:05:00.000-08:002005-01-06T08:08:20.133-08:00

today is my first back in the office in Texas so it feels like the true first day of the year. there's a long way to go this year but i'm looking forward to it with a renewed hope. there will be time for reading more, writing more, learning more, talking more, and hopefully, accomplishing more through God for God.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1104731768546906462005-01-02T21:51:00.000-08:002005-01-02T21:56:08.546-08:00

today was a very long day of spending time with financial and prayer partners of my ministry. i did look towards the day with some minor dread because i've not done so great in keeping up with them but they're great people who are really family in some extended sense. in addition to sharing where i'm at, we told old stories and i caught up with my "brothers" and "sisters." my parents are great at

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1104562969588915642004-12-31T23:00:00.000-08:002004-12-31T23:02:49.590-08:00

to keep on praying for courage to difficult things? it seems that most of my prayers are like that lately. i had some great time in a nearby park today. sometimes these moments out in God's creation are the most refreshing thing i can do, more worshipful than a church service and more relaxing than any cup of coffee.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1104221893740351982004-12-28T01:15:00.000-08:002004-12-28T00:18:13.740-08:00

this is a somewhat sad photo. great composition as best as i can tell, just a sad topic when the caption and heading are considered.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1103818737854307302004-12-23T08:10:00.000-08:002004-12-23T08:19:57.846-08:00

not everything in life should be posted on a blog. God continues to be good in providing good friends and possibilities, all enshrouded in the gray of the future. i continue to hope, to wait and to act. Shua pointed folks to some great free music at his blog recently. check it out. i've been playing it on repeat for days now.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1103439889531122712004-12-18T23:00:00.000-08:002004-12-18T23:04:49.530-08:00

there are times in life when it seems like it would be easiest just to find a monestary somewhere in the mountains and forget, complete with net connection of course. a number of people i know right now and myself are in some tough new places or tough old places. i'm reminded though that we really do need each other. there are way too many stories out there about the small act that changed the

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1103348248352921922004-12-17T21:27:00.000-08:002004-12-17T21:37:28.353-08:00

i picked up a second-hand copy of Santana's Supernatural tonight, five years after it came out. he's got some great guitar skills and he chose some good vocalists from a variety of genres to work with. now i just have to brush up on my Spanish. if you aren't familiar at all with him or the album, it's worth checkinig out and his sounds in general are as well. his work has spiritul undertones and

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1103264522742756252004-12-16T22:20:00.000-08:002004-12-16T22:22:02.743-08:00

Briana, aka LadyBugPeace of Relevant lore, has joined the blogosphere. seems she's gotten a bit of a cold welcome so try to stop by her blog (link to the right) sometime soon and say a warm hello.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1103134046708052842004-12-15T10:04:00.000-08:002004-12-15T10:07:26.706-08:00

i will not be someone who curls back into my shell at the first sign of hardship. i've done that routine. "live is hard," i tell mysef. "yes, it is," Jesus says, "i told you it would be. no go love and serve people. i'll take care of the intangibles. you worry about the people who are alone, hungry and bewildered. speak words of hope, not because things are going to get better but because i am

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1102946971554996452004-12-13T06:02:00.000-08:002004-12-13T06:09:31.553-08:00

i posted the flip side of this on a friends blog, mentioning that getting plugged into a community requires real effort but we, the people of the church, need to do a lot better at welcoming people into our community. allow me to give you and me the pep talk. 1) this is not the job of the greeters or the welcome people. every person in the church is supposed to be reaching out to people outside

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1102787173585727992004-12-11T09:45:00.000-08:002004-12-11T09:46:13.586-08:00

i need to recognize daily that God is more than a personal being in the ether who has more power than us. He is intertwined in our lives in ways we barely grasp. He works in hearts and minds in ways that transcend the physical nature of our world.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1102741120334554292004-12-10T20:56:00.000-08:002004-12-10T20:58:40.333-08:00

Joshua or Shua is one of those folks whose work i've seen through relevant magazine's message board. he's got some quality work and some quality links beyond that. check out his blog and lastest project at the link to the right.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1102710696091192062004-12-10T13:22:00.000-08:002004-12-10T12:31:36.090-08:00

if you're ever unsure about your writing skills, make sure you make sure what you wrote actually made sense first and then worry about how good the story sounds. i can't tell you how many times i've had to go back to source material when editing someone's text and find out what exactly happened. that's not a good thing. ok, now that it's out of my system.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1102624547594108832004-12-09T13:34:00.000-08:002004-12-09T12:35:47.596-08:00

it's great to see people at odds admit their errors to each other and make a fresh attempt at loving conversation. it's a small thing i know but i really want to appreciate those small things. too many slip away.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1102580906798051112004-12-09T01:18:00.000-08:002004-12-09T00:28:26.800-08:00

i suppose as an aspiring creative writer, i'm about due. tonight the question is, "does that love at first sight, that heart-wrenching risk, that heart-first jump off the cliff really exist anymore?" i guess another part of my question tonight is, "does that love for God without abandon, that willingness not to have it all together, that venture into God's ways unfettered really exist anymore?"

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1102525566259707452004-12-08T09:05:00.000-08:002004-12-08T09:06:06.260-08:00

Mute Math's "Ok" Down on my knees down on my face You just say it's ok So many days I've thrown away You just say it's ok I don't think I could ever repay Your perfect grace, but it's ok It's ok, It's ok It's ok, It's ok You've become my embrace Just tell me it's ok Your precious words intoxicate A heart that aches; it's ok You don't recall my past mistakes You just say it's ok The human mind

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1102437187048082252004-12-07T08:27:00.000-08:002004-12-07T08:33:07.050-08:00

God has always been big on having His people remember. He had them set up various monuments, altars, places of worship, rememberances and events so they wouldn't forget during the Old Testament. today i was reminded that God really is there to help me accomplish my work and honor Him in it. He's not always going to do something just to help me save face, though sometimes He might if David's

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1102406334640531902004-12-06T23:55:00.000-08:002004-12-07T00:01:42.186-08:00

I'm trying to get myself back in the writing gear so I'll be posting some of my work from the the group blog Canvas here. Most of it needs work, but I'm hoping that this will prompt me to do some revision work. aflame so much of my life driven towards noble goals strength called upon people alone souls lost i learned quick enough though that over time paces slack that men young with vigor slow

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1102306769756717522004-12-05T20:15:00.000-08:002004-12-05T20:19:29.756-08:00

if you're familiar with the Mamas and the Papas, you'll recognize the song title. can't say i feel every part of it but man do i miss California and my brothers and sisters there right now. i just talked with a good friend about how things were going and then stopped by their website for the new building process. in some small way i feel like Moses as he looked out over the promised land of

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1102116946704626592004-12-03T15:35:00.000-08:002004-12-03T15:35:46.703-08:00

every now and again i wish this was an area entrusted to me. usually around that time, God reminds me that his way is peacable, unwavering and loving. certainly venance is too much for me to carry with the love God has called us to. who is able to grasp truth with so much clarity and surity that their judgements are always correct? Only God.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1102096182681821262004-12-03T09:49:00.000-08:002004-12-03T09:49:42.680-08:00

i used to like this phrase but i'm changeable. the problem i see right now is that it really only means, "being the true thing." problem is that it can be said of almost any state or type of thing. one can be authentic and be terribly evil or supremely good if that characteristic is a defining one of what they are supposed to be in a given case. it's still useful in limited contexts where the

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1102017801553299762004-12-02T13:01:00.000-08:002004-12-02T12:03:21.553-08:00

did i sound Texan? in any case, the new computer is here and i'm loving it already. ah the joy of untethered net access and the simple ability to type up your inspiration at home instead of running to work at midnight.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1101910035728689842004-12-01T06:04:00.000-08:002004-12-01T06:07:15.730-08:00

i read this article last night with appropriate thanks to Shannon. still pondering it a bit, but you should see some of my thoughts here at some point soon. i'm sure a Protestant kid from supposed post-modern church circles should have something to say about a Catholic's opinion that we shouldn't be either modern or post-modern.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1101714653863753072004-11-28T23:50:00.000-08:002004-11-28T23:50:53.863-08:00

click really do i need to say anymore?

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1101681763993984122004-11-28T14:40:00.000-08:002004-11-28T14:42:43.993-08:00

i have to fly right now but you can see i've made a few changes. more to come, including more blog links.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1101327305508937592004-11-24T13:09:00.000-08:002004-11-24T12:15:05.510-08:00

"it seems to me lately that the conservative mentality calls us to divorce our values from government when it comes to social issues while the liberal/progressive mentality calls us to divorce our values from government when it comes to religious or what are commonly called moral issues. i'm not so sure i like either right about now." taken from here it's probably no secret to anyone who's been

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1101242275910426722004-11-23T13:32:00.000-08:002004-11-23T12:37:55.910-08:00

both in Strong Bad's world and mine. a shiny silver Dell should be on it's way sometime after Thanksgiving I believe. sad to lose the productivity but a new computer with an extra USB port, DVD and CR-R burner and more memory isn't that bad. also, a cool verse to share from Psalm 49:1 as seen in the Message: "I fine-tuned my ear to the sayings of the wise, I solve life's riddle with the help of

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1101098833421241182004-11-21T20:43:00.000-08:002004-11-21T20:47:13.423-08:00

listening to U2's new cd a second time through now via VH1 and reading some thoughts from J.R. have made me reconsider my first thoughts on the disc. i didn't grow up with U2 because of family music habits and my role as a pastor's kid but i'm beginning to see the quality in their music. it's not always quite my musical taste but i think i'm aquiring more of a feel for it. we'll see.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1101026464123532472004-11-21T01:39:00.000-08:002004-11-21T00:41:04.123-08:00

well my laptop is officially on the fritz. i guess now is when i realize how tied to my computer i am. i need to buy a new notebook and get back to writing with pen and paper.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1100896549168672612004-11-19T13:34:00.000-08:002004-11-19T12:35:49.170-08:00

i need people. that last few days have been way too quiet here in the office. good thing God is working in this area both in my sometimes apathy and in the availability of others outside of work.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1100497001917314692004-11-14T21:32:00.000-08:002004-11-14T21:36:41.916-08:00

so many broken promises so many attempts failed so many things wished so many hurting so many dying so many longing things that appear beyond reach weaknesses that seem to be etched into eternity needs that never seem to be satisfied on night like this i hope. i hope He will come i hope His touch will cool i hope His love will heal I hope His presence will enoble so i wait don't be too long

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1100318084680802232004-11-12T19:47:00.000-08:002004-11-12T19:54:44.680-08:00

we've been bracing ourselves for this for a couple years now but this is the first Christmas that our immeadiate family can't be together around Christmas or New Years. i guess the reality of it all started to kick in when my mom talked about gift-giving this year. last year we experimented with spending Christmas with a few small gifts and then buying most of our gifts later as a family. i sort

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1100315356457666502004-11-12T19:04:00.000-08:002004-11-12T19:09:16.456-08:00

for two years now i've been posting on message boards. for three years or so i've been writing as a profession. for seven or eight years, my life has revolved around writing. i suppose that's why i am so concerned sometimes with flippant statements are used, especially when it's Christians talking about faith. i like exageration. i do it all the time. what i don't get is people thinking that

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1099518484566443622004-11-03T13:34:00.000-08:002004-11-03T13:48:04.566-08:00

when i was living at home in PA, my parents had the habit of watching the local news each evening. WNEP would come up as they were tucked in bed with a bit of a snack and they or us as a family would hear about the going ons in our corner of the state and around the world. it was always a wierd mix of stories. car crashes, new businesses and animal abuse stories were pretty much common fair. why

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1099019996375582882004-10-28T20:17:00.000-07:002004-10-28T20:19:56.376-07:00

today, after dropping of a high school junior or senior at home after church i realized that just about anyone who can read this has someone younger who they have some measure of responsibility for. i, and the other guys like me in their mid to late 20s, have something to teach or demonstrate to him and others like him. still not sure i can get used to being called "sir" but i guess it's a

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1098972509038557332004-10-28T07:02:00.000-07:002004-10-28T07:08:29.036-07:00

you might recognize this from the Bible, Proverbs 3:5,6. i've loved these verses for a long time, ever since my grandmother pointed them out to me in one of my first letters in California. it was one of those rare moments when you see a grandparent's soul and it was beautiful. i was trying to practice Lectio Divina, a method of meditation, on the way home from work yesterday and this stood out

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1098851661272557792004-10-26T21:31:00.000-07:002004-10-26T21:34:21.273-07:00

as some know, i'm giving this a go. i'll be using an old blogger setup that i never did use. tonight i got ready by adding some info to my profile and doing some of the setup work. i can't say i have much ready in my mind. i'll start with a defining moment in the main character's life and go from there i think. oh... that blog site? here it is.

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563324.post-1098538984818627012004-10-23T06:40:00.000-07:002004-10-23T06:43:04.816-07:00

so i've been asking myself this morning if the terrible Christian subculture that so many of my peers talk about is something that helps us as a concept. it does help to categorize thoughts and ideals on some level. that's why it has become so popular. but does it really help us live our lives? i'm less sure about that. in my personal experience, i find a tendency to reject things out of hand

the kidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157501696678418897noreply@blogger.com8