Trick-or-Treating or Harvest Festivals

Today, as we all know is Halloween.  Every week leading up to this day I’m asked by different people…church goers, pastors, and un-believers…on what I believe is appropriate or “christian” for children and Halloween.  Basically they want to know if I support neighborhood trick-or-treating, or if I believe christians should take their kids to the local “big” church for their harvest festivals.

For us the answer is easy…trick-or-treating.

I can see the draw of the harvest festivals.  Warm and dry…safe…fun.  But there’s also a down side…it’s another thing to do “inside” the church buildings and away from our neighborhoods and communities. 

I understand that in some situations where neighborhood safety is a real concern, that the harvest festivals are probably a better choice.  But, the reality is…most all harvest festivals are put on by suburban mega-churches where the local community is already safe and inviting.

What we decided to do at Redwood Hills was to gather information from the surrounding communities and find out where they are hosting neighborhood events.  There are a few families who prefer the festivals, but most really like being involved with the people they live next door to. For us, we live in Bothell where each year they close off Main street while kids go into the local business’s and trick-or-treat.  The fire department comes out with their trucks…the city offers free hot chocolate and cookies…and It’s a great way for us to meet local leaders and families while still in a safe environment.  From there, we retreat back to our house where we visit each home on our street for more trick-or-treating.  Rain or shine (this year looks like rain), it’s more adventurous for the kids, while allowing us to meet new people.

I want to invite you to offer your thoughts on where you are taking the kids, or if you don’t have kids…where would you want to take them.  Trick-or-treating, or to the Harvest Festival?  Why?  

Love and Peace.

Seattle Neighborhoods and Favorite Hangout Spots

I saw this picture on the homepage of the NY Times today.  You really should click the link and check out the beautiful images they took of the different Seattle neighborhoods and hot spots.

I love living near Seattle and try to take the short drive over from the Kirkland/Bothell area as often as I can.  This past summer our family spent some time at one of our favorite neighborhoods…West Seattle and Alki Beach.  I personally still find Queen Ann to be my favorite area to walk, eat, and caffinate.  Seattle really is a great city!

Where would your favorite neighborhood or hangout spot be?  What do you find most appealing about living in Seattle? 

 Love and Peace

Black and White…in the Red, White and Blue

I remember very well the day I found out President Reagan had been shot.  It was 1981, and I was a 9 year old boy standing in the kitchen when I overheard my mom talking on the phone with a friend.  I couldn’t understand why anyone would want to do such a thing and while I’m not so naive anymore, there’s still the boy in me that can’t understand assassination attempts.

In today’s Seattle PI, there was a disturbing article (read here) about a skinhead plot to shoot or behead 88 black men across America, ending with the shooting of Barack Obama,  They planned to go about their business wearing white tuxedos, with white top hats.  The reports now are that they never would have gone very far as their plans weren’t very well layed out.  So, they sit in jail…

I don’t believe for one moment that we live in a country that is free from racism and hatred…but whenever I come across stories like this today, I find myself thinking “this can’t be”.  This kind of evil does exist and my fear is that with the strong chance of the US being lead by a black president…we will see / hear /read more of this evil.

Growing up, I always heard pastors in church encourage the people to pray for our president.  Some pray for wisdom, some for salvation, others for impeachment.  Maybe now we should be thinking of prating for protection!  If Barack Obama becomes our president and many are believing he will be…you can bet there will be those who are ignorant, hateful and dangerous who just might risk their life to rid our country of a black man in leadership. 

This evening, as I read different articles in the news, I noticed plenty of words like…”reported”, “allegedly” and “supposedly”.  These are words we’re used to living in a media-driven world where terrorism is a reality.  The problem is, the more we hear words like this the less we actually believe in any kind of threat.  This had me thinking that I should as a Christ-follower and American, pray for our president’s protection and not to let the “alleged reports” convince me that these hateful people aren’t capable of causing real harm or even death.

I know this all sounds a bit depressing, but I just can’t imagine how the possible election of a first-time black president won’t bring some to a point of rage. 

We should pray for the church to be a force of hope and reconciliation in our world…for the safety of any elected  president…and even for those who would want to dehumanize anyone based on race, gender, or sexual orientation. 

Love and Peace.

Nine Years…

Today is a special day for me.  Today marks the ninth anniversary of being married to my incredible wife, Christalle!  It’s been, like any other marriage that’s reached nine years, a fun and challenging achievement.  We’ve had plenty of ups and downs, but our friendship and love have always been able to hold things together and I can attribute that to more of what Christalle brings to our marriage than what I do.

Christalle’s dedication, support, and patience have been huge to our relationship and her encouragements to me as a man, husband, father and pastor have been more valuable than words can describe.  She’s a great and caring mother to our two…oh wait, soon to be three boys and I personally find so much joy in life just from watching her with the kids.  I really am a blessed man!

Today is also a day where I reflect a bit on the others who have helped influence our marriage.  Parents…friends…pastors.  They’ve all had a valuable role in teaching and modeling for us a healthy and balanced marriage.  We are far from perfect, and sometimes we see the absolute worst in each other, but grace allows us to keep moving forward and I can’t wait to see what the next nine year holds for us.

Love and Peace.

$150,000 and a Trip to Saks Fifth Avenue

A few years ago I concluded that no matter how much of a stink the media or American citizens put up about financial waste in politics…it’s always going to happen.  I think it was President Clinton who spent some crazy amount of money (tax money) flying somewhere to get a haircut.  Anyways…these men and women who we choose to serve and represent us, sometimes make stupid choices with public money.

Recently, I read that the Republican National Committee didn’t like Gov. Palin’s plain-Jane, hockey mom attire she packed with her from Alaska.  So, they spent $150,000 to give her proper style from Sak’s and Neiman Marcus. That’s right…$150,000 for her and her family to dress nicer!  The funny thing is…many are saying that her style is exactly the same, it’s just that instead of Macy’s…it’s Cole Hann.

 

I understand that they need to dress nicely, I have no problem with professional attire or even having nice clothes.  But this seems like another one of those “wasteful” expenses that the good people who’ve chosen to donate their money for the McCain / Palin campaign, will literally have to pay for. 

It’s not the biggest deal in the world, but for people who seem to drive their message of representing the “working-class” of America, it implies quite a different message.  And if it seems that I’m picking on Palin here…that’s not my intent.  If I see or read anything showing wasteful spending by Obama and the DNC…I’ll post that too. 

Love and Peace.

Love and Peace.

Signing up for Simplicity

I recently came across these amazing photos on the photoblog called No Caption Needed.  It’s one of my favorite sites to visit…

Recently, they posted about the Harris family as they journey towards living a much more simple life.  I also read about them in the NY times as they’ve been following their attempts at getting rid of their stuff, while learning to adapt to a revolutionary lifestyle.  It’s amazing story to follow…

While I don’t neccassarliy agree with everything they are doing, such as getting rid of their wedding bands…I find myself in total respect for their courage and sacrifice.  Especially considering they have small children!

 

Simplicity is an interesting thing right now…especially considering that many Americans are not choosing their simplicity.  We are used to abundance…we want abundance…we think we’re entitiled to abundance.  So when abundance isn’t available…simplicity becomes the way of life. 

 

I can’t imagine losing my house and having to live in an RV…but I can imagine selling my house and raising my family in an RV.  The problem is…I don’t want to do it.  Then again…maybe it’s not a problem of mine so much as it is that living in an RV is not my personal choice.  So…the question for me then becomes, what things can and should I live without?  How can I be teaching my kids now about simple living?

It’s a question worth wrestling with…

Love and Peace.

Living in Change

Wow!  It’s been too long since my last post.  I think a couple weeks have gone by and I’ve actually missed this little thing in my life called blogging.  Actually…my silence here has been for a reason.  In my last post (read here), I wrote a little about change. 

I’ve chosen to be silent as I knew I needed to narrow my attention to two things…family and church. 

I have entered some major changes since then in my life as a pastor.  I knew it was coming back in the summer…but it’s still been a major adjustment, and the emotions I experience are interesting to say the least.

A couple weeks ago, my friend John who was the lead pastor of Redwood Hills Church decided he was done.  This came as a shock to the church, especially since his resignation was effective immediately.  That means, the church had one week to say their good-byes and begin to cope with transition.  So far, they have adjusted very well.  In fact, most have been extremely hopeful during this time while trusting God that this change means healthier growth for our church.

Where things get interesting, is that I am now the “acting” lead pastor while the board decides if I should in fact be the next pastor, or try and at least look outside for a new leader.  This is a weird spot to be in…

This change means a lot to me and my family. I am confident and passionate about my calling to pastor Redwood Hills.  I love these people and believe God is shaping us to be a presence of hope, grace and healing in our community.  But, if for some reason I am not given the opportunity to be their pastor…well then, I’m unemployed.  Last time I checked, this wasn’t a good time to lose a job in America!

I do trust God, and it’s because of this trust that I am talked with our team and we’re choosing to lead our church now and not wait for me to be voted in.  I know the temptation to win votes by saying the right things…telling people we’re going to do things just to make them happy…assure others that new vision won’t change the way people approach church.  I just can’t do that.  We should begin to wisely implement vision now and believe that the church knows our heart…understands our intent…and realizes our convictions.

Church transitions are a strange and often ugly time.  I’ve been a part of a transition that became so political, I couldn’t help but lose a little faith in the church.  I’m still working on regaining that faith…

Some transitions are actually peaceful and healthy.  This what we’re praying for and God is already showing some of his faithful protection for us as a body.  It’s never easy living through change…

Love and Peace.

A Weekend in…Milwaukee?

Just today I was telling someone that where I live is about as rural as I could get.  I live in the eastside of Seattle in a great neighborhood called Canyon Park, Bothell.  It’s quite, with young families and great schools and parks.  I’m not one who could survive in the country.  I love to hike, fish, and explore the great outdoors…but taking up residence there is not my idea of living.  I must be near the city!

This morning while driving down the I-405 in tons of traffic I began to think about the time my wife and I spent last winter in Santa Cruz, California.  We travelled there to see some good friends for a few days and absolutely loved it.  I’m know stranger to the Bay Area as I used to live just a few minutes south of San Francisco.  In fact, if you ask me where I prefer to travel in the US, it would always be SF, or the Santa Cruz / Capitola area.  There’s just something about the people and culture that I find welcoming and totally enjoyable.

Today, while reading the NY Times, I came across this.  A picture of Milwaukee…yes, that Milwaukee.  The home of cheap beer and Lavern and Shirley.  The Times did a story on the so-called renaisance of the city and how it’s becoming one of America’s great cities to visit.  Never been there…but I hear it’s nice.

While I could see myself spending a weekend in Portland, Austin, Santa Fe, and Charleston…I just don’t see myself visiting Milwaukee!  Not even if the Brewers were to one day go to the World Series…it’s just not compelling enough for me.

So..what small city have you always wanted to visit?  Forget NY, LA and Miami…I’m talking small market stuff here.  If you could take off this weekend for any small town / city in America…where would it be?  If it’s Milwaukee, then help me understand the draw.  In the meantime…I’ll be thinking of walking Capitola beach with my family, hoping I get there soon.

Love and Peace.

Faces of Christianity

I grew up in a world where my faith was mostly definedby the names and faces of men.  My pastor growing up was regarded as one of the best leaders and church builders of his time.  He would pastor our church for over 40 years!  Then, there was Billy Graham and Pat Robertson…the other famous Christians I grew hearing about.  They were the faces of Christianity in my childhood. 

Today, there is a lot of talk about evangelicals and the media trying to define us.  The Seattle PI (Read Here)ran a fair article yesterday on how evangelicals in America are no longer JUST right-wing republicans who vote for war and disregard poverty.  No…the evangelical movement is much broader than that now and many are no longer willing to sit by and be boxed in to an ultra-conservative viewpoint.

Still, with all the changes in evangelicalism, we are still defined by the faces of Christianity.  Meaning, that Pat Robertson, Jerry falwell, James Dobson and now Sarah Palin are too often believed to be the voice of all evangelicals in America.  These pastors and leaders have done some very good things with their lives, but one that I find myself resenting is the way that each of them seem to force themselves as the face of the Christian faith.  To be honest, I find them to actually represent much of what I don’t desire in my faith! 

Last night the country watched and waited for Sarah Palin to bury herself with air-headed remarks.  The fact is…she did pretty well.  Way too over-rehearsed, but she did better than the media wanted her to do…

Contrary to what some might think…I actually like Gov. Palin.  I just don’t think she’s the right choice for VP…she’s obviously not familiar with much of what is required for such an office.  Plus, the “hockey mom” stuff just doesn’t excite me.  I happen to believe we need much less of the “tough-guy” rhetoric from our leaders…it’s obviously not worked over the past eight years.

My honest fear with many evangelical voters is that they are being led to believe that Sarah Palin is the new face of Christianity. I’m confident that she has a genuine faith…but the face of Christianity?  It makes me cringe to think that we would put any human being on that kind of pedestal!  

I have no problem whatsoever with people voting based on policy and platform, but to vote simply because any one leader appears to be the face of our faith will only make the church seem more ignorant and culturally irrelevant than much of America already sees us. 

For example…this was written in response to the Seattle PI article.

Who gives a rip what these Dark Age knuckle-draggers think? I’m tired of listening to these bozo evangelicals and their bigoted deranged Stone Age discussions about “faith” and politics. Give me a friggin’ break!

Can we get some other demographics opinion for a change? Heck, what about Latino Roman Catholics, or Quakers, or Dutch Reformists, Scientologists, Buddhists, Atheists, Agnostics, Shintoists… why must we always hear the nonsense from these ridiculously intellectually backward people!! 

I hope as people look at my life they see some resemblance of commitment to the way of Jesus and his grace, but let us be careful to not place any man or woman on such a high pedestal we literally define our faith by their opinions and politics.

Love and Peace.

Change is My Friend

It seems that every person I know is going through some sort of major change.  Job changes, investment changes, political changes and spiritual changes.  Some of these people have sought out their change…most however had their change come to them.  The question each of them (and all of us really) are asking is…what does this change mean for my future?

Change is never easy, but as I said to my friend Ian today on the phone…it is absolutely neccasary for us!  Without change, America could never have become the country it is today…and at the same time, without change, America would remain the country we are today. 

We are doomed without the painful process of change!

Today, change is heavy on my heart!  Big changes are coming for me and I find myself asking God for nothing more than wisdom.  It’s all that comes to mind today as I seek God…wisdom for life.

This week I read Robert Frost’s poem called The Investment.  It speaks of a time where people lived in (rather, stayed in) times of desolation and barreness.  Except for one house…a house painted brightly and piano music ringing from it’s walls!  Is the new paint and music wasteful?  Or, is it a refusal to exist in stagnation? 

I think Frost was trying to send an important message here…

Over back where they speak of life as staying
(‘You couldn’t call it living, for it ain’t'),
There was an old, old house renewed with paint,
And in it a piano loudly playing.

Out in the plowed ground in the cold a digger,
Among unearthed potatoes standing still,
Was counting winter dinners, one a hill,
With half an ear to the piano’s vigor.

All that piano and new paint back there,
Was it some money suddenly come into?
Or some extravagance young love had been to?
Or old love on an impulse not to care–

Not to sink under being man and wife,
But get some color and music out of life?

One can hardly live in America today and not think about the possible change that may come their way.  Whether it’s money, or jobs…change is a friend we need to make, otherwise the light at the end of the tunnel will be found to be fairly dim.

What changes are you facing right now?  How are they defining the way you look at faith and life?  What in life brings you the most hope?

Love and Peace.