The Call, Loose Ends, and a Kingdom of Violence

Last Saturday a group of about 42 people headed off to DC to join forces with Lou Engle and clan in the battle for our nation. As soon as we pulled up, though still miles away from site, I could feel the momentum and thickness of the Spirit. Perhaps it was my own excitement to be thrust into a period of 12 hours non-stop strategic prayer and worship but felt drawn in like a moth to the flame, pardon the cliche. The heat and fasting were a toll but when you're energized by the Holy Spirit there ain't nothing better. I've learned not to put expectations on how an event like this will look b/c every time is different and God has a different focus. But I love being in an environment where people pray with such confidence and victory in mind...no doubting. It's something I'm growing in and I want God to take me to a higher level where I see things change around me b/c I declare His will. There was a time at the end where they were praying for young leaders to arise and my heart rejoiced. Like the apostolic youth group that shook a nation 2000 years ago, I want to be a part of disturbing the status quo, the peace, the darkness around me. There was a sweet time where a few of us prayed released over each other for various callings and I really sensed God imparting vision to me. For Tech, for Greece, about who I am. Anyway, I leave for Thessaloniki in less than two months. Time is passing fast. I've got to pack and get moved into my sister's. I've got to sell some stuff...I've got to believe God for some stuff and take one big step out onto that sea.

DP@VT starts up again soon and how I love this small group of believers. I know it's gonna grow and I know we'll reach so many people on campus. I'll try and post updates about Greece.

Where Has the Time Gone?

Sorry for not posting in a while. It's been a challenging, eventful, and somewhat overcoming month. Like I overcame the month, took it by the bull horns, and yeah, now I'm almost in August. But all in all a blessed and surprising time. Ever feel slightly off track...sort of off-kilter like you have a bad case of vertigo, can't quite find your rhythm? And then something happens that sort of just directs you back on path. I guess mainly for me it's been priorities. Mine have been all to pots this month but hey grace and mercy and the goodness of God. All in all I think things that troubled me have turned out to be sign posts pointing me in the right way. Like my roommate getting married and having to look for a new place. Not getting the job I wanted. I think I'm getting a big, fat boot to the butt, as my trusted and gentle authority would say, getting kicked out of the nest. It is always a blessing to have family from over the great blue and hear testimony of what God is doing. I feel a real connection with them and now am planning a more extended stay in Thessaloniki. How cool is that? One of the birthplaces of the gospel. What an honor. I can't stop thanking God. Anyway, sleep is overdue, there are ogres to battle, vampires to slay. And a warm bath calling my name.

Ethenbern: Red-Dwarf tree city

So for the few of you who know what I'm referring to here: a glimpse into what I see Ethenbern looking like. Though of course more people, more weapons, more blood. Shotgun the jumper in the back.

Adama's Revelations

I just finished watching the half-season conclusion of Battlestar Galactica, which will pick back up sometime in the fall. I have one cliche word for you. Amazing. The past couple of episodes have flung us headlong into the human-Cylon struggle to find peace and rebuild a world that both have a hand in destroying. As they continue on a course for Earth, sanity is lost, betrayal inevitable, and hope dwindles for no one is who they think they are, and home is a fading dream. The young, pompous son has matured into a great leader, president in the absence of Laura, the hot-headed, rebellious Thrace has finally achieved her destiny in unlocking the key to earth, and my personal favorites Admiral Adama and President Roslin have finally realized that a different path is needed in order to preserve humanity, one that includes trusting the Cylons. You see their leadership falter as they both endure difficult realities, such as the Admiral's C.O. revealing himself to be a toaster, and Laura's cancer ever speeding her on toward death. This little band has endured close to hell to see the fulfillment of the prophecy that they would find earth, and as Bill takes that first step onto land, grabs a handful of dirt, and throws it away angrily, you know they haven't reached their resting place. Another mystery is yet to be solved before the colony can settle in renewed hope, and began again with the Skin-jobs by their side. The scenes just before landing on earth are everything they should be. The crew rejoices, Adama delivers a short but poignant speech, he embraces the woman that's given their vision strength, Lee hops onto the com and hollers like a madman, Celtic battle music plays in the background. Beautiful. But then the camera fades with Laura's cynical word, "earth," on a dreary, desolate beach and the ruins of a temple that look like they've been blown to pieces. Everyone is disheartened, human and Cylon alike, as they glance over what should have been a glorious end to all their perseverance and struggle. Wow. Great job Moore and Eick. I couldn't have thought of it better. Now, we only have to wait a few months to see the path grow darker before, hopefully, they can "lay their burdens down" in the light of their new home. Will Laura really die? Will Adama be able to maintain his sanity if she does? Will Saul and the Admiral forgive each other? Will Baltar ever confess his sin to the rest of humanity? Will the Cylons revert to their old ways? And of course...who is the final fifth? This show is not for the faint at heart but I recommend it to those who enjoy a good boxing match or a flight through the stars. You won't be disappointed.

Dances on the Frontier

So if you've ever been to a foreign country or begun a venture you weren't quite sure how it would end up then you'll agree with me when I say there's nothing like it, no better school, no amount of entertainment that can equal such an experience. I've been reading Dances with Wolves. Not only do I love the wild beauty that is the frontier, the strange civilization of the Indians, and the story of one man's quest to discover what it means to truly be alive, but I find myself entranced in his words and in the memories of my own journeys where I've tasted similar things.

You take that first step off the plane, nothing smells right, no one speaks English, you know there are two things that never change: coffee, and beer. Aside from that you're on your own. I'm exaggerating here for literary's sake so please...

"With a startling suddenness, the lieutenant felt overwhelmed. He realized that he had no idea where to begin, what his function should be, or even how to regard himself. He had no duties, no program to follow, and no status."

As you begin to settle into life of a different kind, life out on the frontier where values don't equal what is common in western society today, you begin to see with very different eyes. The woman who's lived there all her life yet still treats the poor with fresh compassion, a cup of coffee shared with someone you might've gone to war with once, the passing of stories from one culture to the other, laughs over who said what wrong and how close it was to being a major taboo...all elements which make for a rich day.

"What he might have had lacked was pale in light of what he had. His mind was free. There was no work and there was no play. Everything was one. It didn't matter whether he was hauling water up from the stream or tying into a hearty dinner. Everything was the same, and he found it not at all boring. He thought of himself as a single current in a deep river. He was separate and he was whole, all at the same time. It was a wonderful feeling."

You don't have to go gallivanting across the world to know what I mean. A simple risk, a chance where it makes sense to make sense, is all that's required. It doesn't matter who you aren't because you're too busy being who you are. To all my friends who've been there and are there keep on riding. I'll be joining you when I can.

Judging Caspian

Disney delivers yet another adaptation of Lewis’ adventures with the return of Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy to a post-golden age Narnia where Telmarines threaten the existence of its fabled creatures. The story begins with the flight of young Prince Caspian from his malicious, pseudo-Spanish uncle aspiring to claim the throne for himself, and the land that is a fading Narnia. For the most part, the opening scene is formulaic with the aid of a wise professor, the gallop from treacherous guards across a dark and open vista, and the sudden appearance of rescuing Dwarves, Warwick Davis including. Caspian blows the mysterious horn of Queen Susan in attempt to thwart his foes, which in turn resonates in fifties England where the Pevensie children await their train.

Despite the predictable magic whilrwind of Disney animation, childish humor, Caspian's facial suicide, and plot detours from the original book, the movie manages to exceed the Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe in entertaining action sequences and the lessons of growing up to deliver a decent, worth the money show. Dialogue is sporadically slow, topped with witless retorts of talking rats, who should have been played by Paul Giamatti, and sprinkled with the ridiculous rolling of r's by none other than the prince of the hour. Lucy, however, manages to captivate audiences once again with her girlish charm, and graceful features while Peter comes swinging full force, desperate to become a man. It seems that these two siblings personify the battle between belief and human rationality, and what it takes, well beyond the eleventh hour, for ordinary kings and queens to become something more.

Aslan's cameos are few and far between, yet there is no doubt he is lord over man and beast, "not a tame lion." For as he states he never does things the same way twice, unhesitatingly drawing the trees out of their lethargy to attack Miraz's army and calling forth an angel of the water to destroy the remaining troops. It's hard to dismiss the similarities to "Fellowship of the Ring's" river scene but if Lewis and Tolkien were friends then perhaps it's not so unimaginative. Some would say that Aslan is a poor digital creation, even a little foo-foo in this film, but he is still the enigmatic, approachable embodiment of love and power and not without poignant weight. Let's hope that Jack Black will not sell more tickets at the box office as this summer's overweight karate panda.

All in all, the movie is what one would expect with the exception of a few dark twists, Hollywood's attempt at spicing up a story for this generation's cynical, anti-hero leanings. But that aside, the cherished language of C.S. Lewis lives on as his heroes and heroines persevere through trial and battle against insurmountable odds while memories of Mr. Tumnus and the beavers echo in the viewer's minds. A family achievement, another step at resurrecting the magic of childhood, perhaps ticking off an observing Jack Lewis from his ethereal library above. See it. It's history now.

King of the Nations

So here's a link for the latest song Keith's been producing for me. I wanted it to have a tribal feel and it sure does. Check the music section then click on the following song. It's not quite finished...I have a few ideas to set the last chorus apart. But it sounds great nonetheless.

http://wastedpixels.com/music/Amy%20-%20King%20of%20the%20Nations%20

Favorite Gabriel Moments

Bush and the Supreme Court

My dad had two very interesting dreams concerning the president and the upcoming election. But the gist of them were that during Bush's time as this nation's leader he's done more to preserve human life (banning partial birth abortion; reinstating a sense of protection for human life) than any other president since Abraham Lincoln. The nation was divided then during the civil war like it is now and Bush has sacrificed a lot of his reputation to continue on in the way of maintaining freedom for mankind. I'm not saying he hasn't had his share of mistakes however if you can't get on your face and pray for him, you have no right to judge his actions. At the end of my dad's 2nd dream there was an oval room with the number 7752 on a plaque. He googled that number and found the following:

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation (7752)

As Americans, we are led by the power of our conscience and the history of our country to defend and promote the dignity and rights of all people. Each person, however frail or defenseless, has a place and a purpose in this world. On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, we celebrate the gift of life and our commitment to building a society of compassion and humanity.

Today, the principles of human dignity enshrined in the Declaration of Independence - that all persons are created equal and possess the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - continue to guide us. In November, I signed into law the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003, reaffirming our commitment to protecting innocent life and to a basic standard of humanity - the duty of the strong to defend the weak. My Administration encourages adoption and supports abstinence education, crisis pregnancy programs, parental notification laws, and other measures to help us continue to build a culture of life. By working together, we will provide hope to the weakest among us and achieve a more compassionate and merciful world.

Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Sunday, January 18, 2004, as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. I call upon all Americans to recognize this day with appropriate ceremonies in our homes and places of worship and to reaffirm our commitment to respecting the life and dignity of every human being.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty- eighth.

George W. Bush


Especially for the upcoming election we need to be praying. Dad felt that the Lord gave him a word about Obama and that night was coming. Our generation has a responsibility to speak out against the criticism and accusation against Bush, that no matter what we're called to pray for those in authority, not tear them down. Satan is the accuser of the brethren. Also, we have a responsibility to finish what many people have started in today's prayer movements...reversing Roe v. Wade and seeing that come to a completion. Thirdly, if Obama really is going to be the next president, or has the edge to do so, we need to be on our faces interceding that God's will is accomplished and that His kingdom come in this situation.

On Saturday, April 26th Bound4LIFE and theCall will be mobilizing Christians to gather at supreme courts in all 50 states along with the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, DC. Would you answer this urgent call to prayer and join with thousands across the nation on this day when we will be holding a simultaneous Silent Siege of every Supreme Court? Coinciding with Passover, the purpose of this day will be to stand in silent prayer before the doors of our justice system and plead the blood of Jesus.

Do You Hear A Who?

I went to see "Horton Hears a Who" last night and really enjoyed it. It's really a very creative idea, though we all think at some point in our lives "hey, maybe we're a speck in a much larger world, and they're watching us like fish in a fishbowl." At least I've definitely wondered that...but what set it apart for Seuss I think is the fact that he connects those two worlds and they're able to hear and speak to each other. Todays prophets are saying this is a word to the masses concerning abortion and that "a person is a person no matter how small." I totally agree with that angle. But I think for me, the best part was at the end when the Who's are trying to get enough sound out so the large people in that other world can hear them, they start singing "we're here" as loudly and with as much sound as they can. The sound waves start echoing into space, yet there is this barrier there blocking them from penetrating into the other world. Well, the Spirit started to speak to me about worship and how it changes the atmosphere around you. That's why I like singing on the Drill Field and other places b/c where you start sending waves into the air, that place is gonna change. You may not have immediate results but eventually something is gonna break. Back to the movie, the singing is going out into space but still it's not enough to break that barrier. Finally, one boy grabs a funnel and with all his heart, sings into it. That is the final straw. Something breaks in the atmosphere and all that sound goes tumbling into the other world. It's a picture of warring in the heavenlies. People give up too easily when it comes to prayer and worship in the heavenlies when their requests or partitions aren't answered right away. It takes perseverance until you press through that which hinders our voices from being heard and having effect. Like Daniel when he prayed for twenty-one days until Michael awas able to come to him (who had been hindered by the Prince of Persia). It's not that God doesn't want to move on our behalf but sometimes there are forces working to misdirect our praise and prayers. We have to continue on like those Who's...until something breaks.

Tribute to Lost

So far this season "The Constant" has been my favorite episode and I think a lot of people would agree. The themes of time travel, star-crossed soul mates, and lab rats are the perfect mix for edge-of-your seat entertainment. Desmond has slowly grown on me. At first I found him to be a little shifty, a little too undecided on where his loyalties lay, and if he could care about anything other than his own agenda. But hey, that seems to sum up about everyone on the island, lost souls given a second chance to receive the healing they need to live a life worthy to be called a life. Healing that takes place physically as well as emotionally, and puts proper perspective on what really matters. And what I think Desmond has learned the most is that he has what it takes to be the hero Penelope has always seen him as. He's overcome the obstacle of her father, at least partially (though I don't doubt this will be a major theme soon between the two), and the inner demons of self-doubt and failure.

For me, this episode was emotionally packed with the power of redemption and if you only watch one episode this season...this one is it. It's a little early to say, but even with the return of Michael, I can't help but feel "The Constant" has won my heart. However, last week's glimpse into the future has definitely disturbed the masses. Jin dead? I think I felt a tear at that one. Let me know your Lost theories and let's get swept away in the waves of mystery and uncertainty.

Only Three

This is a really cool doorway in the restaurant, Elements. Clint basically built the entire place along with the visionary and designer whose name I've forgotten. In that room is an art gallery and some couches for waiting.
A neat view from the stairwell...we ate on the top floor. Every little detail was so creative and took a lot of thought.
The horses. I think Bill is there in the middle...the one I rode. Funny, like Bill the pony from "Fellowship of the Ring." He was very laid back and liked to follow Pete, the bigger horse.

Lyons of Judah

So I went to Lyons, Georgia this weekend with Rick and team for a strongholds conference. It was an awesome time, filled with good fellowship, on-point teaching, and alot of counseling. Not that we have anything to offer them that they don't have to offer us, but it's good to be a blessing to each other. They're very strong in creativity and we had the chance to eat in one of the most innovative restaurants that I've ever seen...Elements. Their hospitality and genuine compassion is evident in everything they do. After two days of teaching and counseling Sara and I took a horse back ride across Tom's land, through the river, and over Clint's pine trees. I stayed at his mother's house who is full of life and spunk...called Radovan a mess and Robert Mearns a brain. Like every place you visit and have the opportunity to share Christ, you always leave a part of you there...until the next time you come. We're not so different. Eat Mexican after church, go all out in worship, enjoy five cups o jo when you're moving from session to session, it's nice to see kingsway really shares a similar heart among its bodies. But it's good to be home and maybe I'll post pics soon. Gotta go see my nephew.

Father' Toolbox

The Father's Toolbox draft 1. Definitely needs some revamping and color but it's a start. For Rick's 8 decade book. I picture some kind of lion on the front of the box and a crazy background which I'll leave to kimbo. I had this crazy dream last night where I was waking people up at my grandma's house cause it was the perfect time to get out of there. A maniac had killed some people and I didn't want to end up on his hit list. But I remember at the end staring at a painting I had done and wondering if I could fit it into my car.

Blink

So I really don't like reading Christian fiction novels cause usually they're cheesy copies of what's already been written by more imaginative authors. But I gave in and bought a copy of Dekker's revamped novel "Blink of an Eye." The writing is not top notch but the story and action are pretty well developed. It's about this genius guy who starts seeing all possible futures in the events surrounding him and this Muslim princess he's helping. Eventually he can see three hours into the future, pitting him against the NSA's finest minds, and even a little Vegas high rolling. I haven't finished it yet so I won't give away the conclusion but I found this cool little quote in the back of the book he'd written.

Q: How would you describe what it's like to have one of your novels made into a film?

A: They say that writing a novel is like rowing a bathtub across the Atlantic, something I've known to repeat. Making a movie is trying to fly a paper airplane to the moon. Put it in another way, both are like giving birth. I'm a man, how would you know, you ask? I've birthed sixteen novels and I doubt many women could put up with the kind of pain endured with each delivery.

(Well, I don't know about that Dekker, but you've made your point, while admitting you've birthed only sixteen decent babies. I'd like mine to be excellent children, skilled in the ways of the Jedi. ;)

Our Porcelain Gods

So I haven't posted in a while cause I've been busy with this new campus ministry at Tech, among other things. I just finished a great book called Signs of Emergence by Kester Brewin, a challenging and creative read on the emergent church. He works with an alternative worship group called Vaux, a city group of artists who desire to see and release God amidst the chaotic bustle of diverse city life. There are many points he makes which I feel would challenge the status quo in today's church but one I found interesting so as to post here.

They put this up on a wall one day and invited people to their worship time. The statement read, "God is found in the shit." Now, after the aftermath of the expected backlash to such a statement, the truth of the matter began to surface and people began to realize what exactly they were saying. Brewin writes, "It was used after a lot of very intense and careful debate in the group, who decided that its clearly shocking language actually forced us to accept the difficult and profound truth that God really does never leave us, in a way that more polite forms simply could not." As Collins explained, "We struggle with the propriety of putting God and shit in the same sentence. Yet the incarnation brought them into closer contact than that." Brewin goes on to say, "If God can be found here, then we have grounds for genuine hope, regardless of our background and situation, regardless of what we have done..."

I think for some the shock to our minds is exactly what we need. We're so use to concluding that God behaves this way or always does it like that or I can always guess God's next move, when in fact He is completely other-than. The term holy means set-apart, unique, not white robes, not boxes, not predictable formats, not religious answers. If we are to be holy as He is holy then we need to listen and watch for His uniqueness to surface in the dirt of our cities, in the difficulty of life, in the unpredictable movements of seasons and stop dressing up in our white robes, spouting out verses which mean about as much to us as does the next Clive Custler novel.

God is indeed in the shit and if He wasn't, I wouldn't be where I am today, or with a hope of where I'm going. He's always more ugly than we want, more ready to get down on his knees and spit into our images of who we've made him, not to prove himself right and us wrong, but to show us the unlimited vastness of his love for us. I've found that more and more it's about admitting I know very little about it, and hoping he's got the room he needs to show me a little more.

Courtesy of Sheamus

Singing in Greece. Wish I had smiled more...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJtyCOhO_eU

A Blip from the Archive

The storm did not stop until early dawn but at the first hint of morning, the thunder ceased. The canyon glowed under the rosy sunrise, the last trickles of rainwater washing toward their underground havens. As sunlight crept to mouth of the tiny cave, Ethan forced himself up and out into the crisp air. He scanned the sky above, as the cloud covering receded, and along the cliffs surrounding him. As suspected there was enough mud to build a home with, and walking through it would be tedious.

A frantic scratching caught his attention, coming from a higher ledge on the opposite side of the cliff wall. Pulling the float grapple from his belt, he shot it with precision until it latched onto the helpless target. The metal talons retrieved the lifeless body of a gray hare, its unfortunate predicament beneficial to Ethan’s growling stomach. A bird would have claimed it sooner or later.

Ethan remembered hunting with his father near the shoreline of the Elpis Sea. It was the first time he had ever drawn blood with his own hands. He had been tracking a herd of groek all morning, and through most of the night, when coming to a summit that overlooked the ocean, he saw them, Sailors, trimming the fat off a dead whale. The animal’s cold body lay like a gaping wound, pitifully resigned under the misty sunrise.

His father told him to stay hidden atop the ridge but there were ten, armed seamen and soon he was stumbling down the rocky cliff-side despite his father’s firm protests. He drew his bow back, sending an arrow into the surprised group. One of the Sailors fell to the sand as Ethan prepared another arrow, steadying his hands and sight, adrenaline pumping through him.

His father was already in their midst, parrying two blades with a single dagger, moving around to the sea to protect his back. Whale hunts were forbidden. Out there they could get away with it, but trespassing on Epoxan shores, bringing their catch inland was doubly foolish. But as he adjusted his aim, Ethan could not help pitying those who fell one by one under the guardian’s commandeered sword. They never stood a chance. He let his bow drop, watching the frightened men as life left them.

“Finish what you started,” his father called, leaning over a huddled, sobbing man. “He’ll bleed to death.”

What Ethan had not known was that several miles down shore an ambush was waiting for them. Somehow the rest of the crew had known and it did not take long for them to exact their revenge. Even a great warrior had little chance against thirty men with fishing spears.

Farewells

Today is our last day in Greece before flying off to the places we call home, to resettle into our routines...but not too much I hope. This is the part I hate, though I know we'll see everyone again and probably not too far from now. I don't just like seeing what God has been doing over here, nor just participating in it, but I like becoming part of a family that extends beyond the boundaries and boxes of America. There are so many memorable moments...I've enjoyed traveling with people I consider my closest friends, people I've walked with for many years now. We've all grown up so much and it's cool to see the fruit in their lives. Being in Skopje just six months ago and returning I saw in such a short time things being established and multiplied in the Spirit at such a fast rate that I have a feeling the next time I come I won't even recognize that small army God is raising up. I love those people with all my heart and am honored to be united with them. The church here in Thessaloniki is gonna be one of a kind and I'm grateful that I had the chance to spend time with Tommie and his family. Their work here is unparalleled...their food galactic...their jokes something of revolutionizing...Ok, ok so you all want to come now don't you?

More pictures to come...stayed tuned.

Many Faces

This has been one awesome trip to say the least. It's such a blessing to see firsthand people's lives transformed. I mean I'm talking about someone who doesn't want to live, who's been through so much pain and difficulty that they've tried many times to take their own life. But after the goodness, truth, and power of God touches them, they're set free. It's been an honor to be able to work alongside Rick in counseling, as well as allowing the spirit of prophecy to manifest in several meetings. The people I've met in Greece, Macedonia, and now Serbia are the real deal; warriors after God's heart, pioneers, selfless workers, gracious friends. I hope more and more that God will knit our hearts together for the sake of His purposes. There's so much work to be done here, but He who began a good work is faithful to complete it. Most importantly, I think I've learned that to do all the Father's will is the only thing that matters on this earth. Many times we get so caught up in our destiny, our identity, our future, when we need to realize that it's about others, it's about seeing them healed and released, it's like David said, about completing the Lord's purposes for this time. I haven't really fully grasped that, but slowly this truth is changing my heart, and I pray that my life can truly be a sacrifice for His will.