lifeloveandministry

Advent Writing Attempt 1

2010-11-29T20:02:00.002-05:00

The Difference between happiness and hope:
The Temporal and the transcendent.

Advent is a tradition in the western church that dates back to the sixth century and is a time often filled with joy and anticipation. Children are the best to watch during this season. There is something about children’s grasp on anticipation that is beautiful and pure. Waiting to open presents, seeing grandparents or waiting for the feast of desserts and other treats many of us are accustomed to on this beautiful day showcase a child’s anticipation.

In today’s culture much more emphasis is put on happiness as an overall important goal or meta-narrative for the season as opposed to other objectives. “It’s the happiest time of the year ” is one of those all too familiar phrases we are accustomed to hear from radio, television and other advertizing mediums. Happiness is indeed a gift and one found in abundance around Christmas, at least in the western world; but it’s a gift that is fleeting at best. Happiness can be a fickle friend at times. Situations change, struggle and strife in our world are inevitable and this is where hope becomes so necessary. Hope has the ability to dwell with us even when difficulty, trial and darkness are rampant.

Hope can be our companion even in the worst of times. I like how Bonheoffer speaks about Advent, “A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes... and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is not a bad picture of Advent.”

Of course Bonheoffer was a part of the “confessing church” thus alive at the time Nazi occupied Germany was at its pinnacle of power and he knew the literal reality of being held in prison for his faith. Soberly, Bonheoffer better understands the limits of happiness and thus decided to instead cling to hope amidst the bars of his prison.

Bonheoffer knew that the hope that is culminated at the end of advent is the very God of creation. God dwelling with his people is most definitely a thought that brings happiness but at the same time so much more then happiness. Hope is more then a fleeting gift or thought; it’s a glimpse of the eternal, beyond circumstances or situations. The hope that advent brings means that even in the midst of trial and persecution the reality of hope is available, and this is the fundamental difference between the two.

As we move into advent this year I pray your advent to indeed be happy but more importantly I pray for it to be filled with hope found in the incarnation. Hope, a feeling and a reality that transcends the temporal and aims at eternity.

Jonas cute as a button

2010-09-18T17:28:00.002-04:00

Barn Dance 2010

2010-09-06T16:10:00.003-04:00

3 months old

2010-08-28T11:58:00.001-04:00

Jonas & his Smyth cousins

2010-08-10T17:59:00.002-04:00

2 months old

2010-07-28T01:43:00.002-04:00

Mom & Jonas

2010-07-26T13:41:00.002-04:00

7 Weeks

2010-07-24T19:29:00.004-04:00

Jonas 1 month old today

2010-06-30T15:35:00.004-04:00

Jonas is filling out

2010-06-28T15:48:00.004-04:00

Jonas has gained 1.5 pounds and grown 2 inches since we took him home 3 weeks ago... he'll be a month old on wednesday!

Jonas - 3 weeks old

2010-06-23T14:16:00.001-04:00

mornings with Jonas

2010-06-11T20:07:00.000-04:00

meeting Jonas

2010-06-04T17:47:00.003-04:00

Baby Jonas arrives 5 weeks early

2010-06-02T18:13:00.002-04:00

34 weeks...

2010-06-01T09:13:00.002-04:00

Back From England

2010-05-21T13:36:00.004-04:00

Spent the last 2 weeks in England. A very memorable trip before the baby comes... 33 weeks and counting!

We Have Haitian coffee!

2010-03-23T20:41:00.003-04:00

This Coffee helps out Haiti in a big way. check out our website for more info!

Info on Haiti Coffee (click here)

So we started a coffee company!

2010-03-03T18:31:00.004-05:00

About a year ago I had this crazy idea of starting this company. I had worked at coffee shops in college and considered myself to be a coffee lover on a pretty extreme scale but this idea was a totally new adventure. After researching it and thinking about it to an unhealthy level I connected with my close friend who has a huge heart for making a positive difference especially in third world countries, loves coffee and has a extremely sharp mind for business. After talking about it for some time, chatting with others, spending time in prayer and then drinking alot of coffee we went for it!

We want the heartbeat of the company to be about selling and roasting coffee to make a difference. We only want to sell fair trade beans because we believe in workers earning a fair wage. We care about what we and others put into our bodies so we only want to sell organic beans. We care about our environmental impact so we work with a carbon neutral importer and print our labels on recycled paper with soy based ink at a local print shop. We believe business practices like these make a difference in our world.

In the next few months we hope to extend our coffee offerings. We will be beginning to partner in creative ways with a few other organizations that we believe are making a difference in this world too. In addition we will try and do a better job to update this blog as well!

If you have a chance check out our website at:
www.providencecoffeeroasters.com

Take good care

Jeff

It's a...

2010-02-25T08:34:00.001-05:00

Much

2010-02-14T16:47:00.003-05:00

Much has happened the last few months... The biggest and most exciting is that we are expecting a baby! I am almost 20 weeks along and on Tuesday we will have the joy of finding out the gender of the little being growing inside of me! We can't wait!!!

mostly done

2009-11-12T14:11:00.002-05:00

basement

2009-10-16T18:18:00.004-04:00

almost done

2009-09-26T14:59:00.002-04:00

Unity and Maturity

2009-09-24T18:32:00.001-04:00

God you are creator of all things. Your desire is to see your creation unified and restored. You wish to see your people have mended relationships with you and one another. To see your creation grow and thrive is how you originally designed this world.

Jesus you are central to who we are; you restore our lives; you restore our relationships and we mirror our lives after you. May your mind Christ our savior dwell in us day to day. Help us to be one with you and united with our brothers and sisters.

Spirit prompt us in our hearts to grow. Mature our faith and our lives and the actions that flow out of our faith. Sprit you give us gifts and each of us is created uniquely. Yet you bring unity to our uniqueness as our gifts were designed to build up your church and to help heal this world.

Baptism!

2009-09-10T13:04:00.003-04:00

Below are some pictures of a student of mine getting baptized this past weekend!

Basement update

2009-09-06T08:05:00.003-04:00

Basement progress

2009-08-20T20:59:00.004-04:00

Wall down

2009-08-20T10:23:00.006-04:00

tree down

2009-08-14T18:33:00.004-04:00

Heard the loudest natural sound in a while today... a tree down about 8 feet from our house... fell on the house behind us! Close call.

The women who lives there was peacefully watching golf on TV when the tree fell on her roof! She came running out of her house yelling (as did I)!

Who knew Giant black ants could eat through a tree to the point of falling over on a calm, beautiful, sunny afternoon?!

Texas Caviar

2009-08-08T11:19:00.004-04:00

DRAIN->1 can of corn, black bean, pinto bean
CHOP->Peppers (1 red, yellow, green & orange)

MARINADE->Boil 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, 3/4 cup suger, 1/2 tsp pepper & salt, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/8 tsp garlic powder (bring to boil and let cool)

* Pour (room temp) Marinade over veggies & beans (let sit in the fridge for 24 hours for best results~stir occasionally)

Enjoy with chips!

bee keeping

2009-08-05T08:55:00.000-04:00

MN summer trip

2009-08-04T10:24:00.003-04:00

rocker complete!

2009-07-24T20:39:00.002-04:00

The seat of the rocker is finally done!
Here she is in all her glory!

flowers

2009-07-21T14:05:00.000-04:00

flowers from our perenial garden

buttons

2009-07-14T09:24:00.004-04:00

Who knew you could make a necklace out of old buttons!?

a wonderfully articulate letter from a friend going on a trip to South Africa to serve with a team doing a listening tour on racial reconciliation

2009-07-13T10:15:00.003-04:00

I think that it is important for me to briefly articulate how humbled and thrilled I am at the opportunity to be going to South Africa with all of you and take part in a delegation committed to listening and learning about their tumultuous and redemptive narrative. For too long I've avoided or have simply become neutral regarding the important conversations dealing with the realities of living in a racialized society. This has been in part because of the fabric of the majority culture's systems and institutions that run so rampant that it can go undetected to someone like myself who has been covertly taught that if gone unchallenged I'll remain “on top” as a white male. Justo Gonzalez, a proponent of liberation theology, suggests that “We have not been told because we did not wish to be told.”

I'm realizing that the more I read the gospels and fall in love with Jesus Christ, the kingdom that he came to establish didn't look anything like the one that was expected or anticipated. If I desire to "bring the kingdom" that Christ taught his disciples, I must know, resonate with, and earn the right to be in solidarity with the oppressed, the marginalized and the "other." I see this opportunity of going to South Africa as a way of moving toward a greater consciousness of issues that I know I must become more aware of in order to have a better understanding and language to boldly speak out on behalf of those whose voice is not always honored or welcomed at the table. Bishop Desmond Tutu reminds me that the work of reconciliation is one of action: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.”

-Paul B

they are back...

2009-07-02T15:55:00.004-04:00

Our worst nightmare came true.
We thought we were in the clear.
The skunk we blogged about a few months ago DID, I said DID have babies and we witnessed them wandering near our side yard this morning in the dreary pouring rain. Probably sleepy & confused about whether it was day or night.
Perhaps they were even flooded out of their home due the inches of rain the last few days.

Moth balls and rags of bleach... what do we do!?

Pastor Jeff

2009-06-30T21:27:00.004-04:00

Jeff officiating his 1st wedding on Jamestown 2 weeks ago!

God Group Get Away

2009-06-29T08:37:00.002-04:00

Uncle Bob

2009-06-13T12:32:00.007-04:00

My Uncle Bob was by far the most interesting and unique individual that I have the privilege to call family.

He had a love for simplicity, conversations, old VW's, egg nog, running, shrimp, music, strangers, friends & family.

Stomach cancer took his life very suddenly a few weeks ago. Although I didn't get to see Uncle Bob all that often, he was someone I felt very close to.
Someone I was so blessed to know.
Someone I was honored to call family.
Someone I learned a lot from.
Someone we can all learn a lot from.

Diggin these tunes for a few months now....

2009-06-01T10:30:00.003-04:00

PassionPit

My Birthday!

2009-05-26T19:50:00.004-04:00

I have looked most of my life for a rocking chair like this one... Jeff knocked it out of the park for my 28th Birthday!
All original 1913 Stickley Rocking Chair...
Don't worry... we're getting the seat re-done :-)

week away...

2009-05-26T19:44:00.006-04:00

Last week we ventured to NY City and Cape Cod for some much needed R & R.

Bon Iver

2009-05-13T09:40:00.005-04:00

Went to the Cape monday night for one of the best shows I have seen since Andrew Bird in 2006. Justin Vernon and friends known as Bon Iver played in a quaint 300 seat cinema in Dennis, Mass. They were practicing last week for their upcoming tour this summer. Being their first show was simply epic.

There creativity and sensitivity to each other instrumentally & vocally is breathtaking.

Check them out if you haven't already...

Would Jesus Twitter?

2009-05-11T13:04:00.001-04:00

interesting article on Technology and the Church that Lyle found: here

gardening begins

2009-05-09T15:21:00.004-04:00

We planted 6 stalks of corn today and a pumpkin... a bit experimental but we'll see how they turn out!

Next week we'll be planting Roma Tomatoes, Peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, raspberries & basil. We still have rhubarb & chives from last year ready to go!

Anyone interested growing different veggies & fruit and we can exchange produce through the summer!?

skunks

2009-05-07T18:14:00.008-04:00

NO... we did not get sprayed. and NO we are not considering getting one as a pet (that's gross).

But... we did see one snooping around our side & back yard... in broad daylight! Bold, I say.

We quietly watched through the window in fear to see WHAT it was going to do and WHERE it was going to go.

We looked online and this time of year they try to look for safe places to have their... BABIES!

A little back ground info... The neighbor's dog (a Boarder Collie) was sprayed a few weeks ago in her fenced in yard...!
This is serious folks.

The Olson's are in hunker down mode... any intelligent tips/suggestions on how to get rid of skunks would be much appreciated.

students

2009-05-05T08:59:00.001-04:00

National Intervarsity Article about URI

2009-04-29T14:38:00.005-04:00

Go to the Link below to see a National Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Article written this week on the ways God has been moving in the hearts of students I lead @ URI!

http://www.intervarsity.org/evangelism/article_item.php?article_id=8200

new fence!

2009-04-26T16:41:00.008-04:00

perspective

2009-04-20T14:17:00.000-04:00

When bad things happen, people are quick to say "why me God?! What have I done to deserve this??!!" But rarely do I ask the same question when I experience amazingly good things I don't deserve, like this gorgeous spring day...so I'm asking, "why God why?"

-Andy Gustafson

Easter Sunday

2009-04-12T20:34:00.000-04:00

Day 2 (fueled by coffee)

2009-04-04T09:22:00.003-04:00

Seminary Class Tonight

2009-04-03T20:55:00.003-04:00

Nuff Said:

A Pastor from the Confessing Church:

2009-04-03T20:20:00.002-04:00

"When they came for the gypsies, I did not speak, for I am not
a gypsy. When they came for the Jews, I did not speak, because I
wasn't a Jew. When they came for the Catholics, I did not speak, for I
am not a Catholic. And when they came for me, there was no one left to
speak." -On the Wall at the Holocaust Museum in Washington

spring!

2009-04-02T15:26:00.000-04:00

home improvements

2009-03-30T16:28:00.005-04:00

Building an outdoor table for our back patio from an ugly book shelf we found!

2009-03-29T10:59:00.001-04:00

“Most people look only to the renewal of the individual. Most
social reformers look only to the renewal of society. We believe
that two factors make up the man, the inward and the outward, and so
we work for the renewal and Christianization of the individual and
society. Most Christians demand a private life for God and leave
business to the devil. Most social reformers demand justice for
business life, in order that private life may be given to pleasure.
We plead for self-sacrifice in private life, in order to achieve
justice in business life, and for justice in business life that
purity in private life may become possible. Most Christians say,
wait until men are converted, then a perfect social order will be
possible. Most social reformers say, wait until we have a perfect
social order, then all men will be good. We say, go at both
simultaneously; neither is possible without the other. They say
Wait! We say, Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.”

-Rauschenbusch

Facinating Article in the BBC

2009-03-26T13:14:00.003-04:00

My Friend Justin Cooper (a good British fellow with a fantastic accent) sent this article (Click Here) What is perhaps even more intriguing is the responses readers had below this article. The question the readers were responding to:

Does God have a role in the world today?
God will not intervene to prevent humanity from wreaking disastrous damage to the environment, the Archbishop of Canterbury has warned. What's your reaction to this?

Check it out....what are your thoughts on the article and readers posts?

bird

2009-03-26T09:08:00.003-04:00

Woke up today to a cherping bird in our wood stove

C.S. Lewis Quote

2009-03-16T17:02:00.002-04:00

The load, or weight, or burden of my neighbour's glory should be laid on my back, a load so heavy that only humility can carry it, and the backs of the proud will be broken. It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilisations--these are mortal,... But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit--immortal horrors or everlasting splendours.

Testimony

2009-03-12T23:30:00.002-04:00

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/643315/orlando_final.mp3

new beginnings

2009-03-11T23:44:00.005-04:00

Tonight during my weekly Large Group Intervarsity gathering we had a student share his testimony.
25 students came forward to accept Christ into their life... I had the chance to pray with many of the students, many who are football players.
More than I could count hovered over me weeping as more and more joined the circle... asking for prayer and desiring the free gift God offers.

Sometimes I feel like God takes me to such great heights to see from his vantage point... tonight it left me speechless.

spring!

2009-03-10T22:27:00.002-04:00

These purple crocus's came up in our garden a few days ago... spring has arrived!

Evil and Prayer

2009-03-09T21:52:00.004-04:00

This (see link below) is one of the best sermons I have heard in quite awhile on the problem of evil and prayer. I heard it this afternoon as I went to the Y as this was their latest sermon. Everyday I go to the Y and listen to a different sermon from one of 5 churches I regularly podcast. The timing of God's word and this message in particular was profound.

This question (the problem of why evil) has been a big one for many I have come in contact with this week in a variety of settings .
Its a question I have read on wrestled with and written on quite a bit.
Its a question that is profoundly human to ask (and ok to wrestle with) especially in times of deep difficulty, injustice, hurting or death.

SO as we journey together (especially our season of lent) I am reminded of these lyrics and the hope found in the resurrection:

This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: the battle is not done:
Jesus Who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heav’n be one.

LISTEN TO THIS SERMON: "keep on pushing"

Lent: Tears Can Do Double Duty

2009-03-05T12:36:00.000-05:00

William Blake said that tears are an “intellectual thing.” One might be inclined to take exception and say that tears are an emotional matter, not intellectual. Many can identify immediately with the psalmist who said, “My tears have been my food day and night” (42:3), which, we say, is an emotional reaction. But it is hardly intellectual since no ideas were developed, theses defended, or words and concepts defined.

I think Blake is on to something rather profound: when a Christian weeps at the death of someone dear, the tears are, to be sure, emotional expressions. But they are more. Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ we stand before a grave, helpless but not hopeless. Tears are tied to that paradox. A tear does double duty: it mourns the loss of someone dear and it recalls the promise of new life. As St. Paul said, we grieve but not as those who have no hope. So we grieve and recall a promise. The same tears have two aspects - sorrow and hope, leaving and anticipation.

What I have just described is highly intellectual. In the midst of sorrow the Christian knows loss and promise and the tears shed in recognition are not half and half. They are full of sorrow and fully rely on the promise. So while no ideas are developed, theses defended, or concepts defined, the tears nevertheless are rooted in a deeply intellectual matter: while living in death one lives by promise. One tear both grieves and relies, and to some extent, rejoices in the promise of God.

-John Weborg

Realizing how much we have in this season of lent (a bit light hearted)

2009-03-02T17:52:00.003-05:00

Brilliant rant on technology and thankfulness

Dangerous Prayers (#1)

2009-02-26T11:12:00.004-05:00

I came across this prayer as I was studying for lent and it sat heavy on me. It's one of those dangerous prayers. A prayer that is almost too real, too honest, too bold. It reminds me of the words of the prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures, how they were always saying things people had a hard time hearing how they were at times seen as crazy by what they said and how they would at times go over the top to make a point and make sure the point was understood by their audience.

So what if this prayer shares some of those similarities? What if its something we need to hear but its hard to receive? Its so over the top and even feels a bit exaggerated in its request, surely the author of this prayer did not mean all that he said, did he?

My answer: maybe he did maybe he didn't but regardless there are some real nuggets of truth here; the humility in this prayer is unspeakable in its raw beauty. the humility in this prayer at times almost boarders on extreme self depreciation and in that is remarkably counter cultural and obviously must be balanced with the truth that we are created Imago Dei and God desires good for us ect ect ... BUT in our culture and our time and our life's where perhaps humility is not as highly regarded as success let us sink our teeth into the humility of this prayer and may that humility be present in my life and yours. Ah, to further reflect the humble heart of love in Christ...

think about it:

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart,
Hear me.

From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected,
Deliver me, Jesus.

That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val (1865-1930)

John Chrysostom

2009-02-25T17:34:00.002-05:00

O my all-merciful God and Lord,
Jesus Christ, full of pity:
Through Your great love You came down
and became incarnate in order to save everyone.
O Savior, I ask You to save me by Your grace!
If You save anyone because of their works,
that would not be grace but only reward of duty,
but You are compassionate and full of mercy!
You said, O my Christ,
"Whoever believes in Me shall live and never die."
If then, faith in You saves the lost, then save me,
O my God and Creator, for I believe.
Let faith and not my unworthy works be counted to me, O my God,
for You will find no works which could account me righteous.
O Lord, from now on let me love You as intensely as I have loved sin,
and work for You as hard as I once worked for the evil one.
I promise that I will work to do Your will,
my Lord and God, Jesus Christ, all the days of my life and forever more.
Prayer of St. John Chrysostom

Lent 2009

2009-02-18T17:58:00.005-05:00

So lent begins next week (In the western tradition on Ash Wednesday). Lent is a time where we as followers of Christ reflect and live in the memory of the Jesus time spent in the desert (recorded in Matt 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13). Historically believers have lived in the memory in these 40 days until Easter by differing forms of spiritual practices like prayer and fasting, a heightened awareness for caring the for the marginalized (alms), and a call to repentance in light of the one who was tempted yet was without sin.

I remember a few years back when I tried to give up coffee for Lent....after several days in I realized what I really meant was that I was called to give up half caffeinated white chocolate Mocha's with a shot of vanilla...as a Swede coffee is like air...guess I'm not prefect yet...

I have abstained from things in the past in lent to remind myself a plethora of things:

1) To remind myself of the difference between needs and wants
2) To live more simply as Jesus did
3) To connect with the text more and with Jesus more in this Biblical text
4) To keep the poor and marginalized close to my heart
5) To reflect on my patterns in life and where my time, energy and heart are at
6) To experience and be reminded of my own dependence upon God and ways I fall short
7) To remove excess clutter from my life (to spiritually clean house)

This year I believe it to be television I will be giving up. To be honest and while it may sound precarious I do not watch the ole tube that much. Don't get me wrong I love my Charlie Rose and BBC and a few choice shows but with the switch to Digital it seemed the right thing to do for the time. I'll keep you all updated....

Are any of you out there in blog land looking to give up (or add) practices or tactile elements in your life this lent?

A Simple Prayer:

Loving creator,
I am not asking to overcome my weakness,
but to use it in some way to glorify you.

Let me be aware of
the many ways you reach out to help me today
and let me stand in awe of the power
that you use in such loving ways.

My Boy Menno

2009-02-14T09:51:00.002-05:00

"For true evangelical faith...cannot lay dormant; but manifests itself in all righteousness and works of love; it...clothes the naked; feeds the hungry; consoles the afflicted; shelters the miserable; aids and consoles all the oppressed; returns good for evil; serves those that injure it; prays for those that persecute it."
— Menno Simons, Why I Do Not Cease Teaching and Writing, 1539

seminary

2009-02-13T20:50:00.002-05:00

I am spending this weekend taking a class @ CUME - Gordon Conwell Boston campus

Covenant Midwinter

2009-02-04T23:04:00.004-05:00

So this week I (jeff) am in Chicago. This is always a rich and renewing experience. Transformation occurs here In the midst of classes, seminars, meetings and late night chat sessions with long time friends and men and women whom which share the commonality and freedom in the Covenant.

Every year without fail this is deeply refreshing. I am exposed to wonderful new ideas, timeless truths and copious coffee consumption.

So a few reflections so far from this year:

1) Even though you should remember you still never remember that Shane Claiborne has a southern accent.
2) Phyllis Tickle is just as good the second time you have seen here.
3) Lattes in hotels in Chicago are $5 (and I drink alot of coffee)
4) There is a profoundness beyond words in being able to share such commonality in ministry. I am so stinking proud to be a part of this movement known as the Covenant
5) Seeing old friends and ministry partners and witnessing the great diversity and focusing all of my energy, time and thoughts on God is a fantastic foretaste of the eternal Kingdom
6) My Covenant Theology Class does not have wireless Internet (and Internet here is $10 a day....)
7) Compassion, Mercy and Justice (loving Neighbor) and loving God (devotion and study and scripture) are at the very DNA of the Covenant...its a beautiful balance ...le homo universale!
8) After four pieces of deep dish pizza I hurt
9) There are alot of fantastic people in the world who desperately want to live the way Jesus desires them to
10) There is alot of work to be done in this kingdom but we are not alone

On Nightline last night...

2009-01-28T17:10:00.002-05:00

M D

How do you feel about Nightline calling Mark the Indie Rock Star of the Evangelicals? (its a pretty broad group to attach one figure head to)

before and after

2009-01-23T10:01:00.003-05:00

NEW U2 (Bannon you got nothing)

2009-01-19T12:07:00.001-05:00

Boots (song here)

...almost done

2009-01-18T14:55:00.006-05:00

still speaking to each other

2009-01-17T12:31:00.004-05:00

toilet is in!

going on 48 hours without a toilet

2009-01-16T17:09:00.002-05:00

Iraqi Pop Music

2009-01-13T21:07:00.005-05:00

This link is to a facinating article about a Boy Band made up of Iraqi's who write pop music on the theme of peace and restoration and I believe in fact the band is made up guys from different religious backgrounds. While the music prehaps is reminiscent of IN SYNC (remember the attack/plague of the boy bands circa 1997-2001) its still a facinating read on many levels....It's one of those inspire hope stories and yes it is a bit sensationalized and a tad bit sappy.....but still......

News article on the band here

NYTimes article on Mark Driscoll

2009-01-13T20:55:00.003-05:00

Article Available Here

What do you think? Fair or unfair depiction?

Day 2 on the house projects...(my manly factor increases 10 fold)

2009-01-13T20:38:00.003-05:00

House Projects

2009-01-11T19:31:00.003-05:00

The bathroom is underway.
How long do you think it will take us?!

Heard of them?

2009-01-07T15:00:00.001-05:00

The Autumn Film

They are leading worship at Mars Hill Bible Church a few weeks from now.

Went looking at Lights in MN

2009-01-05T12:55:00.006-05:00

So Lisa and I while we were in MN went looking at Christmas Lights and we found some pretty "creative" displays. My two favorites are pictured below. The first picture I call Nationalistic/Civic Religion Santa (note the sign he holds states God Bless America) This house was on the news as it had a total of 84 blow up Christmas display thingies...thats alot of 40 watt bulbs...

The other picture is a bit harder to make out but in this picture we have a rather jolly Santa visiting the new born Jesus with the other wise men. Quite frankly I have no idea what to say and am quite crestfallen about words to describe these displays, words simply fall short. Does anyone want to create a caption for these?

Paul Berg & Jeff Olson's Top 2008 Albums

2008-12-31T13:57:00.010-05:00

Being that it is New Years Eve this is a necessary post. The list that follows is an amalgamation of albums that my friend Paul and I have enjoyed over the past year (combined with one repeated this our top 12): (we also enjoy each others selections)

Paul's List:

Bon Iver (Songs for Emma)
-This album features incredible falsetto
My Morning Jacket (Evil Urges)
-No comment
Cold Play (Viva la Vita)
-Overly produced masterpiece
Avett Brothers (Emotionalism)
-Introduce country punk into your life
Deer Hunter (Micro castle)
-Jeff hated the computer game but loves the band

Jeff's albums:

Death Cab for Cutie (Narrow Stairs)
-Ben Gibbard nuff said
TV on the Radio (Dear Science)
-Really cool website
The Killers (Day and Age)
-Can't get enough of 'em even if one of their songs asks if we are human or dancer?
Ray La Montangue (Gossip on the Grain)
-Lisa loves Ray's music, I love his beard
Fleet Foxes (If I remember right its self titled)
-There so cool they are almost too cool for me
My Morning Jacket (Evil Urges)
-The single got me so I had to get the cd
Mates of State (Re-Arrange Us)
-From CT so I got to represent the East Coast
Cloud Cult (Feel Good Ghosts)
-Mpls band that rocks

Bands that will never and have never made Paul or Jeff's top list:

Nickelback
Right Said Fred
Ricky Martin (including living la vita loca)
Kid Rock
Uncle Cracker

what else should be on this list?

snow in RI

2008-12-21T15:42:00.000-05:00

The Foxglove Hunt

2008-12-17T11:51:00.002-05:00

Growing up I give much credit of my musical influence to Jason Martin the front man of Starflyer59 . Their release in the 90's affectionately called "Goldie" was an incredible work of art and really put "shoe gazer" rock music on the map. In many ways in my opinion they were one of the first "Christian" groups who were putting up good music and art in the 90's. For those who are loyal Starflyer59 fans Jason also has a brother Ronnie Martin in Joy Electric and before that both were in the band in the late 80's called Dance House Children. *For better or worse my brother worked at a Christian bookstore and thus had access to all the Christian music at that time.* Anywho....Ronnie has this new project called FoxGlove Hunt that in some ways is rocking my face off. These guys have been at it for a long time and thanks to groups like the Killers who paved that way for synth heavy 80's new wave to become popular again Foxglove now has moved right in to the mix and found a comfortable spot. So this video and song make me smile.

So I give you Foxglove Hunt song here

New York Times article on Church growth during economic down turns

2008-12-15T22:39:00.002-05:00

Available here . What a great time for the church to be the church.

Non Dairy Creamer

2008-12-12T12:43:00.007-05:00

Third Eye Blind USED to be sooooo cool in high school, remember that? Now....? Well, here is the new single and it's quite possibly the worst name for a song and oddest/most obvious lyrics I have heard in some time and its exactly like 5 other Third Eye Blind songs.

Listen here:
Non Dairy Creamer

Seminary

2008-12-08T18:07:00.002-05:00

semester finale

2008-12-04T11:15:00.008-05:00

Intervarsity Christian Fellowship-Origins @ URI 12.3.08

INTRO: Video clip "That's my King" S.M. Lockeridge

PREFACE: If you have been with us this semester we have been journeying through a series entitled “We the People.” We have covered a vast amount of subjects, topics, and people and have hopefully engaged on new levels. We have grown. Hopefully we have used the muscle of asking questions and our advanced ability to REFLECT. And perhaps we have even let what we have heard change us in some way.

BACKGROUND: We began the semester hearing from two of our very own students-Jill & Steve. Who shared openly and; honestly their story of transformation and; decision to partner in this Kingdom we call life and to BE God’s hands and feet on this campus.

We then kicked off the series taking a closer look at the CREATION story… and in doing so we laid a foundation for our understanding of the character of God-who created The Galaxy, Earth & Life-we read and we see in scripture-GOD CREATED all for GOOD. And in our innovative curiosity we choose outside the creators design-damaging ourselves, others and our planet.

Thus beginning THE FALL, the brokenness, the separation and dissonance we see and experience both near and far. But God’s LOVE never failed. We see it written and we see it played out. His MERCY never ceased. His PURSUIT never let up. AND-Because we were CREATED FOR GOOD and are deeply LOVED by our creator.

Time and Time again-The God of All Things-the God of History. This God called us back to Himself and used others as instruments in this mission-Like Prophets and Leaders, and Kings. But we quickly forgot and we were caught in this cycle of forgetfulness and dependence on something shinier, more powerful, and all knowing… this kept us from trusting in a God that said He was Faithful. But it was hard-cause most of the time we couldn’t touch HIM, we couldn’t see HIM.

And it went on, and on, and on-generations came and went-wars were waged. Nations rose and fell… AND we became more removed from the original Garden-from the Promises of our Creator. Maybe we chose otherwise, or we forgot, we just grew apathetic or numb. We were in need of a new start-a new way of life-peace in our hearts, in our lives, in our world. Because we weren’t making a whole lot of progress on our own.

We were created for GOOD beautiful things.

Well, thankfully the story does not end there.
As much as this may seem like a dusty-historical run down of Christianity-we strategically entitled the series “We the People” for a reason. Because whether you want to escape the reality or roll over and not care we are a part of this story. Our Creator is still in pursuit of us and of you. He is at our doorstep.

Restoration and Redemption is possible. Not just for history-or him or her-but for you.

This Restoration, this Peace on Earth, this innate meaningful story God is writing is GOING SOMEWHERE.

See God came to earth in the form of a human some 2,000 years ago. Cause remember-we wanted to see and touch our God. We needed help, deliverance, healing. A way out of our brokenness but also we needed a new game plan-we needed a new way to live. We needed to be taught, showed and released.

A FULLY human but FULLY God entity lived and walked among us. JESUS was HIS name. Healing for HUMANITY was His MISSION. For the systemic MICRO and MACRO-JESUS came to seek and save the Lost-heal the sick-and make a way for us to be right again with God. He came to pay the ultimate sacrifice. HE came TO OVERCOME death-and everything He said came true. All the foretelling-prophetic language of scripture and the telling of the Messiah came true.

“I am the way truth and the life”

NOW it didn’t come in the package we all expected… it came as a baby delivered like any other baby born. As Scripture tells us Jesus was born in a unlikely, lowly manger to a Virgin named Mary and her faithful partner Joseph.

As we conclude our semester series-I want to point out that JESUS, His Life, His teaching, His actions, His Love, His compassion, His service, His devotion, is not just some cozy story of heron saves victim. Or some strict religion based on laws. This JESUS has the ability to transform, change, and save. This JESUS is the reason I stand here today. JESUS is the reason we as a community make Him our mission-want to mimic His ways. Because we think there is no other GOOD NEWS in the world. This Jesus is God in Human flesh.

Christmas is upon us-a season, a holiday that can easily become romantic lighting and gift exchanges. Nothing wrong with either of those things-however it would be a shame to forget. Because we as a community, we as the people, we as God’s children need to remember the GOOD NEWS that is ours. And in that GOOD NEWS we find life-a meaningful life. And out of that gift of Life-God looks us in the eyes and says “Be my hands and feet in this world. I healed you, I showed you, I gave you the tools, and I have given you the Power of the Holy Spirit. GO… love the forgotten, heal the sick, tell them there is a radical way to live, relate, and exist."

The Mission before us is just that-to Live out the teachings and examples of Jesus. We need this GOOD NEWS, I need this GOOD NEWS, and this campus needs the GOOD NEWS. It is my existence, the reason I stand before you tonight. I want people to know, hear & experience the GOOD NEWS. Students in this room, want you to know, hear, & experience the GOOD NEWS.

So as we conclude this semester-I want to give you an opportunity to reflect.

VIDEO CLIP: True Story-James Choung
http://www.jameschoung.net/2007/09/17/the-big-story/

CHALLENGE: Where are you? Where are your friends? Where are people on this campus?

WORSHIP SONGS: Hands of Peace, Changed, This is my Fathers World, O Come O Come Emmanuel, Silent Night

ETS meeting two weeks back in Rhode Island of all places!

2008-12-02T20:04:00.009-05:00

I remember going to this event (The Evangelical Theological Society annual meeting) a few years back and then a few years before the Evangelical Philosophical Society held their annual meeting at the university I attended. This was a fabulous experience including the amazing opportunity of being the shuttle driver for all of the philosophers back to their hotel during a snow storm....(imagine spending time sliding around the streets and frozen tundra of MN with people like Merold Westphal (pic here)in the passenger seat)

by the way his books are well worth reading (Suspicion and Faith and Overcoming Onto-theology) anyway....

Here is a good summation of all of the different paper topics. These papers are usually presented by the foremost thinkers in many Evangelical circles and can be good indicators as to what are current studies and trends in contemporary theology.

Topics at the Evangelical Theological Convention in 2008

happy reading and thinking

Boyd also has a interesting article on his experience in the smallest state in the U.S. here Boyd Article

enjoy...

Towards Explaining/Interacting With Evil

2008-12-02T19:23:00.002-05:00

I must confess that as a NT scholar I am inherently suspicious about theological systems like Calvinism or Dispensationalism or even Arminianism and the like which seem to foster certain kinds of feelings of intellectual certainty and even smugness about things that are in fact profound mysteries.

When someone brings up a topic like "why is their evil in the world, and why do even God's people suffer so much" rather than give a pat answer I am more apt to repeat the words of John Muir who said words to the following effect-- "We look at life from the back side of the tapestry. And most of the time what we see is loose threads, tangled knots and the like. But occasionally God's light shines through the tapestry and we get a glimpse of the larger design with God weaving together the darks and lights of existence."-Ben Worthington iii

Nerdy Bible Humor Comic (but still kinda funny)

2008-11-24T09:07:00.004-05:00

Ben Stein's Latest Work

2008-11-23T16:52:00.004-05:00

How many of you have seen this movie? Expelled The Movie

I was not sure what to think before seeing it as Lisa and I had only heard bits and pieces about it. Its a documentary (the most watched documentary in 2008 in fact) in the vein of the Michael Moore films but this time about Intelligent Design and the education institution. Regardless of where you fall in the debate it is probably well worth watching....sure its a little loaded and at times regardless of where you stand on the debate a bit sensationalized...but still very thought provoking....have any of our scientist friends seen this movie? what did you think?

Front Row with Mr N. T. Wright

2008-11-17T21:36:00.004-05:00

Last Sunday night I had the privilege of going up to Boston and listening to N. T. Wright at Park Street Church. You can listen to the podcast here and it is well worth it: (Click here) The most amazing element of the experience other then his brilliantly dry whit was the Q and A that was after the last service. Tom answered all sorts of questions (many of which had nothing to do with his sermon on Christian hope on a confusing world) Best fact of the night: Jon and I were so close we could see the jewels in N.T.'s cross necklace.

wow

2008-11-13T14:06:00.001-05:00

everything is wrong with this senior choir. Thank you Eugene Cho....

Mrs. Tickle

2008-11-10T19:21:00.005-05:00

Since Sunday night Jeff & I have been at the East Coast Covenant Pastors "Ashram" (retreat) at Pilgrim Pines.
The keynote speaker is a women by the name Phyllis Tickle.

She is over 70 Years old, wildly popular, deeply intelligent (culturally, historically, biblically, socially, philosophically, theologically etc...), and well known speaker & author in the CHURCH (all kinds-traditional to Emergent) and professional world etc...

She is the sharpest, sassiest, wittiest women I have ever met... Check her out!

18 Football Players seeking Jesus

2008-11-06T22:06:00.002-05:00

If you had to choose ONE resource (book, article etc...) to give college age football players who are NEW Christians...

who are seeking spiritual growth & expansion of their understanding of a what a relationship with God is/could be...

what would YOU pick/expose them too?