Until Unity

Maybe now more than ever, a unified but diverse church needs to be discovered among our world. Francis Chan, author of one of my favorite books, Crazy Love, has written a new tome, Until Unity. Jesus had a lot to say about wanting a unified church. Should be an interesting read! 

Struggling with Our Disney Park Expectations

Does Disney Imagineering ever meet our expectations? Or do they routinely promise what they don't deliver? Either way, we Disney fans are quite the group! We rightfully expect top quality in the parks- especially at those prices which increase every year- and if we had our way, we'd get cutting edge, Asia park quality attractions every year. When they do deliver what they promise, it's usually spectacular.  See Rise of the Resistance at both coasts Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge or Pandora's amazing Flight of Passage at Disney's Animal Kingdom. But more often than not in the last decade or so, the American parks have been shortchanged. (Curious about the last decade or so and what they built? Check out this article.)

We are frustrated when we do not get what we want and when we get what we hate. Pixar Pier anyone? Whether it is cheap off-the-shelf attractions like those at California Adventure, recycled parades, or the endless character intrusion into attractions where they do not belong, it's a no win for everyone. We get rightfully angry at half-hearted commitment to quality when maintenance stinks or service falters at Walt Disney World, when buildings are left to rot at Disneyland or attractions open but can't operate at capacity when thousands of tourists come expertly to ride the latest and greatest. Where's the integrity in this?

But to be fair, let me turn the tables and say we are not the only ones who demand it all and yet do not deliver what we promise.

Avengers Campus looks to fall way short

of what it should be.

The challenge before me is to give my all. As a believer in Jesus Christ, I took from him the gift of eternal life through His sacrifice by promising I'd give up my life to gain His. And yet I find I compromise or forget about it at times. Don't you?

I'm telling you, Francis Chan's book Crazy Love, is knocking me on my rear and causing me to reevaluate what it means to be a Christ follower. Do I really live like I am giving it all up for God- or am I playing games with it. I can fool others, even myself, but not the Creator of the universe. Here's the clear scriptural challenge before me:

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it."

Jesus is calling us to a life of personal, daily sacrifice and devotion to Him and His purposes. He demands it all from those who call on his name and expect eternal life upon his return. This isn't philosophy here- this is relationship. Christianity is not a set of rules, and "believing" in Jesus is not the answer. Believing and obeying Jesus and living for Him daily shows our devotion to him, proving we are truly his followers. It is a high price and a high calling.

We are going to be so surprised to discover that giving God a small piece of our lives didn't do the trick. We think we can give him head knowledge but live and act as if He doesn't require more of us. He wants all of us not just the parts that we want to give him. Ouch! I fall short here- and I need his grace and forgiveness to keep going.

The great apostle Paul puts it in perspective: "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body do that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness". This means discipling ourselves in how we talk, what we do, and what we choose to think about. In other words, a radical change in our life as we now belong to Jesus and His purposes.

So, I ask those of you who claim to believe in Jesus, calling yourselves Christians- Where's the follow-through? Where's the integrity? Where's the passion? Lest you think I am harsh, these are the same questions God asks of all of us- the very ones I am asking myself these days.

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Comapny.)

Messing with My Mind

Dang you, David Platt! I say this all mostly tongue in cheek, but truth be known, this book, Radical:Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream, is putting me in my place. That is, on my knees! 

As a Christian, I have always tried to live out my faith in a way that pleases God as well as stays true to what the Bible says. Sometimes in our culture, it makes for uncomfortable bedfellows! But David Platt, much like Francis Chan (Crazy Love) before him, challenges those who say they love Jesus to live like His Disciples did. You know, the original Twelve- and I do not mean Judas! 

Watching so many churches fall prey to current trends, post-modern "Christianity" and others to the false prosperity gospel, it saddens me to think believers in our nation may be headed down the wrong road. Please God, turn my heart right toward you.

Here's the challenge for all you out there that desire to follow Jesus: take the time to read this book, and then write back. I'd love to hear your thoughts as you carefully process Platt's incredibly inflammatory words.

Demanding It All

We Disney fans are quite the lot, aren't we? We expect top quality in the parks- we are right to do so- and we expect cutting edge attractions popping up every year. We want the suits and the Imagineers at the Walt Disney Company to deliver what they promise. It's the least they can do when they demand so much of our hard earned money just to walk through the gates.

We are frustrated when we do not get what we want and when we get what we hate. Whether it is cheap off-the-shelf attractions like at California Adventure, old parades, or the endless character infusion into areas and attractions where they do not belong. We get ticked off at half-hearted commitment to quality when manintenance stinks at Walt Disney World, when buildings are left to rot at Disneyland or attractions close for no apparent reasons. And we hate it when we are given lip service about it. Where's the follow-through? Where's the integrity? Where's the passion?

Let me turn the tables and say we are not the only ones who demand it all and yet we do not deliver.

The challenge before me is to give my all. As a believer in Jesus Christ, I took from him the gift of eternal life through His sacrifice by promising I'd give up my life to gain His. And yet I find I compromise or forget about it at times. Don't you?

I'm telling you, Francis Chan's book Crazy Love, is knocking me on my rear and causing me to reevaluate what it means to be a Christ follower. Do I really live like I am giving it all up for God- or am I playing games with it. I can fool others, even myself, but not the Creator of the universe. Here's the clear scriptural challenge before me:

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it."

Jesus is calling us to a life of personal, daily sacrifice and devotion to Him and His purposes. He demands it all from those who call on his name and expect eternal life upon his return. This isn't philosophy here- this is relationship. Christianity is not a set of rules, and "believing" in Jesus is not the answer. Believing and obeying Jesus and living for Him daily shows our devotion to him, proving we are truly his followers. It is a high price and a high calling.

We are going to be so surprised to discover that giving God a small piece of our lives didn't do the trick. We think we can give him head knowledge but live and act as if He doesn't require more of us. He wants all of us not just the parts that we want to give him. Ouch! I fall short here- and I need his grace and forgiveness to keep going.

The great apostle Paul puts it in perspective: "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body do that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness". This means discipling ourselves in how we talk, what we do, and what we choose to think about. In other words, a radical change in our life as we now belong to Jesus and His purposes.

So, I ask those of you who claim to believe in Jesus, calling yourselves Christians- Where's the follow-through? Where's the integrity? Where's the passion? Lest you think I am harsh, these are the same questions God asks of all of us- the very ones I am asking myaself these days.

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Comapny.)

Pieces of My Heart

The challenge to continue living life with a sense of thankfulness has been set before me- and I want to accept it wholeheartedly. Much more difficult than I thought it would be. (Especially with winter before me- and I don't like the cold!) If you're like me, you have grown accustomed to getting what you want when you want it, therefore cultivating a grumbling attitude instead of a grateful one. How I hate that about myself! And I cannot stand recognizing it, either.

This funny little book, Crazy Love by Francis Chan, challenges me to live life differently. I'm reading through it very slowly, trying to adjust my life and let it become something more pleasing and worthwhile to God. Strange how a small tome of 180 some odd pages can affect a life- and hopefully change my heart. Simply written but powerful in impact, Chan makes me look at myself in a clear strong light but with as much compassion as inherent challenge.

So, here is my first written attempt at being thankful in an out-of-the-ordinary kind of way. Just some small tidbits, a piece of my heart at a time. Bear with me as I look inward a bit, won't you?

I am thankful for the sun. My youngest daughter says I am a plant, and I must constantly photosynthesize to be healthy and happy. I am happy there is so much light here in the Mile High City- especially in winter. Thank you, Lord.

King Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes reminds me that to be happy in my work is a gift from God. It is- and the ability to do something I love is something I have forgotten about in this past year. God, please forgive me and give me a thankful heart once again.

Hope- I have it. It is not just for eternity and the future, but it is for here and now, knowing that you God are here for me, regardless of how hard things may get or how cranky I become. Thank you.

I'll stop here for now, but I pray I'll continue on reflecting of your goodness to me. Help me to do so continually, Lord, as my human nature reminds I cannot do this in my own strength.

Turning New Tricks

Taking an old and tired but respected torch song and turning it into the next James Bond 007 theme is just one trick in Michael Bublé's latest bag. His Cry Me A River startles after hearing the same tune recorded by Olivia Newton-John a few years back on her Indigo disc. Who could ever have guessed the song could sound like this! An instant favorite once the jolt wears off.

The disc brims with cuts expected like Georgia on My Mind, which would do Ray Charles justice, and the title song orginally recorded by Van Morrison. However, it is the unexpected choices and arrangements that make the collection stand out.

Haven't Met You Yet surprises with its horn section similar to that found on Fleetwood Mac's Tusk. The following two songs move this album into greatness: All I Do is Dream of You sparkles while the gorgeous Hold On picks up on the relationship where his classic Home left off.

One of the biggest acts of magic is David Foster's production. Just when you think Michael needs a new producer and all you'll get another stylistic retread from past albums, David pulls off a remake of the Eagle's classic Heartache Tonight with such pananche. It's enough to make the listener think the tune always had this much swing. As fun as the arrangement and production are, it is the vocals of this new age Rat Packer that takes it to a new level.

The fun continues on- including an old song from Sandra Bullock's movie Two Weeks Notice: Baby (You've Got What it Takes) sounds absolutely terrific. The unexpected island influenced vocals on Startdust also startle, but ultimately the song is not as successful as with the opening cut. Lastly, the bonus cut, Whatever It Takes with Ron Sexsmith, surprises with its bromance anthem- maybe crossing over as a blatant bid for play at gay clubs. It is, in fact, a very tender song of hope with their voices playing beautifully against each other. Right about now, whether straight or gay, we all need a little hope.

In a tight economic market, gaining new listeners may be the biggest trick of all- and with a #1 debut on the Billboard charts, Crazy Love has just enough magic moments to pull it off.

Nice to Meet You- Again

Catchy little song Michael Bublé's "Haven't Met You Yet". From his new album "Crazy Love" coming October 9th. Really looking forward to it as this man can sing!

Paradyme Shift

Time for a change in perspective- and here's just the latest and greatest book to make you stop and think. Francis Chan's Crazy Love is playing with my mind. I don't always like it, but my soul is crying out for it. In a world gone crazy, it is nice to know love can win out. (Yes, an intentional pun- sorry!)