Its final and official, this blog is closed, to read my new blog, click here.

~joe

So, I think im gonna make it official, im moving on from blogdrive to www.modblog.com.  The templates are sweet, and the detail is stellar.  Its hard to move considering the work I put into The Irony of it all but im ready.  Look for me to continue to update here and there for another week or so, but the move is here.  So, check me out now at http://wakeupdeadman.modblog.com .

Thanks

~joe

Had to post this, an article to digest from McLaren.....

http://www.anewkindofchristian.com/archives/000157.html


Thoughts?

~joe

Well, since Marsh has already done it, I will follow suit, Paul has posted some brilliant thoughts on doing missional community that I cant help but read over and over, so, a quick copy and paste and irony of it all brings them to you.....as follows.

1. Christ followers follow Christ. Okay, semantic mumbo jumbo it would seem, but i don't think it can be emphasized enough. Talk is cheap, actions speak volumes.
2. The "main event" is not when we gather. Yes, we meet to encourage, to learn, to pray, to sing, to eat, to take communion, etc. But we emphasize the mission of our community: to be Christ's presence in our communities. When we leave, we don't simply tolerate life until next meeting, we live our faith in front of others. We listen to the hurting, we give aid to those who need it, we pray for folks. We become the body of Christ to our world. This is huge.
3. Everyone must exercise their giftedness for the body to function correctly.
4. Leaders must lead, but they must lead in a way that helps others burst forth. If the leader is the spotlight, then they are not leading correctly.
5. Community takes time - loads of it!!
6. How you handle children is something you must negotiate in your group. Whatever you decide, make sure to celebrate them in your community.
7. Get folks excited about giving money away. Show direct connections between what they give and who it went towards.
8. Spiritual disciplines can help us. Don't let it be legalistic.
9. Our culture's hyper-individualism will continue to bump up against your community.
10. A couple hours in a community gathering only . . . serves your vocation in the world for the rest of the week.
11. A couple hours in a community gathering only . . . serves your vocation in the world for the rest of the week.
12. A couple hours in a community gathering only . . . serves your vocation in the world for the rest of the week.
13. I just want to emphasize numbers 10-13.
14. Be willing to change your plan for what God has in store.
15. Organic things live and die. Organic groups should be allowed to do the same.
16. Success is following Jesus.
17. Success is not in amount of $ your community has, number of people that come to your gatherings, or number of people you "convert."
18. Obedience in the small things - we always want to jump on to the big things.
19. Love those around you.
20. Sometimes the best thing for a community is change.
21. Sometimes the worst thing for a community is change.

Well, the cicadas have been out and about all week here in Cincy.  I must say Im mildy fascinated by them.  I mean, the whole once every 17 years thing is kinda cool.  And the fact that they are slowly taking over my yard is interesting.  Ive seen them in the shells, busting out of the shells and the creepy looking white ones too.  And of course many adult cicadas as well.  Ive also noticed that alot of them dont even make it out of the shell for one reason or another, there are probably almost as many dead ones around as live ones at this point.
Anyway, thats it I guess, I took some photos that I will upload to the photoblog later.  Just in case others arent part of Cicada fever!  Or something catchy like that.....

Back from Ft. Wayne, had a great weekend.  Spent the time re-connecting with friends and making new ones.  McLaren spoke, I really enjoyed what I could take in behind the camera.  Thats right, im the cameraguy, I must say I have a new appreciation for those that run the heavy duty cameras for events like these.  Alot goes into it that I would not have been aware of otherwise.  Rose Swetman, Joe Myers and Jim Henderson also presented.  The interviews were great times of honesty and revelation.  The most interesting had to be the Circus Sisters.  Two catholic nuns whose ministry is to the workers and performers in the Ringling Bros. circus.  They are part of the circus and have done a variety of jobs in the time they have been there, and certainly touched many lives. 
What a refreshing story!  I did get to take part in two idealabs, the first with Rose and the second with Brian M.  I really enjoyed the Q and A formats that both presented.  Especially Brian, very cool to be able to pick his brain a bit concerning "a new kind of christian" type topics.  But, by far the most enjoyable part of the weekend was the people.  The Off the Map team is great to work with.  The folks at Blackhawk Ministries in Ft. Wayne were extremely hospitable.  So despite being exhausted by the event, im glad I was able to be a part of it.  Good stuff.

Im heading to Ft. Wayne on Thursday to help out with the Off the Map conference.  Should be a good time.  I know most of the others that are helping to get this thing rolling and it will be nice to spend some time with them.  My prayer this week is that God will show up and speak to people through the speakers and more importantly through each other as we hang.
So, for all those headed there, hope to see you and maybe have a beer one evening.  To get a little more info on the event, check this out. 

Im having a bit of fun with this audioscrobbler program.  Although it seems so are tons of others, as they are way backed up with submissions.  Basically, it takes what youre playing in itunes and submits it to thier servers.  It keeps a listing of our tracks, the most youve played and who else is spinning the same songs or artists, then theres a forum for each if you want to talk about em.  Not that I would expect any other music nerds out there to get into this, but its fun for me.
Also, my refusal to listen to the streaming Ghost is Born over at WilcoWorld (im being stubborn) has only added to the anticipation for the new album, so I broke down and pre-ordered it today, lucky for me they are throwing in t-shirts for 10 bones with a pre-order.  Thats worth it.  And finally, im really stoked about seeing The Wrens this saturday night.  Its only an 8$ show and its at Southgate House, once again, well worth it.
Also, one new review to pass along on Spinning.
Grandaddy- The Sophtware Slump

Peace...

A nice weekend had at the Long house.  Busy as usual, nothing too exciting to report.  Watched a couple good movies this weekend.  We are very behind on movie watching and its something I really enjoy.  But between the house, the kids and just being tired, we have a hard time viewing films lately.  So, this weekend I grabbed America Splendor and Open Range  from Blockbuster.  Man, both were really good, and usually its one or the other when I choose.  American Splendor is the true story of comic book writer Harvey Pekar, its kinda a documentary/movie as Harvey is portrayed in the film by an actor but also narrates most of it and even shows up himself in between takes to chat.  I recommend it highly. Its rated R for language, but even the language is mild for an R rated film. 
Open Range is a western with Costner and Duvall Im sure most have seen or heard about.  Its not Tombstone, but its good, and worth a rental.  I could have done without the romantic storyline as i feel there are some films that shouldnt go there....(see Star Wars Ep 2).  But the action scenes are great and so is the acting. 
Also, ive finished 3 reviews for Spinning now. You can check them out below.
My Morning Jacket

Muse

M Ward


More to follow, this is fun......