Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Bill said we rocked.

From the bizarre files of things I've seen in NYC...

We were at the last speaking engagement for Billy Graham (state-side) in Flushing Meadows, near Brooklyn. As I glanced around I saw Charles Schumer, powerful congressman, and Mayor Bloomberg shooting the breeze.

This got weirder when I looked over in the middle of our 5 song set, and saw the Clintons. Bill and Hillary were dropping in, and sat with us on the stage as Billy spoke. They shared some humble moments together, before Billy spoke, and it further solidified for me the truth that this is a man in recovery, and has learned a great deal.

Example

It seems to me when a president leaves office, he gains 20 years in the face. Clinton has been through quite a bit, and you can tell it's aged him. But he's still quite an amazing communicator, and really reflected well about the path his life has taken since he first heard Dr. Graham speak when Clinton was a child.

Personally, it was really enjoyable to see a lot of flame-hot partisan republican folks squirm. Afterwards in the lobby of the hotel we stayed at, it was interesting to get veiled reactions.

Can you imagine, right and good people? Good heavens! The Gospel is for THEM too?!

On the way out, he said to us that we rocked.

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

2005, A Summer of Squash

In keeping with the earth-work that Alexia, Trevor & Jenna and others have been doing, I thought an update was appropriate. I'm amazed at the way things have gone in the garden this year. Lis has worked quite a bit to make it happen, my only honest contribution has been tilling here and there. Ella and Evan have helped with weeding and some gathering of bounty, but she's put in most all of the work to make it happen. Here's to seeing the fruit, or veggies of her labors.

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Also - we are in the throws of swimming lessons. This has been an on-going saga of overcoming adversities like new people, a new instructor (who is wonderful) and water. Here, 5 days in, are two triumphant water children, now at ease and enjoying the pleasure that only a water existence can bring.

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Per Annie's challenge, a 10 things I'm thankful for are coming shortly. Link-happy bloggers unite!

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

According to my daughter...

Tonight's dinner of chicken (soy?) nuggets, doritos, and apple sauce was the best meal she's had in a long time. She didn't eat a bite. "I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it...." she said.

Example

She turns 3 in a few days. I tell people I currently reside around her finger. "I love you, Daddy..." is now quickly followed by "...can I"

Oh, how quickly they learn.

At bedtime, during our thankful moment, which turns into a prayer of sorts she said,"I'm thankful that we go to the restaurant. Did we go to a restaurant?"

No, Ella.

"I'm thankful that we went to swimming lessons."

(She was NOT happy to be there.)

"Jesus named....amen."

I'm so in love.

Sunday, June 05, 2005

Me and Buster

Oh, what a night. I saw Old Crow Medicine Show at the Troubador and met one of the most wonderful people, while out here in LA. There were many reasons to celebrate, generally I can say it was being with the same 3 friends for almost 12 years, and climbing a pretty large obstacle together. Not only that, still feeling drawn in further to continue the journey.

On to the geeky side of things. I'm a huge fan of well-written shows. I'll drink the koolaid. And buy the t-shirt. "I'm a MONSTER!!!!"


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Friday, June 03, 2005

The New Life

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Ephesians 4:25


How are hard is it to tell the truth? Pretty damn difficult. Especially the truth about myself. My longings, my insecurities, my fears. Telling them to someone, trusting them with that exposed view of what lurks in my darkness.

Finding a relationship, a community to bear that is a journey. It’s difficult – a lot of stories enter the tragic chapter at this point. Offering a vulnerability, a power of information and falling under some evil and manipulating authority, or over-sharing and scaring off those that simply don’t care to know that much about reconciling our faith to our humanity.

Ah, it’s a highly valued treasure, once found. The sheer elation of the unbound heart is worth the risk. What gains are made by speaking secrets to the air surely crush the losses of a tentative life.

In the end, what’s regretted in most stories is not the attempts but the failures to try. Freedom of heart gets me to the life I’ve wanted as nothing ever has before.