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October 22, 2004
Media Fasting
Starting today until November 3rd, Caroline and I have challenged ourselves to enter into a fast... from the media. This means no TV, newspapers, news/political websites/blogs, and radio (did I miss anything here?) to clear our heads and cleanse ourselves from as much election '04 rhetoric and spin as possible. Not to mention the hostile and downright mean things some folks are saying about the candidates (I too have been guilty at times).
We know who we're voting for and we're sick of hearing about why we need to 'vote for the other guy', from both sides. We're hoping to hear the voice of the Lord a bit clearer and MAKE time to simply listen to anything He might want to address with us individually and as a couple – to give US a hope and a future.
Wish us the best and pray for us, if you feel so inclined. I’m already getting the itch to check out a few blogs I’ve been ‘contributing to’ lately. ;)
Posted by anthonyb at 12:17 PM | Comments (0)
October 21, 2004
Higher Power
Here's a great line from an interview with Pat Robertson on CNN recently.
" I would rather have a man [in office] who believes in a higher power than a man who thinks he is the higher power."
Posted by anthonyb at 03:25 PM | Comments (0)
Does "W" kill babies?
I've been spending more time writing on other people's blogs than my own as of late.
See my comments surrounding a recent article by Dr. Glen Stassen about CLAIMS that the abortion rate has gone up during the last 4 years (and that "W" is to blame).
A discussion entitled: Pro-choice? (or: does W kill babies?)
Posted by anthonyb at 02:34 PM | Comments (0)
October 19, 2004
Kerry, God's man?
Please read my comments on the subject, on Doug Pagitt's blog.
Posted by anthonyb at 11:34 AM | Comments (0)
October 14, 2004
Fallout Urban Art Center visit
Finally I made it! Been meaning to check this out for some time. Cool, youth-oriented arts ministry off 26th and Stevens. Each 2nd Thursday night they are hosting the “Faith & Arts Forum.” I met with Peter, the forum moderator, as well as five other bright and talented individuals with questions and ideas for discussion surrounding our responsibilities, challenges and desires in the art world as disciples of Christ.
Good times. Get involved. Visit the Fallout gallery.
Posted by anthonyb at 11:01 PM | Comments (0)
October 04, 2004
The thief comes...
If one upset was enough for the weekend, we shared in a double portion Sunday night. Our dear friend Stacia’s home was burglarized Sunday night as a group of us sat around enjoying the evening.
She got a call on her cell, which adorned an 800 number (which in times past has been a call from ADT, her home security company) and her countenance quickly changed from a glowing smile to a look of horror. As we arrived at the scene, Minneapolis Police Officers entered the house guns drawn (even Stacia mentioned it was kind of exciting and COPS like). We had some interesting conversation with one of the officers. According to him, because of lack of resources (due to city mismanagement of funds, not a lack of government funding, in his opinion) they said it’s very hard to be responsive to such calls when the police force continues to cut back the number of officers, which is already half the size of most similarly populated cities in the U.S. In fact, he went on to tell us that after 1:45am there are a total of 7 officers on duty for all of North Minneapolis – not 7 patrols, 7 officers total. Does this seem weak to anyone else but me? But enough commentary on city spending… back to the invasion itself.
The worst part is not the stolen goods, it’s the fear that has to be fought off and the feelings of a ‘safe place’ like your own home being invaded by an unknown party. Cari and I got a taste of that when we decided to stay the night with Stacia after the incident. Every little sound the house could make was a seed for a frightened imagination. It’s the worst, most uneasy feeling in the world if not kept in check with prayer and casting down wrong thoughts.
God is my protector and as I have sometimes painfully learned, issues of my obedience or lack there of are not easily identified as determining factors for such. And I believe too much introspection or searching for such answers could be likened to believing a dieing man who doesn’t overcome life-threatening disease didn’t have the faith to do so or failed to obey God in some matter. Quite simply, the best I can figure, there is a very real enemy in our lives and his name is not Osama or Sadam. His name is Satan, and his intention is to “steal, kill and destroy” (John 10:10), especially those who serve the King.
Posted by anthonyb at 10:13 PM | Comments (0)
October 03, 2004
Until we meet again
The world has one less great man in it today. Friend, brother-in-the-Lord and mentor Chuck Keeler has made the giant leap from his earthly existence into the “joy of the Lord.” Caroline and I attended his memorial this past Saturday and after some good crying, laughing and listening to kind words about his life, we headed home with heavy hearts. Less because of our loss of Chuck and more so the conviction both of us was feeling about our own lives. What are we doing with our lives to compare to this man and the choices he made during his lifetime? Have we really been passionate about sharing our experiences with God and what He desires to do in other people’s lives? Are we really making ourselves available to others not just when they ask for help, but to let them know we want them to be a part of ours? How about getting involved as mentors ourselves – we’ve been given so much wisdom and guidance, what are we doing to pour into future generations who are seeking out similar paths in life?
We've decided, Cari and I both could do more. Enough of the lame excuses of “we’re too busy” and “what do I have to give.” We’ve got all the time we need if we simply MAKE room for giving it. We’ve also got SOMETHING to give to SOMEONE out there… maybe it’s a listening ear, an encouraging word, a bit wisdom, a home-cooked meal or two. Just DO SOMETHING, I say. Don’t get caught up in this fairy-land “waiting for God to send them to me/show me the way” crap either. Find a place where you think your chances of being needed increases and make yourself available.
Anyone reading this please hold me accountable and expect a full report on what I’ve done this week to put these self-directed soap box ramblings into action.
Posted by anthonyb at 11:56 AM | Comments (0)