Yesterday was See You at the Pole. An annual event to start school years. Groups of kids gather at a common location, often in a courtyard or flagpole area and pray for their school, fellow students, teachers, community, and many other things.

A local opinion writer from the family section of our local newspaper wrote and article entitled "I Won't See You at the Pole." And fair on unfair, she makes some honest and accurate commentary. I'd love your reactions.

Read it here.

A growing vocabulary

So, they boy is talking now. Well, mostly he is. He says several words now which is both a very good thing and kinda stinky all at the same time. Here is his current list:

• chooss- juice
• chiss- cheese
• bwoon- balloon
• mow mah- Mom
• da-dah- Dad
• eyeunt- I want...
• dat- that
• ssdat- what's that
• uh-huh- yes (also says no in the normal way)
• shell- shell (don't ask me about that one)

With speaking comes a lot of cool stuff. We can communicate a little easier, but we all get a little more frustrated when we can't quite get our thoughts across to each other. It's like he looks at us and his face says, 'Yo, I'm saying thing as clearly as I can.' He is I'm sure, but I don't often get it until either one of A. or I say 'can you show us' or 'can you point to it?'

With his new found speaking ability, comes a little more defiance also. At least bigger meltdowns when he asks for something very clearly and and we tell him no. It makes me wonder...am I the same with God?

As I have grown and matured in faith and experience, I have learned a 'new' kinds of ways to communicate with God. I also like to think that I have some sort of proficiency in this type of communication. But, with my growth comes different degrees of wandering and 'defiance' to what God is saying, or, at the very least, my failure to see how God is being active in my life and surroundings. I even try to articulate my thoughts, dreams, ideas, desires, and areas for growth to God as clearly as I can...sometimes to no avail, at least seemingly. Then I throw my tantrum or whatever.

When the boy does, he lays on the floor and screams or sometimes he hits us; hitting is good for a trip to 'time out.' This is a time when he gets to find out that daddy is indeed upset. I'm sure that it sucks for him...but I never thought it would suck this much for me. I don't know who time out is harder on; it sure does make the post-time out talk a time for reconciliation rather than a time for him to find out again what he did wrong. Post-time out hugs are the best because they're loaded.

As I continue to imagine a world dripping with a God bent on reconciliation and restoration people to Him and each other, it is as inspiring as it is overwhelming. But it doesn't mean that we stop trying. For me, it starts in my life, my home, and flows out to the rest of the world...

...and boy eyeunt-dat...

I have a cold

Yes, friends. It's true. They don't happen often with me, but I did catch one. Perhaps it was that scratchy throat that started on Saturday night after Five02 into teaching Sunday school into 8 hours at Cedar Point. It's kicking my butt too.

However, lots to be happy about. We had an outstanding time at Cedar Point! We walked onto EVERY ride. I don't remember waiting for any of them. It was a beautiful thing. So my tally for the day was Millenium Force twice, Raptor twice, MaxAir twice, Wicked Twister twice, Top Thrill Dragster, Magnum, Gemini, Mean Streak, Sky Hawk, and a trip to the park's Johnny Rocket's. Rock on, Rocker. What are your favorites?

Speaking of favorites, if there is any solace in being up for two hours at night (3-5a, thanks for asking :)) there were great movies on to watch. I flipped back and forth between Cool Runnings and Hoosiers...both movies I tear up watching. Following Cool Runnings on TBS was SpaceBalls. A classic like no other. So essentially I felt like crap, but had some good movies to get me through. And I gotta tell you, it sure beats trying to navigate through the 'different' (I'll say) types of informercials on at 4 in the morning.

Five02 was great Saturday night. God is doing a great work in us in our gatherings together. I am both humbled and excited...

...mostly, though, I'm just happy to be hanging out with God's peeps, and I can't wait to meet more...

PS-whoever thought of those tissues with the lotion in them...you rock my face off...

In my opinion...

This is the best story in sports that won't hit the mainstream press. ESPN has covered it, and if you watch the Ryder Cup you've seen it too, but I wanted to make mention of it here.

Darren Clarke, a pro golfer from Norther Ireland, is playing in the Ryder Cup this weekend. He's a very good player and is widely regarded as one of the most jolly and heart warming fellows on either coast. I've even heard him called Norther Ireland's 'Arnold Palmer' becuase of his skill, stature, and contributions to golf on the British Isles and around the world.

He's a natural pick for Europe's Ryder Cup team. He's one of the best players in the world. He's got crazy good game, and just six weeks ago, he lost his wife to breast cancer. And while I can't speak to their relationship from any personal experience I've had with them, by all accounts, they were best friends and she was the love of his life. So when Clarke approached the first tee with his buddy Lee Westwood, the crowd's volume was as strong as their support of their "Arnie."

How that kid held it together, I'll never know. I was welling up a bit just watching it.

A simple google search of pictures of Darren Clarke will show his many faces. Mostly you'll see him enjoying a cigar on the course or his big smile; a very jolly Ulsterman indeed. But as he finished up his morning match posting a victory over he and Westwood's American opponents, the emotion was too much and his eyes puffed a bit, as did everyone's watching.

He found a bit more comfort knowing he had done what he knew his wife would've wanting him doing...after all she was his biggest cheerleader...

...and probably still is...

Back to School

Been in Kidron, OH doing some talks with the students at Central Christian HS this past week. It has been great fun...and I'm going to miss (and re-miss) my Eastern OH friends. I actually just finished up the last chapel presetation. Good news...it's the only one I didn't offenend anyone during. So, that's good then for me. I feel compelled to share a couple of stories and reflections on my time here at Central.

First, if you're going to talk about how much Old Spice and old man smell wig you out due to a childhood experience, make sure the superindentant doesn't wear that fragrance. Perhaps, change to Brut or Aqua Velva to prevent "ear heat" (that's how I know I'm getting red :))

Second, some things never change. And Kidron will always smell like horse crap...in an endearing sort of way.

Third, is being a teacher like working at camp? I was sitting at lunch with some of the faculty and it had the distinct feeling of sitting at a staff table at camp.

And finally a story. A young student (5th or 6th grade probably) entered the cafeteria with his buddies. They all sat together in what I'm sure was their normal spot. I didn't really notice anything different about these guys together until said student came running to the staff table. The youngster was very distraught in a 'am I going to die?" sort of way. I heard his concern and then knew why...

"Mrs. ______ Kyle said that I ate some spinach and that on the news it said I would die!"

"Excuse me?" the teacher responded.

"I think I'm gonna die! Am I going to die in the cafeteria today? Am I dying right now?!" His face was red with terror, tears streaming down his face. "But he said that the news said I would die! I would die if I ate spinach, that's what he said it said..."

The teacher calmed the boy after a few minutes. The boy, who was exihibiting his new found vigor for life, shuffled his feet back to his table and decked the little 'news outlet' in the neck.

It was awesome...and I re-learned something else...

...the news is one scary mother...

A few things blog worthy this day...

Two nights ago we ate at a Thai restaurant. It was so good and unexpectedly so. I actually can't remember what I ordered, ______ ______ maipan, I think; lots of veggies and lots of cashews. Sauce was remarkable and contrary to my thoughts, there is someone here in town that can prepare tofu. Very good. very, very good.

I was driving to church this morning and heard a couple guys on the radio. I'm sure they were plugging some book on post-modern philosophy, and generally I like to hear what people 'think' post-modernism is or isn't. Generally it de-generates into a talk about teens and twenysomethings have no absolute bounds to their morality and that same schtick. Today, however was different.

It was a great way to start the day off.

Among all the great things these guys talked about (lack of authenticity and honesty in the church's teaching, folks can find more honesty in pop culture's music in the questions it asks, etc.) they said this: "Imagine you were a missionary and were called to go to Italy. But you say that you can't stand Italian food. The music is pretty bad, and the Italian movies are worse. Their language is stupid and not worth the effort to learn. Italian art just isn't your thing either. But you say that you love Italians. Then I say you're a liar."

...because that's who they are...

...discuss...

...more to come later...

Highlight of the day thus far? Flaming cheese at the Greek Garden...Opa!!

Hightlights of the past two days? Diet Pepsi jazz...both flavors are worth your time; strawberries and cream & black cherry french vanilla.

It's time for a new book to read for book club as well. I'm leaning toward Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. This is a tremendous read for those looking for a fresh explanation of a Christ-centered world view. I am growing more and more convinced that the status quo in our churches is perpetuated by people not wanting to lose control of something they're pretty darn sure that they created...

...sad that these are the same people that go to funerals and offer words of comfort like 'God is in control.'

Apparently, God is only in control of the stuff we don't understand.

Oh yeah, wasn't allowed to view the church's budget last night. Apparently, I can only see the page that has to do with me and my ministry area...

...good thing I didn't have any questions...but how would I know...

Control is a funny thing, we all want it in some form or another, but it's only a matter of time before we find out we're really Toonces driving the car off the cliff.

Now I'm looking at my un-opened can of black cherry french vanilla diet pepsi jazz thinking that I might want to drink it. I think I can be in control of that decision. I'm pretty sure the Holy Spirit has better things to do rather than let me know when to drink my soda. If not...

...well, crap

Here's a recap of my last few days...

Friday PM- I went to the HS football game. All the youth football teams got to run across the field and be announced. It was nice until the 3 and 4th graders' teams were introduced. First was the Buckeyes...crowd applauds. Next, the Falcons (BGSU)...crowd applauds. Next, the Wolverines...crowd boos, and I thought, 'are you kidding? We're talking about 9 and 10 year olds here.' I thought I'd never see kids booed just for being called the wolverines...it was surreal. Who boo's a 9 year old? I am a buckeye to the core, but this was strange.

Saturday PM- Five02 launch. Very nice. Very nice indeed. Very excited to see where God goes with this because there are some very willing spirits among those gathered. We're starting with a study on the Lord's Prayer. Our kickoff topic was 'Our Father' and what sorts of implications that word 'our' has when it comes to how we view God and each other. I'll spare you the details unless you really want to read an outline of the teaching. Vote here I guess, majority rules...:)

I want to take a minute and invite you each to a few places in cyberspace. First, my myspace account. If you have one, let's be friends...:) www.myspace.com/wideopen502

Next, the Five02 home page: www.five02.com

Finally, Five02's got a myspace as well: www.myspace.com/five02

Stop by and see us, love to talk with you...

IKEA and Rocco

I have a truck. It's a new to me truck. It was new to the world when I was a junior in high school. It's name is Rocco, and we've already bonded. Moving day will do that to a guy and his truck. So far, Rocco and I have made two trips to IKEA in Canton, MI...we'll probably make more...

Our new kitchen came from IKEA. So, did all the boxes that the kitchen came in. Something's easier now that Rocco's in our life. Recycling. So far, Rocco and I have made two trips to Litter Landing. While the folks there aren't that friendly, I feel good putting our IKEA cardboard in the bins. I didn't tie down the last load I took. I didn't lose any on the way either. I drove slow...just me and Rocco. There might have been 5 cars in a line behind me (actually there were...I counted and laughed).

Me and Rocco have also been to the 'sanitary' (according to the sign) landfill.
Rocco uses more gas than my Neon. But I can recycle with Rocco a whole lot easier. So it's kind of a wash, but I wasn't recycling before. At least I'm not in the negative anymore.

Long live Rocco...

Long live God's Earth...

This is indeed a new day. Now having been in the new house for two nights, it's starting to feel like our house. It feeling like home is still off somewhere in the distance. While there are still things to do, things are indeed done enough to establish some sort of feeling of structure and stability, and that we actually are not nomadic people and we are done with our roaming days.

Truth be told, this whole process has taken quite a toll on everyone's emotions. The boy is getting re-assured of where he might find his stuff, but he's not quite there. I have been an absolute prick to my wife. We complement each other well, but in stressful situations we actually become what the other really could do without. In her is a desire to itemize, get things done in a certain way and order, and in doing so, it begets order and calm. It also means more micro managing...which leads me to me.

In stressful times and situations, for as much of an extrovert as I am, I become a loner and one who wants to figure stuff out alone. Which isn't helpful when your best friend's way to get back on track is to make sure that they have some role to play. SO, I have done an extra crappy job of taking comments and idea for what they are and NOT as critical remarks and orders. But we seem to be on the back end of this...

We are not moving anytime in the next 10 years unless absolutley necessary. I can't do it again...we've moved now 5 times in 6 years, and I'm looking forward to a break...

And...our DISH went out, so it's been movie marathon days at the homestead. The boy is getting a steady diet of Baby Einstein, The Incredibles, and Shrek. I have watched Two Weeks Notice, Remeber the Titans, and my second favorite sports comedy (right behind Major League) the Replacements. Notice I said my second favorite, not THE second best. The DISH guy comes today to fix stuff. Oh, and we don't get Bravo in our DISH package, so I guess it's so long to project runway (go Michael) for now until we figure something out. It saddens me greatly.

I suspect I'll be here on my computer first thing on Thursday AM finding out who got voted off and watching video.
Hello, my name is Ryan and I'm addicted to reality TV...

Everyone now...

"Hello Ryan"

Can community exist on the internet? Or at least to what extent can it exist on the internet?

With a growing number of folks both desiring authentic community and estrangement from the established Christian church, what do we have left? Where do the two meet? So, someone wants a beer with my meal or for refreshment on a hot day...can they co-exist with folks in authentic community?

But shouldn't we strive for something deeper than co-existance? Something deeper than 'I'll tolerate your crappy parts as long as you can do the same for me?' Maybe it starts there, but it probably shouldn't end there. At least I don't think so...

Aren't our churches already full of folks co-existing?

Should we surprised that no one wants to 'join up'? Who wants to build a house out of paper mache`...especially if there were folks that wanted to wanted to take the time to build something more long lasting and stronger; if there were folks that actually wanted to take the time to do it...

Maybe instead of 'our idea of Jesus style' ministry, we should do Jesus style ministry. He had a vision for a better way to live, built a community of 12 guys that were willing to make the sacrifice that community requires. Less about function and style and a borg-like disciple making process and more about listening to story and understanding the more folks we embrace the more beautiful the community is...and maybe let Jesus do the transforming...

He's much better at it...

At least I think so...

Snakes on a plane...

Worst movie title ever. Ever. Are you kidding? I honestly laughed out loud when I saw the preview and heard the name. I hope that all movies don't start going this route. Then we have these to look forward to:

Dude in a fight

This is adultery

Stuff blows up

Got a worse title? Lay one on me...or make up your own. It'll be fun...

episode IV: a new hope (cue the music)

New house...

New stress...

New projects...

What fun!

It was a good idea to buy the house, but right now it is an all consuming effort to keep on it. The end will all be worth it.

In other news...

Who am I kidding, there is no other news.

Actually there is...Five02 launch is on schedule. God helped us all to understand that it's going to look a lot different than we all thought...and that's a good thing. What became the semi bain of my church existance is now warm and fuzzy again.

And I'm very excited...

what if...

What if there wasn't such a stark line between areas of our life? What might that be like?

What if folks lived lives so authentically that terms like'Christian walk' or 'Christian life' became obsolete?

What if a body of pilgrims on a journey to find God could be focused on helping outsiders to know how God sees them? At the same time, what if our need to hang with our buddies could be met inside Christian community?

What if the constant teaching of salvation as an event rather than a process has put us farther behind than we all thought?

What if we all helped folks understand that they're already part of God's story whether they know it or not, and that the whole body is better if their story is told?

What if we all truly understood God as Healer? And would that help people tell their story? Would that change our idea of redemption?

What if we all really understood that a life in step with Christ is truly a step-up from the normal?

What if I'm wrong about all this...

but, what if I'm right?

Holy crap....what if I'm right?

confessions of a blog addict

Here's me, in case your mind is wondering...

I can't stop. Perhaps not so much an addict as much as I am a blog locust.

I jump from blog site to blog site and when my enthusiasm wanes for a particular site, it's off to a new one. Truth be told, I acutally started this blog in order to read other's ramblings about the androgenous drama trap that is Project Runway, but now I've got this idea that there may actually be people that may be interested in my thoughts.

It's that idea that is my blog-o-meth...or my ecsta-blog...take your pick...


So, stop back if you want. I hope you do...