Engage Suffering!

Friends- Adrienne and I have been blown away by the internet footage and photos of this disaster. It doesn't seem to be getting better- and human nature seems to be runniing true to form.

It seems to be a rare occurance that tragedy of this sort affects the US. In the days-months that follow I see this tragedy in all likleyhood being reduced to a political debate among the cbs/abc/nbc/fox/cnn/talk-radio/internet-pundit community.

As a alternative I want to ask you guys to seriously consider engaging suffering initially with your prayers and pocketbooks. Perhaps other opportunities will emerge- but initially this is a way we can move in the rythme of Jesus' Love.

Here is what I've found so far:
With the massive amount of clean up that will be undertaken in the coming weeks, World Relief volunteers will need chainsaws, containers to haul away debris, tools, and other necessary items. Donors wishing to contribute to the Hurricane Relief fund may do so at World Relief ;or by calling 1-800-535-5433.

To support the hurricane relief work of Samaritan's Purse, call (800) 665-2843 or visit www.samaritanspurse.org.

For information on ways to assist The Salvation Army in meeting the needs of the victims of Katrina, people may call 1-800-SALARMY or visit  www.salvationarmyusa.org.

You can take part in Operation Blessing's ongoing hurricane response efforts by making an online donation at to support OBI relief services in the field

Monday Monday

Monday
Kids First Da Of School
Ian- 1st Grade
Kathleen- Kindergarten

Cel Phone: OFF
Home Phone: UNPLUGGED
SABBATH, CELEBRATION, BOWLING

ohh ohh ohhhhhh my Adrienne!

Adrienne and I celebrated her 29th Birthday last night. Adrienne is remarkable. The energy, passion, commitment, and authenticity that soaks her life energies me on good days, and sometimes infuriates me when I'm being an ass. I could not have married anyone else. It is hard for me to remember life without her. It seems so bleak in comparison.

I love seeing her vibe with other people. She has this gravity, this magnetism around her that is mystical in nature. I bleieve it is the Holy Spirit in her life. She is so much fun to be with. Like me- she easily speaks her mind- which is a blessing, but sometime pisses people off. But at least you always know who you are talking to.

She also get's hotter every day. How did a dork like me land a babe like Adrienne?

sidenotes:
-spent the weekend with the Neds-Fox family. These guys are two of the most insightful people I have ever known. Both of them of the best piercing question-askers and listeners that I or Adrienne know. I just hit me yesterday that God has granted them supernatural insight interwoven with a large dose of humility. I find myself pondering things they have said long after they have gone. Josh and I had an impromptu sing along jamboree on the front porch- even attracting another neighbor.
We sang: Nowhere Man, The Scientist, The End of the World as We Know It, Old Mother Reagan, Broken Wings, Eye of the Tiger, among many other favorites.

-Listening to Dick Hyman on the Harpsichord playing pop hits of the 60's. HIs version of "The In Crowd" is stellar. Produced by Enoch Light.

-Gas prices are up- and my scooter barely notices. So there Andy Fruechtnicht.

Flight of the Rambling Track for God's Sake while Razing the Bar!

First off- God bless you Andy Whitman , I was having a depressing day and needed some encouragment. God is good.

-Our baby church is one year old.

-Today i spent an hour or so lying on my back in the alleyway next to YMT coffee. Ray helped me move our old hide-a-bed to Sam & Annie's house, and I got car sick riding in the back- and almost had a full scale vertigo relapse. I couldn't move- spent a lot of time throwing up. Whilst This was happening I'm covered in sweat and a number people walked by and presumably saw me looking like I was passed out in an alleyway. Probably thought I was homeless. Perhaps they'll visit the Church someday. Messy Church --> messy pastor. Adrienne dropped by with some medicine. An hour later Chris Kay (thankyouthankyouthankyou Chris for enduring my foul look, foul smell, and foul language) dropped by with his scooter and I felt stable enough to ride on the back of his vespa to the house. I went home and slept for a few hours. --I'm Such a wus.

-Kathleen's best friend, Lucy, gave her 12 cents as a gift. Kathleen pulled me aside yesterday and told me she had a bunch of money for the Asia's Hope orphanage. She gave me the money and told her how much Jesus loves Vanna, and the others in the orphanage.

-Brian Carlson has impregnated Erica Carlson! Woo Hoo! Our Church is becoming full o' babies! You're seed hath found purchase my friend!

-Went on a two hour walk with my friend Jimmy Wonser last night. My brother from a different mother! Let's tear stuff up!

-I'm loving my Tatoo courtesy of Kat, The Artful Dodger

Kathleen designed it!

-I'm feeling much joy, but I am perplexed about many things right now.

-I have been really enjoying hanging out with Ron VanHorn and Rob Ramey of Spacial Concepts as they build an apartment- entertainment room in our basement. These guys have been really encouraging me and Adrienne in our marriage and with church related stuff. These guys are veteran church planters and youth leaders. Rob's Youth Group was the birthplace of House of Heroes, among lotsa other cool stuff.

-Jeremy and MPG have entered into the scooter fray, here is hoping that Jared and Moishe can join soon as well. Adrienne is now pretty stoked at learning to ride herself.

misc declarations:
-Neil Gaiman writes excellent Fantasy
-Happy Anniversiary #10 Rachel and Jeremy (the best party EVER btw)
-I miss John McCollum
-Cold Brew Coffee at Yeah Me Too-- 8th wonder of the World!
-"Season of Disbelief" by Ray Bradbury- cool