The Heart of Texas

This inspiring true story has now made it to the big screen. My hometown of Simonton, TX experienced tragedy like no other - then redemption that is unbelievable. You gotta see this to believe it.Tonight, Tracy and watched the expanded documentary. This story continues to impact us and now many more people can experience this miracle of forgiveness.

read more | digg story

unChristian Index is at it again

Criticism leveled at NAMB 'GPS' planPosted on Nov 21, 2008 | by Mark KellyNASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--The North American Mission Board's management of its new "GPS -- God's Plan for Sharing" national evangelism initiative was criticized Nov. 20 in a front-page article, labeled as "analysis," in The Christian Index, newsjournal of the Georgia Baptist Convention.The 5,000-word article -- a mix of reporting, assertion and anonymous sources -– was written by Index managing editor Joe Westbury with additional reporting by Index editor J. Gerald Harris. It criticizes the North American Mission Board for not setting aside substantial amounts of money to conduct a nationwide media blitz in support of the 10-year GPS initiative, which is currently in pilot stages and will officially launch nationwide in 2010.

Baptist Press - Criticism leveled at NAMB 'GPS' plan - News with a Christian Perspective


I was offended at the tabloid style of journalism in the Christian Index article.  They cited un-named State Directors of Evangelism to assert there is a culture of intimidation in NAMB / State relationships.  Those Directors should go on the record if they have concerns.  The story will do more to distract Baptists from the National Evangelism Initiative instead of uniting us around a lofty cause.

Also, why did The Index finish their article talking about morale problems at NAMB - wht does that have to do with the decision about a National Media buy?

I have done my best to let The Index know that as a young leader in SBC life, I'd like them to leave this old-style politics in the past

Blogged with the Flock Browser

I am glad no one reads my brand new blog

No one should care about what I think...  for too often my thoughs are disorganized and are reactions to the world around me.  Often I am moving so fast, I do forget to think.

For years, I have thought about using a blog to help me frame my thoughts into something that can help me reflect and respond.  And yes, deep inside, I wonder if I could ever write a blog that someone would actually want to read.

However, given my short attention span - I'll probably give up this blog within a few months or days.  I chuckle.

So - as a first post - I should tell myself what I plan to blog about...

• Geeky stuff - i like to learn techy things... and enjoy the societal implications about how technology is changing the way we work, worship, and connect.  I love my facebook world with all my "friends".  Twitter is new for me - but I plan to Twitter with a purpose.  My iphone is my prized possession and Google Reader helps me read net posts from where ever.  I love to aggregate my world and am a fan of most things Web 2.0.  Yet honestly (which I plan to be since no one reads this blog and there are no ramifications of honesty here) I have learned and talked more about cool tech things than I have actually put into practice.
• My God journey - God's been better to me than I deserve and I am a devoted fan of Him.  Some may even call me a fanatic - but I don't think I'm too weird - I am pretty normal.  I sin.  I confess alot.  I try harder alot.  I see Him work around and through me inspite of me - and no - there is no false humility here.  I also attempt great things for Him.  I like church life that works.  I try to influence those around me to bring God nearer.  This blog that no one reads can help me journal sermons that I hear, lessons I am learning, and miracles I am perceiving.
• Family stuff - Married for 11 years and now a dad of two boys - I am taking Family 101.  I enjoy them and they seem fond of me.  Marriage is for a lifetime and I am glad Tracy was my pick.  I win and have no regrets (honestly!  see honesty note above).  My boys are following me and they have more potential in life which I feel responsible to protect.  I am "Doing my best" as a cub scout co-den leader and children's church teacher.  There's much family stuff to blog about - and hopefully my reflections can help me do it all a little better.
• Knowledge and Information - why should I blog about info on the info superhighway (what an archaic term).  We'll - for my sake.  After reading a book - its good to reflect.   When I see a cool blog - its good to think about what I am thinking about without forgetting that some of those thoughts should linger.   In a week moment, I signed up for a Doctoral program - and am supposed to write reflection papers and suspect I might grow some.

Well - I am tired to thinking about all of the other directions this blog can and should go.  So I am ready to POST and officially launch my blog that no one reads.