Big Ear Creations: passion (via Mowser)

Showing posts with label passion. Show all posts

Why do I like leaving the Great White North?

August 16, 2008 at 1:08:00 PM

Because every time I get the chance to leave Canada, I learn more about it... and it refreshes my passion for it.

I'm convinced that there are things that you can only fully realize about your culture by leaving it. When I have friends who go away on missionary adventures (or even holidays) I try to get them to be culturally analytical. Make note of the things that are similar... and the things that are different. When you live in a culture-bubble... you, eat it, and breathe it and pass it through your lower intestine. You end up assuming that:

bubble = right

There are things that are universally human and there are things that are just our habits. Habits are expendable. But some things are bigger and are worth fighting for. The trick is in the identification of the absolutes.

I find it very refreshing to get our of system and our habits for a time. It's a generous serving of perspective that infuses the day to days of coming home with fresh motivation. I really REALLY dislike routine. I know some thrive on routine, but it drowns me. But we all live with a degree of routine in life so finding how to keep it fresh is vital. Taking a new look at our culture, and then knowing that what I'm doing is effectively spurring people on to "love and good deeds", makes all the difference to me.

I don't care for culture bubbles... but I'm passionate about my country.
When I leave it... I love it more.

A flavorful stew of the semi-interesting and somewhat offensive

July 22, 2008 at 10:29:00 AM

Let's play a game... I've got a flavorful stew of the semi-interesting and somewhat offensive things that have piqued my interest lately. I challenge you to give me your thoughts on each point using 3 words or less... OK? And go.

1. Anne Jackson from FlowerDust.net and her church called Crosspoint in Nashville have been blogging their way through a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. A few days ago she posed a question that I have asked each time I've left North America...

2. Did you realize that at the time John Lennon made the "bigger than Jesus" quote... he thought of the Beatles as a Christian band? (Whole story here)

“It’s just an expression meaning the Beatles seem to me to have more influence over youth than Christ,” he says. “Now I wasn’t saying that was a good idea, ‘cos I’m one of Christ’s biggest fans. And if I can turn the focus on the Beatles on to Christ’s message, then that’s what we’re here to do.”

3. This is a quote from Jack Nicklaus at the British open about the differences in life for him as a golfer and the way it is today.

"When we played golf, it wasn't to make a living," Nicklaus said. "It was to make a name for yourself so you could make a living."

4. One more "the state of sports" quote. This is from new (and old) Toronto Blue Jays hitting coach Gene Tenace about his relationship with his wife.

"You know, when I proposed to her, I told her I was going to give her an out. I told her she could have my heart but that baseball would always have my soul. She said she'd take the heart."

5. This is from my sister Jenn's blog written about leaving Liberia. On her way to the airport, her transport was mobbed and jostled by a crowd demanding to have one the passengers thrown to the mob! (whole blog here)

"...deep down, I live with the attitude that 'it will all work itself out'. I guess most people would call this naivety. I have had too many experiences convincing me that it is God.

Because, I am too lucky to be lucky."

6. Amazing story about the 10 most racist toys ever... times MAY have changed a touch.

7. I love hearing where songs come from. Here's the story behind Chris Tomlin's "God of the City" song from Passion's new album. It was written by a band called "Bluetree". The story reminds me of my 3 days on the island of Puerto Galera in the South China Sea.

It was just simply heart breaking seeing young Philippino girl after girl hanging off the arms of old dirty white guys. I kept thinking... "it really wouldn't be THAT hard with a little work to see this whole island saved".

“We got asked to go and be part of an event called Pattaya Praise. Pattaya is a seaside town/resort place, and physically, it looks to be like the darkest place you’ll ever go to. And spiritually, it is THE darkest place we have ever been to. You just feel the evil...

......and we got to play for two hours. And just the way the band set up, we like using loops, and at one point I just started singing out. I started singing “Greater Things”, something along those lines, almost prophesying over the city."

8. SUCH a cool anti racism ad from South Africa (putting the darkey in the Watermelon to shame)

This page contained an embedded video. Click here to view it.

OK... so let's hear some 3 word comments.
Here's mine...

1. God's got plans
2. John wavered lots
3. People are soft
4. That's really dumb
5. My sister's cool
6. Hard to believe
7. Come save Brantford
8. Mandela was amazing

What worship feels like sometimes...

March 30, 2008 at 5:14:00 PM

It's like walking into a room with a sumo wrestler sitting on your head; reminding yourself that nothing on earth is as beautiful as God... Then feeling him shrink away into the sun.

I think there is only one thing that I would ever get a tattoo of. It's of the Isaiah 26:8 scripture that Passion takes their 268 Generation pledge from.

It would just say..

Hope for the Hokies

April 28, 2007 at 8:57:00 AM

I'm gonna tell you something Ernie. The Passion guys know how to do it.

It?

It = Worshiping God Genuinely
It = Effectively stirring others into spiritual action
It = Understanding the communication tools of their people
It = Doing it all honestly without arrogance and pretension

Check out their site where you can download a few of their songs for free about hope, redemption, possibility, and rebirth.

Because not all the spiritual gifts in the world
Because not all the healing services in the world
Because not all the powerful preaching in the world

... can match the simple gift of salvation and redemption that Christ gave...

for all

Big Big God

December 12, 2006 at 2:54:00 PM

Since Sunday night, the words that have been rolling through my spirit are "Ancient of Days". The Hubble Telescope is one of the most amazing things that man has been able to piece together...

... but our most amazing contraption is only able to take a little peek at what our God orchestrated. It's unbelievable. Especially since when you look in Isaiah 43 (where God calls Himself "The Ancient of Days"), He calls US His witnesses. We're THE Vessel He's chosen to show His love to the world.