Thursday, July 19, 2007

Costanza Christianity


“Hello my name is George, I am unemployed and living with my parents.” It may be one of the best lines from one of the best sit-coms of all time.

You may not have been a Seinfeld aficionado, but on this episode, George Costanza, known as a “short, stocky, slow-witted bald man,” decides to do the exact opposite of what he naturally thinks. Therefore, when he meets a beautiful woman, instead of pretending to be Art Vandaly the accomplished architect, he risks all by telling the truth.

Bobby Girard, our guest worship leader this past weekend calls it “Costanza Christianity” – where we deliberately go against our natural tendencies.

In my journal I am asking the question: What would I do if I had confidence?

What would I do if I risked it all instead of doing what I naturally do: make excuses, wallow in fear, or simply tune out God’s promptings with a good tv show, like Seinfeld reruns.

Lurking in our church I believe there are artists waiting to be heard, causes waiting to be won, and risky ministries waiting to be started. All that remains is for us to actually believe that God wants to use us. Instead of shrinking back, let’s press forward; instead of finding an excuse, let’s find a reason; instead of fear, let’s try faith.

We know where fear ends.

For the eyes of the Lord go to and fro throughout the whole earth, that He may strongly support those whose hearts are completely His . . .
2 Chronicles 16:9

God’s just waiting for us to risk it all. Take it from George, what do we have to lose?

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Boy or Girl?

Jen Right Now


Jen Nine Months From Now


It’s really the unknown that drives you crazy.

The past year has been stressful enough so we thought we’d go ahead and add a new baby onto the anxiety meter. We redlined a long time ago with starting a new church, moving, remodeling a 15 year-old house, and marrying off a sister. When Jen called and told me the news, I just said, “Yep.” And then I gushed with joy!

So February will answer a ton of questions.

Boy or girl?

Brantley wants a girl and Palmer wants a boy. We’re not sure if it’s because they really care about the child or because whatever the sex of the baby determines who gets the bunk bed in their room. You can imagine their anxiety over the next 33 weeks.

Will the baby have Jen’s good looks or my all-star athletic physique?

Will the baby be colicky like Palmer or sleep like a fish under water like Brantley?

Interesting that our journey with the baby feels all too similar with the church.

What will this church look like in February?

Will it grow slowly or quickly? Will we have money spilling out of the coffers or praying someone hits the lottery? When people walk into our midst will they sense a mission or the mundane?

It’s really the unknown that drives you crazy. Glad God already has been forming our baby’s innermost parts.