Globalfingerprints

Jeanette introduced me today to Globalfingerprints, an orphan sponsorship program of the Evangelical Free Church. I encourage you to watch the video below, but thought you’d be interested to know a little bit more about this program.

GlobalFingerprints is a sponsorship program specifically for orphans in Congo who have been left behind by AIDS, malnutrition, civil war, and poor health care. Through GlobalFingerprints, these orphans will be able to attend school and receive medical care as necessary. Fifteen percent of the children in Congo are orphans, mostly due to AIDS. Children are cared for in the homes of extended families or concerned Christians from a Congolese Evangelical Free Church. The awesome thing about this sponsorship, in my opinion, is the way in which the church is so central to its mission. I know there are many worthy sponsorship programs, such as WorldVision and Compassion International, which we can participate in and support, but thought this one should be put on your radar as well.

Happy Birthday from Joe Cocker

Saw this today and enjoyed immensely. I actually really like Joe Cocker, but this made me laugh.

My Friend, Bob Stromberg

Bob Stromberg has the best shadow puppet bit you will ever see.  This is a piece that could only come from his slightly warped mind.  I’ve been privileged over the years to have shared the stage with him many times as well as bring him in to do some very special events.  Bob was a great mentor for me right out of college and a very wise voice and tall tree in my life.  Enjoy this video.  Stay committed to it, the payoff is priceless.

Zach & Screech

My kids recently borrowed full season DVD’s of “Saved By The Bell” from our local library.

Do I really need to go on?

Well, The 1990’s brought us some ‘amazing’ television (that would be sarcasm, by the way) and this one takes the cake. It is truly excruciating to watch. Mostly because the acting is not quite as good as a middle school play.  Most of the shows seem like camp skits gone awry.  I wonder, as I hear from the other room, how many people lost their jobs for this manure.  Then, I realize that there’s more than one season, so people most likely got raises instead of getting canned!  I didn’t know there could possibly be a television show worse than “Full House”, but I guess it was entirely possible. Is “Saved By The Bell” the worst TV show ever?

Okay, readers - and I’m throwing this out there because I want to hear from you, my half dozen loyal readers - what are some of the worst TV shows that you can remember? I don’t mean just bad, I mean the kind that people would watch that made your eyes almost pop out because you couldn’t believe someone got paid to be a part of it.

I await your reply.

retreat

I’ve been taking a bit of a personal retreat this week.  There are moments that seem to be fueled with inspiration and others with lethargy.  However, I feel like this has been important for me.  In my responsibilities as the worship pastor at Christ Community, I’ve been reminded by those around me that there is a cadence or rhythm of engagement AND withdrawal.  And though most people see withdrawal as “vacation time”, I believe there is great value in retreating to advance in my work.  The margin that I was able to create this week has allowed me to begin addressing thoughts and actions for weeks and months to come because I took just a little time to focus on thinking about things around me and ahead of me.  Believe me, there were still things to accomplish this week and I still have to lead on Sunday, but I am thankful for this time and the regeneration it has brought.

Kim Walker is an intriguing cross between artist and worship leader.  This video really grabbed me and I have been recently caught up in the idea of how He loves us.  I love the lyric “Heaven meets earth like a sloppy, wet kiss.”