Is it a time to dream?

Watch and listen to these wise words from Erwin McManus

Awaken.org Thoughts on the Theme: DREAM from Awaken on Vimeo.

Aaron Neville steps up to help

There are a few musicians who really move me almost every time I hear them, and Aaron Neville has to be one of that select group. I don’t know whether it’s a Neville thing, or a New Orleans thing, but Aaron just hits the sweet spot.

So, it’s good to discover that the big man made a special visit to the Salvation Army Center for Hope in New Orleans last week ahead of the release of new recordings towards the end of the year, round about Christmas.

A portion of the proceeds of this new music will be donated to The Salvation Army's Annual Red Kettle Christmas Campaign, which is such a feature of America’s Christmas landscape.

Driftwood

I have to give a little shout out to the Driftwood Hotel in Rosevine, Cornwall.

We’ve just spent an idyllic restful family weekend in this fabulously chic yet chilled haven tucked away on the Cornish coast.

For me, the Driftwood was as near as perfect as I could have hoped, from the kindness of the owners, Paul & Fiona and their staff, to the welcoming rooms with the gentle classical burr of the Roberts radio and the wonderful food.

Hopefully we can get back there before too long…it was bliss, and just the top up shot of relaxation we so needed.

Highly recommended!

HT to Mrs and Mrs Smith for the pic.

One Day and Two Futures

I kinda stumbled across a couple of important initiatives this week that I wanted to share.

Now, each site is quite dense – beautifully put together and full of information - so there’s a lot to take on board, but I think they’re going to chime with the way I see the world. It may be the same for you… so I’d encourage you to have a look as well.

First up is One Day’s Wages, founded by Eugene Cho and his wife, and launched in full effect this week as part of the global fight against extreme poverty.

The Movement of One Day's Wages from One Day's Wages on Vimeo.

The other one that caught my attention after hearing about them on a Mars Hill podcast this week was the Two Futures Project which addresses the pressing threat of nuclear weapon proliferation

Missio...

The Ongoing Adventures of ASBO Jesus strike a home run once again!

Taking Heat

Thanks to Scott Mocha of CrazyDisciple for bring this great post - Taking Heat - by Erwin McManus to my attention.

One of the phrases that hit me right between the eyes was this one, where Erwin is talking about their community of faith, Mosaic:

“We have a zero tolerance policy for religious jargon or Christianese. We have little room for traditions that mean something to us but nothing to a person searching for God. We will not forsake the Word of God for the traditions of men. We are committed to removing every non-essential barrier between God and humanity. We refuse to allow the Gospel to become lost in our nostalgia or to appear irrelevant because we are.”

It’s a brave stance, and one that often results in them and others like them “taking the heat”.

For me, it’s a lesson to be learned, and one that has increasing resonance for me.

I did it!

I managed to complete my first half marathon..

It was hard, but I didn't stop!

HT to Andy for the pic

Half Marathon almost here

In May I blogged that I had agreed to run a half marathon, and on Sunday I have to make true on that promise.

I’m actually looking forward to it…big time.

I’ve really enjoyed the preparation and the trailing. It’s given me a new thang that I’ve become interested in, and I guess this run won’t be my last.

There can be no better reason that to run for a friend, so I’m doing it for Andy, and will run as part of Andy’s Angels

We’d really appreciate your support.

Tattoo you

HT to Danielle Strickland for pointing me in the direction of this amazing poster for an upcoming Salvation Army youth event in Canada

Inspired, Thomas?