conversation starter...

Every time you spend money, 

you're casting a vote 

for the kind of world you want.

~ Anna Lappe

agree or disagree?

why or why not?
or, in what circumstances is there agreement, and when is there not?

(note: we're not all too familiar with Anna Lappe, but we found this to be a challenging and interesting statement).

Lebanon, here we come...

We received confirmation this morning that we have been invited to be the speakers for the annual Lebanon Church of God Youth Camp at the end of the summer.  For those of you who know us well, you know that we have always enjoyed speaking with and encouraging youth and young adults in the faith.  This is a really exciting opportunity and we're blessed by the invitation.

As we get to know our region, we are learning about cultural activities and events as well as the Churches.   We recently read about a campaign in Lebanon called "Lebanon Better".

image from Google Images

This campaign began with graffiti on a wall, and has led to temporary "walls" and a the virtual wall website that receives posts via Twitter and Facebook, too.  The public displays not only invite the contributions of the public, but also encourage the reflection by the public of other contributions.

We will be eager to meet the young people of Lebanon and the Church leaders.  Perhaps as we seek to encourage one another and build one another up in the faith, we can also consider together how the Church of God in Lebanon could be better if...

Here's an idea: what about putting up "[Your church name] would be better if..." in your classrooms or your foyer?  What ideas would you expect to get?  What ideas could you incorporate?  What do these suggestions say about the ethos of your fellowship?

okgo at it again...

i believe that creativity and imagination are a part of the divine fingerprint on humanity--obviously, this can be corrupted and lead to the profane--but, at their best, creativity and imagination contribute to the beautiful expressions of humanity in all areas of art, work, and life.

this is why we are fans* of okgo, an independent rock band that has used a fusion of internet and music video to create unique spins to their music.  type in "okgo" in Youtube and you will see countless videos with their trademark treadmills, to shelter dogs, to marching bands, to time-lapsed video, to toast, and even to the Muppets!

*note: all views, lyrics, and commentary by the band are not necessarily the views of ourselves, our Savior, or Church of God Ministries ;)

their success calculated in millions of views, links, and likes on Youtube and social networking sites has led to corporate interest and sponsorships for their video projects.  first, there was the State Farm Insurance sponsorship of the Rube-Goldberg machine video for their song "This Too Shall Pass," and now the Chevy sponsored "Needing/Getting" video that was alluded to in a Super Bowl advertisement earlier this month.  i had forgotten to look for the video after the game, but i found it today and now share it with you...