Do We Have a Race Problem?

Three Decades Behind Me.

  Three decades are coming to a close for me.  What a daunting thought.  It has been an incredible thirty years.  I've had some awesome, memorable times.  Most of all, I've found the love of my life and that made all 30 worth it and I'm looking forward to another 30++ with Sally.  In other areas though, I can't say I've made it to the place I thought I would be by now. 

    It took me more time and a whole lot more money to prepare for ministry.  8 years and $54,000 in student loans to be exact.  It's also taken longer than expected to pay that off.  Since 2007 we've paid off $21,000 in other debt and $25,000 of the student loan.  Quite an accomplishment purely from our income.  ONLY $29,000 left to go on the student loan.  Only is easy for you to say.  I'm the one delivering pizzas in the rain, snow, and to the occasional no-tipper in addition to my day job at the big orange box.  Who doesn't tip a delivery driver only making $4.25/hr?  Jerks.

  At least Seminary prepared me well to humbly handle the no-tipping pizza customer.

  Kidding aside, I'm anxious to discover that sweet spot of Kingdom ministry that God has for us.  We're eagerly seeking and serving God's Kingdom in any and every way we can.  One of these days he'll lead us to that place where longevity will abound.  

   I've learned many lessons: Home ownership is not always the best investment; Education is invaluable, just don't go into debt for it; Planting a church is all about God and his timing; We are more selfish than we are invested when it comes to Church and the Kingdom(me included), God help us.

   Here's to more life, more memorable and awesome times, and more knowledge and discernment with fewer hard lessons!

Giant Via 1 2011 Review

Happened across the new 2011 Giant "Via" 1 today at River Market Cyclery. I've been perusing the internet for sometime now looking at the best commuter bikes out there. I'm not looking for one to buy in the next hour but it is something I'd like to have. I like the idea of a more comfortable ride and practical bike than the typical mt. bike you'd find in the average person's garage.

The Giant Via never came up in my searches. The best bike for the value that ever came up was the Raleigh Detour Deluxe 2011, totally redesigned for this model year.

My new favorite and top pick is the Giant Via 1. Let me compare it to the Raleigh. It's a little more "street smart" than the Raleigh. It has a factory mount pannier rack that has all the typical capabilities; the Raleigh is welded on and has limitations.

The Giant has a split top tube with an integrated slot to put a U lock for easy transport. Unfortunately it is only 3 speed internal hub and Raleigh is 8, plus it does not have dynamo powered lights. However, it is similar in that it has minimalist graphics and chain guard for a sleek, clean and modern look.

Both the Raleigh and the Giant are adequately equipped for the price. The Giant is as much as you could expect for $549 and the same for the Raleigh at $799.

The test ride was quite enjoyable. The 3 gears were well thought out and can get you through most situations. I love the price and equally love the bike. I feel better as a newbie about beginning in the commuter bike market with a smaller investment. I could always upgrade it later with an 8 speed hub with a belt drive, now we're talking!

Awesome bike site find!

In my recent amusement with bicycling I've particularly taken a liking to the commuting/practical side of it. Commuter bikes seem to be the most versatile and attractive to me. In my searching I found an incredible site called www.ecovelo.info. One of the best parts about the site is the incredible quality of photography. The site is full of reviews and tips for bike commuting. Nearly every write up has incredible photos that really bring out the beauty in bikes. Check it out!

Faith at work - literally

In these interim months for us I've added pizza delivery job to my schedule in addition to my part-time work at the mega home improvement retailer. I thought retail work was a challenge to practice my faith. The pizza restaurant is a whole new level.

Vulgarity is abundant in the kitchen in many ways. So here's the struggle - how do I witness without coming across as judging, condescending, or more? How long do I wait before I allow them to discover I'm a pastor? A few have asked my other vocation and I've told them. Several have not, including the most vulgar ones.

My faith is at work, or challenged most, in the workplace - especially this one. Is my non-participation in the vulgarity and my positive attitude enough? It's probably not enough to compel them to ask me about Jesus. So how can I witness for Christ proactively? Challenging question indeed.

First thoughts, have an after work gathering at my house for simple socializing.

Google Services

Gotta say, I love Google's services. I've been trying to acquaint myself more with what they offer in the last few weeks. It's pretty staggering. I'm most impressed with Voice and Gmail services that they offer, if you can't tell. Blogger is another, just to name a few. Go Google for being creative, innovative, and bringing tech to the masses. Right on.

Google Voice App

It's finally here for Apple iPhone. Thanks for clearing it apple! More Info