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Friday, January 21, 2005
the Sparkle
I've noticed a strange phenominom this week. Several of our staff are attending a conference for creative churches in Texas (my old stomping ground) and it's afforded me the unique opportunity to take my current staff peers on trips to see churches that I've both been employed by and attended over the last few years.
Here is the phrase I've coined: "the sparkle"
Some people have it, some do not. I never noticed it before.
But it's there.
... or it's not.
Here is the point.
Every person I've met this week either has a sparkle in their eye, or they don't. Most of the Sparklers have smiles to go along with their flashy eyes. They hold their head high and speak in a rhythm and tempo that is constantly changing, a meter and pitch that is in constant flux.
The other are dead in the eyes. All that can be seen is darkness, bent head and methodic pace. The light was once there. Sometime back it was there. And I found myself asking under quiet breath 'when it left?'.
I've seen many a dead gaze this week. And yet I've seen many a twinkling gaze... many times at the same church, many times not.
But it is a haunting reminder of how our leaders can make church the most exciting place in the world to work or the worst.
From now one, when I gauge the effectiveness of a staff community I will always search first for the sparkle.
You see, I remember losing mine and what life was life without it. But thank God for leading me to a place that helped me find it again!
posted by Kevin at 1/21/2005 01:25:29 AM
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Wednesday, January 19, 2005
While it lasts
posted by Kevin at 1/19/2005 08:29:21 AM
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Friday, January 14, 2005
Whoh
Sometimes, truth just hits you in the face.
Rarely do I ever give props to other blogs on this site. I love my blogfriends, but I have too much going on in life to PR other people for the sake of goodwill. :) .... but I still love all of you.
Here's the line: "...sometimes the things you don't want are the things that are meant to be."
Here's the Blog: The Update
Here's my comment: Beth, you deserve it, and man... I think that line was the best thing I've read in years.
posted by Kevin at 1/14/2005 01:50:57 AM
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Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Dallas or bust
Sometimes we must face our past.
Though all-too-often rare, there come those times in our lives when, for better or worse, we must face the road we've traveled. Sometimes it's part of the process of healing. Other times it is more about renewal.
For me it's renewal . . . . and it's Dallas.
I'm a different man than I was then. It is amazing what 6 months and 600 miles can do for the soul, for a life.
I've talked about Dallas a lot here. And those who are close to me have heard even more. Many people speak of a place because it helps them heal. I speak of it because it reminds me of how God has renewed, and rewarded, me.
I'm going back there. And I couldn't be more excited.
I'm staring down the road left behind. I'm facing the dreams that died. I'm confronting the emotions that once ripped at my soul and sought to destroy my spirit.
But strong I stood.
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and don't depend on the things that you think you know. In everything that you do strive to know Him better, and He will straighten out your path. (Prov. 3:5-6)
I'm headed to Dallas.
I'll drive the roads that I once traversed through tear-drenched eyes. I'll visit the places that destroyed my passion for ministry in Texas. I'll meet the people who are reminders of a life I left behind.
And I will love every minute of it.
I will love it because it is a part of the tapestry of who I am, and in it I see the handiwork of God woven throughout my life... even the tough times.
I'm leaving for Dallas.
... and there is a smile on my face and anticipation in my heart.
posted by Kevin at 1/12/2005 01:49:58 AM
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Friday, January 07, 2005
Depending on how you look at it...
Today was three months. Who knew that I would enjoy Wimbledon so much?
posted by Kevin at 1/07/2005 11:38:37 PM
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Tuesday, January 04, 2005
I Could Not Ask for More
I had the opportunity to preach this weekend in Services. Sunday morning Services, to be exact. There were two of them. It was the first time I've ever spoken twice in a row, and more importantly, it's the first time I've preached at Mountaintop. I've spoken to the high schoolers, led College groups and events, even done announcements several times, but never this. Never here.
It was amazing. Simply amazing.
I can't really describe it. I wish that I could. Speaking from John 2 (water into wine) I wove a story of marriage and commitment, leading through the details of the package and eventually ending with New Year's resolve and our need to resolve to be committed to God in order to experience true joy. I know, difficult to follow. But trust me, it worked. Oddly enough.
Mostly though, I just think I surprised myself and the rest of the congregation. Definitely exceeded expectations. That was a goal... but more than that I think people really captured what I said and took it home with them.
Either way. This has been a banner week for me. And I could not ask for more.
posted by Kevin at 1/04/2005 11:47:30 PM
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