ksnowman's Xanga

Moving

Wed, 30 Aug 2006 01:56:18 GMT

I have moved my blog here.

In addition, Frontline has moved its Sunday evening gatherings to 10:30 AM. Oh how life changes!

See 'ya on the flip side!

Israel

Tue, 17 Jan 2006 13:18:59 GMT

Last week I returned from a ten-day study trip to Israel with Michigan Theological Seminary. Although my primary motivation was the acquisition of five credits toward my Master's Degree, the experience far exceeded my expectations. Some have said that we "ran where Jesus walked," an apt description given the fact that we spent most of our time racing from site to site, reading generous portions of Scripture at nearly every stop (essentially using the Bible as the narrator of the places we visited). Highlights included

- Joppa/Jaffa (Jonah; Acts 8, 9)
- Caesarea Maritima, the Roman capital of Judea (Acts 10, 25, 26)
- Mt. Carmel and Muhraka (1 Kings 18)
- Nazareth (Luke 2)
- Megiddo, the Valley of Armageddon (Revelation 16)
- Beit She’an at the foothills of Mt. Gilboa (1 Samuel 31)
- Qumran (where they found the Dead Sea Scrolls)
- the Sea of Galilee (just read the Gospels!)
- Jerusalem

The two most moving moments were the boat ride across the Sea of Galilee observing the various historical points along the shoreline and entering the Garden Tomb that is, well, empty!

It is difficult to even begin to describe the journey, but it was truly transformational. Where I used to view the Bible as black ink on white pages I now see a broad array of color bringing depth and texture to the ancient accounts.

A short video and narration can be found in my "Walking On Water" message at Frontline's website.

If you ever have an opportunity to travel to Israel, I highly recommend it. The country is beautiful, safe (just avoid Gaza and the West Bank), and absolutely fascinating.

The Sea of Galilee

Bono

Thu, 22 Dec 2005 11:39:00 GMT

Who is the most fascinating person on the planet? I will quickly vote for Bono, rock star and advocate for the poor. I have been a big U2 fan since CCM magazine reviewed their second album, "October" in 1981, thereby validating it as "acceptable" for me to listen to in the days when I was allowed to only listen to "Christian" music.

I have often said that while Bono is very human and fallible, few people embody "Jesus with skin on" like he does. He is public about his faith and passionate about "the least of these." Perhaps only Mother Teresa has been seen on the world stage as more Christ-like in concern for the poor.

Relevant magazine has posted an interesting article. Be sure to read the comments, as they offer some helpful perspective (and clarification). For further reading, don't miss the Rolling Stone interview (though the interviewer is a real prick when it comes to his political questions!).

On a related note, I do hope to find the U2 concert DVD under my CHRISTmas tree!

Truth

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 21:38:41 GMT

This world is an interesting place in which to live! Of course, few alternatives exist (!), but my mind has been filled with some perplexing issues and questions in the past 24 hours. Here are some examples:

- Canada has approved group sex because it poses no threat to society. See here.

- Pennsylvania is unable to see atheism as a legitimate religion. Although the vast majority of USAmericans believe in a Creator, it is somehow unconstitutional to even question the antiquated theory that we all just appeared from nothing. For the record, I want my children to learn about Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and even the religion of Secular Humanism/Atheism. Let them objectively consider various viewpoints. That's fine with me. I have nothing to hide or fear. Instead, Darwin is the only source of truth, despite the fact that his theory remains just that, a theory that will never be proven. I cannot prove Intelligent Design either, but someone besides a 19th century scientist should be able to at least offer an explanation on how we got here. It bothers me that the arrogant elite are too intolerant to educate on matters of culture. There is a tremendous difference between freedom OF religion and freedom FROM religion.

- Speaking of religion, last night Barbara Walters spent two hours on ABC offering perspectives on Heaven. It was quite interesting. It is no wonder that people say truth is relative! All roads cannot possibly lead to God when they are clearly mutually exclusive! It was sad to hear an atheist dismiss "all religion" as being superstition.

- I have been listening to a fascinating forum related to gay Christianity moderated by the ever-provocative Brian McLaren. I cannot say it has done much to change my convictions, but it is yet another reminder that there is tremendous diversity within the Church and too often so-called Christians fail to act as the "little Christs" that their label delineates. The discussion is far from comprehensive, but it is good food for thought.

I guess it's safe to say that I have many thoughts running through my head, all of which have the common thread of truth. What is truth? Is there such thing? Is it obtainable? My leader, Jesus Christ, said,

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

- John 14:6-7

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Wed, 14 Dec 2005 12:52:35 GMT

Somehow time has flown like the snow that blows throughout the brisk not-yet-winter-but-sure-feels-like-it air in the Great Lakes State. Perhaps my writing lulls can be attributed to the time and energy drain that I call Hebrew class. Last night I submitted my final research paper for Hebrew 3, thus bringing to a conclusion yet another semester of seminary. Although I have another Hebrew class next semester and a total of twelve credits remaining, I will graduate in May and be finished (you can take that word two different ways!) in June. Start shopping now for that special graduation gift (ha ha!).

Speaking of shopping, that seems to be the things this time of year. I used to wait until the last minute (yes, even CHRISTmas Eve!). When I buy gifts for my wife, I get impatient and want to just give them to her. I have learned through the years that 1) I can be patient and disciplined enough to buy and hide and 2) life is far less stressful if I do not have to fight the crowds the week of the 25th. Of course, online shopping has been a tremendous blessing, too. Therefore, I am more than pleased to announce I have completed my shopping. Except for one thing.

What to get Jesus for His birthday? No, seriously. He obviously does not want anything from WalMart or Macy's, but I wonder what He would like more than anything else. Sure, my heart, my time, my energy, my devotion, my obedience, etc., but what specifically can I give Him this year? What are you giving Him?

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Wed, 19 Oct 2005 20:22:13 GMT

Welcome back! Yes, it has been a while. Fall is in full swing. The color of Ann Arbor has morphed from green into a vast array of reds, oranges, and yellows. Despite the shortcomings of the Wolverines, this is a spectacular season in a wonderful city lacking hurricanes, floods, and tropical storms (though I will be somewhat jealous of those warmer regions in a few months when the only hue visible outside my window is white!).

I am keenly aware of my shortcomings, those of others, and the effects of The Fall on the human condition. Relationships can be unpredictable and messy. Life gets in the way of dreams and quests. There are never enough hours in the day, dollars in the bank, or energy in my soul to be the man, husband, father, leader, and friend that I desire to be.

A friend recently told me his greatest challenge was in passing his faith on to his children. With so many changes in culture, worldview, and technology, the methods of evangelism (I don’t like that word, either!) so useful in the past seem inadequate in conveying the revolutionary life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The world is largely unaware of what following Jesus truly involves.

I believe the central problem in society lies in the selfish pride that is found within each of us. We must make a conscious effort to “consider others better than ourselves.” If love is really putting the needs of another above our own, then loving God and loving our neighbor are not only the two most important things, they are also the two most difficult. It is as if everyone has a piece of rope in a massive tug of war, each individual seeking to gain us much as possible, none willing to let go and surrender their desires for the sake of others. Imagine what tension would be released if we would just let go. I want to let go of my rope. Do you?

Thursday, September 15, 2005

Thu, 15 Sep 2005 13:45:52 GMT

Sunday was a fantastic reminder of God's faithfulness as Frontline celebrated its 6-year anniversary. Our new facility was decked out with new paint and signage. We had numerous first-time guests as well as many returning newcomers. Our weekly free dinner featured authentic Mexican food as well as American dishes. It was a very memorable evening.

Now what? The "Frontline Living Room" is a fine meeting place, but it is not in "the heart of Ann Arbor." I refuse to think of any building as "the church." Instead, we are called to go "into all the world" and offer faith, hope, and love. We continue to seek new ways to "be Jesus with skin on" and serve our city and world. On October 2, we will sponsor the Ann Arbor AIDS Walk for the fourth time. We continue to partner with Habitat for Humanity. On the global front, we will be tutoring English students next month.

What else can we do? How can we serve "the heart of Ann Arbor?" I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas. I also hope we can continue to synergize with other groups/ministries.

Thursday, September 01, 2005

Thu, 01 Sep 2005 10:16:51 GMT

September has finally arrived. Like many, I have been grieved by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Though I can only see it through the lenses of television and the Internet, it is overwhelming to grasp the suffering, chaos, and loss. I freely admit to asking the question, "Why?" Moments like these test our faith, yet I find mine getting stronger in the process as I stand in awe of God's power, purposes, and plan. My perspective is so limited. I am so small. Yet the Creator and Blessed Controller of all things desires to know us more than anything else. What an incredible reality!

On a less serious note, I bought my first electric guitar yesterday on eBay. It is a Paul Reed Smith SE EG (for you guitar geeks). I will now impatiently wait for its arrival before becoming a bona fide rock star (ha ha!).

Hebrew class (the third of four I must take) began very well this week. The emphasis is on homework and text analysis rather than tests and memorization so it should take more time with less stress. I can live with that!

This weekend I make my debut as a youth speaker (!). I have been asked to give two messages at a retreat for Ann Arbor Hope Church while Heather does the same for the children (it is a family retreat). I pray that God gives me His words to speak since I have little experience with teens.

I am gaining experience, however. Both of our Korean students have arrived and are getting adjusted to life in Ann Arbor. Joseph, one of our students from last year, stopped by last night. It was good to see him again.

Frontline is preparing for our fall kickoff on September 11 (yes, tragic date). I am very excited about this new ministry season and our new series on The Real Jesus.

Special greetings to all at the Mosaic Alliance (good chat yesterday). Let me know your iChat address and we can videoconference!

Peace,

Kirk

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

Tue, 23 Aug 2005 12:40:39 GMT

Life is full of memorable moments…and the space in between. This summer has been exciting and fruitful. We took our first trip to South Korea. We completed several home improvement projects (with the help of some professionals!). We spent a lot of time together as a family at water parks, amusement parks, visiting friends, and relaxing at home.

Fall is just around the corner. The kids start school on Thursday. Heather has already been busy this week with teacher orientation (she is again teaching drama part-time at the kids' school). So this is the week in between. Summer vacation has essentially ended, yet we're not fully engaged in the school year.

King Solomon wisely noted that there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). That includes the transitions, too.

Carpe Diem!

Thursday, August 04, 2005

Thu, 04 Aug 2005 14:09:41 GMT

There's no place like home! Hey, didn't I just write that two entries ago? Better to be busy than bored. After making my electric guitar debut at IMPACT last week (with a borrowed guitar), I now want to buy one of my own. I already bought an effects unit (Zoom GFX-1) and now need a guitar for it (although it will work surprisingly well with acoustics like my Martin). If you or someone you know would like to part with an electric guitar for little (or no!) money, let me know.