In Northern Ireland thinking of Uganda and Louisiana

I have a lot going on in my life right now. Not really externally but inside. But this morning, as I washed the dishes in our extra small sink while Ben played and Maria slept, I couldn't help but think and pray about two things far, far away and really not connected to my world at all.

If you've ever checked my blog roll then you know there are some bloggers in Uganda right now on behalf of Compassion International. The question is: can blogging change the world? Well, Flowerdust, Ragamuffin Soul, Spence Smith, Randy Elrod, and others set about to find out. The Blog Team is in Uganda to see Compassion's work firsthand. Read their up-to-the-minute blogs up until February 18th. I'm always humbled by how much we have considering how little so many others have. And so this morning my thoughts were in Uganda...

...and Louisiana. Yes, Louisiana. I don't know much about Bethany World Prayer Center. I've heard some of their worship CDs and the pastor of Church of the Highlands where we attend in B'ham is from there. Other than that, I'm not very familiar with them. But this week, I've received several emails and saw on a couple blogs that Joel Stockstill's wife, Amy, passed away from cancer. And so, my thoughts were far, far away again and focused on a family who must be hurting.

We all have "stuff" going on in our lives but never so much that we can't consider others even those we don't know. I think that's why Paul said, "each man should look not only to his own interests but also the interests of others."

Jesus Greater Than...

Came across this site a few months back but didn't really explore it until today. www.jesusgreaterthan.org is a new organization that raises awareness to issues they believe critical.

We are trying to answer the cries of the oppressed by taking action.

They accomplish this through various campaigns. For instance, all the proceeds of Jesus>Poverty go to Compassion International. Jesus>War funds go into a special scholarship for children who have lost parents in war. Jesus>Thirst to build wells in Kenya.

I love the concept of it all but on a personal level it reminds me that Christ is greater than anything I could ever face.

Jesus>Fear
Jesus>Death
Jesus>Sin
Jesus>Failure
Jesus>Hurt

Be honest, what is it in your life that you need to be reminded that Jesus is greater than?

Santa Fe Cattle Co... Its ok... Just ok. ???

That's what I Twittered last night while at dinner with my family. On the surface, no big deal right? I mean by all normal standards I was just tossing out there in Twitterland for everyone to know that Santa Fe is just average. It's not Bern's or anything.

Funny (meaning sad) how we get so used to living a certain way compared to the rest of the world that our whole frame of reference changes (meaning it's incredibly screwed up). So, I'm standing there in worship last night at Highlands and I can't stop thinking about my Twitter. It bothered me because when we sit down to eat, we really do pause and thank God that we have food to eat... that we actually have food to eat. I mean I left the place full... more full than I should have and the only thing I have to say is it was "just ok." Most of the world would give anything for "just ok." And so standing there at Highlands, I couldn't stop thanking God for all I've been given...

When I'm hungry, I go to the refrigerator and there is an abundance of food. I can choose whatever I want.

When it rains, I have shelter for me and my family.

When it's cold, I have heat and warm clothes.

My shoes have good soles and that's just one of many, many, far too many pairs.

I have a laptop I'm typing this on that costs more than most people earn in a decade.

We drove a car to church last night and made it there safely...

...then my son walked through the doors to a massive indoor playground and had a blast while my wife and I got our Starbucks coffee.

I could complain that our house is not selling but at least we have a house that isn't selling.

I could complain about the drop in the market but at least we have stock that is falling.

I could complain about losing my my precious Josiah to an ugly disease but I'm thankful he's not dead but rather alive and in a place that has been graciously provided by my Heavenly Father and He is keeping him safe until one day we can be together again...

...and the hope of "being together again" has even been provided to me, my wife and Ben by that same generous and loving Savior.

And so, I'd like to revise my previous Twitter from last night...

Santa Fe Cattle Co... What a gift to sit here with my beautiful family and share a meal together. What a God that's so generous and loving...

Fill in the blanks... "I could complain about _________ but instead __________...."

I've been told I need to blog more...

Well starting February 4th, I'll be blogging from God's country... Northern Ireland that is. Maria, Ben, and I are spending 11 weeks in Derry with our great friends Andrew and Isa. No we're not living with them (talk about inconsiderate houseguests). We'll have our own place that has been generously provided for us. Ecclesiastes says there's a time for everything and this is the time for healing and rest in our lives. We're so thankful to God for each other and for those willing to walk along side and be a voice.

Somewhere a long the line we fall prey to the belief that pastors don't need pastoring themselves. We wouldn't admit that out loud but isn't that a bit like Craig Groeschel's Practical Atheism. We would never say it with our mouth but our actions and attitudes convey it. We don't believe it's true... that pastors don't need pastoring but we live as though it were. I've been guilty of it... Caving to the pressure of being something I'm not. And, I suspect that you are guilty of it as well. Either for yourself if you are a pastor or for those of you that follow one. And so, only a few weeks into 2008, I'm keeping my New Year's resolution... to let people walk beside us and help us.

Speaking of New Year's resolutions... did you set any (whether you wrote them down or called them that)... what were they?... and honesty, how are you doing with them?

BTW... this little jaunt across the pond means I'll be updating my Flickr a bit more as well... so hit me up. Much love.

Disclaimer: Yes, I realize the above pic was taken at Powerscourt which is actually in the Republic not The North. I just like it best, that's all.

Reblog: I'm Not Going to Do Anything For Christ

I normally wouldn't reblog an entire piece but this one demands sharing. Anne, I hope this is ok. If you don't check Flowerdust.net everyday you should. You can also follow Anne on Twitter.

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this year i have only one resolution: to do less.

i’m not talking about simplifying, either. i mean that very literally.

i will do less.

this doesn’t mean i’m complacent. it doesn’t mean i’m lazy. it doesn’t mean i’m apathetic. it doesn’t mean i’m going to sit on my rump all day and google stuff. that’s not what i mean at all.

lately i’ve been studying a really great book that has caused me to re-evaluate my typical complicated way of thinking and doing things.

normally i think, “i want to do more for christ.”

may i be so bold to state: i don’t want to do anything for christ.

the more and more i walk along this road the more and more i realize how backwards i have it. i cannot do anything for christ. the things that are done through me for his kingdom are just that. they are done through me.

in the aforementioned book, watchman nee talks about the process of saving someone who’s drowning.

if they’re doing all they can, fighting to stay afloat, there’s no way somebody can rescue them. they’ll take both the rescuer and themselves down under.

they only way you can rescue a struggling swimmer is to either let them freak out until they’re too tired to do it anymore, or you have to knock them unconscious in order to bring them back.

i have been desperately treading water far too long.

and i really don’t want to be knocked unconscious.

i am going to go and walk in the fact that everything god has accomplished is done. and i just need to lose more of myself and let him guide my steps. i need to get out of the way.

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What do Jay-Z and Desperation Band have in Common?

Not much to be sure but I did you use some leftover holiday iTunes credits to grab some new music from them both. Jay’s Show Me What You Got from his latest CD, Kingdom Come, is a fun little jam and the video of Jay rolling with Dale Earnhart, Jr. while racing Danica Patrick around Monaco makes me wanna hot dog really bad. Don’t know why I said that but it’s a funny line from a movie I’ve never seen. Anyway... Desperation Band’s new one, Everyone Overcome, is a sure winner.

I’m not going to try and sound like a Rolling Stone review, I’ll just tell you that the song Overcome is meaning more to me with every listen. At 9:02 into the song, a young man starts a series of people telling how God has helped them overcome...

"I was afraid and insecure but God helped me overcome..."
"I was complacent but God helped me overcome..."
"I was empty and wanting purpose but God helped me overcome..."
"I was dependent on myself but God helped me overcome..."
"I was angry and confused but God helped me overcome..."

And, on and on it goes... “...and God helped me overcome... and God helped me overcome... and God helped me overcome..." God help us overcome.

Overcome flows right into Maker of Heaven

You are the Maker of Heaven
You turn my world around
You’re making all things new again
Through it all I know You are God alone

New... it seems that the themes of CMC always mirror the themes of my own life. In spite of all my failings and the place of healing we find ourselves in, I’m truly finding out what this word means. The authenticity and realness required to find it though can be daunting at times but there is a freedom that is found in allowing others in. My only New Year’s Resolution... let people walk beside me and help me.

Peace.

I left my one word message to be dropped on NYC. Cliche' as it is... Peace. Let peace literally drop on our world. You know, it really is more of a God word than it is a beauty pageant word. I mentioned John's reference to "perfect love" in my previous post this week in my journey of overcoming fear. Isaiah talks about another perfect... "perfect peace." All of these God-concepts... Love... Peace... Grace... Hope... Faith... would truly make the world a better place. Oh, how I've missed the mark. I'm so much more prone to give into fear and stress and judgment and unrest. So my hope and prayer in my life and through my life in these new beginnings and new year is for Peace. Yes, peace on earth but deeper and more intimate than that. Peace in my heart and quiet in my spirit. Peace in my family and in my relationships. Peace is something we could all use. "May the peace of God which transcends all understanding guard our hearts" this year.

8 Ways to Look Ahead

I wanted to post up a piece from Jon Swanson over at Levite Chronicles. If you don't subscribe to his feed... you should. In his 8 Ways series, he suggests some words to think about as we look ahead and set new goals.

1. More. More often, more intentionally, more consistently.

2. Less. Less often, less reactively, with less intensity, with less (fewer) people.

3. Better. You know what better means for you. What do you want to do better?

4. Worse. What are you, what am I, willing to be worse at…if it will buy space for what is better? Do I want to be a worse packrat? Do I want to be a worse daily blogger?

5. Faster. What could I do faster that would create more time?

6. Slower. What could I do slower that would create more relationship?

7. Thoughtfully. What do I need to actually stop and think about? And how can I plan for that? (Gift-giving, for example)

8. Impulsively. What do I need to release from planning and strategizing?

Overcoming Fear...

I know the title is not creative at all and doesn't really capture the imagination. And yet, at the risk of being too transparent, this is where I'm at in the journey. Overcoming fear... It's so easy to lose sight of the fact... no truth... that we are loved by God. When you become a professional Christian (and I was for years) it is is so common to allow as Bill Hybels says, "the work you are doing for God to kill the work of God in you."

Romans 8:15 - "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

Fear of what people think...
Fear of not being good enough...
Fear of failing...
Fear of rejection...
Fear of not having the goods...
Fear of being unloved...
Fear of being unaccepted...
Fear of losing my son...

I've received a Spirit of sonship. And nothing I do or don't do can change that. I've worked for God most of my adult life. I've loved him but never fully rested in him and his love for me. Fear is an amazing motivator and driver but it's also a nasty taskmaster. Fear has no place in the Christian experience... except for the fear of God of course. But even in that, his perfect love drives out all fear.

1 John 4:18 - "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

So I'm beginning to recognize all the ways fear has driven me. And I'm beginning to allow the perfect love of Christ to drive out fear. I can't live there anymore. I won't live there anymore. May you recognize fear when it creeps in. And may you allow the perfect love of Christ to sooth your soul and remind your that you are first a friend... a son... a daughter.

John 15:15 - "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."

Indescribable

A good friend of mine texted me the other day and mentioned Psalm 77. Said it reminded him of me and when I read it in The Message... I agreed. Being as honest as I can be... I connect more with the first half and have a hard time these days making the leap to the second. I'm sure the writer had a difficult time as well.

In the second half, the psalmist reminds himself of all that God has done and how big he is. As Louie Giglio puts it, "We have to right-size God." Indescribable is a video of Louie explaining how big God is using astronomy as his measuring stick. I've watched it twice and both times was encouraged by a God who's grace is as big as he is. It's definitely worth the 40 minutes of your life to watch it. You have to make it all the way to the end or you lose everything about it.

I Am Greatly Loved

Reblog from John Piper's Desiring God. The only change is to the title. I've replaced "You Are Greatly Loved" with "I Am Greatly Loved." I have to remind myself of this truth all the time. I get into trouble when I don't. I love the fact that it happens to be "Daniel."

Would you not love to hear the angel Gabriel say to you, “You are greatly loved”? Three times this happened to Daniel.

• “At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved” (Dan. 9:23)
• “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you” (Dan. 10:11)
• “And he said, ‘O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage” (Dan. 10:19).
  

Take heart. If you have faith in Jesus, God himself says to you, “You are greatly loved.”

We were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ . . . For by grace you have been saved through faith. (Ephesians 2:3-5, 8).

This is better than an angel's voice. If you are “alive” you are greatly loved.

I'm learning to not walk alone...

For regular readers of Danis Linus, you've undoubtedly seen the lack of posts these past several weeks. They have been crazy to say the least. For those that don't know, I've resigned my position as Master's Commission director in Clearwater and we have moved to Alabama for a season of healing and restoration. The two year mark of losing Josiah came last week as well. I won't go into all the details and specifics but your prayers, encouragement, and grace are coveted as we walk this journey. I'm learning to not walk alone...

So... Danis Linus is back up and running. Check back daily for personal updates as well as the random nonsense that you've grown to love.

Mall Madness

I won't reblog the whole thing here because I want you to head over to www.PastorDonJames.com but he just posted up some thoughts about the holidays and "Mall Madness."

...can I move through the gift, party and busy season and keep my focus on our Lord’s birth, or will madness totally overtake me? Man I hope not. I know Isaiah’s words are ultimately true…none of these things really satisfy the soul. Most of it will be old to me, too small for me, or broken by mid January anyway.

Where Megachurches Are Concentrated

The New York Times published a fascinating map (click the image for larger viewing) that shows the concentration of Mega-churches across the United States.

There are just over 1,300 megachurches in the United States, according to the most recent survey by Prof. Scott Thumma at the Hartford Institute for Religion Research. These are churches that average at least 2,000 in weekly attendance. The shaded areas reflect the density of megachurches in counties across the United States, based on the most recent census figures.

I'm not suggesting that only "mega-churches" can make a significant impact in a city. But, I do like Brian Houston's perspective in his The Church the I See. "The Church that I see is a Church of influence. A Church so large in size that the city and nation cannot ignore it. A Church growing so quickly that buildings struggle to contain the increase."

Agree with this perspective or not, you cannot argue with the fact that there is much work to be done. 85% of the population in the Tampa area are unchurched. Probably not much different where you live as well.

Big... small... in between... whatever. There are all kinds of ways of "doing church" but to be honest, I'm tired of "doing church". We have to get after it and start "being the Church". BTW, the Church is still God's plan for reaching the planet.

Thankful for the Daniels in My Life

I know I said I wasn't going to post today but I felt compelled.  I also want to say that since I'm not giving an Academy Award speech I don't feel the need to run down the list.  Having said that, I wanted to focus on something I'm thankful for... I'm thankful for the Daniels in my life.

My grandfather's name is Daniel Lorenzo Atchison.  He's Pater to me (Pater is Greek for father).  He was the first one to come to faith in Christ decades ago.  If not for him, the Atchison name would be vastly different than it is today.  I have so much respect for who he is and what he's been in my life.  It all started with him.

My father is Daniel Wayne Atchison.  There's not enough room on the Internet to write what he means to me and what he's taught me.  He has been the single biggest influence on my life.  I'm so thankful to God for the father I've been given.

My son's name is Daniel Josiah Atchison.  No place to begin and no place to end.  I learned more from his life than I did from the journey in losing him.  I'm thankful for you son.  Thank you for who you are and all you taught me.

I'm so thankful for the Daniels in my life...

BTW, you may be wondering about the image of the bridge for this post.  Every time I see a bridge, I'm reminded of my dad.  He's the bridge generation that carried the Truth from my grandfather to continuing generations. 

Kuka the Calligraphy Bot

I'm not gonna lie. After seeing the Book of Kells in Dublin, Ireland, this really isn't that impressive. Kuka is a robotic arm that writes calligraphy and is programmed to write out the entire Martin Luther Bible on a long roll of paper. I don't know... a robotic arm? It takes something so passionate and full of life and sterilizes it.

The fact that the Bible was chosen as the subject of this project is quite interesting. Not the first time you know... Gutenberg's Press and all. To most, it's just a book though... a literary piece. I wonder how guilty we are of the same... not in theory but in practice. I'm reminded of Craig Groeschel's bit on being a Practical Atheist. Do you really allow The Word to guide you... instruct you... shape you... change you? It's alive. Maybe that's why I'm not so sure about Kuka the Robotic Arm.

Hit the jump here for more pics...

8 Ways to Be Thanked

Wanted to turn you guys onto one of the blogs I read daily.... Levite Chronicles. I love his "8 Ways" series... here's one appropriate for this week.

1. Someone cleans the bathroom where you live or work or buy coffee. Thank them. (If it’s you, look in the mirror and say, “Jon says thanks.”)

2. Meet your paper carrier at the door and thank them and smile (especially if they *always* throw the paper in the wrong place.).

3. Hold a door open for someone you don’t know. (Bonus points if you hold it for three people. 1000 bonus points if you have to run to get the door for someone who can’t get it for themself).

4. Write an actual email instead of a comment to a blogger who has mattered to you in the past month. Say more than “nice post”. Tell them HOW that post changed how you think. (You lose points if you send one to me.)

5. Show up early (if you are always late). Show up ready (if you never do). Show up awake. Show up with coffee for the other person. Show up smiling. Show up not complaining. Maybe just show up.

6. Someone in your past changed your life. If you have never told them, tell them. This week. Really. (With Google, you should be able to find them.)

7. Tell God that you are trying to figure out whether He’s there.

8. Pick someone that you care about, look them in the eyes, and say “thank you.” and when they say, “for what?”, have a specific reason. (I don’t know what it is. But you do. Right?)

Simplicity is Key

You have to check out this portfolio of peter&wendy over at Behance. Like the title says, "Simplicity is Key" but I also think simplicity can be very beautiful. I love great design that is well thought out and form that clearly conveys its message. Sometimes the message gets lost in the artform and you lose what is trying to be said. You have to have a good expression of both.

Not to expound on this too much in this post about design but the church can be guilty of this as well. So caught up in perfecting the form that the message gets lost. Or... we can ignore and discount the power of methods/medium. No one can hear the message because the presentation lacking creativity or excellence doesn't resonate with them. Anyway... probably took that too far but... there's that.

Adopted Values...

I was talking with CMC2 today at Starbucks about adopted values. I think we should be self-aware concerning what we resonate with and what we don't. It's important to not only know who we are but also, who we are not. It's one thing to copy or borrow from others... I'm not sure if that's the best thing, especially when it comes to something as core as values. But, adopting is something entirely different. When you adopt... you take it as your own. You make it yours. You resonate with it. It becomes part of who you are. To that end, I offer six values that I connect with as a leader and would also overlay onto any spiritual community as guiding values. They come from Catalyst. But, imagine for a moment if every leader... better yet... every member of a spiritual community were...

• Authentic in Influence
• Uncompromising in Integrity
• Passionate about God
• Intentional about Community
• Courageous in Calling
• Engaged in Culture

What a picture that would be... Which one of these do you connect with most and how are they expressed in your journey as a Christ-follower?

Everything is Spiritual

Most of you are probably familiar with Rob Bell through Velvet Elvis, Sex God, or the Nooma short film series. And, most of you probably know he's been on tour this past year and has another tour coming up. Check out this short clip from the Everything Is Spiritual Tour. Good stuff...