The Simpsons Movie--the Defining Movie of a Generation

All I can say is "I'm smelling Oscar...in the best animated Simpson film of 2007."

Paella, Mediterranean Salad, Ribs, Chicken and Ice Cream Cake

Nothing like a lazy Saturday afternoon culminating with paella, baby back ribs, mediterranean salad, Greek chicken and Kacey's ice-cream cake--all taken around the table with dear friends. Doesn't get better than that!

Rich Nathan--Vineyard Columbus

I had the privilege of spending a couple of hours with Pastor Rich Nathan of Vineyard Church in Columbus yesterday. Vineyard is about as externally focused as churches can get. Within their facility they have a medical, dental, chiropractic, legal and eye clinic. They have planted 24 churches. They have 375 small groups and this year hope to plant 40+ churches in Indonesia. This summer they have over 120 Samalise in a summer program at Vineyard. Vineyard is the kind of church that is a great candidate for being part of the first Missional Renaissance Leadership Community that Reggie McNeal and I will begin in November.

Books and Brew Goes Co-ed

Susie Richardson, the self-proclaimed Amelia Earhart (the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic) and Annie Edson Taylor (the first woman to go over Niagra Falls in a Barrel) of Books and Brew set the new high bar for this summer event waxing eloquently about books that changed her life. Her courageous entry into the formerly all-male group encouraged the participation of Liz Swanson and Janet Wineman who both made stellar and erudite contributions.

Bob and Libby Wedding 07-07-07

Saturday was a great day for some very good friends--Bob Swenson and Libby Crafton tied the knot at the Winding River Ranch in Grand Lake. The wedding was all-time. We started at 10am with a variety of games and competitions that culminated with a rubber duck race down the river. A 2pm barbecue followed by a 4pm wedding. People from France, China, Africa and various parts of the U.S. showed up to be part of the festivities. John Lamb, Uncle Chuck and I performed the ceremony. Bob and Libby shared thier stories of Jesus intersecting their lives and the audience applauded. New York luminary, Harold Wong, who, during his active career reached out to more people in New York City than any living person (he was the fastest toll-taker on the Triborough Bridge and any other bridge in the city), put his signature to the marriage license as a trustworthy witness. Doesn't get better than that.

They aged well in 60 years

Behind Boyd and Violet is their wedding picture taken 60 years ago. Didn't they look spectacular? Don't they still look spectacular?

The week in Stockton was great. We cleaned out the garage, Dad said goodbye to his Mercedes that he's had for 31 years, we packed up boxes, had barbecues, leafed through pictures and had a ball.

Small decisions reap large harvest. This week was a good time to realize and experience, first hand the fruits of love and faithfulness.