An Evening with Donald Miller

I spent the evening listening to a great author tonight as Donald Miller spoke on the campus of Cedarville University. A few of my friends, my wife, and I went up there to listen to the wordsmith behind "Blue Like Jazz."

From the very beginning it was a great time. I really get inspired by people like Mr. Miller; people who are not afraid to go right up to the line and sometimes tip-toe along it. People who aren't afraid to say "lesbian erotic poetry night" from the stage in a chapel on the campus of a Baptist college.

He made some interesting statements, some questionable statements, and a few that I am sure just plain offended people. (myself excluded)

He read an essay on truth and meaning, which was centered on the "million little pieces" scandal. He also took a few questions from the audience in which he explained how sex is like money, how the emerging church movement meets in a cave and plots to overthrow the republicans, and how Job might not have spoken to God using poetry.

After the Q and A, he read from his latest book, "To Own a Dragon," which revolves around his life growing up with out a father, but with many father-figures.

All in all, this was one of the best nights I have had in quite a while.

Update 3/23/06

So, I have been pretty overwhelmed over the past few weeks. Not overwhelmed in a stressed out sense, really. It is more like being overwhlemed by the struggle between my will and God's.

Let me try to explain. After a great five years, I felt God leading me away from my church home. Now, sure, there have been ups and downs, some hurt feelings, and impatient moments along the way; but I was really committed to sticking it out and working through any "issues" that might have been present.

Well, 2 weeks ago today, I resigned my membership from that church. Why? Because I honestly believe God wanted me to. I can't explain it any clearer. If you would like to read the letter of resignation, it is available here. Anyway. That leads me to the current struggles I face. School, 3rd Place, and a Church home.

School:
I started back this week at CCU. I am working towards completing my B.A. in Ministry/Leadership. I hope to pursue my Masters as well. This is a great opportunity for me to learn and grow, to challenge and question, and to network and gain experience. I really do love the opportunity God has given me there. The struggle? Time management. I am such a procrastinator. Because I put of my school work, other areas suffer. THis is something I am going to change.

3rd Place:
Closing in on 2 years! I can't believe it. What started as a "small group" is developing into something much more. My personally desire would be to plant it as a "house church." But I am cautious to pursue my own dreams. I really want to let God make things happen. If God wants the same thing then there are a few things that need to be addressed.

1) a new meeting place. We currently meet in a townhome, and although cozy, it can get crowded. If we grow in numbers, we will need to meet somewhere else.

2) funding. right now there are a few financial contributors to 3rd place, but if we are to meet the needs of more people, we will most likely need to have more financial support.

3) leaders. if we grow, we will need people to step up to the plate as leaders. people who can use their gifts and talents in ways that glorify God and help others as well.

A church home: if 3rd place becomes a house church, then it will be my church home, but if not, I still need somewhere I can be fed. I work on Sunday mornings, so a Saturday night service is a great opportunity for me. Although I have attended a church on Saturday nights lately, it has been inconsistent to say the least.

Finally, I have a couple project that have been calling my name. One is a book I started writing about a minister named Ray and his friends. This book is going to be completed, I just don't know when. The other project came to me this week and is potentially another book, although it feels more like a screenplay, i have to figure this one out. Let's just say it is potentially the best thing I have ever written. Ever.

Well that is the update for this week.

Please check out the 3rd Place site. See ya!

Some sports stuff

Last night, a group of us went to the Bombers game. Man it was a pretty awful game. We had a great time. Just a fun group of friends (some new and some old), but the game was bad. I mean, the Bombers took nearly 30 shots on goal and scored only one miserable goal. There was not one fight, actually there was barely even any pushing, and there was something strange...was it manners? We actually saw a Bombers player check an opposing player into the boards only to say something to the effect of, "Sorry man, my bad."! What is up with my game? I mean, I really love watching live hockey, but yesterday the only enjoyable play on ice was when the pee-wee teams (ages 3 - 8) took the ice.

On a different note, it is March Madness! This is one of my favorite times of the year. I don't really get into college basketball throughout the season, except to watch an IU game here or there. There is just something different about tourney time. Growing up in Indiana, basketball is a part of my DNA. Even if I try to stop watching, a part of me "needs" it.

Well, that's it for today, but I will leave you with a few inspirational quotes.

"You will miss 100% of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky

"We are the music makers, we are the dreamers of the dreams." - Willy Wonka

"It's hard work. Sometimes, I even come in on Saturdays. It's hard." Will Forte as George W. Bush in SNL Sketch

The new one.

WEll it has been a while, but I think I am unofficially done with the new websites. They both launched this past week and I have seen a lot of traffic. The 3rd Place site has a lot of new and exciting resources, including the podcast. (which I am really excited about.)

The other site, MichaelBox.Com is also closing in on finished. THere are still some tweaks here and there that I want to make, including an enormous list of helpful links.

Keep checking back, this will be a fun blog.