February 2012
12 posts
5 tags
Fork You, Mom.
Orlando, CA
Developing a youth ministry here in Florida is exciting. Our tiny leadership team is constantly reminded that as it booms, nothing is from us. We’re partaking, by the grace of God, in a bountiful harvest. Last week, as we all met together for food and extended worship I was approached. I was approached by the uncommonly chipper, high-voiced, and awkward but joyful laugher after every...
4 tags
Teachers 3 v. Jessica 2
San Diego, CA
I am certain that humans are naturally depraved. Nothing has convinced me more of this than my relationship with teachers.
On a warm Southern California day, at early afternoon, in my 7th grade history class I gingerly rose my hand and was quickly called upon. I asked my short-haired, cat-loving, single, mid-forties teacher if she was a lesbian.
At the time, I was curious and...
5 tags
Now I Know Why God Let Me Play Basketball That One...
Orlando, FL
Again, I am a nanny, here in Florida. I find that the families that require nannies are headed up by two really rad, influential people. Or families with lazy moms paired with expendable incomes. But in my case, thankfully, it has been the rad, influential type. I have been amused, loved, entertained and annoyed very well by the cumulative of now seven kids, coming from three...
6 tags
A Series of Most Embarrassing Events: Certain...
I pride myself on being the initiator and reason behind other people’s most embarrassing moments. But sometimes, I fall victim, I fall victim real badly.
Once upon a time I was fifteen, at the beach, laughing so hard on the shore that when I was slapped on the side of my body by an aggressive Southern California wave, I had no idea I was flashing my whopping 34A cup to one of my guy friends. The...
6 tags
Relevance and the Gospel
Orlando, FL
A very influential man in my life once said, in reference to the ground-breaking and counter-culture teachings of Jesus, that it is absolutely not our goal to be relevant to this culture. A couple weeks later I’m checking my twitter account and Relevant Magazine put out an article about Zach Galifianakis that I deemed – “trying way too hard” on behalf of the Christian staff at...
9 tags
The Study of Juan: Turning Water into Margaritas
Orlando, CA
High school girls. One of the reasons I landed in Florida before any other desired location. If you know a group of high school girls that need some discipleship, truth and grace spoken over them and a kick in the butt – then I’m probably heading to a town near you.
Along with a couple of Gospel-loving and Gospel-reminding dudes I’ve known for a few years now, I help lead a sort of...
7 tags
Guard Your Fart Not Your Heart
Orlando, FL
“Guarding your heart” – a phrase done and deemed and officially overused by girls across the world. Somewhere along the way, at some church, some influential person improperly dropped that one and Christendom hasn’t looked back ever since. Chapters in cheesy Christian books have been written about it, bible studies have been based on it and middle school girl retreats have been themed...
4 tags
G, D, F, Am - Wow, You're a Christian Music...
Have you ever gotten in a twitter fight with a famous Christian music artist? Would you think I was lying if I said I have?
Well, yes I have.
Since as long as I can remember, Christians have complained about Christian music. The conversation is now officially exhausting. Christian artists write simple songs, with simple melodies and simple chords so the less musically talented can replicate them...
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8 tags
Does Jesus Hate Religion? Kinda, Sorta, Not Really
Orlando, FL
I was hoping this would happen. The Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus video has gone viral and people are responding.
This is Kevin DeYoung’s, for lack of a better term, rebuttal. I found it fascinating.
Here is the link if you have not yet watched it.
UPDATE: Since I posted this article, Jefferson Bethke and I have had a chance to talk by email and over the phone. I...
11 tags
Teachers 3 v. Jessica 2
San Diego, CA
I am certain that humans are naturally depraved. Nothing has convinced me more of this than my relationship with teachers.
This Teachers v. Jessica is brought to you by my 23 year old self. This is not about me in middle school nor high school. This happened no less than two months ago. Here goes.
Last semester I had a raging, Italian, female, borderline verbally abusive...
