Deurty

I had the awesome opportunity to go to the Catalyst One Day event in Granger, IN. The conference featured Craig Groeschel of LifeChurch.TV and Andy Stanley from Northpoint. During the entire conference: the singing, the teaching, the breaks, and the activities I observed people on iphones and laptops Twittering away... I like Twittering. It is my new favorite way to "blog" and stay in the loop. I twitter somewhat regularly. However, I thought it was a little obscene to see guys sitting down engrossed in thumb tapping what was happening while others stood and participated. I may be WAY judgemental on this, but I wonder how much we miss in our attempt to share what is going on. Remember that question: "if a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it - does it still make a sound?" Today's version could be: "am I really having an experience if I am not twittering about it? I like to share what is going on and what I'm thinking with friend...

I like Facebook. It was made for someone like me. I'm a sentimental freak. I like catching up with old friends and getting a whiff of their current life. I also like to share things that I care about with folks on facebook. One really cool website that provides outstanding perspective is: Global Rich List. I love this site because when we as American's talk about needing more money and stuff it is obscene - especially as we reflect on the world around us... often as close as our own city. So - I wanted to let people know about this site, but it was repeatedly blocked. Apparently users thought it was offensive. So it got me to thinking... Who would block a site to reveal where you stand economically in the world? I think it comes down to what people think the motivation of the site is. As you look at the site it becomes obvious (at least if you land in the top % of incomes) that it is about thinking differently about money, being rich, spending, and the impact you can m...

One of my favorite movies is "The Castle" from Australia. Here is a montage of some clips of Daryl John Kerrigan. What's a pulpit? sd

We gathered in "the round" today. Here is a pic of me chatting from the center about generosity. BRAD took this picture. I thought doing it in the round was a nice change. We've done it before, but not like this... The benefits for us: > It was an easy change to make that added some excitement. > It got everyone out of their usual routine and seats. > The band was behind us which reminded us that worship music isn't performance. > People got to see people in a different setting. > The room felt more cozy and warm. > The sound was great. > Everyone facing the center was an image of putting God at the center of our $. The downsides for us: > Sone people didn't like to be looked at during the singing. > I had to concentrate more on where I looked as I spoke so I didn't spin. > Everyone at some point had to look at my backside - maybe that is a benefit. > Took a bit longer to set the room up. Overall it was a great morning becau...

A friend of mine uses the phrase, "Showing Up." I like that phrase. As a follower of Jesus I think this phrase fits who I am supposed to be and what I'm supposed to do. Jesus showed up - "The Word became flesh and lived among us for a while..." I like this about Jesus - He comes down - He comes to us - He wraps Himself with flesh and blood. He shows up. Jesus showed up while He lived among us - He didn't come to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. Jesus showed up in His actions and met practical and spiritual needs. He forgave people, loved them, fed them, healed them, and gave His very life for them. How can the church (the Body of Jesus) show up in this season of financial difficulties? What if the church was known for radical generosity? What if we showed up to meet practical needs around us - with our skills, our cash, and our lives? I like the end result that Jesus talks about... 'People will see your good deeds ...

Over five years ago I started this blog. When I started I enjoyed sitting down and giving updates on my life, what I was experiencing, and sharing things that where on my mind and heart. Many of the earlier posts were longer... The word "rant" started to creep into the vocabularies of bloggers. I have to admit that I would much rather check in on someone through TWITTER or Facebook for quick updates or thoughts now. So - as this blog morphs into something else in the future (trying to figure that out still) - I encourage you to join the TWITTER universe and follow me here. Twittdeur, sd

Today I humbly announce that I am running for President of the United States in 2024. I ask for your prayers, your support, and all the money you can start raising. :) Just kidding - kind of, Have a great election day, Steve