A Day in the Life of WDW

Wishing I was there... BV

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years (A Review)

Greetings Faithful Readers...

When I finished the latest book by Donald Miller...I didn't know what to do with the way I felt.  I had just been challenged...yet oddly comforted.  Satisfied with my place in life...yet feeling like I needed to step up.  It's the type of book that you read and want to do something about how you feel right away... I'd better explain:

[Warning: If you don't want to know ANYTHING about the story...stop here...mild plot spoilers]

In the book, Donald Miller is given the opportunity to be a part of the production of a movie about his book Blue Like Jazz.  However, during the script writing process, he discovers that the co-writers think his life isn't exciting enough to film as-is.  Instead they create an alternate Donald...and go to work writing a fictitious (and rather embellished) version of his life.  Which got Don to thinking...

What has my life been about?  What is my story?  What impact has my story had on the world?  How much time is left to change things? 

Big questions to be sure.

What follows in the later chapters is a challenging (yet never heavy-handed) group of stories, examples, and anecdotes which force you to think about these same things... Where am I (or you) in the big picture?  What's my story and why does it matter?

Honestly, there were chapters I wanted to read again...some that challenged me that I could barely get through...and one in particular that made me cry...hard.

I loved this book.  This is not only a great read...it is an experience.  Donald Miller has matured quite a bit since his early material and it shows.  His words are impactful without making the reader feel overwhelmed or inadequate.  I highly recommend this and hope that it affects your life in some way...

BV

What is G?

Greetings Faithful Readers...

In the last couple of weeks, there have been some amazing announcements...  The start of our new Sunday evening service, beach baptism and barbeque, the kickoff of our Heroes and Villains series, the breakthrough of 12,200 in attendance, and family fun nights (Sundays @ 3:30PM - CC Campus). 

God is doing amazing things at FRC...

But there is one thing that I think deserves special attention...on October 10/11, 2009 we are having a special offering...and we're calling it "G".  What does the "G" stand for?  Generosity.  This isn't an offering to keep the lights on... No, this offering is aimed at the salvation of the world.  How will we accomplish this?  The money will go to reaching the world for Christ...  Maybe that means staffing...or a much needed essential repair... In all cases, those funds (above and beyond regular giving) will help Flamingo Road reach the world for Christ. 

The big questions:  Are you going to be a part of it?  Will you take advantage of the opportunity to give to something with eternal implications?  

I have challenged everyone on the Internet Campus to get involved...from all over the world... It is my prayer that you'll join us.

For more information:  http://www.flamingoroadchurch.com/g-offering

See you online (www.frclive.tv),

BV

My Current Top 5 iPhone Apps

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Just wanted to take a second and let you know my current top 5 iPhone apps.  I get asked this question quite a bit, so here's a short list of what I'm using the most right now:

1)  feX for Facebook ($1.99) - A way to sync your Facebook friends with your contacts (photos and all).  You never thought you'd use this...but you will.  A very cool app.

2)  Drop7 ($2.99) - Basically a puzzle game fan's dream.  Match up the numbers...eliminate the columns...like digital crack.  You're welcome.

3)  www.frclive.tv (free) - YES!  You can now watch our services LIVE on your iPhone!  Simply go to this address on your iPhone...it will auto-detect that you are connecting with your mobile device and go to our custom-made stream.  Anywhere!  WiFi,3G, or EDGE!

4)  Twittelator Pro ($4.99) - Probably my #1 app question...what am I using for Twitter.  This one is simply the best.  TwitPic preview, tweet audio/video, fast loading, customizable.... I could go on.  Trust me, if you check Twitter as often as I do, you'll love this app.

5)  DirectTV (free) - If you are a DirectTV subscriber and have a DVR with them...this app rocks.  You're sitting at dinner and totally forget to set it to record the latest episode of "The Amazing Race"... you can do it from the comfort of your table.  Works well...not too flashy...and is pretty reliable.

That's it for this one everybody... Do you have a great app that I might not have heard of?  Please let me know in the comments!

BV

Mercy

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Maybe you can help me with something... I've been thinking about this for the past 3 days and I can't seem to come to a conclusion:

Why is there so little mercy and forgiveness among Christians? 

I've been talking with a lot of Christ-followers lately and they have been telling me how beat-up they feel by other believers.  This shouldn't be the case.

I went back through scripture and couldn't get past this verse:

³⁵By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  (John 13:35)

Are we loving one another? Turning the other cheek?  Providing solutions rather than creating problems?  Extending mercy to others in the same way Christ gave it to us?  Am I doing these things?

I'm not condemning anyone...or judging Christians in general.  Simply making an observation of some things I've noticed lately.

Let's pray for each other.

BV