blog one another

Mission: Silicon Valley

Andrew Hamilton, or "Hamo", has begun to blog a series focusing on suburbia -- though in fact he has been blogging for years about the challenges of mission in the suburbs. In What Is Suburbia? he initially puts forth a geographical understanding of suburbia -- that is, the region between the outer limits of the city and the beginnings of rural areas. But then he goes on,

I say 'geographically' because I'm not sure if that is the only way to frame an understanding of suburban life. I have a sense that suburbia might be equally described by the values and patterns of life that give form to it. Things like stability, security, conformity and consumerism are some of the more common aspects.

This got me thinking about the peculiarities of mission here in San Jose: How do the geography, the patterns of life, and the values of Silicon Valley interact? What are the channels for the gospel, and what are the barriers which must be overcome or actively opposed?

Technorati Tags: missional

Conversation with JWs

One benefit of being home today: a couple of young Jehovah's Witnesses came by. In years past, I would have dialed up my "catalog of cults" to recall just what their heresies were (trying not to get them confused), and Bible verses that refute their teachings. It's almost like the goal was to out-Bible them; if you could do that, you won!

But I am done with the "battle of Bible verses" game.

Today they came by, explaining that they had come before but found no one home. As usual, they offered me a copy of the Watchtower magazine, helpfully opened to an article that would explain something: "We'd like to give to you. Do you think you would read it?"

I replied, "Honestly? No. I would be more interested to hear your own story."

Technorati Tags: jehovah's witness

The Hobbit

One of our family rituals is my reading to the kids at night. I have waited for years to read (until the youngest was old enough to follow and appreciate it) The Hobbit. We finished it tonight. I got through the death of Thorin without crying.

LOTR will have to wait some years yet. (I have some experience, having read it all aloud to Kay when we were newlyweds with no television.)

At-home dad

Kay will be flying to Ohio later this week to bury her father's ashes, leaving me with the kids. I was planning to work from home, until Kay reminded me that I could use my remaining bereavement leave. So I'll be working Monday and Tuesday, then Kay leaves early Wednesday morning, returning Sunday morning.

This is a pretty unique opportunity: Dad time, with no work, for days. What am I going to do?? This is where I need your help: What would kids between the ages of 10 and 15 enjoy doing with their dad, in and around the South Bay? Your suggestions, please.

(The suggestions don't have to be grand, because I know that the activity itself is less important than the fact that we get to do it together.)

Poll results

And the numbers are in! In response to the question of where I should post random "stuff",

44% said "On your blog"
19% said "In your Facebook status"
15% said "Please Twitter it"
15% said "Doesn't matter, I don't follow your daily life"
7% said "Doesn't matter, I don't even read your blog"

I like that last one in particular.

Anyway, I'll try to get back in the habit of putting more "stuff" here. That said, I spent this evening reconnecting with old friends from high school. I'll leave you to guess where.

Poll: Where should I post daily personal "stuff"?

So the other day I was showing Noelle our nifty Roomba, which we like very much. She sort of sniffed and said, "It couldn't have been that great -- you didn't blog about it." Ah, but I did put it in my Facebook status, so Noelle, you're missing out because a fair bit of random stuff goes there.

But that helped me realize that I used to post the random "stuff" of daily life right here -- so those of you who either a) refuse to try Facebook because it's trendy which makes it uncool, or b) are on Facebook but are not one of my "friends", may be missing out. Or not.

So, dear reader, I would appreciate it if you would take this poll. Both of you.

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Wanted

Men and Women Wanted: For hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful.

What: Following the wild, untamed Jesus
Where: South side of San Jose
Orientation: Missional-incarnational

Please contact me if I have described you.
You can email me through my About page, or send me a message on Facebook.

Update: This is like a personal, isn't it? We can meet for coffee and get to know each other. No need for flowers.

Technorati Tags: missional

Redefining the American Dream

Hannah's Lunchbox

(h/t: Ragamuffin Minister)

Update: Here's another which Mike posted:

Eight Dollar Hot Dog

Freeze Project 2

They're at it again, using Improv Everywhere-inspired performance art to raise awareness of the scourge of modern-day slavery. This time, they hit Downtown Disney:

Human trafficking is driven by money. Reduce the market by reducing demand. Reduce demand by increasing awareness.

Technorati Tags: humantrafficking, slavery, trafficking

Deconstructing postmodern culture

Check out this spoken word performance!

(h/t: Greg)