I'm here in the digital lounge of the Emergent Conference. Pastors from every state and denomination are in here checking mail and listening to the new Jars of Clay hymns project. There are theological discussions going on in every cafe and couch in this place. I just love the energy, excitment, and the interactionat this conference! Brian McLaren is speaking tonight, and if you know anything about me, you know I'm jazzed! I've had a few discussions with people who are kinda scared of him and what he is talking about. He is one of the main leaders in the discussion of the whole postmodern matrix and how to be a Christian in that culture. Some of the questions he asks are very uncomfortable questions to deal with, but I believe they NEED to be asked. We need to wrestle with questions of absolute truth and whether or not certain traditions should be kept or eliminated. There are tons of people who truly feel that they can't turn to the church because, "they already feel bad, the church will only make me feel worse". The church needs to be a "safe place" for people to go when life is a mess. But it is viewed as a place of judgment, not of love. We need to check our ourselves when we unjustly judge someone for the type of clothes they wear or style of music they enjoy. Christians especially are good at putting labels on people and things. I must strive to be more and more like Jesus and simply love. Oh Great God, help me to be like that. . . . -chris

Happy Mother's day everyone! My family and I all went to Woodmont this morning, then out for lunch at Olive Garden. We waited and hour and a half before being seated (the line was crazy)! But time with Mom is always time well spent. I guess time with family should always be time well spent! Vicki's dad was in town this weekend and we revived two personal passions of mine: playing Rook and fishing. I have actually been thinking about fishing for a while now, so a couple of weeks ago I bought a rod and reel combo and some artificial lures- waiting for my chance to prove to Vicki that I bring home fish as well as the bacon. My Dad, Jack (my father-in-law) Janelle, (my sis-in-law) and Vicki all hopped in the car and headed for the lake. We spent the whole afternoon fishing and laughing together. This may be biblical, I'm not sure, but I think there is something wired into every man that has this carnal desire to fish- it's that thrill of the chase; that puzzle to figure out: Where are they? Which lure is most effective? It's that thrill of the moment when you feel that nibble . . that little bite . . . when to pull hard and set the hook. . . now? . . no wait just a little longer. . . We didn't catch a lot. Just a few baby brim. Nothing that we could take home and set before the family- proud of our kill. Proud that we can be the providers of shelter and FOOD. No, we ended up catching these tiny brim and ultimately fed them a free dinner (if they were willing to jump on our hooks just a minute for pictures). I guess on the other side, I think it's funny that I spend so much time trying to outwit an animal that has almost no mental capacity! Have fun everyone, and, if you haven't already, call your Mom! Go fishing, too! -chris