Here are the top three most viewed posts from last month in case you missed them:
1. Change in Direction – An update on my job change
2. Our One Hope Wallpaper - A wallpaper I designed based on a great quote
3. Field Notes – A quick look at one of the products I love
Thanks for reading!
A couple weeks ago I was able to write a guest post on a friend’s blog. If you are into design, art or fun, you should head on over to Erin McCabe’s blog Oh and The World Spins Madly On.
Oh and you can read my post here.
It is easy to swing from one extreme to the other. You get burned in a relationship, and all the sudden you promise to never get close to someone else. You take a risk and get shot down, and all the sudden you vow to never risk again. This rarely plays out – but the instinct to over-react is still there. The same thing happens in Christianity.
In his regular Q&A, John Piper was asked if he had any words of caution for the “New Reformed” movement that has become more and more popular of late, especially in the younger circles. In his answer (available here) he makes the following observations:
On the dangers of the contemporary worship awakening:
The danger of the contemporary worship awakening is that we love loving God more than we love God.
On the dangers of the new reformed movement:
The danger of the New Reformed movement is making theology God instead of God God. Loving doing theology rather than loving God.
A great reminder of the dangers of each extreme. Thanks to @lukesammons for the link!
“Our belief is that one day history and hope will be on the same page.”
Dr. Kreider*, Dallas Theological Seminary
Download here:
Our One Hope – 1920×1200 (jpeg)
*at least I think that’s where it’s from? Thanks to @masonking and @haleytranum for sharing the quote!
This summer, Vivien, Todd and I took some time to think through my current job, strengths, future plans and joys and came to the conclusion that a change was needed. This is a very bittersweet transition for us, but I am very excited about this change and the opportunities it presents. Looking back, while there were several stressful/difficult conversations, this has been a great time of growth and excitement in our marriage. Read on for more details if you wish!
Why Change?
Before I even talk through the timeline of events or the end result, I do want to say a few things about my previous position with Young Life:
That being said, Vivien and I have never thought of Young Life as the job I was cut out for. Starting in late May, we were given the freedom to take some time to think through what I would be excited about pursuing, and the confidence to know that WyldLife would be left in good hands if I were too leave.
Narrowing the Search
It was not always clear what position I was looking for, but after talking things through with Vivien, we began getting excited about two paths. One was returning to a Teaching career, and the other was pursuing Pastoral ministry. After meeting with several pastors at The Village, we became even more excited about the idea of pursuing a full-time teaching job and looking for opportunities to gain Pastoral experience on the side. As a result of some of these meetings, I was forwarded an email from Coram Deo Academy about a part-time 8th History & Bible position. Even though it was part-time, we decided it was worthwhile to apply. Decision. Of. The. Year.
The Perfect Fit
The day before I went in for a formal interview, I took part in a phone interview where I mentioned my desire to land a full-time job. At the time there seemed to only be a part-time opening, but we decided that it was best to go forward with the interview either way. The next morning, towards the end of the actual interview, I was presented with a plan the hiring committee put together to provide a full-time position for me. Later in the interview I was told more about the school’s great philosophy, schedule and academic reputation. In a nutshell, here is what I will be doing:
What Will I do with Fridays?
Several things, but I am especially excited about:
So that’s where we are right now. I finish officially with Young Life on July 31st and start reporting to Coram Deo in early August. Thanks so much for all the prayers, ideas and encouragement along the way, Viv and I both appreciate you guys!
