I don’t really think that there is one single thing and one exact defined path that God has planned for us. I do think that he created us uniquely, that he gave us each gifts that equip us for something special, and that one of the best things that can happen to anybody is for them to be living within the way that God created them. I am certain that Cass was created for music. I don’t know what that looks like for him. Perhaps he is supposed to write songs, or teach, or lead worship, or be the next big thing. Whatever it is I am glad he is working use the gifts God have him, and learning how to use those gifts to bring a bit of God’s creative caracter to the world.

I also know that a big part of Cass’ journey to using his talents fully is to record an album, which takes a lot of time, energy, and money (funny how this stuff always needs money). Cass has a Kickstarter project going to raise money to record an album. He is trying to raise a lot of money, because it takes a lot of money to record an album. Here is the thing though, he’s not asking you to just give him money, really he is asking you to pre-buy the album, or concert tickets, or dinner or even a spot in the liner notes. You get something back for your faith in him.

So, yes, I’m asking you to give my friend money. A lot of people pitched in to make our trip to Uganda possible, and that trip is going to be a big part of Beth and I learning how to live our lives as God created us, I don’t really see much difference in Cass’ project.

But, the people who gave us money believed in what we are doing…that is a really big important part of this. So, here is what I am asking:

1. check out Cass’ music. You can find a lot of it to listen to for free on his web site www.cassharrismusic.com
2. If you want to find him on facebook and twitter ask him some questions or something.
3. If you like his music and want to support his art go the his Kickstarter project and give him some money.
4. The really important thing is to tell a lot of other people about the project. A whole bunch of people giving a little bit of money will get him to his goal, but that will only happen if you spread the word, so tell your friends.

Ok, thats it, thanks for reading.

(It’s Oct. 29th & 30th…and tickets are now available!!! Click here for details.)

Well, I’ve decided what I’m going to purchase if I make enough at the IE.

This beauty: Paper Source Letterpress Machine

Just thinking of all the awesome cards I could make with this is super-exciting.

I’ll keep you posted.

The Attenborough Design Group from Tom Judd on Vimeo.

and

We have 11 different people who will be contributing posts that range in topics from justice to current culture. It’s going to be fun to see what comes of it!

There is a lot of content up already, here are a few posts to check out to get started on:

Scott on the motivation the tragedy brings, and the question of the rest of the everyday tragedies: http://www.cqmissional.com/2010/01/14/motivation-x-tragedy/

Ardelle on how taking care of ourselves allows us to have something to give: http://www.cqmissional.com/2010/01/21/centered-or-self-centered/

A few thoughts on CQMissional: http://www.cqmissional.com/2010/01/17/what-we-do-and-why-that-can-be-weird/

I hope you find something interesting on this new site, and even engage some ideas. If  you like what you see and want to spread the word we would appreciate it!

last thing, if you want to just jump here is the RSS feed for the site: http://feeds.feedburner.com/CQMissional

There is a CQMissional Facebook page also..if your interested.

Short Film – Levi’s “Go Forth” from John Carl on Vimeo.

Thanks Justin

We were talking to my aunt and uncle about Garnett Church and its involvement in the community around them, and they said something interesting. The church that they are part of has asked themselves a question: “If the church went away today would anybody in the community notice? Would they be sad? Happy? Relieved?” The decided that irrespective of a person in the communities faith (or lack of…) they should be sad to see a church leave. This is an interesting way to think about how the church should relate to the people around it.

we did not take very many pictures, but here are a few:

I went hiking a bit on top of the mountain…it was super foggy, which was a actually really cool.

The obligatory feet shot.

There is a reason that the remote lock for the car did not work on top of the mountain. I can feel my body mutating already.

Of course the big event was a wedding. It rained for most of the outdoor ceremony…so no pictures of that, but there was a pinata and dancing…

That was our trip to New Mexico…well, there was more then that, but that’s all we have pictures of, sorry you have to miss out on the Big Texin, the worlds largest cross in the western hemisphere and the Cadillacs.

A few random things to consider:

A fun video: Joe’s Dance (im just plugging this everywhere so my neighbor can get lots of views, so…you should watch it and pass it on…you know, in one of those annoying email forward things).

Something to consider about the current health care debate: Jesus’ Health Care Plan from Barna

For the cooks: 100 ways to crack an egg

“When we relate to the poor we cannot use our money to have power over them, but to put power under them”

I think this is a beautiful picture, and there are lots of conversations that could come out of this one statement.

Last night we watched The Garden, which you should watch. The gist of the documentary is that due to politics and money a huge community garden in downtown LA was destroyed to build a warehouse. It’s hard to know the real story, and there were faults on lots of sides, but in the end it is a true example of people with influence holding power over people, when they had an amazing opportunity to put power under people.

but…I really like the layout. Its not just straight text, the designer used a lot of pictures, illustration, and typography throughout the book. It reminds me of The Ragamuffin Gospel Visual Edition (which i really like). Now, don’t get me wrong, i think a well set (and traditionally set) book is beautiful, and hard to do, but at the same time it’s refreshing to read a book that is a full and serious text, but breaks completely with the norms.

now, if its a good book, all the better.