| no blog is complete without this... | |
Friday, December 29, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
explanation
You may have noticed a "content shift" of late. On purpose, that.
I post less when I'm serious, so I'll be leaving my deeper ranting on the GrubbyKupp blog... At least that's a plan. This will just keep you laughing with me... Love y'all...
Greetings to our families in Germany. Tim, Katy and all the family, we love you. More news to come...
I post less when I'm serious, so I'll be leaving my deeper ranting on the GrubbyKupp blog... At least that's a plan. This will just keep you laughing with me... Love y'all...
Greetings to our families in Germany. Tim, Katy and all the family, we love you. More news to come...
Monday, December 18, 2006
Mike V - Greatest hits
| fascinating to watch, as a martial artist and a skater. but I really liked the last quarter of it, where he concludes that nonviolent means are the best way--that violence only leads to bad things... I'm posting this to keep track of it b/c it's a clear sign of where I come from... When I was a kid, I had the Vallely Barnyard deck. I got it used off a guy. 9.5 inches wide. First of the new style of decks. I was living like I wanted to work for Bam, back then. Then Jesus comes and messes it all up. sweeeet. it's ironic to watch all 44 minutes of the vid, and see that Mike V is awakening to the point of how futile and dangerous it is to live by our own hands... that hardcore ethic gnaws at you... and can land you in jail, hospital, or hell... | |
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Never trust a Moustache
From bad to worse, the moustache carries a tainted legacy throughout the history of mankind. Only the beard has the power to put to flight this potent and restless evil. 
skittles
| I think this commercial kind of explains where I'm going with my beard. Unbelievably powerful, a good beard. | |
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
call to prayer
how do we measure? what's our meter?
why, that'd be prayer...
Wednesday prayer times and special prayer times "...ARE THE CHURCH."
what I mean is that the church is the "Gathering." and the "gathering" is distinctly to be around the person of Jesus. Not around a leader, or an informational message, or a rote creed, or a comforting tradition...
We have all of those things operating among us, here, but the real "measure" of the Church here is that gathering which lacks any distinction other than the person named Jesus seated, no--enthroned--among us.
That distinguishes the times of prayer, waiting, seeking, crying out, and exposing ourselves to Him as the measure of this church. I hope that everyone who reads this realizes that this is the lifelong standard for us all.
why, that'd be prayer...
Wednesday prayer times and special prayer times "...ARE THE CHURCH."
what I mean is that the church is the "Gathering." and the "gathering" is distinctly to be around the person of Jesus. Not around a leader, or an informational message, or a rote creed, or a comforting tradition...
We have all of those things operating among us, here, but the real "measure" of the Church here is that gathering which lacks any distinction other than the person named Jesus seated, no--enthroned--among us.
That distinguishes the times of prayer, waiting, seeking, crying out, and exposing ourselves to Him as the measure of this church. I hope that everyone who reads this realizes that this is the lifelong standard for us all.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Big Shifts
no bones about it. These are some of the best days ever. hard days. good days. I'm a believer...
we aren't worried at all about the house... God.
changes in the wind are bringing us closer to Jesus... that simple... just trusting...
The past few months have been "grubbykupp-blog-silent". My apologies to the reading public. We have had some shifting, here in Northside. You not that, two posts down, I was giddy that the house that had heretofore been called "the guys' house", had renewed it's resolve to focus on Jesus, learn to love one another, and grow in Christian love, witness and mission to the world, starting with their own trashcan and kitchen sink, bleeding into their work, and into the neighborhood...
It was about a month till they decided that what they really wanted was to move away and live in a college-dorm building about ten minutes away. That revelation came on the heels of two weeks of pulling out major knots of slander, suspicion, gossip and secrecy. Lots of work through Late September and October, all to discover that the household that originally started the "guys' house" has moved on, into marriage--all three pioneering members...
So... we had to let it go.
we don't control people...
we don't vie for property rights.
we being the church community gathering regularly in the big room of our house...
the church has accepted being "voted off the island".
We await our amigos arrival.
we all get voted off the island... and we're waiting with open arms.
except for the hand that holds our pina colada.
we aren't worried at all about the house... God.
changes in the wind are bringing us closer to Jesus... that simple... just trusting...
The past few months have been "grubbykupp-blog-silent". My apologies to the reading public. We have had some shifting, here in Northside. You not that, two posts down, I was giddy that the house that had heretofore been called "the guys' house", had renewed it's resolve to focus on Jesus, learn to love one another, and grow in Christian love, witness and mission to the world, starting with their own trashcan and kitchen sink, bleeding into their work, and into the neighborhood...
It was about a month till they decided that what they really wanted was to move away and live in a college-dorm building about ten minutes away. That revelation came on the heels of two weeks of pulling out major knots of slander, suspicion, gossip and secrecy. Lots of work through Late September and October, all to discover that the household that originally started the "guys' house" has moved on, into marriage--all three pioneering members...
So... we had to let it go.
we don't control people...
we don't vie for property rights.
we being the church community gathering regularly in the big room of our house...
the church has accepted being "voted off the island".
We await our amigos arrival.
we all get voted off the island... and we're waiting with open arms.
except for the hand that holds our pina colada.
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Effort Sticker Spotted
Did Jordan West stick this one up there? It's actually up there pretty high. It's hard to reach that. Nice. always good to see the little plus-sign/tic-tac-toe thingy there... great symbol. Seriously.
Moustache-Bear's prolly so proud. eh?
Moustache-Bear's prolly so proud. eh?
New Deck
I always keep one in reserve, and I recently switched to my Kokomo Joe by Instrument. So now my reserve is my Effort... I kinda wish I were sporting this one right now...
I wish I had one with Ali's art on it... they're so wide that I'd have to get new trucks... I think I'll get them and some smaller wheels. I'll forgo the riser pads and call it even...
I stank at skating today, but rocked out with Jesus in Folk music mode, at his feet, praying for Osama and Ted. I love those two. they represent so much to me, lately. Mainly, they represent... ME. and they, and I are loved by the radical man: Jesus.
I wish I had one with Ali's art on it... they're so wide that I'd have to get new trucks... I think I'll get them and some smaller wheels. I'll forgo the riser pads and call it even...
I stank at skating today, but rocked out with Jesus in Folk music mode, at his feet, praying for Osama and Ted. I love those two. they represent so much to me, lately. Mainly, they represent... ME. and they, and I are loved by the radical man: Jesus.
Tuesday, November 7, 2006
Jesus was a Friend of Sinners...
"The fact that the Scriptures are brim full of hustlers, murderers, cowards, adulterers, and mercenaries used to shock me. Now it is a source of great comfort."
--Bono
--Bono
Asphalt spoon
I'll be doing an ongoing study of this spoon, over the coming years. It has caught my attention for the last two years. I think I saw it on the first day I lived in Northside, in 2004. May.
I love the Asphalt spoon. not buried, but embedded. It is worth thought and pondering...
As you can see, I have defiled a Kokomo Joe deck with rails. I haven't even put them on evenly. Sick. No worries. I just got an Effort Deck with cool art by some woman who really does nice graphics (sorry Ali. yours was tooo wide, and this one's 'cave was deeper). soon to be seen...
I love the Asphalt spoon. not buried, but embedded. It is worth thought and pondering...
As you can see, I have defiled a Kokomo Joe deck with rails. I haven't even put them on evenly. Sick. No worries. I just got an Effort Deck with cool art by some woman who really does nice graphics (sorry Ali. yours was tooo wide, and this one's 'cave was deeper). soon to be seen...
"Predator" Victim Suicide
Bizarre! Bizzarre! Grievous. So so sad.
Today I stopped in At the Sidewinder. The Times had this article... In it, it reports that a Prosecutor from Somewhere, America, killed himself with the cameras and Cops of the Dateline show "To Catch a Predator" outside his door... Amazing.
I caught the first episode two days ago. I conjunction with the Ted Haggard Scandal, I have become convinced that we are all being exposed as TOTAL HYPOCRITES. This is why our church is called "Grubby". We're not clean. We're not whole.
And here lies this Prosecutor guy. He kills himself, his shame is so great. He spent his life, earned his life, judging others. He passed out the treatment of accusation... but when he was exposed...
Hey, I've looked at porn. okay? everyone? when they try to draw me up and pull the rug out from under the feet of my "followers" (what a joke), you'll already be standing on tile. I've also told lies, hated, cussed, and been vile in a hundred unquantifiable ways...
...and i'm in love with Jesus! he's truly the Truth, for me. I don't know/care about your truth, but Jesus is my Truth. And for everyone that is helped by my foolish, irrational, moth-to-a-flame attraction to jesus... for everyone that gets stoked on my head banging against the lightbulb...
...of the Friend of Sinners...
remember: they killed God, when He started to befriend the Rabble. And that's ME! No bones. Me.
So, welcome to the fold, Ted. dethroned, naked, tarred and feathered, we gather to Jesus, the only true friend a sinner ever knew...
man. ...so tricky... so dangerous... selfish sex....
...but there's a Love that's deeper still...
Today I stopped in At the Sidewinder. The Times had this article... In it, it reports that a Prosecutor from Somewhere, America, killed himself with the cameras and Cops of the Dateline show "To Catch a Predator" outside his door... Amazing.
I caught the first episode two days ago. I conjunction with the Ted Haggard Scandal, I have become convinced that we are all being exposed as TOTAL HYPOCRITES. This is why our church is called "Grubby". We're not clean. We're not whole.
And here lies this Prosecutor guy. He kills himself, his shame is so great. He spent his life, earned his life, judging others. He passed out the treatment of accusation... but when he was exposed...
Hey, I've looked at porn. okay? everyone? when they try to draw me up and pull the rug out from under the feet of my "followers" (what a joke), you'll already be standing on tile. I've also told lies, hated, cussed, and been vile in a hundred unquantifiable ways...
...and i'm in love with Jesus! he's truly the Truth, for me. I don't know/care about your truth, but Jesus is my Truth. And for everyone that is helped by my foolish, irrational, moth-to-a-flame attraction to jesus... for everyone that gets stoked on my head banging against the lightbulb...
...of the Friend of Sinners...
remember: they killed God, when He started to befriend the Rabble. And that's ME! No bones. Me.
So, welcome to the fold, Ted. dethroned, naked, tarred and feathered, we gather to Jesus, the only true friend a sinner ever knew...
man. ...so tricky... so dangerous... selfish sex....
...but there's a Love that's deeper still...
judy to LA, Lew to Follow
Judy is off to LA today on CIEE Business, training folks and plotting the Foreign Exchange Industry's success. She's an absolute F/X wunderkind... I'll join her on Friday. I'm gonna Skate in Santa Monica! First sessions on the West Coast! FUn! 
SVDP Sk8 spot...
I've really been thinking about skatespots, lately. Here's a sweet one I found next to our nearby St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store. See ya there!!! 
Monday Meetings
Judy and I always meet with some of our folk on Mondays. Living in a Christian Church Community is pretty neat. On Mondays we talk about what Sunday Night was like (our general meeting time for the church family), and we hash out how to really live together. We share from what we're "hearing" from God, during the week. It's pretty intense. There's always a real strong instruction and clear way set out to us. Here's a pic of Judy and me, in front of Rob's Punk Rock Shop: Rock City, next to the Sidewinder Cafe, on our way in to meet... 
Sunday, November 5, 2006
A shirt from Wal-mart
isn't anyone else a little worried about this? I mean, wasnt this an M.O.D. album cover back when we were mallrats?
David's Last Day
My buddy David at his last day at VCC... He was the brains behind the brawn, like it or lump it. Mercy...
Saturday, November 4, 2006
Wild Beard
some who read this blog may feel the need to ask, "Lew, what kind of narcissistic...?" but I just haven't gotten out much with my little camera... sooo... enjoy... 
Welcome to the Club, Ted.
dudes be callin' me up and asking me what I think about the Ted Haggard scandal. Funny thing, because just a few days ago I was rolling down to Dry Ridge with Ali and the Bakkers came up--Jim and Tammy Faye...
Look. I got no stones to throw. None... I'm a big believer in the Jesus of Scripture, and He is a real friend to totally messed up people... He rescues them... I'm counting on Him to rescue me.
alcoholics
porn addicts
drug addicts
...all kinds of us...
i refuse to separate myself from the people who are getting exposed. I refuse to cross a line and look over it at them. if I were exposed--the real inner workings and dark secrets of my mind--nobody would love me anymore...
that is, nobody but Jesus.
He is the One who is there for me when all around is fallen...
Look. I got no stones to throw. None... I'm a big believer in the Jesus of Scripture, and He is a real friend to totally messed up people... He rescues them... I'm counting on Him to rescue me.
alcoholics
porn addicts
drug addicts
...all kinds of us...
i refuse to separate myself from the people who are getting exposed. I refuse to cross a line and look over it at them. if I were exposed--the real inner workings and dark secrets of my mind--nobody would love me anymore...
that is, nobody but Jesus.
He is the One who is there for me when all around is fallen...
Ted Haggard's Church examined by Militant Atheist
I watched this video a while back. Who would have thought that Ted would be exposed to such accusations. I was saddened at how the vid shows him dealing with the skepticism...
calling RD "arrogant" isn't necessarily incorrect, but not helpful in helping RD understand why "irrational faith" is "thriving" and "attacking science"...
I'd love to tell RD how the whole "irrational faith" thing, for me, is about what a total loser I am, constantly doing things that hurt my heart, hurt others, and hurt the world... how I have come to see that "sin" is real... and that I am a really sinful person...
...how i found a friend in Jesus, who is my greatest hero. He scandalized religious professionals and high-powered government pawns with his attitude and actions toward the marginalized... The Jesus of Scripture is a person who loves sinners, heals the sick, and I see myself in the sinful and the sick... I see myself as in need of rescue, today... I want more than anything to love, and to do what is right and best to help my family, my friends, and my neighbors...
I actually know a lot about science and the Bible and whatnot... but I'm plainly captivated by the person of Jesus, who is a friend of sinners, rescuing the broken...
I am sad that Ted seems so defensive toward this man. I agree that a LOT--a LOT LOT LOT--of what is called "Christianity" is nothing but HYPE and men's control...
I invite Richard Dawson to my house, now. I like your questions. They will help me not to be full of crap.
calling RD "arrogant" isn't necessarily incorrect, but not helpful in helping RD understand why "irrational faith" is "thriving" and "attacking science"...
I'd love to tell RD how the whole "irrational faith" thing, for me, is about what a total loser I am, constantly doing things that hurt my heart, hurt others, and hurt the world... how I have come to see that "sin" is real... and that I am a really sinful person...
...how i found a friend in Jesus, who is my greatest hero. He scandalized religious professionals and high-powered government pawns with his attitude and actions toward the marginalized... The Jesus of Scripture is a person who loves sinners, heals the sick, and I see myself in the sinful and the sick... I see myself as in need of rescue, today... I want more than anything to love, and to do what is right and best to help my family, my friends, and my neighbors...
I actually know a lot about science and the Bible and whatnot... but I'm plainly captivated by the person of Jesus, who is a friend of sinners, rescuing the broken...
I am sad that Ted seems so defensive toward this man. I agree that a LOT--a LOT LOT LOT--of what is called "Christianity" is nothing but HYPE and men's control...
I invite Richard Dawson to my house, now. I like your questions. They will help me not to be full of crap.
Friday, November 3, 2006
Thursday, November 2, 2006
one of the most enjoyable evenings of my life.
an estranged friend and i enjoyed the grace of hope...
the house across the street--the "fourth floor" of my house--that we had hoped to see become a house of prayer and love to the neighbors, has declined since JP and Chris moved out... at this point it's a house of selfishness, fear, disillusionment, and suspicion... we enjoyed praying hearty "Mercy!" over it...
it's a wonderful thing when you come to the end of yourself and find that Jesus is there, holding the end of the rope, loving you and being the "friend of sinners" you read about in Scripture...
What a wonderful thing, when our best laid plans fall apart. from this ground springs eternal hope...
please pray for me as you read this... prayer is the number one need. don't feel sorry for me. This is the good life. No kidding. We're out of control with freedom and grace in Jesus... we're living the "Jesus People" dream.
we're like misfits in history, belonging to the generation of the late sixties, when tons of atheist, christ-hating hippies discovered that the guy they were hating wasn't the guy the Bible described... what good news...
so pray with us... pray for more of Father's love... more open eyes... more growth in loving our neighbors... and just enjoy the Father for a moment as you do it...
we're like misfits in history, belonging to the generation of the late sixties, when tons of atheist, christ-hating hippies discovered that the guy they were hating wasn't the guy the Bible described... what good news...
so pray with us... pray for more of Father's love... more open eyes... more growth in loving our neighbors... and just enjoy the Father for a moment as you do it...
I try to keep a post up here to keep you up on what's up with the life of Lew... That's hard, because I hardly know what's up with Lew... and I'm Lew dangit!!!!
Do I know what I'm doing?
Do I know what's for me to do today?
Do I know what it's all about?
Well, I'm here...
...and I'm gonna give it all I got.
This month:
>I quit eating crap, again. This time it's really working. I feel great.
>I'm skating a LOT...
>The Mr. Mom thing is going great. these kiddos are rockin! I love these sons!
>Judy's job is going great...
>I do a lot of dishes at the house...
>I cleaned my office and have fed a lot of mice to my snake.
>the turtle is getting hefty on worms and fruit...
>I still suck at skateboarding, and get hurt all the time. I'm sporting a badly bruised rib (maybe another break--#5), and a tender (read fractured) wrist that I tape up with guards every time I skate... I just fall a lot...
other guys flat out fly! I just love to cruise and feel the wind in my face. Skateboarding is like having a roller coaster strapped to my arse. It's great. TYG...
Do I know what I'm doing?
Do I know what's for me to do today?
Do I know what it's all about?
Well, I'm here...
...and I'm gonna give it all I got.
This month:
>I quit eating crap, again. This time it's really working. I feel great.
>I'm skating a LOT...
>The Mr. Mom thing is going great. these kiddos are rockin! I love these sons!
>Judy's job is going great...
>I do a lot of dishes at the house...
>I cleaned my office and have fed a lot of mice to my snake.
>the turtle is getting hefty on worms and fruit...
>I still suck at skateboarding, and get hurt all the time. I'm sporting a badly bruised rib (maybe another break--#5), and a tender (read fractured) wrist that I tape up with guards every time I skate... I just fall a lot...
other guys flat out fly! I just love to cruise and feel the wind in my face. Skateboarding is like having a roller coaster strapped to my arse. It's great. TYG...
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Bono
"The fact that the Scriptures are brim full of hustlers, murderers, cowards, adulterers, and mercenaries used to shock me. Now it is a source of great comfort."
--Bono
--Bono
Thursday, September 28, 2006
FYI: Roof and Boiler
the roof estimate is over 30 thousand... no kidding. it's huge, it's steep and the gutters are like 20 thousand--ancient german box gutters...
before you ask all the questions of "do you need..." and "have you considered", the answer is YES. The options are constantly being exhausted, and this is what it means to turn a giant old funeral home into our home and base of loving a neighborhood in this confused city... into a living, daily representation of the Church--not a pointed building, but a people who point skyward in their hope and daily generosity to each other and their neighbors...
story after story will explain why we didn't choose the money jobs, but found ourselves here, playing with children, loving addicts, and the missing (lost) sheep of Cincinnati...
the boiler (13 thousand dollars) has finally died, too... It's over. Total replacement of the decades old boiler is now necessary...
It's almost October. No heat. Roof leaking. And our trust is in Jesus, here. Please don't take this post and worry. But we've heard back from a lot of people who read this and pray. Please pray with us for the resolution of our earthly trials to show the Glory of God--and his wisdom--before all the heavenly beings who are looking...
before you ask all the questions of "do you need..." and "have you considered", the answer is YES. The options are constantly being exhausted, and this is what it means to turn a giant old funeral home into our home and base of loving a neighborhood in this confused city... into a living, daily representation of the Church--not a pointed building, but a people who point skyward in their hope and daily generosity to each other and their neighbors...
story after story will explain why we didn't choose the money jobs, but found ourselves here, playing with children, loving addicts, and the missing (lost) sheep of Cincinnati...
the boiler (13 thousand dollars) has finally died, too... It's over. Total replacement of the decades old boiler is now necessary...
It's almost October. No heat. Roof leaking. And our trust is in Jesus, here. Please don't take this post and worry. But we've heard back from a lot of people who read this and pray. Please pray with us for the resolution of our earthly trials to show the Glory of God--and his wisdom--before all the heavenly beings who are looking...
Monday, September 25, 2006
What's a typical breakfast like?
some folks get up and feed their kids breakfast... you can hear Seth calling to me while his toast is cooking... and while I'm getting the kids' fed before school, I feed the "other Kid"... enjoy a little daily life. here at the Chase House...
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Bionicles half off at Kay-Bee
Got cheap Bionicles at Kay-Bee in the Mall today. Sat in food court blogging while Seth Climbed all over the little "Rides". I know he's not supposed to climb up on top of them, and other parents were like, "what the hey?" But everyone was smiling because Seth's cute, and they could see the scary guy with the Fidel hat and long beard and the apple laptop covered with Skateboarding stickers, and they all put up with us just fine... Maybe it's our small regiment of Bionicles arrayed on the Table... They're the good guys, but they look very mean.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Revolutionary Table/Roof update...
It's back. the Revolutionary Table.
In the wonderful "fray" of the "reformation" of the Guys' house--they are radically declaring their house (5 guys to one Bathroom) (which they rent) a brave experiment in the Pursuit of Christ... They are doing Radical Bible Study every day, now... and Radical breakfast... and Radical planning and scheming... and Radical schedule-changing and job-changing...
They're dedicating to the Life, Together. Exciting Stuff. Keep the Guys' House in prayer. The neighbors are gonna get more love...
...and the Table! AAAh! The Table is Back. Up late, crowded around the Table in the Chase House, are the Revolutionaries who are scheming ways to follow Jesus. Scheming to be followers! Love it!
It's going to be a cold winter, I guess. They all have a certain coldness to them. Last year hovered at 56-58F. The house is just too big to heat. This year, so far, the Boiler isn't even functional. After a quick repair this week, its still leaking through cracks in some "element" or soemthing... Word is it'll quit sometime...
The roof isn't leaking the same, since I stuck some gooey stuff over the holes--but I missed a few, so I'll be back up there... 40 feet of Roof, two valleys, all STEEP, draining on one 2.5 inch hole... it just plain overflows... all the professional rooofers have literally just shook their heads...
the ESTIMATE from a reliable roofer is 35,000 dollars to FIX it. Standard issue for a GIANT, Antique house...
Look forward to pics from the top of the ladder. I've been up there a million times, but have yet to bring the cam. up there...
good good good morning!
Wow! Here in cinci, the fall weather has fallen on us! 
cooler, even Cold feeling, weather has crept up. Rising to our armpits, like flood waters. We're all "summered up" with our capillaries dishing our heat out too quickly to be comfortable in this beautiful coolness. Some of our people have come to hate the cold. They're glamourous and thin. They don't have the flab it takes to enjoy the cold...
Check out this morning down at the Sidewinder. I can't come here without making new friends, lately. Do any of you know the story of how we came to be here? It is God's gift that I am part of Jesus building His church, by being available to be friends with people in coffee shops... it's the place where I find the best apologies made... apologies for the crazy way that we have lived out the continuation of the story of the Scriptures... apologies in the "greek" sense-the reason for the Hope we have... Above all, this is a place where I hear from God. He speaks to me in the people who sit around me. I hear the whirlwind of the love of God for us all, as he is calling us to Jesus...
Yesterday, a neighbor got loved. She's moving out. She can't take it. Her life is out of control. He kids have life-sized problems...problems that have grown out of her problems... that have grown out of her parents' problems... We're moving her out. We'll take care of the truck, the driving, all that. She's getting loved.
She's an honest soul. ask her.
Yesterday, a roofer gave me an estimate. 35,000 dollars. I TOLD you it was a really big job. You don't get a missional community house without a big roof, you know?
You know where Jesus told us to lend to those who ask? That was back when if the end of the harvest came and you didn't have enough, you lost your land and were deported from your inheritance... That was issued under the legislation of Moses...
Well, whom is there in the whole American church of that I can ask such a thing of? We are too busy LIVING... too busy loving... to do it all ourselves. We aren't craftsmen. We aren't investors, or entrepreneurs...
Come and see.
Really, come and see. There's no way you can resist the love that pours out around here... and the more love there is, the more love there is...
cooler, even Cold feeling, weather has crept up. Rising to our armpits, like flood waters. We're all "summered up" with our capillaries dishing our heat out too quickly to be comfortable in this beautiful coolness. Some of our people have come to hate the cold. They're glamourous and thin. They don't have the flab it takes to enjoy the cold...
Check out this morning down at the Sidewinder. I can't come here without making new friends, lately. Do any of you know the story of how we came to be here? It is God's gift that I am part of Jesus building His church, by being available to be friends with people in coffee shops... it's the place where I find the best apologies made... apologies for the crazy way that we have lived out the continuation of the story of the Scriptures... apologies in the "greek" sense-the reason for the Hope we have... Above all, this is a place where I hear from God. He speaks to me in the people who sit around me. I hear the whirlwind of the love of God for us all, as he is calling us to Jesus...
Yesterday, a neighbor got loved. She's moving out. She can't take it. Her life is out of control. He kids have life-sized problems...problems that have grown out of her problems... that have grown out of her parents' problems... We're moving her out. We'll take care of the truck, the driving, all that. She's getting loved.
She's an honest soul. ask her.
Yesterday, a roofer gave me an estimate. 35,000 dollars. I TOLD you it was a really big job. You don't get a missional community house without a big roof, you know?
You know where Jesus told us to lend to those who ask? That was back when if the end of the harvest came and you didn't have enough, you lost your land and were deported from your inheritance... That was issued under the legislation of Moses...
Well, whom is there in the whole American church of that I can ask such a thing of? We are too busy LIVING... too busy loving... to do it all ourselves. We aren't craftsmen. We aren't investors, or entrepreneurs...
Come and see.
Really, come and see. There's no way you can resist the love that pours out around here... and the more love there is, the more love there is...
SOME OF THIS MIGHT BE SUITABLE
...for the "ministry" blog, "grubbykupp". What's the diff? This blog is more of a personal spilling space for my life. That blog is to connect you with our "-ness"... a feel for what's going on in the incredible intentional community that we're part of... yes I said it: "intentional". we are.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Roof issue: steeper and steeper
Well, I've proven my manhood, ascending the 40'ladder, scaling the valleys of our 10/12 pitch roof, overlooking the 'hood from the heights. I've wandered the aisles of Home Depot, searching for the right tools... what a wasteland...
On Thursday night well into the wee hours, my neighbor and new buddy, Robbie, and I discussed the needs of the house.
Knowing what to do is a process. As I got into the gutters, I thought we needed a little patch and some trees trimmed. Then I discovered significant rusting and many holes in the cheap tin material ("terne")... more patching than I thought...
Then I look up after a while and see missing and loose shingles... rusted valleys, cracked endcaps... this whole roof needs help... It needs to be replaced...
Talking to robbie, we start to plan an October re-roofing--the whole thing. But now I have wisely reconsidered.
Do you understand pitch? 8-12 is a pretty stiff height. You're not touching a 10/12. Seriously. Our guy, JP, who climbs CLIFFS and mountains is freaked out to just stand in the gutter at the bottom of the roof, much less actually climb up the valley. I climb all over it, because I roofed for a few years in my younger youth... still can't haul my expanding girth up a cliff, though...
Sooo... While Robbie and I are jawing about how fun it's gonna be to reroof the whole thing, and the whole time we're talking about BOX gutters...
Box gutters. Most gutters are simple devices, attached to the home by hangers or large spiky nails. Box gutters are built into the house from scratch. They are incorporated into the actual rafters of the house. Wooden frame structures fully attached to the house, with a metal trough for the water to cascade through... All of it hand fabricated using a "brake" (1200 1400 dollars new)... Copper is 100+dollars-a-foot. Any other material is going to be a real mess. the other option is "terne"--a low quality tin product that will have to be properly painted (on that pitch with a can of paint and a brush?) every 2 years.
Why do I own such a home? I had told God (vowed) that i never would own a home again. This is my third one, and renting was so much better in terms of all this MONEY that upkeep takes.
But here we are. Why? Because of Mom's passing and the need for hospice space. b/c of the state of the church in our day. B/c of the new wineskins we're seeing emerging... b/c of the people who eat together at that table... That's why.
Sooo... I'm collecting estimates, with no possible way to pay up...
Sorry Robbie. As manly and handy as we are (not to mention good looking=), there's a lot of teaching and preaching that have to be done to keep a community on track. The roof would be torn off for a whole week while we try to make those gutters, wasting all kinds of metal, having to buy a 14-16 hundred dollar brake. We better leave this funny business to the pros.
but just in case, is there anyone out there who can reroof and fabricate box gutters out there? I'm not talking about send a youth group over here to help. I'm talking sending a craftsman over here to put in a major push... Is it out there?
Some of you are in pain right now. You love us and me and don't want us in this situation. Thank you. My own dad was never madder than when we would hurt ourselves. Those of you who love--please pray and help.
On Thursday night well into the wee hours, my neighbor and new buddy, Robbie, and I discussed the needs of the house.
Knowing what to do is a process. As I got into the gutters, I thought we needed a little patch and some trees trimmed. Then I discovered significant rusting and many holes in the cheap tin material ("terne")... more patching than I thought...
Then I look up after a while and see missing and loose shingles... rusted valleys, cracked endcaps... this whole roof needs help... It needs to be replaced...
Talking to robbie, we start to plan an October re-roofing--the whole thing. But now I have wisely reconsidered.
Do you understand pitch? 8-12 is a pretty stiff height. You're not touching a 10/12. Seriously. Our guy, JP, who climbs CLIFFS and mountains is freaked out to just stand in the gutter at the bottom of the roof, much less actually climb up the valley. I climb all over it, because I roofed for a few years in my younger youth... still can't haul my expanding girth up a cliff, though...
Sooo... While Robbie and I are jawing about how fun it's gonna be to reroof the whole thing, and the whole time we're talking about BOX gutters...
Box gutters. Most gutters are simple devices, attached to the home by hangers or large spiky nails. Box gutters are built into the house from scratch. They are incorporated into the actual rafters of the house. Wooden frame structures fully attached to the house, with a metal trough for the water to cascade through... All of it hand fabricated using a "brake" (1200 1400 dollars new)... Copper is 100+dollars-a-foot. Any other material is going to be a real mess. the other option is "terne"--a low quality tin product that will have to be properly painted (on that pitch with a can of paint and a brush?) every 2 years.
Why do I own such a home? I had told God (vowed) that i never would own a home again. This is my third one, and renting was so much better in terms of all this MONEY that upkeep takes.
But here we are. Why? Because of Mom's passing and the need for hospice space. b/c of the state of the church in our day. B/c of the new wineskins we're seeing emerging... b/c of the people who eat together at that table... That's why.
Sooo... I'm collecting estimates, with no possible way to pay up...
Sorry Robbie. As manly and handy as we are (not to mention good looking=), there's a lot of teaching and preaching that have to be done to keep a community on track. The roof would be torn off for a whole week while we try to make those gutters, wasting all kinds of metal, having to buy a 14-16 hundred dollar brake. We better leave this funny business to the pros.
but just in case, is there anyone out there who can reroof and fabricate box gutters out there? I'm not talking about send a youth group over here to help. I'm talking sending a craftsman over here to put in a major push... Is it out there?
Some of you are in pain right now. You love us and me and don't want us in this situation. Thank you. My own dad was never madder than when we would hurt ourselves. Those of you who love--please pray and help.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Flickr Updates
Hey all, I've expanded my "Flickr" account to accomodate a lot more. I'm putting more into it to provide you with a better view of life on the ground, here... Check it out...
Getting into the Roof
Yesterday Seth and I got to the Home Depot and picked up the things to work on the roof. How sad he was that he couldn't join me up there...
I anchored the Ladder to the roof, got out a grinding disc, and began to knock off the peeling paint and rust that have been hiding... HOLES!!! So many holes! The metal is paper thin, rusted and cracking...
I lay a temporary patch on some of it, but it was dinner time. I cut myself at the base of my thumb, also, with my utility knife... such a LITTLE hole, but i must have "hit something" because blood just came POURING out. Literally made a slippery spot up there. I had to rip the sleeve off my shirt and tie it up. The hole was a sixteenth of an inch. Incredible. must have been an artery or a vein. wild...
Sooo... today I'll climb up there again and patch some more. Anybody know where I could get some HELP? Preferably in the form of a roof expert who can replace Box Gutters, or repair them? I know, it's been a YEAR of asking, but I'm seriously asking. This is a big deal.
The roof'll need to be torn off and replaced, too. Looks like this fall or next spring.
For now, I'm patching, painting, and Praying. Please, all of you pray for us in this old house...
I would never own a house if I weren't involved in this whole "new generation of church" thing.. What's going on under this roof is worth all the black mold and peeling paper...
But seriously could you all pray up some help, even if it's the power to do it all myself.
I'm on it, but am not a craftsman. pray for help, protection, wisdom, and Love's guidance.
I anchored the Ladder to the roof, got out a grinding disc, and began to knock off the peeling paint and rust that have been hiding... HOLES!!! So many holes! The metal is paper thin, rusted and cracking...
I lay a temporary patch on some of it, but it was dinner time. I cut myself at the base of my thumb, also, with my utility knife... such a LITTLE hole, but i must have "hit something" because blood just came POURING out. Literally made a slippery spot up there. I had to rip the sleeve off my shirt and tie it up. The hole was a sixteenth of an inch. Incredible. must have been an artery or a vein. wild...
Sooo... today I'll climb up there again and patch some more. Anybody know where I could get some HELP? Preferably in the form of a roof expert who can replace Box Gutters, or repair them? I know, it's been a YEAR of asking, but I'm seriously asking. This is a big deal.
The roof'll need to be torn off and replaced, too. Looks like this fall or next spring.
For now, I'm patching, painting, and Praying. Please, all of you pray for us in this old house...
I would never own a house if I weren't involved in this whole "new generation of church" thing.. What's going on under this roof is worth all the black mold and peeling paper...
But seriously could you all pray up some help, even if it's the power to do it all myself.
I'm on it, but am not a craftsman. pray for help, protection, wisdom, and Love's guidance.
Yesterday: an example
Some who read this are looking for a view into the life of this community. I think a view of a typical day is a good thing for that...
Yesterday I engaged in a massively evangelistic conversation in the morning, after an hour of study and writing at the Sidewinder. That's our local coffeebrewery.
That was a 3-hour block, right there.. 825-1120...
Then off to get Seth from School.
Then home, plug seth into something like art or toys or even TV or computer games online (PBSKIDS, NOGGIN, or whatever)...
And two hours of teaching two of our folks about budgeting resources using paper calendars and paper budgets, in order to reduce stress and increase fruitfulness... Two hours+, there...
then Lunch, late.
Off to Home Depot for 2.5 hours, with Seth in tow. How does a 4 year old do Home depot for 2 hours? He was GREAT. Something about a house of tools that seemed to capture him... Doesn't it capture us all?
When we got back, Seth napped in the open van, while I got to work putting anchors under the shingles and tying the ladder to them (now I can RUN up and down it--Look mom, no hands).
Then dinner and dark.
Then a meeting with one of my close guys, over here... meeting is too formal a word. More of "a convergence of spiritual minds".
also, we need a huge, new fridge. please pray. I mean a HUGE one.
Yesterday I engaged in a massively evangelistic conversation in the morning, after an hour of study and writing at the Sidewinder. That's our local coffeebrewery.
That was a 3-hour block, right there.. 825-1120...
Then off to get Seth from School.
Then home, plug seth into something like art or toys or even TV or computer games online (PBSKIDS, NOGGIN, or whatever)...
And two hours of teaching two of our folks about budgeting resources using paper calendars and paper budgets, in order to reduce stress and increase fruitfulness... Two hours+, there...
then Lunch, late.
Off to Home Depot for 2.5 hours, with Seth in tow. How does a 4 year old do Home depot for 2 hours? He was GREAT. Something about a house of tools that seemed to capture him... Doesn't it capture us all?
When we got back, Seth napped in the open van, while I got to work putting anchors under the shingles and tying the ladder to them (now I can RUN up and down it--Look mom, no hands).
Then dinner and dark.
Then a meeting with one of my close guys, over here... meeting is too formal a word. More of "a convergence of spiritual minds".
also, we need a huge, new fridge. please pray. I mean a HUGE one.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Season's Changing
Just like the cool air that's settling in on us (I'm lovin' this hot coffee I'm drinking)...
Had to stop bloggin, to have an hour of conversation with a total stranger who happens to be a close neighbor. He is a very deep, fairly recent Chrisitan, who is looking into the deep things of the Kingdom. He's got a copy of "The Cost of Discipleship", by Bonhoeffer, there...
Intense, seminal conversation. Huge. What's it worth to be at tables like these, daily? God is doing a new thing. It's springing up. Don't you see it? Amazing. I'm watching the parts coming together in a move of God in our Generation. A move back and forward. Parts in the Body are craving LIFE--Jesus Himself.
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