Genesis http://virb.com/genesisfamily Virb 2.0 (@genesisfamily) en The Little Drummer Boy http://virb.com/genesisfamily/videos/1747721 Our Christmas Concert at Twin Lakes!

]]> Sat, 29 Dec 2007 16:37:45 -0800 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/videos/1747721 my21st07098 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/photos/1383023 ]]> Tue, 07 Aug 2007 22:26:27 -0700 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/photos/1383023 my21st07102 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/photos/1383022 ]]> Tue, 07 Aug 2007 22:26:24 -0700 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/photos/1383022 my21st07099 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/photos/1383021 ]]> Tue, 07 Aug 2007 22:26:21 -0700 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/photos/1383021 my21st07104 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/photos/1383020 ]]> Tue, 07 Aug 2007 22:26:18 -0700 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/photos/1383020 my21st07097 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/photos/1383019 ]]> Tue, 07 Aug 2007 22:26:15 -0700 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/photos/1383019 my21st07103 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/photos/1383018 ]]> Tue, 07 Aug 2007 22:26:12 -0700 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/photos/1383018 Live Oak Book Drive http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/488216 alt If you have any children's books lying around that aren't totally tattered you might think about donating them to the Live Oak school district. All you have to do is bring them by church on Sunday and deposit them in one of the cardboard boxes marked "Books".

Some of you don't have children and therefore do not own children's books. But I KNOW most of you keep a Harry Potter book tucked away on your bookshelf, which is way below your reading level and belongs in the hands of k-8 graders.

Books saved my life when I was a kid. This is important.]]> Thu, 28 Feb 2008 07:48:53 -0800 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/488216 "We All Need" Video http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/443808 Check out this new Esterlyn video- their first video off their new cd "Lamps". You can interpret the message yourself, but the overall theme of their record is taken from Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven".

Here is an excerpt of my response I sent them:

I really like the new video. I am a little curious about the choice of time period overlapping with the
present, and the divining meter gadget thingie that seemed to locate hidden
sources of light. Maybe it represents the timelessness of Truth linking us to
the past, present, and future? Maybe it is an illustration of an independent
search we embark on as individuals? I'll have to watch it a few more times to
really grasp the whole meaning behind it, but upon the first viewing I would
liken the meter to God's guidance, and excavating "light" or perhaps truth from
the places locked within ourselves and others. The various styles of lamps
presented near the end perhaps represent the various needs we all have, and our
continuous effort to seek their fulfillment, whether it be the need for love,
acceptance, guidance, forgiveness, strength, courage, etcetera. Or just the
individual vessels God uses to shine His light, and when combined create a mural
reflecting His image.

Feel free to share your interpretation of the video, too.

PS- I love them so much it's not healthy.

]]> Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:15:41 -0800 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/443808 Collaboration:: humility http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/418359 altyet to come are
pieces of
whatsoever we
shall desire
the
exaltation of
base
humility
our baseness
foolishness
But He who came first,
let them go first
and sharing
a cup


suffering
He gave up
everything

for our purchase
and a beautiful scar

took the blame and
sorrow and all

glory

rightfully

with a perfect

foolish love]]> Wed, 16 Jan 2008 06:51:27 -0800 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/418359 Collision::Woman Caught In Adultery http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/405671
esteemed
memory
bald
streets paved with unflung stones

hardened tiles cut from fine powder
baked by the light of the sun

ground-up sorrow tread underfoot, packed

down and then clawed open

a single wound gaping, crusting

and the stench of cruelty making
known the ugly underneath and white-knuckle-clenching it anyway.
Clods of dried soil mapped with veins of
withered roots and weeds

under open sky so wide
a rapid-beating heart explodes

impact of freedom

cracked, unpacked, your own tongue click
click clicking until
No more. There is therefore now
no condemnation
for those
who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Condensation and evaporation
]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:52:55 -0800 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/405671 So much cooler online http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/392900
http://www.myspace.com/masonjody]]> Mon, 31 Dec 2007 01:23:31 -0800 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/392900 Big Church Genesis Style http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/390804 alt Just a reminder- this Sunday is Big Church Genesis Style. So we'll be meeting at our regular time in the main santuary to show Big Church a thing or two about Genesis and our new series, "Collide".

Also I just wanted an excuse to post this awesome Collide banner here...

It's like a freeze frame from Carrie Underwood's "Love is all that Matters" video (you know you love her).

]]> Sat, 29 Dec 2007 06:26:09 -0800 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/390804 Give Childlike Faith a Chance http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/388000 alt
Now that most of us have digested the holiday festivities, I could use this time to expand on Charlie's Christmas message from the Christmas Eve service. I could intertwine relevant examples of excitement, expectation, and hope. Once I come down from this sugar high I could probably even think up a few illustrations to go along with the topic of Childlike Faith. But I don't want to do that now.
I didn't plan on going to the Genesis Christmas Eve service for a number of reasons. I already had something planned that night. I was tired. I heard the message on Sunday morning, so...? I didn't expect there would be very many people going since it was midnight and all. Figured maybe twenty. But I couldn't sleep and I decided to go anyway, and I am so glad I did.
I was astonished to see so many people at Genesis, many of whom I've never seen before. I took a step back for a moment just to watch the crowd assemble and to feel the muted excitement quivering overhead. Even in the dim light I could see families huddled together in thick coats, sitting or standing closer together than they normally would on any other evening.
And to stand amidst a crowd worshipping Jesus together, remembering His birth, lent a tranquility to this season that seems to scream past us at 120 miles per hour. I wanted to climb a ladder to stare across the clusters of people. I felt frustratingly short. But when everyone lit their candles and held them up I suddenly wanted to curl up deep in the warm, euphoric glow. It felt like maybe what Heaven is like; surrounded by worshippers lit by a pure-burning light and God dwelling among us. The strangers sitting next to us not really strangers- unified and presently safe from distraction.
And later I caught my reflection in a little boy's eyes.]]> Thu, 27 Dec 2007 01:23:16 -0800 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/388000 It's the most WONDERful time of the year http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/376092
I saw the Twin Lakes Christmas Concert for the first time in my life. I can't believe they let me in for free. I was completely stunned, expecting a quaint-yet-didactic skit performed by second graders. Everyone told me it was AMAZING, but I always thought it was pretty AMAZING when fourth graders remember every verse of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentleman". So I'm not too hard to please, I guess. Give me a fog machine and sequined gowns and I'm happy. I knew I was in for a real show when I spotted a temporary orchestra pit nestled against the stage.
But, no, this show- this spectacular show- exceeded expectations. All of it was amazing. A phantasmagoria of voices and drum beats and strings and lights and costumes and seamless transitions. Plus a nonpareil Stomp act that made the Blue Man Group seem languid.

I apologize for lack of visuals.

Also lacking in visuals is the fun Genesis Christmas Party. Who doesn't love Pictionary? (Usually I don't, but it was so much fun!)]]> Tue, 18 Dec 2007 04:06:01 -0800 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/376092 Give Servanthood a Chance http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/365506 altYesterday morning Eric spoke on serving one another intentionally as a way of honoring Christ. We are challenged each year to make Christmas about Christ and His birth. When we celebrate a close friend's birthday, don't we make the attempt to bless them in some special way? Don't we contemplate ways of honoring who they are and expressing why we love them? Some of us know people who insist that they don't want personal gifts for themselves, but would instead prefer a donation to their favorite charity. And they are honored when someone actually heeds their request. I believe Jesus is honored when we serve one another in His name, but not just serving for the sake of fulfilling a request. We should serve intentionally, keeping the other person's needs in mind, whether it be through material or intangible gifts.
I love that Genesis is participating together in the Give Hope project this year by giving tenants at the River Street Shelter thoughtful items that most people take for granted. Things like deodorant, nail polish, perfume, shaving cream, etcetera, that may not be needs for survival but are often overlooked in donations to shelters. It's going a step beyond the survival needs and showing a person, "I know you are more than a mouth to feed, or a body to clothe. You are also beautiful and insecure of the same things that I am sometimes." It's remembering them as real people.
I also love the idea of setting aside time with another person, free of distraction, to discuss life and Christ beyond the safe topics. Eric's story of his dad was beautiful because it revealed our humanity and our inherent neediness, and our desire to give ourselves to the ones we love.
But it needs to be heartfelt, or else it isn't a sacrifice.

This year I get a wedding ring. I've been married for 5 years but for the first time since I've known him my husband can afford to buy me a ring. My husband also likes to read books. But reading them is not always as important as owning them, for some reason, and seeing his treasures lined up on a bookshelf really does something for him- the way other men like to see their trophies glistening on the mantle, or their interest in taxidermy displayed in the "den".
In order to pay for my wedding ring, my husband sold all of his books on eBay.
This ring is not just meaningful for conventional reasons. It is meaningful because I know what he sacrificed to buy me that ring, and we're getting rid of that ugly bookcase. And instead of just one diamond I get five (pictures forthcoming)!

What I learned from my husband was that he was willing to serve me with humility. He did not reach this goal with his own interest in mind. Philippians 2:1-11 is one of my absolute favorite passages because it is such a great reminder of how we should serve God and each other. And Christmas is an excellent time for this reminder.]]> Tue, 11 Dec 2007 06:55:32 -0800 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/365506 Give Scripture a Chance http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/352226 altChristmastime is my favorite time of year besides Autumn and Valentine's Day, and summer when I get off work early every Friday. Oh, and Cabrillo's bi-annual Pottery Sale in the parking garage.
But Christmas definitely tops the list, if I had to choose Number 1.
The problem is, I get just as distracted by shopping lists and mailing Christmas cards as anyone else.
Last Friday I spent the entire afternoon at work with some friends taping $5 Starbucks cards inside giant Christmas cards and mailing them to 75 business contacts all over the country. And I let myself get stressed about it getting finished "on time" so it stopped being fun at one point- and it wasn't officially December yet.
I've decided this year to minimize the holiday stress by just saying no and prioritizing my to-do list. For instance, I put lights on the outside of my house. But I'm leaving the inside of my house unadorned. I'm not getting a Christmas tree this year because my cat is still crazy. (We thought he would have outgrown this phase by now). I am almost completely finished with Christmas shopping except for one family member who is rich and won't tell me what he wants for Christmas (because he probably already has it). I will not send out personal Christmas cards this year but I will bake Christmas cookies. I plan to wrap a co-worker's entire workspace and personal belongings in wrapping paper while he is on sabbatical and hiding a small gift that he has to find by unwrapping everything he already owns.
Aside from all of that, I really just want to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. I know I say that every year, but I don't want to be distracted by getting the traditions right. I want to reflect on the Father's tremendous act of Love by sending his Son to fulfill a promise. I want to maintain an attitude of thanksgiving throughout the season as I ponder Jesus' willingness to come to us in human form.
But above all, I want to reflect on God's word and grow nearer to him. Not that mailing Christmas cards is bad. I just don't feel like doing it. And I don't feel the least bit guilty.
Charlie's challenge this week is to spend 20 minutes reflecting on Scripture, twice. This is exciting because we can choose a passage ourselves and devote our full attention to waiting on God.
This will be challenging for me because I don't like to wait for anything. I don't wait to open my Christmas gifts and I make others open their gifts long before Christmas Day. So unwrapping God's word slowly is going to be an exercise in patience for me.]]> Sun, 02 Dec 2007 20:04:27 -0800 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/352226 The Turkey Bowl! http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/325222 Thanksgiving Day at 10 AM there is a High School Group vs. College Group flag football game at New Brighton Middle School. I think we all know who will win. But let's take a vote anyway!

Opinion Polls & Market Research
]]> Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:00:08 -0800 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/325222 Thanksgiving Stories http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/310592 altTell us your favorite memory of Thanksgiving, or tell us what you are thankful for!]]> Wed, 07 Nov 2007 04:31:13 -0800 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/310592 Give Suffering a Chance http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/308321 alt This seems an odd time of year to bring up suffering, doesn't it? After all, it is the season of happy consumption: Eggnog lattes, food glistening on a table set for twelve, half-priced Halloween candy, sugar-scented candles, warm stuff, shopping, full-belly euphoria, Pumpkin spice anything, etc.

But the truth is, even while we might be partaking of the aforementioned vittles, real suffering could be clear and present. In fact, for some of us the suffering is so intense we consume even more seasonal delights than necessary, because sucking our thumbs became inappropriate long ago.

So why do we try so hard to avoid and deny suffering when it is so much a part of life? Sentient beings have a natural revulsion to that which is unpleasant. But our revulsion does not ward off suffering, and neither does that $40 cinnamon-apple candle you keep lighting every night. God's word teaches that we will endure trials, and when we do we are to rejoice rather than despair.
I know how trite that sounds. (I wince as I write it).
Let me tell you a story that may or may not help my cause here.
When I was in college I took a job where I had to virtually step outside of my admittedly emo personality to "get fired up" and drive up sales. When I took the job, my manager told me, "Jody, you are going to have some very hard times. There will be days you want to give up completely. But you have to learn to embrace those challenges. Conquer them. Persevere. It will be character-building."
Not the best motivational pep talk, I know. Among other humiliations, every time I encountered a tough time I was supposed to chant, "I love challenges! I eat them for breakfast!"
You can understand why I had a hard time taking myself seriously.
After a few weeks I had character coming out of my ears. When the Bible talks about rejoicing in the sufferings of Christ it does not mean gritting your teeth into a grimacing smile and challenging God to bring it on. That kind of masochistic attitude is not as gratifying as one might think. It's weird. And it is okay to admit when you're suffering, but rejoice in the knowledge of God's love and have faith that He is with you through it all.
In a way, my manager was right- sort of. I never learned to welcome challenges with open arms, but I did grow through those experiences and I have to admit it was (gulp) character building.
This is what James 1: 2-3 and Phillipians 4 are referring to when we face trials, producing patience/growth. Character.
As children of God, we are heirs of His glory and His suffering (Romans 8:17). This is what families do. You share one another's grief and joy. So if we are God's children, He will be with us even through the hardest times. And this has implications for the body of Christ as a whole. Through our own trials, we grow compassionate towards others who suffer. We resist the urge to offer hollow, well-meaning platitudes and instead cry with them.
When a hurricane mows down a coastal city, leaving hundreds of thousands displaced and suffering (Christians among them), we respond with prayer, support, and aid. As they sink their knees into the mud and, fists clenched, cry out WHY we don't pretend to have an answer. We sink our knees in beside them and lift them up instead of pointing a condemning finger and declaring them hopeless.
There is hope. There is a peace that surpasses our human understanding and emotions.
]]> Tue, 06 Nov 2007 01:52:03 -0800 http://virb.com/genesisfamily/posts/text/308321