Living Life Juicy

Something hit me for the first time yesterday. While preparing a study about Shalom (peace) using Jeremiah 29:11 I look up the Hebrew word for hope - ‏תִּקְוָה‎ (hope - literal a cord as an attachment). The word picture is of a rope that attaches to something stable. In climbing we call this an anchor or protection. Hope is about being anchored. But to what? What opened up to me is the process of Shalom. God knows his plans for us. He has literally seen those plans fulfilled. These are good and prosperous plans for our future. Hope anchors us to those promises. As we hold on to thisattachmentt we live shalom (a deep peace,sensee of well being) in the midst of what evercircumstancess we currently findourselvess.

I have had the privilege of leading a critical concerns course (8 hour pre-conference session) for the Youthworkers Conventions in Austin and Anaheim. While standing and leading for that extended period of time exhausts me and wreaks havoc on my knees, I love the longer format. We can really dive into what's behind experience and how it teaches. That's my critical concern; that we go underneath the surface of activity and get to how God can use us in the process of changing lives through this type of interaction. There are always several participants who come looking for a list of fun activities that teach. There is nothing wrong with that. You can get that from several great books that are out there (look for the latest by Jim Cain or Chris Calvert and Dick Hammond among others). My desire is that we challenge ourselves to look deeper; to look at why this stuff works and how it can be used intentionally in many different contexts and situations. I also want leaders and teacher...

The convention experience is so different when it's in your home town. When I travel to other cities for the convention I meet lots of new people but it can still be a bit lonely. Most of the people I know at the convention are working it and don't have much hang out time. This past weekend I enjoyed being able to sit down with several good friends for an extended period of time. I was reminded that I have had the privilege to be impacted by some great men and women and have been able to "sponge" great insights and wisdom from them. Former bosses, former staff members and friends have all added so much to my life. I enjoyed being able to catch up and thank them but even better was being able to dream about the future and where God is taking us.

Ok, so I haven't been too faithful in blogging. Instead of shooting for a practical format to discuss experiential methodology I think I'll just record my thoughts on life and living and see what you all think about it. I've spent most of the day exploring e-learning. I've never been a big fan of this approach but my thoughts are changing. Using the current social networking technology along with streaming video and some other interactive stuff could be promising. This combination of technology and connection can never replace experience and personal contact but it could encourage it and create opportunities for accountability, encouragement and input.