I haven't posted here for a while. It was last year, actually. A little over four months ago. I have been busy - I got a job as a youth minister and I have been hanging out with my dad on The Fireside and with my wife and kids here at the house. I am in a play (Nano Romantico) - which my wife directed - and I am looking forward a few weeks to my third class at the School for Lay Ministries.

I have been busy, but mostly I have not posted because I haven't had anything to say.

The investigation into the spiritual disciplines has not been very fruitful. Here is where I am with this whole thing:

This is why people think that Jesus wouldn't like them. This is why people think that Christianity is for fools. I have failed miserably at evaluating my lifestyle and, if I were to subscribe to the common notion that failure and guilt were a popular theme in Jesus' teaching - I would be defeated and give up. I know this is true because I have believed that and I have done that.

I am reading a book right now that was recommended to me at least three times. I am reading "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller. It is changing me.

If Christianity were a person, would it like you? If Jesus were here today, would he seek you out?

I can safely say "yes" to both of these questions, and I can also tell you that I have failed to live out the disciplines that are listed in the widget at the right. I am a person, and that has baggage. I am a Director of Youth Ministries for a United Methodist Church, and that means nothing in terms of my relationship with Jesus. He doesn't care. He is interested in me, and if I fail miserably at my blog and at my job, then I just have to talk to Him about it, because if anyone gets that, it's Jesus.

If the guy on the radio sounds like he would yell at you when you called in, then turn the dial. Find some good music, for cryin' out loud. Or do what I do and find a nice podcast of This American Life. Ira Glass is near Genius. Trust me - it will do your soul more good than the bereavement that you will get from pastor #3 on the local radio station. If you need a sermon - you can get one here. Otherwise, just take a few minutes to yourself and tell God that you miss him and that you wish He were here. It is amazing what can happen.

And read "Blue Like Jazz," it will be pleasant experience for you no matter where you are in your journey through life. My apologies, specifically, to Josh and Ariah for not taking the recommendation sooner.