_awakening

Writing and a Question.

I'm spending the day doing some much needed writing on my thesis. [More on this later...]

In the meantime, I've been chewing a bit on this post by Robert Cargill. Maybe you're like me, I grew up hearing "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life" until it became a mantra. I've always felt a bit uncomfortable with this kind of thinking. It seems so trite and so self-centered, like God exists for me and my "wonderful plan." I've also never really been satisfied with how we reconcile the issues of pain and evil into this "wonderful plan" thing. Seems like our efforts are all to fraught with mental and theological gymnastics.

Cargill answers the pressing question, "Does God really have a wonderful plan for our lives?" His answer and thoughts may surprise you. It is a read well worthy of your time and pondering.

Enjoy.

Dominican Republic.

It's a crazy opportunity, but Josh was recently asked to play on an exhibition team from the US in the Dominican Republic, through Sports for Kids International. It's a nine player team made up mostly of high school players who will be playing exhibition games for a week. It should be a great experience for Josh, to see how he stacks up with guys who are a year or two older than he is. He is so excited. So the last week of July, Josh and I will be heading down to the Dominican Republic for a little baseball vacation. Pretty sweet...

Here are a few pics from last weekend's tournament in Riverside. [Thanks to Bill Rees, as always, for taking some great shots.]

  

Hhhmmm.

An interesting question. What does this have to say about the nature of what is contained in the scriptures?

So Cannot Wait For This...

Church.

A few years back, while at Soularize in the Bahamas, I had the opportunity to hang out a bit with Rustin Smith. I was way impressed with his passion and thoughts on the nature of "Church." Recently Rustin posted some very insightful thoughts on an issue a lot of people have with the "Church," namely how the "Church" is not sensitive to their needs and the pain in their lives.

Exploring a quote from Peter Rollins, Smith questions exactly what the role of the Church should be in dealing with parishoner's personal needs. His answer may surprise you.

It is definitely something to chew on.

[HT: Mike King for pointing out the post.]

On Studying the Scriptures.

Pour over it again and again, for everything is contained in it; look into it, grow old and gray over it, and do not depart from it, for there is no better pursuit for you than this.

[Mishnah, Pirke Avot 5:27]

Capo Valley - CIF-SS Division I Champions.

WOW, what a game! We just got home from Angel Stadium from what has to be one of the best high school games we've ever seen. In the end, Capo pulled out the 1-0 victory on a Tyler Matzek homerun in the bottom of the sixth. The game was so close, you had a feeling that one pitch, one hit could decide the outcome. Both pitchers were absolutely fantastic, carrying shutouts into the bottom of the sixth.

It was in the bottom of the sixth when Edison's pitcher, Kurt Heyer, went 3-0 to Matzek that you knew something could happen. Normally on a 3-0 count, you've got a take sign on, but Zamora gave Matzek the swing sign and he promptly deposited the pitch into the right field seats. We knew it was gone the second it came off the bat.

It's funny. I had a conversation with Josh on the way to practice this week. I told him that there comes a time in every game - a moment that can change the game. It could be a play in the field. It could be an at bat. it could be a certain pitch in a sequence. The question is not when it will come, but will you be ready when it does. I told Josh this is what focus is all about, being able to be at the top of your game when that moment comes and not miss it.

We had a feeling when Matzek stepped in the box in the bottom of the sixth that is was just one of those moments. Luckily for Capo, Matzek was ready.

Props go out to both teams for a fantastic season and a very, very well played game. Both teams have much to be proud of. It was a special night.

You can read more about the game here.

[PHOTO: SAM GANGWER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER]

Capo vs. Edison.

After a long journey through the CIF baseball playoffs, it all comes down to this. Capo Valley has made it to the CIF Division I Championship where they will take on Edison High. The game is set for 7:30 pm at Angel Stadium and should be amazing as two very, very good teams face off for the California Southern Section Championship. The pitching match-up should be fantastic as Edison's Kurt Heyer will be opposing Capo's Kevin Chambers. Capo's ace and top ten MLB draft pick, Tyler Matzek, threw a complete game in the semi's and only has three innings to give in this game. Better believe Edison will see him if Capo has a lead late in the game. For more on tonight's match-up go here.

Anyway, suffice it to say that Josh and I, and a bunch of his teammates from the Cats, are heading out to Angel Stadium tonight. More to follow...

[PHOTO: Capistrano Valley pitcher Tyler Matzek pitched a two-hitter in Tuesday's semifinals victory over Riverside Poly. / SAM GANGWER, THE REGISTER]

Odd, Is It Not?

Of all the things to celebrate as the community of Jesus, this sure seems odd, does it not?

Wright and Justification.

My copy of Justification: God's Plan & Paul's Vision arrived this week on my doorstep. I've been waiting to clear some room in my reading calendar in order to jump into this one. Before the book was released, Jamie and I had dinner with Tom and Maggie and asked him about the book. He said he was perhaps one of the most important books he had written. I'm sure I'll have more to add when I get some time to digest the book.

Until then, Scot McKnight has offered up some insightful posts and thoughts on the book in his series Justification and New Perspective [now up to thirteen posts]. You can follow and be a part of the discussion here.