A bedtime story
One morning Nate and Marc went outside to play after their breakfast.
Nate decided to go for a ride on his new bicycle.
He rode the bike down the driveway, then down the sidewalk and around the block. He was riding so fast that before he knew it, his training wheels fell off.
Answering the question :: What should I blog about?
I have several friends (and family members) with blogs that get updated somewhat frequently. Others are far more occasional, and still others, I have to wonder if they’ve forgotten their password.
When I ask them about it, their usual response is, “Well I don’t know what to write about.”
I understand, I’ve had writer’s block before.
But there’s one thing I’ve found that gets me over my writer’s block every time — writing.
I know you’re all looking at me funny now but perhaps I can explain.
Creating a culture of adoption in the church
http://www.vimeo.com/7528139“We need the church.”
“In order for the church to be effective to this ministry and this calling… They’re going to have to be a healing culture. They’re going to have to be a forgiving culture. They’re going to have to a faith that is renewed daily.”
Texas foster care statistics for 2009
In 2009, there were 27,422 children in foster care in the state of Texas.
Of those numbers, there were 5,442 children in Region 3 (North Texas)
In 2009, there were 6,510,210 children between the ages of birth to 18 in the state of Texas and 1,795,971 in the North Texas region.
Texas child deaths increased sharply in 2009
280 Texas children died as the result of child abuse and neglect in 2009 — up more than 30% from 2008.
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is still trying to figure out why.
According to one think tank, the reason is likely due to increased teen pregnancies and increased poverty — which seems very probable. But Texas DFPS isn’t convinced.
Another possible cause is case workers being overworked (the average caseworker in the North Texas region is 20 investigations per day) and a turnover rate of nearly 24%.
Just my uneducated assumption is that Texas DFPS is removing far less number of children from their homes over the past five years — it would seem that if you’re removing less children, either parents are doing a better job — or you’re going to end up with more fatalities.
In 2005, DFPS removed 17,428 children from their homes.
In 2009, they removed 12,107 children from their homes.
There may be other factors to this — but that would be the first place I would look.
Austin’s KUT has a report on the issue.
You can also read the full DFPS study online — or I’ll post some highlights tomorrow.
HT Funky Shapes for the photo
I am an atheist…
I am an atheist when it comes to the god of violent jihad.
I am an atheist when it comes to the lord who converts by the sword.
I am an atheist when it comes to the mission of politicians using religion as ammunition.
but
I believe in You – the Artist of trees and galaxies.
I believe in You – the Poet of oceans and rivers and streams.
I believe in You – the God of compassion who calls us to action
I can’t believe what they believe but I believe in You
I believe in You – Majestic Designer of space and time
I believe in You – Composer of beauty and music of life
I believe in You – The Holy Forgiver and Wild Reconciler
I am an atheist to the gods of the greedy ignoring the needy.
I am an atheist to the gods who make others torture and suffer
I am an atheist when it comes to view of the chosen few, who
judge and condemn all who differ them.
I believe in You – Mighty in meekness and gentle in power
I believe in You – The Word who has spoken good news to the broken
I believe in You – Transcending mystery, with us in history
What do you think?
Sometimes…
you’re the bug.
Sometimes you’re the windshield.
Today I feel like the bug.
Free copy of St. Peter’s Brewery
Still waiting to get a copy of St. Peter’s Brewery? Not sure you want to fork over $15 for a hard copy? Understood!
Since it’s my birthday today — and it’s far better to give than to receive — I’m sending out a PDF copy of the book to all the subscribers of my e-mail newsletter (The Insurgency of Love)!
Of course, once you read the book in PDF format, I’m sure you’ll want to buy your own hard copy, as well as copies for all your friends… 
But until then, simply sign up for my e-mail newsletter and you’ll get a copy of the book e-mailed to you first thing tomorrow morning.
It’s as easy as that!
Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy both the book and the newsletter.
What is the Insurgency of Love?
The Insurgency of Love is a monthly (sometimes twice monthly) e-mail newsletter hoping to
A.) Give real examples and ideas of how we can all be Insurgents of Love (i.e. your stories!)
B.) Give some added insight/updates into some of the projects I’m involved in.
Subscribe now.
22 songs about Heaven
Artists always have a great way of bringing out theology through their art.
I always love art that makes me asks questions. That helps me wrestle with life and the tough stuff, the muck and the mire.
Art forces you to re-consider. To look at all of life differently.
Why I’m laughing this afternoon
I’m thinking about two boys, sound asleep last night.
One in his crib, the other in his toddler bed.
Both laying in their tummies, arms spread out, legs curled up underneath their tummies, with their butts sticking up in the air.
