Sunday had a wonderful start - with no real “have to see” programming - I was able to sleep a bit. The general session with folks from my church, Len, & Matt was terrific. There was a comedian who “kicked” the morning off and I have to admit it had me chuckling! They had a “stage in the round” that was used very effectively throughout the week. And video screens galore to give everyone a feeling of a front row seat. One thing that is really unfortunate meeting in convention centers… there is no slope. So line of sight to the main stage was always tedious at best for this 5 foot 10 inch guy.

Jeff Johnson (with two violins and a bassoon) put together a reflective and meaningful set of worship for getting the session going. The art work that supported the Taize’, Celtic and Traditional hymns and chants was so powerful. The beauty was almost overwhelming. But the pacing/progression of music, prayer, silence and singing definitely drew me into a place where I was able to rest before God.

The general session speaker was Doug Fields (on the big screen Matt and I thought he definitely resembled John Elway - anyone else catch that?). He spoke on envy and did a great contrast between our tendency for envy (like the brothers of Joseph) exemplified by the multi-colored coat and the way that God see’s us exemplified by those dressed in white robes in Revelation 3. A helpful and healthy reminder.

The session closed with Crowder. That is almost enough said, but a couple observations. Can anyone grab a crowd quicker than this guy? Crowder is able to move from fun to intense focus on the things of God effortlessly, authentically and immediately. Remedy live is glorious. The band is TIGHT - every time I see them I go away thinking, not only are they unique and presenting great songs… there musicianship is quite good. Final thought - the NFL Fox theme… great encore!

After a quick bite - Chris, Matt and I got the room set up for Chris’ final seminar. A good crowd who I think enjoyed themselves. It was much more of a “presentation.” Good stuff on “Living, Loving and Leading in the Way of Jesus.” The crowd liked “free stuff” (everyone signed up for free goodies to show up in their in-box).

Enough NYWC - I was at my limit. So… Matt and I watched the NFL for far too long. It was great (Chris joined us after some of his final obligations)… we ate, laughed and I reminded everyone that the Bucs had won (31 to 7) down the street at the Georgia Dome!!

Wonderful day.

Saturday was a wonderful day! It started early as I attended Dave Ambrose’s seminar - “What Monks Can Teach Us.” It was a fun and helpful seminar that looked at both contemplative AND activist approaches to developing our spirituality. It was a good mix of both helpful content and interactive learning experiences.

Next was general session 3. All I can say is wow. Phyliss Tickle was someone I was really looking forward to hearing. Did she ever deliver. Amazing. This 80 (oops 72, thanks Heidi) year old woman came out and shared a “map” of the way in which Christendom has responded to the upheaval and revolutions that have rocked our world every 500 years (from the fall of Jerusalem, the fall of Rome, the great schism, the great reformation and now the great emergence). It was jaw dropping. It deserves a bit or reflection before I post anymore.

After a time of laughter with friends and some new friends. I attended Folmsbee’s super seminar, Story, Signs, and Sacred Rhythms (it was a real introduction to what SonLife is all about). It presents a helpful system or process by which to approach our ministry to youth theologically. It was a great group of folks who seemed to be engaged, asked good questions, and participated enthusiastically. Chris involved Matt and I by letting folks know we could field questions, etc. So, I had a couple of fun conversations with those who were there. (I also got to meet Josh!)

The evening was great! Wonderful conversations, laughter, refreshment, and just a great time with great people. (Riddle, Matt, Darian, Len, Josh, Chris, et. al.)

Today I wrapped up the critical concerns course with Mike King and with Jeff Johnson. It was a wonderful experience overall. Mike shared some great stories about pilgrimage. Probably the most memorable and powerful “take-a-way” for me was his statement, “Jesus in the Incarnation, displaced himself. We need to find ways and be intentional in displacing ourselves. Pilgrimage is a way to help us in this displacement and find a place of transformation.”

Wow.

The convention began with a general session. The technology and excellence of this multi-stage production is phenomenal. In the first session for me the highlight was Flatfoot 56. What a fun “old school punk band” tinged with Irish tendencies.

I was able to connect with a number of friends in the afternoon. Shared a great meal with Folmsbee, Matt and Mike. Then Matt and I caught the Atlanta Hawks vs. Supersonics at Phillips Arena. My first live NBA experience was full - a double overtime game that ended with buzzer beater to break the Hawks hearts. During the fourth period we learned that back at the convention during the second general session, Shane Claiborne’s message was a word-for-word reading of the Sermon on the Mount. I don’t know how you top that sermon?! But, at the same time, I am sure some were left shaking their heads.

A wonderful day complete with good music, insight, meaningful discussions, laughter with real friends, and a beautiful day under the sun.

The meeting with Len was definitely encouraging and a fun lunch filled with insight, reminders, encouragement and laughter. Pretty darn cool to meet with the grand pooh-bah! We both were part of the same pre-conference course - The Passionate Pursuit of God in the Way of Jesus with Mike King and Jeff Johnson.

The time in the course was good. I thoroughly enjoyed the content and the opportunity to be quiet, pray, meditate and just rest in God. Having Jeff Johnson to lead music is also a special experience. One of the things that really “works” for me is that Jeff doesn’t amplify his music - he relies on his natural voice and it comes across so beautifully. It definitely lends an authenticity and naturalness to his worship leadership.

Some take-a-ways from day one:

Jesus dwelt among us to be an example of how to be “fully human.” (Interesting that we often pursue being “like God” rather than embrace our full humanity - becoming who God made us. Wasn’t “becoming like God” the temptation that Adam and Eve succumbed to?)

“The Glory of God is a human being - fully alive” - Irenaus

“If you don’t live it, it won’t come out of your horn.” - Charlie Parker

“My love will change your belief about Me.” - Mother Teresa (a meditation on God’s thirst for us)

“The more you know me,
the more you will love me.
The more you love me,
the more you will follow me.
The more you follow me,
the more you will become like me.
The more you become like me,
the more you become yourself.” - Rick Lawrence

I arrived last night in Atlanta… found some good mexican food (something sorely lacking in Western PA) and my bed (and it is comfortable!).

I am staying about 6 or more blocks from the site of the YS convention at the Georgia World Congress Center. I am not far from Peach Tree Center at the Hampton Inn. I mentioned that 20 years ago I attended the YS Convention here in ATL - as I look out my hotel window I see the site of that convention - The Westin, Peachtree, pretty cool.

Other news… I am meeting a fellow blogger - a first for me. Meeting someone I formerly only knew through the “blog-o-sphere.” I’ll let you know how it goes!

Later today I begin my critical concern course. Looking forward to being led on a bit of a “spiritual retreat” with Mike King and Jeff Johnson.

Running through my brain, Psalm 123:1 as found in, “Work Of God Benedictine Prayer“:

“I gaze at the heavens,
searching for you, my God.”

May my search end at my delight.

Finally, pray for rain here in the drought-ridden Southeast… (it did rain last night… but they are down 17 plus inches).

Later today I head down to Atlanta to begin my time at the National Youth Worker’s Convention. I have been anticipating this time with a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer (1979):

O God of Peace
Who has taught us that in returning
and rest we shall be saved,
in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength;

Amen.

What has struck me from this wonderful trinitarian prayer are the wonderful words that so often we desire yet are so often missing from our 21st century lives… the words like:

Peace.
Rest.
Quietness.
Confidence.
Strength.
Stillness.
Presence.

So, my prayer for NYWC ‘07 is to make these words part of my autobiography…