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September 27, 2006
The Miniature Earth
I cannot with 100% certainty verfiy all of the statistics in this video; however, i still think it is worth thinking about. There's no music, but i have the feeling if you listened to "One" by U2, it might make for an interesting combination. Try it and see what you find.
Posted by joshuacase at 01:54 PM
Work, School, and Faith: An impossible balancing act?
The last few days i have been reflecting on the impossibility of finding a balance in life between work, school, and faith.
As i was watching Jay Leno, yes it comes on tv in Switzerland from time to time, Jamie Lee Curtis made the comment that her 5 year old son was very upset with her because "she had never explained to him this human race that he was a part of, but did not know how to win". She went on to talk about how it took her forever to convince him that there was a human race, but not actually a race that all humans were in. Was she right? Doesn't look like it to me...
This weekend i was with a group of about 100 students on a retreat in France. We were looking at the story of the Prodigal son, and particularly, from my session these three points: love gives us responsibility even when we are not ready for it, love trusts us to make good decisions with our responsibility even when people make bad ones all the time, love doesn't keep us from hurting ourselves or others in the outworking of our responsibilities.
At the end of the talk, a couple of students came up to me and wanted to talk about the pressue they felt from school, and the expectations they experienced in making the grade. They understood that they had been entrusted to make good grades by their parents, and that the rest of their lives depended on making good grades...now! They then went on to study for four+ hours on Saturday afternoon while many of their friends played futbol for the next 3 hours. Many of the students, had to be pulled away from their books in order to eat dinner. Two of the students who talked to me were 14 and 15....and they did not have tests for another couple of weeks. Was the pressure to make the grade too much?
Yesterday, in our staff meeting, we found ourselves discussing how members of team were struggling with knowing when to be "on" and when to be "off". The life-job relationship always seems to get blurred when you are a person who professionally cares for people. When are your friendships friendships? When are they caring? When is going to the movies with friends a relaxing thing? When is it a job thing? When is it ok to say no to some friends, and yes to others....and what if the people you work with, become the people you find yourself investing the most in.....
It seems as though for many, the quest for finding a balance of life is becoming a tension. Work, school, faith (or you put in your category) all conflict with a vision for a life well lived. They all seem, at least in the lives of the people around me, to resist the simple act of compartmentalization.
Posted by joshuacase at 10:48 AM | Comments (1)
Brian McLaren on Values for American Voters
On Jim Wallis' blog, Brian was asked to respond to a conversation between Jim and Ralph Reed. In his response here, Brian makes three suggestions as to "what three values voters should value the most." Check it out.
jc
Posted by joshuacase at 10:39 AM
September 25, 2006
Sad weekend for the USA...
Yes, three in a row. Congrats to the European team...and to all of you who sent me emails or text messages saying, "too bad about the Ryder Cup".
And to think, even the greatest basketball player couldn't even bring the USA team enough luck. Yes, MJ was present at the event. He was walking around with Elin, Tiger's wife.
all in all, i guess we just need to wait a couple more years and see what materializes...
Posted by joshuacase at 10:24 PM
September 21, 2006
And Pete continues...
You can follow Pete's continued comments on an Interventionist God and what he describes "creating an agnostic space". He just keeps the thoughts coming.
read if you dare....
jc
Posted by joshuacase at 01:55 PM | Comments (0)
The Adventures of a story teller...and more
Over at Open Source Theology a story teller named Stacy has entered into the conversation. It's kind of interesting to watch as people try to engage with the conversation going on there. The conversation, like many of the ones on this site, is directed towards a conversation about eternity. I've found the conversation interesting, and wanted to highlight it.
You can also check out the conversation entitled: Living in sin/living in love posted by Paul Myers. Another interesting conversation hosted by Jason's site.
Also thought I would use this as another opportunity to plug Andrew Perriman's book, "The Coming of the Son of Man". Andrew hosts the site and much of the conversation at Open Source Theology. The book, even if you end up not agreeing with its content, is well informed, well worth the money, and is in my opinion, an important work for an emerging generation of missional leaders.
still waiting for the dawn...
joshua c
Posted by joshuacase at 01:34 PM | Comments (0)
It would be wrong not to cheer American in this case....
America is taking on Europe. Yeah, sounds familiar. But really, American golfers are taking on Europe. And despite the political overtones, it is really happening over the course of the next weekend on the continent of Europe.
So, if you are an American or a non-european, and you struggle with Americanism in various ways, i actually think golf (along with tennis) is an appropriate sport to cheer americans on to victory. You may have your opinions on war, colonialization, oil, and trade embargos; however, i promise golf is safe. So cheer Tiger and the fellas on! They need it even more now after the last humiliation!
peace for all...
jc
Posted by joshuacase at 12:12 AM | Comments (15)
A response to the warring mentality...
A Christian response to the "camp" ideology...
Matthew, of the new testament, of the bible, Chapter 5:38-47; Jesus of Nazareth speaking...
An Eye for an Eye
38 You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'
39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Love for Enemies
43 You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.'
44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?"
Posted by joshuacase at 12:01 AM
September 20, 2006
A bit scared about "Jesus Camp"
Ok, i do not get worried about things very often. But this trailer, really actually makes me a bit fearful. I am unsure what it means for a new generation of Christ followers. For me, it just feels wrong. But that could just be me. There are quite a few people blogging about it. So i know its not just me. I guess i just think there are other ways of seeing how to bring up a generation in the way of Christ. I guess i just feel there are other ways to see how to do life with enemies. I guess, i am an optimist....
Jesus Camp. I do not recommend it.
Posted by joshuacase at 11:55 PM | Comments (1)
September 18, 2006
Working together in Africa
I follow the updates of this network. I have found it to keep me quite informed about the way things are being handled on the treatment, prevention, collaborative medicine front concerning HIV/AIDS. There are several networks out there which do this.
I wanted to highlight this article entitled, "USAID Issues $15M Grant to Ugandan Religious Coalition" because it demonstrates the way that groups are working together in Africa to make a difference. As you would see from reading the article, the Anglican church, the Muslim Supreme council, the Seventh Day Adventist church, the Catholic church, and the Ugandan Orthodox church are all involved in the initiative.
In a world marked by non-collaboration, I find it always healthy to celebrate the places where I see collaborative goodness plotting taking place. We need to celebrate it. Otherwise, we'll forget it happens...it does you know!
blessings...
jc
Posted by joshuacase at 11:02 PM | Comments (0)
September 17, 2006
Coincidence or More-than-Coincidence?
This morning Laura and I attended a service at Holy Trinity Church Geneva. The person who brought the homily was John Quigley of Franciscans International. As many people will know, St. Francis is know as the patron saint of animals and the environment. For more info on St. Francis, click here.
Laura and I have attend the Anglican church in Geneva off and on, but this morning was interesting. It was the first time that we have been there, when a pigeon had made its way into the chapel. The bird, while a potential threat to those of us sitting under it, was quite content to just sit in the beams of the ceiling and not bother a life. The irony of it all, for me, was that the bird chose to be here on the day when a representative from Franciscans was there; and, that just as the last hymn was being sung by the community gathered, the bird flapped its way to the window and flew off into the sky.
Coincidence, or more-than-coincidence?
And what of us? Do the messages we represent follow us to the places we go? Do images of peace or grace or justice follow us along as we go through our daily lives? Do people look at our participation in various places and recognize the irony of the signs that accompany us?
Oh that they would,
Oh that they might,
Oh that those who are known by the name of Peace,
Would be followed by the signs and presence of the peace that they bring!
blessings...
jc
Posted by joshuacase at 01:06 PM | Comments (0)
The Vrielings have arrived!
Well, a new season is beginning. The Vrielings have arrived. It may sound a bit over the top, but for them, and in many ways for us, we feel like a new season is beginning.
We've known Lammert, Conny, Chris, and Max for more than a year and half now. They've been friends, encouragers, models, teachers, and mentors. And just yesterday, they arrived to Geneva to live. We're so excited to have them here and are excited about this season of ministry and life together.
You can keep them and this transition in your thoughts and prayers...if you pray. On Monday, Chris starts school and this will be quite the transition. She speaks dutch...gets some english...and is off to schooling which will be in French. Yes, it'll be a transition. Laura and I are praying for her friends, and her teachers, and her experience of languages.
Make sure you follow it, and them, via Lammert's blog.
We're thankful they have arrived.....truly thankful...
Posted by joshuacase at 12:17 AM | Comments (0)
Our space
I'm not sure if people find this blog first, or my other site first, but i wanted to direct people to the media section of our (Laura and I) Whole of Life website. There you will find photos we take through the year. Particularly as they relate to life and community happenings.
peace...jc
Posted by joshuacase at 12:07 AM | Comments (0)
September 16, 2006
He's done it again...Pete that is...
Well, this is not my friend peter rollins. But it is one of my favorite images that appear when you google Peter Rollins in images. I'm pretty sure pete may not even know who this guy is; however, if you are from the USA and a guy...or a girl who liked to watch WCW wrestling, you'd know it was none other than....Rick Flair. go figure.
Pete however has done it again. I mean, i love to come up with catchy thoughts and phrases. But pete, pete is catchy thoughts and ideas that make one ponder. I mean really, he embodies them. His most recent blog entry title was: "Reflections On An Interventionist God".
If you are interested, and you've had at least two cups of coffee already...and are looking for a less-than-light meal of thoughts, visit Pete's website for more! And I promise,Pete's site will give you you a taste of something that will either make you love the guy, or be scared of the guy. But for me...I love the guy!
If you don't have a copy of his book, BUY IT NOW!!!
peace...
jc
Posted by joshuacase at 11:52 PM | Comments (0)
September 11, 2006
McLaren in Washington Post
Just wanted to highlight Brian McLaren in the Washington Post.
Posted by joshuacase at 10:08 AM
September 08, 2006
Response to "stones and cursing"
I was reading this morning when i came across a story in the Bible that gave me a possible insight into right responses to the throwing of stones and dirt and of cursing. It's found in 2 Samuel 16.1-14 and is a story of King David as he was on his way to Jerusalem, as his son, had turned his kingdom against him.
As he reached Baruhim, a man named Shimei meyt he and his men and began cursing and throwing stones. David's response: "suppose the LORD has told him to curse David, who then will dare to say, "why are you doing this?"...Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to...Perhaps, the LORD will look upon my infliction and make it up to me with benefits for the curses he is uttering this day. All the while Shimei kept abreast of them, cursing and throwing stones and dirt as he (King David) went" (vs10-14 paraphrased).
Not sure who is throwing stones, or cursing, or even dirt at you, (and of course you know i mean that in a more non-literal sense; however, if it is literal, that could be interesting as well) but i pray we may know the capacity to walk through the acts in hopes of the real benefits that might come from them. If not tomorrow, and not the next, maybe in a month or more.
walk on.....jc
Posted by joshuacase at 07:39 AM | Comments (1)
September 07, 2006
An increasingly interesting conversation...among friends
Recently, a group of friends in the US started a comversation together on christianity and the church. Leslie, Eric, Nick, Josh and Anna have been blogging over the last week about their struggle with the American church's expression of christianity. As much as a struggle with the "church", theirs seems to be a struggle with the way leaders have treated them, practices have been passed down, and bridges have been burned in the name of tradition. From firings, to bait and switch; from the gift of plastic leadership, to the soulful longings for community, this group of friends is processing what i think is found in a question(not to be simplistic or reductionistic): "what in the world do we do when it seems like the Christianity we've always known...and been told looks like "x"...doesn't work in our real lives....or even in those who lead us?"
And, just so they aren't just names or blogs...and we remember they are people, here are photos....because the moment we forget people are behind words..and feelings...and thinking...and healing... is the moment we feel more confident in our capacity to respond with words...and not love...or grace...or time...or process...
Sorry Anna- couldn't find a photo...
Posted by joshuacase at 04:54 PM
Parks, Free wifi, days off
It's a free day,
a day with thoughts a plenty.
It's a good day,
a day with books and laughs.
It's a park day,
a day with wifi streaming.
It's a sabbath day,
a day with rest and loving.
___________________________
Holidays in Geneva are slow and deliberate. Today is a holiday. People are in the park and at the few cafe's that seem to be open. Life has seemed to slow down and rest is at hand. I've found my way to town, without considering the amount of "closed" things about. But the city wifi is not closed. It's quite open, and free.
I met this morning with a good friend named James. Jimmy is off to Cambridge soon for theological school en route to becoming a priest in the anglican church. It's always fun talking with James. Discussing everything under the sun, including the difficulties we often face in the working out of our theology in the world we live in. Although today was more of a reconnect. More like two old friends talking about the days ahead while knowing full-well the proximity of our time together is nearing a new beginning.
Free wifi though...what a thought....what a world. If only it could be free for everyone....every where. But then again, as my dad would always say, "nothings free in this world Josh, somebody somewhere is paying for it". Maybe he's right.
Posted by joshuacase at 01:10 PM
September 05, 2006
Tiger Woods and the dilemma of greatness...
"Yeah, yeah," you thought. Tiger won again and Joshua Case is going to post about it. And, well, you are right. So here goes.
Tiger Woods has done it again. A few years ago a book came out which i've blogged about before, discussing the "dilemma of greatness" that Tiger was going to have to deal with. In many ways, it seems as though he is handling this dilemma very well. However, I wonder for many of us (as his contemporaries) how we are dealing it. Afterall, every generation only has a certain number of "great ones". And, we hear about so many great things that people are doing, or have done. I kind of begin to wonder, what is this thing called greatness and why is it, that a few in every generation, and in certain fields stand out as indeed being great.
For instance, this past weekend, there was a new world record set. For what, you might ask? For the "longest amount of time laying on one's back with hands behind your head in a swimming pool". Yep, that's right. The new time was just over two hours. Is that great? Is that what people ought to be striving for? Is that what i'm up against?
And then you have to ask, should we strive for greatness? Is it achievable? Or gifted? Or inherited? And for that matter, is our fascination with greatness just another symptom of our daily fresh expanse of knowledge in world of seamless communication?
I don't know, maybe its me. Maybe this whole dilemma of greatness is a normal processing of who one is and who one wants to be. But Tiger, without a question, is great at the game he loves to play. Sure, he makes an ok living; but that seems to be the farthest motivation from his mind. And maybe, maybe that is the key to greatness: that we do things we love to do, in the places where we love to do them, because we and others feel gifted with a fresh sense of life from their being done. Maybe, we each do those certain lovely things in life in order that those who interact with our lives can see clearly the beauty of greatness in our victories, our losses, our perseverance, our attitudes, and most of all...our smiles. If this is greatness, sign me up. If this is greatness, may we all pursue it, with all our hearts and minds, and lives. For if this is greatness, may we each become...to bless.
Posted by joshuacase at 09:35 AM | Comments (0)