Someone recently asked me…”What do you enjoy the most?”  That got me thinking of a few of my favorite things.  In no particular order…here you go.

1. Grace – Really really really a big fan.

2. Jesus – What can I say…He’s the coolest.

3. My family – sure were crazy, but who isnt?

4. Anything maple – MMMmmmmm maple.

5. Entertainment Weekly – It makes Friday mail exciting.

6. Movies – I have a top 150 if that gives you idea of how serious I am.

7. Snowballs – New Orleans frozen treat.

8. Disneyland – Happiest place on earth…seriously.

9. Young MC – You know you love him too.

10. Top Chef – One of the greatest reality shows ever!

11. Cooking – I secretly want to be a chef/pastor/philanthropist.  I can do all three right?

12. Books – Like movies only better.  I have a top 200…and none of this Kindle crap but the sanctity of the written word.

13. Traveling – I pretty much want to go everywhere but Nebraska and Kuwait…oh who am I kidding…I would totally go to Kuwait.

14. Explosions in the Sky – I’m not talking about fireworks.

15. Ensemble sitcoms – From Friends and Seinfeld to How I Met Your Mother and The Big Bang Theory it makes my laugh heartily.

16. Bread – I love it.  If there was a bread diet I would be the thinnest person in the world.

17. Scarring the crap out of people – Nothing is more entertaining to me…I’m kind of sick like that.

18. Helping people – Theres something about doing the things that God wants you to do that just enlivens the spirit.

19. Tea – It has nuances and it is one of the few things in this world that relax me.

20. Preaching/Teaching – I learn most in preparation to teach others.

21. Air Conditioning – The most amazing thing EVER!

22. Killer Whales – I’m not really sure why.

23. The San Fransisco 49rs – That’s right baby!

24. St. Louis Blues – They made me fall in love with hockey.

25. Dreaming – The bigger the dreams the better.

26. Wind – Specifically when it rustles the leaves in fall.  It is by far the best sound in the world next to your kids laughing.

27. My kid laughing – For obvious reasons.

28. Frosted Flakes – They’re GREAT!

29. Journey and U2 – Both great…ALWAYS.  Come on, Don’t Stop Believing is perhaps the best song in the entire world.

30. Fall – The best time of the year.

31. Samantha Brown – She’s my tv girlfriend…Leanne’s ok with it since the teacher on GLEE is her tv boyfriend.

32. Burmese Mountain Dog – The most beautiful dog.  I want one.

33. Factcheck.org – A great website.

34. Farmville – The most addictive thing since Super Mario Bros. 3

35. Seeing people come to know Christ – Ain’t nothing like it in the world.

So there you have it, a few of my favorite things.  What are some of your favorite things?  For an added bonus scroll down.  I added my top 5 guilty pleasures. (Don’t judge me.)

My Top 5 Guilty Pleasures

1. Pop Music – Beyonce, Justin, Britney, Black Eyed Peas….I can’t help it.

2. Wizards of Waverly Place – Sure I’m 30 and a guy, and sure this show is on the Disney channel targeting tweens, and sure it may seem creepy that I like the show, and sure my wife makes fun of me…but I still like it.

3. WWE – It’s true.

4. Vegas – Not for the gambling but the sure audacity of the architecture.

5. My iPhone – Sometimes when no one is looking…I hug it.

Christians are crazy!  That seems to be a dominant thought with some people I know who are not Christians.  And who can blame them?  Let’s face it, for all intents and purposes we wave a freak flag of another sort…one that many times says I don’t give a rip about anyone but myself.  A while ago I saw the movie “Saved”.  I laughed so freaking hard in that movie partly because it was just that funny, and because they showed some truth in it.  Of course, I was actually depressed after watching it too, due to the fact of realizing that’s how much of the world views the church and for good reason.

Recently as I have been praying and thinking through the realities of living as if God actually cares about people  (which he does) and that I should care about people (which I do sometimes) I was struck with a thought.  Christians are crazy. In truth no more crazy then the next person but still…crazy.  I was h perusing different blogs and websites the other day and I came across several sites that solidify this in my mind…in fact much like “saved” these web sites make me laugh and get a little bit depressed.  They make me sad because I see so much hate. They make me sad because it is so hurtful to many people…and done in the name of “truth”. It makes me sad because although I am sure they have the best intentions those intentions are lost through the degradation they show for other people.

However these sites also make me laugh. It’s pretty freaking funny…that is if you can laugh at yourself.  They make me laugh because there is much ridiculousness. These sites make me laugh because I don’t know what else to do. These sites make me laugh because in my head I say, “they can’t be serious”, but in reality I know they are.

The only thing I know how to do is trust that God can use all of us…even when we think each other are crazy and wrong.

If you want to be saddened and slightly entertained…don’t say I didn’t warn you.

http://www.apprising.org/index.html

http://christianresearchnetwork.com/

http://www.sliceoflaodicea.com/

http://www.oldtruth.com/

http://www.teampyro.blogspot.com/

http://www.reformedgadfly.blogspot.com/

http://www.pajamapages.com/

I watched them so you don’t have to.

Let me preface this list by saying, like most VMA’s, this year was filled with class, trash, and an abundance of awkwardness.  This is my list of the top 10 moments.

Honorable mention goes to Pink, as she was a trapeze artist while she sang.

10.  Eminem and Tracy Jordan…I mean Tracy Morgan – I had no idea Eminem was  still around. However, these two made me laugh every time they were on…which is more than I can say for the host.  See number 4.

9. Jay – Z & Alicia Keys – The mayor of New York…AKA HOV closed the show with an “Ode to New York”.  Say what you will about Hip Hop Jay Z is gifted.  All he needed was a stage and he owned it – Making anyone who has lived in or been to New York embrace the realities of one of the greatest cities of the world.

8. This is it – A trailer for the Michael Jackson concert film.  Just watching a clip and you couldn’t help but remember how incredible he really was.

7. Green Day – One of the few remaining rock bands that I enjoy. It’s just good solid rock.

6. Lady Ga Ga – Alright let me begin by saying…WHAT THE CRAP?  It’s like 80’s Madonna meets Cher crossed with Phyllis Diller.  Sure the songs are catchy, sure she can sing and play the piano, and sure she knows how to entertain…but still I say…WHAT THE CRAP!  From the ever changing outfits to the, I’m not sure what I just saw performance, Lady Ga Ga was certainly an interesting component to the show this year.

5. All The Single Ladies – It just doesn’t get old.  And even with 40 other dancers Beyonce still commands attention…and she actually sings.

4. Russell Brand – Seriously?!  MTV I know that you have become obsolete and that Nickelodeon and The Disney Channel have become far more relevant than you are but…come on, Russell Brand?  It was like watching a train wreck but far less interesting.  Non one laughed they just stared eyebrows raised and mouths open.  I’m just saying…dude needs Jesus…of course so do I…aaaand I’m pretty sure some people feel the same way when I preach.

4. Madonna – Let’s see…where to begin.  I guess I can start with how incredibly arrogant and ridiculous it is to do to  a side by side competition of who is the bigger pop star, especially when one of the pop stars is now deceased.  It has been a while since I have watched something so seemingly insincere and incredibly awkward…not as awkward however as….

3. Kayne West taking the Microphone away from Taylor Swift – Did that seriously just happen?  Who does that?  Who goes on stage takes the microphone from a 17-year-old girl and proceeds to say that some other person’s video was better.  Kayne West that’s who.  Thus beginning a feeling of awkwardness that lasted for about 20 minutes and not a funny awkwardness but a sad really really uncomfortable awkwardness.  Have I mentioned it was awkward?  Yeeeaaaahhhhhhh.

2. The Michael Jackson dance tribute – The name says it all.

1. Beyonce = class – Beyonce wins best video of the year and what does she do?  Reminisces about winning her first VMA at 17 with Destiny’s Child and then telling the crowd “I think Taylor deserves her moment.” Come on now, love her or hate her, that says a lot about a persons character when they don’t rest in the glory but shine the light on someone else.  Class I say…class.

There you have it…I watched it so you don’t have to.  And seriously, you don’t have to…It was hard to even get 10 things, although I do know how to pray a little better for some people.

Well my blogging fast is finally over.  Of course I am 13 days late in breaking said fast but I needed to wiat for a few things to happen first before I broke my fast with our announcement.  So here it is…

Leanne and I are planning to move back to New Orleans. While leading Revolution’s annual mission trip to New Orleans during the first week of July, Leanne and I were overwhelmed with a call to return to a city we’d left almost 4 years ago.  After much prayer and fasting by us and many others, it became clear that we needed to take a giant leap of faith and commit to an unknown calling in a city that we care deeply about.

When that decision was made in early August, we only knew two things. 1. We were going back to New Orleans and 2. We felt strongly it should be near the beginning of 2010.  Other than that we knew nothing.  We had no idea where we would work or live.  Nor did we know what specifically we were being called to do in the city.  All we knew is that we had on overwhelming sense that we were supposed to go and serve the people as best we could in ways that would meet their tangible, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.

Although we still do not know where we are going to live or work, there are a few exciting things that have become clear to us that we want to share with you.

1. Leanne is going to (once again) pursue graduate level studies in Community Counseling.  This is something that Leanne began before Katrina, but was forced to put on hold after the storm.  Leanne has never lost her passion for making a difference in urban areas and now, as we get ready to move back, it appears that God’s original call in this area wasn’t wrong…it was just preempted.

2. The Center – Having a job is one thing.   Having a call and purpose are entirely different. Last weekend, Leanne and I felt that God finally unveiled his purpose for our lives in New Orleans.  A community center.  A community center that targets kids, teens, and adults of every background, socioeconomic status, and education level.  A community center that lives out what being “missional” is all about–going into the community to be the hands and feet of Christ by meeting the needs of the people.

This is obviously not a small undertaking…let alone something either one of us knows anything about.  It is a God idea- something that we fully believe is from Him, but we want to be sure.  Which is why we are asking you to pray for continued clarity and direction.  We want to ask you to pray for us about this and give us your honest feedback.

We want what God wants. Period.  So as we begin to move forward, it is important for us to have people praying for us every step of the way.

Please pray for….

• Vision, Clarity and Wisdom.
• The time frame in which all of this is happening.  We don’t want to move before God wants us to move.
• Location of our future home as well as a site for The Center.
• Fellow workers who are committed to the city to be called alongside us in this endeavor.
• Financial provision/jobs
• Provision for Leanne’s schooling.  God began to answer this prayer four years ago, so we are confident He is able to do it again!
• Comfort for our families, friends and church family we are leaving behind.
• For Bella’s purpose in all this to be evident as well.  God gave her to us for a reason.  We want to honor Him with her.

Feel free to email Leanne and I with any questions, thoughts, and encouragements.

So there you have it!  As we move forward Leanne and I will both be blogging this process, and you know me, I’ll always have the random blogs thrown in.  We thank you in advance for being there for us.

Ready to see what God will do,
Christopher  and Leanne Lytle

Christopher@revolution242.com
562-505-8302

LeanneLytle@gmail.com
562-484-4852

What is it exactly inside of us that makes us crave danger and adventure? I just finished reading the book “Into Thin Air” about the deadliest season of climbing in Everest history. Great book…minus the fact that the entire time you feel yourself inching closer and closer to doom. When I finished the book the above question is what rested in my mind. What is it inside of us that makes us crave danger and adventure?

What causes us to climb to the top of the world or dive the deepest oceans? What causes us to go in search of treasure or lost civilizations? What makes us want to jump out of planes, ride bikes across the country, be shot out of cannons, enter a hot dog eating contest, street luge, race cars, jump off a waterfall, or any number of other things that we attempt?

Any answers?

Ben Arment had a very simple and thoughful post that I wanted to share.  Always good stuff to think on.

————————————

Three Kinds of Jobs

By Ben Arment

1. You’re not in your sweet spot. You’re working to pay the bills and slightly miserable. You dream of better things, but can’t let go of the security (which isn’t really security) to go after your dreams.

2. You’re good at what you do… and valued. But you’re coasting. There’s no challenge and no chance to be audacious. You’re comfortable, but only if you don’t stop to think about “what if.”

3. Your faith is stretched. Every resource is being drawn from within you. The uncertainly is overwhelming, and you’re tempted to trade it all in for security… but then you’d be right back where you started.

—————————–

What do you think?

In celebration of my five years in full time ministry I am sharing my top ten learnings.  It began with a post two days ago and concludes today with my remaining 4.

4. Clarity, clarity, clarity. – If you need to over communicate, do it.  Do whatever you have to do to be clear in all areas of leadership.  Without clarity growth ceases and churches begin to die.  Without clarity you have frustration, anger, bitterness, and distrust.  Without clarity you’re pretty much screwed. If that means you put every ministry on hold until there is clarity, then do it.  The short term pain is worth the long term benefit.  Now let me be clear, even in your clarity there are going to be people the gripe and say your not clear enough.  Get used to it.  As long as their are different personality types you are always going to be failing to meet someones expectations. That being said…clarity, clarity, clarity, clarity.  I’m I clear?

3. Love God and love people…intensely. – Such a simple concept and yet for some reason people refuse to grasp it.  I posted a blog about this idea sometime last year and I have not been able to stop thinking about the need…and I hope I never do.  It is the single greatest commandment – Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, strength, everything – and the second is like it love your neighbor as you would love yourself.  The idea is, as intensely selfish as we are (which lets face it we are…and leaders are sometimes the worst) we should even more intensely love God and people.  You want to be a good leader, lock that into your brain and allow that to drive you.  Get rid of your presuppositions and focus on it.  Get out of your comfort zone and do it.  Do it boldly, humbly, passionately, and consistently.  if the worst thing someone can say about you is that your life is guided by loving God and loving people – rock on!  We are the hands and feet, we are examples…is there a better example that we can set?  I submit that there is not.

2. If God calls you to do something or go somewhere…shut up and do it. – I don’t know if this really needs any explanation but I’m going to give one anyway.  I have never been more irritated at myself or at other people then in those times when God calls you to go, do, and lead – but then we do nothing.  God gives us dreams, calls us to do things, and because things aren’t “easy” we don’t follow through. Are you freaking kidding me!?  Leadership is not easy.  If someone told you it was they are not a leader of anything other than their Star Wars collectibles.  If God calls you to do something…shut up and do it.  Don’t whine and complain because your not encouraged enough, or because it’s hard, or because you have no money, or because you lost your job, or because your hurt, or because people don’t get it, or whatever reason we find to not take ownership of our own lack of trust. If God calls you to move…move!  If He calls you to lead…Lead!  If He calls you to Africa…learn freaking Swahili and start raising support!  If He tells you to stay even if it’s a mess…then stay! If He says sell everything you have and move to Toronto to work with the homeless…then get your Parka and get to going!  It all comes back to a lack of trust or the fact you were never called in the first place.   For the rest of us its trust. Do we trust God enough to do the things He has told us to do? I will end this point the way I began it. If God calls you to do something or go somewhere…shut up and do it.

2.5. Take ownership – Own up.  If you screw up take ownership.  Don’t blame the church because you have failed. Don’t blame people because you don’t know what the word “boundaries” means.  You are going to fail.  Every leader fails.  If you are not failing your really just maintaining which ultimately means you’re not leading. When you fail, fail forward.  Take ownership of it and keep moving forward.  It is not fair to the people you are leading, to your friends, your family, your ministry, yourself, or the Kingdom of God for you to be a coward and pass the buck to someone else for your screw up or failure.  I get that it is our nature to protect ourselves, Lord knows I have screwed this up in my life plenty of times, but if we are unwilling to take ownership of our faults and failures then understand you will not be leading anyone…mostly because no one will trust or believe you.

1. God’s sovereignty is liberating – Period.

So there you have it.  My top 10 list of things I have learned in the past 5 years.  There are plenty of other things I have learned as well but these were the majors.  I hope this list is something that you can relate with.  Maybe it even challenges you.  Either way, in leadership we need to be aware and constantly learning, how else are we going to grow?  I for one do not want to be the same person year to year and I hope you, dear reader, share that sentiment.

This week marks my fifth year in full time ministry.  I have been involved in ministry for close to 11 years but I didn’t dive in full time until May of 04.  With that being said, I have been a bit reflective on some of the major things I have learned in this time.  After yesterday’s post I realized that was only one of the major things I had learned so I wanted to share the rest.  These things that I am sharing over the next two days are things that I had to learn the hard way and things that most people should learn – especially if you are in leadership at a church.

10. Gossip destroys people and organizations. – See yesterday’s post.

9. Find your voice. – Essentially know who you are.  So many times people will get in ministry and they try and copy the newest fad or the current IT preacher and in the process deny the very uniqueness that God has given them. God gives you dreams and goals.  He gives you a unique perspective.  He gives you a past that only you have.  Why then would you sacrifice your voice and the very things He has so graciously bestowed?  (I know the answer ) Here’s the deal…be who God has created you to be.  Are their people that are not going to like you – I sure hope so!  If you are a people pleaser instead of a God pleaser something is amiss and needs to be rectified.  So find your voice and own it with confidence.

8. Doctrinally pure, culturally relevant. – The doctrine you hold frames everything else you do.  Doctrine is important…period. Not really something I will discuss, mostly because their is nothing to discuss.  However, the piece that so many miss or swing to far towards is the culturally relevant part.  Look, I know all the arguments.  Jesus’ message is culturally relevant for us today…blah blah blah.  I don’t deny his relevancy…I deny ours. If Jesus is the one we are looking at or any of those other great peeps from the New Testament there is one giant thing thety have in common- being doctrinally pure and culturally relevant.  So, yes I will do whaever I can to be both.

7. Details matter. – Yeeeeaaaahhhhhhh.  I’m a dreamer, visionary, big picture guy…details are not my strong suit and it is those details falling to the way side that have been the cause of many a peoples and my own chagrin. Details matter, plain and simple.  If you know your going to forget those things bring someone along side of you that can help you…otherwise its ministry suicide.

6. Christians are a giant pain in the butt. – I love the church!  I am passionate about the church!  My heart beats for bringing more people into a relationship with Christ – but Christians are a pain in the butt.  Let’s just be honest here.  It isn’t unbelievers who question every little thing you do, or want to argue about Rob Bell, Mark Driscoll, or John McCarthur or feel the need to proclaim “the right way” because they happened to be a youth sponsor 12 years ago. It’s not those that are far from God that split churches, argue about the color of carpet, or make it a point to ignore you for 11 months because you said the word sex in church.  All that to say…they are still my brothers and sisters and I love them and would do anything for them…it just that sometimes I would rather tie them to a chair and leave them in a closet for a few days.

5. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. – Specifically for the leaders and authority over you.  This has been one of the most difficult lessons for me to learn.  Here is the reality I have found in myself and I continue to see in people throughout churches.  If you don’t trust most of the leaders above or around you.  If you think they are never doing anything right.  If you feel slighted because you’re not informed of every aspect of church happenings.  If you think the majority of the leaders are the issue in your organization.  Let me clue you in.  Odds are the issue is with you not them. If you are in leadership and yet show no support, submission, respect, or trust in the leaders that God has put all around you – understand that says more about your own character and insecurities then it does about the character and ability of those leaders. Believe me, I get it – of course I have always had authority issues – but the lack of respect for leadership undermines and destroys church unity to far greater extents than most other things.

So ther you have 10-6.  Tomorrow I will flush out 5-1.