Truth and Justice

My interest in Architecture... is a daily fixation. Not something you probably expect. I'll explore more later... but first, Today, I had the opportunity to meet the new Dean of Religious Life at USC. We're working on a conference at USC through the Marshal School of Business. Our part will focus on Theology and Sustainability. I had the thought going into the meeting - This is like the days of old - How could my 'lowly' position of a Religious Director, a volunteer, be used to influence and befriend an institutional decision maker?
We had a good connection. We both use the word, "Dude", and for all his accolades, he's incredibly down to earth - and he was really impressed by many of the things we're doing in the neighborhood - and even encouraged questionable behavior, (I shared about Stephen and Chris sneaking up on the roofs of USC, in order to make a point.)

I had a unique opportunity to share with him about my love for Architecture. For me, architecture is about anthropology and social sciences. Helping and Serving. It designs space - which influences relationships. I've been thinking about created space a lot, lately, especially concerning - issues of Justice. How space and design functions can, ultimately, be matters of justice.
Cameron Sinclair, of Architecture for Humanity, speaks to this issue.
This sort of approach really does inform my faith - as I think about Leadership, Discipleship and multiplication - how does what I do create space for Truth and Justice in the lives of others?
Architecture for Humanity has certain values, do's and don'ts, in order to help them achieve their goals - some of which are really practical, and inspiring.

Continuing on my Architecture rant... I stumbled across these Wineries with massive pieces - The Herzog is quite famous here in California, but I've never been. Julie would love to tour Napa!

Last, but not least, in my younger days, I experimented with Graffiti. Thinking back to my talk with Varun, I couldn't help but think - I can't encourage this - but it is darn creative... and seems to inspire others to truth and justice....

Experiments, Crazy Iron Chef

Some one asked if I put pictures of me and a 'stach on here to get more comments... Regardless, here I am deep in decision making with a goatee, one Brian Powers. My little 'stach experiment was fun...



Speaking of Experiments. Have you every tried this? Julie was swimming three days a week during her off time, and she started having hearing problems. The docter said it was ear wax. She tried this candle thingy with a towel on her shoulder. She said it had a minimal effect. The ear drops the doctor gave her, she said did work, but was... crazy feelin'!


Speaking of Crazy. Julie was a Mad Iron Chef! Here is Amy and Dave - with napkins tucked in ;)



Genisis sporting the napkin proper.

So, "Julie, an iron chef?," you ask. Judge for yourself

Judge for yourself: Ingredient - Mango

appertif: Mango, Buffalo mozzerella, basil - capresse salad

Main Dish: Mango Chutney Turkey Burger (After Julie conconted this one based on a similar Apple Turkey Burger, she had me make the patty's - this got a little slimmy - and we had 12 patties left over - that a large recipe!)

Dessert: ...?.... think you can guess?.... Mango Cheesecake with a lemon-lime-basil syrup drissle!

Elevator Heart

Elevator Heart: by Gman

Elevator Heart
Always kept low, held down
Free me from heavy fearful sounds
Heart over flow the lips for a new start
Rise Elevator Heart

Gravity, Always brings me down
The quips and snips - like personalized Blips and Beats
Gravity, Always brings me down
Dragged down by the voice of others

Defy Gravity!
Recognize the tension in my body, relax
Defy Gravity!
Your Work Free's my Heart
Defy Gravity!
Your Spirit, my guide as I step out

Defy Gravity,
Elevator Heart
Soar in His Sacred Freedom

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I like writing speed poetry. At USC, we would have a speed poetry night, where someone would throw out an idea, and everyone would get 10 minutes or so, and then share. It's a great way to get into the discipline of writing, and getting immediate feedback.

JR, on sunday, asked everyone to write a poem at Kairos in a similar way. He was speaking on the Psalms - and ask everyone to write their own Psalm. This is what I wrote.
This past week, I'd been thinking about about how easy it is to push down my heart. Difficult situations would happen and I recognized something. As I allowed my Heart to come up, sharing candidly, then the Spirit really seemed to move!
(In another way to think about it, this notion relates to Emotional Intelligence.) There is an obvious reference to the popular song, Defy Gravity, from the play Wicked. This idea of "Defying" gravity and faith just seem to go together like hand-and-glove. - don't you feel like you're floating when faith takes over, or when negativity just rolls off your back? (For the music heads out there, not as obvious, but if you know the group UNKLE, there is a line in the poem that I use that's from them. I have to give credit where its due.)