Being transformed by the renewing of your mind (not)

One theme that has repeated itself over and over again over the past week or so has been that of entertainment. Some of the main stories that have been running through the newspapers and radios have been commenting on (in various degrees): Charlie Sheen, the NHL (and issues around head concussions, and comparing it to NFL and UFC injuries), whether Lady Gaga does or does not like the idea of breast milk ice cream, people lining up for the iPad launch, who did and did not sing for Gadhafi's family, what has happened to Justin Bieber's hair, etc etc. And, despite news of the rebels fighting Gadhafi's forces, yet another earthquake devastating Japan, and the undemocratic processes that are happening in our own City Hall, we spend an inordinate amount of time paying attention to diversions, to fluffy entertainment. I personally find it embarrassing that I do have a better sense as to what the Bieb's new haircut looks like than I do about Libyan history.
What drives us to be more concerned about the newest Hollywood blockbuster, the newest celebrity gossip, than what concerns life-or-death situations for thousands, if not millions, of people, every day? Why do we tweet about what we think about starlet X's dress that she wore to the Oscars, but think less about those who are dying and fighting over less than what that Oscar gown was worth? Why do we do that?
What I cannot stand is when God's people stand around, at churches and fellowships and potlucks, and talk about this kind of drivel. If this is the content of our minds, then where lies the direction of our hearts? And if our hearts are inclined in a certain direction, then how will it lead how we choose to live our lives? It's all very depressing.

A City Covenant

You know what I love? Well, many things, really. But one thing that really inspires me is other people who look through a glass, darkly, but can also see beyond it and dream big dreams, and when synergies can come together and cause those dreams to happen.
I'm currently in discussions with one of those dreamers. The initiative is so exciting, and visionary, and possible, holding the potential to change our city for the better, if not the whole country. It actually deeply impresses me when people have huge vision for how Kingdom can come, here and now, and as well as thinking ahead to when it shall come to fulfillment.
At any rate, I've been asked to take part, and help found this initiative. I am embarrassed to think that they think I can actually contribute something useful. What an opportunity to make a tangible difference for this city, however.
More details later (unless, of course, you're one of those people who are in this 'divine conspiracy' as well), but certainly, I am also daunted, not only by my lack of skill, but also with the tasks that still remain, and how to find balance, but also with considering how to give 'all out' for the Kingdom, each and every day...

Never much longer than 500 words. Maybe 140 characters or less.

I've realized I have a really hard time paying attention for hours at a time, sitting, immobile, at a desk. I've been endeavouring to finish a paper for school, and it's been super-ADD in trying to do so. I sit for about 30 minutes, write one or two sentences, then check Facebook or email, get up, make a cup of tea, think it's probably a good idea to clean the bathroom, and then realize an hour later that I should get back to work. It's been painful.
I'm not sure how much of this is culturally imposed, in this culture of Twitter, status updates and Sesame Street commercial length episodes. I'm not sure how much of this is because, up to this point, brevity and conciseness are virtues in my career. However, it's killing me to talk, at length, about a topic that I find fascinating, but can only say so much before I start repeating myself. To ask me to do a powerpoint presentation, bullet-style, with the three major points to be made, is great. I could orate for hours on a topic, but to ask me to transcribe it all on paper? Bah!