Freedom Church Philly

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Recently had a reawakening in my passion for song writing. Something that was so important to me, but was somehow lost over the years when I was in the Army as I often wasn't able to bring a guitar with me when traveling. Here's something I'm working on about homelessness. Seriously tired of seeing young kids on the street lately around WA and honestly not sure what to do to help. So here's a song... "We live, under a tin-trimmed bridge, begging for porridge in.. Seattle, but it ain't really living. Young kids, 18 and 20 in, a homeless existence... No ID and completely directionless. The once lit path of "freedom" taught us, now slaves to what that "freedom" bought us,the money that we used to buy it, has bought us back for nothing at all."

BE A GENERATION INTERN! @ www.GenerationInternExperience.org

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So how old is the Earth? This is the beyond magical Mellisani Cave in Kefalonia, Greece. Hope to visit one day. But, if you’ve ever seen the Xenotes in Mexico or other natural cave/rock formations around the world you have to wonder how old the Earth really is. Some people believe the earth is less than 10,000 years old... some say it’s millions and millions of years old. Some say humans are a mistake or a freak occurrence as circumstances were just right for life to “be.” I’ve found a great deal of peace not feeling the need to completely answer all the hotly debated, and in some cases unanswerable, questions about the Earth and life itself. But, I do know this... you and I have a purpose. Some may not agree with me, but in the Xenotes of Mexico and when I look at this picture above I see a story. A story throughout time that under the right circumstances led to my existence. I believe God has a purpose for my life and for yours. And, that feels good to know doesn’t it? You don’t have to agree with all Christian doctrine or culture or theology to know God. Talk to God in the cave and see what response you discover.

BE A GENERATION INTERN! @ www.GenerationInternExperience.org

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Jeremey Geddes painted this ethereal astronaut floating through a overcast sky amidst what appears to be a flock of Mourning Doves. Love his stuff and how he depicts people or things where they shouldn’t be or doing what they shouldn't be doing. In doing this he also captures a certain loneliness and isolation with his composition and tone.

I lived in New York City for about 2 years and it never ceased to amaze me that even though there were hundreds or even thousands of people around each other at all times there was also an overshadowing sense of loneliness in the city. No one spoke on packed subway cars as we rode together. People looked down walking as others passed them on the street. I’ve even seen people order food by pointing instead of communicating with words. Now, I love that city so don’t get me wrong. NYC is one of kind and will always have a special place in my heart. But, when we become numb to relationships and avoid human interaction we create a culture of loneliness.

The astronaut wears a mask, but in the city he doesn’t require an oxygen tank. Take a chance and drop the mask for a moment. Breathe the air and lets keep it interesting for one another through relationships, communication, and interaction. Today... can we celebrate community? People can be your passion.

BE A GENERATION INTERN! @ www.GenerationInternExperience.org

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If you’ve never read “Howl” by Allen Ginsberg and you even remotely like poetry... it is a must read! My personal all time favorite! It is dark and brooding, or course, but really it speaks of the often desperate search for meaning, purpose, and identity in a dark world. Ginsberg might say he was writing about the “Lamb in America and lamb-like youths” who were the marginalized young people he encountered throughout his life who were becoming increasingly lost, alienated, and gone mad. It’s a conflicted tale of identity crisis.

Identity is something we all yearn for yet it is one of the least talked about issues in our culture. Often times it gets tied up in what we do whether occupational, recreational, etc. Our identity, however, is not what we do, but rather who we are. We weren’t meant to identify with a lifestyle, sexuality, activity, job, etc. True identity and meaning and purpose can only be realized in God and only completed by asking God who he has made us to be. And, Jesus said of himself, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.” Who has God made you to be?

Be a Generation Intern @ www.GenerationInternExperience.org

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I was going to post a classic gay pride rainbow, but saw this in a Google search and had to use it;) So here’s my question, why is the LGBTQ conversation so divisive amongst people? Everyone seems to be taking sides. Here’s what I know, people are much more than their sexual identity whether heterosexual, homosexual, questioning, etc. I’m not in favor of the church or LGBTQ community one over another. It is unfortunate that the church has wounded people by being exclusive toward LGBTQ individuals and it is also tragic that those same individuals have judged Jesus based off a few of his followers who have said and done things that are inappropriate and devoid of love. As a follower of Jesus I’ve realized this... we are all in the same boat, which is why Jesus had to come to Earth to mend our relationship with God. Jesus doesn’t start the conversation with a list of things we need to change to follow him, he simply says, “follow me.” Why should we start the conversation with disclosing our sexual preference. Did you know Jesus loves you? Can you identify with Jesus? Let’s have a conversation and lead with friendship, kinship, and be for one another. We are more than our sexual preference... but everyone can identify with Jesus Christ.

BE A GENERATION INTERN @ www.GenerationInternExperience.org

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I’ve been in the market for a new electric  guitar lately and figured I’d Google “most expensive guitar ever sold” . This Fender Strat sold for 2.7 million dollars to raise money for a charity. It was signed by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Brian May, Jimmy Page, David Gilmour, Jeff Beck, Pete Townsend, Mark Knopfler, Ray Davis, Liam  Gallagher, Ronnie Wood, Tony Iommi, Angus and Malcolm Young, Paul McCartney, Sting, Ritchie Blackmore, Def Leppard and Bryan Adams. SO IMPRESSIVE!

2.7 million is a little out of my price range, however, this guitar reminds me of something else. This guitar will probably never, ever be played. It’s a show piece... a conversation piece... a work of art. All because it is covered with the names of people considered to be great artists. The Bible says that those who persist and are victorious in living with Jesus will receive a white stone with a new name written on it (Revelation 2:17). White stones in Biblical times were awarded as a type of trophy or medal for athletic games. The point is this... God identifies your name with victory and greatness when you follow Jesus. And, your name is invaluable to him! You are meant for victory in this life on earth and in heaven. You are a work of art to God and the music you were designed to play can only come through you when you are found in him. 

BE A GENERATION INTERN! Visit www.GenerationInternExperience.org for more details!

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Tattoos! What do you think about them? “Cool!” ... “I would never!” ... “What are they going to look like when you are 70?” I’ve heard  it all. I have a few tattoos and I’ve heard a lot of praise and a lot of criticism over the years. I typically don’t encourage others to get them or defend tattooing. I like letting people think and say whatever they want. It doesn’t matter much to me. There isn’t one reason why people get a tattoo and there isn’t one perspective on the art-form itself. Personally, I like the whole process from start to finish. I like creatively figuring out something I want to present on my body. I like the artists themselves and their participation in a permanent decision I am making. I like the needle on the skin and what remains long after the session.

This post, however, isn’t condoning or prohibiting the practice of tattooing. I’m using it as an example to suggest people aren’t going to agree on everything in life. But, my concern is the people we push away or marginalize because of a difference whether racial, cultural, political, etc. Jesus came to include people and not exclude them. If you weren’t sure if Jesus accepts you for a preference, culture, decision, mistake, etc. just allow me to inform you... he does! BE YOU and find out what God really thinks about you.

BE A GENERATION INTERN @ www.generationinternexperience.org

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God, where are you now? Who has felt alone, hurt, mistreated, or lost something or someone dear? Often we ask this question when life gets hard, “God, why did you do this? How could you let this happen?” I’ve asked it myself. The truth is at times difficulty is a reality of existence on planet Earth. God doesn’t wish or unleash evil on anyone. Sometimes our actions have consequences, but sometimes our experiences are outside of our control. When you trust Jesus, I wish I could say you will never feel pain. But, the good news is you will have a friend through the pain who will never leave you. He desires good for all people and works even the most dismal circumstances and darkest depression for our good... eventually. Hold on to hope. God is for you! Where is God, you may still ask? Probably much closer than you think and working harder for you than you’ll ever know.

BE A GENERATION INTERN @ www.GenerationInternExperience.org

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So many choices! A practice of certain countries in Southeast Asia, spirit houses are erected for protective spirits. If the spirits are not appeased, however, they are believed to cause havoc in the land. Such fickle things, right? The Bible, or specifically Paul, claims that followers of Jesus ARE temples of God (I Corinthians 3:16). Weird, huh? But, what I believe Paul was after is graphically depicted by spirit houses above. We are the visible presence of God. The image of the invisible. A proof that God exists and is at work on Earth. And, people can visit with God by simply encountering his people. I wish I could say we as Christians were perfect. But, flawed and imperfect as we are we can have an encounter, an experience, an adventure with the Creator. Be a temple! God wants to live within you, but God isn’t rude enough to enter uninvited. The choice is with us.

BE A GENERATION INTERN! www.GenerationInternExperience.org

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To Meme or not to meme... that is the question! Meme’s are a cultural phenomenon. They are usually light-hearted, funny, and quickly make their point known. Here’s one of my favorites above. I like seeing posts on Facebook or Instagram in the morning that make me laugh. The unicorn-man in the van made me burst out laughing first thing in the morning. I showed my wife immediately and instead of the normal difficulty getting out of bed, hitting the snooze alarm, and procrastinating we were up and smiling in no time. Humor is important! I think we were meant to laugh often. It helps put things in perspective doesn’t it? Good, bad, ugly... when you laugh it conveys a feeling of hope. God created humor. Jesus was funny. Maybe not to our ears when we read the Bible, but for the time he said some pretty unusual and funny things. Laugh a little, enjoy life. Don’t forget that worshiping God goes beyond a church service, but is rather a way of life. We worship God when we can simply enjoy living with him every day.

BE A GENERATION INTERN! See www.GenerationInternExperience.org for details.

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The tool to create art has become the art itself. Great composition! But, it really reminds me of ... well, us. How often when people meet you do they ask, “oh, well what do you do?” In our culture we often define others and ourselves by what you do, what you make, or what you can produce. But, really who you are has nothing to do with what you do, but what you BE. An alienated son or daughter despite their best efforts can’t change where they came from and who their parents are. We can mess up as humans, but if you can trust God as Father and friend he will never leave you or forget you or fail you. 

We are BEautiful when we see ourselves as the masterpiece of God and not the tool of this world.

BE A GENERATION INTERN! www.generationinternexperience.org

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Urban Art by various artists

A lot of urban artwork has to do with finding the right environment. The right building, the right crack in the sidewalk, the right window fixture... the right environment allows the image to become something much more interesting. All humans were created in the image of God. It’s obvious to see something is wrong with the world and often times it seems something is wrong with us. But, in the right environment the image of God by which we were created can be recovered, restored, redeemed. So, where do we go?  Jesus talked a lot about the kingdom of God or kingdom of heaven. And, by believing in him we can enter into this otherworldly kingdom where we are free to experience God and live as the image of God through him. We aren’t perfect, but become something much more interesting when we find the right environment. So, come as you are!

Are you a GENERATION INTERN?

www.generationinternexperience.org

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Imitation of an imitation of life! Left is David by Bernini, and on the right is my Acrylic tribute to that great sculpture. I’ve always liked this sculpture, because it conveys great courage in the midst of great opposition. David v. Goliath! Jesus said that we will have trouble in this world, but to take heart... he has overcome the world. What is standing against your success? What is threatening your happiness? What is making your life hard? The great news about God’s love is that it isn’t dependent on the circumstances of life, but on who he is. Take heart! Have courage! You can overcome!

Be a GENERATION INTERN @ www.GenerationInternExperience.org

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You might recognize Alex Grey artwork from various Tool albums. He has a gallery in NYC I had the pleasure to go to when I lived there. His work reminds me how we are connected body, soul, and spirit. Some people believe we are purely physical beings. Others believe we are spiritual beings and nothing physical can be trusted. But, I contend that we were created to be whole people. Your mind, will, and emotions is mysteriously connected to the physical processes in your body. Wouldn’t you agree? And, God is concerned with your wholeness. We may encounter trouble or difficulty in this world, but Jesus came that we might have life and life to the fullest! You can experience wholeness free from the hindrance of circumstances, because it is based on our relationship with God who doesn’t change. Jesus died that we might live a whole life with Him on earth and after we leave.

BE A GENERATION INTERN! See www.generationinternexperience.org for more details.

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YOUR EYE IS THE LAMP OF THE BODY

Your vision isn’t what you want or what you think you need. Your vision is whatever you see! What do you see for your life? Good, bad, ugly… change starts with adjusting your perspective to see what God sees in you. Start seeing the YOU God created you to be! #BeYou

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Here is a picture of me holding my friend’s daughter, Rebekah, when I was 16. On the right is Rebekah holding my son, Sawyer, 14 years later. When God sees people he sees generations. There have been generations leading up to where God has placed you now. He also sees generations after us. Often times it is your predecessors faithfulness or unfaithfulness that have led us to where we are now, but we determine where we can lead the next generation to come after us. Get a vision for your life! Take a look at yourself the way God sees you; full of hope and potential. What is going to be born through you in this life? What will you leave behind? You have great purpose. Don’t just believe me, ask God...

BE A GENERATION INTERN! See www.GenerationInternExperience.org for more details.

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Double tailed mermaid to double 1911 wielding Washington State resident! If you live in the great Northwest you have seen this image on a bumper or in a car window at some point, however, somehow I don’t think this is what Starbucks had intended. How many people have misunderstood or misidentified you? People like to put labels on others, because it helps them explain them. Gay, black, Attention Deficit Disorder, blue collar, Christian... Who were you created to be? What is your intended design? Who is the real you? I’m not talking about the label that was given to you. You aren’t a product of past experiences or the result of social conditions. God has created you for a unique and wonderful purpose. We need you to be the you God had in mind when he created you! (by the way, I do love guns and coffee)

BE A GENERATION INTERN! www.generationinternexperience.org