Too Much to Blog to Even Blog

LIFE HAS BEEN CRAZY!!! Church on the Hill continues to be flung forward like David's stone from his slingshot. My prayer is that the speed will be directed by God towards the forehead of the Giant Evil. I'll try to write a bit more on this shortly.

I've also been creating, planning and advertising our 3rd annual Blockparty, which takes place next Tuesday, August 1st.

Coincidently, the website business I'm starting with my brother and a friend, Ground Floored, launches the same day as the Blockparty.

Neighborhood Spy - Part 2

OLD DOG-WALKER, NEW TRICK
This picture I took brings me great joy. The owner of this schnauzer used to let his dog poop in our yard and wouldn't pick it up. My shoes seem to be manufactured with crap magnets, so I was mad about his negligence. I had confronted him face to face a couple times, but to no avail. Finally I resorted to other tactics.

After watching him leave another pile in my lawn and walk away, I carefully retrieved the poop in a ziplock baggy. I knew which car parked on the street was his, so I tucked the loaded baggy under his windshield wiper with the following note:

"Dear Sir, I do not care if your dog craps in my lawn. However, the next time you don't use a bag to pick it up, I'm not going to use a bag to return it."

It's been two years since then, and as you can see, he has changed his dog-walking ways for the better...at least my shoes think so.

A Breath of New (Wounded) Life

Church on the Hill's attendance has doubled the last month. This is specifically due to the Mars Hill Church inheritance of Doxa Church in West Seattle. The quick adjustment has left many wounded and searching. A number of folks have floated our way.

In this situation there is great excitement on the part of Church on the Hill and myself. Who doesn't like to see their church expand with faithful disciples of Christ? However, there is a period of grieving and rest needed for the former Doxa folks. I don't know if they will be lasting or temporary, but in either case I pray they're hearts will be protected from roots of bitterness, doubt and distrust growing deeper.

Please pray that I will know how to best pastor both those who have been with us faithfully for a long time and those who have been recently gifted to us. Also pray for the new folks that remain, that there may be a feeling of unity, trust and purpose within the vision of Church on the Hill.

Expanding My Coffee Addiction

I love coffee. I'm not addicted -- I just love it. During the summers I have traditionally continued to drink hot coffee as I do throughout the other months. But now I'm desiring cold, iced mochas and whatnot, and I don't want to pay the price at the local coffee shops.

The solution: Coffee extract using the cold brewing method. A couple shots of refrigerated coffee extract mixed with milk, chocolate syrup and ice makes an amazing afternoon cooler. In fact, Seattle's Best Coffee used this method for years when making their iced drinks.

Here's how to make coffee extract for yourself: Grind up a pound of coffee. Place in a sealable jug or bottle with 2 quarts water. Stir it up and let it sit for 12-24 hours (the longer the stronger, which I suggest). Find a way to strain the grounds from the liquid. Presto! You have coffee extract. It doesn't look like a lot, but remember, you're only using a couple shots at a time. Plus, it will keep in the fridge for a couple weeks.

Enjoy!