"Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas any more"

Have you ever won a goldfish from a carnival? Actually I don't know if "won" is the most appropriate word here seeing that for many children their first experience with death comes just moments after "winning" a goldfish from a carnival. Maybe the better question is...Have you ever been burdened with a goldfish from a carnival? The sad truth is most carny goldfish don't last long...30 minutes, a day, and for the really lucky ones a week.

When I was a child my grandmother (Nanny) had a big fresh water fish tank, complete with water filters, air pumps, fluorescent lighting, multicolored rocks, and a few small Koi fish that my aunt had my sister and I steal from the Japanese Gardens (true story). It was a nice tank...a good place to live for a fish. After attending a carnival once I brought a few little goldfish that I had "won", to my Nanny, and asked if she had a bowl I could put them in, but instead she told me to put them in the big tank with the other fish. By this time I knew the goldfish routine, and was expecting to see them belly up at any moment, but to my astonishment they made it through the night, and then the week, then a month...and a year...and finally after 2 years they finally passed on as a happy little old retired carny goldfish couple. 2 years! What was different here?

DIVINE INTERVENTION! ...or maybe it was just the environment in which they were placed was different than that of most goldfish.

If you were Ziploc bagged at birth, put in a metal wash tub, placed in another Ziploc bag, then shaken vigorously by a child that is a million times bigger than you, and then dumped into a small glass bowl I bet your life expectancy would plummet considerably. But the fish that I entrusted to my Nanny were taken care of and placed in a world designed for them.

The growth of a fish is determined by the size of it's tank...it's environment.

Here's the question.

Could the same be true for the soul of a human?

What does your soul environment look like? Is it limited? Is it close-minded? Is it suffocating you?

One of my all time favorite movie moments is in "The Wizard of Oz". Let me recap for you. Dorthy has been living in a small town in the Midwest, dusty, boring, and literally with out any color. All she had ever know was black and white. She felt very suffocated and limited. She dreamt of a place "somewhere over the rainbow". Then... her dream came true. A tornado transports Dorthy from her small Midwestern town to a place like nothing she had ever seen before... Streets of Gold, small men with lolli pops and green and white striped socks, colors that she could have never before imagined.

Her once dull, boring, black and white world... was unlocked.

In Acts chapter 1 the author recaps Jesus' last few moments on earth. This of course being after his death and resurrection.

vs 3 "After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 6 So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight."

Due to the fact that he went everywhere on foot, and maybe every great once in a while on a donkey, Jesus covered a relatively small portion of this earth while he was here in the flesh. Even if he were to able to bring the Good News to all of the Middle East it would still be relatively small in comparison to the rest of the world. But what Jesus does here is amazing. He tells his disciples to be a witness (some one who can tell first hand about their experience) "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even the ends of the earth." He tells them that the world that they have been living in thus far has been relatively small compared to where they are about to go. He takes them from Ziploc bag, and unleashes them into a world unlike anything they had ever know.

There once limited world was ... unlocked.

How? you ask. The same way Dorthy got to Oz.

There is method to this madness. If I haven't lost you yet please continue to read.

A tornado could be described in many different scientific terms, but those of us around 4 years old and up can agree that it is basically a whole lot of air moving around and around. The Hebrew word for "air in motion" is ruach. And here is where it gets cool... This same word ruach also translates into the word...

Spirit.

"you will receive power when the Holy Spirit (ruach) comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Her Midwestern environment was unlocked with a big powerful wind.

Their Middle Eastern environment was unlocked with a . . . big powerful wind.

I believe that sometimes on this journey we become frustrated when the historical account of Jesus' death on the cross no longer sends chills down our spine. Before I go any further let me say that I in no way shape or form am discrediting Jesus or his death on the cross. On the contrary as a matter of fact. But Jesus is alive...today. He is no longer there, he is here...today. I believe we do harm to the gospel of Jesus when only are pointing backwards to history, and not becoming a part of what God is doing now. "Amazing Grace" used to move me to tears, but after hearing it for the 5,000th time...well. Maybe I need to pray harder...maybe I need to go to church more ... maybe I need to listen to KLTY instead of JACK f.m. or maybe...we need to become Sailors, and raise our sails, and capture the ruach (wind) and allow it to move us into new environments.

Maybe you are dreaming of something new, somewhere over the rainbow, where life begins to have a purpose and meaning again. Maybe your have been missing out on all kinds of colors because it's safe in a black and white world. Maybe you feel trapped, bagged up, and suffocated.

Here's the hope

The wind wont let you stay the same person. It will take you out side of your environment, out side of your fish bowl, it will enable you to see, hear, and experience first hand (see definition of witness) a brand new world ... you will begin to love people you never thought you could love. You will begin to forgive the unforgivable. You will begin to serve people who previously you would have crossed the street to avoid. "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." to Kansas, and in all the Midwest, and America, and to the ends of the earth."

Like my goldfish you will be able to grow, and experience life in an environment for which you were created.

Like Dorthy (and Toto) you will experiance a new world transported by a very big wind to a place far from black and white.

But, a sail boat wont go far with it's sails down. To catch the wind, to catch the ruach ... your sails must be ready.

Hope lies in the wind.

Seasons Revisited.

I posted this blog this time last year. Due to the content it seems a little ironic to be "looking back" at an old post, but the subject matter I believe is very pertinent for today...for me anyway, and I hope that it is for you.

"Seasons"

I'm not a big fan of Summer. Especially in Texas. The sweltering heat, and the suffocating humidity are enough to drive a person to the point of insanity. I can't count the number of people I have seen recently, walking into gas stations, driving down the road, braving a journey from parking spot to grocery store door, over a black top parking lot, just a few degrees cooler than the pits of hell. Sweat rings under the pits of even the most hygienic of people lead to furrowed brows, which leads to head ache, which leads to frustration, which leads to desperation which leads to ... insanity. Some will argue that the summer is the best of the seasons ... closed schools and swimming pools. Don't get me wrong I'm not a despiser of swimming pools, a swimming pool is good to "beat the heat" but my point is the heat would not need to be beat if the heat was non existent, or at least turned down considerably, as found in seasons such as fall, winter, and spring. For the die hard swimmers there are always year round indoor swimming facilities. As for school being out, it really doesn't affect me much, but for some of the people that I love,it brings a much needed break from the torment of the school year. So, to that I say, every thorn has its rose. Bottom line is I'm not a big fan of summer.

I can remember as a child being outside on the playground during recess on a hot summer day towards the beginning of September. The sun was waging war against me and the rest of my forth grade class mates. Then I remember it like a scene from a movie, Charlton Heston before the weather torn red sea, or like that semi-lame movie Deep Impact about the asteroid hitting earth causing monster tsunamis, and tidal waves. Everything went to slow motion as we witnessed a tidal wave of dust and leaves being pushed towards us by black and silver thunder heads on the north end of the playground. And with the dust and leaves ... arctic air. The temperature must have dropped close to 30 degrees as that one gust of wind ushered in the beginning of a new season. It was beautiful, exciting...cinematic, a day I will never forget. Ecstatic about the new season, the next day we wore sweaters and jackets during recess, it was around 75 degrees (this is Texas remember) a little warm for sweaters by most peoples standards I know, but we did not care...summer was gone, fall had arrived, and we celebrated it like a birthday, beanies being warn though...in place of party hats.

Just like the 4 seasons come and go, and come again, it is inevitable that we go through seasons and changes in our lives as well. Some are almost unbearably hot, some bring a cool breeze, some can be bitter cold, and some can bring a freshness, and new life. What saddens me is when people get overwhelmed with the season at hand, and instead of pressing on through the unbearable heat or bitter cold, they lay down and give themselves over to the vultures (or polar bears, depending on your season). The way I see it is too many people are longing for yesterday (no offence Mr. McCartney). It is so sad to see a person who thinks that their best days are behind them, the middle age man stuck in the glory days of high school football, the unsatisfied married couple who are consumed in wishing for things to be how they were "back then". The truth is yesterday is gone and will never ever be back again. We are not how we were, and things are not how they used to be. Constant comparing leads to nothing but misery and depression. If your always looking back, and holding on to how things were, then you aren't free to embrace today, and you will never be ready for the next season.

In Proverbs Solomon speaks to the person consumed with the current circumstances, he asks "So how long are you going to laze around and do nothing? how long before you get out of bed? A nap here, and nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back , take it easy - do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt poor life, poverty your permanent house guest!" (Proverbs 6:6-11). Now even as wealthy as he was I don't think Solomon was preaching necessarily about monetary prosperity, after all he was the wisest man ever to live I don't think he'd put up with prosperity preaching...but that's another blog. I think Solomon is speaking about harvesting life. Prior to his rant he tells us to take a look at the ant who is always moving forward, content in the day because he was working for the harvest of tomorrow. You see even if you are not happy in this season the seeds that you plant today, are the harvest you will have next season...again not talking about money here... but if you are consumed with your season try getting out of bed and driving downtown, on your way stop and pick up a bag of burgers( double cheese burger - 99 cents - McDonald's) and sit for a while with a homeless person, listen to them, feed them, plant a seed. I promise you you will find an immediate harvest. And then the next day...do it again, or come up with something more creative like fillet Mignon or lobster . I'm almost willing to say that Jesus himself would have gotten depressed if he had just laid around thinking about the old days ...crying in his un-leavened cheerios, longing for a righteous piece of fruit from the Garden of Eden, allowing himself to become consumed with his anger and frustration with Adam and Eve...wishing they would just have gotten it right. The problem was still there, but instead he got up and faced the day, and talked about tomorrow. He hung out and had lunch with the homeless, prostitutes, children, smelly fishermen, the despised and rejected. Jesus planted seeds where ever he went...and because he did we are still delighting in that harvest.

So my friends, if you have found yourself longing for yesterday, let go of the past, kill it, bury it and throw away the shovel, because dead things smell really bad and if you're laying down with the dead you too shall wreak of death. If you find yourself in a seamlessly unending sweltering hot dry season, grab your sweaters and coats and remember that there is a cool breeze in the air, just around the corner, ready to usher in a brand new season, so don't waste the season, plant away and..."God will provide rain for the seeds you sow. The grain that grows will be abundant...Better yet on the Day God heals his people of the wounds and bruises from the time of punishment, moonlight will flare into sunlight, and sunlight, like a whole week of sunshine at once, will flood the land." Isaiah 30:23-26

Daniel 2:21 "He changes times and seasons"

Lamentations 3:22-24 " God's loyal love couldn't have run out,his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I'm sticking with God (i say it over and over) He's all i got left. God proves to be good to the man who patiently waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It's a good thing to quietly hope for help from God. It's a good thing when your young to stick it out through the hard times. When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions; Wait for hope to appear. "

Here's to a new season.

Go Live, Go Love.

-Ben

I used "The Message" for all scripture reference in this blog.

Great things come in small email's.

I recieved an email from my good friend Danica this morning.

I opened it and found a small asian boy playing a guitar.

He played one of my favorite songs for me.

Now I share him with you.

I hope this changes your day, like it did mine.

This is nothing short of amazing.

"In each life some rain falls, but you also get some sun."

"If what doesn't kill us is making us stronger
We're gonna last longer
Than the greatest wall in China
Or that rabbit with the drum

If there's one thing that I learned
While waiting for my turn
Is that in each life some rain falls
But you also get some sun

And we'll make out better than ok
Hear what I say
Yeah, any day"

"Rosanne" Theme Song
-John Popper , Blues Traveler

Don't You Forget About Me - Remembering John Hughes

I don't know if it's just because I grew up in the 80's & 90's that I am such a big fan of John Hughes films, or if it is that they are just really truly great pieces of art. All I know is that I can vividly remember where I was the first time I saw "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". I know that "The Breakfast Club" is hands down the best rainy day movie ever. I remember having to compile a list of my favorite movies for a project in elementary school, at the top of my list was "Uncle Buck". Every year at Christmas the family gets together and we watch our favorite Christmas movies...mine with out fail is always "Home Alone". These are more than just films, they mark a good place and time and memory. Every time I hear the Simple Minds song "Don't You Forget About Me" (which I've listened to about 10x's today already) I am transported to detention with the Breakfast Club crew, which is a good thing mind you. I saw an interview with Ben Stein (Ferris Bueller's teacher) the other day and I couldn't keep from smiling "Bueller...Bueller...Bueller...Bueller...Bueller" Ha! And every time I eat pancakes now I think of "Uncle Buck" no one could make pancakes like that guy.



The word "Artist" may not come to mind when you think of John Hughes. As far as I know he never composed a song , or held a paint brush. But the question is what is the definition of art? Something that inspires? Something that conjures emotions...tears, laughter, passion, frustration? Something that can take you to another time and place?


John Hughes was an artist. You may not share in my sentiment, you may like one artist over another... Pablo Picasso over Salvador Dali, Stones over Beatles, Someone else over John Hughes... but none the less he was an artist. His paint brushes: Molly Ringwald, Macaulay Culkin, Matthew Broderick, John Candy, and so many more. His finished works on display in millions of home galleries across the world. Making us laugh, and cry, and laugh again...and as one of my good friends says he was "The creative mind that made it 'OK' to be 'different' "

For me Mr. Hughes is one of the greatest. A true example of what an artist should be...someone who can make you feel.



"Life goes by pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while...you could miss it." - Ferris Bueller - 1986

Kingdom Come

"It's the simple things that confound the wise,
In order to live you've got to give your life,

Walk a mile in a poor man's shoes,

and when your done, go ahead and walk two,

When you feed the hungry you dine with the King

for what you've done for the least you have done for me.

Let your kingdom come.

Let your kingdom come down to this place

as it is in heaven, Father, have your way

Let your kingdom come.

Like a mustard seed spreads through the land,

let your kingdom come through your people's hand's

let your love break through this concrete world

through the heart of every man, woman, boy, and girl

Let us plant some seeds,
Let us do your will,

Let us shine your light like a 'city on a hill'.

Let your kingdom come.

Let your kingdom come down to this place

As it is in heaven, Father, have your way

Let your kingdom come.

The kingdom is not so far away,

The power of life and death in your hands today,

With every breath you breath, and every word you say,

Everything you do, and every prayer you pray

So choose today, who's it gonna be?

Will you live for you, or will you serve with me?

Let your kingdom come

Let your kingdom come down to this place

As it is in heaven, Father, have your way

Let your kingdom come

Let your kingdom come

I see trees of green, and happy people too,

I see me, loving you,

And I think to myself,

'We could have a new world'

Yeah I think to myself,

'We could have a new world'. "

"Kingdom Come" - Ben Bozon

I wrote this song after reading the book "Irresistible Revolution" by Shane Claiborne http://www.thesimpleway.org/shane/. A book that challenged me to read the gospel in a new light, to take Jesus at his word by actively loving "the least of these" despite the complacent view of many modern "Christians" including myself. Thus completely changing my life.

I dedicated this song to my friends on the streets of Cypress and Lancaster.

Feeding the Starving Artist.

Can some one please tell me why professional athletes get paid millions to play a game, while Artist's starve? It really should be the other way around, if you ask me. Of course that is just my opinion, and if you are a wise person it's your opinion too. . . I'm kidding, I'm kidding . . . hold your stones!

I've heard it said that when given the opportunity you should always support, in what ever way you can, the local artist. I really find this to be a life giving and true statement. I think the world would be a better place, if more people honored local art's (Music, Photography http://jsimonphotography.com/, Dance, Graphic Design, Crafting , Culinary (this is where the link would go if my mother or sister had a website. I've been supporting them for a long time)Mixed Media, Painting, Writing, Drawing...and so much more...like... Graffiti!). We were "hand made" to be like our Creator! "God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature..." Genesis 1:26 ( See Blog Post: Tunuva Neos Zoe) It just seems right to support the people who are creating new things!

In support of my friend Danica Gowan, I have created a logo for her business "Flower Bed Head.com" http://www.flowerbedhead.etsy.com/

Danica hand makes and sells lots of wild and crazy things. If you are looking for a unique gift, for a friend, family member, or just for yourself, go through her. You will not be disappointed.

Also check out http://www.etsy.com/for a hidden world full of artists from around the planet, trying to make a living by hand making really really cool stuff. Support Danica first though, then those other guys! :)

I'm reminded of an experience that my friend Ryan and I had once. He, being another local artist, described this encounter so well here in his Blog post: "The Old Philosopher-Artist-Egg-Painting Men in Our Lives"

Check it out by clicking here.

http://ryanbrownlow.blogspot.com/2009/03/old-philosopher-artist-egg-painting-men.html.

Tunuva Neos Zoe,

Ben

Hug Anyone?

I came across this poem by Bradley Hathaway (a completly rad spoken word poet) a little over a year ago.
Just heard it again last night.
I love it.

Click here to listen, or just read below.

http://music.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=music.artistalbums&artistid=11239575&ap=0&albumid=2606258

Enjoy.

"The Hug Poem"

" I read about how you touched them and they were healed
Or even if someone just touched your cloak they were forever changed
You let a broken women bathe your feet in her tears
And you washed your best friend’s feet

I am just wondering though did you just ever hug people?
I mean I know that it is a silly question and all
I am sure you would have why wouldn’t you
But its one of those things that was never mentioned
That got me thinking about it
And how whenever there was a touch from you
Sins were forgiven and sickness fell
I think I’m caught up on my sins
last time I checked all my body parts were properly working,
nothing special hereI am just a kid with a heavy heart

These passing sunrises and sunsets

I don’t think our encounter would have ended up in the gospels or anything
Because all I really need is a hug
That is ok for me to imagine right?
That’s not going to be conflicting with any sort of theology is it?

Ok good, then hug me

But not one of these side ways one arm around the neck type hugs
Or the ghetto right hand clasp fists elbows to chest pit pat on the back back
Or you put your right arm over my right arm
and I put my left arm over your left arm
and we make this weird sort of diagonal thing
Nah none of those

BEAR HUG ME MAN!

Take your old school carpenter arms and throw them over my upper body
leaving my arms dangling underneath yours somewhere
and I can barely move them because your squeezing so hard
But don’t pick me up and make my back pop
because I hate it when people do that
And hold me, hold me here in your arms until I start to cry because

I WANT TO CRY

But I just can’t seem to do it on my own
I have been teary eyed once recently
but not even enough for a drip down my cheek
Theres just hurt in my soul that needs to be purged
so hold me in this hold pose
until the pain is flowing from my eyes and nose "

Bradley Hathaway - "The Hug Poem"