Gallop Amps

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I was at a friend’s 50th birthday Saturday night in PA, and one of his best friends flew in and surprised him from Las Vegas.

Nice friend.

Don Gallop is a church planter, something I respect highly. And as his tent making, he builds custom, one-off amps. As we talked more, I realized this guy can model any board out there, or build to whatever idea you hear. What a gift! From super quiet circuits, to fat and dirty, he can dial it in.

I was totally amped(!), and thought – shoot, if we’re going to buy amps anyway, why not buy a custom build at a fair price, and support a guy who’s planting a church in Vegas?

Now that’s money well spent.

gallopamps.com

Pass it along.

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Right Place, God’s Time

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Friday night I was sitting on the couch editing video. We’d just tucked the kids in, front porch light off, door locked.

Then someone knocked.

I opened the door to find an elderly man in cammo. A little strange, but not the first time.

“My sister’s gone,” he said, bewildered.

At first I was worried this 80+year-old gentleman had consumed a bit too much of the good stuff. Then Jerry introduced himself and explained that his sister is Joan, our 79-year-old next door neighbor. Jerry was visiting from another county, scouting his sister’s property for hunting stands, when he observed her walking across a field adjacent to both our homes, and then disappear into the thick brush.

“It’s been over an hour,” Jerry added, “and I don’t know what to do.”

While I wasn’t at DEFCON 5 yet, I instantly felt this could be serious. Joan was in fantastic health for her age, and mentally sharp.

I threw some jeans on and walked out with Jerry to scout the area he’d last seen her. Within about 3 minutes of calling her name, it was clear that she’d gotten turned around in the dusk and ventured right into the middle of the 5,000 Nature Conservancy that we live amongst.

I pulled out my iPhone, and just before I dialed 911, my brain went through a series of scenarios, ranging from the embarrassment of calling out the whole town, only to find Joan in her backyard under headphones, to mobilizing a huge man hunt that ended in…

…I blocked that thought out, and hit “Call.”

Less that fifteen minutes later, I was on the back of a tractor with a flashlight and Google Maps, while my buddy Matt Parker worked the wheel. That’s when I started hearing the coyotes; pushed that thought out of my head, too.

Two hours later, Matt and I were in the lead with a NY State Police K-9 Unit covering 40 acres of thick brush on foot.

Four hours later, the temperature dropped below 40°F, and we knew Joan was not dressed for an overnight stay in the woods. The pressure was mounting.

A second K-9 Unit joined the hunt, as did Joan’s son, Bill Jr., as well as local Volunteer Fire Departments. We were going to find Joan. Alive. We just had to.

The big breakthrough came when I suddenly realized I had an old mobile number on my iPhone. For Joan. I doubted it worked, and no one answered. But the lead investigator called it in to have it pinged. Less than five minutes later, he got a call back that showed the phone was plotting.

Joan was moving.

Almost two miles from her house.

The three teams split up, now two K-9 Units and our tractor team that included Matt, Bill and a Trooper, all beating paths through heavy brush and dense forrest, hoping and praying we’d find Joan.

Just after 1:00 AM, we got the call from Team 1.

“We got her!”

Bill dropped to his knees like a rock and started thanking Jesus. We all thanked Jesus.

By the time we arrived on the scene, two Troopers were escorting Joan out of the woods amongst a group of Firemen. Joan had on her trademark smile, and was soaked up to her waist.

I snapped a quick pic of the team loading Joan into the ambulance. Mild hypothermia, and banged up knee. But not a scratch on her.

It was a miracle.

“I was praying all night,” said Trooper Hogan.

“Me, too,” I said. “So grateful God answered our prayers. He knew right where she was.”

And even used iPhones and dogs to help us out.

“I love it when a night ends like this and not another way,” said another detective. He paused, and then we all shuddered, knowing how it could have ended.

I know I speak for the Blance’s when i offer my most sincere thanks to the care and professionalism of the 911 Dispatcher, the NY State Troopers and Volunteer Fire Departments that organized this search.

This afternoon, after church, Joan’s daughter, Sherry, stopped by and hugged me for a long time, tears in her eyes.

“I’m not sure what to say,” she said. “Just, thank you. Thank you.”

“Honestly, Sherry,” I said, “I just answered the door. God did the rest.”

Isn’t that how everything good in life works?

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[Below: Bill Blance Jr. escorts his mother, Joan Blance, the rest of the way to the ambulance. She insisted on walking herself. Trooper Hogan in the foreground.]

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Sprig Dreams Coming True

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Listening to my dad dream inside Sprig Studios is pretty amazing. Watching it coming to life in real time is even more so.

We’re right in the middle of build out again, this time with the end in sight. Lights getting ordered, flooring finishes being assigned, and new equipment getting ready for purchase.

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Reset

Jenny and I are tucked away from the world. It’s a wonderful feeling. My iPhone is sitting on my bedroom bookshelf back home, enjoying the “off” position. And my brain is relishing the rare state of doing nothing. No demands, no questions, no missions. Just answering How long do I want to sleep? And Where do I want to eat?

I just finished a wild, gritty sci-fi novel by Marko Kloos (my “candy” / Warning: language), and halfway through Culture of Honor by Danny Silk (my “meat”).

Excited for our marriage’s new commitment to the Seven Policy: a date night every seven days, an overnight every seven weeks, and a vacation every seven months. This is on top of getting away with our four minions during the summer.

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Redline Conference 2013

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Here are a few images captured during Redline Conference this weekend. For those of us fortunate enough to have been there, our lives will never be the same because of King Jesus.

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Behind Every Soul

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Behind every soul is a person. And behind every person coming to the moment of surrendering their heart to the lordship of Jesus is someone who’s prepared the ground.

I’m so proud of this team pictured above.

Today at New Life, we had 1,300 people come through our doors, and more people flooding the front during the altar calls for salvation and renewal than I could count [below].

Behind every life that was effected, I’m sure there have been years of prayer and multiple God-instances that brought them to this day.

But there was also this group of people. This group of actors, musicians, tech team, and department heads. And there are even more people not even shown here; this small group is a cross-section of 280 volunteers!

The point is that whenever any of our lives are touched in some way, including my own, there are people behind the scenes, who may not get any glory this side of heaven, who are responsible.

Volunteer in your church: from café worker to usher to cleaner to signer, you’ll be serving countless lives into eternal life.

Happy Easter. He is risen!

All for King Jesus,

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[Photo by Tony Hayner]

Two New TV Ads from New Life Media

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Very proud of two new television ads that New Life Media just put together for two of our clients. I love being able to make beautiful things for our clients, and change peoples’ perception of our region. Second-rate is not acceptable, and cultures that value beauty value life. If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing with excellence, and such simple, Kingdom fundamentals should show in everything we do, whether we’re serving the Church or serving secular companies.

Craftsmanship counts.

A big thanks to Jason Clement, Clarissa Collins, David Seaman and all our support staff. Great job, team!

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YouTube Videos from Rex’Quix

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Today we had the incredible privilege of heading up into the mountains over 5,000 feet and visiting a home which is used weekly for church. The husband and wife, Reginaldo “Canche” and Luky, clear out the few possessions they have and preach the Gospel to those that live in the Mayan village of Rex’quix. Despite their dirt floors and sparse furnishings, the selflessness of this couple is overwhelming, and extremely convicting.

Apart from hearing their story, and experiencing their infectious love for Jesus, Jennifer and I were both captivated by their children. We were there for less than three minutes when I look over and see Jenny holding a little girl. Rebekah clung to Jenny’s neck tightly as my wife wept. It was a precious few minutes that eventually turned into laughter as an impromptu fashion show started.

Shortly after, I jumped in with my senior pastor, Kirk Gilchrist, as he started playing with a small group of little girls that clung to the side of the house, spying on us. His son Joseph ended up filming me as we played, a memory which I won’t soon forget.

My life has already been changed in so many ways, I can’t imagine being challenged even more. But I was today, simply by playing with children in a mountain village I never even knew existed. Such is the Kingdom.

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus of Nazareth
Matthew 18:3

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sponsor a child inn ministries

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Exterior view of Canche and Luky’s house.

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Wide angle view of the house and surrounding hillside.

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Interior of their home; room used for church meetings.

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Canche and Luky’s kitchen.

Inn Ministries: How $25 Changed Our Lives

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I’m writing this from the kitchen table inside one of The Inn’s guest homes here in San Cristobel, Guatemala. Tucked away in the mountains, a cool evening breeze is wafting through the windows, which are continually left open; a light rain is falling outside, accented by spats of lighting and rolling thunder; and the smell of fresh flowers and fried plantains is filling the house. All of these sensations are highlighting the extreme emotional tensions that surround this beautiful ministry compound, both a school and a church.

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The large majority of the children in this village live in poverty. They’ve also likely been sexually abused by members of their own families; adolescent boys are encouraged to engage with prostitues, while adolescent girls are abused by male relatives. The tragedy is enough to break even the most calloused heart. Looking at the beauty of these faces makes any warm-blooded human wonder how anyone could endorse such atrocities.

But there is hope for San Cristóbal.

20130323-075301.jpgIn the early 1990′s, God gave a man and his wife an amazing vision to bring life to a dark village, steeped in Mayan witchcraft and suffering from neglect. Michael & LaTonya Lewis have given their lives (and in a few cases, almost lost them entirely) to bring the love and light of Jesus to these beautiful people. Twenty years later, what used to be swamp-land is now a school, known as the most prestigious education in the region, with a reach into the public school system which is unprecedented. Likewise, their church is busy meeting the spiritual needs of their village. It’s truly a remarkable work.

20130323-075251.jpgOver the last two days, Jennifer and I have been able to meet all three of our sponsor children: Cristian, Katerine and Hugo. And as much as we’re told our lives have impacted theirs, the diametric opposite is true: our lives have been radically altered by them. To hug these children is to touch the heart of the Father. They are genuine, sincere, warm and full of life. And they love unconditionally. They have less than I’ve ever had, yet carry more joy than I think I ever will. They are three of my heros.

Our finances go directly to affording our Inn Kids the highest quality education in the region, hosted by an outstanding faculty of born again Christians (both indigenous and foreign) who are professionals in their own right. This means they not only get ahead intellectually, and therefore culturally, but also spiritually, as the Gospel is a part of their life-curriculum.

20130323-075333.jpgJennifer and I are asking you to sponsor at least one child. Your cost is $25.00 USD per month; your benefit is immeasurable. Because you’re literally changing a human life, and affecting an entire people group, as these children grow up to be leaders in their region, sharing the light, love and life of Christ with others.

Please prayerfully consider our request, and ask the Holy Spirit how many children he wants you to support, then contact Inn Ministries’ child sponsorship division today. They’ll help you select your child, and walk you through the process. When you’re finished, please leave a comment back here and let us know the first name of your child so we can be praying for them with you.

And if you ever want to come down to serve and meet your little guy or little girl, you’re always welcome. But just be prepared: that $25 dollars will change your life.

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sponsor a child inn ministries

Guat.Hop

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Our hop over to Guatemala has been eye-opening, heart-breaking and awe-inspiring.

Beautiful people.

Breathtaking country.

Rich history.

Gut-wrenching abuse.

Life-long Christ-commitment.

Sacrificial love.

Today, Pastor Joseph Gilchrist and I had the unprecedented honor of sharing Biblical truths on sex with one-thousand public high school students. The Superintendant of Schools allowed 3 grades to fill a local church in San Cristobel 3 times.

Jennifer sang over them, and Joseph and I presented God’s life-altering perspectives on sexuality and purity. It was a rare privilege, when we get to do one more time tomorrow!

Here are some pics from today, as well as from our time in Antigua and Guatemala City.

Enjoy!

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Life Office

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How Tech Has Created A New Kind of Work Space

Much like Starbucks purported itself to be the new Third Space, attempting to replace “home, office, church” with “home, office, Starbucks,” (finding it at least a little ironic that now some churches serve Starbucks), and that storytellers try and hide the Fourth Plane, that of being the metaphorical wall that hides the author’s hand from the eye of the beholder (whether camera or written plot device), I am joining many before me in shedding some light on my Second Office, or what I tend to think of as my Life Office.

Work spaces are important. They need to have certain qualities that help promote focus, efficiency and productivity. These include comfort, a level of seclusion, and services, all of which depend greatly on the nature of the work and the individual worker.

While I’m busy redesigning New Life’s office wing, including our front office and conference room, I’m also aware that in 2013, devices–not just spaces–help decide where an office can be.

“Taking the office with you” has been the axiom and pursuit of the Mobile Office since the invention of the laptop, furthered by the PDA in the 90′s. But there remained a barrier between the rest of the world and the Mobile Office user, a barrier that was blown apart with the creation of the iPhone.

Unlike a Mobile Office that merely permits me to work while “on the go,” a Life Office permits me to engage and respond to the various environments that I find myself in. So my life has the capacity of informing my work, regardless of vocation.

My Life Office is interactive, as the devices I carry don’t seclude me from my environment–if I discipline myself correctly–but actually involve me in my surroundings in new ways, ones I previously under-appreciated. They do this in numerous ways, the most powerful of which is the recognition that I have and am aware of an audience.

Now, no one should live on stage indefinitely. It’s exhausting. And does strange things to the ego. But living life in such a way as to believe others are always watching, and to “perform” with their concern in mind might not be as secular as you may think.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

- Author Unknown
Hebrews 12:1

In fact, there are untold hundreds of scriptures that talk about living rightly, that God is watching, that our deeds are being recorded, and that we’re setting precedent for the generations who follow.

I dare say that living with an audience in mind is one of the healthiest and most Biblical behaviors we can engage in as people. And digital devices have actually had a role in not only shaping what I see and how I see it, but in how I remember and how I invest.

iPhone: Connect, Capture, Consume

My iPhone has been a constant companion. Interestingly enough, one of its least-used functions in my world is as a phone. I use it to text (as these “mini notes” are far more efficient, with my minimum “short” phone call being eleven minutes), and send voice snippets in Voxer–a glorified, recording walker-talkie. If I only had three or four important issues to attend to in a day, I’d love them all to be around face-to-face encounters, or as personable phone calls, but I don’t have such a luxury.

The iPhone’s two other most powerful features are its camera–which constantly challenge me to see normal settings with new perspectives, thus making me appreciate them more fully–and its note-taking functionality, either in text or audio form. I make quick notes on the fly in Evernote, marking down ideas for a book I’m working on, a meeting coming up, or a new song I’m crafting a melody to. Instagram is my primary method of sharing the images of my life, something that’s become more of a discipline than a need. This populates Twitter automatically, and these images are used in my blog (which is finally linked from Facebook).

While my iPad is my preferred reading device, my iPhone still holds the record for the most amount of non-dedicated reading: web references, emails, articles, scripture references. I’m not really savoring material on my iPhone, I’m consuming and processing at a high rate. Unlike the comfort associated with my iPad (which I’ll get to in a second), here on the iPhone, it’s all business.

Interestingly enough, 90% of all my blog posts–including this one–are composed, edited and published through WordPress’ iOS app with my right thumb.

iPad: Impart and Savor

My iPad has completely transformed the way I communicate to professional and religious audiences. I don’t have a three-ring binder full of songs anymore; I have OnSong with all of my music lead sheets. And I prepare in and speak my messages–whether sermons and teachings for church settings or lectures on business at a school–directly out of Evernote.

My iPad is also my primary reading device for material I want to savor, like books, including the Bible. I use Kindle for novels and non-fiction, and OliveTree for studying and annotating scripture. I say “savor” specifically because I like using the iPad on the couch, on my boat, or somewhere where what I’m reading has my undivided attention.

MacBook Pro: Create

My Mac is my main workhorse. My product creator. Its operating the entire Adobe CS6 Suite, as well as Logic, ProTools and GarageBand, and cranks out unprecedented amounts of text, audio and video. When it starts to buckle, I move to a MacPro tower in our production hall at New Life, but that’s for big stuff–and definitely not a part of my Life Office platform.

My MBP always has at least a dozen tabs open in Chrome at any given time, and is my main processor of the hundreds of emails I receive every 24 hours.

And unlike blog posts which are created on my iPhone, all my novels are written on my Mac in Scrivener (which I’ve been a huge fan of for years).

Technovergence

The key with incorporating any man-made tool into our daily lives, whether a trowel or an iPhone, is managing it. If our tools manage us, we lose an appreciation for the very life we’re meant to be living. If, however, we can set boundaries and form good habits (a post for another day), these tools can actually amplify the quality of life-living we’re engaged in, and then inspire others to see the Creator’s world around us with new eyes.

Life, after all, is meant to be lived voraciously.

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Sitting On Top of The World

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For who do you know that really knows you, knows your heart? And even if they did, is there anything they would discover in you that you could take credit for? Isn’t everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God? So what’s the point of all this comparing and competing? You already have all you need. You already have more access to God than you can handle. Without bringing either Apollos or me into it, you’re sitting on top of the world—at least God’s world—and we’re right there, sitting alongside you!

-Paul to the church in Corinth, Greece
1 Corinthians 4:7-8 MSG

I suppose there are at least a few of you wondering what I might say post-China. And even if you aren’t, I am. Perhaps I’ve been reticent to write anything because I’m not exactly sure what to say or where to start. At least not on a profound level.

China is hard to articulate, simply because there’s so much of it. So much to see. So many people. Digesting it all takes a while. Spiritually. Politically. Emotionally.

But I think the one thing that stands out to me the most–and perhaps a good starting point for debriefing any journey–is simply recognizing how blessed I am.

(Is it so self-centered to describe another nation firstly based on what mine affords me?)

I have so much. Because it’s been given to me. I’m sitting on top of the world. And I have the whole world to give away.

I’m admiring cleanness, and the effort it takes to create it, in a new way. I’m appreciating space in a new way. And I’m savoring freedom in a new way.

Thankfulness for the insignificant grants us permission to offer the significant to others with humility.

I’m endeavoring to dedicate myself to be counted among the most grateful people I know. I think this is a noble and worthy pursuit. I have a long way to go, but I’m growing evermore convinced that it’s the only way to adequately suppress pride, and likewise activate the childlike wonder of loving life and loving God.

Post-China begins with taking account of everything I’ve been blessed with, and critically asking myself how I’m using all of my faculties to serve others for the sake of the Gospel.

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