So, so thankful...

... that my nephew's cancer is officially in remission!

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Convergence, baby!!!

As I have come to believe, convergence of devices is now the name of the game. It seems in our quest to achieve simplicity, we may be willing to sacrifice optional quality... within reason, of course.

In this article from Yahoo Finance, the author suggests that traditional cameras may be on the way to becoming obsolete.

I don't think he is too far off the mark.

I don't know that Nikon, Kodak or Canon are ready to cede the shutter battle just yet, but then again, it wasn't so long ago that I was taking rolls of film to the drugstore to get developed.

Now? I can snap and share via Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and Dropbox in sixty seconds or less on my Android device. The dual cameras may not win me a Pulitzer Prize, but being able to have a portable camera with me to catalog something funny or memorable at any given time is priceless.

That is a big draw for me. The ability to leave physical bible, camera, checkbook, mp3 player, day-timer, laptop, etc. behind is invaluable. If there is something that can be done effectively on my device, then that is where I want it done. Anytime I have to carry a secondary device, I have the nagging feeling that I have failed at choice of platform and/or device.

Some companies are adjusting to consumer convergence. Even as Amazon and Barnes & Noble make better standalone e-readers, they are spending money to push what could be called competitors to their own hardware: their own software for the major mobile OS platforms. In other words, I can buy a Kindle device, or still have the option of downloading the free Kindle software to my EVO to access e-books that way.

It's all about ease of use and speed of delivery. It's all about how fast you can get a document from a bulletin board to a fellow staffer.

So... do I boot up the scanner and desktop or plop out the EVO with Camscanner?

As Black Sheep said... the choice is yours.

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Alltop Church Chatter

The one thing that Alltop does for me is aggregate current thought from church folks that have a bead on the pulse of our generation. I absolutely feel blessed to have access to the blogs listed. I invite you to check it out too.

I readily admit that if you are looking for a blog to knock mine off your subscription list (and you shouldn't be), you'll find one here.

Alltop is perfect for my other hobbies as well (soccer, mobile technology, books, etc.). All in all, I am sure you'll find a use for it.

And, as the badge on this very page states, I still can't believe I got in...

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Ministry Helper Apps (Android edition)

Since the inevitable Android move has happened, I have been getting acquainted with my new device and the OS that powers it.

As in everything else tech, I try to find a way to bridge it to ministry. Here is my list of Android Applications that currently are must haves:

YouVersion Bible: Yes, I know at this point, I sound like an indefatigable cheerleader with a crush, but YV is really all that... and a BIG bag of chips. With Live integration, Note availability and creation, downloadable version (NLT is one) and built-in reading plans, this is a serious tool for the serious Android-carrying church worker. YouVersion is all the bible you need on the go.

Get on the bus. The possibilities are endless. You can literally run a entire bible-based message from your phone. You can tweet, send to Facebook and add study notes for the church directly from the app.

HanDBase: Relational database on steroids. This bad boy is an app of a thousand apps. Think data entry and utility creation. You can create expense ledgers, member lists, even giving records. Need a task list? A building catalog? List of guest speakers? parent list? Nursery roster? HanDBase is there. It is syncable to desktop/laptop, too.

I have used HanDBase since my Palm days, and it has been a staple on my devices since. I have my unofficial time clock on it. Helps me keep track of my ministry hours, and allows me to send reports (like weekly output). I also use it to catalog my training plans and player stats in soccer. The scary thing is that I don't think I have even touched the surface with regards to its functionality.

Extra bonus: HanDBase is owned by a christian artist, David Haupert.

Pocket Informant: I am a churchworker, soccer coach and also manage our church's online calendar. I also need to have access to my wife's calendar to stay on top of the kid's events.

I run a lot of calendars. Pocket Informant helps me manage everything.

It syncs well with Google Calendar, right down to the color coding. If a fellow staffer adds an entry to Google Calendar, it populates to the general Google Calendar, which populates to my device. Pretty seamless. Besides syncing to the Google Cloud, it also syncs to Toodledo, a fantastic task manager with GTD capabilities. All in all, PI is one of the best PIMs out there.

Dropbox: Dropbox has been around for a while, and I am shamelessly late to the party. Still, it made it's way into my heart quite easily.

Dropbox is a storage repository conveniently located in the "Cloud" an accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. This connectivity has given Dropbox the secondary ability to serve as a universal jumpdrive.

How can this help you? Church workers move more paper and information than the US Mint and Library of Congress combined. Say a busy pastor needed to collaborate with the music minister and head deacon about the upcoming Easter program. We are talking about music, graphics and budgetary concerns... with a click of the button, everyone's physical input could be uploaded instantly to a common file, collaborated on and then re-accessed.

I use Dropbox heavily on the fly, to help get media out on our webpage, FB page and the church twitter account. Instead of hoarding event pictures on my phone, I simply upload them to my Dropbox. It's one less reason to carry a laptop, when I can simply access the the info from any computer.

Dropbox offers free accounts that are upgradeable, but I have not yet used up my generous free allotment. You can also download the app for free on iOS, BlackBerry OS and Mac.

Save a tree: use DropBox.

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Season's greetings.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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YouVersion. Again.

YouVersion became a part of my walk not that long ago. A Twitter friend brought it to my attention, and I remember thinking it was too good to be true.

I gave it a whirl, and became such a fan of YV that I penned a review about the Blackberry port. I got to meet some pretty cool people affiliated with Lifechurch.tv, and got to understand the vision that guided the minds of the folks behind YouVersion.

Since then, YV has gained steam, and has become such a blessing in the lives of even more people worldwide. The idea of making Bibles accessible to people in the form of mobile software wasn't new, but removing the financial barrier to ownership was revolutionary.

In its early days, its biggest attribute -- portability based upon wireless signals -- sometimes could be a drawback. Still, this is somewhat soothed by the presence of offline (downloadable) versions on the iOS and Android ports. This makes it even easier to get Scripture, any lack of cellular signal and/or wifi notwithstanding.

I have been blessed with an opportunity to be part of the YV Android testing group, and watching the way the developers respond to glitches and release new builds has been fun. I am particularly smitten with the new Notes feature of the Android port; now I can make notes and add spiritual revelations on the go, right from the handheld. I already rely heavily on YouVersion to do my job, but this added functionality blows it out the water. Add that to the pre-existing multiple translations in multiple languages, social networking connectivity, built-in reading plans and access to "Live" events and scripture word search, and you can see why this software is such a hit.

All in all, I consider YV to be such a huge part of my ministry, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about God. You can do it on any major platform with data access, including a regular desktop or laptop.

For Android users, it is readily available on the Market.
--
Sent via Android.

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People I dislike: Katherine Wolfe.

If you need a dose of inspiration, or wanna read about an old-fashioned hero that lives today, head over and read about Katherine Arnold Wolfe.

Beyond being a woman with untold courage, she managed to survive a life-threatening stroke. This wife and mother also fought to re-learn skills that she lost after the stroke.

People that are braver than me make me feel small. Katherine Wolfe makes me feel refreshingly minute, and it is a privilege to write about her. Every now and then, we meet or read about powerful beings that only wear human flesh. Katherine is one of them.

I am grateful God gave me an opportunity to read about her.

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Hotness

A quick birthday shout-out to my wife. As y'all know, she is hotness personified...

Happy Birthday, Cookie. I love you.

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An ode to uncoolness.

Here's a gem from David Meurer via New Man Magazine.

Think about: does the chase of coolness prevent us from being humble?

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Reflection.

Couple of things on my mind, that may or may not make you throw rocks at me:

• I admit I have to get myself in shape, even as I squarely place the blame on people like Cass and Jen... people I blame for not yelling at me.
• One of my players called me a softie. This angers me, because it goes against my self-described street rep. It also angers me because she might be right. Drat.
• I can barely beat my 7 yr-old and 4 yr-old in Wii baseball anymore, and, in any case, I then feel like I need Tommy John surgery.
• I was the oldest attendant at my brother's wedding last week. Hurray for getting old.
• Yes, I admit it openly. I like Tim Tebow.
• My wife says I am getting crankier in my old] age, and that makes me cranky.
• I think one of my youth may be hitting the Bible more than me, and this shames me.
• The next time I see my kid brother flaunt his Android-powered HTC EVO (a phone which I am waiting on, I will take it and bash him over the head with it. So there.
• I find myself referring to "urban dictionaries" more often.
• I googled myself last month. Twice.
  

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Prosperity preaching... for the church.

How do you sell prosperity in an economic downturn? No, doing crusades in third-world countries is not an option.

It has been tough for churches. As a church-worker, I can tell you that straight up. When the jobs go, so does the giving. It's the man-made Circle of Life.

The obvious casualties are less programming and reduced spending. Pastoral staffers all around are rethinking priorities, and churches are having to make due with much less. The newsreels last week were dominated by one particular well known mega-church filing for bankruptcy (this church is also tightening it's belt to cut costs).

It's never fun when the church struggles.

So, what are we to do with weightier duties and lighter collection plates?

We need to go old-school: let's pray.

The re-examination of priorities is not a bad thing. Longevity and growth sometimes cloak disadvantageous bloat and waste. It is SO easy to justify foolishness with a "spiritual" stamp of approval, especially during times of plenty.

I think it is also important to understand that our duties to serve do not stop because our physical support does. In fact, more people need help. We may not be able to fill every fiscal gap, but we sure can do a Peter: let's give what we do have.

All in all, this time will pass, and negative as it seems, I believe it is an opportunity for the church to snatch back some relevance. Surreptitiously slipping in tithing material in the church program may get you temporary reprieve, but focusing on the God of Psalm 23 may be wiser.

Stay blessed.

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Re:Praise

Who woulda thunk it? A whole year has passed. Happy Birthday, Little One...

Blessings

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Puppets. Big puppets.

I ask for forgiveness in advance...

I do reserve the right to skip across the lake of irreverence from time to time, but this one might get me fully immersed. No pun intended.

I am making no theological pronouncements, and for the record, I love a well done, tasteful praise dance routine. However, my fear of seeing life sized puppets was mostly surpassed by my feelings of unrestrained joy at seeing the look of abject confusion (or was that horror?) at seeing what could charitably be described as a Black Jesus. And everyone knows that nothing causes more consternation to more people than... never mind...

I don't know how I ever lived without YouTube. It is a true gift that never, ever stops giving.

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And this is why I am headed to Android...

I love technology, and what it allows me to do.

I waited with bated breath to see what new things Apple would roll out in the name of iOS4. As always, beautiful hardware (all "grip of death" jokes aside) and the pseudo-multitasking is definitely welcome, but I think my decision to retire the BlackBerry for an Android device instead of an iPhone is the right one. For me.

Today, I learned of a new development in my favorite part of mobile-based technology. Google just unveiled a new utility from the labs called App Inventor. It allows average joes and geek wanna-bes like me to create applications for Android OS. For free.

Now, the potential is clear. Giving people the ability to create custom-made apps in an easy format is beautiful. Now, your device is even more personal. I read of a poster on an Android-enthusiast forum who eagerly looked forward to creating soundboards of his daughter.

I look forward to seeing what it can do. Another shrewd move by Google, particularly when you realize that Android OD is making its way to TVs and netbooks.

So, in theory, if I wanted to make an app relating to visitations or ministry needs, I could. Opportunities abound.

I have to see how it shapes out... for example, I am interested in seeing how the App Inventor handles issues in the real world. Or, if there will be controls to help dissuade people from adding to already burgeoning list of adult titles in the Android Market. In any case, I like this a lot.

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Letting the Spirit lead.

Here's a quick hitter from Craig Groeschel, Senior Pastor of LifeChurch. As some of my recent posts may reveal, this is something that has been weighing heavily on my mind of late.

As the modern church strives to be relevant to a modern generation, I think it is important to remain focused on God and His spirit as the Decider-in-Chief of our collective mission. While "models" might be an easy thing to emulate, we cannot forget to pray and ask for insight FIRST.

The very ministry of Christ was atypical in so many aspects, and He gave us quite a model to follow, starting with love as an underlining concept.

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East Digerati

I am the beacon of technology at our church.

Iwork on the website, update the Facebook page and send out the Twitter updates. I do the Youtube uploads, and try to keep our Foursquare location relevant.

I am the tech whiz. I am the smartphone-wielding pastor who serves as our gadget evangelist.

One problem: there are quite a few "Is" in that monologue, and not enough "Hims" to suit the type of work that I am supposed to be doing.

In the 21st century, it is key for church works to find acceptable ways to tap into the consciousness of the people we look to reach and serve. However, there is a true danger in loving the medium a bit too much... perhaps more than the Message? It becomes especially wayward when the tools become symbols that distract from the mission.

Sometimes, to some people, seeing their pastoral staff, or getting a simple phone call from them weighs a whole lot more than a tweet or FB wall post asking for prayer. And there is NOTHING wrong with that.

Sometimes, it's the simple, "old-school" methods that make people see the Jesus in us, so we need to work harder to not forget them.

*Thanks to my mentor, PJ, for reminding me of this.

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Full Circle

It's that time of year again...

It's been very busy. Just got back from a youth mission trip to Grifton, NC. Now, I'll be honest; I had never heard of Grifton prior to getting involved at East. It's out in eastern NC, and compared to Charlotte or Raleigh, is much quieter and somewhat rural, what with all the sprawling farmland and such.

In any case, it was back-breaking work. It was also very humbling work. I got to know my youth even better, and bonded with my parent volunteers. Through all the sweat, early mornings, hot afternoons and unexpected happenings, we returned as a very tight knit group. The one thing that continually lept out at me was the concept of "renewal." More on this later.

Beyond that, we are saying bye to some of the best seniors in the world. Most are staying around and/or going to local colleges, but I have one going all the way off to Kansas. Happy for her, but truly unhappy to see her go that far away. I console myself with the fact that God has a plan, especially since guilting her into staying didn't work.

Then, I said goodbye to my two soccer teams. I had been with the core of the older team, current U-14s, for some time; they will all be mostly playing first division soccer for new coaches in the Fall, which is a huge jump, and makes me very proud as a coach. Of that team, only one is left, and I had her for only half a season. I am also saying bye to my younger team. We went through so much as a unit, from all losses to a winning record. They are all mostly playing at the classic level, which makes me very proud as well.

In return, I have two new teams... two mostly new ladies, a few who I have coached and coached against in the past. I am looking forward to the challenge, and developing new relationships with my new team and parents.

I am truly thankful for the opportunity to be used, and I hope I can be a blesing to my youth on the field and in church.

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Prayers for TN

Just a quick note of prayer to our family and friends in Tennessee... the rain and resulting flooding has been devastating.

Just wanna throw a quick shout-out to Pete Wilson... if you have a boat and a heart to help, reach out to him and the folks at Cross Point Church, who are looking to help.

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The bottom line

In the last couple of years, much has been made of the drive to use technology to reach people. In church affairs, the subtle undertone has been to use technology to bring people in.

Count me in amongst the shameless adherents.

I believe the church needs to move at the pace with most of society at worst, and leads the pack at best. There are numerous ways we can use technology to help us fulfill our spiritual goals, and I get a lot of satisfaction in finding out new ways.

One big point of pause should be the fact that old concepts should not necessarily be discarded. While we feel driven to share our messages on Sunday from our smartphones and/or tablet devices, there is nothing wrong in acknowledging the fact that some congregants may be reassured by seeing a physical Bible.

Hearkening to the past is not necessarily a sign of weakness.

In taking my current position (and by default, becoming the church "digerati"), I have come face-to-face with a fact that startled me: some of my church family won't ever visit the church website I take so much time to keep updated. It has taken me longer to understand that that is okay.

As soon as I start creeping into ministry, I begin to displace what should be the true Source. There is also a real danger in allowing a ministry conduit become THE ministry. And that is what technological pushes really are (or should be): tools.

You can use all the flash-bangs in the world and hit air if you don't have an overall focus on people. We can play the numbers and unseeingly witness our ministries will go awry. We might have full auditoriums and sweet testimonials, but we might not be truly changing hearts.

My point is to vocalize what I have been cautioning myself with... love what God is doing, not the tools that are harnessed to effect it. When my BlackBerry freezes during a witness, should the witness stop?

Let's not leave folks behind if we can help it. In the mean time, I am off to download yet ANOTHER minstry tool to my smartphone.

I never said we should stop using these tools, did I?

You see,

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Android

I've been bitten by the Android bug...

Weighing the pros and the cons, I might might be surrendering my Crackberry card. I might be giving up my love for GSM handsets, too.

For those who know me and my tech tastes, this is shocking. However, not so much so.

I need a device that serves as a ministry tool. I maintain the church website, Twitter feed, FaceBook page and ministry information on the go. Personally, I need calendar and email with me. I also make use of mobile databases for soccer management.

Since a lot of my professional and personal productivity is tied into Google already (calendars and email), it just makes sense to use their platform anyway. I use my devices heavily, and robust software is a must. Android would provide that. Plus, the hardware is simply beautiful. Toss in blogging capability, social networking and media, and I am sold.

The Nexus One is on my radar, though I would dearly love the new EVO coming out. Either way, I think I'll be moving to Sprint. As long as I can keep on using Google Voice (I can) and figure out a tethering process (I should), I'll live without a GSM handset. With the potential savings, I would still be better off, even with a potential ETF. Cash on hand is of such a premium... Digerati on a dime.

I am not a fan of touchscreens, but again, I think the overall functionality of Android would make it worth it.

I would like to wait and see what Apple will throw into the 4G... but the open source nature of Android will, IMHO, be more consumer-friendly in the long run. Plus, y'all know how I feel about being the stereotypical church worker with a -- gasp! -- an iPhone...

Gonna miss BBM, but GTalk should fill the void...

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