A Man Without A Home... Part 2

(You can receive this Blog via email by entering your address on the right.)

In case you didn't get it from my previous post A Man Without A Home, I am a man without a home. But do not be confused: I am not homeless. I am A Man Without A Home (see previous post).

I have found out that being without a home inspires creativity. For instance, I am at my favorite Starbucks, sipping green tea, and using the internet connection here as I write this Blog post.

When I visited my sister and her family for Christmas, the first question I asked after the "welcome-how-are-you's" was, "May I use your washing machine?"

And then food... no problem! Being somewhat of a minimilast-vegitarian, a stop at my local grocery store for some fresh fruit, and a box of raisin bran stashed in my car and I'm set for the day.

I'm no expert, but I am learning to make the most of wherever I am, and whatever I have. While in India, I can take a bucket shower, negotiate roads shared by animals, and I have learned to use roti and naan (bread) as a spoon to move the other food on my plate to my mouth.

I think that is the beauty of the way we were made: to be creative, innovative, and adaptable. Some will say that they need this and need that. I say tap your creativity. Become innovative. Adapt to the situation you are in.

Who knows, 2011 may be the year that we'll need to.

Question: How can you be more creative and innovative in your life? Share your thoughts below in responses.

(If you like this post, please re-post it or Twittter it to your followers. Follow me @bigcloudmusic on Twitter if you find me interesting.)

A Man Without A Home

(You can receive this Blog via email by entering your address on the right.)

Right now, I am a man without a home. Call it transition. Call it between places. Call it what you want.

Our family is in the process of moving to Florida from Maryland. I will be joining the staff of a church as the co-pastor. My wife and daughter have already moved down there with our "stuff".

I am staying in Maryland because my current church is keeping me on for a few months to aid in the transition of my responsibilities here. I'm glad they are, because my new church in Florida is not in the position to pay me, so I have to find a job to support my family.

This week I am sleeping at friend's house. Next week I will be sleeping at a different friend's house. The next, week, a different friend. All of my stuff that I didn't load onto our moving truck is crammed into the back of my Mini Cooper. Because I am a man without a home. 

I will commute via air, working three-and-a-half days in Maryland, and three-and-a-half days in Florida. This will begin after the first of the year. It should be fun.

That's my story. It reminds me of the story of another man without a home. He began his life being born in a borrowed feed trough in a borrowed cattle stall. He once said of himself that he had no place to lay his head.

He also traveled a lot. Not so much commuting, but rather purposeful journeys on foot to be involved in people's lives.

All of his clothes weren't crammed into the back of his Mini Cooper, but rather were worn on his back.

This same man without a home gave up his life so I could have a home in heaven. Now that ought to be fun!

Question: Have you ever felt that you didn't have a home? Share your thoughts below in responses.

(If you like this post, please re-post it or Twittter it to your followers. Follow me @Bigcloudmusic on Twitter if you find me interesting.)
 

Re-gifting Blog Posts

Creatives are continually looking for ways to do things differently. But sometimes experiencing the same thing again, the same way is not a bad plan.

So I offer you my 12 Days if Christmas Video Blog from last year. I think you'll enjoy all of them!

Question: What can you do again, for the first time? Share your ideas below in responses.

Put The Christ Back In Christmas...

Several years ago I had the privilege of working with Roy Mills, an Australian musician and worship leader. He had written a collection of Christmas songs, and in the process of recording them, I was brought in to be involved in the project.

The recording was to be called "Put The Christ Back In Christmas", and as we worked with the singers and musicians in arranging and recording, I began to get an idea for a Christmas story based on the theme that was emerging through the songs.

Roy gave me permission to move forward, and together with the collaborative services of my writing partner, Rick Libert, we produced the musical "Put The Christ Back In Christmas". Four performances in a dessert-theatre setting to packed audiences complete with a trailer park, and an Elvis impersonator produced great music and script, many changes lives, and some great memories.

Why an I referencing this story in my Blog? Well, the idea of Put The Christ Back In Christmas is not a new thought among Christians. And the regular readers of this Blog know that I always seek to encourage creativity in others. Therefore, I am asking...

Question: What can you do to Put The Christ Back In Christmas? Share your ideas below in responses.

(If you like this post, please re-post it or Twittter it to your followers. Follow me @Bigcloudmusic on Twitter if you find me interesting.)