This week, Ventus was labeled “emergent” by some local pastors like it was a dirty word. I was a bit offended to be so easily labeled. It was very judgmental and off base.

On a side note, I got the new Rob Bell and Brian McLaren books in the mail today. I’m way jazzed.

Summer’s rip roaring to a close. So it’s time to check the vital signs.

Mine’s been buys to say the least. This past week, I’ve been in planning for the next year. It’s been a great summer, and to look back, I’m surprised at all we’ve packed in. Trips, camps, hikes… the list goes on and on.  So, it’s been busy, but good. My head is spinning a bit at the moment, but I’m looking forward to some new ministry territory we’re walking towards (more on that later).

That’s my summer. How’s yours been?

Cops in Thailand who litter, park illegally, arrive late, or break other rules will be punished with office work and a Hello Kitty pink armband they’ll have to wear at the station. From the Associated Press:

“Simple warnings no longer work. This new twist is expected to make them feel guilt and shame and prevent them from repeating the offense, no matter how minor,” said Pongpat, acting chief of the Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok.

“(Hello) Kitty is a cute icon for young girls. It’s not something macho police officers want covering their biceps,” Pongpat said. [Yahoo]

For more go here.

Here’s my worry. If this mode of punishment comes over to the U.S. churches, youth pastors all over America will be forced to wear Mark Schultz t-shirts, Michael W. Smith belt buckles, or even Carmen temp tattoos every time they leave the sanctuary dirty. The Horror! This is scary stuff. Why can’t we just take a good caning and get it over with!