Author Archives: Addis Andy
Remembering
Remembering is a significant part of our faith. Remembering uses our past keep us from stumbling, refocuses us in the present, and gives us faith for the future. Here is a roadside audio recording I offer as a moment to remember. I offer it for two reasons. First, the thought behind this audio blog seemed … Continue reading
Can you feel the love
Special Thanks The Hutchinson News for Publishing this article in February of 2012. Welcome to the season of love! February is the time for heart-shaped cards, cheesy pickup lines, stale candy and crowded restaurants filled with dating dreams. Yet, far too often “love” leaves us anything but happy. We’re a culture of the depressed, … Continue reading
Jesus-lite
I’ve been drinking diet pop for a long time (that’s soda for you northerners, and the non descriptive, uber generic ‘Coke’ for you in the south).
I’ve been drinking it for so long, it not only tastes good, it tastes better than regular pop. I understand that the previous sentence is probably the single most controversial statement I have ever posted on this blog, but you will just need to deal with it.
It’s kind of a pattern for chronic dieters like myself:
You make the decision to go lite
You endure the transition
You get used to it
You get comfortable with it
It becomes normal
You can do this with almost any habit, whether its food, drink, entertainment, political affiliation and even… faith.
Yep, you can choose to go lite. It may feel awkward at first, but you’ll get used to it.
Jesus-lite is the new rage all around the world. All the love with none of the conviction. You can enjoy 100% of your daily requirement of feel good, with none of that commitment aftertaste.
Harvard University is a sterling example of embracing the Jesus-lite lifestyle.
The school motto is “Veritas,” the latin word for truth, but it wasn’t always that catchy little word. The University’s original motto was “Veritas pro Christo et ecclesia,” or “Truth for Christ and his Church.”
Hmmm…
Continue reading
So, what’s with the Old Testament
It’s been one of those months. Everything I read, listen to and talk about seems to have a common theme. I should be excited, because when that happens it’s almost always God trying to speak. I guess it’s time to listen (c’mon McFly… McFly!). Although there is a bit more depth to it than this, … Continue reading
Pardon me Lord may I have this seat
G.K. Beale has said, “Whatever your heart clings to or relies on for ultimate security is your object of worship.”
Most of my fellow churchgoers would not argue with this definition of worship. In fact, I have personally defined worship as anything that captures your attentions and affections.
What strikes me most though is the verb “clings” used by Beale. In my mind I can picture myself latching onto the thought of having a girlfriend in the 7th grade… I knew what I was worshiping.
I can vividly recall my almost sociopathic pursuit of great grades and accolades through high school… bowing low at the altar of achievement.
There’s no denying the idolatry of my early 20s when, even in ministry, I was worried about who I knew and who knew me… in the cult of personality.
I could go on and on, but the examples from the latter half of my life are still a bit too fresh. Actually they’re still open wounds. Continue reading
The biggest moon ever
Have you ever been stopped in your tracks by an incredible moon rise, or moon set?
You know, one of those moments when your breath is taken away by the hugeness of the moon hanging low in the sky. You may have even thought, or said something like, “The moon is huge tonight!”
You might find it disturbing to know that your eyes are playing tricks on you. It’s still a beautiful moon and totally worthy of your pause and admiration of its Creator, but just so that you know… you’re wrong.
Wow, quit being so sensitive. I’m just trying to teach you something.
The truth is that what you see when the moon is “so big” is really an optical illusion in fact, the moon is always the same size in the sky. Continue reading
Don’t kill time, it’s innocent
I heard a phrase last week that I haven’t heard in a long while… think tank. I know that if you’re invited to be part of a think tank it is a compliment to your intelligence, experience or abilities. But, personally, I can’t think of much else I’d rather not do. The thought of thinking … Continue reading
My Christmas List
It was a first for me. It was gentle, it was loving, it was sweet pillow talk, but it was definitely my very first Christmas scolding. After a great night with my family filling our home, eating way too much (my wife can really rock the holiday turkey), and watching the kids tear into the … Continue reading
Twas the night…
Twas the night before Christmas and the service begun
The church was all decked out, for holiday fun!
Church members were nestled all snug in their pew
With wreaths and lights and poinsettias in view
The auditorium was warm to instill Christmas cheer
And singers were ready with carols near and dear
Then up at the front with sermon notes handy
A Christmas message, for sure, from old Pastor Andy
The music was great and the message…okay
But everyone’s thoughts were for the breaking of day
For morning would come with presents and joy
Mom getting clothes and Dad, of course, toys
When out on the parking lot there arose such a clatter
We sprang from our seats to see what’s the matter
Running out through the foyer and down the long hall
We stood in the doorway to watch, one and all
A few feet away was a broken down car
Dented and scratched, an eye-sore for sure
Then out stepped a man from this beat up ole caddy
And three youngsters inside, they each called him “Daddy!”
Continue reading
Waiting with purpose
When was the last time you participated in productive waiting? Check out this 3 minute audio thought recorded while I was waiting for my turn…
CrossEyedLife
My name is Andy Addis and I want to welcome you to the CrossEyedLife. I pastor a multisite church and love to speak and teach around the country and occasionally around the world.
Please read, watch and listen throughout these posts and then, contribute. I'd love for you to be in the discussion. Many blessings and I look forward to hearing from you.
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