Community Steps Up To Save Music Program

I was driving home today and heard yet more on the spiraling economy and the many programs that continuously have to be cut in order to make the budget work. It is very heart breaking when you hear community centers and schools having to close programs that are so dear to their communities.

Its true, the economy is in shambles and important programs are being cut all across the board. Thats a fact. The question is, how do we respond? Some panic and complain, saying the world is coming to an end and the results of these cuts will leave a generation in ruins, others nonchalantly just say it was coming and they should have known. There are so many different ways to approach these times.

As a community organizer and one who enjoys seeing people coming together to solve big issues, I was very happy to see how the music community in Portland stepped up to save Jefferson High School's music program. It took some thinking outside of the box, and you know what - its beautiful! How amazing it is seeing people who are not government, but rather citizens who are dedicating their time and talents to make music happen. Unconventional ways to make important things happen, and probably even better than they were before. I love it - it is exciting and inspiring.

What would happen if you took your passion seriously and full force? What kind of change and impact could you accomplish if you got together with others who shared your vision? Imagine...

Book Review: No Compromise: the life story of Keith Green

Keith Green was an incredibly INTENSE man. And I had to write that in capital letters because that is exactly what he was. He was always on a quest to find spiritual meaning, whether it was through drugs or sex or any sort of cult, he was all or nothing. Through his spiritual journey he comes across Jesus and decided to follow him. With his totally devoted personality, he starts to realize that Christian's aren't necessarily totally devoted. He sees a lot of holes and is perplexed. Instead of this driving him away from Christ, this does quite the opposite and he commits to loving and sharing the gospel with everyone he meets. Giving rides to hitchhikers just so he could strike up a conversation and opening his home to wounded people with no home was a regular act for Keith. Reading his story, written by his wife Melody, I couldn't help but get uncomfortable at the way he lived his life - how completely sold out he was to following Christ and how he continuously sought to bring others to Him. It was strange, but I felt convicted. Some may say I'm a little off the wall or somewhat radical, but I am nothing compared to Keith Green. His sense of urgency to share the gospel with people and live completely devoted to the cause is something that I have yet a ways to grow in.

If you're looking for a book that will make you uncomfortable, convicted, and inspired, this would definitely fit the bill.