Grid-To-The-Max Web Design

Finding inspiration for great web design is always fun. There are some stinking creative designers out there. Recently, I’ve been searching for sites that have spent a lot of time thinking through their information architecture.

The problem is that most of the sites you find in galleries or design blogs are simple sites. Their navigation isn’t too extensive and they tend to be light on content (aside from the blog element). So, instead of going to the normal galleries of well designed websites, I went searching for the big corporations who likely spent thousands upon thousands working out their IA systems.

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God's Commands vs. Traditions

“You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.”
–Jesus (Mark 7:8)

I often find myself thinking about God and doing things a certain way because it’s the what I was taught. That’s how people learn and grow. We put into practice what we are taught. If we endlessly asked the question “why?” and not put into action anything until we completely understand, it would take forever. It’s not a practical way to live.

At the same time, if we just do what we are told and do it exactly how we are told without thinking about it, we often miss out on the purpose and the heart behind it. This is especially detrimental when it comes to our faith and relationship with Christ.

God has always been more concerned with the heart of things than the specific action or tradition. You see this even at the beginning with Cain and Abel. “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?” (Genesis 4:7). As Christians, it is important for us to seek out the heart of God. And God has revealed himself and his heart to us through the Bible. That’s why we need to be reading through it and praying and asking God to make his heart clear to us. And he will.

Have you been seeking the heart of God or just following the traditions you’ve been taught?

Evangelism is not…

“Evangelism is not selling Jesus, but showing Jesus; evangelism is not mere telling about Christ, but being Christ.”
Lee Camp in Mere Discipleship (from “Jesus did NOT kill Mohammed” on Sojourners magazine)

Mark 5:9 – Why did Jesus ask?

Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
Mark 5:9

This is right after the man who was possessed by evil spirits came and begged for Jesus not to torture them. My question: Why did Jesus ask for its name?

No other time does Jesus ask for the name of the demon/evil spirit that he casts out. Or, at least, no other time in Scripture. This question pestered me a bit and so I took to looking at commentaries online for an explanation. The only answer I found commentators saying was that way others would know that this man was possessed by many evil spirits instead of just one. That way it would be a bigger deal, I guess.

This answer didn’t really make sense to me. Wouldn’t people have figured out that this was a big deal just by the shear fact that this guy had been tormented so long and could break the chains that they tried to bind him with? If not that, wouldn’t they have seen the magnitude I the exorcism by the 2,000 pigs that drowned (even though I could imagine even one evil spirit could cause that, but who knows…)?

So, I am left without an answer I’m happy with. But maybe the commentators are right. I just don’t know.

What do you think about this? I’m curious and would love to hear from you.

Expectations Can Kill Creativity

There is no way to get away from expectations. They come from sources all around us: employers, family, friends, and self-imposed. Expectations help us work hard and reach to new levels of excellence. However, unhealthy expectations can kill. My self-imposed expectations often create a stumbling block for me in my creative process. HOW magazine published an article about dealing with unhealthy expectations that stifle creativity. The article was a great reminder to me as I learn and grow in my creative skills. The following quote really spoke to where I’m at:

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The Road to Emmaus

Since Pastor Ray preached about the two travelers on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32) on Easter, I keep coming back to this story. It’s one of the few New Testament vignettes that I had never paid much attention to before. But there is something striking about how much these two travelers’ situation is reflected in our lives.

Jesus had been crucified, their hopes and dreams crushed,  and their hearts were heavy. As they walked and discussed the events of what happened, Jesus came alongside them and walked with them. After engaging them with where they were at, he began explaining to them why he had to die for their sins. All the while, they did not recognize him. Once Jesus had left, they recognized him and said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road…?”

More than relating to the disappointment and shattered hopes, I find that my life—and many Christian’s lives—reflect the roadside stroll with Jesus. We go through life wanting to see God made real to us and those around us, yet don’t recognize that he is walking with us and teaching us right now.

“But how do we always remember that?” There is no magical answer or formula. Seek the Lord, pray, read the Bible. Daily. Get up early, before the busyness of life gets a hold of you, and spend time reading the Bible and talking with God. Ask him to help you be continually aware of his presence with you. Encourage others and be encouraged by others. These are just a few suggestions.

What are you doing or will do to help you recognize and remember that Jesus is walking with you always?