something beautiful

something beautiful :: 1.25 :: greg holder (advent conspiracy)

Jonathan D. Blundell — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:25:30 +0000

this week we talk with greg holder, pastor of windsor crossing community church and one of the founders of advent conspiracy — a movement to refocus our advent plans by encouraging faith communities to Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More and Love All.

greg gives us a brief overview of how his church is involved in missional and incarnational living and how it led him and others to begin dreaming of a new kind of advent celebration.

give the show a listen, see what dreams it might bring to your mind and then take a few minutes to share (in the comment section or on our listener line) how you plan on bringing about a new kind of advent celebration in your own life.

music ::
so elated - first noel
so elated - it came upon a midnight clear
castanets - glory b
arbuckle indians - we wish you a merry christmas

something beautiful :: 1.24 :: dave schmelzer

Jonathan D. Blundell — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:20:12 +0000

this week we talk with pastor and author dave schmelzer (and realize that jonathan can’t say schmelzer’s name correctly more than once). schmelzer is the author of the book, “not the religious type - confessions of a turncoat atheist.”

schmelzer talks about his experience in turning towards Christ and how he’s begun changing his mindset from bounded sets to a more open and accepting centered sets.

we also hear from special co-host stewart cutler who fills in for thomas while thomas is resting and hopefully recovering from his battle with gallstones.

music ::
herbsquare - eden
dr dog - california
shaun groves - kingdom coming

FREE DOWNLOAD :: shaun groves :: kingdom coming

Jonathan D. Blundell — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:43:50 +0000

hear the song on the next something beautiful podcast, read the lyrics as you watch a video of Shaun singing an early adaptation of the song, and then download it for yourself and share it with a friend!

Kingdom Coming
Words & Music by Shaun Groves

Oh, God what do we see and hear
Your kingdom coming
Oh, God why do we bleed and fear
Your kingdom coming

Let it come in us
Let it come through us-

‘Til the sword is spared
And the bread is shared
‘Til the dying’s done
Let your kingdom come
‘Til the rich ones give
And the poor ones live
‘Til the weak are strong
Let your kingdom come

Oh, God what do we pray down here
Your kingdom coming
Oh, God why do we slave through tears
Your kingdom coming

Let it come in us
Let it come through us-

Oh, God what do we pray down here
Your kingdom coming

Your mercy come
Your justice come
Your will be done through us on earth
Your healing come
Your peace will come
Your will be done through us on earth

something beautiful :: 1.23 :: tribes pt 2

Jonathan D. Blundell — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:29:30 +0000

this week, we continue the conversation between Thomas and Stewart Cutler as they review and discuss Seth Godin’s new book, Tribes. the book focuses on marketing and leadership and both Stewart and Thomas think the church as a whole can learn some very relevant things from the book.

music ::
paul t - lambs are us (bon-accord home mix)
paul t - hard sparkle

something beautiful podcast :: 1.22 :: tribes pt.1

Jonathan D. Blundell — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:07:46 +0000

happy reformation day!

this week, Thomas talks with Stewart Cutler and they review and discuss Seth Godin’s new book, Tribes. the book focuses on marketing and leadership and both Stewart and Thomas think the church as a whole can learn some very relevant things from the book.

music ::
dave andrews - jesus for prime minister
brioskj - dawn of a wonderful day
psalters - wayfaring stranger
j skywalker - jesus for president

rethink Christmas

Jonathan D. Blundell — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:44:35 +0000

it’s less than 2 months away. how will you celebrate?

something beautiful :: 1.21 :: a musical interlude 2

Jonathan D. Blundell — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 01:47:43 +0000

I am not a DJ. I can’t beat mix. I haven’t played “live” in a long, long time. I don’t do weddings, bar mitzvahs or clubs.

I am more of a curator. For me, a curator is someone passionate about his/her chosen medium… and this passion is expressed through some form of exhibition to the world. This is my exhibition… just for you.

I am passionate about Net Labels. I consider the works available for free on labels like Earth Monkey, Aerotone, Sutemos and Serein to be some of the best music I have ever heard. Bleeding edge electronica and delicate nu folk. Dark ambient soundscapes and glitchy IDM. All there for me to consume… to enjoy… to rave about… as I often do on my blog.

It amazes me that the music available on these Net Label is available there for free. It isn’t free to produce. Quality costs. That’s what amazes me… the graciousness of the producers… that sees their music… their art… available to me to consume… for no cost to me.

This mix, if you can call it a mix (see first line), is my way of giving back. I have received the wonderful gift of music and I wish to give it away… both in the form of the mix but also in the form of links so you too can taste and see that this music is good. In doing so… I keep their gift of music moving. I keep their generosity circulating… I don’t wish to jealously keep their music to myself… its not mine to keep in that sense… instead I enthusiastically give it away.

Hopefully you will enjoy this mix and it will encourage you to check out the musicians and producers behind the individual tracks… and dig deeper into their music.

Enjoy.

- headphonaught

music ::

IJO - Gartenn
Stidiek - Boxing for a job
Paul T (DJ Haggis) - lambs are us (bon-accord home mix)
Sleepy Town Manufacture - polygon
IJO - Xiopsi
My first trumpet - Happy Plingi
ISAN - First Date Jumble Sale (Live)
Your Hand In Mine - The Youngest One Had A Rose In His Mouth
herzog - standing like towers, in a field, in the rain
nest - kyoto
Sovacusa - Osloka (Exclusive)
DJsiah - You Can Start Over
Williamson - and then its all gone
Flutterspot - Liihko hymn
AoyomA - epilogue

something beautiful :: 1.20 :: trucker frank pt. 2

Jonathan D. Blundell — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:44:27 +0000

this week we continue our discussion with “former pastor turned trucker” Frank Schutzwohl (aka Trucker Frank) about his life in the institutional church and how he’s found his faith outside those walls.

we also catch up on the something beautiful podcast weight loss challenge, the intentional challenge and discuss a petition group on facebook to get Trucker Frank on twitter.

join the intentional challenge ::
- agree to find someone new to meet each week (at church, at your job, neighbor, etc)
- call and have a conversation with someone during the week (the new person you’ve met, or a good friend, or maybe even someone you haven’t talked to in 10 years)
- invite at least one over for dinner one night during the week (or invite them to coffee or take them out to eat with you)

music ::
morusque - funki good time
dr dog - say something
solomon’s porch - mightier than
the welcome wagon - sold to the rich man

something beautiful :: 1.19 :: trucker frank pt. 1

Jonathan D. Blundell — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 02:59:14 +0000

this week we talk with “former pastor turned trucker” Frank Schutzwohl (aka Trucker Frank) about his life in the institutional church and how he’s found his faith outside those walls.

Trucker Frank has become an inspiration as well as a bit of a celebrity after being highlighted in Tony Jones’ latest book, “The New Christians” as well as the promotional videos for the book.

also we talk about the new something beautiful podcast weight loss challenge.

related ::
the “video’s with Tony” ::

frank facebook
frank’s youtube channel
get DJsiah’s new EP for FREE

music ::
DJsiah - 21st century
DJsiah - spy
if we all get together
DJsiah - keep dancing

something beautiful :: 1.18 :: frank viola

Jonathan D. Blundell — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 01:44:52 +0000

this week we talk with organic church evangelist, frank viola. frank’s written many books on the growing organic church movement including the most recent pagan christianity? and reimagining the church. he also maintains a very active website and blog with resources to those interested in the church.

we talk with frank about both of these books as well as his background and history with the organic church.

after you listen - be sure and call the listener line and let us know what you thought ::
(972) 535-8980

music ::
rootdown - roots
jes karper - culculkan is coming
derek webb - this too shall be made right
bodies of water - we are co-existers

share the podcast with a friend — you know you want to

Jonathan D. Blundell — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:05:12 +0000

now you can share the latest from the something beautiful podcast right on your blog, website, facebook or anywhere else online.

simply click the “options” button on our new fancy widget and follow the instructions. thanks for listening and telling your friends about the podcast!

Get this widget!

something beautiful :: 1.17 :: greg garrett pt. 2

Jonathan D. Blundell — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:56:01 +0000

this week we share the 2nd half of our interview with greg garrett.

greg talks about some of the difficulties and suffering he’s faced in his life and what he learned through it. he also discusses what he learned about God and suffering while serving as a hospital chaplain one summer in austin, texas.

music ::
cold war kids - something is not right with me
the old believers - granny’s song
dave andrews - jesus song
dj earworm - together as one

Immediate needs for helping Houston and Galveston

Jonathan D. Blundell — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:59:39 +0000

From Chris Seay, re-posted from Facebook/Emergent Village (as a note - you’ll hear Chris Seay’s name mentioned several times in our latest something beautiful podcast):

My Brothers and Sisters,

I am not sure how clearly the national media is telling the story of the devastation in Houston and Galveston, but I can tell you that the rare combination of a massive storm that filled the Gulf of Mexico and the fact that it struck Houston and Galveston (a combined population of close to 5 million people) has created a disaster of immense proportions. The majority of the city is still without power and clean water and almost everyone has some kind of damage to their residence or business. Houston, which became known as a city of generosity and hospitality after Katrina, is now experiencing what it is like to be on the other end of that kind of generosity.

Ecclesia is thrilled to be able to represent the broader church as a source for light and love to so many hurting in the devastation of this storm. We will continue to need teams skilled in debris removal, demolition, and construction for much of the coming year. If you are willing to send a team, we will work to provide lodging and logistical support for your teams. We are longing to have brothers and sisters that will demonstrate the love of the Liberating King as they help families in a time of dire need. In addition to those that will come and labor alongside of us, there are some immediate financial needs that would help us to serve the region and share the hope of the gospel. There are three areas of immediate needs:

1) Relief Support — any donations to relief support will go to purchase chainsaws, tools, food, van rentals, water, generators, temporary employment for relief coordinators, and necessary items to support relief teams. We are estimating the immediate need for relief support to be more than 25,000 dollars. If you are able to purchase any of these items in your area and have them delivered to Houston, this would be preferred over local purchasing. However both can be accommodated.

2) Financial Relief — for those suffering financially because of loss of property and income, we would like to offer a short term assistance package. For countless families and individuals struggling to make it financially before the storm (hourly wage employees, immigrants, and single mothers), the last week has often been devastating. We hope that the federal government will improve in their response time, but the church is able and willing to fill this gap. If you would like to give specifically to this package we will distribute the following on your behalf. In the case of single mothers we intend to double the assistance.
$150 Mortgage/Rental Assistance
$100 Grocery Card
$50 Gas Card
$20 Basic Toiletries
Gospel of John (VOX)
We will attempt to continue or begin a long-term relationship with all assisted families and will offer this assistance to as many as possible.

3) Taft Street Coffee as a House of Hospitality — You may know that Taft Street Coffee (the coffee shop owned and run by Ecclesia) is rated each year as one of the top 3 coffee shops in the entire city. This morning we had our power restored and would like to re-open the shop as a site for those still without power. We estimate that over the next three weeks many would benefit from a centrally located house of hospitality that offers air conditioning, a free lunch, coffee drinks, Wi-Fi, phone service, children’s play space, and spiritual support. If you would like to sponsor the food and operational costs to run Taft Street Coffee as a gift to the community, we estimate that cost to be $850 per day.

If you have any questions you can contact me (chris@ecclesiahouston.org) or our Mission Pastor John Starr (john@ecclesiahouston.org). I am grateful for the love and support of the entire church to my beloved City.

related ::
see photos of the devastation

something beautiful :: 1.16 :: greg garrett pt.1

Jonathan D. Blundell — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:16:47 +0000

this week we talk with greg garrett, an english professor at baylor university in waco, texas and author of numerous books, including most recently “stories from the edge - a theology of grief.” he serves as writer in residence for the priests and pastors in training at the episcopal theological seminary of the southwest, and as lay preacher at st. david’s episcopal church in austin, texas.

music ::
anne weiss - hard time killing floor blues
nowhere boys - in the 21st century
spiritualized - shine a light
jukebox the ghost - hold it in

something beautiful :: 1.15 :: mark batterson

Jonathan D. Blundell — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 03:41:58 +0000

this week we return with a new episode and talk to mark batterson, pastor of national community church in washington, d.c., as well as the author of the new book “wild goose chase.” we talk about his calling, his church and how a failure in his life helped shaped and lead him to his current place in life.

music ::

brooke waggoner - live for the sounds
sufjan stevens - year of the dog
fun - benson hedges
williamson - we’re all boned

something beautiful :: 1.14 :: just pete

Jonathan D. Blundell — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:58:38 +0000

this week we talk with just pete, husband of NASA janet, former co-host of the illinoise podcast and now the host of the bored again christian podcast.

music ::
j.skywalker - jesus for president
dr. dog - aint it strange
brooke waggoner - my legionnaire
u2 - mlk

ordinary radicals nearing completion

Jonathan D. Blundell — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:29:38 +0000

The Ordinary Radicals - Opening Title Sequence from Jamie Moffett on Vimeo.

as a followup to our great interview with jamie moffett (v 1.6) here’s the opening sequence for the upcoming ordinary radicals movie.

looking great!

follow along on the ordinary radical’s website.

view the latest trailer here.

something beautiful :: 1.13 :: bobby & kelli higginbotham

Jonathan D. Blundell — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:32:29 +0000

this week we interview bobby & kelli higginbotham and they share some of their experiences with church planting in the northwest united states.

music ::
professor hawthorne - church basement roadshow theme
joanna newsom - sadie
j.skywalker - jesus for president

something beautiful :: 1.12 :: musical interlude

Jonathan D. Blundell — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 01:46:03 +0000

we ran into some scheduling conflicts this week, so we offer this musical interlude for your listening pleasure.

music ::
william f. gibbs - streetfighter
mike doughty - bottom of a well
jes karper - chant down the walls
great lake swimmers - i am part of a large family
shawn mcdonald - captivated
derek webb - a king and a kingdom
john davis - i should have known
rootdown - real love
son lux - break
jukebox the ghost - good day (andrew maury remix)
thriving ivory - angels on the moon
lloyd kinsley - free at last
fleet foxes - white winter hymnal
joe pug - hymn #101
coldplay - death will never conquer

FREE PREVIEW :: The Faith of Barack Obama

Jonathan D. Blundell — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:34:38 +0000

Thomas Nelson Publishing has just released “The Faith of Barack Obama” by Stephen Mansfield (the same author who wrote “The Faith of George Bush”.

As a special treat for our listeners (or just those who stumble upon us while surfing the web) we have a free preview of the book available for download.

Download the Faith of Barack Obama preview (pdf)

From Michael Hyatt, Thomas Nelson President and CEO:

Two years ago, virtually no one outside of the state of Illinois had heard of him. Today, he is a household name, not only in America but around the world. Millions find him to be an inspirational and articulate leader—just what we need at this moment in history. Others find him calculating and dangerous—the same old liberalism in a different package.

But love him or hate him, Obama is a force to be reckoned with. He is not going away any time soon, even if he’s not elected this time around. As Mansfield points out, he could run for the presidency as often as he likes over the next 24 years and still be younger than John McCain is today.

And at the center of his identity is his religious faith. As Mansfield himself says, “If a man’s faith is sincere, it is the most important thing about him, and it is impossible to understand who he is and how he will lead without first understanding the religious vision that informs his life.” Obama makes no bones about it: his faith informs every aspect of his political vision.

This is a slim book with a big agenda: to explain Obama’s faith, to put it in historical context, and to explore what it might mean for our collective future.

Download the Faith of Barack Obama preview (pdf)

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing for the free preview.
Also, HT to John for the heads-up.