Moving to joeysparks.net

Thanks to Tony at EvenPar Solutions, I've moved over to WordPress at joeysparks.net.

I've been using WordPress for our church website (and been having issues with Blogger--when I've posted), so I've made the move. All of the previous posts at this address are over at the new site.

Please update your feeds, change your bookmarks, and adjust your blogrolls. I look forward to doing some cool things in the new space.

What If Starbucks Marketed Like the Church?

I'm not a fan of those who are constantly negative about the church. Just as my wife exercises patience with me, I hope Christ exercises patience with His bride as we overcome our faults and outgrow our immature complaining (Eph. 5:22-33).

In the process of growing and improving, there are some interesting things to consider. Over the past several years, discussion has increased concerning how to welcome guests/visitors to our assemblies. This video highlights how some of our good-intentioned efforts likely fall short at welcoming those who might be new to our assemblies. I've seen it on several blogs recently and felt it worthy of passing on.



I think there are some things worth considering. Ultimately, I think guests can easily detect whether our actions (whether or not they are considered the most "guest friendly") are growths of love and warmth.

Most Recent Blogging Revelation

This comes a little late considering I've set this thing up and have posted off and on for a while, but I'm now convinced I'm not a blogger. I love to read (good) blogs, but I'm not sure I have the drive (or the interesting life) to maintain one to the standards I think necessary.

That being said, I'm not closing my blog down. I'm going to "tilt" the purpose of it slightly though. Since I do love to read good stuff here on the internet, I'll just post links to the good stuff I'm reading. We'll see how it goes...thanks for reading and for your interest in spiritual things.

Joey :)

Blog Announcement

One week from Friday (June 1st), a new Christian/Personal Finance blog will launch itself into existence. "Where Your Treasure Is" will feature Biblical, inspirational, and practical offerings from the world of personal finance.

If anyone expects us to use our blessings responsibly, it is the Lord (it's all His anyway). Hopefully, this effort will serve as a reminder of how important faith-based financial decision-making is in our daily lives.

I am honored to be among the four authors of "Where Your Treasure Is." Adam Faughn (Haleyville, AL), Wes Hazel (Manchester, TN), and James Dalton (Blytheville, AR) will be official authors as well.

Mark the date on your calendars, bookmark the link, set up a RSS feed, and even mention it on your own blog (or your preferred web 2.0 application).

Stay tuned for more information...

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

Appearance Update

I've changed some things about the appearance of things 'round here. You'll notice a title graphic instead of text. Additionally, I've shifted the blog info to the right-hand side of the page. I noticed that the blogs I enjoy reading most start on the left-hand edge. Included now in blog info is a Flickr stream of random photos. Hope you enjoy :). Finally, the subtitle is more concise. "Relaying Spiritual Inspiration" describes more accurately the aim of this space. I am merely a messenger; I only pass on (hence "relaying") thoughts of spiritual significance. To God be the glory...