Why Did I Start Real Fake Ads?

Recently, I did something weird: I started a website called Real Fake Ads (http://realfakeads.com). The premise is fairly straightforward — I create fake ads for fake things and post them on the blog. My intent is to make people laugh and maybe make them think or see the world a little differently. Whether or not I accomplish that on a regular basis, I dunno.

Recently, Justin asked me to write this post and explore why I created the site, and I’m glad he did. Here are the reasons I came up with.

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It seems I’m doing more and more weddings for people who met online.

Makes sense, doesn’t it? Everything else is integrating into the online world–why not relationships?

Check out this infographic after the jump. Courtesy of Mashable:

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Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” I wonder if we can tweak that a bit to say, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the status is updated.”

You can learn a lot about a person from their Facebook updates. Because of the succinct nature of the “update culture,” people get to the point much quicker. They reveal their soul without even realizing it.

If someone incessantly updates their status throughout the day, they desperately want someone to pay attention to them.

If someone constantly shares about all the cool things they’re doing and how much fun they’re having, they’re most likely miserable.

If someone repeatedly mentions a significant other (or God/Jesus) in their updates, they are insecure about that relationship.

I know because I’ve been in all of these camps at one point or another.

What do your status updates say about you?

Talk about brilliant. This student is, for sure.

• Fred Phelps spits hate against organizations, churches, etc.
• Student decides to hold fundraiser specifically for the organizations WBC targets.
• Donates collected money to said organizations in Westboro Baptist’s name!
• The love cycle continues.

Take a look. It’s worth your time!

How indie is your Jesus?

HT: Ryan Wise

Overheard on a commercial:

“Want to see something amazing? Look at this mildew remover!”

Mildew remover. Amazing.

“We are half-hearted creatures … far too easily pleased.” C.S. Lewis.

When  I was in college, I ran with a much different crowd. Suffice to say, most people who knew me back then are stunned when I tell them I work at a church.

“You’re a …. pastor?” They say.

“Yes. Yes I am.”

It’s usually an awkward exchange.

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My alma mater, the University of Northern Iowa, recently won the Missouri Valley Conference championship. It’s the second year in a row they’ve done it, but this season was sweeter. They beat a team in the Wichita State Shockers that had given them two tough games earlier in the season, each team claiming a victory.

As I watched the final minutes of the championship game on Sunday, something hit me. How we read Scripture is a lot like basketball commentators–they’re all watching the same game, but the way it’s interpreted varies from person to person. Sometimes greatly.

Allow me to explain further. . . .
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Everyone wants to be acknowledged for something.

This need for affirmation can be a good thing. For instance, when my five-month-old son learned how to jump up and down in his jump-a-roo, he needed to be affirmed. He needed to know that his mommy and his daddy saw what he was doing and were as excited as he was. “This is a good thing, Finny! Keep jumping!”

The need to be affirmed can also take a more sinister spin. The Oscars prove this beyond a shadow of a doubt. “Affirm me!” seems to be the cry of the night–if not the cry of the soul.

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It’s been an interesting 24 hours, to say the least.

This may sound unbelievable to some, but I believe the post from yesterday, “Why You’ll See Ellen DeGeneres in Heaven” was Spirit-led. A further explanation of how it came into being is later in the post.

Having said that, I feel some clarification is in order. I’m a huge fan of clarity. So, for the people who won’t read any further than this first paragraph, allow me to make crystal clear what I believe:

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