Dustin Ahkuoi

Growing up in the church I sat in on several talks about not listening to “secular” music and getting rid of all you “worldly” CDs. I felt so torn growing up because I came from a very musical family that embraced all kinds of music…and I felt guilty for liking Billy Joel and RUN DMC more than I liked Sandi Patty or the Gaithers. I always wondered why when I turned on the radio after I left church on Sunday…it felt like relief. And why as a youth pastor I was actually bummed when we “had” to listen to all “Christian” music on our trips in the church van. I was frustrated and confused and I did not know what the “right” answers were to my inward wrestlings.

Then one day it all changed…

Just a few months after I had moved down to Georgia my good friend and mentor Mickey Edwards and I were riding in a car when this song came on…

We were groovin to the beat when all of a sudden Mickey looked over at me and said - “Do you hear that?…Listen to that bass line…God’s glory is all up in that bass line” - This was a eye opening moment for me

Now don’t misunderstand me…this is not an insult to musicians who choose to sing songs with Christian specific language…it is more of an indictment toward “separatist” thinking. There are many “Christian” artists that I enjoy and love to listen to. What I really trying to say is that good music is good music. I am grown up enough to discern whether something is “good” or “bad” for me. God is the creator of all things…the creator of goosebumps…the creator of the “rock hand” and the “head bob” - And in my opinion I am almost sure that he is a big fan of James brown as well.

When was the last time you wrote an actual letter to someone, put a stamp on it and sent it through regular mail?

Here’s a little something to kick off your 3 day weekend!!!! 

Growing up in Chapel Hill, NC I was surrounded by smaller, more unique shops and eateries. The vibe of these places was always super cool plus very warm and friendly. Now that I am living north of Atlanta, GA I am surrounded by massive malls and major chain stores and restaurants. I often have to drive all the way to Atlanta (45 minute drive) or Athens (45 minute drive) to step into a smaller joint that is eclectic and full of personality. I must admit I am a college town boy at heart. I love a town the has a “village” feel with older houses and a diverse group of people making up it’s population.

I have no problem with the major chains…but I will take a small place with hand selected decor and mega vibe over a large place with mass produced menus and large waiting staffs any day. I would rather live in a cool little neighborhood with mismatched houses and shops within walking distance than a large suburban neighborhood with manicured lawns and two car garages.

What about you? Mom and pop or mass produced? What are your reasons?

My church recently announced that they were going to choose 4 people to go through an intensive 3 month fitness training. They would be provided with a free gym membership, free trainer, nutrition plan, small group study on fitness as well as public accountability - (nothing like the whole church tracking your progress and reading your thoughts via an online blog!) - All of this will coincide with an upcoming series we are doing…PK will ask the question…”Is fitness spiritual?”

I decided that I would enter my name in the contest because fitness and nutrition have not been high on my priority list lately. I was not chosen as one of the final four but 12Stone was generous enough to provide me with a free 60 day gym membership as well as a nutrition plan and small group accountability. There were about 100 + entries and we all met at the church last night to discuss the logistics of the upcoming months.

I am excited to jump into this with my fellow 12Stone friends. I am not in the worst shape of my life but I still have noticed lately that my energy levels are lower than normal and I am still overweight. I am all about making fitness a lifestyle rather than an emotionally charged, over the top experience that fizzles out quickly. Here’s the scoop…I am 5′10″ and my current weight is 225. My fitness goals are increased energy, increased metabolism and to get back some of the passion for the life this weight has taken from me. My weight goal is probably somewhere around 185. I will post some updates as I go!

So what do you think…Is fitness spiritual?

This years Catalyst conference theme is “Together” - A simple yet profound word that is crucial to the health and well being of the church. Here are some of my thoughts on why “Together” is a mantra that I try to live by…

1) No one person should carry the spiritual weight of a ministry all by themselves - I have seen to many people (including myself) burn out due to heavy passion and low support. I know that it sounds sexy to have Don LaFontaine handy with a “One Man, One Desire” as you go about your work day…but one man needs another to hold up their arms and share in the responsibilities of ministry. Solo leadership can also take a personal toll as well. I need someone to ask about my heart and make sure that my private life matches my public one.

2) It is time we stop bickering over denominational differences and start focusing on our common bonds - I really don’t have any time to engage in conversation where the main topic is differences that one set of believers have with another. I don’t mind talking about theology if the sole purpose is to learn how I can better love God and others. There are far to many people in need of hope.

3) No matter how much I think I know about myself…it is always good to have someone show me my blind spots.- I think I know me back and forth…but I keep finding those dang areas that other folks can see but I can’t. I have to surround myself with safe people that I trust…so that I don’t end up in a head on collision!

4) Friendship and laughter are not just wants…I believe they are essential needs - Sometimes we can get to serious minded. My church has a great statement that we use often…”We don’t take ourselves too seriously but we take God very seriously.” I think everyone of us could use a good tickle fight every once and a while. Wait…did I just say…”Tickle Fight”

5) Anxiety weighs a man down but a good word makes him glad - As I was writing this post I got a call from my good friend and worship pastor Chris Morgan. The sole reason of his call was to tell me that he was thinking of me and that he was a “Huge Dustin Ahkuoi fan” - his kind words lifted my spirits and changed my countenance.

So In the words of Queen Latifah…”U-N-I-T-Y”

This could quite possibly be one of my favorite moments in television history…

I am probably the millionth person to share my thoughts about the whole episode that happened with Michael Guglielmucci and the song “Healer” - But today I just cannot resist after reading the statement that his father read at his home church in Australia. Here is what’s running through my mind this morning…

* I feel compassion for Mike. I know that he lied to many, but the guilt and conviction he is feeling right now is plenty. I don’t feel the need to add anymore and it is not my place to condemn…only to love.

* God is love. God still deeply loves Mike in an indescribable way. There are consequences for his actions…but Mike still holds a very special place in the heart of our Father.

* I believe this situation will help set others free. I am certain that there are many pastors living a secret life and they are scared to tell anyone out of fear. I am really tired of hearing Christians bash people with their words when they come out of hiding. As I said before I believe my job is to love people and worry about my own heart. What would the world look like if I started loving people unconditionally and showing the kind of grace that has been given to me from God himself…now that would be radical!

* I still believe God is my healer. I think the church should keep singing the song loud and strong. It was obviously written by a man that was hurting deeply.  Sure…the story behind it was fabricated…that doesn’t change who it was written about.

Ahhhh yes…the high school yearbook. I still have most of mine and occasionally refer back to them to reminisce and often laugh at those golden days of yesteryear.

So you can understand why I was thrilled to discover the website www.yearbookyourself.com - You can upload your picture and select the time period you want your face to be morphed into.

Please pay close attention to how dead on they are with each time period!!! Here is the result of my visit - Circa 1976…

I must admit that I have a huge soft spot for songs written by a parent to their child. A few of my favorites are “Gracie” by Ben Folds, “Cinderella” by Stephen Curtis Chapman and then there is my all time favorite…

“Lullaby” by Billy Joel

The lyrics are so honest and pure. The melody is sweet and captivating. The song communicates such deep affection and commitment. In times of guilt and condemnation I am reminded that if an earthly father’s love can move me like this…how much more should I trust in my heavenly Father’s love.

Enjoy…

 - If for some reason the video will not play you can check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LraZEoRnkPc