• Real Life @ 2318 N. High St. by Leslie Ramusack takes an everyday experience to illustrate an eternal principle.
• Postcards from Cyberspace by David Hopkins examines the need for "real" relationships in a virtual world.
• Experiencing Ancient Spirituality by Maria Hoshaw describes her experiences on a spiritual retreat and discusses the fascination with "smells and bells."
• Coyote Watching, School-Zone Reunions, and Other Cool Alternative Benefits of the New Economy by Eric Stanford looks at what can happen when you "get a life."
• Bridging the Cultural Gap by Dann Pantoja tells the story of how he built a cross-cultural bridge with his neighbor.
• Studying Culture? by Jordon Cooper reports on the poignant need for Christians to be "in the world."
• Nehemiah: building for the future by Len Hjalmarson analogizes the experience of the Old Testament prophet to the condition of the church today.

• Better than Life by Kim Gentes reviews an independent CD from worship leader Sheri Keller.

• A Spiritual Exegesis by Dr. Leonard Sweet
• Copyright (c) 2000 by the author or Next-Wave. For reprint information e-mail article@next-wave.org.

Next- Wave is a monthly web magazine for Christians from all walks of life, including Pastors, Church Planters, and Leaders. The purpose of  Next- Wave is to discuss the nature of ministry, faith and leadership in the 21st century with Christians from many nations and denominations. Next- Wave is free. We depend on you to  contribute your views, experiences, insights, stories, questions and answers. To respond to anything you read here, or contribute an article, please write to response@next-wave.org or use the feedback form here. All of the views expressed in Next- Wave are protected by copyright. Usage is only permitted by permission of the author or Next- Wave staff.

Publisher's notes --- Mar 2000
I had a God-experience this morning while I was finishing up the final touches for this month's edition of Next-Wave. I was editing and reading Leslie Ramusack's article, Real Life @ 2318 N. High St., when I got the unmistakable feeling I identify as God speaking. 

You may not understand what I am about to say unless you read Leslie's article, but for the last six months I have been having a difficult time as the "pages of my life" have been "downloading". My wife and I have separated and our marriage appears to be irretrievably broken. I can tell you first-hand that mid-life crises are no fun. But, I can tell you with hope and faith, that they are survivable.

So, what does this have to do with Next-Wave? And what did God say to me this morning? He whispered gently, Charlie, isn't it fun to be part of what I am doing in the world today? Isn't it great that all of these excellent writers are sharing the thoughts that I have inspired them with? And then He said, and I am right here beside you....

The tears that filled my eyes and the emotions that flooded my soul, prompted my silent whisper, Thank you Lord.