tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116940472024-03-13T10:31:14.493-05:00BJ's Cloud"For, when you begin it, you will find that there is at the start but a darkness; there is, as it were, a cloud of unknowing. You know not what is except that you feel in your will a naked intent toward God" - Unknown AuthorUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-36636117663968786922008-01-02T06:22:00.000-06:002008-12-12T21:48:42.285-06:00Happy New You!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgov9VGuwdrWyBheMw6itfTD5jqt_8bqqSPokFNvm9BK-vjBihS0Uhey6VorFgD7mi9B7BAXr7UMJonOr1gQ7kHSIBei5WWCzcm2YValvRaEf-KKjSV7qG4mswVAxuUJdm18m5AIA/s1600-h/DSC03135.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150888338390257602" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgov9VGuwdrWyBheMw6itfTD5jqt_8bqqSPokFNvm9BK-vjBihS0Uhey6VorFgD7mi9B7BAXr7UMJonOr1gQ7kHSIBei5WWCzcm2YValvRaEf-KKjSV7qG4mswVAxuUJdm18m5AIA/s320/DSC03135.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">My mum and Aunty Sally at a rellie bash.</span></em><br /><br /><em>So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.</em></div><div align="center">~1 Corinthians 1:7-9</div><br />Welcome 2008! It's a brand new year and that time of year where we start to make some decisions or changes or decisions to make changes! For some, it's a 'fresh start'. For others it's time to kick a bad habit, and for others, it just means tearing down the old calendar and putting up the new one. Either way, a new year always seems to bring change to the front of our minds.<br /><br />What is it that we are changing? When I think about the new year, I think initially, I get motivated about the possibility of being somebody different. Different from the year before, hopefully a better and improved 'me'. I haven't sat down yet and written out a list of new years resolutions yet, probably because I've been motivated not to by not ever keeping ones from years past. But I don't think I'm going for too many drastic changes this year. Maybe write some more, study scripture a little better and get better at making some life changing decisions. That's not too drastic is it? No different from any other year.<br /><br />I have a hard time though, wrapping my head around this question: Do I want to change this year because I know I need to do some things better, or because I am unhappy with certain parts of who I am? I know that last part sounds kind of depressing, but I think it's true in all of us isn't it? Doesn't the new year bring some excitement, not just to bring change, but a chance to <strong>be somebody else</strong>?<br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwziv10kY2dzRZXe30fZHhmKr_KmGKAWORJon_E8jZBoR47rbOmbED6-XoH5fx1zXO7VHDDTGNRqb6ocZ8DuV696TtZe6300QHtbBrPdH_efwjWIztYj3FhVWXiV31YAwIzVvK6Q/s1600-h/DSC03137.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150888342685224914" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwziv10kY2dzRZXe30fZHhmKr_KmGKAWORJon_E8jZBoR47rbOmbED6-XoH5fx1zXO7VHDDTGNRqb6ocZ8DuV696TtZe6300QHtbBrPdH_efwjWIztYj3FhVWXiV31YAwIzVvK6Q/s320/DSC03137.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Dad and Uncle Brian trying to accentuate my lankiness.</span></em><br /><br /></div>Maybe I just have some deep seated psychological issues that I need to address, but I honestly think that most people enjoy placing themselves in the shoes of someone other than themselves. Fictional or factual. For instance, when we go to the movies, don't we sometimes leave the theatre thinking about things for the next hour like the main character? (Sometimes I walk out of a James Bond movie with a finger gun and hide behind walls....ok maybe not!) When we play competitive sports, aren't we motivated by professionals and sometimes take on their traits and mannerisms? Hasn't this new year made you think about someone else and inspired you to be more like them? Think about it.....it may scare you a little how much we don't like the way we are, or wish we were different.<br /><br />But really, don't be scared. I don't think there is anything unhealthy associated with those thoughts unless you are getting seriously depressed by them. And if you are call someone you love RIGHT NOW! I do think however, that new years resolutions can become a little tacky when we set the bar too high. I think <em>then</em> we are really thinking about being someone we aren't. I guess the best way to judge this is to look at your track record...have you been good at making changes like that in the past? Have you been good at keeping up with those changes? Or are you gonna get let down?<br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpsbV6e_5W0dsNowRNb4NnsGR4HHBvWscHrkUzZNgtX38N_nyHwJ5DxzIhkSl6c3p91ON9JhBYYgjfTNX7EK4N2sSTgok3Kbp5x80gE1t8qYSi6CspWG3Rk2SZoxZ-dWDjAM9AQ/s1600-h/DSC03161.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150887178749087650" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpsbV6e_5W0dsNowRNb4NnsGR4HHBvWscHrkUzZNgtX38N_nyHwJ5DxzIhkSl6c3p91ON9JhBYYgjfTNX7EK4N2sSTgok3Kbp5x80gE1t8qYSi6CspWG3Rk2SZoxZ-dWDjAM9AQ/s320/DSC03161.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">From the relly bash. I haven't seen some in over 3 years!</span></em><br /><br /></div>BUT.....maybe you are just that motivated to make that big change, and this year is going to be your year and you have a plan! Awesome! Congratulations and best of luck. I like to think the same thing about myself this year (minus the plan part!). But I think that this year I am going to focus on bringing those changes and seeing them happen, or begin, as a part of who <strong>I am</strong> and who God has made me to be.<br /><br />Thinking about being someone else won't ever give me any sense of accomplishment, I think. I don't like who I am sometimes and I often say things I don't mean, do things I shouldn't have. But if I don't find that grouchy dog and give him some good discipline then I'm just left with a mask on my face. (I hope everyone understands that metaphor)<br /><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLXkFgellcESC_AeGYCNhHGlwISvj2NYcRbbxwy6l0WxacfoQm_D3ZXFifKPVxa0dS1sEV7nb9-cDlUHIrt4Wbqo2ENb9JZvFkdKmzvHxulgxjYV_xWDSm_mPmvgaqzqZJDIORg/s1600-h/DSC03185.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150887191633989554" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLXkFgellcESC_AeGYCNhHGlwISvj2NYcRbbxwy6l0WxacfoQm_D3ZXFifKPVxa0dS1sEV7nb9-cDlUHIrt4Wbqo2ENb9JZvFkdKmzvHxulgxjYV_xWDSm_mPmvgaqzqZJDIORg/s320/DSC03185.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Mum, Aunty Sally, Uncle Peter, Brian and Bruce (just missing Uncle Noel)</em><br /></span></div><div align="left"><br />I was talking with a friend on new years day and he was commenting on how he didn't enjoy sobering up too much after a night of drinking. He said he'd rather just stay buzzed, and I asked the question "All year long?" He said that would be alright. Sometimes, I think people really just enjoy wearing the mask. Personally, I do sometimes as well. But I can say this: I would much prefer to never wear it and be content with who I am....grouchy dog and all.</div><div align="left"><br />For those of us who know Jesus, and even those who don't, I think that God has all given us something we are good at. And I don't just mean <em>good</em> I mean REALLY GOOD. Something that people would pay millions of dollars to have (that is not to say that everyone gets 7 figures for it). I believe that EVERYONE has been given that. What's yours? I'm still trying to figure out mine.</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wQ2oqxp5vabVXdCPLOfl_Too2rFasWTu6RKYKHaJiuzwatHbkcqeoxExsMI24dGh11f_zDWekPkE1gPx7Uav1Ae_0mq1R2lE_ukg2AgQU4nLdCto4LCgRjpHK9oODL32Ua9Wyw/s1600-h/bj+and+jaiden.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150886147956936530" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wQ2oqxp5vabVXdCPLOfl_Too2rFasWTu6RKYKHaJiuzwatHbkcqeoxExsMI24dGh11f_zDWekPkE1gPx7Uav1Ae_0mq1R2lE_ukg2AgQU4nLdCto4LCgRjpHK9oODL32Ua9Wyw/s320/bj+and+jaiden.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em>My second cousin Jaiden (my little nephew!)</em><br /></div><div align="left"><br />One guy that has figured it out is Joel Osteen. For those of you that don't know, he is probably the most watched preacher in the world, with over 7 million people tuning in to watch every Sunday. His church is an old basketball arena that seats about 70K. A lot of people in Christian circles don't like him because they claim he doesn't talk about sin, or emphasize Jesus enough and just gives a feel good message. But, to his credit, he has figured out what he is good at: motivating people. And he knows it. He doesn't try to claim to do anything else. He knows there are more qualified people out there to teach scripture and theology (and there certainly are!). But even though he is 'light on the Gospel', do you think that maybe out of those 7 million every Sunday that at least one maybe meets Jesus for the first time? Maybe you'll end up discipling one of them some day. Like him or not, God is definately using him.</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxXvJUGVhdxHVSZ40G8fU6ECfm26zrV6xS9SmYiuVmHv0pQ5f09OrIBmkpKjR-4E2tumxSYc38XpE66Ns5mfekZs45MQ21pwX82ppznyI3KVFUINqfJ2xk-kJVvES8Pr-psK3rQ/s1600-h/DSC02259.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150886160841838450" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxXvJUGVhdxHVSZ40G8fU6ECfm26zrV6xS9SmYiuVmHv0pQ5f09OrIBmkpKjR-4E2tumxSYc38XpE66Ns5mfekZs45MQ21pwX82ppznyI3KVFUINqfJ2xk-kJVvES8Pr-psK3rQ/s320/DSC02259.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Lisa and Becca at Cable Beach, Broome</span></em><br /><br /><br /></div>So I guess some more of my questions are, how is God using you? What has He given you that you are good at? What kind of person are you and are you OK with that? How is the mask treating you these days? Do you need to give that grouchy dog a whack on the nose? I know I do, but I'm working on being OK with that.<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfkLoCyxstipSA2Gq9UG6T8VD8SBV05VFV-RiuJ34D46GbrXK8lmH7C48vnUMkwujTTxh2IrBxwrkHSKKwMEKNoYpfjcaltrzcI_dkud6qdUI2IisIvRsam87ZXpLp6CSkxcEbw/s1600-h/DSC02222.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150886156546871138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfkLoCyxstipSA2Gq9UG6T8VD8SBV05VFV-RiuJ34D46GbrXK8lmH7C48vnUMkwujTTxh2IrBxwrkHSKKwMEKNoYpfjcaltrzcI_dkud6qdUI2IisIvRsam87ZXpLp6CSkxcEbw/s320/DSC02222.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Me on my first day of surfing lessons....shocking I know!</span></em></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-60896644736415407922007-03-21T21:04:00.000-05:002008-12-12T21:48:43.849-06:00What does it mean to be called by God?Some people say they hear voices. Others say they get the chills. <div> </div><div>Some say they get recurring thoughts or dreams. Others say they get signs or co-incdences.</div><div> </div><div>Some seek years and years in prayer and fellowship with believers and never "feel" the call of God. Others say they can "feel" His presence on a daily basis.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm in the belief that God works deeper than "feelings" or "co-incidences" but rather out of a relationship that we have with Him. So I guess my question should be "What is a relationship with God?" I can't explain that one. I don't even know where to start. All I can do is live it out. And try to do my best to figure out how to do that on a daily basis.</div><div><br />With that in mind, I'm trying to figure out if I'm getting called by God to go to Iraq. Maybe you can help me. But you'll have to read my story first. And I'll throw a couple of random pictures in just to try and confuse you :)</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcje3LBV16jnDu6DCY5Q1Nf2IqG-7RUyKnW38disibO-noDpPVbappPkHJ-z-AJjF3txu7MMqQJNySiju6G6dPYnwEvUsIc7JrSYt1zU2Quo3s3EBJkHSVe969t1M_ruMXUaK-w/s1600-h/DSC01016.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3weU5SmatSXbbMNxsNw0PNgujG6HWuPtXoUE-SkoYa3p0M8Z2kvrqgVcne4dUJ9w6O_SRrcgBRsDUtYzjDeLoV2ioQtcWHUESdrJ67GUwH8QVqS9i_Cs2GGSNVNPBbXRgnHwN8Q/s1600-h/Me+and+Jill+at+Caldwell+Zoo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046714214873210610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3weU5SmatSXbbMNxsNw0PNgujG6HWuPtXoUE-SkoYa3p0M8Z2kvrqgVcne4dUJ9w6O_SRrcgBRsDUtYzjDeLoV2ioQtcWHUESdrJ67GUwH8QVqS9i_Cs2GGSNVNPBbXRgnHwN8Q/s320/Me+and+Jill+at+Caldwell+Zoo.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><em>Me and my beautiful girlfriend Jill.</em><br /></div><div>Even before I wanted to come to the US I was a die-hard basketball player. Australia doesn't have any inter - high school or university sports, but I was still training 7 days a week. "Basketball is life......the rest is just details" was my motto. However, at one of the high points of my young basketball career, at age 16, I was seriously considering giving it all up.<br /><br />I was a young Christian at this point too and really didn't know what prayer was, but I decided I was going to pray about this decision. I told God I was done with basketball unless He were to give me an amazing oppurtunity to keep playing. I told Him that if <em>that</em> were to happen that I would do it for Him, that my basketball would be solely dedicated to glorifying his name and not my own.<br /><br />About a year later I'm standing on the basketball court of Blue Valley North High School about to make an inbounds pass. There is 2500 in the stands, we are down by 1 to the 8th ranked team in the nation, with about 5 seconds left. I make the pass to Jerod and he takes it to the rack and lays it in. The crowd storms the court and there is pandemonium! We had one our first game of the season in my first basketball game in the US as an exchange student.<br /><br />About a month later I realized that God had answered a prayer and that I hadn't made it to the US all by myself. You see my idea of playing basketball to glorify God was to get good enough to play in the NBA, get some popularity, and use that popularity to evangelize and spread His word. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4Z8ZNmylj1tvBSfj_f5wSm3gG5YLrv6p5D5vpHKQM20STl1i3C2fEkQLSLZ8zdJDrQdzWTSWvyAW5hV0KXvdIglGzTibjqVeENAn62WEn0rv-3ITjXq_qrYkIBOg2cIrtoy0ZA/s1600-h/DSC01048.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046712389512109762" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4Z8ZNmylj1tvBSfj_f5wSm3gG5YLrv6p5D5vpHKQM20STl1i3C2fEkQLSLZ8zdJDrQdzWTSWvyAW5hV0KXvdIglGzTibjqVeENAn62WEn0rv-3ITjXq_qrYkIBOg2cIrtoy0ZA/s320/DSC01048.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><em>The Fellows @ Camp Balcones Springs. You can check out our blog at <a href="http://legacyfellows.com">LegacyFellows.com</a></em></div><em></em><div><br />Well for the next 4 years, with that idea in mind, my basketball experience took a downward slide. I would constantly doubt God's call to have me here in the US because of the situations I had got into with basketball. A couple of bad teams and mediocre coaches later, and I had almost totally given up on the idea of going anywhere with basketball, let alone the NBA. Why would God answer a prayer, give me an amazing oppurtunity to play, and then totally crush my desire for basketball? To show how big He is? Maybe.....<br /><br />This January I went to the Passion conference, a huge conference with over 25,000 college age students in attendance with a desire to see God's word be spread amongst the nations. God did some amazing things there. He impacted my life in so many ways and through so worshipful experiences. He brought me out of a huge pit and gave me a passion for His word again. I would recommend attending an event like that if you ever get the chance.<br /><br />One minor thing that happened while I was there was my "free time" visit to the missions booth. I randomly ran into a guy there that was apart of a program called Infinity Sports. We started a conversation and he was telling me about a basketball mission trip they were planning later in the year and if I was interested. I said it would be tough with my schedule and new job. I gave him my email and he handed me his business card. I told him to send me all the info he could about the trip. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yLMzH-nHn-Vm3mL0ZCmX4-nEoxidyKIUaDiIcgVEasoIcsxMmWvmf0Y1_asCJkDA5Z7Pg662NNkufar0QgRe-LV-7ZNydT0Gx-ZRBOjCB5qHzVkXxNukZC8IxwTx0AVCZANUqQ/s1600-h/DSC01047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046712393807077074" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yLMzH-nHn-Vm3mL0ZCmX4-nEoxidyKIUaDiIcgVEasoIcsxMmWvmf0Y1_asCJkDA5Z7Pg662NNkufar0QgRe-LV-7ZNydT0Gx-ZRBOjCB5qHzVkXxNukZC8IxwTx0AVCZANUqQ/s320/DSC01047.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><em>Lane + Brooke + Mike + Brenton = Fellows Foursome.</em></div><em></em><div><br />Fast forward three months to last Sunday. I was sitting at Brookhaven Southern Baptist Church in Dallas with my girlfriend (I know I haven't posted about her yet....she is a phenomenal woman of God and I could probably dedicate the rest of this post to her, but hopefully the picture above will suffice.). The pastor started the service off by introducing a lady that his church had supported for many years on the mission field. She was about to take off on a trip to Iraq the next day to start a journey to get involved with the Kurdish community to hopefully plugged in over there. Her talk was very emotional and heartfelt. As she talked about these people she had to pause many times to fight back her tears over the grace that God had shown her throughout her life.<br /><br />As she continued to speak, she mentioned that a little sports project had been laid in her lap and that God was calling her to organize sports teams to come to Iraq and spread the gospel. The blessing, she said, was that this was not initiated by her or her company, but by the Northern Iraqi government. They intentionally wanted missionaries to come over and teach basketball to the youth. How amazing is that!!! Well, it's about time to cue the lightning bolt...<br /><br />As soon as she mentioned the sports project, I remembered that the guy I had met at Passion had written a name on the back of the business card he gave me. He told me that it was the director of their program, whose headquarters were in Dallas. He said I should try to get in contact with her since I wasn't going to be too far from there.<br /><br />I found the card tucked away in my wallet. The name on the back of the card was Debbie Rouse. Her home church happenned to be Brookhaven. And at that moment, she was speaking to me about her heart for missions in Iraq. I couldn't believe it. Did I just get zapped? I turned to Jill and showed the card to her. She couldn't believe it either! What just happenned? </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFzlhszU_9nmmtnZ-k1p9uKZ5B73WymGCIcvo37ntYQ9gV2yi52Q6ghSbbNH6CeXtBkMZEoh5pjqgsdySQmMN7EHGqqYCgpfFFtD1rlolBzSUkJDqeOExM2wQ5eIMBpN-MowJNw/s1600-h/Me+Jill+and+Sweetie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046714219168177922" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFzlhszU_9nmmtnZ-k1p9uKZ5B73WymGCIcvo37ntYQ9gV2yi52Q6ghSbbNH6CeXtBkMZEoh5pjqgsdySQmMN7EHGqqYCgpfFFtD1rlolBzSUkJDqeOExM2wQ5eIMBpN-MowJNw/s320/Me+Jill+and+Sweetie.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Me, Jill and Sweetie the bird @ Caldwell Zoo</em></div><div> </div><div>For the rest of the service I couldn't think about much else except going to talk with this lady. Jill and I were able to join in a communal prayer for her before the end of the service, and I waited around to talk to her. I told her my story and what I had just witnessed. She too was pretty taken back. "That's totally from God!" she said, "You know you're coming right?" My first thought was "No.....I don't know that I'm coming!" But I can't deny that I was a little excited that in that moment, God was doing something in my life......whatever it was.</div><div> </div><div>I realized that it was going to be near on impossible for me to go. Having a full time job and a schedule that is packed tighter than my suitcase on a trip back home, I kind of downplayed the whole idea that God was calling me to go to Iraq. If I were to maintain any loyalty to my promise to Sky Ranch, it literally and logistically would be impossible. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMfEoqFrheuZkri7U2maotFBNCeNND9Y0k6mc9XDqV_P3aksXnEhQlTH2cKBN1GnVd0Vd3Qj4UTeyNUsh06QptBii_rm28qem3x5Axtx7lyt9S_EpugDwjBtj9TXA4hvbV2jLkQ/s1600-h/DSC01064.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046712380922175154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMfEoqFrheuZkri7U2maotFBNCeNND9Y0k6mc9XDqV_P3aksXnEhQlTH2cKBN1GnVd0Vd3Qj4UTeyNUsh06QptBii_rm28qem3x5Axtx7lyt9S_EpugDwjBtj9TXA4hvbV2jLkQ/s320/DSC01064.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><em>The Fellows with Wiggy and Quint after a grand camping trip at Camp Champions</em></div><div><em></em><br />I really have no idea where this story is going to end or what I should do next. In a sense it really feels like I've been zapped by a lightning bolt and am still dazed and dizzy from the after affects. But during our leadership seminar yesterday I stumbled over a piece of wise advice:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">"Get yourself involved in tasks that are impossible to accomplish unless God shows up"</span><br /><br />This trip is not impossible for Him. My will is to be totally obedient to His call.<br /><br />Is this a call for me to go to Iraq this summer? </div><div><br />I have no idea. But I'm not going to let it go. I've got to keep seeking and searching. I need to try and find a balance between logic and loyalty, between the discriminate and the divine. Yet I have a feeling that the balance won't neccesarily be even. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-l37hEehgEAIwr-RR3ec5CbJ9yvh78ebUlNvzs3VMli09MZoW8OePGcjePCGPXqvIoS5Vn-FOYA4LOu-WgH83-YqEYys39sKvq2bPWLPDaroIXD_K48F3MPrIPRr0SZtU-tpHRw/s1600-h/DSC01067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046712372332240546" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-l37hEehgEAIwr-RR3ec5CbJ9yvh78ebUlNvzs3VMli09MZoW8OePGcjePCGPXqvIoS5Vn-FOYA4LOu-WgH83-YqEYys39sKvq2bPWLPDaroIXD_K48F3MPrIPRr0SZtU-tpHRw/s320/DSC01067.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><em>Lane, Me and Mike on my birthday @ Outback Steakhouse.</em></div><div><em></em><br />If you read this message, all I would ask that you would pray for me as I discern where God has me going in this next couple of months. Who knows, you could watch with me as God makes the impossible possible. Or maybe you'll see God put an oppurtunity in front of me and not allow me to go. Either way I'm excited that God is up to something in my life, and something <span style="font-size:180%;">BIG.</span></div><div><br />I'm excited to see what happens next. Thanks so much for reading and I hope that you would help me lift this up in prayer.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-70684032127097649982007-02-22T21:26:00.000-06:002008-12-12T21:48:44.425-06:00One Frustrating Night<div>So I've been slack again in posting....so much is happenned, but too much to write about. This is going to be a pretty random post.<br /><br />So let me reflect about one of the most frustrating nights I've had in a long time.<br /><br />We had just finished a great week in Oklahoma, doing some marketing for Sky Ranch's camp site in Quapaw called Cave Springs. You could hardly call it marketing though. We were able to meet with some amazing youth pastors and deacons and just talk to them about their ministry and ask how we could help them out. By far the most gratifying and God glorifying marketing I think I could get involved in.<br /><br />Craziness starts:<br /><br />We started our 5 hour drive back to Texas at 8pm on a Thursday, because we all had stuff to do that weekend and wanted to get some sleep on Friday. I offered to take the first leg of driving since I hadn't done a lot that week, and was actually looking forward to getting some miles in with the van. Probably should have opted to sleep....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CTNuDd-Qw5PLPZe2DVJUqKxQNt_KywGysoS7bOqcbDTo9mfhg4AHC_BiXamKtuy_Y-AjEheCq0PXkksPkFuLjuE8GMezUwjvrW0xXiS5pzN7REikwMVbisrXasKKtWrRNN4bmA/s1600-h/DSC00922.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037538910253781730" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CTNuDd-Qw5PLPZe2DVJUqKxQNt_KywGysoS7bOqcbDTo9mfhg4AHC_BiXamKtuy_Y-AjEheCq0PXkksPkFuLjuE8GMezUwjvrW0xXiS5pzN7REikwMVbisrXasKKtWrRNN4bmA/s320/DSC00922.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We started out by going to the world's largest McDonalds. Don't ask me why it is in the middle of OK on a turnpike....but it intruiged us so we went. We got friendly with the servers there and got into a bit of a conversation with them. They found out I was Australian, and like many, made several jokes about our humble little island.....you know, the usual: kangaroos, crocodiles, Steve Irwin. I never get upset or angry at these. They come so regularly, its now become kind of a challenge to anticipate which joke will come next after they get started.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yVNXQ1SS6KTxLN19CLLSnSuBY1GkmM4eNdmkJsNxa_m-RbInkDVEtvsrFfztP-6RmRPHeN6nENUsiyIaWMm7R5-ichWTcUB_Rx_dUOfg3EcK8Kdb2fGNya_69liB6Vvnd2f_-Q/s1600-h/DSC00920.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037538901663847122" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yVNXQ1SS6KTxLN19CLLSnSuBY1GkmM4eNdmkJsNxa_m-RbInkDVEtvsrFfztP-6RmRPHeN6nENUsiyIaWMm7R5-ichWTcUB_Rx_dUOfg3EcK8Kdb2fGNya_69liB6Vvnd2f_-Q/s320/DSC00920.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />For some reason that night, however, I was a little disturbed by it. Maybe its because they just started on the jokes before they even introduced themselves. Once again, this never really bothers me, but for some reason it stuck with me a little long, so I made a little effort to stall at the counter and get to know them better. I came to find out that the man that was serving me was gay, which again was no problem to me. But again, it started to really disturb me once he made a couple of borderline comments about Priscilla Queen of the Desert (an Aussie movie), and didgeridoos that made me feel like he was flirting. When we left a lady that worked at McDonald's chased us down and asked me for my phone number, which at first I laughed at (for many reasons), but it later just fuelled the distrubance that was going on in me.<br /><br />As we started driving off, I just kept reflecting upon what happenned at our "little" stay at the world's <strong>largest </strong>McDonalds. This only turned my little disturbance into a lot of <strong>hatred. </strong>I can honestly say that my hatred wasn't directed in any one area; my whole emotional state just felt exactly what it feels like when you hate something. And I couldn't pin-point it at all. It got so frustrating that in a brief moment, I felt the sudden urge to have someone to pray for me. But because everyone in the van was having a fun time and joking with each other and because my heart was stirring so far in the opposite direction....i let the prayer request pass.<br /><br />What happenned next can be summed up in 4 succinct statements<br /><br /><ul><br /><li>Got a speeding ticket - 73 in a 55</li><br /><li>Had the headlights automatically turn off while going 65mph on a pitch black highway</li><br /><li>Ran out of gas (At 12:30 am. Had to wait an hour for a wrecker to come. He wasn't happy)</li><br /><li>Got home at 4am and smashed a glass candle warmer on the floor. Woke 4 people up.</li></ul><br /><p>Was I getting punished by God? Of course not........but it definately felt like it, at least for a brief moment. It was one of those nights where I felt incredibly like Bruce Almighty just after he drove his car into the light post at the beginning of the movie. Maybe God was trying to tell me something, but I have no idea what it was. Maybe it was just a spiritual attack, and I was caught off guard. Maybe it will just make a good story one day. Who knows. Im still baffled by that night.</p><br /><p>But one really cool thing happenned today that God must be given ALL the glory for. I called the police department in Oklahoma to inquire about paying for the speeding ticket to get it taken off my record. I'd had a pretty hectic/stressful day up to that point and the last thing I wanted to do was get depressed about how much this ticket was going to cost to get taken off my record. I talked to an older lady whom after I inquired about the ticket asked me in a pretty gruff voice:</p><br /><p>"How fast were you going?"</p><br /><p>Reluctantly I told her. I asked her what my options were for taking a defensive driving course on the off chance that her gruff voice was just a mask for a heart of gold. How right I was!</p><br /><p>"Well normally you would have to see a judge, but you've caught me in a good mood. Just sign the ticket, send in the check, and I'll ammend it for you."</p><br /><p>PRAISE GOD!!!! I didn't know such ladies existed in a police department. I kind of feel like driving up to Oklahoma just to give her a hug! She totally made my day and made me forget about the intense morning....</p><br /><p>Isn't it great how God works? I've been reading in Philippians how Paul, when in jail, would say stuff like: "but I know that through your prayers and help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happenned to me will turn out for my deliverance" (1:19). I wonder how a guy could remain that positive in jail. Then I realize after experiences like this, he probably wasn't. He was probably mad and frustrated just like me; but he knew, above all those emotional arrows, that God was soveriegn. That He had a plan. Even for a guy in a cell. Even for a guy who had a bad night. That's why He's my Savior.</p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-23488223947424222732007-02-01T02:19:00.000-06:002008-12-12T21:48:47.516-06:00God Bless America<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HC21E5YQuinriL2oL7MSNND56CuAUFdac1bYGaOhpR8-_s25UH_xAQGXmEoLcy_wHp7TS4oGLefZA6beM63zQSwennKdbIU6dZmr0PsKw1ltzGPv1rrZyU7tg3IUOsXy8fjsuw/s1600-h/DSC00881.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026478209538843394" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HC21E5YQuinriL2oL7MSNND56CuAUFdac1bYGaOhpR8-_s25UH_xAQGXmEoLcy_wHp7TS4oGLefZA6beM63zQSwennKdbIU6dZmr0PsKw1ltzGPv1rrZyU7tg3IUOsXy8fjsuw/s320/DSC00881.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Yes....Mike is wearing postcards of Native Aussie animals taped to his shirt, to celebrate Australia Day</em><br /><br />One thing I forgot to mention in my last blog was one of the coolest things I experienced since being here in the U.S. As many of my fellow compatriots know, January 26th is Australia Day. It is a day where many Aussies come together to celebrate the discovery of our country by our English forefathers. For Americans, it is a day that closely resembles the celebrations of 4th of July. However, on January 26th, 2007 it was definitely Australia Day at Sky Ranch.<br /><br />In my 5 year stay here in the US I have done several different things on Australia Day. One year at college I made some sausage rolls and put some vegemite on toast and held an Australia Day party in the lobby of our dorm building. I hired out “Gallipoli” from blockbuster and taught some of the students how to handball a footy. It was great for me to re-live a lot of the Australian culture I had missed over the years. But this didn’t even compare to the experience I had this year, last week. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UCRsv1pioRw7pUbKNupw886KOI69X8_Ml-IxJvJ04iTH6sauFoz_w3bStolupaIJXDZOilqNYB5y9T6HfPAHM7YI5JlRUIX6ynqaZxJV5RRAqaT4oAPu5il8eeMgOh6yPhBMNg/s1600-h/DSC00879.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026478218128778002" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UCRsv1pioRw7pUbKNupw886KOI69X8_Ml-IxJvJ04iTH6sauFoz_w3bStolupaIJXDZOilqNYB5y9T6HfPAHM7YI5JlRUIX6ynqaZxJV5RRAqaT4oAPu5il8eeMgOh6yPhBMNg/s320/DSC00879.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Brooke Fellows........good on ya!</em></div><div></div><br /><div>I had sent out an all staff email a couple of days before informing everyone at work about the day, to which I received some really nice replies with funny jokes about kangaroos and vegemite that I had NEVER heard before! (hehehe just kidding). But I did have many questions about the day and what it was about, and most people seemed fairly interested.<br /><br />I started formulating ideas in my head about what I should do to celebrate the day. I had worked out that I had enough Aussie apparel that I could get away with being a fair dinkum Aussie without owning an Australian flag. (Lucky my room mate Mike had loaned me a Boxing Kangaroo flag that his Dad had got from Perth many years ago!). With my new iPod, I figured I could walk around all day playing some Men at Work, Australian Crawl and Cold Chisel on my little speaker setup. But I was not prepared for what was to come.<br /><br />Our leadership director, Dave Schlener had sent me an email saying:<br />“If you have any guts at all……..I mean AT ALL!!......and have any….repeat ANY…..patriotism…....and the slightest…………repeat SLIGHTEST………leadership potential………..you will somehow get Mike and Todd to sing something outrageously Australian over the Sky Ranch pager”<br /><br />So in fear my credibility….and employment, I went and talked to Todd about the idea. It was him that came up with the CRAZY idea that I should lead the All Staff meeting in a rousing version of the Australian National Anthem….<br /><br />……to a bunch of Americans that probably don’t know ‘Land Down Under’?? Are you FOR REAL?? Still, it was a great challenge. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0neJCrhBGleQzRI-Fgd2nMnJ-jRlEUo1I38XG4-tvZupPJ8JfQ5_ED8rVn3aNMDVel1vogPaAcUGn3rEL-sq_Fak4DrZUnavJETa95PnDH1XZ8sWNcdwfLxqyK5V-_b44WjeQw/s1600-h/DSC00885.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026478226718712610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0neJCrhBGleQzRI-Fgd2nMnJ-jRlEUo1I38XG4-tvZupPJ8JfQ5_ED8rVn3aNMDVel1vogPaAcUGn3rEL-sq_Fak4DrZUnavJETa95PnDH1XZ8sWNcdwfLxqyK5V-_b44WjeQw/s320/DSC00885.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><em>Notice Dave with the Aussie lingo tea-towel taped to his chest.</em></div><em></em><br /><div>It really didn’t hit me until about 2 minutes before the Legacy Fellows were introduced to the staff that what I was about to do could probably be considered unpatriotic on the part of my unknowing American buddies. As I got them to stand, I tried to console them in the fact that if they just stood there awkwardly and pretended to sing that they would be like any other Aussie singing our anthem.<br /><br />I had a music track that I was going to play in the background to help the process along, but due to technical difficulties, it failed to play. So now I was leading a group of Americans in a foreign anthem to which they had no music, nor any idea of a melody line.<br /><br />Thoughts running through my head at this moment:<br />Wow Brenton, you might have a career in communist brainwashing.<br />What are these people ever going to think of Australians after this?<br />Maybe you should just stop and put on that great ‘fake’ American accent you’ve been working on, and reveal that you were born in South Dakota and have just been fooling people for 5 years!<br />What happened next I will probably never forget…..<br />Around 50 Americans from many different backgrounds, some Hispanic, all doing their best to belt out an anthem they had never heard, from a country they had probably never visited, just to make an Aussie feel welcome and proud of his country on it’s special day. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6e1Tc7zT0GXVkRSmKzDjiyQRugqwoRkCvDFnVrlYQUQM80gcWQI3lzuFNmQl4ac_RCP3ZIxTB0Sjhq3gwKkSfJpWurvu64rhGpcyOJrJjJnGV1GAtZhzm1_lcmd5IF-v7Mk0Gg/s1600-h/DSC00886.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026478235308647234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6e1Tc7zT0GXVkRSmKzDjiyQRugqwoRkCvDFnVrlYQUQM80gcWQI3lzuFNmQl4ac_RCP3ZIxTB0Sjhq3gwKkSfJpWurvu64rhGpcyOJrJjJnGV1GAtZhzm1_lcmd5IF-v7Mk0Gg/s320/DSC00886.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><em>It was quite an amazing site</em></div><br /><div>I can’t speak enough to how this is the heart of the people I work with. Ever since I have been here they have done nothing but make me feel a part of the Sky Ranch family. But it speaks to so much more than that… </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_MCoVUgqLqd3NzI37FYEJEDRrdVr2MFDVBPDOR3g_LVWrnZ0zVihV9Pf8OaSMYYPvFBUyCFsxzKhLuvrR5fwTEAYd2ItOIZo_WMmaSY-no__jhWScw2cek4ySdWetVhpDZt-yg/s1600-h/DSC00884.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026478231013679922" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_MCoVUgqLqd3NzI37FYEJEDRrdVr2MFDVBPDOR3g_LVWrnZ0zVihV9Pf8OaSMYYPvFBUyCFsxzKhLuvrR5fwTEAYd2ItOIZo_WMmaSY-no__jhWScw2cek4ySdWetVhpDZt-yg/s320/DSC00884.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><em>Yeah....I'm not much of a conductor, but they sure did Australia proud</em></div><br /><div><br />I’ve just come back to Texas from a road trip to Oklahoma, and had some time to reflect on my experience in the US up to this point. I’ve been an exchange student, a college athlete and graduate, a youth pastor, substitute teacher, Legacy Fellow among many other jobs and positions. I have been given opportunities to travel and interact with some of the most recognized, and impoverished people in the world. Yet being in America has provided me so much more than that…<br /><br />At every point in my journey I have been met with heart-filled, hospitable and loving people. People, I have been blessed to consider a part of my family. The relationships I have made, and continue to make, are ones that I will not only hold in my heart forever, but will also change and mold me for the rest of my life. Yet there is still something greater at work here…<br /><br />Everyone knows that the United States of America has copped a lot of flack (criticism) over the years for being many things…….(you fill the blank with the negative). But I think what a lot of the world doesn’t realize, is that the real America is not governmental structure, nor the capitalistic giant, nor the military superpower…..it is the people.<br /><br />For so long, so many have stereotyped “Yanks” (as we would call them in Australia), as being arrogant, over-confident, know-it-alls; such a label however cannot be fitting to any corporate body. Many outsiders fail to experience the compassion of the American individual, and the culture which fosters such loyalty and respect.<br /><br />Just as an example, this week I got to travel with a guy named Jim Franks. Jim is a HUGE Oklahoma University fan (physical size is irrelevant here J). He’s had to deal with a lot of jokes and puns from me the last couple of days because of his OBSESSION with Norman, OK…..home of the Sooners (their mascot, which I’ve been told I’m not allowed to say what that means because it’s somewhat offensive to the fans!?! Work that one out!). We’ve had to stop at 3 different stores at 3 different times to pick up Oklahoma Sooner apparel….once at a Sonic restaurant so he could order a “Sooner Slammer”. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlqadp7cn2Ys2vdfFtxkU0mGm8Woytg7dfocuSJt1dkazu61zrvbo7npqbIbtXxNKysBJbROoqGSHWSwxgd4w_i00CxOGzlOiIohOtja6pTiBizC0C2unSnG4C4xnQyLiSvBjhg/s1600-h/DSC00888.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026479300460536658" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlqadp7cn2Ys2vdfFtxkU0mGm8Woytg7dfocuSJt1dkazu61zrvbo7npqbIbtXxNKysBJbROoqGSHWSwxgd4w_i00CxOGzlOiIohOtja6pTiBizC0C2unSnG4C4xnQyLiSvBjhg/s320/DSC00888.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><em>Jimbo in front of his beloved Owen Field</em></div><div><br />But even after all the jokes, you have to admire a guy like Jim, and people like my roommate Mike, who is a DIE HARD “Farting” Texas Aggie Fan (If you say ‘farting’ with an Aussie accent in East Texas, they totally think you’re saying ‘fighting’!!!). Not just for their loyalty and dedication to their school, but what they stand for. They represent a deep tradition, not one rooted in conformist old-fashioned rules and rituals, but a tradition that grows and changes with each generation: The American Tradition. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiN85U3e1NGKCsB-vrCCD0yJe4JmKxyhCbE0h5_uyhyzBKsrcbZrESMfQplSfbZaELr6ctxNAQtdylhiGR4dITtm-nBrNIkx6_9IIv8MvzDrYl5B3M_-S5z1DrDuPG4lVxyauiVg/s1600-h/DSC00890.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026479309050471266" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiN85U3e1NGKCsB-vrCCD0yJe4JmKxyhCbE0h5_uyhyzBKsrcbZrESMfQplSfbZaELr6ctxNAQtdylhiGR4dITtm-nBrNIkx6_9IIv8MvzDrYl5B3M_-S5z1DrDuPG4lVxyauiVg/s320/DSC00890.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><em>Mike and I at ground level (Owen field)</em></div><div><br />Many will say that the culture and progeny of the American tradition is on a downward spiral with huge corporate companies like MTV holding the reigns. I disagree. Too many times I have seen God’s hand work through incredible individuals. I have seen the face of Christ in many American friends, colleagues and total strangers. It is so evident that God has had His hand in the tradition and culture of this country, molding it and shaping it as time progresses. Everyday, through the people I work with and the people I meet, I am confirmed and assured of this. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzgSB96x7qG39XTrEN7e4NpMnfs8F3RqTN0kxN6ej5QjQw7yKSYlYaNiWBnLMAdnRThm-ar7v-U6JClcAxMO1AB3RpvwXLQ6AQfHE11lw_Y_f4ja2no8r3Y0pP47odgJLgszv5Q/s1600-h/DSC00892.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026479313345438578" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzgSB96x7qG39XTrEN7e4NpMnfs8F3RqTN0kxN6ej5QjQw7yKSYlYaNiWBnLMAdnRThm-ar7v-U6JClcAxMO1AB3RpvwXLQ6AQfHE11lw_Y_f4ja2no8r3Y0pP47odgJLgszv5Q/s320/DSC00892.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><em>Yes this is a Toby Keith Resturant......yes, I had to put up with country music.......yes this could only happen in Oklahoma!</em></div><br /><div><br />America is a great country; full of opportunity, diversity and experience. You can’t read it in a magazine or periodical, you can’t witness it from a second hand experience or foreign country. You have to get amongst the people and know them. Build a relationship with them, or in many cases, be willing to receive the instant compassion and loyalty that comes from a long standing and active tradition of Godly men and women.<br /><br />I am proud to be an Australian. But I am just as proud and blessed to have experienced the American culture. To stand in a room and hear an awkward group of folks sing out your anthem on your country’s day not only shows respect on their part, but shows confidence in what they stand for. </div><div> </div><div>God Bless America</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtDx-Yzp8H-mpmXXZHZ6oCwaYgN-PRKI6Vg7jRc5iYR1mhag52DE73x6lBRuiciP2RPnUkmGydXaMmhNkq0TSWB6IuE1wmjna-rnIbp7GoHG-mS-BtCTnbrEM9cYdQZLXUhD10Q/s1600-h/Thanks+Sky+Ranch.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026481396404577154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtDx-Yzp8H-mpmXXZHZ6oCwaYgN-PRKI6Vg7jRc5iYR1mhag52DE73x6lBRuiciP2RPnUkmGydXaMmhNkq0TSWB6IuE1wmjna-rnIbp7GoHG-mS-BtCTnbrEM9cYdQZLXUhD10Q/s320/Thanks+Sky+Ranch.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-23092520704646412992007-01-28T21:09:00.000-06:002008-12-12T21:48:49.070-06:00Passion '07 Reflection<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5Nbpm6wxyJVJVPpmHv2zBRVGx0agsowgj7Z82bzvqcX7EHFdXTe6nHAs84QMqTiHVgQNmI_FSuuIr6g1ezEdKgtiJTrGOQr8f80sFDBPcItCPE5h5KBL9iX2fMn-LtCP1Q9Mxw/s1600-h/DSC00811.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025311877192862834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5Nbpm6wxyJVJVPpmHv2zBRVGx0agsowgj7Z82bzvqcX7EHFdXTe6nHAs84QMqTiHVgQNmI_FSuuIr6g1ezEdKgtiJTrGOQr8f80sFDBPcItCPE5h5KBL9iX2fMn-LtCP1Q9Mxw/s320/DSC00811.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em>The Arena</em><br /><br /><br />So I went to this conference over New Years called Passion '07. It was in Atlanta.....24,000 college students......worshipping and praising God for 4 days straight....enough said. I haven't really written much about it, and I don't intend too, but there were so many amazing things that God did over those four days that I'd like to write down a couple of moments when He really 'got to me'.....<br /><br />One of my favorite worship artists is Chris Tomlin. I'm not such a big fan of his image, but his music is very inspiring and uplifting. In the months leading up to this conference, I had been going through a spiritual dead zone. To make a long story short.....I overloaded myself. I was doing ministry, teaching, studying and working all at once...and it was too much. So the thought of going to a huge conference with some amazing worship leaders was almost getting me excited.<br />I was comforted by a story during this time of a man that was asked by God to carry one rock up a hill, which upon his way picks up other people's rocks in order to help them and minister to them. Half way up the hill he is too tired and gives up and blames God for giving Him a load that he couldn't carry. God gently reminds him that all He asked him to do was carry that one rock.<br /><br />I was carrying an overseas backpack full of rocks to Passion. I couldn't wait for that 'moment' in the conference where God would show up, and my load would be lightened. I had struggled 4 months of just being totally emotionless and void of passion. For ministry, for my relationship with God, and for life in general I had simply lost interest. You been there before? If you have, you know how much it sucks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCvAM0NpLQEpK5qDvrD7xqLcvtTqcHlxJY42jn0SwWFYUhZbhvpfDaevUIO_Jyrr0TRz_1yVFvgbchzZ85bLgKw4JwA8INwo64atVgYE6YtwE5Wy155MkshGPLJaG6NZx2wOApw/s1600-h/DSC00815.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025311868602928226" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCvAM0NpLQEpK5qDvrD7xqLcvtTqcHlxJY42jn0SwWFYUhZbhvpfDaevUIO_Jyrr0TRz_1yVFvgbchzZ85bLgKw4JwA8INwo64atVgYE6YtwE5Wy155MkshGPLJaG6NZx2wOApw/s320/DSC00815.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em>This was a bilboard that everyone had signed the year previous.</em><br /><br />On the second night, Tomlin was leading worship. Our group had managed to get seats two rows from the front of the stage. The stadium was packed. We'd just heard a "killer" sermon from Beth-Moore on humility, and the crowd it seemed was in a state of total repentant worship. Everyone was on their feet, hands lifted high, and it was as if you could see God's spirit moving through the masses.<br /><br />I was sitting down. My arm's crossed. Totally emotionless.....<br /><br />I love that line in the Goo Goo Dolls song that says "And you can't fight the tears that aint coming". That was me......I was fighting for a tear....any sign of feeling.....but I got nothing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi4LrSKTJiwca-gKsP-oQbHpgA3rGqHZB0mBg-WFO3ri0tTeVRF973aWjQXkFN-aLt_b6QizHE0xsiZkVnmLAPP-79iHoLhYuQUsYCl3lmq0NYJAZIFzXu6cDOvi8o3Ac3cai3Q/s1600-h/DSC008121.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025311894372732066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi4LrSKTJiwca-gKsP-oQbHpgA3rGqHZB0mBg-WFO3ri0tTeVRF973aWjQXkFN-aLt_b6QizHE0xsiZkVnmLAPP-79iHoLhYuQUsYCl3lmq0NYJAZIFzXu6cDOvi8o3Ac3cai3Q/s320/DSC008121.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This was <em>supposed</em> to be my moment. My favorite worship artist.....great speaker.....20.000 people to help me along.....but <em>nothing</em>. Had God just forgot about me? It sure had felt like it the last couple of months. It was almost like I'd lost the Holy Spirit.<br /><br />You been there before? If you have, you know how much it SUCKS!<br /><br />So after walking away from that night event and off to our community group, I was feeling my usual "God I'm angry with you, but I'm not, because my heart doesn't respond to my head any more, and I've lost every blood pumping vessel in my body!" self.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6sz-6JpwuT4CKR6cA0MhvIxuUuToNUhVwWYgT319bXudSgCO2UE0puyXhuiQqepMq2x5V_UDO9okprCc2Ri3QlhD0beJz-kU_rktSxmUxhu6hMsNKE4hYneuZ-5hyphenhyphenHRzI2csUQ/s1600-h/DSC008141.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025311881487830146" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6sz-6JpwuT4CKR6cA0MhvIxuUuToNUhVwWYgT319bXudSgCO2UE0puyXhuiQqepMq2x5V_UDO9okprCc2Ri3QlhD0beJz-kU_rktSxmUxhu6hMsNKE4hYneuZ-5hyphenhyphenHRzI2csUQ/s320/DSC008141.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then He REALLY got to me.<br /><br />My head finally found a route to my heart. It had finally deciphered the labyrinth and reconnected the blood vessels. I had reasoned that if I was EVER going my moment with God and I was to set up the perfect conditions for it to happen, I probably would have put my self in front of Chris Tomlin with a whole bunch of people to worship with.........so why didn't it work?<br /><br />Because I needed to see that my relationship with God has nothing to do with how I <em>feel</em> about Him.<br /><br />God is so much bigger than a huge worship service.<br /><br />He <em>would</em> keep me emotionless if it only meant my heart would turn further toward Him.....even if it is numb.<br /><br />After 4 months of being emotionless......He wanted to show me He still loved me.......<br /><br />.....even while I was emotionless.<br /><br />My response? Total emotionlessness.......but <em>knowing</em> that was OK.<br />__________________________________________________________<br /><br />This week at the Ranch has been pretty exciting. We got to meet Joey Seeber, the Mayor of Tyler, TX on Wednesday and spend half a day with him. We were guests of honor at Tyler's City Council meeting and got to grill Joey for about 2 hours. It was just an awesome oppurtunity to talk to a guy that had made it and has a love for the Lord. We got to learn so much just from him telling his stories and just gained a lot of life experience from him telling his mistakes. (great English there)<br /><br />I also got to meet with the college group i travelled with to the Passion conference, this weekend. It was amazing to share that experience with them, but even cooler to get to hang out with them and talk with them on a regular basis. On our way back, we all got convicted to start memorizing chapters of the bible on a regular basis. This weekend we just got done with Colossians 3, and now we're moving to James 1. It's been amazing to dedicate ourselves to memorize a whole chapter and just incredible to see how much God uses that in our lives.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTZ1ZyxF30ZDU-TbtEtSk70pK5cXLJjnou-_0PpICCBHVTAt2KM_tlp4uK2GPCyK4JdaItmQeQLP9cvrizOdBWh5unTADfnqjjBqoAszv1g9KGZlp4DqUHNfK8JjMmDhWkoDE6A/s1600-h/DSC00833.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025311890077764754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTZ1ZyxF30ZDU-TbtEtSk70pK5cXLJjnou-_0PpICCBHVTAt2KM_tlp4uK2GPCyK4JdaItmQeQLP9cvrizOdBWh5unTADfnqjjBqoAszv1g9KGZlp4DqUHNfK8JjMmDhWkoDE6A/s320/DSC00833.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em>This was the group that I travelled with to Passion</em><br /><br />This week I will be travelling to Oklahoma City to go to the Gear Up Conference. They are the company under which we went to West Virginia with and did the iLead conference. It should be interesting to see what it's all about since we know nothing of what we'll be doing this week. But I'm excited......<br /><br />......so happy to have some emotion back!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-32932563930317187892007-01-19T23:07:00.000-06:002008-12-12T21:48:51.891-06:00The first week......wait, have two weeks past?<div><em>Let the message that comes from Christ, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.</em></div><div>- Colossians 3:16<br /></div><br /><div>Wow! What a start. I'm starting out this blog not wanting to write out everything that has happenned because it would take me a good couple of nights to write it all out, so I'll try and keep it short (HA!!!). I guess I could just say God is good and it would pretty much cover it, but I'll keep writing.<br /><br />Let me start by saying, the more I get involved in this job, the more I wonder if I was the right person. I say that not just because I secretly doubt my own abilities (while putting on the "I know what I'm doing" face), but also because I am just gob smacked at the amount of oppurtunities that have been thrown our way. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vMXq-8sFYJxE8ibMlUWKAaULdTlnZKHzMn2Prbv-PmA6p-cTas-IsDBNj1xsE-7dyBVh4wN9eN_yzK2_j1e_wXehgC87Lpom1LAQn8DBmbEdYoYwR8i9bjl4U8ZD50TAjhLVhw/s1600-h/DSC00853.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022366942672047074" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vMXq-8sFYJxE8ibMlUWKAaULdTlnZKHzMn2Prbv-PmA6p-cTas-IsDBNj1xsE-7dyBVh4wN9eN_yzK2_j1e_wXehgC87Lpom1LAQn8DBmbEdYoYwR8i9bjl4U8ZD50TAjhLVhw/s320/DSC00853.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em>The iLead conference. This was all the students and leaders.</em></div><div> </div><div>Last weekend the Outdoor Education crew and the Legacy Fellowship (The Fellows, as we are now fondly known as), went to West Virginia on a trip to lead an iLead conference. It was set up by the West Virginian Education board for us to come in and help prepare identified 8th grade leaders to prepare for college. There's a really cool picture of us on the website at <a href="http://skyranchschools.com/i-LEAD.htm">http://skyranchschools.com/i-LEAD.htm</a>. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaz7jefe1ilC5FGC1Hs-tnmlkN8A76H4S_W7P09HXHAyeK4MRmZ3-0yQiNy-rdsD17w43vQqdPq8Wz91Lht2wxK1YziBQaMjgeIpzc4tAPiI5b1GcR6mZVliIfZds52gh5fc3Xkw/s1600-h/DSC00842.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022366934082112466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaz7jefe1ilC5FGC1Hs-tnmlkN8A76H4S_W7P09HXHAyeK4MRmZ3-0yQiNy-rdsD17w43vQqdPq8Wz91Lht2wxK1YziBQaMjgeIpzc4tAPiI5b1GcR6mZVliIfZds52gh5fc3Xkw/s320/DSC00842.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><em>This was my team...the Maroon team.</em></div><div><em>"Maroon Maroon Maroon. OI, OI, OI!!!!"</em></div><div><br />This trip was a huge challenge for me personally and spiritually. I was going on a trip to a new state with a bunch of people I had only met a week ago, and I have to admit the idea of getting thrown into a team leader position straight off the bat was daunting. I was definately stripped of a lot of pride on this trip, learned what it meant to be humble, and how acting like a big fool is sometimes the quickest way to get to know someone! </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1x0gWNiQ2EAw96y8AGkHgZQs8_nS0URZKsCLBIFJc3iEK5Pjo_a2z1OW0_rJL5vWPAN8R8cGWC2YBRe5q3cIHbVXp4XZ8AUdOUbhgnnYCc8PPl2P2WbSHnEVJV-ZLcLxlFPfeQg/s1600-h/DSC00864.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022371989258619970" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1x0gWNiQ2EAw96y8AGkHgZQs8_nS0URZKsCLBIFJc3iEK5Pjo_a2z1OW0_rJL5vWPAN8R8cGWC2YBRe5q3cIHbVXp4XZ8AUdOUbhgnnYCc8PPl2P2WbSHnEVJV-ZLcLxlFPfeQg/s320/DSC00864.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><em>Zack was our flag bearer....and the best iLead Idol singer there.....regardless of the judges' decision!</em></div><div><br />Spiritually, it was a trip that stretched me. We were basically invited to hang out with a lot of kids that don't know God, or that have probably never pondered the concept of who God is, and were told that we were not to mention His name to them at all. We were only there to help lead them to college, even though our hearts wanted to lead them to Christ. I went through the whole thought process of disagreeing with the program; thinking that it musn't be Christ centered. I ended up judging a whole bunch of people based on the fact our purpose was to only teach about college, while claiming to be Christians that are supposed to 'make disciples of all nations'. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV15v3iaHheVZ5ZmrWQsS0PiEjtM0OlpbqGOhkibgJkgavT-8dfw4OUrja-nAvshesySw-UxhB1bLwjwzqnNhNBB-WgBunOhQN3Ox1B7oO6mVAHiJ6SmlnDLjNOwROGjWG5i44og/s1600-h/DSC00863.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022366951261981682" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV15v3iaHheVZ5ZmrWQsS0PiEjtM0OlpbqGOhkibgJkgavT-8dfw4OUrja-nAvshesySw-UxhB1bLwjwzqnNhNBB-WgBunOhQN3Ox1B7oO6mVAHiJ6SmlnDLjNOwROGjWG5i44og/s320/DSC00863.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><em>Nathan and Zack.....or the other way around ;)</em></div><div><br />Well.....just reminded me again of how imperfect I am. I was so overwhelmed by the heart of everyone I worked with. They are all so silently committed and focused on sharing their faith without making a big deal of it. It was so humbling to me: that wanted to declare loudly my love for Christ to these kids and make a name for myself, while watching the other team leaders still themselves and diligently pour out God's love onto these students.<br /></div><div>It was also fun to stay up till 3am with them, playing "Potty on your Neighbour", and dealing out silly consequences like singing to two lonely guys in the hotel bar, with an audience of heckling co-workers. I got to know the outdoor education team so much better on this trip, as well as grow in spiritual maturity. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvsWM2uehoBz441NsvpZCfAfdbRHyIgb-kGBLLbKX2ozPJhzyP9-EkputsrTVigD8Odw_lxp6KxqgGt2dUOW-69Zp4lbIXYBuXdPTj4altYHNYAP-er6bTun5lPaeHsa4dJ7KAg/s1600-h/DSC00876.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022366955556948994" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvsWM2uehoBz441NsvpZCfAfdbRHyIgb-kGBLLbKX2ozPJhzyP9-EkputsrTVigD8Odw_lxp6KxqgGt2dUOW-69Zp4lbIXYBuXdPTj4altYHNYAP-er6bTun5lPaeHsa4dJ7KAg/s320/DSC00876.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><em>Lane Davis, Brooke Barbie, Mike Maguire and me. Our lasts names have all changed to "Fellows"</em></div><div><br />Now I want to talk about some incredible people. The three other people I will be working with for the entire year, as part of the Legacy Fellowship program are none other than Mike Maguire, Lane Davis and Brooke Barbie. You may not have heard of them, but you will one day. They'll probably be discipling your kids or being your boss or something like that. They are three of the most God-fearing, creative, compassionate and dedicated people I have met, and I get to work with them for a whole year!! I'm rooming with Mike and Lane, with Brooke across the hall. We've only been working together for a week and we miss the times that we are apart. I am excited when I think about them and the possibilities of us doing incredible things this year. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPKXN33xqShaoj76zNEy1Tcu5fefjF_l2tSBCOneJTNv89TGIvU1klIpTtO_sPNGIziEVF64qf0dtU9FmhENS43GWo6yJYJ05SB_icMR61UqSFwuIOyhgEcZ-LLrflLdKKhyaiw/s1600-h/DSC00877.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022371980668685362" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPKXN33xqShaoj76zNEy1Tcu5fefjF_l2tSBCOneJTNv89TGIvU1klIpTtO_sPNGIziEVF64qf0dtU9FmhENS43GWo6yJYJ05SB_icMR61UqSFwuIOyhgEcZ-LLrflLdKKhyaiw/s320/DSC00877.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><em>Jill and Clinton Pfalser.....A.K.A. Mama and Pappa Fellows</em></div><div><br />Our AMAZING leaders, Clinton and Jill Pfalser have been friends of mine for a while, but I am just so flabergasted at their willingness to invest so much in us. They are taking so much time out of their lives to feed us with oppurtunities, resources and the occaisional steaks on a Wednesday night. I have been so blessed to have them in my life, but am just so excited to see them lead us forward in this program. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCrPsKhBeqNUZTe68q5CrOmTKTTNdUX8unZurpXADUcFbeV_z51pTY06tX_x1UvqpcL2NckAfXlGIBJuqpFQbLn4Kf2KNyC9yRjBSuShROhjagpCZZAK2wMdijTV9Eludg4OsbA/s1600-h/DSC00874.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022371976373718050" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCrPsKhBeqNUZTe68q5CrOmTKTTNdUX8unZurpXADUcFbeV_z51pTY06tX_x1UvqpcL2NckAfXlGIBJuqpFQbLn4Kf2KNyC9yRjBSuShROhjagpCZZAK2wMdijTV9Eludg4OsbA/s320/DSC00874.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><em>The whole group with Dave Schlener and family</em></div><div><br />We are also being lead by a guy named Dave Schlener, who is a leadership guru from West Point and an international pilot with American Airlines. I cannot express how just his presence in the room brings excitement with a sense of peace. This guy is so knowledgable, yet so compassionate. So focused and determined that we are the four most important people in his life (other than his family). He is so biblical in his approach to everything it's impressive and enlightening at the same time. He has set up trips for us to take leadership seminars at West Point, as well as spend face time with American Airline system directors, university presidents, pastors, school superintendants, mayors even U.S. Congressmen in Washington D.C.!!! Not only will we meet them, but they will run us through their job for a day: let us sit in board meetings, help influence major decisions they make on a daily basis. What an incredible oppurtunities, and what a fantastic mentor to be led by. Oh did I mention we are going to Kenya for a month in August? Short side note..... </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf48zAv1m002SEnfdcjRML9Vg7gsMK1c7J5l9zFcVKRvGBrhzq51Yjn4ONXZiHuQ9uNEW2MfLmkd1aZQuX6nnIm2iHAATXHIvEkcS_AK_uBJrZUKc0WOOsXRnJ-OkZ_5s_fEhW8g/s1600-h/DSC00871.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022376404485000274" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf48zAv1m002SEnfdcjRML9Vg7gsMK1c7J5l9zFcVKRvGBrhzq51Yjn4ONXZiHuQ9uNEW2MfLmkd1aZQuX6nnIm2iHAATXHIvEkcS_AK_uBJrZUKc0WOOsXRnJ-OkZ_5s_fEhW8g/s320/DSC00871.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><em>Brooke and Mike</em><br /></div><div>I could go on and on about the rest of the stuff that I'm doing, but I could probably put anyone to sleep with more descriptions. So just for a break in the madness, here's some good Texas slang for those who don't know.<br />Make sure you read them with a strong East Texas, hick, country accent. I just learned these today. Courtesy of my roomie, Lane Davis:<br /><br />"It's hotter than two mice making love in a wool sock on a hot day, Y'all"<br /><br />Well, it's kinda been cold this week, so here's some good ones:<br /><br />"It's colder than a witch's titty in a brass bra doing pushups in the snow!"<br />"It's colder than a plumber's butt wearing iron underwear!"<br /><em></em></div><div><br /></div><div><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7gdUIuk3DN9wwSkDNyLxCgFULSjev-eFTmyx-MHpyIMTLeGub3jceyuC89IstbuRq1RwBDjMCLeyQacN_XjgCC9SHNOd4qxFk_rJSiA_IIkTrKU8c1cwa-RogQMhkMrWts3lFw/s1600-h/DSC00867.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022366959851916306" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7gdUIuk3DN9wwSkDNyLxCgFULSjev-eFTmyx-MHpyIMTLeGub3jceyuC89IstbuRq1RwBDjMCLeyQacN_XjgCC9SHNOd4qxFk_rJSiA_IIkTrKU8c1cwa-RogQMhkMrWts3lFw/s320/DSC00867.JPG" border="0" /></a></em></div><div><em>The guy on the right is responsible for the quotes....did I mention he wears turquoise boots?</em><br /></div><div>Sorry if they sound mildly vulgar, but when Lane says them with that cowboy accent, you can hardly tell what he's saying anyway!<br /><br />God is so good. We read through Genesis 1 this morning with the OE teachers, and just discussed the marvels of the Bibles first chapter. Mike brought up the point that God created humans last in the order of things, which he said, is not only humbling but also puts a lot of responsibility on our shoulders. It reveals so much of God's heart that He puts the last first, the runt of the litter as the leader, and believes that anyone can achieve anything.<br /><br />I have struggled this week between balancing humility with confident leadership. I have struggled with boldly displaying my personality while remaining still enough to meet others where they are at. I have struggled with the fact that I am not good enough for this job, but that God thinks I am.<br /><br />Who am I to be formed by a Creator that allows me to experience doubt and guilt and shame and humility and unworthiness, yet be loved in a way that tells me to feel loved and not oppressed. Who am I to dwell on my own faults while a Savior allows me to move mountains with my own hands.<br /><br />I can't express the wonderment and awe that I feel right now at the amazing, intracate details of God's plan. That He had a well ordered, focused and diligent plan in the creation of the heavens and the earth, but that also has the same dedication in his plan for my life.<br /><br />I love where I am right now..........so far from perfect.....yet so close to finding out who I am....knowing that I will always be searching for him (me).......and Him.<br /><br /><em>~Bless this week Lord....I love you with all my heart.....in good and bad times.....please be with my family, I have no idea where they are or what's going on with them. Allow me the privelidge of talking with them this week. I miss them terribly. Bless our Fellowship and my friends around the world. Thank you for Your Son and what He's done for all of them. I love you Lord.~</em><br /><em></em></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-6673161879677185092007-01-08T19:55:00.000-06:002008-12-12T21:48:53.134-06:00ReNewed Life!<div align="left"></div><div align="left"><em>So put on your new nature and be <strong>renewed </strong>as you learn to <u>know</u> your Creator and <u>become</u> like him</em></div><div align="left">- Colossians 3:10</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">So what an incredible start to the year it has been. I am so excited to be blogging again I am literally shaking! If you have missed me, I apologize, but I plan to be more <em>consistent</em> this year (one of the resolutions!).</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">This incredible year started with the Passion Conference; a four day Christian conference for 18-25 year olds. It was held in Atlanta and more the 24,000 students attended, rasing over $2.5 million for God's kingdom worldwide. I could literally write a book on how great the conference was, and all the stories. But my conference is best summed up in the verse above. After going through a spiritually dry spell for so long, God has been so faithful in renewing my passion for serving Him. Giving four days to seek out God was what I needed to start the year, and He has provided that so mercifully.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I was able to attend the conference with an amazing group of people. I went with the college group from Brookhaven Church in Dallas, and made some friends I will probably keep for life. With them, I was able to witness a life changing transformation in the lives of this group and mine, as God just decided to grab us by the hand, walk beside us and gently say "I'm here". Our reaction has been that over an over-excited toddler, just happy to be walking with their daddy.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">I would talk more about the conference and this amazing group of people, but I want to get on to other things, like my NEW JOB!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">I am officially excited to be working at Sky Ranch !!!!!(Granted, it has only been one day!) It has taken me a long time to mourn leaving Kansas and all the great people there and I am just so thankful that God has been faithful. A friend of mine said that it has taken this long to get excited because I knew what I was leaving, not knowing what I was gaining; very true. But today, I believe God has confirmed for me that I am in the right place, and for a lot of reasons.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">My day started off with a meeting with Chris Witt, the executive of Sky Ranch in Van, TX. For those who don't know a lot about Sky Ranch, I learned today that it is in the top 5% of camp in the US and has grown immensly in the last 5 years. It sits on a huge piece of property (I would say 2000 acres, but I could be underestimating) which facilitates a "summer camp, outdoor education and adventure school, blobs, zip lines, horses, paintball, jet skis, super slides and much much more!" Chris told me that my position as part of the Fellowship Legacy team serves to benefit the camp and God's kingdom. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">He described that my position would be like a bench player for leadership positions at the camp. I know the idea of a "bench player" doesn't sound so great, but for me I think it's just what I need. This job will allow me to be in a position where I can learn from so many, while being thrown into the mix of things at the same time. I will be involved with the Outdoor Education and Adventure program for most of my time here, serving as a teacher. But it goes far beyond that. Here is the job desciption:</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em>The primary responsibility of the Legacy Fellowship Program is to spend (1) full-year living, learning and experiencing leadership, excellence, character, and service in a Christian Summer Camp setting through the training and supervision of the Sky Ranch full-time staff. The secondary responsibility of the Legacy Fellowship is to equip individuals for effectively applying Biblical Leadership principles to significant ministry opportunities. All Fellows will reside during that time in the Gove Leadership Lodge and will have the opportunity to work hands-on in teaching, program development, youth ministry and service, while being taken through an extensive Leadership training course lead by Sky Ranch staff. The Legacy Fellowship will experience times of direct concentration in one area or multiple areas as leadership training and Sky Ranch programs dictate. Each experience involves assisting Sky Ranch Camp with investing in the lives of youth ages five to twenty-three with the Sky Ranch Life Map. This program will incorporate at times responsibilities within marketing, sales, counselor recruiting and other areas as needed.</em></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">On the 12th the Outdoor teachers are running a camp in West Virginia at the Hyatt Hilton, for the weekend (it's in Morgantown or something like that). The weekend is called iLead, playing off the iPod phenomena, and aims to teach 8th graders how to prepare for college. While there, I will be teaching a class on how to prepare financially for college. I know some of you might be falling off your chair thinking I will be teaching elite 8th graders how to save for college. But its ok....I was given a script! But what's even funnier was the first line of my script! This is what it says:</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">"The United States of America is the greatest country in the world"</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">I laughed my head off when I read it, infront of the people I was working with. I'm so glad they appreciated the humor, with me being Australian and all. The script goes on to talk about how great America's public school and university system, and how it is so readily available and affordable to just about any American. This is true........but it was just an ironic introduction for a foriegn teacher!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Oh....I told you the camp was called iLead, because of the whole iPod thing. Well, it turns out that we will be using iPods to help run the camp, and since we would all be teachers at the conference, Sky Ranch thought it would be necessary for us to all own one.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="left">So try to imagine the suprise on my face when I walk in to the OE (Outdoor Ed.) department for the first time, on my first day, after meeting everyone for the first time, and getting a little gift bag shoved in my hand, only to open it up and find a 30GB iPod Video in there!!!!!! I slept in half an hour, neglected my prayer time and still walk into a blessing like that......God is GOOD! Not only that, but it came with a case that has a speaker attached. Plus the gift bag has a bunch of candy in it which i was really excited about. Every OE teacher got one, and yes.....we get to keep them!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5017865414779661554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JVe-k03Ek5DtRAZN5XgfXpipsALogHOzvGt0m0_3fCC5cMmC8RNFOx5fEYgbwPnFww5UnN9Lss4LE-dsf-xa6v8-oY821YXmz-4Z-9WCiLA7e6HQcOO6C-_vMrih7Ir5BSqL6w/s320/DSC00836.JPG" border="0" /><em>So here is me with my iPod, incase you didn't believe me....also the most materialistic picture I've ever taken.</em></p><p>Candid assumptions I pondered after receiving gift:</p><ul><li>I bet every day will be like this!</li><li>I bet I'll be scrubbing toilets next week!</li></ul>But enough about that.....that wasn't even the beginning to amazing day I had. Directly after the iPod party, I went and met a whole lot more people, practiced for a skit for the WV thing, and took care of some paperwork and other housekeeping stuff.<br /><br /><br />One of the things I did today was buy some insurace for my new car! And yes, that was a gift too! Pat and Mary Beth Kelley's son Darren blessed me with a 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis, this weekend while I was in Dallas. It's an old ship, but she's a good one. Here's a picture:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5017864319563001042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdszMHh5ssBM96_YE8Yfus5aceF9pj2X8wBju_A5awZPlMYlLHD4FN-vUs5zigsHiUtys1wzJRdjS4Rgx5JxxClQfH_bKGt0wSEcFKN5RM2LmV3OWxuHINCN7hHIMRQjU6uu5sCw/s320/DSC00835.JPG" border="0" /><br /><em>Suggested names for the car: The Blue Mothership, The Skyboat, The Blue Voyager....any suggestions?</em><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5017864345332804834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPy-3K5SzdUrXKdPd0E0Rsoku5Tfyy0seEWy1dmNFZJi1mi5yEaB4pIwW7mj3MQXwkgA6VE48pMh_6FqsJHaX8HlcWy8vqvE25EwEOlMctv3R66djGdaxpCpe_t3Be1u0wuvp4A/s320/DSC00834.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p><em>I saw 2 beavers for the first time on the camp site today.....I wonder if this was one of them.</em></p><p>So God has just blessed me abundantly as I start this new job and new journey at Sky Ranch. I will be involved with so many new faces, places and oppurtunities. I can see how almost everything that has happenned in the last 4 months has been to <em>equip</em> me for this next year (thank you Connie!!!). And that God is faithfull, mercifull and always present. Whether you are excited or drained, have the spiritual low or high, get the tingling feeling in the arm or are numb to all <em>feeling</em>, He is there, in more ways than one.....just wait on Him and be obedient. He will show.</p><p><em>I am praying for you Kent.</em></p><p>I hope you can all keep in contact with me this way and catch up on how I am doing. I plan to be on here at least once a week, if not more. Please leave your comments and your emails....I am going to make a conscious effort to keep in touch. I miss most of you, excited to work with some of you and can't wait to see the rest of you again.</p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-1159414717548679152006-09-27T21:46:00.000-05:002006-10-05T13:58:36.130-05:00How to shave a beard?Ok....so i got a crazy story for ya..<br /><br /><strong>I shaved another guy's beard!</strong><br /><br />What? I know when a lot of people see me, they question whether or not I can shave my own beard properly (I have been known to look like a borderline terrorist)....so who on earth would let me shave their beard?<br /><br />Well, i was sitting with one of the guys that is a regular at our food pantry ministry and noticed that when he sipped his lemonade, it had to filter through his moustache to get to his mouth. Not only had his mo grown over his mouth, but his beard was almost long enough to get caught in the zipper of his jacket.<br /><br />Now i know this guy pretty well, and felt like i was at liberty to ask him when the last time it was that he had shaved. He didn't give me a time reference, but he said the last time he lost his job was when he had enough money to afford a shave, so that was it.<br /><br />I think it was just out shock that i just kinda blurted out...<br />"AFFORD?!?, Where do you go to get a shave?"<br /><br />He told me that he went to a barber once and it cost him $19 to get his beard shaved, and that he didn't have enough money to go get it done again.<br />So that pre-empted another flabergasted, shocked statement that wasn't thought out, or through, not thinking of the consequences.....you get the idea..<br /><br />"Dude, i'll do it for ya for free!"<br /><br />Almost immediately after I said it, I regreted it....becuase i just realized what I had asked...probably one of the most awkward offers that i have ever given in my life.<br /><br />There was still hope that he would knock me back given the wierdness of what I had just said, but with a big, delighted grin on his face......i knew what was coming.<br /><br />"No you wouldn't!?!"<br /><br />I sure would. One week later I cut, buzzed and shaved my way through this poor guy's beard in about an hour (with only a couple of razor cuts.....eeek!). He was so happy he could hardly keep the smile off his face, and he hadn't even looked in a mirror yet. My back was killing me from leaning over for that long, but i couldn't help but share in the joy he had on his face.<br /><br />I don't tell this story to try and point out the good deeds that I unassumingly throw myself into, I wanted to tell it because i believe that there are some basic BASIC needs that some people have in our communities that all of us (including myself), continue to look over because of it makes us feel uncomfortable. Some people just need someone to talk to and someone to listen to them without feeling uncomfortable.<br /><br />This guy was physically and mentally disabled and probably couldn't hold a razor straight if he tried (I'm not that much better, i soon figured out!). It seemed like he also didn't have the means to get his beard shaved and probably wouldn't be game enough to ask anyone to do it for him. It was a step out of my comfort zone (and probably a step out of his too!), but he really does look like a new man. I wish I had before and after pictures.<br /><br />~<em>Lord, I don't know where you intend to use me or send me or keep me, but I pray that you would reveal part of Your plan to me. At least enough to know what I should be doing now. Keep my heart searching and questioning, but not over the things of this world. May it be restless over You. Allow me to keep that focus, for your purpose. Amen~</em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-1158554899807779492006-09-17T23:44:00.000-05:002006-09-18T00:27:37.123-05:00<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/DSC00602.1.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="292" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/DSC00602.1.jpg" width="371" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>So today I enjoyed the last of my free time that I think I'm going to have for a while...</p><p>But it was some good free time! As you can see, i decided to be real geeky and take a picture of my new planner. It's a pretty beefy thing, but it's one of those organizers that has everything in it (including a spaces for 7 CDs!!). OK, i'll quit being a dork I guess. I got to enjoy some time in worship (me and my guitar), messing around with that photo and talking to a good friend from Dallas. Oh man I miss that city!</p><p>But I've noticed that, that city has been quite a source of worry for me lately. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE Dallas, but I worry because it's a place that I hopefully see in my <strong>future</strong>. And anytime I start thinking about the <strong>future</strong>.....I worry.</p><p>Do you ever have that problem? I think for the last couple weeks I've been <em>living</em> in the future. I've been <strong>fretting</strong> about where I should go next, <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">stressing</span></strong> about what I'm going to do for a living and<strong> <span style="font-size:180%;">hyperventilating</span></strong> about how much money that will make me!</p><p>Don't live in the future....it's a scarey place.</p><p>I started planning out all my stuff that i'll be doing for the next week and writing it down in my new planner and it's pretty exciting (return to dork phase). I'll be organizing and planning some youth events this week, as well as studying for a financial class and tommorrow I'll be starting Vineyard Leadership Intstitute (ministry training for our denomination). VLI will be just like going back to college because it's about 20 hours a week worth of study and reading! Today I'll also be working on Christmas plans, food pantry and organizing my work schedule.</p><p>Enthralling stuff I know........I agree with you, it all sounds pretty boring. But it's so much better than worrying about the big picture. It's almost a blessing to have so much to do and to focus on <strong>now</strong>, so I can stop worrying about what's going to happen <strong>later.</strong> I know God's got a plan.....can't I be happy enough with that?</p><p>I kept a good verse with me this week:</p><p><em>Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all that you do and He will direct your paths.<strong> </strong></em>- Proverbs 3:5-6</p><p>Thats a pretty good promise for me. I just hope I can keep my heart in good shape. I know it's going to be hard with a discouraging job and a little bit of free time. But I'm so blessed to have a Saviour that cares about me and my well being. I know that whatever the fall He will lift me up. </p><p>But when and where is all in the future...</p><p>Right now I've got to get some sleep......goodnight!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-1157834893042516892006-09-09T14:42:00.000-05:002006-09-09T15:48:13.116-05:00So Long Sweet Summer...Well....summer is officially over. And life has officially begun.<br /><br />Yeahp. You know that time in your life when you're actually done with college, are out on your own, and can make your own schedule and do what you like?<br /><br />Sounds great huh?<br /><br />Well for someone like me that is used to doing something 24/7 and usually has a plan for the next step in my life, I've found myself at the end of the suburban street, and at the beginning of the gravel road. In other words, i have no idea where I'm going, or what I should be doing, or what direction I should take.<br /><br />It's so hard to keep a future perspective when I'm not content with where I'm at. Don't get me wrong, I love the people I'm staying with. They have been so helpful and giving to me. The Gilberts are an amazing family and such a great reminder to me that God is willing to take care of me wherever I go.<br /><br />But I've got to gripe about my job for just a little bit! Maybe it's just because I'm coming off a three day stint where i've been working from 10am-7pm....but I'm almost positive I can't stand my job. I work for the school catering business Aramark, and most of my day is reserved to preparing food and cleaning dining rooms. A short part of my work day is spent serving students and sisters (nuns), which I see as valuable ministry time. But it has been real difficult to stay positive.<br /><br />Yesterday, I got delegated to scraping food that had stuck to the pans after the students were done eating. That got me pretty low...<br /><br />Sounding good now?<br /><br />But after I was done I went and hung out with my buddy Luke. It was just a great time to sit and relax, and chill (even though we were supposed to be working on youth stuff for our church). We just got to sit and talk about our futures, about life and about God's plan through all of it. He reminded me of a verse that I have kept with me all day today. It's one that we usually remember, but don't usually take into context:<br /><br />"I have learned to survive on almost nothing or everything. I have discovered the secret to living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with little or plenty. <span style="font-weight: bold;">For I can do everything through Christ, who strengthens me.</span>"<br />- Philippians 4:12-13<br /><br />Even though I'm going through some discontentment with my job, I know that God has a plan. He has not trained me and grown me to live in a life of fruitlessness and discouragement. Although I am stuck to serving and cleaning at the moment, I know that God has a purpose for it, even if it is to grow my endurance and prepare me for what's coming.<br /><br />It's funny how this one little thing can put everything into perspective for me. I am discontent with this job. But I am also a youth pastor and a ministry student. Two things I absolutely love doing. Two things that I am praying will be fruitfull and encouraging and effective. I'm praying that God will change this whole city, but I can only start with where I am.<br /><br />Right now I'm in a valley...but with God's grace I am not fearing the worst...He has always, and will always walk beside me and carry me to where He needs me.<br /><br />"Even though the journey's long,<br /><pre style="font-family: georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;">and I know the road is hard.<br />Well the one who's gone before me,<br />He will help me carry on.<br />And after all that I've been through,<br />now I realize the truth<br />that I must go through the valley<br />to stand upon the Mountain of God."</span></pre>-<span style="font-style: italic;">Mountain of God, </span>Third DayUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-1157341775578053212006-09-03T21:22:00.000-05:002006-09-03T22:49:36.056-05:00I am Already and Not YetSo i know i haven't posted in a while....<br />I know I haven't written about my summer...<br />I know I've probably lost a lot of readers...<br />But it's time to move on and get back in the blogging groove.<br /><br />I hope you can read the post before this one on Pat and Mary Beth. They are two people I lived with this summer that changed my life. They are amazing, and I miss them so much! Anyway, onto other things...<br /><br />Ever wondered what Jesus was talking about when He would talk about the coming of the Kingdom?<br /><br />I didn't.<br /><br />But just recently I watched this DVD by a guy named Derek Morphey, which completely blew my whole concept of Christianity out of the water. Before I continue, lets look at a couple of passages from the Gospels.<br /><br /><strong>From then on Jesus began to preach. <span style="color:#ff0000;">"Turn from your sins and turn to God, because the <u>Kingdom of Heaven is near.</u>"</span></strong> - Matthew 4:17<br /><br /><strong>One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, <span style="color:#000000;">"When will the Kingdom of God come?"</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Jesus replied, </span>"The Kingdom of God isn't ushered in with visible signs. You won't be able to say, 'Here it is!' or "It's over there!' For the <u>Kingdom of God is within you.</u>"</span></strong> - Luke 17: 20<br /><br />OK, so is the Kingdom of God here or is it coming?<br /><br />The answer: <strong>IT'S BOTH</strong><br /><br />Logically it makes no sense, which is why many theologians have decided to define it by calling it "Kingdom Language" (well.....its definately not English!). I guess the point of that is, is that we are supposed to be confused by this and have to try to define it within the context of "God's plan" or "God's Truth".<br /><br />If we take the coming of God's Kingdom to mean the arrival of His glory on earth, where His name is lifted above all others, where the blind will see and the deaf will hear and where Christ is present to all who believe......<br /><br />.....then this idea of God's Kingdom being <strong>Already</strong> here and <strong>Not Yet</strong> here at the same time, now makes perfect sense to me.<br /><br />Why?<br /><br />Have you ever witnessed something so amazing and miraculous that you find it hard to put into words the emotions you've felt? Maybe at times when you've fell in love, or witnessed a beautiful sunset, or had a prayer answered or hit a moment, like me, where you just can't explain the amazing thing that is happening to you right now in the present moment...<br /><br />...That is the Kingdom of God.<br /><br />Yet we don't feel these things all the time. Truth is, our bodies probably wouldn't be able to take it. Even the most hardcore Christians aren't beeming with joy 24 hours a day (although sometimes we think we ought to be). Infact, there are moments where we feel totally upset at life. We fail and we fall. We sin and we sell ourselves out. And we do it all the time.<br /><br />...We are human afterall.<br /><br />And God's Kingdom was not meant for this world. We want to be in God's presence all the time, but the truth is, our human bodies probably couldn't handle it. When we cry or laugh, our body jolts and jiggles and we are overcome with emotion to which our body uses these avenues to find a release. In quiet reflectful times we can also be overcome by insight and wisdom that we can admit we have had no part in aquiring.<br /><br />The fact is that God blesses us, in moments, with his coming Kingdom. He gives us a window into what will come when Christ finally returns. The Kingdom is <strong>within us</strong>, yet we have not yet experienced it all. But it is <strong>near.</strong><br /><br />There will be a time when Christ returns and those that believe in Him will be taken to His Kingdom instantly to live fully in the blessing of God. Yet for now, all we have are these glimpses. They are fully given by God's grace...yet our relationship with him deepens our experience. We are able to see more clearly God's kingdom in our lives because we are interacting with Him more.<br /><br />What an incredible promise from Jesus...<br /><br />The Kingdom of Heaven <strong>is near...</strong><br /><br />The Kingdom of God is <strong>within you...</strong><br /><br />I am <strong>Already</strong> and <strong>Not Yet...</strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-1154412705984276902006-08-01T00:15:00.000-05:002006-09-03T21:21:00.576-05:00Pat and Mary-Beth<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/DSC00501.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/DSC00501.0.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Pat and Mary-Beth Kelley have been the couple I have been living with for the last 2 and a bit months, and I just can't get enough of them. They are two of the most amazing people I have met in my short life, and have been nothing but generous, caring and loving to me ever since they met me. I never get to talk about them enough, so I figure I'll brag about them for a little while.<br /><br />Not only have they given me a place to stay (and eat at!) this summer, but they have also introduced me to their amazing family: their sons and daughters, and grand children (which are all around my age). There has never been a moment with them that i've felt uncomfortable or lacking something. They have made me feel right at home, and have spoiled me rotten since i've been here.<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/DSC00498.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/DSC00498.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Not only do I have a king size bed and my own room, but i also have free internet access, an incredible fridge full of food, and a bathroom that just miraculously cleans itself (thank you Mary-Beth!). I've tried to offer to help around the house, even just putting away the dishes or wiping down the table. But i have to have special permission to do those; not because i'm incapable, but because they just want to look after me.<br /><br />Most nights when I am home we will play Mexican Train Dominoes. It's a game I introduced them to when i first got here, and they love playing it. Sometimes i wonder why they like playing it so much, because i tend to win most games. I warned them from the beginning that I don't lose, but with their competitive spirit, they only saw that as a challenge! I love playing with them, because every game isn't just a game. It's another story about their life, or some funny instance that happenned to them during the day.<br /><br />They have imparted so much wisdom to me, that i should have written a book about my time here in Houston. I love spending time with Pat over lunch or breakfast and just talking about life; the decisions he has made, the funny stories from his college days, or just advice he gives me about relationships with people from all walks of life. Talking with Mary-Beth always cheers me up, whether its just talking about what has happenned that day, how I'm messing up my laundry, or giving her a hard time about going to the gym. She always has a warm smile and a big hug for any moment of the day.<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/DSC00503.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/DSC00503.0.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The fact that my mum called this morning, and asked Mary-Beth how "our" son is going, says a lot for these two amazing people. But it just amazes me how God fills our need for family when we need it. In my stay over the last 5 in the US, there has always been a family at some point in time that has stepped in for my biological family. It has made me value so much more, my own family back home, and what they have sacrificed for me to be over here.<br /><br />To Pat and Mary Beth, I thank you for being humble enough to welcome to into your family, and treat me as one of your own. I've been blessed because of you and have gained so much from your wisdom. May God Bless you both.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-1153892862991729692006-07-25T22:22:00.000-05:002006-07-26T00:47:43.066-05:00Please interceed...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/Face.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/Face.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />This weekend was one of the greatest weekends i've had in a while. I got to go to Dallas....one of my favorite places.....was able to be apart of a worship concert and got to hang out with some of my most favorite people in the world.<br /><br />However, the fallout of a weekend like that is always a bit of a let down. In my case, it got me thinking about the future.....which is never an enjoyable thing for me. Basically, it just causes a lot of stress....i'm getting hot flashes just typing about it (maybe its just because my laptop is burning up on my lap!).<br /><br />For me....the future is just too much to think about. Where am I going to live? What am I going to do? When am I going to settle down? When am I going to get married? How am I going to afford it? Sound familiar? If you roll all those questions together you just get a big ball of stress.....that i always hate dealing with.<br /><br />Plus, the last two days have been kinda lonely. I've been working by myself in the office becuase the younger kids are on mission trip (in Dallas of all places). So i've had to listen to my head instead of 4 ladies talking about girl stuff (which unfortunately is worse :)<br /><br />I hate these periods of my life, but they usually mark a turning point for me. I usually have to make a big decision which is uncomfortable, but turns out for the best. It's unfortunate that it's that predictable, which is why I'm praying for something out of the ordinary to happen. There are so many possibilities that i have ran through my head for the next few years of my life, but it would be great to experience a miracle....something out of the blue occur.<br /><br />Throughout the stress these last few days, "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls has been running through my head (maybe the loneliness has something to do with it). But it has been a powerful song for me. I sat down to play it today on the piano and while i was playing it I had one of those great moments when God decides to interceed without notice:<br /><br />"When everything's made to be broken,<br />I just want you to know who I am...<br />I just want you to know THAT I AM"<br /><br />For some reason it popped into my head, but it gave me a lot of comfort.....and for just a little while.....I understood that my future was in good hands. That God really does know me and what's best. That He is enough and His grace is limitless. I wish i could feel this way all the time, but moments of stress always seem to overcome that understanding, untill His limitless grace shows me mercy.<br /><br />That led me to this verse today:<br />"<span id="en-NLT-1594" class="sup"></span>God replied, "I AM THE ONE WHO ALWAYS IS. Just tell them, 'I AM has sent me to you.' " <span id="en-NLT-1595" class="sup"></span>God also said, "Tell them, `The LORD, the God of your ancestors--the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob--has sent me to you.' This will be my name forever; it has always been my name, and it will be used throughout all generations."<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">-Exodus 3:14-15<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>~God, you will always be there. I wish I could always be. But I thank you that you continue to show me mercy everyday, as your personal wish. Take my life and make something miraculous of it. Astound me in ways i can never predict....so that I may come to know the glory of Your name. Amen~<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-1153148666214607092006-07-17T09:50:00.001-05:002006-07-17T10:05:31.686-05:00Katrina Aftermath<OBJECT classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,0,0" WIDTH="320" HEIGHT="250" id="slideshow" ALIGN="center"><br /><PARAM NAME=movie VALUE="http://bjsphotos.myphotoalbum.com/mpa-slideshow.swf?xml_source=http://bjsphotos.myphotoalbum.com/flashslidexml.php?set_albumName=album10&timeout=60&license=IUBZ89235ZM6YFSLRTO9DN6IKN49JK"><br /><PARAM NAME=quality VALUE=high><br /><PARAM NAME=bgcolor VALUE=#000000><br /><EMBED src="http://bjsphotos.myphotoalbum.com/mpa-slideshow.swf?xml_source=http://bjsphotos.myphotoalbum.com/flashslidexml.php?set_albumName=album10&timeout=60&license=IUBZ89235ZM6YFSLRTO9DN6IKN49JK" <br />quality=high bgcolor=#000000 WIDTH="320" HEIGHT="250" NAME="slideshow" <br />ALIGN="center" TYPE="application/x-shockwave-flash"<br />PLUGINSPAGE="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"><br /></EMBED><br /></OBJECT><br /><br /><br />Take some time to see what Katrina has left in its wake, one year after it hit New Orleans.<br /><br />Please pray for this city and it's people.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-1152424468045590322006-07-09T00:42:00.000-05:002006-07-09T00:54:28.063-05:00On a Mission in New Orleans...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/katrina-new-orleans-la-08-31-2005b.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/katrina-new-orleans-la-08-31-2005b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />This week I am on the road again. I know i haven't updated since the last round of trips i've been on. But i get the feeling that this one is going to stick with me for a while...<br /><br />On Sunday morning a group of 36 from our church will be making the journey to New Orleans o participate with Habitat for Humanity and Mission Lab to be a small part of the re-building process in New Orleans.<br /><br />I feel blessed just to even be going on this trip, as i know many have gone before us and prepared the way so we can work. But this is a part of America where many have been struck by deep poverty, if they weren't in it already. Ever since hurricane Katrina I have wanted to be able to participate in just a small way, and getting that chance makes me feel extremely blessed.<br /><br />But i also know that it will be a testing time for me and many of the others we will be working with.<br /><br />I would ask that you would pray not just for me and our church, but for the lives we will come into contact with while in New Orleans. If you could leave a prayer in the comment section of this post, i would really appreciate it.<br /><br />I'll be gone for a week...<br />Who knows if i will come back...<br /><br />~God.......my heart and prayers goes out to those that have been struck by the devastation of last years hurricanes. I don't know what this trip will bring for me or our church, but all i ask is that your will would be done in New Orleans. That you would use us for that divine will. And in someway....in some small part, bring a glimpse of Your hope and peace to the citizens of this city. I can't praise you enough for this oppurtunity. Grow me and use me on this journey. In Jesus' name. Amen~Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-1151613296096849332006-06-29T07:30:00.000-05:002006-07-01T15:10:28.006-05:00The Spiritual Life (Another Imperfect Analogy)<em>Since I've been in Miami, I've been running every day on the beach. I love it! The first day we got here I really felt like God was speaking to me while I was running. He didn't say anything....He just let me run.....A real long way......So this is what happenned. But first, a good Word.</em><br /><br /><strong>But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for</strong><strong> Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body.</strong><br /><strong><em>2 Corinthians 4:7-11</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />Begin.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/BJ%20the%20muscle%20man.2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/BJ%20the%20muscle%20man.2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I pose.<br />I flex.<br />BIG muscles....yeah right.<br />Click Click<br />"Seeya when you get back"<br />I start running.<br />The sand is soft.<br />The water is warm<br />My legs are loaded.<br />First beach in over a year.<br />I'm excited and confident.<br />I'm gonna run to the end of this beach.<br /><br />There are so many hotels!<br />They are so marvellous.<br />But not for a beach.<br />I wonder where they end?<br />I bet at that big one.<br />That's how far I'll run.<br />Yeah! It's not even that far.<br />I bet there'll be a park.<br />Maybe some grass and dunes<br />And trees. Palm trees.<br />It'll be real nice.<br />It'll be just like home.<br /><br />I look to the sand.<br />Cratered by footprints.<br />Remnants of sweet adventures.<br />I look to the water.<br />Tiny ripples but no waves.<br />An infinite invitation for a runner.<br />I wonder where it ends?<br />It's gonna feel great when i stop.<br />Stop running?<br />I could go for days!<br />Forrest Gump style!<br />I am free and alive.<br /><br />Ten minutes pass.<br />This is so pretty.<br />I could write about this!<br />I could live at a beach.<br />I will live at a beach!<br />And run everyday!<br />I will be at one with nature.<br />I will be so healthy and buff!<br />My wife will like that.<br />I bet i've run pretty far.<br />I'm not even tired yet.<br />That big hotel is getting pretty close.<br /><br />Twenty minutes pass.<br />This sand is getting soft<br />Real soft. Harder to run.<br />There are rocks i have to dodge.<br />There are people in my way.<br />Up the dune. Softer sand.<br />Two pretty girls.<br />"Hi."<br />"Hi."<br />............<br />I never look back.<br />This beach aint got nothin' me.<br /><br />Thirty minutes pass.<br />I'm covered in sweat.<br />I've been running on an angle.<br />That must be bad for my feet.<br />I wonder where my parents are?<br />They're probably wondering where i am.<br />Too bad. I'm gonna make it to the end.<br />You still feeling good?<br />Ouch! Stepped on a rock.<br />I like pain!!!<br />I'm still not at that big hotel.<br />Not too far now. I'll make it.<br /><br />Should be spending time with mum.<br />I've ran pretty far.<br />I still feel good.<br />The end will be worth it.<br />Trees. Palm trees. Home.<br />Suddenly I stop.<br />I start walking.<br />Why did i stop?<br />I stand.<br />I see Eden Roc Hotel.<br />How imperfect is this?<br />There are a lot of people here.<br /><br />I walk out into the water.<br />Oh this feels good!<br />My body cools.<br />My feet soothe.<br />I walk out deeper.<br />I see the big hotel.<br />I walk out further.<br />I see more hotels.<br />And no palm trees.<br />Then, I realize where I am.<br />I emerse my sore body.<br />This must be heaven.<br /><br />End.<br /><br /><strong>I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. </strong><br /><strong><em>Phillippians 3:12-14</em></strong><br /><p>Post-ending. </p><p>Then I realize I have to run back.<br />I swim back to shore.<br />I walk out on the hot sand.<br />My body is aching.</p><p>I pose.<br />I flex.<br />Lots of wierd looks.<br />Oh well.<br />I start running.<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-1151304011060590802006-06-24T20:12:00.000-05:002006-06-26T02:13:37.400-05:00Update! Update!<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/DSC00070.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/DSC00070.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Beauti</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >ful cloud over Houston sunset</span><br /><br />So it's about time i gave an update.....so much has happenned in the last couple of weeks that i've kinda been putting it off.....i guess that just means more stuff to update on....<br /><br />So camp was an amazing time. I had the chance to really get to know a lot of the kids in our youth group at Cypress Creek, but also a lot of the kids in the area Disciples churches . I was the co-leader of a small group, and the laughing stock of the whole camp! I gotta admit though....i kinda brought it on myself, being Australian and all.....hehehe. Well, i also wore a bunch of "orange head accessories" as one camper called it. I had two orange hats, plus i brought an orange scarf.....which i ended up wearing on my head.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/DSC00028.4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/DSC00028.4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">My buddy Isaac from Camp. Please be praying for him.</span><br /><br /></span>There were so many stories that came out of that camp that i'd be crazy to try write them all down. The most fulfilling parts for me was definately the small group time and the worship. Some of the discussions that took place in our group were really well. They definately challenged my faith, and hopefully deepened some of the campers. The worship times were excellent too. I got to befriend an amazing couple: Chris and Janelle Henderson, who led the worship sessions every day. Just being able to interact and fellowship with them was so rewarding, and them allowing me to lend some of my musical gifts was the greatest gift for me at that camp. I really feel like it helped me develop a greater passion for worship and getting involved.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/DSC000061.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/DSC000061.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Me and Chris jammin during some free time</span><br /></div>After a week of camp, and life away from reality (it's really nice...you should try it sometime!), we came back to another crazy week of full on work in youth ministry at Cypress Creek. Not only are we frantically preparing for mission trip (in the second week of July), but we also had a bunch of programs this week. Tuesday we had Altered practice (our youth band which has two gigs in Dallas in July), Wednesday was bible study (we got through Daniel Chp 2, and the mini-van got a new paint job), and Thursday was TAN DAY!! One of the coolest service days i've ever been on (i wrote about it on our church youth blog <a href="http://cccc4life.blogspot.com">cccc4life.blogspot.com</a>).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/DSC00022.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/DSC00022.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Me snarfing (inhaling) some chocolate pudding out of a styrofoam cup!</span><br /></div>Friday and Saturday were also AMAZING! Friday.....i managed to accomplish absolutely NOTHING AT ALL!!! It was a great feeling. Saturday i wrote a couple emails and played some cards and dominoes with Mary Beth and Pat. I tried to teach them Hand and Foot, but i think i messed up somehow....i'm gonna have to get the Gilberts to help me out with that.<br /><br />Today was pretty awesome though. After church we had a ground breaking for the new youth building which will be completed within a year (i think). Then Sunday School, and youth group tonight which was awesome. It was a worship night, and i got to lead. I think it was the first time i've ever felt confident leading worship, and feeling good about it when it was done. It was a great night where we really focused on the lyrics, intertwined with scripture, and some good prayer time. It was much needed for me.....i pray that the kids felt the same.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/DSC00069.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/DSC00069.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Chelsey, Lindsey and Jenica re-doing the soccer mum mini-van.</span><br /></span></div>So thats got to be the shortest version of a two week update i've ever done! I'm hoping to get a video up on here pretty soon of the church where i work.....that will be coming. Also! Tommorrow i leave for MIAMI!!!! I'm off to see my MUM!!!! I'm so excited.....i haven't seen here in over a year now, and there is so much we will catch up on. I'm thinkin a lot of beach time too! I can't wait! Please be praying about that!<br /><br />Well that's about all i got.....you guys have a great week, hopefully i can update from Miami....Love you guys. God BlessUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-1150860580609127152006-06-20T22:21:00.000-05:002006-06-21T09:53:45.310-05:00Rainy Day, Happy God (and dog!)<p><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-_Uee6RxVwU" width="425" height="350" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed><p>I came home from the church a couple of days ago and there was a dog out running in the rain. As i pulled up and got out of my car, it came up to me and jumped up on me like it was so happy to see me. It started running around in a playful attitude like it wanted to play. As it ran through our grass, beads of water and shards of green would get thrown up into the air, and it was a beautiful site. It was a pretty dog, and it looked like it was having so much fun out in the rain.</p><p>I couldn't help but stand out there and play with it for a while. All i had to do was stamp my feet and it would go off running like i was behind it, playing tag or something. It would then come to a stop, where if i stomped again....off it would go! It just seemed so happy to have someone show it some attention and play with it in the rain.</p><p>After i went inside and showered up, had something to eat, played the piano for a bit, talked to Pat and Mary-Beth, a friend showed up to take me to another friends house to hang out for the night. We walked outside and got in the car, but as i was opening my door, the dog appeared out of nowhere!!! It must have hung around outside for a good 3 hours waiting for me to come back out!! I felt a lot of emotion for that pup as we drove off, and it stood in the middle of the road, still looking as playful as ever, and happy to be out and about.</p><p>There are many days where i marvel at God's creation, and how it continues to astound us and remind us of his presence. As I was playing with that dog the other day, i really felt like God was there.....maybe not in me, but somewhere in that dog. Like a good friend, it came out of nowhere and was so happy to see me, it played with me almost in an attempt to lift my spirits as high as it's were, and it hung around to make sure I was doing ok, and having a good time, even if it wasn't involved.</p><p>I wasn't particularly feeling down, or depressed or upset that day, but this dog didn't seem to care. It just wanted to make sure i was as happy as I could be, or at least excited as it was to be free.....out and roaming in the world.......being itself......even in the rain.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-1149953145385770282006-06-10T10:02:00.000-05:002006-06-10T10:25:45.403-05:00Off to camp!Hey!<br /><br />Just thought i'd update to say that I'm going to be away at a camp this week with all the area high-school kids from the Disciples of Christ church. It's going to be an awesome week, with lots of fun planned....but i hope that God's plan for this week will reveal itself to everyone in a big way.<br /><br />I really would appreciate if you could pray for our campers this week, as we get to spend a week away from reality this week. I know its going to be a good break for them, and i pray so much that the Holy Spirit will become a permanent mark on many kids lives this week.<br /><br />Please pray for me and the rest of the adults too, that our endurance and strength will last this week. That even after the blistering heat and day full of rowdy activities, we would be able to make time for the kid that has a late night question about why we exist!<br /><br />~God, I thank you so much for this oppurtunity. I pray that you would bless this week; that relationships would be able to grow; that the rational could take a backseat to the divine; that your love may be shared in a life-altering way; that Christ would show his face to each and every youth. I praise you for this oppurtunity. I love you Lord. Amen~Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-1149700905586709922006-06-07T12:17:00.000-05:002006-06-08T10:28:31.463-05:00Can you bear it?<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/DSC000011.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/DSC000011.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/resist%20the%20urge.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/resist%20the%20urge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>No!!!! The urge is too strong.......mmmust...tttouch...ccarving!!! Argghhhh!! </strong><br /><br />I went to go get my passport in order a couple of days ago (it expires in July), and i had to go<br />down to downtown Houston to find the Australian consulate. I was driving around for a while down there, before i finally found the place inside a small, almost residential looking, art gallery! It was a showcase of Aboriginal art, with a small office on the side which i guess they call the consulate. I actually walked in the office thinking it was another part of the gallery, when i saw the consulate general sitting behind a small desk!<br /><br />"Whoops! i guess i'll come back later!"<br /><br />All that aside....there was this really cool crocodile carving, with an even cooler warning beside it. I'm kinda looking forward to going back next week to re-submit my passport app. (since i didn't have all the paperwork). Maybe i could touch the carving!!!! Nooo!!! Must resist the urge!!!!<br /><br />What's kind of funny, now that i think about it, is that our first bible study kind of tied into all that. We've started a study on the book of Daniel; we went over the first chapter yesterday. It talks about how Daniel and his posse were taken from their families Jerusalem, cross-country to Babylon to start a three-year study program so they could be advisors to the king over there. A bunch of other people were brought over too. They were all given the finest food and wine to drink and a great education. But Daniel decided that he wasn't going to accept the food and wine; it went against his religious laws, and felt it was displeasing God. So he negotiates with the officials and pulls a deal:<br /><br /><em>"Test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water," Daniel said. "At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king's rich food. Then you can decide whether or not to let us continue eating our diet." So the attendant agreed to Daniel's suggestion and tested them for ten days.</em><br />(To demonstrate what this must have been like for Daniel, i made our group eat Vegemite on crackers!)<br /><br />After ten days, they were stronger and healthier than the rest of the recruits, and God blessed them for their obedience with a lot of wisdom, so they could understand their education far better than the rest.<br /><br />I really felt like that step of faith Daniel took can really apply to a lot of us today. We are constantly told that everything in moderation is a good thing. The problem is, that "everything", apparentley applies to EVERYTHING: alcohol, drugs, sex...etc. I really don't think most of us realize how even "a little" of these things can change the course of our lives, or even influence the course of others.<br /><br />It's also interesting that we use that phrase to rationalize the things we do that go against our beliefs......*I'm the first guilty culprit*. I'm so glad Jesus didn't come down and say ".....but the greatest of these commandments is to enjoy everything is moderation!" I get the feeling he wanted us to <strong>love in excess</strong>, not by becoming apart of the crowd or the pressure to follow a cultural norm, but by loving God and others. And especially yourself. Somehow, i think Daniel understood that.<br /><br />Well, i'm glad i got that out of my system.....haven't done that in a while. Hope everyone is having a good week! I'm missin my Kansas peeps!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-1149109402759190442006-05-31T15:28:00.000-05:002006-06-03T23:55:57.946-05:00R & R & Rock Climbing!!!<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/DSC09999.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/DSC09999.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Patrick belaying Dustin with Crystal looking on.....they knew what they were doing!</strong><br /><br />So...back to work this week...but last weekend was total veg out for me. I tried to figure when the last time was that i spent a day and did nothing......i got back as far as March and thought i better stop there. But this last weekend was great! I think i spent over 20 hours on Friday and Saturday in my bed, either sleeping or just doing nothing!<br /><br />We had a daily devotional today before we started work which focused on the importance of having a day off each week. I thought to myself "Hmmmm, maybe having two is a little self indulgent!", but i definately justified that thought with everything that has happenned in the last month.....or two.<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/DSC09998.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/DSC09998.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Kristin and John Frey</strong><br /><br />On Monday (memorial day over here), i went rock climbing with a bunch of the kids from the youth group at this indoor rock climbing center called Stone Moves. It was awesome! We were there for about 2 and a half hours.....and it rocked!! (pardon the pun). I got to hang out with the kids a little more and get to know some of the guys that worked at the place....they were all real cool, and could do some pretty amazing stuff on the walls. One of the guys was telling us how he could get to the top of a wall in four moves......after a few laughs from us, he went over to the wall.....and did it. We were all pretty impressed.<br /><br />I've really found myself struggling with this idea of balancing work and rest. I'm in a position where i love my job so much, that it doesn't really feel like work, and that i'm working 12 hour days without even thinking twice about it. I guess it's because i haven't really found a social scene here in Houston yet.....or a group of guys i can go shoot hoops with or hang with. But i get the feeling that even if i had that, i'd still want to be at work, in the youth room, or just getting things done.<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/DSC00006.9.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/DSC00006.8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Me trying to tight-rope walk....i didn't get very far!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />I get this image of me as a candle, with a fire burning at one end , yet knowing that there is an end to the wick. Is youth ministry just like that? You just work untill all of your energy. or your enthusiasm just comes to an end , when you're out of wax (whatever that represents)? All i know for know is that i'm loving my job, learning that i need to pace myself and living an experience that i'll remember for the rest of my life. Praise God!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-1148530307700069442006-05-24T20:53:00.000-05:002006-05-24T23:20:08.993-05:00Brenton "Soccer Mum" Jayatilaka<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/DSC09990.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/DSC09990.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So it has begun....the craziness that is Summer. But as you might be able to tell...it has been a lot of fun so far. The car pictured above, is my vehicle for the summer - one that the church that I am at have so graciously provided me with. It has been dubbed "the Church Mini-Van" and I am it's "Soccer Mum". After i discovered that i was going to fill this position for the summer, i figured i'd "pimp" the car out with soccer mum apparell. I'll leave a list of all the stuff i put in it at the bottom....you can probably see most of it from the pics.<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/DSC09991.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/DSC09991.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />(^^^Like the soccer mum sticker!). My other job (as a youth pastor intern!) has been just amazing. For instance, i worked 13 hours yesterday (9-10) and i didn't even realize it untill i came home! I know i'm going to have to slow it down a little otherwise i might burn out....but i'm just having so much fun. I got to meet so many of the youth on Sunday, and even participate in a Ping Pong tournament fundraiser that the youth were holding! My first match was against the senior pastor (Glenn Wilkerson), and i beat him 15-4!!! Afterward he gave me a big hug and welcomed me to the church! But he did say that he's never seen anyone that didn't care so little for his job security!!<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/DSC09992.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/DSC09992.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I've been living with Patrick and Mary-Beth Kelley, who have been two of the sweetest people i've met since i've been here. They have pretty much accepted me as a part of their family since i got here. They have provided me with a room and have shown me the love of Christ everytime i've been with them (unfortunately, it hasn't been too much...tonight is the first night i've been home before 10pm in 4 days!). I have truly been blessed with this oppurtunity, and I'm so happy just to be able to be in the position to be in a job where i am paid to share God's love. I hope that all full time ministers can remember this at some point in their careers, as it really is God's grace at work.<br /><br />So i know you've been anxiously waiting to read how "pimped" out my car is.....so here's the list:<br />- Ultra-bright windshield sun protector<br />- Smiley face antenna ball<br />- Soccer Mum sticker (all important)<br />- Overuse of in-car air-freshners (i have two....and yes, it smells like a flower garden)<br />- Chalk on the windows reading "Cy Creek Going to State!!"<br />- Eratic driving on the highways (just kidding!!!)<br /><br />I hope all that reads is having a great summer (or winter, back home!) and please let me know how everything is going! *Leave a comment*!!!<br /><br />God Bless "Ya'll"!<br /><br />P.S. Check out the new Youth Blog I helped make for our youth group here in Houston:<br /><a href="http://CCCC4Life.blogspot.com">CCCC4Life.blogspot.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-1147971360372587252006-05-18T10:57:00.000-05:002006-05-18T11:56:00.456-05:00From Graduation to Dallas<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/May%20"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/May%20%2706%20083.0.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />What an incredible month it has been! It has been so busy, but so rewarding. I've had friends visit from Australia, finished up with school, GRADUATED, and had my Dad and Step Mum come and visit for a week! But so much more has happenned.....I had a beautiful reception after graduation, where my family from all over the world were able to meet...some for the first time.<br />I was able to take my Dad and Step Mum to Kansas City and show them the Plaza and the Blue Room; to Highland to meet the family up there and finally to Dallas to see some friends i made last summer.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/May"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/May%20%2706%20101.0.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Everything has gone off without a hitch, and i sit here marvelling at how blessed I have been. There have been several moments this week where I've had to stop and catch myself wondering what life would be like without all these oppurtunities and priveliges. I don't think i've had more than 5 hours of sleep a night for the last night, just because i've been doing things that i enjoy doing.....not because i have to work, or commit to an obligation...but purely because i am just enjoying life and who i am at the moment.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/May"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/May%20%2706%20Leaving%20001.0.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I really believe that this is one of God's greatest gifts He provides us: when we finally feel blessed with who we have become....even if it is for a brief moment. I've had these moments every now and then in my life.....but it really feels like i've been riding this wave of blessing for about a month. However...I am still restless. I still feel like i am grabbing and reaching for more examples of Christ's life like a kid in a candy store. I still want to share the Gospel with all that I meet....but more as an example, rather than a preacher. I find myself constantly reveiwing my actions in a positive light.....and learning more from my mistakes.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/DSC09946.0.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/DSC09946.0.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />On Saturday, I will take another step in my life's journey, and travel to Houston to begin my youth pastor internship at Cypress Creek Christian Church. I will be there for three months learning and gaining experience in full-time ministry, and truly find if this is where God wants me in my life. I am so excited at the prospect of spending three months with a new group of highschoolers, getting to know them and sharing the Gospel with them. With all this going on though...i can't help but stop to think of all my friends and family i'll be leaving behind for a little while....I'm going to miss everyone so much...please keep in touch!<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/DSC09955.0.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/DSC09955.0.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />~God, i can't praise you enough for all that you do in my life. I don't know what i did to deserve this blessed life, but i know that Your Son has provided the Way for me. I thank you Jesus for all that you have saved me from, and pray that you would continue to bless the lost, downtrodden and impoverished. I love you Lord. Amen~Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-1146707234429390962006-05-03T20:19:00.000-05:002006-05-04T08:22:55.770-05:00Ode to Human IngenuityWell done mortal men!<br />We have done very well!<br />We have captured the essence of heaven,<br />And conquered the depths of hell!<br /><br />We have built buildings high<br />And discovered seas low<br />We have allowed man to fly<br />And made it a great show!<br /><br />We have pondered great thought<br />And philosophized deep theory<br />Our minds can think not<br />Of the limit to our creativity!<br /><br />Let us boast to the degree<br />That all of gravity can hold<br />Let me flick on the switch<br />So that all of us can see<br /><br />Whoops! I forgot to change the light bulb!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11694047.post-1146375139105211782006-04-30T00:05:00.000-05:002006-04-30T16:02:23.946-05:00Guitar Hero Night!!!! (cont.)The saga continues......<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/Guitar%20Hero%204-28-06%20004.1.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/Guitar%20Hero%204-28-06%20004.1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Dukey himself thought that if he maybe wore a hat he would be as good as Greatness.....how wrong he was....<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/Guitar%20Hero%204-28-06%20012.1.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/Guitar%20Hero%204-28-06%20012.1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Dukey struggled to find strength, as Greatness took off his hat.........and beat him anyway!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/Guitar%20Hero%204-28-06%20014.1.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/Guitar%20Hero%204-28-06%20014.1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This made Dukey very sad......<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/Guitar%20Hero%204-28-06%20010.1.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/Guitar%20Hero%204-28-06%20010.1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />And the Dunce just got confused......and started playing the guitar behind her head.....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/1600/Guitar%20Hero%204-28-06%20011.1.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2915/959/320/Guitar%20Hero%204-28-06%20011.1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As the game came to a close, onlookers watched in amazement, and dreamed of one day becoming a Guitar Hero Superstar, like Greatness.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5