I guess I would be an Amsterdammer!

You Belong in Amsterdam

A little old fashioned, a little modern - you're the best of both worlds. And so is Amsterdam. Whether you want to be a squatter graffiti artist or a great novelist, Amsterdam has all that you want in Europe (in one small city).

What European City Do You Belong In?

I'll always stand . . .for you

Tuesday night I went to see Delirious and Tree 63 in a free concert in clarksburg, WV.

It was an interesting evening. I found myself a little detached from all that was happening on the stage. I listened to the lyrics and let them resonate in my mind. As the musicians played, I found myself engaged in conversations with the people around me. There is a lot of pain and hurt in our world, and it seems like sometimes it won't stop. I am shocked at the hurts some of my friends have had to walk through.

As I listened to conversations, and I listened to the lyrics, I felt a bit of the despair of so many of the young people assembled in this venue.

The chorus of one of the songs Tree63 sang is the title of this blog.

I felt like as i heard the lyrics it was like the musicians and the people in the audience were making a commitment beyond their capabilities, like saying something they could never live up to.

I think sometimes we make statements like this, and then, if we fail, guilt and shame overwhelm us, and we end up sliding away because of our failures.

Christianity bids us toward something different. We are to run hard after God, and if we fall, we are to allow grace to keep us standing up, and keep on running.

Don't let sin entangle you, cast it off, and run!

Spring???

I don't want to jump the gun on this one. I thought spring was here a week or two ago, and then it got cold again. I had a great day yesterday though. Early in the day I was able to get a lot of work done. Late in the afternoon I rode my bike out to meet a buddy of mine for a late lunch. Afterward, I figured I would use one of my tremendous starbucks gift cards and get myself a little coffee, and read outside. While I was sitting there, one of the Baristas approached me, sat down at my table, and completely interrupted my reading.

But it was cool. You see, I go do work out in the midst of people knowing that there will be interruptions. There will be conversations that start. There will be kairos moments in the midst of chronos time.

Yesterday was no exception. I sat and talked to a guy named Justin who was a little shocked when he found out what I do for a living. I like that. It means that I probably don't fit any stereotypes. After he found out, the questions flew though. We talked about justice and our need for relationships, and I was able to talk to him about how Jesus came not only to die for our sins, but to show us how to truly live.

Unfortunately, I had to curtail the conversation because of a prior engagement, but we had a good hour of laughing and being serious, and sharing both our frustrations and joys in this life. I was also able to share a little bit of hope--both for this life and for the age to come.

Do you make yourself available for God to interrupt your life? I would love to hear about a Kairos moment you have had recently.

The Passion

The Passion, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

Last night I went with a few friends to see the Passion in Morgantown High School's auditorium. It was a quality performance. It was really cool to be on the watching side of the performance this time.

If you have an opportunity, you should go see this drama. Whether you are a follower of Jesus or not, the play is definitely worth seeing. The performers, are of an amazing caliber--this didn't feel like a church production.

Go see it. Take a friend. Meet the cast.

Priorities

Tonight in our canvas group we started off talking about the Widow of Nain and Jesus' healing of two blind men. Then the time together took an interesting change of direction. A guy who has been coming fairly regularly this semester shared a burden he was feeling that people weren't making the Bible a priority.

It's kind of Ironic, this subject keeps coming up. A group of people who want to live under the reign of Jesus would be students of the text, one would think. And yet, the Bible remains the most popular, and yet least read, text in America if not the world today.

It's an amazing book, the Bible. Maybe it is just too intimidating. I don't think it is that we don't understand it. I think it's kind of like what Mark Twain once said, "It's not the parts of the Bible that I don't understand that bother me, it's the parts I do understand." Maybe there is a healthy fea of not being able to live in accordance with the Kingdom of God. Maybe there is a fear of allowing the with God life to be made manifest in our lives. Maybe there is a fear of cost. Ignorance is not bliss though. We have a divine call to abide in Christ and allow his words to abide in us.

Wouldn't it be amazing if our towns were transformed by the church. Wouldn't it be amazing if people were caught up by what they saw in the life of the people of God's church?

Let us be students of the sacred text, and let God change our lives through it. Let's live it out day by day!

The Season is Over, or is it?

Mrach Madness lost its appeal on March 23 when WVU lost at the buzzer to Texas. It seemed to revive a bit when George Mason upset UConn to the chants of "Go Kryptonite!" Somehow the season was over before it was over. I lost interest when the championship game was going to be UCLA and Florida. There just wasn't a huge appeal for me. And tonight's game had no excitement to it. 73-57 Florida won. It's their first National Championship in basketball, and I am sure there are many chanting, "It's great to be a Florida Gator" in Gainesville.

Personally, I'm looking forward to the celebration of an even greater victory. In less than two weeks, I will celebrate with millions around the world the greatest victory ever won. The powers of death, sin, and evil were decisively beaten by Jesus the Messiah through the cross. The lenten season comes to an end soon, but this magnificent victory will continue to be celebrated forever and ever.

So, let's celebrate!!!

Bumper Stickers

Earlier this week I was doing some research for my English class when I came upon a web site that had a bumper sticker photographed and posted on it. The bumper sticker said, April 1, National Athiests Day. Underneath it was a scripture which stated, "The fool has said in his heart there is no God." At first, I thought it was a rather ironic holiday. Then I realized it was actually a comic bumper sticker poking fun at athiests in the same way many athiests or non-Christians put Darwin fish on their cars.

Why do we choose to be so mean. While there is a certain degree of humor in a statement like these bumper stickers depict, it is a bit mean at the same time. Do we really need to put statements like this on our cars. I googled the statement on the bumper sticker, and I found that the bumper sticker was sold at Christian book stores. While I admire the creativity of putting the scripture and the date of the year together in a humorous way, I was saddened at the same time. I just thought that it seemed like we might be "returning evil for evil" when we mock and ridicule others. And when the sticker is sold in a Christian establishment, and someone is making a profit from it, it seems even more outrageous.

I wonder how many areas of our individual and communal lives we are allowing another standard to rule in our lives?

32

Yesterday I celebrated my 32nd birthday. There wasn't a lot of fanfare, and people didn't line the streets or anything, but it was an incredible day. I was actually able to steal away for a bit in the afternoon and go for a bike ride and a hike with my dad. The evening ended on a relaxing note with me watching Indian TV (a fire) with a few friends outside my house.

I was thinking about my life and the life of another person who turned thirty two a long time ago. I wonder what Jesus was doing on His 32nd birthday. I wonder who He was serving during his second year on earth? Who were the people He was building into? He was standing about a year before the cross, I wonder if he knew then exactly how and when it was all going to go down.

At age thirty-two, I have been able to drive for half of my life. Sixteen years of my life I have been able to drive a car, and help others on long road trips. I kind of take it for granted sometimes that I've had that luxury for half of my life.

My favorite basketball player of all time is Magic Johnson. Do you know what his jersey number is? 32.

As I sit at this pinnacle in my life, I am hopeful that my next 32 will be even better than my first 32, and my first thirty two have been awesome.

My goal this year is to not attempt to do everything all at once. I feel the pull of so many different demands on my life, and I try to answer them all--all the time. Nobody can do that. So I am lerning. And this year I am being intentional about it.

For instance. I can't plan out a vacation as I blog--one thing at a time.

Do you have any big goals for your next year of life?

Posting Lag

I wasn't able to post yesterday or Tuesday, but I am back to the world of blogging. Should have more to say later. Right now my shoulder is aching and I am getting ready to ride my bike and play some basketball. Long day today, but it should be fun too!!! My folks are coming up for a visit.

Take some time to enjoy the day--it is supposed to be beautiful 70+ degrees (finally spring may be here!!!).

People of the Book

It's a bit ironic. As Christians, we are called by some "the people of the book." Yet, the more I talk to people, I find that it isn't so much that the book is actually read as much as it is carried around (which might be a form of exercise for some).

There are all kinds of Bibles in many of our homes, but do we use this text to shape our lives, or is it simply an ornament, or a good luck charm. Kind of like a lucky rabbit's foot.

A group of students in towers tonight made a commitment to begin reading the word and letting it shape their lives. I told them about this blog, so maybe some of what is shaping them will in turn shape you as well.

Have you immersed yourself in the text lately?

Slack

That's what you can call me. I had all of these great aspirations of being able to keep up with one entry per day. But I have failed miserably. I could blame my lack of accessability, but I always have home as an option. In spite of my lack of entries, I have much to blog about. My mountaineers have fallen. I loaned out my camera, and so I haven't been able to keep up with the photo aspect of this blog.

Anyway, I'm back on track!

Busy Day

So this is why I have had a hard time blogging. It is 11:07PM and I am just settling in for the night. I got up at 5:20 this morning. That's what I call a long day.

My english class was pretty interesting today. We spent a lot of time talking about Native American stuff, so I was in a zone. This class seems like the first one that has pulled from a number of areas that I am passionate about. I've been able to talk about faith, history, Indian policy, linguistics, and even where the idea of being "american" comes from.

It was really fun. After four years in the program, I am starting to get a feel for writing scholarly work. Writing messages has probably also helped develop that skill.

It's ironic, because when I was in my undrgrad, I seemed to have a knack for communicating with clarity, and then as i journeyed away from writing for about 5 years, it was like there was a cloud in my mind. I feel like the cloud is being lifted.

Have you ever felt like that? Like you can't think clearly, or that you have a scattering of thoughts in your mind? At times it can be confusing because it feels like there are eight different unrelated thoughts going on in my mind. Writing has helped me focus, but this entry might not show it.

It has been a long, busy scattering day, so I am going to go spend some time centering my heart and mind on the words of my Rabbi Jesus.

Oh! The Irony

Here it is, just after making a commitment to a daily blog, I have already missed two days. I guess that is part of the challenge, right, following through on the commitment. I had a feeling it would be difficult, and that was part of the reason I made the commmitment. It is not easy for anybody to start or maintain a daily habit. (Except, eating, drinking and sleeping--I seem to do just great with those three).

So what is to be made from this difficulty with consistency? Does it mean that I am a total slack? Maybe. Or maybe it means that I have too many irons in the fire. I heard recently that part of making decisions means that you have to cheat. Everything you commit to do automatically means that you can't commit to do other things. For instance, if I commit to drive to Los Angeles today, I can not drive to Orlando. (Well, I could, but it wouldn't help me get to Los Angeles today, and that is the problem.)

So right now, I am looking at things that emerge in my life that are bringing difficulty to maintaining this commitment. Do you have any competing commitments that are making it difficult for you to maintain consistency?

Sweet Sixteen Bound

Sweet Sixteen Bound, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

I just finished watching WVU roll into the sweet sixteen for the second year in a row. Mike Gansey is one of the key players making it possible. He and Kevin Pittsnogle have been nominated as finalists for a number of post season awards. Gansey represented the United States last summer in the World University Games.
I really love watching these guys play basketball. It has been so fun these last four years watching Mountaineer basketball. It's a little different from actually being in the game, but these guys play good fundamental basketball so well, that it is a delight to watch.
Growing up, there were two sports that captivated me. Baseball and Basketball. Basketball became my pastime from about sixth grade on. I traded my cleats for Chuck Taylors and got in the game. I can remember riding my bike down to the city park in Parkersburg and playing basketball from the time I got out of school until just before dark (my dad wanted me home for dinner and so that meant being home before dark).
What was your sport of choice growing up? Was there a game that you could just spend the whole day playing? Watching these games and being a part of March Madness brings back a lot of magical memories for me. Basketball is one of the great loves of the Williams boys, starting with my dad's generation.
What's your game of choice?

Pittsnogled

WVU2.JPG, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

Kevin Pittsnogle is one of the hottest players in college basketball this year. He has a good shot at going to the NBA, and he is from my state--West Virginia. As a result of his ability to shoot at will over most defenders (even when double teamed), people have given a name to this feat. It's called getting "Pittsnogled."
It has been exciting watching Kevin and the rest of this year's WVU basketball team play one of the toughest schedules in the country, and maintain a top twenty five ranking throughout the season.
Be sure to watch as much march madness as you can--it only comes once a year. And cheer on the Mountaineers of West Virginia University. They are a great group of guys, and have won the hearts and loyal support of their campus, community, and state.
Of course I have filled out brackets for March Madness, and of course, I pick WVU to win it all--why not? Have you filled out a bracket? If so, who are your picks?

A long Hiatus

It's been quite some time since I have posted anything on this blog. It really stinks because there have been some really cool things happening in the mix here in Morgantown, and unfortunately, I've been distracted from taking the time to blog. Please accept my apologies.

I'm back!!!

And the plan is to have a daily blog. There is enough going on any given day that I should be able to blog about something. I want to give a special thanks to Steve Powell for calling me out on a lack of blogs for nearly a month.

It seems that just that I get in a routine, something comes along and breaks the routine. Although it could be bad, perhaps it is a good thing. When our routine is interrupted, we are reminded about why we do certain things.

For me, blogging is like a spiritual discipline. I am able to share some of the events that shape my life other people. I am able to reflect upon what God is doing in my life. I am able to use my life and the events around it to help others engage freshly with God and our world.

That's some pretty cool stuff--sorry I have been leaving out this valuable aspect of my walk with the Messiah with so many people.

Ancient Prayer

well, I just got back from my tribe's land. It's the first time I've set foot on that space since the fall of 2004. It was kind of weird.

I really felt like I needed to go somewhere and connect with God. It was such a beautiful evening, so I wanted to make the most of it. Out of nowhere, I felt this prompt to go to "the Mountain." I debated the trip. Why not just go for a walk through the neighborhood. But the thought wouldn't go away. Even though it was late, I hopped in my car, and drove. I knew the moon would be lighting up the land also, but I wasn't sure what was driving me there.

I didn't know how it would be. I had a wonderful time of prayer in the middle of the night, and watched the moon rise over the horizon. It cast shadows across the land.

Up there, it was just me and God, and the natural world. Maybe I was giving myself closure by going, or maybe I was just re-opening old wounds. I'm still trying to figure it out.

It's hard to believe that I once spent so much of my life on that piece of ground. I'm grateful for my unique heritage. I'm even grateful for the learning and growth that have taken place in my life as a result of my experiences among other Shawnee people. In some ways my whole experience among my people, and even the last couple of years, seems so surreal.

Amazingly, God has already answered at least one of my prayers this evening. I look forward to Him answering my prayers for the Shawnee people as well.

Invisible Children

I just watched the movie Invisible Children this evening for the first time. My friend Dave Williams down at Virginia Tech told me about the movie last summer. Our friend Todd Hiestand showed the movie somewhere in philadelphia.

It's pretty cool that news of this movie is spreading on the underground scene, and it is so impressive to see the wide variety of people who are getting into the mix. The guys who originally stumbled on this tragic story are planning to release a full length movie telling the story of the invisible children of Uganda in december.

The movie moved me to tears. I think this film is great for two reasons. I believe the three guys who stumbled into this tragedy are going to be used to put an end to the invisibility of the children in uganda. I also believe that the momentum gathering won't stop with Uganda. There are invisible children all over the world. We don't see them, we don't hear their stories. Stories of child soldiers. Stories of child prostitutes. Stories of child slaves.

The good earth needs healing--will we stop and do something. And if we stop and do something, what exactly do we do? So many causes to work toward--it's enough to make your head spin.

The only hope this world really has is the gospel. What would happen in this world if the people of the Way started living out the teachings of the Master? I pray that I might live to see more and more of us begin to walk in His steps, and to grow more like Him in our hearts and in our lives, but I know the truth is that it starts with me.

WVU Vs Notre Dame

WVU Vs, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

Well the last couple of days have been a lot of fun. I had hoped to take my dad to the big east basketball tournament this year as a Christmas present, but unfortunately the tickets/hotel/food all look to be way beyond our price range. (The face value on tickets is $310/each, and the cheapest I have seen them online is $425).

Instead of going to the tournament, I managed to get my dad a student guest ticket to all of the remaining WVU home games. He came up Wednesday to watch WVU play against Notre Dame. Tomorrow morning we watch WVU play Cincinnati.

It has been really cool spending time with my dad too. We went for a six mile hike this afternoon at Cooper's Rock. One of my favorite places in the Morgantown area.

From the moment WVU hit their first three point shot of the game, I knew my dad really enjoyed his present. Watching this team play is a lot of fun, but sharing experiences like this with my dad is priceless.

clutter

clutter, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

So I saw this graffiti on the street where my friends Todd and Lindy live in de Pijp in Amsterdam. As I was walking down the street, I just thought--that is a profound statement.

Everywhere I go, and look I see clutter. It really is even in my head. It seems like there are a million ideas racing in competition in my head at any given moment. I float from thinking, "When am I going to clean my gutters?", to "What am I going to eat for breakfast?", to "I wonder what that passage of scripture meant to its first readers?", to "I need to get that project started?" And then I think, "Am I forgetting something?"

I don't know if anyone on the planet can relate, but it seems difficult to get out of the clutter. One of the ways I've found to "unclutter" is to practice solitude. I go for walks. I reflect. I get rid of the noise in my head--all of the competing voices and thoughts. Then as the din subsides, I begin to hear the one Voice that brings order into the chaos.

When I listen to that Voice, order comes into my mind. When I listen to that Voice, I begin to be able to structure my day, and the space in which I live to reflect some degree of order instead of chaos.

Do you feel cluttered in your life? Take some time to connect with God, and then allow Him to lead you as you and He work together to tidy up the clutter together.

The Drive By

This morning, while en route to Thomas, WV, I rode by my tribe's land. It was weird. I started feeling sick. I was flooded with emotions. It was the first time I had been by the area since 2004. I didn't stop because I was in somebody else's car. It was a bit overwhelming, the whole experience.

The best comparison I can think of is driving by an ex-romantic interest's house. It's like going by a place where there are so many memories, and as you go by, you are gripped with the emotions of all of the memories, good and bad. Then you are also gripped with the reality that you can't ever go back. That is a painful reality to deal with.

I'm still reeling from the experience. I would appreciate prayers for the Shawnee people. My heart breaks over the reality of what is, when I think about what could be, and what once was.

What's really sweet is that the whole rest of the day was awesome. It was just a lot of fun to be on the road with cool people, and they were willing to listen to me walk through my gut-trauma during the day.

It just hit me as I was writing--God went there before me. And He has been there with me all along.

Ecological Footprint

When I was in Amsterdam, my friend Saander told me about a website that computes your ecological footprint. Your ecological footprint is a composite of the amount of land that it takes to sustain your lifestyle.

I've been riding a bike a good bit, and I've walked for years, so I figured I would do pretty well in this little quiz. Unfortunately I was dead wrong. According to the website, there are about 4.5 biologically productive acres available per person. Living and travelling the way I do, it takes approximately 15 acres of land to sustain me. If everybody in the world lived like me, we would need 3.4 planets!!!

If that isn't crazy enough, I am reading my results with the very real understanding that I'm not the norm. Most people drive much more than I do, and use many more resources. In fact, the average American needs about 24 acres to sustain their way of life.

Because of my way of life, it seems that others must go without. In order for others to have more, I need to yield more. It's pretty scary to think about the implications of this from the perspective of faith. God has entrusted us with an earth full of resources, and yet a few of us are using up a large amount of those resources.

Take the test and leave a comment--what's your ecological footprint?

Sunset from the Backporch

Sunset from the Backporch, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

One of my favorite parts of my place in Morgantown is the view. I get to see some of the most beautiful winter sunsets from my deck.

It's pretty cool to take some time, slow down, and enjoy a sunset. Sometimes the most amazing sights are going on just outside our house, and we just get so busy that they pass us by.

Many of us drive long distances to enjoy a beautiful sunset, or sunrise, or a misty morning fog. These are a regular part of my life here in Morgantown that I tend to take for granted.

Every time I return from travel, these hills seem to embrace me upon my return.

No wonder West Virginia is considered "Almost Heaven."

Be sure to take some time and enjoy beauty with which God has surrounded you.

Knowing Your Limits

I've really been having this point driven home to me lately. I am limited. I am a finite being. There is only so much I can accomplish in a given day. This is reality.

I'm not complaining. I am simply acknowledging. I have limits.

i set big goals for myself. Somebody once told me that we tend to overestimate what we can accomplish in a year, and and underestimate what we can accomplish in five years.

I tend to overestimate what I can accomplish in a day. It's nearly 4PM, and I've been at it for most of the day. In 2.5 hours, I will have a meeting that will take me to 9-10PM. My day will be nearly over.

I was able to see many good things come to fruition today, but I didn't get done with everything I had hoped.

I like the fact that I am being confronted with this truth--I've been talking with a group of people about stewardship of time. Here I am feeling the weight of that stewardship in my own life.

what about you? Has the new year exposed your limitedness? How are you prioritizing to "make the most of your time because the days are evil?"

It's a challenge we all face, and it is helping shape us into who we were meant to be.

MCI Center Bound

Well, what is a mountaineer fan to do when he is offered an opportunity to watch his team play in the nation's capital?

Go of course!!!

Sunday Feb 12 WVU vs. Georgetown . . . and I will be there!!!

I'm pretty excited both for the opportunity to see the mountaineers play and for the opportunity to see a few friends who now live near the nation's capital.

The whole day should be a "capital" experience.

Let's Goooooooooo Mountaineers!!!

Memorization

Did you know that in ancient Israel, a jewish boy between 10 and 12 years of age had the entire torah memorized. Really disciplined children would memorize the entire old testament by their teens. Could you imagine it? Imagine having that large portion of the Bible memorized before college age. That was the norm back in those days.

In the middle east, devoted muslims memorize the Koran by age 18. This is the equivalent of memorizing the entire new testament.

I once heard someone say that if a college student started memorizing two verses per week, they would have the entire new testament memorized before they were 40.

But our modern western world is a world of competing distractions, we don't memorize much more than our social security numbers or student IDs. We convince ourselves we don't have good memories, but that simply isn't the case. (We know too many advertising slogans and commercial jingles to convince anyone of that, not to mention song lyrics, names of celebrities, etc.) But imagine for a moment, if we applied ourselves singularly to memorization of the sacred text. We would be carrying small portions of sacred scriptures with us wherever we go. Imagine how the sacred text might find its way into a conversation at an appropriate moment.

This semester, one of our canvas groups has been issued a challenge. We are going to try to memorize the book of Philippians. Not all of us will take hold of the challenge (So far there are two or three of us), but imagine having this encouraging and joyous book in our minds as we go through trials.

Have you ever considered memorizing a passage? Would you like to join us in our endeavor this semester? I hope you will consider taking the time to let this discipline shape your life for the glory of God.

Without Access

Over the last few days, I have had a myriad of insights that would have been blog-able (I think I just invented a new adjective). Unfotunately I haven't had access to the internet.

The past week consisted of a couple of retreats, and the interesting thing about these retreats is that they felt less like retreats for me. The first one was a planning retreat for the staff of the community church with which I am affiliated. We spent three days in a cabin on a mountaintop in the middle of nowhere. We prayed, we shared our lives, and we worked. We began planning for the adjustments necessary for this small community church to make the adjustment of moving into a facility four times its current size and farther away from town. There is much to think about with regard to the move.

At the same time, I was trying to assess the future of our campus church service in downtown morgantown. I drove from the staff retreat to a retreat 20 minutes east of Morgantown for our campus church. While this retreat was also tiring, it was a different kind of fatigue. We explored our life visions, we prayed together. We worshiped the Lord, and we wept together. Weeping is a good thing. I could write for a while about that, but I will save it for another time. I feel like the weekend retreat was monumental in the lives of many. One person has already come to know Christ as a result of our time together. Isn't that amazing!!!

Sunday we gathered at h2o and started off the semester with a really cool service. It was a lot of fun for everybody, and we took left-overs from our retreat and had a big lunch at my house. About half of the congregation showed up!

Tonight we are starting a brand new Canvas Group in one of the dorms at WVU. I wonder what God is going to do through this faith venture? We are also trying to come up with a cool name for it--if you've got any ideas feel free to float them my way.

Getting in the flow

The new semester has started, and I have my first class tomorrow evening. I did something new for this semester. I actually read one of the required texts before the semester started. It made reading a bit more enjoyable knowing that I didn't have to get it done by a particular deadline. Of course, I realize the fact that I read ahead probably makes me a geek, but I can deal with that.

I rode my bike this morning for the second day in a row. It was another warm day, and I played some basketball with a couple of buddies. My friends Brett (whose wedding I presided over last summer) and Ryan (brett's brother). My friend JR Pittman showed up with his fiance Christy too. So it was like an early morning basketball party.

I rode back home and grabbed a quick shower, and I am starting to prep for a week of planning and retreats. Tomorrow, after class, I leave for a planning time with the community church I work with. This afternoon, I go with my buddy Aaron to make some last minute arrangements for a retreat for our campus church.

Seems like lots of stuff is happening, and it is really easy for me to put the focus on myself and what I can do instead of on God and what He is doing at times like this. Do you ever feel this tension? I think part of getting in the flow is letting God lead in the dance, and realizing that all of our hard work isn't the focus. The focus is the work He is doing in us so that He can do even greater works through us. That is a comforting thought.

Ik Fiets

I'm sure my spelling is atrocious, but I rode my bike for the first voyage of 2006. It was an uncharacteristically warm 60 degrees today in Morgantown so I rode to the gym and worked out. My roommate Nic (who is living in Martinsburg for the next month) would be so proud of me for going it alone. It was kind of odd though. I raced over on my bike, and started going through the circuit. I was going really fast through the workout and I stopped for a minute to talk to this guy Jeremy who has been coming to h2o off and on for a while. As we were talking I had a strange feeling come over me. I started to get dizzy like I was going to pass out. I had to excuse myself from the conversation, and get some water. Then I slid down the wall by the water fountain, and just chilled for a bit.

I started thinking about those warnings about stopping exercise when dizzy, and consulting a physician before starting any fitness programs (stand warnings for everyone in the United States). I started wondering about my own mortality as I sat there light headed. I think I just went at the workout a little to zealously, and on an empty stomach.

It was great to be able to start off the year with a little cycling. As long ast the weather holds out, I hope to make it a little more of a routine. Over the last few months, I have been thinking about stewardship in some pretty broad terms, and I think that biking gives me exercise, and it also allows me to be more financially frugal (no gas money) and not pollute the earth.

It takes a little more time to get around town, but it is well worth it I think.

If only Morgantown had bike lanes like Amsterdam.

Like a bicycle . . .

I'm too tired.

I'm feeling really jet-lagged right now.

I woke up at midnight Wednesday January 4th, and went to sleep at 2AM Thursday January 5th.

Last night I had a long talk with a good friend who wants to start following Jesus.

I went to bed at 2AM again.

Today I tried to help my parents set up a computer desk, and a new wi-fi network. It wasn't without its share of difficulties.

It is now 11:21PM--and I'm really tired.

I think I am going to eat some popcorn with my dad and go to bed soon.

I'm beat like a drum.

Gelukkig Nieuw Jaar

2006 on the Dam, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

Happy New Year!

It seems so long ago . . . 2005 is but a memory now. I have been going so much and spending so much time with people, it has been difficult to blog.

I believe I was the first Shawnee to see the year 2006. Along with a few hundred thousand other people, I celebrated New Year's Eve on the Dam square in Amsterdam in front of the Royal Palace. (This is Amsterdam's Equivalent of Times Square in NY).

People gathered from all over the world to explode into the new year. Why explode? Because New Year's is one of a select few days when vuuwerks (Fireworks) are sold in Amsterdam.

Lot's of people and lots of fireworks. There was no official fireworks display like back in the states, there were just thousands of random fireworks being set-off in the city.

The air smelled of gunpowder, and the unsuspecting would have thought the city was under attack. The fireworks went on through the night, and fires burned throughout the city.

It was a pretty wild time.

What did you do for new years?

Lord Reign In Me

I've really been thinking a lot about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and what it means to be living in the Kingdom of God. Many people have written books about the subject, but it is a very radical concept, and one that finds a hard time getting a voice in a world with so many other competing voices and competing kingdoms. There are so many other teachers that people are following. Jesus says that his yoke is easy, and at the same time it demands that we take up our cross. The first part of that last sentence is very comforting to me and the second part is world shaking, but we must consider them both if we are to follow Jesus.

I've also been thinking about vision and the future of our campus church in Morgantown. I get these ideas, and I just want to run somewhere to write them down, but I have had minimal access to a computer, and minimal time for writing. Thankfully, I have had time to think and reflect. I have also been able to spend more time in prayer. Rather than running to write down ideas, they are getting more and more time to "percolate." I have been praying for each member of our church, and also for many people who have very little, if anything, to do with our small faith community.

This time in Amsterdam has been exhausting at times, and extremely refining. I believe that the Lord is sustaining me through His Spirit and your prayers (so keep it up!). The name of the conference is Awaken, and I feel like God is stirring me personnally very deeply. Ephesians says "Awake sleeper and rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you." Ironically, this verse has not been quoted in the conference, but it is one that God keeps bringing to my mind.

At the conference there are people from Poland, Ukraine, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Canada, United States, and the Shawnee Nation (can I get a whoop for the Shawnee people?) It has been amazing to be packed in a small room (maybe half the size of the sanctuary at the waterhouse) with 250 people speaking and singing in many languages).

I have heard some of the best teachings during the conference so far. My friend JR gave the best talk I think he has ever given (or at least the best one I have ever heard) last night. I only heard the last part of it, but it was really compelling.

Take some time today and reflect on what following Jesus means. Maybe God also wants to speak to you about new ways you can begin to follow Jesus as well.

Just arrived

Many stories to tell in my first bit of the journey . . . but for a later time.

Right now, I arrived at 4AM EST. It is now 5:30AM, and I am going to go grab lunch? Weird.

It's snowing here. First snow of the year. It's beautiful, but a little colder.

Gotta run.

100

Ironically, I tried to post this last week, and my internet stopped working.

As I reflect on my last 99 posts, it has been cool to check out the lessons God has been using to shape me, and also see where blogging has been very helpful for me to both reflect and connect with friends and family (and show off some cool pictures). I am looking forward to blogging a bit about my holiday experiences in the future, but right now, I am feeling the crunch that occurs before long travel.

In the midst of my travels, I am planning some extended time for reflection, solitude, silence, prayer, study, and meditation.

Who knows what God has in store for the next 100 blog entries? I am looking forward to finding out as we journey together into the new year.

I can tell there is something missing when I don't blog for a while. One of the main things missing is my connection with you. I hope that can be remedied as blogging becomes a more regular discipline in my life as the year wanes to an end.

Out for Repairs

So I finished my English paper, and started working on a budget for h2o for 2005. Even though the year is winding down, I feel like I am winding up for the new year. I just met with my English professor today to talk about my paper, and he had some really cool things to say.

Ironically, in the middle of this end of the year stuff, I am currently without a computer. It's amazing how dependent this little Indian has become on technology. Really, so much of what we do is geared around the lcd screen and keyboard. What would you have done with the time you spent reading this blog and surfing the internet if you didn't have a computer?

It's been difficult keeping up with "life" without technology. Although, I have been finding myself able to engage with God and others in some fresh ways. If we don't have the technology to get things done really quickly, then we have to slow down.

So in a sense I've felt unproductive, but its caused me to be able to tune into the work God is doing in me. I am looking forward to getting my mac back, but in the meantime, it has been good to have a (sort of) technology fast. My roommate nic and others have helped me out by letting me use their computers, but my time of being unintentionally unplugged has been very enlightening.

Ploughing through life

This week has been very antithetical to the way I strive to live my life. I've had my nose to the grindstone, and I've had very little opportunity to relax this week. I am very glad that while I do set a pretty steady pace for life, I am able to make time for reflection.

One thing I have noticed in the world of the rat-racers I've felt myself dwelling in this week. Lot's of stuff gets done, but the quality is questionable. I am thankful that God has equipped me to survive and be able to overcome in the midst of the rat-race, and at the same time, I am looking forward to spending some time with my soul group in the woods during the early afternoon.

Life has seasons, and right now I am anticipating the season of soaking in the songs that abound in the wilderness, and connecting with a couple of close friends who have had similar weeks.

Long week

After getting back from Amsterdam, I have had a lengthy battle with a URI, and it has really slowed my life down. Right now I am feeling way behind on a number of little projects including a final paper for my English class. Although I am feeling a bit behind, I am still hanging in there.

Here's a little something I think about from time to time on those rare occasions when I get sick. Maybe God is trying to encourage me to slow down. So, I've been making it a point to start my day off by slowing down. I an early time in the day thinking about what God may be doing in and around me. Rather than thinking through all of the things that I've got to try to do on a given day, I try to teach myself how to re-think. I reflect on my past day, and look for life lessons that may be in the midst. i also spend more time just listening.

While I do this process off and on with regularity, it seems like here lately it has been happening more and more. It has been a great way to start my day. I am not nearly as anxious as the day progresses, and it seems like I am more keenly aware of Kairos moments that flash on the radar.

Heading back across the big water

Exciting news!!! GCM is hosting its first ever European conference Dec 27-31 2005. Churches from all over europe will be joining together for this historic gathering, and I am going to go help out!

Please pray for the conference as well as for my contribution over there. I have friends in Europe who have been part of LTs and Ignites before, and I would love for them to get a spiritual renewal through a conference like this.

I also ask for prayers that the necessary funds would be able to be raised in the next three weeks to pay for this short term support venture for Great Commission Europe.

Thanks again for lifting this whole faith venture up to the Lord. As much as I am asking for prayer for myself, I also ask you pray for the people who will be travelling from all over Europe to Amsterdam for this event. Please also pray for the handful of American travellers who will be journeying over to provide additional support for the Amsterdam church which is hosting the conference.

Back in Motown

I forgot that when we travel internationally, we have additional security to go through. As a result, after we went through security the first time at the aeroport, I suggested that we grab a bite to eat before we went to our gate. Bad idea.

As we were walking to our gate, a security person comes running up to us to tell us that we are delaying the plane, and that we have an addtional security check to go through.

As he started us running to the gate, he explained "You are not nice. You are rude. You make the whole plane wait." I guess we made a bad impression on him. We were polite and courteous with him as we ran and went through security, but you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Ironically, we ended up arriving 30-40 minutes early in Dulles.

It took about an hour to go through customs, and then it was off to the van, and then to morgantown.

We arrived at around 8PM, and I was unpacked by 8:30-9PM.

I checked some email and did a little reading, and then it was off to bed.

and this morning I woke up at 5:30AM.

I may need a little time to readjust to speaking English again. I found myself still speaking dutch on the plane.

It's good to be back, and to slaap lekker (sleep yummy) in Morgantown.

Cycling in Nederlands

Well, a trip to netherlands wouldn't be complete without riding a bike in the city. Tuesday night, after the red light district, and dinner at todds, I rode "amsterdam style" on the back of todds bicycle. We went across town with me on the rack on back.

Later in the week, I did the same thing with melissa. It was with melissa that I was able to successfully attempt the running jump onto the back of the bike. This is said to be a dangerous feat, but I like a little danger from time to time.

What is really cool about the city is that Bikes have their own lanes, and their own traffic signals, and it even appears they have their own right of way across busy streets.

Dutch people typically aren't obese--maybe its from all of the cycling that happens in the city of bicycles.

Riding a bike in 30-40 degree weather is cold, but also invigorating. I'm glad that my friends allowed me the privilege of riding in this style.

I also was able to borrow a bike to ride to the grocery store on Sunday to purchase gifts.

Andrew and Pete

These are the names of two of Jesus' disciples.

They are also the names of two gentlemen I talked to in the red light district Tuesday. They were from Britain and in their fourties. They had come to Amsterdam on "holiday" as many do. They had gotten separated from each other when I befriended andrew. Actually, I think Pete may have been procuring the services of one of the prostitutes in the area. It is the only thing I can think of that would have left these two friends separated in the city.

Andrew told me that he had bought himself some tobacco and "some other stuff" and was looking to have a good time while in Amsterdam.

He thought I was in my early twenties, and that I was an "american spoiled brat kid sent to europe for an education", I assured him that it wasn't why I was here.

I asked him about Jesus and faith, and he told me he had thought about "turning to Jesus", but had reservations. He couldn't understand how God could have taken away his brother and father. Andrew began to weep as he told me this. It was just him and his mum and sister now. I told him I didn't know the answer to that question, but that God was good, and that He loved Andrew very much.

I then told him that I was in Amsterdam to tell people about how they could turn to Jesus, and even tell about my own story of turning to Jesus. He asked me "Are you a Bible Basher?" I assured him that I had never bashed a Bible in my life. He asked if I was religious, and I told him no, but Jesus has definitely changed my life--and he wants to change yours as well.

Just then Pete sat down with us, and we continued the conversation for a bit. I asked Pete if he had ever considered turning to Jesus. He told me that he belonged to the scripture union in scotland when he was younger, but that something had happened to turn him away from God.

It was clear that Pete was much more uncomfortable with the conversation than Andrew, and he assured me that they had to leave, they had to get going.

I can't help but think that our twenty minute conversation on a bridge in the red light district will be a life defining moment for them both. They will probably remember it more than they will remember any other event during their time here in amsterdam.

As they left, I saw them make haste through the crowded street and it looked like they were still talking about our conversation as they went out of sight.

Pray for them. I am convinced that God has His hand on both of them, and that our conversation was a very significant moment. I believe they are both going to turn to Jesus soon--and I'm glad God let me be part of reminding them about his love.

As they went out of sight, I said that no matter where they went in the city or the world, God still loves them, and Jesus still loves them--no matter what they've done, they can turn to Jesus.

No matter what we've done, we can turn to Jesus. Remember that as the holiday season is upon us. You can turn to Jesus no matter what. No matter what.

The Bridges

The bridges of the Redlight District are where dealers like to hang out. It is also where we chose to hang out. Already, because of the regular presence of missionaries in this area, dealers and prostitutes and junkies are being reached. God is using his people to slowly transform the heart of this place.

For a long time no dealers set foot on the bridges. It was as if we were preventing them from operating. God was putting up a barrier and undermining their work. They stood on either end of the bridge, and moved around a lot. They didn't really talk to us. I think they knew who we were and why we were there.

Drug trafficking was being interrupted for a few hours, in the heart of the red light district. God's light and love were shining through a few missionaries who made themselves unbusy for a few hours.

I believe God want's to change this neighborhood. What do you think he wants to do in yours? Do you think he might want you to be a part of it?

De Cleft

De Cleft is a ministry of Youth With a Mission (YWAM) in Amsterdam. Tuesday afternoon we went with one of the pastors from the Zolder to work with De Cleft and do outreach in the Red Light District of Amsterdam. We definitely weren't in Morgantown anymore.

The Red Light District is sadly what comes to mind when many westerners think of the city. It is the home of prostitution in the city, and it is also the center for drug activity.

Seven of us stood on a bridge that spanned across Voorburgwal. One block away from us was Oude Kerke (old church). It is the oldest church in amsterdam. I think it is several hundred years old. (By the way, the place where we are staying is over 500 years old).

One of the guys from the cleft started playing guitar. He put a sign out saying that he was playing for free and to not give money. The sign also said Jesus loves me!

Before we went out, we spent some time praying for the prostitutes and the dealers, the junkies and the homeless. Then, we entered their world. In two other posts I will tell more specific stories. In a sense, this will need to serve as a preface (even though it is farther down the page than the other posts will appear.)

Hundreds of people walked by us on the small bridge. Police walked by. Dealers walked by. Junkies walked by. The homeless and the tourists were intermixed. Across from the Oude Kerke there were a number of tall windows. Nearly naked women made gestures to entice men to enter. Some laughed and mocked them. Some looked away. Others entered and the curtain on the window would be drawn close for a period. Sex Shops were also abounding around the Oude Kerke. It was 2 in the afternoon, and the heart of the city pulsed with dark business.

Stamppot

Stamppot, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

I had this for dinner Monday night. It is called Stamppot Zuurkool Worst. Stamppot is like a mashed potato dish with some kind of meat. The meat in this one was Worst. (Like a kilbasa or something). And this Stamppot also had Zuurkool--like sour craut in it.

It was delicious.

Indian in Amsterdam

Indian in Amsterdam, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

Zondag Avond (Sunday evening), I had an awesome privilege. I was able to speak to a church in Amsterdam. I dressed in my traditional Shawnee attire, and shared a Shawnee perspective on thanksgiving and the gospel. It struck me as a bit ironic.

You see, the first missionaries came from the netherlands to the native people of america with the gospel, and gave us hope by telling us of the Sacred Visitor.

And here I am going back to Amsterdam to tell them about the One they have forgotten--Jesus Christ.

It brings tears to my eyes to think that maybe somebody who I shared the gospel with Sunday night was a descendant of one of those first dutch pilgrims to leave from Leydn in the 1600s.

What a privilege to be the first Shawnee to speak at the zolder!

Voetbal

Yesterday morning a group of us from the Zolder, and a few locals joined together to play a little football. Well, european football. Soccer.

It was pretty funny. We had enough to play 6 on 6, and all morning and afternoon while we played, we were being photographed by people who were out walking. We played on the museumplein. It is a large grassy area which is surrounded by one of the most popular concert halls in the world along with the royal museum of amsterdam, and the vincent van gogh museum.

The people who played were americans from the church and our team, an austrian, a german, an italian, and a british guy, an asian, and a couple of locals.

The italian guy just came out and joined us, and gave us a reason to keep playing. His name is Francesco, and we were able to invite him, and some of the others to the zolder zondag nacht. (sunday night) Aaron saw him watching us play, and so he walked over and invited him to join in the game.

Francesco didn't come to the zolder that night--he told us he was an athiest. Then he corrected himself and said he believed in god, but it was his own god. He had been travelling in Amsterdam on "holiday" (vacation) for three weeks, and we were the first people he met that showed such kindness to him. We are hopeful to get a phone call from him before he leaves, but the cool thing about our short interaction is that he knows we are Christians. He knows that we cared for one another, and for him, and he thanked us two or three times for making his morning very special, and the best time he has had in amsterdam.

Pray for Francesco, and pray for more opportunities to communicate the great love God has for humanity.

Dwazezaken

Dwazezaken, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

This word translates to Foolish Things. It is the name of a Christian cafe just outside the redlight district of Amsterdam.

Saturday evening we journeyed there together to grab a little dinner, and to connect with some of the people of the city/missionaries who are in the city long term. It was a very relaxing evening with some great conversations.

This cafe is located across from the train station, and it is absolutely beautiful.

The food was great, and it made for a great way to spend the evening. Because we stayed for a while, we were able to get a feel for the pulse of the city and observe.

One thing remains true no matter where I travel--people are really similar. You steer away from the language, and some of the foods, and really we are all very closely connected. We all laugh and cry. We all have hurts and triumphs. We all carry wounds, and at the same time want to make a difference in the world.

Pray that our small team can make a difference in this place.

As I write this, I am praying that you will make a difference where God has you today!

Amsterdam Crew

Amsterdam Crew, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

This is our crew. Our peeps. Our WV connection.

Left to right. Greta, Kelly, Becky, Aaron, and Melissa.

Greta, Kelly, and Aaron our our team.

Becky is a friend of Kelly's from London who visited us on Saturday.

Melissa is has been stationed here in the Jordaan district working in a hostel. She was a part of our mission team in 2003, and she came back to serve in the city for nearly a year. One of our goals as a team was to connect with her and her co-workers and bring them a little taste of america, while we serve zolder 50 and reach out to the city.

Canals

Canals, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

I think this is Singel Gracht. Isn't this city beautiful? The whole centrum of the city is filled with these canals that prevent Amsterdam from being completely under water.

Haring

Haring, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

A dutch delicacy is raw herring (Haring) with pickles and onions. Aaron and I split a portion of this dutch treat at a fish market in the Jordaan district of Amsterdam.

Our friend Melissa took us to the market which is only open on saturdays. We also ate some really old cheeze, and some dutch licorice.

Although the Haring doesn't sound that appetizing, it was really good. I think we miss out on a lot when we aren't willing to try new things. It also allows us an opportunity to connect in a deeper way with the local culture.

Try some Haring if you ever get a chance, yum!

Interesting Art

Interesting Art, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

This photo doesn't have the crispness I had hoped. I photographed a piece of art on display in a gallery in amsterdam Saturday night. At first I didn't see the skull, all I saw were the four quare images that made up the picture.

Of particular notice are the top two images that portray the september 11th world trade center attacks. In the lower right hand corner is the murder of Theo van Gogh (descendant of vincent van gogh). He made a film that gave a negative view of Islam, and he was murdered in broad daylight in the Dam square. He was stabbed in the chest with a note.

The lower left corner, I am not sure about. but I felt like it was a very intriguing piece of art that you might reflect on as our group did.

Let me know what you think.

It's an Apple World

It's an Apple World, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

Well, while on the town Saturday--our free day, I saw this door in a photo studio. There is also an Apple Store right in the heart of Amsterdam across from the train station.

I think this door marks the digital photo lab of this photo studio. There were some cool underwater photos on display when we stopped there too.

Our View

Our View, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

This is a view from outside our window in the Zolder (attic).

The waterway is Singel Gracht. (Singel Canal). It is one of a series of canals that keep Amsterdam from being underwater and divert water from the amstel river.

It isn't that clean, but the water looks beautiful.

So this is where we are. Hopefully there will be more photos later

Words of wisdom

As we were getting ready to land, one of our flight attendants shared this cool little proverb with us.

To the world, you may be just one person, but to one person, you may be the world.

There's a lot in that little phrase. Remember it as you go through your day today. Think about what significance you may have for other people as they see the glory of God manifest as you reflect His glory back to Him.

I heard this one too. Lee Dubois, one of the staff members of the zolder shared it.

It is the tallest tree that gets the most wind.--Dutch proverb.

As we step out in faith, we run the risk of being buffetted. It is much easier to stay inside or away from danger than to venture out of our comfort zones.

Just a little something to think about.

God or us?

Before leaving from amsterdam, we were having a conversation about how self-sufficient our culture is becoming. Those of you who were at h2o on sunday might remember the story I told about the Chinese Christian who couldn't understand how Americans could maintain lives of faith amid their self-sufficiency.

We often think it is entirely us who are in control of our lives. God laughs at this and says something like, "apart from me you can do nothing." Paul says that it is "in Him that we live and breath and have our being." Yet we like to take credit for things. And, interestingly, God allows us the privilege in playing a part in what He does.

As we were descending into Amsterdam our pilot told us that it was cold, but we were descending into clear skies. Two minutes later, the lights all came on in the plane, and we hit some huge turbulence. Apparently we hadn't quite reached those clear skies. It was odd, but it was just some turbulence.

A few minutes after this minor episode (eqivalent to travelling on an old country road with a few potholes), the 1st officer came on the speakers. She wanted to let us know that there was nothing to worry about. Our plane had just been hit by lightning a few minutes ago but all electrical systems were functioning perfectly fine.

I thought to myself--was it the great electrical system of the plane that had saved us, or was it God who was preserving our lives? Was it the innate skill of the pilots, or was even that skill the gracious gift of God that was working all things for the good?

I have to wonder about what God has in store for our team. We left uncharacteristically early for the airport and made it just in time for our flight. Our plane was struck by lightning on its descent. We have spent one day here in amsterdam, and are just getting oriented to our new surroundings, but I can't help thinking God is going to teach us something far greater about Himself in this process than anything we even bargained for. I believe something more than a heart for evangelism and service (which are both great things) will be the result of this short period across the big water.

Waste Culture

I'm thinking about writing a book. The book is going to be about waste. I've read a few books about it, but I really haven't read a lot from a faith perspective. Not sure whether fiction or non-fiction would be better.

Aaron and I started noticing the waste our one little flight generated. At the security check, they had plastic bags. The suggestion with the bag was--empty the contents of your pockets into this bag, and then put this bag in your carry-on and you will save time at the security check. I took one, and then I started thinking. The suggestion convinced me to do something different than I would normally do. Normally I would just chuck my contents in my bag, or toss them into a bin. This time, I took the bag. Not a big deal, really--it's just one bag.

I wonder how many thousands of people made the same choice as me that day. I wonder what they will do with their disposable bags.

As we had multiple snacks/cups of water served on the plane, I once again thought about waste. I wondered how much waste our one 8 hour flight together generated. Thankfully, the airline at least gave a semblance of environmental care. Cups and cans, and cardboard boxes were all taken up separately, and in theory they will be recycled.

I just bought some paper towels the other day called "Seventh Generation". They were made from recycled paper. On the back there was a break down of the amount of waste that would be prevented if every family in america bought one pack. I'm a sucker for advertising at times. I bought two. When I opened the package, one of the first things I noticed was that the 3 pack of towels weren't individually wrapped. I wonder about our obsession with individual wrapping.

As we walked down the sidewalk toward our domicile early Friday morning in Amsterdam, I noticed the trash. Doesn't seem like the Dutch generate a lot of waste--small bags, and very neatly placed on the sidewalk.

Take a look at the amount of waste you have been responsible for today--is there anything you can do different tomorrow? I'd love to hear your stories.

From Dulles to Schipol

Well, Thursday evening we boarded a plane to head to Amsterdam. We left a little early to get to dulles, and gave ourselves 3.5-4hrs to catch our flight. The irony in leaving so early is that none of us are known for this quality, and yet, I felt like we should err on the safe side. DC traffic can be a real bear (I believe it has the second worse traffic problem in the US), and we didn't want to get caught in early rush hour.

We made a wise choice. The we arrived at our gate just before boarding started, and so we had time for one last minute phone call and a bathroom break. We had a bit of a scare while standing in line too, because there was some baggage that someone left unattended that we called securities attention to. It ended up not being a big deal, but we were all a little concerned about these two random bags in the middle of the line at the international baggage check in.

We did make it to our plane though, and as our altitude increased, our minds moved on to preparation for the mission, and beginning to relax. I read a book on Amsterdam during the flight, and started another book about staying focussed on the really important things in ministry. My TV didn't work on the plane, so instead of watching a bunch of movies I read--I think it was worthwhile--but I would have liked checking out the movies. I haven't watched a movie in a while.

The Old Stomping Grounds

Although I am already in Amsterdam, there were just so many things happening over the last 24 hours that I feel it is necessary to share them.

It's interesting what God has done with our time so far. We left a little late Wednesday night for DC, where we stayed with some close friends. It was a bit surreal for me. I have travelled the road from Morgantown to DC so many times in the last ten years, but this time was really different.

I usually stop and reflect as I pass Friendsville, MD--for many years I spent great amounts of my spare time in this little town. My tribe has land there, and this is the home of my tribe's sacred ceremonial grounds. This is the first time I have been by that piece of land since 2004, and long before I resigned from my chieftainship. I didn't realize how it would affect me, but mainly I was nostalgic. If it weren't for what God has done in my life through my tribal community, I might not be where I am in my walk with Jesus right now.

So, this trip was a new beginning for me. This was the first time I went through this journey to DC without looking to make a concerted effort to connect with my own tribal community. My tribe has helped prepare me, and indirectly, our team, for work in Amsterdam.

We were concerned about the weather when we left, but we had clear skies all the way through our journey to DC, and we have had beautiful weather thus far in Amsterdam.

More news soon.

Final Prep

Later today, four of us will journey to Amsterdam for a fun short term mission. In the mean time, I just want to ask for prayers from everyone that we will be able to be impactful during our time. I am going to go buy some groceries, etc. from a "wish-list" generated by the team. Looking over the list, it is easy to see some of the every day luxuries we take for granted in the US. For instance, I think there were 3 separate requests for stove top stuffing. They can get it in Amsterdam but it costs 2-3 times as much as it does here--and there is never really a sale on that kind of stuff.

I've got a few meetings today, and then it will be time to finish packing, and prep to head out toward DC tonight.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Since most of us morgantown college folks end up going to other places to celebrate thanksgiving, we decided to celebrate it a little earl together. Today, I am going to make an ancient recipe turkey for my friends (and my parents are coming up too!). It should be a relaxing time in the midst of preparations for amsterdam.

Whirlwind weekend

I flew back from FL thursday night, and began scrambling through a number of different venues. I started working through Sunday's message. I also attended a Regional church conference Friday night as well as an Open mic. I came back and did some more work on a talk that I gave Saturday for the conference. After giving the talk, I scrambled home so I could join my fellow mountaineer basketball fans for the first round of the guardians classic. (Next week we face off against #2 Texas). Saturday night I felt like I was coming down with something. I've been a little fatigued of late. I woke up at 4AM Sunday morning, and prepared for speaking sunday morning. Then I watched WVU play round two of the guardians classic. I departed for the library after that and researched for a class presentation today.

Heading back into the cold north

From the weather I've been enjoying, it appears I am in for a rude awakening upon my return to Morgantown. It is supposed to be down to 32 degrees tonight.

My period of fun in the sun is coming to an end. Amazingly in the middle of all of the class and conference time I've also been able to catch some waves read 5 books, and write three essays. Unfortunately I haven't been blogging as much.

My apologies.

It is interesting to note that blogging provides an opportunity for reflection and introspection. While I haven't blogged, my time floating on the waves also gave time for introspection, and I realized something. I have been missing out on that space. Even while on my rental board it took me a good two hours before I could really slow down and connect with the water. Sometimes everything just feels so rushed.

I do look forward to sabbath rest coming soon. It's important to slow down, and to connect with the would in which we find ourselves.

Being a bonehead

I was just thinking this morning about some of the cool people I have met and taken classes under in the last three years, and I just realized--I should have gotten my pictures taken with them. Those are cool memories, and pictures are great ways to capture memories.

I take my camera almost everywhere, and I forget to take pictures in most of those places. I need to really work on that one.

This past week, I had a class with Alister McGrath, and last summer I was able to hang out with Graham Tomlin and Dallas Willard. I would have loved to have gotten a picture with them.

I could remember and reflect upon lessons learned and experiences gained through and since those courses more easily perhaps with the supplement of a photo.

My roommate nic takes some awesome photos--I look forward to the time he gets a digital camera so the world might see his skill.

What are some cool experiences you've had, that you haven't recorded in some way?

In my experience, recording those experiences helps to seal them in my memory.

MGM Studios

A convergence of worlds is taking place before my eyes. I feel a bit like Neo in the matrix.

While on the soundstage at MGM, I can look out a window in our lobby and see 100s of tourists walk by each day. I wonder if they even know we are inside the facility recording this theology class?

It's like I can completely see their world through the windows, but they have no clue about mine. Maybe it's like the old testament prophet and his assistant who saw the spiritual reality of the armies of the Lord while everyone else's eyes were oblivious to this reality.

There is also another humorous consideration to being on this set. In the same building as us, the "who wants to be a millionaire" attraction is bringing in droves of tourists. As we come out of the doors of our soundstage, I can't help but wonder if they think we are celebrities. I'm actually tempted to go over to these people being held behind a rope and sign some autographs just for giggles.

It makes me wonder about the perceptions we carry about others--what are legimate, and what are not? It also makes me wonder about our awareness. What events are transpiring around us that we are entirely oblivious to. What is happening just outside your house right now--what's happening next door, or across town that would shock us or thrill us?

Updates

Last week was much more packed than I expected, and this current week as allowed minimal downtime for reflection and writing. But, I had a window to share some of what has been happening in my world recently.

Mostly I have been feeling a bit of a crunch because much of this month has me travelling. I am currently in Orlando, FL on one of the soundstages at Disney's MGM Studios. That's right--you had thought it might be the case, and it's true--I'm a star.

Seriously, I am taking a class on Faith and Science and it is being recorded on one of Disney's soundstages. There is this big empty room (8000 square feet) and in the middle of it is our "classroom". Dr. Alister McGrath is our professor, and he is the former principle of wycliffe hall in Oxford (this guy is really smart--he has a PhD in both Molecular Biophysics and Theology).

I still need to upload some pics from vacation and other cool events, but that may have to wait until later in the week.

Snow in October

Snow in October, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

It is snowing in Morgantown. Leaves are still green on the trees in my yard. Every fifteen minutes I hear the crack of another branch as it breaks and falls somewhere in my neighborhood because of the weight of the snow on the still green leaves. The tops are broken out of most of the trees in my neighborhood right now. Powerlines are down, and the power goes out for a few seconds every half hour.

I hope this is not an early indicator of the severity of the winter to come.

Last night I left my class around 9:45. As I walked home it was snowing a little bit (it had been raining earlier). Twenty minutes after I got home, my roommate calls me outside. The ground was covered with snow.

And it is still coming down this morning. . .

Vertigo

vt2005_img_lp, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

So it happened. Saturday night I was immensely blessed. Two of my good friends made arrangements for me to be able to join them (and bring another buddy of mine) in Pittsburgh to see Bono and the boys.

This was probably one of the best, if not the best concert I have ever been to. It is a close call between this and Pearl Jam 2000.

Bono opened up the concert by thanking the crowd for the life they had provided for the band, and said, "we're trying to live it as large as we can!" In other words they were making the most of what they had been given. Are you doing the same?

The last set of the evening was a time of worship (unfortunately this point may have been missed by many in attendance). The last three songs of the second encore were God-ward. "All Because of You", "Yahweh", and "40" ended the evenings events.

The night was a mix of great music, humor, political activism, and incarnational faith.

While many have issues with Bono, it is my prayer that we would see many more people similar to Bono in this regard. . .

That they would live their lives radically and passionately for what they say they believe. Not to the point of endangering others, but to the point that people stand and take notice.

I wonder how many of us really live out our passion. I was just thinking about it this morning, and even among Christians, where identification with Jesus is in itself a little radical, I think many of us are afraid to step out of our comfort zones, and afraid of offending others.

Sometimes it makes me wonder, what do we really believe? Maybe we need to start swimming against the stream a bit more before we get swept away in apathy.

What do you think? Are you living life passionately?

New Barna Finding and Book

I was just perusing the barna website, and I read this article this morning. I think it is particularly interesting point for reflection particularly for people who are seeking to develop incarnationl, missional, and transmographic faith communities.

Check it out here.

His findings indicate that people are leaving traditional forms of church but not necessarily leaving faith. He cites several million in the US who have left the traditional church to "go deeper in their commitment to God."

Perhaps we should examine our activities and events to determine whether or not we are equipping as we might hope.

a little vacation

Over the last three days, I took my parents on vacation. Sometime in the next few days I am hoping to post some comments and pictures of these events on this space. In the mean time, I just had this thought this morning, and figured I would write it.

Over the last couple of years I have been thinking about the uniqueness of ministry as a career. In some ways, people in ministry have a hard time taking time to rest and relax. (Believe it or not, I'm one of them, but I am learning!)

Eugene Peterson said it best when he said that we pursue this kind of career because we want to be involved in what God is doing in our world, but then as we get involved in our career, we start to believe what we are doing is indispensable--that God needs us. We relegate God to a position of helper, and we pursue our careers to change lives for God.

It's really pretty absurd. I was just reminded of this thought process this week when I left town. I came back to 13 voice mails, and even more emails. I started thinking about how I would be able to get all of the stuff done that needed to get done this week. I wondered who would take care of all the needs of our church. It was then that I realized--God will take care of all of the needs of His church. God will get all of the stuff done--somehow. I'm sure I will play a part in what He is doing, but "He must increase, and I must decrease."

Some might think this is justifying laziness. I mean nothing of the sort--every one of us has a personal responsibility in the loving, inclusive community called the church. Sometimes we just need to keep things in perspective--it's God's church and God's ministry, not ours.

Anyhoo, I felt like there was comfort for me to find in that revelation this week.

Do you believe God is taking care of your personal ministry, or is it all up to you, and God has been relegated to the sidelines?

Morgantown Sunday Morning

Morgantown Sunday Morning, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

I was walking from my house to church sunday morning, and the sky was just so beautiful above this valley. The building on the right is the new Life Sciences Building at WVU. The green space was the home of old Mountaineer Field. The stillness of the morning, the crispness of the air, and the beauty of the sky helped to stir my heart toward what a wonderful place Morgantown is.
It is amazing when one is able to enjoy a moment of calm in the middle of a busy college town.

Fighting Fatigue

For some reason, I have been a little "under the weather" for the past few days. Lot's of stuff happening in town, and the days are growing shorter as well. My "soul group" is really doing well--we've had some great conversations, and we are looking to hang out in the Mountainlair (student union) later this week to see what God is up to.

In the meantime, my roommate has been wanting me to share his blog with the world. If you will look to the right of this entry, you will see a link with the name nic culp on it. Give it a look. And let him (and indirectly me) know what you think.

Operation Waterhouse Cleanup

From 8AM-5PM today seventeen of us participated in a massive cleanup effort in the building we were recently granted--the waterhouse. We scrubbed about 90 years of muck off some of the woodwork, and completely cleaned out a kitchen facility (among other projects). It's really cool because as a result, not only do we have a cleaner facility and a better organized space, now there are at least seventeen of us who have a greater sense of appreciation and ownership for this great building.

It was a long and tiring day, and we were confined to indoor activities as a result of the rain that hit, but we have an even greater sense of community as a result.

We have a wonderful facility and location, but it needs a ton of work. It's pretty exciting just to think about the improvements we made today. There's something really cool about manual labor and sweating and seeing tangible results at the end of the day--I really enjoy it.

I am looking forward to a much needed Sabbath rest tomorrow!

When do you take your sabbath?

living out our calling

I am reading 25 chapters of the Bible/week with a couple of my good friends, and we get together and talk about what we've read on monday mornings @7AM. (I know, we're overachievers!)

Last week we read the last part of exodus and the beginnings of leviticus. I noticed something in a new way as I read through the end of exodus. God had chosen skilled laborers to work on His tabernacle. He had gifted them and they were specifically equipped for the job they were to do.

I couldn't help but think about our calling in association with this. You see, God is building his temple now through us--we are living stones. As each lives out his/her calling, he/she builds up the entire body right?

Well I started thinking about how these guys were better equipped than moses to do what they were doing--moses wasn't doing that work with the tabernacle, and neither were aaron and his sons. They had other work assigned.

I then started thinking about each persons role, and how you might be able to have quality people doing things, but what if it wasn't Christ centered . . .it would be talented, and well done, but it would also have an ugliness to it.

We each need to use our particular talents to glorify God, and need prayer to be the foundation of our work. I think that is probably the main thing--who is our talent and our hard work dedicated to? Ourselves, our peers, or the King of kings, and Lord of lords?

Suffering and Pain and Evil

Over the last few days, I've been hearing some very personal stories from the lives of others. The result has been that I have thinking a lot about the state of our world. I am more and more convinced of the wickedness of humanity the more stories I hear. Sure, I believe deep down that there are people who are really trying to make a difference, and who want to stem the tide. But the truth of the matter is, deep down, our own selfishness is what is the root of so much evil.

We can justify all kinds of evil, and to me that is really scary. I have a feeling that sometimes people don't completely grasp how warped or evil their deeds really are. I don't think we even like talking about evil to tell the truth. Sometimes I feel a little cynical, but more than anything i sweep from being depressed (at the state of the world) to being hopeful (of what the world will one day become).

When I hear stories about the evils committed against some of my friends (these are really too graphic to share, and I wouldn't want to violate confidence), I am heartbroken. I think we like to wear blinders much of the time, and all the while God is trying to pull them off of us, and get us to get involved in being instruments of healing in a world that needs each one of us to be yielded to the rule of King Jesus.

Where is God calling you to bring healing in your part of the world?

Healthy Eating

Over the last couple of months, since returning back from Florida this summer, I have really been watching what I eat. Not that I ate total garbage before, but over the last couple of months I have been both exercising more, and eating a more balanced diet.

I've been noticing a disctinct difference in how I feel on a given day. It seems like I have more energy to expend, and my body is more in rhythm. It is truly great to be in this situation.

I bought a road bike about three weeks ago, and I have been using it for most of my local commuting (the exception being a trip that will involve bulky items). I've also been focussing on carpooling more when that option is available. It takes a little longer to arrive at some places, but the environmental impact as well as the personal health benefit (if I can keep from getting hit) help make it worth while.

When I eat now, I notice more distinctly how I feel if I eat something relatively unhealthy, and it affects me for a while afterward. Not to the point that I am sick, but to the point I don't feel as energetic or lively. Yesterday I ate CiCi's Pizza for lunch, and a buffalo chicken quesadilla for dinner--bad idea in combination.

When I have time, I travel to a local farmers market, and I've been buying organic and locally grown food. Maybe that is part of what is making the difference. It is funny because I'm probably meeting a lot of stereotypes for people with long hair, but I am really thankful for the difference taking place in my physiology as a result of these new eating and exercise habits.

Lamentations

Alas, the mighty mountaineers have fallen. While I mourn heavily at this tragic loss, as well as the end of a great rivalry, life will go on. A few of my Blacksburg friends, Terri Dewey, Jeannette Staats, and Jackie Koch all called to console me during this very difficult time. Thanks ladies!