Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
Sanctuary
This week feels really full to me, but I read an amazing passage of scripture today. I have felt a little anxious and overwhelmed at times when I consider all that is happening this week. It was really refreshing to read the following words from Paul's letter to the Philippian Church. This passage is from "The Message" paraphrase.
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Philippians 4.6-7
What a great reminder, it is truly wonderful what happens when Christ is at the center of your life. Take some time to let Christ be the center in your life as you go through your day. When something else is the center, our lives feel out of rhythm; we struggle and strive. I hope this text can be a reminder to you of finding rhythm.
The picture is of one of the most beautiful churches I've had the privilege of visiting. I am pretty sure this is Sint Nicolaaskerk in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. (but some of my Nederlander friend's can correct me on that). I like the way the cross is central to the space. Everything in the room moves your eyes to the cross. This is where our suffering and God's victory meet and we see the beginnings of Shalom moving through the world.
May you experience God's peace today as you make Christ the center.
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Philippians 4.6-7
What a great reminder, it is truly wonderful what happens when Christ is at the center of your life. Take some time to let Christ be the center in your life as you go through your day. When something else is the center, our lives feel out of rhythm; we struggle and strive. I hope this text can be a reminder to you of finding rhythm.
The picture is of one of the most beautiful churches I've had the privilege of visiting. I am pretty sure this is Sint Nicolaaskerk in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. (but some of my Nederlander friend's can correct me on that). I like the way the cross is central to the space. Everything in the room moves your eyes to the cross. This is where our suffering and God's victory meet and we see the beginnings of Shalom moving through the world.
May you experience God's peace today as you make Christ the center.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Grasping tightly
Nobody can hold a fistful of sand, but we try and try to hold onto things. I just read a quote from Martin Luther on my friend Noel's blog. The quote has been haunting me for the last couple of days.
"I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess."
And there is the challenge. I think we like having stuff in our hands. We feel like we are "with it" or "in control." It is an illusion, but it feels real, and maybe that's why we tend to gravitate toward it.
It is one of the greatest ironies, I think. You see, we know that everything in our life really belongs to God, and that He will care for every aspect of our life better than we ever could ourselves, and yet, we find ourselves trying to hold onto things.
Why is that?
In the end, when we hold onto things, they slip right through our fingers like the sand in this picture.
And in the end, when we give things to God, things are much better than we often think they will be.
Maybe I am alone in this, but in spite of knowing that everything I am, I have, and I do is much better in God's hands, I still want to hold on sometimes.
Maybe I need to remember to take his yoke upon me, and lay down everything I am working so hard to carry.
Maybe we all need a reminder like that sometimes.
Is there something you are trying to carry that is slipping through your hands, or otherwise falling apart? Obviously you aren't adequately equipped to carry it. Try handing it over to God, just for one day, and see what happens.
"I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess."
And there is the challenge. I think we like having stuff in our hands. We feel like we are "with it" or "in control." It is an illusion, but it feels real, and maybe that's why we tend to gravitate toward it.
It is one of the greatest ironies, I think. You see, we know that everything in our life really belongs to God, and that He will care for every aspect of our life better than we ever could ourselves, and yet, we find ourselves trying to hold onto things.
Why is that?
In the end, when we hold onto things, they slip right through our fingers like the sand in this picture.
And in the end, when we give things to God, things are much better than we often think they will be.
Maybe I am alone in this, but in spite of knowing that everything I am, I have, and I do is much better in God's hands, I still want to hold on sometimes.
Maybe I need to remember to take his yoke upon me, and lay down everything I am working so hard to carry.
Maybe we all need a reminder like that sometimes.
Is there something you are trying to carry that is slipping through your hands, or otherwise falling apart? Obviously you aren't adequately equipped to carry it. Try handing it over to God, just for one day, and see what happens.
WVU v Maryland
What a beautiful sight! Mountaineer field all aglow, and Maryland getting beaten badly on national television.
I love this state, and I really enjoy West Virginia sports. Football season affords me an opportunity to connect with many of my friends that I wouldn't see any other time.
There is something about this place that is magical. There is something electric about the space. I just heard that William "Refridgerator" Perry said that this stadium is one of the most exciting places he's ever played.
There's something about seeing people united for a cause that is just exhilirating.
But today, the stand is empty, and the lights are off. Many are recovering from excessive celebration last night. Almost all are returning to some degree of "normalcy" with their lives. We forget, and we fall into routine.
What keeps you motivated when the lights are off, and the stand is empty? How do you stay faithful to the cause?
I love this state, and I really enjoy West Virginia sports. Football season affords me an opportunity to connect with many of my friends that I wouldn't see any other time.
There is something about this place that is magical. There is something electric about the space. I just heard that William "Refridgerator" Perry said that this stadium is one of the most exciting places he's ever played.
There's something about seeing people united for a cause that is just exhilirating.
But today, the stand is empty, and the lights are off. Many are recovering from excessive celebration last night. Almost all are returning to some degree of "normalcy" with their lives. We forget, and we fall into routine.
What keeps you motivated when the lights are off, and the stand is empty? How do you stay faithful to the cause?
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Mom and Dad
Ok, I had a lot of fun taking pictures and capturing memories today, but this picture is absolutely beautiful.
My mom and dad love each other a lot, and you can really see it in this picture. I love my mom and dad a lot too, but I am behind the camera on this one.
Aren't they adorable?
I am so proud of them and how they have just shown so much love to each other (and to us kids) for so long.
I could look at this picture for hours. There is so much communicated in this picture that I can't even begin to put into words.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
My mom and dad love each other a lot, and you can really see it in this picture. I love my mom and dad a lot too, but I am behind the camera on this one.
Aren't they adorable?
I am so proud of them and how they have just shown so much love to each other (and to us kids) for so long.
I could look at this picture for hours. There is so much communicated in this picture that I can't even begin to put into words.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
NDN 4 Life
4 Shawnees.
4 Real.
Me, Dad, Mom, and Willie are all showing off our turbans, and skullcaps as we sport our signs.
Straight Outta the Mid Ohio Valley, we are survivors. And we will stand strong.
Check us out yo!
4 Real.
Me, Dad, Mom, and Willie are all showing off our turbans, and skullcaps as we sport our signs.
Straight Outta the Mid Ohio Valley, we are survivors. And we will stand strong.
Check us out yo!
Thugged Out with Mom
We decided to sport the skullcaps and give a try at looking HARD. Here me, Willie, and my mom rock out our gangsta look with our dew rags.
We all had a blast today as we celebrated my mom's birthday a day early with some delicious food, some cool hang out time, and some totally awesome pics.
I had no idea my mom could look so gangsta!
We all had a blast today as we celebrated my mom's birthday a day early with some delicious food, some cool hang out time, and some totally awesome pics.
I had no idea my mom could look so gangsta!
Kickin' It With Mom
I figured I would give a try rockin' out one of mom's skullcaps. I think we look pretty tight in our caps.
What do you think?
What do you think?
Mom Day After Dose 2
Well, My mom has completed 33% of her chemotherapy treatments. She looks 1000% times better today than she did the day after her first treatment.
You will notice she is wearing a dew rag. She made it herself. She is planning on making and donating them to the cancer center here in parkersburg.
She has started losing her hair, but she looks absolutely beautiful. I mean LOOK at this lady!!!
She is getting stronger instead of weaker, and she is OVERCOMING!!!
Thanks so much for your prayers. If you have ever questioned whether or not they are effective, just look at this smiling face.
She is ADORABLE, and she is my mom!
I love her, how could anyone not?
You will notice she is wearing a dew rag. She made it herself. She is planning on making and donating them to the cancer center here in parkersburg.
She has started losing her hair, but she looks absolutely beautiful. I mean LOOK at this lady!!!
She is getting stronger instead of weaker, and she is OVERCOMING!!!
Thanks so much for your prayers. If you have ever questioned whether or not they are effective, just look at this smiling face.
She is ADORABLE, and she is my mom!
I love her, how could anyone not?
Where I Used to Get My Game On
As we walked around Parkersburg today, we walked by an old basketball court at the city park. I used to play basketball here every day as soon as school let out. I would play until dinner time, or dark, whichever came first.
I like the way this photo turned out.
I remember playing 33 with Willie here a few years ago. He beat me. He reminded me as we walked along today. My dad got a kick out of that.
Do you have any old stomping grounds where you used to do things? It's good to go back to those places from time to time and see how they have changed or remained the same.
Parkersburg has changed alot, but this court hasn't changed all that much. It's a beautiful park. It's just a shame nobody really uses it to play basketball anymore.
I like the way this photo turned out.
I remember playing 33 with Willie here a few years ago. He beat me. He reminded me as we walked along today. My dad got a kick out of that.
Do you have any old stomping grounds where you used to do things? It's good to go back to those places from time to time and see how they have changed or remained the same.
Parkersburg has changed alot, but this court hasn't changed all that much. It's a beautiful park. It's just a shame nobody really uses it to play basketball anymore.
Shawnees Looking on the Ohio
As my dad, Willie, and myself walked along this afternoon and just spent time together, we arrived at Fort Boreman Hill in Parkersburg.
Here are my Dad and my closest friend, both fellow Shawnees from the Eagle clan looking down upon the Pelewa theepi (Ohio River).
The river was called La Belle Riviere by the french. Even on an overcast day like today it still reflects some of that beauty.
It's almost like they are looking into the past as they look down the river. My family has come to this river to sit, reflect, and pray for generations.
It truly is a beautiful river.
Here are my Dad and my closest friend, both fellow Shawnees from the Eagle clan looking down upon the Pelewa theepi (Ohio River).
The river was called La Belle Riviere by the french. Even on an overcast day like today it still reflects some of that beauty.
It's almost like they are looking into the past as they look down the river. My family has come to this river to sit, reflect, and pray for generations.
It truly is a beautiful river.
Willie Rising from the Grave
Strange things happen when Willie comes around. Here we were in a cemetary where Willie found his tombstone. It says that he died like 4 years ago. Boy were we surprised!
Here he is, rising from the grave. What a rare image indeed!
(by the way, for all of those people who say willie is a figment of my imagination, there he is--alive and well!!!)
Here he is, rising from the grave. What a rare image indeed!
(by the way, for all of those people who say willie is a figment of my imagination, there he is--alive and well!!!)
Enoch?
Ok, I think I remember reading that Enoch walked with God, and he was not. But then, today, I was walking through town with my dad and Willie, and I think I might have found a confusing piece of that ancient puzzle. Perhaps this was an Ebenezer stone that Enoch's family left.
Who knew?
Who knew?
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Therapeutic Space?
I could make this a rant about the western sensibility when it comes to a word like therapy, but I will resist. I will simply state that in looking at this space I don't get a strong sense of healing.
And yet . . .
As I think about this little 6x10 room with a curtain for privacy (look at the right edge of the picture to see the curtain), and the IV drug hanging coatrack I realize that healing does take place in this room. With its pseudo comfy chair for the patient receiving the semi-specific toxins that target the cancer cells, this room is a bizarre space.
As I sat in this little room with my mom, I started thinking about the hundreds of people who have sat in this little room before us. I think about all of the fear, anxiety, and sadness that has dwelt in the hearts and minds of the people who have sat in this space. I wonder how many tears have been shed in this little cubicle with it's semi-private curtain.
I wonder what happened to the other people who shared this space with my family. They have no idea that we are even here, and I don't know who any of them are either. I wonder, if, amid the tears, they had hope.
I realize that the space doesn't scream out therapy and healing, but then maybe that's our job. You see, when we bring the light of Christ into a space, no matter how sad, dark, and dismal it might be, it becomes a place of healing and hope.
We don't often take time to reflect on the space which we inhabit, or our call to transform that space into a place where heaven and earth meet. Where are you sitting right now? Who has sat there in the past? We don't think about these things often. But maybe, if we did, our hearts might become a little more soft toward the people who are hurting all around us.
Maybe then we could bring just a little more healing into our world. And maybe, just maybe, the place in which we dwell would become a therapeutic space--wherever it is.
And yet . . .
As I think about this little 6x10 room with a curtain for privacy (look at the right edge of the picture to see the curtain), and the IV drug hanging coatrack I realize that healing does take place in this room. With its pseudo comfy chair for the patient receiving the semi-specific toxins that target the cancer cells, this room is a bizarre space.
As I sat in this little room with my mom, I started thinking about the hundreds of people who have sat in this little room before us. I think about all of the fear, anxiety, and sadness that has dwelt in the hearts and minds of the people who have sat in this space. I wonder how many tears have been shed in this little cubicle with it's semi-private curtain.
I wonder what happened to the other people who shared this space with my family. They have no idea that we are even here, and I don't know who any of them are either. I wonder, if, amid the tears, they had hope.
I realize that the space doesn't scream out therapy and healing, but then maybe that's our job. You see, when we bring the light of Christ into a space, no matter how sad, dark, and dismal it might be, it becomes a place of healing and hope.
We don't often take time to reflect on the space which we inhabit, or our call to transform that space into a place where heaven and earth meet. Where are you sitting right now? Who has sat there in the past? We don't think about these things often. But maybe, if we did, our hearts might become a little more soft toward the people who are hurting all around us.
Maybe then we could bring just a little more healing into our world. And maybe, just maybe, the place in which we dwell would become a therapeutic space--wherever it is.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Potluck thoughts
So I was thinking about this whole potluck thing. You know, I had no idea so many people had crock-pots. I think I might need to invest in one. There was so much good food at this thing--it was amazing. This summer I decided that I needed to learn to cook, but I have not mastered the art of the crock pot yet. I hear it makes cooking easier, but I just don't understand how it works.
Sometimes people just use them to heat stuff. Other times they actually cook the food in the crock pot. Why is it called a crock pot? I thought a crock was a bad thing, but then I ate some of the food people had cooked last night, and these crock pots aren't bad things at all. I just misunderstood them.
Sometimes I think a lot of our problems today come from just that problem. We misunderstand each other. if people just took time to listen to one another, our misunderstandings would be minimized.
And maybe we would find out that some people are more like crock pots, and less like crack pots. We might misunderstand them, but then we find out when we spend time around them that they really aren't all that bad.
Chillin'
These are some cool cats who kick it down at so.zo. I just met Jonathan, but JR, Ricky and Andrew I've known for a while. (left to right)
Andrew is actually my newest roommate.
I just love this place. It is filled with life. I think it might be because the people who frequent it are also filled with life.
Andrew is actually my newest roommate.
I just love this place. It is filled with life. I think it might be because the people who frequent it are also filled with life.
connecting
I think this is one of my favorite pictures, although it is a little blurry. I forgot my ultrapod III that my brother bought me. People are talking, people are eating, people are surfing the web, and most importantly, people are connecting.
This week at h2o, we talked about our desire for relationships. Here people are embodying the message. Beautiful stuff!!!
This week at h2o, we talked about our desire for relationships. Here people are embodying the message. Beautiful stuff!!!
So.zo potluck
I've forgotten my camera on many excursions recently, and I've developed a habit of blogging photos. I feel like it makes things a bit more interesting.
Anyhoo, this is a sweet shot of our community space coming alive with food. There was plenty for everyone, and no one went away hungry.
But, there weren't 5000 people there . . .yet.
Anyhoo, this is a sweet shot of our community space coming alive with food. There was plenty for everyone, and no one went away hungry.
But, there weren't 5000 people there . . .yet.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Spider
I'm finally getting a handle on how to use the macro function on my camera. Yesterday, while out galavanting through the woods (and climbing) a small group of us came upon this spider (about a foot below this spider and web is an identical spider and web that I couldn't capture in the same photo).
I'm not sure what kind of spider this is, but it definitely looks cool.
It is amazing the complexity and intricacy that spiders weave into their webs. When I see the discipline of a spider in making this amazingly intricate and beautiful web, I am awestruck.
Something so small is capable of such intricacy, and I often feel that I am all thumbs when I attempt to be artistic.
Somehow though, we are all like this spider. We have such a capacity for creativity, and we rarely grasp it. We are so busy being productive that we miss out on virtually any opportunity to be creative.
Take some time today, and be creative. Write, paint, draw, even re-arrange your room or clean it. Slow down, and be an instrument for ushering beauty into the world.
I'm not sure what kind of spider this is, but it definitely looks cool.
It is amazing the complexity and intricacy that spiders weave into their webs. When I see the discipline of a spider in making this amazingly intricate and beautiful web, I am awestruck.
Something so small is capable of such intricacy, and I often feel that I am all thumbs when I attempt to be artistic.
Somehow though, we are all like this spider. We have such a capacity for creativity, and we rarely grasp it. We are so busy being productive that we miss out on virtually any opportunity to be creative.
Take some time today, and be creative. Write, paint, draw, even re-arrange your room or clean it. Slow down, and be an instrument for ushering beauty into the world.
Secret Hideaway
I am always taken aback by this sight when I stumble upon it at Cooper's Rock. After climbing and crawling through narrow channels in the rocks, all of a sudden the rocks give way to this open space. It is such a pronounced change in the atmosphere that it always gives me a feeling of discovery when I see it.
Have you ever experienced this "openness" when you walk into a space?
I think these spaces function like natural cathedrals. They point us upward and make us realize that the world, and the Creator are much bigger than we imagine them to be.
Big spaces can be intimidating, or they can be comforting. I am not sure what leads one to perceive things in these different ways, but there is something that embraces you in the comforting spaces, and there is something that seems to be cold and unwelcoming in the intimidating spaces.
Have you ever discovered a comforting secret hideaway in your journeys through wilderness?
Have you ever experienced this "openness" when you walk into a space?
I think these spaces function like natural cathedrals. They point us upward and make us realize that the world, and the Creator are much bigger than we imagine them to be.
Big spaces can be intimidating, or they can be comforting. I am not sure what leads one to perceive things in these different ways, but there is something that embraces you in the comforting spaces, and there is something that seems to be cold and unwelcoming in the intimidating spaces.
Have you ever discovered a comforting secret hideaway in your journeys through wilderness?
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Chuck is flying form Los Angeles to Columbus right now. My dad and brother-in-law are going to pick him up today.
I'm looking forward to making it down into Parkersburg to visit him and the rest of the family for wee bit.
This is the first time all of us Williams children have been together for quite some time. I'm looking forward to it!