The air is definitely different up here in the Mountains. I woke up refreshed about an hour ago, took a much needed shower, and I am enthusiastic about starting the day here in Morgantown. The air is a little easier to breathe this morning. It is cooler, and less humid, and the birds are singing. As I look down into the Monongahela Valley from my back porch I realize that this is home. As much as I enjoy surfing, there is something about these hills where my family has lived for as long as we know history.
I am looking forward to a very full and invigorating day as I spend time connecting/catching up with people in this new atmosphere. At the same time, I greatly miss my roommates, and friends from my project in Orlando. They are such a quality group of men and women, and I really feel like I am missing out by not being around them this week.
Just the same, I love these hills I call home.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Driving to Motown
No--not detroit, but morgantown. I drove up yesterday with Ryan and Miranda. We left at four am from Orlando, Florida. Fourteen hours later, we pulled into Morgantown. Had a bite to eat at Zen Clay, and I was able to visit briefly with my friend Micah. I was also able to see the soon to be bride and groom during that quick stop at the "Tea Garden/Zen Clay".
Afterward, I rolled into the summer Bible study/gathering of H2O at my house. There were about 20 people hanging out in my living room and talking about James chapter two. Almost everybody went out to Cici's Pizza after the study and hung out. I was able to talk with a few people about a mission trip to Amsterdam happening over thanksgiving. There may be a few spots available to join us if you are interested--let me know.
It was definitely a full day, and I finally fell asleep around midnight.
Afterward, I rolled into the summer Bible study/gathering of H2O at my house. There were about 20 people hanging out in my living room and talking about James chapter two. Almost everybody went out to Cici's Pizza after the study and hung out. I was able to talk with a few people about a mission trip to Amsterdam happening over thanksgiving. There may be a few spots available to join us if you are interested--let me know.
It was definitely a full day, and I finally fell asleep around midnight.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Becky and Ray
After a wonderful day of surf and sand at Cocoa Beach. I journeyed to the West Coast (of Florida) for a day of relaxation and celebration with my sister and her husband.
Me and my buddy Joe drove over and chillaxed along the gulf coast under a sunny sky. (It was anticipated that there would be 3-5 inches of rain, but it was a beautiful day.)
My sister was celebrating her Birthday, and so it was awesome that we were all able to spend the day together. We spent a little time in the gulf, did some body surfing (at least Joe and I did), and had some great conversations and great food while we hung out together.
Unfortunately we don't get many times together like that, but this makes me cherish my times with Becky and Ray even more.
I think sometimes it is really easy to get caught up in "doing" stuff and we miss out on quality times relaxing with those we care about and talking about things that matter in life.
I think my sister had a great day, and it was a blessing to hang out with her and her husband. It always is.
If you get a chance, today might be a good day to call someone you haven't talked to in a while (maybe a family member), and try to get together just to talk and hang out together.
Me and my buddy Joe drove over and chillaxed along the gulf coast under a sunny sky. (It was anticipated that there would be 3-5 inches of rain, but it was a beautiful day.)
My sister was celebrating her Birthday, and so it was awesome that we were all able to spend the day together. We spent a little time in the gulf, did some body surfing (at least Joe and I did), and had some great conversations and great food while we hung out together.
Unfortunately we don't get many times together like that, but this makes me cherish my times with Becky and Ray even more.
I think sometimes it is really easy to get caught up in "doing" stuff and we miss out on quality times relaxing with those we care about and talking about things that matter in life.
I think my sister had a great day, and it was a blessing to hang out with her and her husband. It always is.
If you get a chance, today might be a good day to call someone you haven't talked to in a while (maybe a family member), and try to get together just to talk and hang out together.
Cocoa Beach Connections
Cocoa Beach, home of Ron Jon's Surf Shop, is only 45 minutes away from my apartment on the UCF campus this summer. As a result, trips to the beach have been a frequent source of refreshment during my sabbath each week. This is the location where I learned to surf, and have been keeping up with the new passion. Friday, I went, thinking that the swells from Arlene would make for some sweet surfing. it was pretty choppy though, and hard to sustain a ride. Actually--it was pretty difficult to get out to the place where the waves were breaking. I need to work on my paddling a bit.
While I was there, I met a couple of really cool guys. Cyrus and Matt Vepa were on vacation from Alabama when I met them, and Cyrus had asked if I might give his son some surfing pointers. So Matt and I started paddling out into some sweet waves. During the course of our conversations in the water and on the beach, we realized that we were all followers of Jesus. What ensued after this realization was some great conversation and fellowship. It is so cool how close we are all brought together by being part of God's family. They offered me a place to stay if I wanted, and even let me use their shower to get the salt water off me. I just think they were a huge testimony of what we should be like with regard to hospitality, care, and compassion. We were able to share a meal, and spent some time in prayer together to end our evening.
We are hoping to stay in touch, and I consider it a privilege to be encouraged and exhorted by those who are a part of my family in Jesus.
Is God calling you to reach out with hospitality and trust to somebody in your community?
While I was there, I met a couple of really cool guys. Cyrus and Matt Vepa were on vacation from Alabama when I met them, and Cyrus had asked if I might give his son some surfing pointers. So Matt and I started paddling out into some sweet waves. During the course of our conversations in the water and on the beach, we realized that we were all followers of Jesus. What ensued after this realization was some great conversation and fellowship. It is so cool how close we are all brought together by being part of God's family. They offered me a place to stay if I wanted, and even let me use their shower to get the salt water off me. I just think they were a huge testimony of what we should be like with regard to hospitality, care, and compassion. We were able to share a meal, and spent some time in prayer together to end our evening.
We are hoping to stay in touch, and I consider it a privilege to be encouraged and exhorted by those who are a part of my family in Jesus.
Is God calling you to reach out with hospitality and trust to somebody in your community?
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Life Lessons from Saul
OR...How to Destoy Your Life in Five Easy Steps
This was the title of last nights talk here in Orlando.
Looking at I Samuel 18 as the primary text, we examined how saul's lack of ability to resolve conflict ended up in his undoing.
Life is full of conflict, and the rest of the world just goes with the flow, but we are called to be different. We are called to be people who seek to make things right and to bring healing where there is hurt. Many times, we miss this though. We hide, we lose God's perpective about unity, and eventually we run from God. The impact of this is far greater than what it does to us, it affects everyone around us as well.
If you are reading this and there is someone you need to "get right" with, read Matt 5:21-26, and think about taking the steps indicated in that passage. Jesus tells us that the world will know we are his followers not by the size and grandeur of our churches, or the style of music we play, but the love that we have for one another. If we are at odds, then no matter what we say with our mouths we may be sending a louder message that we aren't following Jesus.
Pretty scary thought...
This was the title of last nights talk here in Orlando.
Looking at I Samuel 18 as the primary text, we examined how saul's lack of ability to resolve conflict ended up in his undoing.
Life is full of conflict, and the rest of the world just goes with the flow, but we are called to be different. We are called to be people who seek to make things right and to bring healing where there is hurt. Many times, we miss this though. We hide, we lose God's perpective about unity, and eventually we run from God. The impact of this is far greater than what it does to us, it affects everyone around us as well.
If you are reading this and there is someone you need to "get right" with, read Matt 5:21-26, and think about taking the steps indicated in that passage. Jesus tells us that the world will know we are his followers not by the size and grandeur of our churches, or the style of music we play, but the love that we have for one another. If we are at odds, then no matter what we say with our mouths we may be sending a louder message that we aren't following Jesus.
Pretty scary thought...
Into Thin Air
Friday I took some time and finally read a book my friend Curtis has been encouraging me toward for years.
A couple of themes stuck out to me. One was the importance of making plans and holding fast to them. Not that we shouldn't be flexible, but when the stakes of danger become more possible we need to hold fast to our original ideas. Sometimes in the heat of the moment we make decisions that at any other time we would realize were bad decisions. Most of the last minute decisions made during this disaster were made in an oxygen depleted environment, so people were already suffering from clouded thinking, and difficulty in breathing/moving. In spite of this many heroic acts were commenced that cost some their lives, and saved others theirs.
The other theme was the significant impact our "little decisions" have on the lives of those around us. Many times we justify a behavior or an act believing that "it wont hurt anybody". Even the smallest of acts can have great implications for others. There is an old asian proverb that when a butterfly flaps it's wings it is the beginnings of a devasting wind. We need to weigh the implications of our decisions as we seek what glorifies God most, and also what is best for humanity. The two should work together as one.
A couple of themes stuck out to me. One was the importance of making plans and holding fast to them. Not that we shouldn't be flexible, but when the stakes of danger become more possible we need to hold fast to our original ideas. Sometimes in the heat of the moment we make decisions that at any other time we would realize were bad decisions. Most of the last minute decisions made during this disaster were made in an oxygen depleted environment, so people were already suffering from clouded thinking, and difficulty in breathing/moving. In spite of this many heroic acts were commenced that cost some their lives, and saved others theirs.
The other theme was the significant impact our "little decisions" have on the lives of those around us. Many times we justify a behavior or an act believing that "it wont hurt anybody". Even the smallest of acts can have great implications for others. There is an old asian proverb that when a butterfly flaps it's wings it is the beginnings of a devasting wind. We need to weigh the implications of our decisions as we seek what glorifies God most, and also what is best for humanity. The two should work together as one.
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Weather break
Well, it was pretty awesome today. A bunch of us wanted to have a BBQ and connect with our neighbors down hear in O-town. Unfortunately it has rained pretty steadily for the last week, and it was supposed to rain heavily during the time of our get together. Thankfully, we prayed and God answered. He literally split the clouds and let the sun shine and dry up a wet basketball court. We grilled, we hung out, and we met quite a few of our neighbors. It was a pretty cool day all-in-all.
The whole way that the rain was abated reminds me of a story one of my elders once told me. There was a guy whose name was Pangee Maumee (Blue Heron), who had some really big medicine. From what my elder told me, this guy was really old, and was very much a man of prayer. One time, probably thirty years ago at least, this guy was present during one of our tribal ceremonies. Well, the people couldn't celebrate the ceremony because there was a fierce rain coming down. So Pangee Maumee walked out into the storm and he said "Stop!". The storm diminished a little bit, and then came down more violently. Undeterred, Pangee Maumee stood in the storm for a minute, and then exclaimed,"I said Stop!!!" The clouds then lifted, and the rain stopped as Pangee Maumee walked from the middle of the field to return to his sitting place.
Pretty wild how God answers fervent effectual prayer!
The whole way that the rain was abated reminds me of a story one of my elders once told me. There was a guy whose name was Pangee Maumee (Blue Heron), who had some really big medicine. From what my elder told me, this guy was really old, and was very much a man of prayer. One time, probably thirty years ago at least, this guy was present during one of our tribal ceremonies. Well, the people couldn't celebrate the ceremony because there was a fierce rain coming down. So Pangee Maumee walked out into the storm and he said "Stop!". The storm diminished a little bit, and then came down more violently. Undeterred, Pangee Maumee stood in the storm for a minute, and then exclaimed,"I said Stop!!!" The clouds then lifted, and the rain stopped as Pangee Maumee walked from the middle of the field to return to his sitting place.
Pretty wild how God answers fervent effectual prayer!
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Learning to Fly
Sure, I know you're probably thinking this is going to be some spiritual message about God and soaring to the heights with the Spirit (which I highly recommend).
But this is a little different. I flew a plane today. Let me state that again...I FLEW A PLANE TODAY!!! I went to New Smyrna Beach with some of the staff down here at LT, and one of the staffer's has a relative who has a plane. I spent the afternoon learning a ton about flying, and then we went up for a cruise around the coast. It was freakin' awesome!
As far as new adventures go, my sabbaths the past two weeks have really rocked. Last week I learned to surf. This week I learned to fly. I don't know what is in store for next week, but I can't wait.
I wasn't doing anything really fancy, but I flew for a while, and did a couple of turns and ascensions/decensions. It was a really awesome day!
I now have two new hobbies as a result of my summer at LT.
But this is a little different. I flew a plane today. Let me state that again...I FLEW A PLANE TODAY!!! I went to New Smyrna Beach with some of the staff down here at LT, and one of the staffer's has a relative who has a plane. I spent the afternoon learning a ton about flying, and then we went up for a cruise around the coast. It was freakin' awesome!
As far as new adventures go, my sabbaths the past two weeks have really rocked. Last week I learned to surf. This week I learned to fly. I don't know what is in store for next week, but I can't wait.
I wasn't doing anything really fancy, but I flew for a while, and did a couple of turns and ascensions/decensions. It was a really awesome day!
I now have two new hobbies as a result of my summer at LT.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Life Lessons from Hezekiah
Over the course of the summer in FL we will spend some time looking at life lessons from various kings of Israel. This past week we talked about Hezekiah, and how he was a man who trusted God, and lived a life of prayer. In a discussion the next day with a couple of students, I saw a need for people to think a little more deeply. It seems like a no brainer that people should live lives that reflect a deep trust for God, and to be consistently praying.
A couple of students started talking about whether an elected leader who was of a faith should bring their faith into their work, or check it at the door and focus on accurately representing what the constituents wanted to see done in leadership. The students philosophized over the pros and cons of both sides (a good exercise in itself). When I suggested that they might look at Hezekiah's life and see what they might glean from examining the lives of leaders in scripture for a clue.
What emerged was that if Hezekiah gave the people what they wanted, there would still have been idols in the temple, and altars in the high places. But he could have been really good at praying still. Instead, Hezekiah made decisions based on his faith, for the good of all people. He couldn't check his faith at the door. After all, is it really a consistent faith, if it is merely based on circumstance, and isolated to become the private compartment of our lives. If what we believe about anything is true, then it should impact all of our lives. Not just an isolated area.
A couple of students started talking about whether an elected leader who was of a faith should bring their faith into their work, or check it at the door and focus on accurately representing what the constituents wanted to see done in leadership. The students philosophized over the pros and cons of both sides (a good exercise in itself). When I suggested that they might look at Hezekiah's life and see what they might glean from examining the lives of leaders in scripture for a clue.
What emerged was that if Hezekiah gave the people what they wanted, there would still have been idols in the temple, and altars in the high places. But he could have been really good at praying still. Instead, Hezekiah made decisions based on his faith, for the good of all people. He couldn't check his faith at the door. After all, is it really a consistent faith, if it is merely based on circumstance, and isolated to become the private compartment of our lives. If what we believe about anything is true, then it should impact all of our lives. Not just an isolated area.
Jesus Indians
Two days ago, I had a really great conversation with a girl who is a part of the Leadership Training program I am doing here in Orlando. It is a Christian based Leadership program that stresses character centered leadership, and a deep and enriching relationship with God as the center piece to leadership. Anyhoo, the girl I was talking to is a Rappahannock indian from Virginia. It is rare to connect with other Indian people with any regularity it seems like, but it is especially rare for me to connect with many other Native people who are passionate followers of Jesus.
Living in the Tension
It's been a while since I have written on this blog, but this week's talks have been interesting at LT. Maybe LT could stand for Living in Tension. Anyhoo, there seems to be a tension we live in between being yielded to God's grace, and living out big dreams for God. Without the proper perspective we can end up trampling the grace of God by wanton-ness. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we can get so works based that WE become the center of the universe, and not the God who gives us us grace. We end up believing it is up to us to live out big dreams and not up to God.
So...the important thing seems to be living in the tension. Motivated by grace, we walk in the works He has laid out for us, the purpose of our lives, the calling of God, to the end that we glorify God and enjoy Him forever. I'm reminded of a passage in Ephesians tonight.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand, that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
So...the important thing seems to be living in the tension. Motivated by grace, we walk in the works He has laid out for us, the purpose of our lives, the calling of God, to the end that we glorify God and enjoy Him forever. I'm reminded of a passage in Ephesians tonight.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand, that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
Friday, May 20, 2005
Connecting with Staff and Preparing for Students
OVer the last four days, my time in Orlando has been extremely busy. I have had a hard time connecting with people back home because of limited access to the internet, and my time has been extremely filled with preparations for the arrival of the students. Tomorrow about 100 students from all over the country will be arriving in Orlando for GCM's Leadership Training (LT) program.
The number of staff in attendance here is much lower than in years past, and it has made for ma much busier time for everyone, but the time has been a great period of connecting with one another and hearing how God has been at work in each of our lives to bring us here together.
I have been living in temporary housing for the last four days, and I am looking forward to having a little bit of time tonight to get moved into my new home for the next three months.
Although I have had my camera all week, I haven't been taking many pictures. Over the past week, it seems i have developed a knack for forgetting to take pictures along the way.
Well, it is back to work getting ready for the students' arrival tomorrow. Much to do and little time to do it!
The number of staff in attendance here is much lower than in years past, and it has made for ma much busier time for everyone, but the time has been a great period of connecting with one another and hearing how God has been at work in each of our lives to bring us here together.
I have been living in temporary housing for the last four days, and I am looking forward to having a little bit of time tonight to get moved into my new home for the next three months.
Although I have had my camera all week, I haven't been taking many pictures. Over the past week, it seems i have developed a knack for forgetting to take pictures along the way.
Well, it is back to work getting ready for the students' arrival tomorrow. Much to do and little time to do it!
Arrival
After dealing with the transmission, I commenced my journey southward toward Orlando Sunday Afternoon. Along the way I was able to connect with many friends and supporters of the ministry I am doing in West Virginia. I arrived at approximately 7PM, and by 8PM I was sitting in a local Starbucks engaged in spiritual conversation with one of the barista's as well as a patron who God brought through the doors that night.
After a long day on the road, it was cool to be able to pick up in this new location and begin making connections with local people. Only time will tell what will come from these new friendships, but I look forward to seeing what direction they take over the coures of the summer
After a long day on the road, it was cool to be able to pick up in this new location and begin making connections with local people. Only time will tell what will come from these new friendships, but I look forward to seeing what direction they take over the coures of the summer
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Good times
Yesterday, i had a wonderful time getting together with many people who help support what I do in myriad ways. One of my greatest joys was being able to spend some time with my parents, as well as my best friend on the entire planet and his family. This picture was taken a few moments before we parted ways while I continue the journey to Florida. I'm so glad I have such a loving community of friends and family, and that we get to spend time together.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Car Problems
Well, I just commenced my journey to Florida today, and it has been eventful thus far. I planned to leave early in the morning and head toward Parkersburg to meet with a few people and get some last minute work done before moving farther south. On the way along route 50, a reddish liquid began to splash against my windshield. I pulled over, and popped the hood. My transmission fluid hose had come loose, and all of my transmission fluid was pouring over the highway and out of my car. Good Times! Thankfully, I knew just what to do, and tightened a clamp on the hose. After doing this, I thankfully had a half quart of fluid to add to the car. It wasn't sufficient to go for the long haul, but it was just enough to get me to parkersburg, where I drove immediately to a Chrysler dealership and had a diagnostic run on my car. (The check engine light came on shortly after my little transmission debacle.) Thankfully my transmission system was intact, and the mechanic just added three quarts of fluid. Of course neither the diagnostic check nor the fluid were free, but I think the guy respected the fact that I made the drive, and knew what I was doing with regard to the vehicle, so he walked me through the whole diagnostic, and confirmed everything I had believed to be true. It is comforting to have my diagnosis seconded by an expert. It is also cmforting to receive that confirmation prior to a long road trip, and not in a strange place along the way.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Angels Game
What a company guy! My brother got two tickets to see the Angels play the night I met up with him in California! The tickets were in the company box which was slightly right of home plate. It was nice to take a breather for a bit and relax. I figured it was only fitting that I go to an "angels" game since I have been working so intensely toward plans for our faith community! The Angels won 4-3, so it was a good evening for all. Made for an interesting day going from Hollywood via south central only to arrive at this--the pinnacle of southwestern suburbia--and company box seats to boot! Only in Los Angeles i guess--so many messages hitting my mind so quickly.
View from South Central
It's taken me a while to blog this, but last Friday, I took the metro from JR's in Hollywood to within 0.5 miles of my brother's Chevron refinery. It was a very eye opening trip. The metro brings people from all walks of life together, and also people from a multitude of nationalities. It only cost $3 for a day pass, and I think I may have been able to ride for much less. I'm surprised more people don't use this. While riding, I traveled right through one of the worst areas of LA. This photo was taken after traveling through San Pedro, Watts, Inglewood, and stopping just north of the Compton metro stop. The point I took this picture from seemed like it was in a straight line from where I came from in Hollywood. How different life can be for people living only a few miles apart?
Friday, May 06, 2005
Night Time in the City of Angels
What a beautiful sight. This is the night time view of the city from the place I have been staying. Spent some time on the rooftop reflecting last night. It's amazing how bright the night sky is in a city of this size. Although I love the wilderness, there is a captivating beauty in seeing a skyline like this.
Rain in Hollywood
never thought it rained in southern california, but yesterday, I walked through a shower for about twenty minutes. Although I have been out this way many times, I have never experienced rain. LA has experienced record rain this year, and it has resulted in a number of vibrant blooms (none seen in the concrete of Hollywood) that manyhave not seen before. I wasn't sure if it would be clear through the photo that it was raining, but then I saw the lady with the umbrella.
It's funny, because everybody here had umbrellas. When I think about Morgantown, most people have gortex jackets, or just allow themselves to be soaked. Umbrellas are often viewed as an encumbrance. I also saw a number of people wearing raincoats, but most of these people weren't dressed up like we usually are back east when wearing them. It was a pretty fascinating cultural study.
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Just the same, it was a beautiful sight, and the cool gulf breeze made the evening a time of refreshment for all of us.