Monday, April 30, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Blooms
Monday afternoon I drove to Parkersburg to join with my family in a meeting with our cancer doctor. When i found out about the meeting I began praying and and I also began bracing myself for some horrible news.
I think my whole family went through those mental and emotional preparations. And when we met with the doctor, there was a degree of relief.
Although my mom has new cancer creating a rash above her right breast, the doctor told us that she would be going home in a couple of days, and then we would begin preparations for the next round of chemo.
Mom's really fighting hard. We're all fighting hard. I cherish your prayers for my family.
As we walked into the hospital on monday, my dad told me about a guy who retired the same day as him. The guy was in a bed on my mom's floor. His family was around him, and he was in a comatose state.
I walked out of my mom's room to go to the restroom, and I ran into my friend Frank Lambert and his fiancée as they walked into frank's dad's room. His dad has esophageal cancer. The outlook isn't good, but I followed them to the room and prayed with his family. While cancer makes things look hopeless, we have a God who is good, and we have hope that will not be put to shame.
Cancer is very indiscriminate. My friend Ben's father has cancer. And my friend Nina is fighting strong against it. My mom runs into people she knows every time she goes for a treatment.
In the middle of all of the weirdness of cancer, I was able to take time to enjoy this bloom from a cherry tree this morning.
In spite of the ugliness we see in the challenge cancer and other evils bring, beauty has a way of triumphing and appearing in some pretty unlikely places. We just need to be aware and looking.
Like the prophet Jeremiah once said,
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
How very true--nothing can stop that steadfast love and faithfulness. I know God is shining through in our lives through it all, and walking before us, with us, and behind us.
I think my whole family went through those mental and emotional preparations. And when we met with the doctor, there was a degree of relief.
Although my mom has new cancer creating a rash above her right breast, the doctor told us that she would be going home in a couple of days, and then we would begin preparations for the next round of chemo.
Mom's really fighting hard. We're all fighting hard. I cherish your prayers for my family.
As we walked into the hospital on monday, my dad told me about a guy who retired the same day as him. The guy was in a bed on my mom's floor. His family was around him, and he was in a comatose state.
I walked out of my mom's room to go to the restroom, and I ran into my friend Frank Lambert and his fiancée as they walked into frank's dad's room. His dad has esophageal cancer. The outlook isn't good, but I followed them to the room and prayed with his family. While cancer makes things look hopeless, we have a God who is good, and we have hope that will not be put to shame.
Cancer is very indiscriminate. My friend Ben's father has cancer. And my friend Nina is fighting strong against it. My mom runs into people she knows every time she goes for a treatment.
In the middle of all of the weirdness of cancer, I was able to take time to enjoy this bloom from a cherry tree this morning.
In spite of the ugliness we see in the challenge cancer and other evils bring, beauty has a way of triumphing and appearing in some pretty unlikely places. We just need to be aware and looking.
Like the prophet Jeremiah once said,
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
How very true--nothing can stop that steadfast love and faithfulness. I know God is shining through in our lives through it all, and walking before us, with us, and behind us.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Brothers
One of the best things about this whole cancer challenge is the fact that my family has been so tight through it all. I took this picture of my dad and another one of my uncles this afternoon after he visited my mom for a bit. I love getting together with my family, because we can always find something to laugh about. Laughter is healing. I'm grateful for so many wonderful relatives who taught me from a young age the importance of laughter and the importance of stories.
The uncle in this picture is the one I am named after--he's my uncle Bill. I'm Billy though. That's how you tell us apart. He's another one of my relatives who has kicked cancer's booty.
My family has survived a lot of crazy stuff. Back in the day when Indians received smallpox infested blankets, somehow some of my ancestors survived. We keep on keepin' on. We refuse to give up or give in. In the word's of Joe Dirt, "You gotta not have no in your heart!" We don't lay down easy--we "Endeavor to persevere." (Quote from The Outlaw Josey Wales. Now cancer has tried to come after many of my relatives, but we are fighting the good fight together as we pray for and love one another.
My mom is the latest in that tradition. She's a fighter and she is mega-stubborn. I like it--it explains a lot about me. (By the way--my dad and everyone else in my family are the same way).
So my mom had both of her kidneys blocked yesterday, and she had minor surgery to open up the flow. I think she drained something like 6-8 Liters of fluid in the last 24 hours. She was breathing easier today, but she is pretty tired. She's been through a lot the last few days as well as the last few months. Even amid this fatigue and weakness, she mustered the fortitude to sit up in a chair for a bit this evening. I imagine she will be able to come home soon, but we still have a cloud of uncertainty about that.
Tomorrow more answers should be provided, but for now we wait. We wait to find out what caused the blockage of her kidneys. We wait to find out what is going on with the large rash on her right breast. We wait to find out what the next steps are we should take. And most importantly, we wait on the sovereign LORD to direct us and the doctors in the next step of the journey.
Please join with us in prayer and in waiting.
The uncle in this picture is the one I am named after--he's my uncle Bill. I'm Billy though. That's how you tell us apart. He's another one of my relatives who has kicked cancer's booty.
My family has survived a lot of crazy stuff. Back in the day when Indians received smallpox infested blankets, somehow some of my ancestors survived. We keep on keepin' on. We refuse to give up or give in. In the word's of Joe Dirt, "You gotta not have no in your heart!" We don't lay down easy--we "Endeavor to persevere." (Quote from The Outlaw Josey Wales. Now cancer has tried to come after many of my relatives, but we are fighting the good fight together as we pray for and love one another.
My mom is the latest in that tradition. She's a fighter and she is mega-stubborn. I like it--it explains a lot about me. (By the way--my dad and everyone else in my family are the same way).
So my mom had both of her kidneys blocked yesterday, and she had minor surgery to open up the flow. I think she drained something like 6-8 Liters of fluid in the last 24 hours. She was breathing easier today, but she is pretty tired. She's been through a lot the last few days as well as the last few months. Even amid this fatigue and weakness, she mustered the fortitude to sit up in a chair for a bit this evening. I imagine she will be able to come home soon, but we still have a cloud of uncertainty about that.
Tomorrow more answers should be provided, but for now we wait. We wait to find out what caused the blockage of her kidneys. We wait to find out what is going on with the large rash on her right breast. We wait to find out what the next steps are we should take. And most importantly, we wait on the sovereign LORD to direct us and the doctors in the next step of the journey.
Please join with us in prayer and in waiting.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Brothers
Yesterday, my mom was admitted into Camden Clark Memorial Hospital because of some pretty intense breathing problems she was having. I was on my way to a conference, and got word that she was being admitted, and, after getting the counsel my close friend and fellow traveler Brian Shope, I turned the car around to head home to be with her.
Today, her breathing has still been difficult, and we have probably generated even more questions along the way. I wish I had a lot of clear stuff to report, but right now--I've got very little. Yesterday, we prayed that the doctors would have wisdom with regard to my mom's situation. This morning they "randomly discovered" an otherwise unsuspected and unusually high level of creatine in her blood. A catheter was ordered, and then blockage was discovered leading from both her kidneys--two stints were added in an emergency surgery this afternoon. What an amazing answer to prayer--but we still need to continue in prayer--persevere!
Through it all, my mom has been a trooper! The surgery was painful, but she is holding up. I hope we will find out more with regard to her situation in the near future, but I wanted to ask you to continue in prayer.
But not just for her. In this picture are my dad and two of his brothers. Both of these brothers (and a third one not in the photo) have been fighting and beating cancer--they are like inspirations to my mom. Just the same, I ask you to remember each of them in prayer.
As I posted this picture, I noticed that in the reflection on the TV you can vaguely see my sister, my aunt, and my mom. In the middle of all of these battles with cancer, it has been truly amazing to see how much our family has really come out and cared for one another.
I pray that this too might be a testimony to the incredibly gracious love of God that we have all received, and that we might be an encouragement to others fighting this ruthless malady.
We shall overcome! We are more than conquerors!
Today, her breathing has still been difficult, and we have probably generated even more questions along the way. I wish I had a lot of clear stuff to report, but right now--I've got very little. Yesterday, we prayed that the doctors would have wisdom with regard to my mom's situation. This morning they "randomly discovered" an otherwise unsuspected and unusually high level of creatine in her blood. A catheter was ordered, and then blockage was discovered leading from both her kidneys--two stints were added in an emergency surgery this afternoon. What an amazing answer to prayer--but we still need to continue in prayer--persevere!
Through it all, my mom has been a trooper! The surgery was painful, but she is holding up. I hope we will find out more with regard to her situation in the near future, but I wanted to ask you to continue in prayer.
But not just for her. In this picture are my dad and two of his brothers. Both of these brothers (and a third one not in the photo) have been fighting and beating cancer--they are like inspirations to my mom. Just the same, I ask you to remember each of them in prayer.
As I posted this picture, I noticed that in the reflection on the TV you can vaguely see my sister, my aunt, and my mom. In the middle of all of these battles with cancer, it has been truly amazing to see how much our family has really come out and cared for one another.
I pray that this too might be a testimony to the incredibly gracious love of God that we have all received, and that we might be an encouragement to others fighting this ruthless malady.
We shall overcome! We are more than conquerors!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Waterboyz and Changing Tides
Last night, we almost pulled the biggest upset in our league, and I think that's worth blogging about. Ordinarily, when you lose a game, or even a few games it's not something you want to talk about.
But this team and our community is totally different. Last night we ended the game, and although losing isn't the most fun thing in the world, we were able to spend some time with a bunch of our friends who came out to support us and it was simply wonderful!
The game was a lot of fun--we were playing against what I believe is the best team in the league, and we even led at a few points. We played as a team, and I heard one guy say that if we had just a little more time, he thought we might have pulled out the victory.
Honestly, the way we played together, we did pull out a victory. And being able to walk over to a crowd of 30-40 close friends who were cheering us on gave us an even greater victory. We were able to pray together, and thank God for keeping us injury free, and beyond this we were even able to thank God for the community and the conversations that were happening all through the game among our friends.
I never would have anticipated this would be sooo much fun! We even have a mascot now, a Newfoundland (water rescue dog) named Baxter!
Even though we lost, I think the tides are changing for the better for the Waterboyz and our community of friends and supporters!
Go waterboyz!!!
But this team and our community is totally different. Last night we ended the game, and although losing isn't the most fun thing in the world, we were able to spend some time with a bunch of our friends who came out to support us and it was simply wonderful!
The game was a lot of fun--we were playing against what I believe is the best team in the league, and we even led at a few points. We played as a team, and I heard one guy say that if we had just a little more time, he thought we might have pulled out the victory.
Honestly, the way we played together, we did pull out a victory. And being able to walk over to a crowd of 30-40 close friends who were cheering us on gave us an even greater victory. We were able to pray together, and thank God for keeping us injury free, and beyond this we were even able to thank God for the community and the conversations that were happening all through the game among our friends.
I never would have anticipated this would be sooo much fun! We even have a mascot now, a Newfoundland (water rescue dog) named Baxter!
Even though we lost, I think the tides are changing for the better for the Waterboyz and our community of friends and supporters!
Go waterboyz!!!
Monday, April 16, 2007
Energy Savings and One Billion Bulbs
Over the last few weeks I've been thinking a lot about stewardship and the environment. In particular I've been thinking about the added onus that Christians have as a mandate from God to be good stewards with the resources with which we have been entrusted. And I've been thinking about/reading about ways we can begin to curb our energy consumption and things like that.
Like any mad-scientist--I have begun by experimenting on myself. I've been exploring recycling, and household energy consumption stuff, and it has been really cool. I've taken some flak here and there who already assume I must be really granola because of being Indian and having long hair.
Been thinking about cultural stuff lately too. The old timers used to say that we make our decisions by thinking about how they will affect the next seven generations. Most of the time today people make decisions without considering how they will affect the next seven days.
I'm exploring gardening a bit this year too. I think my generation is the first generation of my family that hasn't kept a garden. All of my uncles keep gardens, and my dad has always planted crops. It's time I learn some of these "old ways". So I hope to explore some of that in a future blog as well. I kind of feel like we've lost a lot of our connection to the earth over the last several years--I know I have.
A few month's ago, Willie sent me a link to this website called one billion bulbs.com. I created a group on the site that I called Friends of Chanchanchepon that i would love for you to join.
Over the last few months I have been changing out my incandescent bulbs for low wattage compact fluorescent bulbs. I have changed out several bulbs, and many of my friends have done the same. The website allows us to track the impact our exchange of bulbs is making.
But I've gotta tell ya--I think I underestimated the number of hours my other bulbs were being used. I've cut my electric bill nearly in half by using these compact fluorescent bulbs. I really recommend the change-over.
Anyway, check out the one billion bulbs site, and make the switch to compact fluorescent bulbs. Unless you have an even better alternative like solar power. I think we can reach our state's goals pretty quickly if everyone will just switch out a few bulbs. Join my "Friends of Chanchanchepon" group, and record your change-over. That way we can track the energy we've helped to conserve. The Compact Fluorescent bulbs are much more expensive, but they last a TON longer too. Plus you will make the money back pretty quick in energy savings. Picture this. If you switch out 1 60 watt bulb for 1 11 watt bulb, the amount of electricity saved in that process is over 80%.
Get out there and care for the planet--starting with your household!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
A Protected Beauty
Unfortunately this week has not afforded me the time to write and reflect that I was hoping it would. It has been a very productive week though, and I have a feeling I am going to be putting up a series of blogs dealing with some current problems we are facing in our world, and what we can do about them.
For now though, I want to encourage you to slow down. My best friend on the planet, Willie, sent me this article from a desiring God blogsite. The thing that strikes me is that the article hits on something similar to this picture. Isn't this photo exquisite?
In order to photograph this, the photographer had to recognize the beauty of the moment, and after he recognized it, he photographed it.
Now his photo took him about a half mile away from a parking lot--that's not far, but it took some effort.
Personally, I think we miss beauty like this every day because we are going about with blinders on and busily scrambling from task to task. The link in this post talks about a world renknown violin player who set up in downtown DC and performed as a few people chucked quarters in his violin case.
It's amazing how much we miss out on the beauty that's all around us when we are busy. Take some time to look at the world around you and soak in those moments and images that are just a little ways off the well worn path of a busy and hectic paced life. It will renew your spirit.
For now though, I want to encourage you to slow down. My best friend on the planet, Willie, sent me this article from a desiring God blogsite. The thing that strikes me is that the article hits on something similar to this picture. Isn't this photo exquisite?
In order to photograph this, the photographer had to recognize the beauty of the moment, and after he recognized it, he photographed it.
Now his photo took him about a half mile away from a parking lot--that's not far, but it took some effort.
Personally, I think we miss beauty like this every day because we are going about with blinders on and busily scrambling from task to task. The link in this post talks about a world renknown violin player who set up in downtown DC and performed as a few people chucked quarters in his violin case.
It's amazing how much we miss out on the beauty that's all around us when we are busy. Take some time to look at the world around you and soak in those moments and images that are just a little ways off the well worn path of a busy and hectic paced life. It will renew your spirit.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Morgantown at Dusk
Well it's been a whle since I've posted a picture of the lovely sunset view from my house, so I figured I would throw one up here. I am looking forward to sitting out on the deck in future weeks with friends and roommates and enjoying the wonderful springtime morgantown weather. Unfortunately, lately the weather has been less than spectacular. I thought spring was here, but unstead it has been freezing for the last week or so, and beyond that, there hasn't been any snow to play in. (I mean, if I could go snowboarding, I could maybe deal with the cold).
But in spite of the recent bout with bad weather--that has also helped me gain some kind of sinus flare up too--Morgantown is still a great place to live.
In fact, I just found out we were named one of twelve "distinctive places to live." I'm not sure what that means exactly, but I guess it's kind of cool. If you want to know more about this recent award, you can read more here.
Tomorrow, I leave Morgantown and will be celebrating the marriage of my long-time friend Dave Nancarrow, and his wife LaVila. I'm looking forward to the small celebration, and I'm also kind of excited about enjoying a little sunny Florida. They're getting married in Fort Myers, and from what I've been reading, the weather is phenomenal there right now!!!!
Even though it is the gulf coast, and I won't be able to surf, I still think it will be cool to take a little dip in the tranquil waters while I'm there too.
But in spite of the recent bout with bad weather--that has also helped me gain some kind of sinus flare up too--Morgantown is still a great place to live.
In fact, I just found out we were named one of twelve "distinctive places to live." I'm not sure what that means exactly, but I guess it's kind of cool. If you want to know more about this recent award, you can read more here.
Tomorrow, I leave Morgantown and will be celebrating the marriage of my long-time friend Dave Nancarrow, and his wife LaVila. I'm looking forward to the small celebration, and I'm also kind of excited about enjoying a little sunny Florida. They're getting married in Fort Myers, and from what I've been reading, the weather is phenomenal there right now!!!!
Even though it is the gulf coast, and I won't be able to surf, I still think it will be cool to take a little dip in the tranquil waters while I'm there too.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Mom's Love
Nothing is quite like the love of a mother is it? Doesn't my mom look absolutely beautiful? Yesterday I went home for the morning to get some work done on my car, and more importantly, to visit my family (even if it was only for a couple of hours).
It was pretty cool hanging out with her and Dad in the morning. We were even able to have some lunch together--she made some home made beef and vegetable soup--it was delicious!!!
She's starting to grow her hair back, but it's still too short for her liking, so she insisted on the do-rag for this picture.
It was really cool while I was there because she set a personal record for distance on the exercise bike. She has been riding pretty regularly, and she rode 2.7 miles yesterday!!! For you cyclists, that may not seem like a big deal, but my mom has never really exercised--it's huge!!! I'm so stinkin' proud of her. And to tell you the truth, I think she can go further than that. I'm really excited about the difference exercise is making in her life right now.
She and Dad are on their way back to our "mountain chalet" to celebrate her recent test results. They've packed up their fishing rods, and are going for a one day trip to our not so secret stream (which was just stocked yesterday btw!). She is kicking cancer's booty--and I'm lovin' it!!! Her tumor has shrunk, pretty significantly in my estimation. It has gone from an 11.9 to a 2.9 SUV ( I have no idea what that means, but I understand ratios, and that to me means that this tumor is about 1/4 it's size at the time of her last scan in November.)
There is some fluid around her lung though, so she is going to have an ultrasound and find out those results in a couple of weeks. Thanks soooo much for continuing to pray for her, and for our family!
It was pretty cool hanging out with her and Dad in the morning. We were even able to have some lunch together--she made some home made beef and vegetable soup--it was delicious!!!
She's starting to grow her hair back, but it's still too short for her liking, so she insisted on the do-rag for this picture.
It was really cool while I was there because she set a personal record for distance on the exercise bike. She has been riding pretty regularly, and she rode 2.7 miles yesterday!!! For you cyclists, that may not seem like a big deal, but my mom has never really exercised--it's huge!!! I'm so stinkin' proud of her. And to tell you the truth, I think she can go further than that. I'm really excited about the difference exercise is making in her life right now.
She and Dad are on their way back to our "mountain chalet" to celebrate her recent test results. They've packed up their fishing rods, and are going for a one day trip to our not so secret stream (which was just stocked yesterday btw!). She is kicking cancer's booty--and I'm lovin' it!!! Her tumor has shrunk, pretty significantly in my estimation. It has gone from an 11.9 to a 2.9 SUV ( I have no idea what that means, but I understand ratios, and that to me means that this tumor is about 1/4 it's size at the time of her last scan in November.)
There is some fluid around her lung though, so she is going to have an ultrasound and find out those results in a couple of weeks. Thanks soooo much for continuing to pray for her, and for our family!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Being the Change
Some people send email forwards to everyone they know--personally, I'm not a fan, but some of my friends send me links to cool videos and websites, and I'm always appreciative of stuff like that, especially when it spurs me in my faith.
Monday (I told you I'm way behind in my blogging), I had a friend send me a link to a myspace page Loose Change to Loosen Chains. It is a page set up by a fifteen year old who is a modern day abolitionist. If you visit the page in the above link, I recommend watching the "Good Morning America" Video. I can't figure out how to import it to my blog. The video was on "Good Morning America" on March 15.
So this 15 year old kid has started an organization working with many others to end slavery. I am writing about this today to encourage you to think about the needs that the world has. You see, as Christians, we are not to be cynical--and in our world it is very easy to be cynical. We are not to be ones who are cynical. We are called to bring change to the world. We are called to be a sign of what life looks like when God's Kingdom comes and His will is done on earth as it is in heaven. This fifteen year old has allowed his God-given passion for justice to propel him to a cause bigger than himself.
God is interested in justice. And he is looking for people like you and me to be instruments in bringing about that justice. God is interested in healing our world. And He is looking for people like you and I who will be His instruments in bringing about that healing. Mohandas K. Gandhi once said, "You must be the change you want to see in the world."
What if we took those words to heart? What if we realized that God was with us in what we were doing, and there was really no way we could fail--what would we be bold enough and faithful enough to dream and do to be the change we want to see in the world?
What is it that God has called you to? Are you faithful or are you cynical when it comes to making a difference in the world?
Why not step out in faith and be that change--even a 15 year old kid can do this--SO CAN YOU!!!
Drop me a comment and let me know what YOU are doing to live out your calling in faithfulness to the Kingdom.
Monday (I told you I'm way behind in my blogging), I had a friend send me a link to a myspace page Loose Change to Loosen Chains. It is a page set up by a fifteen year old who is a modern day abolitionist. If you visit the page in the above link, I recommend watching the "Good Morning America" Video. I can't figure out how to import it to my blog. The video was on "Good Morning America" on March 15.
So this 15 year old kid has started an organization working with many others to end slavery. I am writing about this today to encourage you to think about the needs that the world has. You see, as Christians, we are not to be cynical--and in our world it is very easy to be cynical. We are not to be ones who are cynical. We are called to bring change to the world. We are called to be a sign of what life looks like when God's Kingdom comes and His will is done on earth as it is in heaven. This fifteen year old has allowed his God-given passion for justice to propel him to a cause bigger than himself.
God is interested in justice. And he is looking for people like you and me to be instruments in bringing about that justice. God is interested in healing our world. And He is looking for people like you and I who will be His instruments in bringing about that healing. Mohandas K. Gandhi once said, "You must be the change you want to see in the world."
What if we took those words to heart? What if we realized that God was with us in what we were doing, and there was really no way we could fail--what would we be bold enough and faithful enough to dream and do to be the change we want to see in the world?
What is it that God has called you to? Are you faithful or are you cynical when it comes to making a difference in the world?
Why not step out in faith and be that change--even a 15 year old kid can do this--SO CAN YOU!!!
Drop me a comment and let me know what YOU are doing to live out your calling in faithfulness to the Kingdom.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Green Acres
Well, it's official. My mom and Dad are now proud owners of a cabin in the Monongahela National Forest. And you know what that means--road trips are going to be frequent this summer!!!
Unfortunately, I've been slow in getting pictures and entries up on my blog lately, but I had to get this one up there.
Last Friday I drove down to Elkins and saw my mom for the first time in about a month. She seemed to be doing alright! Aside from the fatigue that comes from someone who is kicking cancer's tail she is as full of life as ever.
My dad, my mom, my brother-in-law, my sister, and me all converged on this almost heavenly fish camp last Friday, and they had just stocked the stream. Being the always prepared group of fishermen and women that we are, we left our rods and licenses at home. (It was supposed to rain that day, but the weather was also perfect). What can I say? None of us have ever had a fishing cabin before.
On Friday, my mom finds out what has been happening over this last round of chemo. She gets the results of her chemo, and I will be sure to pass the word on as quickly as I can.
I mean, this lady rocks!!! She's fighting this nasty cancer, getting injected with toxins, and she's like--"ya know, I think I wanna get a fishin cabin, and relax--fighting cancer is hard work."
Fighting cancer is hard work, and mom has been doing an awesome job!!! She's like some kind of superhero to everyone who spends any time around her. And put her together with my dad, and it's like they are the Incredibles. I love 'em!
Unfortunately, I've been slow in getting pictures and entries up on my blog lately, but I had to get this one up there.
Last Friday I drove down to Elkins and saw my mom for the first time in about a month. She seemed to be doing alright! Aside from the fatigue that comes from someone who is kicking cancer's tail she is as full of life as ever.
My dad, my mom, my brother-in-law, my sister, and me all converged on this almost heavenly fish camp last Friday, and they had just stocked the stream. Being the always prepared group of fishermen and women that we are, we left our rods and licenses at home. (It was supposed to rain that day, but the weather was also perfect). What can I say? None of us have ever had a fishing cabin before.
On Friday, my mom finds out what has been happening over this last round of chemo. She gets the results of her chemo, and I will be sure to pass the word on as quickly as I can.
I mean, this lady rocks!!! She's fighting this nasty cancer, getting injected with toxins, and she's like--"ya know, I think I wanna get a fishin cabin, and relax--fighting cancer is hard work."
Fighting cancer is hard work, and mom has been doing an awesome job!!! She's like some kind of superhero to everyone who spends any time around her. And put her together with my dad, and it's like they are the Incredibles. I love 'em!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Waterboyz and Some of Our Loyal Fans
Tonight we played our first CRC basketball game, and the results were a little less than we had hoped--we lost the game. But we gained so much more. I think we all had some serious jitters, and that will happen. Very few of us had played basketball together before, and we just lacked a little bit in confidence.
But it wasn't as a result of our fans. We had a large turnout to support us, and they had even more fun than we did I think.
And that's just the thing. You know, I had this mindset early in the week that we were just going to do so well with basketball--and I don't feel like any of us played up to our capabilities. But we had fun. We laughed. We had fun with our wonderful fans.
We had community. I made a couple of new friends tonight, and I think we all had some good laughs and some exciting moments on and off the court.
And more than that, we had each other. Community is such a gift. Regardless our outcome with these games, this is just a great group of people to hang out with.
If you are in town for our next game (April 9th) I hope you will come out and get in the mix!!!
Go Waterboyz!!!
But it wasn't as a result of our fans. We had a large turnout to support us, and they had even more fun than we did I think.
And that's just the thing. You know, I had this mindset early in the week that we were just going to do so well with basketball--and I don't feel like any of us played up to our capabilities. But we had fun. We laughed. We had fun with our wonderful fans.
We had community. I made a couple of new friends tonight, and I think we all had some good laughs and some exciting moments on and off the court.
And more than that, we had each other. Community is such a gift. Regardless our outcome with these games, this is just a great group of people to hang out with.
If you are in town for our next game (April 9th) I hope you will come out and get in the mix!!!
Go Waterboyz!!!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Saint Patrick's Day
I found this picture on a photography website I have photo's stored on. The caption under the photo from the original photographer jokingly calls him the "patron saint of hangovers every march."
To me it's all a bit ironic. I was walking through downtown Morgantown last saturday when it first struck me. There were ton's of people wearing green, and sporting shamrocks, and many were highly intoxicated. People tend to think of Saint Patrick's day as a day to get wasted. So the holiday becomes centered around these exploits, but not many know much about saint patrick.
And that's where the irony comes in. St. Patrick is the guy who brought the gospel to Ireland. And had it not been for him, many say that several of the great works of literature of Western Civilization would have been destroyed. There's a guy who wrote a book about it called How the Irish Saved Civilization. My old roommate (who is also irish), Rich Kyer, read it a few years ago, and I too have read this book.
Had it not been for Patrick, our world may have looked significantly different. Saint Patrick's day honor's the missionary Patrick whose faith led to the spread of the gospel all across Ireland and northern and western Europe. He is credited with the start of the monastic movement and is considered one of the first missionaries since the institutionalization of the church to do mission work by living in community with those from differing cultures and sharing faith both by word and deed. You see, he didn't tell people they had to change their culture and become like him, but he helped them see how God wanted to bring out all of the best aspects of every culture. He understood the concept often discussed in Christian circles called cultural relevance.
The shamrock was the tool he used to describe the doctrine of the trinity to the people of Ireland.
And every year, millions of people in the United States go out to "celebrate" Saint Patrick's Day, not realizing that some of what they do is completely antithetical to Patrick's mission and vision.
As I have discovered the history surrounding Patrick, it has given me a deeper appreciation for the holiday, for the mission of Patrick, and for the opportunity afforded us to talk about what's worth celebrating on this day with people who may have no idea.
I realize it's a little late for this year, but perhaps you will remember this blog next year as March 17th approaches.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
To me it's all a bit ironic. I was walking through downtown Morgantown last saturday when it first struck me. There were ton's of people wearing green, and sporting shamrocks, and many were highly intoxicated. People tend to think of Saint Patrick's day as a day to get wasted. So the holiday becomes centered around these exploits, but not many know much about saint patrick.
And that's where the irony comes in. St. Patrick is the guy who brought the gospel to Ireland. And had it not been for him, many say that several of the great works of literature of Western Civilization would have been destroyed. There's a guy who wrote a book about it called How the Irish Saved Civilization. My old roommate (who is also irish), Rich Kyer, read it a few years ago, and I too have read this book.
Had it not been for Patrick, our world may have looked significantly different. Saint Patrick's day honor's the missionary Patrick whose faith led to the spread of the gospel all across Ireland and northern and western Europe. He is credited with the start of the monastic movement and is considered one of the first missionaries since the institutionalization of the church to do mission work by living in community with those from differing cultures and sharing faith both by word and deed. You see, he didn't tell people they had to change their culture and become like him, but he helped them see how God wanted to bring out all of the best aspects of every culture. He understood the concept often discussed in Christian circles called cultural relevance.
The shamrock was the tool he used to describe the doctrine of the trinity to the people of Ireland.
And every year, millions of people in the United States go out to "celebrate" Saint Patrick's Day, not realizing that some of what they do is completely antithetical to Patrick's mission and vision.
As I have discovered the history surrounding Patrick, it has given me a deeper appreciation for the holiday, for the mission of Patrick, and for the opportunity afforded us to talk about what's worth celebrating on this day with people who may have no idea.
I realize it's a little late for this year, but perhaps you will remember this blog next year as March 17th approaches.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Thunderbirds,
Last weekend, I presented a paper at the Native American Literature Symposium, in Mt. Pleasant Michigan on the Isabella Indian Reservation which is home of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. The Chippewa are closely related to the Shawnee, so being in the midst of this place was really like being around family.
At the conference, I presented a paper looking at some of the language used in an old treaty formed with my tribe (and about a dozen others) and the United States. While my presentation went well, I was thoroughly amazed and awed by the overall experience I had while at the conference.
It marked the first significant amount of time I've been around a large group of Indian people in a long time. Overall, it was an emotional weekend, and it brought to rememberance many memories I never knew I had forgotten.
The hotel where I stayed was filled with art of various types, and this particular painting really struck me. The colors on the actual canvas were much brighter than they appear in this image, but I thought it was a great rendering of a Animake (Thunderbird) over one of the many lakes in the area. The art was captivating, and you could tell there was a lot of thought put into bringing beauty into the space.
I think we take very little time to think about bringing beauty into every area of our life like I saw all around me in this space. From the structural design of the hotel, to the floor, walls, doors, and various rooms, there was a lot of time, effort and energy taken to surround people with beauty.
I may blog more about my experiences and lessons learned later, but for now, I just want to encourage you to take a look around you today, and begin to imagine what the space around you could be. Your room, your desk, your home, yard, neighborhood, town, county . . .
At the conference, I presented a paper looking at some of the language used in an old treaty formed with my tribe (and about a dozen others) and the United States. While my presentation went well, I was thoroughly amazed and awed by the overall experience I had while at the conference.
It marked the first significant amount of time I've been around a large group of Indian people in a long time. Overall, it was an emotional weekend, and it brought to rememberance many memories I never knew I had forgotten.
The hotel where I stayed was filled with art of various types, and this particular painting really struck me. The colors on the actual canvas were much brighter than they appear in this image, but I thought it was a great rendering of a Animake (Thunderbird) over one of the many lakes in the area. The art was captivating, and you could tell there was a lot of thought put into bringing beauty into the space.
I think we take very little time to think about bringing beauty into every area of our life like I saw all around me in this space. From the structural design of the hotel, to the floor, walls, doors, and various rooms, there was a lot of time, effort and energy taken to surround people with beauty.
I may blog more about my experiences and lessons learned later, but for now, I just want to encourage you to take a look around you today, and begin to imagine what the space around you could be. Your room, your desk, your home, yard, neighborhood, town, county . . .
Monday, March 05, 2007
Bono's Acceptance Speech
My roommate told me about this wonderful speech bono gave at the NAACP awards. Please hit play on the image and watch this. When I saw this I wept. I wept for this world that God loves, and my own tendency to forget about my neighbor. "Out of sight, out of mind" as the adage goes. I'm thankful for people like Bono and Gary Haugen who continue to bring these realities to my mind. Twenty seven million slaves in the world today. Millions more in a position of near slavery making many of the products we buy every day. Nearly one million children in Africa dying from mosquito bites. 5,500/day dying from AIDS in Africa.
When I think about these things, I long to do something, anything. How can we learn to better love our neighbor? How can we learn to better care for the poor, the lonely, the broken-hearted, and the destitute?
I pray this video stirs your heart to pray and seek God's face for the sake of His Kingdom, and His glory, and for the love of the people made in His image who suffer every day.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Rhythm
Have you ever noticed that life seems to have a rhythm? it's like we are either in step, or out of sync with the whole thing. And you can usually tell when your life is not in rhythm.
It's kind of like listening to a band, or even one musician. We can hear a difference when a band is tight and in sync with each other. We notice a distinct difference when the "timing" is off in our car. We know that there is something wrong.
Yet, when it's our own life that's out of rhythm, we tend to ignore it. We know there's something wrong, but we aren't sure how to put things right. I think that's where there are a number of tools out there. We know that if our sleep is out of rhythm, we need to make sure we get in a normal routine when it comes to sleeping and waking up. We know that when we have gotten out of
It's kind of like listening to a band, or even one musician. We can hear a difference when a band is tight and in sync with each other. We notice a distinct difference when the "timing" is off in our car. We know that there is something wrong.
Yet, when it's our own life that's out of rhythm, we tend to ignore it. We know there's something wrong, but we aren't sure how to put things right. I think that's where there are a number of tools out there. We know that if our sleep is out of rhythm, we need to make sure we get in a normal routine when it comes to sleeping and waking up. We know that when we have gotten out of
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Loaves and Fishes
Last spring, my mom taught me how to bake bread. I was speaking to a group of people about how Jesus is the bread of life, and I realized I didn't know a thing about bread. So I figured I would do what I always do whne I don't know how to do something--ask my parents. (and when they don't know, I google it). I've been trying to learn some of these basic life skills like baking bread, but that's not what I want to write about today.
Over the last couple of weeks, I've been thinking a lot about Jesus and Him taking some kid's loaves and fishes and using this seemingly small amount of food to feed several thousand people. I mean it's pretty wild because the kid didn't have a lot, but when he was willing to put it in Jesus' hands, Jesus was able to use it to do something greater than the kid could have ever imagined.
I think it's the same with us. We can take an apparently small thing. Like five minutes of prayer. Or 10% of our income. Or a few minutes to do community service. Or a few items of clothing that we no longer wear. And when we are willing to take those things, those resources, that stuff, and put it in the hands of Jesus, then He is able to do something amazing with it.
We get a blessing in being able to yield our stuff. Often we don't get to see what happens with it, but that money, that time, those clothes, and those prayers, do amazing things when we yield them to Jesus.
The real irony in my mind is that it's really all His anyway. He gives us the privilege and the responsibility of giving it back to Him so He can do even greater things with it and we get to be part of it. That's pretty amazing trust on His part.
And while I was writing this I started thinking, don't our lives really belong to Him? I mean, not just our prayer time, or the time we go to a church or when we read our Bibles, but the whole thing. Every heartbeat, every breath, every ounce. It belongs to Him.
And when we give our lives to Him, He even takes all of our sins, our screw-ups, our mistakes, and makes something beautiful out of our lives too.
Is there something you've been holding that you feel like God may want you to place in His hands? Give it to Him and see what he does with it. (and if you feel like it, leave a comment on this blog to let the world know what God did with your loaves and fishes.)
Over the last couple of weeks, I've been thinking a lot about Jesus and Him taking some kid's loaves and fishes and using this seemingly small amount of food to feed several thousand people. I mean it's pretty wild because the kid didn't have a lot, but when he was willing to put it in Jesus' hands, Jesus was able to use it to do something greater than the kid could have ever imagined.
I think it's the same with us. We can take an apparently small thing. Like five minutes of prayer. Or 10% of our income. Or a few minutes to do community service. Or a few items of clothing that we no longer wear. And when we are willing to take those things, those resources, that stuff, and put it in the hands of Jesus, then He is able to do something amazing with it.
We get a blessing in being able to yield our stuff. Often we don't get to see what happens with it, but that money, that time, those clothes, and those prayers, do amazing things when we yield them to Jesus.
The real irony in my mind is that it's really all His anyway. He gives us the privilege and the responsibility of giving it back to Him so He can do even greater things with it and we get to be part of it. That's pretty amazing trust on His part.
And while I was writing this I started thinking, don't our lives really belong to Him? I mean, not just our prayer time, or the time we go to a church or when we read our Bibles, but the whole thing. Every heartbeat, every breath, every ounce. It belongs to Him.
And when we give our lives to Him, He even takes all of our sins, our screw-ups, our mistakes, and makes something beautiful out of our lives too.
Is there something you've been holding that you feel like God may want you to place in His hands? Give it to Him and see what he does with it. (and if you feel like it, leave a comment on this blog to let the world know what God did with your loaves and fishes.)
Thursday, February 22, 2007
International Justice Mission
Over the last couple of weeks, I have frequently been hearing about this group called the International Justice Mission. I highly recommend you look into this group, and take a look at their website.
After asking my old roommate about this group, I found out that they played a major part in his call to study and practice law. I also found out that his office used to be the office of the president of IJM, Gary Haugen. Honestly, I am blown away by the overlap there. (Reminds me of another friend who lived in a house where I think VIncent Van Gogh used to lead a Bible study in Amsterdam.)
So, I could write a bunch about IJM, but you can find out about them on their website. So go check it out!!!
In the meantime, as you are reading this blog, consider this. God made you for a purpose. In fact if you read Ephesians 2.8-10, you find out that God redeemed you based on nothing you have to offer Him (i. e. nobody is "good enough" to earn God's favor). But He also redeemed you for a purpose. We were made to live out a calling that God has uniquely made each one of us for.
What is yours? Are you living out your calling? Have you deeply considered what God wants you to do with your life? What is stopping you from living out your call if you aren't doing it? As the lenten season commences, I think it offers us a great time to examine our lives, and to be reminded of God's call on our lives. How do we change the atmosphere of the places where we live work and play? How do we live out our calling in such a way that we reflect God's will being done on earth as it is in heaven. What does God want you to do with the life He has given you?
After asking my old roommate about this group, I found out that they played a major part in his call to study and practice law. I also found out that his office used to be the office of the president of IJM, Gary Haugen. Honestly, I am blown away by the overlap there. (Reminds me of another friend who lived in a house where I think VIncent Van Gogh used to lead a Bible study in Amsterdam.)
So, I could write a bunch about IJM, but you can find out about them on their website. So go check it out!!!
In the meantime, as you are reading this blog, consider this. God made you for a purpose. In fact if you read Ephesians 2.8-10, you find out that God redeemed you based on nothing you have to offer Him (i. e. nobody is "good enough" to earn God's favor). But He also redeemed you for a purpose. We were made to live out a calling that God has uniquely made each one of us for.
What is yours? Are you living out your calling? Have you deeply considered what God wants you to do with your life? What is stopping you from living out your call if you aren't doing it? As the lenten season commences, I think it offers us a great time to examine our lives, and to be reminded of God's call on our lives. How do we change the atmosphere of the places where we live work and play? How do we live out our calling in such a way that we reflect God's will being done on earth as it is in heaven. What does God want you to do with the life He has given you?
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
ash wednesday
Today, Christians around the world celebrate Ash Wednesday. It's a pretty interesting tradition, and one I have participated in for four years now. (Last year we had an Ash Wednesday service for h2o).
For me it's kind of interesting. I didn't grow up in a family that observed this holiday. So I thought Ash Wednesday was like Arbor day or something like that. People probably planted ash trees on ash wednesday. Boy was I wrong.
In fact, I never saw anybody with ashes on their forehead until my freshman year at WVU. I didn't understand why one of my friends had something smudged on her forehead. And then I saw other people who had the same thing.
A few years ago, one of my mentors told me he would go every year to get ashes. So I asked him why.
He said that even though he didn't come from a tradition that celebrated ash wednesday, he liked the opportunity it gave for him to reflect on his walk with Jesus, and how it marked a time for Him to identify with Jesus and symbolically journey with Him (along with millions of other Christians) on a forty day wilderness period of self-denial.
I thought that was pretty cool. I mean, folks don't take time to reflect much. Plus, what a great way to connect with God and to examine your life.
As the ashes are placed on people's foreheads, someone tells that person to "Turn away from SIn and Be Faithful to the Gospel." Pretty simple message, and a good reminder to examine our life and take some time to connect with God in a fresh, new, or deeper way.
In the past I have fasted from sunrise to sunset, with total abstinence from food from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. This year, I'm thinking about a total life overhaul. Never should anyone enter into this period thinking they are earning favor with God. Rather, it is a time to let go of distractions that we might enjoy God and the life He has for us even more.
So what changes are you thinking about making during the season of lent? Are you giving up or adding anything to your life to enrich your enjoyment of God?
For me it's kind of interesting. I didn't grow up in a family that observed this holiday. So I thought Ash Wednesday was like Arbor day or something like that. People probably planted ash trees on ash wednesday. Boy was I wrong.
In fact, I never saw anybody with ashes on their forehead until my freshman year at WVU. I didn't understand why one of my friends had something smudged on her forehead. And then I saw other people who had the same thing.
A few years ago, one of my mentors told me he would go every year to get ashes. So I asked him why.
He said that even though he didn't come from a tradition that celebrated ash wednesday, he liked the opportunity it gave for him to reflect on his walk with Jesus, and how it marked a time for Him to identify with Jesus and symbolically journey with Him (along with millions of other Christians) on a forty day wilderness period of self-denial.
I thought that was pretty cool. I mean, folks don't take time to reflect much. Plus, what a great way to connect with God and to examine your life.
As the ashes are placed on people's foreheads, someone tells that person to "Turn away from SIn and Be Faithful to the Gospel." Pretty simple message, and a good reminder to examine our life and take some time to connect with God in a fresh, new, or deeper way.
In the past I have fasted from sunrise to sunset, with total abstinence from food from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. This year, I'm thinking about a total life overhaul. Never should anyone enter into this period thinking they are earning favor with God. Rather, it is a time to let go of distractions that we might enjoy God and the life He has for us even more.
So what changes are you thinking about making during the season of lent? Are you giving up or adding anything to your life to enrich your enjoyment of God?
Thursday, February 15, 2007
White House
Monday, I traveled to DC to participate in a recently developed tradition of watching the WVU Georgetown game with a number of friends and passionate WVU fans. (No comment on the game, except to say that I would love to have John Beilein for a coach--he's a class act, an advocate, and he's willing to step up to defend his players).
Another tradition I have is walking around the city a bit anytime I take a metro into the city. It was a bit colder monday than I would have liked, but it was still great to walk around. I even had an opportunity to visit a Starbucks that I usually go to with my friends--it's in the old firehouse, and I think I first went to that one with our Amsterdam mission team from 2003.
I walked to 1600 pennsylvania avenue while I was there, and I snapped this picture. Of course it's a familiar sight, and I as I stood there, I thought about the weight of responsibility carried by the folks who have lived there over the years. What a powerful office, and what an immense responsibility.
The city is all a buzz with the scooter libby trial, and interestingly as the linked article alludes, bloggers are playing a role in covering the trial.
It's exciting to see this wave of technology begin to catch on. It's exciting to see how much it is being used, and how it can help shape and inform our world. I guess bloggers all over the world share a tremendous responsibility and a powerful office as well.
Come to think of it, we all bear a responsibility and a powerful office as people made in the image of God. We're supposed to reflect something of who He is to one another. Sometimes, I wonder how we are doing with that . . . how are you doing with that?
Another tradition I have is walking around the city a bit anytime I take a metro into the city. It was a bit colder monday than I would have liked, but it was still great to walk around. I even had an opportunity to visit a Starbucks that I usually go to with my friends--it's in the old firehouse, and I think I first went to that one with our Amsterdam mission team from 2003.
I walked to 1600 pennsylvania avenue while I was there, and I snapped this picture. Of course it's a familiar sight, and I as I stood there, I thought about the weight of responsibility carried by the folks who have lived there over the years. What a powerful office, and what an immense responsibility.
The city is all a buzz with the scooter libby trial, and interestingly as the linked article alludes, bloggers are playing a role in covering the trial.
It's exciting to see this wave of technology begin to catch on. It's exciting to see how much it is being used, and how it can help shape and inform our world. I guess bloggers all over the world share a tremendous responsibility and a powerful office as well.
Come to think of it, we all bear a responsibility and a powerful office as people made in the image of God. We're supposed to reflect something of who He is to one another. Sometimes, I wonder how we are doing with that . . . how are you doing with that?
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They planted some strange stuff. Crabapple, Hawthorne (I detest these trees and their 3 inch thorns), and a variety of spruce, maple, yew and juniper trees--I've even got an oak.
I had a bunch of people over Friday and Sunday night for a couple of end of semester celebrations among the h2o community. We started the weekend off with a Pants Party--folks wore outlandish pants, and brought old pants to donate to charity. IT was a great time--I might put a picture up later this week.
Sunday night, we had a little pot luck, and it was a delicious cornucopia of flavor sensations.
I don't really think of myself as a flower person, but I've been trying to take a little more time lately to appreciate things like these blossoms. Isn't it something that God has hard wired an appreciation for beauty into every one of us.
I hope you can take some time out today and enjoy the beautiful weather. Stop and look around you, slow down, and enjoy!