Sunday, January 24, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Brown paper packages tied up with strings...
Here are a few of my favorite things from 2009:
1. Turkey Run.
In May, I had the opportunity to get away from everyone for a few days and head to Turkey Run State Park in Parke County, In. This was the first time in about 13 years since I've been there. I love just walking the trails, taking pics of wildlife and the nature, and being in a place that I could recharge my batteries. I had amazing weather while down there. It was in the 70's the whole time and it didn't rain until the morning I had to head home.
2. D.G.
D. G. could stand for Dustin Gill, which I guess is also fitting. One day Dustin saw that I had 3 disc golf discs. I told him I went once. He proceeds to show me his bag of discs and that he played Disc Golf all of the time. Then the Disc Golf Revolution of 2009 was born. I don't know how many of our friends we got hooked on this sport, besides playing with others who also have a love of the Disc Golf. There was nothing more tiring, yet more fun than taking all day to play five of the local courses.
3. Hearing God's voice in Philadelphia
Its hard at times balancing being a good leader on a student trip and being available to respond to what God has for you personally. This trip was the start of a Summer and Fall of God messing me up. Through journaling, a text message, another leader "volunteering" me to pray and the Holy Spirit speaking through me to me, as well as other events on the trip, I heard God. Hearing was only the first part, responding was the second. This led me on a journey of a restless night followed by things just not feeling right. It was only when I responded in obedience did I experience the power and security of the Holy Spirit, which led me down to one of the most dangerous intersections in Philly where drug dealers, users, prostitutes, and other people of the like hung out. I got to talk to several different people and never once felt in danger.
In being obedient then, God blessed me with an amazing opportunity with some of the students in which I got to spend time with them and coach them in being obedient to God.
4. Switchfoot concert in Valpo.
The one and only Kevin Larson asked me if I wanted to see Switchfoot at the Porter County Fair. Tickets were 10 dollars for our seats(which also got us into the fair). I'm pretty sure no fair will compare to Elkhart County's fair. Anyways, it was beautiful weather, and an amazing concert. We got to hear two or three songs off of Hello Hurricane, a lot of their hits, and they even covered Tom Petty's Won't Back Down. Overall, it was a great time where in moments it was a great time of worship to God.
5. Going back to Bethel.
I feel as if I am at times a glutton for punishment. But really, I feel as if not finishing a blasted degree had turned into a spiritual battle for me. I decided to give it one last go. All or Nothing. This is the duece. It has been everything I feared and as hard as I knew it would be. Going back to school has influenced my perspectives on ministry. I have had many moments where I would yell at myself, the unfinished papers staring back at me, and the walls of the house. At the same time, I have found moments where I find myself enjoying some of my homework. Every now and then, I find glimmers of hope and God's faithfulness in the midst of this desert that I must get through. A friend has told me that he believes that there very well could be an outpouring of blessings on me as a result of doing and completing this. It should be interesting to see, but for now I will focus on what is directly before me and see what God is trying to teach me through this process.
1. Turkey Run.
In May, I had the opportunity to get away from everyone for a few days and head to Turkey Run State Park in Parke County, In. This was the first time in about 13 years since I've been there. I love just walking the trails, taking pics of wildlife and the nature, and being in a place that I could recharge my batteries. I had amazing weather while down there. It was in the 70's the whole time and it didn't rain until the morning I had to head home.
2. D.G.
D. G. could stand for Dustin Gill, which I guess is also fitting. One day Dustin saw that I had 3 disc golf discs. I told him I went once. He proceeds to show me his bag of discs and that he played Disc Golf all of the time. Then the Disc Golf Revolution of 2009 was born. I don't know how many of our friends we got hooked on this sport, besides playing with others who also have a love of the Disc Golf. There was nothing more tiring, yet more fun than taking all day to play five of the local courses.
3. Hearing God's voice in Philadelphia
Its hard at times balancing being a good leader on a student trip and being available to respond to what God has for you personally. This trip was the start of a Summer and Fall of God messing me up. Through journaling, a text message, another leader "volunteering" me to pray and the Holy Spirit speaking through me to me, as well as other events on the trip, I heard God. Hearing was only the first part, responding was the second. This led me on a journey of a restless night followed by things just not feeling right. It was only when I responded in obedience did I experience the power and security of the Holy Spirit, which led me down to one of the most dangerous intersections in Philly where drug dealers, users, prostitutes, and other people of the like hung out. I got to talk to several different people and never once felt in danger.
In being obedient then, God blessed me with an amazing opportunity with some of the students in which I got to spend time with them and coach them in being obedient to God.
4. Switchfoot concert in Valpo.
The one and only Kevin Larson asked me if I wanted to see Switchfoot at the Porter County Fair. Tickets were 10 dollars for our seats(which also got us into the fair). I'm pretty sure no fair will compare to Elkhart County's fair. Anyways, it was beautiful weather, and an amazing concert. We got to hear two or three songs off of Hello Hurricane, a lot of their hits, and they even covered Tom Petty's Won't Back Down. Overall, it was a great time where in moments it was a great time of worship to God.
5. Going back to Bethel.
I feel as if I am at times a glutton for punishment. But really, I feel as if not finishing a blasted degree had turned into a spiritual battle for me. I decided to give it one last go. All or Nothing. This is the duece. It has been everything I feared and as hard as I knew it would be. Going back to school has influenced my perspectives on ministry. I have had many moments where I would yell at myself, the unfinished papers staring back at me, and the walls of the house. At the same time, I have found moments where I find myself enjoying some of my homework. Every now and then, I find glimmers of hope and God's faithfulness in the midst of this desert that I must get through. A friend has told me that he believes that there very well could be an outpouring of blessings on me as a result of doing and completing this. It should be interesting to see, but for now I will focus on what is directly before me and see what God is trying to teach me through this process.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The big 3 albums of 2009.
I hate listening to the same music over and over. That made accidentally dropping my ipod in a ditch while trying to trap a groundhog back in the spring all the more painful. (Yes, laugh all you want.)
Music keeps me going at times. I can listen to music when I am depressed, when I need encouragement, or when I'm working on a monotonous project at work (those chairs don't just jump into their set spots by themselves.)
There has been three albums that came out in 2009 that have made an impact on me in one way, shape, or form. And if you know me, you don't have to guess what they are. For the rest of you, I'll go ahead and share with you what they are.
1. Hillsong United: Tear Down the Walls.
This album came out in the beginning of the summer/ late springish. It is interesting because of my journey in life was full of ups and downs in the summer, there were different songs that God used and spoke directly to me in each of those times. It was this album that I started playing over and over and over and over. Just ask the guys who traveled with me to set up for Summer Camp and back. I think they wanted to kill me because of it. But for the first time, I couldn't help but listen to this album all the way through and over and over. I think I am even guilty of getting a few other people addicted.
2. David Crowder Band: Church Music
In the year 2000, In the year 2000, I was first introduced to David Crowder Band and their Music at Passion: One day in Memphis, Tennessee. I was annoyed by the style of music. My, how attitudes change. I love that they stay fresh, and come up with the next thing. They aren't content with doing the same stuff, and basically sing to the Lord a new song. I love the whole techno thing that is going on in this album, too.
3. Switchfoot: Hello Hurricane
It was either at Cornerstone '96, or soon after that, my sister introduced me to a little band called Switchfoot. I just plain and simple love their stuff. I think Jon Foreman has a way with words that resonates with many people. I heard 2 or 3 songs off of this album in concert 4 months before the album came out. It got me excited to finally get my hands on it, and the whole album hasn't disappointed.
Music keeps me going at times. I can listen to music when I am depressed, when I need encouragement, or when I'm working on a monotonous project at work (those chairs don't just jump into their set spots by themselves.)
There has been three albums that came out in 2009 that have made an impact on me in one way, shape, or form. And if you know me, you don't have to guess what they are. For the rest of you, I'll go ahead and share with you what they are.
1. Hillsong United: Tear Down the Walls.This album came out in the beginning of the summer/ late springish. It is interesting because of my journey in life was full of ups and downs in the summer, there were different songs that God used and spoke directly to me in each of those times. It was this album that I started playing over and over and over and over. Just ask the guys who traveled with me to set up for Summer Camp and back. I think they wanted to kill me because of it. But for the first time, I couldn't help but listen to this album all the way through and over and over. I think I am even guilty of getting a few other people addicted.
2. David Crowder Band: Church MusicIn the year 2000, In the year 2000, I was first introduced to David Crowder Band and their Music at Passion: One day in Memphis, Tennessee. I was annoyed by the style of music. My, how attitudes change. I love that they stay fresh, and come up with the next thing. They aren't content with doing the same stuff, and basically sing to the Lord a new song. I love the whole techno thing that is going on in this album, too.
3. Switchfoot: Hello HurricaneIt was either at Cornerstone '96, or soon after that, my sister introduced me to a little band called Switchfoot. I just plain and simple love their stuff. I think Jon Foreman has a way with words that resonates with many people. I heard 2 or 3 songs off of this album in concert 4 months before the album came out. It got me excited to finally get my hands on it, and the whole album hasn't disappointed.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
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