Can I just say that Jesus is AWESOME?
This is what happened when they came to arrest Him...
John 18:4-6: "Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, 'Who is it you want?' 'Jesus of Nazareth,' they replied. 'I am he,' Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, 'I am he,' THEY DREW BACK AND FELL TO THE GROUND." (Caps added for emphasis.)
Whoa. These soldiers, officials, chief priests and Pharisees FELL TO THE GROUND at Jesus' voice! These were some tough, high and mighty dudes and with three words they were knocked on their tails.
"I am he." There is no one but God who could say those words and make us fall to the ground. And of course Jesus' words wield unmatched power- "...out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword." (Rev. 1:16)
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Heb. 4:12)
I'm in awe.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
No shame about my iPod
As I said in my last post, I took a road trip to Cincinnati with a couple friends this weekend. One of those friends was continually saying "you have (insert song/artist which he found ridiculous) on your iPod?"
Yes, I have "Barbie Girl" on my iPod. I have some Backstreet Boys and N'Sync, some Brittney and Christina, Destiny's Child, Weird Al, Fergie, even Paris Hilton. My iPod is barely half full.
I have thousands of "more reputable" songs and artists on the iPod.
My question is this: If I have all of my music on my iPod and still have space to spare, is it a crime for me to have Fergalicious and the Captain Planet theme song in the bunch?
I think not. Having them on my iPod does not mean I listen to them. In fact, many of them are set to be skipped when shuffling so that I don't have to listen to them.
My point is that we shouldn't be shocked by what people have on their iPods because the devices were, in fact, created to hold mass amounts of any kind of music.
It's un-American to not use them to their full potential.
Yes, I have "Barbie Girl" on my iPod. I have some Backstreet Boys and N'Sync, some Brittney and Christina, Destiny's Child, Weird Al, Fergie, even Paris Hilton. My iPod is barely half full.
I have thousands of "more reputable" songs and artists on the iPod.
My question is this: If I have all of my music on my iPod and still have space to spare, is it a crime for me to have Fergalicious and the Captain Planet theme song in the bunch?
I think not. Having them on my iPod does not mean I listen to them. In fact, many of them are set to be skipped when shuffling so that I don't have to listen to them.
My point is that we shouldn't be shocked by what people have on their iPods because the devices were, in fact, created to hold mass amounts of any kind of music.
It's un-American to not use them to their full potential.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Back to KD!
I was in Cincinnati this weekend for a wedding "pre-ception." It was awesome seeing my friends from school on Saturday night. Sunday morning I went to Antioch Church, the church we attended on Summer Project. I saw Wendel Deyo, the camp president and heard a great sermon from Dave Newman. After lunch I took my friends for a little drive to a place that's gotta be close to heaven, King's Domain. It was soooo good to be back there, even if it was just for a quick visit.
I only had my cell phone camera with me, but I took some pictures.
First, they got a brand spankin' new sign! It looks great! Much needed, as the old one was kinda rotting...
We stopped by the ridge and I reminisced about our late night chats on the benches.
I stopped by and saw Cletus...
They've done so much work on the obstacle course!
And what would our trip be without stopping at Valero?
I was so blessed in my time at King's Domain. I miss it there and I miss all of the amazing people who were there with me.
I only had my cell phone camera with me, but I took some pictures.
First, they got a brand spankin' new sign! It looks great! Much needed, as the old one was kinda rotting...
We stopped by the ridge and I reminisced about our late night chats on the benches.
I stopped by and saw Cletus...
They've done so much work on the obstacle course!
And what would our trip be without stopping at Valero?
I was so blessed in my time at King's Domain. I miss it there and I miss all of the amazing people who were there with me.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Ditch the mask and remain.
In John 15, Jesus tells us to remain in Him. He calls Himself the vine and refers to us as branches from the vine (or dee vine... divine... Get it? Oh boy...). Twice in this passage Jesus tells us to remain- in Him/in His love. We learn that being in Christ has wonderful rewards, while not remaining in Christ has serious, negative implications.
V. 4: "Remain in me and I will remain in you..." Jesus promises Himself to us if we remain in Him. That's good! "No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." If we aren't in Christ, we're not producing fruit. That's bad! There is a close parallel in v. 5. "...If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
Branches that do not produce fruit are cut off to wither, die and be thrown into the brush pile to be burned. They are not doing what they are supposed to and are taking nutrients and water away from the rest of the branches. Of course those branches will be cut off so that the rest of the branches can thrive!
Certainly that makes a case for remaing in Christ, but there's more! In vv. 9-11, Jesus says "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." So that's how our joy is complete! Remaining in Christ!
To remain in Christ would mean that we're already in Christ. It makes sense then that if we are not in Christ at any moment, we are to immediately go back to Him. Remaining in Christ goes beyond putting on a Christian mask when we need to and then taking it right back off. To remain in Christ is to ditch the mask entirely and allow yourself to be seen as one who is imperfect, but is being made righteous as God helps us eliminate sin from our lives.
This idea that our joy is complete in Christ makes me think of the sermon series at Sevenoseven right now. You may have seen the "Advent Conspiracy" video on YouTube; 707 is doing a series with the same title. Our culture of hyper-consumerism is based on the idea that "stuff" makes you happy. The Best Buy ads that end with a slogan like "Your life, happier" or something like that and the car commercials urging us to "make this Christmas the best Christmas ever" are all saying the same thing- "to be happy, you need 'stuff'".
That's pretty contradictory to what Jesus tells us in John 15:9-11, huh? Isaiah 55:1,2 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you soul will delight in the richest of fare."
Best Buy and Lexus might make our flesh happy, but that's as good as gone because it won't last. But "our souls will delight" if we go to Jesus for our satisfaction- if we remain in Him.
V. 4: "Remain in me and I will remain in you..." Jesus promises Himself to us if we remain in Him. That's good! "No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." If we aren't in Christ, we're not producing fruit. That's bad! There is a close parallel in v. 5. "...If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
Branches that do not produce fruit are cut off to wither, die and be thrown into the brush pile to be burned. They are not doing what they are supposed to and are taking nutrients and water away from the rest of the branches. Of course those branches will be cut off so that the rest of the branches can thrive!
Certainly that makes a case for remaing in Christ, but there's more! In vv. 9-11, Jesus says "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." So that's how our joy is complete! Remaining in Christ!
To remain in Christ would mean that we're already in Christ. It makes sense then that if we are not in Christ at any moment, we are to immediately go back to Him. Remaining in Christ goes beyond putting on a Christian mask when we need to and then taking it right back off. To remain in Christ is to ditch the mask entirely and allow yourself to be seen as one who is imperfect, but is being made righteous as God helps us eliminate sin from our lives.
This idea that our joy is complete in Christ makes me think of the sermon series at Sevenoseven right now. You may have seen the "Advent Conspiracy" video on YouTube; 707 is doing a series with the same title. Our culture of hyper-consumerism is based on the idea that "stuff" makes you happy. The Best Buy ads that end with a slogan like "Your life, happier" or something like that and the car commercials urging us to "make this Christmas the best Christmas ever" are all saying the same thing- "to be happy, you need 'stuff'".
That's pretty contradictory to what Jesus tells us in John 15:9-11, huh? Isaiah 55:1,2 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you soul will delight in the richest of fare."
Best Buy and Lexus might make our flesh happy, but that's as good as gone because it won't last. But "our souls will delight" if we go to Jesus for our satisfaction- if we remain in Him.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thanks for trying harder, Starbucks.
So, tomorrow they give the 5 cents from every drink to the Global Fund. A step in the right direction. They should have been doing it for the whole campaign though...
Saturday, November 29, 2008
For real, Starbucks? Come on...
Dear Starbucks,
You are making me very mad right now. You are promoting your (Starbucks) RED campaign and doing a very good job making yourself look like a responsible company. Why though, Starbucks, Sweetie, are you only donating your 5 cents from three different drinks? Come on, you had to know that people were going to flock to your stores to buy their coffee and think they were doing good because their purchase was contributing to the Global Fund.
In fact, I'm sure your profits will be quite swollen from this campaign, but still you are only giving 5 cents from THREE DIFFERENT DRINKS?!? Really? Yes, you have stated that it's only from your Select drinks that you make donations (of around 1.75% and less), but is that all you can give? With the increased profits that surely you have already anticipated you are still only giving less than 2% of the sales from three drinks on your menu? Shame on you.
Sincerely,
Ty Komjati
I like my caffeine with a conscience. (Go Donkey.)
You are making me very mad right now. You are promoting your (Starbucks) RED campaign and doing a very good job making yourself look like a responsible company. Why though, Starbucks, Sweetie, are you only donating your 5 cents from three different drinks? Come on, you had to know that people were going to flock to your stores to buy their coffee and think they were doing good because their purchase was contributing to the Global Fund.
In fact, I'm sure your profits will be quite swollen from this campaign, but still you are only giving 5 cents from THREE DIFFERENT DRINKS?!? Really? Yes, you have stated that it's only from your Select drinks that you make donations (of around 1.75% and less), but is that all you can give? With the increased profits that surely you have already anticipated you are still only giving less than 2% of the sales from three drinks on your menu? Shame on you.
Sincerely,
Ty Komjati
I like my caffeine with a conscience. (Go Donkey.)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving Shenanigans
My cousin: "I'm so hungry, I could eat that whole pie."
My brother: "I'll give you $20 if you can do it in five minutes."
Not 10 seconds later, she had already begun. It was a great effort through five minutes, but she was still painfully short.
My cousin: "Ok, half the money for double the time."
So she went on for another five minutes hoping for $10.
After 15 minutes she had still not finished it and was gagging with each bite. She made $4 for her effort.
When her younger brother and sister told on her no one believed them. I'm sure there are more than a few people who still wonder what happened to a whole pecan pie.
Now on to Christmas!
My brother: "I'll give you $20 if you can do it in five minutes."
Not 10 seconds later, she had already begun. It was a great effort through five minutes, but she was still painfully short.
My cousin: "Ok, half the money for double the time."
So she went on for another five minutes hoping for $10.
After 15 minutes she had still not finished it and was gagging with each bite. She made $4 for her effort.
When her younger brother and sister told on her no one believed them. I'm sure there are more than a few people who still wonder what happened to a whole pecan pie.
Now on to Christmas!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
It's break time.
It's snowing/raining/nastying outside. I don't have sensible winter shoes, only some clog-like things that lead to wet socks in the nasty/sloppy snow. Ick. I have to say though, as long as I'm inside, I do love watching the snow fall. It's one of my favorite things.
I went to my mom's school today to take pictures of "Grandparents Day." Her kindergarten students were pretty excited to see Mrs. Komjati's son. "He's tall!" "He's taller than his mom." "He's taller than the building!" Ahh, the youngins...
They told me to some of the best jokes I've heard in a long time.
"Knock, knock"
(Who's there?)
"Banana."
(Banana who?)
"Banana smushed all over your face!"
They thought it was hilarious! Sometimes they substituted banana for spider. That's gross.
We talked about what makes us laugh. One kid said that he laughs when his sister falls off her chair, another said that he/she laughs when he/she gets tickled. My favorite was a little boy who said he laughs when his dad wears his mom's clothes and make-up. No lie.
I've been reading Job lately. I was under the impression that Job happily took whatever he was inflicted with. I was wrong. Job gets MAD after a while. I'm about half way done and I'm excited to see where it goes.
God is sovereign.
I went to my mom's school today to take pictures of "Grandparents Day." Her kindergarten students were pretty excited to see Mrs. Komjati's son. "He's tall!" "He's taller than his mom." "He's taller than the building!" Ahh, the youngins...
They told me to some of the best jokes I've heard in a long time.
"Knock, knock"
(Who's there?)
"Banana."
(Banana who?)
"Banana smushed all over your face!"
They thought it was hilarious! Sometimes they substituted banana for spider. That's gross.
We talked about what makes us laugh. One kid said that he laughs when his sister falls off her chair, another said that he/she laughs when he/she gets tickled. My favorite was a little boy who said he laughs when his dad wears his mom's clothes and make-up. No lie.
I've been reading Job lately. I was under the impression that Job happily took whatever he was inflicted with. I was wrong. Job gets MAD after a while. I'm about half way done and I'm excited to see where it goes.
God is sovereign.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Just a party?
This is a story I did for my Radio Broadcasting class. There is more than just partying going on at Ohio University.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Home from King's Domain
As they say, all good things must come to an end. How could Summer Project be any different? I have been home since Saturday and I'm still trying to adjust to life away from camp and all of the amazing people whom I have lived with for the past six weeks.
For many reasons, Week 6 proved to be a challenge, but God brought me through it. I have been learning lately that as difficult as things are in life sometimes, we weren't created for this world. We are eternal beings and so it doesn't make sense that we were only purposed to live here on earth and then just exist for eternity with no purpose. As Wendell Deyo, King's Domain President, told us, "we are not human beings on a spiritual adventure. We are spiritual beings on a human adventure."
Since I've been home, I went to 707 Sunday night. It was AWESOME. They had a drum circle for worship, which I was a little skeptical of beforehand, but the worship was amazing! Check it out here.
I head back to school on Monday to what will be a very trying time, but at times God has given me an unsurpassed peace in knowing that He is at work and that when everything is resolved I'm going to be really transformed. I'm excited!
One last thing: for the love of music, buy David Crowder Band's Remedy Club Tour CD/DVD. It's terrific.
That is all.
For many reasons, Week 6 proved to be a challenge, but God brought me through it. I have been learning lately that as difficult as things are in life sometimes, we weren't created for this world. We are eternal beings and so it doesn't make sense that we were only purposed to live here on earth and then just exist for eternity with no purpose. As Wendell Deyo, King's Domain President, told us, "we are not human beings on a spiritual adventure. We are spiritual beings on a human adventure."
Since I've been home, I went to 707 Sunday night. It was AWESOME. They had a drum circle for worship, which I was a little skeptical of beforehand, but the worship was amazing! Check it out here.
I head back to school on Monday to what will be a very trying time, but at times God has given me an unsurpassed peace in knowing that He is at work and that when everything is resolved I'm going to be really transformed. I'm excited!
One last thing: for the love of music, buy David Crowder Band's Remedy Club Tour CD/DVD. It's terrific.
That is all.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
One week left...
It's update time! Things are going great here at King's Domain and I'm so bummed that we only have one week left.
God has done some amazing things since I last posted. Two weeks ago, I was put in Cabin 6, the cabin with the oldest boys. I was excited to have this new age group, but they proved to be quite a challenge. It didn't take long for the nine of them to decide that they were not into listening to me, nor doing discipline (which is different than punishment. We discipline here, because it is done out of love and we do it with them). On the second day, four out of nine of my boys were sent home because they had such little desire to be here. Once they left, the remaining five boys were GREAT. They were no longer influenced by the others and I was able to show so much more patience, compassion and grace to them. The night before they went home they heard the Gospel and all five of them prayed to recieve Christ when we got back to the cabin. Praise God! I could not figure out what He was doing that week, but He made it abundantly clear that He is in control and nothing will stop Him from getting His Word to the people who he chooses to hear it.
This past week, a decision was made to have only four cabins so that each cabin could have two counselors- a VERY wise move. The kids were from a program called Whiz Kids and they were soooo good. It was really a contrast from the past week, but God blessed my socks off through it. Each of the kids I had this week had such unique personalities, which didn't always show in the best ways, but made me appreciate them even more.
We are in our last full weekend and I'm really bummed out. I have made some amazing friends here and I'm not so keen on the idea of all of us going in separate directions. Here's to one more amazing week!
God has done some amazing things since I last posted. Two weeks ago, I was put in Cabin 6, the cabin with the oldest boys. I was excited to have this new age group, but they proved to be quite a challenge. It didn't take long for the nine of them to decide that they were not into listening to me, nor doing discipline (which is different than punishment. We discipline here, because it is done out of love and we do it with them). On the second day, four out of nine of my boys were sent home because they had such little desire to be here. Once they left, the remaining five boys were GREAT. They were no longer influenced by the others and I was able to show so much more patience, compassion and grace to them. The night before they went home they heard the Gospel and all five of them prayed to recieve Christ when we got back to the cabin. Praise God! I could not figure out what He was doing that week, but He made it abundantly clear that He is in control and nothing will stop Him from getting His Word to the people who he chooses to hear it.
This past week, a decision was made to have only four cabins so that each cabin could have two counselors- a VERY wise move. The kids were from a program called Whiz Kids and they were soooo good. It was really a contrast from the past week, but God blessed my socks off through it. Each of the kids I had this week had such unique personalities, which didn't always show in the best ways, but made me appreciate them even more.
We are in our last full weekend and I'm really bummed out. I have made some amazing friends here and I'm not so keen on the idea of all of us going in separate directions. Here's to one more amazing week!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
KD!
It’s hard to believe that my time here at King’s Domain is halfway over. First, I must apologize for not writing sooner. Things are usually pretty hectic here and I have not had the drive to sit down and write.
As hectic as things have been, I would not change a thing. Week one was our training week and it went GREAT! It was an awesome time to get to know about the camp, but an infinitely better time getting to know the other counselors. God has brought some truly amazing people here- He has a way of blessing my socks off through other people and I am so thankful!
During training week we did some really cool things. The first night, as a bit of an ice-breaker, we put on ridiculous costumes and went to a nearby shopping area for scavenger hunt. That was a trip!
On that Thursday we broke into men’s and women’s times (something I’m usually not so thrilled about), but this one was way different. We fired shotguns at clay pigeons (I’m not a bad shot for having never fired a gun before!) and then went out to BW’s for a banquet of wings. It was the manliest night I’ve ever had. I am surrounded by some spiritual studs and we are all making each other better men.
Week two brought our first round of campers. It was a suburban week and I was with a group of 10 & 11 year old boys. There were some really unique personalities in there. Attention levels were never very high, but I enjoyed getting to know each of them, from John, who was TERRIFIED of all bugs, to Nate who accepted Christ after being disciplined for urinating off the bridge (God works in all sorts of ways!) and Garen, a little blonde boy with all sorts of energy and random information.
Week three was our first set of urban campers. We had over a hundred, and the second most campers this camp has ever seen. Talk about insane! I went from having six boys with a co-counselor to having 8 boys all by myself. Thankfully, we have a great group of students each week who come here on mission trips to help us out. Without them I’d have been lost! As challenging as this group was, I can look back and see that it was really an incredible week. In the moment I was often frustrated up to my eye balls, but now that I can reflect on it, I had some really special kids. As difficult as they were at times, each one of them just needed a strong, loving hand. They didn’t always like how that kind of attention showed up, but it was remarkable to see how once they knew that I loved them, and that they could trust me, that they latched on to me.
One camper was Devin, who would break my heart when he was tired and cranky and say that God doesn’t love him and that he was going to follow the devil. Praise God that another amazing counselor and I got to have some conversations with him where he said that he knew God loved him. Devin made me a friendship bracelet one day and was one of my best little buddies the whole week. Ajenae (I hope I spelled that right…) was another one who at times put on a tough exterior, but really just needed to hear that he is loved, by me, by the other counselors and most of all by God. Even though Ajenae had to do more push-ups and running than anyone else in the cabin, something that made him very angry at me a couple times, he did not want to home on Friday because he said I was his favorite person at camp and that he was going to miss me. Then there was Larry. Larry was the youngest and smallest boy at camp and he was ADORABLE. I’m pretty sure he never walked more than 50 paces without being carried. He was full of life and funny comments. It was so cute hearing him singing praise songs while sitting on my shoulders. I couldn’t see it, but I hear he was up there dancing too. Haha!
It has been a Friday night tradition to go out to eat at Chipotle and then to Walmart and Starbucks to unwind have some fun that doesn’t involve kids or goofy camp songs. Let me tell you- it has never been a bigger pleasure to be with people my own age! The kids are great, but after being with them 24/7 for a few days, we’re all ready for some hardcore relaxation. Weekends have taken on a whole new meaning and I love it!
We’re going to a Cincinnati Reds game tonight- I’m excited!
Hopefully I’ll get an entry up next weekend too, thanks for reading!!!
As hectic as things have been, I would not change a thing. Week one was our training week and it went GREAT! It was an awesome time to get to know about the camp, but an infinitely better time getting to know the other counselors. God has brought some truly amazing people here- He has a way of blessing my socks off through other people and I am so thankful!
During training week we did some really cool things. The first night, as a bit of an ice-breaker, we put on ridiculous costumes and went to a nearby shopping area for scavenger hunt. That was a trip!
On that Thursday we broke into men’s and women’s times (something I’m usually not so thrilled about), but this one was way different. We fired shotguns at clay pigeons (I’m not a bad shot for having never fired a gun before!) and then went out to BW’s for a banquet of wings. It was the manliest night I’ve ever had. I am surrounded by some spiritual studs and we are all making each other better men.
Week two brought our first round of campers. It was a suburban week and I was with a group of 10 & 11 year old boys. There were some really unique personalities in there. Attention levels were never very high, but I enjoyed getting to know each of them, from John, who was TERRIFIED of all bugs, to Nate who accepted Christ after being disciplined for urinating off the bridge (God works in all sorts of ways!) and Garen, a little blonde boy with all sorts of energy and random information.
Week three was our first set of urban campers. We had over a hundred, and the second most campers this camp has ever seen. Talk about insane! I went from having six boys with a co-counselor to having 8 boys all by myself. Thankfully, we have a great group of students each week who come here on mission trips to help us out. Without them I’d have been lost! As challenging as this group was, I can look back and see that it was really an incredible week. In the moment I was often frustrated up to my eye balls, but now that I can reflect on it, I had some really special kids. As difficult as they were at times, each one of them just needed a strong, loving hand. They didn’t always like how that kind of attention showed up, but it was remarkable to see how once they knew that I loved them, and that they could trust me, that they latched on to me.
One camper was Devin, who would break my heart when he was tired and cranky and say that God doesn’t love him and that he was going to follow the devil. Praise God that another amazing counselor and I got to have some conversations with him where he said that he knew God loved him. Devin made me a friendship bracelet one day and was one of my best little buddies the whole week. Ajenae (I hope I spelled that right…) was another one who at times put on a tough exterior, but really just needed to hear that he is loved, by me, by the other counselors and most of all by God. Even though Ajenae had to do more push-ups and running than anyone else in the cabin, something that made him very angry at me a couple times, he did not want to home on Friday because he said I was his favorite person at camp and that he was going to miss me. Then there was Larry. Larry was the youngest and smallest boy at camp and he was ADORABLE. I’m pretty sure he never walked more than 50 paces without being carried. He was full of life and funny comments. It was so cute hearing him singing praise songs while sitting on my shoulders. I couldn’t see it, but I hear he was up there dancing too. Haha!
It has been a Friday night tradition to go out to eat at Chipotle and then to Walmart and Starbucks to unwind have some fun that doesn’t involve kids or goofy camp songs. Let me tell you- it has never been a bigger pleasure to be with people my own age! The kids are great, but after being with them 24/7 for a few days, we’re all ready for some hardcore relaxation. Weekends have taken on a whole new meaning and I love it!
We’re going to a Cincinnati Reds game tonight- I’m excited!
Hopefully I’ll get an entry up next weekend too, thanks for reading!!!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Here in the woods!
I'm here! It's Summer Project 2008 at King's Domain! After spending a couple days in Columbus with family and having brunch with parents' college friends we made it to Oregonia and camp.
Yesterday I spent a couple hours with Randall, one of the men on the leadership team, playing ball at the biggest YMCA. Ever. HUGE.
Randall has already poured into me and shared his vision for these six weeks. I am really excited to learn and grow with men like him.
Last night I enjoyed some worship with Daniel (Minneapolis) and Jarred (Cleveland).
Right now, there aren't too many counselors here, but I expect that will be way different three hours from now.
This week is mainly a counselor training and orientation week and I'm really excited to get to know the rest of the people I'll be serving with.
Pictures to come as I take them!
Yesterday I spent a couple hours with Randall, one of the men on the leadership team, playing ball at the biggest YMCA. Ever. HUGE.
Randall has already poured into me and shared his vision for these six weeks. I am really excited to learn and grow with men like him.
Last night I enjoyed some worship with Daniel (Minneapolis) and Jarred (Cleveland).
Right now, there aren't too many counselors here, but I expect that will be way different three hours from now.
This week is mainly a counselor training and orientation week and I'm really excited to get to know the rest of the people I'll be serving with.
Pictures to come as I take them!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Rockin' it to King's Domain
I'm inside a week until I begin Summer Project with Campus Crusade. I will be in Oregonia, Ohio, a super small town northeast of Cincinnati. I'll be working at a summer camp called King's Domain, where approx. 100 inner-city youth are sponsored to attend each week. I'm very excited to get down there and show these kids the love of Christ. The fact that I get to do that while playing outside, acting like a goofball and shooting paintballs is pretty sweet.
Some facts about why King's Domain is so needed in Cincinnati:
In Cincinnati:
God's work through me will:
Then I heard the voice of the LORD saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Some facts about why King's Domain is so needed in Cincinnati:
In Cincinnati:
- 1 in 3 children lives in poverty
- In the Cincinnati School District:
-50% are not proficient in reading
-Nearly 62% are not proficient in math
-More than 40% don't graduate high school
- In 2006, the Juvenile Court system was comprised of 74% minority youth, 53% of whom were female
- 50% of sexual assaults are on girls 15 or younger
-1 in 3 will be sexually abused by 18In the United States:
-1 in 4 will be sexually abused by 14
- 47% of boys and 46% of girls are sexually active
-5-10% of students are sexually active by age 13
-20% by age 15
-50% by age 17
- 81% of students have consumed alcohol
-32% had their first drink by age 13
- Encourage children who cannot meet the expectations placed upon them.
- Build healthy relationships with children who are without parents, caring adults or supervision.
- Teach life skills to children who are reliant upon theft, prostitution or drug dealing to survive.
- Love children who have never been loved.
- Feed children who are starving.
- Give to children who have nothing.
- Share hope with children who have been abused.
- Speak the WORD of LIFE, the Gospel, to children and celebrate with Jesus Christ becomes real in their lives.
Then I heard the voice of the LORD saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
[Jeremiah 6:8]
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Athens Gets International Taste
Athens recently held the annual International Street Fair. Court Street was blocked off and different ethnicities and causes were represented. Some sold goods, some sold food, some distributed information and some did cultural dances on the stage set up by the court house.
It was a very neat way to showcase the cultural diversity that is not always so apparent on our campus.
It was a very neat way to showcase the cultural diversity that is not always so apparent on our campus.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Where in the world have I been? Ohio.
After a month, I think it's time for another post.
Looking back at the last month, I really have done a lot. I had a lot of good times with friends, some not so good times when I've been missing Cait and the Lord has been teaching me new things the whole time, especially lately.
Hiking and exploring has been something that I've really gotten into this quarter. I have loved going to Strouds Run and Old Man's Cave on weekends to do some exploring with friends. Really we've only gone twice, but each time has been great, and that's two times more than I had ever done something like that before at college. Having a car has made all the difference.
My friends and I have found fun in going to Wal-Mart, looking at the toys and trying on goofy hats.
We have even found enjoyment in 90's pop music, as seen here:
Like I said, the Lord has been working in my heart and teaching me valuable lessons while Cait has been in France. The two most recent things have been to be patient, and to trust in Him rather than worry. The bottom line is that as much as I think I want to be in control, God's plan is soooo much better than mine. Rather than be impatient and do what I think I should do, rather than worry, the best I can do is completely trust that the Lord is good and that He is in control. I cannot be trusted with my future, but God can, so I'm trying to get out of the way and let Him steer.
I will be spending six weeks in Oregonia, Ohio this summer on Summer Project with Campus Crusade for Christ. I will be working at King's Domain, a camp for kids in the Cincinnati area. I'm so excited to go and show these kids the love of Christ! I'm currently working on getting support letters in the mail. After a few pretty spiritually dry vacations, I'm excited to have this opportunity to grow and serve my God.
Thanks for reading! If you made it this far, you must really like me. :-)
Looking back at the last month, I really have done a lot. I had a lot of good times with friends, some not so good times when I've been missing Cait and the Lord has been teaching me new things the whole time, especially lately.
Hiking and exploring has been something that I've really gotten into this quarter. I have loved going to Strouds Run and Old Man's Cave on weekends to do some exploring with friends. Really we've only gone twice, but each time has been great, and that's two times more than I had ever done something like that before at college. Having a car has made all the difference.
My friends and I have found fun in going to Wal-Mart, looking at the toys and trying on goofy hats.
We have even found enjoyment in 90's pop music, as seen here:
Like I said, the Lord has been working in my heart and teaching me valuable lessons while Cait has been in France. The two most recent things have been to be patient, and to trust in Him rather than worry. The bottom line is that as much as I think I want to be in control, God's plan is soooo much better than mine. Rather than be impatient and do what I think I should do, rather than worry, the best I can do is completely trust that the Lord is good and that He is in control. I cannot be trusted with my future, but God can, so I'm trying to get out of the way and let Him steer.
I will be spending six weeks in Oregonia, Ohio this summer on Summer Project with Campus Crusade for Christ. I will be working at King's Domain, a camp for kids in the Cincinnati area. I'm so excited to go and show these kids the love of Christ! I'm currently working on getting support letters in the mail. After a few pretty spiritually dry vacations, I'm excited to have this opportunity to grow and serve my God.
Thanks for reading! If you made it this far, you must really like me. :-)
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
This spring is such a strange, new season
Athens seems like a much different place from what it was when I left it 11 days ago. It's a learning process to get used to all of the differences, some of them I'm still not crazy about. I have less time with Cait, more time alone, a lot less hair and more responsibility.
Cait left for France about a week ago and I'm really realizing that the world is much different when the one you love is not there. For a while it was hard to see any good that could come from this situation, but I'm learning and things get a little easier each day.
Because our girlfriends are on other continents for the quarter, Paul and I shaved our heads. It seemed much more logical talking about it last quarter. Now we just look goofy, and our girlfriends are still out of the country. I do feel a heightened bond between Paul and myself, however.
I am now a Resident Assistant in one of the nicest dorms on campus. I've really enjoyed getting to know my residents. It's a slow process because there are a lot of them, but I'm working on it. I'm really impressed by the bond that they share and by how they fill their time. They're pretty cool guys and I'm happy to live with them. My room is amazing. I have a double all to myself and I do love my room. It has helped make this quarter better.
Hopefully I'll have more to post soon!
Cait left for France about a week ago and I'm really realizing that the world is much different when the one you love is not there. For a while it was hard to see any good that could come from this situation, but I'm learning and things get a little easier each day.
Because our girlfriends are on other continents for the quarter, Paul and I shaved our heads. It seemed much more logical talking about it last quarter. Now we just look goofy, and our girlfriends are still out of the country. I do feel a heightened bond between Paul and myself, however.
I am now a Resident Assistant in one of the nicest dorms on campus. I've really enjoyed getting to know my residents. It's a slow process because there are a lot of them, but I'm working on it. I'm really impressed by the bond that they share and by how they fill their time. They're pretty cool guys and I'm happy to live with them. My room is amazing. I have a double all to myself and I do love my room. It has helped make this quarter better.
Hopefully I'll have more to post soon!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
SAVE ME!!!!
I was reading this recently and it really struck me. It's such a cry for help- a clear dependence on God. I was thinking about who foes in my life might be from whom I need protection. It struck me that I am my biggest foe. I've heard it before that "we all need to be saved from ourselves," but I never really contemplated that. Seriously though, how much of the crap we go through in life is completely unrelated to our own actions. Certainly there are situations that are simply out of our control, but in my life some of the most stressful times I have experienced have been a direct result of my stupidity. In all cases, we've got to humble ourselves and re-submit our lives to God, our Father, our Refuge and our Strong Tower against the foe- whoever or whatever that may be.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008
P.G.I.F... Twice
Tonight I was reminded of just how blessed I am to be in an environment where I am surrounded by fellow believers. Friday night, a time when most on OU's campus do a little partying, was a time of praise and worship for me and about 20 of my friends.
"Praise, Praise, Praise"/P.P.P./Puh-Puh-Puh, whatever you want to call it, began last year with a couple guitars and a few people crammed in a dorm room to praise God. Tonight it was more of an event, with 20 or so of us inside (and away from some crazy-nasty weather) lifting praise to our Father.
I cannot believe that I'm almost half way done with college. When am I ever going to have times like this after my years here? Certainly there will be more opportunities to lead worship for my brothers and sisters, but never in this same capacity. What a bummer!!!!!
"Praise, Praise, Praise"/P.P.P./Puh-Puh-Puh, whatever you want to call it, began last year with a couple guitars and a few people crammed in a dorm room to praise God. Tonight it was more of an event, with 20 or so of us inside (and away from some crazy-nasty weather) lifting praise to our Father.
I cannot believe that I'm almost half way done with college. When am I ever going to have times like this after my years here? Certainly there will be more opportunities to lead worship for my brothers and sisters, but never in this same capacity. What a bummer!!!!!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Ohio University Looks at Porn
On Thursday, February 21, Ohio University hosted "The Debate on Porn" featuring Ron Jeremy (porn star) and Craig Gross (pastor). Ron Jeremy has starred in 1,800 porn films. Craig Gross is the founder of xxxchurch.com, a website and ministry set on helping people who want to eliminate pornography from their lives- including those in the industry.
Ron Jeremy was the clear fan-favorite. Apparently people at OU love short, fat, balding porn stars. He gained support of most of the audience by using humor, but made no logical arguments. Ron says that porn represents fantasy- and we're all allowed to have fantasies. According to him, porn can be viewed "responsibly" and the porn industry is not responsible for hurting relationships. He even tried to make the argument that pornography empowers women.
Craig Gross began xxxchurch.com because he felt that the church was not doing enough to counter pornography. Gross made clear that he is not out to condemn those who watch porn. In fact, he says that if someone wants to look at porn then they can go right ahead- they have that right. His mission is to provide help for those who want help dealing with porn in their lives. Gross constructed irrefutable arguments in the debate. He explained that pornography creates unrealistic views of what sex is, so that when people are in a proper sexual relationship they don't know what it's supposed to be like. Gross scratched the surface of the way that porn is degrading to women, as is evidenced in titles of films like "Gutter Sluts" (to name one of the more tame titles). He talked about what the viewer does not see- the crying and devastation that often takes place between takes. He revealed that the average career of a porn actress is 18 months, and often requires reparative surgery at the end. Gross also commented on the fact that it is common in porn for women to portray teenage girls (pigtails, cheerleader uniforms and sometimes braces).
Those who came to the debate idolizing Ron Jeremy no doubt left the same way. I definitely believe though, that people who thought with even a bit of rationality were positively impacted by Craig Gross.
Ron Jeremy was the clear fan-favorite. Apparently people at OU love short, fat, balding porn stars. He gained support of most of the audience by using humor, but made no logical arguments. Ron says that porn represents fantasy- and we're all allowed to have fantasies. According to him, porn can be viewed "responsibly" and the porn industry is not responsible for hurting relationships. He even tried to make the argument that pornography empowers women.
Craig Gross began xxxchurch.com because he felt that the church was not doing enough to counter pornography. Gross made clear that he is not out to condemn those who watch porn. In fact, he says that if someone wants to look at porn then they can go right ahead- they have that right. His mission is to provide help for those who want help dealing with porn in their lives. Gross constructed irrefutable arguments in the debate. He explained that pornography creates unrealistic views of what sex is, so that when people are in a proper sexual relationship they don't know what it's supposed to be like. Gross scratched the surface of the way that porn is degrading to women, as is evidenced in titles of films like "Gutter Sluts" (to name one of the more tame titles). He talked about what the viewer does not see- the crying and devastation that often takes place between takes. He revealed that the average career of a porn actress is 18 months, and often requires reparative surgery at the end. Gross also commented on the fact that it is common in porn for women to portray teenage girls (pigtails, cheerleader uniforms and sometimes braces).
Those who came to the debate idolizing Ron Jeremy no doubt left the same way. I definitely believe though, that people who thought with even a bit of rationality were positively impacted by Craig Gross.
Earth Got in the Way
Who saw the lunar eclipse Wednesday night? It was freezing, but I stayed out with my long lens for a while and took some decent photos.
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