In the hustle of everyday life, the knowledge of what is important or needed sometimes is lost. The constant motion of doing often gets in the way of enjoyment of being. Or even the necessity our soul craves.
Friendships are one of those things. But it goes beyond the act of the relationship to the value of the individual called "friend." Although most people at any given time can point to a group of friends and a support system, sometimes the idea of just how important those people are loses its clarity.
Take time to realize this. Lately I have come to cherish the individuals in my life that reach out, that comfort, that I can truly call friend, rather than just being someone who passes and exchanges recognition in a smile or a few words. Don't get me wrong, those moments are hugely important as well; but it is small compared to the idea of friend.
It is important to have groups of people where you feel safe being vulnerable, being broken, being honest, digging into the deeper aspects of life with. I know these people. And, although they may not always understand me completely, I know they will still always listen and offer up a thoughtful perspective.
I know individuals who I feel I can come to with anything. Granted, they are not many, and probably don't need to be many. But I know that those people I can bring my greatest issues to and receive help to walk through it.
What does it look like?
Sometimes it's a conversation that goes beyond "hi, great weather we're having," to a conversation over coffee when you both happened to be in the same place at the same time. I cannot count how many times this has happened unexpectedly and I walk away with a greater reminder of how much I really enjoy that individual. Other times it's someone intersecting my daily routine and just bringing joy in the reminder that I am not alone in this. Some nights, it's a conversation over dinner or in someone's home or a few minutes before or after an event we're both at. It can be a phone call, a text message, an instant message that is just a reminder that there are other people right alongside me.
And it all comes back to the fact that this other individual takes time out of their life to reach a hand out and do life with another individual. i cannot tell you how many of the individuals in my life I am so blessed to call "friend."
My hope is that each one of you is experiencing this or seeking it out and that you realize the importance of the people around you. The process isn't always quick or easy or comfortable, but the journey is wonderful. In reality, each relationship is just that: a journey. I hope that you have beautiful people joining you on that journey.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Share your story.
As a community, we are spending the final two weeks of venture celebrating people's stories and what venture has meant to them. We will be hearing from many different people who all have different stories to tell.
The thing is, though, that we would like to hear everyone's stories, not just those who will be sharing on stage. This post is your personal invitation to share your story with the rest of the community. Each voice is important.
Please post your individual story in the comments. Share how you found venture in the first place, what draws you to it each week, why you come or why you serve.
The thing is, though, that we would like to hear everyone's stories, not just those who will be sharing on stage. This post is your personal invitation to share your story with the rest of the community. Each voice is important.
Please post your individual story in the comments. Share how you found venture in the first place, what draws you to it each week, why you come or why you serve.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
what you don't expect
A little story about life.
It was my first day at my new job and I was a bit overwhelmed. And yes, it was only the morning, I hadn't even gotten to work yet. There were higher expectations with this new position, more people to work with, a more highly structured company and longer working hours. I had no idea what to expect to be honest, but if you talked to me at the time, I welcomed the change. As much as I looked forward to the newness, I wasn't prepared. And that is generally the nature of new stuff.
So, there I am, adjusting minute by minute. I got to deal with, for the first of many times, public transportation and all of it's wonders. I get off in downtown San Francisco, which is organized chaos on a weekday. Everyone knew where they were going and what they were doing, except for maybe myself.
Regardless, I head to my building. I stop in the lobby to make sure I'm going to the correct floor, which causes the doorman to notice me. He asks where I'm going and confirms the floor.
Mind you, it's also my new company's first day in San Francisco as well; they had just relocated their office from a different city. I expected to walk in on disorganization for my first day. So, as I'm riding up the elevator, I try to calm my nerves and tell myself it really will be okay. The elevator car pulls up to my floor, stops, the doors swing open and...
...there's a bunny handing out roses. Someone was dressed up as a bunny, welcoming all the employees to the new office.
That day and that situation really go to show that sometimes you get what you don't expect. It's like that saying "practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of bunny" or something along those lines. But seriously, sometimes we are blessed enough to have things thrown into our paths that remind us that it's all going to be okay. Single moments have the power to change the course of our mood or our day. For that I am grateful. Now I have that moment to look back on as something great and I have a good story to tell about my first day at work.
Consider what you didn't expect in your own life; share them here in the comments. We all have them; it's just a matter of recognizing them.
It was my first day at my new job and I was a bit overwhelmed. And yes, it was only the morning, I hadn't even gotten to work yet. There were higher expectations with this new position, more people to work with, a more highly structured company and longer working hours. I had no idea what to expect to be honest, but if you talked to me at the time, I welcomed the change. As much as I looked forward to the newness, I wasn't prepared. And that is generally the nature of new stuff.
So, there I am, adjusting minute by minute. I got to deal with, for the first of many times, public transportation and all of it's wonders. I get off in downtown San Francisco, which is organized chaos on a weekday. Everyone knew where they were going and what they were doing, except for maybe myself.
Regardless, I head to my building. I stop in the lobby to make sure I'm going to the correct floor, which causes the doorman to notice me. He asks where I'm going and confirms the floor.
Mind you, it's also my new company's first day in San Francisco as well; they had just relocated their office from a different city. I expected to walk in on disorganization for my first day. So, as I'm riding up the elevator, I try to calm my nerves and tell myself it really will be okay. The elevator car pulls up to my floor, stops, the doors swing open and...
...there's a bunny handing out roses. Someone was dressed up as a bunny, welcoming all the employees to the new office.
That day and that situation really go to show that sometimes you get what you don't expect. It's like that saying "practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of bunny" or something along those lines. But seriously, sometimes we are blessed enough to have things thrown into our paths that remind us that it's all going to be okay. Single moments have the power to change the course of our mood or our day. For that I am grateful. Now I have that moment to look back on as something great and I have a good story to tell about my first day at work.
Consider what you didn't expect in your own life; share them here in the comments. We all have them; it's just a matter of recognizing them.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Who is your neighbor?
I've been observing much about human nature lately, thanks to the wonderfulness of a commute on BART each day. Believe me, the experience has made me think a lot about how we act and interact and has also been teaching me again the lesson of patience (which is a whole different conversation).
This particular instance is from a month or so ago...
A lot of people are very confused by the system: which train to catch, which station we're on, etc. One day a couple rushed onto the train, pulling their rolling luggage behind them. They had decided on the last minute that this must be the right train for where they're going. But then, once inside, realized they were wrong, turned to get off, and were met with the doors swiftly shut in their faces.
Now, I don't know where they were trying to go or where they were coming from. But it seemed they were embarking on vacation (luggage in tow and all) which I know is a whole frenzied rush, and coupled with trying to take BART to the airport, which I've heard can be frustrating.
Next stop comes, they disembark, obviously still looking around trying to get a handle on where they are and how to get where they're trying to go. However, instead of asking someone on the full train or on the platform they got off on, they timidly cross to the other side, hoping for the best I suppose.
It got me thinking about this thing in human nature that makes many of us avoid asking a stranger for help. This couple was obviously confused, and yet decided to keep doing what they're doing, traveling in the wrong directions seeking their destination. A short conversation would have helped them completely but it didn't happen.
So then consider the thought of "who is your neighbor?" Who should you be helping, no matter how small the assistance? The idea applies to those you live next door to or down the street from, in the name of building a strong community. But I think it also applies to our fellow man as well. Everyone should be considered your neighbor, everyone is worthy of your help if you can help them.
I wish that more people felt comfortable asking help from others, even if they are strangers. And I hope that each of us, including myself, will be willing to help someone who looks like they can use a little bit of help.
This particular instance is from a month or so ago...
A lot of people are very confused by the system: which train to catch, which station we're on, etc. One day a couple rushed onto the train, pulling their rolling luggage behind them. They had decided on the last minute that this must be the right train for where they're going. But then, once inside, realized they were wrong, turned to get off, and were met with the doors swiftly shut in their faces.
Now, I don't know where they were trying to go or where they were coming from. But it seemed they were embarking on vacation (luggage in tow and all) which I know is a whole frenzied rush, and coupled with trying to take BART to the airport, which I've heard can be frustrating.
Next stop comes, they disembark, obviously still looking around trying to get a handle on where they are and how to get where they're trying to go. However, instead of asking someone on the full train or on the platform they got off on, they timidly cross to the other side, hoping for the best I suppose.
It got me thinking about this thing in human nature that makes many of us avoid asking a stranger for help. This couple was obviously confused, and yet decided to keep doing what they're doing, traveling in the wrong directions seeking their destination. A short conversation would have helped them completely but it didn't happen.
So then consider the thought of "who is your neighbor?" Who should you be helping, no matter how small the assistance? The idea applies to those you live next door to or down the street from, in the name of building a strong community. But I think it also applies to our fellow man as well. Everyone should be considered your neighbor, everyone is worthy of your help if you can help them.
I wish that more people felt comfortable asking help from others, even if they are strangers. And I hope that each of us, including myself, will be willing to help someone who looks like they can use a little bit of help.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Believe Something Big(ger) Series
For those attending the Sunday night service:
We have a new element to the current series "Believe Something Big(ger)" in the form of another blog. This series is being taught at CrossWinds both during the morning services and the evening services.
Many of us know that there are thoughts and questions that go beyond just the message, and the additional blog is a way to enter into discussion with others. I'm encouraging all of us to use that resource as something to continue to flesh out what the messages touch on. Please make use of it and be a voice in the conversation.
Website is www.believesomethingbigger.blogspot.com
We have a new element to the current series "Believe Something Big(ger)" in the form of another blog. This series is being taught at CrossWinds both during the morning services and the evening services.
Many of us know that there are thoughts and questions that go beyond just the message, and the additional blog is a way to enter into discussion with others. I'm encouraging all of us to use that resource as something to continue to flesh out what the messages touch on. Please make use of it and be a voice in the conversation.
Website is www.believesomethingbigger.blogspot.com
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
"Money can't buy happiness"
In the past few days I've been seeing studies about the "general happiness of the world" posted on Yahoo! news. Apparently some association has been monitoring the responses of residents of a number of countries when questioned about their personal happiness levels. First of all, it's interesting that someone has decided to measure the moods of people; it is such a subjective thing to measure.
Within the first paragraph, or even in the teaser blurb, there is also something mentioned about the economy being bad. It is presented often as "in spite of" a slowing economy, people are still happy.
So it led me to wonder, what does that really show?
When I thought about it beyond just data, and an odd study, I thought about the nature of happiness and the economy. Maybe it just "scientifically" proves that happiness is not tied to money or possessions. Most people have heard the saying "money can't buy happiness" and maybe believe it, maybe don't. I've also heard it addressed in the church a lot as well, that followers of Christ should be seeking other things to find true happiness.
Seeing those studies reminded me that happiness and possessions don't go hand-in-hand. Science just seems to be catching up with general opinion.
Within the first paragraph, or even in the teaser blurb, there is also something mentioned about the economy being bad. It is presented often as "in spite of" a slowing economy, people are still happy.
So it led me to wonder, what does that really show?
When I thought about it beyond just data, and an odd study, I thought about the nature of happiness and the economy. Maybe it just "scientifically" proves that happiness is not tied to money or possessions. Most people have heard the saying "money can't buy happiness" and maybe believe it, maybe don't. I've also heard it addressed in the church a lot as well, that followers of Christ should be seeking other things to find true happiness.
Seeing those studies reminded me that happiness and possessions don't go hand-in-hand. Science just seems to be catching up with general opinion.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Visual of our stuff
http://www.faceyourpockets.com/index1.html
A link to a very interesting project exploring the idea of people and their stuff. On looking through it just a little bit it's amazing to see the things that people carry with them everywhere/everyday. It only serves as a collection of images, and offers no thoughts past that; it leaves you to think about it yourself. As a person who is very drawn toward the sight sense, I found it very intriguing in light of the recent Sunday night series "Possessed, when the stuff you own starts owning you."
A link to a very interesting project exploring the idea of people and their stuff. On looking through it just a little bit it's amazing to see the things that people carry with them everywhere/everyday. It only serves as a collection of images, and offers no thoughts past that; it leaves you to think about it yourself. As a person who is very drawn toward the sight sense, I found it very intriguing in light of the recent Sunday night series "Possessed, when the stuff you own starts owning you."
Gratitude
Chris Scott talked Sunday night about gratitude. There were different areas mentioned, including being grateful for our stuff, our church and a relationship with our God.
One of the things that has really been sticking with me and caused me to consider was the idea of being grateful about our church. Chris said that there is a need this place (the church) fulfills that is not being met anywhere else; that is why we come to this place.
This thought really stuck with me because it is so simple and true, yet the awareness of it becomes more faint the longer we are part of a church body. For me, this is why I came to this place, but I had lost awareness of that simple truth. The first night I attended, I came because I was seeking worship, I wanted to be fed and encouraged, I wanted community, I wanted to be part of something that was actually addressing the need for God in my peer group. It was a feeling very real for me, something I carried with me until I couldn't ignore it anymore, something that forced me way outside my comfort zone to find an answer for it. I can say that I did feel called to this place, and that I felt so overwhelmingly grateful for this place that was meeting a need I could not silence anywhere else.
As time has passed, the sharpness of the awareness dulled. Part of it is due to the fact that I am a part of something that was fulfilling those needs, so the painful edge went away. But sitting there Sunday night, when Chris spoke those words, I felt the complete weight of them. That is the reason I continue to come every Sunday, why my soul is drawn there even when my body and mind are weary. Needs of mine are being met at that place, within that body of Christ followers, that are not being met anywhere else in my life.
For that, I must say thank you to all of the people who come together to be a part of it. We are blessed to be a part of this. To those who gather and worship together and learn to grow together, my gratitude. And to those of you who feel a call to serve and make this place possible, my gratitude for you and for this place we share.
Consider what first brought you to seek out this place.
One of the things that has really been sticking with me and caused me to consider was the idea of being grateful about our church. Chris said that there is a need this place (the church) fulfills that is not being met anywhere else; that is why we come to this place.
This thought really stuck with me because it is so simple and true, yet the awareness of it becomes more faint the longer we are part of a church body. For me, this is why I came to this place, but I had lost awareness of that simple truth. The first night I attended, I came because I was seeking worship, I wanted to be fed and encouraged, I wanted community, I wanted to be part of something that was actually addressing the need for God in my peer group. It was a feeling very real for me, something I carried with me until I couldn't ignore it anymore, something that forced me way outside my comfort zone to find an answer for it. I can say that I did feel called to this place, and that I felt so overwhelmingly grateful for this place that was meeting a need I could not silence anywhere else.
As time has passed, the sharpness of the awareness dulled. Part of it is due to the fact that I am a part of something that was fulfilling those needs, so the painful edge went away. But sitting there Sunday night, when Chris spoke those words, I felt the complete weight of them. That is the reason I continue to come every Sunday, why my soul is drawn there even when my body and mind are weary. Needs of mine are being met at that place, within that body of Christ followers, that are not being met anywhere else in my life.
For that, I must say thank you to all of the people who come together to be a part of it. We are blessed to be a part of this. To those who gather and worship together and learn to grow together, my gratitude. And to those of you who feel a call to serve and make this place possible, my gratitude for you and for this place we share.
Consider what first brought you to seek out this place.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Who we represent
i'm watching this HBO documentary called "FRIENDS OF GOD".
It's all about evangelical christians in America.
ya.
it's rough.
Ted Haggard is one of the main people interviewed in the documentary...he's the pastor in Colorado Springs who stepped down after it was discovered he was having some sort of affair with a male prostitute...
Other interviews consist of people organizing Christian car shows, a drive-thru church, people who define homosexuality as the route of all evil, people who refute evolution and teach their children that dinosaurs didn't exist and a Christian Theme park.
SERIOUSLY!
It's in Orlando and it's called the HOLY LAND EXPERIENCE.
what? why do we need that?
there was also a bible themed mini golf course that was hella janky.
These are the people I represent in SANTA CRUZ.
oH and George Bush and every televangelist ever and every person with a "GOD HATES GAYS" sign.
When people hear Christian, they see those people.
It's awful...
I feel so discouraged sometimes knowing that.
I'm so tired of Jesus constantly being associated with these people.
If you have a chance to watch it you should.
It's hard but if anything it makes me want to love more.
I don't ever in my life want to assumed as someone who hates because I read the bible, or judges because I believe in God.
I feel like Jesus is so separate from that.
All these screaming people and giant church productions, loud politicians and angry congregations...
I guess our world has become such a loud and chaotic place that the church has responded in the only way tit knows how.
This sounds dumb but I seriously wish that people thought more about the quiet place.
I find myself having to find that place frequently.
Walking to class and driving in my car, waiting for the bus and reading at a coffee shop...i find myself searching for the quiet place where i am reminded fo who i truly represent.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. - Psalm 91:1.
this was a total rant.
i don't know where i'm going with this.
just that it's hard seomtimes...but you guys probably know that.
It's all about evangelical christians in America.
ya.
it's rough.
Ted Haggard is one of the main people interviewed in the documentary...he's the pastor in Colorado Springs who stepped down after it was discovered he was having some sort of affair with a male prostitute...
Other interviews consist of people organizing Christian car shows, a drive-thru church, people who define homosexuality as the route of all evil, people who refute evolution and teach their children that dinosaurs didn't exist and a Christian Theme park.
SERIOUSLY!
It's in Orlando and it's called the HOLY LAND EXPERIENCE.
what? why do we need that?
there was also a bible themed mini golf course that was hella janky.
These are the people I represent in SANTA CRUZ.
oH and George Bush and every televangelist ever and every person with a "GOD HATES GAYS" sign.
When people hear Christian, they see those people.
It's awful...
I feel so discouraged sometimes knowing that.
I'm so tired of Jesus constantly being associated with these people.
If you have a chance to watch it you should.
It's hard but if anything it makes me want to love more.
I don't ever in my life want to assumed as someone who hates because I read the bible, or judges because I believe in God.
I feel like Jesus is so separate from that.
All these screaming people and giant church productions, loud politicians and angry congregations...
I guess our world has become such a loud and chaotic place that the church has responded in the only way tit knows how.
This sounds dumb but I seriously wish that people thought more about the quiet place.
I find myself having to find that place frequently.
Walking to class and driving in my car, waiting for the bus and reading at a coffee shop...i find myself searching for the quiet place where i am reminded fo who i truly represent.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. - Psalm 91:1.
this was a total rant.
i don't know where i'm going with this.
just that it's hard seomtimes...but you guys probably know that.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
"The Clothes Don't Make the Man"
This quote sprung up in my mind listening to the message last Sunday about consumerism. Even though our society is so bent on a consumer lifestyle, there is still the recognition that what an individual buys is no measure of their character.
Wikipedia defines the phrase as "An aphorism meaning that you cannot judge a person solely by his appearance."
Have you ever heard that saying? It's usually followed by a "but the [insert thought-provoking attribute here] does."
It's true though, just as much for a CEO as it is for you and me.
I'm not going to get into the discussion of the satisfaction of money or buying things because that's for you to decide for yourself, how to be a steward of your money. You're the only one who can examine if the way you're living your life is fulfilling to you. I can't decide that for you; I can only wrestle with the question for my own life.
But I ask you to consider the truth of the statement "the clothes don't make the man." It applies to how we consume things, what it important in life, maybe even why we consume so much.
Wikipedia defines the phrase as "An aphorism meaning that you cannot judge a person solely by his appearance."
Have you ever heard that saying? It's usually followed by a "but the [insert thought-provoking attribute here] does."
It's true though, just as much for a CEO as it is for you and me.
I'm not going to get into the discussion of the satisfaction of money or buying things because that's for you to decide for yourself, how to be a steward of your money. You're the only one who can examine if the way you're living your life is fulfilling to you. I can't decide that for you; I can only wrestle with the question for my own life.
But I ask you to consider the truth of the statement "the clothes don't make the man." It applies to how we consume things, what it important in life, maybe even why we consume so much.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Our Journey
Sometimes it just doesn't make sense until it applies to your own life.Within the past few days, I've had reason to take a journey into my past. No, I didn't go on some trip to my ancestor's homeland to discover my roots; and no, I didn't discover some long-lost diary that exposes some deep, dark family secrets.
I went on this excursion sitting in front of my computer screen. How does that work, you may ask. It's simple really. I went to work transferring old digital images from cds that have been sitting around for ages, transferring them onto a more reliable storage medium. (In case you're wondering, yes, that's how I roll.)
What I wasn't prepared for was the frame of mind this little organizational task would put me in. You see, I once again was looking at parts of my life (and some people in my life) I really would rather forget. I remembered who I was at those times. I remembered the relationships I engaged in during those times. I remembered things that are still apart of me, even though they are years past. Needless to say, I ended up mentally beating myself up again for things I cannot change. My day and my mood was swiftly headed downhill.
Gradually the awakening began, prompted something other than my own self. I realized how grateful I am for current things in my life, especially in such contrast to these times in my past that were staring me in the face.
I cherish the healthy relationships I have currently. I am thankful for the community of people following God that I am able to be an active part of. I am amazed by the amount of growth that has begun and continues in me by the grace of God.
And I think I was about due for the reminder that I do live a good life. If it had to happen by facing the ghosts of my past, then so be it. I am glad for the heart check.
If you were around to hear Chris Coli speak on "Story," then hopefully these thoughts will make you revisit your own thoughts that were inspired by that series. Otherwise, hopefully it will cause you to examine your own life, where you are, where you've been and where you're going.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Myanmar's steps forward
Currently, the people of Myanmar are still living in the midst of disaster, but there is hope. That hope is what is fueling this post. It is important to not give in to the idea of despair.
My hope is that the information included here will serve as an update on the situation as it progresses, but also as a reminder to pray.
Some aid is getting through to the people of Myanmar. One of the fears in the aftermath of this disaster, is that people will die from untreated injuries or from disease spreading via poor living conditions. Reportedly, a medical team from Thailand will be allowed into the worst-hit area of the country. Although it is a small step, it is a step forward.
There has been much discussion about the government junta's misuse of the monetary and goods aid that is pouring into the country from foreign countries. Recently the government announced that they will allow workers to come in from the surrounding countries to distribute aid. Although it is a small amount, some cargo flights carrying supplies have been cleared for entry into the country.
The biggest demonstration of caring, however, seems to be coming from within the country itself. Although the junta is stalling help, the people of Myanmar apparently have stepped up into the existing need. It is reported that people who have already suffered through losing loved ones or their own homes, have joined the effort to help. These people who have already gone through so much are setting aside their own worries to help those who are even less fortunate than themselves. That is a huge example for the rest of the watching world and even the ruling government of Myanmar. The citizens are stepping in where others currently cannot or will not.
Please continue to pray for these people. We do not have to admit to understand this situation in order to bring it before God in prayer. My other encouragement is to keep an eye on the news and as more aid is allowed into the company, please consider donating to the cause.
My hope is that the information included here will serve as an update on the situation as it progresses, but also as a reminder to pray.
Some aid is getting through to the people of Myanmar. One of the fears in the aftermath of this disaster, is that people will die from untreated injuries or from disease spreading via poor living conditions. Reportedly, a medical team from Thailand will be allowed into the worst-hit area of the country. Although it is a small step, it is a step forward.
There has been much discussion about the government junta's misuse of the monetary and goods aid that is pouring into the country from foreign countries. Recently the government announced that they will allow workers to come in from the surrounding countries to distribute aid. Although it is a small amount, some cargo flights carrying supplies have been cleared for entry into the country.
The biggest demonstration of caring, however, seems to be coming from within the country itself. Although the junta is stalling help, the people of Myanmar apparently have stepped up into the existing need. It is reported that people who have already suffered through losing loved ones or their own homes, have joined the effort to help. These people who have already gone through so much are setting aside their own worries to help those who are even less fortunate than themselves. That is a huge example for the rest of the watching world and even the ruling government of Myanmar. The citizens are stepping in where others currently cannot or will not.
Please continue to pray for these people. We do not have to admit to understand this situation in order to bring it before God in prayer. My other encouragement is to keep an eye on the news and as more aid is allowed into the company, please consider donating to the cause.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)