Preparing to Leave

Christmas was great....been a busy weekend....yet a relaxing break at the same time!


Hung out with the most amazing friends I know in NM....Cody, Zack, Mike, and my bro....I love those guys....

Going to New Orleans tomorrow...pray for me while I am down there....part of me doesn't want to go....is that bad, not wanting to do ministry, yet doing it anyway? I can't back out now....yet I am also exciting and looking forward to the trip....

Hope your Christmas was amazing...and for those out of school for a while....enjoy break!

Winter break

Probably the last post for a couple of weeks so enjoy....

If your a friend of mine in NM, email me if you wanna hang out.....

A fortune cookie told me this today: "You constantly struggle for self improvement - and it shows".

What in the world does that mean? "Your a failure at life!" Some fortune that was....I was better off not reading it.....

Failed Greek but I think I did well on my other finals....got an extension on one of them, which is nice, thank you to the professor who gave me that extension.....gonna be working on that this weekend and next week.

Theology question for you all to chew on while I am away from my computer....

Why did God create the universe, and us, if he didn't need any of it? God is completely self-sufficient and doesn't need anybody or anything. So, why did He create everything He created?

Have a wonderful Christmas to all of you!

Must see Narnia

Chronicles of Narnia...absolutely amazing...I might take my siblings to see it...I don't know...but it was amazing...if you haven't see it...you must go see it....it is worth it....will blow your socks off...(I had a hardtime finding my socks in the theater after the movie...with the lights off....okay, so that was lame)...but it will............now I want to skip out on my finals and read the books....


Please be in prayer for the homeless....several have already died due to the weather here in Denver already....one of which made it in the paper.... Sub-zero Odds for Homeless: View this Article

DJ is known in FatBoys....please keep all homeless in your prayers....


Busy until Thursday...and then it is break.....

B-day

Thank you all for an amazing birthday the other day......it was def. a surprise and very much appreciated.....I love you all.....my day was amazing....

Scottish

Finished the paper...and turned it in.....feels a lot better to be with that huge one...got some assignments to work on...but nothing quite that big...

Chapel...I enjoyed that...there is a different style of worship....can't do it on a regular basis....talking about Anglican type churches....such as Episcopal....

I think I will become a priest at an Anglican church just so I can wear the robe (or whatever it is called) and so you can call me Father Gunn. (see below for the irony in that)

Was looking into my Scottish heritage a bit...my last name is part of a clan in Scotland.....came from Gunnar, or Gunni, meaning "war". Our motto is: Aut Pax Aut Ballum, which means "Either peace or war."

If only kilts weren't so darn expensive, I would buy one...and show my true Scottish heritage....but I don't have that kind of money....


Here is a picture of our crest (with our kilt colors behind it)...


And again...except a better picture...


Here are some cites to check out regarding the Gunn Clan:
http://www.scotclans.com/clans/Gunn/history.html

http://www.gunnclan.net/inform.htm

Here's a Scottish quote for you:
Man is a dog's ideal of what God should be. - Holbrook Jackson


Icons in church...the topic of my paper....and here is my official standing....as of now....
I think icons are a good thing to use in a time of meditation....and a few in a sanctuary will not hurt anything...but I do not think they should be venerated as some churches do....icons provide imagery for the stories we read in the Bible and the people we read about....it also provides an image of Christ in our minds....something to keep our focus (especially in worship)....
My baptist church back at home might cast me out for saying that....but that is how I feel right now....after doing all of this research and writing about icons...there is my two cents....thank you all for your responses and opinions....


This is officially the LAST post before I am 21....

Greek Orthodoxy

10 cups of coffee...unfortunately with caffeine...caffeine in coffee is not good for you (and decaf coffee doesn't taste any different...that is my newest coffee drinking practice) a research paper....and sources stacked to the ceiling...finally got everything "organized" and now it is just finishing typing everything up...which is the part I continue to struggle with...

Went to a Greek Orthodox Church yesterday morning...ask me about it...

It was interesting and rich with history...

After visiting a Greek Orthodox Church...and doing my paper on icons...I thought it might be appropriate to show an icon...

This is similar to an icon (or painting) found at front of sanctuary of Greek Orthodox Churches...Virgin Mary with Christ on her lap...her arms are open to show that though Christ cannot be contained by the world, she bore her...in a sense contained him...the gold halo around their heads symbolizes that they are holy...notice the hands of Christ...that is an Orthodox symbol resembling the Trinity...to the left and right of Mary...the little circles...are resemblences of her name...and on the halo of Christ is a cross, with the letter alpha and letter omega...resembling that he is the first and the last...Mary is also called theotokos (or "Mother of God")...a little Greek lesson for ya'll



Once again...this post is to procrastinate on my paper a bit more...I should have started this thing months ago...per suggestion of the professor...it's an amazing topic...but I lost enthusiasm real quick...just give me the knowledge...without having to do the work...

sigh...learning is part of the process and much can be...well...learned from it...

Okay...enough babbling...time to get back to work...or bed...who knows...

day full of meetings and paper writing (as well as my busiest day regarding classes)...

CCU Baseball and FatBoys

FatBoys last night was great...thanks CCU Baseball team for joining us...we were glad to have you...you are welcome to come down with us anytime...

Got a lot to do right now...up until Tuesday night I will be really stressed and incredibly busy with this huge paper I have yet to write...

Two great quotes from today from our good honorary Snowmass friend...:

"Is this where you smoke your smores?"
"Can you touch the cieling without reaching?"

I found a sweet wig and find it amazing...you should see the looks people give me...amazing!!!

Bored Questions

Only because every one else is doing it...and I don't want to work on my paper...as interesting as it may be...  

three names you go by
1. Kev
2. Mr. Gunn
3. General

three parts of your heritage

1. Irish
2. German
3. Scottish

Three Things That Scare You
- In the mountains alone
- Having someone see me for who I really am
- don't know what else

Three of Your Everyday Essentials
- Fruity Pebbles
- clothing
- toothpaste and toothbrush

Three Things You Are Wearing Right Now
- Fatboys hoodie
- Jeans
- two wrist bands ("Fight Hunger and Homelessness" and "Promise Keepers")





Three of Your Favourite Bands or Musical Artists
- SKillet
- Relient k
- Audio Adrenaline





Three of Your Favourite Songs
- "How Deep the Father's Love"
- "OH Praise Him" (...in honor of Abby and other fellow fatties)
- Whatever else that sounds good with good lyrics





Three Things You Want in a Relationship (other than Real Love)
- Honesty
- There when needed and someone to talk to
- whatever else would be a good thing to have in a relationship





Two Truths and a Lie
- I love Denver.
- I kinda like spending all my time at the library.
- I am not procrastinating on homework.





Three Things about the Opposite Sex that Appeal to You
- Good sense of humor
- Outdoors person
- Godly person who enjoys theology questions





Three of Your Favourite Hobbies
- riding my bike
- coffee shops (or hanging out in similar setting)
- Frisbee or soccer





Three Things You Want to do Really Badly Right Now
- Preach
- Hang out with roommates and go on a roadtrip to IN & Out
- be done with school

Three Places You Want to go on Vacation

- Scotland
- Rome
- Israel

Three Things You Want to Do Before You Die


- Skydive
- Rock Climb an amazing cliff
- something else really hardcore and extreme




Three People I want to take this quiz
-Other people procrastinating on work or really bored
-My family
-My friends and roommates









Well, I suppose it is time to go work on my paper...I guess...since that is done and I can't really find anything else to distract me here...

Icons?

working on a research paper on icons in the early church (1st century)...but my question to all of you is this:

What is your opinion of icons in the church?

Icons are statues, pictures, or images of some kind and can range from Jesus Christ himself, to the virgin Mary, to the saints.

Let me know what your opinion of icons in sanctuaries....does it create an intimate place, or place of reverence to worship God? does it "create the mood" for worship and reverence? what about our white walled, pictureless sanctuaries with florescent lighting...what kind of worship setting is that?

Opinions please...

Back from Break

wow...break was good and very much needed...didn't really have any responsibilities this past week...forgot what that was like...have had a lot going on this year...it was good to be home and have nothing to really worry about...

Church today was good reminder...to focus on what God has done for us and remember the blessings...reminded me of this sermon that I had put together from the summer...so...here you go...enjoy! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and an amazing break...time for the final stretch...only two weeks of regular classes...then finals...whoa...two weeks...scary to think about...I have a lot to do in those two weeks...anyway...here's the outline...

I. Background

a. Genesis

i. Creation Account

ii. The Fall/Eating of Apple

1. Entering of sin into world

iii. Story of Cain and Abel

1. Cain kills Abel

iv. Increased wickedness
v. Noah Called to Build Ark
vi. The Flood Story
vii. Abram (Abraham)

1. God's covenant with him

a. Promised a child

viii. Sara

1. God's covenant with her
2. Bears child

ix. Abraham and Isaac

1. Father called to sacrifice son

a. God's faithfulness

i. Imagine making such a sacrifice

1. God made that sacrifice with Christ on the Cross
2. Refer back to hymn

x. Joseph

1. His faithfulness
2. Has dreams, later sees those dreams and in second command to Pharaoh

b. Exodus

i. Moses called to deliver people
ii. The ten plagues
iii. Israelites delivered out of Egypt

1. Released from slavery
2. God splits the sea

iv. Layout of the Tabernacle
v. Moses on Mt. Sinai

c. Leviticus

i. More on the Tabernacle
ii. The Sacrifices

1. Names the sacrifice, purpose, and how to carry out the sacrifice

iii. Laws and ordinances for the people

d. Numbers

i. The Tribes and tasks assigned to each tribe/clan
ii. Set out with the Tabernacle

1. Follow cloud by day, fire by night

a. This is God's presence among the people

II. Brings us to Chapter 11

a. Other Complaints of the people

i. Exodus 14:10-12
ii. Exodus 15:22-24
iii. Exodus 16:3-4

b. Numbers 11-First-two complaints in Numbers (About 4th complaint altogether)

i. Vs 1-3: Reason is uncertain, fire outside edge of camp
ii. Vs 4-6: Now no meat, been eating manna
iii. Vs 7-see Also Exodus 16:3-4
iv. Moses cries out, can't carry burden alone

1. God's faithfulness
2. They are given meat, Moses is given help

c. Numbers 14-Second complaint in Numbers

i. Chapter 13- Land of Canaan reached, spies sent out to scope the land

1. Reports of strong and fierce people vs 28

ii. Chapter 14:

1. Vs 1-4: People want to go back to Egypt, complain God brought them out here to die.
2. Vs 5-19:Moses and Aaron plead for the people, and ask for God's Mercy and Grace
3. Vs 20-28: God offers forgiveness
4. Vs 29-38: Consequences of the people's actions
5. Vs 39-45: People take things into their own hands and fail.

III. Application

a. People continually forgot what God had done

i. The Plagues in Egypt

1. Deliverance from slavery and bondage

ii. The Parting of the Sea

1. Spared them and waters crushed the armies of Pharaoh

iii. Previous miracles in the dessert

1. Providing water and manna

b. We Forget God's miracles in our lives

i. The Cross

ii. Miracles and workings in personal lives

IV. Challenge

a. Write in your Bible, things that God has done for you

i. In times of sorrow, loneliness, hurting, suffering, whatever, reflect on these things and remember God's faithfulness.

ii. Remember what God has done for you, focus on those things, and don't focus on what you don't have!
iii. To many times we focus on what we don't have, or what God hasn't done, we must wait upon Him. He is all knowing and has complete wisdom. He knows what is best for us.

b. Prayer

i. Thank you Lord for who you are and your faithfulness...Thank you for always being there for us in the past and continuing to do so in the future. Lord, help us all remember you, especially this holiday season...help us to remember the glorious birth of your son, his life, and his sacrifice. Thank you for your love. Help us to remember our blessings, and wait in you for things we hope for. In your holy name, Amen.

Homeless people never cease to amaze me

Homeless people never cease to amaze me...they have amazing stories...and a great sense of humor...wish you all could have been there tonight to hear what they were saying...

"How old are you guys?" Diesel asked.
"20" we replied.
"dang...you guys are young ones still. Isn't it past your bedtime?" asked Jody.
"Oh wait...yeaup...it's about that time. We better get going."

They kept joking about that all night. They also joked about their "housing". Said I was standing in their kitchen, and the bathroom is at the dumpster. He had a whole floor plan for the sidewalk. It is awesome to see they can still joke around and have a good time, even though they are living on the streets. Homeless people know how to really and truly live! They look out for each other...Jody was carrying around a bag of stuff because another homeless guy was picked up by the police. They were holding it until he was released, so he had something to cover up with. They lend each other their blankets. They know what it means to help out a brother or sister in need, even though they themselves are in need.

This is why I want to write a book...to capture moments like these and show people that the homeless are more than that (homeless), the are people too with stories, with lives, with humor, and with needs, with emotions...they need us...people...to talk to...to be with...to pray with...amazing!

Sister Mary

You go sister...you guys have got to check these articles out...Sister Mary sounds amazing...She is trying to stop homelessness (that's why I am over excited about this)...and sounds like she has done a lot for the homeless thus far...God, can I leave and help her, now? No, I can't, I need to stay here and finish school comes the reply.

Anyway, here are some links to go check out:


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10055262
http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htm?g=658b662b-dccd-4208-bc39-1d73b0db7805&f=email







http://dailynightly.msnbc.com/2005/11/more_about_sist.html
http://www.projecthome.org






Thanks Dad for sending me that email...the things I would have missed out on (the above article) if he didn't send me the link...if I could only find the time to sit down and watch the news...to become smarter...but no...I have to hear these from somebody else...and most of the time from a homeless person...I have the resources at my finger tips and yet the homeless are the ones who knows what is going on around the world...why is it like that? why do we take our possessions and blessings for granted?

Just talked to my brother who helped out a homeless man today in Pheonix...wasn't expecting that...way to follow the Holy Spirit bro.

Started the book I want to write...about homeless people and such...just got an introduction...I hope the rest comes together...in God's timing and according to His will...

Denny's, FIRE, and Grandparents

Make sure to see my sermon outline at the end of this babbling.
Been a good weekend...Thursday went well...stayed late at Denny's...good times...budget review for FatBoys Friday morning...and went to FIRE...amazing time there....good job Shanna...keep up the good work. It reminded me why I want to do full-time ministry...to be amidst the chaos and know that God is in complete control (the irony of that, yet truth).

Lunch with Grandparents...good times...love you guys. Star Wars Marathon Friday and Saturday evenings...good movies. Ultimate Frisbee game...against Mines (other schools didn't show)...it was rough with the wind, but good (minus my drops and few bad throws).

Church this morning...amazing! Anderson reminded me why I am suffering through Greek, to go back to the original text and find the things that we miss with the English translations!!!

Fun pictures (more to come later)...

Here's the reason for this post... a new sermon idea that I have had in mind for a while, and recently confirmed and inspired to type out because of God's work through Anderson!

The text for this sermon is: Matthew 27:45-54.

John 19:30 "When Jesus had received the wine, he said 'It is finished.' Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." (NRSV)
Introduction:
I remember I was once asked a question: "If God is all powerful, why can't he simply forgive sins? Why did he have to forgive through Christ?"

• I am going to attempt to answer this question, and explain the purpose of, and need for, Christ.
• The Birth of Christ:
• Born of a Virgin in a sinful family
• Matthew 1
• Because he was born of virgin and begotten by God, He was not in the same sinful state as his ancestors
• Born to a poor family
• Joseph was a carpenter, not a king.
• The family were not of any great significance (not until Christ's birth)
• The Life of Christ
• Faced temptation, yet resisted (Matthew 4)
• Lived a sinless life
• Lived among the servants and needy, not a life of a king or hero (see the Gospels)
• The Death of Christ
• Purifed man of their sins
• John 19:30 - paid the price for sin in full
• Matthew 27:46- Christ feeling sin for first time...the absence of God (God had to turn away..he could not see his son with the sin and suffering he went through)
  
• .Romans 5:18 - Sin entered the world through one man, and sin was conquered through one Man
  
• The "Problems" of the Pharisees
• Christ was not born of a noble birth - there is nothing royal in a barn
• The Pharisees were expecting a king
  
• Christ was not a king - He lived among the poor and needy
• The Pharisees thought the Messiah would be a great king or hero
  
• Christ did not redeem the people from this world as the Pharisees thought He should - Christ did redeem us from sin as the prophets say
• Christ died - The Pharisees didn't think the promised Messiah would die
• Why did Christ have to die? Why Can't God just forgive?
• God is Just And Merciful
  
• Through Christ, God can show justice, and yet at the same time show mercy.
• God is never changing...He is always the same.
• If God is always the same...ALL of His attributes and characteristics must ALWAYS be present...including both mercy and justice (though the two seem to conflict).
• Through Christ, God can show both attributes
• Christ died to pay the debt...we must accept his payment on our behalf (mercy)
• If we do not...we are condemned as the Scriptures say (justice)
• If God simply forgave and Christ did not die...there is no justice.
• Christ also offers us a visual aid (an example to follow)...Christ showed us the New covenant and way to live..
• Christ also showed us that God is a personal God...God is not foreign and distant, but close and relational...compassionate...and God can relate to us...
• This sermon doesn't do its justice...there is more to expound upon...more to say...and this is simply an outline...each underlined main point can be elaberated on and so much time can be spent on each point...this is simply a quick over view...
• Father...We thank you for your love and sacrifice at the Cross...for your love and compassion as shown through us through your son Jesus Christ...forgive us of our sins and help us to fully understand what happened on Calvary...so that we may be better equipped and can understand of how marvelous you truly are...continue to reveal yourself to your people...be with us this day...In your name, Amen!

Go in peace and may God be with you...spend time with your Redeemer today!

George Gray

George Gray

I have studied many times

The marble which was chiseled for me—

A boat with a furled sail at rest in a harbor.

In truth it pictures not my destination

But my life.

For love was offered me and I shrank from its disillusionment;

Sorrow knocked at my door, but I was afraid;

Ambition called to me, but I dreaded the chances.

Yet all the while I hungered for meaning in my life.

And now I know that we must lift the sail

And catch the winds of destiny

Wherever they drive the boat.

To put meaning in one’s life may end in madness,

But life without meaning is the torture

Of restlessness and vague desire—

It is a boat longing for the sea and yet afraid.

Edgar Lee Masters

This is also located in Wild At Heart, which I just finished and a poem that stuck out to me while reading the last chapter. I finished the book...which now means that I am searching for another book to read. Any good suggestions? It's funny, I remember my list of books to read was full of books, but I can't remember any of them right now. Please send me your suggestions...also take note of my profile pic. all of you CCUers, the guys in SnowMass 101 would like our shelves back...please return them.

And thank you all of you outreach leaders for a good week of encouragement....I have so many cookies right now...it is simply amazing...

Feeling sick...

Currently Reading
Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul
By John Eldredge
see related


Been an interesting week...wasn't feeling good most of the week...and really tired.

Didn't want to go to FatBoys for a while this week, but I did and it rocked (as always).  Some ministry leaders joined us (thanks guys for your encouragement this week)...as well as Chris...who lead Fatboys the past couple of years before I did...it was good to see him again...


Small group...not a lot of people...but what can you do...still serve as if you had a large group and not let numbers affect the ministry...

Feeling much better now...even though i was out in the cold while sick...and talking to homeless people...not quite sure how that happened.

Got a busy weekend ahead...but all is well...looking forward to the weekend.

Ultimate Frisbee Frenzie

I am really sore at this point...6 games of Ultimate Frisbee this weekend...wow...it was a lot of fun...but a lot of work at the same time...had 4 games on Saturday and 2 on Sunday...
Oh...and I cut open my knee...once again! Third time in one week...last Tuesday slid for the frisbee in the GRASS!!!! and cut it open pretty deep...then slid for the frisbee again on Thursday and cut it open (tore the scab off)...then once again yesterday I cut it open...that's going to leave a mark...

Love Dave Anderson (pastor of Calvary Baptist Church)...and the book of Romans...incredible...

Going to follow Noogz on this one:

10 years ago:
1) Never talked to a homeless person
2) Didn't like to read
3) Didn't like school or education
4) Was not a Christian

5 years ago:
1) Started attending Forest Meadow Baptist Church (my home church in NM and an amazing church at that)
2) Considered going on a mission trip...but didn't follow through yet
3) Started to feel a calling toward ministry
4) Made a decision to go to a Christian University...but wasn't sure where yet
1 year ago:
1) Considered dropping school and becoming homeless
2) Applied to go to Utah for CCU2theWorld Mission trip
3) Desired to be a Student Chaplain
4) Participated in No Shave November...but went until March

Yesterday:
1) Played at an Ultimate Frisbee tournament at CSU
2) Went to listen to Dave Anderson and a message in Romans 2
3) Tossed a Frisbee with Treehouse and SnowMass People...and cut my knee again
4) Talked to (and was encouraged by) Karalyn (Zeal)

5 Snacks I Like:
1) Reeses
2) Oreo Cookies (or even better...freshly cooked Chocolate Chip Cookies)
3) Ice Cream
4) Chips

5 Songs I Know all the Words to:
1) I don't remember all of the words to a single song...but only a line or two from a bunch of songs...kind of disappointing sometimes


If I Had a Million Dollars:
1) Pay off student loans and pay for college (and Seminary and maybe Graduate school)
2) Donate some to FatBoys
3) Give to the Church
4) Donate to a charity...or sponsor a missionary...or invest so I have more to give...I don't know what the forth thing would be.

5 Things I Would Never Wear:
1) Women's clothing...thank goodness
2) Food in my beard (except by accident)
3) Short shorts
4) anything care bear

Favorite TV Shows:
1) I don't like to watch TV...so I don't have any favorites

4 Bad Habits:
1) Waiting until last minute before doing homework
2) Never really serious (same as Noogz...most of what I say is sarcastic...but fun)
3) I tend to be really quiet at times
4) I like to eat...although it doesn't effect my weight...

Trip interviews...

Currently Reading
Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul
By John Eldredge
see related


 
Currently Reading
Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul
By John Eldredge
see related
What a week...started out amazing, then Tues. and Weds., just another one of those days...down, depressed...don't even really know why...just was...stuff on my mind...but don't really know what.

Missed Fatboys tonight, took the week off...I missed it...didn't know what to do with my time...Today was amazing though...

Played ultimate today and Tuesday...have a huge cut on my leg from sliding in the grass...not sure how I cut it...battle wounds from Ultimate Frisbee...that's amazing.  Huge tournament this weekend...I'm going...it will be fun.

Interviews for Utah and Chicago mission trips...not sure which one I will do yet...also...reconsidering New Orleans Hurricane Relief trip...I might go after all...if I ever get a hold of the guy...

A lady...Debbie...reminded me of why I love ministry the other day.  Mike and I went to breakfast early Saturday morning before Promise Keepers...this lady comes up and wants to buy a sweatshirt like the one I was wearing...a Fatboys sweatshirt...I tell she could...get her information...and walk away after receiving a huge hug...she was tremendously excited.

I go to her work yesterday to deliver three sweatshrits (one for her, and two for her sons)...she gives me a folder with papers...and tells me how blessed she was to buy those sweatshirts...wow...that touched her life...more ways than I know or could express...that's why I love ministry...to touch the lives of others...even when least expected...and in more ways than I can even count!  I love ministry!  I wasn't even "doing ministry", just having breakfast, and someone was touched...I love God...I love how He works!

Promise Keepers...amazing

Another weekend over...and probably the most exciting weekend I have experienced...at least in a while...Dad and Larie went home this morning...Mike left after church.

Promise Keepers...amazing! Wow...can't even begin to tell you how amazing it was...enjoyed going to that with Mike. There is nothing like a stadium full of men all together for the same purpose...to grow in their walk...to be challenged...to be men of faith and integrity...to be the men God created us to be...I suggest all guys going to Promise Keepers ...at least once!

Had an amazing weekend...wow...what an amazing God we serve!!!!!!

Homeless Simulation ends

Another year of Homeless Simulation is over. I realized how hunger my soul has been for God's Word...I also have a higher respect for homeless people, sleeping out in the cold, and wet weather, on the hard ground is not all that comfortable...and I know they deal with so much more out on the streets, dealing with people passing by them and being rude or just ignoring them....It rained this year...that was quite the experience, didn't sleep either of the two nights, except maybe a few hours each night...all part of the experience though.

Promise Keepers this weekend...my good friend Mike is coming tomorrow afternoon...my dad and his wife will be here later in the day...all joining us for FatBoys...Mike and I are going to PK together...so excited! Heard some many good things about Promise Keepers, definitely the highlight for my week, along with Fatboys.

Remember what you got, and be thankful! We are blessed beyond what we even know! Don't wait until it's gone to realize all that you really have (or in that case, had)...Big Yellow Taxi - Counting Crows...God bless to you all...hope your weeks were absolutely amazing...and don't forget to spend time with your Creator!

Let the simulation begin.

Hung out with roommates and Snow Mass people yesterday...(and some cool girls from Red Cloud, sorry Hannah for not mentioning this)...homeless simulation starts today and goes through Wednesday...then my dad, Larie, and my buddy Mike come in on Thursday...all going to Fatboys...then Promise Keepers on Friday and Saturday with Mike...what an exciting week!!!

Check out homeless simulation at: luke.ccu.edu
The picture is in the upper left hand corner. Refreshes every 30 seconds.

Looks like good weather for the next couple of days...that's cool. Please lift up FatBoys, not only for homeless simulation...but just as a ministry...for Thursday nights when we are downtown on the streets of Denver. And the leadership team...an amazing group of people who make it all happen...FB Leaders, I love you guys and appreciate everything you do!! Your an amazing group of leaders...

Well...I'm out for a few days! Hey...pray for this week specifically with my dad going to experience FatBoys...he deals with homeless people, but not in the same way. He's a police officer, so he sees a whole different side of homelessness, I pray this will be a huge stretch for him, that he sees how amazing this ministry is and the difference we make in the homeless people's lives...and that he sees what I see every week...that he gets a taste of my heart and passion for these people!

Decisions...decisions...decisions

Decisions, decisions, decisions...sometimes I wish I were a calvinist...I wish things were decided for me...here's my decisions to make, some sooner than others...

Trip with CCU2theWorld

Salt Lake City, Spring Break -or-
Chicago, Spring Break -or-

Hurricane Relief Trip


Next year

Upperclass RA -or-
FatBoys President -or-
Student Director of Outreach Ministries -or-
Student Chaplain -or-
IT Department

I am one of the most un-decisive people you will ever meet...praying about these things...

Amazing quotes...

From the words of St. Augustine

"God, since You fill the heavens and earth, do they contain you? Or, do You fill and overflow them because they cannot contain You? The vessels, which You fill, do not confine You...Furthermore, when You are poured out to us, You are not brought down; we are lifted up...Since all things together could not contain You altogether, does any one thing contain just a single part? And do all things contain that same part at the same time?"

-From Confessions: "Chapter 3: God Fills All Things"

From Mike Yankoski

"If we are the body of Christ - and Christ came not for the healthy but the sick - we need to be fully present in the places where people are most broken. And it has to be more than just a financial presence. That helps, of course. But too often money is insulation - it conveniently keeps us from having to come face-to-face with a man or woman whose life is in tatters."

-Mike Yankoski, Under the Overpass

Just wanted to share some quotes that I found amazing...

Preparing for Homeless Simulation...

Here are some cool pics on Nik's xanga of our swimming experience...check em out:

www.xanga.com/radagasthebrown
(October 11, 2005 entry)

Feeling incredibly overwhelmed with things to do for Homeless simulation next week and this big midterm tomorrow in Historical Theology. Last minute planning and organizing for Fatboys next week, so we can live out in the boxes for three days.

I'm outta here, got things to do...there is never a dull moment in the life of a leader...that is what I have learned this year...

Homeless Simulation coming soon...

Gotta love the randomness of college life...went swimming in the pond
of Kit Carson at 9:30pm with 30 degree temperatures and freezing cold
water...it was quite refreshing...a cold shower afterwards never felt
so warm in my life!



Homeless Simulation is next week: Monday Oct. 17 through
Wednesday Oct. 19. If you have been downtown with FatBoys, please
join us.



Homeless Simulation is just that: simulating what the homeless might
experience, except we have the safety and comfort of campus. We
live in boxes for three days, two nights, no food, no drink (except
water from the nearby fountains), no showers, and continue with our
lives and the responsibilities we all have as students and such (and
don't our classmates love us and our beautiful smell). You can
view pictures of us next week at: http:\\luke.ccu.edu. We
are in the webcam!



Had an Outreach Leaders' Retreat, and it was amazing (even though I was the only guy among 8 young ladies)! The people
I serve with are simply amazing. I enjoyed the time we all had
together. The cooking, eating, coloring, hiking, me flying into
the lake, the shopping, all of it! You all are a fun bunch of
people!...Eric, we missed you man, and hope you are feeling
better!



That retreat never really ended for me! Saturday and Sunday I did
nothing productive. Monday I slept in (missing one morning class)
and forgot about an afternoon class. This weather makes the walk
across campus difficult. I want to stay inside...where it is
warm...with a book...with a cup of coffee or hot
chocolate...read...watch a movie...sit around...inside. Allas,
praise God for the opportunity to be educated, and the ability to
return to such a warm and friendly place! Remember the homeless,
who do not have such a place to retreat too (oh, want to be with them).

Prayer for an officer

75 people at Fatboys this week...amazing! That includes a youth group of about 10 that joined us...wow!

There's an officer, Lakewood Police, named Don that I met last week and saw him again this week with his friend, Jim. In talking with them and getting prayer requests, they had only one request and I want to pass that on to you guys.

Please lift up Harlan Waugh in your prayers...he's an officer with Littleton Police and has a heart virus...only 25% of his heart is working...there's a 50% chance that he will live...and if this virus does not go away soon...he will be added to the heart transplant list...please pray for this officer.

Our Father in Heaven...I thank you for who you are...and I thank you that you have inclined your ear to hear us...that you listen to our cries...Father, I lift up Harlan Waugh in prayer...Be with him and his family Father...God I ask you to restore Harlan's health, that you heal him of this virus...Touch him with your love...Father, I also lift up all of those who put their life on the line for our protection...be with them throughout their shift...protect them...be with them...I thank you for such people and their willingness to be in such a workplace of protecting others...Thank you Lord for your love and who you are...In Your Name I ask these things...Amen!

On Hebrews

It's nights like this that I am not always thrilled about...tired yet can't sleep...hungry, yet no food to really eat...lying in bed for hours, yet wide awake. I know I need the sleep and wish I could, but truth is...I can't sleep.
It's these nights that I often go for a bike ride...and it's these nights that I have ideas for sermons...that I get this inspiration to preach...it is also for this reason that I have a xanga account...to write all of my sermon ideas in one central location...where others can read it...and I "preach" through writing while in school...and can come back to these ideas and outlines later...when the time is right. Though these nights are sometimes frustrating...I thank God for them...here's my thoughts of the night.

The text is Hebrews 2:11, my favorite verse (at least one of my favorites).

• It reads "For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters," (NRSV).
• What is the concept/defintion of sanctification?
  
  
  
  • Sanctification is the process in which one is made holy or righteous.
• Who are the sanctified?
  
  
  
  • Those who have called upon Christ to redeem them of their sins, to save us from our iniquities (John 6:40)
  • Those who believe in Christ and the message he spoke
  • Those set free from the bondages of sin (John 8:36)
  • Those are have died to sin and are made a new creation (II Corinthians 5:17)
    
    
    
    • Essentially, we, Christians...the believers, are sanctified
• Who is the one who sanctifies?
  
  
  
  • II Corinthians 5:19, 21
  • Christ himself, the one who is sinless, God himself revealed to us in the flesh
  • Christ died on the cross for us (John 3:16)
  • Through his blood, we are made holy, we are made righteous
    
    
    
    • Through Christ, we are sanctified
  • Christ came to save us from our sins, free us from the chains
  • Christ is our risen redeemer
  • We die to sin and rise with him
• What does this mean?
  
  
  
  • We, Christians, are the brothers and sisters of Christ (Mark 3:31-35)
  • Christ is our brother, the very one who was innocent, yet paid the price
    
    
    
    • He was sinless, lived the perfect life, and died for us
      
      
      
      • "How Deep the Father's Love for Us", an amazing song, and one line reads
        
        
        
        • "ashamed to hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers", and how true is that
        • Our Lord IS humbled, He IS Love
  • Also, God is our Father, and we are all heirs to His kingdom, of which no one deserves to even enter! (Galatians 4:7)
• Application
  
  
  
  • Remember who you are in Christ
    
    
    
    • Not only are you saved from death (the wages of sin), but you are also one of God's children
    • A brother or sister of Christ, our Savior
    • He Loves you, and don't forget that!
  • God is our Father
    
    
    
    • A friend once described sin as something that hurts us
    • God gives us these commandments and tells us we can't do things only because he knows the result
      
      
      
      • "Don't do that, it will hurt you" He cries out to us
      • Why don't we listen? Why must we experience the pain before hearing God's plea to save us?
      • God is a loving Father trying to keep us safe, to protect us from things that are harmful: OBEY HIM!
• Prayer
  
  
  
  • I've had this understanding and interpretation of this passage for a while, but for some reason it was on my mind tonight, and that's why I share it with you. Let it be a good reminder to us all!
  • "Father...we thank you...thank you for the cross on which we have been made righteous in your sight through your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you Lord for your endless love...God I ask that you show us how dirty sin is, but also show us how destructive sin is...how it hurts us, more than we often realize...Help us to obey the things you have commanded...and stay away from the things that are harmful...Father, we love you and we long for you...fill us with your Spirit and guide us in our daily lives...help us to be disciplined and spend time with you...spend time in your word and learn your truths...God, thank you for all you have blessed us with...for your grace and mercy...I pray these things in the name of the Father, of the Son, and the Holy Spirit...Amen!"
  • Be encouraged and have a blessed day!

Relief trip???

Thinking about a hurricane relief trip...rather I am praying about such a trip...to New Orleans over Christmas break...

You could pray for me...that I follow the Lord's will....

Eyes of a child

I want to share a few quotes that have been on my mind last couple of days...ever since I read them...from Under the Overpass .
"Begging is hard. It's something you expect hungry dogs to do, but not men and women made in God's image. The minute you put out your hand, or open your guitar case, it feels like you're writing "failure" and "weakness" all over yourself. You're telling everyone who comes by, "I am unable." (pg 61).

"When you're sitting on a sidewalk, you're at eye level with babies and kids. It's a different world down there. As toddlers stumble past holding their parent's hand, they lock youin their unashamed gazes or they peek curiously out from their strollers. They haven't yet learned to ignore what they see, so they can actually take in the world as it is. [italics added] While kids might pretend people who don't exist do, it's the parents who pretend that unwanted people who do exist don't." (pg 65).


My prayer...

"Lord, give me the faith of a child...let me see the world as it is...and more importantly, let me see sin as it is...as the dirt and grum it really is...not the beauty Satan makes it out to look like...let me walk in your ways...hold onto your hand...as a child holds onto the hand of their parent...and follows their parent...without question...without doubt...without hesitation...just follows with complete faith and trust...and teach me what it means to be humble."

The Purpose of Ministry

My mind doesn't stop...the thoughts...the ideas...the questions...just keep coming...keep rolling...
Last night at FatBoys we were reminded by a street musician (an interesting man), who came to our prayer circle, why we do what we do...the purpose of Fatboys...and that our work is not in vain, not going to waste...that people really do appreciate what we do...He reminded me of a couple lines from Under the Overpass

"When we're willing to to get down to eating together, listening and telling the truth together, cleaning together, pealing potatoes together, the Gospel comes alive," (pg 46-47).

"...but our good intentions and sound theology are wasted if those we minister to don't feel that we care about their immediate concerns," (pg 48).

Preaching the Gospel to a homeless person will mean nothing to them, they have heard the speech. Giving them a track is just added luggage to their belongings...we must first care for them if we want them to know God...to see and understand who God is and that God loves them...but if we fail to help them, our preaching and track giving is meaningless. That is why FatBoys focuses on giving food and clothing, that is why we listen to them and talk with them...why we care for them...to see the Gospel come alive in our interactions with the needy.

The questions are still rolling..."Lord, I seek your guidance and direction...I want to walk in truth...to walk in your ways...guide me Lord...give me direction...Thank you for you love, for your inclined ear to our prayers...to our concerns...to our needs and wants...Thank you God for caring for us...and watching over us. I love you Lord, Amen."

Intentionally homeless?

FatBoys was great tonight...thanks for all the prayers.

Been thinking lately...thinking I might take some time off after I graduate from college...how sweet and challenging would it be to live on the streets for a few months...let everything go...have nothing...learn to be humble...learn to give though you have nothing...let your faith be challenged...I might do that...depending on what God has in mind...just a few months...that's all.

If you get the chance...check out this book...I hear it is amazing... Under the Overpass , a couple guys, graduated from Christian colleges, and they took the adventure I just described...I have heard so many people who have done this...and been amazed and changed by the experience...they learn to beg...learn to live with no food...learn what it is like trying to sleep when it is freezing temperatures...

How do we...?

How do we become humble?...
How do we truly take captive of our every thoughts?...

How do we pray without ceasing?...

How do we truly deny ourself (get to the end of self)?

How do we, as John Piper would say, make our passion be single (and focused on God)?..

How can we be undignified in our worship and reverence to God?

Our everyday key phrases of the Christian life, and yet no one really knows how to live it...how to answer these questions...that is what I have found and begun to ask, of others and of myself. Yes, we are called to do all of these; but how...where does it begin...

Lord, I thank you for your grace...for your patience...for your unceasing and undeniable love toward us...though we mess up...though we fail to uphold your commandments...you forgive us...you extend your grace and pick us up with your loving hands...thank you, O Lord...Thank you for being with us every step of our journey and thank you for hearing our cries and prayers. Thank you!

An email received

Got this email the other day...from one of the guys who started FatBoys a while back, in 1997 if I remember correctly. Before the ministry started, a group of guys would just ride around downtown...having fun on bikes...it was in 1997 when the ministry actually began. They went from just riding bikes...to taking stuff to homeless people, things like granola bars and sandwiches...today, starting the 9th year of the ministry...we take things like blankets, clothing, food, and any special requests that we can provide...

Here is the email FatBoys received from Nate, who started the ministry...and how it has impacted him...

Hey Fatties,

My name is Nate and I was apart of Fat Boys from its humble beginnings and led it for quite awhile. I just wanted to thank and encourage you for continuing the Fat Boy ministry and all that it stands for.

I know for me personally, it was a life changing experience that I will always carry with me. Rarely a week goes by when my thoughts don't return to some memory of Fat Boys and the people in need on the streets. My hope is that you too will carry your experiences with you for the rest of your life. Fat Boys is so much more than an "extra-curricular activity", but I'm sure you have already figured that out.

I also wanted you guys to know that I pray for you. I pray that God will empower you to spread His message of love and hope to those who need it so desperately; to shine the light of Christ into the deepest,darkest corners of Denver. I pray that urine soaked back alleys become places of worship, where the truly lost become the newly found. I pray that tears will be shed, hugs will be shared, and friends will be made. I pray that God will give you strength when you are tired and courage when you are scared, so that you can move forth, never swayed by the dark powers that engulf the streets and attempt to interfere with your task. I pray that God will show you amazing things, but also that you have faith and perseverance for the times when things don't seem so amazing. Finally, I pray that you always remember: the importance of what you do,your impact on so many lives, and the God you serve.

May God bless you in all you do,

Nate

I must note that when he says fatties, he is referring to the members of Fatboys, whom of which we refer to ourselves as fatties...thanks for those words of encouragement Nate.

I think I want to write a book.......

Prayer of the humble

A rough week that ended well. I spoke in chapel on Tuesday, and after listening to myself, I know some areas that I need to work on...got a long ways to go before I will be ready to give a sermon.
Sunday and Monday felt like I could drop my faith and walk away, just feeling heavily attacked spiritually by Satan and glad God has brought me out of that...not good days. After my little talk on Tuesday, things went well.

Also realized, or rather, remembered why I love the homeless people and enjoy doing FatBoys so much...and it is to hear the humble prayers of homeless guys, to see grown men brought to their knees and cry before the Lord....Prayed with a man, Diesel, who has lived on the streets for a while now and a good friend to Fatboys. He asked if we would pray with him, and he opened it up, but not one word was for himself...he prayed for us!...Here is a man with nothing, freezing on the streets, and he is praying for our health, our safety, and so forth...very humble man. There is nothing like a prayer with a homeless person on the streets...in the middle of downtown Denver!

Please pray for FatBoys...we have seen some attacks from Satan within the ministry, and had some experiences the past couple of weeks. God is faithful and is watching over us...and Lord, we thank you for that. We thank you for your care and inclined ear to us human beings who sometimes fail to recognize your existence or workings in our own lives and workings around us. Thank you Lord for your love.

Dwell in Him this weekend!

Doxology

Got my computer going again...and just returned from a New Student Retreat with Colorado Christian University. Last Wednesday evening I was asked to go and lead a small group so I accepted the offer and we left Friday morning. My freshmen year I had to work and missed the retreat, and now, I wish I had gone...it is a good experience for the new students.
This weekend I had the most intriguing dream over the weekend. Friday night, our first night up there, I had a dream of the theme verse for 2005-2006 which is Psalm 86:11-13. In the dream I was taking apart the passage and somehow explaining something that related to doxology and God's love. I don't remember much of the dream, but I am going to pursue this passage and try to figure out what I was subconsciously thinking.

The very next day, I read a passage in II Corinthians (accidently opened to the wrong passage) and it related to doxology.

"What does this mean God? What adventure am I about to take? Whatever it is, Help me be prepared to see you work and give me eyes and ears and a heart to see you move."

Rest of the weekend went well...Saturday night at worship I realized how much I really do miss singing and now may see if I can join the worship team at church...that excites me.

Although I was a leader for the weekend, I was able to "retreat" as well...which was needed and very much enjoyed.


God bless and remember God throughout your day...Lift up a joyful noise to the Lord.

Computer crashing

Well, yesterday my computer crashed, again! I think I need to buy a new hard drive. I am quite frustrated with my computer at this point. It's funny, other people's computers I can fix no problem, yet my own computer has crashed twice in one month and both times was unable to recover the memory. Sometimes I wonder if I really want to major in computers.
Anyway, for a while, I may not be online or posting much. For now, check this stuff out and as soon as I am up and running, I should have more to say.

First off, go check out these sights. The first is a huge database of sermons, and all sound interesting. Go to: www.sermonindex.com

Here is my favorite sermon found at www.oneplace.com :

http://boss.streamos.com/real/swn/oneplace/rm/dg/static/dg20030001.ram

The sermon is by John Piper, "Let Your Passion Be Single". There is some deep theology and profound statements in that sermon.

Discipleship group kick off was tonight, got a few guys signed up, and I think it will be a sweet year pouring into the guys.

FatBoys, the homeless ministry, goes down tomorrow night, which I am quite excited for. There's the latest. Gotta get things done. God bless!

Reading Numbers

Yesterday I posted something that I had read in my personal devotions. I want to back up and go back to what I had learned over the summer.
Somebody had spoken in chapel this last year and suggested that we pick a book of the Bible and spend a month reading that particular book. I started with Genesis and am working through the entire Bible, taking at least a month, but more if necessary.

Over the summer I was reading Numbers, and found it to be amazing. I felt like God was teaching me "Rememberance". I had applied for a leadership position here at school, but didn't get it. For a few months I was really bummed out, but later received my current FatBoys position.

This summer, I almost lost my mom in an accident and felt God used that as part of what he was teaching me.

In Numbers, we see the Israelites complaining because they are without food (meat), or water, yet in God's faithfulness, he provides for their needs and is watching over them.

God is also watching over you. For me, I was focusing on all the things that weren't working out as I had expected (similar to the Israelites), but later learned that God was really working, just in ways different than I had expected.


Challenge: Make a list of ways God has worked in your life (not every way since we don't have that kind of memory). I would suggest making this list in your Bible. When having a bad day, return to this list and be reminded of God's faithfulness. He is in control. God bless!

FatBoys theme

The theme verse for Fatboys for the 2005-2006 academic school year comes from Deuteronomy 15:11. This verse talks about giving to the needy, which refers to them as neighbors, with open hands. The context of this verse is saying that we should not give and do ministry with the expectation of receiving, giving and looking forward to the reward we will be given.
Rather, we should give and do ministry out of our own hearts and desire to serve God because He deserves at least that. Yes, we will be rewarded, and we should look to God for those rewards and not rewards offered by man. However, don't do ministry thinking:

If I give this poor person some money, God will see and reward me.

Rather, give out of the kindness of your heart.

This man is poor, let me give him some money to help.

FatBoys is a homeless ministry located in Denver and every Thursday night we go downtown to the homeless to help them out and give them some of the basics, such as food and clothing. My challenge this year, and I think the mission of the ministry, is that we give openly and without expectations. We know we will be rewarded, but we don't give to receive; we give because we want to give (we want to glorify God).


Challenge: Give liberally (and by that I me with open hands and no strings attached)

The beginning...

Well, I decided to get a xanga account. Here you will find random information and things I am going through, as well as insights and sermon ideas or Bible study material, things that I think are amazing that I read in my quiet times.
For now, it is late and I wanna head to bed, just got back from FatBoys (the homeless ministry I am part of).

God bless!