Can you imagine one guy and one girl from Georgia, one girl from Mississippi, one girl from Alabama, and a "pro" from Indiana building a snowman with a few inches of snow on top of a few inches of ice in Kentucky?
Let your imaginations run!
HI - LAR - I - OUS !!!
Pics will soon follow :)
January 29, 2009
January 27, 2009
give me a foot of snow!
I never thought I'd hear myself say that either. But I know that a foot of snow would be much more enjoyable than a few inches of ice. Tried driving on your local skating rink lately? How about walking up a glacier? (Praise the Lord I haven't fallen yet)
Better yet, when is the last time you woke up in the morning to snow(ice) plow trucks driving around outside scraping the roads? Or when is the last time you drove home from work realizing 80% of the traffic on the road with you were salt trucks?
You have to respect a man who would stand outside in this all night long.
And yet life remains, hidden within death!
Better yet, when is the last time you woke up in the morning to snow(ice) plow trucks driving around outside scraping the roads? Or when is the last time you drove home from work realizing 80% of the traffic on the road with you were salt trucks?
You have to respect a man who would stand outside in this all night long.
And yet life remains, hidden within death!
January 26, 2009
January 25, 2009
January 23, 2009
other side of the pool
A lunch conversation shakes my heart. Scenario: a classmate has been married for nearly twenty years and has teenage children. Only in the past 4 or 5 years has she began to receive and be transformed by the love of Jesus. Within a few weeks of her conversion, she received her call into ministry and will graduate this spring with her MDIV.
However, her husband has yet to experience the freedom of the love of Christ. You can only imagine how much change they have experienced when seemingly out of the blue the wife meets Jesus and now their entire lives and future look different. Mom now "loves Jesus" and wants the same for her family. She begins seminary and the family may now be moving soon to wherever the Lord leads her.
As I listened to her share about the joys and struggles of loving her husband and appreciating all of his support, while at the same time longing for him to know Jesus, my heart shifted. Jesus has really been pursuing her husband. To the point of the Holy Spirit giving him dreams. Digest this:
(this is only my retelling of the dream as it spoke to me, so I do not promise 100% accurate detail) He dreamt one night that he was in a pool, in the shallow end, and he could see his wife down in the deep end. Upon the deck of the deep end of the pool stood a man whom his wife got out to stand beside and he watched and realized that his wife was standing beside another man whom she loved dearly. It was unmistakably apparent to him that his wife possessed unmeasurable love for the gentleman on the deck. He wanted to get out of the pool and go over to where the two of them stood; however, he couldn't get out. He just watched as the reality of this situation settled within his heart. He then declared that he wanted to get out of the pool and stand there with her and this other man, for he realized this other man was Jesus. The love she possessed for Jesus was so obviously pure and beautiful, yet he struggled with the reality of the separation he felt from his wife. Jesus then simply asked him, "Do you think she wants to be separated from you?" He awoke and shared the dream with his wife.
His journey into the arms of Christ continues to this day, but my heart was truly shaken. Having personal experience with couples where one individual is in love with the Lord and the other has yet to receive His love, I was overwhelmed with the perception of the emotions that must be controlling the non-believer's heart. Their love for their spouse is unwavering and they continue to support and love him/her. However, they also are very aware of the separation that exists between them. Can you see how easily the enemy, when allowed, can take this situation to awaken insecurities, jealousy, feelings of inadequacy, judgment, betrayal, anger and inferiority in the heart of the unbelieving spouse?
My heart was truly broken in a new way for the state of many families who must deal with this reality daily. I am frustrated with the power the enemy possesses in said situations to cultivate separation and disunity, where the true Love of Christ desires to cultivate redemption and restoration. We mustn't be quick to jump back in the pool, believing that we can bring our loved ones out. Jesus pulled us out of the pool and only He can do the same for them. However, we must be compassionate and seek to be understanding of the struggle that this separation creates. Sometimes our loved ones may see how much we love Jesus and want that for themselves. Other times, they may feel "cheated on" when seeing our first devotion go to someone else. Perhaps they want to get out of the pool to be with this man, Jesus. Or perhaps they want to "get out of the pool" just to secure their own place with us. They must realize that this isn't a battle between them and Jesus for who gets first place in our hearts. This is a struggle between them and Jesus for who gets first place in their own heart.
May we all pursue God, and God alone, with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. And may we faithfully wait and intercede for our loved ones to find the same freedom and peace that has been given to us.
However, her husband has yet to experience the freedom of the love of Christ. You can only imagine how much change they have experienced when seemingly out of the blue the wife meets Jesus and now their entire lives and future look different. Mom now "loves Jesus" and wants the same for her family. She begins seminary and the family may now be moving soon to wherever the Lord leads her.
As I listened to her share about the joys and struggles of loving her husband and appreciating all of his support, while at the same time longing for him to know Jesus, my heart shifted. Jesus has really been pursuing her husband. To the point of the Holy Spirit giving him dreams. Digest this:
(this is only my retelling of the dream as it spoke to me, so I do not promise 100% accurate detail) He dreamt one night that he was in a pool, in the shallow end, and he could see his wife down in the deep end. Upon the deck of the deep end of the pool stood a man whom his wife got out to stand beside and he watched and realized that his wife was standing beside another man whom she loved dearly. It was unmistakably apparent to him that his wife possessed unmeasurable love for the gentleman on the deck. He wanted to get out of the pool and go over to where the two of them stood; however, he couldn't get out. He just watched as the reality of this situation settled within his heart. He then declared that he wanted to get out of the pool and stand there with her and this other man, for he realized this other man was Jesus. The love she possessed for Jesus was so obviously pure and beautiful, yet he struggled with the reality of the separation he felt from his wife. Jesus then simply asked him, "Do you think she wants to be separated from you?" He awoke and shared the dream with his wife.
His journey into the arms of Christ continues to this day, but my heart was truly shaken. Having personal experience with couples where one individual is in love with the Lord and the other has yet to receive His love, I was overwhelmed with the perception of the emotions that must be controlling the non-believer's heart. Their love for their spouse is unwavering and they continue to support and love him/her. However, they also are very aware of the separation that exists between them. Can you see how easily the enemy, when allowed, can take this situation to awaken insecurities, jealousy, feelings of inadequacy, judgment, betrayal, anger and inferiority in the heart of the unbelieving spouse?
My heart was truly broken in a new way for the state of many families who must deal with this reality daily. I am frustrated with the power the enemy possesses in said situations to cultivate separation and disunity, where the true Love of Christ desires to cultivate redemption and restoration. We mustn't be quick to jump back in the pool, believing that we can bring our loved ones out. Jesus pulled us out of the pool and only He can do the same for them. However, we must be compassionate and seek to be understanding of the struggle that this separation creates. Sometimes our loved ones may see how much we love Jesus and want that for themselves. Other times, they may feel "cheated on" when seeing our first devotion go to someone else. Perhaps they want to get out of the pool to be with this man, Jesus. Or perhaps they want to "get out of the pool" just to secure their own place with us. They must realize that this isn't a battle between them and Jesus for who gets first place in our hearts. This is a struggle between them and Jesus for who gets first place in their own heart.
May we all pursue God, and God alone, with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. And may we faithfully wait and intercede for our loved ones to find the same freedom and peace that has been given to us.
January 19, 2009
Coffee with a Christian Korean
As you may recall from this earlier post I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Moses. He is a first year student from South Korea and he has such a gentle spirit and a compassionate heart.
A few days after I returned from Christmas break, Moses sent me a message asking if I could pick him up from the airport when he would be returning from his holiday travels. Of course I didn't mind and enjoyed getting to spend more time with him during the drive back to campus.
Moses insisted on buying me a meal or treating me in some way as recompense for picking him up. I assured him that was not necessary and it was truly my privilege. A few days later, Moses began to insist again on going to get a meal or coffee together; although this time it was because he would soon be moving away. Over the Christmas break, he found out that another seminary here in the states was going to offer him a much more substantial scholarship and he simply could not turn that down. Also he was excited because this seminary is located in Washington D.C. where there are many more Koreans, thus a higher probability of "finding a nice Korean girl." (Moses' words)
His decision was completely understandable, yet I was sincerely saddened by his news. Of course I complied and assured him that we would hang out before he left. So last Thursday he and I went to get coffee, on him of course because he would have it no other way. (As a side note, it always seems strange for me to speak of getting coffee with someone as lingo for spending time talking with a friend because I don't even drink coffee. Always a cup of tea for me. Did someone say "Chai"?)
In my own ignorance and self-absorption, I thought our time spent "getting coffee" would be an expected saying good-bye of sorts and your general "it was nice to meet you." However, I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of our conversation. Moses really opened his heart to me and shared the struggle he had faced. He understood the necessity to accept this scholarship and move to a school with a larger Korean population, however he remained confused as He had felt so strongly that Asbury was the school where the Lord had led him to come. It was disheartening and encouraging at the same time to share in his struggle.
First of all, I was so honored that he was willing to share with me. Secondly, I was surprisingly comforted by the reality that my Korean Christian brother was dealing with so many emotions and struggles that are not foreign to me or my experiences. Although I remain unable to speak any of the Korean he has tried to teach me (I still can't even properly pronounce my Korean name), our connection as members of Christ's body allowed a Georgia boy and Korean from the huge city of Seoul to search out and find another depth to the Kingdom over coffee in a small town in Kentucky. Although very different, he and I discussed the "culture shock" that we have both experienced here in Wilmore, as well as the delights and struggles of seminary. We discussed the anxiety, fear, and excitement of the ministries that await us. And we continued our conversation of what it means to be a Christian in the society that you find yourself in.
I am undeservedly blessed by the past few months spent with Moses, and as ironic as this is, look forward to the possibility of visiting my nation's capital one day and allowing my Korean friend to show me around (I've never been to D.C.). How funny is that? Helping Moses pack his stuff was filled with the joy we share in the Lord, the affirmation we've shared with one another as Christian brothers, and the sadness of seeing a friend leave.
Whether I visit Moses in D.C. one day or in Seoul, South Korea, I look forward to spending more time with a Korean Christian over coffee. I am so grateful for the expansion of my understanding of the Kingdom that has resulted from time spent with Moses. I pray blessings over him as he goes. May you continue to seek out the Kingdom in your corner of the world surrounded by the diversity and beauty of God's children
A few days after I returned from Christmas break, Moses sent me a message asking if I could pick him up from the airport when he would be returning from his holiday travels. Of course I didn't mind and enjoyed getting to spend more time with him during the drive back to campus.
Moses insisted on buying me a meal or treating me in some way as recompense for picking him up. I assured him that was not necessary and it was truly my privilege. A few days later, Moses began to insist again on going to get a meal or coffee together; although this time it was because he would soon be moving away. Over the Christmas break, he found out that another seminary here in the states was going to offer him a much more substantial scholarship and he simply could not turn that down. Also he was excited because this seminary is located in Washington D.C. where there are many more Koreans, thus a higher probability of "finding a nice Korean girl." (Moses' words)
His decision was completely understandable, yet I was sincerely saddened by his news. Of course I complied and assured him that we would hang out before he left. So last Thursday he and I went to get coffee, on him of course because he would have it no other way. (As a side note, it always seems strange for me to speak of getting coffee with someone as lingo for spending time talking with a friend because I don't even drink coffee. Always a cup of tea for me. Did someone say "Chai"?)
In my own ignorance and self-absorption, I thought our time spent "getting coffee" would be an expected saying good-bye of sorts and your general "it was nice to meet you." However, I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of our conversation. Moses really opened his heart to me and shared the struggle he had faced. He understood the necessity to accept this scholarship and move to a school with a larger Korean population, however he remained confused as He had felt so strongly that Asbury was the school where the Lord had led him to come. It was disheartening and encouraging at the same time to share in his struggle.
First of all, I was so honored that he was willing to share with me. Secondly, I was surprisingly comforted by the reality that my Korean Christian brother was dealing with so many emotions and struggles that are not foreign to me or my experiences. Although I remain unable to speak any of the Korean he has tried to teach me (I still can't even properly pronounce my Korean name), our connection as members of Christ's body allowed a Georgia boy and Korean from the huge city of Seoul to search out and find another depth to the Kingdom over coffee in a small town in Kentucky. Although very different, he and I discussed the "culture shock" that we have both experienced here in Wilmore, as well as the delights and struggles of seminary. We discussed the anxiety, fear, and excitement of the ministries that await us. And we continued our conversation of what it means to be a Christian in the society that you find yourself in.
I am undeservedly blessed by the past few months spent with Moses, and as ironic as this is, look forward to the possibility of visiting my nation's capital one day and allowing my Korean friend to show me around (I've never been to D.C.). How funny is that? Helping Moses pack his stuff was filled with the joy we share in the Lord, the affirmation we've shared with one another as Christian brothers, and the sadness of seeing a friend leave.
Whether I visit Moses in D.C. one day or in Seoul, South Korea, I look forward to spending more time with a Korean Christian over coffee. I am so grateful for the expansion of my understanding of the Kingdom that has resulted from time spent with Moses. I pray blessings over him as he goes. May you continue to seek out the Kingdom in your corner of the world surrounded by the diversity and beauty of God's children
January 17, 2009
I don't mean this in a bad way, but...
Over the past several years, I have developed a very strong and what I consider a very healthy appreciation for deep, one-on-one, heart-felt conversations. It may suffice to say I like being real, and really don't enjoy pointless, "fake," chit-chat. I don't mean that I am so continuously soaked in contemplation that I can't enjoy the everyday lunch conversations or the occasional, "how was your day?" I do mean, though, that I will always prefer a serious conversation that begs to dig into the depths of life and search for the truth that is eternally hidden around us.
At the same time, as those whom I've discipled over the years can tell you, or perhaps those of you who read this can attest to, I am not always the best at explaining with my words the revelations and thoughts in my heart. Writing on this blog helps me to find improvement in this. And I genuinely desire to get better at portraying my thoughts and the joys the Lord has shared with me to whomever will listen.
As a consequence of these two realities, I have realized, as well as it has been pointed out to me, that I often preface the things that I am trying to say. There is a deep-rooted fear that exists within me that others will not understand what I am really trying to say. I realize the importance of communication, and so often see the problems that are caused when what one person is trying to say is actually heard in a very different way by others. So I preface. I spend as much time declaring what I am not saying as I spend trying to explain what is in my heart. And I know this can be annoying. One of the first people that not only noticed this within me, but also began challenging me to move away from doing it was a guy who does this himself, though not nearly as much as I do. (thanks Clay!)
Thus for the past 2-3 years, I constantly catch myself exerting energy to clarify what I am saying. I am not sure if I am any better at it today, but I am definitely much more aware of it.
So I ask this: Where does this fear come from? Is it a healthy fear? I realize there are good intentions behind my actions, but I am not convinced that I am walking in the freedom the Lord wants for me when I am always so careful with what I say. You often hear adults challenge children to "think before you speak." Well I often think too much before I speak.
I want to walk in the freedom of the Lord. I want to trust that when He shares a revelation or insight with me and then gives me an opportunity to present it to someone else that He will also give me the authority of His Spirit to speak it. To declare truth. To impart revelation. To not live in perpetual fear that the enemy will have power to distort my words in the ears and hearts of others. Does this make sense? I honestly hope so. I want to always "think before I speak," but I want that time spent to be focused on the truth of what I am trying to say and not the fear of how the enemy may be distorting it in the ears of my friends. Living in this fear is straight up bondage.
In the scriptures, Jesus says "simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'." ~Matt 5:37 He goes on to say that "anything beyond this comes from the evil one." I want to be careful with my words. In my attempt to share my heart, I want to be careful to simply speak truth without feeling the need to qualify it or providing an unnecessary explanation and trust that the truth of God will be conveyed.
May I cling to the promise from Jesus that "you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." ~Matt 10:19b-20 May you and I both be attentive to allow our ears to hear what the Spirit is saying through the words of our friends and not allow the enemy to distort those words. And I don't just mean in sermons we listen to or books we read, but in our everyday, heart-to-heart conversations. May freedom and the authority of truth reign in every word that comes from my mouth.
At the same time, as those whom I've discipled over the years can tell you, or perhaps those of you who read this can attest to, I am not always the best at explaining with my words the revelations and thoughts in my heart. Writing on this blog helps me to find improvement in this. And I genuinely desire to get better at portraying my thoughts and the joys the Lord has shared with me to whomever will listen.
As a consequence of these two realities, I have realized, as well as it has been pointed out to me, that I often preface the things that I am trying to say. There is a deep-rooted fear that exists within me that others will not understand what I am really trying to say. I realize the importance of communication, and so often see the problems that are caused when what one person is trying to say is actually heard in a very different way by others. So I preface. I spend as much time declaring what I am not saying as I spend trying to explain what is in my heart. And I know this can be annoying. One of the first people that not only noticed this within me, but also began challenging me to move away from doing it was a guy who does this himself, though not nearly as much as I do. (thanks Clay!)
Thus for the past 2-3 years, I constantly catch myself exerting energy to clarify what I am saying. I am not sure if I am any better at it today, but I am definitely much more aware of it.
So I ask this: Where does this fear come from? Is it a healthy fear? I realize there are good intentions behind my actions, but I am not convinced that I am walking in the freedom the Lord wants for me when I am always so careful with what I say. You often hear adults challenge children to "think before you speak." Well I often think too much before I speak.
I want to walk in the freedom of the Lord. I want to trust that when He shares a revelation or insight with me and then gives me an opportunity to present it to someone else that He will also give me the authority of His Spirit to speak it. To declare truth. To impart revelation. To not live in perpetual fear that the enemy will have power to distort my words in the ears and hearts of others. Does this make sense? I honestly hope so. I want to always "think before I speak," but I want that time spent to be focused on the truth of what I am trying to say and not the fear of how the enemy may be distorting it in the ears of my friends. Living in this fear is straight up bondage.
In the scriptures, Jesus says "simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'." ~Matt 5:37 He goes on to say that "anything beyond this comes from the evil one." I want to be careful with my words. In my attempt to share my heart, I want to be careful to simply speak truth without feeling the need to qualify it or providing an unnecessary explanation and trust that the truth of God will be conveyed.
May I cling to the promise from Jesus that "you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." ~Matt 10:19b-20 May you and I both be attentive to allow our ears to hear what the Spirit is saying through the words of our friends and not allow the enemy to distort those words. And I don't just mean in sermons we listen to or books we read, but in our everyday, heart-to-heart conversations. May freedom and the authority of truth reign in every word that comes from my mouth.
January 15, 2009
Wading through the waters becomes sludging through the ice!
With students and staff from all over the country, and even the world, it has been interesting of late to listen to everyone discuss the weather. If you know me, you know I have been freezing. The very core of my being has not gotten warm for the past several weeks. It truly aches. Today, for instance, we are celebrating a high of 10 degrees, with a low of 1 degree. With that, the wind chill is expected to be around -15 degrees. OUCH!!!
True, we aren't dealing with much snow, but this cold down right hurts. As I've continued to express, I would rather sweat my life away than to be so cold that no number of blankets can keep me warm.
Still, you know God has a sense of humor. I had to work this past weekend for a special event and on Sunday evening as I was driving back to campus, I decided to stop at Sonic to get something to drink. I was excitedly anticipating the diabetic shock of a Rt. 44 sweet peach tea. If you have not experienced this taste of heaven, I highly encourage it! As I saw the car hop approaching my window, I began to get a bad feeling. He must have been a 16 year old kid who was enjoying his very first job. With a big smile on his face, and his pre-pubescent voice, he said "Good evening sir," (yes, that made me feel old) just in time to watch the Rt. 44 tea begin its descent into my car. In his reaction to try and catch the cup, he managed to poke a huge whole in the side of the foam and before he could get the drink back out of the window, I was soaked. Now granted, there is more sugar in that drink that should probably be allowed. Still, do you know how sticky the inside of my car was?
The young man began apologizing profusely and I assured him that it was fine. This was obviously an accident and I simply needed to get it cleaned up. He brought his manager out to apologize to me as well, followed by the delivery of several random Sonic coupons. (Anyone want a 2-for-1 corndog coupon?) As I was sharing this story with some friends back on campus, they commented on how great it was of me that I didn't get upset or react poorly to the situation. However, although I do possess a rather calm demeanor, I quickly corrected them to not give me the credit for controlling my reaction. The reality of the situation was this: I WAS FROZEN! There was no possibility of me reacting. I couldn't even think I was so cold. Do you know how quickly a soaked sweat shirt will freeze while standing outside to clean 5 lbs. of sugar out of your car?
As I drove back to an emergency hot shower and change of clothes, I seriously just had to laugh. I mean, this had to have been a rather hilarious event for anyone watching. I sure hope I can continue to find the humor in the debilitating discomfort of the cold. If not, I may simply just freeze, to the point of no longer existing.
As I anxiously await the return to a beautiful 40 degree day (although I would honestly prefer 80 or 90 degrees), I just pray that the heater in my car does not quit working. That may be the end of my world.
May you all stay warm and find some form of enjoyment in the weather around you. (For those of you in the Southern hemisphere right now, I am sooo jealous)
True, we aren't dealing with much snow, but this cold down right hurts. As I've continued to express, I would rather sweat my life away than to be so cold that no number of blankets can keep me warm.
Still, you know God has a sense of humor. I had to work this past weekend for a special event and on Sunday evening as I was driving back to campus, I decided to stop at Sonic to get something to drink. I was excitedly anticipating the diabetic shock of a Rt. 44 sweet peach tea. If you have not experienced this taste of heaven, I highly encourage it! As I saw the car hop approaching my window, I began to get a bad feeling. He must have been a 16 year old kid who was enjoying his very first job. With a big smile on his face, and his pre-pubescent voice, he said "Good evening sir," (yes, that made me feel old) just in time to watch the Rt. 44 tea begin its descent into my car. In his reaction to try and catch the cup, he managed to poke a huge whole in the side of the foam and before he could get the drink back out of the window, I was soaked. Now granted, there is more sugar in that drink that should probably be allowed. Still, do you know how sticky the inside of my car was?
The young man began apologizing profusely and I assured him that it was fine. This was obviously an accident and I simply needed to get it cleaned up. He brought his manager out to apologize to me as well, followed by the delivery of several random Sonic coupons. (Anyone want a 2-for-1 corndog coupon?) As I was sharing this story with some friends back on campus, they commented on how great it was of me that I didn't get upset or react poorly to the situation. However, although I do possess a rather calm demeanor, I quickly corrected them to not give me the credit for controlling my reaction. The reality of the situation was this: I WAS FROZEN! There was no possibility of me reacting. I couldn't even think I was so cold. Do you know how quickly a soaked sweat shirt will freeze while standing outside to clean 5 lbs. of sugar out of your car?
As I drove back to an emergency hot shower and change of clothes, I seriously just had to laugh. I mean, this had to have been a rather hilarious event for anyone watching. I sure hope I can continue to find the humor in the debilitating discomfort of the cold. If not, I may simply just freeze, to the point of no longer existing.
As I anxiously await the return to a beautiful 40 degree day (although I would honestly prefer 80 or 90 degrees), I just pray that the heater in my car does not quit working. That may be the end of my world.
May you all stay warm and find some form of enjoyment in the weather around you. (For those of you in the Southern hemisphere right now, I am sooo jealous)
January 5, 2009
Christmas break
In as few words as possible, I'll try to sum up my Christmas break:
-1700 miles driven
-7 cities visited / beds & couches slept on
-1 wedding
-1 newborn
-1 funeral
-4 days of work on my car
-1 coconut illness
-1 bottle of allergy eye drops
-1 box of Allavert D
-weather varying from 15 to 80 degrees
-great time spent with family and friends
-REST
-College football Bowl games
-Evan, Shelby, and Lucas (nephews and niece)
Evan and Shelby. Doesn't he look happy to be a big brother?
Can you say ENERGY?
He may give the best hugs in the world!
Evan
The proud new mom.
Look how tiny he is.
Lucas Alexander Ely
-1700 miles driven
-7 cities visited / beds & couches slept on
-1 wedding
-1 newborn
-1 funeral
-4 days of work on my car
-1 coconut illness
-1 bottle of allergy eye drops
-1 box of Allavert D
-weather varying from 15 to 80 degrees
-great time spent with family and friends
-REST
-College football Bowl games
-Evan, Shelby, and Lucas (nephews and niece)
Evan and Shelby. Doesn't he look happy to be a big brother?
Can you say ENERGY?
He may give the best hugs in the world!
Evan 
The proud new mom.
Look how tiny he is.
Lucas Alexander Ely
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