four become two

In the beginning of June, I was able to attend two weddings in consecutive weekends. Thus, I got to witness two becoming one, twice. It was a great trip and I was able to go home in between the two which was a huge blessing. Here are a few pics from the weddings.

Mr. and Mrs. Sean and Casey Nestor (literally taken about 5 min. after they were married)!

and I got to hang out with Sean and Chris again at the same time.

I was so honored to be asked to be in his wedding.


weddings are always a great place to catch up with old friends

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew and Lori Randall!




and I got to catch up with Alyssa finally :)

Asbury Family

Seminary life can be difficult. There's no better way to say that. But below are some pics of my Asbury family over the past two years. Family that I've cried with, prayed with, laughed with, and grown with. The key word being "with." A true community if I've ever had one. Some have now moved on, we've welcomed new kids, and for those of us still here we anticipate at least one more year together.

I love my Asbury Family!!!




My first year roommate Isaac. He's now married and lives back in North Dakota.

Me and L.T. I got to celebrate his first Thanksgiving with him.




The beautiful Bella



Proud Papa

L.T.'s Dedication





L.T.

A halloween outing. The group went as "gang green"

Safe

Sometimes the truth is hard to know, isn't it? Simple things that are fundamental truths which at times don't feel even close to the truth. And in those moments, when the truth is spoken, it can almost seem cheesy.

For reasons that some of you know about, and for some reasons that some of you have no idea about, this song is a truth that I am trying to claim right now. It is scriptural and real. I'm still trying to understand exactly what "his arms" look like and feel like. So hear this truth. The second video is a short clip from the artist explaining the story behind the song.






May you believe and be blessed.

Zoe

Several people have asked about my trip to Brazil over spring break. I went to visit a friend and made many more. I incidentally came across this video today that gives a little bit of an intro into the ministry and the people that I met and stayed with while I was there.

Blessings continue

If you have known me for a while, then you have heard me talk about CrossTrainers. This is the inner-city discipleship ministry that I had the privilege of working with while I was in Athens.

Well, for the first time since the ministry began, I was not able to attend their retreat this year. You may remember that I went back to help with it the past two years and blogged about last year's experience here: Welcom Home.

Still, I have tried to keep in touch with those who are still a part of and in charge of the ministry. Even though they asked and I wasn't able to be there this year, I enjoyed praying for them all and I was forwarded the following message. It is from the coach(mentor) of one of the children in the program. I remember him so vividly and the story of how he and his family came to live in Athens after Hurricane Katrina. Even though I am no longer a part of this ministry, reading messages like these encourage me so greatly. I hope you are blessed by it as well:


Hey Caren(the current director of CrossTrainers),
I just thought I would tell you a quick story. On the retreat this weekend, my CrossTrainer, Patrick, really opened up. He told me that he loves the mentoring program and since entering it a few years ago has begun to ask God yes or no questions. When he does, he hears a voice that answers. He has tried to reproduce the exact sound, but can’t. It’s God’s voice speaking to him. I truly believe that its because of people like you who do such amazing work to bring these kids to the Lord, and pray that you will be blessed by God each and every one of your days because of the amazing job that you have done and all that you give up to help others find Christ.

Thank You for influencing my life, his life, and so many other lives!

-the coach

I'm sorry

Just wanted to share a video with you. Be warned, their is some strong language in it. I hope it makes you think. And I hope it makes you think about you, not someone else.

Holy Spirit, come in your power and gently convict. Holy Spirit, come in your love and open our eyes to the beauty of people loving people.

A Postmodern Easter?

If you have spent much time with college students or young adults, you are probably very aware of the influence that postmodernism has on our generation. Experience becomes a significant factor in determining truth for postmoderns. I encounter it on a daily basis and am learning how it provides opportunities to share the truth of the gospel. When I think about this in light of Easter, I am reminded of a powerful truth concerning the risen Christ.

As some of you may remember, I lost my grandmother this past August. She was so dear to me. For the past twelve years or so, I’ve repeatedly told my parents that I hoped my future wife would have the privilege of meeting my grandmother and that my grandmother could know my future wife. As I spoke at her funeral, I shared this desire with everyone there and was saddened by the reality that this would never happen. Whenever I do meet my wife, I’ll have the privilege and challenge of trying to describe to her who my grandmother was and why she meant so much to me. I can share stories, show her pictures, and answer any questions that she may have. However, my wife will never have the chance to know or experience my grandmother firsthand.

So what does this have to do with Easter? As this generation matures, they are seeking after experience and truth they can know for certain. Therefore, the beauty of Easter is that they can know Christ, for He is risen and alive. I’ll never have to attempt to describe Jesus or share stories of his life to a new friend without that friend having the opportunity to meet Christ for his or herself. Isn’t that wonderful? Even if postmodernism completely controls the worldview of young adults, Easter provides them the opportunity to experience Christ for themselves. Their relationship with Christ will not be completely dependent on how effectively I explain Jesus to them. They have the same ability to know Him that you and I do. The cross provides freedom and life for us anew everyday. Easter is a glorious celebration of this life that we share as the body of Christ.

On this Easter, may we all celebrate the glorious truth that Christ is alive and that He desires to be known by us.



I apologize for being absent for the past couple of months. I hope to get back to posting on a more regular basis after Easter. This is an article I had to write for church, therefore I thought I'd share it with you as well. I hope you are all well. Thanks for reading.