6.15.2006
a few pics
Check the slide show on the right for some pictures of New Orleans. You can go to myspace to see the pictures bigger. The link is on the right.
6.13.2006
Nawlins Reflections...
Well, we are back from our trip and I can honestly say that this last week was the hardest manual labor that I have ever done. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find on of the guys on this trip that would not agree with me. Tearing down a house is no simple task and when you add on top of that, heat, humidity, and no bathrooms it's even harder.
I cannot even begin to describe the impact June, Suzy, Harold and Brenda had on my life. Working side by side people who lost everything. Here are some things I wrote down in my journal last week while we were in New Orleans (pronounced Nawlins by the natives).
"I wish I could describe to you what it's like here. It's aweful. Nobody has anything. The houses are destroyed. Water flodded so many people's homes. People were picked on only to be dropped off on a bridge and left for 3 days.
Every time we drive around I think, 'God where were you when these people were drowning? When they were looking for shelter? Where were you when these people showed up one and two months later and saw their home completely saturated?'
These questions haunt me because as a Texan away from all of it I can say 'Well, God was there when the boat showed up before the house went under. God was there in the warnings and evacuations. God was there through the FEMA, Red Cross, Hilltop, Project Blessing and countless other organizations that now call New Orleans ground zero.
Being here, taking a sledge hammer to walls, fishing for burried memories and gazing into the faces of June, Harold and Brenda I feel God. He's not just a presence but God is hope. God has raised up his army and has sent them to New Orleans, LA.
Once a thriving city now littered with piles of trash as high as the house it came from. Among the trash pictures of grandkids and parents. Scarves, statues and a million more memories from thousands of people. Where is God? In us. In the hope that we bring to the June's of New Orleans who only want to find a statue of Mary and Jesus. God is in the hope we bring to the Harold's who were able to save their 91 year old mothers from being swept away by water.
God is in the people who continually call us angels. The people who have been praying for someone to come demolish their house. The people who at the end of the day have littled compared to before the storm and still praise God.
It really is a different world. It's not the thriving New Oeleans I came to years ago, but you know what? It's home. For some it was home for 2 months and for some it was home for 60 years. It's home. Tearing down to build up."
The last house we did was the house of a couple who had 9 children, all grown and one still living at home. 10 Rooms, 5 Bathrooms and a shed full of old pipes because the man was a retired plumber. The daughter who was still living there was a musician so it only seemed fit that our last house would be the place of the most powerful devo I experienced all week.
"This is Holy ground. We're standing on Holy ground and I know that there are angels all around. Let us praise Jesus now. We are standing in his presence on Holy ground."
God, may I never forget what I saw, smelled, heard and experienced this week. Forever change my heart to be more likes yours and bless your people in New Orleans. May they shine their light in the dark city. Amen
I cannot even begin to describe the impact June, Suzy, Harold and Brenda had on my life. Working side by side people who lost everything. Here are some things I wrote down in my journal last week while we were in New Orleans (pronounced Nawlins by the natives).
"I wish I could describe to you what it's like here. It's aweful. Nobody has anything. The houses are destroyed. Water flodded so many people's homes. People were picked on only to be dropped off on a bridge and left for 3 days.
Every time we drive around I think, 'God where were you when these people were drowning? When they were looking for shelter? Where were you when these people showed up one and two months later and saw their home completely saturated?'
These questions haunt me because as a Texan away from all of it I can say 'Well, God was there when the boat showed up before the house went under. God was there in the warnings and evacuations. God was there through the FEMA, Red Cross, Hilltop, Project Blessing and countless other organizations that now call New Orleans ground zero.
Being here, taking a sledge hammer to walls, fishing for burried memories and gazing into the faces of June, Harold and Brenda I feel God. He's not just a presence but God is hope. God has raised up his army and has sent them to New Orleans, LA.
Once a thriving city now littered with piles of trash as high as the house it came from. Among the trash pictures of grandkids and parents. Scarves, statues and a million more memories from thousands of people. Where is God? In us. In the hope that we bring to the June's of New Orleans who only want to find a statue of Mary and Jesus. God is in the hope we bring to the Harold's who were able to save their 91 year old mothers from being swept away by water.
God is in the people who continually call us angels. The people who have been praying for someone to come demolish their house. The people who at the end of the day have littled compared to before the storm and still praise God.
It really is a different world. It's not the thriving New Oeleans I came to years ago, but you know what? It's home. For some it was home for 2 months and for some it was home for 60 years. It's home. Tearing down to build up."
The last house we did was the house of a couple who had 9 children, all grown and one still living at home. 10 Rooms, 5 Bathrooms and a shed full of old pipes because the man was a retired plumber. The daughter who was still living there was a musician so it only seemed fit that our last house would be the place of the most powerful devo I experienced all week.
"This is Holy ground. We're standing on Holy ground and I know that there are angels all around. Let us praise Jesus now. We are standing in his presence on Holy ground."
God, may I never forget what I saw, smelled, heard and experienced this week. Forever change my heart to be more likes yours and bless your people in New Orleans. May they shine their light in the dark city. Amen
6.05.2006
Tearing down to build up....New Orleans: Day One
That was the hardest work I have ever done. The heat, humidity, smell and everything else you can imagine along with the emotional instability of the home owner was almost too much to handle. We "Mucked a house" today. Basically that means that we went through all the stuff in the house and saved what we could and trashed everything else. We also had to tear out the sheet rock and basically just clear out the house of everything.
The deal now in New Orleans is that if these people don't have their houses gutted in the next three months, the city puts a lean on their property and they lose it. Some are trying frantically to get things done while others have given up hope of saving anything.
I fear I would be one of those people who would give up. With what we did today I don't know that I could stand in the back ground while a bunch of kids took sledge hammers to my house. Now grant it, these people signed up for this, but my first thought would have been to bulldoze it and start over.
June and her husband Craig were grateful for the work we did today but as June and I talked throughout the day I found myself fighting off tears she had cried many many times. Today, I experienced a ministry I have never encountered.
"Tearing down to build up." Easy to say, hard to swallow. Ripping down a life time of memories to begin to build new ones while harboring a fear that your new ones may last only a very short time.
Remember how blessed you are an Bless others.
The deal now in New Orleans is that if these people don't have their houses gutted in the next three months, the city puts a lean on their property and they lose it. Some are trying frantically to get things done while others have given up hope of saving anything.
I fear I would be one of those people who would give up. With what we did today I don't know that I could stand in the back ground while a bunch of kids took sledge hammers to my house. Now grant it, these people signed up for this, but my first thought would have been to bulldoze it and start over.
June and her husband Craig were grateful for the work we did today but as June and I talked throughout the day I found myself fighting off tears she had cried many many times. Today, I experienced a ministry I have never encountered.
"Tearing down to build up." Easy to say, hard to swallow. Ripping down a life time of memories to begin to build new ones while harboring a fear that your new ones may last only a very short time.
Remember how blessed you are an Bless others.
6.01.2006
Since last I blogged...
which wasn't too long ago. memorial day proved to be as fun and unpredictable as you would expect. We had cloud cover, a pretty mean rain and then 90+ degree heat. On the lake all day, attempting the wake board for the first time- unsuccessful- and taking my turn on the tube of death.
Tube story: as some o
f you may be aware of, I am the most graceful person on the face of the planet. My attempt at jumping on the tube the first time resulted in the bruise you see here and further proof that no one looks as good as I do missing the tube and whacking my leg on the propeller (it was off don't freak out). I am very proud of the array of color that now adorns my leg. kinda pretty I think. :o) I had a blast. I got to hang out with my precious nephew, I lost my phone, I got a new one and I had the day off. I haven’t really worked long enough to need a day off but I took it with no complaints.
On a different note, I saw something today that I fear very few will ever see in their lives. A limo pulled into sonic in front of me. I thought at first it was an accident but as I followed it around the drive I realized this thing was here to stay. As it pulled into the parking spot to order I though it too good to pass by so I took a picture! Enjoy!
I hope everyone is feeling as good about life as I am. I’m busy but I can’t help but to thank God for the opportunities he has given me this summer. I am working with a youth minister who has an amazing leadership of encouragement about him. My fellow intern/resident is a great man of God and amazes me at every turn with his spiritual leadership. The ministry assistant is a wonderful lady who loves to laugh as much as me! It’s gonna be an awesome summer and we are hitting it at full speed!
Be Blessed!!!
Go Mavs!
Tube story: as some o
f you may be aware of, I am the most graceful person on the face of the planet. My attempt at jumping on the tube the first time resulted in the bruise you see here and further proof that no one looks as good as I do missing the tube and whacking my leg on the propeller (it was off don't freak out). I am very proud of the array of color that now adorns my leg. kinda pretty I think. :o) I had a blast. I got to hang out with my precious nephew, I lost my phone, I got a new one and I had the day off. I haven’t really worked long enough to need a day off but I took it with no complaints.
On a different note, I saw something today that I fear very few will ever see in their lives. A limo pulled into sonic in front of me. I thought at first it was an accident but as I followed it around the drive I realized this thing was here to stay. As it pulled into the parking spot to order I though it too good to pass by so I took a picture! Enjoy!
I hope everyone is feeling as good about life as I am. I’m busy but I can’t help but to thank God for the opportunities he has given me this summer. I am working with a youth minister who has an amazing leadership of encouragement about him. My fellow intern/resident is a great man of God and amazes me at every turn with his spiritual leadership. The ministry assistant is a wonderful lady who loves to laugh as much as me! It’s gonna be an awesome summer and we are hitting it at full speed!
Be Blessed!!!
Go Mavs!
5.25.2006
First Logos
Here's the first logos I made on the logo creator. What do you think?
ten2one is the new thursday activity we are doing with the jr. High group. We are going to alternate thursdays doing an activity like putt-putt one time and cleaning up a park the next. It will be great!
Here's the other one.
Chick Chat if the High School girls lunch and prayer time we are doing on tuesday's.
So what do you think of my first attempt at logo making? Is the logography in my future?
Be Blessed!!!
5.24.2006
The beginning of the first...
Well, I am proud to present to you my first BCOC Student Ministries paraphernalia. I am fully aware that most people who post things they are proud of include pictures, as have I. I am also fully aware that most of the things are living and breathing, or tend to be events or emotions. While this sweatshirt is not a living breathing thing, nor was it some grand event accompanied by a parade and music, I am proud to be the new owner of this sweatshirt (this is actu
ally a stand in, the original was tired and worn out from the move). Nevertheless, you can bet that once the weather gets even a little cool, or if I just feel like it, this will be the first sweatshirt broken out to fight the dropping temperature!Be Blessed!!!
5.22.2006
BCC
Well my first official day in the office proved to be a good one. I had a lot of fun meeting the staff and learning how to use everything and where things are. It's also bee fun officing--is that a word?--with Bryan. We have started planning our trip with the 6-9th grade to Fortress this July. It's called Metro Mission Trip. It's gonna be fun. The best part-we are staying at North Davis! Yay!!!Yesterday was a great introduction to the church. I spent the class time with the 8th graders who were great. One girl even thought I was just another student. I don't quite know what to do with that but ok. Then I spent the evening with the High School kids. We had a "Big Red" party. I found out what this was last night. They all brought stuff to the party for me that was red. Amongst my favorite gifts were the sticks of Cherry Laffy Taffy and the Boy's Doubles 1st Place Consolation Tennis Trophy I got from one of the guys. The kids are great and I am really looking forward to a great summer and a great school year!
Here's to Belton, Tx!
Be Blessed!!!
5.16.2006
Life starts on Sunday
Well, life actually is a continual process but when I say it starts on Sunday I mean that a new chapter of life will begin on Sunday. A ch
apter that will be full of joys, pains, fun, happiness, challenges and much much more.I am excited about going to Belton but I am sad to leave behind my life for the past four years. I love my friends and I am sad that seeing them on a daily basis will no longer be an option. I enjoy soaking in the knowledge my professors would dispense and I am sad ab
out not being able to experience the ups and downs of being in class with them 2-3 times a week.God has blessed me with great people in my life the last four years and no words I could think of would do justice to what all of the people have meant to be but for those who I w
as closest to you will be missed. Clint, Jonathan, Lauren, Rachel, Lance, Deanna, Ashley, Alan...you all are so dear to me and best wishes until we meet again!Be Blessed!!!
5.12.2006
Let the Celebration Begin!!!
So I officially graduate in 21 and 1/2 hours! I am totally pumped! People are coming into town, people are moving out of town, people are setting up tents and big huge blow-up things in the middle of campus. It's gonna be a great party! I can't wait! Happy Graduation to us!!!
5.08.2006
Reflections...
There are so many things I want to blog about and reflect on but time, and the desire not to do too much at one, will hinder me from pouring my heart out tonight. I do however want to share with you what I wrote during church this morning.
This is in reflection of the charge that Jerry Taylor issued to us this morning. One thing I will forever remember is his reflection of Joshua and the Wall of Jericho. He marched! It wasn’t his job to explain away the reason they were marching he just had to march, God did the work. God does the work. We need to get busy marching!
“We are leaving. We are going out to join God in his work. He has a vision and we are in it. We can go and be a part of His plan. With His help we can change the world. We can change the world is we see the vision. We have to leave this place with our Kingdom goggles on.
Sometimes our goggles will be dirty, caked with mud, foggy or even broken but the reality of the good news is that there is one who can fix them. He can clean them. He can repair them because he made them.
If we will commit to wear them we will never be blind. I pray that all of my friends will leave this place with kingdom goggles on. I pray they will seek out opportunities to join God’s work. I pray for divine appointments at the right times. I pray God will fill there hearts with overflowing joy and love and that the words that pour from their mouth reflect the promise and hope of eternal life.
I pray that my friends will leave this place wearing kingdom goggles and that they will see people as Jesus does. I pray as they work they will encounter a new kind of Jesus, a different Jesus.
Praise God for a new chapter in our lives. Let us be change agents. Let us leave here Changed agents.”
This is in reflection of the charge that Jerry Taylor issued to us this morning. One thing I will forever remember is his reflection of Joshua and the Wall of Jericho. He marched! It wasn’t his job to explain away the reason they were marching he just had to march, God did the work. God does the work. We need to get busy marching!
“We are leaving. We are going out to join God in his work. He has a vision and we are in it. We can go and be a part of His plan. With His help we can change the world. We can change the world is we see the vision. We have to leave this place with our Kingdom goggles on.
Sometimes our goggles will be dirty, caked with mud, foggy or even broken but the reality of the good news is that there is one who can fix them. He can clean them. He can repair them because he made them.
If we will commit to wear them we will never be blind. I pray that all of my friends will leave this place with kingdom goggles on. I pray they will seek out opportunities to join God’s work. I pray for divine appointments at the right times. I pray God will fill there hearts with overflowing joy and love and that the words that pour from their mouth reflect the promise and hope of eternal life.
I pray that my friends will leave this place wearing kingdom goggles and that they will see people as Jesus does. I pray as they work they will encounter a new kind of Jesus, a different Jesus.
Praise God for a new chapter in our lives. Let us be change agents. Let us leave here Changed agents.”
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