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14 years ago
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Things that I have learned from the eve of year 30....
Below are some just things that I have learned and picked up over this past year...no specific order.
1) Friends - You have to have them. They are the ones willing to follow you into the darkness of your life. They wade in the muck with you. They are there to laugh, cry, chill, listen, and to correct you when you get outline. They are there to correct and help. I am grateful for all my friends.
2) Adventures - These are needed. They keep us in check. The adventure can be anything. Fun, scary, unknowing, life-threatening, humbling...they put things in perspective.
3) Camera - Doesn't matter what type, you just need one and need it with you always. I helps you remember the details of life, of people, and events. You will not be sorry.
4) Pits - They will show up eventually. They have a purpose (ps. 40:1-3). They are dark. They are uncomfortable. They are tough, BUT they do have purpose. The purpose is only revealed when we stop looking down in it, and start looking up to the LIGHT.
5) A random hobby - Keeps you distracted in times where you over think and get overwhelmed.
6) A blog - You don't need one if you try to make a name for yourself. You do need one to spill things out that are in your head and your heart.
7) God - You can't figure Him out on your own. He makes entirely no sense to our small mind. He ask you to do things that do not make sense, BUT the results are incredible and are full of clarity. He loves us so much that He is not going to lead us into something that will ultimately destroy us. He will walk you through everything, anything, and all things. He is the answer to our lives...dreams...satisfaction...pursuit.
8) Purpose - Everybody has one, its just most choose not to accept it. We so many times look to the present as our purpose....car...money...comfortability...status...happiness...relationships... Those things fade. If our purpose is based on those...then that "purpose" fades. Real purpose is that in which God has set before us. Uncomfortable? Yeah sometimes. Strange? Possibly. Fulfilling? More than you can imagine. Regret? Only if you don't follow Him til the end.
9) I revolve around the world - The world use to revolve around me...or so I thought. It should be me revolving around it. As a believer, I/we are called to reach the least of these. We are called to move...to act...to impact...and to ultimately Love.
10) God's Presence - Those who seek it, will find it and find true life. Those who avoid it or lacks to pursue it will live a bland Christian life. It will take you to an intimacy that you will never understand until you actually experience personally.
11) Facebook - You need an account. It helps stay connected to those who are friends and that love you.
12) Samaritans - (Jesus's Parable on the Good Samaritan) - Don't every forget or rule out the Samaritans in your life. God will send them at key times. You will never expect them. You will actually be perplexed that they showed up, but they are a God send. Embrace them, and don't forget them.
13) Mentors - You need one. I recommend one. YOU NEED ONE! They help you work life out. Provide wisdom, an ear, and a shoulder to cry on.
14) Cooking - You need to learn to cook. Its amazing how conversation, friendships, and encounters happen when you cook meals.
15) Brokenness - If you never experience this, then you refuse to be molded by God. He works in brokenness. Its the condition in your life when you have nothing, and God has everything you need. It is where we say, "Your will and not mine".
These are a few...im worn out...maybe a pt. 2 may come. Much love - cham.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
To be transparent...
God has really been "unlearning" me on some things. They may not make sense, so let me explain. In "learning" 50% of it is "unlearning". That means that you are taking away an old idea or habit, and replacing it with a new one...that is more beneficial. So in saying that, God is unlearning me on some things. As you know (hopefully), I am heading to Seattle on Jan 5, 2009. God has called me out there to serve with a church plant. The crazy thing is that I have to raise my own support to be able to serve out there. I have never done this before. I am a rookie, 1st timer in raising support, helping plant a church, etc. In the midst of this, I would like to share what God is doing with me personally.
God is teaching me that "Unknown is the new comfortability". I usually enjoy the adventure of the unknown, it livens things up. This new journey is a little different though. In the past, I always had a "fall back plan" just in case the "unknown" failed or got weird. Well....God has me at this point not having that "plan". In fact, I have been taught that my plan is actually a lack of faith in Him. OUCH! Yes, I have to agree with Him on that. Use to when push came to shove, I would take the wheel if I got uncomfortable or if the risk was too high. Can I just go ahead and say, THIS WAS WRONG! Why? I never gave God an opportunity to show up and show off who He is. Yes, He doesn't need me to "ok" Him to move, but I think a lot of times He chooses not to because we(I) would say that I pulled it out (if not verbally..then in my heart). So...God has been unlearning me on this while I am on this journey to head to Seattle.
Since I have started sharing the vision of God's mission for me in Seattle, God has given me some commands to follow. Check it out along with my response:
1) Share the Vision - Plant Seeds with everybody
My response: No problem
2) Do not take control of this.
My response: I promise I will not. I know how I use to be, and I don't want to be that now.
3) Do not market, overly advertise, or use smooth slick talking to raise money.
My response: Uh..so don't function in how I normally communicate a need? What am I
suppose to do? Tap dance? (I asked this..God can handle sarcasm). Ok...I promise I won't, but
how am I suppose to go about this?
4) Spread the word & just ask people to "Pray & Obey"
My response: Hmmmm....but how am I suppose to explain the details of the needs, how I
am going to need certain things to being this ministry...? What if they don't obey...or pray?
What if that is to vague and they say "are you kidding?"
5) I told you...share the vision and then tell them "Pray and Obey". Do you trust me?
My response: Yes, I trust you, but this is way out of my comfort zone. Meeting new people
easy. Doing some thing new and in a new area...great! Sitting back, when most people
suggest being super active when it comes to raising funds...SO UNCOMFORTABLE! This
unknown challenges my comfortability. Did I mention not a huge time frame to get
the word out?
6) I gave you a word: Eccl 11:5-6
My response: Ok..I trust you, but this still freaks me out. I haven't heard much from nobody.
7) Trust me. I want you & others to know and experience ME at work.
My response: Ok..You know I will struggle with this..but I trust You. I am comfortable in
who You are in my life. You are my Provider. You spoke the world and all the laws of nature
in to existence, so this is a cakewalk for You.
8) My grace is sufficient. Trust Me, Follow Me, and let Me walk you through.
My response: Ok Lord...I am comfortable with this unknown..because I am comfortable
in You.
I share all this in transparency. This situation will come one day for every believer...probably multiple times in our lifetime. I just want to say that the unknown is comfortable...because God is there. We only get freaked out when we loose sight of how Great and Big He really is. I can't really describe the feeling, but the ones who have walked this situation (speaking about the unknown) know what I am talking about. God is unlearning me. I am confident in my future, because my future is in His hands. He will provide. He will lay out the adventure. I just need to make sure that my comfortability is in Him while I am in the unknown.
So I Pray & Obey as well. Then I enjoy the journey instead of letting worry and doubt ruin it.
Trust Him...He has you covered in every situation.
Much love - Cham
It's late..so this is a rough draft and probably grammatically crazy...oh well.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Beautiful
by Phil Wickham
I see Your face in every sunrise
The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes
The world awakens in the light of the day
I look up to the sky and say
You're beautiful
I see Your power in the moonlit night
Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright
We are amazed in the light of the stars
It's all proclaiming who you are
You're beautiful
The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes
The world awakens in the light of the day
I look up to the sky and say
You're beautiful
I see Your power in the moonlit night
Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright
We are amazed in the light of the stars
It's all proclaiming who you are
You're beautiful
I see you there hanging on a tree
You bled and then you died and then you rose again for me
Now you are sitting on Your heavenly throne
Soon we will be coming home
You're beautiful
When we arrive at eternity's shore
Where death is just a memory and tears are no more
We'll enter in as the wedding bells ring
Your bride will come together and we'll sing
You're beautiful
I see Your face, I see Your face, I see Your face
You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful
You bled and then you died and then you rose again for me
Now you are sitting on Your heavenly throne
Soon we will be coming home
You're beautiful
When we arrive at eternity's shore
Where death is just a memory and tears are no more
We'll enter in as the wedding bells ring
Your bride will come together and we'll sing
You're beautiful
I see Your face, I see Your face, I see Your face
You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
If I had to give you the infrastructure
of how I live and plan to live...it can be summed up below...
Psalm 112
Praise the Lord!
1 How joyful are those who fear the Lord
and delight in obeying his commands.
2 Their children will be successful everywhere;
an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
3 They themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will last forever.
4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
5 Good comes to those who lend money generously
and conduct their business fairly.
6 Such people will not be overcome by evil.
Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
7 They do not fear bad news;
they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
8 They are confident and fearless
and can face their foes triumphantly.
9 They share freely and give generously to those in need.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
They will have influence and honor.
10 The wicked will see this and be infuriated.
They will grind their teeth in anger;
they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.
This is a psalm God gave me a back in late Summer, and I made it the guideline for my life, my Family, & my Mission.
Psalm 112
Praise the Lord!
1 How joyful are those who fear the Lord
and delight in obeying his commands.
2 Their children will be successful everywhere;
an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
3 They themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will last forever.
4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
5 Good comes to those who lend money generously
and conduct their business fairly.
6 Such people will not be overcome by evil.
Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
7 They do not fear bad news;
they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
8 They are confident and fearless
and can face their foes triumphantly.
9 They share freely and give generously to those in need.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
They will have influence and honor.
10 The wicked will see this and be infuriated.
They will grind their teeth in anger;
they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.
This is a psalm God gave me a back in late Summer, and I made it the guideline for my life, my Family, & my Mission.
Monday, November 17, 2008
"captivated"
1 of many to come...
I have to say....
My God is exploding in my life. I can't really describe it. I just have to encourage you to GO, SEEK, KNOCK, and experience Him for yourself. How? I wish I had it mapped out, cliff notes version on how, but I don't. I just know that when I have been waking up lately, riding in my car, or talking with peepz....the very Presence of who GOD is...pours out on me. I have not done anything special to deserve it, and to be quite honest...it baffles me. That is beside the point. I really want to mention something that is overwhelmingly real in my life...I am learning that my heart is far louder than my words can ever be. I woke up one morning only to begin in a submersion of God's overwhelming presence in my house. Didn't really understand it, I always thought it was a "got sing some" or "prayer some or for hours", but that wasn't the case. God just showed up..before I was awake. So, when I got out of bed, it seemed like He was everywhere in my house. At that point, I really didn't know how to respond...and I told God that. So I made coffee, sat on my couch, looked up and said, "God I don't have any words to describe the way I am feeling You...so let my heart speak to You". At that point, my heart felt like it could literally burst with joy, love, hope, and peace....me describing it would be throwing dirt on it...i can't even come close. I just know God had me at a point where I didn't have any words...just a heart that spoke louder than anything I could ever do or say. And for the first time, I am realizing that its ok to be there, in fact...its called being "captivated". This is something that I am new at...but its incredible. I was captivated in my car on the way home tonight. I just can't shake the fact of what God has done, is doing, and will do in my life...but ultimately HOW GREAT HE IS AND HIS LOVE FOR ME. So...I let my heart speak on my behalf in moments like that. Sometimes it takes silence to get to the point of speaking the loudest to God. much luv~cham
Our hearts will cry
Be glorified,
Be lifted high,
Above all names.
For You our King,
With everything,
We will shout forth your praise.
Be glorified,
Be lifted high,
Above all names.
For You our King,
With everything,
We will shout forth your praise.
"With Everything" by Hillsong
Ok..i have lots to write about and haven't had a lot of time here of late. So..i am going to start writing in the next few days. Much love~cham
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
My friend Kaylie got me on a Myers-Brigg kick. So here is my profile. I can't really say if I post this out of my pursuit for an audience or just because I want people to know my struggles as well as my victories that come with my ENTP personality. Knowing myself, helps me understand me, others, and how God created me. "And knowing is half the battle" ~ Duke from G.I. Joe The Dominant function is the perceptive one of iNtuition. Characteristics associated with this function include: The perceptive iNtuition function is extraverted. That is, iNtuition is used primarily to govern the outer world of actions and spoken words. The ENTP will therefore: The iNtuition function is primarily supported by introverted Thinking judgement. That is, Thinking judgement is used primarily to manage the inner world of thoughts and emotions. This will modify the way that the iNtuition is directed, by: The classic temperament of an ENTP is Promethean, or Phlegmatic, for whom a basic driving force is the search for competence or excellence. In a team environment, the ENTP can contribute by: The potential ways in which an ENTP can irritate others include: As stress increases, 'learned behaviour' tends to give way to the natural style, so the ENTP will behave more according to type when under greater stress. For example, in a crisis, the ENTP might: Under extreme stress, fatigue or illness, the ENTP's shadow may appear - a negative form of ISFJ. Example characteristics are: The shadow is part of the unconscious that is often visible to others, onto whom the shadow is projected. The ENTP may therefore readily see these faults in others without recognising it in him/her self.
Contributions To The Team Of An ENTP
Personal Growth
As with all types, the ENTP can achieve personal growth by developing all functions that are not fully developed, through actions such as:Recognising Stress
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I have...
a lot of stuff going on now. So...I feel that I have been slacking on here...I am going through a book called "Deadly Vipers: Character Assassins" and I just wanted to leave you with a quote to think about from it...
"You see when you don't forgive someone, you let them park in your life forever. These people are like parasites that can suck the life right out of you and allow bitterness to rot you out. If you let these people and their actions haunt your thoughts emotions, and spirit, you allow them to continually damage not only you but those around you, too."
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
while sitting in the cold...I read this...
"Take away the comforts of the kingdom, deprive a person of the structures and institutions of empire, and they just might find the spine to envision a new tomorrow. Push a person to the limits of suffering, and they just might become a revolutionary." ~Rob Bell
God cares more about our character than our comfortability....
Much Love,
Cham
Monday, October 27, 2008
"are you living your life in a way that is worth telling stories about?" ~Mark Batterson
This quote is the quote of all quotes in my life. First, let me get the non-conformist (thanks kaylie) side of me out of the way. This quote (to me) is not some phrase to describe my mediocre attempt to sound wise, to justify things, or to merely throw a super crazy cool quote to get people to respond. It is what I call a "heart quote". Its fabric in my being. My life. My soul.
In saying this, this quote has dramatically altered my heart which in turn has effected my mind, life, actions, beliefs, etc. This quote to me is dangerous. What I mean is, that it causes me (and others who adopted it) to go beyond the norm. It is a challenge, a call to arms, deep sounding drum... This quote moves me to action, not words. It challenges me to live a life worthy of the debt that was paid for my life, my freedom, & my eternity. God has really ransacked a lot of things in my life to get me to this heart-condition. I don't want to sound like I have it all together (because I don't..waaaaayyy don't), I just want believers (including myself) to live our lives in a way that people pass stories down for ages. I feel that we (I included) squander our inheritance on ourselves and our little whims. I guess I look at the phrase, "the proof is in the pudding". Our actions are far more louder and more concrete than our words and our intentions. If we say, "I love God" or "I love people", then are we showing it?..or is it show? Is it just one of those things we say like we do when we greet people? "How are you?" - If most of us were honest, we say this and don't mean it 95% of the time. Is that the way we (You) (I) are, when it comes to what we say to God or about our Faith? Just a thought. I am not mad, just passionate....passionate about stories that point to My God. I want to people to tell stories about the God I lived for. I want to tell my kids, grandkids, and generations to come about how incredible God is and what He did through my life. It really is no concern of mine if "Cham" is ever known (which took a long time to get too), BUT it is a major concern for me now that people hear stories of who God is and what He has done (and is doing) in my life.
Just throwing it out there...much love ~Cham
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Much to do..so little time...so it feels,
Well, it is Seattle or bust for me at the beginning of the year. This is the journey that God has called me on. I am pumped, drained, excited, anxious, spaghetti o's, and coffee. I am about to begin raising support for me to go. I feel that no matter what, God is going to get me out there. If it means 3 jobs at the beginning, then so be it. My heart is about to exploded out of my chest over the excitement that I have of God's vision there. It is really cool how God is lining things up in my life. I am still new to the 100% faith walk deal...though I have been a believer/student pastor for 10 years. It is hard to explain, but I like the feeling of the unknown with the confidence that it is a stage for God to show up. He has returned to me the ability to be amazed. It is cool. I have a ton to get done this week:
- meetings
- printing brochures (financial support)
- print cards (financial support)
- websites to finish (place to online for people to connect w/ God's vision)
- Carrying out other visions God has given me like a Simply Way Type place
- Finding a place to live out there
- Price hunting for moving my life to Seattle
- Starting this temp job God hooked me up with here in B'ham.
- Working off stress
- Etc...
I listed this not for sympathy before for prayer. It is a cool journey and I am trying to snap pictures left and right. I also feel that God is wanting me to buy a cheap video cam and begin to record all of this and video blog. I wanted to make sure that this was a "God-thang" and not a cham deal. Well, praying this morning...I asked God..."if the camera is legit...then please provide the means for me to buy it...i don't want credit card this mug...". I get a phone call 2 hours later with a freelance job....hahaha....come with it! So..God willing I am going to start video blogging. Not sure, what that will look like. I hope it will be to the style of XXXchurch.com (yes it is a Christian church). Great videos! Anyway..i appreciate you (as readers) reading, praying, supporting, and challenging.
On a side note, check out my friends blog: seetheneed.blogspot.com
They are starting a non-prof that connects people to orphanages. It is a rockin' vision.
Monday, October 20, 2008
God has...
really rocked my world today. As you know, I am heading to Seattle at the beginning of the year to help with a church plant. So in the mean time, I am fund raising and look for temp jobs to get me by until Jan 1. Well, I woke up this morning overwhelmed by who God is in my life. I went immediately to my stereo and turned on my Ipod. I played the I-Heart Rev #1 by Hillsong. I then went to the kitchen and made some coffee. During this whole time, it was like God Himself was sitting with me in the house...waiting to chat over breakfast. I grab my coffee and sat on my couch to pray. I was overwhelmed by His presences and His goodness. I began to just worship..thanking Him...and then it happened...I get a phone call.
This is no ordinary phone call. This is a provision from God phone call. Up until the summer, I was in control of my life (so I thought). God changed my heart to walk in some serious faith. He changed me from control planning, to faith waiting. So, to make a long story short, I was in serious need of a full time temp job. My severance is about to be up, and I was like "God...you know what I need..when I need it". You talk about going against the grain in my life. I have been so use to doing it my way and never giving God a chance to act. So, He brought me to this place in my life where I was "all in" with my life. People would ask me, "what are you going to do about a job until Seattle?" My reply was simply "God". I know that sounds sunday schoolish, but it is the truth. He brought me to a place of total dependence. I tried all in the summer to get a job, and He wouldn't allow it unless it was through Him. He was teaching me and unteaching me.
To bring you back to the present, my days were counting down quickly until I needed to have a job or for money to fall from the sky. So, God provided. At the right time, He brought me a tailor-made job. The business called during my worship time and I answered. They wanted to know if I was interested. I was like "YES!". Come to find out the job is a:
FULL TIME TEMP JOB
MON - FRIDAY
& (get this) ENDS ON DEC. 31.
I began to laugh because God had given me this job to fit right where I needed it and at the time I needed. I got off the phone and began to laugh out loud and then started to cry tears of joy. My God had provided. He has met my needs. He has kept to His Word.
I tell you all of this not in gloating, but as encouragement. Note: I had nothing to do with this phone call. In fact, I never heard from this company after I applied waaayyy back in the summer. Walking in faith is scary stuff, I will be the first to say. It is entirely worthy it though. You will not be disappointed if you chase after Jesus and you do as He ask. Uncomfortable? Shoot yeah! But its so worth it! Maybe..just maybe, somebody who reads this is going through a "faith-tester". I encourage you to stay with it, NO MATTER THE COST! It is entirely worth going through the knots in your stomach for them to soon disappear to the laughter and joy of watching My God work and provide. So..step out from your comfortable lifestyle and chase after the vision God has given you. You will not be sorry. You will not be disappointed! You will only have regret to live with if you don't.
~cham
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Storm
by Lifehouse
how long have I
been in this storm
so overwhelmed by the ocean's shapeless form
water's getting harder to tread
with these waves crashing over my head
if I could just see you
everything will be alright
if I'd see you
the storminess will turn to light
and I will walk on water
and you will catch me if I fall
and I will get lost into your eyes
and everything will be alright
and everything will be alright
I know you didn't
bring me out here to drown
so why am I 10 feet under and upside down
barely surviving has become my purpose
cause I'm so used to living underneath the surface
if I could just see you
everything will be alright
if I see you
the storminess will turn to light
and I will walk on water
and you will catch me if I fall
and I will get lost into your eyes
and everything will be alright
and I will walk on water
you will catch me if I fall
and I will get lost into your eyes
and everything will be alright
I know everything is alright
everything's alright
been in this storm
so overwhelmed by the ocean's shapeless form
water's getting harder to tread
with these waves crashing over my head
if I could just see you
everything will be alright
if I'd see you
the storminess will turn to light
and I will walk on water
and you will catch me if I fall
and I will get lost into your eyes
and everything will be alright
and everything will be alright
I know you didn't
bring me out here to drown
so why am I 10 feet under and upside down
barely surviving has become my purpose
cause I'm so used to living underneath the surface
if I could just see you
everything will be alright
if I see you
the storminess will turn to light
and I will walk on water
and you will catch me if I fall
and I will get lost into your eyes
and everything will be alright
and I will walk on water
you will catch me if I fall
and I will get lost into your eyes
and everything will be alright
I know everything is alright
everything's alright
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Hurt byJohnny CashI hurt myself today
to see if I still feel
I focus on the pain
the only thing that's real
the needle tears a hole
the old familiar sting
try to kill it all away
but I remember everything
what have I become?
my sweetest friend
everyone I know
goes away in the end
and you could have it all
my empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt
I wear this crown of thorns
upon my liar's chair
full of broken thoughts
I cannot repair
beneath the stains of time
the feelings disappear
you are someone else
I am still right here
what have I become?
my sweetest friend
everyone I know
goes away in the end
and you could have it all
my empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt
if I could start again
a million miles away
I would keep myself
I would find a way
Friday, October 17, 2008
My Brightness by Charlie Hall well i've been hit from every corner and I've been thrown from side to side and them cracks up on the inside so I come to you for life you're presence always heals me so I want to drink it in You know where we're going god and you know where I've been And you're love is like a rock When I'm spinning You're love is like a rock When I'm spinning and you're love is like a rock When I'm spinning around yesterday I felt so angry and today so insecure and I hate it that I wrestle with the god that I adore You're presence always heals me so I want to drink it in You know where we're going god and you know where I've been well i've been hit from every corner and I've been thrown from side to side and them cracks up on the inside so I come to you for life you're presence always heals me so I want to drink it in You know where we're going god and you know where I've been And you're love is like a rock When I'm spinning You're love is like a rock When I'm spinning and you're love is like a rock When I'm spinning around yesterday I felt so angry and today so insecure and I hate it that I wrestle with the god that I adore You're presence always heals me so I want to drink it in You know where we're going god and you know where I've been And I know less about you But my heart loves you so much more You're the bright inside this You're my brightness I wish this thing can pass from me but I'm wanting what you want so bring me high or bring me low just hold me in your love And you're love is like a rock When I'm spinning You're love is like a rock When I'm spinning and you're love is like a rock When I'm spinning around
Thursday, October 16, 2008
God of Justiceby Tim HughesGod of Justice, Saviour to all
Came to rescue the weak and the poor
Chose to serve and not be served
Jesus, You have called us
Freely we've received
Now freely we will give
We must go live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken
We must go
Stepping forward keep us from just singing
Move us into action
We must go
To act justly everyday
Loving mercy in everyway
Walking humbly before You God
You have shown us, what You require
Freely we've received
Now freely we will give
Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out Lord
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tears of the Saintsby LeelandThere are many prodigal sons
On our city streets they run
Searching for shelter
There are homes broken down
People’s hopes have fallen to the ground
From failures
This is an emergency!
There are tears from the saints
For the lost and unsaved
We’re crying for them come back home
We’re crying for them come back home
And all your children will stretch out their hands
And pick up the crippled man
Father, we will lead them home
Father, we will lead them home
There are schools full of hatred
Even churches have forsaken
Love and mercy
May we see this generation
In its state of desperation
For Your glory
This is an emergency!
There are tears from the saints
For the lost and unsaved
We’re crying for them come back home
We’re crying for them come back home
And all your children will stretch out their hands
And pick up the crippled man
Father, we will lead them home
Father, we will lead them home
Sinner, reach out your hands!
Children, in Christ you stand!
Sinner, reach out your hands!
Children, in Christ you stand!
There are tears from the saints
For the lost and unsaved
We’re crying for them come back home
We’re crying for them come back home
And all Your children will stretch out their hands
And pick up the crippled man
Father, we will lead them home
Father, we will lead them home
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
And I thought James was tough...1 Peter puttin' a hurtin...
0 comments Posted by Cham McCutchen at 12:37 PM
Life...
tends to pass us by..especially when we think we are living it (for ourselves). I only say this because I have walked this road and still walk/struggle from time to time in that mindset..or lifestyle shall we say. We get our purpose out of whack. We may think I got to live life to the fullest...but is our perception of what "fullest" looks like really full or just a faux-reality? I guess I write this because of what I read in 1 Peter 1 this morning:
The old life is a grass life,
its beauty as short-lived as wildflowers;
Grass dries up, flowers droop,
God's Word goes on and on forever.
This is the Word that conceived the new life in you.
Please pay attention to the last sentence. The Word conceived the new life in you. Im not sure about others, but sometimes the old life looks great. I get a since of control and I can plot my on comfortability in my life (or so I think). The reality of it, all of that hype will fade like grass. Money, prestige, glamour, the american dream, our own world, your control...gone...withered...useless. My life, our life, is defined by the God's Word and the purpose and life It gives. It keeps us from withering, or chasing after withering things. I guess for me..i don't want to hand God the bouquet of my life and it be all withered up and dead because of the useless life I sought after instead of Him.
~~~To a life worth living!~~~~
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
I have...
missed out on the simple things in life. I came to this realization one morning when the sunrise, with its red and golden train, poured into my room. It was 6:00 am, but the colors were so beautiful I just had to pop up and see it. I made some coffee, starbucks verona, and headed outside to see the show. After the morning carried on, I began to think how I have missed out on so many little things that are huge. I guess what I am really trying to say is that I forgot how simple things and being able to enjoy them are worth far more than "stuff" or ___________(fill in the blank the trinkets of your choice). Somewhere along the way, I felt like I had to "add to" the moments, situation, and encounters. If I was going to go eat with some people, then it had to be the greatest food. If I was going to watch a movie, then it had to be at the best theater. If I was going to "hang" with people, then it had to be the people that I clicked with the best. Don't get me wrong, those things, in there proper place, are not bad. I just made them bad, because I am sinful. I put them in a different priority.
The other day while I was on facebook, I noticed some pictures from a friend and caught myself envying. I envied there ability to take the simple things (such as a sunset, a cup of coffee, a few friends, etc) and enjoy the heck out of it (that is my theological phrase for today). They looked so happy, so full of joy in the moment. Then I remember how I was once that way. I now am pursuing to get back to the basics in my life. I want to enjoy those things. Again, things or material possessions are not a bad thing, as long as they are in the proper place. For me, it became the clutter in my life that kept the beautiful sunset from being enjoyed. They robbed me of the time to sit and chill and ultimately go "wow...this is awesome!"
So I now love the simple things and re-prioritize the other stuff. Laughs at a buck theater, quoting movies at a friends house, conversations over a cup of java, and random adventures are more valuable to me now because I am learning to drain every last drop of enjoyment out of them. My daily life is back on track. ~Cham
Ps. Shout out to the book of James for straightening me out.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
So, I am...
off to Seattle. Well.., not yet. Some of you who read my blogs kind of saw it coming after seeing some of my post while I was in Seattle. The answer is a definite YES! I met with the leadership of my church and shared with them what God is doing in my life, so now I think I can share with my friends, family, and colleagues the news.
This decision is an awesome but scary time for me. Let me break it down a little.
Awesome: It is overwhelmingly incredible that God is calling to Arlington, Wa to serve on leadership at the Commons with my friend Tim. People joked with me that when I was going out there, that I will fall in love with the place and will not come back or that I will move out there. I responded with a "yeah..you're probably right", but in my heart I was like.."God...I want what you want". It was 2 days before I had to return back to B'ham. I remember waking up and just saying..."This is my home". That is all I could hear in my heart. It was like God sat beside me in a chair and was whispering.."This is your home". I talked to Tim about it. Two days later, I stepped on the plane to leave for B'ham. I remember sitting down and having this feeling of "why am I leaving my home?" I started getting homesick over a place and people that I have only been acquainted with for 2 weeks. So to fast forward, I took the next month to really pray and make sure that this is God and not Cham. God kept confirming that it was Him. I know it is not me because it freaks me out. Yeah, the place is awesome, but this is the biggest faith step of my life (i will explain in a minute). So, I definitely know this is not Cham, because I use to only take risk if they were favorably. The thing is...everyday my heart grows more and more with the love of God for the people in Arlington. In all my years as a Christian, I have never been so passionate for a group of people like I am with these people. It's God's vision, and not mine. I think if I hadn't of responded to God this summer in the way that I did, then I would have missed out on the greatest calling in my life.
Freaked out: I try to be honest on here, so here is this side of the equation. Yes, this freaks me out. Not the moving and new people, the process. As mentioned earlier, this is the biggest faith step of my life. I remember telling God back in June that I would go and do whatever He wanted no matter how crazy and no matter how scary. Well, there ya go. He has pulled me way out of my element and comfortability (which i am thankful). See, the Commons is a beginning church plant. So, I would not draw a pay check from them. This means that I have to raise support to GO and DO. Never did this before, ever. Things have always fell in my lap and for the first time God is saying...don't trust in your understanding...trust Me and My provision. This is a scary thing for a guy who always has a plan a, b, c, d, and e. So, I know with out a shadow of a doubt that God will provide everything I need. I am pumped!!!! My heart for the people in Arlington is way louder than a few worries. So...I am really not freaked out.
All in all, God has taking a pit and turned it into purpose. If He hadn't changed my life this summer, then I would be missing out on the biggest calling of my life. I think He has huge things for The Commons and I am honored to just be a part of it.
I tell you (the readers) all this to say please be praying for me. I feel that God has set a moving date....somewhere around the first of Jan. I have to raise support, and I have a lot to do between now and when I leave. I will be doing another blog and eventually a website that will give all the info on how to support, my calling, and etc. I will still maintain this site because it is my personal journey with God . So...it is official...I am Seattle bound....and I am so passionate about it that IT IS SEATTLE OR BUST...there is not option b. Much luv ~cham
Saturday, September 27, 2008
I am learning to answer...
the door when it comes to opportunities. They tend to knock at the weirdest times (well for me at least) and they usually teach me a pretty life changing lesson. These moments are not random or chance, they are God-moments that He puts in my life that meet and teach me when I am ready to sit and listen.
I have been on a journey with God to really understand and live out the life He intended for us to live. Right now, it has sat me down at understanding opportunities. When I was a middle school pastor, I think I missed a bunch of opportunities in my personal life that God was wanting to do. I was about myself to a degree and really was focused more on the convenience of my life than answering to God's lesson. If you interviewed me then, I would have responded with..."I have to focus on middle school. I don't have time for ____________(fill in the blank)." I had the time, but not the heart. When I say heart, I mean the love of Christ to the point of setting my life, time, and everything else to the side to accomplish both big and small for the Kingdom.
This gets me to an encounter I had in Homewood the other day. I was finishing up my day of graphics, job hunting, etc at O'henry's when I decided to walk store to store on the strip. So, I made my way around. If you have never done that in old historic Homewood, then you need too. So, I made my trek around the strip and was 100 yards from my car when a lady stopped me in the middle of the street. "Excuse me sir....", she said. I already knew what she was going to say: "I need something." (Don't be self-righteous it goes through everybody's head) - Well, I of course politely responded, "Yes, ma-am...can I help you?" "Do you have any change or money that I can have for food", she asked. I responded, "no..I never carry cash...just plastic (check card)." So...I apologized and started to make what seemed like the longest turn of my life (think of the movie the Matrix - that kind of slow). I started rambling in my heart and head..check the ramble below:
I would love to help her, but no money.
If I gave her money, would she really use it for food or drugs or something else?
I could buy her food with my check card.
I am only 50 yards away from my car.
Wow, I am Deja Vu - (this was my ADD acting up in the midst of this)
I really want to help her...
God responds quietly: Least of these You help me...
I need to save...there is bound to be someone else..
I am called to live a life that loves and serves...
I need Jesus to be Jesus in the situation....I am doing this.
::Above: I put this here because I wanted to show that we all walk through this process in our mind and heart (at least I think so)::
"You know...let's go get ya something", I said with a smile as I turned back around.
I ended up going to 8 (kid you not) different eateries because she didn't like certain foods. I found out that she was a hurricane refugee. She and her family fled up here from Ike. Most of her family is now back home but her and her little girl still live in a cheap hotel with no job and hardly any money. My heart broke. Her life displaced and she is just trying to survive. I kind of know that feeling in other realms of my life. So, I ended up finding a place that she liked and I bought her food. I wish I could of done more. I wish as a Believer I wish I could have done more. I would have loved to be "Extreme Home makeover" and build her a house, but I think the sandwich and my patient meant more to her.
I would have never had the opportunity to let God not only use me but change me IF I hadn't answered when He knocked in the middle of the street. I walked away from that encounter with a deeper passion for people. I walked away with a deeper passion for helping the body of Christ be the real body of Christ in this world. I think we miss so many God-moments because of our reserves and comfort zones. Whether or not the lady's story was legit, I was called to serve and reach out to her. She knew I was a believer because I talked to her about it. So..I really wrote this to encourage all to take those opportunities when they knock and open the door. It will be uncomfortable, uneasy, and totally against your flesh, BUT when you respond...the experience is unexplainable. much luv~cham
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