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Slowly but surely!
14 years ago
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
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