The Planet of Cham

R.I.P.

2010-03-11T21:18:00.003-06:00

And so...it ends. I am officially putting to rest "The Planet of Cham". Why? This blog has done it's job for me. It started back in the Summer of 2008 when I went through the hardest time in my life. I experienced loss, hurt, disappointment, bitterness, brokenness, redemption, renewal, recovery, and a new response. I shared my hurts and life on here during that time in a creative and fashionable manner. I was amazed how God used my self-destruction to reach out to others. It was totally worth it, so others can see an incredible God and have hope. So this blog did its purpose. So that is why I am leaving it to lay rest. I am not deleting it. Because every so ofter, I time travel back through the post, to see and be reminded of what God did in my life.

So at this point, I am moving my blogging to:

www.unconventionalflipflops.tumblr.com

You can get the explanation for the name on the site. It is a new step, direction, and thoughts. The site works for me and where I am at. As far as my other blog "Cham2seattle", it will continue b/c it keeps people connected to the ministry that God has called me to at this segment of my life. UFF is my blog to pour out thoughts, art, and questions. Thank you so much for following me and i hope you make the shift over to my new blog.

-cham

MT throws it down...

2010-01-19T09:56:00.001-06:00

"It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."

-- Mother. Teresa

Can't really expound on this b/c it was so well put.

A strange illusion...

2010-01-16T21:49:00.000-06:00

"We have a strange illusion that mere time cancels sin. But mere time does nothing either to the fact or to the guilt of a sin."

--C.S. Lewis "The Problem of Pain"

Baffled...

2010-01-15T13:17:00.002-06:00

11 years as a Christ-follower & I still don't get why God chooses to keep blessing me. I understand, but I don't understand. I understand it according to His word & character, but I don't understand when it comes to my shortcomings, failures, disappointments, and weaknesses. I guess that is grace. That is the real love that truly impacts people.

-cham

Going on 21...

2010-01-15T11:35:00.002-06:00

Day 6 of 21 food fasting & prayer. So far, its the longest that I have ever fasted. I am really seeking God on some keys things in my life. The church that I was attending before I moved to the PNW does a yearly 21 day fast along with 900 other churches across the nation. I felt that God was calling me to do it as well. It has been an interesting 6 days. God has really been cleaning me up spiritually. I am able to see "minor" things that I would normally overlook and downplay. I am really expecting something big from God through this.

I share this as an adventure more than a "look how spiritual I am" type deal. Believe me, fasting is not on the top of my list. Who knows.. I will keep you posted on things God shows me.

-cham

Uncle Screwtape on Prayer...

2010-01-14T12:11:00.003-06:00

Uncle Screwtape writing to his nephew Wormwood on distracting Christians from prayer:

Insert taken from C.S. Lewis's "Screwtape Letters":

If this fails, you must fall back on a subtler misdirection of his intention. Whenever they are attending to the Enemy Himself we are defeated, but there are ways of preventing them from doing so. The simplest is to turn their gaze away from Him towards themselves. Keep them watching their own minds and trying to produce feelings there by the action of their own wills. When they meant to ask Him for charity, let them, instead, start trying to manufacture charitable feelings for themselves and not notice that this is what they are doing. When they meant to pray for courage, let them really be trying to feel brave. When they say they are praying for forgiveness, let them be trying to feel forgiven. Teach them to estimate the value of each prayer by their success in producing the desired feeling; and never let them suspect how much success or failure of that kind depends on whether they are well or ill, fresh or tired, at the moment.

Glamour...

2010-01-13T20:05:00.002-06:00

I have found out that over the years just being yourself with a humble willingness for growth is the best way to carry out social interaction. Glamour (UNreality) just clutters and mask only for so long.

Jottings of an ENTP

2010-01-13T14:47:00.003-06:00

Brushing up on some personality, strengths, & spiritual gift test. I think it is good to evaluate yourself from time to time so you can excel. Somethings need to be worked on and encouraged, others let loose and encouraged.

I am an ENTP:

1) Thing that was that affirmed something that I have always realized and felt:

Throughout their careers, ENTPs want their work to be enjoyable, with interesting possibilities for applications. Additionally, having their work widely acclaimed and accepted as a unique contribution would be highly gratifying for ENTPs. They also weave in vacations whenever possible and want a flexible work schedule.

Yep, totally feel this way, but trying to process through it and see benefits & problematic areas.

Some days..

2010-01-11T18:22:00.002-06:00

Some days I look at God and say, " You totally have jacked up my life...but in a good way." Which reminds me that hardships are just His way of increasing the intimacy between mine and His relationship.

-cham

The more..

2010-01-07T02:33:00.002-06:00

The more I studied God's word is the more I realize that for years I have been letting my culture (for me Americanism) bend and shape His truth to fit with my comfort and life. This was not done out of rebellion, but out of a selfish luke warm, safe approach to life that now leaves me wondering if I missed some really incredible things with God when I was younger. I am thank that God still loves me and still is catching me up.

-cham

“It is true that God may have called you to be exactly where you are. But, it is absolutely vital to grasp that he didn’t call you there so you could settle in and live your life in comfort and superficial peace.” - Francis Chan

Couch

2010-01-05T18:21:00.002-06:00

My observation & guess insist that most of my brothers and sisters miss out on something way bigger than themselves because they are all on board with God as long as He sits with them on their comfortable couch. HE is a God of Comfort, not a God of comfortability.

-just thoughts & processes

Going to start..

2010-01-04T11:55:00.002-06:00

Going to start blogging in words again...I just feel that God is stirring my heart and no telling what is to come from it. I look to this as an overflow of what is to come.

-cham

One of my favorite worship songs...met me at the right time.

2010-01-02T12:02:00.000-06:00

00s

2009-12-31T17:43:00.001-06:00

Craziest Decade of my life...God was the solid theme in the midst of an ever changing decade.

Girls & Bombs..

2009-12-28T20:11:00.004-06:00

Girls with F-Bombs become a tacky picture that gives up a sense of grace and elegance.

Its good to laugh...

2009-12-28T00:10:00.001-06:00

Love this...

2009-12-26T13:43:00.001-06:00

God, teach me lessons for living
so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
I love traveling this freeway!
Give me a bent for your words of wisdom,
and not for piling up loot.
Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to me—
promises made to all who fear you.
Deflect the harsh words of my critics—
but what you say is always so good.
See how hungry I am for your counsel;
preserve my life through your righteous ways!

-Psalm 119:33-40 (msg)

Love me some Josh Ritter...

2009-12-26T13:42:00.001-06:00

There is purpose behind suffering...

2009-12-15T13:07:00.003-06:00

Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want. -1 peter 4:1-2 (msg)

Places where God speaks...

2009-11-19T13:49:00.002-06:00

Just some pics I took that remind me...

Heaven Song

2009-11-18T23:21:00.004-06:00

A friend posted this on his facebook and so I share it with you.

You wrote a letter and You signed Your name

I read ever word read it page by page

You said that You’d be coming
Coming for me soon
Oh my God I’ll be ready for You

(‘Cause) I want to run on greener pastures
I want to dance on higher hills
I want to drink from sweeter waters
In the misty morning chill
And my soul is getting restless
For the place where I belong
I can’t wait to join the angels and sing my heaven song

I hear Your voice and I catch my breath
Well done my child enter in, in rest
As tears of joy roll down my cheek
Oh it’s beautiful beyond my wildest dreams

-Phil Wickham "Heaven Song"

Clean Slate People of Second Chance

2009-11-17T11:39:00.001-06:00

A laymen's defintion...

2009-11-13T12:26:00.004-06:00

Probably the best explanation of what sin is and does (in laymens terms). I have met a lot of people in my life that think it is something that Christians just point out in people or its just someone being a "debby downer". Here is the real answer in a nutshell.

"I can anticipate the response that is coming: "I know that all God's commands are spiritual, but I'm not. Isn't this also your experience?" Yes. I'm full of myself—after all, I've spent a long time in sin's prison. What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary.

^17-20But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.

^21-23It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.

²⁴I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?

²⁵The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different."

-Romans 714-25 (msg)

Reflections...

2009-11-12T13:49:00.001-06:00

There are many times in one's life that God allows them to look deep into who they are. It is usually when He has knocked the walls down and they have taken off the boxing gloves. That's is when growth begins, when we see the real "me". This is when we truly begin to live. He breathes life into us daily and we embrace His freedom.

-- Post From Cham's Phone

Leadership begins here...

2009-11-11T14:40:00.001-06:00

George Washington praying...

The squiggle that is over a cartoon's head..

2009-11-11T12:32:00.003-06:00

Because I believe in being transparent, then what you read is what you get with me. In saying this, I am learning something (though I have a long way to go).

I am learning that the things we cherish such as freedom, luxury, vacation, comfortability, money, enjoyment, etc, are just vehicles for God to use to take us to a place closer with Him. You may totally disagree with me, and I am totally ok with that. Think of this though, 9 times out of 10 when our life is altered, violated, messed up, or destroyed..what do we do? We become super dependent of God. Eventually, even the ones who do not know Him or want to know Him more than likely begin to pray or say things like "keep me in your prayers" or "I pray". It is how we are wired. We have a dependence wiring deep in us put there by a Creator.

The things in our life: material, immaterial, luxurious, and vile are all tools, vehicles, spiritual adrenaline shots, to take us to a place closer to God. The human side of me says, "this sucks", but then the humble, broken side of me says, "Ok God, I have depended on me more than You. I have gotten comfortable. I have lived without you or lived like you were just a friend or neighbor and not my God." I am always amazed how God brings or allows things to come in and out of our lives' that are purposed to draw us closer to Him.

Its frustrating, but worth it. I feel like Charlie Brown with the frustration squiggle constantly above my head. I hate to love it, and love to hate it. At the end of the day, I am thankful. I am thankful that He loves me enough to take me through it to bring me into a closer relationship with Him. It is all worth it.

I sound like a madman at times, but its in the furnace where the purest for of metal. Its in the furnace of life, where God brings out the purest forms of Himself in us.

Forging...

2009-11-10T10:33:00.004-06:00

There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

- Romans 5:3-5 (msg)

How He Loves...

2009-11-09T12:53:00.003-06:00

David Crowder Band - How He Loves

He is jealous for me,

Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,

Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.

When all of a sudden,

I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,

And I realize just how beautiful You are,

And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so,

Oh how He loves us,

How He loves us all

He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves.

Yeah, He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves.

We are His portion and He is our prize,

Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,

If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.

So Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,

And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,

I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,

When I think about, the way…

He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves.

Yeah, He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves.

Somethings are just already well put...

2009-11-06T11:43:00.002-06:00

"Since we've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we're in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ."

- Romans 3 (msg)

Directional Winds changing..

2009-11-04T01:20:00.003-06:00

For a while now, I have been posting quotes that I have come across and just thoughts. I think I am feeling it again as far as posting my creative thoughts, life, transparencies, and what not. Who knows what will come of it. I usually just throw down what I am thinking..rough draft...grassroots...no edit. Probably going to get back into that now. It is a little time consuming putting thoughts and words together, but may be worth..

- cham

It starts with dishes...

2009-11-02T10:55:00.002-06:00

"everybody wants a revolution but nobody wants to do the dishes." - Claiborne

Donald's Tweet for Halloween

2009-10-31T14:16:00.001-05:00

On halloween, modest girls are hot. - We should just call it "show off your sucky father issues night" I think. (via @donmilleris)

-- Post From Cham's Phone

:)

2009-10-29T20:05:00.001-05:00

God's agenda for our lives may be far different from our own. He cares more about our character than our convenience, comfort or cash. -Joseph M. Stowell

greater than hunger...

2009-10-27T17:07:00.002-05:00

"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat."

~ Mother Teresa

Locating...

2009-10-27T13:55:00.002-05:00

I say that trials and tests locate a person. In other words they determine where you are spiritually. They reveal the true condition of your heart. How you react under pressure is how the real you reacts.-- John Bevere

Sad...

2009-10-22T12:15:00.001-05:00

I see so many Princesses trade in their crowns & gowns for the rags of this world. I watch their hearts grow in innocence and then slowly fade in to a dark nightmare. It is sad.

-- Cham

Don't be boxin'

2009-10-21T11:05:00.001-05:00

"The moment God is figured out with nice neat lines and definitions, we are no longer dealing with God." - Rob Bell

a stumble upon...

2009-10-16T12:25:00.002-05:00

"The degree to which we openly express our feelings should be governed, not by fear of reprisal, but by our commitment to loving others." - Larry Crabb

Letting completely loose or completely holding back is not exhibiting a full love. Love is the balance to make amends, to help those who want or don't want help, & to push through the uncomfortable. Love creates a beauty within the mess of life.

Tidbits from the song that make sense..

2009-10-15T12:12:00.001-05:00

Somethin' filled up

my heart with nothin',

someone told me not to cry.

But now that I'm older,

my heart's colder,

and I can see that it's a lie.

Children wake up,

hold your mistake up,

before they turn the summer into dust.

If the children don't grow up,

our bodies get bigger but our hearts get torn up.

We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms turnin' every good thing to

rust.

~The Arcade Fire "Wake Up"

Heart & Hands

2009-10-14T12:38:00.001-05:00

God's love regulates the heart. The heart regulates the hands. Our ability to extend the Kingdom through giving starts with a heart full of God's love.

-- Cham's Phone

It's good to...

2009-10-14T12:19:00.001-05:00

It's good to reassess your life, goals, dreams, and desires. Helps to see where you are. I'm currently in the process of evaluating my life, dreams, goals, & bucket list. I hope to correct weaknesses, build new strengths, & ultimately be usable by God to the fullest.

-- Cham's Phone

Things I observe..

2009-10-14T10:29:00.000-05:00

Most want transparency.., but most are afraid to show it.

Mud puddles

2009-10-12T09:58:00.003-05:00

We are half-hearted creatures like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.

~ Clive Staples (C.S.) Lewis

Makes me think of mom..

2009-10-11T20:59:00.000-05:00

Hype Driven

2009-10-07T17:16:00.003-05:00

You can be professional in ministry and still not fall prey to the hype. Hype-centered ministries are just that..hype. They produce hype-driven people who talk about hype and live hype-drive lives, but when the hype is gone...they bail and so does their hype-driven leader. Authenticity, consistency, and perseverance stands the test of time in a ministry and in a persons life. Sorry..read an ALL-Hype blog that urked me.

This is going to be good

2009-10-03T12:40:00.001-05:00

Yes, I live Francis Chan, but that is not the reason why I am looking forward to this book. I need an overhaul in some areas and I think this will be the demolition crew to do it (used by God)

-- Cham (via Phone)

Mission Trip

2009-10-03T11:46:00.003-05:00

After reading 2 Cor. 5 (msg) -

"This life is one big mission trip, and then we get to go home with our brothers and sisters to see our Daddy." - me

I really like Gnarles Barkley - new song out.

2009-10-01T21:51:00.000-05:00

Leadership Tip

2009-10-01T12:03:00.002-05:00

2 Cor. 4:7

⁷ We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

Its easy to forget and rely on our own strength, ability, popularity, etc.., & forget where our strength & power to change the World with the Gospel comes from...Christ. Don't let your own big head be the veil that blinds others from experiencing Christ.

Sometimes I chuckle...

2009-09-28T11:28:00.003-05:00

At times I find it humorous when Christians get afraid to deal with others who have problems, issues, disfigurements, etc. Sometimes its comical because I watch them clam up and then sometimes it turns out sad because they miss an opportunity to share the Love of Christ to somebody. The crazy thing is that I understand both sides. I was once "that guy" who could talk the talk all day about reaching the least of these, the forgotten, and the shunned, but never do anything about it. I was the one who would keep my distances, make the hidden jokes, and slither away from the uncomfortable situation. On the other hand, I am now that person who is on the receiving in due to some crazy events in my life. Sometimes people don't know how to respond. They get all quite and fade out of the conversation. Its humor and tragedy in a slow waltz. The tragedy is that people miss out on opportunities to support, to learn, and to agape others. They miss out on the 2 Corinthians 1 where we can take our life lessons, hurts, and healing and reach out to those who could use the help, the hand, and the love. I understand why people get confused sometimes about Christianity, because some of us are spiritually schizophrenic. Ponder this.

much love

cham

A morning thought..

2009-09-24T11:28:00.003-05:00

Thought: What would the world be like if every Christian was a generous giver with their life and resources?

The answer is endless.

Like a child...

2009-09-21T18:55:00.003-05:00

Some days, we just need to be child-like in our faith. It moves us beyond the fear of taking a risk with what God is calling us to do. We then learn that there is no risk, but just a grand PURPOSE. That is when we see the big picture. That is when we experience God stories. That is when we meet a GREAT BIG GOD.

-cham

A year ago...

2009-09-20T13:32:00.000-05:00

A year ago, The Commons ran about 30+ people this time last year including leadership. Today we hit 128 and that is with a few families out. God is up to something in this unchurched area.

-- Cham

Some days you just have to fish...

2009-09-19T17:18:00.003-05:00

I have started some serious salmon fishing here lately. It has become my down time. With in 10 minutes of my apartment, I can be out on the river. It's my time to not think or think or talk with God or enjoy who He is. It's my fishing hole. It's my place to get away from stress and the hustle//bustle of life. I think we all need a fishing hole, but you don't need a river. It's whatever extracts you from the craziness of life for just a little while.

-- Cham (from the mobile)

Jesus loves the broken...

2009-09-16T11:47:00.006-05:00

Click here

When living life...

2009-09-16T11:22:00.004-05:00

"Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love."

- I Cor. 16:13-14

Love Test

2009-09-15T12:02:00.003-05:00

Q:Want to know how much of God's love (agape) is inside you?

A: How much love do you have for your enemies? Those who hurt you? Those who wronged you?

-Cham

Choice

2009-09-14T18:40:00.003-05:00

I will take the front lines of what I do over a comfy chair any day. I have done both, & have earned the right to express my choice.

-Translation not included.

3 keys to life...

2009-09-12T13:25:00.003-05:00

..."Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly,

love extravagantly.

And the best of the three is love." -1 Cor. 13 :13 (msg)

My reading is ready...

2009-09-11T16:11:00.000-05:00

My books are ready to go...
-- Cham

Books..the other white meat.

2009-09-11T14:56:00.003-05:00

An college professor of mine use to say, "Leaders are readers". I use to think it was corny (sorry Brad), but it makes total sense to me now. When you read through the Book of Proverbs, you can see a major theme of the importance and benefits of obtaining wisdom. This was confirmed when I was listening to a pastor say that his church offers a $500 dollar bonus to each of their pastors that reads 35 books in a year. You may think that is insane for a church, but its not. $500 dollars is nothing in light of a pastor who is knowledgeable (which makes them priceless). This has lit up a goal in my life. I am trying to push myself to read 2 books a week (given there thickness both in pages and depth). I want to be growing, so I can help others grow. I want to feed me, so I can feed others. There is no financial bonus for me doing this, but the end result will be worth far more. This should be interesting.

-Cham

I don't journal...

2009-09-11T12:57:00.002-05:00

I don't journal, but I am going to start. I heard a pastor the other day saying that he doesn't journal well, but the times he did God used it. So.., I am beginning to journal. Wish me luck. I will state the obvious, it will be tough for my ADD. I know though that great things will be revealed through it. I journaled last year in the form of a picture book (pieced stories and pictures to for a book that Apple, inc can print) and I go back to it often to see how God is faithful. I am interested to see how God uses it.

-cham

Ask, go , & show

2009-09-11T10:08:00.003-05:00

Straight out of 1 Cor. 12 (msg)

"Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people!"

Ask God what it is that He wants you to do to show Him and go do it. He wants you to connect with His plan and move forward. I want you to connect with His plan and move forward. We all benefit from your decision, my decision, everybody's decision to go and show God.

-cham

Little Piece of something I read last night...

2009-09-10T10:19:00.003-05:00

taken from "Jesus Loves You This I Know",

"An evangelist is not someone who runs through a crowded airport of thousands of unchurched, pre-Christian people to fly to a Christian television station to preach to a studio audience of Christian people. An evangelist meets the hurting where they are; whether they encounter wayward, rebellious, or even hedonistic people, evangelist connect and communicate Christ's unfailing love.

When the religious gather and form ingrown circles, they are not fulfilling the Great Commission. They simply are not. The members of the holy huddle must disperse and dedicate themselves to the single most important message of the bible: Jesus loves and saves."

The Nines I learn...

2009-09-09T13:57:00.003-05:00

I have been listening to The Nines (http://thenines.leadnet.org/) in and out most of the morning. It consist of a ton of pastors who are spending 9 minutes on video sharing a small chunk of wisdom on leadership, life, and God. It has been really great, especially being 9 minutes per pastor (for those who are ADD that helps). So far, the thing that jumped out at me the most is when a pastor said that, "In pressure, we find out who we really are. It is the progress report for us to see where we lie." It's funny because I just ready Ps. 30 this morning where it said,

"When things were going great

I crowed, "I've got it made.

I'm God's favorite.

He made me king of the mountain."

Then you looked the other way

and I fell to pieces. (The message)

If you go back and read the whole Psalm, David explains how God pulls us out of our troubles and rescues us. The interesting thing is that midway through this psalm, he writes what I posted above - "When things were going great...". It so true! When things are "going great", it's so easy to get comfortable, lax, LAZY, self-absorbed. We tend to revert back to depending on ourself and we lose passion and focus. Moment of confession: I've been there, I am there, & God is allowing the pressures of life to boil that out of me and return me to depending on Him. It stinks. It's my fault that I put myself there, BUT it's His love that takes care of me and draws me back to where I need to be. That is why David goes on and on in this psalm to praise Him. Go read it. It's encouraging for those like me that fall on our face just to be greeted with a loving God ready to pick me up and move forward. God loves me. He loves you.

-Cham

Have you ever...

2009-09-08T17:31:00.002-05:00

Have you ever asked, "why God?" I think it's a legit and ok question to ask Him no matter the context. Questions connect people to conversations, and that simple little question connects us to the One with all answers who loves us. The question connects us to the path of a closer relationship with God, but it is up to us to really want to go down it. Some don't because they are afraid of what they might find, so they hide under hurt, rebellion, pain, anger, etc. Truly the answer you look for is but a question away, then you sit and wait. Patience. Patience. The answer is coming.

~Cham

Paul got it. Why can't we?

2009-09-08T11:17:00.001-05:00

1 Cor. 9:19-23 (msg):

Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!

No bux October

2009-09-05T08:33:00.001-05:00

Before any conclusions arise, know my heart. This is not a stab or rant just a thought. My thought, as I am sipping Folgers coffee, is what if everybody who buys starbucks or your preferred chain on a weekly basis decided not to buy any special orders ( traps, caps, lattes) for a solid month. Then take that money from that and invest it into a humanitarian nonprofit organization, a mission, a missionary, the homeless, or whatever God places on your heart. Just for a month. Not a long time, not a big sacrifice. Imagine though the impact. Imagine the blessing. This is said out of encouragment because I have seen God bless those who bless others. Just a thought. No bux October anybody? Change the world!

-- Cham

The message brings hits a new perspective

2009-09-04T02:27:00.003-05:00

I have read the chapter in 1 Cor. a million times, but never in The Message. It puts the last part of 1 Cor 6 in a new way. I will let it speak for itself, and see if you catch all that I see.

I Cor. 6:16-20 (msg)

There's more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, "The two become one." Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever—the kind of sex that can never "become one." There is a sense in which sexual sins are different from all others. In sexual sin we violate the sacredness of our own bodies, these bodies that were made for God-given and God-modeled love, for "becoming one" with another. Or didn't you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don't you see that you can't live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body.

A gentle reminder...

2009-09-04T02:19:00.001-05:00

What can wash away my sins?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

What can make me whole again?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

Jesus loves you this i know...

2009-09-03T11:50:00.000-05:00

Jesus loves the forgotten

2009-09-01T17:26:00.003-05:00

I think to many times we pass by those who are "forgotten". I am definitely guilty of this act. It is so easy to be consumed with life, decisions, success, and ___________(fill in the blank) that we overlook the opportunity to be Christ to those who are forgotten by us and society. Jesus loves the forgotten, its all in the Gospels. The ones that are in the shadows and those that fade into the backgrounds of society. He cares about them as much as He cares about me. He loves them as much as He loves me. If you take a minute and stop in your world (me included), the forgotten will appear. Will you reach out and love them the same as Christ would? This is a challenge to myself first.

Snippet #2

2009-09-01T11:26:00.002-05:00

"The prescription for brokenness is Jesus. He is a master at molding people back to life. Scripture makes it clear that we are all broken. No one is immune. But in Christ we can find hope and wholeness"

~ Craig Gross (Book: Jesus Loves You This I Know)

Snippet...

2009-09-01T10:39:00.002-05:00

From a book that I am currently reading:

"Jesus' example was clear. Meet people where they are. Look for an opportunity to love someone by meeting a practical need. Then wait for the spiritual doors to open." ~ Jason Harper (Jesus Loves you this I know.)

Share and It will be shared...

2009-08-31T15:28:00.002-05:00

Below is my twitter:

"D-group was on James 1 "consider all joy in trials", talk w/ a buddy about trust God in trails and tough times, now I get placed in 1"

I find it stressfully comical to live the Christian life and to be a church plant. I think God smiles at it. Not because He delights in making my life complicated, but He sees the end product of what He is shaping me into through the circumstances that He has allowed to happen. So what is not stressful about that? So what is not comical about that? Yes I wrestle with taking control, but ultimately I know that how far I have come is by His Hand, His love, and His will. So all I can do is chuckle and say, "o.k. God. What do I need to do? It is time for You to show the world what you can do and who You are." Im just humored in the stress that I live in.

Cham

Busy busy busy.

2009-08-26T13:59:00.000-05:00

Typing from my phone. It has been a busy summer, but God has been rocking it out at The Commons. In the midst of fall preparation for The Commons, I'm going to try and catch everybody up with everything God is doing with me here. Love you all.
Just got through shooting some footage, on to editing.

-- Cham

Breath taking...

2009-08-24T12:14:00.003-05:00

For the Lord is a great God,

a great King above all gods.

He holds in HIS hands the depths of the earth

and the mightiest mountains.

The sea belongs to HIM, for HE made it.

His hands formed the dry land, too. ~ Ps. 95:3-5

Sometimes God shows me how BIG He really is...

Few more pics I have been working on..

2009-08-21T16:40:00.005-05:00

A new start-up for me...

2009-08-21T11:09:00.005-05:00

Well, I am slowly starting a new project. I am working on being a photographer. I am definitely not going to shoot for the "professional" status or business. I really just decided that I can help with my financial support by making some money on the side through photography and videography. I am currently building a portfolio of just different "projects" that I have done including a recent photo shoot with a Senior in my student ministry. He needed some senior pics, I need some samples for my portfolio. It worked out well.

I am not just looking to make some money from this, but use it as an avenue to reach people and intro the gospel to them. Who knows. I really want to help people capture experiences without me capturing there wallet. Know what I mean? I feel that through offering great prices that God will use that to open more doors to reach people. Who knows? I will give it a shot.

Giving a gift can open doors;
it gives access to important people! ~ Proverbs 18:16

Life of a multi-tasking church planter...

2009-08-21T11:01:00.002-05:00

It seems here lately that I have been juggling a few different projects, "start-ups", and just life. I really enjoy it, though sometimes I feel like I don't have enough time in the day. I wish sleep was not an option. I have never really been a fan of it. I know, I know, some of you may want my GPS coordinates right now, so you can track me down and slap me for that statement. I really am not a big fan of sleep, BUT I know I need it from time to time. Rest is good for us spiritually, physically, emotionally, AND relationship(ly). Rest revives us so we can give again. It is something I have learned though I still struggle to apply it. You and I need rest. We have to schedule it in, we have to take a Sabbath.

~Cham

Guilty!

2009-08-21T10:59:00.002-05:00

"When we take short-term missionary journeys on foreign soil, we expect God to act. But few of us truly believe that the miraculous will happen on our way to work. Look out and look up." ~ Janet Solomon

I'm am guilty of doing this! This was a good kick in the spiritual butt this morning.

~Cham

We need to be seen through...

2009-08-19T13:45:00.002-05:00

youth pastor news items today and yesterday

10 stories of sexual misconduct with minors

and one who embezzled 73k.

We need better pr!

(via twitter: Mark Matlock)

News like twitter post above really bums me out on multiple levels. At first glimpse, one would assume that there are some major integrity issues with the individuals involved in the stories above. I do agree on this, BUT what really bums me out is that somewhere in there life they decided not to live a life of transparency. Don't get me wrong, being transparent is a very hard and gutsy thing to do now days. I think the norm is to hide because of the fear of having "dirty laundry" displayed before the public. Being transparent is not that hard, IF you start before the dirt hits the laundry. One of the biggest ways to combat the pressures of this life, world, darkness, and depravity is by being transparent (with yourself, with a friend or spouse, & ultimately with GOD).

When it comes to people, I am not suggesting to be 100%wide open with everybody. I am encouraging you to be open 90-95% with most. The last 10-5% of your "deep" secrets, fears, etc, should be wide open to a couple of individuals who love and care for you. These are people you can 100% percent trust with the knowledge they have of you. They are there to look after you, to call you out, to love you through, and to encourage you. You will not find these people within a day. It's an earned right and privilege that you can only allow and grant. The thing is you have to DO IT!!! I think it would have been highly possible for the people mentioned above to have prevented such failures just by being transparent to somebody about what they were feeling, experiencing, and struggling with in the depths of their soul. You never know. Just remember that there is not darkness among light, so live in the (L)ight.

War on the mind

2009-08-17T23:54:00.005-05:00

Below is an old song written by Lauryn Hill after she had a breakthrough in her spiritual journey...worth reading.

War on the Mind

by Lauryn Hill

Everybody knows that they're guilty
Everybody knows that they've lied
Everybody knows that they're guilty
Resting on their conscience eating their inside
It's freedom, I said it's freedom time now
It's freedom, said it's freedom time now
Time to get free, or give your selves up now
It's freedom, said it's free time yo

There's a war in the mind over territory, for the dominium
Who will dominate the opinions?
Schisms and isms, keeping us in forms of religion
Conforming our vision to the world church of decision
Trapped in a section, submitted to committing election
Moral affection, epidemic lies and deception
Insurrection, of the highest possible order
Distorting our tape recorders from hearin' it like underwater
Beyond the borders, find the sin in disorder
Bound by the strategy of a systemic depravity
Heavy as gravity, head first in the cavity without a bottom
A fate, worst then Sodom,
What's got‹Æ drunk of the spirit?
Truth comes we can't hear it when you've been programmed to
fear
it
I had a vision I was falling in indecision
Appalling, calling religious a program on television
How can.. dominate wisdom
Be recognized in the system
Of antichrists'? the majority rules
Intelligent fools
P.H.D.'s in illusion, masters of mass confusion
Bachelors of past illusion
Now who u choosing?
The head or the tail?
The bloodshed of the male or confidence in the veil?
Conferences at Yale discussing doctrines of bail
Causing peoples to fail keeping a third in jail
His words nailed everything to the tree
Severing all of me from all that I use to be
Formless and void, totally paranoid
Enjoyed darkness's, Lord keeping me from the sword
Blocked from mercy, bitterness serves thee
Hungry and thirsty for good meat we would eat
And still dine at the table of deceit
How incomplete, from confrontation to retreat

We belong in true enemies defeat
Destitute a necessity
Causing desperation to get the best of me
Punishment till there was nothing left of me
Realizing the inescapable death of me
No option to the valley of decision
The only doctrine is supernatural circumcision
Inwardly, only water can purge the heart from words to fiery
darts
Thrown by the workers of thee arts
Inequity, shaping in
There's no escaping when
Your whole philosophy is paper thin
In vanity, the wide road is insanity
Could it be all of humanity?
Picture that, scripture that
The origin of a mans heart is black
How can we show up, for an invisible war?
Preoccupied with a shadow, making love with a whore?
Aching in sores
Babylon the great mystery
Mother of human history system of social sorcery
Our present condition needs serious recognition
Where there is no repentance can be no admission
And that sentence more serious then Vietnam
The atom bomb and Sadam administer Farrakhan
What's going on?
What's a priority to you?
By what authority do we do the majority hasn't a clue
We majored in curses searched the chapters check the verses
Recapture the land and remove the mark from off our hand
So we can stand in agreement with his command
Everything else is damned let them with ears understand!
{Heh} everything else is damned let them with ears understand

It's freedom, said its freedom time now
It's freedom, said its freedom time now
It's freedom, I'ma be who I'm am
It's freedom time, said its freedom time
Everybody knows that they've lied
Everybody knows they've perpetrated inside
Everybody knows that their guilty as
Resting on their conscious eating their insides
Get free, be who your suppose to be
Freedom, said its freedom time now
Freedom, said it's freedom time
Freedom, freedom time

It's to quick.

2009-08-17T19:03:00.004-05:00

Ecclesiastes 12:1-8

^1-2 Honor and enjoy your Creator while you're still young,

Before the years take their toll and your vigor wanes,

Before your vision dims and the world blurs

And the winter years keep you close to the fire.

^3-5 In old age, your body no longer serves you so well.

Muscles slacken, grip weakens, joints stiffen.

The shades are pulled down on the world.

You can't come and go at will. Things grind to a halt.

The hum of the household fades away.

You are wakened now by bird-song.

Hikes to the mountains are a thing of the past.

Even a stroll down the road has its terrors.

Your hair turns apple-blossom white,

Adorning a fragile and impotent matchstick body.

Yes, you're well on your way to eternal rest,

While your friends make plans for your funeral.

^6-7 Life, lovely while it lasts, is soon over.

Life as we know it, precious and beautiful, ends.

The body is put back in the same ground it came from.

The spirit returns to God, who first breathed it.

⁸ It's all smoke, nothing but smoke.

The Quester says that everything's smoke.

It's just the thing you have to do...

2009-08-15T11:13:00.003-05:00

(above: my one-man tent in the 2nd Meadows of Mt. Dickerman

at roughly 4,800 ft "guessing")

(above: Mt. Forgotten - I made the summit twice at 6,005 ft.)

Church planting is fun, exciting, and draining. To be pioneering out away from familiarity, friends, and family can be taxing over a course of time. You end up buying a season pass on the emotional roller coaster of ministry. You have "ups" and "downs" with only God, you, and maybe a few others to keep you sane. The cool thing is God gives you ways in your life to deal with the stress, pressures, and burnout. My new thing has been hiking/camping.

Over the last few months, Tim Corbin (My pastor/friend) and I have decided to make a weekly trek in the woods. We both dig the epicness of the outdoors and the challenge and adventure of hitting the summit of a vast mountain. It's quite interesting pushing my body, my mind, and will to push up and down the mountains. The bigger picture is that it gives me time to unload life out of my mind and heart and give me some exercise as well. I find God on the trails, among the creation of the scenery, and towering over the colossal mountain peaks. It puts things in perspective of how big He is and how small I am. Just thought I would share..

~Cham

p.s. - What do you do to reset yourself back to normal?

(above: Wondering who brought all the rocks up to the top of the mountain)

(above: Corbin drying out the socks. It rained pretty consistent.)

10 Reasons my Pastor is cool...

2009-08-13T11:54:00.003-05:00

Reason #1::..

We go hiking, camp in the rain, and summit mountains...

Reason #2::..

Nuff' said....

2009-08-11T16:24:00.004-05:00

A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree...

Hmmmm...

2009-08-05T09:42:00.002-05:00

"Today Christians spend more money on dog food than missions."

~ Leonard Ravenhill

Shaped and fashioned by one thing...

2009-08-04T21:33:00.001-05:00

"We are shaped and fashioned by what we love."

~ Johann Wolfgang Goethe

I love Wild Sweet Orange..Itunes them.

2009-08-01T21:16:00.003-05:00

Reading and redefining...

2009-07-31T11:47:00.002-05:00

I have been reading through proverbs here lately. Of course, today is the 31st and so I get to read about the "proverbs 31 woman". To be quite honest with you, it has really opened my eyes in a lot of ways. I read verse by verse from nextbible.com that gives some footnotes at the bottom. Lets just say coming out of the "shoot", my perception of a godly wife got rocked a little. The footnotes were just the tool to open up what God was really trying to say in those verses. I have placed the scripture below, and then throw out a thought afterwards. I would encourage you to go to nextbible.com and read verse by verse with the footnotes. Some of the notes are quite interesting...

Proverbs 31:10-31:

¹⁰Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

¹³ She finds wool and flax
and busily spins it.
¹⁴ She is like a merchant’s ship,
bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

¹⁶ She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She is energetic and strong,
a hard worker.
¹⁸ She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
her lamp burns late into the night.

¹⁹ Her hands are busy spinning thread,
her fingers twisting fiber.
²⁰ She extends a helping hand to the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.
²¹ She has no fear of winter for her household,
for everyone has warm^c]">[c] clothes.

²² She makes her own bedspreads.
She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
²³ Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders.
²⁴ She makes belted linen garments
and sashes to sell to the merchants.

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.
²⁶ When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
²⁷ She carefully watches everything in her household
and suffers nothing from laziness.

²⁸ Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
²⁹ “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”

³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
³¹ Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Its funny to me that these verses are in direct opposition with today's version of what a woman, wife, & a mom should be. You keep reading over those verses and you start to realize that there is purpose, design, and fulfillment for this type of woman. It's sad that this type of lady is rare according to verse 10 & 29. The verses above should be the aim for every lady and the map for a man to find this rare jewel. Don't just hold on to verse 30 and use it as a cliche or banner, APPLY & LIVE OUT verses 10-31 and leave a God-legacy in your life, family, & community.

Cham

God rocks my world and it makes me laugh...

2009-07-31T02:11:00.002-05:00

God continues to just blow my mind away. I am first of all amazed how no matter how I am feeling emotionally, situationally, or physically...HE IS STILL UP TO SOMETHING IN ME. It makes me smile. Here lately I have been laughing a lot because of God. Now this maybe odd to some, but I think God loves us laughing. In fact, I know He loves us laughing because He gave us that ability. I think better yet, He loves making us laugh. Surprising us, humoring us, and loving us into laughter. I have definitely notice this lately with God's response to certain situations in my life. He has been making me laugh through blowing my expectancy out of the water. Its like a "God.., I don't get it or I'm perplexed" type of laugh. It really shows up when He unexpectedly blesses me out of no where. Most of the blessings are connected to rebuilding a foundation that was once annihilated by injustices. Though that happen long ago, He still continues to bless even when I don't feel like I need to be blessed or want to be blessed or expect to be blessed. It humors me. He laughs, I laugh, and then I crawl into His arms are realize how much He truly loves me.

It's late and I am to tired to check for flow or errors.

Much love,

Cham

2009-07-30T13:09:00.002-05:00

"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."

C.S. Lewis

Pretty Accurate...

2009-07-29T11:35:00.001-05:00

Pride ends in humiliation,
while humility brings honor.

~ Prov. 29:23

One Prayer...

2009-07-28T19:30:00.002-05:00

My one prayer:

Let me be a part of something so monsterous for You,

...a movement, ...a generation, ...the real Church. Just one among the faceless carrying out everything that you have equipped me to do beyond my on abilities. Let the spark of my heart that You placed be among the others to create a fire that doesn't attracted, but goes out and consumes with Your love and power.

Footsteps...

2009-07-28T19:25:00.001-05:00

Those who trust their own insight are foolish,

but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe. ~ Prov. 28:26

Reality is far more wordy...

2009-07-28T15:11:00.002-05:00

A picture speaks a thousand words, but behind the picture is a never ending story of true reality.

Just thinking and amused at something I saw...

~ Cham

Happy Birthday to the P.O.C. blog!

2009-07-27T22:17:00.002-05:00

It has been a really cool friendship that we have had. I just realized that this month is when you turn 1 year old. It's incredible how time flies! You have recorded a lot, helped me and others a lot, and ultimately glorified God in everything.

Yes, I am talking to an inanimate thing, but it's more of a celebration of all the things that I have jotted down that God has done in my life and allowed me to enjoy in the midst of a crazy 1.1 year. Can't complain where God has me now and how He has totally healed me. No guilt, no wounds, and no bitterness, that is what the Great Healer does when you let Him. It's called "FREEDOM IN CHRIST". I've gained more wisdom, incredible friends, experiences, and life in the midst of darkness because I allowed Him to walk me through it all. I am living proof that He doesn't abandon you. The God of Grace and Mercy will see you through.

A quote that has been sticking here lately..

2009-07-27T14:47:00.002-05:00

It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything.

~ Tyler Durden (Fight Club)

Some tubing a month'ish ago...

2009-07-27T11:53:00.000-05:00