A week of pain-t

It seems like such a long time since I posted on this blog. As I write this I can feel the soreness and pain in my body from this weeks work. This past week has been super busy as I have been orchestrating the second phase of our Youth Center painting project. We have been working to finish the painting in our worship room. Below you will find some before, during, and after pictures of the project.
It is amazing to think it was 1 year ago this week that we started on Phase 1 of the painting project. I never thought it would have taken this long to finish what we started. I guess that goes to show that all things worth while take time to and energy. I would like to say a huge thank you to all those who came to help with the project. There is no way it could have been done without you!




(This is my wife Emily and me.)

On Cloud Nine, really?

Do you ever wonder where witty phrases come from? Phrases like "She's drop dead gorgeous!", or "Let the Cat out of the bag" or my personal favorite "Pop a squat". Or how about the common phrase "On Cloud Nine". I mean, are clouds really numbered? Really? Well, yes in fact they are.

I checked the Morris Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins, and according to them the phrase is based on U.S. Weather Service terminology. This idea says that cloud types are numbered, and that "cloud nine" is the name given to "cumulonimbus" clouds, the highest clouds in the sky, making "cloud nine" a fitting metaphor for being high on life, or on top of the world (I did again).

The funny think about this funny phrase is that in my opinion, the phrase immediately contradicts itself. It uses something that never brings happiness to describe a sense of happiness. I mean come on, do clouds bring anyone happiness? No. They bring darkness, and rain, despair, gloom, misery, depression, grief, sorrow (the list could go on, my thesaurus is full of sad words). I want to shrivel up and cry just talking about clouds. I like the sun, and the warmth it pulses upon my skin. I like to see the blue of the sky. For me, the best choice is clear. Very clear.

And you know what, it wasn't until I was 16 years old and flew in an airplane for the first time that I realized that, above all those giant joy-sucking clouds is precious wasted blue sky. That means that while I may only see dreariness and struggle, Above it all, in God's kingdom things are all blue and sunny.

This very connection between weather and God quickly bring about so many questions of life and faith in my mind. Why does life have to be full of hardship? Why can't it be sunny all the time? Why can't God make the cloudy issues disappear in my life? You know, share the clear sky? But I know better than that. I know that without clouds we would have no rain. And without rain we would have no water, no vegetation, no beauty. I guess without the gray times we wouldn't have richness in our world. Without the dark times in life, we wouldn't ever have to persevere, learn to trust, grow. I guess knowing God's up there in the blue sea, and I'm down here makes me realize that my God is powerful. Of course God has the power to clear up the difficult storms in my life, but He desires my reliance on Him. Knowing he loves and cares for me.

So God, I sure do enjoy the sunshine, but I guess the clouds have their purpose. I guess that, although your on top of Cloud nine right now, you've given me what I need. Thanks for the clouds.

On the Radio

Today I went home for lunch at noon and went through my typical routine. I checked the mail, let the dog inside and turned on Wheels at Work (Sports Radio) and began making myself my lunch.

The topic on the radio today was Greg Oden, and his most recent injury to his knee. (If you are not familiar with the scenario, he has spent substantial time sidelined due to injuries.) I listened as callers called in and said things like, "I am tired of excuses, he is our 1st round pick and he isn't cutting it" and asking "Does he even really want to play?". I got so frustrated that I grabbed my phone and called Wheels myself. After 15 minutes on hold, I was finally on the air... "Neal in Canby, what's up?" he said. Now very nervous, I began to explain how it is a sad thing when people don't care about Oden as an actual person, but only care about the Blazers winning. I suggested that more positive reinforcement would make his return faster, better, and more productive.

After I got off the phone, I listened to Wheeler and his partner talk about it, and for the most part they agreed with me. The next caller however did not at all. His attitude was, "we pay him millions to play, so get on the court!"

After processing this event, I realized something different about me than others. For some, Greg is just a means to a selfish end. An NBA championship for Portland. Who cares if we hurt him or discard him or use him, as long as it works. I realized that because of Christ in my life, I have grown to look at the person, their feelings, their well-being. Sure I would love for the Blazers to win, but in the grand scheme of life, what happens to people along the way is what really matters.

Truth is, I probably don't make a very good sports fan. I probably had no business calling in to a die hard sports radio show when I am a 'once-in-a-while' listener. But what happened today reinforced what I believe, and what is most valuable. People.

Matthew 12:30-31
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.


PS: Go BLAZERS!!!!!!!!

Concert news.

For the most part, I tend to not be a huge christian concert guy. Actually, not just Christian concerts, any concerts. Up until about 5 minutes ago, I wasn't quite sure why. But after thinking about it for a bit, I realize there are 3 distinct reason why I've been less than motivated to go concerts in the past.

1. Money. $50 for a ticket.... no thanks.
2. Hype. I don't want to be one of those raving fans who clammers to get an autograph from a normal guy who happens to play the guitar pretty good, and also happens to pick his nose just like I do. No thanks.
3. Comfort. I happen to be 6'3" tall and way a 2 bucks plus some change, and so my thought is this. If I am going sit in an itty bitty seat for 3 hours, or stand amongst a group of sweaty people who feel the need to jump up and down allot, I had better be at the NBA Finals watching the Blazers or something of that nature. Not listening to a song that is also available on my Ipod at home.



Now after writing this article, I must say that I am turning over a new leaf. My days of concert hating are over, for a concert tailered just for me has been brought to Portland. The Rock and Worship Roadshow. For only $10, I can go to a concert that also features worship and speakers. Bands such as Hawk Nelson, Jeremy Camp, Mercy Me, and Tenth Avenue North will be there. Although I may be uncomrfortable in my itty bitty seat, I know that I didn't break my pocketbook going to this great event.

If you are in Middle School or High School and are interested in going to THE ROCK AND WORSHIP CONCERT, go to the churches website to get more details.
www.canbychristian.org

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