Live a Better Story.

I love Donald Miller.  The first book of his I read, Blue Like Jazz, was the first book that challenged me to understand faith as my own.  As much as I loved that book, it has taken me over four years to pick up another of his works, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.  Sure enough, I came across this book while looking for another book by a different author.

God has a way with “perfect timing”.  I’ve wanted to read this book for awhile, but I don’t think I was ready for it until now.  These last few months God has occupied much of my thoughts with questions about life’s purpose and meaning, both for myself and for others.  Ironically, this is what Miller is writing about... at least that is what I believe I am reading about. 

Life (being human, purpose, meaning, whatever you want to call it) is very much like a story, it is our story.  Do we truly want our story to be simply about our pursuit of comfortable living?  Do we want our story to be simple at all?  I don’t. 

That’s where Miller’s challenge comes in.  Live a better story.  You and I, whether you believe our lives to be spoken into existence by God or not, have been given control of our own story.  The pages to our future are unwritten.  They are not written for me, and they are not written for you either.  You and I have the opportunity to write our futures, to write successes and failures, adventures and misadventures.  Or, we can write a simple story, of avoiding conflict, playing it safe, taking care of ourselves, not risking anything.  We can write a boring story, if that is what we want. 

Even though we have been called into existence for a purpose, our future is our own.  However, "writing" our story should still include learning to trust and depend fully on God’s plan for us, which I hardly doubt is a simple, comfortable, and meaningless life.  Still, He has created us for a purpose and given us the opportunity to live for something greater, live for something other than ourselves, live in faith.  This is the exciting part about being human, having the ability to make our own decisions, step out in faith, and live out the adventure that God has purposed us for.

So here is my question to you (and me).  When someone else tells our story, what will they say?  Will it be about comfortable living, free from risk?  Or will it be about struggle, conflict, and adventure?  Do you believe that God has written us into existence so that we can live comfortably, or for something more?  How will we live a better story?

Psalm 139:16

“All the days ordained for me

were written in your book

before one of them came to be.”

Brown paper packages, tide up with strings… These are a few of my favorite things…

It has certainly been awhile since my last blog post, but camp has kept me far from my computer for most of the summer.  With that said, it’s been hard to capture my experiences as they happened.

While I met a lot of incredible people who I now consider amazing friend, the “theme” for this post was inspired by one, Sarah Daniel.  She was one of the first counselors I met at camp, and before camp even started she asked, “So Cy, do you love camp yet?”  I won’t lie, I initially thought Sarah was a bit crazy, but I was wrong…  She just loves camp, she loves when other people love camp, and now she loves that I love camp. 

So here are just a few reasons why I love camp:
(I'm sure I missed some important ones... so if you would like to add, please do)

The unforgettable things that kids say and do, they really do say the darndest things… I love camp.

·      Camper on our overnight, “If I snare a dear, can we eat him?”

·      Camper 1: “What was Jesus’ last name?”
Camper 2: “Christ, duh.”

·      Camper:  “Cy, have you finished reading A Brief History of Time (A Stephen Hawking book on the theory of relativity, time travel, and why we are on earth) yet?”
Me:  “Kenny, you gave it to me this morning.”

The pool, the diving board, Swim Olympics and Belly Flop competitions… I love camp. 

"FLYYYYIIINGGG FIIIISSSHHHH!

Suffering through the days when there was no coffee, but totally relying on each other to do so...  I love camp.

Counselor hunt, war paint, ninja outfits, hiding on top of the basketball hoop... I love camp. 

Mikie/Cy, Life/Death, Good/Evil...

Working rental camps, staying up late playing board games, sleeping through breakfast… I love camp. 

Thanks to camp, my brother and I have the satisfaction of knowing that two pairs of these pants exist... and we own them both...  I love camp.

Assist goes to Emily Sumners and Sarah Daniel

Talking to each other in our "Ms. Kim" voice, because it's so awesome... I love camp.

Dressing ridiculous for camp dances, and dancing so hard that your entire shirt is soaked in sweat…. I love camp

Hippy Dance with Jal, Myself, Mikie, and Shaun

Having a birthday at camp, and feeling incredibly loved… Camp birthdays are the best...  I love camp.

Co-counselors...  I love camp.

Ryan was my only co-counselor this summer.
So grateful for this guy.

Getting my chest waxed in front of camp during the two week session, all thanks to my brother…  I love camp. 

"Kelly Clarkson"

Waxing my brother's leg and armpit...  I love camp...  and I love my brother.

About to wax Mikie's armpit.

Storms in our little tin cans, also known as cabins… I love camp.

Playing Mafia, telling jokes, and sharing riddles with the campers till late, knowing how hard it is going to be to wake up for that breakfast bell and loving every minute of it… I love camp.

Getting to shave your facial hair in a way that is usually culturally unacceptable, but at camp is totally okay, arguably… I love camp.  

If that doesn't say "America", I don't know what does.

Prank night… I love camp.

Ropes Staff and talking about "our feelings"… I love camp. 

Sharing deep conversations, hearing the hearts of new friends,  and writing letters between cabins… I love camp. 

Making “True Life: I love camp” with Sarah… I love camp. 

Being able to spend this summer with my brother and Ben, couch surfing and generally just being up to no good… I love camp.

Ben, Mikie, and I at the Sounds Game on the 4th of July with
our friends from camp (Emily Sumners is the only one pictured)

Showering with ginormous spiders, and being perfectly fine with it… I love camp. 

Hearing where many of our campers come from, where they are going home to, and knowing that you’ve influenced them in a positive way in the short time they spend at camp…   I love camp.  

Some of the youngins' at trading post

Learning to play new songs on the guitar, thanks to Ben for the lessons and Sarah for her Guitar…  I love camp. 

Spending the whole summer getting to know and working with some amazing people, hoping that they learned just as much from you and you did from them…  I love camp.

Summer Staff and the magical Danger Ranger

.I LOVE CAMP.

May you...

Compliments to Katilyn White for sharing this benediction about becoming human, author unknown. 

May you be blessed with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that you will live deep in your heart.

May you be blessed with anger at injustice, oppression and the exploitation of people and the Earth, so that you will work for Justice, Equity and Peace.

May you be blessed with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you will reach out your hand to comfort them and change their pain into joy.

And may you be blessed with foolishness to think you can make a difference in the world, so that you will do the things which others say cannot be done.

As God’s own, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, and patience, forgiving each other as the Lord has forgiven you, and crown all these things with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Glory be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, it is now, and so shall be forever and ever. Allelujah! Amen.

Becoming Human

I would like to first thank all of you who have played a big part in encouraging me to this point.  These ideas are certainly not my own and are a result of MANY God inspired conversations and relationships that have developed over the last four or five months.  Some from old friends, and some from people I had only known for hours…  I am so grateful for you all. 

Many of you may know of my plans to travel to Central and South America in January.  What simply started as a dream of mine has been completely transformed by God into something bigger than I could have ever imagined.  While I will still be “traveling”, I have been challenged to trust that God’s plans for me are much better than my own… and if I just let God be God, He will use me and my passions to do great things. 

That brings me to where I am now.  During my travels, I plan to encourage various missionaries and ministries who are committed to serving in their various countries for an extended period of time.  If there is a “need” to be met, I plan to help raise support for those needs.  They may or may not require me actually carrying them out, but I hope to encourage in any way possible.  Lastly, in addition to helping serve and learning first hand about different languages and culture, this pilgrimage is about much more.  Through my experiences and relationships formed a long the way, I hope to further understand what it means to be human, and what our responsibilities to humanity are. 

I know this question sounds incredibly vague, that is because it is…  I am not hoping to find a single right answer, but hopefully gain perspective from all walks of life on the simple subject of being human.  What does it mean to be human, what inspires us, what drives us, what are our goals, what are our responsibilities as humans?  These are just a few questions that have been occupying my mind in some form for several months now. 

After multiple conversations that have been nothing less than God inspired, I believe that God is using young people to challenge and shape culture.  This world needs people in all walks of life, in each generation, to challenge the way we are expected to live life.  Not everyone is called to live simply, but everyone is called to something bigger than what we know or what we are told; climbing the corporate ladder, collecting material possessions, or saving up for a comfortable retirement.  Please do not confuse these words for me saying that possessions or savings are bad, they aren’t.  However we do not need multiple cars, we do not need TV’s in every room, we do not need clothes for every day of the year. 

In searching for what it means to be human, regardless of spiritual beliefs, I believe that we will find our ability to feel, discern, plan for the future, comes with a responsibility to help those who are not as fortunate as ourselves.  It may not be that everyone needs a financial donation, or medical relief…  maybe some of us need to remember that we should be more intentional about what we say.  And when we ask someone, “How are you?” we should care enough to listen to what they have to say. 

Honestly, I do not know what it means to be human…  I believe I am asking an age old question that will require an incredible amount of time and research to even begin to understand what our responsibilities to humanity are, probably more time than I will ever know. 

So here is my invitation to you; whether I have sent you this link asking for your assistance, or if you have simply stumbled across this post accidentally, I would greatly appreciate your thoughts and input on any of the following questions about becoming human.

·      What does it mean to be human?

·      What are our responsibilities as humans to humanity, if any?

·      What drives us, what inspires us as humans?

·      Maybe you have a question of your own that you’d like to start looking into, I encourage you to share it.

There is no right or wrong answer; answers can be based on the physical, mental, social, psychological, metaphysical, spiritual, or even none of the aforementioned concepts. Feel free to pull from personal experience and even include references to literature and other helpful resources.  I do not have any expectations of what I will find, but I assure you that anything I receive will be shared with all of you...  

Thanks to all for your taking the time to read these thoughts, and for sharing in this journey of becoming human.   

-Called to love-

Please feel free post responses as comments or e-mail them to me at:
pbandcy@gmail.com

1 John 3:16-18

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.  And we ought to lay down or lives for our brothers.  If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

Unintentional Love

I Corinthians 13: 6

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

Plainly put, culturally we struggle with the intent of what we say.  It is acceptable to say things that sound good before we have any real intention of following through.  We see this so much in relationships (both with family, friends, and loved ones) that we’ve become numb to the fact that love is supposed to be built on truth.  Love rejoices with the truth.

How do you feel when those closest to you make intentional statements, such as promises, and then cancel because of other more important things?  Has someone ever told you that they are going to come visit you, and they never do?  Or more simple, what about when we tell someone you will call them, and don’t?  I know that everyone has experienced this feeling in some form, but should it be that way?

We are a culture that says the intentional, with no immediate intention of carrying out such actions.  While it seems so minor, and some would argue that it is not even being dishonest, my argument is that it is not truth.

Friendships:  “Hey bro, we need to hang out soon.  Let’s make this happen…  I’ll call you.”

But you don’t.

Relationships:  “I’ll come visit this weekend (if there isn’t anything more important that might pop up).  I’ll swing by after work (if I finish everything I have to get done).  I’m going to make you something… “

Only say these things if you truly wish to follow through with them.

I will be the first to say it; I still do this way to often.  In fact, I do it a lot less than I used to.  However, this careless unintentionality can be incredibly destructive when trying to fully love others with the love of Christ.  Let us swallow our pride, and our need to say what sounds best, and speak out of nothing but love that rejoices in truth. 

Why?  Is it really that destructive?

Yes, it is that destructive. In fact, it is the only kind of love that many people know.  They expect love to not follow through.  People become okay to the fact that those closest to them do not keep promises.  They see Christians who wish to share Jesus with others, but their inconsistency is hurting their witness. 

In my entire life, there has only been one “constant”.  God.  He has always followed through, and he has shown me what it means when love rejoices in the truth.  Yet, we fail to share this love with others because of the inconsistency between our words and our actions.  I understand that we are imperfect people, and we will disappoint.  But there is only one way to share this kind of love; to love other’s like Christ we must strive to imitate the love of Christ.  In all of history, Christ’s example of love is the single most consistent example of truth.  Whatever he said, he did.  In fact, Pastor Wayne Cordeiro said it best when describing Jesus’ intentionality, “What He said was who He was.”

Brothers and sisters, this means that in all relationships (family, friends, and loved ones) one of the greatest ways to show the love of Christ is to be true to your word.  Be careful with what you commit to.  And when you commit, be sure you follow through.  This is where love will rejoice. 

Supplemental Readings-

James 5:12

Above all, my brothers, do not swear- not by heaven or by earth or by anything else.  Let your 'Yes' be your yes and your 'No,' no, or you will be condemned.

Matthew 5:37

Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No,’ anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

The Divine Mentor, Wayne Cordiero

Chapter 9, “Oak All the Way to the Core”

Surrender

In studying manhood with some of my male students at school, we have finally come to the topic of love.  Specifically, love as it pertains to our female counterparts, however the same message applies to most any relationship.  Love is always on the mind at some level; whether we long for lasting friendships or an intimate relationship, we are all thirsty for love.  The trouble is that we are humans, and we cannot love perfectly, or unconditionally, like Christ does.  Yet that is our mission. 

Guys and girls, the only way that we can fully know this love, and express this towards one another, is to be in complete surrender to God.  Allowing him to love through us, as willing servants of his perfect plan. 

I Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.   Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always, hopes, and always perseveres.

Love is patient and kind.

Surrender your will.  You can believe that love is a waiting game.  There is a time for love (especially as it relates to the opposite sex), but it is not just a waiting game.  We are simply imperfect people who are learning to love one another, and that my friends, takes patience.  When we let others down, or when others let us down, we should always respond out of patience and kindness.  How else are we to learn, how else are we to ever meet anyone’s expectations?  Just as Christ loves us, he is patiently waiting for us to understand.  He is never irritated, frustrated, or upset.  No, He kindly waits for us to know His love. 

Love does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

Surrender your pride.  Love is not about me, and the moment it becomes that, it is no longer love.  Grace is not about us, but it is for us.  We are not saved by anything other than God’s love through grace.  We have nothing to boast about, because we do not deserve the love we are given, and still we take it for granted.

Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Surrender your emotions, feelings, and attractions.  Love is putting the condition of another’s heart above the condition of your own.  Knowing that people are imperfect, and people will disappoint, we cannot for a moment assume that we can use love for any self-gain.  The moment we do that, love becomes terribly destructive. 

 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth.

Surrender your mind.  Love is honest, and it cannot grow in the midst of lies and manipulation.  More than anything else, love is faithful…  When God promises, He delivers.  This is the same for us, let your yes be yes, and your no be no.  Be consistent, if you say you will do something, follow through.  Likewise, do not commit to promises you cannot keep. 

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.

Surrender control, it is not by our power or will that we can love someone to this magnitude without first surrendering control. This is just one of the amazing truths about God’s love, it does not expire.  God is constantly pursuing us with love, regardless of whether we choose to love Him in return.  In a relationship, we need to fully commit to loving that person in their imperfectness, just as God loves us.  Godly love looks to protect the heart and well being, just as God wishes to keep us from harm and suffering through his guidance and provision. 

What does this mean in our relationships?

When looking for relationships with the opposite sex, there is one simple truth: to be able to love anyone else, especially the one we care for the most, we must love Jesus more…  we must surrender to the Love of Christ.  As humans trying to love, there will be heartache and pain because we still struggle with sin (pride, anger, control, and selfishness), but you must commit fully to loving with the same love that Christ has for us.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, do not settle for less than God’s best.   Be in constant preparation, and do not give your heart away carelessly.  Hide it in Christ, so that when it is found it will be found and established in Him.  We have created a cycle of broken and empty relationships, and we both have to work together to break this pattern.

Brothers, pursue Christ first and foremost.  Commit to protecting the hearts of your sisters in Christ.  Stand up for them, and encourage them towards what true love is.  Only when you are in complete surrender to Jesus, should you pursue a woman’s heart.  Remember, you are to love her with the same reckless abandonment as Christ has loved you in your imperfections. 

Likewise, Sisters, pursue Christ first.  Protect your heart, do not give it away freely; stand strong in God’s promises to you.  Know your worth and value as daughters of God, and encourage your brothers in Christ to become Godly leaders.

May we love as Christ loves us, may we be in complete surrender to Him.

You're Responsible: Read With Care

Last post I shared a bit of my heart, and how there are not enough young men stepping up into leadership roles and pursuing manhood…  and that there are very few older men out there investing in the young males of today.  However, I’ve started a new book call The Divine Mentor, by Wayne Cordeiro, and I feel like I missed a few key points and I want to make sure that Pastor Wayne gets full credit for many of the thoughts contained in this blog post.  While I was pretty rough on the guys last week, I think you girls should pay attention as well.

To start, what is the root of the problem for boys and girls today?  Is it that there aren’t enough males and females pouring into our youth?  Are parents to blame for doing everything for their children and never letting them learn how to live life on their own?  Is culture telling us that we should behave one way, when the Bible may suggest differently? 

Perhaps. 

But like all problems, there are usually many factors that will influence the outcome, but only one solution that we can control…  ourselves. 

Aspiring men and women, you and I have a choice to make no matter what our circumstances may be.  Are we taking care of our own responsibility to grow ourselves?  Or are we waiting for someone else to take over this responsibility for us?  This is the first step in addressing any of life’s problem- understanding that we are responsible for our own development. 

This does not mean that those we come in contact with will not heavily influence who we become.  But if we have a problem, we need to be the first to respond. 

We are not living in a State Farm commercial folks.  If you want a hot tub, then you better earn it. If you wish to be mentored, then you need to go find someone to mentor you.  If you need positive influences in your life, seek them out.  If you are not being fed spiritually, then open your Bible.  Do not sit and think that because you need guidance, or you need a mentor, that one will just pop out of thin air.  Guys and girls, we need to initiate the process of becoming men and women of God by understanding that it is our responsibility to grow ourselves… and we cannot expect others to do it for us. 

Yes, I do believe that God will provide us with plenty of relationships to help guide and lead our growth.  But if a problem presents itself, first think about what we can do to address our problems, and not wait for others to come along and solve them for us. 

Oh, and when there are no “mentors” readily available for us, why do we not look to the mentors of scripture that have been available to us for thousands of years?  Men, look to Moses, Joshua, David, Nehemiah and save yourself a lot of pain and suffering by learning from their mistakes and their successes as leaders appointed by God.  Women, why not look to Ruth, Esther, and Mary and see how you are to passionately pursue the love of God first and foremost? 

The bottom line:

MEN understand that we are responsible for becoming real men of God, and that even if there is no one here to tell us how, it is our duty to pursue manhood regardless.  We need to seek the answers to our many questions, expecting that they will not get answered until we pursue truth on our own. 

WOMEN understand that while men are responsible for their own development, you too are held to the same standards.  Look to the love of our Father first to fulfill your need for love, not from young men who do not fully understand how you should be loved.

Proverbs 4:7

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.