Do You See What I See?

This fall, we had the opportunity to spend three weeks in Europe! We had been saving for this trip for years, and were finally able to fly across the pond for our grand adventure! We spent the first few days in London, and then we spent almost two full weeks in Italy.

My husband, Mike, spent a semester during college, studying art in Florence, Italy. It was such a treat to see where he lived, where he went to school, where he would study, and where he would stop for gelato. (Honestly, I could write an entire blog post on gelato... don't get me started). If you aren't familiar with Florence, it is known as the center for Renaissance Art. It is Michaelangelo's hometown as well... no, not the ninja turtle. I am talking about this artist dude.

Michaelangelo's most famous piece of art is "The David," and it is located in Florence. It is a 14-foot tall statue of the Biblical character, David, getting ready to fight the giant, Goliath. Michaelangelo's piece is considered to be the most flawless sculpture of the human body ever made. When I looked at this sculpture, I was blown away. I can barely draw a stick figure, so I can't imagine how someone could carve such a real looking human out of stone!

While at the museum, we learned something fascinating. Michaelangelo used a piece of marble that had been rejected by other artists. Other sculptors did not believe its shape, size, and density were up to par, so they tossed it aside.... (Well, they probably didn't "toss" it, but you know what I mean). Yet out of this slab of stone that was deemed unworthy by so many, Michaelangelo created one of the most beautiful and renowed sculptures of all time. Michaelangelo saw something in the stone that others could not see. He saw the potential for beauty. He saw the potential for greatness.

Michaelangelo saw potential in the stone that others did not see, just as God saw potential in David that others could not see. David was the youngest of 8 boys in his family. His three older brothers went off to war. One day, he went to take them some food, and he heard about this 10 foot tall giant who had been threatening the army of Israel. Without much hesitation, he decided that he would be the one who would face the giant. After forty days of this taunting, David was the one and only person who had even remotely showed interest in engaging in battle with this guy! However, David's announcement was not received well. His older brothers acted like he was a bother, on-lookers probably laughed at the thought of him facing Goliath, and the King even told told him that he was too young. Yet, David walked forward, in the confidence of the Lord, and faced the giant. The Lord brought victory to David that day, and in turn brought victory for the people of Israel. I think it is pretty safe to say that they threw big party after that! They were able to celebrate because David believed in the promises and victory of our God.

People saw failure in David.
God saw triumph.
People saw weakness in David.
God saw humility and strength.

Other saw a trashed piece of stone.
Michaelangelo saw beauty and flawlessness.
Other a blank piece of marble.
Michaelangelo saw David.

Just as God's vision for David's life impacted David (and generations to come), God wants His vision for your life to impact you and generations to follow you! When we, as believers, begin to see ourselves as God sees us, we can then see others as more than blank pieces of stone. We can see beauty in others when we see the beauty that God sees in us.

Are you listening to negative voices of those around you? 
Or are you listening to God Almighty as He says, "Do you see what I see?"

 - Carly

What does it mean to "Thrill" a mockingbird?

In the story of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch tells his children that it is wrong to kill a mockingbird. Miss Maudie goes on to further explain that “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy . . . but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” Mockingbirds are innocent birds, so it is an literary analogy for killing an innocent man.

The problem with this analogy is that in real life mocking birds are vicious territorial animals that will attack anyone that gets close to them. It is a great book and a beautifully written story. But the basic analogy from which the title is derived is quite flawed.

I propose then, with our new knowledge on mockingbirds that we take the analogy in another direction. Instead of not just killing mockingbird, we should focus on what it looks like to thrill a mockingbird. Mockingbirds may be people or situations in our life that we find difficult to handle. They may be off-putting, insulting, or rude. But we do have what it takes to overcome and to thrill this mockingbird. We have good news, and an inner light that can captivate and tame the wildest birds (follow the analogy.) I have found that the only way to thrill a mockingbird is with the help of Jesus Christ.

-Chris, To Thrill a Mockingbird

10-Minute parking means 10 minutes. Tops.

I messed up today. I hit a car. With my car.

If you are one of the lucky few,  there was some reason you were awake this morning when it as cold as when Luke had to climb inside of a tauntaun to stay alive (Episode V (Star Wars, people… duh)). My roommate and I were headed towards my car to start uncovering it from the layers of permafrost when we saw a classmate was already halfway done getting his car’s interior to an above-freezing temperature. It was an easy decision to mooch off of his cold hard work, so the only option was to pile inside his Freezer Nissan and head to class. Easy enough. But of course, I had to go screw everything up.

Last night I was in a race back to the dorm with my roommates (they didn’t know it was a race, but it was). There were no normal parking spots open except for the “10-Minute” parking and I knew only that spot would win me the race, and I wasn’t going to lose to someone who wasn’t even trying. Once I had pulled in, I decided to bend the rules a bit and leave my car for more then 10 minutes… Leaving it until my 7:45 class wasn’t a big deal – I mean, 10 hours isn’t that much over 10 minutes, it should be no problem! The RD of our dorm is currently on vacation, so to me, that sounds like the ideal time to leave my car where it shouldn’t be parked. No parents, no rules (I know, I know – I’m 20 years old and should act my age). The same logic works for Resident Directors and their residents. Last time, we had a trampoline party!

This morning, as I was preparing my body for Antarctic weather patterns, I noticed someone had left me a message on my hood. Not a typical handwritten note, or even a typed monologue. Instead, someone left their message loud and clear and more creatively than I anticipated – with a large “10″ in fallen leaves. Yep, I know what that means. After years of trying to pick up on subtle clues and hints from my gracious family, I realized that sometimes, you should listen when someone politely suggests something. Even if it’s spelled in leaves.

In this case, listening meant braving the frostbite conditions of my car and moving it as quickly as possible.  The running dialogue in my head was as follows: “No big deal. Even though it is covered in more ice than a 7-11 drink station, I can do this. I’ll keep my door open and make sure I clear the bike rack before turning the wheel, and here we go!” And we went. As soon as I deemed myself safe from ending the life of a few bikes a few years short, I turned my wheel, only to scrape to a stop. “Oh crap”. Never did it cross my mind that another car was (OF COURSE) parked next to me. The result was approximately 18 inches of baby blue paint strategically located on a red Toyota Camry.

I had never touched another car with my car, except for that time it was really dark and I backed into an RV when I was 16. Or that time I backed into a huge rock. Or into a ditch. Again, all 16. Car-on-car contact was a new one for me, and instantly I felt awful. I threw it into drive, pulled forward, then ever-so-cautiously backed out, and parked picture-perfectly into an open spot. Of course, my friends saw the whole thing. Of course, they were as shocked as I was. And of course, they were not very impressed with my backwards driving skills. My weakness had been exposed!

(A note was left on the hood of the car expressing my shortcomings and regrets along with my phone number and a promise to remedy the issue. At 6:10 PM, the car has moved, the note taken, and no contact has been made. Uh oh. I have no idea who drives that car!)

I can probably tell what you’re thinking. “Oh wow, you scraped a car no worse than you could have done with a garden rake. It wasn’t even two feet long. There was no structural damage. It’s no problem.” It is a problem, though. To me, it’s the principle. I had gotten a little too full of myself in multiple sectors of my life and it climaxed in the mutilation of a sweet red paint job. I had assumed the posture of thinking I could get away with anything – I mean, you know who I am, right? That thought alone is enough to make me sick, and if nothing else, take this from this post – I wish to never think like that again, and to all that I hurt by believing that, I am sorry. My pride has never been more apparent than in this moment.

Leadership positions are readily available. Opportunities open up when all doors had been previously locked shut. No is typically not an answer. This does not and should not make me better or more valuable or more crucial than any other human. As Kid President said on his list of “20 Things We Should Say More Often”, and I paraphrase, “I like you as person who is a human being and will treat you like that because if I didn’t it would make everything bad and that’s what lots of people do and that’s lame,” (number four, check it out for yourself here!). Seriously though. Kid President is the man. His reminder was a precursor to what would happen but its simplicity was so beautiful – treat people like they are people or you’re lame. Word.

I am convicted and convinced that I have continually treated people like they are less important than me. In the midst of status-defining elements: titles, friendships, relationships, jobs, responsibilities, etc., humbleness is a necessary virtue. There is no excuse for those who do not maintain that perspective in leadership – because honestly, if I wasn’t the campus ministries coordinator at NNU, someone else would do the job. I am replaceable and titles are temporal; but people and relationships are a few of the most permanent things we will get to experience. Time and time again I have forgotten the meaning of leadership – to help people do better at being them – and have forgotten how to follow. Following a system, such as rules put in place to keep people from parking in the optimum spot for too long, is intended to build character and help society maintain flow. By blatantly ignoring the rules in place (as slight as it may have been), I turned my back on myself. I will not become a better me by placing myself ahead of people.

All this being said, this generalization is no blanket system. This post was never intended to turn you into an automaton who can follow the letter of the law without fail. Instead, this post was to challenge you to look beyond yourself for a second – and realize that you are not the most important part of life. Although you may think I am this awesome gift to everyone around me, the truth is, it doesn’t matter.  At the root of it all, people don’t watch you or care about you nearly as much as you think they do. It’s when we come to this realization that we can fully give of ourselves and all that we are. We can give ourselves up to a greater cause and higher Power that will never fail us or forsake us. Nestled in the middle of the Beatitudes, Jesus declares that those who are blessed are the meek, not the pompous and self-righteous. Those stuck in the mindset of self-over-others are not the benefactors of the inheritance of the earth; that is left for the humble.

A simple swapping of paint is all it takes to snap someone back to reality. A swapping of stories may be what it takes to reconcile a relationship. A swapping of lives is what it takes to live in community. I hope you find freedom in telling your story and remembering that all people have value while you exchange life as if it’s an renewable commodity. When we live to preserve our life, we lose it the fastest. As much as I would like to believe it, I am no more important than the last person I made eye contact with or awkwardly greeted on the sidewalk as I hurried to my next oh-so-important appointment.

The “10″ left on my car was a blessing in disguise. For me to realize this, I had to mess up. I hit a car. With my car.

-Shaun, The Life Authentic

I Wrote a Thank-You Note

As I reflect on my days in college, I often think about my time in a literature class. It was a class I had to take, and the teacher was one that had a reputation for being harsh, as well as a difficult grader. But you know what? I loved the class! It was my second most favorite class (next to Birds of Prey). The professor really invested in me. She listened to me and made me feel important. She graded my papers harshly, but also gave me a lot of positive and constructive feedback. She listened to me and made me feel important. She was a great teacher. So you know what I did? I wrote that professor a thank-you note... two years later. It felt awesome to encourage her and to thank her. I really felt good about it and I wanted her to know how much she impacted me. Yet the most rewarding part of the situation is knowing that this simple note will bring a smile to her face. It also brought a smile to mine.

So, you wanna make your day better AND someone else's day better?
Send 'em a thank-you note. You'll be glad you did.

-Chris

Audio Reflections

I have been given some opportunities that I would never have imagined to be possible. For example, the title “Road Manager” should never have been associated with the name “Shaun Hall”. In all reality, the title really just meant something a lot more similar to “Roadie” than “Road Manager”, but I’ll take what I can get.

Last weekend I was given a sweet opportunity to manage all things audio for my friends in Woods End (shameless plug – @Woods_End_Min) at a youth conference in Estes Park, Colorado. That’s nuts. Here’s why:

For one, I had never been to Colorado except for a weeklong camp last summer. For two (is that a saying?), I had never even looked at a mixer (sound board… we’ll learn the lingo together, don’t worry) before this semester. For three (again, maybe not a real thing), I was so humbled when I was asked to be a part of the team.

Running sound is 50 percent science and 60 percent art. I realize that is more than the standard 100 percent allocated to all things pertaining to percentages, but for this description I will stretch the rules on math. Life is bigger than math and all the rules that people make up. So there.

Back to sound. Disclaimer: Manipulating a live sound board to hear something palatable is hard. Really hard. This conference was quite the inaugural event for this “Road Manager”. First, the band and I had to set up the entire sound system. Next, I had to do the part I call (and most people call) “trial and error”. That involved turning knobs and pushing flashing lights until a sound pleasing to the ear was emitted from the huge speakers suspended from the vaulted ceiling. Honestly, I know a small fraction about what each knob does when I spin it either direction, but it was enough to get me through. Once my amigos and I got the mix sounding alright without anyone else listening, it was time for the third and most exciting part: Performance.

Let’s recap – I was asked to run sound for a ministry collective (read: worship band) in Colorado even though I had started learning audio-related things only two months prior.

Now that we’re all caught up, let’s get into it.

The band is experienced. At some point, every one of the people on stage had traveled with a summer worship band sponsored by the admissions department of my university. Every one of the people on stage had practiced long hours; long enough to find their current musical limits. Every one of the people on stage has mastered their craft in relation to my greenhorn perspective on all things audio. That being said, it is easy to make people who are good at what they do look good. The performance side of the conference was more about what they could do musically than what I did in the sound booth.

All though it was a total “less of me, more of them” moment, I did not get off scot-free. There were issues I had to overcome. One of them was the “muddiness” of the pianist’s voice. If you heard something that was muddy, you would know exactly what I’m talking about. A muddy sound is a combination of too much body and not enough clarity; a sound that gets lost in the mix. The pianist had a voice that I had no idea how to solve – I couldn’t maintain the integrity of his raw voice and fix the issue.

Finally, I came to a realization: there may not be a solution that I can find. There may not be a way I can fix this issue with my limited knowledge and experience. The “muddiness” of the sound was and is so similar to the current state of my heart. I am incapable EQing (fancy word for turning knobs and pushing flashing lights) my soul to tune out the “muddiness” I so am accustomed to living with. The mix of my life is unmanageable when I am the only one running sound.

Luckily, I believe that there is a Sound Man much more experienced than myself. Yes, this is an awkward metaphor, but humor me for a second: maybe I can manage one conference (“road manager”, remember?), but my life is another story. I am at a place in my life where bad decisions and worse reactions are commonplace, but the “muddiness” of my heart is not my identity. The poor choices I have made do not define me. Instead, I am defined by the One I let manage my life.

This realization came to me only when I desired to be a better sound guy. I only started to move towards this perspective when I acknowledged my own faults and bad habits already forming from behind the mixer. Similarly, the only way growth will happen is if we realize our wrongs and desire something better for our lives.

“Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount, I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.”

-Shaun, The Life Authentic

Lessons From Summer Camp: Round 2

As I wrote my last post, "Lessons from Summer Camp," I realized that I could not keep my list to just five points! I learned so much during my time at Rocky Mtn. Camp and WaPac Camp this summer. So, here are five more lessons that rocked my world.

1) Avoiding volleyballs is a great way to connect with students: I do not consider myself a volleyball player. In fact, the last time I really played competitive volleyball was in junior high. In case you are wondering, I was on the "C" team. Yes, I said "C." (There was a "D" team and I wasn't on that, okay?). Anyway, so when the Woods End band decided to play in the camp volleyball tournament, I made no promises of contributing any mad skills. As the volleyball tournament unfolded, my main tactic was to stay away from the ball. I think throughout the day, I hit it three times. Yep. It's true. Yet, despite my lack of hand-eye coordination, the volleyball tournament ended up being a camp highlight. I loved connecting with students on the court!

2) My lingo totally changes at camp: In the two weeks I was at camp, I said "sup" way more than I ever do in normal life. Weird, right?

3) Lara Bars rock: Have you ever had a Lara Bar? They are so healthy, delicious, and the perfect way to get through a long afternoon at camp when you get the munchies.

4) Naps also rock: Just as Lara Bars can help get you through a long afternoon at camp, so can naps. Seriously though, I had to learn to make myself rest. I am usually a go, go, go person. Yet, before I left a friend and mentor of mine told me that I need to take time to rest, reflect, process, pray and discern. This means that I had to take time away from the hustle and bustle of camp in order to be effective in ministry. I learned that in order to give effectively, I had to rest effectively as well.

Trent Friberg, youth pastor from Centralia, WA. (Photo credit: Elevate Youth)

5) Youth leaders are invaluable: I love getting to know youth pastors and leaders at camps. I especially love seeing these folks pouring into their students throughout the week. As I spoke at the two camps this summer, I gained an even greater appreciation for youth leaders. As I spoke in the chapel services, I found myself feeling the burden of trying to speak to every students' needs in the room. However, I came to realize that I can only deliver the message that I believe God gave me, to lay the foundation for youth leaders to build upon with their students. After chapel, students had the chance to unpack the message with their youth leaders. Youth leaders know students better than I will ever get to know students. They have been on a journey with them before camp, and they continue to journey with them after camp. Students open up to youth leaders and process with them in deep, meaningful ways. I was thankful to have the opportunity to speak at camps this summer, but I truly believe that youth leaders were the main instruments of delivering God's grace and love in a personal way to students. With all of this said, youth leaders, thank you for all that you do for the Kingdom. You are indispensable. When you just want to pull your hair out, please know that you are making a difference.

- Carly

Lessons From Summer Camp

This summer has flown by! I seriously cannot believe it is time for school to start. I feel like I was just planning for summer, thinking about the road trips, family gatherings, and summer camps. I was able to end my summer by attending two camps with Woods End Ministries. I spoke at Rocky Mountain District Camp near Bozeman, Montana. My brother, Chris, our friend, Grant, and I team spoke at Washington Pacific Camp in Poulsbo, Washington. At both camps, our Woods End band led worship. I am so thankful for these two camps and the opportunities we had to share the love of Jesus through the spoken word and through music.

I learned some pretty incredible things during the camps this year. Some of the lessons are a little silly, while others were truly heart-transforming. In both instances, I will remember these lessons for years to come:

1) Flip-Flops are of utmost importance. Camp showers can get a little sketchy at times, and having a cheap pair of flip-flops can save you from stepping in slimy puddles.

2) An unexpected iced coffee from Starbucks is a great way to start your day. Some of the guys in the band went to Starbucks in the mornings and they brought me back an iced coffee a few times at camp. That little gift was such a great way to get me rolling. I am not a morning person, so a little coffee first thing is such a blessing! It is awesome to be a part of such a great team!

3) Yuck is awesome. Have you seen this stuff? Yuck is a gelatin type material, and it is looks and feels little pieces of jello. You can fill trash cans, buckets, and baby pools with the stuff, and it makes for awesome games. If you add Yuck to any game, it increases the fun factor by at least 157%. See, Woods End dudes, Grant and Nate, are loving it! (Photo credit: Elevate Youth)

4) Expect for your plans to change. I planned my messages before I arrived at camp. However, God changed my plans throughout the week. I told stories I didn't plan to share, and I ended up scratching some of my notes that I had been preparing for months. Flexibility and openness to God's movement was so important. If I would have been stuck in my ways, I would have missed what God wanted me to share.

5) God just wants us to be available. Going into camp, I had poured most of my time and energy into planning my messages. However, as I left camp, I realized most of my time and energy was poured into investing in others. Some of the most important moments of camp were not the times I was speaking up front, but they were in the conversations I had with students. As I walked to dinner one night, I had an in-depth conversation with a student who needed to know she was valuable. After chapel one night, I was able to pray with a student about issues at home, and I prayed with another about committing his future plans to God. Through these conversations, I realized that God doesn't want us to solely focus on serving Him in our preparation, but He wants us to serve Him with our availability. He wants us to be available to invest in others as we go about our days. As we make ourselves available to God, He will give us some of the most defining moments in ministry. We can't plan for those, we just have to be available.

- Carly

Airport Security Lessons

Earlier this week, I headed out to California for a quick trip to a Christ in Youth event. As I went through the security lines, I was so proud of myself. Pride usually isn't the feeling I get when I go through airport security lines, but on this day on particular, I had packed lighter than I ever had before! I had everything I needed for my trip in one small backpack and my purse. For this girl who packs WAY too much for EVERY trip, it was pretty much miraculous! (Just to give you an idea, on a 6 day trip I took last month, my bag weighed exactly 50 pounds. Whoops).

Anyway, back to the story....

Before boarding my flight, I went to the little airport store to buy a bottle of water and my debit card was declined. What?! I was confused and caught off guard. I asked the gentleman to run my card once more and again it was declined. By this point, I was fairly embarrassed and quickly paid with some of the little cash stash that I had.

My flight was boarding in ten minutes and I had a small amount of cash. I mean, who carries cash these days?! I called my bank and asked them what was going on. They told me that some fraudulent company in Michigan had tried to use my card multiple times in the last 48 hours so they deactivated my card. I told them I was traveling and that I needed some money; my card was the main way I was planning to pay for things! The bank was not able to provide a solution so I boarded my plane not knowing what to do with only $15 cash and a few days away from home ahead of me.  

As I sat on the plane, trying to think about what to do, my thoughts took a turn. Instead of being consumed with what to do, I starting thinking about how much this situation had rattled me. I felt totally ill-equipped for my trip because of this hiccup. I had to stop and ask myself, 

"In what do I find my security?

What makes me feel safe and in control?"

I am a planner and I like to know what to expect. I like to be ready for the road ahead and not have bumps along the way. Yet, in this life we live, this is an unattainable and somewhat silly goal. The unknown will always be present. In fact, some of the best gifts come as surprises. In order to embrace the unexpected gifts and overcome the figurative potholes, I must first be able to embrace the security that comes from Christ alone. If my security is found in my circumstances or stuff (including debit cards) I am placing my foundation on sinking sand. 

I was able to figure out my money situation after all... Thank goodness! However, I ended up being even more thankful for the unexpected lesson from Jesus. He is my security. He is my hope. He is my consistency in this ever changing world. 

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness."

- Carly

Meet Izzy

This is Izzy.

She is our 75 lb. goldendoodle puppy. Isn't she precious?!

I didn't grow up with dogs, and I honestly had no idea how much I could love a dog. There is no denying it -- I love this pup.

Izzy is a quirky dog. She eats when we eat our meals, she loves goldfish crackers, and and she barks at puppets on TV. She also has no idea how big she is.

Izzy is a large dog, and yet, she is shy and becomes easily afraid. She is scared of dogs half her size! She becomes alarmed easily whether people walk by our house or when we begin to vacuum the carpet. Sometimes I wonder how such a strong and big dog can be afraid of such little things. I also think it is such a kick that such a big dog still thinks she is a lap dog!!

As easy as it is to think Izzy has totally irrational fears, I realize that I am in a similar boat -- or is it a dog house in this case?

I often become alarmed by little things and let unnecessary fear grip me. If I am not careful, I allow falsehoods and what-ifs to become a reality in my mind.

Yet, just as I am not afraid of what Izzy finds frightening, God is not shaken by what shakes me. He is my steady, protective and consistent Father. He is also the Father who empowers me to live and walk in power. He has given me power and authority through His Holy Spirit, so when I live in fear, I am not embracing the gifts He has made available to me. Just as I wish my large and strong dog would realize she does not need to be afraid of little chihuahuas, I think God wants me to focus on His faithfulness instead of my fears.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind."
- 2 Timothy 1:7

When I rely on God's presence in my life, I walk in power, love, and possess a sound mind. Instead of becoming alarmed by fears in life and letting my thoughts run wild, I must "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." - 2 Corinthians 10:5b

Thank goodness God is patient with me. I am working on breaking the chains of worry in my life. Yet, when I become fearful, I know that God is there to comfort and protect me. He holds me in His arms and reminds me of His promises, and encourages me to get back on my feet and keep going. After all, "We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." - Hebrews 10:39

- Carly

What Are You Waiting For?

"Wait on the Lord. Be strong, take heart, and wait on the Lord." - Psalm 27:14 (NIV)

Are you waiting for something? Are you waiting for someone?
Are you waiting for a job opportunity? An open door? The end of a season? The start of something new?

I am a go, go, go person and I am constantly trying to learn how to be more patient! It is a fruit of the Spirit after all. Yet, I have come to understand that when God calls us to be patient and wait, He does not want us to sit still and twiddle our thumbs.

The Message version says Psalm 27:14 like this,
"Stay with God! Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again: Stay with God!" 

I think more discipline is required of us when we are in times of waiting. When things are going our way, it is easy to be thankful and praise the Lord. Yet, in times of waiting and wondering, it is vital that we "stay with God" and keep our eyes focused on Him. I think another way of saying "wait on the Lord" or "stay with God" is "Keep up with God!" Don't lose sight of what God is doing. God wants us to keep up with Him and stick with Him even when the very thing for which we are waiting is unclear. Waiting requires thanksgiving and hopefulness!

 In Psalm 27:14, God has to remind us TWICE to wait on Him. Sometimes I need to be reminded of something more than once, so this particular verse hits home with me! He says, "Wait on me... Be strong, take heart (be hopeful)... and remember, wait on me!"

John Ortberg says:
"What God does in us while we wait is as important as what it is we are waiting for."

What is it that you are waiting for?
What does God want to do in you while you are waiting?

Be hopeful. Don't give up on your dreams and calling. 
God is faithful. God is moving. 
Allow God to move in you even when you feel as though you are standing still. 

- Carly

Changing a Room By Merely Walking In

There are people in the world out there that can change the atmosphere of a room by merely walking in. I look up to these people and strive be one of them. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit and living a life in pursuit of Jesus, people can tell. The general population becomes aware of this, even if it is only in their subconscious. I have witnessed people change the way they act and interact around these Spirit-filled "room changers."

The first example of this my roommate John. Not only is he a "room changer" but he is a "court changer." Jon has spent his last four years playing college basketball. I have had the pleasure of watching him play for the last two years. John is a good player, but his leadership on the court goes uncontested. When he is playing the entire atmosphere of the game changes. Just him being on the court affects the attitude and the play of both his team and the opposition. Jon doesn't work hard and pop up some 3-pointers or even foul every once in a while, but Jon plays hard for the glory of God. Everyone on the court can feel this even if they can't put words to it and it affects the way they act and interact in a positive way. We gotta aim for this kind of "room changing."

The next two examples I want to give are of two of my best friends: Roman and Shaun. Roman and Shaun are both "room changers" and when either or both of them enter a room the Spirit of the Lord comes with them. When a person holds the Spirit other people can feel that on a spiritual level. Both Roman and Shaun have accessible wisdom, because the Holy Spirit gives them wisdom for others. I have seen random peers be drawn to both Roman and/or Shaun and start deep conversations that they were unaware they were going to be starting. The Holy Spirit works through Roman and Shaun to feed others.

I have the great privilege to be a worship leader and a musician. With the privilege comes a unique opportunity: I get to look at the congregation during a worship service. Sometimes odd things happen to people near Jon, Roman and Shaun. The three of them and the other "room changers" create little pockets around them and in those pockets people are more quickly drawn into worship and more engaged in the sermon. When I look out and see these little pockets of sincere worshippers it makes me well up with tears and Roman, Shaun and Jon right in the center. They are worship leaders in their own way.

This is something I believe every Christ-follower can be. I think in some capacity all of us already are. The more we pursue closeness with God, the more the Spirit tends to leak out of us and affect of other people.

-Chris

"It's All About Them"

"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him." - John 13:3-5 (NIV)

As I read this Scripture passage this morning, the "SO" hit me like a ton of bricks!

"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; SO he got up....poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet."

Jesus knew that He had all power and authority, and yet, what was His response? His immediate response was to lay down His authority and serve others. 

This idea is foreign to our culture.

When power and authority are attained, we often see the "it's all about me" mentality, lavish lifestyles, and the forsaking of past values. Yet, Jesus, the One with all power and authority, embraces the "it's all about them" mentality, humbling Himself to the point of wiping the dirt and grime off of his friends' feet. He was willing to get into the messy and dusty parts of relationships. He wasn't worried about getting His cloak dirty or smelling like feet; He was focused on serving the hearts of the disciples.

Jesus' instant response to His power and authority knocked my socks off today! When God grants me a gift of any sort, I pray that I will be able to look to the needs of others rather than my own desires, and serve with humility and love. Instead of avoiding the dark and dirty parts of servanthood, I pray that I will find these areas compelling, and serve as Jesus did. I pray that I can learn, with God's grace, to embrace the "it's all about them" lifestyle.

"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." - John 13:14-15 (NIV)

May you and your families have a blessed Easter!

- Carly

We all need a pep talk.

If you haven't seen this, then please watch it... Prepare to be Pep Talked!

Love,
Chris

Woods End Beginnings

Well, this post has been a long time coming for me. My ministry partner has posted, what? 3 or 4 times now? To my 0 posts? I just couldn’t stand for it anymore and decided it was time give you insight into my pretty little brain.

           

Anyway, I realized I had never quite put everything together and told the story of Woods End’s beginning in its entirety. The full story would take a very long time. So I am going to start last summer and go from there.

            Last summer I was traveling with Covenant, a worship band from NNU. We were at a camp and I was helping to lead a small group of jr. high guys. This small group was filled with young guys with short attention spans, but they were also eager to learn. During these small groups, I didn't always have the right words to say, but while they spoke, I would listen to them and flip through my Bible. By the time they were done with their question, God helped me find the right verses by what I lightheartedly call "magic fingers." This was crazy and it happened the whole week!

            During that week, I realized that I had a lot to learn about the Word. I felt like God was saying something like, “Chris, the the more you know about Scripture, the more you will be able to speak into people’s lives." I stuggled with this idea and how to start this journey on which God was leading me. God then lead me to an idea. The idea was a project I know call, “Scripture in my own Script.” I have started a project where I just read and copy down the Bible; not in my own words, but just in my own handwriting. This has helped me to internalize the Scriptures and to read everything diligently. One day I hope to finish the entire Bible. So far I have finished Romans, 1^st Corinthians, and am more than half way through Judges.

            After a few weeks of reading and writing, I was excited about what I had learned and felt that I needed to share my journey with others. I asked God if I was supposed to pursue speaking in addition to pursuing being a worship leader. I felt affirmed by God to pursue these ministry avenues, and journey with others with the same heart. God started forming an idea in my mind of a ministry collective of people who are ministry oriented and want to share the word, lead people in worship, do design work, and connect with churches in order to further the Kingdom. This ministry is Woods End. We are just getting started, but we are eager to see what the Lord may do with our ministry!

-Chris

Recipe for Community: Waffles and Chicken Fried Steak

Last Sunday, we experienced community. The people of our church came together.... all because of the generosity of our college students.

Last week, my brother, Chris, sent a facebook message out to all of the college students involved in our church. He proposed inviting all of the adults and families in our church to join them for lunch in the college cafeteria. This idea required that students donate their meal passes and take the families from our congregation "out to lunch." The response on the facebook message thread was awesome! The students were so excited about eager to create a time and place to connect.

On Sunday, Chris announced the invitation in church. There were some giggles and muffled chatter, but Chris smiled and stated, "No, I'm serious. We really want to take you out to lunch!"

After church, the students headed over to the cafeteria, spread out around 5 or 6 tables and waited to see who would arrive. Slowly but surely, a few church members started to arrive. Before we knew it we had over 25 adults and kids there eating in the college cafeteria.

It was so heartwarming for me to see the group of the ever-encouraging and always-praying ladies sitting with Adam and Brittney. I loved seeing the kids (with icecream cones in their hands) chasing Kevin around the cafeteria. Seeing Shaun and Brent bond over conversation about their facial hair was priceless. 

I loved seeing and being a part of community.

It was humbling that our college students took the initiative to create this time to be together and provided meals for their church family.

I truly believe that last Sunday was a monumental day in the life of our church. It was a day when generations chatted over waffles, chicken fried steak, and chocolate milk. It was a day when community happened in the college cafeteria.

- Carly

Forbidden Fruit

How often do we try to take something that is not our own from God? How often does the desire for knowledge and control drive us to try to take matters in our own hands?

I think this was the case with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The famous forbidden fruit that they ate was driven by a desire to take matters into their own hands, to understand their circumstances and possess knowledge beyond their own understanding.

As a child, I remember hearing the story of the Fall, and wondering how Adam and Eve could have done such a thing? How could they be so selfish to ruin the perfect Garden of Eden livin' for us all?

However, as I read Genesis chapter 3 this week, I had a reality check. I realized that I saw myself in Adam and Eve.

I realized that I too, am often tempted by the forbidden fruit in my own life. I desire to control my life: my present and future. I find myself wanting to know more, so I analyze countless situations. Yet, like Adam and Eve, I am taking away what is not intended to be mine. I will never attain God's knowledge and wisdom, yet I spin in endless circles and become dizzy trying to understand life and my purpose. After attempting to maintain control, I become exhausted and in turn, aware of my need for God's knowledge and wisdom. I often end up feeling unequipped and "naked," like Adam and Eve.

Yet, that is when God says,
"Leave it to me. You aren't meant to carry this burden. The fruit is forbidden for a reason."

This week, I am working on loosening my grip on control. I will be still and know that He is God.

-Carly

Song on Repeat

I went to breakfast with a dear childhood friend a few days after Christmas. During our conversation, she told me about a song that had recently touched her heart. As I left the restaurant, I pulled up the song, "Called Me Higher" by All Sons and Daughters and listened to it on my phone. I was so inspired by the lyrics, I found myself repeating the song again... and again.

I think I listened to the song over 60 times that week.
No joke.

I hope you'll take a listen to this song and follow as God leads you higher and deeper.

Walking Forward

It was July 2011 and I was having a great week in Louisville, Kentucky. I was seeing friends from all across the United States at Nazarene Youth Conference, eating multiple meals a day at Panera Bread, and getting to praise Jesus with thousands of others. Yet, that week God did something in my heart that I didn't expect. He placed a tug on my heart to pursue ministry in a new, deeper way.

I have always loved to sing and worship God with music. Yet, in the crowded arena that summer morning, I felt that God wanted me to pursue speaking.

"Is this really You talking, God, or is this me?"
"I don't want to purse this if this is not of You."
"Where do I start?"

These were all the questions whirling around in my mind. Yet, through counsel, prayers, and encouragement, I have walked forward and pursued this call. Amazingly enough, my brother, Chris, felt the same call on his life the following summer. After processing together, we decided to form what is now Woods End Ministries.

We love to sing and worship God with our instruments.
We love to talk and share stories about Jesus' presence in our lives.
We have friends and loved ones who share these passions.
In all these things, we want to glorify our God who blesses us beyond comprehension!

Thanks for journeying with us! We hope to learn from you, encourage you, and grow together!

-Carly