The Journey

Teaching Some Dynamic Students

This week, I was invited to teach at Shelterwood, a teenage residential facility outside of Kansas City.  Most people would probably describe Shelterwood as a place of last resort.  At least that was my understanding of what I was getting into.  I thought I was going to teach some of the down and out students of society.  I figured it was going to be one of those times where I would do most of the talking, and the kids would be bored to death hearing more about how to think about Re-Imagining their own Christian Worldview.  

I couldn't have been more mistaken.

When I arrived, I was greeted with such warmth and hospitality.  Kids were looking me in the eye, shaking my hand, introducing themselves, and I had a unique opportunity to share how we can see the world in a way we can live out our faith, and make friends.  

One student came to me afterward and handed me a note that said, "I personally do not believe there is a God.  I am agnostic, and I just don't care if there is one or not.  If there is one, cool there's a God.  But if there is no communication with him/her whatsoever cool we're just here living our our lives just as we would if there is one.  I'm interested in the God you're talking about, and I'd like to continue our conversation."  

BOOM!!

That's what we do.  

We don't just tell people about God, we live life where people are.  Of Course I would hope that someone would know God and experience the fullness of life He affords to offer each one of us.  But yesterday was a HIGHLIGHT for me this year.  To sit with students, some who believe and some who don't, and just have real honest conversations is a joy.  Being honest with the things I've learned in life, and the struggles I still have to try and make sense of the world is such a wonderful place for me.  

So a  BIG thanks to Shelterwood for having me in.  I'm looking for more times where we can connect in the future.  

If you'd like more information about Shelterwood, Click on this Link  http://shelterwood.org

Speaking at Shelterwood 3.2013

The KIVU Gap Year + Podcast

The KIVU Gap Year is an exciting project we've constructed to serve the future.  We believe with the investment of Time, Resources, Education, and Real Worldview understanding, we can seed the next generation of professional people to engage the world with an honest Jesus-Centric Faith.  

The KIVU Gap Year combines the passion found in the heart of adolescence to help one another, with a special formation of cerebral intellect, and the tools to actually be effective going forward to make a difference in the world.  

THE HEART
It's easy to send students on a short term mission trip around the world and see effective change when they come home.  The platforms of churches missions Sundays are filled with students who experienced something different than they knew before they engaged with a culture different than their own.  So, what makes The KIVU Gap Year different from a well healed high school student mission trip?

1.  We don't want to ever settle for the emotions of grattitude.  Often a student will return from a mission trip with a heart to help, but an attitude of grattitude for the life THEY'VE been gifted.  It's not a bad thing, but it is a bit demoralizing to the people in other economic situations to say you've been blessed financially and they haven't.  Doesn't God love all people?

2.  We want to create a generational culture whereby students can see the world as potential partners, not as some sort of economic caste system.  Sure, America has access to resources that have been unrealized in all of human history; but what is our responsibility to manage those resources for the better of someone else?  How can we look at someone in the eye living in the slums of whatever country you choose, and live life with them instead of At Them?  

At the KIVU Gap Year we want the heart of students to regulate all people as human, rather than objectifying people based on socio-economic class or platform.

THE BRAIN
1.  Short term mission trips are valuable to expose people to the world, but rarely do they have the time to introduce participants to reasons why?  Why does poverty exist?  Why is healthcare systematically the way it is?  What historical events lead a particular group of people to be living in their own current conditions?  At The KIVU Gap Year, we want students to be able to articluate the problem in an intellectual way, but we also want them to participate in the solutions.  

2.  Each student has been given a gift from God.  It's our position that if we can ignite that gift to a place where it can be used and honed in a practical way, we can help provide experiences where life comes alive.  The way people think, the way they interpret certain experiences, and the speed and efficency at how they come to conclusions are largely developed in educational settings.  We don't want students to come on the KIVU Gap Year and leave saying, "It changed my life,"  Unless of course we've provided an environment where professional, social, and educational spaces will be forever changed.  

It's easy to stand up after a week on a short term trip and say the experience effected me.  It did, in the short term.  But a quick glance at the students who I've taken around the world in the short term shows a better chance of effective change if we include proper education.  

THE TOOLS
1.  The KIVU Gap Year student will not only begin to hone the emotions of the heart and the intellect of the brain; but they'll also be provided the resource to use certain Tools to develop a network of people who will actually be life long friends.  They'll have actual performance evaluations as they intern around the world with global leaders in actual proffessional positions.  

2. I've started to interview our graduates, and I'm finding a healthy use of the tools they were provided on our year long program.  Some are interning in social work, others are interning in law firms, and one is even working in a hospital to provide health care.  Like a carpenter with access to the latest woodworking tools, they can't pass a problem without engaging in a solution.  They're different than the students in their class because they've had a multi-phased educational year to prepare them for life.  

The most important piece of these three is the core center of faith.  We don't create a place wehre we argue over theology, but rather; we lock arms with people around the globe who simply Love God, and Love Others.  When students catch a whiff of what it smells like to live a life full of the gospel, they can't help but be changed forever.  

I'm so excited about the transformation happening at the KIVU Gap Year.  Our hope is that hundreds of students will begin to seed the world as honest faith believing citizens who have the ability to love the whole world.  (John 3:16) 

 

The KIVU Gap Year Podcast 2.2013

 

Video of Andy Speaking

 

Trusting in a Divine Plan | May 5 from Smoky Hill Vineyard on Vimeo.

 

Podcasting

Podcasting is a great way to listen to your favorite authors, speakers, or even your friends who are creating interesting content.  Most Churches have some sort of "casting" that allows their congregations to participate in the message they feel called to sharing with the world.  

I tried podcasting a few years ago, and it was just not in the cards.  The amount of time and energy to get a podcast up and running is pretty immense, but with careful thought and consideration, I've been encouraged to start it back up.  

So today..yes today...I'll be working on getting the podcasts back up and running.  The theme of the podcasts will be centered around current Worldivew thinking, re-defining the word Worldview as it relates to cultural events, and of course our Teenage environment.  I'll try and keep it fresh and new as I review books, movies, educational opportunities, and most importantly how we can see those through the lens of following Jesus.  

BUT I NEED YOUR HELP!!!!

Here's the deal.  As many have asked for a podcast, I just need you to help me get the word out.  If you like what's going on here at andybraner.com, don't be afraid to share it with your friends on whatever social media outlet you use most often.  If it's facebook, share it with your friends.  If it's twitter, help me by re-tweeting the podcast to your network.  And as always, there's a way you can feed the podcast directly into your mobile device by subscribing through iTunes.  

If you have any suggestions for shows...
If you have any questions for me...
If you want to be on the podcast...
Or, if you just want to give a shout out by recording your own message...

Feel free to comment below, and we'll crank up the podcasting here at www.andybraner.com.  

Thanks for pushing me back to the middle.  I'm excited to see where this is going to go.  

Podcast 1.2013

 

When X-tians act like the world...

While trying to encourage people to re-define their own Christian Worldview, it's come to my attention how many differing Worldviews there are out there.  Everyone likes to use the word "Worldview" to highlight how intellectual, or authentic, or foundational they are when approaching the framework of what it means to live in the world and follow Jesus.

Some are political.
Others are economic.
Some are philosophical.
Still others try and combine some sort of cultural division, as if there's some sort of counter subculture of "secret" Christians who have the corner on the market of truth while all the others are sinking in the pit of worldliness.

But after doing this work for nearly 20 years, I'm seeing more and more differentials between people who all use the same word...."Worldview."  

Sure a worldview is a set of principles whereby you see the rest of the world.
Yes, a worldview can be an idea with God at the center, or it might be an idea where God is non-existent.
You might even find a worldview where the core of someone's basic beliefs are born out of family tradition, emotions, or even some need for everyone to live in a similar economic situation.

Whatever the word means to you, I hope you take it serious.  
A Worldview isn't simply talking about how you think, it's about applying the ideas of your philosophy/theology/sociology/biology/psychology and so forth; to your real life.

Recently I was working with a group of people who called themselves Christians.  They prayed well.  They praised well.  They even talked a good game when they met people who were potential "conversion targets.'  But the minute they had to sacrifice some time, some money, or some other resource valuable to them; they ran!  

In other words, I watched people who could talk a big game, but when it came right down to it, their behavior wasn't any different than a worldly salesman.  They were interested in reporting how good they were, but when no one was looking, they couldn't care less about the people they were leaving in the dust.  (of course I'm writing vague as to not get in a liable lawsuit about someone's character)

I think the world has had it with this kind of X-Tian.
It's such a game where the worldview at the moment we can agree to, but when people have to be called on to prove it in real life,  they run.  
When it gets hard, they revert to the life most comfortable, not the life most right.

I guess this week, I'm being reminded about how important it is to make sure we re-define the Christian Worldview, but we do it in a way that is represented in our actions.   Anyone can talk a big game.  What sets you a part today?  What makes you a re-definition?  If someone watched you work today, would they be able to tell you are a counter cultural being working for something higher than yourself?  

If not...you need a re-definition.

Working with Right-Ness: DO THE RIGHT THING!!

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Colossians 3:23-24)

Recently I've had some interesting encounters with employees, friends, and acquaintances in the area of job performance.  Watching  people do their work is an interesting gauge of someone's character.  I have one friend who is going out of his way to make sure his profession continues to have a good name, and another friend who is cutting as many corners as he can to make a deal go through.  

I've watched contractors decide it's easier to skimp by.
I've seen IT guys who cut corners where they know clients won't notice.
I've witnessed bankers deliberately add in minute cost structures so their firm can make just a little more money on transactions.  
And all for what??

As I was driving to work this morning, I took a quick inventory of my own heart and just asked the Lord, "Am I doing everything you've called me to do?"  

In other words, Am I working for the glory of God?  Or, am I working for the glory of man?  
Am I doing my work well?  Or, am I doing my job to try and 'get ahead?' (whatever that means.)

As I was praying this morning, I thought it would be a good time to encourage all my readers here at andybraner.com to work as though you're working unto the Lord.  Whatever job He's called you to do, do it in the right way.

I'll never forget hearing General Norman Schwarzkopf giving a commencement speech at a well endowed University.  After the first Gulf War, the President asked the General, "What is the one biggest piece of advice you can give to our graduates?"  And he replied, "Just do the right thing.  If we all just do the right thing, life tends to work out."

So today, I just encourage you, DO THE RIGHT THING.  It may not be the most convenient.  It may not be the most profitable idea at the time.  You may even need to go back and re-do something you've already done to make it right.  But if we DO THE RIGHT THING as to represent ourselves before the Lord, the world will take notice.  

They'll know we can be trusted.
They'll know we are people who care for others.
They'll know we love our neighbor.
They'll see something different about us.  

Today's motto:  DO THE RIGHT THING!! 

 

Entitlement: Responsibility is a Journey, not a Destination

I'll never forget the year I decided to be the local soccer coach for my 6 year old kids.  It's what all aspiring super dads want, mainly to be looked at as the "Coach."  Right?  

When I started, I knew very little about soccer.  
I decided to go online and find out different plays, drills, and practice schedules.  
After all, it was my job to prepare these kids to WIN.  

We started practice on an early September afternoon and the kids showed up starry eyed and dazzled by the green of the grass.  

Like a drill sergeant preparing his troops for battle, I started in on designing plays, giving consequences for failed routes, and helping the kids get in shape by using running drills for punishment.  I wasn't such a great elementary coach.  

At the end of the season we were 9-0, and had ZERO goals scored on us.  
We were a well oiled machine.

After the season trophy presentation, one of the parents asked me to step down as the coach because they felt like I was taking the game too serious.  They said, "I need to learn how to teach kids to have fun, and let them grow up."  

I agreed, and humbly stepped down.  My pride was hurt, as I thought I did a good job, but if the parent's weren't happy, then I get it.  

The next season, a new coach took over.  
He encouraged the parents to clap for their kids when they scored a goal.
He made sure everyone got a chance to play.
And He rewarded the kids for showing up for practice instead of rewarding based on accomplishment.  

In the middle of the season the team was 0-5, and all of the sudden I started getting inquiries from the same parents who "fired" me from the year before.  "Hey, Braner, you wouldn't want to come back and take over, would you?"

I couldn't help but smile and politely decline.
Who did these parents think I was?
I knew what it was going to take to win, and cheering just for the sake of being alive wasn't going to do it.  
I did realize I didn't have to run it like a drill sergeant, but come on.  Everyone doesn't deserve a trophy for just showing up.

I think there's a cultural kick back happening in the world right now.  We're feeling the consequences of all those years of telling our kids "You Deserve it"  While they didn't really do anything to deserve anything.  

The equation of self worth is a mix of variables.  Experience, Genetics, Accomplishments, and Failures all stack up to help us develop what is at the core of our own essence.  We learn how to act, react, and ultimately do the right things when life starts getting hard.  We learn how to accept failure, and celebrate successes.  

Throw in an unhealthy dose of social media, and now we have a group of kids who 'deserve' a trophy, and now are entitled to lots of friends, likes, and clicks to prove their value.  

I recently talked to a student who was throwing a fit because they only had 100 twitter followers.  "Conan OBrian has thousands, why can't I only have 1K?"  He asked, almost as if it was owed to him to have a certain number of public celebrity status.

"Well, Conan OBrian is Conan Obrian...' I said.  "He's spent a lifetime working comedy, and has taken a lot of risk to be a celebrity."

And the student looks at me with a blank stare like a Deer in headlights standing in the middle of a crowded highway.  

REALLY?

We've created a group of students who feel owed, entitled, lack of responsibility to engage in the consequences of their actions.  I'm watching as 35-40 year old ADULTS are incapable to just 'doing the right thing' because they feel as though the world owe's them something.

It's a strange world we live in where standing up and doing the right thing has been drowned out by the cheers of parents trying to make us feel good about ourselves.  And that's why we need to continue letting our kids fail.  

They learn.
They adapt.
They figure out life.
And then they get up and become responsible citizens.  

It hurts when you loose the game.
It's no fun when you have to work for what you have.
It seems as though everyone around has it easier.
But in the end, it's the Journey that counts....Not the Destination. 

Summer time is Almost Here, Don't Sweat it! Come to Colorado!

Since 2001 Camp KIVU has been offering adventures in Southwest Colorado. We've seen over 12,000 teenagers and college students who are walking through life with a sense of purpose, a connection with like minded folks, and a stanchion of story where they can call on for help during their time as young professionals.  

I get emails all the time from students who are navigating marriage now, working through owning their own business, traveling through their own professional careers, and all are thankful for the time and energy it took to get out here and invest from a KIVU perspective.  

We just launched a new website, and are working on a new way of registration.  If you'd like to see all things KIVU is doing, check out www.campkivu.com, or HEY, just watch the video below.

 

KIVU Commercial from Andrew Braner on Vimeo.

 

So What are you waiting for, Click here and  REGISTER TODAY.  

Watching the Aftermath of Boston

My heart is sad every time I turn on the news and watch the aftermath of the Boston tragedy last week.  It's hard to imagine someone willing to cause so much destruction in the middle of a peaceful celebration of fitness, agility, and competition.  But, that must be the world we live in now.  

I'm amazed that two people can actually have the entire city of Boston shut down on a manhunt.  I feel the blanket of fear covering the country when we're wondering who, what, why, when, and how.  The millions of dollars spent on security going forward are going to be a tribute to the nature of evil in the world today.  

One comment jumped out over all the others when I heard one of the bombers say, "I don't have one American friend."  And I audibly groaned.  WOW!!  How in the world can we continue the isolationist mindset in our culture until we have the ability to reach out to people in our own community.  

There's no question the blame lies with the two who set the bombs.  But it begs the question, "Who was taking care of the relationship needs of these two boys?"  We can hum and haw around about how the religious leaders tried to radicalize them, but really; radicalization only happens when there are victims who are ready to be trained and brainwashed.  

As I sat back and wondered about the work I do in Colorado, it pushed me even further to wonder how we can help create spaces for people to connect.  I'm moved by the stories of innocent victims who didn't ask for this lot in life, but I'm also moved by the sad state of the bombers who "didn't have an American friend."

I suppose Boston taught me a few important lessons.

There's certainly evil in the world we will have to endure.
I want to make sure to reach out to everyone in my community who needs a friend.
Celebration is an important part of life and we shouldn't allow those who wish to cause fear to win.
I'm more impressed to pray.

Today I'm praying for the state of our country.
Today I'm praying for the people who fell victim to this senseless violence.
Today I'm praying for God to give us divine meetings to reach out and create relationships with the people in our own communities.  

One thing is for sure, Life wasn't meant to be lived Alone.  Those of us who are able have an obligation to look around and take care of those who are feeling isolated.  

I'm praying for Boston in the aftermath of this atrocity.  

The KIVU Gap Year Graduation Week

This is the week our KIVU Gap Year students graduate from their year long program around the world. They are working on re-entry this week, and learning what it means to come back to a world that is very different from the one they've been exposed to in the last 6 months.

I think this picture shows the heartbeat of what we're trying to do. As our students focus on Global Medical Issues, Business Solutions, Social Problems, and Outreach to all sorts of people; they've learned not only to focus on their own studies but also to give themselves to whomever they're working with. Rich or Poor, Healthy or Sick, High Social Class or Bottom Rung of society; The KIVU Gap Year helps to give students real experience in the real world as they navigate their own future vocations.

I'm so proud of the students this year, and I'd welcome you to watch their Journey on Facebook www.facebook.com/thekivugapyear, or check out their blog www.kivugapyear.com. Please help me welcome our kids back home. It's been quite a year.

Prayers for my friend, Randy

This morning I need some help.  

A dear friend, Randy Bister, is back in the hospital fighting Leukemia and Pneumonia.  Randy worked at KIVU a few years ago, and made such an impact on hundreds of students, but today is fighting for his own life.  

I welcome any prayers from those of you out there, to lift up my friend Randy.  We know God can heal.  We know Doctors heal.  We know medicine heals.  But as believers, one thing we are called to do is to pray.  

James 5:14-15 says, "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven."  

We know God chooses to heal those He chooses to heal, but our job is to pray.  

Please pray for my friend Randy.  His family and friends are giving updates on a special facebook page...CLICK HERE to see what's happening and show support.  

Learning to Live in the Present

If I'm honest in my own spiritual life, I have to admit it's easy to get caught in the things that aren't important.  Just like the families I counsel, I have the same temptation to push hard to produce the next book, sign the next deal, fill the next camp, or do the next big global mission.  

For a physician it looks like becoming part of a medical society with power and prestige.
For an attorney it looks like winning the big case so all the other attorneys think highly of you.
For a construction manager, it's building the next building people can gawk at.
For a businessman, it's sealing the next deal that will buy you a bigger house, a faster car, a sleeker suit.  

But in the end, What do all those things really matter?

Solomon took a long walk down the road of life's meaning in a book called Ecclesiastes.  He sought to find the ultimate meaning in life through pleasure, women, work, riches, power, prestige, and ultimately found that the world poses nothing but fleeting satisfaction.  "Vanity of Vanity, All is Vanity."

No matter how much money you get, there's always a need for more.  
No matter how many clothes you have, there's always a desire for more.
No matter how many championships you win, there's always a need to win another.
It's a crazy hedonic cycle that feeds something inside us without a true sense of satisfaction.  

The problem working in ministry is, you can justify all those things under the banner of doing something for God.  How can you sit in a place of apathy when God NEEDS YOU!! (or needs me, which is really why I'm writing this.)

I need to learn to live in the present.
I need to take the lesson from the great leaders of old who figured out how to live with the most important things.  
Things like...

Being grateful for today.
Being thankful for the life God has given me.
Saying Thanks to the people in my life who continue to act like they like me, anyway.  HA!
Making sure I take time to live today without giving into the pressure of worrying about the future.  

Today, I want to live like Jesus.  "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34)

Can you imagine what it would look like if we found the things that really mattered, and focused on them in the NOW...rather than worrying about what was to come?  

 

Finding Balance In a Crazy Life

This week I was at Wilmington Christian Academy with some incredible students thinking through the ministry and message of God's work in their lives.  I had so much fun sitting with creative thinkers, praying with willing, and laughing a lot!!  That's why I love hanging with teenagers, WE LAUGH A LOT!!

During the week, I sat in on one my good friend's message.  His name is John, and he's a pastor in Hockessin Delaware.  He was teaching a group of young men about what it meant to be a man!  Now, I've got to tell you, I've been a part of SO MANY men conferences where someone has another idea about manhood.  It seems like there are EXPERTS in the fields of "what a man is" so I was keenly interested to see where John was coming from and what he would communicate to the students.  

He told of his being a fighter pilot in the Air Force, and now he's a pastor in an area of America where it is notably "Post-Christian."  People just don't go to church on Sundays like they do in the South or the Mid-West.  And so he went on to help the junior and senior young men understand what the difference was between a man of the world and a man of God.  

1. He said, "A Man of the world is defined by the woman he can get, while a man of God is defined by the woman he can keep."  In other words, the world tells our young men to hustle to find a woman who can hang on your arm where your friends will judge you to be a man worthy of their approval.  I couldn't help but think about how objective that must seem to a woman.  He spent time telling them how to care for a woman, and serve a woman for the intent of marriage.  
2. He said, "A Man of the world is defined by the house that he builds, while a man of God is defined by the home he can make."  WOW-isn't that a truth.  While more and more hunger for the world drives us all to build a bigger house with nicer things, emptiness lives inside of many Americans who are longing for meaning in life.  What a good principal to share with young men before the enter their vocation.
3. He said, "The world will judge you by the job you can get, while God will judge you by the job that you do."  BOOM!  For my 20's and 30 something's you are not identified by the lab coat you where or the suit you put on.  A real man is defined by the job that he does with what is in front of him.  Excellency in our work is a testimony to who we are on the inside.  

I couldn't help but think how we all get this out of balance.  We put so much emphasis on how the world wants to pat us on the back, and give us the encouragement we think we need.  But in the midst of REAL LIFE, God is intersted in what's going on inside a man.  

So let this be an encouragement to you today, Let your identity come from who you are, not what you do.  Let your worth come from the relatioships you develop, not the objectification of another.  And be careful to tend to the things MOST important in life.  

Bless you this weekend.  

The Deadly Week We'll Never Forget

What a week?  WOW!!  Boston. Waco. Memories of 9-11.  Abortion Doctors. Earthquakes. Death. Destruction.  It's been one of those weeks that keeps us all wondering, "God, if ever we need you, we need you now."  

I was talking to a small fellowship last night, a group I deeply care for; and the message of God's living 'with us' not 'at us' consumed my spirit.  I read from Philippians 2:6, "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage."  

The God of the Universe, Creator of All things, In Him all things hold together (Colossians 1) came to provide an example, a beginning, and a re-creation to humanity.  And what's even more interesting:  He didn't come as a King.  He didn't come as a Ruler.  He didn't come as a Business man.  He came in the form of a servant.  

In John 13, Jesus gathered His disciples and bowed before them to serve them, to wash their feet.  He lowered Himself from Heaven to dwell with Humanity, and then Humbled Himself in front of the disciples He called to spread the Word He came to teach...in the face of their dirty feet.

He wasn't interested in becoming something anything other than a true servant delivering the message of God's ultimate love for the world.  

In the Face of Boston, Waco, Abortion Doctors, Murder, Earthquakes, and Global Disasters, God's love is what we long for, what we hope for, and what we need in the midst of a world gone array.  

My prayer today is for God to comfort and encourage people in the center of their pain.  
May we who follow Jesus be able to share the Love God gave us with those who need it most today.  

 

 

 

Oh You of Little Faith

I'm reading my daily gospel Meditation today, and the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 people is today's image.

I've been sitting here thinking, "What in the world were the disciples thinking?"

Can you imagine having 5K people sitting at a certain church outreach in the middle of some field somewhere. There's no rest stop, no fast food joints, no grocery store around; and the pastor may have gone a little long, and everyone is itching to get something to eat.

Now, I don't know about your church, but I've been to churches where the 11:30 itch hits the middle of the pews, and the congregation starts hinting to the pastor that it's time to get out and beat the 'other' churches to the Golden Coral for Sunday Brunch.

Can you imagine 5K?

Of course we know the story where 5 loaves and 2 fish become a meal for all 5 thousand people with 12 baskets of left overs to be eaten later. And it's easy to read through a story where we know it turns out well, but what if it didn't?

That's where the crux of faith and real life meet in real time. Sure, I believe God can multiply food, after all He created it all. He can do whatever He wants. But what about the times He decides not to?

WHEW..now that's the difference between someone who can live in the middle of faith, and someone who Jesus would continually look back and scold, "Oh, yea of little faith."

I have a friend who lives with incredible back pain. We've prayed for years God would heal him. He's been to the best doctors in the world. He's been to countless prayer meetings. He's still walking around with back pain.

Or what of my friend's mother who recently died of cancer? We prayed in faith she might be healed, but God took here at 46 years old. What happened? Did we live life without the faith Jesus calls for?

Or what of my friends who've been faithful in their business for 30 years, and just recently were told they had to shut it all down? Were they living outside the bounds of faith when they kept praying for God to intervene?

I don't know if I have any answers today, as much as I have questions. I'm not trying to start a fight, or reiterate any theological positions. I'm simply asking, how do we get the place Jesus asks us to get in our faith?

Certainly James talks about faith in terms of trials and circumstance. "Consider it joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds..." But none of us REALLY want to welcome trials into life.

Modern faith movements tell our youth to dream Big and let God move. He's ready to answer your Big Dreams and make His name known to the world. And then I watch my 25-30 year old friends just trying to survive in the world. They bought in with all the chips on the table, and God didn't show up like they thought.

I'm impressed by the leaders of the faith who are able to frame their lives in the context of faith. The one's who have the ability to see beyond circumstance and honestly and authentically climb into a space where faith drives their next decision.

I guess the first place to start for me today is back when Jesus said, "Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has enough worries of it's own." I supposed worry, doubt, guilt, and self worth issues are the things that cripple the ability to walk in faith.

Ok...so today...It's time to live by faith. God I give you my day today (as I take a deep breath) and I choose to focus on the things you have for me today without compromising for tomorrow.

What ways have you found a life full of faith effective? I'd love to learn from my friends here at The Journey.

Ever Seen a Storm Coming?

The Eastern Part of the United States is enduring the annual Tornado Ritual.  Each spring when the warm air of spring collides with the cool winter wind of the north these crazy storms show up tearing apart everything in their path.  

I've been in the middle of storms like these, and I can tell you, they're pretty scary.  

This morning I was reading the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:35-41.  It talks about the disciples being in the boat, and the group heading to the other side of the sea.  A storm came and threatened to capsize the boat and the disciples cried, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"  

That's when Jesus stood up in the boat and demanded the winds to be quiet and the seas to be still.  The disciples were amazed and asked themselves, "who is this that can calm the wind and the waves?"  

As I was praying this morning, I started thinking about the significance of God's choosing to come and live life with us.  He didn't dictate morality from a golden throne in heaven, but rather; chose to come and live on earth at a specific time in history.  

He didn't choose to come in the form of a King or a Business leader.  He came as a teacher, a rabbi, a mentor to help the common man understand the ideas of heaven.  And, in the middle of His time on earth, He kept reassuring those that followed that He was indeed who He said He was.  

Then I started wondering, Maybe some of us have never been through a storm on the sea, or a tornado in the prarie, but we all endure storms in life.  In fact, one thing is certain about all of us...

Storms in life are coming, and we have a choice, to fear the storm or have faith in a God who cares.  

Today, I choose faith.  

I know there are times in life where the wind and the waves will crash all around. 
I know there are times when I will wonder which direction to turn.
I've been in places where I didn't know to turn right or left.  
But I know, this morning, I choose to set my sights on something greater than myself.  

Have you ever seen the storm coming?

Which direction did you go? 

Creating a Story: First Steps to Finding Connection

I've been noticing more and more people standing in a model pose with their iPhones at arms distance. Taking a picture and posting it on Instagram or Facebook has become the 'new way' of telling people a story.

"Look what food I ate!"
"See who I met last night."
"I'm on a island cruise...don't you wish you were here?"

The problem with this kind of story is, it's almost always focused on, well; YOU.

Many of my teen mentor friends have used words like selfish, self centered, even narcissism to describe the way social media is changing the way we think. I think that might be a little over reaching, but the ideas now where our story is THE most important part of our journey through life tends to focus SO much on self, I believe it leads to isolation. I think you can be so obsessed with your own story, you can find yourself in a place where you're the only one who cares about the next picture, the next event, or the next status update.

In my book ALONE, I try to outline ways for us to re-engage with honest relationships. And one of the ways I propose we start living is to create a story.

Climb a Mountain, not for the sake of conquering the mountain, but for the memories you'll make with your friends.

Travel to a place you've never been before, not so you can wallow in your own bravery, but so you can remember the place with your friends.

Eat new foods, with friends.
Discover new hobbies, together.
Put adventure in your life, even if it means walking through a block of town you've never gone.

I believe when we stretch ourselves to create a story together, we can always remember who was with us when.

And what a difference it makes when you begin creating a story with God. (I know this gets a little theological to think about, but hang in there with me.)

If God began the story, and has invited you into it, How great would it be to dive deep into the waters of togetherness with your creator.

I'm convinced, most of our loneliness comes from either a lack of togetherness with our creator, or a lack of togetherness with one another.

When Jesus said, Love The Lord your God with all Your Heart, Mind, and Soul, this is the first and greatest commandment, He offered a remedy for the loneliness we feel. For as we Love God with everything inside us, we discover the story He intends to live WITH us, in the present.

If you're feeling Alone today, start your day as I start mine. "God I praise you for being the Creator of All things. I'm excited to see what chapter you're writing today. May I live my life in such a way to live Your story With You."

Just start your story there, and let's see where it goes.

The Wild Wild West of the Internet

Last week I saw the internet in it's most raw form.  After the announcement of Rick and Kay Warren's son Matthew breaking via CNN, Twitter, and The Huffington Post, the comments following the articles were nothing short of vile.  

I'm all for free speech, but when I witnessed the nasty comments concerning the possibility Rick and Kay were responsible for the death of their 27 year old son Matthew, I just felt dirty.  With each comment, I just kept asking myself, "Where in the world did the Internet give people the right to be so vile?"

And then I saw the names of the people commenting.  

None of them were actual names.
None of them had any responsibility to reveal themselves.
They were comments hidden behind the mask of a computer screen with no way to be known.  
It's almost like they had a mask on, stealing the joy away from people who were hurting, only to share their own "free" advice on how to handle mental illness in your own family.  

What have we become?

When it's more important to stand on your opinion of someone else's life work in the face of tremendous tragedy, is that human?
Could we, for a moment, understand the loss of a child in our own family deserves at best, a time of grief, sympathy, and condolence?

I'm fairly certain the founding fathers who afforded us the freedom of speech outlined in the constitution had no intent for the freedom of speech to be taken to the point of hurtful hate toward one another.  Free speech was specified as a method whereby people didn't have to fear the government oppression they lived under an oppressive King,  NOT to claim free speech as they proverbially kick a family in their most painful time of need.  

This isn't the Wild Wild West, is it? According to social evolutionists, we live in a world with morals and evolved to a place where we know right from wrong.  Or do we?

The latest vileness I witnessed on Monday and Tuesday leave me to wonder if our evolution as humanity hasn't come nearly as far as some might have us believe.  We still live in a world where humanity chooses to serve it's own interest, rather than the interest of others.  We're just downright mean.

I have to respect Mr. Warren who tweeted yesterday, "Father forgive them, they know not what they do."  With the final words of Jesus, Pastor Warren once again evoked the grace and mercy of God he continues to try and embody in his own heart. I can't imagine the pain.   

To the Warrens:  I'm deeply saddened for your loss.  I have no idea what it means to loose a son.  I'm so sorry for the pain you are experiencing, and I for one will be praying for you and your family.  I'm sorry for the comments you had to endure during this tragedy, and my hope is you will continue to feel the love and support from your fellow humans, even if they disagree with you.  

Maybe we should return to the Wild Wild West. At least there, you had to take responsibility for the people you shot.

 

The KIVU Gap Year: Creating Global Leaders

I've been getting the news back slowly but surely. The University Acceptance letters have gone out, and many of my High School friends are already packing up their rooms. Excitement is in the air, and the promise of a great future s just across the threshold of their fall admissions. There's so much to do.

But as they get excited for their Freshman year, I'm also hearing from my Sophomore friends who were in the same position just a short year ago.

They're tired.
They're wondering if the class schedule is really going to make a difference in what they want to do.
They're looking for internships.
The wide dark clouds of uncertainty are beginning to build in their future plans.
The once wide eyed new Freshman are now facing a bit of reality.
And that's how the cycle goes.

Each spring, I get excited with my friends, only to see them the next year wondering if they made the right choice.

I've got to tell you, for three years now, I've seen a program work that doesn't have the same feeling. The cycle is actually beginning to break, as I've seen three classes of students decide they weren't scared of the world, but rather; excited to engage with the world.

The KIVU Gap Year is creating global leaders with the initiative, internships, and networking ability to do whatever they want to do across the World.

One of our students this year posted an awesome blog this morning. I invite you to read...http://kristenhendrix.tumblr.com/post/47538893646.

Kristen has put in as much as anyone in the program, and she's getting more out of it than she ever thought.

Last week, the Christian Broadcast Network sent a reporter to do a story on The KIVU Gap Year. As soon as it breaks, I can't wait to share it with you, as it will be broadcast to over 130 different countries.

The reporter and the crew were so excited about the project, we think they're going to put it into a 5 minute segment. FIVE MINUTES!!! Never heard of in the Journalism world.

In any event, take a long hard look at your choices coming up this fall. You still have time to come and join The KIVU Gap Year, just check it out at www.kivugapyear.com.

I promise the lure of the Freshman year is nothing compared to spending a year traveling the world, meeting high powered government officials, and interning for some of the most well established relief organizations around the globe.

Understanding Life Inside Technology

Last October I released ALONE: Finding Connection In a Lonely World.  

The purpose of the book was to highlight issues teenagers are dealing with as they navigate life through the lens of technology.  

Texting replaced Talking.
Facebook replaced Real Face Time.
Google+ attempted to created a party online.
Twitter reduced our thoughts to 140 characters.  

I thought, "Surely teenagers will see the difference between valuable relationship time, and using technology to prop up your closest friendships."  

I was wrong...

I sat with a student last week, and asked, "Where do you guys go to hang out?  I mean, I never see you guys walking down the street, or hanging at the mall, or going to the movies.  Where is everybody?"

He looked at me with a strange stare and finally connected the dots.  He pulled his iPhone out of his back pocket and said, "Why would I go hang out?  I hang out with my friends every night in my room." as he held up his hand held device.  

And that's when I thought, Wow, we've missed it.

 Think of it like this...
When a fish is born in the Ocean, it doesn't know anything else but the water it breathes.  Migration happens every single day based on clarity of the water, salinity levels, and social movement.  It's not really that different with those 25 and under.  They don't know life any other way.

They were born in a world filled with Technology.  They don't know life without Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or cell phones.  We can't hold them to an expectation of relationship as we know relationship, because they're relationships HAVE been forged in the fires of emerging communication.  

So I turned to people 25-55, and I found it.  

Although I still believe we have issues connecting the 25 and unders together outside of technology, it's the 25 and older crowd that knows life without Facebook.  They know what it's like to play, imagine, and connect with each other in real time.  

Strangely enough, it's the 25 and older crowd living life MOST ALONE.  The biggest demographic on Facebook right now are 35-65 year old women.  ??

There's an underlying understanding in people that grew up outside of modern internet communication, there's more to life than someone RT'ing my 140 characters or "liking" my status.

They know what it's like to share a meal with someone.
They understand the excitement of meeting new people in a new environment.
They long to be in places where they can connect together and create a story.  

At the core of the 25 and under crowd, they know it's exciting to meet new people, but they still need to be exposed to environments where relationships can be made strong through common experience.  

Last week I was traveling, and sat next to a 24 year old University Graduate who was simply exploring the world.  He told me stories where he would meet people one at a time at various hostiles along his global journey.  He'd travel for 2-3 months, and then get a job wherever he landed to make enough money to travel to the next location.  It was quite amazing.  

When I asked him, "Do you ever feel Lonely?" His answer surprised me.  

"Not really.  I think meeting people in unique situations gives me a sense I'm connecting.  Then I keep their contact info, so I'm always just a text away."

In other words, the exploration and story have become the greatest form of connection in his life.  He's not bound by community; rather, he's riding the amusement park ride of relationships, and when it's time to move on, it's time to move.  

It's interesting isn't it.  

Relationships of old were based on long time ups and downs.
Relationships today are developed on stories made together, and then the choice of connection later on.
Relationships of old were based on commitment to encouraging in dark times, and celebrating in successes.  
Relationships today are mainly based on the next exciting adventure.  

I'm interested in knowing what you think about this.  

1.  Can we truly know and be known by others through our pop-social media culture? 

AND

2.  Can we truly connect with each other when our only frame of reference is based on the 'good times?'

What do you think? 

 

Choosing Humble, Leads

I've been watching from a distance as the Catholic Church has turned over three leaders in my lifetime.  From Pope John Paul, to Pope Benedict, and the newly elected Pope Francis, the Catholics have certainly been moving in the last 10 years.  

I didn't grow up Catholic.
I have many Catholic Friends.  
I've taught in Catholic Schools and Youth Groups.  

And one of my deepest respects for the Catholic Church is the long held liturgy of reverence and respect for the person of God.  Every priest I've had the honor of interacting with has a humble heart for the things of God.  

I saw this picture of Pope Francis on the web, and did my own reading of the newly elected leader.  I don't know about you, but I rarely see leaders of any organization willing to prostrate their 'rightful' leadership and bow to washing the feet of their members.  

In fact, today I rarely see the bright ray of humility grace many of our religious leaders, so this picture popped off my computer screen this morning with much interest.  What's going on here?  

Many of us have read the account of Jesus' washing the feet of His disciples (John 13), and it can often be looked over as a story told in Sunday School, but can you imagine?

Imagine God's Son being sent from heaven to bow before fishermen.
Imagine the Creator of the Universe willing to bow His power at the feet of Tax collectors.  
Imagine what it must have been like to know the man who fed 5,000 people, healed the sick, and gave hope to the hopeless; was willing to perform one of the dirtiest deeds of the day.  

When I saw Pope Francis' picture washing people's feet, I was inspired to know more.  This leaders who now is in charge of nearly 1 Billion people on the planet has taken a humble view of his own paritioners.  Interestingly enough, the picture alone tells us a message of "togetherness," a place I think is unique in the Christian faith.  

Although we all endure different circumstances and a variety of decisions, we're all on this Journey to Understand who God is, and How we can interact on the planet together.  

I don't know about you, but when I see leaders choosing the path of humility, it causes something to rise in my own heart to follow.  When leaders choose the path of arrogance or celebrity, it makes me cringe with cynicism.  

I am encourage by Pope Francis this morning.  I know the church has MAJOR issues to deal with, but this may be the beginning of someone wiling to come to the table of togetherness to find real answers to difficult questions.  

Thank you today for this image.   

 

Choices...Choices...Choices...

I was at a drive through fast food restaurant the other day. As we pulled up, I looked back at the 7 kids I had in the car.  "Ok guys, What do you want?"  and I waited...

Silence.

The voice over the loud speaker came on, "Go ahead and order when you're ready..."

Silence.  

Then in a rush of noise, all 7 kids shouted at the same time, "Dad, I want a ..."

I couldn't help but laugh out loud.  The guy on the other end of the speaker laughed. "Wow, you got an army in there?" he asked.

"Nope, just the Braner kids." I laughed again.

We ended up getting everybody something to eat, and drove down the road to our destination.  But as I was driving, I started thinking about how we learn to choose at such an early age.  

Here in America, our lives are full of choices:

Our T.V.'s have thousands of choices for channels, but we can only really watch one. 
If a restaurant doesn't have thousands of choices for food, we go to another seeking more variety.  But let's be honest, we can only choose one something to eat.  
Our schools have choices of classes.  When I signed my son up for High School, I was amazed at the different classes he could choose.  One class was called 'Outdoor Literature and Fly Fishing.'  Can you imagine going to a high school that offered something like that?  
Our clothing stores sprawl for hundreds of thousands of square feet to display thousands of choices of items to wear.  

Our culture adds choice on top of choice where we are forced to make decisions almost every second of the day.  

And then I started thinking...

Not long ago, I was in Saudi Arabia talking with a group of Arabs talking about the necessity of understanding your faith in the face of so many choices.  A large Arab man came up to me after my talk and said, "There are only really three religions in the world.  Jews, Christians, and Muslims."  

I left the meeting thinking, "Are you serious?  Only three?  My post graduate work is in Philosophy of Religion, and I'm pretty sure I read about more than three."

But after I drove through the fast food joint the other day, it hit me.

The West is different than the Middle East.  

The Choices we have at our restaurants metaphorically symbolize how many people see faith.  
If you want a little spice, you choose _________.
If you want a little bland, you choose _________.
If you want a little sweet, you go with ________.
And in a plural world, it all makes sense.  

But what of what is TRUE?
What of Common Good?
What of a place where we can point to the beginning of the cosmos, the first breath of humanity, and the natural order of things around us?  Why so many choices? (of course, I'm leaving my atheist friends on the outside of this conversation.  I apologize, but for the sake of the article, bare with me.)

Choices..Choices..Choices...We all have to choose.  

The Constitution is a choice.  'I get to say  Whatever I want to say, no matter the consequence.'
The Law is a choice.  'I get to obey the laws I want to obey.  The one's I don't agree with, well...'
Faith is a choice. ' I get  to believe in what I want to believe.  As if God is just waiting for us to choose.'

This morning here on the Journey I wish to put this lifestyle to a test.  If you you choose to believe God does not exist, and He does; is it really a choice?  
If you choose to believe in a religion you made up, what kind of choice is that? Is it real or less-real than the place of beginning?

Choices...Choices..Choices...

We all have choices today.  Some might call that "Free Will." I think it's the most beautiful part, and the most frustrating part of being human.  We all have a choice.  Choose this day, who you will serve.  (Joshua 24:15)

 

 

A Reason to Celebrate

This week, I've been overwhelmed by the people who choose to support what we do in Colorado at KIVU. I've literally taken calls from all over the world. Parents are saying things like, "You helped my kid know who they are and what they believe in." Staff e-mails started piling up touting a community of people like they've never seen before. One particular e-mail told a story of her University Religion class the the University.

Evidently there was an atheist professor at a large state school in Oklahoma who asked the class to do a paper on the most influential people in the student's development years. This particular student named Jamie Jo and I as her most influential mentors in life.

I'm telling you, if you've never read an e-mail like that before, it brings you to your knees in humility to think you can really have THAT kind of impact on someone's life.

One of the most recent e-mails I received from a former High School student was probably the biggest surprise I've heard in a long time.

Harry and Gabe came to the Colorado camp around 2005, and they quickly built a reputation of being AWESOME!! Funny, exciting, and willing to talk about any kind of issue; the boys were the type of teenagers that make the world a great place.

I got an e-mail from Harry this week and he told me he had graduated from the University, fell in love with an incredible lady, and was working on an engineering group that helped quadruple the amount of natural gas in Israel. "Andy, I'll never forget my time in Colorado, my crash course in Apologetics and Worldview, and how God met me there. My time in Colorado continues to influence the direction my life takes."

I just couldn't help but tear up and think, "Yep!! God, you do amazing things."

It's so fun to walk with teenagers who are trying to formulate their own life perspective while trying to navigate the hardest times in life.

It's a sacred honor to lead a University Staff who are also trying to polish off their goals in life as they are people who are longing to be something in the world.

And, it's such a privilege to walk with Fathers and Mothers to help lock arms and raise teenagers in their homes.

It's been a moving week for me, and I'd just like to shout out to all my friends who are saying so many wonderful things over the web.

If you'd like to learn about the community we are developing at KIVU, don't hesitate to jump over to our facebook community at http://www.facebook.com/campkivu; or you can see our newest alumni site at http://www.kivukonnect.com.

Thank you guys so much for making my life so special!! I'm honored to have been a part of yours to this point.

Check out my PluggedIn Online Interview

For the last decade, I've relied heavily on the opinions of others to help understand culture and where we are most influenced.   Focus on the Family has provided an incredible resource for those of us who want different viewpoints concerning movies, music, and general pop culture.  Plugged In Online has been a fascinating resource for me to see pop culture through expert eyes.  

Today I have the unique opportunity to speak with Bob Smithouser about Teenagers and Loneliness in popculture.  The podcast starts with a review of the new G.I. Joe movie released recently, and then we talk together about helping Teenagers.  Be sure to click on the link below and look for podcast #196.  

CLICK HERE TO GO TO PLUGGED IN ONLINE and the Podcast #196

Have a Great Day today!! And thanks for your continued support of The Journey

 

 

The @Bible, @markburnettTV, and @braner...A new way of thinking

I must admit, when I heard Mark Burnett was behind the creation of the 5 week mini-series to tell the story of the Bible, I was pretty skeptical.  I watched as all the Celebrity Christians started to tweet to watch The Bible when it appeared on the History Channel, and my pessimistic nature came to full froth.  

Surely this was some grand marketing scheme to sell T.V.  After all, Mr. Burnett is one of the most successful television creators of all time.  And now, I thought, "we were going to be subject to another "cheesy" version of the Bible."  I knew Christians would rally behind it, just because it was called The Bible.  (Let's be honest, we haven't been known as a tribe of creative geniuses in the last decade.)  I was afraid Mr. Burnett was giving ammo to my Atheist friends who once again would call into question the viability of a 2000 year old book critical it would in any way relate to our world today.

I even watched the first episode, and on a whim tweeted some snarky comment about how all the people looked like White people speaking perfect Queen's English.  (I really am sorry about that Mark.)

And here's where it gets interesting...

Last Sunday night, the Braner Party of 7 was sitting around the living room looking for something to wind down Easter Sunday.  I reached for the remote, and The Voice was on.  Usually, the family is interested in hearing new music, and voting on who is the best audition, but ALL my kids said, 'Dad isn't the Bible finale on tonight?  Turn it to The Bible."  I was SHOCKED!  

My kids are 14, 11, 9, 8, and 5, and all of them were really excited to  watch the last chapter of the mini-series.  I sat in amazement as they started asking questions about chronology of the Bible, purpose of the Resurrection, and finally the message Paul was tasked to take to the Gentiles.  

Well, I stand corrected.  I owe Mr. Burnett, and Ms. Downey a huge apology.  The production was incredible.  Instead of being someone ashamed to explain the Bible to my Atheist friends, I found myself excited to show certain chapters of the Bible through the eyes of this new way of thinking.  

The section where Peter was all alone and called to the Centurion spoke deeply to my soul.  He was called to explain the faith to Kings in the face of uncertainty, and I must be honest; I've been in that place more than once in the last year.  

In any event, I just wanted to take a little time to say thanks.  Thanks to @markburnetttv and all those who were involved in the creation of the Bible Experience.  I, @braner, apologize for my pessimistic first outlook.  I look forward to exploring the chapters I missed, and am proud of seeing someone willing to push the conversation to the public square.  With a world continuing to retreat from spiritual formation, we need creative forces like this to bring the discourse to the water cooler, the public square, and the normal times of conversations among friends.  The Bible Experience has afforded that chance to talk about God and not be weird.    

Today the Bible comes out on Blue Ray and DVD.  If you have a chance, pick it up and see how interesting the producers flew through several thousand years of story line.  As usual, the book is better than the movie, but this time; it's awfully close.   

The KIVU Gap Year in the Philippines

If you've followed the Journey for a while, you're certainly aware of The KIVU Gap Year.  This program is a way High School Graduates are able to see the world, network with some of the largest organizations in the world, and work on their own spiritual/vocational development.  From September to April, our students are working hard to find out what gifts God has given them, so when they enter the University, they're ready to hit the ground running.  

This month, The KIVU Gap Year is in the Philippines.  They are working with the International Care Ministries of the Philippines, and learning SO MUCH about how the world is working.  ICM works with the poorest of the poor in the Philippines, given them new ways of thinking about Healthcare, Micro-Finance, Education, Development, and all around the spiritual development of the community.  I foresee ICM being one of the largest global Non-government Organizations in the world in the next decade, and The KIVU Gap Year kids are getting to be a part of the growth from the ground up.  

Since September The KIVU Gap Year Students have been in Denver, Haiti, Rwanda, India, Tunisia, and now Southeast Asia.  What a great opportunity to hone the skills they were created for.  As of today 100% of The KIVU Gap Year students have gone on to the University, made Connections with Some of the most High Profile Global Leaders, and have a unique view of their own gifts and talents most University Freshman don't ever discover.  

In a world where extended adolescence is becoming more the normal, I've watched mid 20's and early 30 somethings struggle to find "what it is I want to do with my life."  There's a cloud hanging on the potential of our emerging adults, because education is changing.  To be able to sit with developers in Denver, or ask questions about emerging business practices in Africa, or be in the middle of discovering how to put together a global organization are opportunities few have access to.  

I'm convinced more than ever, The KIVU Gap Year is becoming a necessity for high school students to realize their own potential, connect with the world in real time, and discover what their particular gift is to partner in an ever shrinking world.  

If you are looking for a way to discover your potential.
If you're longing to explore the world through the context of experiential education.
If you are looking to improve a resume, network with global leaders, or you simply have an interest in business, social work, health care, micro-finance, or Global Leadership...

The KIVU Gap Year is worth taking a look at.  

If you want more information, feel free to look through our videos, our testimonies, or just follow the students as they finish out the 2012-2013 school year. http://www.kivugapyear.com   We are excited to see where these students will go, and we're thrilled to have a new class gearing up for the 2013-2014 year with The KIVU Gap Year.   

Are You Fighting Allergies? Hi-Health has some help for us.

A change of seasons, for example, winter to spring may not be exactly a walk in the park for most folks, who long to enjoy the outdoors.  This could signal the start of allergies. Sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery, red eyes -- these are just some of the symptoms that more than 35 million Americans face each year as the pollen from trees, grass, flowers, and plants makes it way into the air.

 

When you have allergies you are looking for something to relieve your symptoms ASAP! Some of us grab the usual OTC allergy remedies with unwanted side-effects; drowsiness, over drying, racing heart, etc…Some of us call  on natural remedies  to the rescue without the unwanted side-effects.

 

Hi-Health ,  over 20 years ago ,  created a formula called AL-10 for those suffering from seasonal allergies. It is a combination of herbs and other nutrients to calm the immune system. One important ingredient found in the AL-10 formula is Butterbur. In one study, published in the British Medical Journal, a group of Swiss researchers showed that butterbur was effective in controlling symptoms of hay fever -- without the traditional symptom of drowsiness that sometimes occurs. AL-10 has a companion product called AL-10 Booster which is recommended for those suffering from multiple allergy symptoms, especially, those experiencing drainage that leads to excessive coughing. You can find AL-10 with the Al-10 Booster at www.hihealth.com along with other information regarding natural remedies for allergies. Lastly, take into consideration reducing and/or eliminating dairy, corn, soy and wheat from your diet. These common foods seem to create an allergic response in some individuals and could aggravate allergies creating more mucous.  Limiting time outside when pollen counts are high, especially in the morning and evening , can be helpful as well.

It's only Friday...Sunday's Coming

Every Good Friday, I go back and listen to excerpts from my favorite pastors.  I don't know why I do this, but in an age where the best teachers in the world are right here at my fingertips; I find a unique way of putting together a composite of teachers who speak to the Easter Weekend.  

Tony Campolo has an interesting way of engaging with a congregation, and he continues to speak to the heart of the culture where we live today.  Some theologians focus so much on the equations of the Passion week, they miss the heart behind what's really going down.  

I listened to this monumental 3:00 minute video this morning, and found myself longing to be in prayer. If you've got a second today, check this out... It's is only Friday...But Sunday's coming.  

Friday is the day when the world seems to be dark and dismal.  
Friday is where hopes and dreams fade into death.
Friday is the time when everything was supposed to go another way, but Friday is the day Jesus was hung on a cross and the disciples were left thinking, "What have I spent my life doing?"

But Sunday's Comin'....

Metaphorically...

Friday is the day your friend woke up and turned on you.
Friday is the day your boss treated you like a minion.
Friday is the day your spouse was angry with you.  
Friday is the day your kids went off the reservation.
Friday is the day when the future looks impossible.
Friday is the day when the dark clouds of doubt and despair hang heavy on the human condition.

But Sunday's Comin'....

Sunday is the day when the world begins again.
Sunday is the hope we have the darkness will be moved back to the place it deserves.
Sunday is when the world spins the right way through the reconciliation of God to His creation.
Sunday is the day when the rey of light breaks through the clouds.  
Sunday is the place where we look at the impossible parts of our family, our workplace, or our community and we look to the heart of God.   

It's only Friday...but Sunday's Comin'

I would like to thank Dr. Campolo for this hope filled reminder.  Some days it seems dark, but with our eyes set on the hope of things to come, our faith will be strengthened and empowered to reach out to our communities.  

As you look into whatever darkness plagues you today, let me be the one to remind you

It's only Friday...Sunday's Comin'

On the Eve of Passion

On the Eve of the Passion Weekend, I decided to read through the story of Jesus' last days on planet earth.

I've heard the stories since I was a young boy, and even spent quite a bit of time analyzing the events in detail during my post-graduate work. But reading the story of Jesus sacrifice this morning brought the same emotions I've experienced every time.

The Disciples gathered together in the Upper Room, a small rooftop gathering place. The Biblical account tells the discovery of Judas, and Jesus foreshadowing His coming capture, trial, and death. I wonder what they were talking about? Did they just carry on like it was another day? Or was there an air of common uneasiness?

After Judas is revealed and the meal finished, they traveled to the Garden of Gethsemane. I was in the garden where scholars think Jesus and the disciples prayed the night of his capture. When I walked through the gates, I felt something strange. It was as if I was whisked away to the time when a spirit of suffering blanketed the olive grove where Jesus cried out, "If it possible, let this cup pass from me."

I wonder if the disciples understood the pain and agony pulsing through the spirit of their teacher, leader, and friend? I wonder what Jesus would say about his time in the garden praying to a God who seemed to leave Him in the greatest hour of His need?

I'm envious of the faith of a God/Man who could live in the moment, yet have faith in the hope of things to come.

On the Journey, I think this weekend is a wonderful time for reflection on the Passion Week. Take some time to sit in a quiet place of solitude, and ponder the weightiness of what is about to happen over the course of these next few days in history.

This is the time the world changed...FOREVER!!

Learning to Love People Different Than You

Last week I had the sacred honor of working with Southwest Florida Christian Academy down in Fort Myers Florida.  What a great group of students, faculty, and administration.  The school is in a coordinated relationship with McGregor Baptist Church, one of the first Mega-Churches in the Southwest Florida Region.  I had a chance to worship with them on Sunday, and work with the students during their Spiritual Retreat.  

As many of you know, I fell God's calling in my ministerial voice is to represent Him well, and then invite all people to understand how to Love like God calls us to Love.  During this retreat, I had several opportunities to explain the position both from the front of the room and in private.  We actually set up appointments where kids could just sit down and have a chat about what I was teaching.  

I was really intrigued to see a generation that is willing and able to love anyone.  There's a real shift in the trend of this generation to look at one another and say, "Well, whatever you believe I can see that."  And in a refreshing way, it was awesome to experience that acceptance.  

But there's also a danger when a generation simply seeks to reach out and Love without any particular stantion of belief in their own spirit.  When asked, "What do you believe about ____?" I found a lot of students liked to make excuses for everyone else to hold their own belief systems, and THEN reveal the personal convictions they hold.  

I believe we need to continue locking arms with each other to figure out how to help students understand it's ok to believe something contrary to what your friend thinks, and you can still love them.  Love doesn't mean you have accept what everyone else believes as truth, but it does mean we can develop a friendship inside the parameters of disagreement.  

I don't know where the world went array to say, "Well if they think.....I can't be around them."  What a misguided point of view.  I believe in God.  I believe in Jesus.  I believe the Bible.  But that doesn't mean I have to negotiate those principles to hang out with my Atheist Friends, my Buddhist friends, or my Muslim friends.  Sure, they hold to different principles, but I think we can find common ground in humanity to Love our neighbors.  

That's why I've continued to promote what we do here at KIVU as one of the highest honors of my life.  We have a chance to assemble such a diverse group of students under the banner of Colorado Adventures. We can outline our belief systems in such a way we don't have to create relationship walls that keep us from having fun even if we disagree.  

I've often said, "Everyone has fun on a Jet Ski."  So if you're an Atheist, we might disagree on the point there is a God in the Universe, but we can still smile as we cruise down the lake on the back of our own personal motor vehicle.  What JOY!!

I hope today, you can begin to see the difference between believing and loving.  Loving people is about the heart of God.  For the way I see it, God is Love.  (1 John 4:8)  And as we continue to Journey to the heart of God, Love must be at the center of who we are.  

It doesn't mean we have to accept.
It doesn't mean we have to condone behavior.
It doesn't mean we have to alienate people.
What it does mean...

If I can understand my belief system in a way that creates confidence where I am, I can reach out to love the people around me who think different.  

I believe this is one of the greatest times to be alive in the history of humanity.  What joy it is to have a virtual cornucopia of friends who I Love!!  Young or Old, Rich or Poor, Christian or not, the world is full of people God has given me the honor and opportunity to show His love.  For He first loved me, and so I do my friends.  

 

Throwing Back to Old School: Steven Curtis and Bluegrass Worship

I got off the plane in Nashville TN, and look who I saw.  Our friend Steven Curtis has a new album out, and I've got to admit, IT'S AWESOME!!

Teamed up with the Cracker Barrel, Steven takes us to a time when Deep Roots meant Blue Grass and Gospel Hymns.  

With the worship albums today continuing to push to what the old guys call "Contemporary" SCC has put a stake in the music landscape for us all to engage with the Deep Writing of Worship's founding fathers.  For anyone who grew up in Church before the modern age of worship, you'll find interesting new ways the old hymns speak of origins of worship and faith.  "Jesus Jesus How I love you..."  I spent an hour in Nashville just driving around so I could hear the next track and finish the album.  

If you like old hymns, or you want to hear what faith is like in the Deep Roots of this Kentucky born native, check it out.  What a cool way to reminise the way worship used to be, and find a new way to appreciate great songs that helped us have a deep foundation of faith. 

This is a classic Steven Curtis sound coupled with lots of cool history. So what are you waiting for...Go get it!

Memories, Friends, Adventure, and The KIVU Family

I had the sacred privilege of being a part of a wedding this weekend.  Two of our KIVU kids who started coming out to Colorado YEARS ago, finally tied the knot on a beautiful mountaintop Tennessee farm.  Even though the weather was a little cold, there were plenty of people who came to celebrate the union between these two wonderful friends.  

As I was looking out over the congregation, I was bombarded with memories of where these two met, and I kept thinking about all the stories made between students who have come out to KIVU over the last 13 years.  

Call it nostalgia?
Call it emotion?
I don't know exactly how to describe it, but when I get a chance to be around folks that have been a part of the KIVU we've created, it's pretty incredible.  

With every groomsman who walked down the aisle, I could recall meetings we had together, mentor relationships forged over years of working toward something bigger than ourselves, and most of all; lots of laughs.  

Everytime I get a chance to celebrate thesse kinds of milestones, The KIVU family amazes me.  It's as though we've never left the little Valley there along the Los Pinos River.  Conversations just pick up where we left them.  Stories of the good times echo in all our conversations.  We laugh.  We smile.  And there's something special about the friendships we've created.  Even though we live in different parts of the country, there's no distance when we all gather around the same table.   

If you are one of the 10K people who've come through our gates in Colorado over the last 13 years, I just wanted to take this Palm Sunday morning to say, THANKS.  Thanks so much for all the memories you've been a part of creating.  

Thanks for the countless hours of celebrating life to the fullest.  
Thanks for being a part of a special time in life, some starting in your teenage years, through your college career, and now; as I saw last night, moving on to forge your own family.  
From a fellow Journeyman here...Thanks.
Thanks for the Memories.
Thanks for your friendship.
And Thanks for making KIVU such a special place.   

 

This Week in Review-Florida-SFCA

I've been in Florida this week working with Southwest Florida Christian Academy.  Each year they take a retreat to a resort in order to focus the Junior class on their upcoming Senior Year.  The Seniors go somewhere entirley different each year, but they bring the 8th-11th grades to have a memory to begin the next year.  It's a brilliant idea. 

This year the title of the retreat is called Unplugged, and it's been enlightening.  Try to take 150 students to a place and ask them to turn off their phones, computers, iPods, and video cameras.  In other words, No Facebook, No Twitter, No Facetime, and actually there are REAL RELATIONSHIPS being built for the next year. I don't know many places on the planet where this kind of retreat is happening.  As a culture, we are ADDICTED to technology, but its interesting to bring them to a place where real relationships can be formed. 

It's amazing to watch teens learn how to look each other in the eyes and TALK!

Yesterday I had a time to sit around with about 15 students in a Q&A session, and I just wanted to let you know, the topic of the day is Homosexuality. They weren't asking about their own sex identity, but as people who belong to a Christian Community, they are asking how they can learn to care for and pay attention to their homosexual friends back in their community. 

I think for youth directors and pastors around the country, if you haven't already begun to focus your attention on how the church responds to the gay community, it's time to begin.  I realize there are many who read this blog from different parts of the country, so I understand how many of you already have engaged.  But for those who haven't, the next generation is asking....HEADS UP!!  Get ready.  It's time to form a position, and help our students understand what their role is in a culture that is shifting. 

To What Tribe Do You Belong?

I was thinking....

I know most of you read that first line of a new blog post and fear begins to raise the hackles on the back of your neck.  Most of you think when I start a blog post with "I was thinking" that I'm going to drop some kind of radioactive theological concept on you.  Well, probably not.  But maybe.  Hold on.

Yesterday I spent some time with a dear friend here in Durango at my favorite hang out spot, The Steaming Bean.  The Bean is a great place to hide in the corner and get some REAL writing done in the Frey of people going in and out of a little local coffee shop.  I'm never disappointed with the creativity flow at The Bean.

In any event, my friend and I were talking about "tribes."  Who do we belong to?  What theological stanchions are in our lives that are non-negotiable?  And as I was hearing about the Papal Conclave yesterday electing a new pope, I began to wonder...

With over 1.2 billion Catholics around the world, there is a definitive set of standards to belong to that tribe.  They do life a certain way, they elect certain leaders for certain reasons, and the way they "do" church is specific.

As you wander through the halls of faith around the world, you don't have to travel far to see distinguished tribes of faith playing out in different ways all over the place.  

There's the Non Denominational people who are selecting a different way from...
The Main Line Denominations who are doing life different from...
The Bible movement churches who are doing a different form of faith from...
The Multi-Site, Multi-Media, churches, who are aiming to provide a different tribe than...
The standard Mega Church people doing life in a BIG way.

In my latest book, I tried to outline the necessity to Belong, but are any of us really thinking about the benefits and consequences of our choice?  

Tribes have warred over land, money, resource, and people for thousands of years.  

Christians have gone to war with non-Christians.
Muslims have gone to war with non-Muslims.
Jews have gone to war in the name of Yaweah with non-Jews.
Atheists have gone to war at the University level.
Agnostics are sitting by the wayside waiting to find more evidence.
Buddhists are trying to find peace and serenity.
And the list could go on forever.  

With the number of people leaving the Catholic brand, the Main line Denominational brand, and the percentage of people identifying with no religious affiliation, I started just asking, What tribe am I?

Who do I belong to?
And I thought it might be a good day to begin a conversation about What Tribe YOU are in?  

I'm not looking to start a war, but what I am interested in is finding out how tribes express their faith in different ways.  It also leads to the natural question, WHY?

Why do you choose to participate in whatever tribe you've decided to identify with?  

It will really help me understand from a religious, philosophical, and sociological understanding, if I can understand why people do what they do.  

So if you're interested in having the conversation, and you don't want to post here (although I think that might be fun), feel free to e-mail me directly at andy@campkivu.com.  I'd love to understand the Belonging in a deeper way.  

So there's the pondering for today.  What tribe do you belong to?  And WHY? 

Life of PI Pt. 2

I can't shake it!
Remember the last movie you saw, and there was just something lingering around you like a cloud you just couldn't shake? Or maybe it was the sense that something was still to be discovered, but you just didn't know what?
Well, The Life of PI is sticking around with me.
As I was thinking about the film yesterday, I was trying to describe it to my friends Luke and Bob. Bob hasn't seen the movie. Luke saw it a few months ago. We were talking about how interesting it was that PI was involved in all these different ways to worship God when Luke said, "Well, isn't that what the world needs? Not that we worship the same God, but we have to communicate, right?"
And then it hit me.
There is a scene in the movie where PI was in the life raft with the Bengal Tiger, Richard Parker. PI was tired of always being on guard, and Richard Parker was just getting hungrier.
Out of no where PI says, "If we are going live together, we are going to have to learn how to communicate." And he goes on to try and develop methods the tiger can understand.
It was AMAZING!!
Almost like the time the light bulb goes off when you discover something you've never seen before.
PI went from living in a Big Community in India to a small cargo ship traveling across the Pacific to a small life raft hoping to survive.
We went from a world without instant communication, to a world of the telephone and television, to a world of the internet. We started living in our own broad world where space wasn't an issue, to now everyone is in everyone else's space.
If PI wanted to get away from the Tiger at the beginning of the movie, he could erect walls, cages, or even just walk away and observe the Tiger from afar. But when they were stuck on the life raft, they had to learn how to talk to one another.
Today, we don't have the luxury of just walking by one another without living in a close space. Thomas Friedman was right, "The World is FLAT!" And if we are going to survive with one another, we're going to have to learn how to communicate.
Just like PI and Richard Parker, we don't have to become the same. PI never transformed into a Bengal Tiger, and Richard Parker was far from human. But in the end, they developed a method of talking which kept the other from violence.
I believe we're attempting this idea at KIVU. We started learning how to talk ecumenically, certain church traditions beginning to talk to other church traditions around the fundamental core principal that we all wanted to live more like Jesus.
And now we've had Atheists, Agnostics, Buddhists, and Muslims all come to the camp with an understanding we'll be talking about Jesus. Some come to learn. Others come to Understand. But one thing is certain, all of them get a chance to discover Jesus in their own time, on their own terms, and in the space we've provided in the mountains of Colorado.
The beauty of what we're doing is exactly what PI and Richard Parker had to do. We have to create a space where we can communicate. It doesn't mean we all have to think the same way, but it does mean we can learn how to respect each other, and develop a deeper understanding of our faith along the way.
I'm telling you, Life of PI is like a cloud in my space this week. I can't stop thinking about it.

The Life of Pi and the Struggle to Understand God is Real

I don't know if you had a chance to see the movie Life of Pi, but I would HIGHLY recommend seeing it.  The DVD is on sale today, and I took my daughter and a friend last night to one of the final showings in our small Gaslight Theater here in Durango.  

I saw Pi a couple of months ago, and I forgot what an incredible story it is.  A Young Indian boy stranded on a life boat with nothing but a few cans of water, a few packages of biscuits, and an adult Bengal Tiger named Richard Parker.  

The castaway story is nothing new.  We've seen these stories told via Giligan's Island and the Tom Hanks movie Castaway, but something is different about Pi.  

In the beginning, the adult Pi tries to tell the story to a would-be novelist, and one of the questions the story writer poses, "Mama G told me you had a story that would make me believe in God."  

Of course with my work in the Faith and the always tornadic world of teenagers, this question comes up on a regular basis.  Is there a God, or not?  

A new study shows nearly 20% of 30 and unders in America are now classified as "Nones."  These are people who have crossed the barrier of faith to a place where "None" is more appealing than traveling through the long journey of discovering God.  The Washington Post also reviews this new category of young adults.  

I've put my life's work into figuring out why someone would dismiss faith in God.  After all, if the creator of the Universe wants to have a deep meaningful relationship with me, Why would I reject that concept?  I've come to a pondering.  In the realm of possibility, could it be most of us have willingly limited the view of God to be wrapped up in a Sunday morning worship service or a prayer over a meal?  Have we categorized God so much that we don't allow Him to...well, be God anymore?

I wonder if we don't really get the bigness of God, because we need to classify Him in a logical linear way to make sense of Him, when He's bigger than our logical constraints.  

I laughed at the beginning of Pi when the young Indian boy said he met God first as a Hindu, then he met Jesus through a Priest, and devotion through a Muslim.  There's a scene where Pi is literally praying to Vishnu, "Thank you Vishnu for introducing me to Jesus the Son of God."  

And that's where it gets real interesting.  

In a follow up scene, The father warns Pi, "I would rather you believe in something rather than everything, and begin with Reason."  he declares at a night time dinner.  "You can't believe in all religions because that's equal to believing in none."

I may agree with the father on account that religion sets up lines for us to protect; but can a Hindu be introduced to Jesus?  Or can a Muslim be introduced to Jesus?  Or what about an Atheist?  Can an Atheist Find Jesus through asking some of life's hardest questions?  

Who am I?
Why am I here?
Why would a perfect God sacrifice for an ordinary man?
Where can I find truth? 

I suppose my presupposition in the argument tends to lean toward the fact that I believe Jesus is bigger than all those things.  The life and teachings of Jesus have been the most dramatic shift in the way the world spins.  No other man who has ever lived has had the kind of impact as Jesus has on our planet.  There's something special about the man Jesus.  I for one believe Jesus is Divine, the Son of God, Come here to take away the sins of the world.  But can someone who doesn't look like me, talk like me, act like me, or worship like me find Jesus?

I laughed in the scene where father is trying to help Pi understand the importance of choosing one faith over the other when Pi interrupts and says, 'Father, I want to be baptized."  HA!!  

A Hindu, Christian, Muslim, person of Reason, saying I want to be Baptized, What a comedy of Faith!  Battles have been forged, Wars have been bloody, and people have been literally burned at the stake for asking such questions.  But is it a question worth looking deeper...

I guess my question this morning is this...

In the realm of possibility, are we missing the shift of faith to a new generation because of the lines we've erected?  OR...Is culture evolving to a place where God isn't welcome in the public space anymore? (at least here in America)

 If that be the case, then Why?  
Have WE created a place where God can't be God anymore without our tradition?  
OR...Are people resistant to 'old time religion' today?  

Surely you can read my indication there, maybe its our problem, not culture's problem.

I'm just thinking about how to help people understand the man and message of Jesus.  Surely we could say "The world hated Him first." (John 15), but is that the argument we need to keep as foundational to our approach to others?  

Are we willing to allow the cloud of hate and separation sweep away the command to love others no matter what? (Matthew 22:37-40) 

Even though it was only the first part of the film, I thought one of the best scenes in the movie happened when a priest from the church came to bring Pi a glass of water.  He didn't try and talk theology with Pi. He just offered him something he knew the boy needed...a drink.  I wonder if that's the biggest plank in our eye.  We think people need a healthy dose of eschatology, when all they need is a glass of water to drink.  

Maybe the Nones are just fed up with all the fighting over things that seemingly don't matter.  (at least in this life.)
Maybe they are longing for a faith that seems real, in real time, with real people, who believe and adhere to their convictions in real time.  
If you think Pi is just a movie where culture is trying to move faith to a pluralistic way of thinking, you've missed the life raft.  That movement has already sailed.  We are living in a world looking for honest/authentic/belief.  Are you showing them today?  Are you giving them the glass of water? Or do you, like me, enjoy sitting on the throne of wisdom to try and outhink the bigness of God? 

Just thoughts for the day...
This isn't meant to be a post on any definitive link toward any other faith having absolute truth...
I'm just wondering why nones? Why Pi?  What does it take for people to see how Rich a life centered around Jesus can be? 

Please join the conversation if you think it worth your time.  (and please make it civil.  no one is trying to hate here)

 

Movie Monday: Oz The Great And Powerful

From time to time, I like to take Mondays and review the lates movies on the BIg Screen.  This weekend was unusually exciting, as my brood of 5 were amped to go and see the new Wizard of OZ prequel, and I gotta be honest, I was pretty jazzed to see how Disney was going to make this one work.  

From the beginning, you see James Franco as a lousy circus magician, trying to con everyone from the local pretty girl to the sick and afflicted believing in his specific brand of magic.  

Then in a very similar tornadic event, He is whisked to the wonderful world of Oz, yellow bricks and all.  

I must say, the special effects were appealing.  The movie was intriguing to watch, but the storyline left me a little bored.  

My kids laughed at the token comedic animal character more than once, and my smallest (5 years old) got scared when the flying monkeys, green faced witches, and explosive battles occur in the emerald city.  

As far as the story goes, I felt like there was a redeeming quality trying to break through, but never really arrived at the destination.  There was a looser con man who comes to save the city, but really he just became a better con man.  There was a witch who was consumed with hate, and she actually continued the feeling of hate throughout the film.  Goodness prevailed, laughter overshadowed crying, and in th end I suppose the good guys win.  

All in all, I think Oz had the potential to be one of the greats, so my expectations might have gotten the better of me.  I think there's certainly a place for anyone interested in seeing where the Oz franchise is heading to participate in the beginning, but if you're looking for anything more than a fun ride through the wonderful world of Oz, wait for NetFlix to stream it.  

The content is PG, the Story is a B-, the Cinematography is an A, but the overall feel when I left was "Yea, that was Ok."  

In any event, there's the Movie Monday critique for you.  I hope you have a wonderful day on your own Journey.  

Do you Ever Let Jesus get in the Way of Jesus?

In response to yesterday's Speaking of Jesus Blog, I figured it was probably a good idea to follow up with an explanation.  You see, when something controversial goes out on the web, I'm literally amazed at how many people sit behind their computers and think they can just post a comment no matter how un-educated, how ill informed, or how mean.

Yesterday, when I posted the message about my friend Carl, I started getting people telling me how they couldn't agree with the way Carl Loves Jesus because he loves Muslims.  REALLY?

Another e-mail I got criticized the methods they've seen people employ when Simply Jesus becomes the mantra.  They just can't imagine being in the court of people who might compromise the idea that God is on the throne of heaven and earth.  No matter what the person who does recognize God thinks, we should all just build a mountain where God exists, and leave the rest of the world to their own vile.  REALLY?

And a Twitter handle of someone I've never met started to claim the "Allegiance" we have toward God supersedes our ability to love people that think differently than we do?  Allegiance?  Now that's where this thing God weird.  My Allegiance to Jesus has nothing to do with where I go, who I hang out with, or how I decide to share my faith.  I can defend that socially, psychologically, academically, AND theologically.  

So it made me feel kind of sick yesterday, when I was thinking about the state of affairs concerning the Faith Population.  

Not long ago, my friend Andrew asked me a question when we were sitting in Iraq talking to a prominent European Ambassador, who has become a friend. 

"Do you ever let Jesus get in the way of Jesus?"   -Andrew Schill-

When he said it, I thought, "Well, that's a silly statement." But the more I thought about it, I REALLY LIKE IT!!

 

Last night I went to bed thinking, "Am I living in an alternate Universe?" or "Have we let our own idea of JESUS invade our methodology of sharing Jesus' love with others?"

I got SUPER sarcastic and starting thinking, "There must be so many people following Jesus' teachings that the best use of our time is to criticize fellow believers about how they go about loving?"  I apologize for my lack of cooth right here up front.  

NEW FLASH!!
Those of you who think this way... 

You're loosing whatever battle you're fighting.
Nobody wants to hang out with Christians because everywhere they see a wave of judgement, hatred, and bigotry. 

I can see if we're sitting in some theological discussion deciding every jot and tittle of God's word being included in the scripture, but REALLY? Are we going to waste one minute of breath giving credence to argue about how people love other people?

I thought about my friend Andrew who asked me about letting Jesus get in the way of Jesus, and I wondered...Could it be true?

Do we live in a world where it's more important for me to be right about theology than it is to care about the person who lives next door?
Do we seriously care more about putting the right answer on the test, than sharing our lives with people where it might get messy?
Have we created a theological bubble only allowing those who agree with our positions to enter in?

COME ON!! You gotta be kidding me.

Some of us have certainly maintained this hard core lust to be right, and we have allowed the US to get in the way of seeing God work in the THEM.  I'm sorry for the rant, but I'm just tired of trying to defend people who claim to love Jesus, and then in the same breath veer far from where He is.  

I couldn't hardly sleep, because I thought, "This is it!!" This is the biggest problem facing those of us who believe today. We don't have a view of God that is Bigger than our own small kingdoms we've created.

Well, I for one will not fall into that pool.

I'm not ashamed of the gospel, and I can sit with Atheists, Buddhists, Muslims, or any other religion without compromising my faith or "allegiance" to Jesus. Can you?  Are you threatened by someone else's belief system so much, that you're willing to compromise your love and compassion toward them for your own security of knowing what you think is right?  

Last night I just wanted to fill out prescriptions for the people who commented on my blog, and just mail the valium and say, It's gonna be ok folks. Even Jesus said, "Love The Lord your God with all your heart, with your soul, and with your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it...Love your neighbor as yourself. ALL the law and the prophets hang on those two commandments."  It's pretty hard to argue when the Son of God says, (paraphrase) "Have fun studying as much Biblical truth as you want, but if you want it all to fall into place, Love God, and Love Others."

You can't go wrong if you love.
If you decide to become God's judge here on earth, you better be darn sure you're on the right side of history. "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we who teach shall be judged with greater strictness."  (James 3:1)

We need not fear.  
We need not walk in a world trembling from everyone else.
We have the answer.
We just need to DO IT!

We need to live IN the world and Love ALL people.  
And unless God has called you to be the prophet and judge of this generation, maybe it's time to take a long hard look into how you care about the people to your left or to your right.

I for one am tired of telling the world, "No, that's not who we really are.  Those people are NUTS!" 

Let's be known for what we ARE, rather than for what we're NOT! 
Let's not let OUR idea of Jesus get in the way of JESUS message to the world.  
 

Love God  Love Others

It's really not that hard.  

Speaking of Jesus. A Necessary Part of Our Journey

In 2001 I founded an organization interested in helping students "Defend The Faith" through basic Apologetics and Christian Worldview. The statistics of Teens who 'loose' their faith after their first year out of the house is alarming, and the knee jerk reaction in the Christian Community is to arm them up to defend what we've taught them at Sunday School, Youth Group, and Family Devotions. What I found was VERY INTERESTING!!

I had the ability to share knowledge with students, but their interpretation became something of an arrogant faith. Instead of helping students understand the Why's and When's of a deep spiritual journey, I found I was creating these intellectual soldiers willing to BLAST anyone who disagreed with their position. Instead of creating a community of God loving People loving teenagers, I was creating an army of...well...JERKS.

I had to change something, and that's when I met Carl.

My friend Carl Medearis lived in Lebanon for 12 years in his early ministry intent to share the gospel with the Muslim Community in Beirut. He confesses to street evangelism, tent prayer meetings, and corner style conversions which all led...well...no where.

He didn't see many people "converting" as a normal missionary type of person maybe would quantify success, so he was forced to adopt a new paradigm.

When I met Carl, he was already well down the road of re-learning what it means to follow Jesus and to share the heart of Jesus with all kinds of people. So when our paths intersected, you can see there was a mentor-mentoree relationship that emerged as I was starving for a new way of helping teenagers understand the importance of the gospel.

Hours of conversation back and forth with Carl have sharpened my understanding of Jesus' heart. "It's really simple..." Carl says
1.) Teach the Bible in it's fullness from Genesis to Revelation.
2.) Love God.
3.) Love People.

And that's it!!!

Clearly you can see how synergistic our world's become. If you've followed this blog for any length of time, you know the Mantra here on the Journey is what Jesus said, "They will know you are my disciples by the way you love one another."

Sure we have exploratory discussions about theology, soteriology, epistemology, and the like. But as I help students through the questions of faith, I also help them see the importance of loving others. There's no one over the other, Jesus commands both.

I try and help Teenagers understand Jesus. Carl tries to have conversations with World Leaders. I try and help students understand the reasons for the faith. Carl tries to help answer questions on the Global stage for why Jesus matters.

In his recent book, Speaking of Jesus, Carl walks us through his methodology of just meeting people where they are. Too often, Christian leaders shoulder the burden of conversion when God's really not that interested in some sort of product. The more I live like Jesus, the more I find God is not that interested in how much I know; but rather, He is interested in how we love one another.

I appreciate Carl's heart of understanding people. He's not afraid to walk into any environment around the world and put his arms around people in a way that conveys ultimate compassion for their story. (we were in Baghdad together in December, and I saw him love Palestinian Muslims, European Atheists, and Iranian Religious officials.)

His mentorship in my life can't be overstated, as I've learned to Love God, Love People, and Embrace others, no matter who they are or what they believe.

If you're struggling to sit in a seat of confidence even though you know all the Christian answers...
If something's still missing and you're longing to know God...
If you find the number of people you influence dwindling because they can't stand the arrogant attitude of 'know it all' Christians...
If you want to learn how to Love people how Jesus loved people...

Speaking of Jesus is the Book for you.

It's not a tell all theological manifesto.
It's not a comprehensive approach to Jesus' death and resurrection.
Speaking of Jesus is the story of a man who is following God with all his heart, trying to help people love others with all their heart, so we can show the world how much Jesus means to us.

Again, I can't overstate the importance of this manuscript for your own personal development. I've given hundreds of copies away, and will continue to teach Speaking of Jesus because it just makes sense!!

I'd love to interact with those of you who choose to read this book. Maybe we can have Speaking of Jesus Thursday's and really explore what it means to live out Jesus' teachings in 2013. Let me know if you're interested in the comment section below, and I'll make it a priority.

Until then, don't forget, the goal this year is to memorize the Sermon on the Mount. There's a HUGE group of people around the world who are making Jesus' message their motto this year. On twitter there is a hash tag #SOTM2013. If you'd like to join, let us know how you're doing.

There is NOTHING more important to our spiritual journey than to understand the life and teachings of Jesus.

So what are you waiting for....
Go GET SPEAKING OF JESUS...

Trust Me...Sometimes The Hardest Part of The Journey

Remember the story in John 2 about Jesus turning Water into Wine?  He was at a wedding ceremony, and the wine ran out.  It was probably an intense time since the host was supposed to provide the necessary elements for the grand feast, and I can only imagine the scene.  

The family starts to freak out.
The groom probably feels the pressure to provide for the community.
The bride gets that "bride" look in her eyes that something isn't going to end well.
The community starts rumbling.

You know the scene?
I've been to several weddings, and when this kind of stuff starts happening, nobody ends up in a good mood.  

So Mary looks to Jesus for help.

We all know the end of the story, Jesus turns the ceremonial water into the BEST wine for the guests, and everyone goes back to having a good time.  He takes care of the situation with a simple spoken word.  

But the part of the story I was thinking about today was the moment stress enters in the scene, and everyone starts wondering how it's all going to play out.  

Ever been there?

Have you ever wondered what's going to happen when life turns into potential tragedy?
Have you ever had a business deal that looks like it's going well, and then in an instant it turns to potential disaster?
Or what about the time when you feel like you've got the world by the tail, and everything around you points to success, and then something enters into your world and threatens the feeling of security?

I don't know about you, but I've been there.  

I've felt the mounting pressure of all those things.  Family, Faith, Ministry, Business, Health, and other Relationships all seem like they're going well, and then in one fell swoop, BOOM; the outlook is unpredictable.  

As I was meditating on this section of scripture this morning, I kept feeling a sense of "Just Trust Me" whisper over my spirit.  

Now, I have to be clear, I don't hear God audibly.  
I have friends who claim to hear God, and I've always asked for assistance in that matter.  
Wouldn't that just solve all our problems if we could hear God's voice?  I for one would absolutely LOVE for the clouds to separate, and a booming voice from heaven instruct me to do whatever he wants.    
But to date:  Not happening.  

So when I feel this whisper in my spirit this morning,  I wonder...is this from God?

Coupled with the message I was reading, I just couldn't help but grab onto one of God's Ultimate truths.  Trust Me!

In whatever event seems to be looming...Trust Me.
In the Good Times of Success...Trust Me.
In the Valleys, Dark with Uncertainty,...Trust Me.

If God is who we say He is, the creator of all things who cares for every moment of our lives, Who Better to Put our trust in?

We may not know our financial outlook.
We may not understand why things are happening around us.
We may feel like we should be in a different place in our work, in our school, or in our homes.  

But God reaches out to say...Trust Me.  

Today, I'm really working on the concept that IN ALL THINGS, I can trust He will make the way right. 

Check out KIVU Konnect

Facebook facebook Check out KIVU Konnect
You shared your email with KIVU Konnect and they've suggested you like their page on Facebook

Sign up for a Facebook account if you want to like KIVU Konnect and connect with other friends. Or you can simply view the Page.
KIVU KonnectKIVU Konnect is a place where KIVU family interacts together. We want to be a place where people who Konnected at KIVU can Stay Konnected. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @KIVUKonnect

On the Radio Today...

I'm back on the Radio today with Dr. James Dobson, and Dr. Joe White.  This was an interview we did for Focus on the Family back in the early 2000's, but the content is so needed today.  

The idea of physical purity, and understanding sexuality is important with today's teenage and college students.  We're seeing an incredible shift in the thought process of teens who are dating, college students looking for a good time, and marriages that have to endure a long process of recovery from our youthful habits.  

Since this interview, I wrote a book called, And Expose on Teen Sex and Dating.  If you're interested in knowing what's going on in the High School world and the University Dorms, CLICK HERE, and you can download it today.  If you'd like to hear the interview, click the image at the top, and you'll be taken to the Family Talk website.  

Technology Free Windows Could Save your Life

"What is the #1 issues Teenagers Face today?"  A certain publisher asked me not long ago.

"Loneliness!"  I quickly answered back.  "Teenagers are walking through the world all ALONE."

An audible laughter could be heard on the other end of the line.  

"This generation is the MOST connected generation in the history of the world." They commented.

(Click on the ALONE video on the right, and watch the trailer to my book ALONE)

And for the next hour or so, I dissected the social media world.  Although Facebook, Twitter, and Cell Phones have given us instant access to each other; they've also created this interesting space of self never seen before.  

Sure, there have always been those people interested in dressing up, reading the right books, going to the right schools, hanging out with the right people, but we've never lived in a world where EVERYONE can watch.  Conversely, we've never lived in a world where we can live vicariously through the online profiles of another.  

There's a mysterious effect happening in this world.  We are living in an incredible time to be alive.  There are only a few moments through history that provide such the thrill of adventure like the information age.  But as communication continues at a lightening pace, how many of us are asking the questions, "Who are we becoming?"

As a teenager finds their self worth equated by the number of "likes" and "retweets," our world is shifting into more focus on the individual.  We don't need to rely on one another anymore, and our relationships are becoming more of a spectator sport than participatory.  Don't believe me?  Call your friends and see how many actually pick up the line.  

We've even reduced talking on the phone to a Text message or an email.  

I found this article this morning titled, "How not to raise a deluded narcissist." And I thought it was a good insight to helping set boundaries for one another.  Creating Tech Free Zones is an interesting concept we all need a little help with.  

Check it out, I'd love to know what you think?  And beyond interpersonal relationships, how is this affecting our understanding of God?  Has even our spiritual development now been tied to a click and a like?

Can a KIVU Camper Make it at the Air Force Academy?

I got an email today from a past KIVU camper who's last year was 2007.  His family was heavily involved in all of our programs and continues to be a bright spot in the past. I must admit, sometimes, you never know how kids are going to turn out or what they're going to do in their lives.  But the way I see it, we take a 10-20 year investment strategy in the heart of a teenager to watch God move in their hearts and grow them into the people He wants them to be.  

I thought it would be interesting to share just a simple testimony of what my friend shared yesterday.  

 

 

Of all of the memories and lessons I took away from K-CO (KIVU), two have been constant companions in my everyday life. First, I have not been able to think of a better picture of what eternity with God and other Christians in Heaven will be like than the fellowship I experienced at your camp.  Worship was always a celebration. Theological discussions were social events. Most of all, I felt free to be and express myself. I always was the awkward kid in school, but I learned to be normal and fit in. My first term at camp changed my life. For once, people's oddities were celebrated! The quiet nerdy guy with an unnecessarily large vocabulary became "the Smartest Man in the World." The ripped football player who secretly loved Pocahontas became Pocathrasher. For the first time, I realized that "weird" was interesting, fun. When everyone is different, problems suddenly have many solutions. Conversations become more exciting. Fellowship is dynamic, and the Bible truly becomes the Living Word as Christ reveals His teachings through the eyes of diverse people. This has definitely allowed me to not only become comfortable in my own skin, but to reach out to people who are otherwise alienated. While I was at the Air Force Academy, one of my jobs as a cadet was to be what's called a PEER. The acronym stands for Personal Ethics and Excellence Representative, but really what it meant was being two ears to listen when people needed it. During my two years on this job, other cadets would come to me with concerns about grades, relationships, eating disorders, and in one case even suicide. I was not any wiser than the rest of the cadets, but I did have two things going for me. First, I had the resources to get people the help they needed, but most importantly, the people I talked to saw that I was comfortable being my weird self. They realized that I didn't care how different their lives were. Imagine all of the people that may not have been put in contact with the right help had I just hidden in my shell, kept my head down, and been "normal"!

Secondly, I learned what it meant to be third. (Matthew 22:37-40) I think this really goes along with celebrating who other people are in a Christ centered environment. If the focus of all my activities are God, and I am also striving to learn about other people, what makes them tick, how to see through their eyes, etc., then I can't help but be third. Throughout the last five years, I have made great gains and fallen to great depths in my walk with God and my own spiritual development as a human being, but all along the way I never forgot that I was third. This constant would always draw me back to God. I laminated the first I AM THIRD card I got and kept it in my locker all throughout high school and pinned to my desk through my four years at the Air Force Academy. Where I am at today, it is very easy to become caught up in myself and to forget that there are other people outside of my little bubble, so I remind myself every day of where I stand on the podium of importance.

When I read this email, my eyes welled up with tears.  This is EXACTLY what we're doing at KIVU.  Nobody could have explained it any better.  In a world looking for brand recognition and value added appeal they'll never see this on any YouTube Video or Facebook page.  We are giving students the ability to create CHARACTER!!!  Loving God.  Loving Others.  It doesn't get much more important than that.  

Thank you to my friend.  I really appreciate the time you took to email me today.  You'll never know how much I needed that.  

 

Movie Monday

The 80's ushered in a new character of action films with Bruce Willis and the Die Hard movies.  For action junkies, the explosions, the twisted plot lines, and the humor all combine to give movie goers a fun filled ride with John McClain and his antics.  

The Newest Die Hard franchise is called "Die Hard with a Vengeance," and continues the spirit of the Die Hard films.  From the beginning of the film the action packed journey begins as John McClain's Son is working in Russia to prevent large arms dealers from getting their hands on nuclear secrets.  

For the casual movie watcher, the language is really pretty rough.  The "F" word is used with intensity, so if you have a queasy stomach for foul language, you might want to steer clear of this one.  

As far as questionable sexuality, Die Hard hasn't really fallen for the physical exploitation often seen in Hollywood films today.  I'm thankful i don't have to guard myself from the "sex sells" culture in this film.  

The story flows well, and the special effects are incredibly realistic.  Again, if you get queasy by good guys shooting at bad guys, this isn't the film for you.  

But what I really enjoyed was the way the story tellers weaved in a relationship between a father and son.  John McClain goes to see his estranged son, and the tension between "You were never there for me" and "I love you son" is a welcomed question all fathers have to ask.  

At one point John tells one of the suspects, "I worked all the time, and thought that was a good thing."  But the more the story line reveals the relationship between father and son, the more I realized work is work, but family is important.  

I'm excited to watch more and more media outlets working their own particular genre to welcome back the family.  I know there are plenty who portray the family as something very different than I do, but I find it an interesting shift.  From Duck Dynasty's silly antics followed by a dinner with all the family at the kitchen table, to the Twilight Vampires who protect family at all cost; there's a redeeming family story line we can watch evolve.  

Wouldn't it be a crazy turn of events if more and more films were focused in their particular area of expertise to welcome the family back to the center place of society.  

It's a Good Day To Die is certainly filled with language, violence, and intense scenes expected in a spy thriller novel.  But don't miss the good for the great.  There is a redeeming quality toward the end of the film which helps to soften the intensity.  

Overall, I walked out of the theater with a new appreciation for my wonderful family who cares about me, supports me, and longs to be together.  

KIVU Konnect: A New Place for KIVU Alumni

I'm excited today, as we introduce a new feature of our work with Teenagers and College Students.  Since 2001, over 10,000 people have gone through our program at KIVU.  Today, we want to begin Konnecting them back together.  

Our KIVU Konnect Facebook page is the first place we are beginning.  In the coming months, we are launching a KIVU Konnect Website with full content, video, and optional membership features you won't want to miss.  So if you want to be a part of knowing about KIVU Alumni, click over to KIVU Konnect on Facebook, hit the like button, and you'll be in the know!

Can Spiritual Development Help Academics at University?

A New Study from UCLA points out what we've long known here at The Journey.  A student who engages in spiritual development does better at school.  

The study surveyed 112,000 freshmen as they enrolled in 236 colleges and universities and then followed up with 14,527 of these students as they completed their junior year at 136 colleges. 

Some of the findings include:

• Religious engagement among students declines somewhat during college, but their spirituality shows substantial growth. Students become more caring, more tolerant and more connected with others as well as more actively engaged in a spiritual quest.


• College activities contribute to students' spiritual growth. Some of these--study abroad, interdisciplinary studies. interracial interaction, and service learning--appear to be effective because they expose students to new and diverse people, cultures and ideas.


• Spiritual development is enhanced if students engage in "inner work" through activities such as meditation or self-reflection, or if their professors actively encourage them to explore questions of meaning and purpose. Spiritual development is impeded when students engage in activities that distract them from campus life opportunities--activities such as watching television and playing video games.

For More Information, CLICK HERE for full article, and contact the UCLA Graduate School of Education and Informational Studies.  

For a shameless plug of a program doing this kind of work everyday, don't miss out on THE KIVU GAP YEAR.  The class is in India today, and have posted some incredible Pictures

...And Who is Your Neighbor? Luke 10 and the Good Samaritan

Remember that story in Luke 10 about the Good Samaritan?  Jesus was approached by a teacher of the Law who asked Him, "Teacher what must I do to inherit eternal life?"  They shared a few barbs back and forth and Jesus says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.  And, love your neighbor as yourself."  

The Lawyer turned back to him and asked, "And who is my neighbor?"

The crowd, expecting to get an answer, were then subjected to another one of Jesus' long story parables.  This was the story when a man was beat up on the side of the road, and then a Rabbi walked near, a Levite walked near, but it was the Samaritan who came and had mercy on the man. He took him to the Inn for medical attention and paid the entire bill.   

At the end of the story Jesus turned and asked the Lawyer, "And which of the three men proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers." And the lawyer answered, "The one who showed him mercy."  

He didn't even have the courtesy to say the word Samaritan because of the long felt hatred between the Jews and the Samaritans.  After all, nothing good came from Samaria, right?  The Story isn't really about helping people on the side of the road, as much as it is a question of "Who is my Neighbor?"  

Who am I actually supposed to love in this world?

Are they merely people who think like me? Talk like me? Act like me? Worship like me?

OR....

Am I supposed to see the good in all people, even if we don't see eye to eye on social, religious, philosophical, or economic policies?

I just read a story in the Arab News about King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Saudi Arabia.  Evidently there was a tragic automobile accident in 2006 where one of the drivers, Saleem Basha 45 of India, was responsible for the death of 9 Saudis.  

According to Saudi law, Saleem had to pay SR 653,000 or $174,000 to the families to serve as a payment for his recklessness.  With a Salary of only SR1200 or $320.00 a month, Saleem was destined to live the rest of his life in jail for failing to pay, or worse, face the death penalty.  

The Arab News Article reports that The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, heard of Saleem's plight, and actually paid the money for his ransom.  The Arab News headline is King Abdullah pays blood money for Indian Convict.  

When I read this story I was deeply moved.  
Certainly there are criticisms that could be made of any government official around the world, but I wonder how many of those leaders would actually take the time to help this poor ex-patriot who meant little to national security?  It would have been easier for the Royal Family to just lock him in prison and never think about it again.

The King showed great compassion on this man, otherwise he would have never been released.  

It made me think of how God's spirit dwells here on the planet.  Some will look at this story and line up pages of offenses they feel justified to bring down on the Kingdom. We are good at pointing out the bad, but what about bringing up things that are good? Issues and ways of life we often take for granted in America sometimes become the fodder for many to criticize, but when was the last time you heard American Media report something thiat might be good?  

If we take a step back, and look at this one isolated incident, at least for me; I can see this as the modern day Samaritan story.  The King stood in the way of judgement for a man who was guilty, so he could go free.  WOW!  What if the rest of the world could adopt a similar understanding of forgiveness, compassion, and well...LOVE?

This isn't a post about justice.
This isn't a place to voice complaints about how you think the Muslim world differs from your own.
I'm in no way positing a defense of any other issues around the world, except this one place. (so hold your hate emails)  

In this particular story, I'm seeing a parallel of how God gives us pictures of grace in the most unlikely places.

 
For if God, the King of the Universe, looked at humanity and saw it fit for Him to pardon those who commit vile offense to His law through forgiveness and repentance; that's the hope we have to one day be reconciled to a perfect creation.  He is WITH US!! He FORGIVES US!!  His LOVE is for US!!

Thank you King Abdullah for giving the world a picture of grace.  You didn't have to pardon this man who was visiting your country, but you acted in a way that gives us a clear picture of how we can treat our fellow man everyday.   

Related articles

Saudi King Abdullah Pays Blood Money For Indian Convict

The Health Value of Retreat

As many of you know, I run an operation in Colorado called KIVU.  It's a summer resort for teenagers to enjoy the mountains of Colorado, and we spend a GREAT deal of time working on helping students understand who they are, where they're going, and what part faith plays in the world around them.  

With that said, I'm ever more convinced our culture is wandering through a "pressure of performance" based pressure cooker unable to allow time for students to just sit and enjoy life.  I've traveled to some of America's most prosperous cities this year, and every time I come home, I can feel the stress of those environments melt away.  I only stay for a few days, but the pressures from the hustle and bustle of life are enormously impactful.

This weekend, KIVU is hosting a church from Albuquerque New Mexico.  100 students have come in to enjoy the fun in the snow.  I've watched for the last two days as students are just playing, and I'm taken back how simple life can be, if we let it.  

I was talking with one of the leaders today, and I started talking about the need for students to take a break.  Out of nowhere, I had this image just appear in my mind's eye.  I started talking about a metaphor of fish in water.  How many fish has ever been out of the water?  

Every day of it's life, a fish is surrounded by H20.  It's entire environment is the water it lives in.  It has no idea there is a world above is full of...well, air.  There's a totally different environment happening above the water, but the fish is stuck in the water chained to a system without knowing anything else.  

I wonder how many of us are chained to an environment of pressure?

We don't know life without it.
We wake up everyday feeling like we have to perform.  
We've become addicted to production, and there's no where in life where the margin of being human has the chance to take over.  

NEWS FLASH!!  There's more to humanity than simply producing.  

In 50 years, who's going to remember how productive we were every single day of our lives?  I've never been to a funeral where the person leaving us was celebrated for their commitment to performance.    Now, the opposite view would lead to extreme apathy; but what if we took a balanced approched and came out of the pressure to examine our lives every now and then?  

The beauty of having these students at KIVU this weekend is seeing them RELAX!!  

They don't have any homework.   
They don't have an agenda.
They have ample time to play in the snow, play games with each other, and learn how to build relationships without the pressure of performance.  

If ever I doubted giving my kids a time where they can just be who they were created to be, this weekend has solidified the healthiness of Retreat for me.   

I need to do better building margin of retreat in my own life.  
Do you? 

Health Care Weekend: Pain and Inflamation

I've got to tell you, pain is one of those things that changes everything around you.  I went through a period of back pain that kept me in bed, stole my joy, and made me question everything I was involved in.  Crazy enough, there are over 100 Million people who suffer from pain EVERYDAY, and most don't know how to deal with it.  

If you suffer with chronic pain, Our friends at Hihealth have given me a report on how you can begin addressing pain in your own body.  

The following are examples of foods and spices that may help reduce pain and inflammation:

1. Tart Cherries – ½ a cup daily [frozen cherries can be added to smoothies]
2. Ginger – ¼ daily of freshly grated ginger [ can be added to foods, and your favorite tea]
3. Cranberry Juice – 1 cup daily [find a cranberry juice that contains no sugar; usually found in a health food store]
4. Salmon, herring, sardines – 3 times a week. A great source of omega 3
5. Mint – 1 cup of mint tea daily
6. Hot peppers – ½ tsp. daily [the hotter the pepper the more of the active ingredient called capsaicin is released to help relieve pain. Note: Look for capsaicin in topical pain relieving ointments.]
7. Turmeric – 1 tsp. daily [Sprinkle turmeric on salad dressings, soups, cooked grains, and vegetables.]

Some of the foods to avoid that are known culprits to increase inflammation include:

1. Reduce your consumption of trans-fats and saturated fats by cutting back on highly processed foods, red meats, and high-fat processed meats such as bacon and sausage.
2. Cut back on refined white flours in bread and pasta (look for 100-percent whole grains instead).
3.  A small amount of sugar is okay, but cut down on most added sugars by decreasing your consumption of sugary sodas, pastries, candy, rich desserts, and pre-sweetened cereals.

If you're like me, I want to take every small step toward reducing pain before I start taking pharmaceutical products.  

For the latest information visit

www.hihealth.com