I left for work yesterday morning at about 8am. It was cloudy and a bit drizzly, but it was a warm 49 degrees. Much of the snow was melting at this point, and I was beginning to be able to see some grass.
Fast Forward.
I leave work at about 530 with one of my friends to head to our Tuesday night group, which is about 20 minutes away. When we walk outside its still drizzly and wet, but has dropped to about the 30's somewhere.
Fast Forward.
We walk out of the house we were meeting in, only to instantly freeze our faces, and walk through a couple inches of snow towards out car. We get to the car, look at the temperature: 3 degrees.
Fast Foward.
This morning i wake up, look out the window, and see a bright sunny day. Sure, there's snow on the ground, but i think, the sun's out, must be another nice day. I start my truck, which, by the way, is not used to this crazy weather, I look at the temperature: -3.
Thats right. The temperature dropped over 50 degrees from yesterday morning to this morning. Which makes me think...SO ridiculous.
But the good news: winter is about halfway over (I hear), and I have been doing a lot better with the cold weather than I thought I would. Some would say I was born to be a Chicagoan (and some may not). But what we can all agree on is that by the time spring comes, I have earned my stripes as a Chicagoan, and now hold bragging right and story rights for when someone says, "It's sooooo cold!" when in fact it is only 50 degrees.
True story.
30 January 2008
15 January 2008
Linda Marceau and Pasta
Dear Riverside Community,
Consider yourself lucky to have a person like Linda Marceau in your community.
-Charles
Linda was in the Chicago area this past weekend for her intensives for seminary and made it out to WIllow on Sunday to go to church, and we were able to sit at Willow's coffee shop and catch up a bit. I told her that I was going to be in the city Sunday night to go to another church with some friends and asked if she would want to meet up afterwards for dinner and to chat. We went to the Pasta Bowl, which, in my opinion, is the best pasta restaurant in Chicago. And, by in my opinion, i mean that the first time I strolled in to eat I decided that I didn't want to give any other places a chance at competition. Anyway, I had a very encouraging conversation with Linda. She is the type of person that, just talking to her, you can see the Holy Spirit in her. After she told me about how she is back at Riverside now, no lie, I got a bit jealous that I wouldn't be able to hang out with her and the rest of my friends on staff there until this summer.
Dang, I love Riverside and all the people there. I hope you all know that I think about you often, and I can't wait to see you all again. Being home for Christmas, and spending time with my family, and going back to my "home church" definitely renewed my heart for ministry and for serving and loving people.
Thanks for everything, and if any of you ever want to come visit me in Chicago, believe me, we much meet at the Pasta Bowl.
Consider yourself lucky to have a person like Linda Marceau in your community.
-Charles
Linda was in the Chicago area this past weekend for her intensives for seminary and made it out to WIllow on Sunday to go to church, and we were able to sit at Willow's coffee shop and catch up a bit. I told her that I was going to be in the city Sunday night to go to another church with some friends and asked if she would want to meet up afterwards for dinner and to chat. We went to the Pasta Bowl, which, in my opinion, is the best pasta restaurant in Chicago. And, by in my opinion, i mean that the first time I strolled in to eat I decided that I didn't want to give any other places a chance at competition. Anyway, I had a very encouraging conversation with Linda. She is the type of person that, just talking to her, you can see the Holy Spirit in her. After she told me about how she is back at Riverside now, no lie, I got a bit jealous that I wouldn't be able to hang out with her and the rest of my friends on staff there until this summer.
Dang, I love Riverside and all the people there. I hope you all know that I think about you often, and I can't wait to see you all again. Being home for Christmas, and spending time with my family, and going back to my "home church" definitely renewed my heart for ministry and for serving and loving people.
Thanks for everything, and if any of you ever want to come visit me in Chicago, believe me, we much meet at the Pasta Bowl.
Dominican Republic and the Cubs
So today I turned in my application for the Student Impact serving trip to the Dominican Republic. Not that I need to "apply," but they had to have all my medical history and contact information and such. So it's in, and it all goes as planned I will be co-leading a group of I believe 6 or so high school guys, along with my small group leader for the internship, Jeremiah.
I think this will be a great opportunity, and I am really looking forward to it. We will be gone for 8 days, from March 22, through March 30. And, as if the trip wouldn't be cool enough, God planned for the opening day at Wrigley Field to be March 31. So What a way to end the serving trip by being able to go to the Cubs' first home game of the year!
Baseball aside, I am not too sure yet of what my role will be on the trip, other than leading the group of high schoolers, or what exactly we will be doing there. But, be assured that as soon as I find out I will let you all know. Not necessarily on here, but possibly through letters and phone calls and such.
Until then, good days!
04 January 2008
Chasing the Lion
The other day I got an email from my friend Bobby Bo, who is currently in Thailand on a mission trip with YWAM (Youth With A Mission). He wanted to encourage me with how great Uncle Wong is. Uncle Wong is the code-name that we gave for God while he is overseas, since he will also be traveling in China, and doesn't want to be kicked out of the country. Well, Bobby emailed me to tell me a bit of the story about Samson.
He wrote:
"he chases a lion and just destroys it. thats how we need to look at any fear that is in us. chasing that fear. facing it head on and not running from it like we normally would. not feeding into the lies that satan wants us to believe. chase after your dreams and whatever god will put on your heart. chase the lion!!"
Rather than running and hiding from the lion, which is something he would normally be afraid of, he chases IT down. Now, I'm not going to lie and pretend that I know much about the story of Samson, but after being encouraged with the phrase, "Chase the Lion!", I honestly can't wait to read more about it.
I can't help but ask myself, "What would it look like if I chased my lion? Or, if you chased your lion? What is my lion? And more importantly, what would I do once I caught it?"
I met Bobby when I flew to Chicago in July for Sandblast, Student Impact's summer camp. We only talked briefly, but once I moved up here in August, we got to hang out some, and I got to know a bit more about who he is. Bobby just became a Christian in 2007, and quickly decided that he wanted to be involved with ministry, so he decided to attend one of YWAM's DTS programs in California. (Discipleship Training School, if I remember correctly). From hearing about his passion to serve God, and to know God, and to trust God, I have been so encourage and motivated. He's a super cool guy, and I just wanted to encourage anyone reading this with the words gave me..."Chase the Lion!!"
09 December 2007
05 December 2007
29 November 2007
It is getting cold in the Chicagoland area. And by cold, i mean that the past few weeks have been as cold as a Texas winter, and we still have SO far to go. (its been on average in the low 30's everyday)
I finally bought some gloves. I was told that if I don't have any my fingers may fall off. Wouldn't want that happening. I think I'm buying a scarf after work today.
I get excited, in a sense, buying things for winter, since I never got to have them before. But, at the same time, I'm getting a bit anxious. When I first mentioned wanting to come to Chicago to my mom, who is from the area I live in now, she told me, "Oh, you'll love the snow...for the first two days, then you'll hate it the rest of the year".
We'll see. I really want to have a snowball fight. Maybe go sledding. Maybe build a snowman. So, I think I'll get each of these done in the first 2 days while I still enjoy it.
I finally bought some gloves. I was told that if I don't have any my fingers may fall off. Wouldn't want that happening. I think I'm buying a scarf after work today.
I get excited, in a sense, buying things for winter, since I never got to have them before. But, at the same time, I'm getting a bit anxious. When I first mentioned wanting to come to Chicago to my mom, who is from the area I live in now, she told me, "Oh, you'll love the snow...for the first two days, then you'll hate it the rest of the year".
We'll see. I really want to have a snowball fight. Maybe go sledding. Maybe build a snowman. So, I think I'll get each of these done in the first 2 days while I still enjoy it.
17 November 2007
Ice Skating.
Last night I joined a few friends to go ice skating for one of their birthdays. When I got my skates, the guy asked, "Hockey, or figure skating?" I said to the guy, "come on, hockey of course, it makes me sound cooler". And it did.
Now, in texas we dont do much ice skating, if any, but having once or twice skated at Fiesta Texas when they had their rink, I figured I may be able to hold my own. Much to my surpsise, I wasn't all too terrible. In fact, I wasn't the worst person there at all. The only time I fell was when I was trying to skate backwards to show off to my friend jeremiah. I owe my ability to hold my own on the ice to a few movies I used to love to watch when I was younger:
1.The Cutting Edge: this movie is about an olympic hockey player that crosses paths with, and, if I remember right, eventually falls for a figure skater. Through a series of events he winds up picking up figure skating, and is not all that bad at it. Its one of those movies that makes you say, "move over scott hamilton, I'm on my way to the big times!"
2. Mighty Ducks 1, 2, 3: This movie, along with Home Alone, we my movies to watch when I stayed home sick. Or, when I "stayed home sick". My mom and I used to watch these all the time, though, she would always fall asleep during them. Anyway, I guess after watching these movies so much, I somehow figured out how to skate like them. One of the guys on the team in 2 and 3 was incredible fast, but didn't know how to stop. Through him trying to learn, I think I leanred, because I could hockey-stop like a machine (sort of).
This made me remember something from my childhood that I rarely, if ever, have shared with people. My sister and I, after watching the Cutting Edge, decided it'd be cool if, with our roller blades, we made up our own "figure ksating routine," and so we did in our garage. We were kind of cool. If was a quick routine, but it was a good one. And, for when I had my friends over, I had a hockey stick that my dad made me. He got the blade part at a sporting goods store, and made the handle himself. Nothing special, just a piece of wood, but I tell you, I loved that stick. With it, I used to shoot hard shots through a goal made of coffee cans. Dang, childhood memories. I like 'em.
Ice skating. Not too bad. I may have to do it again.
Last night I joined a few friends to go ice skating for one of their birthdays. When I got my skates, the guy asked, "Hockey, or figure skating?" I said to the guy, "come on, hockey of course, it makes me sound cooler". And it did.
Now, in texas we dont do much ice skating, if any, but having once or twice skated at Fiesta Texas when they had their rink, I figured I may be able to hold my own. Much to my surpsise, I wasn't all too terrible. In fact, I wasn't the worst person there at all. The only time I fell was when I was trying to skate backwards to show off to my friend jeremiah. I owe my ability to hold my own on the ice to a few movies I used to love to watch when I was younger:
1.The Cutting Edge: this movie is about an olympic hockey player that crosses paths with, and, if I remember right, eventually falls for a figure skater. Through a series of events he winds up picking up figure skating, and is not all that bad at it. Its one of those movies that makes you say, "move over scott hamilton, I'm on my way to the big times!"
2. Mighty Ducks 1, 2, 3: This movie, along with Home Alone, we my movies to watch when I stayed home sick. Or, when I "stayed home sick". My mom and I used to watch these all the time, though, she would always fall asleep during them. Anyway, I guess after watching these movies so much, I somehow figured out how to skate like them. One of the guys on the team in 2 and 3 was incredible fast, but didn't know how to stop. Through him trying to learn, I think I leanred, because I could hockey-stop like a machine (sort of).
This made me remember something from my childhood that I rarely, if ever, have shared with people. My sister and I, after watching the Cutting Edge, decided it'd be cool if, with our roller blades, we made up our own "figure ksating routine," and so we did in our garage. We were kind of cool. If was a quick routine, but it was a good one. And, for when I had my friends over, I had a hockey stick that my dad made me. He got the blade part at a sporting goods store, and made the handle himself. Nothing special, just a piece of wood, but I tell you, I loved that stick. With it, I used to shoot hard shots through a goal made of coffee cans. Dang, childhood memories. I like 'em.
Ice skating. Not too bad. I may have to do it again.
13 November 2007
Phos Hilaron
The Phos Hilaron, known in Engish as 'Hail Gladdening Light,' is the earliest recorded Christian Hymn, having been written in the 3rd or 4th century AD. This hymn is also known as the 'Candle-Light-Hymn,' because at that time in Jerusalem a candle was kept perpetually burning in the empty tomb of Christ, its glow a symbol of the living light of Jesus. As Christians gathered to worship the hymn was sung and, in a tradition known as the lighting of the lamps, the candle was brought forth from the tomb, its bright, solitary flame calling the church to celebrate ther risen Lord.
The Hymn:
Hail, gladdening Light, of His pure glory poured
Who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blessed,
Holiest of Holies- Jesus Christ our Lord!
Now we are come to the sun's hour of rest;
The lights of evening round us shine;
We hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Divine!
Worthiest art thou at all times to be sung
With undefiled tongue,
Son of our God, giver of ilfe, alone:
Therefore in all the world thy glories, Lord, thy own.
Amen.
The Phos Hilaron, known in Engish as 'Hail Gladdening Light,' is the earliest recorded Christian Hymn, having been written in the 3rd or 4th century AD. This hymn is also known as the 'Candle-Light-Hymn,' because at that time in Jerusalem a candle was kept perpetually burning in the empty tomb of Christ, its glow a symbol of the living light of Jesus. As Christians gathered to worship the hymn was sung and, in a tradition known as the lighting of the lamps, the candle was brought forth from the tomb, its bright, solitary flame calling the church to celebrate ther risen Lord.
The Hymn:
Hail, gladdening Light, of His pure glory poured
Who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blessed,
Holiest of Holies- Jesus Christ our Lord!
Now we are come to the sun's hour of rest;
The lights of evening round us shine;
We hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Divine!
Worthiest art thou at all times to be sung
With undefiled tongue,
Son of our God, giver of ilfe, alone:
Therefore in all the world thy glories, Lord, thy own.
Amen.
10 November 2007
05 November 2007
a couple little updates for you all...
last week one of my students and i went to a skatepark after house group to hang out some. (the one i wrote about in a recent post). He brought his skateboard, i brought my bike, and we just hung out a bit. Now, I have ridden my bike all too much since my knee surgery, but i told him if he wanted to go hang out, i'd be down. well, there was a little kid there, also on a bmx. and after just riding around a bit, i remembered that every time i see someone else on a bike that I kind of want to talk to them, you know, since we have bikes in common and all. so I went up to the kid, said hello, asked him how long hes been riding and such. we talked, and he told me he thought i was good. it made my week. no joke.
now, more important things...
I found out last week that I was placed on the team that will be taking students to the Domincan Republic during spring break this coming march. I am super excited about this opportunity, and I think it will be an amazing opportunity to grow and experience God not only for the students we are taking, but for myself as well. I dont know really any of the details yet other than cost and that we will be there for 8 days, but I will post more as soon as I know.
Also, Student Impact's vision verse for this year is James 1:27, about true religion being about serving widows and orphans in their distress. With that we are going to have many different opportunities throughout the year for students and leaders to live our this verse by serving widows and orphans.
One of the ways we are doing this: Student Impact is teaming up with a school in Samfya, Zambia. The high school that we are directly working with has about 1000 students enrolled, none of which have textbooks. Now, without textbooks the students do not have opportunities to study and to learn outside of the notes that they take in class. This is a major hinderance to their future, because without having a good education they are unable to find decent jobs. Well, we want to take action and change that.
So, rather than going ONLY on a serving trip there (which is also happening over spring break), we are taking action to get textbooks into each of these students hands. We have learned that for only $25 / student, we are able to put enough textbooks in their hands tol cover their entire 3 years in high school. (for those of you that have been in college, or have had to replace a lost textbook in grade school, you know that $25 doesnt even cover the cost of a half of a book in America). So, with this information, Student Impact is seeking to raise $25,000 dollars by the end of the year to purchase textbooks for each of the students, and enable them to learn, grow, and have the opportunity at a successful future.
We cast this vision at our service this past weekend, and by the time we cast if, the staff alone had already pooled together a little over $4000 dollars, which is enough to cover about 165 of the students out of the 1000.
Fall is in full effect here. leave changing, and falling all over streets and yards. I've never seen a fall like this, and I must say I like it.
Thats all I've got for right now. Hope all is well with my friends and family reading this.
last week one of my students and i went to a skatepark after house group to hang out some. (the one i wrote about in a recent post). He brought his skateboard, i brought my bike, and we just hung out a bit. Now, I have ridden my bike all too much since my knee surgery, but i told him if he wanted to go hang out, i'd be down. well, there was a little kid there, also on a bmx. and after just riding around a bit, i remembered that every time i see someone else on a bike that I kind of want to talk to them, you know, since we have bikes in common and all. so I went up to the kid, said hello, asked him how long hes been riding and such. we talked, and he told me he thought i was good. it made my week. no joke.
now, more important things...
I found out last week that I was placed on the team that will be taking students to the Domincan Republic during spring break this coming march. I am super excited about this opportunity, and I think it will be an amazing opportunity to grow and experience God not only for the students we are taking, but for myself as well. I dont know really any of the details yet other than cost and that we will be there for 8 days, but I will post more as soon as I know.
Also, Student Impact's vision verse for this year is James 1:27, about true religion being about serving widows and orphans in their distress. With that we are going to have many different opportunities throughout the year for students and leaders to live our this verse by serving widows and orphans.
One of the ways we are doing this: Student Impact is teaming up with a school in Samfya, Zambia. The high school that we are directly working with has about 1000 students enrolled, none of which have textbooks. Now, without textbooks the students do not have opportunities to study and to learn outside of the notes that they take in class. This is a major hinderance to their future, because without having a good education they are unable to find decent jobs. Well, we want to take action and change that.
So, rather than going ONLY on a serving trip there (which is also happening over spring break), we are taking action to get textbooks into each of these students hands. We have learned that for only $25 / student, we are able to put enough textbooks in their hands tol cover their entire 3 years in high school. (for those of you that have been in college, or have had to replace a lost textbook in grade school, you know that $25 doesnt even cover the cost of a half of a book in America). So, with this information, Student Impact is seeking to raise $25,000 dollars by the end of the year to purchase textbooks for each of the students, and enable them to learn, grow, and have the opportunity at a successful future.
We cast this vision at our service this past weekend, and by the time we cast if, the staff alone had already pooled together a little over $4000 dollars, which is enough to cover about 165 of the students out of the 1000.
Fall is in full effect here. leave changing, and falling all over streets and yards. I've never seen a fall like this, and I must say I like it.
Thats all I've got for right now. Hope all is well with my friends and family reading this.
22 October 2007
One of the students at our house group, a sophomore boy, is a pretty tough kid to work with. Hes just not the type of guy that is realy incredibly sociable, or that opens up much at house group. One of his leaders from last year told me that the way to connect with him was just to play games with him. He said that last year, during their small group time, the two of them would walk around on a golf course near by and see who could find the most golf balls.
The way I;ve been spending time with him is playing fooseball before and after our house group time in the basement where we meet. Every week we wind up playing multiple games, making up different rules, and ways to play each time. Its a great time. I think Chicagoans really like their fooseball because, no joke, I think I have played more since I have been here than in my entire life prior to coming here.
Anyway, this student still doesnt talk too too much, but I have noticed during our games that he will ask me more questions about myself and about Texas and such. Yesterday during our small group time he said that his "high" for the week is that he has now been drug-free for about two and a half weeks, and, even though his friends still party and smoke pot, they have been suppoting him in his efforts to quit. I thought this was great that he revealed this to the group, and that he was open and vulnerable with it. It caught me off guard because I didnt even know that he was even doing drugs.
How ironic that his "high" for the week has been not getting high? Its so amazing that he is letting God guide him through all of this.
The way I;ve been spending time with him is playing fooseball before and after our house group time in the basement where we meet. Every week we wind up playing multiple games, making up different rules, and ways to play each time. Its a great time. I think Chicagoans really like their fooseball because, no joke, I think I have played more since I have been here than in my entire life prior to coming here.
Anyway, this student still doesnt talk too too much, but I have noticed during our games that he will ask me more questions about myself and about Texas and such. Yesterday during our small group time he said that his "high" for the week is that he has now been drug-free for about two and a half weeks, and, even though his friends still party and smoke pot, they have been suppoting him in his efforts to quit. I thought this was great that he revealed this to the group, and that he was open and vulnerable with it. It caught me off guard because I didnt even know that he was even doing drugs.
How ironic that his "high" for the week has been not getting high? Its so amazing that he is letting God guide him through all of this.
20 October 2007
BIcycles.
Since I have been in Chicago, seeing all the people riding their bikes in the city, I have become, once again, infatuated with bikes. I feel like a little kid again, in a sense, because as I walk around downtown, or when I am driving and I see people on their bikes, I slow down and take a look at the different styles and colors and, to an extent, want to say, "hey, can I ride with you?"
I have little to now experience riding road bikes; you know, the kind with the thin tires and the curved handle bars that you have to hunch over. But Dick Towner, the man I am living with (that sounds akward, so for those that don't know, I am living with a family here in the Chicago Suburbs) has an old Schwinn road bike that I have been cruising around on. I love riding this in the city because of the feeling of being able to ride in the streets alongside the cars, and for the most part, keep up with traffic.
When I worked in downtown San Antonio, there was something about bike cops that caught my attention. I think it was that they were gtting paid to ride around the streets of the city on bikes rather than in cars, which allowed them to enjoy, at least a little bit, the environment that they were in. They got to see the sights and sounds, and we free to go as fast or as slow as they wanted. Thing is, they were still cops. Nothing against cops (I love you josh dean), but I just don't want to be one. Then, while riding downtown Chicago one day, I discovered a profession that I never even thought about, that doesn't necessarily take away my passion for ministry, but gives it a bit of a run for it's money: a Bike Messenger!
Bike messengers are a unique type of people. I don't know if I could fit in exactly with their lifestyle, and their lack of fear when flying through red lights and around corners, but there is stll something really cool about the types of bikes they ride, and their style of clothing.
The bikes: much like bmx bikes, they offer a freedom in building and creating the bike yourself. You don't just buy a complete messenger bike (though, you can if you want), you build one out of parts of other bikes, can paint it however you like. Thats one thing I like about my bmx: if i want to paint is solid black, I can. If I want to paint it neon yellow, I can, and it's not out of the ordinary. I like the freedom there.
The style: Messenger bags, which are so popular now. You may have seen college students, or even John Hinkebein with one. Its the one-strap bag thats popular these days. And short pants, or, "shants" as some people call them. They are 3/4 pants, either made that way, or you can take regular pants and cut them at the calf. (Now, I'm sure some of you are thinking, "capris? like girl pants?" but no, these are guy pants, VERY different...) This style if so you don't get your pants caught in the chain on the bike.
This may all seem a bit confusing. But I will take a picture next time I am in the city and post it for you all. Longong story short, I decided that with some of my free time, I am going to start building bikes. I love working on bikes, and tinkering with gears, and parts and such. My first project: a messenger bike. So, if you have bike parts laying around, or if you had an old bike that you wanted to throw away, or sell at a garage sale, let me know, and I'll see if I can help you clean out your garage for the winter.
You may not have read all the way through this. Maybe you just skpped to the bottom. But thanks for checking out the blog anyway. Good days!
Since I have been in Chicago, seeing all the people riding their bikes in the city, I have become, once again, infatuated with bikes. I feel like a little kid again, in a sense, because as I walk around downtown, or when I am driving and I see people on their bikes, I slow down and take a look at the different styles and colors and, to an extent, want to say, "hey, can I ride with you?"
I have little to now experience riding road bikes; you know, the kind with the thin tires and the curved handle bars that you have to hunch over. But Dick Towner, the man I am living with (that sounds akward, so for those that don't know, I am living with a family here in the Chicago Suburbs) has an old Schwinn road bike that I have been cruising around on. I love riding this in the city because of the feeling of being able to ride in the streets alongside the cars, and for the most part, keep up with traffic.
When I worked in downtown San Antonio, there was something about bike cops that caught my attention. I think it was that they were gtting paid to ride around the streets of the city on bikes rather than in cars, which allowed them to enjoy, at least a little bit, the environment that they were in. They got to see the sights and sounds, and we free to go as fast or as slow as they wanted. Thing is, they were still cops. Nothing against cops (I love you josh dean), but I just don't want to be one. Then, while riding downtown Chicago one day, I discovered a profession that I never even thought about, that doesn't necessarily take away my passion for ministry, but gives it a bit of a run for it's money: a Bike Messenger!
Bike messengers are a unique type of people. I don't know if I could fit in exactly with their lifestyle, and their lack of fear when flying through red lights and around corners, but there is stll something really cool about the types of bikes they ride, and their style of clothing.
The bikes: much like bmx bikes, they offer a freedom in building and creating the bike yourself. You don't just buy a complete messenger bike (though, you can if you want), you build one out of parts of other bikes, can paint it however you like. Thats one thing I like about my bmx: if i want to paint is solid black, I can. If I want to paint it neon yellow, I can, and it's not out of the ordinary. I like the freedom there.
The style: Messenger bags, which are so popular now. You may have seen college students, or even John Hinkebein with one. Its the one-strap bag thats popular these days. And short pants, or, "shants" as some people call them. They are 3/4 pants, either made that way, or you can take regular pants and cut them at the calf. (Now, I'm sure some of you are thinking, "capris? like girl pants?" but no, these are guy pants, VERY different...) This style if so you don't get your pants caught in the chain on the bike.
This may all seem a bit confusing. But I will take a picture next time I am in the city and post it for you all. Longong story short, I decided that with some of my free time, I am going to start building bikes. I love working on bikes, and tinkering with gears, and parts and such. My first project: a messenger bike. So, if you have bike parts laying around, or if you had an old bike that you wanted to throw away, or sell at a garage sale, let me know, and I'll see if I can help you clean out your garage for the winter.
You may not have read all the way through this. Maybe you just skpped to the bottom. But thanks for checking out the blog anyway. Good days!
18 October 2007
And now that I know that I can post pictures, and have demonstrated such on my last post, here are some of the pictures I have been wanting to share with you all.
Here is an example of my Sunday Morning Sunrise routine that I have done most Sunday mornings before Impact. This is at North Avenue Beach, just north of downtown Chicago.
This is a picture I took while reflecting on a few scriptures while on the beach.
This is Corner Bakery, some sort of magical, delicious place that I like to eat/ sip coffee at downtown. Its pretty cool, there are many of them downtown, but this is the one I frequent the most. Just blocks off of Michigan Avenue.
This is the Illinois Prairie Path- a 60-something mile long bike/jogging path that goes from the northwest suburbs to the southwest suburbs. No, I didnt take the whole 60 miles, but I attempted to ride from Elgin to Wheaton, until I realized I didnt eat breakfast. So, after about 10 miles, I decided to head back and eat.
No explanation needed here. My dad and I were lucky enough to make it to a game on my first full day in the area. It was a great time, and, even though the Cubs lost this day, it was a bit of a dream come true to be there.
That's all I've got for now. Check back though. Now that I am picture-posting savvy I should have more up on occasion.
Here is an example of my Sunday Morning Sunrise routine that I have done most Sunday mornings before Impact. This is at North Avenue Beach, just north of downtown Chicago.
This is a picture I took while reflecting on a few scriptures while on the beach.
This is Corner Bakery, some sort of magical, delicious place that I like to eat/ sip coffee at downtown. Its pretty cool, there are many of them downtown, but this is the one I frequent the most. Just blocks off of Michigan Avenue.
This is the Illinois Prairie Path- a 60-something mile long bike/jogging path that goes from the northwest suburbs to the southwest suburbs. No, I didnt take the whole 60 miles, but I attempted to ride from Elgin to Wheaton, until I realized I didnt eat breakfast. So, after about 10 miles, I decided to head back and eat.
No explanation needed here. My dad and I were lucky enough to make it to a game on my first full day in the area. It was a great time, and, even though the Cubs lost this day, it was a bit of a dream come true to be there.
That's all I've got for now. Check back though. Now that I am picture-posting savvy I should have more up on occasion.
Some mornings are better than others. Today, for example, I met with a few of the students on the Conant campus (the high school I am working with), and talked about our student-led ministry, Uprising, and what we would be doing for the remainder of the semester. That went well. Then I stopped to get a cup of coffee before work. More specifically, a Mint Condition, from Caribou Coffee. This is just your standard mint-mocha drink, but with Andes Mints crushed up on top. That went well. Then I decided to drive with the windows down, blasing some of my old rockabilly tunes, more specifically, The Stray Cats- Brian Setzer in the pre-orchestra days. That went well.
Rockabilly used to be my jams. For those of you who didn't know me back in the day, I am going to post my first picture on this blog, just as an FYI to show you. Don't laugh at me.
Here it goes....
Rockabilly used to be my jams. For those of you who didn't know me back in the day, I am going to post my first picture on this blog, just as an FYI to show you. Don't laugh at me.
Here it goes....
16 October 2007
w-w-w-w-w-w-wipeout....
My insurance policy that I have has a very low deductable. I think that is because I seem to be particularly prone to injury. This past Saturday night my small group leader Jeremiah (a 3 year intern), and I went longboarding at a golf course near where he lives. The thing is, 1) it was night time, and 2) some of the cart paths were a little steeper than others, being that this is also where they have snowboarding and skiing when there is snow on the ground.
Well, I'm no Tony Hawk or anything, but I usually feel pretty comfortable on a board. Not that I can do anything fancy, but I can atleast balance, and thats the biggest part. So, we find one hill that, no lie, intimidated me a slight bit. I wasn't trembling in fear or anything, but from the beginning I thought, "this may not go well".
Jeremiah goes down ahead of me, and I watch the route he takes, thinking, "pshh, I can do this..." So I tried, and about midway down the hill I start wobbling like crazy. And, while trying to straighten myself out, I overcompensated, the board flew out from under me, and I went tumbling down the hill. Not too far or hard, mind you, but when I finally stopped, laying on my stomach, I couldn't help but think, "there is no way that just happened."
There are certain reflexes your body does when you wipeout like that: run the tongue on the backs of your teeth- good, they're all there; wiggle your fingers- good, they're not broken, or missing; bend your knees, good- no torn acl (the most important one for me to check).
There is no moral of the story, but times like this, honestly, I really enjoy them. They make for good stories, and good laughs. Ahh. The life of an intern.
My insurance policy that I have has a very low deductable. I think that is because I seem to be particularly prone to injury. This past Saturday night my small group leader Jeremiah (a 3 year intern), and I went longboarding at a golf course near where he lives. The thing is, 1) it was night time, and 2) some of the cart paths were a little steeper than others, being that this is also where they have snowboarding and skiing when there is snow on the ground.
Well, I'm no Tony Hawk or anything, but I usually feel pretty comfortable on a board. Not that I can do anything fancy, but I can atleast balance, and thats the biggest part. So, we find one hill that, no lie, intimidated me a slight bit. I wasn't trembling in fear or anything, but from the beginning I thought, "this may not go well".
Jeremiah goes down ahead of me, and I watch the route he takes, thinking, "pshh, I can do this..." So I tried, and about midway down the hill I start wobbling like crazy. And, while trying to straighten myself out, I overcompensated, the board flew out from under me, and I went tumbling down the hill. Not too far or hard, mind you, but when I finally stopped, laying on my stomach, I couldn't help but think, "there is no way that just happened."
There are certain reflexes your body does when you wipeout like that: run the tongue on the backs of your teeth- good, they're all there; wiggle your fingers- good, they're not broken, or missing; bend your knees, good- no torn acl (the most important one for me to check).
There is no moral of the story, but times like this, honestly, I really enjoy them. They make for good stories, and good laughs. Ahh. The life of an intern.
13 October 2007
Cool Things I have going on:
At the beginning of the month I signed up for a gym membership at a place called God's Gym (www.ercgg.org), in Elgin, the suburb I am living in. The membership is fairly inexpensive, $20/month, and is only a few miles from where I live. I did this for two or so particular reasons: 1. As some of you know, Caleb Schmidt and I are having a workout-off until he turns 18, which is in about 1 year and a half. He punched me in the face once at YL and left a bruise, so I told him when he turns 18, its going down. He seems to think he has me, but I don't think he has any idea what he has coming. 2. God's Gym is directly across the street from Elgin High School, and is an outreach organization to keep kids (and even adults for that matter) off the streets, and out of gangs. It a rough crowd that works out in there, which is good because it motivates me to really "pump iron" (yeah, I know that sounds lame), so that I fit in. God's Gym also provides after school mentoring and tutoring for students, and is run on a primarily volunteer basis. Upon signing up they ask if you would like to volunteer with them, and I said "Yes. Yes I would like to.' So, beginning this next week I will meet with one of the volunteer coordinators there to find out how I may serve them.
Next, I talked to one of the students in my house group that I have been getting to know some, and he and I are going to start meeting on Wednesday's before church every other week ad just start going through the bible some and talking and getting to know eachother more. I am very excited about this. He is a cool guy, and I know he's got some great potential in him after he graduates this year to continue to grow into the man God's created him to be. And, he throws a decent frisbee, which, might I add, is the sport that every Christian male needs to know how to play.
Last, Elevate, which is Willow's junior high ministry, has been looking for volunteers to lead small groups for their students. Unlike Impact, since the students aren't able t drive on their own, Elevate has services during each of the 3 main Willow Services, so they are in need of a good amount of leaders. So, I decided that with some of my free time I am going to check out one of their services, which I am doing tonight, and possibly start leading a small group. I hear Elevate has a good time in their services, and a few of the leaders have become some of my good friends up here, so I figure I may as well help out.
And while I am posting I'll take the opportunity to plug their blogs for them, which you will see on the right side of the page.
Thats all I've got for now. I hope everyone is doing great, and I look foward to hearing from you sometime soon. Until next time, good days.
At the beginning of the month I signed up for a gym membership at a place called God's Gym (www.ercgg.org), in Elgin, the suburb I am living in. The membership is fairly inexpensive, $20/month, and is only a few miles from where I live. I did this for two or so particular reasons: 1. As some of you know, Caleb Schmidt and I are having a workout-off until he turns 18, which is in about 1 year and a half. He punched me in the face once at YL and left a bruise, so I told him when he turns 18, its going down. He seems to think he has me, but I don't think he has any idea what he has coming. 2. God's Gym is directly across the street from Elgin High School, and is an outreach organization to keep kids (and even adults for that matter) off the streets, and out of gangs. It a rough crowd that works out in there, which is good because it motivates me to really "pump iron" (yeah, I know that sounds lame), so that I fit in. God's Gym also provides after school mentoring and tutoring for students, and is run on a primarily volunteer basis. Upon signing up they ask if you would like to volunteer with them, and I said "Yes. Yes I would like to.' So, beginning this next week I will meet with one of the volunteer coordinators there to find out how I may serve them.
Next, I talked to one of the students in my house group that I have been getting to know some, and he and I are going to start meeting on Wednesday's before church every other week ad just start going through the bible some and talking and getting to know eachother more. I am very excited about this. He is a cool guy, and I know he's got some great potential in him after he graduates this year to continue to grow into the man God's created him to be. And, he throws a decent frisbee, which, might I add, is the sport that every Christian male needs to know how to play.
Last, Elevate, which is Willow's junior high ministry, has been looking for volunteers to lead small groups for their students. Unlike Impact, since the students aren't able t drive on their own, Elevate has services during each of the 3 main Willow Services, so they are in need of a good amount of leaders. So, I decided that with some of my free time I am going to check out one of their services, which I am doing tonight, and possibly start leading a small group. I hear Elevate has a good time in their services, and a few of the leaders have become some of my good friends up here, so I figure I may as well help out.
And while I am posting I'll take the opportunity to plug their blogs for them, which you will see on the right side of the page.
Thats all I've got for now. I hope everyone is doing great, and I look foward to hearing from you sometime soon. Until next time, good days.
03 October 2007
Today the Cubs play their first playoff game. Yeah...this doesn't happen every year. I have been wanting to go down to Wrigleyville, which is the neighborhood that the Cubs play in to hang out during a game, but since I leave for Texas tomorrow I wont be able to make it tonight. I'm a bit worried that I won't be able to make it out today. My fear: that by the time I get back to Chicago next week the Cubs will be the Cubs and have been knocked out of the play-offs.
Now, supposing that all goes well in the playoffs this year and the Cubs, by the grace of God, win the World Series, it will have ended a 99-year drought (1908 was their last World Series Win). If they even MAKE it to the world series, it will be the first time in 62 years (1945).
Just a heads up on whats big in Chicago this week. I, as well as another intern in Student Impact, are rocking the Cubs shirts today. And, just to toss it out there, I will probably be wearing it on Friday, as well as possibly church on Sunday.
In unrelated news...Evans and Esther are getting married Saturday!
Now, supposing that all goes well in the playoffs this year and the Cubs, by the grace of God, win the World Series, it will have ended a 99-year drought (1908 was their last World Series Win). If they even MAKE it to the world series, it will be the first time in 62 years (1945).
Just a heads up on whats big in Chicago this week. I, as well as another intern in Student Impact, are rocking the Cubs shirts today. And, just to toss it out there, I will probably be wearing it on Friday, as well as possibly church on Sunday.
In unrelated news...Evans and Esther are getting married Saturday!
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