11.30.2012

The first lesson might be the most difficult lesson.


“It’s a shame that so many churches are married to a designed-by-Christians-for-Christians-only culture.  A culture in which they talk about the Great Commission and sing songs about the Great Commission, but (unknowingly) refuse to reorganize their churches around the Great Commission.  These are often the same churches where members talk about grace, sing about how ‘amazing’ it is, but create graceless cultures where only those who play by the rules feel welcomed.” ~Andy Stanley


To those that are following my journey while in Colorado, thanks goes out to you—I hope you have enjoyed this (and all my media explosions) as much as I have :D

Just to update you diligent followers of mine (yea right) on things over the last weeks.

Right now,  I am at Starbucks, spending my money on a overrated product that could   easily be made at my house.  But why would I want to make it at my house?

I turned 22, believe it or not.  These last 365 days have been quite a transforming adventure in my spiritual live, as a musician, and a believer, and definitely as a leader.  I hope to see these qualities grow as the years go-on.

As of today the countdown is:  22 days until I am finished here at Academy Christian Church in Colorado Springs.  I am more than ready to come home and be back at school.  But, I know my work is not done, nor is my ‘time’ done.   I say these things because I have been here long enough to feel as if I am hired by the church to work in the position that I am in.   I’ve been here long enough that I feel more of a slave to time and continuous ritual.  Of course that sounds terrible, because I worded it wrong—but I am too lazy to think of something else :D

The reality is so much that I feel like I work here ful-time and days go back before I realize that I have to return to school.  Days go back and I forget to realize that I am just an intern and that I will leave shortly, for good.  When students go off to school and they return for the summer or various breaks, it wont be like that!!  I do not live here, nor if there would be any chance of this it wont be for a while. 

Which brings me to this point.  Why am I here, God?

Lets map this out.

I came to ACC beginning of July [with the confidence of a guppy], and because of certain situations that were laid upon me I rose to the challenge and punched it in the face.  I loved the path that was set forth from me; I did not freak out, I loved it. 
But I feel as if this experience as a ‘director of worship ministries’ was the only thing that I have learned: experience that looks good on a resume.
It isn’t as much as I have played it up to be, but it is a big deal to me—that I have overcame certain roadblocks I my path.  All this brings me to this question again, why am I here God?

I am reading Andy Stanley’s book Deep & Wide which is an incredible book.  There is a quote that says this:

“It’s a story every Christian and church attendee should know.  And as church leaders, it’s a story in which we have the privilege of participating.  Actually, it’s a story we are responsible for shaping.  Like it or not we are the stewards of the church for our generation.  More daunting than that is the fact that we determine what comes to mind for the net generation when they hear the term church.

Is this what I need to learn?  Is this something that I struggle with (yes).  How much easier is it to forget about that quote—that way of life as a leader and developer of ministry?  In my last few weeks here in CS, what am I here to truly accomplish?? 
I still have no freking clue.  But, I think that if being intentional, praying for God to initiate relationships and following thru on that same intentional level, how deep & wide do you think the body of Christ can expand to become. 

There is an obvious truth to those that are leaders of their congregation that God gives them.  That we determine what comes to mind for the next generation when they hear the term church makes me back away from this so-called job: ministry.  Knowing how important leading the body of Christ is—should be the first lesson learned. 


Enjoy some encouragement: 

1Thessalonians 5:17-19
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

9.05.2012

Uncomfortably Comfortable

What had made you so uncomfortable that you hope to never ever to return to that 'thing' that made you uncomfortable?  Does any situation come to mind that made you incredibly nauseous that provoked a thought of feeling incomplete?

I most certainly have.  Since the beginnings of my time here in CS, there has been a stirring of little comfort and helplessness.  That has grown and grown, but I am not complaining about it.  

The reason, if you have read earlier in my posts, was that I have been on this journey with God.  A journey that stretches me in situations to either find my true potential or to go down like a burning aircraft.  I have felt this churning of uncomfort in my stomach that leads me to act unlike any other.  

Ps 55:16,17
But I call to God,
and the Lord will save me. 
Evening and morning and at noon 
I utter my compliant and moan, 
and he hears my voice

I have been seriously spending time in prayer.  Not necessarily before bedtime... or even when I am walking... or when I am just thinking to myself; but earnestly praying in a place of solitude and where nobody can find you.  Let me tell ya, its addicting!! I have been reading more scripture and recently I have thought about me being a leader to a congregation on Sunday mornings and how I CAN be that leader that spurs them, directs them, guides them all under the power of the HS.  Truth is: If I am not listening to my God, allowing Him to direct me first, how can I lead His people that He has given to me.  I do not want to lead a people blindly into the fight of Good v. Evil. 

I do not have any power to change peoples hearts (or anything in that fact), but I know that God can.  Im saying simply that allowing God to direct and guide your steps first, then you will be able to stand strong with confidence and lead God's people that he has given to you, right back to him.  

peace and blessinz 

(10/28)

7.17.2012

6 months of homesickness...

Most of you, or anybody that has somewhat of a relationship with me wouldn't know that I am taking a six month break of all things that I have been accustomed too for the last three years.  Im taking a 'break' which means that I am not going to be at school until the Spring semester of 2013.  No, I didn't have get bad grades or get into trouble that prevented me from returning.  I simply felt the calling of the Holy Spirit prompting me to intern at this church in Colorado Sprigs.

A short story about how I stumbled upon this church here in the Springs.  While I was on New Way Singers last year (summer of '11) I happened to be the band leader and after our concert that night I had a conversation about being a possible intern here and I said that I'd pray about it.  Being serious, I did pray about it and sure enough November of that same year God tugged on my heart to follow through being the intern.

The reasons for the six month internship was the fact that I wanted to grow in being a leader, a worshiper, a curator, and a child of God even.  I wanted to be in a church where I could call 'home' or even have a job in near future.  I knew that this would delay my graduation a semester or two, and I was ok with that.  It wasn't quite important to myself that I would graduate in the time frame that I was guaranteed.  Though, it is still important that I take graduating seriously; I am not a flake.  I want to grow and experience ministry at its highs and lows, in the valleys and in the peaks(literally).  I am willing to allow God to transform me in anyway possible.  Still, its hard to remind me that every day.  Even though It is hard to do, I know that I cannot experience joy unless I am at the center of Gods will.

The feeling of being away from my friends, family, and teachers, didn't set in until I got here.  Almost at this moment, I miss my friends so much that I question why I made this 'ridiculous' decision of being gone for 6 months.  But I can't change that :)

I miss being away from my close friends in Omaha.  I miss being away from some of the most talented musicians that I have ever had the pleasure of playing on stage together and worshipping with.  I miss my teachers that think Im a distraction in class.... ......which I am not.  School even hasn't started yet!!!!  I miss my dogs(pathetic)! I miss my parents... a lot. On an unrelated note, I miss Italy... just saying.


Here you are... with me on this journey that will either make or break me.  I am happy to say that it is a privilege to be here, I am eternally grateful for the people that have already blessed my life.

Cheers to the next chapter of my life... examining the past, rejoicing the present, obediently looking towards the future.  Living, loving, and worshipping with others!



4.29.2012

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Truly, I cannot express my thanks to you without you feeling awkward with me giving you long hugs and squeezing really hard.  This trip was an eye opener and a blessing.  To be blessed and to bless is what we all need.  Ive done this a lot, but not like this trip.  

It was amazing to be in the same places that the Apostles were in.  It was unreal to think that.  Even reading the Bible and having personal quiet time reading the NT was inspirational.  Knowing that Paul was once were I stood.  

Its amazing to see God work through languages in our music and in our interactions with people.  Nothing can separate us front he love that God has for us. 
As a 'experienced' musician, its very easy to walk away from a concert and say, "Lets change this, lets arranges the chorus this way, or the verses this way, or lets make this a 'G' instead of a 'C' or whatever."  It is so easy to change the way of things to make it better on the eyes, hears, and even heart.  But there was NOT ONCE that this occurred while we were over in Italy.  Its much harder to walk away and not want to change a thing.  We know that God was aboundently present in our travels and our planning and preparations, even months before we knew where we were going.  God has ordained this before time began.  

Thank you so much for this trip and this opportunity for me to experience.  Your part was equally important as my part. 

Im not going to lie, I hate raising money.  I hate asking for money.  I don't like to spend money either.  But I challenged myself, specifically do to this trip, to prove that God can provide.  This wasn't out of lack of confidence in God, it wasn't out or rebellion, or to prove anything that God couldn't do--that is simply foolish.  I did this because I knew God can provide--and I wanted to experience.  Overall I raised about 3,000 dollars to travel to Italy.  I used every bit because God provided it for me which we needed it.  It ended up costing more and the enhance rates in Italy were terrible.  In the US if you wanted to exchanged 100dollars in Euro, to would come to about 75Euro.  It Italy (especially in Rome) if you exchanged $100 in Euro it would come out to about 40 Euro.  God gave me every cent that I needed.  HE IS GOOD.  He is GOD.  

I wish I could bring back something for every one of you.  Good thing I can take some good pictures ;)

Thank you so much... May God bless you for your generosity!!!!!!


This is from Thursday the 26th

So, I posted on our day in Marano last Thursday, but I rewrote it so you can read it again :)

So, we took a train to Venice and we had a day there and "Romed" around. Hahaha.. ok, not funny.  
I took so many pictures here, about 500.  And if you think your going to see all of them, that means I have to post them and I doubt that it will happen because, seriously, its 500 photos!!!!

We have been going nonstop until today and it won't end yet!  

When we got to Marano we got treated to some sea food! Fresh muscles and fish and who knows what it was but it was good.  Even tho it didn't settle to well with my stomach, it still was amazing.  Something that I'll never experience either.  Fo Free! I thank you, seriously.  

So, Marano is where my Grama VanSkike's family is from.  Thats all the information I can give you, but their last name is Bossi.  I talked to some people in the area and said that my extended family was from Marano and they looked at me in exticetment--all to find out that the name Bossi was very political and (apparently) not a good thing.  Great....
I seriously felt home here.  Not because It could be were my family is from.  But it was so peaceful and it felt like Norton... but much prettier.  I felt so comfortable.   
We were all tired and exhausted and we were all sick because we were tired and exhausted.  But it was all worth it.  Thank you so much, seriously!!!!!!

Here is a video of us sing Oh Happy Day in Marano at the restaurant.  Click HERE!!!!!!!!!

Here is a video of us sing Madonina del Mare at the restaurant.  Click HERE!!!!!!!

This song, Madonina, is a song that is very popular here in Marano.  This is a fishing town and it means a lot to these people.  I can't remember why exactly, sorry I wish I could remember.  But still, their faces started to glow when we sang two songs Sul Capello and Madonina.  Sul Capello is the Alpini alma matter, almost.  They started clapping when we sang it.  It was beautiful!!

God be with you...

This is from Wednesday the 25th

This was probably the best day ever.  We had a free day at Latisanna.  Our hotel gave us bikes to ride around and just relax.  They were a blessing.  Im tearing up thinking about it, seriously.  I got my bike, put my earbuds in listening to Jack Johnson and rode.  I spent about 3hours riding around the whole city.  The town that we were staying at was basically a beach front.  And in the summer, its so packed that you cannot even drive anywhere.  Its such a tourist town in the summer and its loaded with people.  This was the best day ever!! I was so sore and my butt hurt from sitting on bike seats all day.   I forgot how much I love to ride a bike.  I slept well that night, but I didn't get enough sleep lol! We had a early departure to Venice and Marano.
Here is us on our hot bikes! ;) A couple from the group that did not go, the missed out!

Jealous much??! :)

This night was a great night!

This town was a town that was influenced highly on work.  They had this factory that pretty much gave the townspeople a reason to live.  But then it shut down and they just don't have any hope.  We prayed that night that we could give them something to put their hope in that they would find joy.  This night was beautiful.  I think we did what God brought us here to do.  Once again, thank you for all that you did to take part in this trip.  Tonight was strictly worship.  No words can describe.  

The Aplini sounded fantastic!!! I got one of their CD's and they sound really good.  Not as good as they did in the church, but tarts because the church makes everything sound good... or if you were bad, it would make it obvious.  We sang in Codropio and after that we had a dinner with the priest of the church there.  He treated us to some amazing pizza that was down the street.  It was phenomenal.  Everday is the best day ever! Its hard to believe it, but its true.

I had to say goodbye to my friend Dennis, I got his email tho--I think we are long lost relatives.
Speaking of relatives, we are going to sing in Marano the next day and I was looking forward to that.  But you can read more about that in the next post.

This is from last Tuesday the 24th

This day we did a lot of walking... In the rain... Again.  But heres the deal.  I got rained on in Italy, I don't care!  We visited Cividale and walked around and shopped.  It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.  Seriously, the Devils Bridge  and the river and the little town.  It was precious! If I can tell you it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen, coming from a guy that lives to take pictures of storms and creations like such, it was pretty amazing.   

Anyways, we went to a old folks home and sang for them.  Now, I really like old folks care centers, I really do... But when you don't speak their language.  Its just weird to me, I don't know why.  I digress, It was a touching experience.  Just to go in and bless them and touch them because lets be honest, they probably don't ever get visitors.  A man came up to us and he was just crying because, since we were from Nebraska he said that he knew soldiers from the US from WWII and he said when they went back to America, they sent them grain from Nebraska.  I didn't catch all the story but it was very touching to him to see some people from Nebraska and him remembering that.  

From there we had a concert in Viscosa.  We had a concert with two choirs.  I can't remember one, it was  a community choir that met only once or twice a month (they rocked) and the other choir was the Aplini.  I wanted to take them all home with me.  Basically, the Aplini walked with the soldiers and sang songs to keep them company and to keep them focused.  If you want to read more click here!!!!!!  

This concert was packed!! NO JOKE!  It was so full that you could not see the walls and there were people lined up in the back outside the door!  It was phenomenal! We sang at least int font of 800+ people.  They recorded this with audio.  I don't have it, but I'm sure whenever I get it.  This is the place where you can get it!!!!  It was amazing! The sound that these churches produce are astounding.  Better than anything else you will ever hear.  Ill put money on it.  Or another trip to Italy :)

After the concert we went and had a dinner party with the one choir and the Aplini.  This is were we fellowshipped and had a jolly ole time.  There was the guy named Dennis.  He was such a hoot! In order to tell you what he was like.  He was like me.  Thats all I can tell you, but he was tall and slender (not like me).  This picture is of me and him the next night when we sang together. (We had two concerts with these guys)
This guy was so funny! He was just like me!  

It was a great night, it was such a long night too.  We didn't get back to the hotel until about 2am.  We were so tired and worn out.  A couple people threw up because they were so exhausted.  Thats how tired we were.. Its not like we did a lot of strenuous work, as much as it was singing and walking and no sleep.  Singing a lot does take a lot out of you.  It requires more water to be consumed and more sleep to be had.  Which were both difficult to do.