tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47906149283364555362024-03-13T17:01:51.802-07:00Andy's JourneyAndy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-41317456414290391922012-01-01T18:33:00.000-08:002012-01-01T18:36:28.628-08:00How to Support?<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">PRAYERFULLY:</span></span></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Please Pray for these last 6 months. This is priority. I can use prayer for my continuing relationship with God, my marriage, my family and my vocation post-seminary. I appreciate and covet your prayers. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; min-height: 19px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><b>FINANCIALLY:</b></p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><br /></span></div>GIVING BY <b>MAIL</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">Send a check payable to <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Flood Church</span></b>.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">Please write in the memo line: <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Andy Kelly Support</span></b>.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">Checks can be mailed to:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Flood Church</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">3878 Ruffin Rd., Suite B</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">San Diego, CA 92123.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; min-height: 19px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">GIVING <b>ON-LINE</b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">Flood's Website - You can give online through the Shelby site that Flood uses for all online giving:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">-<a href="http://www.DIVEintoFLOOD.com/give"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">www.DIVEintoFLOOD.com/give</span></b></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">-Set up a Flood account on Shelby Webview</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><b>-</b>Donate to my internship by choosing:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Grad Intern #2</span>.</b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; min-height: 19px; "><b></b><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">Through your Bank - You can donate online from your bank by clicking to <i>Pay an Individual</i>(or equivalent).</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">Under Payee Details</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">Payee = <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">FLOOD</span></b>, Nickname = <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Andy Kelly Support</span></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">Address =<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"> 3878 Ruffin Rd., Ste. B., San Diego, CA 92123</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">Phone =<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">(858) 268-2330</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">Account Number = N/A (check off no account number).</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">Name on Account = Your Name</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">Under Payment Details:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">Enter the account you want to support from.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">Set up a manual or automatic payment</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">Category = <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Donation or Miscellaneous</span></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">Memo = <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Andy Kelly's Support</span></b></p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><b><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><b><br /></b></span></div>THANK YOU!</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; ">Words cannot express what your support has cultivated in my life and the lives of others. Through your affirmation, I have found a place where my passion for Jesus Christ is completely unleashed. Your support has enabled me to live out my Calling. <span style="letter-spacing: -0.2px; ">I am forever in your debt for blessing me with this chance to partake in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.</span></p></span></span></div>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-76614000234231737712011-02-26T12:00:00.000-08:002011-02-26T14:06:11.010-08:00The origin of "Amazing"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFfPbCdOfuwpjYQcV1JiNEgaoYooOZCl27DuD1BVDRUamD010FCzxYXHr0xU3dwJUidMHGw7XUr_4JoobbHTNU813Lz8q7-nD5whjjI-h-E512fG7a_n2vWeViEogSO1JtM4LVEV8I4n1/s1600/amazing_grace.jpg"></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It's raining outside. As I stare out the window ignoring my studies, my mind usually gravitates towards movies, food and surf. However, I am hit with an outrageous almost insane thought (and it still concerns a movie):</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFfPbCdOfuwpjYQcV1JiNEgaoYooOZCl27DuD1BVDRUamD010FCzxYXHr0xU3dwJUidMHGw7XUr_4JoobbHTNU813Lz8q7-nD5whjjI-h-E512fG7a_n2vWeViEogSO1JtM4LVEV8I4n1/s200/amazing_grace.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578121808001480770" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My wife Courtney and I love the</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> flick </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Amazing Grace</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> . It is our favorite "shared" movie. Watching it for the first time in 2006,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> the movie brought me to tears. It was the first time I heard this sweet quote by Francis Bacon, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“It is a sad fate for a man to die too well known to everybody else and still unknown to him.”</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> But even greater than this, the portrayal of </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">William Wilberforce, John Newton and their shared conviction struck a chord in my heart. But first, let me give some background. It will not ruin the movie.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Despite his birth into the ‘despised’ merchant class, William Wilberforce was able to join the British House of Commons in 1780.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He was only twenty-one. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As a young and honest man, Wilberforce became torn between politics and the church when he rededicated his life to Christ under the tutelage of John Newton, a repentant monk who is inflicted by his own past as an ex-slave trader.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">John Newton’s autobiographical song “Amazing Grace” moved Wilberforce in his efforts to envision a day which the British slave trade would no longer exist within the western world.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">God’s “Amazing Grace” has that effect.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Years earlier, John Newton (b. 1725) was brought up listening to Isaac Watts’ book of hymns.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Although his mother cared for him, John Newton’s father, a sea skipper, expressed little love for his son. Thus, Newton lived a double life of morality and sin that would sway like the sea winds he would later navigate. Many of us come from these divided households.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Despite contrary belief, even his converted Christian faith experienced this duality when he was a slave trader.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Ironically and he would agree hypocritically, Newton</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> had composed the hymn “How Sweet the Name of Jesus” while on these commercial voyages! </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Let me restate this. John Newton was converted to Christianity as a slave a trader and remained one for some time. During a storm at sea in 1749, he needed a power that was not his to literally stay the course. Later explained by John Wesley to be experimental religion, Newton grabbed the ships wheel calling for the power of the Holy Spirit.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As the Spirit proved His existence, John Newton was compelled to live the Gospel, as it is entirely true.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">However “still blind,” Newton remained a slave trader viewing his ‘cargo’ as a status lower than a type of animal.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As a Christian, he would stuff slaves into boxes six feet long, sixteen inches wide and five feet tall to compensate for a thirty percent loss of life incurred in these two to three month trips at sea. </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">This is awful,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> a reminder that we are all corrupt capacities we have, our sins of omission and our constant need of God's grace. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">In 1754, Newton was moved to customs officers in Liverpool, England. Here, he became interested in the Methodism, particularly in the social conscious of John Wesley. (</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Since his visit to the American colonies in 1735, John Wesley viewed slavery as a “horrible crime.”) In 1757, Newton did some theological research. It was a process. By 1763, he recanted his commercial life of slave-trade profit becoming an Anglican priest for the second remainder of his life.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-Pn2tLfGKX66TnAomhZUAoRX-Yh5ndAiHEjVxhrTO7CYjm0wYHk-IeW8pTznVUjStJowwI68hmwpmCHGZHry4Tkc6AmT04WlD9t6iMyyQ-kL6Jlf-ybhX-HWx2BoQ2bTUgonMvWoFeBI/s200/206398_f260.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578113192211598626" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 157px; " /><p class="Default"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">For his sermons, Newton, alongside a melancholy William Cowper, wrote common hymns for the common people.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Amazing Grace” originated from a sermon given on January 1, 1773. Based on David’s response to God’s grace-filled blessings (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chron.%2017:16-17&version=NIV">1 Chron. 17:16-17</a>), it was also the autobiographical testimony of the life Newton lived. Newton related and associated himself with with <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%209:1-19&version=NIV">St. Paul</a>. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Both had received undeserved acceptance by God.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Both received his Grace. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Like the apostle to the Gentiles, John Newton eventually recognized that true religion (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%201:27&version=NIV">James 1:27</a>)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> was not the unique possession of any particular ethnic and/ or literate group.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p> <p class="Default"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In 1779, John Newton moved to the St. Mary Woolnoth Church in London.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This was where he converted and subsequently convinced William Wilberforce to combine his Christian principles with his political ideas (1789). As stated above, “Amazing Grace” became the arsenal for Wilberforce’s mission to end </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">slavery in the British Empire.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Aided by Prime Minister William Pitt, a small band of radical thinkers and unlikely supporters, Wilberforce annually and resolutely presented his bill for abolition to Parliament.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It would take years of opposition, pain and disillusionment before William could carry freedom to the 700,000 slaves in 1833. By 1840, slavery was completely abolished.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The movie </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Amazing Grace</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> concentrates on the last paragraph above. I felt the back story, the previous paragraphs, was necessary for you if you watch the movie (it's from a history report I did last year). Furthermore, it is also included because it is the impetus for the thought I received while looking out the window. Full circle.</span></span></p><p class="Default"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Regarding Newton's anguish, he received God's grace, His unmerited favor. Do you know what God's grace means? Rather than define it, allow me to paint a picture. Better yet, I am going to use imagery borrowed from </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Brother Lawrence, a 17th century Carmelite monk. I just read about him recently: </span></span></p><p class="Default"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Brother Lawrence constantly </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Practiced </span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">the Presence of God.</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> "He felt as if </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">God were taking him by the hand and leading him before the courts of heaven to show everyone the unworthy wretch whom it was His will to shower with Grace.” </span></span></li></ul><p></p><p class="Default"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">No one could argue that John Newton felt like this "unworthy wretch." Again as </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">a young (and foolish) Christian, he would stuff slaves into boxes six feet long, sixteen inches wide and five feet tall to compensate for a thirty percent loss of life incurred in these two to three month trips at sea. </span></span></p><p class="Default"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Yet, he recognized this, his wrong, his selfishness, his sin and his separation from the heart of God (even when he knew Him). Newton repented. He turned to God and created a movement that abolished the slave trade. He died a free man. </span></span></p><p class="Default"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now finally, here is the picture.</span></span></p><p class="Default"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As Newton died, he walked toward God seeing Him face to face. But before he can embrace his Creator and Redeemer, he is overwhelmed by a dark procession, a celebrato</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">ry mob. Thousands of hands singing, dancing, hugging, kissing Newton and loving him. They sang Newton's name beautifully. He is their brother. </span></span></p><p class="Default"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">These folks celebrating are the slaves that died upon Newton's voyages... There are still tears on John Newton's face. Tears of Joy. Tears of reunion. This is my thought as I watch the rain come down. </span></span></p></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Make change. Celebrate change. Start inside. Let's be </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">transformed non-conformists (</span></span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.%2012:2&version=NIV"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Rom. 12:2</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">). To be a "transformed non-conformists" was the call of Martin Luther King, Jr whom we celebrate this black history month. He received this call from Jesus Christ whom he followed, whom Newton followed, whom you can follow.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Andy</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"The question is not whether we will be extremist but what kind of extremist will we be." ~ Martin Luther King Jr.</span></span></span></p></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;"><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go; my own conviction and that of those around me seemed insufficient for the day." ~ Abraham Lincoln. </span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Ps - Also, check out this rad tune, Zion and Babylon, by Josh Garrels. It gives a great portrayal of humanity and God separated: </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQA8YvLHYCs"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Recorded</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">. </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqia1Ft1Zy4&feature=related"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Live</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">. </span></span><a href="http://joshgarrels.blogspot.com/2008/09/jacaranda-album-lyrics.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Lyrics</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">. </span></span></span></i></b><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></i></b></div></span></span></div></div>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-52066571326832271822011-01-30T14:58:00.000-08:002011-01-30T15:12:19.606-08:00Seminary Thought #346 - Studying and God<span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I spend the entire weekend studying. My demeanor was like that bed-ridden dude from an ol' Hitchcock movie (don't remember the name), but I was actually looking out the window and eventually conspiring about the world around me. That was when I knew it is time for a walk...<br /><br />Studying itself actually became good time (especially towards the the end). I will miss seminary when it is done (Not now but definitely later...)<br /><br />Did you know that you and I have intellectual pathways by which we know God? (Some more than others I'm sure.) To state it plainly, there are moments where we can know God by knowing about God. However, we must always be cautious. Let us never completely substitute the latter for the former. That's pharisaic... and even worse, boring. </span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And still, my brain is full. </span></span>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-55759145485319445642011-01-21T11:06:00.000-08:002011-01-24T15:52:55.250-08:00I know God loves me but what about Greek!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPE7QyuRFKP_bwfeguOCz0ajhsEwbLMV5q4auS-6pefG1zc9pbPzxATi1DBDlfKVRH0xsAX5NWXV_bTc_qgdEexRBzhHM-QvKDYRZbNaLtUIv0KjcG28c_PEf1kuhXo10Y3sRkmCOVTEA5/s1600/the+Greek+language+is+difficult.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 138px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPE7QyuRFKP_bwfeguOCz0ajhsEwbLMV5q4auS-6pefG1zc9pbPzxATi1DBDlfKVRH0xsAX5NWXV_bTc_qgdEexRBzhHM-QvKDYRZbNaLtUIv0KjcG28c_PEf1kuhXo10Y3sRkmCOVTEA5/s200/the+Greek+language+is+difficult.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565901010899243474" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I got a problem. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I understand that God loves me. I live in the full knowledge that he sees me as perfect as Christ with the uniqueness of "Andy." It's incredible. It's amazing. Life changing! But sometimes, it's feels like it's not enough. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">You to need to know one thing. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I need to pass Greek.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> (Side Note: Greek is the original language of most of the New Testament. We learn it in seminary so we can read from the fingertips of the original authors of the Bible. It's a pretty rad science of interpretation actually.) </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">However, if I don't pass Greek this round, I am freakin' stuck at Bethel for another year! That means graduating in June of 2013!!! Just the thought makes me feel like a caged animal... like wolverine right after he receives his admantium skeleton. Snikt! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">SIDE NOTE: School really isn't that bad. I have a growing desire to explore God on His and my terms (not seminary's). </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Greek. The class is officially "New Testament Greek II." Now, Let's ignore the fact that I "killed" (got an 'A') my last semester in Greek I. Right now, I am struggling. I.e. -<i> I get it, but I haven't gotten it perfectly.</i> And if I don't get it, </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">A.) I fail the class, </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">B.) Flood staff thinks I am dumb, </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">C.) I have to keep looking for support for another year, and </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">D.) I walk around with a Dunce cap. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">These are the toxic tapes playing in my head. You ever hear them? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I care about these <i>supposed</i> expectations on others. There is some self-awareness here because I really impose these expectations on others (whether they are there or not). Other types of toxic tapes that motivate the one's above are: </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">-Will my wife really not love me if I am school in other year? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">-Will I be excommunicated from my position at Flood if I fall behind? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Scary, huh? Now, w</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; ">here is the grace in all of this? I did state that God loves me, right?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Full circle. I know that God loves me. I even receive that love from time to time. And He/They know that I love Him/ Them (Trinity - amazing reality... difficult to explain). Unfortunately, there are times I place these thoughts and consequential expectations before God's love. I tell myself that Flood's approval or my wife's love trump God's concern for me as His child. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">When and if I put too much weight in what other people think, I get stuck in the toilet bowl of worry. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I mentioned a few sentences ago those moments that <i>"I receive God's love from time to time."</i> In these mere moments, "worry" becomes a non-issue. Somehow, I don't care about what other's think. And what happens simultaneously in this moment is amazing:<b> Instead, I care about these same people so much, it's almost insane.</b> All of this is flowing in the course of receiving God's love. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I know that God loves me. But when I put other things in front of this love, the truth of God only becomes knowledge instead of reality. Furthermore,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; "> the process of living in this reality allows me to really care for others... freely while not being stuck in a pattern of excessively caring about what they think about me. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; ">It's time to plunge this worry clog and receive the love of God. Then, I will flush this Greek class down, baby. </span></div></span></span>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-86920239608721502082011-01-05T17:02:00.000-08:002011-01-17T17:44:30.526-08:00Will I Am<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIebxHY9-lX7csEB3EVwUABVhfZkd5ge7cle8pbNgqVANoqOJqvwHO8uMw6Pnhizn1DGyjYFUwYODjWmTHlrN1TojKHZNXyL_I5j0-OWVOg9qpWgjO2iy5edoaavEuxt2CCKL5440mvYVD/s1600/its-not-your-fault.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWd5ijKREO_e1az-koOkDx1V8e5SsNoXsqop5It4CTTvz5jgE-nOkh6lAzrAKY4FJqcaXem5VHGHM-1xwGskx_zNg19Sv8AMfsHvDJXgwYYFKrXY57P6xVJUBPJ0Jd6DaNNsth5ToglPS/s1600/tn2_good_will_hunting_1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWd5ijKREO_e1az-koOkDx1V8e5SsNoXsqop5It4CTTvz5jgE-nOkh6lAzrAKY4FJqcaXem5VHGHM-1xwGskx_zNg19Sv8AMfsHvDJXgwYYFKrXY57P6xVJUBPJ0Jd6DaNNsth5ToglPS/s200/tn2_good_will_hunting_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562669268697128002" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:medium;"><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;font-size:medium;"><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I preached the other day about our view of God as our "Everlasting Father." This one was especially tough for me because there is a person to compare/ contrast God with, my own Dad a.k.a. Pat 'the maniac' Kelly. I love my old man, but next to God, Pat never stands a chance. Nor should he.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">And yet, our biological father has a heavy influence in how we view God.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I'm sure you can relate. Each of us have or have had a father whether we knew him or not. And there is much we can attribute from the experience, teaching and witness (or lack thereof) from our "earthly" fathers: compassion, drive, generosity, survival, precision, our love for sports, our love for the arts, our love for building things, etc.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Conversely, there is a lot of pain that we received from many 'dad' experiences: excessive demands, distance, abuse, inconsistencies, etc. Maybe Dad (and Mom) were absent via emotion, physical separation, divorce, workaholism, or death. It's kind of depressing when we consider our need for family and desire for a loving-and-instructing authority figure. Parenthood was, is and will be an imperfect system. God help me and Courtney, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">literally</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAT-f1I5sbeZXVaD2Fa5Lzra3uSYHxRbZa3LfX-hXNapGIYwvss0BCUILnf7DXdM2gMHAZMI2eM3EyN2q4q44U6ExBm10OpRNz7jcRGbdrELW51jjfFUdBTNwvqSLWB0XgirQ3HVksKeJL/s200/hqdefault.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562669482040003474" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">If we conflate our broken view of "dad" with the fact that God who is presented as "Father" 245 times in New Testament, we run the risk of a confusing the two. We can have a God who is loving (sometimes) and at the same time over-demanding, strict, distant, etc. Our imperfect, biological system can corrupt the true image of God. The one that is our forever Father, who not only transcends all time but has the (only) love transcends everything.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">By the way, we all confuse our image our God. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Separating our earthly "dad" from our heavenly Father requires some serious intention. Blogging about every layers of this process would be impossible. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">But I would like to offer a <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">first step</span></b> (of healing) for those who may experience anger from our overarching view of father (dad, what have you) <i>and</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> are ready to take some "next steps." Consider it unsolicited advice and proceed only if you agree with it logically and emotionally (if it gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling in your heart and head). </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Before we begin, I want to state something about anger. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"Anger" is a secondary emotion. Meaning, anger rises from a result of something else, a "primary" experience (i.e. loss, hurt, pain, struggle, injustice, etc). These primary experiences that we received from our broken parents can easily </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">trigger/ ignite our anger. And that anger inevitably leads to blame as it appears to be the natural response and answer to this pain we are experiencing. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">But the blame however becomes a epidemic in itself. In the end, blame only enhances the pain that is there.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Moreover, if we go down this rabbit hole of blame (i.e. if we just blame that 'dad' figure), we find that our dad has experienced the same pain. Transferring the blame, our dad can simply blame his dad. And so forth and so on. This rabbit trail ultimately leads back the first father, Adam and he was stuck in his own pattern of blame (See Genesis 3 - Adam instead blamed his wife...). </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">It is systemic. Because I am a broken dude, my kid (if God provides) will be unpacking the hurt I will cause in his life. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Moreover, we can also blame ourselves. This is scarier. As a result of the toxic tapes received from our father figures (or mother or spouse or boyfriend/ girlfriend or boss or society), we begin to believe them. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"We are falling short constantly. We will never keep up." </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">The messages begin to repeat themselves in our own mind but we become the author and recipient. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">This </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">inadequacy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> invites self-blame. The demands that are placed on us become as mandatory as the air we breathe. We continually fall short. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"This is where we will remain if we don't get our act straight!" </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">It is a message of hopelessness and the antithesis of the Gospel, the only path that gives entire acceptance despite our actions.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">God doesn't want those thoughts in our head. He just wants us, all of us. Furthermore, he wants to know that we are not</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"> stuck in some repetitious cycle of 'bad' behavior (as 'validated' by the broken influences surrounding us). This is contrary to the free will He has given and wants for you and I. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">The time is now for a huge paradigm shift. So what do we do instead of finding fault with others or our self (time for that "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">first step</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">" I was talking about)? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">Grieve</span></b>. And grieve well. This will be a process for you and I. If there is a pain that lies awake or dormant in us, this means that there was a loss of something or someone that what we desired, expected to be there and most likely needed. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Example.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I love the the movie </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Good Will Hunting</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">Top 5 of all time. Easy </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">(Hence, the random pics thus far).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">In this movie</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">, there is an epic scene where Will played by Matt Damon collides with the reality of his broken past in foster homes. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"It's not your fault. It's not your fault... It's not your fault" </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">is constantly repeated by Sean (Robin Williams), the realized juxtaposition and needed father figure Will has always been lacking. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Me and my boys love this scene.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The rough exterior that comprises Will eventually breaks down and he begins grieving the pain he experienced as well as the belief that he is a unwanted. He is able and begins to grieve the loss of the parent(s) he desires, all of the physical pain, the emotional hurt and the psychological damage he received. He can grieve the amount of time he believed "it was his fault." He can even grieve <i>his own actions</i> and the false cycle of belief that fueled it. That is the freedom of grief. It points to forgiveness to others and to our self. Grace.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XOVS_SYyXe8?fs=1" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Huge note: it is important to state that in grieving Will (Damon) is able to </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">own his own behavior</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">. In the movie, Will is arrested time and time again for numerous accounts of assault, various misdemeanors and a few felonies. The "</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">it's not your fault</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">" never applies to Will's crimes. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Society may want us to believe that Will was always innocent despite his crimes, but this would actually be the converse to the ending theme of the movie, Will's freedom to choose his own path.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Will knew he was guilty in that moment for what he has done in his past. So did Sean. (He even apologizes as he grabs onto Sean.) However, Will's actions never made Sean's love for him any less. Moreover, it is this shear act of Sean's genuine love that frees up Will. In fact, Will needed to own his own behavior to realize that he was able to leave "Southy" aka his Boston hood, head out to California and </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"see about a girl."</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> (You gotta love that line.) In short, Free Will. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">One must note that Robin William's character Sean plays a key role in this.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Could you imagine an Father with limitless love embracing us in the midst of all of behaviors... even our worst? It can free anyone up. It frees us from blaming others. It frees us from anger. It heals the pain of being separated from that need we desired the most. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Check out this parable: </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2015:11-32&version=NIV"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Luke 15:11-32</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">. It paints a picture of God as told by Jesus Christ. Moreover, I also preached about it the other day (as I stated earlier... If you read this far, I am impressed). </span><a href="http://diveintoflood.com/media/1206/with_us_father.mp3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Please check it the sermon</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">! This father points to the reality that He is the only Father that could ever fulfill us. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">He is the God that wants you and I to know that there is something greater inside of us. If you know him, you will know that he says to you and I "This is my Child, whom I love and with you I am well pleased." And if we could only believe it.... It changes everything. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIebxHY9-lX7csEB3EVwUABVhfZkd5ge7cle8pbNgqVANoqOJqvwHO8uMw6Pnhizn1DGyjYFUwYODjWmTHlrN1TojKHZNXyL_I5j0-OWVOg9qpWgjO2iy5edoaavEuxt2CCKL5440mvYVD/s200/its-not-your-fault.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562677558545376050" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">You may feel stuck. I feel stuck at times. Will was stuck, but it was because he believed he was stuck. Before, he chose anger. But after grieving and the relinquishment of the impossible expectations that results, the journey begins. Grieve the pain and celebrate the One who is died for our pain. We can finally celebrate...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">If you want to know about this God, explore the New Testament (The book of Luke is a great place to start! </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%201&version=NIV"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Click here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">!!!).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"> Furthermore, if you want to know God, follow His Son Jesus. "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I love you family! Thanks for reading...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Andy </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">A child whom is well loved, baby.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"This God is the only context in which our being makes sense. We do not find our true self by seeking self. Rather, we find it be seeking God." </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">~ David Benner</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"To be a follower of Jesus, we enter a process of spiritual growth which becomes a gradual repudiate of the unreal image of God and an increasing openness to the true and living God. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">In healing our image of God, Jesus frees us from our fear of the Father and dislike of ourselves.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">" <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">~ Brennan Manning</span></span></i></div></span></span></div></div></span>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-57965389914224326392010-12-01T08:16:00.000-08:002010-12-01T11:25:28.192-08:00Always Pray and Consider Giving<div style="text-align: left;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpcI8RPAGVP3VvNiGhiz0OLgWDP9pbzdPRy5LDoSb890GjUQD7wEJRkDmZ61YbG0mM6fVteYsP_oE1RqHM2JKM_A9FFqDvE69A_KTSuhamIly4P848h4slh1k_IdOEagheGSRkSHCqtmk/s200/DSC02766_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545448237372617202" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; ">Supporting Family,</div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It has been amazing year on staff at Flood Church! Exclamation point!!! You all have been crucial in it.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">God's plan 'A' has always been people. Through your support and our efforts, we have become the "people" who are giving the seekers (and growers) in San Diego a safe, invitational home(s) to know personally who God is. The weekly community groups that I oversee have multiplied, adding 3 in 2010 ... with an additional group launching in January 2011!!! (This will total 10 PC/C groups throughout San Diego county). Every time I am given the opportunity to preach on a Sunday or teach my leaders, I gain key insight into contextualizing and communicating the Gospel in culturally sensitive ways. Most importantly, God has fostered some amazing relationships where seekers, co-leaders, mentors and I are realizing our true identity in Jesus Christ. For instance, to say that we are </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">all</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">sinners</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> is only half the truth. The total truth is that we are </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">all deeply loved sinners</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. Knowing that we are 'deeply loved' makes the life-changing difference. And I get to be a part of these life changes, baby! Amazing. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; min-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The following are some responses I have heard this year from our peeps in the church body*: </span></span></p> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUnrrrU7yQVy-wIYhLvvh6T6L-heFRvNxG6tsbVpc7Z-kMgvoOFMSub_Pdav9kAUKTz13xt9QIB92hGyiaNeFQ04wYDYsVuZ63b5NgDRSJa7uscQj1TPtznMYdu04iO41JPdTsMFSyYM8/s200/Preaching.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545449364813981090" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 200px; font-family: Georgia, serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " /><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-"Your sermon on pornography... It hit home and talked to my heart."</span></span></span></i></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-"I just wanted to thank you for today's message. It was the most personal and practical message about evangelism I have ever heard..."</span></span></span></i></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-"Your message was like an onion because it contained beautiful layers and as you continued to pull the pieces away you uncovered truth, authenticity and at the very core - Christ." </span></span></span></i></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-"Your message touched home for me in a lot of ways- I am working through the challenge of a family of non believers and was encouraged by God's word today."</span></span></span></i></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-"It is clear that you are doing what God has called you to do." </span></span></span></i></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; min-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i></i><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here is some feedback that I have received from leaders I oversee at Flood*:</span></span></p> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzo44i2kac2qKFMOIW1A9GXy8skQHGJgCBhy4H6iL3ykqaNHZRxX314mBujBAS3O40yUEVaM-OrpVgtEY-xDLZKh8ftGVxMcN56a1t7Xta3XpPJCxAn5K-zAwp5EpCTnh97oaB-v_snke/s200/IMG_8541.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545451336702051538" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px; " /><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-"</span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Andy has the skill to capture your attention, no matter what age or stage of life you are in.... I believe that Andy gets discernment from the Spirit... relying on God's strength and power."</span></span></span></i></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-"His sheer interest and enthusiasm in teaching topics, as well as quick and pointed responses to questions, hold my attention."</span></span></span></i></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>-"Andy has the ability to</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i> reach and relate to a wide range of people because of his humility coupled with his intell</i><i>ectual capacity."</i></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">-</span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">It’s very evident that faith in Christ has transformed him deeply, and he genuinely longs for others to experience that love and grace.</span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">"</span></i></span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; min-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And I received one of the best messages from one of my best friends the other day. He simply stated, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"</span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bro, watching you the other day, I totally understand why you do what you do!"</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My boy is not chasing after Christ just yet. He is what I like to consider a 'Pre-Christian.' </span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; min-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*Please note that this is incredibly humbling to share. The good Lord knows that I am a work-in-process. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As the year closes, I thought I'd remind you all how you can continue to support my graduate internship at Flood Church.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 16.0px Georgia"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">How to Support?</span></span></b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b></b><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">PRAYERFULLY:</span></span></b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Your support has enabled me to experience significant growth in ministry: continuing to facilitate, support, and direct the Post College and Career (PC/C) community groups, preaching, and offering 'enrichments' (or training) for leaders. Moreover, serving in Flood's "New to Faith" ministry has been an additional life-giving step, as evangelism is a great passion of mine. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I was also recently licensed by Flood as a pastor on October 17th ... another exciting milestone to celebrate! Stay 'linked in' (via this blog) to journey with me. I appreciate your words of encouragement, affirmations, questions, and, above all, your prayer!!! </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">... it is honor to continue praying for you. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b></b><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">FINANCIALLY:</span></span></b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">GIVING BY </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">MAIL</span></span></b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Send a check payable to </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Flood Church</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Please write in the memo line: </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Andy Kelly Support</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Checks can be mailed to:</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Flood Church</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> 3878 Ruffin Rd., Suite B</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> San Diego, CA 92123.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">GIVING </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ON-LINE</span></span></b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Flood's Website - You can give online through the Shelby site that Flood uses for all online giving: </span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-</span></span><a href="http://www.DIVEintoFLOOD.com/give"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">www.DIVEintoFLOOD.com/give</span></span></span></b></a></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> -Set up a Flood account on Shelby Webview</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> -</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Donate to my internship by choosing:</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Grad Intern #2</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b></b><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Through your Bank - You can donate online from your bank by clicking to </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pay an Individual </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">(or equivalent).</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Under Payee Details</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Payee = </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">FLOOD</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, Nickname = </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Andy Kelly Support</span></span></span></b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Address =</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> 3878 Ruffin Rd., Ste. B., San Diego, CA 92123</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Phone =</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">(858) 268-2330</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Account Number = N/A (check off no account number).</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Name on Account = Your Name</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Under Payment Details:</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Enter the account you want to support from.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Set up a manual or automatic payment</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Category = </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Donation or Miscellaneous</span></span></span></b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Memo = </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Andy Kelly's Support</span></span></span></b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlbcQ_e9-9_LbQh7r3q6lVbTLGKk5JnV7Lww0m4JRzU0JILUeTKvkknp9liXX8IFCiX8muZUT3DT8LfggaSwOKe9OgwfENYH-XOErIS_XDSwFglWCmRQ2hXxwdU455XEAymyuimdX6AS-/s320/DSCN0480_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545451962349161906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 270px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 16.0px Georgia"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">THANK YOU!</span></span></b></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Words cannot express what your support has cultivated in my life and the lives of others. Through your affirmation, I have found a place where my passion for Jesus Christ is completely unleashed. Your support has enabled me to live out my Calling. </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.2px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I am forever in your debt for blessing me with this chance to partake in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.2px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i></i></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.2px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In it together,</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.2px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i></i></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Andy Kelly</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful give</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">r ~2 Corinthians 9:7</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwx_Ry7OWBzOQ0Wp_RuHlBmCENSR7zQt7qo3XNGHWrEJ0wnkoTLk7VbG2sLwrXmezrxo3Mh8n_j7nUzOQE1oEdzFig29bkCCWrw7QfqZNA_PFWTEC2ZNkd07rLqCEVy4JzIhiPCCnW7ler/s400/Andys+Baptism+2010+030.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545450177357018338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " /></span></span></p></div></span></span>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-35867964961043299832010-11-27T20:55:00.000-08:002010-11-28T16:46:17.247-08:00Writing Curriculum...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Part of my internship requires writing weekly curriculum based on the Sunday sermons. I invite you to check out some of these and provide feedback (it reflects Flood's current 2 series through the book of Ephesian's). Anything stated could be beneficial to my growth in writing these (unless you make fun of my Mom):</span></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><b>Heirs: Reclaiming Our Identity in Christ</b></span></span></div><div><span class="subheadline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">9/12</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Discussion Download (</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Adoption</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">): </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><a title="PDF document" href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/media/1061_9.12_Heirs.pdf" mce_href="/media/1061_9.12_Heirs.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF00;">PDF</span></span></span></a><span class="subheadline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br />9/19</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Discussion Download (</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Hope & Power</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">): </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><a title="PDF Document" href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/media/1066_9.19_Hope_and_Power.pdf" mce_href="/media/1066_9.19_Hope_and_Power.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF00;">PDF</span></span></span></a><span class="subheadline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br />9/26 </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Discussion Download (</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Alive in Christ</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">): </span></span><a title="PDF Document" href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/media/1081/1074_9.26_Alive_in_Christ.pdf" mce_href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/media/1081/1074_9.26_Alive_in_Christ.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF00;">PDF</span></span></span></a><span class="subheadline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br />10/3</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Discussion Download (</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">One Another</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">):</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><a title="PDF Document" href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/media/1082_10.3_One_Another.pdf" mce_href="/media/1082_10.3_One_Another.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF00;">PDF</span></span></span></a><span class="subheadline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br />10/17 </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Discussion Download (</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Power of Our Story</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">):</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><a title="PDF Document" href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/media/1092/10.17_The_Power_of_Our_Story.pdf" mce_href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/media/1092/10.17_The_Power_of_Our_Story.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF00;">PDF</span></span></span></a><span class="subheadline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br />10/24 </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Download (</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Experiencing the Trinity</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">): </span></span><a title="PDF Document" href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/media/1100_Ephesians_3.14-21.pdf" mce_href="/media/1100_Ephesians_3.14-21.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF00;">PDF</span></span></span></a><span class="subheadline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF00;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="subheadline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="subheadline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="subheadline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b>We Stand: Living out our True Identity</b></span></span></span></div><div><span class="subheadline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">10/31</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Discussion Download (</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Spiritual Gifts</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">): </span></span><a title="PDF" href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/media/1118_10.31_Ephesians_4.1-16.pdf" mce_href="/media/1118_10.31_Ephesians_4.1-16.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF00;">PDF</span></span></span></a><span class="subheadline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="subheadline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">11/7</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Discussion Download (</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Putting off/Putting On</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">): </span></span><a title="PDF" href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/media/1125_11.07_Ephesians_4.17-32.pdf" mce_href="../media/1125_11.07_Ephesians_4.17-32.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF00;">PDF</span></span></span></a><span mce_=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF00;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="subheadline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="subheadline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">11/14 </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Discussion Download (</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Imitation</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">): </span></span><a title="PDF" href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/media/1137_11.14_Ephesians_5.1-14.pdf" mce_href="../media/1137_11.14_Ephesians_5.1-14.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF00;">PDF</span></span></span></a><span mce_=""><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF00;"> </span></span></span></i></span><span mce_="" style="color:#d1540e;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span mce_="" style="color:#930000;"></span><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="subheadline2"></span></span></span><span class="subheadline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">11/21</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Discussion Download (</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Living in the Spirit</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">): </span></span><a title="PDF" href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/media/1147_11.21_Ephesians_5.15-21.pdf" mce_href="/media/1147_11.21_Ephesians_5.15-21.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF00;">PDF</span></span></span></a><span mce_=""><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF00;"> </span></span></span></i></span><span mce_="" style="color:#d1540e;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="subheadline2"></span></span></span><span class="subheadline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">11/28</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Discussion Download (</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Relating through Christt</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">): </span></span><a title="PDF" href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/media/1152/11.28_Ephesians_5.21-6.9.pdf" mce_href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/media/1152/11.28_Ephesians_5.21-6.9.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF00;">PDF</span></span></span></a><b><span mce_="" style="color:#d1540e;"><i> </i></span></b><b> </b></div></div>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-60263819440797075052010-11-05T22:01:00.000-07:002010-11-28T18:50:25.959-08:00AK's Top Movie Picks<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Family,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I wanted to suggest a few top 'flick picks' for the year. This could be top 5. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 126px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzbQQy_Uoyr2dn_uq_qcNufIMiYdEQ08KxrLcxhzBF1qZdomrKfFxLnxQHz-Z2j-X0uDcGKVMuF3zNudkw0HdUV_Z9K0k0tB3Kcg8jnlJlEGKKeEjv062M_BGrX-WBOFIa5TK1LqCM7BK/s200/How-To-Train-Your-Dragon-Hiccup-and-Astrid.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544463968709080306" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">5. <b>How to Train your Dragon</b>. A weak young viking who is striving to get Dad's affection, get the girl and impress all by taming a rad dragon.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4. <b>Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs</b>. A mad young scientist who is striving to get Dad's affection, get the girl and impress all by creating 10 lb steaks.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 137px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhJOrhCAtmxDqPKJaFXF8eU-QKrJICUo42pAQHGaV5XUMENiOuwCualsI9SXJ589RyTBwJt-nEpoLU4yryug27sobxx75wPdUDoZICmEipyZirsEX7_VCEqrHObf4Wd4Hr2oXhs7Q3Ah_/s200/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544464471391438594" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3. <b>Diary of a Wimpy Kid</b>. A nerdy young middle school kid is striving to get everyone's affection, get the girls and impress all by making multiple cameo's in the year book. It is reminds me of all of us.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2. <b>Inception</b>. It is a wild ride. That's all I am going to say, because I am still trying to figure it out. There is bold line in the movie that basically states "all of our decisions are based on an emotional impulse (i.e. love, jealousy, affection) instead of logic." C</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; ">urious.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1. Disney's <b>Ocean</b>. Watch it. I just love that movie. Great music too. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">All of these things point to our driving impulse for love and a Creator who provides it. This pic is freakin' nutz!!!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiordeUI2jIZ2iHSd_kRqpdmqGUAIY1QEYrXmGTs3cOJrnu01NAHJMxhaCpCbVNBiYloLGE8xPvdDQBLDpsvQcaxPFUH6Y6dYdIi971zatJje3DyBSOJ_wzxJs_5D-n6tH0tDhmhaJ1tFwQ/s320/disney%2527s+Oceans+%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544465796258224658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-47911157474469649572010-10-24T20:44:00.000-07:002010-11-28T18:47:41.926-08:00Evangelism - Is it Good News?<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Family,</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When I was back east reminiscing with some friends, an old buddy of mine approached us (out of nowhere) and stated, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">"</span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Andy, I don't trust the church! When me and my fiance', well she was my girlfriend at the time, had an abortion, those we know who were "Christian" looked down on us and gave us the silent treatment!</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">" </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Whoa. You should have seen his eyes. Yeah, there was some anger, but underneath.... there was a lot of hurt, and pain from rejection. With those two sentences he shared, I had a doorway into my buddy's heart that I had never seen. I could see he and his fiance' finding out about the pregnancy and feeling the weight. Then, there was the decision to have the procedure, the drive there, the drive back and all of the the conversations that occurred before and after. All 5 of us were captured in silence as everyone waited for me to respond. I prayed the fastest prayer ever before responding. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My reply was quick (I remember it like it was yesterday). I said,</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">I am sorry that you had to go through that tough choice, dude. That is hard.... I do know that God loves all life, and that definitely includes you and your girlfriend (now fiance'). </span></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"><br /></span></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">I tell you. Please don't substitute the Church for God. It can be very easy to think that those people are a direct representative for the heart of God. Many times this is not the case. We (the Church) aren't perfect bro. We are one of the main reasons God came to the earth... </span></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"><br /></span></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">I am sorry you had to experience that tough decision."</span> </span></span></i></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My boy looked at me and said some stuff to think about. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Like countless times before, this was a chance to share my faith and trust in who God is. It was an "evangelistic" opportunity. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Evangelism is a term for "sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ." But do many of us believe it is "Good News"? "Good" enough to tell other people? Before we swallow that guilt-bomb, we need to consider what it really means to evangelize. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Again I could write on and on, but I wrote a sermon on this. Check it out:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"> </span><b><a href="http://diveintoflood.com/media/1119/heirs_evangelism.mp3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">http://diveintoflood.com/media/1119/heirs_evangelism.mp3</span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"> </span></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-13372293872980155632010-10-04T15:08:00.000-07:002010-11-28T18:36:05.566-08:00Seminary Thought # 127 - Leadership that Transforms.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">School Thoughts: </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I am taking a class called "transformational leadership." That's a big name that can mean a lot of things. In my studies, I have found in Jim Collins' book, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Good to Great</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, </span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">that the difference between a </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Level 4 Leader</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, the top tier of transactional leadership, and a </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Level 5 Leader</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">the</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Transformational Leader, is the depreciation of Ego. An executive leader that is immersed with himself operates transactionally, i.e coping with complexity, in lieu of being an agent of transformation, which really means creating waves of change. To be the complete leader God intended, we must negate self in the promotion of others. Elevate everyone else (</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This provides another clue to what "submission" looks like in relationships)</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In Kouze and Posner's </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Leadership Challenge</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> he states that "Exemplary leaders have a passion for something other than their own fame and fortune." It is this passion that inpires a </span></span><span style="text-decoration: underline"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">shared</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> vision for others to fully own. Again, <i>others</i>. Rad. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">By definition, this philosophy from secular sources points to something higher</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> than oneself. Ultimately, there has to be a universal picture of a "diminished Ego" in order to elevate others. And there is. The Cross of Jesus Christ is God not only reducing his Ego, but crushing it, so that the world that He loves would be elevated to a place that we could not attain on our own. So much more to write... but I am finding that the loudest message of Transformational Leadership [Ego - down, World - up] is found in the cross of Jesus Christ. </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I like studying,</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">AK</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">~ The art of leadership dwells a good deal in the future. ~ Max Depree</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">~ If you and I name the sacrificial realities to those we lead, we as a team have an opportunity to recommit to the vision we share together. ~ Andy Kelly</span></span></p></div>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-53306165762773812822010-09-07T07:25:00.000-07:002010-11-28T18:30:18.387-08:00Crew Retreat (Hollywood, here I come...)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I am in love with the creativity of Flood's staff. Every year we have a "Crew Retreat." The idea behind this time is reflection, recuperation, and celebration (I wish I had another "r" word there) for the church body, our "crew". And of course, there is a theme each year. This year's theme: Cops and Robbers (oldies styles). We even created a promo video to get the church in the mood. Enjoy!</span></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/14515372" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I lead a seminar breakout during the retreat. The session was entitled: </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Grand Theft Auto: Recovering Your View of Self. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I created it with a peer, friend and soul sister, </span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Laura St. Pierre (she is gonna marry my boy Kyle someday). The basic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tagline</span> was "</span></span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">On the road of life we are often driven by the need to prove our self worth, which steals our true, God-chosen selves. If you’re exhausted of the frantic chase to fill an empty tank, try changing tracks. Take a pit stop with us, reclaim your autobiography, and fuel up on God’s desire for you." </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We used <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Eph</span>. 1:3-14 to remind us of our sole identity: Sons and Daughters of God. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Download, the attached sheet we created for a logistical look at the breakout (</span></span><a href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/media/1167/View_of_Self.doc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">VIEW OF SELF</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">)....</span></span></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Catch you later,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">AK</span></span></div>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-70339000885117618102010-08-15T16:00:00.000-07:002010-11-28T18:25:34.382-08:00Month off...Family, <div><br /></div><div>I am getting ready for the school year and will get back to you in September!</div><div><br /></div><div>AK</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">PS - Great Pick - Ray Lamantagne's latest Album, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">God Willing and the Creek Don't Rise</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. There is a tune called "For the Summer" that reminds me of my days in Fenwick Island. But adding my bride into the story of course... Check out the song --> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5MF-OOQwCQ&feature=related">For the Summer</a></span></span></span></div>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-21145311329462855972010-07-30T20:31:00.000-07:002010-11-28T18:16:31.691-08:00Off the deep end...<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Family,</span></span></div><div style="font-family:Helvetica;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family:Helvetica;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I have been considering getting baptized for a year now. It took some consideration and deliberation to jump in, but I realized that the constant mulling over getting it done pointed to my real desire to get it done, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; ">(that is, choosing to be baptized in the Protestant church as an adult, in addition to being baptized as a baby in the Catholic church). </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; ">Enough reading, check out the video:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/13535564" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The answer is simply this: </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Freedom</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. Like Paul wrote, "Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Cor. 3:17). I wanted to be baptized. Moreover, I want to baptize others. That about answers any question that I may have had. Check it...</span></span></div></div><div style="font-family:Helvetica;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qZPyJ8Y6AWF3dR3nR3RZ6wsPzQVZge31lMfj8tzdpL5YgpGTGo3gcf7JJSpyEBYMfi7oGHBLj4EvcdC0qjc7VTh6tl97IzqiXjpIAhozo4UU7yENfFWgPYEeDLnoCwm08Xy6Rt4DM70s/s400/Andys+Baptism+2010+043.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544421563493170754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px; " /></span></span></span></span></div>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-10921341588546103822010-07-15T13:29:00.000-07:002010-11-28T18:21:12.949-08:00grace - a definitionTeam,<div><br /></div><div>It's been too long since I've blogged, but what a bright, weird and hard season. That's God's grace right there. </div><div><br /></div><div>The other day at our staff meeting, I was challenged to write a <i>definition</i> of GRACE but without the use of the axioms that seem to flow from our academic minds so easily. Some of those theological definitions of grace include (<i>roughly</i>): </div><div><ul><li>An infinite God bestowing a divine gift to a finite humanity.</li><li>Love and Mercy merged together</li><li>Justice without Revenge</li><li>Get-out-of-jail-free-card (this one doesn't make complete sense to me but we can talk...)</li><li>the power to do something that we could not do on our own.</li><li>undeserved favor</li><li>unmerited worth</li><li>and underwear backwards... what?! </li></ul><div>There are so many definitions out there and yet we all have a hard time conveying this concept (as well as the reality) of grace to others. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Long story less long, here is a definition that I compiled:</div><div><br /></div>Grace is why the Christian worldview works. It is being accepted even when you feel condemned. It is God telling you that you are OK in such a way that when it is received, it simultaneously changes you and the world surrounding you (and me). It <i>is</i> ok. I am OK. <div><br /></div><div>Like a mother's milk, God's grace can bring a malnourished child back to health, gives her sustenance to live the another day, and <i>all the while</i> giving a healthy bacteria to combat the future diseases along the way. It is her husband loving her, holding her, as she cares for this child that was never her own. </div><div><br /></div><div>Grace is the solid foundation and reality for waking up in the morning, much more doing anything else. Without grace there is no God for we could know him no other way.<br /><div><br /></div><div>With grace defined, I wrote some personal axioms. </div><div><ul><li>Grace is being comfortable in a worn pair of shoes. </li><li>Grace is head high waves with only a few dudes in the water.</li><li>Grace is my wife holding me for an hour as I scream out to God when a best buddy felt the desire to end his life early.</li><li>Grace is being caught in the headlights, recognizing it and looking away.</li><li>Grace is a phone-call from my Mom and Dad. </li><li>Grace is being yourself, looking down and the looking back up w/ a chuckle.</li><li>Grace is Courtney's cookies. They're so freakin' good.</li><li>Grace is voicing things to others that you are scared to write in the privacy of your journal.</li><li>Grace is continuing every sentence with the word 'Grace' or maybe using too many "I's" in your writing. </li><li>Grace is yelling "shit" in Cross-Fit.</li><li>Grace is typing that you yell "shit" in Cross-Fit.</li></ul></div><div>Grace is amazing. There is even grace in this as I didn't feel the need to polish and repolish this blog. I am growing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Andy</div></div>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-41085052490325533202010-06-07T13:46:00.000-07:002010-11-28T18:09:44.766-08:00Still grieving...<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. In short, suicide sucks... especially for those who are left behind. Please don't hear what I am not saying, "Sucks" doesn't necessarily equal "going to Hell." "Sucks" means it is hard for us. We cry out to God, thinking there was something we could have done. I lost 2 friends this year. One was a definite suicide.</span></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I am not going to give many details, but I know that my good buddy was getting over a decade of drug use, coming off of anti-depressants, getting over a relationship, among other issues. In the midst, he heard the message that death was the next realistic step for him. He went excitedly! I don't know if he was conscious of his decision to kill himself... <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">That being said, we must continue to show compassion, understanding and love for all people. What does that mean? Let's continue to check in on those around us. That's it. The rest is up to God. Now, I understand that we can't be "on" all the time, but the rhythm of God's heart is to be focused on others. Cling to God and the "others" part will come. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Also, if there are signs of depression or suicide, we must convey the tragedy that would occur if we lost this person. Positively, we can constantly celebrate everyone in our life (without obligation). </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Ultimately, none of us can fully control another. Therefore, we can't take blame for other's suicide. This seems obvious, but you start questioning everything when it happens to you personally. I did and still do at times... </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">God, please keep healing. And people, please keep reaching out.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">PS - Attached are some pics for a tribute surf to my pal, Gage. The waves weren't big. But God provided the perfect shape so we could celebrate our fallen comrade.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OGdBGyKF-wFxdhzpUDjLkMaB6ML3w8lHAjdr_QYZL9gwrBYaBQxRUPkJySrvPz3EMRLowfxof5qzDFXM9_j9bi1VPQOM0dPAPNwfnO9ixrLj8YRVqxBFG-kgazvQuZwSV_mfncLnWHen/s1600/STF_1569.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OGdBGyKF-wFxdhzpUDjLkMaB6ML3w8lHAjdr_QYZL9gwrBYaBQxRUPkJySrvPz3EMRLowfxof5qzDFXM9_j9bi1VPQOM0dPAPNwfnO9ixrLj8YRVqxBFG-kgazvQuZwSV_mfncLnWHen/s200/STF_1569.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544649028610948354" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9GdflY-eJUUOon1cgljecGJWHNtlqEGtGulKiZQKwuMgd_v8CuWrJKZw340NhOUgKDL_vwfOnivOm6xlyMM1CsNdlv9YpN4t-n7m0M3p3TVYbLT63yMZXvu2yksCYR1BkBynm1nR5uWO/s200/STA_1571.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544647666417881698" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigxWIT3i63xDX8NdykEsji69pyo05O-Sx7n8lkTi7GgGHWKZIoHGVCpefFTbhZnxGhzeKMy_S37iUe9RxPC-MHQZhwuMGJ2pXjuQpmvemO7p2V5xCeIsVFQCQN82OuQZtPcZFVNk-DGIV/s1600/STB_1565.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigxWIT3i63xDX8NdykEsji69pyo05O-Sx7n8lkTi7GgGHWKZIoHGVCpefFTbhZnxGhzeKMy_S37iUe9RxPC-MHQZhwuMGJ2pXjuQpmvemO7p2V5xCeIsVFQCQN82OuQZtPcZFVNk-DGIV/s1600/STB_1565.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigxWIT3i63xDX8NdykEsji69pyo05O-Sx7n8lkTi7GgGHWKZIoHGVCpefFTbhZnxGhzeKMy_S37iUe9RxPC-MHQZhwuMGJ2pXjuQpmvemO7p2V5xCeIsVFQCQN82OuQZtPcZFVNk-DGIV/s1600/STB_1565.JPG"></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigxWIT3i63xDX8NdykEsji69pyo05O-Sx7n8lkTi7GgGHWKZIoHGVCpefFTbhZnxGhzeKMy_S37iUe9RxPC-MHQZhwuMGJ2pXjuQpmvemO7p2V5xCeIsVFQCQN82OuQZtPcZFVNk-DGIV/s1600/STB_1565.JPG"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigxWIT3i63xDX8NdykEsji69pyo05O-Sx7n8lkTi7GgGHWKZIoHGVCpefFTbhZnxGhzeKMy_S37iUe9RxPC-MHQZhwuMGJ2pXjuQpmvemO7p2V5xCeIsVFQCQN82OuQZtPcZFVNk-DGIV/s1600/STB_1565.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigxWIT3i63xDX8NdykEsji69pyo05O-Sx7n8lkTi7GgGHWKZIoHGVCpefFTbhZnxGhzeKMy_S37iUe9RxPC-MHQZhwuMGJ2pXjuQpmvemO7p2V5xCeIsVFQCQN82OuQZtPcZFVNk-DGIV/s200/STB_1565.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544648010885131266" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"></span></span></span></div></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLbtaoePpJOxHoyn-JV5I1zpXyxJcJxtylcSpeXdbBWuWZ9Mp-DLhbPd_0CAW5tjFeUg2RHKKg5hnYdXYyED75cCZWpGA6tW0xNic3BvRtoLQ4YQ-NOIRhsFQwB_uQ3of7Xqb5vhg9S1l/s400/IMG_1552_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544649776634469858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px; " /></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"> </span></p>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-76605682823231197502010-05-16T21:57:00.000-07:002010-11-28T17:58:22.474-08:00Gage<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My buddy Sean Gage died on Saturday (5/1/2010). He was one of the best friends a man could know. We shared weeks of bloody adventures, nights of steely pints and hours of philosophical ponderings. I have known Gage for a little over a decade. As I have considered his death for the past 24 hours, I have thought much about the life that he gave.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Gage helped keep my spine in alignment when I fell off that balcony years ago. He grieved with me when news came that my cousin Pete had died from a drug overdose. He surfed big waves on his first day out with me. He dropped everything for a friend... a semester class... even a girl. We wrestled, danced on speakers, took the stage, conquered the night and loved the days. The dude is a warrior poet. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I remember a trip we took together on the outer banks. Gage drove 9 hours just to crash my cousin's wedding (who he had never met). It was an incredible weekend. Yeah. Gage was the kind of guy you would write about. I remember writing a poem about him that weekend in North Carolina. The poem is called "two ninjas":</span></span></div></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">and ye to engage <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">a battle to begin with feist<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">before ye turn the last page<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">discovered, two allies disguised<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">an irish pillager opposes the pilipino cornerstone <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">pounding strength against wiry scrap<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">too fatigued to finish this battle alone<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">no one was granted the ultimate blow, the last tap<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">rather “ye two will combat together”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">quoted the sky’s wise sage<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">fight tall, brother with brother<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">andy – two ninjas – gage</span></span></p></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuX6OwnYc5MSkoq0ehy4bL6CVEqL38jLRdnjA2LkfjkKeSs9B1nTvNVUg2HtXoiDcNoCdHaktBk1L8K8iTrr5G_9MiH-1KBMS-eFOWdLWLn1cY5LYvLWrkJgSl5mIbsS9kTwXjdjh68okH/s400/Andy_and_Sean2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544434061135828690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px; " /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Th</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">at's grieving for you. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sean took his own life. I don't want to go into it. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The funeral... tears. When I looked around the sanctuary, I saw so many broken hearts. Sean filled our hearts. He was a gift from God. I thank the Maker that I knew Sean. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It is still so damn hard.</span></span></div>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-49541495586898532112010-04-27T12:24:00.000-07:002010-11-28T17:39:32.600-08:00The Porn Identity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZVlTVnLFPUeulb-6_pyxUjLUpoP-NY-rzSkQ9USoA9MBT_6E1Hk2vTysXWOwl-yqeo-HZrKyPvBmaJmEqlxnbCUK-2qZvcDGcaFavlvL0s9vHgKy3oT1TgQ_pA0gUkgkm5ZXOqqbCgWI/s1600/20100425-email.banner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZVlTVnLFPUeulb-6_pyxUjLUpoP-NY-rzSkQ9USoA9MBT_6E1Hk2vTysXWOwl-yqeo-HZrKyPvBmaJmEqlxnbCUK-2qZvcDGcaFavlvL0s9vHgKy3oT1TgQ_pA0gUkgkm5ZXOqqbCgWI/s400/20100425-email.banner.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544645723265449986" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I recently preached on the topic of pornography at Flood. My story with p<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ornography</span> is not unlike many. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As a sophomore at the University of Delaware, there was a 6-week period where I was going to school, working full-time, and pledging a fraternity. Those memories are filled with heading out 6:30 A.M. and returning back to the dorm at 1 A.M. About a week in, I realized I could partake in a late-night escape from the stress of life on my brand new P.C. The disease Pornography.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br />I found myself going down a road that would take years to turn around.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now, it is very easy for all of us to diagnose pornography as a clinical addiction. Although some cases are, pornography is not just an addiction. Pornography is a result of impulsive behavior ("</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">just happened, did out of nowhere"</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">), compulsive behavior (people who range from habitually practicing it, to those who think about it all day to the point that they can’t control their behavior when they go home), and then there is addiction (it controls your life, motivation and vision). There are many causes beneath the act: boredom, needing a high, depression, escapism, masking depression, lack of sleep, marital or relational detachment, low self-esteem and loneliness. And for whatever reason we act on it, we need to acknowledge that there is a problem because it is rampant!</span></span><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">40% </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And yes, t</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">here is a storm of statistics!!! But we are just going to stick to one. Who here goes online (</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Uh, everyone reading this blog!</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">)? 40% of people that go online are searching for pornography. Now, 40% of that 40%, a little under half, are woman. It’s wild! Now, I want to be careful not to project this statistic on you fine readers but...</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">After watching CNN the other day, I found out that there are new video games (available online) that are not only filled with racy images but have the “mission” of raping teenage people and their mom’s. What?! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I read this quote: </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Porn companies can (and will) capitalize on the latest technological advances because of their deep pockets and the relative certainty that their investments will be returned by customers willing to pony up for their product, experts say.” </span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Chat rooms are used to create facades of sexual fantasy. Technology is trying to conflate intelligence software with sex dolls to recreate something surreal. And yet, it is not real. In each case, there’s no one </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">real</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> there!!! And yet it is creating </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">real</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> damage. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I read an article in Time Magazine that sociologists and psychologists found direct links between porn and: <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Increased dependency of visual imagery for arousal</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Decreased sexual activity among spouses</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Body issues and behavioral insecurities (men and women)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Increased divorce rate</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Increased unprotected sex for youth (kids are the largest consumers 12-17)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Connections with pornography and sexually abusive behavior</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Breach of trust</span></span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Whoa! Information overload. Pornography is a real cancer. But instead of me continuing to type, check out the sermon for yourself: </span></span><a href="http://diveintoflood.com/media/949/touch_porn_AK.mp3"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Power of the Pixels</span></span></span></b></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And let's find healing together in this. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">By the way, I preached this with my in-laws in town and it wasn't awkward. In fact, they stood with me while I was up there. Awesome. </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">THAT </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">is another example of God's grace...</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">AK</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ps</span> - XXX Church has a great website and computer software that provides accountability with online pornography. </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></b><a href="http://xxxchurch.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">http://xxxchurch.com/</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> You partner with a buddy so that he/she can view the websites you are viewing. It paves the way for transparency and honest conversations. This website has brought tightened the bond between me and some fellow warriors who are fighting the good fight. </span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div></div>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-52688963184384529152010-04-19T13:22:00.000-07:002010-11-28T17:45:19.181-08:00Dancing with the Parents<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9T9bMmCbygErWWDa5Vu8xYnkOYkDIQ9O4GEP8H3dFq57MiEpzugE9Q2eCatpwBR0__tKo_dj3DTKmMDHSs7w_DAfzQXpUJFTlMHKlykb0aoa-CyJ40JcxKl6Z4Wx2H0TUX7wVQ8oWBiIi/s1600/Courtney+and+Andy_1118.jpg"></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dance Partners,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I have been to a good amount of weddings and yeah, I like mine the best. The one thing that stands out to me in all that I have attended is the Father/Daughter dance and the Mother/Son dance. They are such beautiful displays of the pleasure a parent takes in his or her child. Years of sacrifice that our p</span></span><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTobFteUQml1inw2MtSmCbT_Tuq3Vdbcb9vzVbNL0tOCSGQWXhv-KUFPq5GZDdYFdaMwoOGFNJXr9vz41LYodYRsjO6b9Rk_tkUKVJMVK7yyPiNvqCqfHitdXDVm846vMDESU5_gcR43_/s320/Courtney+and+Andy_1036.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544371264214753394" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">arents have made and this is one of the most magical moments they share.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I remember dancing with my Mom. I saw the years she spent on me. It was hard at times (I'm sure), but she loved it. She loved giving up her life so that I could run around in the woods with guns made from nailed together 2X4's.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Man, I remember when I had a pretty tough accident a little under a decade ago. I was a child... all hurt up, stuck in the bed and eating blended anything.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi085vY3hU4y_Q9iHY9GnS58VkbZ1nQyKVoIktqFuzgmwE5lhP3SaIaO4KkEFcRiqX7dv6yYRJpDR3Z3llLNLe7YghjUcxhABGlYkNqxt9Hl9qS-pt-Cc1FHg8R7RbPvjTwEhco3yScik4O/s320/Courtney+and+Andy_1023.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544370141166393042" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then there was my mom. There is nothing like being in the state of an infant yet having the mind of adult to help you recognize what a parents sacrifices so the child can flourish. It's this sacrifice that lets you know how much you are loved.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My wife Courtney sacrifices. She puts up with me and she serves her friends, our family and the church with her entire heart, time and talent. It's really sexy!!! There nothing hotter than a sweet servant's heart. Her Mom and Pop did an awesome job with this one. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What did I do to deserve sharing life with these women?!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Thank you God! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dancing with you,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">AK</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9T9bMmCbygErWWDa5Vu8xYnkOYkDIQ9O4GEP8H3dFq57MiEpzugE9Q2eCatpwBR0__tKo_dj3DTKmMDHSs7w_DAfzQXpUJFTlMHKlykb0aoa-CyJ40JcxKl6Z4Wx2H0TUX7wVQ8oWBiIi/s400/Courtney+and+Andy_1118.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544373150359777778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div></div></div>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-28940785426356876482010-03-27T08:00:00.000-07:002010-11-28T16:15:55.797-08:00A Perfect Day...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6cXcbWxDEhD15WVekxGCeIQY6tvD43R66O-qBjABCSyxbSfCq359kRRAc2rm1WixSkezX1tqiKoeWTL55PZT_cd-40qBpqKZLk6ywXFakWvqoQFyC66i6k4QoMNEi0Fit2zp6q7wWBJQ/s1600/DSC03056.JPG"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here is a snapshot of the best day of my life: March 27, 2010. Put it in your calendar. And by the way, the hottie in the white dress is mine. </span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10500598?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=87cade" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I think I cry everytime I watch this video. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">~AK (with a beautiful CK on my arm)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Every good and perfect gift is from above. </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">James 1:17</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6cXcbWxDEhD15WVekxGCeIQY6tvD43R66O-qBjABCSyxbSfCq359kRRAc2rm1WixSkezX1tqiKoeWTL55PZT_cd-40qBpqKZLk6ywXFakWvqoQFyC66i6k4QoMNEi0Fit2zp6q7wWBJQ/s1600/DSC03056.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6cXcbWxDEhD15WVekxGCeIQY6tvD43R66O-qBjABCSyxbSfCq359kRRAc2rm1WixSkezX1tqiKoeWTL55PZT_cd-40qBpqKZLk6ywXFakWvqoQFyC66i6k4QoMNEi0Fit2zp6q7wWBJQ/s400/DSC03056.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544755388037747154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></span></span></span></div></div>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-23112669196232272392010-02-15T19:43:00.000-08:002010-11-28T17:27:49.893-08:00Me and my boyz<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoi5FdkpmbawhC_xt1XNkwAnn_RcEpka1jBfhrjRFu2u5nTMlx4pN78SjogGtMNzoMD8Bg205ONEq4EdpZCX2URsfnU-xJYMKEhxMyKn8klGhdVGw3J-zvP_gr3ywlD6Pc2Kq9hUob2lNU/s1600/K+2010_77.jpg"></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Family,</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I got some buddies that love to get into the "religion" conversation. One claims to be atheist and the other holds to the philosophy of </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">solipsism</span>.</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Atheism is the belief that that no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">deities</span> exists. There is nothing outside the external reality of the 5 senses. No God. Survive or be eaten. '<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Solipsism</span>' is the belief that one's own mind is all that exists. Everything and everyone else within the rest of the universe are just projections of the 'solipsistic-believing' mind. If you are a solipsist, no other 'real' minds exists other than your own... Whoa. </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">That is intense. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It's key to note that these are both beliefs. Just as my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">boyz</span> don't have enough faith to be a follower of the Living God, Jesus Christ, I don't have enough faith to be an atheist or a solipsist. Although I can be quite narcissistic at times, I am not solipsistic.</span></span></p><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiA3YMohN26B7hHVXFTt4CmnBBnkisRk6hsSpIT4ppaA8QQqd6qUNJJqxGhPEoN_MuC8axo5wUDjfhCzFHESb3kRp7gAyCmOK_k13YoMz9LTnDrS6JD6TVtkYGR30sdGM60mXWKe6osEu/s200/DSC03148.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544389169576319794" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But I love the Hell out of my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">boyz</span> and I love the Heaven in them. That is the goal: to be there while God continues to work in their lives. The reality is that if I think I am the one who needs to convince them of God's presence, I may very well substitute myself for God's presence. I ain't God. But I am <i>for</i> God, because I know He is <i>for</i> me. That being said, me and my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">boyz</span> have some great conversations. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We talk about creation. One brother believes that a beautiful sunset is a mixture of light refraction and gaseous combinations. I agree, but I see the gas and light as paint that has the correct amount of shading, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">highlighting</span> and texture, which ultimately points to a painter who continues to do '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">touch-ups'</span> on me. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Another great conversation I had was with a buddy who thinks Christianity is solely for prisoners and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">no one</span> else. I agree, but I believe we are <i>all</i> in some form of prison. And the only way to be set free is to experience the truth of who we are in Jesus Christ. This is why Stephen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Bilynskij</span> states that Christian Faith is "understanding our need for Christ before learning who He is."</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Yeah, I love them <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">boyz</span> so much. Isn't it funny how love is a mystery: impossible to explain yet impossible to deny. It reminds me that there is a God to experience and takes the heat off of trying to explain Who He is. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Caution - wet paint,</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">AK</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoi5FdkpmbawhC_xt1XNkwAnn_RcEpka1jBfhrjRFu2u5nTMlx4pN78SjogGtMNzoMD8Bg205ONEq4EdpZCX2URsfnU-xJYMKEhxMyKn8klGhdVGw3J-zvP_gr3ywlD6Pc2Kq9hUob2lNU/s1600/K+2010_77.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoi5FdkpmbawhC_xt1XNkwAnn_RcEpka1jBfhrjRFu2u5nTMlx4pN78SjogGtMNzoMD8Bg205ONEq4EdpZCX2URsfnU-xJYMKEhxMyKn8klGhdVGw3J-zvP_gr3ywlD6Pc2Kq9hUob2lNU/s400/K+2010_77.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544389445018774882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px; " /></a></p>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-23027621145058142292010-01-02T10:26:00.000-08:002010-11-28T17:17:28.635-08:00New Year and New Start...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpfoPDclQxm1DI_KKIISRPqNEpVclxJ-AVagGKJCiKmJBdswDnHE4uckcjmf8FU0qYLahjqanJlxQYK_2bv18qMmeg4DCnil5GDRq-rUK-BdjLgqfD7mNfZBIuIhRyvHUbKFvYWIBO7Et/s1600/IMG_1027.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpfoPDclQxm1DI_KKIISRPqNEpVclxJ-AVagGKJCiKmJBdswDnHE4uckcjmf8FU0qYLahjqanJlxQYK_2bv18qMmeg4DCnil5GDRq-rUK-BdjLgqfD7mNfZBIuIhRyvHUbKFvYWIBO7Et/s200/IMG_1027.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544671573248789186" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnyDF32DBay71-FYt5S4r7oC7NOUhSmqCBjg08OZLWxKsWxfGJw7rDKNvMwzOOdpcmTUNFu0AYgpSBLdih0-6TMrvOwRrOpfDfJRaYYI99YjUVUuwaWlTNSlvR1atAWOmM8hAfmnGpjME/s1600/IMG_1028_2.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I am going to start by giving myself a break from writing this month... With one caveat, I really want to lean into what the Sabbath can mean for busy-bodies like you and me. Let's put the work down and go surfing. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Rock on family...</span></div>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-5134887093414278112009-12-05T20:00:00.000-08:002009-12-05T21:39:14.693-08:00Support - Please consider.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_gKC_-2dBMQVVaDOJyDGHauualDtP9KeFXO3T2VZZBmcaEDHWRCF_p2sHecRAbr18vatUeG7Is93ZRCpMFONjpdAOtfI7t5IpEKvJluX0MFBVsFT29DTLiE7i_Gkex1grnABlept1lLD/s1600-h/689_quinn_paints.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_gKC_-2dBMQVVaDOJyDGHauualDtP9KeFXO3T2VZZBmcaEDHWRCF_p2sHecRAbr18vatUeG7Is93ZRCpMFONjpdAOtfI7t5IpEKvJluX0MFBVsFT29DTLiE7i_Gkex1grnABlept1lLD/s400/689_quinn_paints.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411992143913510882" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As the Year Closes...</span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">It is an awesome opportunity to support your local Flood Grad-intern!!! If you donate before 2010, it is a tax-deduction for your upcoming tax return!</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Because of your continued support, we are making a kingdom impact in S.D. (and Malawi) as we:</span><div><ul><li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Reinforce</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> 7 awesome Community Groups that apply our Sunday messages throughout the week.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Create and strengthen new groups (This year, we </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">celebrate</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> the birth of the Carmel Valley, Clairemont, Surf & Mt. Helix Groups!)<br /></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Embark on Tijuana </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">House</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Building</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Trips.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Quarterback school/city-wide Shine Day</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">cleanup</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> event for the community of Linda Vista. </span></li><li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Host</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> a thanksgiving event for our youth AND folks literally off the street. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Run some rad </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">camps</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> and </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">clinics</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> in Malawi, Africa!</span></li><li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Preach</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> the name of Jesus Christ </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Say "</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It's a good day to be alive!</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And the list continues...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQGr_vN20j1Y_LFO1efQmH0UY7V0vGJ0a0s2dYm2XHveGT5-XtIs4UPJnIfkHLquGIHla5OaWAYKyb-62kULU4DuEcwepQVd15FeDyC1JT4g9bwb1hWKAqL7bg5GhU7i5IWNbdP1nopUr/s1600-h/of=50,590,442.jpeg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQGr_vN20j1Y_LFO1efQmH0UY7V0vGJ0a0s2dYm2XHveGT5-XtIs4UPJnIfkHLquGIHla5OaWAYKyb-62kULU4DuEcwepQVd15FeDyC1JT4g9bwb1hWKAqL7bg5GhU7i5IWNbdP1nopUr/s400/of=50,590,442.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411991769391018242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></span></div></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">How to Support:</span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1. You can make a check payable to </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Flood Church.</span></span></span></div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: rgb(48, 157, 164); "></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Please write in the memo line: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Andy Kelly Support.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman', serif;">Checks should be sent to:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3878 Ruffin Rd., Suite B </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">San Diego, CA 92123. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2a. You can give online through the Shelby site that Flood uses for all online giving: </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> -</span></span><b><a href="http://www.DIVEintoFLOOD.com/give"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">www.DIVEintoFLOOD.com/give</span></span></a><a href="http://www.DIVEintoFLOOD.com/give"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></a></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b></b></span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-Set up a Flood account on Shelby Webview </span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Donate to my internship by choosing: </span></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Grad Intern #2.</span></span></b></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2b. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">You can donate online from your bank by clicking to </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pay an Individual </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">(or equivalent).</span></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Under Payee Details</span></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Payee = </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">FLOOD</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, Nickname = Andy Kelly Support</span></span></span></b></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Address = 3878 Ruffin Rd., Ste. B., San Diego, CA 92123</span></span></span></b></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Phone = (858) 268-2330</span></span></span></b></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Account Number = N/A (check off no account number).</span></span></span></b></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Name on Account = Your Name</span></span></span></b></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Under Payment Details:</span></span></span></b></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Enter the account you want to support from.</span></span></span></b></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Set up a manual or automatic payment</span></span></span></b></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Category = Donation or Miscellaneous</span></span></span></b></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Memo = </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Andy Kelly's Support</span></span></b></span></b></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This is an awesome opportunity to partner with God in the work he has set before us (Phil. 2:12-13). Thank you for your consideration!!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I love you and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Merry</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Christmas</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">!</span></span></span></span></div><div> <!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” ~ Jim Elliot. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Andy</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">PS - The pic above is my boy Quinn Hearn painting on Shine Day. He is one of the kids that I live with, a good, crazy little dude. Also, there is a pic of our Post-College TJ trip! Solid crew!!! Check out this below pic from our Flood Halloween Party. The little lady is a tough bird when she gets her spinach, but she treats me right! (She also just threw me an awesome </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">30t</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">h</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> birthday bash!!!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">) That's my Popeye, baby!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TQ8QsMJVqOtrPwXfsFnzhz6G-J-7UBfVryn8C7KK8HYlbV9FDhDv3rjw6ydlkFjQPiCmoevxiyba6hnUItRs2Z5OrEJ8AhuyWJjogeD2T1_yLijKhQ2Fws0rDl6dpEMm3MtFLxKvcNzp/s400/11446_200246963081_537228081_4089393_7540959_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411980311311484994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Prov. 16:31</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Gray</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.</span></span></div></span></div>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-39225038247185014312009-11-08T17:31:00.000-08:002009-11-09T13:42:21.765-08:00Mary, Martha and Cornhole<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmaWldBw6VNRZ_p-zY2DWyyWh8Dd7YsDGIX9gZRfpz82-HMmo8tVh-yzZPjkIg-iC1i0XpsuVMaWbkTYirke11c99dAQs8PqQdNQ8N3LwHjt_7nacAJvf2jUsqwSmKo_aBjm9fwc6wC0L/s1600-h/10959_Christ_in_the_House_of_Mary_and_Martha_f.jpg"><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmaWldBw6VNRZ_p-zY2DWyyWh8Dd7YsDGIX9gZRfpz82-HMmo8tVh-yzZPjkIg-iC1i0XpsuVMaWbkTYirke11c99dAQs8PqQdNQ8N3LwHjt_7nacAJvf2jUsqwSmKo_aBjm9fwc6wC0L/s320/10959_Christ_in_the_House_of_Mary_and_Martha_f.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401941929428540626" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I have a confession. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A serious temper ruminates in my heart. There is spontaneous irritation and sometimes extreme anger. Unpacking the origin of this inner storm has been a process of which I have not arrived. Either way, the volcano</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> can erupt at any moment...usually in my words. Like my man James says, "Out of the same mouth comes praises and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>curses</b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. Family, this </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">should not be!</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">" (James 3:10).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Cornhole Construction Day, baby.</span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Saturday was a big day. Me and 8 buddies got together to make homemade Cornhole sets. Yes, yes. Allow me to define ‘cornhole.’ </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Cornhole </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">is a backyard game similar to horseshoes where you try to land beanbags (in place of the shoes) onto a constructed box (instead of the ring). If you sink your bag through a circular cut-out in the box (aka the ‘hole’), you get an additional 3 points. Great game, flimsy name.</span></span></span></span></span></b></div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Back to Saturday! We had a great bunch of guys. My brother and housemate/owner Kevin Hearn set up the day of construction. There 4 drills, a circular saw, wood glue a special drill bit to create the 6” hole. Man-time, baby! As the day progressed, I found myself doing multiple trips to Lowes, drilling, cooking and cleaning (this is the work excludes the time that went in before Saturday). In both cases, I never stopped. I never do. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">At one point, I saw some of the fellas taking breaks (watching football, having a casual brew, playing a game on the newly constructed sets). I was working while some others were playing. Temper rising. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The day moves on. I never stop. There is work to do, right? Temper rising. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The day ends: 1) No more trips to Lowes. 2) The house is clean. 3) The sets are constructed. Unfortunately, while I was finishing cleaning the house, I was the last to pick out cornhole sets. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ding. Temper is done: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">“</span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Thanks for the $#!++y last pick fellas! I’ll take the broken set and the uneven set…like I had a </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">freakin’</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> choice!” </span> </span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">(I am aspiring for a career in pastoral ministry in case you didn’t know.) And yes, there are times where I get even more angry. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Saturday: How did I let myself erupt on my boyz (my brothers) like that? Nothing demands a response out of a raw hatred. Nothing. I say that with a loving grace that I receive from God right now. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The whole day reminds me of the small narrative about Martha in Mary found in </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Luke 10:38-42.</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">////////////////////////////////////////</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">38</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">39</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">40</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">41</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">42</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">////////////////////////////////////////</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This is a tough one for me. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Initially, my response is: “Duh! When you can hang with God, do that instead of making bread!!!” But it goes deeper than that. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Another glance and the pendulum swings. This doesn’t make any sense logistically. Martha is the one who is making dinner. If she ain’t working, they ain’t eating. AND Mary is being a little lazy, right? </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">No. That’s not right either (at least not according to the Creator of all that is…including bread). </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">How am I seeing this passage? Many of us are looking through the lens of our 21</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">st</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> century-American-</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">task</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-oriented culture. Without taking the time to recreate our environment, it suffices to say that we have to-do lists that take priority of our lives. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But then there is the Jesus, Mary and Martha. What is really going on here?</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">After some thought, I have come to a few notions: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Be still. Illuminate hurry. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Cleaning and preparing is good but enjoying the presence of a friend is better.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There is a disconnection between Martha and Mary. Why doesn’t Martha approach her sister with her feelings before she reaches ‘anger’ mode? </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Maybe that night was a night to eat something simple with little to no preparation.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Mary </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">is</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> serving Jesus by listening to Him. We know that Christ has been on a long journey with His disciples. Mary, Martha and their brother Lazarus are Jesus’ friends. Jesus may need to retreat and unwind in the confines of their humble home and unpack where He has been. I rarely remember that He is human just as much as He is God.</span></span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Finally, the last question I asked the text: </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Where does Martha find her worth?</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Is it in her hospitality or in her time with a Divine guest (or even friendly company)? </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Where am I finding my worth? Do I keep busy because of my perfectionism (or wanting to appear perfect), shame (from not appearing perfect) or a lack of intimacy that I myself have limited with others (including the Perfect). This is a journey that I am unpacking. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The beauty is this. After I blew up on my boyz, took some time to think, and chilled with God, I received </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">the Trust to know that God’s strength is enough (despite my imperfections)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">the Love to relinquish any shame or fear that I am experiencing</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">·</span></span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">the Grace of a Friendship that is always welcoming, always approving and always investing. </span></span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What is the next steps with the fellas? I don’t know right now. I will just listen to what God is saying. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I am still learning but the process is also the answer when God is the Teacher and a Friend.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Andy</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The story of Martha and Mary in the Gospel shows that the contemplative life is to be preferred. Mary chose the better part... But Martha's part, if that is our lot, must be borne with patience. ~Bernard of Clairvaux.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When we feel alone with God, it is easy not to need others, it is difficult, though, not to need others when God seems to be missing in our lives. ~ Thomas A' Kempis (upgraded by William C. Creasy). </span></span></div>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-78415344253553364582009-10-13T18:17:00.001-07:002009-11-04T22:38:17.204-08:00Unfiltered<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgT0ZuBFYpfj0jvdShYbfE4R26jbrvQuAId-o7tN96xEVIzS_0ezonCapydjPGDIzFhCUFJUTdV4ubI8i8j1g3SCAaB9ngtU92EWocyk4sZRvyKmY8U74RagEfNQIWIjKe6_FEBJROFqM/s1600-h/_MG_9867+copy.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgT0ZuBFYpfj0jvdShYbfE4R26jbrvQuAId-o7tN96xEVIzS_0ezonCapydjPGDIzFhCUFJUTdV4ubI8i8j1g3SCAaB9ngtU92EWocyk4sZRvyKmY8U74RagEfNQIWIjKe6_FEBJROFqM/s320/_MG_9867+copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400490500384352210" /></a>I don't have it all together. Some nights that I feel the need to state that. And there can be some hard nights. <div><br /></div><div>I update this blog so that people can keep in touch with my life and my ministry at Flood. It is a great opportunity but there a sense of obligation that I can give to it (and make it feel like a chore). Is it written well enough? Is it pastoral or at least edifying? What will people think!? Yeah, I plant these expectations on myself that you all probably don't even care about. It's goofy. </div><div><br /></div><div>If I don't get another post up monthly (which is not happening), thank you in advance for your grace. I really do love you all and writing these posts. Yeah dude. In my heart, I got some serious love for you family, friends, seekers and brother's and sister's in Christ. </div><div><br /></div><div>Dude, <i>that</i> is what I wanted to talk to you all about. What I desire to share with you is this: <b>I WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST. </b>I lose track of that desire sometimes. <b> </b>But, If you are reading this right now, there is a God that loves you (more than you know). It's true. Know that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes, I am in my car and say to God, "Can you see me?" And He does. I don't know why I shared that but whatever. Yeah, there are times when I study, pray or journal. Then, I will get down on my knees in awe of God's awesome-ness or dance like a maniac in response to His company. It's true baby. I thank God for sending His son... Thank you Jesus for taking on the pain... How sweet it is to know that there is His Spirit <i>inside</i> <i>of</i> <i>me</i> doing some wild things. <b>INSIDE OF ME! </b></div><div><br /></div><div>And even just as beautiful (ironically) are the times that I get down. Why? It' cuz that I can be down and I am not alone. It is terrifying to feel alone sometimes. </div><div><br /></div><div>I know I make life look so sweet from these blogs. But, there are times that I get <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">down</span></b>. It's just the reality of what we face on this planet. Some times, I don't know why I am bumming or feel like poop. Other times, it is just realizing some hurt that has occurred in my life (could be when I was 5 years old or 25 years old). There are periods of remorse for several reasons... or trying to live up to some expectation that I have put on myself. We can feel 'at the end of our ropes' sometimes. </div><div><br /></div><div>I just like not having to hold the rope by myself. God is in the good and has my back in the bad. There can be times when we want to blame God for the bad. </div><div><br /></div><div>God knows painful moments. His Son got tortured for something He didn't do. Jesus died so that God can hold us while we are in the pain now. When was the last time you felt held? </div><div><br /></div><div>One day, we won't hav<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e to know pain. That is His promise. Read this Psalm #13:. </span></span></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">1</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"> How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"> </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">2</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"> How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"> </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">3</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"> Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"> </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">4</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"> my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;"> </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;">5</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;"> But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;"> </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;">6</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;"> I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The psalmist David exercises a trust in God that is unimaginable. David knows that he can just lament and even blame God. And God listens. And David. He just realizes that beauty of who our Creator is. We have absolute freedom cry out to our God (even in anger...even in the tough times). Look how David (after all that) still trusts. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Jesus Christ died so we can live and see true beauty</span></span> in all parts of life. I still don't fully get it. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have not arrived. </div><div><br /></div><div>Andy </div>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790614928336455536.post-64854025500230822142009-08-26T13:44:00.000-07:002009-10-19T14:50:38.070-07:00Africa, a journey for my heart<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7rxz9sIe77MWYBX6bgrvg3ep2L4kg5myDCB5mIhOM5LwUz3XsBTOEva1ejaXBwsMzUs_Or11t4WKx4hlrr-EMfpp1-dIPfm82Z9AcpKPUn4_za0hlIEPno9nWrACAcS1bBiZGDgEsS0-/s1600-h/DSC00894.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7rxz9sIe77MWYBX6bgrvg3ep2L4kg5myDCB5mIhOM5LwUz3XsBTOEva1ejaXBwsMzUs_Or11t4WKx4hlrr-EMfpp1-dIPfm82Z9AcpKPUn4_za0hlIEPno9nWrACAcS1bBiZGDgEsS0-/s400/DSC00894.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394429682398816866" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">How do I summarize this trip? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here we go!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZurYABOqExlg952h056UxLnsFMMR3mKDCl04NzM_3mOffk4JKs_pcuqeSsHHYrYRQY3cDUI7Hzgnt2dAXalajZPW9V0phMoZP6-JpXJ7OaRmi4dDDw0eow6nNjIPBklBEABMpWAtZQ9uA/s1600-h/DSCN1742.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Our home team (top-right here) spent three and half weeks in Malawi, partnering in</span></span></span></span></a><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZurYABOqExlg952h056UxLnsFMMR3mKDCl04NzM_3mOffk4JKs_pcuqeSsHHYrYRQY3cDUI7Hzgnt2dAXalajZPW9V0phMoZP6-JpXJ7OaRmi4dDDw0eow6nNjIPBklBEABMpWAtZQ9uA/s1600-h/DSCN1742.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> leadership with: </span></span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://africanbiblecolleges.org/abc_malawi.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">African Bible College</span></span></span></a></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZurYABOqExlg952h056UxLnsFMMR3mKDCl04NzM_3mOffk4JKs_pcuqeSsHHYrYRQY3cDUI7Hzgnt2dAXalajZPW9V0phMoZP6-JpXJ7OaRmi4dDDw0eow6nNjIPBklBEABMpWAtZQ9uA/s1600-h/DSCN1742.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> (ABC - see the magical Mrs. Lisa Kowalski mid-right), </span></span></span></span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZurYABOqExlg952h056UxLnsFMMR3mKDCl04NzM_3mOffk4JKs_pcuqeSsHHYrYRQY3cDUI7Hzgnt2dAXalajZPW9V0phMoZP6-JpXJ7OaRmi4dDDw0eow6nNjIPBklBEABMpWAtZQ9uA/s1600-h/DSCN1742.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Children of the Nations</span></span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZurYABOqExlg952h056UxLnsFMMR3mKDCl04NzM_3mOffk4JKs_pcuqeSsHHYrYRQY3cDUI7Hzgnt2dAXalajZPW9V0phMoZP6-JpXJ7OaRmi4dDDw0eow6nNjIPBklBEABMpWAtZQ9uA/s1600-h/DSCN1742.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> (</span></span></span></a><a href="http://www.cotni.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">COTN</span></span></span></span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZurYABOqExlg952h056UxLnsFMMR3mKDCl04NzM_3mOffk4JKs_pcuqeSsHHYrYRQY3cDUI7Hzgnt2dAXalajZPW9V0phMoZP6-JpXJ7OaRmi4dDDw0eow6nNjIPBklBEABMpWAtZQ9uA/s1600-h/DSCN1742.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">) </span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZurYABOqExlg952h056UxLnsFMMR3mKDCl04NzM_3mOffk4JKs_pcuqeSsHHYrYRQY3cDUI7Hzgnt2dAXalajZPW9V0phMoZP6-JpXJ7OaRmi4dDDw0eow6nNjIPBklBEABMpWAtZQ9uA/s1600-h/DSCN1742.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">and</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></a><a href="http://floodmalawi.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Flood Malawi</span></span></span></span></a></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZurYABOqExlg952h056UxLnsFMMR3mKDCl04NzM_3mOffk4JKs_pcuqeSsHHYrYRQY3cDUI7Hzgnt2dAXalajZPW9V0phMoZP6-JpXJ7OaRmi4dDDw0eow6nNjIPBklBEABMpWAtZQ9uA/s1600-h/DSCN1742.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><div><div style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To say the least, it was an unforgettable experience of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">IMPACT</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> T</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">his blog will not do it justice, but I would still love to share some ‘highlights’ and a few precious links, images and videos to give you a glimpse...</span></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;margin-right: -9pt; "><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">CAMP!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The leadership Bible camp for teenage, COTN orphans was a huge success!!!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Over 140 campers were blessed with a true “retreat” at the base of beautiful Mt. Chongoni.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They experienced four days in a safe place where they could spend their time and energy encountering God in new ways, in fellowship with their peers from different homes and villages, and being poured in to by our camp staff (our team and the national COTN interns).</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-right: -9pt; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83wHRv2iBsfPlsthtU5HBKPhn295Gbt8o_mP3-wXeUmywiDH0U-yGKo5x3KNcSxJdzpeLNmdNDC2MBezNSOk12IB-NSJgaTfDeh0p3P_gR32zI6uzzrkR0rAJiA9s-EgDiZWecIOB0cXZ/s400/DSC01096.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394430585353025058" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;margin-right: -9pt; "><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The theme, “Body of Christ” (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Cor.%2012:27&version=TNIV"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Corinthians 12:27</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">) was integrated into every facet of camp: from devotionals to worship to workshops to games.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We knew that althou</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;margin-right: -9pt; "><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">gh we could not come offering answers and relief to every hardship they have or will ever face, we </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">could</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> encourage them in the </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Truth</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> of the Word: that they </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Belong</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> and are </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Loved</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">These key points were echoed in our Bible-based leadership workshops and evening messages which I had the honor to preach: </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-right: -9pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzDvuiCPK3sBVbETCZJTpGtE1dBgLHTuB5YbgDYa_abhi41LWIn_kNTIQekihGAzYqLqbYsP8_4oivZ-wZjXA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;margin-right: -9pt; "><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">COTN was very appreciative of the camp held for their young men and women. They shared their hopes for continuing this ministry in the years to come.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We knew it was fun and a break for the kids (and we were hoping it was meaningful), but my heart didn’t realize the true impact God was making until the end. I watched Courtney, my fiance', pray with a 16-year-old girl.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> The young teen </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">asked God to “keep us (COTN kids) safe and growing strong in Him so that one day we (the COTN teenagers) might be able to put on another camp for young ones.” Amazing! </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;margin-right: -9pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It was a privilege.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;margin-right: -9pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Oh yeah, these people knew how to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">worship their God</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">: </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-right: -9pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxF-LJzXF4PLiRsoEhlERPjpgbbGz3D_Ixf-SbJRYPsCwvlEyqkoeYknEpJg9UpMdDa0jb7YJ2IRMVU91ZGWg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;margin-right: -9pt; "><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">HEALTH CLINIC:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">During our last couple of days in Malawi, we created a practical, fun and interactive heath education clinic to several COTN villages.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Our goal was to promote healthy habits and disease prevention.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It was a fun and memorable time spent in the homes of these hospitable and gracious people!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8is1WgRmMRGcYZEaggI4hFcTE2UCnQqbBEysMEIWqZZsAvNcfXYMLSEEikLtSMRJgkzs41m0b5liJkNBkHW9GrIOUDe55SBXBSuB0VcLtbF4Ox4uCJ6tBUddAiA99EKDls6aihahkvCh/s200/DSC01721.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390698260384540114" /><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCnPxwZ1ldryf8fYjn5FjEC8il_i0ONrHreMZOx5r3aB3Iq7N7HbyRoJccFYtjvDVJ4C0xkNakSyDfRCO7byODxd-4bl07cLp8wr0NCOD7oAHai0fEXR8jwXXuBt0XpQBBEh5eFmu12lK/s200/DSC01007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390697296382045250" /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -9pt; text-align: left; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8jfq4eBHRX5RA7F8wZF6FwBhWUB4zcymj_gnQPnLTfeaJMvo2A01ibDr2TIuzggN7jRaGxr7BALr_wClqH22tuTByNO4ItqzQ17X9aKzVG3yTbLmawCc-toLZT38FaFrulH4PWikz2bI/s200/DSC01666.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390700499402742770" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;margin-right: -9pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">God showed Himself in powerful ways to me and my team. By His mercy, we knew His strength when we grew weak, His patience when we were anxious, and His compassion when we couldn’t bring ourselves to understand things in this drastically different culture. We saw God’s mighty presence in nature, culture, triumphs, and challenges. He lives through the interaction with our brothers and sisters in Christ.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> We saw Him in the faces of the children - laughing, singing, and crying out to God in prayer.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style=""><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Journey into our Jour</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ney:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">While we were in Africa, we were able to keep an account of trip via Flood's Impact Blogs. Check out the following links for a look at our time there! </span></span></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; "><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/impactblog/archives/984"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Team “Camp Malawi” ready for take-off!</span></span></a></span></span></b><b><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/impactblog/archives/992"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Camp Malawi has arrived!</span></span></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; "><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/impactblog/archives/999"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Camp Malawi embarks!</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "></span></span></span></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; "><span><o:p><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/impactblog/archives/1017"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Camp Malawi Up</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/impactblog/archives/1017"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">date.</span></span></a></span></span></span></span></b></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; "><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/impactblog/archives/1030"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Camp Malawi back from</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/impactblog/archives/1030"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Camp.</span></span></a></span></span></b><b><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; "><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/impactblog/archives/1035"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Camp Malawi - Feeling His Joy!</span></span></a></span></span></b><b><span><span><a href="http://www.diveintoflood.com/impactblog/archives/1035"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As you can see from our entries, the trip was transformative, beautiful, sad and uplifting. The Body of Christ is worldwide and it is moving. <br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">THANK</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> YOU!!!!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The time I spent in Malawi this past summer was an awesome opportunity for service and growth.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I’m so thankful to all of you who made it possible for our campers and me to share this experience together!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Thank you</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> for your support, financial gifts, and prayer</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> – this would not have happened without you!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> With your assistance, I am a</span></span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ffirmed of God's call to pastoral ministry. </span></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now, it's time to study... </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> I love you all! </span></span></span></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Andy</span></p></div></span></div><div style=""><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Riches and Abundance come hypocritically clad in sheep's clothing pretending to be security against anxieties; and they then become the very object of those anxieties." - S</span></span></span><span style="" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">o</span></span><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ren Kierkegaard</span></span></span></p></span></div></div>Andy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08451202136529933599noreply@blogger.com0