A Perfect Day...

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.

I think I cry everytime I watch this video.

~AK (with a beautiful CK on my arm)

Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17

Me and my boyz

Family,

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 solipsism. Atheism is the belief that that no deities exists. There is nothing outside the external reality of the 5 senses. No God. Survive or be eaten. 'Solipsism' 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. That is intense.

It's key to note that these are both beliefs. Just as my boyz 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.

But I love the Hell out of my boyz 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 for God, because I know He is for me. That being said, me and my boyz have some great conversations.

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, highlighting and texture, which ultimately points to a painter who continues to do 'touch-ups' on me.

Another great conversation I had was with a buddy who thinks Christianity is solely for prisoners and no one else. I agree, but I believe we are all 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 Bilynskij states that Christian Faith is "understanding our need for Christ before learning who He is."

Yeah, I love them boyz 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.

Caution - wet paint,

AK

New Year and New Start...

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.

Rock on family...

Support - Please consider.

As the Year Closes... 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!

Because of your continued support, we are making a kingdom impact in S.D. (and Malawi) as we:

• Reinforce 7 awesome Community Groups that apply our Sunday messages throughout the week.
• Create and strengthen new groups (This year, we celebrate the birth of the Carmel Valley, Clairemont, Surf & Mt. Helix Groups!)
  
• Embark on Tijuana HouseBuilding Trips.
• Quarterback school/city-wide Shine Day cleanup event for the community of Linda Vista.
• Host a thanksgiving event for our youth AND folks literally off the street.
• Run some rad camps and clinics in Malawi, Africa!
• Preach the name of Jesus Christ
• Say "It's a good day to be alive!"

And the list continues...

How to Support:

1. You can make a check payable to Flood Church.

Please write in the memo line: Andy Kelly Support.

Checks should be sent to:

3878 Ruffin Rd., Suite B

San Diego, CA 92123.

2a. You can give online through the Shelby site that Flood uses for all online giving:

-www.DIVEintoFLOOD.com/give

-Set up a Flood account on Shelby Webview

-Donate to my internship by choosing:

Grad Intern #2.

2b. You can donate online from your bank by clicking to Pay an Individual (or equivalent).

Under Payee Details

Payee = FLOOD, Nickname = Andy Kelly Support

Address = 3878 Ruffin Rd., Ste. B., San Diego, CA 92123

Phone = (858) 268-2330

Account Number = N/A (check off no account number).

Name on Account = Your Name

Under Payment Details:

Enter the account you want to support from.

Set up a manual or automatic payment

Category = Donation or Miscellaneous

Memo = Andy Kelly's Support

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!!!

I love you and Merry Christmas!!!

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” ~ Jim Elliot.

Andy

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 30th birthday bash!!!) That's my Popeye, baby!!!

Prov. 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.

Mary, Martha and Cornhole

I have a confession.

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 can erupt at any moment...usually in my words. Like my man James says, "Out of the same mouth comes praises and curses. Family, this should not be!" (James 3:10).

Cornhole Construction Day, baby.

Saturday was a big day. Me and 8 buddies got together to make homemade Cornhole sets. Yes, yes. Allow me to define ‘cornhole.’ Cornhole 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.

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.

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.

The day moves on. I never stop. There is work to do, right? Temper rising.

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.

Ding. Temper is done: “Thanks for the $#!++y last pick fellas! I’ll take the broken set and the uneven set…like I had a freakin’ choice!” (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.

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.

The whole day reminds me of the small narrative about Martha in Mary found in Luke 10:38-42.

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38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 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!"

41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

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This is a tough one for me.

Initially, my response is: “Duh! When you can hang with God, do that instead of making bread!!!” But it goes deeper than that.

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?

No. That’s not right either (at least not according to the Creator of all that is…including bread).

How am I seeing this passage? Many of us are looking through the lens of our 21^st century-American-task-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.

But then there is the Jesus, Mary and Martha. What is really going on here?

After some thought, I have come to a few notions:

• · Be still. Illuminate hurry.
• · Cleaning and preparing is good but enjoying the presence of a friend is better.
• · There is a disconnection between Martha and Mary. Why doesn’t Martha approach her sister with her feelings before she reaches ‘anger’ mode?
• · Maybe that night was a night to eat something simple with little to no preparation.
• · Mary is 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.

Finally, the last question I asked the text: “Where does Martha find her worth? Is it in her hospitality or in her time with a Divine guest (or even friendly company)?

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.

The beauty is this. After I blew up on my boyz, took some time to think, and chilled with God, I received

• · the Trust to know that God’s strength is enough (despite my imperfections)
• · the Love to relinquish any shame or fear that I am experiencing
• · the Grace of a Friendship that is always welcoming, always approving and always investing.

What is the next steps with the fellas? I don’t know right now. I will just listen to what God is saying.

I am still learning but the process is also the answer when God is the Teacher and a Friend.

Andy

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.

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).

Unfiltered

I don't have it all together. Some nights that I feel the need to state that. And there can be some hard nights.

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.

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.

Dude, that is what I wanted to talk to you all about. What I desire to share with you is this: I WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST. I lose track of that desire sometimes. But, If you are reading this right now, there is a God that loves you (more than you know). It's true. Know that.

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 inside of me doing some wild things. INSIDE OF ME!

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.

I know I make life look so sweet from these blogs. But, there are times that I get down. 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.

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.

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?

One day, we won't have to know pain. That is His promise. Read this Psalm #13:.

1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. 
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;

4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

6 I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.

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.

Jesus Christ died so we can live and see true beauty in all parts of life. I still don't fully get it.

I have not arrived.

Andy

Africa, a journey for my heart

How do I summarize this trip? Here we go!Our home team (top-right here) spent three and half weeks in Malawi, partnering in leadership with: African Bible College (ABC - see the magical Mrs. Lisa Kowalski mid-right), Children of the Nations (COTN) and Flood Malawi.

To say the least, it was an unforgettable experience of IMPACT.  This 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...

CAMP!  The leadership Bible camp for teenage, COTN orphans was a huge success!!!  Over 140 campers were blessed with a true “retreat” at the base of beautiful Mt. Chongoni.  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). 

The theme, “Body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27) was integrated into every facet of camp: from devotionals to worship to workshops to games.  We knew that althou

gh we could not come offering answers and relief to every hardship they have or will ever face, we could encourage them in the Truth of the Word: that they Belong and are Loved.  These key points were echoed in our Bible-based leadership workshops and evening messages which I had the honor to preach: 

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.  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.  The young teen 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!  

It was a privilege.

Oh yeah, these people knew how to worship their God:  

HEALTH CLINIC: During our last couple of days in Malawi, we created a practical, fun and interactive heath education clinic to several COTN villages.  Our goal was to promote healthy habits and disease prevention.  It was a fun and memorable time spent in the homes of these hospitable and gracious people!   

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.  We saw Him in the faces of the children - laughing, singing, and crying out to God in prayer.   

 Journey into our Journey:  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! 

Team “Camp Malawi” ready for take-off!   

Camp Malawi has arrived!

Camp Malawi embarks!

Camp Malawi Update.

Camp Malawi back from Camp.   

Camp Malawi - Feeling His Joy!  

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.  

THANK YOU!!!! The time I spent in Malawi this past summer was an awesome opportunity for service and growth.  I’m so thankful to all of you who made it possible for our campers and me to share this experience together!  Thank you for your support, financial gifts, and prayer – this would not have happened without you!   With your assistance, I am affirmed of God's call to pastoral ministry.  

Now, it's time to study...  I love you all!   

Andy

"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." - Soren Kierkegaard