-Corey
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Radio Interview
Check out the radio interview I did with Malone Pioneer radio this morning about Laundry Love Project, Love Canton, and the importance of caring for the poor.http://www.whbc.com/pages/
-Corey
-Corey
Friday, December 16, 2011
It is I.
Take what I do
but not the man that it comes with
Sigh your heavy sigh
and see your breath in the cold winter's air.
As you walk out my door.
The masses will embrace the best
but it was you who stood for truth
who promised to love the man within.
It is I, who is inside
that is crying out for freedom
It is I, who is inside
begging for your touch.
It is I, who is inside
you leave breathless
It is I, who is inside
you reject when you are gone.
It is I, the longing. the wishing. the hoping, the waiting.
It is you, the one who vanishes.
It is you, the one who promises, and promises, and promises.
It is you, the one who fails.
It's the you, who's got the I
with hopes up in the sky.
but when you say goodbye
it is you, who makes the I cry.
My words may make no sense to you.
this situation makes no sense to me.
Because the I, just wants the you
to set me free.
There I go again
telling You who to be.
When all I ever wanted
was for You to be set free.
But no matter how many words I type
on this screen.
Reality will always surface,
and my hope will escape me.
but not the man that it comes with
Sigh your heavy sigh
and see your breath in the cold winter's air.
As you walk out my door.
The masses will embrace the best
but it was you who stood for truth
who promised to love the man within.
It is I, who is inside
that is crying out for freedom
It is I, who is inside
begging for your touch.
It is I, who is inside
you leave breathless
It is I, who is inside
you reject when you are gone.
It is I, the longing. the wishing. the hoping, the waiting.
It is you, the one who vanishes.
It is you, the one who promises, and promises, and promises.
It is you, the one who fails.
It's the you, who's got the I
with hopes up in the sky.
but when you say goodbye
it is you, who makes the I cry.
My words may make no sense to you.
this situation makes no sense to me.
Because the I, just wants the you
to set me free.
There I go again
telling You who to be.
When all I ever wanted
was for You to be set free.
But no matter how many words I type
on this screen.
Reality will always surface,
and my hope will escape me.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Stories from Dec, 10 2011 Laundry Love Project
The following was written by my dear friend Britney Redpath.
This is the first blog post of many about Laundry Love Project of Canton, Ohio. It’s been going on for over a year now, yet, each project feels fresh and new. Consistently new people coming to get their laundry done, new volunteers, new interactions, new stories, new things brought to the table (grilling hot dogs, corn hole, Sweetest Day flowers, donuts, Thanksgiving Dinner, etc.) As someone who’s been volunteering for awhile, it’s so exciting to see how the project as grown. Friendships have been formed within the community, people are being helped, and Christ’s love is exuding in such a unique way.
The thing that strikes me most is God’s undeniable presence. We find ourselves searching for God all the time, and we look for Him in places like church, worship services, retreats, Bible studies, etc. Who’d have thought we could find God in a little laundromat in downtown Canton?
Today was mad cold. Maybe because we Ohioans have been getting spoiled with 50 degree, rainy weather until now, as opposed to the 10 degree blizzards we normally get come December. Time to get re-accustomed to the blistering cold that is Ohio’s winter.
Yet, despite the chill, people made their way to Professional Coin on the corner of Dueber and 9th this morning to do their laundry. And the volunteers of Laundry Love were there, ready to serve and build relationships and show a Christ-like love to the community. It wasn’t quite as busy as some of the past projects perhaps, but nonetheless, there was still a steady stream of people coming to the laundromat. And Laundry Love willingly served them.
For me, I didn’t do as much bonding with the people there as usual. Except for a select group of people. There were a number of children at the laundromat today and they took a liking to me. So, my LLP experience this month was different than those in the past, as I basically just gave other volunteers quarters and hung out with some little kids. The kids were great, too. The ones that I spent time with were Tanisha, Dejonae (sp?), and Antwon, who were cousins, and Jaelyn. They became fast friends with each other and with me, and I loved every second of the time I could spend with them.
There were also some new faces in attendance volunteer-wise today, too. Some people brought a dinner to serve to whoever wanted it, which was a great addition. And there were a few other volunteers that hadn’t experienced LLP before, but enjoyed it as much as any of the returning volunteers. There were also some new and old faces among those doing their laundry too. The old faces brought me joy because I love the bonds the project has given me. And the new faces brought a different kind of joy, because it means Laundry Love’s impact is extending, and there’s the chance for new friendships to be made (like the ones I formed with those children).
The other exciting thing that happened today was that some folks from The Canton Repository came to interview some of the people at the project and take pictures. Laundry Love will be in the Sunday paper, December 11th. This is just one more stride forward Laundry Love project has made in the short time it’s been in existence in Canton, Ohio. I, for one, am proud of what Corey and his friends have been able to do in the Canton community. And I’m excited for what the future holds for Laundry Love Project of Canton, Ohio.
Praise God for His presence in Canton.
The Bible talks often about reaching out to the poor and oppressed, and that what we do for the least of these, we do for Jesus himself. God is out in the world, among the struggling. He sees those who have fallen on hard times as his children, just the same as he sees the well-to-do suburban folk across town. He continually makes himself known, and Laundry Love has shown me that Jesus likes to hang out in unconventional places, just waiting for his followers to actually go out and join Him. Places like inner city laundromats.
Finding God in Laundry
This is the first blog post of many about Laundry Love Project of Canton, Ohio. It’s been going on for over a year now, yet, each project feels fresh and new. Consistently new people coming to get their laundry done, new volunteers, new interactions, new stories, new things brought to the table (grilling hot dogs, corn hole, Sweetest Day flowers, donuts, Thanksgiving Dinner, etc.) As someone who’s been volunteering for awhile, it’s so exciting to see how the project as grown. Friendships have been formed within the community, people are being helped, and Christ’s love is exuding in such a unique way.
The thing that strikes me most is God’s undeniable presence. We find ourselves searching for God all the time, and we look for Him in places like church, worship services, retreats, Bible studies, etc. Who’d have thought we could find God in a little laundromat in downtown Canton?
Today was mad cold. Maybe because we Ohioans have been getting spoiled with 50 degree, rainy weather until now, as opposed to the 10 degree blizzards we normally get come December. Time to get re-accustomed to the blistering cold that is Ohio’s winter.
Yet, despite the chill, people made their way to Professional Coin on the corner of Dueber and 9th this morning to do their laundry. And the volunteers of Laundry Love were there, ready to serve and build relationships and show a Christ-like love to the community. It wasn’t quite as busy as some of the past projects perhaps, but nonetheless, there was still a steady stream of people coming to the laundromat. And Laundry Love willingly served them.
For me, I didn’t do as much bonding with the people there as usual. Except for a select group of people. There were a number of children at the laundromat today and they took a liking to me. So, my LLP experience this month was different than those in the past, as I basically just gave other volunteers quarters and hung out with some little kids. The kids were great, too. The ones that I spent time with were Tanisha, Dejonae (sp?), and Antwon, who were cousins, and Jaelyn. They became fast friends with each other and with me, and I loved every second of the time I could spend with them.
There were also some new faces in attendance volunteer-wise today, too. Some people brought a dinner to serve to whoever wanted it, which was a great addition. And there were a few other volunteers that hadn’t experienced LLP before, but enjoyed it as much as any of the returning volunteers. There were also some new and old faces among those doing their laundry too. The old faces brought me joy because I love the bonds the project has given me. And the new faces brought a different kind of joy, because it means Laundry Love’s impact is extending, and there’s the chance for new friendships to be made (like the ones I formed with those children).
The other exciting thing that happened today was that some folks from The Canton Repository came to interview some of the people at the project and take pictures. Laundry Love will be in the Sunday paper, December 11th. This is just one more stride forward Laundry Love project has made in the short time it’s been in existence in Canton, Ohio. I, for one, am proud of what Corey and his friends have been able to do in the Canton community. And I’m excited for what the future holds for Laundry Love Project of Canton, Ohio.
Praise God for His presence in Canton.
The Bible talks often about reaching out to the poor and oppressed, and that what we do for the least of these, we do for Jesus himself. God is out in the world, among the struggling. He sees those who have fallen on hard times as his children, just the same as he sees the well-to-do suburban folk across town. He continually makes himself known, and Laundry Love has shown me that Jesus likes to hang out in unconventional places, just waiting for his followers to actually go out and join Him. Places like inner city laundromats.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Dumont, NJ
A few days ago I was with my friend Cliff, my mom, and my sister on a trip to New Jersey. We were there to see Cliff's girlfriend and my wonderful friend, Deshanna.
Deshanna lives pretty close to New York City, one of my favorite places in the world to be. So myself and my family took a day to spend in New York City while Cliff and Deshanna spent the day together in Jersey.
To get into the city we took the New Jersey transit bus system. So that was our ride in and out of the city.
Well 11pm rolls around after a long, adventurous day in Manhattan, so myself and my family board our bus to get back to Hackensack, NJ. Or so we thought.
Turns out we took the wrong bus and ended up in Dumont, NJ which is about a half hour away from our car in Hackensack. So we are stranded in the middle of the night in Dumont, NJ. Now I'm not from New Jersey, so it is highly unfamiliar territory.
Something God has been showing me lately is the need for healing in my heart and life. I have let myself grow very hard hearted towards God and others. Couple that with being a recent college graduate and not knowing what the future holds at all, and I would say trying to heal and become the man God wants me to be places me in pretty unfamiliar life territory.
Luckily Deshanna and Cliff came to our rescue that night, and because Deshanna had already navigated the territory around her, being that she has lived in Jersey a long time, she was able to guide us home.
I feel right now like I'm stranded in a spiritual Dumont, NJ. Like I dont know the way, and I can try to explore and find it on my own, but I only get more lost. I need to walk with Jesus every step of the way, I need to follow him closely. I dont know what healing looks like.
I dont know what it looks like to truly know with all my heart that the Father loves me right now. I dont know the ground I stand on or the journey ahead. I dont know what it looks like to stop avoiding my wounds, or to stop covering over them by being a workaholic.
If it wasnt for Deshanna, we would have never gotten out of Dumont. If not for Jesus, I will not be made whole again. I can't know the way home apart from him. And I know he wants me home.
Deshanna lives pretty close to New York City, one of my favorite places in the world to be. So myself and my family took a day to spend in New York City while Cliff and Deshanna spent the day together in Jersey.
To get into the city we took the New Jersey transit bus system. So that was our ride in and out of the city.
Well 11pm rolls around after a long, adventurous day in Manhattan, so myself and my family board our bus to get back to Hackensack, NJ. Or so we thought.
Turns out we took the wrong bus and ended up in Dumont, NJ which is about a half hour away from our car in Hackensack. So we are stranded in the middle of the night in Dumont, NJ. Now I'm not from New Jersey, so it is highly unfamiliar territory.
Something God has been showing me lately is the need for healing in my heart and life. I have let myself grow very hard hearted towards God and others. Couple that with being a recent college graduate and not knowing what the future holds at all, and I would say trying to heal and become the man God wants me to be places me in pretty unfamiliar life territory.
Luckily Deshanna and Cliff came to our rescue that night, and because Deshanna had already navigated the territory around her, being that she has lived in Jersey a long time, she was able to guide us home.
I feel right now like I'm stranded in a spiritual Dumont, NJ. Like I dont know the way, and I can try to explore and find it on my own, but I only get more lost. I need to walk with Jesus every step of the way, I need to follow him closely. I dont know what healing looks like.
I dont know what it looks like to truly know with all my heart that the Father loves me right now. I dont know the ground I stand on or the journey ahead. I dont know what it looks like to stop avoiding my wounds, or to stop covering over them by being a workaholic.
If it wasnt for Deshanna, we would have never gotten out of Dumont. If not for Jesus, I will not be made whole again. I can't know the way home apart from him. And I know he wants me home.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Followers of Jesus, Follow Jesus.
So I have been learning a crazy thing lately: Followers of Jesus actually follow Jesus.
If you read the gospels you find that the people who followed Jesus didnt just say "Hey Jesus I like what you teach and I think its great, you go on your journey and I'll chill out at home and check in every once in a while."
Some, like the rich young ruler, really wanted to follow Jesus but could just not come to grips with departing from their ways and their ideals about life.
But the people that actually followed Jesus, left everything behind, and set out on foot with him. They walked beside him, they ate with him, they journeyed with him physically.
Jesus even says in Matthew that one who would not leave behind Father or Mother or Brother or whatever and whomever was not worthy of following him.
I'll keep it simple. I'm tired of following people. I'm tired of people following me. I only want to follow people in so far as it leads me to Jesus. I only want people to follow me in so far as it leads them to Jesus.
I want to hear his heartbeat. I want to walk in his footsteps. I want to walk with the person of Jesus. Not just an idea, a mission, a way of life. I want to be close with Jesus. I want to know each day how I can die to myself.
It's the only way that makes sense.
Friday, November 25, 2011
My Crafted World.
Words I've made up,
that were never said
a conversation with you
that is all in my head
I've created and crafted
this wonderful world
my intentions are noble
but the outcome is cruel
I wake up and realize
my most intense dream
involved a reality that
has simply never been
I've heard it said
we're all chasing wind
but I play a different game
the one I can't lose
where I pick and choose
what ghost I'm going to chase
Oh it comes in many forms
it hangs o'er my head
I tell it to get away
it just hangs there instead
I molded and brought
this dark figure to life
but it blinds me to the truth
and only causes me strife
I wake up and realize
my most sincere dream
was a time and a place
I have simply never been
that were never said
a conversation with you
that is all in my head
I've created and crafted
this wonderful world
my intentions are noble
but the outcome is cruel
I wake up and realize
my most intense dream
involved a reality that
has simply never been
I've heard it said
we're all chasing wind
but I play a different game
the one I can't lose
where I pick and choose
what ghost I'm going to chase
Oh it comes in many forms
it hangs o'er my head
I tell it to get away
it just hangs there instead
I molded and brought
this dark figure to life
but it blinds me to the truth
and only causes me strife
I wake up and realize
my most sincere dream
was a time and a place
I have simply never been
I've heard it said
we're all chasing wind
but I play a different game
the one I can't lose
where I pick and choose
what ghost I'm going to chase
I can't be to quick
to fall on my sword
cause this ghost produces
all of my words
but I'd quickly trade
the life that I lead
to rid me of all the trouble
that this spirit brings
I've heard it said
we're all chasing wind
but I play a different game
the one I can't lose
where I pick and choose
what ghost I'm going to chase
I've heard it said
we're all chasing wind
but I play a different game
the one that I lose
when I cant pick or choose
what ghost I'm going to play.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
A new journey.
"You can't lead where you haven't been"
I've heard this quote from many different people over time, and it rings very true to me now.
Very simply, I have been trying for a long time to lead people to the feet of Jesus when I rarely bother with him myself. Sometimes I act like a representative of Christ when the truth often is that I dont follow him.
I am realizing finally what people wiser than myself have probably already known, that I'm not pursuing God's kingdom as much as my own.
I say things like "I'm not sure if God exists sometimes" and it doesnt surprise me that I havent heard him because I rarely take the time to listen these days.
I asked God tonight how to surrender, how to die to myself, I asked him what to do. He very clearly told me I needed to die to success. I tried to argue with him the logic that the more I look like him and do things for others the more people will build me up as they have so far. I also tried to say that if I didnt pursue my own success, that I would lose everything and everyone I worked so hard to attain.
His response was quite simple in helping me realize that if I stay on a path of self-seeking and trying hard for success, and in doing so neglecting the hearts and needs of others, that I will in fact lose everything and everyone. He also helped me realize that while our culture will build people who live genuine lives up as celebrities, that it doesnt matter. I will always need to be close to Jesus regardless of my standing with people.
There was a time when I knew very clearly how broken and in need of Jesus I was. A time when his grace was enough. I cant say I'd like that back, that I would like to be that person, because I have experienced too much life and I am forever changed.
But this person I am now is unacceptable. I cant change my past, I cant change the selfishness, the total disregard for others, but every time I take a breath I am given a second chance to make things right, to lose my life for the sake of Christ.
Every breath I take is a second chance to stop talking about God, and actually let my heart draw nearer to him.
I've heard this quote from many different people over time, and it rings very true to me now.
Very simply, I have been trying for a long time to lead people to the feet of Jesus when I rarely bother with him myself. Sometimes I act like a representative of Christ when the truth often is that I dont follow him.
I am realizing finally what people wiser than myself have probably already known, that I'm not pursuing God's kingdom as much as my own.
I say things like "I'm not sure if God exists sometimes" and it doesnt surprise me that I havent heard him because I rarely take the time to listen these days.
I asked God tonight how to surrender, how to die to myself, I asked him what to do. He very clearly told me I needed to die to success. I tried to argue with him the logic that the more I look like him and do things for others the more people will build me up as they have so far. I also tried to say that if I didnt pursue my own success, that I would lose everything and everyone I worked so hard to attain.
His response was quite simple in helping me realize that if I stay on a path of self-seeking and trying hard for success, and in doing so neglecting the hearts and needs of others, that I will in fact lose everything and everyone. He also helped me realize that while our culture will build people who live genuine lives up as celebrities, that it doesnt matter. I will always need to be close to Jesus regardless of my standing with people.
There was a time when I knew very clearly how broken and in need of Jesus I was. A time when his grace was enough. I cant say I'd like that back, that I would like to be that person, because I have experienced too much life and I am forever changed.
But this person I am now is unacceptable. I cant change my past, I cant change the selfishness, the total disregard for others, but every time I take a breath I am given a second chance to make things right, to lose my life for the sake of Christ.
Every breath I take is a second chance to stop talking about God, and actually let my heart draw nearer to him.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Heart & Mind.
I'm worn out
everyone can see it on my face
but my face is
all I want them to see
God forbid they see the darkness in me.
I can't go
any further thinkin I might fail
cause success is
all I want them to see
God forbid they see the darkness in me.
Oh my worried mind
Oh my stubborn heart
The two coexist
but they cant work together
Oh no. Oh no.
I wanna be
what they think I could be
their opinion
is all that matters to me.
God forbid I admit that was true.
Oh my worried mind.
Oh my stubborn heart
The two coexist
but they just rip me apart
Oh no. Oh no.
Well if you could break on through.
I'd let you.
If you could break on through.
I'd let you.
If you could break on through.
I'd let you.
But you can;t
no you can't
no you can't
But I sure wish you'd try.
everyone can see it on my face
but my face is
all I want them to see
God forbid they see the darkness in me.
I can't go
any further thinkin I might fail
cause success is
all I want them to see
God forbid they see the darkness in me.
Oh my worried mind
Oh my stubborn heart
The two coexist
but they cant work together
Oh no. Oh no.
I wanna be
what they think I could be
their opinion
is all that matters to me.
God forbid I admit that was true.
Oh my worried mind.
Oh my stubborn heart
The two coexist
but they just rip me apart
Oh no. Oh no.
Well if you could break on through.
I'd let you.
If you could break on through.
I'd let you.
If you could break on through.
I'd let you.
But you can;t
no you can't
no you can't
But I sure wish you'd try.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Community IS the Mission.
The more I read about the life of Jesus and the lives of his followers after Jesus ascended into heaven, the more I begin to wonder if the mission we are called to is that of fostering community.
If you start in the gospels and read the works and teachings of Jesus, you begin to see this clear focus and theme of kingdom. A society shaped by the love, peace, and justice of God. A place where people are known and loved, where relationships grow deep, (even though they are messy) and where everyone regardless of racial, social, or economic background experiences God together.
If you then look at the book of Acts, which immediately follows the gospels, the very first event we see is the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, a day when many were gathered and saw the the Spirit descend firsthand. What happened as a result of this day was transformation in the lives of the apostles and many others, and we see the Church, the kingdom community Jesus dreamed, begin to manifest itself.
What this says to me is that where the Spirit is, community will be. And where community is, people's lives will be transformed.
So if our mission to the world should be loving others so that they may experienced a transformed life and a relationship with Jesus, wouldn't it seem that genuine community would be the best way to achieve this goal?
The reality is that 18-35 year olds in todays American culture are defined by a sense of individualism. Either because we have had bad experiences in the context of community, or because we have simply never seen genuine community and lives lived for others modeled. Everything we see on TV drives us towards individualism and being the best we can be, all on our own.
I don't think the vision of Jesus was merely personal spirituality or for us to look out for ourselves. Many of the people I have met along my journey living as a missionary live in the same reality of individualism, and it has affected them in the worse possible way.
Instead of growing up in environments where they have a loving community and support network of people all looking out for each other, many of my brothers and sisters on the streets of Canton are utterly and completely alone.
So if I as an individual am going out by myself to fix their problems, aren't I only reinforcing what they've known their whole lives? How am I doing anything different than any government agency out there giving charity?
So the conclusion I have drawn is that mission has to be done in the context of community, and community IS the mission as well.
I want to see lives transformed by the power of Christ. I want to see the hopeless find hope, the fatherless find security, the broken and nullified and rejected people of this world take their place as sons and daughters of the King.
To do that we must be constantly walking the the Holy Spirit, and then genuine places of community will be created, and when we invite those we are on mission to into a genuine community and support network of love, maybe then they will see something different than what they are used to. Maybe then they will know the love of God and his transformative power.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Song Sounds the Same
Drop that beat
feel that rhythm
The melody sings
to you and me
Stop right there
I'm so conditioned
I hear it over again
but there's no change
There's no change
It's all the same
What happens when the song grows old?
when the words we sing lose their voice
and have no value at all
What happens when the symphony
all get stuck on the same note
and cant get free?
Can't get free?
Can't get free?
Drop that beat
feel that rhythm
I'm seeking life
for you and me
It's so elusive
that fresh new sound
I try to hear it
with my ear to the ground
It's coming now
It's breaking out
feel that rhythm
The melody sings
to you and me
Stop right there
I'm so conditioned
I hear it over again
but there's no change
There's no change
It's all the same
What happens when the song grows old?
when the words we sing lose their voice
and have no value at all
What happens when the symphony
all get stuck on the same note
and cant get free?
Can't get free?
Can't get free?
Drop that beat
feel that rhythm
I'm seeking life
for you and me
It's so elusive
that fresh new sound
I try to hear it
with my ear to the ground
It's coming now
It's breaking out
What happens when the song grows old?
when the words we sing lose their voice
and have no value at all
What happens when the symphony
all get stuck on the same note
and cant get free?
Can't get free?
Can't get free?
I lost the beat
it left it's feet
and walked out
I played too much
I lost the touch
and spun out
I want it back
I need it fresh
I'm dying for life
I hear it now
It's breaking out
It's breaking out
What happens when the song grows old?
when the words we sing lose their voice
and have no value at all
What happens when the symphony
all get stuck on the same note
and cant get free?
Can't get free?
Can't get free?
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
For the Dreamers.
Dreams.
We all have them. We all dream about tomorrow, the future. Everyone in the world has had a dream at some point in their life.
The dreams vary from person to person, dependent on our life situation and placement in the world. A child growing up in the inner city may only dream of going to college, or a person in a poor economic region of the world may dream of merely surviving the next day. Some dream of wealth or fame, some dream of love. Some people just dream of getting the new iPad or posting a status on facebook that will attain a lot of "likes" (I can very much relate to the latter of those two).
The focus here is not the content of the dream, but the reason for them. We all have dreams, it's one of those shared human experiences that breaks the barriers of social, economic, racial, and religious divisions.
What I have wrestled with in myself is the simple question of Why? Why do I hope for what I hope for? Why do I have the dreams that I have? Why aren't they coming to fruition?
Behind our dreams can lie a lot of frustration. There can be this kind of expectancy. A sort of tug-o-war between what is now and what is to come, between who we are and who we wish to be.
I believe one of the reasons for why we dream is that it is Gods way of saying to us who we are and our role in his kingdom. If you think about it, I bet what you dream of becoming is directly related with how God has wired you and the gifts he has given you.
The problem is when our dreams become self centered and not others centered. Jesus dreamed of a world shaped by love for God and neighbor. A world in which people's gifts and dreams had a direct impact on those around them in their daily lives.
It's not wrong to dream, it's certainly not wrong to dream of doing something you love. Where it goes wrong is when it comes from a place of selfish ambition.
The reality is that if we are not doing our best to be faithful each day to loving those in front of us, or to laying down our rights to God, then all we are doing with our dreams is placing ourselves in a world that does not yet exist, while the one that we are in right now gets forgotten about.
My point is this: What good is a dream that is unsustainable? What good is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul? Or to get everything you ever dreamed of, only to lose it because you weren't the person you needed to be?
I for one, no longer want to live with my head in the clouds, making plans that I have little control over anyway. I want to be faithful in the now, content, and trusting God that he has gone before me and is charting my course with love and faithfulness.
This is just who God is. He looks out for us, loves us in ways we dont deserve, and a big part of that love is holding our futures in his hand.
So dream. hope. look ahead. But do it in such a way that it is focused on the kingdom of heaven, focused on other people and the bigger picture of life.
Don't focus on the dreams instead of your daily life
Rather, let the dreams inform your daily life.
And in all things, let Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith and our stories, open our eyes to who he desires us to be, and what he desires us to do. Take it from a guy who has seen the depths of despair more times than I can say, he is faithful, and he is trustworthy.
We all have them. We all dream about tomorrow, the future. Everyone in the world has had a dream at some point in their life.
The dreams vary from person to person, dependent on our life situation and placement in the world. A child growing up in the inner city may only dream of going to college, or a person in a poor economic region of the world may dream of merely surviving the next day. Some dream of wealth or fame, some dream of love. Some people just dream of getting the new iPad or posting a status on facebook that will attain a lot of "likes" (I can very much relate to the latter of those two).
The focus here is not the content of the dream, but the reason for them. We all have dreams, it's one of those shared human experiences that breaks the barriers of social, economic, racial, and religious divisions.
What I have wrestled with in myself is the simple question of Why? Why do I hope for what I hope for? Why do I have the dreams that I have? Why aren't they coming to fruition?
Behind our dreams can lie a lot of frustration. There can be this kind of expectancy. A sort of tug-o-war between what is now and what is to come, between who we are and who we wish to be.
I believe one of the reasons for why we dream is that it is Gods way of saying to us who we are and our role in his kingdom. If you think about it, I bet what you dream of becoming is directly related with how God has wired you and the gifts he has given you.
The problem is when our dreams become self centered and not others centered. Jesus dreamed of a world shaped by love for God and neighbor. A world in which people's gifts and dreams had a direct impact on those around them in their daily lives.
It's not wrong to dream, it's certainly not wrong to dream of doing something you love. Where it goes wrong is when it comes from a place of selfish ambition.
The reality is that if we are not doing our best to be faithful each day to loving those in front of us, or to laying down our rights to God, then all we are doing with our dreams is placing ourselves in a world that does not yet exist, while the one that we are in right now gets forgotten about.
My point is this: What good is a dream that is unsustainable? What good is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul? Or to get everything you ever dreamed of, only to lose it because you weren't the person you needed to be?
I for one, no longer want to live with my head in the clouds, making plans that I have little control over anyway. I want to be faithful in the now, content, and trusting God that he has gone before me and is charting my course with love and faithfulness.
This is just who God is. He looks out for us, loves us in ways we dont deserve, and a big part of that love is holding our futures in his hand.
So dream. hope. look ahead. But do it in such a way that it is focused on the kingdom of heaven, focused on other people and the bigger picture of life.
Don't focus on the dreams instead of your daily life
Rather, let the dreams inform your daily life.
And in all things, let Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith and our stories, open our eyes to who he desires us to be, and what he desires us to do. Take it from a guy who has seen the depths of despair more times than I can say, he is faithful, and he is trustworthy.
Friday, October 28, 2011
For the Hurt.
Lift your eyes
Lift your head, lift your spirits
I know that fear
I see that regret
Lift your soul
Lift your hopes, raise them higher
I know you feel weak
that you are so tired
But I, I promise one day
You'll do more than survive
Life seems so tough
its hard to get by
With just yourself, nobody around
Just yourself, you keep lookin down
Just yourself, your worth more than you know
Just yourself, no place to go you say
I sure wish I could fly
I'd fly far, far away and never come back
never again to the reality of me.
Don't you think
Don't you think, Don't you think
We were created
created for more?
Don't you see
Don't you see, Don't you see
There's hope for the tired
the sad and the meek?
Lift your head, lift your spirits
I know that fear
I see that regret
Lift your soul
Lift your hopes, raise them higher
I know you feel weak
that you are so tired
But I, I promise one day
You'll do more than survive
Life seems so tough
its hard to get by
With just yourself, nobody around
Just yourself, you keep lookin down
Just yourself, your worth more than you know
Just yourself, no place to go you say
I sure wish I could fly
I'd fly far, far away and never come back
never again to the reality of me.
Don't you think
Don't you think, Don't you think
We were created
created for more?
Don't you see
Don't you see, Don't you see
There's hope for the tired
the sad and the meek?
But I, I promise one day
You'll do more than survive
Life seems so tough
its hard to get by
With just yourself, nobody around
Just yourself, you keep lookin down
Just yourself, your worth more than you know
Just yourself, no place to go you say
I sure wish I could fly
I'd fly far, far away and never come back
never again to the reality of me.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Stories from October 15th Laundry Love Project
As I think about the Laundry Love Project, one of the things that has become very apparent to me is how it has taken on a life of its own. It may have started out as a little seed of an idea that God placed on my heart, but it has grown into something way beyond myself and that has had way more influence and impact than I could have anticipated or brought about on my own. To me the best part of this fact is that it means that this isn't Corey's thing, no this is so much more than that. Laundry Love has become a vehicle through which God has begun to change lives and bring his kingdom to this Earth.
For example, life has been crazy, and I slipped up and didnt get to advertise this months laundry love at all. Nada. Zip. Nothin to let our customers know we were coming to serve them today. I have to admit, I was worried. But when I arrived at the laundromat there was already 15 people there waiting to get laundry done. In total we had about 35 people today, probably more, that we were able to serve and bring clean laundry and friendship too. All from word of mouth.
People are talking all right, and their voices are echoing a love that is not of this Earth, a love that connects our finite broken lives with the infinite loving God who is faithful and mighty to save.
You wont find any glamorous stories from this month's laundry love as far as those we serve are concerned. Only people that have consistently come to our project whose lives we have been able to touch and whose stories we have gotten to know on more than just a surface level. Relationships and connection between the social and economic classes are becoming a reality, and the gospel is being lived out in community.
It's gotten to the point where there is rarely a person that comes in with laundry that at least one of our volunteers hasnt built a relationship with yet. And I'm not talking about idealistic incarnation, I'm talking real, messy, complicated human relationship that is being taken on and people that are being shown the love of God in practical ways.
Im proud of our volunteers. And it hit me today how God has always provided the right people at the right time. People who are ready and willing to break down barriers and boundaries between us and the poor. People who are willing to take up their crosses and step out of their comfort zones into the lives of those in need of love and provision.
Praise God for the work he is doing for his kingdom and for how he is changing the lives of both us and those we serve through relationship, community, and his divine Grace. Praise God for how Laundry Love Project has become about more than just clothes.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Heart of the Matter.
It seems like I keep falling into these traps. It seems like I keep making mistakes that I can't seem to shake. Everytime I start to feel apart from God, even in the slightest, its like these empty wells are just calling out to me, enticing me with promises of relief from the pain and a distraction from what's really happening in my heart.
So beneath all the frustration, all the seemingly horrible and unforgivable mistakes, all the winless and endless battles with myself, lies the heart of the matter. And after all, isn't that what's most important?
I distinctly remember reading scripture where Jesus address these rituals and laws that the religious leaders held so dear and tells them plainly: It’s not what goes in or comes out that defiles a person, It’s what is in his or her heart. (Matt. 15:11-20).
So what I find is at the heart of my constant screw up is the belief that God desires to be absent from my life and that he does not love me unconditionally. Mine is a faith that is built on my performance. The truth that God is for me no matter what and that his fatherly love is not dependent on me seems out of reach sometimes.
I'm learning that, in being called to obedience, what God is really calling me to is adoption into his family. He is saying "I created you, I know how you tick. I know what hurts you, I know what makes you joyful. I know where you run when you are in pain, I know what can heal you."
When I sin, I act on what is inside my heart. If it is doubt, hopelessness, and hurt, then I have to replace that with the truth of who God is and how he perceives me.
When I think of obedience to God, I recognize it as a process where God breaks away the things that are not of him so that when I look in the mirror I can start to see his beauty looking back at me.
We are called to Identity in the Father, and to obedience for our own good. Furthermore we are called to recognize that we serve a God who "chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are,so that no one may boast before him." (1 Cor. 1:27-29)
Not only is God's love relentless, not only does he call us to his side for an unconditional love that is not based on performance, but He calls us to be more than we could ever have imagined. He calls us to partner with Him for his work on this Earth.
I don't want to merely survive my way through life anymore, I want the fullness of God. I want to serve him with my WHOLE heart.
So beneath all the frustration, all the seemingly horrible and unforgivable mistakes, all the winless and endless battles with myself, lies the heart of the matter. And after all, isn't that what's most important?
I distinctly remember reading scripture where Jesus address these rituals and laws that the religious leaders held so dear and tells them plainly: It’s not what goes in or comes out that defiles a person, It’s what is in his or her heart. (Matt. 15:11-20).
So what I find is at the heart of my constant screw up is the belief that God desires to be absent from my life and that he does not love me unconditionally. Mine is a faith that is built on my performance. The truth that God is for me no matter what and that his fatherly love is not dependent on me seems out of reach sometimes.
I'm learning that, in being called to obedience, what God is really calling me to is adoption into his family. He is saying "I created you, I know how you tick. I know what hurts you, I know what makes you joyful. I know where you run when you are in pain, I know what can heal you."
When I sin, I act on what is inside my heart. If it is doubt, hopelessness, and hurt, then I have to replace that with the truth of who God is and how he perceives me.
When I think of obedience to God, I recognize it as a process where God breaks away the things that are not of him so that when I look in the mirror I can start to see his beauty looking back at me.
We are called to Identity in the Father, and to obedience for our own good. Furthermore we are called to recognize that we serve a God who "chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are,so that no one may boast before him." (1 Cor. 1:27-29)
Not only is God's love relentless, not only does he call us to his side for an unconditional love that is not based on performance, but He calls us to be more than we could ever have imagined. He calls us to partner with Him for his work on this Earth.
I don't want to merely survive my way through life anymore, I want the fullness of God. I want to serve him with my WHOLE heart.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Stories from September 17th Laundry Love Project
You know, it's one of the best things in the world when you get to see real change happening in the lives of real people. And that is exactly what we are starting to see over time at the Laundry Love Project. We are seeing those we set out to serve become our friends, become servants of others, and start to step into the love and work of Christ.
A prime example of this is our friend Dale. Dale has been to every laundry love project and when we first met him, he was just coming out of homelessness and starting to get back on his feet. Since then, dale has begun to bring other homeless folks he knows to the project to get their laundry done. He is living proof of how God's love changes lives.
Not only that, but we are getting a chance to meet people that have real need, and we are getting to love and take care of them right where there are at, showing them that there is a God in heaven who cares deeply for them.
As those of us who live in the Dueber missions house were walking around our neighborhood, we met up with a woman as she was handwashing towels in basins in her house because her family had no washer or dryer. We told her about the Laundry Love Project, and at this last LLP Cheryl brought loads and loads of laundry to do for her family that they would not have been able to do had we not met them.
And probably the biggest blessing for myself is watching those who have been called by Christ have an opportunity to be with those who are struggling and use their gifts to love those cast out by society. This project is as much for those who volunteer as it is for those we serve, and all are learning what a life lived for the kingdom of heaven looks like.
At this last project we also met Jerry. Jerry has been 12 years sober (praise God!) but unfortunately his girlfriend is dying. Jerry acknowledges how much God has rescued him from, and I know that in this time of distress God will rescue both Jerry and his girlfriend.
Lastly, we met Charlie. Charlie lives right next door to the laundromat, and because of this project we were able to find out about other needs she has for repair around her house. Which is a huge deal because she is very old and disabled, making even small things hard to do.
I praise God for how he is letting us meet people and draw together as a community. We got to spend $250 dollars and help over 50 people do over 75 loads of laundry at this last project. And also had a cookout where we got rid of over 100 hot dogs.
God is working in Canton my friends, bringing light to dark places through the hands and feet of his followers.
A prime example of this is our friend Dale. Dale has been to every laundry love project and when we first met him, he was just coming out of homelessness and starting to get back on his feet. Since then, dale has begun to bring other homeless folks he knows to the project to get their laundry done. He is living proof of how God's love changes lives.
Not only that, but we are getting a chance to meet people that have real need, and we are getting to love and take care of them right where there are at, showing them that there is a God in heaven who cares deeply for them.
As those of us who live in the Dueber missions house were walking around our neighborhood, we met up with a woman as she was handwashing towels in basins in her house because her family had no washer or dryer. We told her about the Laundry Love Project, and at this last LLP Cheryl brought loads and loads of laundry to do for her family that they would not have been able to do had we not met them.
And probably the biggest blessing for myself is watching those who have been called by Christ have an opportunity to be with those who are struggling and use their gifts to love those cast out by society. This project is as much for those who volunteer as it is for those we serve, and all are learning what a life lived for the kingdom of heaven looks like.
At this last project we also met Jerry. Jerry has been 12 years sober (praise God!) but unfortunately his girlfriend is dying. Jerry acknowledges how much God has rescued him from, and I know that in this time of distress God will rescue both Jerry and his girlfriend.
Lastly, we met Charlie. Charlie lives right next door to the laundromat, and because of this project we were able to find out about other needs she has for repair around her house. Which is a huge deal because she is very old and disabled, making even small things hard to do.
I praise God for how he is letting us meet people and draw together as a community. We got to spend $250 dollars and help over 50 people do over 75 loads of laundry at this last project. And also had a cookout where we got rid of over 100 hot dogs.
God is working in Canton my friends, bringing light to dark places through the hands and feet of his followers.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Perception is reality?
How I long to see what's on my heart
be spoken of on your lips
Because I don't know how to say
that my heart overflows
Perception is reality, they tell me
So I suppose
Your thought of me after the talk, the laughter
I've no clue where it goes
I only hope where I land
is that part of your brain
that allows you to have grace
for a broken man like me
My day to day, the unseen
it's more than you've yet to know
but the praise that comes
I wish it would never go
If it were up to me I'd always manage my personality
but that's constrictive
What I'd really like is for you to see
the parts of me that are wicked
I'd like to know if you'd stay or go
based on the depths of my heart
Because this perception of me, that you think you see
has been hard to maintain from the start
So I breathe, and I hope
I hope for a love deeper
I hope for a love
I hope for a love
I hope
I hope
I hope
that you could care about the parts of me
That no one else has yet to see.
be spoken of on your lips
Because I don't know how to say
that my heart overflows
Perception is reality, they tell me
So I suppose
Your thought of me after the talk, the laughter
I've no clue where it goes
I only hope where I land
is that part of your brain
that allows you to have grace
for a broken man like me
My day to day, the unseen
it's more than you've yet to know
but the praise that comes
I wish it would never go
If it were up to me I'd always manage my personality
but that's constrictive
What I'd really like is for you to see
the parts of me that are wicked
I'd like to know if you'd stay or go
based on the depths of my heart
Because this perception of me, that you think you see
has been hard to maintain from the start
So I breathe, and I hope
I hope for a love deeper
I hope for a love
I hope for a love
I hope
I hope
I hope
that you could care about the parts of me
That no one else has yet to see.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
I remember
I haven't forgotten
what was special, what was true
The dream had been fading
then all I saw was you
I remember how we used to play
passionately, with no fear
I remember what we used to say
we belong right here
I dont care
what happened to our goals
or every shovel we used
to dig ourselves these holes
all that matters
is we are pressin on
we kept believing
we stayed strong
Where was it
that we first said goodbye?
all I can imagine
is the tears in your eyes
it doesn't matter
cause now we're movin on
the dream is bigger
the battle's won
what was special, what was true
The dream had been fading
then all I saw was you
I remember how we used to play
passionately, with no fear
I remember what we used to say
we belong right here
I dont care
what happened to our goals
or every shovel we used
to dig ourselves these holes
all that matters
is we are pressin on
we kept believing
we stayed strong
Where was it
that we first said goodbye?
all I can imagine
is the tears in your eyes
it doesn't matter
cause now we're movin on
the dream is bigger
the battle's won
I dont care
what happened to our goals
or every shovel we used
to dig ourselves these holes
all that matters
is we are pressin on
we kept believing
we stayed strong
Its 5am
I dont know what sleep is
cause who could rest
with knowing where we've been
I'd like to wake up
to tell myself its not real
but its much sweeter
to let myself feel
I'll keep on dreamin with you
you'll keep on dreamin with me
until we wake up and
find it's reality
Monday, September 12, 2011
Direction
Can I create something from nothing?
Is it possible to do what you do?
Cause when I look in myself
and at everyone else
There's no way this reality's true
We need order and borders
and bosses to say
Here's the box
and here's where you fit in
But as I try to break free
I stumble and fumble
and my sin
gets the better of me
When I face isolation
my thoughts run away
and I chase them all day
but I dont know where their going to
When I am super inactive
my thoughts become captive
and I attempt to see
somewhere in me
to tell me where I'm going to
The fuller the schedule
the richer the life
these lies are painted on
The less that you do
no one could ever love you
this thought comes on so strong
But me,
I long for direction
not dissatisfaction
I'm trying, I'm trying
I'm trying, I'm trying
But what I'm selling myself
my heart is not buying
so I'll give it right back to you
Maybe you can show what use I have
what steps to take, on this well-beaten path
I refuse to cave in, to believe its not true
that in you, and through you, and with you
I'll know just what to do.
Is it possible to do what you do?
Cause when I look in myself
and at everyone else
There's no way this reality's true
We need order and borders
and bosses to say
Here's the box
and here's where you fit in
But as I try to break free
I stumble and fumble
and my sin
gets the better of me
When I face isolation
my thoughts run away
and I chase them all day
but I dont know where their going to
When I am super inactive
my thoughts become captive
and I attempt to see
somewhere in me
to tell me where I'm going to
The fuller the schedule
the richer the life
these lies are painted on
The less that you do
no one could ever love you
this thought comes on so strong
But me,
I long for direction
not dissatisfaction
I'm trying, I'm trying
I'm trying, I'm trying
But what I'm selling myself
my heart is not buying
so I'll give it right back to you
Maybe you can show what use I have
what steps to take, on this well-beaten path
I refuse to cave in, to believe its not true
that in you, and through you, and with you
I'll know just what to do.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
A New Style.
All I want to do is put down the pen
but there's no end
to my feelings or my thoughts
while this storm carries on
it reminds me of a time, long gone
where I hoped, and I saw
what I needed.
But tragedy came
so I begged
and I pleaded
but the lightning kept striking
and the thunder was rollin
until I saw the end of myself
lost all control and
just when I thought
that the skies were always gray
sunshine came in
and wiped my fears away.
And now I rise with the sun
and shine brighter than the moon
because a prince was made
out of this once gone buffon
And now peace
rests
deep in my soul
And my
thoughts
can
slow down.
No
more
calamity
in control.
But I wait for the day
when the storm comes again
because I'm ready for it this time
I'll face it head on.
Now I'm strong
I have a rock
a foundation
to which I cling.
Jesus never fails
never falls
never loses
always trusts
always hopes......
and always perseveres.
but there's no end
to my feelings or my thoughts
while this storm carries on
it reminds me of a time, long gone
where I hoped, and I saw
what I needed.
But tragedy came
so I begged
and I pleaded
but the lightning kept striking
and the thunder was rollin
until I saw the end of myself
lost all control and
just when I thought
that the skies were always gray
sunshine came in
and wiped my fears away.
And now I rise with the sun
and shine brighter than the moon
because a prince was made
out of this once gone buffon
And now peace
rests
deep in my soul
And my
thoughts
can
slow down.
No
more
calamity
in control.
But I wait for the day
when the storm comes again
because I'm ready for it this time
I'll face it head on.
Now I'm strong
I have a rock
a foundation
to which I cling.
Jesus never fails
never falls
never loses
always trusts
always hopes......
and always perseveres.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Meet Walt.
Tonight at Refuge of Hope (a shelter for homeless men that also provides free meals to the community 6 nights a week) we served a record 207 people. To me this a very bittersweet fact. It stinks to know that so many people are in need in our Canton community, but amazing to know that God's people are meeting those needs for so many people in a very real way.
And as amazing as it was to be able to see 207 people get the help they so desperately need, my biggest joy came from meeting 1 man by the name of Walt.
Walt's story is a tale of redemption, restoration, and of one man giving all he's got for the benefit of others.
About 7 years ago Walt was a normal middle class guy with a family, until one day when he found out that his wife was doing crack cocaine behind his back. Out of a broken heart and a deep love for his wife, Walt found himself trying the drug and eventually getting hooked. Over the next few years all of their money went towards supporting his drug and alcohol addictions, until he found himself and his family broke and without a home.
To make matters worse Walt has several health problems, including degenerative disk disease in his back, which makes it hard for him to get around or even move sometimes.
No way the story ends there though, not with our mighty and loving God in the picture. Just when he was at his worst moments, Walt moved into one of the 34 beds at Refuge of Hope where the staff and the other men in the shelter gave him the accountability, love, and grace he needed.
Today Walt is 2 1/2 years sober and finds himself teaching others and sharing his testimony in hopes that they will learn from his mistakes and avoid the traps that force people into homelessness. He told me that he regularly gives seminars at the Canton Department of Job & Family Services to young kids where he teaches them what it takes to stay off the streets and away from drugs, and where he shares the saving work of his Lord Jesus Christ.
Not only that, but he also gives back his time by helping at every Refuge dinner service and by taking the men of the shelter with him to church. Walt is a leader amongst the people and is a daily example to many that God can heal and restore all things.
I was absolutely blown away talking to Walt. To hear about how much he is physically held back and how he still gives every ounce of himself to the work of God is incredible.
Walt has very little to give both financially and physically, but gives every bit of himself to God. As someone who is young, healthy, and who has been given many blessings, that challenges me in a very profound way. If Walt can give it all to Christ with the little he has, how much more should we be giving? Should we not use every ounce of our strength for the kingdom as well?
May you be encouraged by Walt's story, and may it challenge you to give every ounce of your life to the God who gave his for us. God loves you immeasurably more than you could ever know, our response to that should be nothing short of our all.
And as amazing as it was to be able to see 207 people get the help they so desperately need, my biggest joy came from meeting 1 man by the name of Walt.
Walt's story is a tale of redemption, restoration, and of one man giving all he's got for the benefit of others.
About 7 years ago Walt was a normal middle class guy with a family, until one day when he found out that his wife was doing crack cocaine behind his back. Out of a broken heart and a deep love for his wife, Walt found himself trying the drug and eventually getting hooked. Over the next few years all of their money went towards supporting his drug and alcohol addictions, until he found himself and his family broke and without a home.
To make matters worse Walt has several health problems, including degenerative disk disease in his back, which makes it hard for him to get around or even move sometimes.
No way the story ends there though, not with our mighty and loving God in the picture. Just when he was at his worst moments, Walt moved into one of the 34 beds at Refuge of Hope where the staff and the other men in the shelter gave him the accountability, love, and grace he needed.
Today Walt is 2 1/2 years sober and finds himself teaching others and sharing his testimony in hopes that they will learn from his mistakes and avoid the traps that force people into homelessness. He told me that he regularly gives seminars at the Canton Department of Job & Family Services to young kids where he teaches them what it takes to stay off the streets and away from drugs, and where he shares the saving work of his Lord Jesus Christ.
Not only that, but he also gives back his time by helping at every Refuge dinner service and by taking the men of the shelter with him to church. Walt is a leader amongst the people and is a daily example to many that God can heal and restore all things.
I was absolutely blown away talking to Walt. To hear about how much he is physically held back and how he still gives every ounce of himself to the work of God is incredible.
Walt has very little to give both financially and physically, but gives every bit of himself to God. As someone who is young, healthy, and who has been given many blessings, that challenges me in a very profound way. If Walt can give it all to Christ with the little he has, how much more should we be giving? Should we not use every ounce of our strength for the kingdom as well?
May you be encouraged by Walt's story, and may it challenge you to give every ounce of your life to the God who gave his for us. God loves you immeasurably more than you could ever know, our response to that should be nothing short of our all.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Meet Tanya.
I want to tell you a story about my friend Tanya.
Tanya is a single mom with 6 kids who works full time as a homecare nurse for people struggling with various types of sickness. Almost everytime we have a Laundry Love Project she brings loads and loads of laundry from her clients houses and takes the opportunity to get a few outfits washed for her kids in addition to the people she takes care of.
Today at the Laundry Love Project she made us aware of the fact that the dryer at her house broke down, leaving her with no option to wash her kids clothes other than spending money at the laundromat.
Well it just so happened that we had a dryer we were looking to donate to someone, and who better to give it to than a single mom with 6 kids who works full time taking care of others?
So thats exactly what we did. We picked up the dryer and delivered it to her house today. If that wasnt enough of a God thing, it turns out that a house me and a few friends spent time fixing up as part of a service project is the very same house that Tanya lives in. So not only did we catch her at a great time of need in her life today, but we had a past relationship with her and her family and didnt even realize it!
You should have seen the look on her face when we told her we were giving her that dryer, you would think we were giving her a million dollars from the excitement she had.
Praise God for this amazing story and for his divine timing. This is why we do the Laundry Love Project, because it gives us the chance to connect with real people and help them in significant ways. We are called to be agents of Gods grace and love, and thats exactly what we had the opportunity to do today.
I talked to Tanya and I want to gather some people to go help her clean up her yard and take care of her house since she doesnt have the time. If you would like to be apart of that let me know.
Thank you for believing in the Laundry Love Project and in Love Canton. It's real stories of love like this that are perfect examples of how God moves when his church is faithful to our calling to love in real, practical ways.
Tanya is a single mom with 6 kids who works full time as a homecare nurse for people struggling with various types of sickness. Almost everytime we have a Laundry Love Project she brings loads and loads of laundry from her clients houses and takes the opportunity to get a few outfits washed for her kids in addition to the people she takes care of.
Today at the Laundry Love Project she made us aware of the fact that the dryer at her house broke down, leaving her with no option to wash her kids clothes other than spending money at the laundromat.
Well it just so happened that we had a dryer we were looking to donate to someone, and who better to give it to than a single mom with 6 kids who works full time taking care of others?
So thats exactly what we did. We picked up the dryer and delivered it to her house today. If that wasnt enough of a God thing, it turns out that a house me and a few friends spent time fixing up as part of a service project is the very same house that Tanya lives in. So not only did we catch her at a great time of need in her life today, but we had a past relationship with her and her family and didnt even realize it!
You should have seen the look on her face when we told her we were giving her that dryer, you would think we were giving her a million dollars from the excitement she had.
Praise God for this amazing story and for his divine timing. This is why we do the Laundry Love Project, because it gives us the chance to connect with real people and help them in significant ways. We are called to be agents of Gods grace and love, and thats exactly what we had the opportunity to do today.
I talked to Tanya and I want to gather some people to go help her clean up her yard and take care of her house since she doesnt have the time. If you would like to be apart of that let me know.
Thank you for believing in the Laundry Love Project and in Love Canton. It's real stories of love like this that are perfect examples of how God moves when his church is faithful to our calling to love in real, practical ways.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Restore My Victory.
Redemption may feel like a long way from home
but I've only myself to blame.
Decision is haunting everywhere I go.
and it's driving me insane
With pressure he comes
and with pressure he leaves
no more room, nowhere
for me to grieve
With those lies he comes
with my heart he leaves
no more room, no air
for me to breathe
If they only heard my whisper
how I long to be
maybe the darkness
would settle in me
If they felt my memories
understood my loss
maybe the power
would be restored to the cross
With pressure he comes
with pressure he leaves
no life left in these bones
With those lies he comes
oh how he tortures me
leaving me out on my own
Tell me I'm safe
Lead me on home
Restore my victory
bring me out of the cold
Redemption may feel like a long way from home
I've only myself to blame.
I want to let the truth inside so bad
I think I'll be glad it came.
but I've only myself to blame.
Decision is haunting everywhere I go.
and it's driving me insane
With pressure he comes
and with pressure he leaves
no more room, nowhere
for me to grieve
With those lies he comes
with my heart he leaves
no more room, no air
for me to breathe
If they only heard my whisper
how I long to be
maybe the darkness
would settle in me
If they felt my memories
understood my loss
maybe the power
would be restored to the cross
With pressure he comes
with pressure he leaves
no life left in these bones
With those lies he comes
oh how he tortures me
leaving me out on my own
Tell me I'm safe
Lead me on home
Restore my victory
bring me out of the cold
Redemption may feel like a long way from home
I've only myself to blame.
I want to let the truth inside so bad
I think I'll be glad it came.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Beyond the Ordinary
Nobody gives a second look when we are content to go about our daily routines and fit in with the status quo. But when people do something beyond themselves, something beyond the ordinary, it is worth all of our attention.
I want to make you aware of something that deserves your attention.
Check out the amazing story of my friend Jon Detweiler and his cousin Ben as they travel nearly 2,500 miles in a canoe to raise money for orphans and starving children in Africa, as well as money to equip and train pastors in the region.
Here is where you can find out about this amazing trip that will start this Sunday August 14th: http://www.sugar2salt.com/
Support them anyway you can.
I want to make you aware of something that deserves your attention.
Check out the amazing story of my friend Jon Detweiler and his cousin Ben as they travel nearly 2,500 miles in a canoe to raise money for orphans and starving children in Africa, as well as money to equip and train pastors in the region.
Here is where you can find out about this amazing trip that will start this Sunday August 14th: http://www.sugar2salt.com/
Support them anyway you can.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Wow.
If you aren't already aware, there is a story in circulation right now about an incredible 9 year old girl in Seattle named Rachel. You see, instead of asking for presents for her 9th birthday, Rachel had the simple idea to raise $300 for people in the world without clean water. This money would give 15 people clean water.
Tragically, 2 weeks ago, Rachel died in a car accident. However, since then, her campaign has raised over $750,000 and has already given clean water to more than 39,000 people!
I am absolutely stunned by this story.
you can check out more by going to http://www.charitywater.org/blog/rachel-update/
I strongly encourage you to give to her campaign. Her heart for others and willingness to sacrifice has changed countless lives around the world.
No matter what your age, or perceived abilities, through the power of Christ we can truly be agents of love and reconciliation in this world. This little girl is an absolute inspiration.
Tragically, 2 weeks ago, Rachel died in a car accident. However, since then, her campaign has raised over $750,000 and has already given clean water to more than 39,000 people!
I am absolutely stunned by this story.
you can check out more by going to http://www.charitywater.org/blog/rachel-update/
I strongly encourage you to give to her campaign. Her heart for others and willingness to sacrifice has changed countless lives around the world.
No matter what your age, or perceived abilities, through the power of Christ we can truly be agents of love and reconciliation in this world. This little girl is an absolute inspiration.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Love Danced With You
Tell me, why so afraid
what has become
of the life you once made?
Hope filled your soul
love danced with you
Now you barely move
singin the blues
When it feels like
there's nothing left to lean on
The only way you see
is as strong as you can be
Why so afraid?
These choices you made
you don't have to live with
you don't have to forsake
Flittering by
that joy you once knew
what would you do
if it came back to you?
Get into that mirror
look yourself in the eye
for more than five seconds
I know you might cry
But love follows through
hope, it wont lose
between heartache and pain
you no longer must choose
All you want is to be home
lift your head high
let your soul
no more roam
Bring it on in
this ship's coming through
look yourself in that mirror
you've no more to lose
what has become
of the life you once made?
Hope filled your soul
love danced with you
Now you barely move
singin the blues
When it feels like
there's nothing left to lean on
The only way you see
is as strong as you can be
Why so afraid?
These choices you made
you don't have to live with
you don't have to forsake
Flittering by
that joy you once knew
what would you do
if it came back to you?
Get into that mirror
look yourself in the eye
for more than five seconds
I know you might cry
But love follows through
hope, it wont lose
between heartache and pain
you no longer must choose
All you want is to be home
lift your head high
let your soul
no more roam
Bring it on in
this ship's coming through
look yourself in that mirror
you've no more to lose
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
God does not give up.
When I was about 7 years old I began to collect change in a large, blue piggy bank. For weeks and weeks it became my mission to look under washers at laundromats, soda machines at stores, and under every couch cushion I could get my hands on.
What provoked such a motivation to save money in the heart of this 7 year old? One simple dream that almost every kid in America has had at one point, to go to Disneyworld!!!
The dream to visit Disneyworld represented hope, joy, and peace to me in what was a very tumultuous time in my life. All this little 7 year old wanted was to meet Mickey and go to the happiest place on Earth, because, well, my life was far from happy.
Two days ago, during my visit to Florida, that dream finally came true.
As I stepped through the gate and gazed up at the giant castle right in the middle of the Magic Kingdom, and as I witnessed dozens of popular Disney characters that I grew up with parade right by me, my heart was filled with this deep, child-like joy that began to penetrate through all of the hardness, and I got to thinking.
I thought about the story in Matthew where Jesus welcomes a little child into his lap, and the disciples try to get the kid away from Him. I thought about His teaching on the absolute importance of child-like faith in order to enter the kingdom of Heaven, and as I stood in the very place that represented all my childhood dreams, I finally realized that I am still a child of the living God.
This season of my life has brought much heartache, and has brought a certain hardness to my heart that I can barely explain. But through it all God has stayed faithful and has been right by my side for every second of the doubt, fear, and confusion. There have often been times where I have not been able to see him no matter how hard I tried, but deep in my soul I know he has remained.
Like Lamentations 3:22-23 says "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness!"
I forget what grace looks like so often. I'm so quick to take my guilt and say "This is who I am, I am made up of my mistakes" I often forget that we have a God who doesnt see it like that. He sees us as his beloved children, he sees us as worth fighting for, no, worth dying for. He just does not relent, he refuses to quit walking by us and he does not give up on us, even when we are so quick to give up on ourselves.
We serve a God who is ready and able to taken the broken and bruised things of this world and make them brand new. He redeems the messes we make of our world. He brings beauty from pain. So when it comes to child-like faith, it means believing in him so whole-heartedly that nothing would stop us from getting to him.
As a child I let nothing get in my way from pursuing what I thought would bring me hope. I didnt think about practicality or tell myself "I'm a bad kid, I dont deserve a trip to Disneyworld." I merely believed and trusted with everything in me that it was an answer to my problems.
Kids love, they trust, they hope, no questions asked. I want, I need to be attached to God like that. With every fiber of my being I need to latch on to the creator of the universe and rest in his love. I strive too much, I get burnt out, I try to hard, I work to impress too much.
But here comes a God that simply says "I love you son. I will never give up on you, I will and have sacrificed everything for you, and I would do it again." Tell me that isnt a God worth running towards. Tell me that isnt a God worth having faith in.
I want to be in relentless pursuit of God, because he is in relentless pursuit of me.
What provoked such a motivation to save money in the heart of this 7 year old? One simple dream that almost every kid in America has had at one point, to go to Disneyworld!!!
The dream to visit Disneyworld represented hope, joy, and peace to me in what was a very tumultuous time in my life. All this little 7 year old wanted was to meet Mickey and go to the happiest place on Earth, because, well, my life was far from happy.
Two days ago, during my visit to Florida, that dream finally came true.
As I stepped through the gate and gazed up at the giant castle right in the middle of the Magic Kingdom, and as I witnessed dozens of popular Disney characters that I grew up with parade right by me, my heart was filled with this deep, child-like joy that began to penetrate through all of the hardness, and I got to thinking.
I thought about the story in Matthew where Jesus welcomes a little child into his lap, and the disciples try to get the kid away from Him. I thought about His teaching on the absolute importance of child-like faith in order to enter the kingdom of Heaven, and as I stood in the very place that represented all my childhood dreams, I finally realized that I am still a child of the living God.
This season of my life has brought much heartache, and has brought a certain hardness to my heart that I can barely explain. But through it all God has stayed faithful and has been right by my side for every second of the doubt, fear, and confusion. There have often been times where I have not been able to see him no matter how hard I tried, but deep in my soul I know he has remained.
Like Lamentations 3:22-23 says "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness!"
I forget what grace looks like so often. I'm so quick to take my guilt and say "This is who I am, I am made up of my mistakes" I often forget that we have a God who doesnt see it like that. He sees us as his beloved children, he sees us as worth fighting for, no, worth dying for. He just does not relent, he refuses to quit walking by us and he does not give up on us, even when we are so quick to give up on ourselves.
We serve a God who is ready and able to taken the broken and bruised things of this world and make them brand new. He redeems the messes we make of our world. He brings beauty from pain. So when it comes to child-like faith, it means believing in him so whole-heartedly that nothing would stop us from getting to him.
As a child I let nothing get in my way from pursuing what I thought would bring me hope. I didnt think about practicality or tell myself "I'm a bad kid, I dont deserve a trip to Disneyworld." I merely believed and trusted with everything in me that it was an answer to my problems.
Kids love, they trust, they hope, no questions asked. I want, I need to be attached to God like that. With every fiber of my being I need to latch on to the creator of the universe and rest in his love. I strive too much, I get burnt out, I try to hard, I work to impress too much.
But here comes a God that simply says "I love you son. I will never give up on you, I will and have sacrificed everything for you, and I would do it again." Tell me that isnt a God worth running towards. Tell me that isnt a God worth having faith in.
I want to be in relentless pursuit of God, because he is in relentless pursuit of me.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
"It's so hot! Milk was a bad choice!"
It is so sweltering hot in my house right now! Seriously, the heat is too much too handle. And as the quote from "Anchorman" that comprises the title of this blog suggests, when its this hot, the least satisfying thing one could drink is milk.
Dairy Products just simply dont have the nutrients or chemical makeup to replace all the water one loses in their body when they sweat. Any dairy product would be a bad idea to consume in a moment of pressure. I mean, could you imagine watching game 7 of the NBA Finals and seeing all the players on the bench with a carton of milk? Or Aaron Rodgers sitting on the sideline at the Superbowl flagging down the trainer to bring him a cup of yogurt after his just scored the winning touchdown? (In case you forgot, let this Browns fan remind you, the Packers beat the Steelers).
No, when the pressure is on, when the heat is turned up, when it's a clutch moment, athletes have to consume the appropriate fuel. If they dont, then they are going to have a hard time succeeding when it counts.
Just as with sports, there are moments in life when the pressure is on, the heat is turned up, and the stakes seem too high.
A lot of those moments happen during transitional periods in life. Think about someone who is about to get married, in between jobs, finding themselves without a home, having to get some toxic relationships out of their lives, or who just graduated from high school or college.
I definitely fall into that last example having just graduated college. I feel enormous amounts of pressure on my life right now. As a good friend said "time to put on your big boy pants." With the pressurized time comes so much self doubt, doubt in God and others, and a temptation to act in depression and hopelessness for the future.
It causes me to reflect a lot on my past, something I dont like doing, and it forces my true character to come out.
Unfortunately during this season, more often than not, I have consumed the wrong things spiritually. Knowing that this is a clutch moment in life I have choosen to consume depression, anger, and so much else that is unhealthy spiriutally. I have choosen to walk as my own man and close myself off from genuine connection and relationship with others.
As I think on the path my life is taking, I have been studying the book of Acts. Now these followers of Jesus were doing amazing things almost immediately after Jesus ascended into Heaven. They were preaching the word, being filled with the Spirit, and healing the sick. Peter even heals someone with his shadow!
Here's the catch though. I cant imagine the kind of pressure they must have been under. Think about it, the Lord and Savior of Earth Jesus Christ just rose up into Heaven and charged these 12 with his entire legacy. He essentially said, you are filling my shoes now, I'm passing the torch. He even told them they would do greater things than himself! Talk about pressure!
However the dicsiples rose to the occasion, but only through the power of the Holy Spirit, and they knew it too. In Acts 3:12, after just healing a man with his touch Peter says "Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we made this man walk?"
The crowd was astonished and about to turn Peter into a rockstar and he was like, Hold up a minute! This is all because of God's power! Dont think I'm awesome!
I know you want your life to have significance. I know you want to chase your dreams, I know you dont want to be mediocre. But I promise you if you enter into the pressure of life without the Holy Spirit walking in every step with you, if you reject the living water of Christ (John 6:35, John 4:13-14) for the milk of selfishness, worldly pursuit, etc.... then when that clutch moment comes, you are going to struggle to succeed.
I know you may have been hurt, I know it may be hard to trust. But you can trust and hope in God, he isnt going anywhere. Next time you are tempted to think really highly of yourself, or even to think low of yourself, remember that in Christ, through the Holy Spirit, you will accomplish great things for the kingdom.
Most importantly, know that no matter what, you are significant already.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
"Exhaustion" explained.
It's almost 3 am and I am just coming off one of the busiest weeks of my life with more to do in just a few short hours. Quite frankly as I sit here I feel more exhausted than I can remember in a long time, so much so that it is causing me to feel sick.
The larger picture here is that all summer I have been on this non-stop train of having my calendar filled with things to do, places to go, people to see. Yet, I feel some emptiness inside.
So it begs the question, how can I feel this way when I am in so many leadership positions surrounded by so many people all the time?
"Even in crowds I'm alone"
The answer for me is quite simple. I have found my identity in about everything besides my adoption as a child of God. I have used anything and everything as a distraction to hide whats truly going on inside.
Ok. We get it Corey. Busy equals bad, God equals good, We've heard it before.
But hear this.
I don't know what has caused you pain in your life, what has damaged you, or what you desire to hide from. I'm sorry, from the bottom of my heart, that you experienced the confusion, hopelessness, and pain that you have at certain points throughout your life.
This was not God's intention for you, when he created you it was to be in close relationship with him, but because we are prone to mistakes, evil things happen. God can take those things and turn them on their head and use them for good. (Romans 8:28)
Please feel God's compassion and heart for you. Let's you and me both stop distracting ourselves from whatever may be truly going on inside that we've yet to deal with. Because your schedule may be full and time may keep moving, but it wont make you exempt from the healing and restoration we all need.
Please stop feeling the need to earn God's approval. He loves you so deeply and passionately.
Part ways with your exhaustion, so that your true identity as God's beloved may thrive.
Exhaustion
Exhaustion.
I feel it, I breathe it, it runs through my veins.
I thrive on it.
Yet It breaks me.
I love it, but I don't understand it.
At the same time I'm nothing without it.
It's all of me.
But maybe this false idol is behind
the empty gaps in my life.
Maybe Exhaustion, has become my wife, my love,
my future, my hope.
My God.
Is it the effect or the cause on which I thrive?
Is it exhaustion or my daily activities
that keep me alive?
Lets cut the questions now.
And I'll tell you this:
I've never been more alone, more afraid
more adept to resist.
Because if I take away, exhaustion.
then what do I have?
My heart and my soul?!
But I havent connected with them in so long.
What If I take away exhaustion
and they stop caring for me?
what if I take it away and the demons inside
never let me be?
We musn't let go of our distractions now
to face the truth inside
God forbid we let Jesus poke around
and see what it is that we hide.
God forbid I part ways with, exhaustion
so that my true identity may thrive.
I feel it, I breathe it, it runs through my veins.
I thrive on it.
Yet It breaks me.
I love it, but I don't understand it.
At the same time I'm nothing without it.
It's all of me.
But maybe this false idol is behind
the empty gaps in my life.
Maybe Exhaustion, has become my wife, my love,
my future, my hope.
My God.
Is it the effect or the cause on which I thrive?
Is it exhaustion or my daily activities
that keep me alive?
Lets cut the questions now.
And I'll tell you this:
I've never been more alone, more afraid
more adept to resist.
Because if I take away, exhaustion.
then what do I have?
My heart and my soul?!
But I havent connected with them in so long.
What If I take away exhaustion
and they stop caring for me?
what if I take it away and the demons inside
never let me be?
We musn't let go of our distractions now
to face the truth inside
God forbid we let Jesus poke around
and see what it is that we hide.
God forbid I part ways with, exhaustion
so that my true identity may thrive.
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